Chapter 254 Another Mission in the Multiverse

Everyone understood one undeniable truth: participation in the missions of the other worlds was always worth it.

The rewards, both immediate and long-term, far outweighed the risks. After completing the assigned tasks, there was always ample time to explore and search the world they were sent to. What they discovered during these explorations was often priceless.

Even if the treasures they unearthed couldn't be exchanged for points, they still held immense value. Such items could enhance their world's technology, bolster their strength, or serve other invaluable purposes.

The benefits were undeniable. As for the dangers involved, even those Hokages who weren't as strong felt no real fear.

After all, they had Ryan.

His strength was beyond question, an unshakable pillar of support for the entire group. Regardless of which world they entered, no one doubted Ryan's ability to handle whatever threat arose. His track record of overwhelming victories spoke for itself.

For those who felt their power was lacking, the solution was simple: let Ryan handle the heavy lifting.

But the cost of sitting out the mission altogether? That was unthinkable. Not only would they forgo the unified rewards, but they'd also lose the opportunity to earn hundreds of thousands of points. Missing out would lead to a cascade of disadvantages.

The butterfly effect of their absence would ripple into the future.

By the time the next meeting rolled around in half a year, the gap between them and those who participated would widen even further. Others would grow stronger, richer, and more prepared, while they would fall behind.

The disparity would only grow more pronounced with each passing mission, and the longer they waited, the harder it would be to catch up.

No one could afford such a loss. So, despite the risks, every Hokage resolved to press forward.

They knew the dangers, but they also understood the stakes. If taking on some risks meant reaping enormous benefits, then so be it. They were all determined to seize this opportunity, whatever it took.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the group erupted into animated discussion.

Tobirama leaned against the edge of his seat with his arms crossed, his sharp eyes scanning his fellow hokages. "It's finally here," he stated, his tone clipped yet unmistakably tinged with excitement.

Hashirama, his elder brother, practically leaped to his feet. "I can't believe it! These last six months felt like torture! I've been counting down the days since the last two months!" His grin was wide, his enthusiasm infectiously childlike.

Madara sat with his signature air of aloofness, smirked faintly. "For once, I agree with you, Hashirama," he said, his deep voice laced with unspoken eagerness. "The monotony of these last few months has been unbearable. A new world with new enemies will let me unwind."

Tsunade sipping sake with an air of practiced nonchalance, arched an eyebrow. "You three old men sound like a pack of excitable genin," she teased, though her faint smile betrayed her anticipation. "Still... I won't deny it. I've been waiting too. I'm curious to see which world we'll be thrown into this time."

Hashirama's face lit up, his imagination already running wild. "It has to be something entirely different from the last one! Maybe a world where trees can talk!"

Tobirama shot him a look, half exasperated and half amused. "Let's hope it's not as ridiculous as that. I'm more interested in what kind of strategies we'll need to adapt. A world's structure often dictates its challenges."

"Of course, the tactician speaks," Madara quipped, his smirk widening. "But I, for one, am hoping for a world that truly tests our mettle. Something worth my time."

Tsunade chuckled, setting her cup down. "You mean a world that inflates your ego further?"

The group chuckled at the subtle jab, even Madara allowing a faint chuckle to escape.

"Well, wherever it is," Hashirama declared, his fists clenched with determination, "we'll face it together. And we'll make it another story worth telling!"

The group's chatter grew louder, filled with eager speculation.

The worlds they had visited before were nothing short of extraordinary.

The first mission had taken them to the Pirate World, where they'd discovered and claimed a wealth of Devil Fruits. Each fruit had been a game-changer, enhancing their powers in unique and unpredictable ways.

The second mission was set in the Shinigami World, where they'd gained powerful Zanpakutō, weapons with abilities as diverse as the individuals who wielded them.

The third mission brought them to the One Punch Man World, a place teeming with advanced technology.

Although they hadn't been able to exchange the items from that world for points, the tech they acquired proved invaluable.

Why?

Because those advancements pushed their own world's technological development into overdrive. Using those innovations as blueprints, they rapidly elevated their capabilities, improving their collective strength in leaps and bounds.

