"Basic Sage Mode, huh," Jiraiya said, ruffling Naruto's hair. "I went through hell to learn that, kid. It's tough and dangerous to master. You owe me big time."
Jiraiya knew Sage Mode's power well, but also its difficulty. Talent, conditions, and perseverance were all essential. Though envious, he was genuinely happy for Naruto.
"Got it, got it!" Naruto grinned, buzzing with excitement.
The Level 4 cans were packing serious power.
Shen Mo watched Naruto's enthusiasm, unsure if this was good or bad luck. Sage Mode was strong, but Naruto already had the potential to learn it. This can merely saved him time.
"Keep going," Shen Mo said.
Only two cans remained. The fifth was a separate pool, randomly selecting one of five revival methods.
Naruto's tension spiked. Just two cans left. If he didn't pull a revival item…
"I'll get it!" he declared, taking a deep breath and ripping open the fourth can.
Blue mist poured out, revealing two glass-like vials floating within, filled with shimmering blue liquid.
"This is… Dawn Star Mark!" Shen Mo announced, naming the item.
"Dawn Star Mark?" Naruto echoed, eyes hopeful. "Can it revive my dad?"
"No," Shen Mo said, his expression odd. "It's equipment, from a world that left quite an impression."
A world where joining an academy got you a partner—hard to forget. Yes, this came from Absolute Duo.
"Equipment?" The crowd stared at the vials, unable to see them as gear.
"It's not typical equipment," Shen Mo said, lifting the vials into his hand. "The Dawn Star Mark doesn't function as a weapon. It materializes part of your soul into a weapon called a Blaze. Its shape and power reflect your deepest desires—your wish becomes your strength."
In this pool, equipment was rare. Naruto pulling this was unexpected, especially such a unique piece.
"Turning part of your soul into a weapon?" Jiraiya muttered, exhaling. The endless worlds were truly bizarre.
"I've told you about the power of will, Naruto," Shen Mo said with a smile. "This will help you harness that. Your Blaze will be perfectly suited to you, growing as you grow. It's a power with immense potential."
In its original world, the Dawn Star Mark didn't show overwhelming strength. Like the Kämpfer Bracelet, its power lay in proportional enhancement, amplifying the user's innate strength.
"Sounds pretty good," Tsunade said, noting Naruto's disappointment. "Your gauntlets are worn out anyway, and you've still got one can left."
Her rare comforting tone reflected her soft spot for Naruto, reminiscent of her brother Nawaki.
Naruto's tension grew. One can remained.
"Mr. Shen Mo," Sasuke said, eyeing the vials in Shen Mo's hand. "Why are there two?"
"Because," Shen Mo's lips curved, "they're for two people."
"Two?" Naruto and Sasuke said in unison.
"Why else would it come from a Bond Series can?" Shen Mo said, squinting at them, his voice lowering. "To unlock the higher realms of this power, bonds are essential. For a Blaze, it takes two to unleash its true potential. In its world, this is called Absolute Duo."
His deep, resonant tone made the crowd feel the weight of that power. Developing soul-based strength to a higher realm? Even Shen Mo's endorsement made it sound formidable.
Sasuke's interest piqued.
Action followed desire. Brushing aside embarrassment, he faced Naruto. "We're comrades, right? Since this power needs two, I'm the best fit as your teammate."
"Guess that makes sense," Naruto said, feigning thought. "Though you're smug, arrogant, always scowling, and kinda annoying…"
Sasuke's mouth twitched. I'm enduring this.
"Naruto, you don't quite get Absolute Duo," Shen Mo said, his gaze teasing. After a pause, he continued, "Let me clarify. In that world, those pursuing Absolute Duo must share all moments—joy, sorrow, health, or hardship. Nothing but death can part them. That's the Duo Bond contract."
Silence fell, eerie and thick.
Naruto and Sasuke's jaws dropped, dumbfounded.
It sounded like…
"Isn't that a marriage proposal?" Tsunade clapped, realization dawning.
"Not quite," Shen Mo said, smiling and shaking his head. "But those who reach Absolute Duo share a bond deeper than most lovers, more reliable than typical romance."
Naruto shuddered, turning stiffly to Sasuke. "Uh, Sasuke, I think I need to think this over. Sakura's our teammate too, right?"
Sasuke's face turned a mix of black and red.
"Of course," Shen Mo added, "if you don't aim for Absolute Duo, it's fine. Few reach that peak. As a weapon, the Blaze is still exceptional."
Sasuke's eyes lit up. Level 4 can equipment couldn't be weak.