The Monster's Ambition

---Rimuru Tempest's POV---

It's weird.

«Answer: the individual called Kakashi Hatake is indeed the one Master recalled..»

I may not fully grasp it, but since arriving in this world, I've encountered an anime character, literally. Although I haven't followed Naruto since I started working, dedicating all my free time to One Piece, the person beside me right now is undeniably the fictional ninja character brought to life.

What does this imply? Is he truly fictional? Am I fictional? This has intensified my identity crisis. It even makes sense that Ame-san, claiming to understand our future events, might be in the same boat—an existence shaped by fiction, altering our supposed destinies.

At least, that's the conclusion I arrived at via Great Sage.

The admin's flat response of "What are you talking about?" could imply one of two things: 1. She's lying, fully aware of Kakashi's existence. or 2. True to her words, being an admin grants the ability to foresee the future of other worlds. (A/n: chapter 27 - Ambition)

Well, my biggest concern right now shouldn't be that. I turn my attention to Riko-chan, who enthusiastically holds a gold gemstone in her hand. A "vision," that's what Admin-san and Kakashi-san labeled it. I was worried, but once we grasped the situation, a sense of calm settled in.

"Rimuru~~! Look!! It's pretty~~" Riko exclaimed.

Thankfully, no one was harmed. Kakashi-san articulated my thoughts precisely, asking, "What happened in the first place? How did you obtain that?"

"I don't know... I just touched the statue."

It's peculiar—distinct from the power wielded by 'that' guy, the blond with braided hair next to the flying creature.

(A/n: yes it's Aether and Paimon)

«Answer: The distinctive energy emanating from this individual sets him apart from the other inhabitants of our world, suggesting the intriguing possibility that he is an Otherworlder. It's worth noting that, unlike the individual named Riko Amanai, neither he nor his unidentified floating companion exhibited the presence of the observed "vision."» Great sage stated thus.

An otherworlder ? like us then? no, but that still doesn't explain how Riko was able to obtain this vision in the first place... You definitely said that guy emanates energy like the Visions, but why did you say he didn't have it?

«Answer: The unidentified power referred to as "vision" exhibits similarities to the Extra skill, 『Haki』. It is noteworthy that individuals like Riko Amanai may have been acknowledged as inhabitants in this world through the coping mechanism analogous to the "voice of the world." Simultaneously, it is plausible that the conditions necessary for obtaining the "vision" were fulfilled long ago.»

So she was simply recognized?

«Report: obtaining a "vision" is possible as the Extra skill,  『Haki』 is available. Would you like to proceed?»

Ame-san's message has crossed my mind... 'Not if I tell you that Shion may die in the future?' I can't simply ignore her, even if I wish to. I understand she's just attempting to amass as many skills as possible like some sort of a game. Despite that, I just desire everything to remain the same at home. Saying I'm indebted to her isn't entirely inaccurate.

Thus, "Yes, acquiring it shouldn't be a problem, right?"

«Answer: There are no problem.»

I won't "seal" any more skills just because they may seem dangerous. After all, they are still skills, and ultimately, the Great Sage has everything under control for me.

«Report: Please aproach the statue. Artificial core heart "vision", associated by the element of life has been obtained. The object will be used as an extension to the skill core inside, the skill core will be translated accordingly.»

«Confirmed...»

"Rimuru?" I disregarded Kakashi's puzzled look and focused on listening to the words of the Great Sage.

«Successful acquisition of the skill,『Elemental Haki 』Additionally, the sub-skill『Dendro』 has been integrated into the skill»

Kakashi-san fixed his gaze on me as I approached the statue abruptly. "Rimuru? Is there something...?" The radiant green light ceased in my grasp before Kakashi could register it, revealing a green vision echoing the heart symbol on the gemstone.

I discreetly concealed it within my "stomach." His expression turned visibly concerned, prompting me to reassure, "It's nothing; I was just lost in thought."

Before joining the chat group, I likely would have brushed aside these concerns, buoyed by a sense of assurance in my pre-existing strength. Great Sage's capabilities made everything appear so facile that I almost deluded myself into thinking invincibility was within my grasp.

This realization struck me starkly when encountering Milim, or perhaps I should have recognized it sooner, right after my initial encounter with Veldora. Ultimately, it became apparent that my lack of a fervent desire for power could potentially serve as the catalyst for shaping the future.

So from now on, I'll become more greedy.

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To be continued.