Facing the stipulations laid out by Hyūga Hiashi, Neji's brow furrowed slightly.
He genuinely did not care about the wealth or property. His sole focus, now that the Caged Bird curse was removed, was to gain power—to become strong enough to decisively judge whether the Main Family was truly worthy of his father's final sacrifice.
"You had best agree to the terms," Tsunade advised, placing her hands on her hips and giving Shen Mo a half-amused glance. "Otherwise, forget about gaining power from this man. It requires a significant transaction."
"..." Neji looked at Shen Mo, astonishment flickering in his pale eyes.
He had presumed that the removal of his curse was the zenith of the help he would receive. He could still gain power from this man?
"You, having clearly articulated your purpose and direction, absolutely possess the requisite qualifications and potential," Shen Mo affirmed, supporting Tsunade's statement. "But this power demands a cost, and financial assets are merely one of the optional forms of payment."
Neji's pale eyes instantly brightened; the possibility of unparalleled power was a massive lure. Shen Mo had demonstrated unimaginable, transcendent strength, and Neji desperately needed an equivalent power upgrade.
"The inventory list, I have already prepared it." Hiashi Hyūga produced another sealed scroll. Indeed, he had long anticipated and planned for this moment, specifically for Neji.
Since the merchant's first appearance, Hiashi understood that the person in the entire clan most tormented by the desire to change destiny—and also the most brilliant—was his nephew. Neji was the final, precious legacy of Hizashi Hyūga.
"He prepared it beforehand..." Neji stared blankly at the scroll Hiashi held out.
His mind was reeling. What was the meaning of this foresight? Had Hiashi known he intended to leave? He suddenly felt that he was far less informed about the deep internal workings of his family than he had realized.
"You will understand everything soon enough."
Shen Mo looked at Neji's bewildered expression, chuckled softly, and lightly tapped his staff in the air.
In an instant, comprehensive information regarding the Merchant Guild, the nature of Jars, and Shen Mo's identity flowed directly into Neji's mind.
Shen Mo was right. Neji now fully grasped the meaning of this entire assembly, the unnatural deference of the elders, and why a powerful, mysterious figure and the village Sannin would focus so intensely on him, a mere Genin.
Jars that determine and alter destiny...
"I can acquire power from these Jars?" Neji looked at Shen Mo, seeking final, absolute confirmation.
"That is correct," Shen Mo smiled. "The Jars are not just opportunity, they are destiny itself, tied only to the price you pay, the capriciousness of luck, and the strength of your will. Neji, I hold considerable expectations for the level you will attain."
This was the first time Shen Mo had explicitly stated an expectation.
Neji was, by all measures, among the most talented members of the Konoha 12. His Ninjutsu comprehension, Taijutsu skill, and mental fortitude were elite. He was simply lacking resources and a potent cheat system.
Shen Mo's arrival had provided both.
"I will not disappoint you, sir!"
Neji replied with a deep, respectful bow, but his tightly clenched fists betrayed the intense excitement and emotion he was struggling to contain. Neji was fiercely loyal to those who helped him. He understood the profound significance of Shen Mo's gift: a complete reversal of his life's fate.
"Regarding the series of Jars most suitable for you, I do have a recommendation," Shen Mo said, entirely unconcerned with Neji's gratitude. "The Fighter Series is a system that masterfully blends raw strength and refined skill. It is extremely well-suited to your inherent talents."
Shen Mo's initial plan had been different, but given Neji's choice to remain near the Clan as a watchful, independent entity, a power set with a specific philosophical bias was unsuitable. The Fighter Series demanded only dedication and effort, fitting Neji perfectly.
"Understood."
Neji agreed without hesitation, putting his complete trust in Shen Mo's recommendation.
"Do you wish to open the Jars immediately?" Shen Mo glanced at the financial list in Neji's hand. "This is a substantial amount of wealth—more than enough to draw a destiny-altering item."
"..." Neji considered the situation for a moment, glancing at Hiashi and the elders before making a decision. "I wish to purchase the Jars now."
His motivation wasn't impatience; it was a deliberate show of force. He wanted every person present to realize that Hyūga Neji, now imbued with new, unknown power, would be observing their actions from the outside.
"How many will you purchase?" Shen Mo inquired.
"Two hundred Tier One Jars, five hundred Tier Two Jars, and ten Tier Three Jars!" Neji decided to commit a large chunk of the inheritance immediately.
"Kid," Tsunade interjected, her eyebrow twitching. "Don't assume you can be reckless just because you're suddenly rich. If your luck is poor today and you don't pull anything worthwhile, you will have squandered a fortune."
It was a genuine warning, born from her own bitter experience.
But Neji was unmoved. He replied calmly, "Lady Tsunade, if this is truly my destiny, the result will be the same regardless of the day I open them. I believe the true significance lies not in the luck of the draw, but in the effort applied to training the items I receive."
"Oh?" Shen Mo's eyes sparkled.
A highly rational, skilled player had appeared. One who placed certainty of use above the randomness of luck.
"Tch." Tsunade felt her good intentions were dismissed and muttered under her breath, "Go ahead and cry when you pull nothing but junk."
Neji ignored her, his attention fixed on Shen Mo.
"Since you are resolved," Shen Mo said, sweeping his staff. Hundreds of Jars materialized instantly before them. Simultaneously, a vast amount of Ryo, scrolls, and other valuables shimmered and vanished from mid-air, successfully completing the transaction.
The elders watched the exchange, horrified by the scale of the disappearing wealth, yet powerless to intervene.
Hyūga Neji approached the Jars. Though it was his first time, he exhibited remarkable composure, opting to start with the Tier Two Jars.
Shen Mo, intrigued by his newest client, offered a quick explanation:
"The core philosophy of the Fighter Series is to vanquish the opponent through the fastest, most effective, and most brutal means. Consequently, even the common drops provide substantial, tangible gains in strength."
Every series had unique attributes. Tsunade's Paladin Series focused on healing and defense; Sasuke's Swordsmanship Series and Naruto's Strength Series offered obvious, raw physical boosts. The Fighter Series was similar.
The moment Hyūga Neji absorbed his very first light cluster, a subtle shock crossed his calm face.
"Great Strength Vajra Palm..." It was an Experience Cluster.
In that instant, he felt as though he had already spent years meticulously practicing the complex and powerful Great Strength Vajra Palm technique. The knowledge was immediate and instinctual.