Triple ninjutsu power.
What did that actually mean?
If a pill like that fell into the hands of a Kage-level shinobi, it wouldn't just be a simple boost—it could drastically shift the balance of power between villages.
Of course, it wasn't literally the same as creating multiple Kage-level fighters.
But even so—
The increase in combat strength it offered was undeniable.
In the Pure Land—
[Hashirama Senju: Madara! If we could take that pill, just how strong would we become?]
[Madara Uchiha: Stop fantasizing, Hashirama. You're not getting one. If anything, you should be thinking about how to make it onto that ranking.]
[Hashirama Senju: …You've got a point.]
In the world of the living—
Sunagakure.
Chiyo's expression turned grim as she looked at the reward.
"If Konoha gets their hands on something like that… their strength will only grow further…"
Kirigakure — Mizukage's Office.
Mei Terumī narrowed her eyes slightly.
"A Foundation Pill… Damn it. If that old monkey gets it—"
Behind her, Chōjūrō spoke seriously.
"If the Third Hokage takes it, his strength will rise significantly."
Iwagakure — Tsuchikage's Office.
Ōnoki's eyes widened.
"Triple ninjutsu power? That's a terrifying item… What a waste that it ended up in that old monkey's hands."
Kumogakure — Raikage's Office.
The Fourth Raikage, A, stared at the reward with a guarded expression.
"The Third Hokage is already said to be the strongest among Konoha's leaders… If he gains something like this, who knows how far his power will rise?"
At this point, every major faction had realized the same thing.
This ranking…
Had nothing to do with Konoha.
If Konoha truly had the ability to project such vivid, world-spanning illusions, they would have unified the shinobi world long ago.
This phenomenon—
Was more likely the work of some higher, incomprehensible force.
Because of that, no one questioned the authenticity of the reward.
Amegakure — Akatsuki Base.
All members of the Akatsuki had gathered under Pain's summons.
They were discussing the ranking that had suddenly appeared.
Deidara stared at the reward, eyes shining.
"Even if that Mizuki is disgusting…"
"A pill that triples ninjutsu power—if I had that…"
"How far could my art evolve?!"
His thoughts had already drifted into wild fantasies of explosions shaking the entire shinobi world.
Nearby, Itachi Uchiha remained silent, but his thoughts were heavy.
Mizuki is from Konoha… the Third Hokage will definitely take that pill.
If he becomes even stronger… will he still honor his agreement with me and spare Sasuke?
For the first time in a long while—
A trace of unease surfaced in Itachi's heart.
"Hmph. Just triple ninjutsu power—what's so impressive about that?" Hidan scoffed.
"You rely on taijutsu and your ritual techniques. Of course it doesn't matter to you," Obito—disguised as Tobi—replied lazily.
Hidan's face twisted.
"What did you just say?!"
"Don't stop me! I'm going to offer this masked brat to Lord Jashin!"
"Tobi: Deidara-senpai, save me!"
Tobi immediately ducked behind Deidara.
"You dare touch my people?!"
"Flying Scythe!"
"Art is an explosion!"
Clang! Boom! Bang!
Chaos broke out instantly.
Then—
"Shinra Tensei."
A powerful repulsive force blasted both of them away.
"Take it outside."
Pain's voice was cold.
"I called you here to discuss the ranking—not to watch you make a scene."
"Our plan cannot fail."
"…Tch."
The two of them clicked their tongues but stopped.
At that moment—
The ranking trembled again, releasing a flash of white light.
From within it—
A single pill shot out and flew straight toward Konoha Prison.
Hiruzen's gaze sharpened immediately.
"Men! Head to the prison at once—secure Mizuki and retrieve the pill!"
"Yes, sir!"
ANBU operatives moved out instantly.
Beside him, Orochimaru—still disguised as the Kazekage—felt his excitement surge.
A pill that triples ninjutsu power… something like this actually exists?
This far surpasses my experimental drugs.
I must get my hands on it… study it…
It could lead to a breakthrough in my research.
Inside the prison—
Mizuki had been drowning in despair just moments ago.
His entire escape plan—
Completely exposed.
But the moment he saw the reward, everything changed.
"Hahaha! An incredible reward like this!"
"So what if this is a high-security prison? Once I take that pill, escaping will be easy! I'll be free!"
His eyes burned with excitement.
Then—
A beam of white light pierced through the wall and landed in front of him.
It condensed into a crimson pill.
—The Foundation Pill.
Mizuki's breathing quickened.
As long as he swallowed it—
Escape would be guaranteed.
But suddenly—
The pill disappeared.
His pupils shrank violently.
Where… where did my Foundation Pill go?!
It was right here! Where is it?!
Then—
A masked figure appeared before him.
ANBU.
And in his hand—
Was the crimson Foundation Pill.
In that instant, Mizuki felt as if he had fallen from heaven straight into hell.
Still unwilling to give up, he shouted,
"That's my reward! You can't just take it!"
The ANBU operative replied coldly,
"As a criminal of Konoha, all your possessions are subject to confiscation. This pill belongs to the village."
Those words shattered the last bit of hope Mizuki had left.
The light in his eyes faded.
Only despair remained.
It's over…
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.