Selling Cans from Naruto to Beyond

Hiruzen Sarutobi lowered his gaze.

For now…

If Shen Mo wanted to harm Konoha, they had no hope of resistance. He suddenly felt relieved that Tsunade had found Shen Mo first. If it had been Danzo… No, he needed to warn Danzo again and make him rein in his subordinates.

Besides Hiruzen…

Facing this worldview-shattering power…

Each person reacted differently.

Might Guy plopped onto the grass, tears streaming down his face:

"My youth… can it no longer burn?! Waaah…"

"…" Shen Mo was speechless.

What a character.

He raised his hand, waving lightly. Time resumed, butterflies fluttered up again, and the world's sounds returned, replacing that eerie silence.

Everyone exhaled in unison.

But their gazes toward Shen Mo…

Carried awe, wariness, and countless questions.

They now understood why the Hokage and Tsunade acted as they did.

But—

Countless questions swirled in their minds.

Who was this man?

What was his power?

What was his connection to Tsunade and Konoha?

"No need to despair, Might Guy," Shen Mo said, approaching him, his smile brightening. "I admire your drive and effort. How about it? Want greater power?"

The demonstration was done.

Shen Mo hadn't forgotten his purpose.

"Greater power?" Might Guy looked up, stunned.

He might be a hot-blooded fool, but he wasn't stupid.

He grasped the meaning.

This mysterious man…

Could grant him greater power?

"Mr. Shen Mo," Hiruzen stepped forward, respectful yet maintaining a Hokage's dignity, perfectly balanced. "These are Konoha's finest ninja. Are they qualified to buy cans?"

"Of course," Shen Mo nodded. "Ninja are often those with a strong desire to change their fate."

"In that case," Hiruzen sighed in relief, smiling, "I'll demonstrate how to buy cans for them first."

The others were still confused.

But they vaguely guessed…

Tsunade and the Hokage hadn't called them just to meet this terrifyingly mysterious figure.

There was another purpose.

Likely tied to the Hokage's mention of cans.

"Our Chamber's cans have simple rules," Shen Mo said, smiling at Hiruzen. "Since the Hokage wants to buy first, no problem. Have you chosen a series?"

"The cans' wonders exceed our imagination," Hiruzen shook his head. "Please recommend one, sir."

He'd done his homework.

Shen Mo didn't restrict series choices.

Except for Tsunade's limited series, anyone with enough money could pick any series.

So…

Hiruzen wanted Shen Mo's recommendation, curious what this seemingly all-seeing merchant deemed suitable for him.

The others listened intently.

It was clear the Hokage valued buying these "cans" from this mysterious figure.

"Recommend?" Shen Mo's gaze seemed to size Hiruzen up, his smile turning cryptic. But he shook his head. "Not everyone's ideal series is easily determined. Some people's desires shift. You're one of them."

"Shifting desires…" Hiruzen paused.

He'd always thought his wish was simple.

A strong, thriving Konoha.

His lifelong pursuit.

"In your youth, your heart held great love for the world, with kindness and noble character," Shen Mo said, his gaze deepening like starlight, as if peering into souls.

Then his tone sharpened.

"But—with age and reality's pressures, your heart has gathered dust. Your smiles are no longer pure, tinged with hypocrisy. Your pursuit has strayed from your original wish. Do you still recall your oath to protect every villager?"

Shen Mo stressed "every."

This showed the power of mind-reading.

Young Hiruzen was gentle, valuing every comrade, every villager's life.

But later… he learned to compromise.

Silence fell. Tsunade was silent, Hiruzen was silent, the others shocked.

This man seemed to see through the Hokage's heart, delivering such a judgment.

Asuma Sarutobi clenched his fists, opening his mouth to speak, but Tsunade yanked him back.

She shook her head at him.

Hiruzen instinctively reached for his pipe, taking a deep drag, exhaling slowly.

His heart calmed slightly.

If anyone else said this, he'd brush it off. But Shen Mo… had proven his insight and fate-seeing ability multiple times.

"So…" Hiruzen's voice was hoarse. "You think my suitable can series can't be determined?"

"Not undetermined, but different choices lead to different fates," Shen Mo corrected. "You could choose a dictator's power, sacrificing the few for the many. Or a devotee's power, sacrificing only yourself. Or become a learned mentor, wise sage, prophetic seer… So many options."

Truthfully, he said all this for one reason.

Shen Mo didn't know what to give him.

He could control outcomes.

But Hiruzen was unlike others. His character and others' views of him were complex, contradictory. Any series could lead to vastly different paths.

Villain, hero, pioneer…

Shen Mo didn't know. Hiruzen certainly didn't.

He smoked heavily.

Facing the most critical choice of his fate.

"If you can't choose, we have a simple, practical method," Shen Mo said, his smile turning playful. He spread his hand. "Leave it to fate!"

As his words fell, ten Level 1 cans appeared.

"These ten cans represent ten series suited to you," Shen Mo said, gesturing to Hiruzen with a smile. "Pick a can."

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