Selling Cans from Naruto to Beyond

Gato's plan wasn't bad.

Blame the Akatsuki, spark a war between them and the ninja villages, then swoop in for the spoils.

Too bad he likely didn't know…

Uchiha Itachi was Konoha's mole in the Akatsuki, his true nature probably already detailed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's secret reports.

Still, Shen Mo said nothing.

He was curious about what would unfold.

As Shen Mo appeared before the group, all attention turned to him.

Mysterious cans, a mystical stage, and… the high-ranking members from other worlds above.

At this moment…

Shen Mo was no mere merchant.

He represented a terrifying force.

"It seems the first stage has concluded," Shen Mo's unhurried voice rang out. The cracks in the sky closed one by one, leaving only the fourth still open.

Shen Mo looked up.

As if listening to something, he then smiled.

"Haku, good news," he said, turning to Haku. "A high-ranking member admires the bond between you and Zabuza and has agreed to sponsor five Level 4 cans of any series. Per the rules, you have three months to save up, or the offer expires."

"Level 4 cans!?" Kakashi exclaimed.

Haku's head snapped up.

By pricing, a Level 4 can was about fifty million ryō each!

Only five…

But even average items from them were extraordinary!

If luck struck, pulling skills or gear…

Even Kakashi and Naruto looked envious.

"Level 4 cans cost three million points each," Shen Mo explained with a light chuckle. "Higher-tier cans have better odds for great items, as there are fewer common ones at that level. So, seize this chance."

Haku hesitated.

Three months…

But he wanted to revive Zabuza first.

Then…

Zabuza, eyes closed and barely breathing, suddenly opened them, grabbing Haku's hand with effort.

"Buy… the cans… first!" Zabuza stared at Haku. "My… dream… needs… power!"

Why had she failed?

Carelessness was one reason, softness another, but the ultimate reason…

Not strong enough!

Level 4 cans held the promise of great power.

"I understand, Lord Zabuza." Haku gripped her hand tightly, biting his lip. "I'll seize this chance and pull powerful items."

"Zabuza…?"

Gato gaped, eyes wide at the gravely injured beauty on the ground.

This was Zabuza?

How did Zabuza become like this?

No one explained.

Shen Mo hadn't expected Zabuza to still have the strength to speak.

But her decision wasn't surprising.

This was the allure of limited-time gacha.

"Time limit," "rare opportunity," and "better value for the same price"—a killer combo.

With Haku's pledge, Zabuza seemed to reach her final moment, slowly closing her eyes. Her right hand's Kämpfer Bracelet flashed a bright blue, then fell to the ground with a clink.

Under that blue light, Zabuza's body returned to its original form.

Her membership badge floated up.

Her corpse turned to specks of starlight, absorbed into the badge.

The others watched, stunned.

This was a Chamber member's death.

Her soul and body were now within the badge. With both, revival cost few points—why Shen Mo allowed Level 3 cans to include revival.

Haku carefully held Zabuza's badge like a priceless treasure.

"As per the storage contract, I'll collect these items. If Zabuza is revived, they'll be returned," Shen Mo said, waving a hand to gather Zabuza's gear, excluding the Kämpfer Bracelet.

That bracelet wasn't on her storage list.

Haku picked it up.

Then…

A sound like shattering glass echoed.

The grand stage faded, returning them to the bridge, as if nothing had changed.

"Unbelievable…" Kakashi murmured, looking around.

The pain in his body and Sasuke lying on the ground confirmed it was real.

Not genjutsu.

So, a real battlefield was created for them?

"More details about the Fate Stage will be sent to your badges later," Shen Mo said, glancing at Sasuke. His soul had returned to his body; he just needed time to recover.

But Shen Mo had other matters.

He vanished without lingering.

Kakashi watched him go, then saw Rin and Sakura rushing over. He knew such brutal, unpredictable battles would only increase.

But…

They had to keep winning.

"Naruto, carry Sasuke. We're heading back to the village."

"Right!"

…

Elsewhere, Shen Mo hurried home, sat at his desk, placed Hiju on his lap, and got to work.

The Fate Stage's initial test was a success.

Haku would definitely buy cans to revive Zabuza.

Everyone was eager for higher-tier can access.

Even without revival…

The latter alone would drive members to activate the stage in battles and perform fully.

"Next, announce the Fate Stage to all members," Shen Mo murmured.

A few people weren't enough, no matter how good the effect.

All members needed to know.

Shen Mo began his work.

…

Tsunade, at home, was engrossed in studying Holy Light.

A mysterious power unlike chakra.

With countless incredible effects.

She was like a kid with a new toy, brimming with research zeal.

Then…

Her membership badge, tucked in her chest, began to heat.

She pulled it out.

The badge glowed faintly gold.

"What's this…?"

Tsunade hesitated, then pressed its center.

Instantly…

A lifelike projection emerged, showing a petite girl.

Her expression was blank but adorable, with a great figure and pink wings on her back.

Oddly, she held a large, round watermelon.

"Hello," the girl said, voice flat, hugging the watermelon. "I'm Ikaros, the master's assistant. The Fate Stage system in this world has launched. I'll explain its purpose, functions, and benefits…"

Tsunade tried speaking to her, but got no response.

Just a recording.

Her attention was soon drawn to the images that followed.