Chapter 245: Chapter 245 Breaking Limits
Now that Ryan had claimed first place again, there was no doubt about it: the top prize was his, as it had been every time. A feeling of triumph stirred within him, but it was quickly replaced by a spark of anticipation. What would the reward be this time?
Would it be the usual "3 out of 5" selection, where he could choose from a curated list of items? Or perhaps, for the first time, an opportunity to draw directly from the lottery, a wild card that could bring him something completely unexpected? Either way, Ryan knew one thing for certain—it would be something worth his time, a reward that would further solidify his place at the top.
Though the familiar rush of excitement was there, this time, there was something different in his thoughts. The thrill of the prize wasn't enough. After the last battle with Isshiki, I've been thinking… Ryan couldn't shake the image of Isshiki's powers. Those abilities were more than just combat tools; they were a whole new world of possibilities.
Ryan's mind sharpened. If this reward doesn't give me those abilities, I'll just have to take matters into my own hands. He had amassed a staggering number of points over time, and he'd learned not to hesitate when it came to spending them on something truly valuable. If the system didn't offer him a way to obtain Isshiki's powers now, he'd redeem them himself. The shop was always full of surprises.
The prospect of it all made his pulse quicken. No matter what the prize is, I'll make sure this next step gets me what I really want.
As Ryan's thoughts raced, a familiar voice from the chat group meeting rang clearly in his mind:
[Do you want to show the progress of your world?]
Without a moment's hesitation, Ryan nodded, a confident smirk tugging at his lips. "Let's show them what the other Hokage might face~," he said, his tone a mix of casual ease and quiet anticipation. By now, this had become routine for him, just another part of the competition—nothing that would faze him.
As soon as he voiced his agreement, the Screen at the center of the Hokages' meeting room flickered. A brilliant glow washed over the room, momentarily blinding everyone before fading to reveal a new screen, which began to shimmer with data. The room fell into silence as all eyes turned to the unfolding display.
On the screen, the final frame settled on Ryan's world. The familiar sights of his world's progress flashed for all to see, highlighting the growth and strength he'd cultivated over the last six months.
Then, the voice from the chat group returned, signaling the beginning of the countdown for the showcase:
[The progress of your world show is about to start!]
[3!]
[2!]
[1!]
With each passing second, the tension in the room mounted. The Hokages leaned forward, their collective gaze fixed on the screen, every one of them silently bracing for what was about to unfold. Their curiosity and competitiveness were palpable, the air charged with an undercurrent of excitement.
The moment the countdown ended, the room seemed to hold its breath as the screen flared to life, illuminating the space with a brilliant, almost blinding glow. The room collectively exhaled, the moment of truth finally arriving.
[Progress of last 6 months of Ryan's world: Officially Started!]
The words appeared in bold, a signal that the show had begun. Immediately, the voice of the chat group rang out, crisp and clear, cutting through the charged atmosphere:
[After returning from the Multiverse mission, you immediately handed over advanced technology from the One Punch Man world to your researchers. They exceeded all expectations, rapidly developing a variety of groundbreaking technologies in the metallurgy and transportation field.]
The Hokages shifted, eyes narrowing as they absorbed the words. The implications were massive—advanced technology from the One Punch Man world? Ryan's world was already known for its speed, but this was next-level.
[Among these was the creation of a fully functional spaceship capable of carrying people beyond the Earth's atmosphere!]
A ripple of surprise swept through the room, and a few of the Hokages exchanged glances, clearly impressed. The level of technological advancement on display was unlike anything they had seen before.
[Minato, as the first test pilot, completed the mission and became the first human to reach space.]
Ryan's world had taken the first successful leap into space. The moment was as exhilarating as it was inevitable—nothing in his world was beyond reaching for the stars, literally.
The Hokages were completely captivated by the screen, their eyes locked on the unfolding details. The room fell into a stunned silence as Ryan's world continued to reveal its extraordinary progress.
