When Shinji laid out the selection rules, no one was surprised. There was only one Chakra Fruit, so naturally the strongest among them should be the one to eat it.
Still, Yakumo, Ryūsetsuna, Chiyo, and the others couldn't help feeling disappointed.
Compared to their companions who had already reached Six Paths level, they had no chance of winning this selection.
Of course, they didn't blame Shinji.
A leader like Shinji, who had brought out a divine treasure like the Chakra Fruit without hiding it away and was letting everyone compete for it openly, was one in a million in the Shinobi World.
After regaining her composure, Yakumo raised her hand. "My lord, I'm withdrawing from the competition!"
Ryūsetsuna and Chiyo echoed her. "So are we!"
Haku said calmly, "And me!"
Unlike Yakumo, Ryūsetsuna, and Chiyo, Haku was much more at ease. For one thing, he was content with what he had and wasn't as hungry for power. For another, he didn't want to compete so fiercely against his companions.
"Mm."
Shinji nodded slightly.
He wasn't surprised that Yakumo and the others had withdrawn.
He had never considered them for this selection. It wasn't favoritism; it was simply a realistic assessment. So he had no qualms about gathering everyone together and making the contest for the Chakra Fruit completely open and fair.
With Yakumo and the other three out, only Karin, Hikari, Neji, Kimimaro, Sasuke, Naruto, and Otsutsuki Toneri remained.
Shinji pointed to the seven of them. "Everyone else has withdrawn, so we'll choose one of you seven!"
Sasuke frowned slightly. "How are we supposed to choose among seven?"
Toneri thought it over, then said, "My lord, I'll withdraw."
He had not been in the Akatsuki Organization for long and hadn't distinguished himself in any of the major battles. Besides, with