Facing Hiashi's conditions, Neji frowned slightly.
He didn't care about wealth.
With the Caged Bird seal gone, he only wanted to grow stronger and judge whether the main branch was worth his father's life.
"You'd better accept," Tsunade said, arms crossed, smirking at Shen Mo. "Otherwise, you won't get power from this man. It comes at a cost."
"…" Neji looked at Shen Mo, stunned.
He'd thought removing the Caged Bird seal was the greatest help this man could offer.
He could gain power too?
"With your clear goal, you have the qualification and potential," Shen Mo said, nodding at Tsunade's words. "But it requires a price—wealth is just one option."
Neji's pale eyes gleamed, clearly tempted.
Shen Mo had shown unmatched, unimaginable power.
And he needed power.
"I've prepared the list," Hiashi said, producing another scroll.
He'd been ready to give this to Neji.
Since that day…
He knew.
The clan member most desperate to change fate was his nephew.
A rare genius, Hizashi's only heir.
If Neji ended up hating the clan, even turning against it…
This money…
Was Hiashi's blade to sever guilt, with no hesitation.
"You prepared this already…" Neji stared at the scroll Hiashi offered.
His mind was in turmoil.
What was going on?
Did Hiashi know he wanted to leave?
He suddenly felt there was much he didn't understand.
"You'll understand soon," Shen Mo said, chuckling at Neji's expression. With a tap of his staff, information flooded Neji's mind.
Shen Mo was right.
Neji understood—why he was summoned, why the elders acted this way, why this mysterious, powerful man and Konoha's Tsunade cared about a mere genin.
Cans to change fate…
"I can gain power from cans?" Neji asked Shen Mo, as if confirming one last time.
"Correct," Shen Mo said, smiling. "Cans are opportunity and fate, tied to your cost, luck, and will. Neji, I have high expectations for how far you can go."
This was the first time Shen Mo explicitly expressed such expectations.
In terms of talent…
Neji was among the top of the Konoha Twelve.
Ninjutsu, taijutsu, mindset…
He lacked only resources and a cheat.
Now…
Shen Mo's arrival seemed to provide both.
"I won't disappoint you, sir!" Neji said respectfully, his clenched fists betraying suppressed excitement.
Neji wasn't ungrateful—quite the opposite. He deeply appreciated those who helped him.
He knew…
Shen Mo's appearance was a life-changing moment.
"For your can series, I have a recommendation," Shen Mo said, as if Neji's gratitude didn't matter. "The Fighter Series, blending skill and power, suits you well."
This wasn't Shen Mo's original plan.
But Neji's choice changed things.
A biased series wouldn't fit.
The Fighter Series, with no personality requirements, was perfect for Neji's talent.
"Alright," Neji agreed simply, trusting Shen Mo.
"Want to open cans now?" Shen Mo glanced at the list. "That wealth is enough for destiny-altering items."
"…" Neji thought briefly, glancing at Hiashi and the others, then decided. "I want to buy cans now."
Not out of impatience for power.
But to show those present…
He, Hyuga Neji…
Would gain strength and watch their actions.
"How many?" Shen Mo asked.
"Two hundred Level 1 cans, five hundred Level 2 cans, ten Level 3 cans!" Neji declared, aiming to buy them all.
"Kid," Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Don't think money means you can be reckless. If luck's bad today and you get nothing good, that's a lot wasted."
A kind warning.
From experience.
She wouldn't buy more today.
But Neji was unmoved, saying calmly, "Lady Tsunade, if this is my fate, the result should be the same whenever I open. I believe what matters isn't luck during opening, but training after."
"Oh?" Shen Mo's eyes lit up.
Finally, a calm, strategic player.
Not chasing luck…
But determined to maximize every item.
"Tch," Tsunade muttered, feeling ignored. "No good items, you'll cry."
Neji ignored her.
He looked at Shen Mo, waiting quietly.
"Since you've decided," Shen Mo said, waving his staff. Hundreds of cans appeared, while money and items briefly materialized in the air before vanishing.
The elders, shocked and pained, watched.
They hadn't known Hiashi's decision.
Now, they couldn't change it.
Neji, facing the cans for the first time, stayed calm and began with Level 2 cans.
Shen Mo, intrigued by Neji's opening, explained, "The Fighter Series focuses on defeating enemies quickly, ruthlessly, effectively. Even as a standard series, it boosts strength significantly."
Each series had unique traits.
Tsunade's initial Potion Series didn't enhance strength much.
Sasuke's Swordsmanship Series and Naruto's Strength Series boosted power noticeably.
The Fighter Series was similar.
As Neji absorbed the first light orb, his calm expression shifted.
Vajra Power Hand…
An experience orb.
He felt as if he'd trained this palm technique for years.