Shen Mo even spotted techniques like Flying Thunder God Technique and Wood Style: Wood Release - Advent of a World of Trees among the ninjutsu Hiruzen couldn't use himself.
Though he couldn't sell experience for them…
The knowledge alone was valuable for first-time high-level ninjutsu trades, especially with memories included.
"Old man, you're selling that much?" Tsunade was shocked.
33 million points!
In money, that's over 500 million ryō!
"Don't forget, in my youth, I was called the Professor of Ninjutsu," Hiruzen chuckled, flicking ash from his pipe. "I know many techniques I never mastered, and with my current state, I can't use many either. So, why not sell them for greater power?"
He didn't sell all his ninjutsu memories.
But he sold most of his knowledge.
Including techniques created by the Second Hokage and even some left by the First, which he'd recently reviewed to ensure clarity.
Carefully selected…
To minimize impact on his strength, even reserving ninjutsu he could use if he regained his prime.
"Per the rules, start with 200 Level 1 cans to become a member?" Shen Mo asked, barely containing his eagerness.
If not for the onlookers, he'd have started selling cans immediately.
Besides Gato…
This was his first major ninja transaction.
"Yes, 200 Level 1 Scholar Series cans first," Hiruzen nodded, equally eager.
"Deal sealed."
Shen Mo waved, and 200 Level 1 cans appeared before them.
The Scholar Series was one of the prize pools he'd customized recently.
Now, he randomly generated a list and bought the cans with one click.
Since he didn't check the list…
He genuinely didn't know what was in them.
Perfect for testing.
"Level 1 cans don't do much for people of our strength," Hiruzen explained to the others while reaching for a can. "But per Mr. Shen Mo's Chamber rules, you must buy 200 Level 1 cans to become a member and qualify for Level 2 cans…"
Shen Mo listened quietly, nodding occasionally.
This saved him a lot of explaining.
Under everyone's gaze, Hiruzen opened the first can.
Inside…
Another sheet of paper.
Slightly different, more refined than the last.
"This is an exam paper," Shen Mo explained. "Common in Scholar Series cans. Unlike before, its Scholar energy infuses your body based on your writing's quality. Since you haven't obtained a scholarly class item, it's one-time use."
In the Naruto world, Scholar energy didn't exist.
But it was the foundation for most items in this series.
So, Shen Mo used this custom service to provide a basic power source, preventing imbalance from overly strong items.
"Write again?" Hiruzen seemed confident.
Taking the brush Shen Mo had given him, he wrote "fire" again.
This time…
The paper didn't burn but turned into a radiant glow, merging into Hiruzen's body.
Warm, with an odd sensation.
Controllable.
"Fire," Hiruzen exhaled, channeling the new power.
Instantly, a tiny flame sparked in front of him.
It fell, burning the grass.
This…
For a Level 1 can, it seemed too weak.
Hiruzen glanced at Shen Mo.
"That's all the Scholar energy you absorbed?" Shen Mo gave a speechless look, shaking his head. "You didn't even take in half a percent of that exam paper's energy. It's just a Level 1 paper."
"…"
Hiruzen's jaw dropped, stunned.
"Not even half a percent?"
The power felt weak.
But if he absorbed less than half a percent, didn't that mean this small paper held at least the power of a basic low-level ninjutsu?
"First, these papers aren't limited to one character," Shen Mo explained. "Write as much as you can. Without a prompt, it tests calligraphy. If a question appears, the better your answer, the more Scholar energy you gain. Questions often involve sage wisdom, which you can learn from more cans…"
Hiruzen listened intently.
So did the others.
The scene was silent.
"The Scholar Series differs from other cans," Shen Mo concluded. "Its core is 'talent.' Even with the same items, the talented gain more. If you lack talent, work to become talented."
"I see," Hiruzen nodded, grasping it. "It's indeed different from Tsunade and Sasuke's series."
"It's challenging, but the rewards match the effort," Shen Mo said, smiling. "It's up to you."
He'd read Hiruzen's mind for his response.
"Just study hard," Hiruzen said confidently. "This series suits me perfectly."
As the Professor of Ninjutsu, he trusted his learning ability.
He kept opening cans.
The second can was another exam paper.
This one had a question.
Sage's words: Great squares have no corners; great vessels take time to form.
Question: What are the next two lines? How do you interpret them?
Hiruzen: "(｀·д·′)"
"Hahaha," Shen Mo laughed at Hiruzen's baffled look, then explained. "This is from a sage named Laozi, from his Tao Te Ching. The next lines are: Great sounds are silent; great forms are shapeless. He used these to advocate natural beauty. Try writing that."
"You know even this?" Hiruzen looked at Shen Mo, surprised.
"I know a bit," Shen Mo said, not admitting he'd looked it up.
Hiruzen sighed, then wrote Shen Mo's answer on the paper.
Instantly…
A glow, far stronger than before, surged into his body.
Hiruzen's face lit up.
This glow was over ten times stronger, nourishing his aging body.
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