In truth, Shen Mo hadn't settled on a specific number.
The 200 Level 1 cans and 500 Level 2 cans were easy to tally due to their smaller scale.
But now…
If Level 3 cans followed the same 500-count logic, it'd be an astronomical sum.
Balancing this required careful thought.
"By the way, about your assistant…" Tsunade began, as if about to ask something.
At that moment, Might Guy let out a gasp.
Hiruzen Sarutobi held a brush.
Silver and gleaming.
But no opening effects.
"Just an ordinary literary treasure," Shen Mo said, glancing at it with slight disappointment. "Compared to rare literary treasures, it's just a common item in Level 3 cans."
No effects meant an ordinary item.
Still, even ordinary items weren't bad.
At worst, it was worth 60,000 trading points in equipment.
Hiruzen's expression showed it.
Though slightly disappointed, he was still pleased.
"Mr. Shen Mo," after opening the last few cans, he gritted his teeth. "I'll sell more ninjutsu."
His earlier preparations were cautious, fearing selling too much would weaken him.
But faced with the class change opportunity…
That concern seemed trivial. The gap between success and failure was too vast.
Shen Mo had no objections.
Sadly, after buying over thirty more Level 3 cans, Hiruzen's luck seemed to run dry.
Not to mention rarer epic items…
Not even another blue-level rare item appeared.
Shen Mo could do nothing about it.
He sold cans based on the system's random lists, rarely checking unless necessary.
In the end, despite Hiruzen's reluctance, he had to give up for now.
"Everyone, this is the nature of Mr. Shen Mo's cans," Hiruzen said, regretful but focused on the task. He looked at the others with a kind smile. "You should understand why we called you here. Tsunade and I believe you're Konoha's finest and most trustworthy ninja. You must buy cans to grow stronger—for Konoha's protection."
Tsunade's eye twitched slightly.
Hiruzen showed no trace of his earlier refusal of her proposal.
In this time, Tsunade seemed to see her teacher in a new light.
"Hokage, but I don't know many ninjutsu!" Might Guy raised his fist, teary-eyed. "That guy Kakashi knows tons! Has he already bought loads of cans and gotten super strong? Damn it! But I won't give up!"
Cough, cough. Tsunade cleared her throat.
Kakashi's cans were mostly opened by her.
But she didn't mention it.
She just looked at the group. "No need to buy cans now. Go back, list your ninjutsu, gather funds. If you're short, we'll figure it out. Hyuga Hiashi, you probably have the most wealth here."
Her last words fixed on Hyuga Hiashi.
Hiashi nodded, a humble smile on his face. "As Konoha's top clan, if Lady Tsunade needs it, the Hyuga can provide some wealth for her to distribute."
Except for Might Guy, the others seemed to catch something.
The Hyuga offering funds wasn't surprising.
They'd always supported the Hokage's line.
But "for Tsunade to distribute" was telling, with the Third Hokage right there.
Hiruzen kept his cheerful smile, seemingly unbothered, giving the impression he'd chosen Tsunade as the Fifth Hokage, tacitly approving.
Shen Mo, reading their thoughts, found it amusing.
In the original story…
You'd never see this Tsunade or this scene.
"For now, prioritize securing funds for your own cans," Tsunade said, not refusing, as the need might arise.
Hiashi had no issue, asking Shen Mo, "Mr. Shen Mo, how do I find you when I'm ready to buy cans?"
"If you've prepared funds, find Tsunade or anyone with a badge," Shen Mo said simply.
"If it's partial funds, I believe the Hyuga can provide some now," Hiashi said respectfully, his tone confident, sparking envy among the others.
Normally, it wasn't noticeable.
But in this situation, wealth and clan status stood out.
Even Hiruzen felt a twinge of envy.
As Hokage, his personal wealth was limited, relying on selling ninjutsu, where he lagged behind even Danzo.
"No problem," Shen Mo said casually.
Business was good, but looking at Hiashi, he mused briefly before saying, "I must note, you're not a premium customer. Your desire to change fate isn't strong enough."
Hiashi lacked deep ambition.
His words stunned everyone, all eyes on Shen Mo.
"Does weak desire matter?" Tsunade couldn't help asking.
"I've said before," Shen Mo said, hands behind his back, scanning Tsunade, then the others. "The Chamber's purpose is to give those craving fate's change a chance. Often, only the most driven keep pushing forward, breaking through. Clashes between can openers' fates are fierce, and even getting a class item depends on inner resolve."
Shen Mo wasn't just selling cans.
He considered future potential.
Only those with the deepest desires would, even after exhausting funds, keep creating new knowledge and wealth.
Like Tsunade, Sasuke, Naruto, even Zabuza and Haku.
Hiashi lacked that drive and creativity.
Of course, if he insisted, Shen Mo would still sell to him.
Hiashi fell silent for a long time.
So did the others.
Only Might Guy, oblivious, slapped Hiashi's shoulder. "What's to fear? As long as we can move, our youth won't fade! Let's charge forward together!"
His words only made Hiashi and the others feel the gap more keenly.
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