Now, they couldn't help but wonder:

What world awaited them next?

What treasures would they unearth this time? Every mission was a treasure trove of growth and knowledge, offering rewards that were as unpredictable as they were transformative.

The prospect of exploring a new world filled them with excitement and an almost childlike sense of wonder.

After a few more moments of spirited debate, the group fell silent, almost as if on cue. No one needed Ryan's usual reminder to quiet down; they all knew the drill.

As the room settled into expectant silence, the scheduling phase for their group meeting began.

Sure enough, the familiar notification chime of the chat group echoed throughout the space.

At the same time, new words began to appear on the Screen in front of them, glowing with the promise of another adventure.

The crisp notification tone of the chat group rang out, immediately grabbing everyone's attention.

The system's announcement echoed in their minds, crisp and resonant, as if the words themselves carried an otherworldly energy.

[Ding! The mission to another world is now open!]

A moment of stunned silence fell over the group, the calm before the storm of reactions.

[World Selection in Progress!]

At long last, the moment they had been waiting for had arrived.

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the central screen. The anticipation was palpable as they held their breath, their gazes fixed with unwavering focus.

The screen came alive, flashing images of countless worlds in rapid succession. It was a mesmerizing sight, like watching a kaleidoscope of endless possibilities. Each image offered a fleeting glimpse of foreign landscapes, unfamiliar skies, and strange, tantalizing glimpses of other worlds.

The rotation of worlds was accompanied by a soft, chiming sound, reminiscent of silver bells ringing in the distance. The delicate yet persistent melody heightened the suspense with every passing second.

Finally, the images stopped. The flashing slowed until the screen froze, locking onto one specific world.

Everyone leaned forward in unison, their eyes glued to the display.

[Ding! The world selection is complete!]

The shimmering panel before them shifted, the swirling runes rearranging themselves into legible text. A bold announcement appeared in glowing letters:

[Selected World: Jujutsu Kaisen World!]

As the words echoed throughout the room, the screen shifted, displaying a vivid scene from the newly chosen world.

The image showcased humans locked in intense battles against grotesque curses and monstrous creatures.

The curses were nightmarish—twisted, distorted abominations that exuded malevolence. Their appearances were grotesque and repulsive, each one more horrifying than the last.

In stark contrast, the humans opposing them appeared ordinary at first glance. But the battles revealed their true nature—powerful individuals wielding extraordinary strength and unique abilities.

Some relied on raw physical prowess, executing awe-inspiring feats of Hand-to-Hand Combat and various techniques similar to some absurd forbidden Ninjutsu. Including a variety of curse techniques, each more dazzling and destructive than the last.

The screen played a montage of relentless battles, curses being struck down, and humans fighting with unwavering determination.

The group stared in fascination.

They didn't need to fully understand this world to know one thing—it was going to be thrilling.

Kakashi was the first to break the silence, his eye narrowing in thought. "This world looks intense," he said, leaning slightly closer to the orb. "Those cursed spirits… They're not like anything we've faced before. No chakra, no jutsu—just raw malevolence. We'll need to stay sharp."

Obito crossed his arms, his Sharingan spinning lazily. "Intense or not, it doesn't matter. If they rely on negative emotions to fight, that gives us an advantage," he remarked. "Some of us have, we can sense bloodlust and negative chakras and emotions. Few have already mastered our inner demons." His voice carried a teasing undertone, but his gaze was serious.

Minato nodded, his expression calm but thoughtful. "What kind of powers do you think we'll encounter here?" he wondered aloud. "The energy they call 'cursed energy'—it seems reactive to emotions. If it's anything like chakra, sensing it might not be easy for outsiders like us."

Sasuke, standing slightly apart, regarded the orb with a cold, calculating stare. "Those curses look disgusting," he muttered, his tone clipped. "But defeating them will be satisfying. It's like cleansing a plague from this world. If their Domain Expansions work like personal battlefields, they might even rival our Susano'o or Kamui in effectiveness."

The chatter grew louder, buzzing with speculation and anticipation.

Though they had only just glimpsed the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, one thing was certain—this mission promised to be as exhilarating as it was challenging.

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