Madara Uchiha, though reluctant to admit it, had to concede Sasuke never had the chance to speak.
Madara Uchiha: Ahem, ahem... This time, even if you're lucky, I'll spare you. Just so you know, brat.
Sasuke Uchiha: Oh...
But in Sasuke's heart, a silent vow formed.
He'd repay Madara someday. Just as he'd done with Naruto.
System: Initiating question!
System: Question Two Predict the duo's ultimate achievement! It will be revealed in a future video screening.
A. Elite Special JoninB. Kage RankC. Beyond Kage RankD. Rikudou (Six Paths) Rank
System: Correct predictors will receive one random-tier item, or can exchange for 20 million gold.Wrong predictors will forfeit all their gold at answer settlement.
The shinobi world paused.
The options... Six Paths? Beyond Kage? Was the System suggesting these kids might surpass even Madara and Hashirama?
Impossible. Six Paths rank required the power of both Uchiha and Wood Style, plus the might of a tailed beast.
Madara Uchiha: Those two have potential, sure. But Six Paths rank? That's overblown.
Tsunade: I get Beyond Kage, but Six Paths? You mean, like the Sage of Six Paths himself?
From the other villages, suspicion filled the air.
They expected ordinary genin. But the System skipped Jonin and Kage, hinting at something far beyond.
In Konoha's history, geniuses like Shisui and the White Fang reached near-Kage strength as Jonin.
These two, especially with tailed beast chakra and the Sharingan... they might really reach Kage level or higher.
Kushina Uzumaki: Since we can choose multiple, I'll trust my instincts. Rikudou!
Mikoto Uchiha: Hmph. I believe in my son. Rikudou, obviously.
Fugaku Uchiha: I don't fully understand, but... I choose Rikudou too.
Sasuke Uchiha: Mother, Father... I believe I can become the strongest.
And in his heart, one more silent promise.
Once I have that power, I'll defeat Madara just like I did Naruto.
Itachi quietly selected Rikudou as well. As Sasuke's brother, he'd always believed in him.
System: Prediction complete. Result breakdown:
A: 20,581 (No offense, but this choice screams no confidence)B: 48,713 (A safe, realistic bet)C: 1,753 (Somewhat visionary)D: 6 (Wait... only six? Madara, were you the only one who didn't vote Six Paths?)
Kage Rank was the clear favorite. It was the level that inspired respect across all shinobi nations.
Beyond Kage seemed like a stretch. And Six Paths?
That felt like a fantasy to most. Even Hashirama and Madara barely scratched its surface.
But Dragon-tier strength already surpassed Jonin. Most Kage held power at Beyond Kage level.
So why not dream?
System: Mid-broadcast break.Ten minutes until next segment begins.Up next: First prank live stream.
Madara Uchiha: Prank live stream?
Izuna Uchiha: Ahem... Yes. It's quite a prank. Wrong answers trigger... cross-dressing cosplay.
Mizukage Mei Terumi: Hmph. The outfit was snug, but whatever.
Jiraiya: Fifth Mizukage, interested in starring as the heroine in my next book?
Tsunade: Jiraiya, I swear, say one more word and you're dead. Not even Madara can save you.
Mizukage Mei Terumi: Hah. The ninja world's biggest gossip, Jiraiya. I won't fall for it.
Jiraiya: ...My artistic genius goes unappreciated.
Deidara: Art is explosions. My art explodes. How about that?
Sasori: Enough noise. Art is eternal.
Jiraiya: Philistines. True art is sexy maid outfits, bikinis, fishnets, black stockings...
Sasori: Disgraceful mockery of elegance.
Deidara: Agreed.
System: Entertainment stream startingForbidden Techniques Masters' Daily Life
System: Searching for Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju...
Madara Uchiha: Are you joking? You summon them then ask me where they are?
Uzumaki Death God: Exactly. Who knows?
Tsunade: I remember. During Orochimaru's invasion, someone was sealed...Where did they go?
Uzumaki Death God: Uh... I...
Kushina Uzumaki: You're the Death God, right? You used the Shiki Fuujin. I can't find Minato anywhere. He should be inside you.
Uzumaki Death God: No, no! They're not in my belly. Absolutely not!
Tsunade: The more you deny, the more suspicious you sound.
Uzumaki Death God: This is... a misunderstanding!
Kushina Uzumaki: But Minato died using your technique. If not you, then where?
The Death God looked like he was about to cry.
For thousands of years, he'd digested foxes, beasts, heroes, and villains. But recently, a few souls had resisted digestion.
And now they were plotting an escape?
This was bullying the Death God!
System: Residual souls detected in the Death God's belly.You have one minute to expel them, or System enforcement will begin.
Uzumaki Death God: Bullying the Death God? I refuse! I'd rather die than.
System: Live broadcast commencing.System will forcibly cleanse the Death God's interior.
Uzumaki Death God: Brother! Will this really work?
[Video Footage]
The Death God howled, his entire form shaking.
A golden pillar of light pierced the void.
Without a word, the Death God drew his blade and slashed open his own belly.
"Eh? They're out?"
"Huh... They burst out of my stomach. That feels... odd..."
End of Chapter 9