"I've ascended to the level of Six Paths as well!" Kakashi exclaimed with excitement.
He had never imagined reaching such a pinnacle of power. Initially, his goal was merely to match his father's level, but with the assistance of the Golden List reward, he had surpassed even that, attaining the status of a Six Paths-level shinobi.
News of Kakashi's breakthrough spread like wildfire. Breaking through to the Six Paths level was a monumental event, impossible to conceal due to the sheer magnitude of spiritual power unleashed.
In Konoha, Kakashi's achievement was celebrated as a boon, instilling fear in rival villages and factions.
Many harbored envy towards Kakashi.
Meanwhile, anticipation swirled around the impending announcement of rewards for the 29th-ranked shinobi on the Kage-level list, and Hoshigaki Kisame eagerly awaited his share.
Two enticing rewards materialized on the screen.
The first was a vial of elixir.
[Mysterious Water Pill: Enhances water ninjutsu control and power, supplemented with Chakra augmentation.]
The second was a tailored garment.
[Whale Clothing: Perfect fit, bolstered defense, and water pressure resistance.]
Though both rewards held significant appeal, after some contemplation, Hoshigaki Kisame opted for the Mysterious Water Pill.
The elixir promised tangible strength enhancement, while the garment's benefits were situational. Hence, he made his decision in favor of immediate empowerment.
At present, augmenting strength was paramount.
The competition among the super-Kage-level contenders behind the official rankings was fierce and relentless. Without swift progress, Hoshigaki Kisame risked being overtaken when the rankings were refreshed.
This outcome was not merely a possibility but a looming reality.
For instance, those beneath Yasao, whose progression was rapid, exemplified the urgency to fortify one's position and continually reap rewards.
Soon after, the reward for the 30th rank was revealed, claimed by Hidan.
Two items beckoned from the display.
The first was a potent talisman.
[Sharp Talisman: Permanently enhances weapon sharpness by +1, with a 90% chance of inflicting critical damage, 9% chance of causing continuous bleeding, and 9% chance of bypassing defenses. Effect lasts for ten minutes!]
The second was a Fairy Fruit, augmenting Chakra reserves.
Upon seeing this, Hidan's eyes gleamed with avarice, fixated on the Sharp Talisman.
"The 'sharp' talisman is quite impressive. If I imbue it onto my Triple-Bladed Scythe, it could enhance its sharpness permanently. Furthermore, even ten minutes after the blessing, there's still a 1% chance of ignoring defense. That's ignoring defense entirely. Even the most formidable opponents, once I activate this effect, will find themselves cut by my Triple-Bladed Scythe, leaving behind a trace of blood for me to work my magic!" Hidan muttered to himself.
Without hesitation, he opted for the Sharp Talisman.
As for Chakra enhancing Fairy Fruit, he had no alternative.
Given his relatively modest combat prowess, despite the numerous advantages he had gained previously, including the ordeal with the Jashin cult and the acquisition of Conqueror's Haki, his primary assets remained his immortal body and his spells.
Otherwise, he wouldn't merit inclusion on the Kage-level roster!
[Tsunade: Hidan selected the Sharp Talisman. Even ninjas with exceptional defensive capabilities won't dare to underestimate his attacks now!]
[Fourth Raikage: Indeed, my Lightning Style armor won't risk taking Hidan's assaults lightly in the future. If he triggers the defense-ignoring effect, drawing a drop of my blood and cursing me with death, it would be dire!]
[Fourth Hokage: But I'm unfazed. With my speed, he won't even see me coming; I'll defeat him effortlessly!]
[Kakuzu: Hidan's Sharp Talisman is truly formidable, though it's a pity it's a one-time use item. Enhancing sharpness alone wouldn't hold much significance. All three effects are crucial.]
[Hidan: Hahaha, regardless, now that I have the Sharp Talisman, others will think twice before crossing me!]
