After shattering the last of the Tier Two Jars, Kabuto Yakushi shifted his attention to the two hundred Tier One Jars. This segment proceeded with relative normalcy. Only one Grand Prize materialized—a rare Alchemical Catalyst, a highly concentrated material essential for specific transmutation rituals.
"The sheer power of these Jars is truly astonishing," Kabuto murmured, a lingering sense of excitement radiating from him. The experience of opening the Jars was fundamentally transformative; the man who stood after the last shard fell felt entirely different from the man who had started.
"Your results are quite impressive, I must say," Shen Mo praised without reservation. "To secure five Grand Prizes out of fewer than seven hundred Jars is a far better strike rate than Orochimaru achieved."
"I never anticipated such fortune," Kabuto replied, a genuine flash of exhilaration crossing his face. "To achieve this with my own, undirected ambition..."
He recalled the information transmitted by Shen Mo: The Jars' destiny items respond to the deepest, most fundamental desires of the heart.
"Perhaps your desires simply haven't solidified yet," Shen Mo suggested, his smile meaningful. "However, the Merchant Guild operates on the principle that fate is inherently unpredictable. Unknown destiny is powerful, and right now, you are certainly a recipient of fate's favor."
The exhilaration on Kabuto's face cooled slightly. Favored by fate? His mind flashed back to the fleeting warmth of Yakushi Nonō's presence—the only being who had ever truly shown him favor.
"It seems our transaction phase is complete for the moment," Shen Mo stated gently, stroking Himari, who stretched and yawned dramatically on his shoulder.
The cat, though clearly bored by the business of selling, remained faithfully positioned every time.
"Given that I have not clearly defined my path, I won't be able to pull destiny-type items yet. I require time to identify my true calling," Kabuto said respectfully. His awe toward the merchant was absolute; this being had offered precious opportunity to broken souls like them, entities typically discarded by the whims of fate.
"To voice that sentiment shows you are already consciously seeking your purpose," Shen Mo responded softly. "Some are fueled by deep-seated vengeance, others by a yearning for connection, and others still by the need to amend profound regrets... The human heart is the most spectacular element under the decree of fate."
As his final words faded, Shen Mo's form became indistinct, then dissolved completely, like smoke in a sudden draft.
Kabuto stared at the empty space for a long moment, internalizing the profound message.
What is my purpose?
After a considerable time, his gaze fell upon the silent T-1000 Liquid Metal Construct. A calculated idea sparked in his mind.
"Can you genuinely replicate any individual?" he inquired of the figure.
"On-site molecular structure scanning is necessary," the robot's voice replied, devoid of inflection.
"Scanning?" Kabuto immediately performed a Transformation Jutsu, adopting a nondescript appearance.
True to its programming, the robot writhed and deformed, instantly becoming a perfect replica of Kabuto's transformed self.
A pragmatic smile appeared on Kabuto's face. This will simplify matters considerably.
He hoisted the heavy coffin of Orochimaru onto his shoulder. His immediate objective was to find a remote, defensible location for burial, a task that would require periodic checks on the Sannin's subterranean transformation.
📈 The Merchant's Personal Ascent
Shen Mo reappeared in his private chamber.
"Meow, meow!"
Himari leaped down, restlessly circling the table, her meows demanding attention.
"Yes, yes, I know you're starving," Shen Mo chuckled wryly.
Himari's bloodline strengthening had amplified her appetite; she was now a perpetual vacuum for snacks. Fortunately, her power was increasing commensurately.
The merchant reflected on his own growth. As his clients gained exponential power, his own strength and realm had to constantly advance to maintain the necessary psychological deterrent.
He accessed the system interface.
Total Transaction Points: Sixty-five million.
He had a reserve of twenty million. The remaining forty-five million was pure profit from his latest dealings with Hiruzen, Orochimaru, and Kabuto.
Time to invest in myself.
He considered his options. He remembered the jolt of effort required to shrug off Orochimaru's desperate, demonic punch. His Telekinesis needed robust strengthening.
He knew the hierarchy of cost-effectiveness: Customized Services were the most expensive per unit of strength, Existing Items were moderate, but Independent Cultivation was the most cost-effective long-term path.
Shen Mo decided to purchase the foundational aptitude and core techniques of a Mental Power User from the advanced Swallowed Star universe.
Telekinesis was supremely versatile. Cultivating it to the planetary or even cosmic level was the easiest route to achieving god-tier power within the Guild's system, given the virtually limitless ceiling of that world's power scale. Furthermore, strengthening his spiritual power would enhance other latent abilities that relied on mental resources, such as Time Stop and Telepathy.
"Himari," Shen Mo grinned, scooping up the fluffy cat. "From this day forward, we carve out time daily for cultivation. And you, little monster, need to contribute more to our savings, understand? Otherwise, how will I ever afford an Ikaros?"
"Meow, meow!" Himari protested loudly.
"Half the treats!"
"Meow..." Himari immediately ceased resistance, leveling a wounded, betrayed look at her master.
😠 Tsunade's Return and the Call of the Hokage
While Shen Mo mapped out his journey to cosmic power, Tsunade arrived back in Konoha.
Her expression was dark, radiating profound frustration. Orochimaru escaped.
She hadn't accounted for the fierce, almost religious loyalty of his subordinates—they were outmatched but fought until their last gasp. Could Orochimaru, wounded as he was, truly survive? And what was his ultimate plan? The potential threat of the Edo Tensei—resurrecting her grandfathers or other monstrous figures—was an overwhelming burden.
The questions hammered at her resolve, but the constant, steady warmth of the Holy Light flowing from her Amulet provided an anchor, eventually calming her rage.
"No matter the crisis, I must face it." Tsunade sighed internally, glancing at the cheerful villagers who greeted her on the streets. She clenched her fists. "I desperately need to hit something... and damn it, I still have to report this mess to the old Master."
The thought of confronting Sarutobi Hiruzen, given their tense farewell just this morning, brought on another wave of gloom.
Just then, a hurried Chunin materialized before her.
"Lady Tsunade, the Hokage requests your immediate presence in the office."
"Oh?" Tsunade raised a curious eyebrow. They had barely finished their argument hours ago, and now a summons? Regardless, she was heading there anyway.
Whatever Hiruzen wants, it can't possibly be worse than the chaos I'm about to report.