At the height of Hiruzen Sarutobi's anguish, a system notification sounded in Yongye's mind.
[Ding—target Hiruzen Sarutobi has suffered an ultimate breakdown.] [He can't clear his name, and even his own disciple doesn't believe him! The mighty strongest Hokage must bear the infamy of wiping out a clan, become a rogue ninja, and turn into the laughingstock of the Shinobi World! Emotional devastation has far exceeded the threshold.] [Congratulations, host. You have received one Super Mystery Box. Open it now?]
Yongye kept walking, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
"Open it."
[Ding—the Super Mystery Box has been opened.] [Congratulations, host. You have received: one-seventh of a Dragon Essence from the world of Storm Riders!]
Yongye's eyes lit up.
Dragon Essence!
That was a genuine divine treasure from the world of Storm Riders!
An ultimate breakdown really did pay off!
Yongye ignored everything else and shot forward. After a few leaps, he vanished into the night. His shoes pattered briskly across the roof tiles.
Back home, Yongye went straight to his room and slid the paper door shut behind him.
He sat cross-legged on the tatami, rested his hands on his knees, and took a deep breath.
Then he reached into the System Space and touched the Dragon Essence.
Heat surged against his palm, as though he were gripping a piece of iron fresh from the forge. It was so hot the skin of his palm trembled.
He took out the Dragon Essence.
It was the size of a thumbtip and crimson throughout, like hardened lava or a glowing coal. Dark-gold patterns flowed across its surface, each one slowly writhing as though it were breathing.
The temperature in the room rose several degrees in an instant.
Yongye stared down at the Dragon Essence, crimson light reflected