"Wait, what? No way! This level of technological advancement... it's unreal! Why doesn't my world have more researchers!" Tobirama muttered, unable to keep the surprise from his voice. He leaned forward, his usual stern expression softened with disbelief.
"Yeah, they've even built a spaceship?!" Minato added, blinking as he processed the information. "I knew Ryan's world was impressive, but this... I can't even imagine how fast they're advancing."
Kakashi, who had been leaning back with his arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "A spaceship... and Sensei's the first test pilot?" he said, half in amusement, half in awe. "I guess I'm not the only one who gets roped into dangerous missions." His tone was light, but the admiration in his eyes was clear.
Tsunade scoffed, though it was laced with a hint of respect. "Space travel? That's... something. Minato, you actually went to space?" she asked, shaking her head in disbelief. "I'm not sure whether to be impressed or just worried."
Ryan's lips curved into a smirk, leaning back in his seat as he glanced over at Minato. "Actually, it wasn't just about space. Minato's been buried in village affairs for months, so Kushina had the brilliant idea to push him into taking a break—by sending him to space." Ryan's grin widened as he continued, "She figured it would be a perfect chance for some alone time away from all the chaos. Can't blame her for that. Who wouldn't want a little peace and quiet."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow, his smirk growing wider. "I didn't think anyone would need a vacation from being Hokage, but it sounds like even the Hokage needs to recharge sometimes."
Tsunade shook her head with a smirk, her expression softened with understanding. "I can't say I blame you, Minato. After everything that's been going on, I think I'd need a little vacation myself."
The room buzzed with shock and amazement as the showcase continued. The awe-struck Hokages couldn't help but marvel at Ryan's world and its achievements.
Ryan is far too low-key! Such an extraordinary level of technological development, and yet, during their previous chats in the group, he never mentioned it! Now, everyone finally understood—Ryan's advancements were leagues ahead of what they had imagined.
After all, they had visited the One Punch Man world themselves. They had seen firsthand the unparalleled level of technological progress in that world. From spaceships to cutting-edge innovations, the bar was set impossibly high.
Yet Ryan's world had already caught up! Although the description noted that the spaceships still had some room for improvement, it was clear to everyone that the gap was minimal. Just a little more time and Ryan's world would reach an even greater pinnacle.
This realization left everyone utterly stunned.
After the detailed description in the ranking inventory, one fact became crystal clear to everyone: the technological level of Ryan's world had undoubtedly reached the highest among all the represented worlds.
That's right.
Whether it was the relatively recent Sixth Hokage Kakashi's world, the Seventh Hokage Naruto's world, or even the Second Hokage Tobirama's world, which prioritized technological advancements—their development paled in comparison to Ryan's. The gap in technological prowess was vast.
Naruto couldn't help but express his amazement. "It's too fast! "Even we don't have a space program yet, though we're working on improving air travel. But... this?"
The last time they checked, Ryan's world wasn't this advanced. Back then, its technological progress was slightly behind that of Naruto's world. But now, it had surged so far ahead that it seemed almost unbelievable.
The rapid pace of development in Ryan's world was nothing short of extraordinary, leaving everyone stunned.
As the group continued to discuss this shocking revelation, the voice of the chat group rang out once again, commanding the attention of everyone in the room. The screen flickered, and new footage began to play, pulling them back into the unfolding story of Ryan's world.
[Then, Konoha discovered the movement of the Ōtsutsuki clan who were targeting the tailed beast!]
A collective gasp rippled through the Hokages as the next words appeared, their focus sharpening. Ryan's world had always been full of surprises, but this was on another level.
[Ōtsutsuki Isshiki and Ōtsutsuki Kaguya were causing chaos in the ninja world.]
Naruto's eyes narrowed, his fingers tapping on the table. "The Ōtsutsuki clan, huh? I should've known they'd show up sooner or later. But to have both Isshiki and Kaguya causing chaos simultaneously…" He shook his head in disbelief.
[You personally defeated both of them.]