[Nara Shikamaru: Frankly, I don't take him too seriously. As long as I keep him out of my reach, his spells won't pose a threat. A truly powerful individual could swiftly neutralize him, seal him away, or render him immobile, even if he manages to draw blood.]
[Tsunade: Nonetheless, it's wise to exercise caution and not underestimate him. Otherwise, no matter how formidable you are, you might find yourself bested by Hidan.]
Soon, Hidan retrieved the sharp rune but refrained from using it, keeping it as his trump card.
Time passed, and one reward after another was distributed, gradually pushing him towards the bottom of the Kage-level hierarchy.
After a considerable duration, it was finally Sarutobi Hiruzen's turn, ranking at 99th place.
Upon receiving his reward, Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression wasn't one of jubilation but rather of embarrassment.
In any case, he once boasted of being the Strongest Hokage, Professor of Ninjutsu, the God of Ninja World, and other titles. However, now he finds himself struggling to even make it onto the Kage-level list, having been surpassed by numerous others.
Due to his low ranking, Sarutobi Hiruzen's reward was quite modest, merely a body tempering pill that enhances one's physique, which didn't hold much significance for him.
Next up was Hatake Sakumo, who was the last to receive his reward.
Hatake Sakumo's reward was also nothing extraordinary. He eventually settled for a Chakra Pill, capable of enhancing one's Chakra. Though the increase in strength wasn't significant, such a reward was still considered quite valuable for ordinary ninjas.
Thus, the rewards for the Kage-level rankings were distributed.
Shortly after, the Jinbang live broadcast room announced the information for the next list.
"The upcoming list is the Six Paths list, which will be revealed in a day's time!"
Though the wait between announcements was somewhat lengthy, it only heightened the anticipation.
The powerhouses at the Six Paths level were aware that they would undoubtedly be included on the list, given the limited number of Six Paths powerhouses. However, what they were truly eager to discover was their respective rankings.
[Uchiha Madara: The rewards for the Six Paths list are expected to be quite generous. Even the last place should be comparable to the first place on the Kage-level list; otherwise, it would be unjust for Six Paths-level powerhouses.]
[Fourth Raikage: Perhaps not that good. The ranking doesn't concern itself with fairness. The top spot on the Kage-level list holds more value than the last place on the Six Paths list. What can you do?]
[Garaga: I hope the rewards on the Six Paths list are superior!]
[Uzumaki Naruto: I hope so too!]
[Beerus: I share the same hope!]
"Master, it would be fantastic if the rewards from the Six Paths list could propel me to breakthrough into the Immortal Dao level!" Kumoko anticipated eagerly.
"Perhaps it's indeed within reach!" Yasao responded with a smile.
Time trickled by, with everyone eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the Six Paths list.
Meanwhile, a group hurried towards Konoha.
Among them was Uchiha Sasuke and his companions.
This time, Sasuke had set his sights on Danzo, determined to eliminate him. He was well aware of Danzo's tactics, yet he remained confident that even with Izanagi, Danzo wouldn't stand a chance against him.
"Sasuke, we might not make it to Konoha before the Six Paths list is announced!" Suigetsu reminded.
Sasuke brushed it off, "Then we'll wait for the announcement before entering Konoha."
"Be cautious, Sasuke. Konoha boasts several Six Paths-level shinobi," Suigetsu warned.
Sasuke replied assuredly, "No need to worry. My Observation Haki, coupled with the Thunder Fruit's power, allows me to sense the entirety of Konoha's situation and pinpoint Danzo's location effortlessly. And those Six Paths-level shinobi in Konoha lack Observation Haki; they won't detect my presence. Danzo's strength pales in comparison to mine; he doesn't even rank among the Kage-level. Killing him will be child's play for me."
"Sasuke, regardless, tread carefully," Suigetsu urged.
"Understood."
With a nod, Sasuke and his group continued their journey.
As time passed, the day drew nearer to its end.
Soon, the announcement of the Six Paths list would commence.
**********
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