Selling Cans from Naruto to Beyond

The projection showed Shen Mo.

Standing on a bridge, with other figures blurred, but Tsunade still recognized Kakashi's team on their mission.

"The Fate Stage is the Chamber's battle arena for members' destinies to collide…" Ikaros's narration, paired with Shen Mo's voice, explained the stage's origin and purpose.

Then—

A scene of world-altering grandeur unfolded.

Tsunade's eyes widened.

She knew Shen Mo was powerful, but this was her first direct glimpse of just how powerful.

Creating an undisturbed space with a wave of his hand, twisting reality like a toy.

The projection featured only Ikaros's narration and Shen Mo's voice.

Upon hearing the benefits…

Tsunade's mouth formed an O. She realized this could fundamentally change ninja battles.

Revival…

With a badge, a dead member could be revived from Level 3 cans, like Rin.

"Is this a battle only members can join?" Tsunade's expression grew serious. "I need to discuss this with sensei."

Resisting the urge to rush to the Hokage, she kept watching.

When the first sky crack appeared…

Even through the projection, Tsunade felt a mental disturbance. Her Holy Light reacted, a massive sense of danger warning her of the terrifying existence behind that crack.

Just seeing the collapsed figures in the projection hinted at the scene's intensity.

Shen Mo's words confirmed her feeling.

Hearing their names could drive you mad; seeing them could kill.

This… was the level of other worlds' senior Chamber members?

Tsunade felt pressure.

Anyone learning of such powerful, terrifying beings in broader worlds would feel the same.

What if those beings came to their world?

It wasn't impossible!

"Most of the time, senior members only have viewing rights," Ikaros's flat, slightly ditzy narration continued. "But when the master is present, voice permissions may occasionally be granted, and minor aura leaks could happen…"

After Shen Mo's command silenced all spectators…

Tsunade's pressure eased slightly.

Good.

Shen Mo's authority held sway.

With their world's current power, resisting such beings from endless worlds was impossible. The stronger Shen Mo and his Chamber, the better for them.

The 3D projection stopped as the battle began.

Ikaros's cute, blank face appeared last.

"When a member detects another member in their line of sight with battle intent, they can spend 300,000 points to activate the Fate Stage. If the opponent avoids or surrenders, they pay the points. Seize the Chamber's chance to change your fate. This briefing ends here. Press the badge's center to open the mailbox and rewatch."

The projection's light retracted into the badge.

Tsunade closed her eyes, processing silently.

Learning it could be replayed, she stood and headed to the Hokage's office.

At that moment…

Not just her, but all members—local tycoons, Danzo, even Gato—watched the projection.

Worry, tension, excitement…

Various emotions crossed every member's face.

They shared one feeling.

This world…

Was about to change drastically.

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi, watching the 3D video repeatedly through Tsunade, his aged face's wrinkles deepening.

He smoked pipe after pipe.

Finally, Tsunade couldn't take it, swiping her hand to blow the office's thick smoke away with a gust, then slamming the desk, leaning on one hand.

"Old man, say something!"

"…" Hiruzen glanced at Tsunade, shaking his head slowly. "I knew this day might come, but this outcome… exceeds my imagination."

"You knew the Fate Stage was coming?" Tsunade blinked.

"No." Hiruzen's expression was bitter. "I just knew we wouldn't be the only ones buying cans. Our enemies would too."

From the day he met Shen Mo…

His first instinct was to control him.

But later…

He realized it was impossible.

Now, even more so!

Tsunade fell silent. She'd understood this when Danzo bought cans.

Shen Mo wouldn't sell only to them.

"A chance to change fate, but also a pull into a greater vortex of destiny," Hiruzen sighed. "Perhaps, in the end, only a few will transcend this world, truly achieving their ambitions."

He vaguely felt…

The Chamber's actions…

Were to select, or cultivate, world-transcending powerhouses from their world.

—Like those senior members.

"Old man," Tsunade stared at her sensei, brows furrowing. "You really have grown old."

"…" Hiruzen looked at her, stunned.

Bang—!

Tsunade slammed her other hand on the desk, leaning forward, eyes locked on Hiruzen. "Shen Mo made it clear—fate is fought for! If you're too scared to lead Konoha through this greater vortex, hand it to me. I'm not as old as you!"

Now a dedicated paladin, Tsunade brimmed with confidence and hope.

Hiruzen worried about others buying cans; Tsunade didn't fear it.

"I know a lot about what you've done these years," Tsunade continued, ignoring his gaze, speaking as if to herself. "I get that some things were unavoidable, but—I don't want Nawaki, when revived, to see a fallen, or destroyed, Konoha."

For Nawaki.

That was her stated reason.

But she knew…

This village held too many of her bonds.

So, if Hiruzen wouldn't act, or couldn't do it well, she'd take over. With her reputation, if she wanted, the Fifth Hokage title would be hers, no matter what Hiruzen thought.

This was Hiruzen's greatest fear.

He took a deep drag of his pipe, looking at Tsunade. After a long pause, he asked bitterly, "What do you want to do?"

"Simple."

Tsunade's youthful, radiant face bore a vibrant smile.

"Gather trusted clans, and everyone buys cans together!"