NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 210: Chapter 210
The implementation of the merit system was announced, sending Konoha into a frenzy.
This revolutionary system was directly tied to the interests of all shinobi in the village, holding great significance for every individual.
It wasn't surprising that the entire village erupted with excitement.
"Does this mean we can now learn high-level ninjutsu?!"
A civilian-born shinobi exclaimed in disbelief after hearing the details of the merit system. The thought of accessing advanced jutsu was overwhelming.
"Yes! As long as you earn enough merits, you can exchange them for techniques ranging from S-rank to D-rank!" someone confirmed, equally ecstatic.
"This is incredible! I've always envied those who could perform advanced jutsu. Now, I can learn these techniques and become a jōnin!"
"The merit system is a blessing for everyone!"
"It's amazing—I want to exchange for Rasengan!"
"I'm a lightning user. I'll work hard to earn merits and exchange for Chidori!"
"It's not just about learning powerful techniques; merits also come with material rewards!"
"Not to mention the recognition and fame!"
"Power, reputation, wealth—the merit system has it all. It's enough to drive anyone crazy!"
"But how do we earn merits?!"
Every shinobi, from elite jōnin to the lowest-ranked genin, was unified in a single thought: earn merits.
…
Among the Uchiha clan, the announcement sparked particular excitement.
"Heaven's Calamity and Divine Judgment—those techniques are tailor-made for the Uchiha! We must acquire them!"
Though the Uchiha were proud, believing in the invincibility of their Sharingan, even they couldn't suppress their desire for Hui's well-known techniques.
Meanwhile, the Hyūga clan had mixed reactions.
"So many powerful ninjutsu... But for the Hyūga, our focus has always been on the Byakugan and Gentle Fist techniques. We rarely learn other jutsu."
While they felt left out they didn't stupidly raise objections, they also recognized the potential in some advanced taijutsu listed in the exchangeable techniques.
These could serve as inspiration for refining their Gentle Fist style.
Realizing they couldn't resist the sweeping changes brought by the merit system, the Hyūga chose to adapt instead.
Their efforts turned toward developing stronger Gentle Fist techniques to ensure their clan's continued prominence in the evolving village.
This sentiment wasn't limited to the Hyūga. Other clans, like the Nara, Yamanaka, Akimichi, Aburame, and Inuzuka, also felt the pressure.
But understanding the inevitability of the merit system, they too began strategizing ways to maintain their competitiveness.
No one dared to oppose the system outright. The merit system wasn't just about benefits—it was also a policy proposed by Hui and endorsed by Tobirama Senju.
As Konoha's Second Hokage Tobirama was not only a masterful politician but also a figure few would challenge.
If that wasn't enough, Mochizuki Hui's stature as the Demi-God of the Shinobi World and the future God of Shinobi made opposition unthinkable.
Thus, even clans that felt threatened by the system could do nothing but adapt and evolve, seeking to develop stronger techniques to remain competitive.
…
At Konoha's mission hall, the atmosphere was electric. The usually quiet facility was packed wall-to-wall with eager shinobi.
"Are there any missions left? Give me one—anything!" someone shouted, though their voice was quickly drowned out by the noisy crowd.
"Damn it! I can't even get in!" another complained, standing outside the hall with a defeated look.
The hall was packed tighter than anyone had ever seen.
For years, missions had been a functional part of the village, with most shinobi taking only as many as they needed for basic financial stability.
Few sought extra work, given the risks involved.
But with the advent of the merit system, missions now represented power, fame, and advancement.
For the first time, every shinobi wanted as many as they could get their hands on.
"No more missions! Stop crowding!" the overworked mission distributor yelled, his voice barely carrying over the din.
He too wanted to accept some missions and earn som merit, but here were none left.
He was planning to rensign and take on some missions once another set of missions were assigned.
The crowd groaned in frustration.
"What do you mean, no missions? Even D-rank ones? Aren't those supposed to be endless?" someone protested.
"They're all gone! From S-rank to D-rank, not a single mission is left!"
This declaration was met with a wave of despair.
"Damn it! No missions left?"
"Who the hell took them all? Couldn't they leave a few for the rest of us?!"
"Are you kidding me? There's actually a day where all missions are gone?"
"My merits! My Rasengan, my Chidori, my Silver Moon. Aaargh it's all gone!"
The frustration in the room was palpable.
All they wanted was to contribute to the village—to complete missions for the betterment of Konoha—and yet, even this had become a struggle.
"Let's go. There's nothing left," one shinobi sighed in resignation, turning to leave.
But their companion refused to budge, instead pushing further into the crowd.
"There are no missions! What are you doing? Let's go!"
The persistent shinobi turned back, shooting their friend a look of exasperation. "Are you an idiot? Just because there are no missions now doesn't mean there won't be any later. If we wait here, we'll eventually get one!"
Hearing this, the other's eyes lit up with understanding.
"Let's go! Let's push in further!" they shouted, diving into the crowd with newfound determination.
The frenzy for missions had only just begun.
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