"So fast…" Ning Rongrong's expression turned grave. Watching the brief but terrifying clash, she lowered her voice. "I'm not even qualified to fight them. One mistake, and I'd lose my head on the spot."
Zhu Zhuqing slowly clenched her right hand. "If I can fully master a top-tier Grade-4 movement technique, I might barely qualify to stand on the same stage."
"If we don't achieve a major breakthrough within these hundred days," Qian Renxue said softly, eyes fixed on the bounty boards, "we'll all be eliminated early in the tournament."
"Hundred days is more than enough." Gao Feng rubbed the hilt of his sword, gaze sweeping over the dense mission listings. "With this volume of missions, thirty days is sufficient to gather sacrificial coins and exchange for Ninjutsu insights."
"The remaining seventy days?" His lips curved upward. "Enough to digest them completely, merge them into the spirit power system—and even create techniques of my own."
"They can also exchange for secret manuals right now," Xie Yue reminded him calmly.
Huo Wu's eyes burned with fighting intent as she cracked her knuckles. "It doesn't matter. There's no body-impartation service here. Without combat experience, even if they get manuals, their progress will never match ours."
"Besides," she sneered, "you think combat styles can be rewritten overnight?"
Yang Xian nodded. "And we still hold the advantage of the spirit power system. They can buy manuals, but they can't suddenly awaken Spirits."
"The tournament will most likely use an elimination format," Qian Renxue added, eyes shining. "That's where our advantage truly lies."
"Everyone, give it your all," Feng Xiaotian said with a grin. "Don't embarrass Douluo on that stage."
"You worry about yourself first," Bai Chenxiang shot back. "Try not to get overtaken by me."
"Hah. I'll welcome that challenge anytime," Feng Xiaotian replied confidently.
While the Spirit Masters encouraged one another, the Ninja side had already reached a fragile consensus.
"Should we deal with the Sarutobi clan now?" Kisame grinned coldly as he sheathed Hiramekarei. "Hiruzen's two sons are still here."
"The old man sent them hoping they could avoid this mess," Tsunade said, waving Asuma closer. "You two stay with me. Let the others return and inform the elders."
"He cherished his sons," an Uchiha ninja muttered darkly, "but never spared a thought for us."
"That's why he's dead," Orochimaru chuckled, voice dripping with icy mockery.
Shikaku rubbed his temples. "After we return, how do we convince Jiraiya? And how do we unite the clans?"
"Minato will handle it," Tsunade said, gently resting a hand on Asuma's head before looking up. "He'll be the Fifth Hokage. This responsibility belongs to him."
Minato dropped to one knee. "I will restore Konoha's reputation."
"Incorrect." Orochimaru cut in. "One man cannot support a village. Reputation must be rebuilt by everyone."
Minato froze—then understood. He bowed deeply.
"Konoha will purge those who violate the Ninja code and uphold justice."
Shikaku and the others lowered their heads in silence. That silence was agreement.
The villages did not depart immediately. Some examined missions; others wandered the shops.
Then the news exploded.
Hidden Mist Village had purchased all limited Longevity Pills—along with the precious Starfall Concentration Pill.
The atmosphere turned razor-sharp.
"You exchanged Ninjutsu from other villages," Dodai said coldly.
"Baseless slander," Yagura sneered. "Kirigakure's heritage is deep. This is normal."
"If there were evidence," Kitsuchi snapped, "we wouldn't be arguing—hand over the pills!"
"Longevity Pills can only be obtained through limited sales, auctions, or bounties," Rasa said slowly. "No other method exists."
His tone hardened. "Since Hidden Mist used Wind-Release techniques, Sunagakure deserves one."
"Ridiculous," Yagura barked. "Accusations without proof?"
Shikaku clenched his teeth. "Shadow Clone and Konoha kenjutsu have already been recorded. Explain that."
"Explain?" Yagura laughed sharply. "Why should I?"
The Uchiha activated their Sharingan in unison.
"Hand over the Starfall Pill," they threatened.
Yagura turned toward the Spirit Beasts, voice rising theatrically.
"Look closely! On the shop's first day, these people dare disrupt order!"
"To oppose the shop is to oppose Hidden Mist!"
His men stepped forward in formation.
"Anyone who causes trouble will be killed," Hakuba warned.
Dodai raised a hand. "Either we redistribute now—or settle this outside the camp."
Silence.
Weapons shifted.
Finally—
"Fine!" Yagura roared, face twisted with rage. He flung out four Qingming Longevity Pills and stormed away.
Minato, Yagyito, Kitsuchi, and Rasa each claimed one—knowing when to stop.
Only the Uchiha and Hyuga lingered, eyes burning.
"Enough," Minato said coldly. "Konoha's crisis comes first."
"The Hokage faction profits again," an Uchiha sneered.
"This pill will be offered to the Fire Daimyō," Minato replied evenly. "Only then can Konoha survive."
No one argued.
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