Everyone understood.
The battles would only grow fiercer. Surviving today didn't guarantee surviving tomorrow. A loss could mean death—or worse, a stolen badge. But Level 4 cans, even the weakest, were Blue Rare treasures—a direct path to power!
Those like Sasuke, who'd seen Haku open Level 4 cans and knew their might, burned with desire.
Shen Mo smiled at the crowd.
For him, the battle wasn't just a spectacle. As the orchestrator, he had a purpose.
This wasn't a mere game. This world held its own loves, hatreds, and conflicts, with over seventy percent revolving around Konoha. A village built for peace, yet the heart of war. It brimmed with remarkable people, clashing ideals, and interwoven contradictions—both external and internal—offering endless possibilities. In Shen Mo's plan, Konoha was the central stage.
He didn't prolong the suspense.
"Naruto," he said, his gaze settling on the boy. "Congratulations. You've earned the right to purchase limited-series Level 4 cans."
"…" Naruto froze, then let out a thrilled shout. "Huh—!? It's me!?"
"Why!?" Sasuke's eyes narrowed, disbelief and a twinge of jealousy flaring.
If Tsunade or Hiruzen, who'd fought decisively, had won this chance, he could accept it. But Naruto? All he did was go berserk and wreak havoc!
"It's Naruto?"
All eyes turned to him, laced with envy and regret.
Even those unaware of the reward's significance, like Itachi and Kisame hidden in the crowd, sensed Naruto had gained an opportunity that sparked universal envy—a chance to grow stronger.
"Come here," Shen Mo beckoned.
Naruto jogged over, his grin unstoppable. "Can guy, who picked me? Gotta be that kind, pretty lady, right? Was it 'cause I bravely charged at Orochimaru?"
Though excited, Naruto's habitual luck made it feel natural. He looked smug, irking the others—especially Sasuke, who prided himself as the strongest of his peers, and Tsunade, who envied good fortune.
"Rewards are granted by senior members' discretion, based on their recognition or interest," Shen Mo said, addressing Naruto but speaking to all. "But it comes at a cost to them, so you must truly impress them."
The crowd, especially the members, listened intently. This concerned their own interests—what actions earned such favor?
"Naruto," Shen Mo said, his smile softening. "This time, the one who chose you had one reason above all—he's a father to many."
Naruto's excited expression faltered.
"Father" had been a foreign word, meaningless until now. But at its mention, Minato's face flashed in his mind.
Those who knew Naruto's true identity—Jiraiya, Hiruzen—caught the implication. Jiraiya's eyes sparked with excitement and anticipation, while Hiruzen's grew complex.
"Your final conversation with your father in your mind—we all saw it," Shen Mo said.
"You saw it, huh," Naruto mumbled, scratching his head sheepishly. "Yeah, I didn't snap out of the Nine-Tails state on my own. My dad helped me."
"As expected…" Hiruzen sighed softly.
You left a contingency, didn't you, Minato?
The crowd was bewildered.
"What's going on?"
"Isn't Naruto an orphan?"
"No one else appeared just now."
"Kakashi, do you know something?"
Naruto's true identity had been concealed. Most ninja and villagers only knew he was a Uzumaki descendant, chosen as the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki after the beast's rampage. Even Kakashi shook his head, unaware of the full truth, though Naruto's blond hair and Uzumaki heritage had long sparked suspicions.
Amid the questions, Naruto grew shy. He wanted to proudly declare his father was the Fourth Hokage, Konoha's hero, but feared ridicule, given Minato's revered status.
"Naruto," Shen Mo spoke, silencing the crowd.
All eyes turned to the mysterious, powerful figure.
"The senior member who granted you this chance said one thing," Shen Mo said, resting a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Every father's greatest regret is failing to protect their child."
Naruto looked up, meeting Shen Mo's deep gaze.
He opened his mouth but found no words.
He realized that while he'd lamented his lonely life, his father must have been tormented by his absence.
"You understand now," Shen Mo said, smiling. "Your right to purchase advanced cans differs from Haku's. It's limited to the Bond Series."
"Bond Series?" The members echoed in unison, puzzled.
They'd seen countless bizarre cans, seemingly capable of anything. But this Bond Series—its name alone gave no hint of its contents.