Chapter 12 : 25th Place

"Konoha's Illusionary Kurama Clan"

The announcement instantly caught the attention of senior and veteran ninjas.

The Kurama Clan, a prominent family in Konohagakure, was known for their expertise in illusions and possessed a bloodline limit associated with illusions. Once a prestigious clan on par with the Uchiha Clan, they had contributed numerous Jōnin and Chūnin to Konoha.

However, in recent decades, no new bloodline limit awakenings had occurred within the Kurama Clan, leading to a gradual decline and near-extinction of the clan.

Ninjas of the new era were mostly unfamiliar with the name Kurama Clan.

[Terumi Mei: Kurama… I recall them as a clan that rivaled the Uchiha in illusions, right?]

[Onoki: Yes, I had believed the Kurama Clan to have vanished, but it seems someone who awakened the bloodline limit still exist. Konoha truly knows how to conceal things.]

[Fourth Kazekage Rasa: Konoha's nature has always been cunning and shrewd, from Orochimaru to Danzo of Konoha's darkness, and even Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura of the Third Hokage's Generation.]

[Fourth Raikage Ai: Save the commentary for later if you can!]

The consecutive Konoha Shinobi representatives on the list greatly rattled the nerves of the Kage from various Shinobi villages. Along with the astonishing presence of Impure World Reincarnation and Senju Hashirama, their irritation was palpable, and their intentions were clear.

Naturally, the inhabitants of Konoha were not passive either, their attention drawn to the "Fourth Kazekage" seated beside Sarutobi Hiruzen. Did Rasa truly intend to leave Konoha peacefully, or was there more to this?

The "Fourth Kazekage" remained still, seemingly unfazed.

Yet in his heart, he cursed Rasa's lineage for generations.

"Rasa, I won't spare you a proper thrashing after this. Your fate is sealed."

26th Place: Kurama Yakumo (Illusory Dominance of the Five Senses Bloodline Limit - Intermediate Level)

Option 1: Intermediate Uzumaki Physique

Option 2: Physical Recovery

"So, Yakumo's ranked twenty-sixth? Seems about right."

Uchiha Ran quickly scanned the reward options and had an answer ready, turning to say, "Yakumo, make your choice."

Kurama Yakumo, the eldest daughter of the Kurama Clan, possessed a formidable illusion technique.

In the original storyline, she inadvertently caused her parents' deaths due to an inner demon, sealed herself in a puppet, and was eventually freed from the inner demon's grasp with the help of Uzumaki Naruto and Yuhi Kurenai, thereafter walking the path of righteousness.

As Uchiha Ran's influence grew, he cultivated Yakumo under his guidance through Yuhi Kurenai's assistance, focusing on her recovery.

Naturally, Yakumo would earn a place on the list due to the extraordinary power of her five senses-dominating illusion. Uchiha Ran suspected her level was high, though an intermediate ranking was reasonable, given Naruto's ability to quell inner demons.

"Alright, Yakumo!"

Uchiha Ran instructed Yuhi Kurenai, who then wheeled Kurama Yakumo onto the raised platform, where she appeared in a wheelchair.

Viewers watching the live broadcast understood the meaning behind the second option: physical recovery. The revelation that this lovely young woman was disabled dawned on them.

"I choose Option 1!" Kurama Yakumo announced without hesitation.

A golden light descended, lasting only a brief moment.

Observers noted Kurama Yakumo's visibly improved complexion.

"Ran-kun, why did you choose Option 1?" Yuhi Kurenai inquired, waiting until everything had settled to voice her question.

She hadn't intervened in Kurama Yakumo's choice, trusting Uchiha Ran's judgment implicitly, though her curiosity remained piqued.

"An intermediate Uzumaki physique is akin to Naruto's current physique. Enhanced Chakra, self-healing abilities, and recovery speed all present significant advantages."

"Paired with Tsunade-senpai's medical ninjutsu, Yakumo can achieve full recovery."

Uchiha Ran's explanation was soft-spoken and thoughtful.

In essence, opting for immediate recovery meant reverting to normal, possibly nullifying the bloodline limit. While additional Uzumaki physique recovery offered a slower, continuous process, it ultimately bestowed the myriad benefits characteristic of Uzumaki lineage.

"Understood." Yuhi Kurenai nodded in clear comprehension.

A sense of gratitude flickered in Kurama Yakumo's eyes as she gazed at Uchiha Ran.

"Finally, I can be of help!"

"Boom!"

As Kurama Yakumo received her chosen reward, the bell rang once more, the live broadcast's focus shifting.

Relief washed over many viewers.

Presumably… not within Konoha's confines anymore?

Amidst this, a three-dimensional figure materialized, capturing everyone's attention.

Short black hair, black eyes, a handsome visage, and Iwagakure's forehead protector gracing the forehead. Clad in Iwagakure's ninja attire, the outer layer sported a red tunic with the left sleeve missing, while black mesh pants covered sturdy legs. His eyes bore a slender, measured gaze.

The three-dimensional image shifted into a two-dimensional avatar on the Gold List's live broadcast, revealing an office within the Tsuchikage's residence.

Onoki, Kitsuchi, Kurotsuchi, Akatsuchi, and others appeared.

"Ha, I hadn't anticipated that the 25th place on the list would be my granddaughter. Impressive," Onoki chuckled heartily.

At last, the Konoha wasn't the only village with it's ninja on the list and his granddaughter claimed a higher rank. Furthermore, his dust release was bound to rank well too. Rock Shinobi's ranking wouldn't disappoint!

"Click~"

A cracking sound disrupted the atmosphere.

All eyes turned to Ōnoki, who winced as he instinctively clutched his aching lower back.

Countless faces bore expressions of exasperation.

[Fourth Generation Ai: Haha, Onoki, age has caught up with you!]

[Senju Hashirama: How could a Kage stumble so ungracefully? Quite a fall from the title of strongest.]

[Uchiha Madara: ? ? ? ]

[Mū (Second Tsuchikage): Onoki, I hadn't expected you to be so advanced in years.]

[…]

A chorus of high-ranking officials joined the jesting.

In the Tsuchikage's residence, Onoki craved nothing more than to disappear, his embarrassment potent. Still, he rallied to overlook the Gold List's chat in order to guide Kurotsuchi in her choice.

"Wait, I'm only twenty-fifth."

Though listed, Kurotsuchi didn't feel particularly jubilant, as her ranking seemed disappointingly low.

Nonetheless, making the list and gaining rewards was a welcome outcome.

25th Place: Kurotsuchi (Lava Release Bloodline Limit - Intermediate Level)

Rewards:

Option 1: Elevate bloodline limit to advanced level (randomly paired A-rank ninjutsu)

Option 2: Intermediate Boil Style Bloodline Limit (randomly paired B-rank ninjutsu)

Kurotsuchi possessed three Chakra attributes: earth, water, and fire. Collaborating with the Four-Tails Jinchūriki, she harnessed Lava Release through the fusion of earth and fire transformations. Similarly, her Boil Style combined water and fire transformations.

"Why is there no Wood Style?"

Onoki inquired, enticed by the combination of water and earth elements hinting at Wood Style.

Uchiha Ran quietly shook his head.

Wood Style combined earth and water transformations, but was primarily linked to Yang Release.

"Choose one."

After deliberation, Kurotsuchi opted to advance her Lava Release bloodline.

"Dong Dong~"

As Kurotsuchi's selection concluded, two more bells rang, heralding the appearance of two three-dimensional figures.

Yet their appearances provoked immense shock, igniting an uproar within the Ninja world.

"Damn it, why is it Konoha again!?"

*****

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