In the second-to-last of her twenty hard-won Level 3 cans, Tsunade finally struck gold.
With a one-percent chance for a big prize in Level 3 cans, pulling just one after 150+ was the mark of a true non-lucky streak. But this was Tsunade. Even Shen Mo's "absolutely fair" anti-tampering can pool couldn't shield her from her infamous bad luck. That she landed a big prize at all was a miracle.
Tsunade herself stood dumbfounded, scarcely believing it.
She'd actually pulled a Blue Rare treasure!
After a long moment, her face flushed with triumph. Realizing it wasn't a dream, she clenched her fists and let out a booming laugh.
"Hahaha! I knew I'd hit a big prize!"
Her voice carried, loud enough for the stands to catch snippets.
"Lady Tsunade sounds thrilled!"
"Did she say 'big prize'?"
"Look, the Hokage and others are crowding around!"
"What's happening?"
Not just Hiruzen and his allies—Rasa, from afar, turned to look. When he saw Tsunade with the Blue Rare, his face darkened.
Jealousy consumed him.
Not just for her prize, but for Konoha's wealth of talent. Tsunade, Jiraiya, Hiashi, Kakashi—surrounding Hiruzen were legends of the ninja world. Despite Konoha's losses—two S-rank rogues, the Uchiha clan's massacre—they still boasted such power.
In contrast, Sunagakure struggled to nurture even a single perfect Jinchūriki.
Without his cans, Rasa knew he and Orochimaru combined would stand no chance against this lineup.
His resolve hardened. He'd eliminate Konoha's strength and seize their badges.
Hiruzen and his team, unaware of Rasa's envy, gathered around Tsunade, eager to see her Blue Rare prize.
As the blue mist cleared, a radiant white orb emerged.
"A skill orb," Hiruzen said, smiling. "Perfect. Skill orbs boost combat power quickly. Whatever it is, our odds just improved."
"Lord Hokage," Hiashi whispered, glancing at Rasa. "Is the Kazekage really that strong?"
They were Konoha's elite, facing a single opponent.
"Sunagakure's Kazekages often wield unique Magnet Release," Hiruzen said gravely. "Unfortunately, this one controls gold dust. He can summon gold from the earth, blending it with his Sand Release."
Realization dawned on the group.
They'd nearly forgotten.
A ninja who could control gold—imagine the wealth he could amass!
"Can openers defy normal logic," Hiruzen warned. "We can't afford carelessness."
He turned to Tsunade, expectant. "What's the skill?"
Tsunade focused on the orb, nerves taut. This prize cost her a fortune—ten billion yen, enough to fuel her gambling for a decade.
Taking a deep breath, she absorbed the orb under everyone's gaze.
Skill: Pearl of Apocalypse
Description: Shout "Apocalypse!" to unleash a Pearl of Apocalypse infused with holy power, greatly enhancing all attributes of allies within range. Alternatively, transform it into a Dark Pearl, firing a searing beam to burn enemies.
The description was brief, but Tsunade saw its might—a skill that could buff allies or devastate foes.
"Not bad for a Blue Rare," she said, grinning widely. "This is a killer skill. Get ready for a surprise in battle!"
From the sky, Shen Mo's expression twitched with amusement.
The legendary Paladin skill—the Never-Setting Sun's Milk Dad.
Tsunade hadn't just gotten lucky—she'd hit the jackpot. Even among Blue Rares, this skill was top-tier.
The group glanced at the dwindling countdown and dove back into their cans.
Tsunade, buoyed by her long-awaited prize, bounced between her allies, inspecting their hauls.
"That one's meh."
"Not bad, but no big prize."
"Sensei, forty-plus Level 3 cans and no prize? Don't lose heart!"
Her lively demeanor was new to many. Hiruzen shook his head, a nostalgic smile tugging his lips. Decades ago, Tsunade was just like this—vivacious, playful, brimming with youth.
All because of him.
Hiruzen glanced at Shen Mo, chatting with senior members in the sky.
"Time's almost up," Jiraiya announced, standing. He'd finished his 500 Level 2 cans.
"It's been years since we fought side by side," Hiruzen said, looking at his disciples. His thoughts drifted to his other pride—Orochimaru.
A pang of regret and complexity flickered in his eyes.
Jiraiya and Tsunade seemed to sense it too.
Once, their team was four.
Now, only three remained.
"I've got a feeling we'll face him again," Tsunade said, clenching her fist. "He dared defile Grandpa's soul. Next time, he's not getting off lightly."
Hiruzen stayed silent, then turned to Jiraiya. "No class-change item?"
"Nope," Jiraiya shook his head. "Probably in Level 3 cans, but time's up."
His Prophecy Series yielded three big prizes from Level 2 cans: the Sixth Sense passive, a one-use death-defying doll, and an active skill to glimpse five seconds into the future, usable once daily.