As per Shen Mo's vague instructions, there were no overly stringent prerequisites for purchasing Jars. However, the probability of obtaining a destiny-altering item was intrinsically linked to the opener's determination to defy or change their fate.
Therefore, the task of selecting suitable, promising individuals to open the Jars was paramount. Tsunade also sensed that Shen Mo seemed to hold these individuals—these potential catalysts for cosmic change—in higher regard.
"Please wait just a moment, Lady Tsunade." Hyūga Hiashi's expression became grave. The presence of the dimensional merchant was a matter of historic consequence, far transcending his personal concerns.
Hiashi quickly departed to make preparations. He returned after a brief delay, accompanied by three elderly men in identical, meticulously maintained kimonos. These were the three reigning elders of the Hyūga Clan.
"Lady Tsunade." The three elders bowed deeply before kneeling along the side of the room.
"Where are the others?" Tsunade inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"The younger generation's elite and the most capable Jōnin of our clan have been notified and will be arriving shortly," one of the elders replied after bowing again. He continued, "However, Lady Tsunade, we would deeply appreciate the opportunity to meet this merchant from another dimension first."
They were fully briefed on Shen Mo's existence and the purpose of Tsunade's visit. Yet, on a matter of such monumental importance, the elders would not commit the clan's resources without a personal inspection.
Tsunade's gaze swept over them. Their expressions were stern, showing no hint of casual dismissal, only severe caution.
She nodded, but her voice carried a sharp emphasis. "His power far surpasses anything we can comprehend. Even the legendary Six Paths Sage may not compare. Absolutely no rude or arrogant conduct will be tolerated."
"Please rest assured, Lady Tsunade," the three elders affirmed in chilling unison.
Tsunade then retrieved the communication badge from her pouch and initiated contact.
"Tsunade." Shen Mo's voice, sounding somewhat distant and weary, came through.
"Shen Mo... Your Excellency," Tsunade hesitated for a fraction of a second, but added the formal title. "I wish to purchase a substantial number of Jars."
"You refer to them as 'substantial,' not 'a few'?" Shen Mo's voice held a noticeable hint of playful mockery. "If this is another repeat of your last purchase—just a meager handful—I wouldn't bother manifesting in person. I'd simply teleport the Jars to you remotely."
A vein pulsed in Tsunade's forehead. She felt the subtle sting of his condescension.
"Shizune has returned," she stated, adding gravity to the short sentence.
She glanced at the Hyūga elders, whose faces were a study in bewilderment. She suddenly felt that the entire image of gravity and respect she had been trying to project had been instantly undermined.
"Is that so?"
Shen Mo ignored her mounting frustration. A shimmer of light coalesced in the air, and he appeared before her, having utilized a long-distance teleportation.
But the moment he manifested—
Buzzz.
Every single person present felt a catastrophic pressure inside their heads. It was as if the figure before them was not a man, but an infinite black vortex, a vast, swirling galaxy. The world seemed to contract, leaving only those deep, bottomless eyes that swallowed light.
They were completely lost, their minds momentarily annihilated by the sheer spiritual pressure.
Only the brilliant Holy Light radiating from Tsunade's chest offered a faint, stabilizing resistance.
"Ah."
Shen Mo let out a small sound of surprise. He instantly realized his mistake, quickly closed his eyes, and swiftly reeled his colossal spiritual power back into his mind's core.
When he reopened his eyes, he was back to his usual, relaxed self.
But the three elders were scrambling upright in terror, their meticulously groomed hair plastered to their soaked faces.
What... what entity is this?
"My apologies," Shen Mo said, genuinely helpless as he looked at the terrified group. "I was in the midst of cultivation. I seem to have... leaked some aura."
It was the truth. He had just integrated the Swallowed Star Mental Power User technique and, using his accrued Transaction Points, had instantly broken through to the Planetary Level mentalist rank. He hadn't fully adapted.
The power system of that cosmic fantasy world was ridiculously potent. A single breakthrough fundamentally elevated one's life form, not just an isolated skill. It was an all-encompassing transformation.
The cost in Transaction Points still hurts, though.
"You... still require cultivation?"
Tsunade regained her breath, biting her lip, her eyes filled with complex emotions. She had witnessed Shen Mo's displays of power many times, but that brief, terrifying moment was the most dangerous yet. It felt like a cosmic leviathan, simply stirring in its sleep, had caused the sky to fall on mortals.
"And why do you believe I would not cultivate?" Shen Mo chuckled, genuinely amused. He shook his head slowly. "Continuous advancement is the single most vital quality. In an infinite multiverse, where possibilities are endless, there is no such thing as a 'peak.'"
He estimated his current raw combat power was only marginally superior to entities like Uchiha Madara. Against the Six Paths Sage, he still felt underpowered. His strength lay in domain suppression, not intricate combat skill.
I still need to earn vast sums of Ryo.
Thinking this, Shen Mo glanced at the elders.
The Hyūga, one of the top clans in the world, visibly shuddered under his casual observation.
Any lingering skepticism they held about his nature, fueled by his initial casualness, vanished. For such an existence, even if he arrived in rags, it would be seen as a deliberate, unconventional experience. To dismiss him would be an act of utter foolishness.
Tsunade took a stabilizing breath, forcing her emotions under control. Yet, the overwhelming question she had suppressed since their first encounter burst forth. "When I first examined you... your body seemed entirely normal. Why is it that now..."
Hmm?
The elders' eyes subtly sharpened. Feigning deafness, they slowly and carefully knelt back down.
Shen Mo hadn't anticipated Tsunade's directness in front of an audience. It was, technically, a minor inconsistency.
"Trans-dimensional travel is not a simple feat," Shen Mo explained casually. "Each new world is like a rapidly surging, unpredictable current. The safest method is to test the waters first—little by little, using only a small part of oneself, before committing fully. The being you initially encountered was merely a fingertip I used to gauge the world... This concept is still far too advanced for you, Tsunade. Focus first on qualifying for Tier Four Jars."
"Just a fingertip..."
Tsunade's delicate face registered dawning comprehension. A moment of silence was followed by a sudden, beautiful, unrestrained laugh.
"I feel surprisingly energized! It's as though I've reverted to being an eager teenager. No," she corrected, gazing up at the merchant, "compared to you, I realize I'm barely more than a toddler."