The treasure in the can? Shen Mo placed it long ago.
Not too pricey.
Just ten thousand Trade Points.
But it's a seed.
Whether it blooms into a true grand prize, even Shen Mo doesn't know.
It's about building new anticipation for Tsunade.
And…
It's truly about will and fate's choice.
Tsunade stared at the final can, hesitating. Her refined features couldn't hide her shock, plain to all.
Sensing something?
Shen Mo wondered, staying silent.
Tsunade clenched her fist.
She'd been fine, but as she reached for this last can, an indescribable feeling welled up, pressuring her heart.
This can?
She took a deep breath.
Tsunade hated waffling, so she thrust her hand out, faster than usual, and opened it.
Instantly…
Under the vast night, holy white light burst forth.
Yes, holy.
Everyone—Sasuke, Kakashi—bathed in it, feeling wrapped in soothing hot springs. Warm, forgiving, merciful.
As if inner pain and torment melted away.
"What… is this?" Sasuke asked, hand over his face, eyes peering through fingers, staring at the gentle glow.
His voice trembled.
Like he was fighting tears.
No one mocked him.
Sakura, nearby, was already crying.
Tsunade…
Maybe due to proximity or being the opener, her golden eyes held a fragile, girlish panic. She stood, scanning around, locking onto her target.
"What is it? This can's item?" she asked Shen Mo, urgent.
"…"
Shen Mo rose slowly, approaching the can, looking at Tsunade, smiling. "Congrats, Tsunade. I've said it before—cans change fate, right?"
"You've said it tons," Tsunade snapped, fists tight. "But I'm asking what's in this can. Explain it simple and fast, jerk!"
Teasing now? Annoying!
Shen Mo's expression froze.
He'd prepped a grand speech for flair.
Fine, no arguing.
"It's ultra-rare, tied to the opener's will…" Shen Mo saw Tsunade's raised fist, sighing. "Simply put, it offers a chance to become a Paladin. Seizing it depends on your worthiness."
Right.
It's a job-change item.
Paladin.
Common in games, mostly similar, but Shen Mo's wasn't from one game—it was semi-custom.
A Holy Emblem.
It held a seed of Holy Light. Only those passing its test could wield Holy Light's power.
"Paladin…" Tsunade echoed, asking, "What's that?"
"A group of mighty people, in strength and spirit," Shen Mo said, dark eyes fixed on her, earnest. "Guardians of hope, noble and loyal. They wield great power and healing, existing across many worlds… That Courage Cross on your neck? One of their items."
Simple enough.
Paladins.
Healers, controllers, fighters, tanks—core in most games.
Tsunade's eyes, predictably, sparkled, hooked by the description. She grinned, "That's totally me!"
"So confident," Shen Mo said, deadpan.
But he chose Holy Light and Paladin for Tsunade's fit.
At least, she could deal damage or heal, a perfect match.
Most crucially—
"This job-change item's meaning goes beyond," Shen Mo said, glancing at the thrilled Tsunade, cryptic.
"Oh? What else?" Tsunade asked, curious.
"It's—" Shen Mo swept a look at the others, dropping the bombshell, "access to the Limited Can Series!"
That's the key.
A mere ten-thousand-point Holy Light seed to become a true Paladin?
Dream on.
This isn't a game world. No leveling via monsters. Holy Light's growth, skills, special weapons…
All come from cans.
Shen Mo's plan?
No game? Craft game-like allure.
Taste Holy Light, and you'll crave more, knowing and anticipating what's next.
Plain medical cans? Too broad, too messy.
Same for Sasuke's sword cans, Naruto's strength cans.
If Sasuke pulls a specific sword intent physique, only its derived skills or higher-tier physique matter. Other intents or moves? Useless.
Sure, broad cans can yield surprises, keeping some draw.
That's the gap between general and targeted UP pools!
As cans' levels and prices climb, anticipation needs finer cultivation, not just initial wishes.
Shen Mo had it all planned.
Tsunade, clearly, hadn't grasped the Limited Series' weight.
She just asked, curious, "What's the Limited Can Series?"
"It means only Paladins can buy Paladin Series cans," Shen Mo said, noting her nonchalance, then adding lightly, making her breath catch. "Paladin Series cans have a far higher revival chance than regular medical cans—because revival's a skill high-level Paladins wield."
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