Minato whistled under his breath, his expression a mix of admiration and curiosity. "Defeating both of them… That's no small feat. Even Naruto asked for help before facing just one of Otsutsuki, let alone both."
[Even after Isshiki absorbed Kaguya's chakra, he still couldn't stand against you.]
Tobirama's sharp eyes narrowed as he leaned forward, his usual calm demeanor faltering slightly. "Absorbing Kaguya's chakra? That would make Isshiki even more dangerous." His voice grew more contemplative, the weight of the words sinking in. "There's something wrong with the chakra system here. No one should be able to absorb another's chakra and remain fully functional." His expression tightened with suspicion. "This shouldn't be possible. The consequences would be catastrophic."
Naruto, who had been listening intently, blinked in confusion. "Wait, so he absorbed Kaguya's chakra and still wasn't unstoppable?" He scratched his head, his face full of bafflement. "Back in my world, Kaguya absorbed Madara's chakra and… well, that's how she became even stronger! So, how did this work? How could Isshiki absorb Kaguya's chakra and still be defeated? That just doesn't make sense!"
[You ultimately emerged victorious and recovered the body of Isshiki!]
Tsunade eyes widened in astonishment. "Recovered the body? What are they planning to do with it?"
Ryan smiled at the recognition, though his expression remained focused. "It wasn't easy," he admitted. "But after everything we've faced, I knew I couldn't back down. The Ōtsutsuki clan's interference couldn't be allowed to continue unchecked."
The room fell into a stunned silence as the screen continued to display the overwhelming footage. Each revelation only deepened the awe and respect the Hokages had for Ryan's power.
"As expected of the number one position holder!" Minato spoke first, breaking the silence with a proud smile. His eyes, filled with admiration, never left the screen.
"No wonder you are still on top spot when we have literal two sets of reincarnation Indra and Asura among us," Kakashi murmured, still processing the visuals. His calm exterior gave way to a rare hint of amazement.
Everyone in the room nodded, their understanding of the Ōtsutsuki clan's power making the sight all the more impressive. Kaguya, Isshiki—these were beings of unimaginable strength, often seen as near-invincible forces in their world. Yet, Ryan had taken them on, not just as an afterthought, but with a calm assurance that was nothing short of terrifying.
The footage painted a clear picture: Ryan faced both Kaguya and Isshiki simultaneously, and he didn't even seem fazed. The power gap between them was so vast it was almost impossible to comprehend. Kaguya, the very person who once nearly wiped out the entire ninja world, was treated like an afterthought under Ryan's might. Isshiki, who had absorbed Kaguya's chakra, stood no better chance.
Naruto and Kakashi exchanged glances, their minds racing. They had both fought in the Fourth Ninja World War, where the Rabbit Goddess was the ultimate threat. They'd felt the suffocating pressure of facing Kaguya firsthand. Back then, they had been mere mortals, struggling to make a difference, relying on the help of the Sage of Six Paths to turn the tide. The power gap between them and Kaguya had been incomprehensible. The battle had seemed hopeless, with the odds stacked impossibly high.
But now, here in Ryan's world, the very same Ōtsutsuki that had once terrified them were defeated with ease, no dramatic effort required. Ryan had not only outclassed them but did so in a way that left no room for doubt—his power wasn't just stronger; it was on an entirely different level.
Naruto's voice was low, filled with both awe and a trace of disbelief. "I thought we knew what it meant to face the Ōtsutsuki clan, but this..." He crossed his arms, eyes still glued to the screen. "It's like he's not even in the same league as the rest of us."
"Ryan's current strength is simply unimaginable," Kakashi said, clearly impressed.
Ryan's power could only be described in one word: fierce. It was so overwhelming that others found it hard to believe.
As everyone discussed, Hashirama interjected with a reminder. He understood very well that Ryan's strength far exceeded that of others. While Ryan seemed to fight effortlessly, others were not so fortunate.
"If anyone else assumes they can deal with the Ōtsutsuki clan like Ryan does, they will undoubtedly pay a heavy price," Hashirama warned.
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