Konoha, Ichiraku Ramen Shop.
A young man with delicate features was lazily squinting as he cleaned up bowls and chopsticks.
"The Chūnin Exams are already in their final phase. Orochimaru is about to launch the Konoha Crush Plan, isn't he?"
Bai Yan knew all this — because he was a transmigrator.
Several years ago, he had transmigrated to Konoha, married Ayame, and became the son-in-law of the owner of Ichiraku Ramen.
After messing around in secret for a few years, he got bored.
So, he took over Ichiraku Ramen, planning to live a peaceful life with Ayame for a few years.
"Honey, the matches are about to start! Let's go cheer for Naruto!"
Bai Yan smiled and nodded.
The two of them headed to the final arena of the current Chūnin Exams.
By now, ninja from all the major nations were scattered across the viewing platforms — some of whom Bai Yan recognized well.
Seated at the highest observation platform were the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, and the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Bai Yan knew that the real Fourth Kazekage had already been ambushed and killed by Orochimaru.
The one now sitting atop the high platform was none other than Orochimaru in disguise, preparing to initiate the Konoha Crush Plan.
The proctor stepped into the center of the arena, just about to announce the start of the match—
"Wong——"
A strange hum echoed through both the living world and the Pure Land.
Blinding golden light simultaneously shone upon both worlds.
At that moment!
All the souls slumbering in the Pure Land suddenly awakened!
As the golden light faded, a massive scroll appeared out of nowhere, floating in the skies above Konoha.
Despite its location over Konoha, it could be clearly seen no matter where one was — in the living world or the Pure Land.
For a moment...
The entire world was stunned. All eyes were drawn to it!
The Pure Land.
Like the Shinobi Sect once founded by the Sage of Six Paths, communication and comprehension were seamless among the souls dwelling there.
At this very moment, the Pure Land.
[Uchiha Madara]: What was that golden light that suddenly woke me up? And what is that scroll?
[Senju Hashirama]: Madara! I can talk to you again! I'm so excited!
[Uchiha Madara]: Hashirama! Do you know what's going on?
[Senju Hashirama]: No clue! Tobirama, you've awakened too, haven't you? Do you know anything?
[Senju Tobirama]: Brother, I have no idea.
[Uchiha Izuna]: Nii-san! Nii-san!
[Uchiha Madara]: Izuna! Got any intel?
[Uchiha Izuna]: Since we were awakened by this phenomenon, that scroll likely has a significant impact on us.
Madara and the others all agreed with Izuna's deduction.
As for the rest of the Pure Land, everyone chose to remain silent.
Are you kidding?
Even though everyone here could communicate freely...
The ones speaking right now were all legendary big shots. Who would dare butt in?
Meanwhile, in the living world—
"I'll hold the Kazekage here. With the abilities of my old friend, he'll surely be able to uncover what that scroll is about."
Hiruzen Sarutobi recovered from his shock and gave a meaningful look to a nearby ANBU.
The ANBU understood and quickly vanished.
What Sarutobi didn't know—
The Kazekage who was eyeing the scroll in the sky with intense desire — Orochimaru in disguise — was now racking his brain for an excuse to leave.
Konoha Crush Plan?
For a man of science, exploring the unknown took top priority!
"Wong——"
As the strange hum sounded again, the entire space seemed to tremble.
People saw the previously sealed scroll begin to slowly unfurl.
It was divided into many sections — all blank.
Just as speculation buzzed, four large characters appeared at the top of the lowest section:
Summoned Beast Ranking! (通灵兽榜)
In that instant—
Everyone, in both the living world and the Pure Land, instantly understood:
Anyone who makes the list will receive unimaginable benefits!
[Senju Hashirama]: So that's what it is. Too bad I don't have a summoned beast!
[Senju Tobirama]: Brother, don't fret. There are many blank sections on the scroll. Surely there will be other rankings. We'll make it to one of them.
[Uzumaki Mito]: Husband, Tobirama is right. With your strength, you'll surely place high on another list!
[Uchiha Izuna]: Nii-san!
[Uchiha Madara]: Don't worry, Izuna! I'll definitely rank — and high at that!
Madara folded his arms, head slightly raised, full of confidence.
In life, to fight Hashirama one last time, he had forcibly contracted the Nine Tails.
Of course, only Hashirama knew this secret.
"Sigh. Looks like the secret Hashirama and I shared won't stay buried for long…"
A flicker of melancholy passed across Madara's face.
Elsewhere—
Merged with the Pure Land, the Sage of Six Paths wore a look of shock and concern.
"Let's hope this mysterious scroll doesn't trigger a chain of events… that frees my mother."
He had just probed the scroll with his chakra — only to be repelled and injured.
Center of the Moon.
Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, sealed there, was showing signs of stirring excitement.
The entire moon quaked violently.
Moon Temple.
Ōtsutsuki Toneri, sensing the disturbance, stared blankly at the scroll above Konoha.
His face was expressionless. What he was thinking remained a mystery.
Back in the Living World — Konoha Village.
Root Division Headquarters.
"My dream tapir making the list is practically guaranteed! I just wonder what benefits I'll get..."
Danzō, waiting for Root's investigative report on the scroll, had a look of ecstatic delight — having moved past his initial shock.
Danzō and Madara wait with supreme confidence, each certain their summon will rank high. But as the lowest section of the scroll begins to glow, the Sage of Six Paths watches in terror, knowing that any reward powerful enough to satisfy them might be exactly what his sealed mother needs to finally break free...
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