Shen Mo knew that Sasuke's desire for Jars was perhaps the greatest among all his customers so far.
First, because of obsession.
His entire clan, including his parents, had been slaughtered in a single night. And the one responsible had been his beloved older brother. Someone mentally fragile might have gone insane immediately. The reason Sasuke had endured was largely because of that hatred.
Second, because of his youth.
The younger someone was, the more emotional their judgment of things tended to be.
They were prone to getting fixated on a single issue.
Perhaps he could guide him properly?
"Sasuke." Shen Mo called softly, looking at the boy before him. "I must remind you that the items inside the Jars differ in value."
"I know." Sasuke's voice seemed to gradually calm from its earlier excitement. "Take those Gourmet Series Jars just now. Those recipes were far more valuable to a chef than some rare ingredients."
"Correct."
Shen Mo nodded slightly. It seemed Sasuke was still capable of some thought.
He continued, "But the strength you seek is far more complicated than that of a chef. There are simply too many possible methods and paths. Have you considered what direction you want to take?"
Sasuke froze.
He had only thought about becoming stronger. How could he have considered any particular direction?
"Apparently not." Shen Mo started walking, signaling for Sasuke to talk as they went. "I've sold many Jars already, but among customers pursuing strength alone, some have paid tremendous prices and even worked themselves to exhaustion, yet still failed to match those who spent far less. Do you know why?"
Sasuke thought for a moment before giving his answer. "Talent?"
The treasures inside the Jars could improve one's strength, but with treasures of equal quality, talent still mattered.
For example, that man.
No matter how deeply Sasuke hated him, he had to admit that man's talent was truly terrifying.
There had once been a time when Sasuke worshiped him immensely.
"With me, talent can also be obtained." Shen Mo shook his head gently before giving the answer. "It's luck."
When Opening Chests, of course luck was what mattered.
The only ones who could compete with lucky bastards were filthy rich players.
Sasuke was clearly somewhat confused.
In his mind, opening enough Jars should allow him to grow stronger.
"You believe those recipes help chefs more than rare ingredients do." Shen Mo continued using Teuchi as an example, then smiled mysteriously. "But within the Gourmet Series Jars, there is also a special ability known as the 'God Tongue.' It allows its owner to easily identify even the tiniest flaws in food. Someone with such a tongue could go farther and faster than ordinary chefs even by relying on that alone."
Such things were commonly known as cheats.
Naturally, a God Tongue would not be so cheap.
Yet Shen Mo had told him about it directly.
He wanted Sasuke to carry some expectation toward luck.
Before the reveal.
Everyone hoped they might be blessed by fortune, even if their African bloodline had long been confirmed. No matter how desperately they mocked themselves, at the moment of Chest Opening, they would instead hope for a day when they could sneak across to Europe.
Sasuke's rate of growth was definitely fast.
To keep him from clearing the game in a short time and then losing interest in the Jars, Shen Mo had to cultivate him and give him a few hints.
Or rather, tempt him!
"Such a miraculous ability can be obtained directly?" Sasuke found it unbelievable.
Originally, after watching Teuchi open Gourmet Series Jars, what Sasuke had truly valued were those miraculous Experience Orbs, fruits that could improve physical abilities, and powerful skill books.
"Heh." Shen Mo chuckled softly. "There are only things you cannot imagine inside my Jars."
He suddenly stopped walking.
He raised a hand and lightly tapped Sasuke between the brows.
In an instant.
Sasuke's expression went blank.
Terrifying images flashed through his mind.
He saw someone holding a seven-colored lotus, smashing open the continent with a thunderous blow as blazing flames filled the heavens. It was called—Strange Fire.
He saw someone controlling an enormous Puppet that transformed into a drill and pierced the heavens. It was called Mecha!
He also saw miraculous Devil Fruits, Sword Immortals who split heaven and earth apart with a single strike, and stands possessing layers upon layers of unimaginable abilities...
These were all real powers, strengths that did not belong to this world!
Sasuke's body began trembling uncontrollably.
His face was filled with feverish excitement and desire.
With such infinite possibilities.
What did that man, who thought himself so powerful, even amount to?
Sasuke was even beginning to impatiently imagine what stunned and shocked expression his older brother—that powerful and cruel man—would wear when faced with these unimaginable powers Sasuke would display!
That would be truly wonderful.
Merely imagining the scene in his mind gave him the pleasurable urge to laugh aloud in the middle of the night.
Having suddenly opened the door to a New World, Sasuke felt that his long-desperate, dark, suffering heart had unexpectedly begun to look forward to the future!
"Now, you should understand what kind of existence my Jars truly are." Shen Mo looked at him meaningfully and spread his arms. "Endless worlds, endless powers, endless possibilities. If your luck is good enough, you may even obtain the power to change your fate tonight."
"I can't hold myself back anymore!"
Sasuke covered his forehead. The wild grin on his face could no longer be restrained.
After all, he was still only a child of middle-school age.
At this moment, he had already begun imagining what kind of power he would gain tonight.
Unfortunately.
Shen Mo looked at him with a rather amused expression.
Poor child. He probably would never know in his entire life that what came out of the Jars had little to do with luck.
Because—
As the official, Shen Mo controlled the probabilities behind the scenes.
"Well, then." Shen Mo wore a sincere smile. "Let me wish you good luck in advance."
"I'll definitely open powerful strength!" Sasuke declared with inexplicable confidence, then quickened his pace to lead the way.
Suppressing his laughter, Shen Mo picked up Hikari from his shoulder and held her in his arms. She had begun to doze off and could barely keep her grip. As he followed beside Sasuke, he glanced slightly at the alley where they had just thrown those Anbu ninja.
There was no one inside.
Had they left?
Although his methods had been rough, aside from mental terror, he had not caused any serious harm. His purpose had already been achieved, so there was no need to waste more money.
He just did not know.
What kind of reaction the aged Third Hokage would have.
And Danzo, known as Konoha's Pot King.
Shen Mo glanced at the system in his mind. The number representing Trading Points left his expression utterly calm.
Don't stop voting with recommendation tickets. I'll do my best to ensure daily updates.
Before you continue