Over two hundred Level 3 cans—the most any single client of Shen Mo's had ever opened.
With this number…
Even the unluckiest of non-lucky players could rise from ordinary to Kage-level strength.
By probability, over twenty skills alone were likely.
Plus numerous buffs, seven or eight pieces of gear, and various knowledge and legacies.
As cans opened one by one, Rasa visibly neared true Great Druid status, his power rivaling, then surpassing, his ninja prowess.
Moreover…
Though a bit unlucky, Rasa wasn't so cursed as to miss every Grand Prize.
He got two Blue Rare skills:
—*Shadow Bear Transformation*
Turn into a massive shadow bear wielding hellfire, far stronger than a standard bear form.
—*Storm Descent*
Druids commune with nature's power, channeling their wrath into nature's fury, unleashing storms to crush nature's defilers.
Though unused, Rasa sensed their might.
Combined with his own strength…
"I might now surpass the previous Kazekages," Rasa murmured, staring at the empty cans, dazed as if in a dream.
"Yet you're still weak," Shen Mo said, standing, glancing at him with a smile. "Feeling too proud of your rapid growth? I can show you your shortcomings for free."
"No, no need," Rasa said, sweat beading on his forehead.
The stronger he grew, the more he felt Shen Mo's unfathomable depth.
And his companion.
Even the cat on his shoulder.
All exuded immense, surreal power.
"Here's your membership badge," Shen Mo said, joking, handing over a badge with a smile. "Contact me through it for more cans, though my assistant usually handles reception."
At "assistant," Ikaros flinched slightly.
Then, realizing, she stepped aside, bowing lightly. "I'm Assistant Ikaros. Pleased to meet you."
"Yes, I'll trouble Lady Ikaros next time," Rasa said, standing straight, bowing ninety degrees.
His Druidic nature sensed this stunningly beautiful girl lacked life's aura yet held terrifying power, capable of ravaging nature.
Who were these two, and what was their goal? He stopped wondering.
Just don't offend them.
Shen Mo smiled, pleased with Ikaros's performance.
He'd worried she'd say, "I'm an entertainment all-purpose angeloid."
If so, he might've needed a time rewind.
With business done, Shen Mo waved, vanishing with Ikaros and Hiju back to his small room.
"How's it feel, Ikaros?" Shen Mo asked, grinning.
"Feel…"
Ikaros looked thoughtful.
She recalled…
Those people, opening cans, were so happy, their smiles uncontainable.
"They seemed very happy," Ikaros said softly.
"Exactly," Shen Mo beamed, placing a hand on her shoulder, looking earnestly. "Ikaros, our work, in a way, brings joy and hope to others."
"…Can I keep going with Master?"
Ikaros gazed at him, her glass-like eyes glinting with a unique light.
She was a dangerous weapon.
People on the ground and sky feared her.
But her master found joy in her presence.
And gave her work beyond war.
Ikaros felt a new, unfamiliar anticipation.
"Of course," Shen Mo said, hands on her head, serious. "This is what we'll do. I said power protects order. Like today—people fear strength but also revere it. You understand, right?"
Today, Shen Mo displayed such power…
To show Ikaros.
When strength is absolute…
War or peace is decided by the powerful.
As a mechanical being, Ikaros had a childlike innocence—like her love for round things—but she wasn't foolish, just unguided.
Now…
Ikaros seemed lost in thought.
"No rush, you'll get it," Shen Mo said, ruffling her head, eyeing her. "The maid outfit doesn't suit you. For now, wear this at home. Change and play games with me—no work for now."
He flipped his hand, offering a yellow outfit.
Yes, a hamster onesie, like Umaru's.
With a companion, he wouldn't be bored.
Hiju, that lazy cat, was comfy to pet but didn't play games.
…
While Shen Mo lazed at home…
His commotion in Hidden Sand spread swiftly across the ninja world.
Black Zetsu, Obito in the shadows, or Kages in each village…
All studied the news gravely.
A terrifyingly powerful entity…
As Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi instantly thought of Shen Mo, certain it was him.
"He's no longer hiding?"
Hiruzen had anticipated this day, but it came too soon.
His biggest worry…
How many cans did Hidden Sand buy, and how many people?
Though Konoha had better finances…
Hiruzen's control paled compared to the Kazekage's over Hidden Sand.
At least…
He couldn't quickly mobilize the village's wealth.
Hiruzen took a deep drag, sighing. "We need to speed up coordination, get Might Guy and others to open cans…"
So…
After lazing at home for three or four days…
Ikaros received her first customer message as support.
"Shen Mo, come sell cans," Tsunade's voice rang out.