Chapter 172.1 : Battle (1)

"What!"

When Uchiha Ran's words reached Voban's ears, his expression froze for a moment before he sneered.

"You think challenging me is just child's play? Your humor lacks punch."

As the oldest Campione, Voban's power was only slightly inferior to The Ruler of the Martial Realm of China. He stood as the second strongest in the world, reigning as the wolf king for over three hundred years.

Initially, Luo Hao might have been a worthy opponent, but now Voban felt he had surpassed her.

Did Uchiha Ran truly intend to challenge him?

"Words hold no weight. Let's settle this with action," Uchiha Ran proposed before Voban could sneer again.

"Interesting," Voban scoffed. "As you wish, I'll grant you death!"

"How shall we proceed?"

"Challenge!" Uchiha Ran instructed Tobirama, who promptly complied.

Tobirama recognized Uchiha Ran's authority, realizing that in the face of absolute strength, obedience was their only recourse.

"What!"

Voban received a notification from the light curtain—a challenge application.

Upon acceptance, both challenger and challenged would enter the special space of the Golden List to duel. Time would seem to stand still for the outside world during their battle, which could last mere moments within the special space.

However, there existed another, fully publicized mode of operation.

What did it entail?

This mode allowed for an unlimited duel time. Once inside the special space, the battle would be broadcasted in the skies of their respective worlds for all to witness from an absolute perspective.

But this mode had a condition, one that hadn't been disclosed earlier.

The condition was that at least one individual from each side of the duel had to hold a pivotal position in their respective worlds.

Luck played a crucial role here. 

For instance, in the ninja world, only Naruto and Sasuke possessed substantial luck, followed by the Ōtsutsuki clan. Others were left with meager luck, making them no match for the likes of a Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama.

This was evident in their power differentials.

Even if one ranked among the top few in the world, who could claim to be truly fortunate?

Voban, as the oldest Campione in this parallel world of Campione, had transcended mortality by slaying gods alongside the other Campione. Despite being defeated by the fortunate Kusanagi Godou and seemingly perishing, he defied true death.

With his body dissolved and soul fading, Voban found himself in a parallel world of a different time axis. Through years of reincarnation rituals, he achieved resurrection, reverting to a youthful appearance of about twenty-five. Though he lost some powers, he gained a new lease on life and new abilities.

Surely, this was extraordinary luck.

So, after he pledged to confront Senju Tobirama, the second mode could be activated.

And he also opted for this mode.

"Hit me as if we're just playing?"

"I'll make you look weak in the Western world," Voban retorted.

"Watch as I crush you!"

Voban's gaze turned icy as he signalled to the Golden List.

He didn't question himself about facing Tobirama, so why would Uchiha Ran intervene?

Well, it's not difficult to surmise.

Although he held disdain for Tobirama's magic-like Ninjutsu, he was highly intrigued by "Darkness Technique," "Impure World Technique," "Flying Thunder God Technique," "Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags Technique," and "Summoning Beast."

One obstructs vision, another enhances strength, and the third is space Ninjutsu.

All valuable aids.

The Summoning technique isn't hard to grasp.

"Ready for open combat?" Tobirama was taken aback, glancing at Uchiha Ran.

"Agreed," Uchiha Ran nodded, albeit belatedly.

Naturally, he understood the potential consequences of this battle.

He also discerned Voban's strategy.

Tobirama, sensing the challenge, nodded in acquiescence.

In the next instant,

"Boom!"

Two worlds collided.

Ninja World, Blue Star!

Campione World, Blue Star!

The shockwave reverberated across the skies worldwide.

Though it's undeniably a spherical planet, in every region, every city, and every existence, one could witness the commotion in the sky merely by looking up.

"This marks the commencement of the battle!"

The ninjas and civilians of the Ninja World looked on with anticipation.

The Golden List had been revealed twice, and numerous individuals had inherited its legacies. The fact that the inheritor and the inherited could engage in combat within a special space wasn't a secret.

Thanks to the Golden List's existence, this was common knowledge.

It included possibilities that could materialize during battle.

However, until now, no one had ever done so.

One reason being that the so-called individuals with world luck weren't as easy to hook.

Secondly, all astute individuals understood the importance of keeping their trump cards hidden. Who would willingly showcase their full strength before outsiders?

As the two sides quietly commenced their battle in the golden space, the external world continued its course, unaffected for a brief moment. Not too shabby, huh?

Unexpectedly, within a few days, a battle with a powerhouse from another realm loomed ahead.