As soon as these words left Elvis' mouth, Mizuki Ryosuke remained calm, showing no visible reaction. However, beside him, Hōzuki Mangetsu could not hide his shock. He had just met Elvis, and now the ruler of the ninja cat kingdom was offering such a generous gift to Mizuki Ryosuke?
The terrifying strength of the cat boss was undeniable—every battle thus far had proven that much. If Mizuki Ryosuke accepted, he would gain an immediate power boost in the form of a Kage-level Summoning Beast.
The difference in Summoning Beasts across the ninja world was immense. Powerful Summoning Beasts were rare treasures coveted by almost all shinobi, as they could significantly enhance the combat abilities of their summoners.
The perfect example of this was the Three Legendary Sannin from the original story—Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade—all of whom relied heavily on the sacred creatures of the Three Great Summoning Clans.
Jiraiya, in particular, had integrated the techniques of the Mount Myōboku toads into his fighting style. The Sage Mode he attained from the toads alone made him a fearsome warrior. Without his Summoning Beast connections, his strength would have been significantly reduced—by at least 90%.
This was the power boost that high-level Summoning Beasts could provide.
Yet, acquiring one was no easy feat. Even a ninja as talented as Kakashi Hatake, the son of the White Fang of Konoha, had only managed to form a contract with a pack of ninken, which—while useful—paled in comparison to the legendary beasts of the Three Great Summoning Clans.
Summoning Beasts of the highest level were incredibly rare. But now, Elvis was handing over the Cat Boss freely to Ryosuke.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
And it didn't stop there—Elvis had outright stated that Ryosuke could request anything, and the entire ninja cat clan would do their best to grant it. If Mizuki Ryosuke simply asked for the "Mizukage Secret Scroll," wouldn't that mean the entire assessment was meaningless?
Hōzuki Mangetsu's mind raced.
If Ryosuke made that request now, the trial would effectively be skipped, and he would gain a direct path to becoming Mizukage.
Mangetsu turned to look at Mizuki Ryosuke, his expression complicated. Would he really let this opportunity slip through his fingers?
If it were Mangetsu himself, he wouldn't hesitate.
But Ryosuke remained deep in thought.
From the moment this assessment began, he had harbored a lingering suspicion—one that he had yet to fully confirm.
He did not believe that the so-called "Mizukage Secret Scroll" could be obtained this easily. If the goal was simply to obtain the scroll, why had Elvis arranged for Mangetsu to be here as well?
However, Ryosuke was equally certain that Elvis was not lying. If he asked for the Cat Boss' Summoning Contract, he would likely receive it. But if he asked for the "Mizukage Secret Scroll," it was highly doubtful Elvis would simply hand it over.
If anything, asking for the scroll outright might trigger a hidden trial or a carefully laid trap.
After much deliberation, Mizuki Ryosuke made up his mind.
Compared to an opportunity that seemed too good to be true, he trusted his own instincts.
"Your Majesty Elvis," Ryosuke spoke at last.
"I appreciate your kindness, but I do not require any rewards."
"Let's proceed with the fourth trial."
His voice was steady. He had refused Elvis' offer.
Hōzuki Mangetsu's mouth fell open in shock.
"What?!"
Even back in Kirigakure, the watching Jōnin were stunned.
That's right—the entire conversation inside Elvis' Palace was being transmitted live to the elite Jōnin of Kirigakure as part of the assessment.
Ryosuke's rejection had left even the hardened Jōnin bewildered.
Even if he didn't ask for the Mizukage Secret Scroll, why refuse a Kage-level Summoning Beast outright?
Many of the Jōnin frowned, unable to understand his reasoning.
Only Maeda Genji, seated at the head of the assembly, let out a small chuckle. A rare look of approval flashed in his eyes. His otherwise rigid expression even softened into a smile.
"Hahaha!"
Elvis, too, burst into laughter. His massive form trembled, making his thick fur ripple like a field of wheat swaying in the wind.
Mangetsu turned to look at Mizuki Ryosuke with a strange expression.
"Is he really trying to fight me fairly?"
For a moment, his emotions were unreadable.
Elvis, still grinning, finally spoke.
"Very well!"
"Since that's your answer, let's proceed."
Elvis' gaze sharpened as he fixed his eyes on the two young shinobi.
"The rules for this stage are simple."
"The very thing you are both seeking is right here—in my hands."
"As long as you can persuade me to hand it over, you pass."
"Of course—only one of you will receive it."
"Now, who wants to go first?"
Elvis' golden eyes gleamed with amusement.
Mizuki Ryosuke remained silent, standing still as if lost in thought.
Seizing the opportunity, Hōzuki Mangetsu stepped forward.
The moment Elvis confirmed the Mizukage Secret Scroll was in his possession, Mangetsu's strategy was clear.
If Elvis held the prize, then convincing him to hand it over was the key to victory.
As the young prodigy of the Hōzuki Clan, Mangetsu had been raised with one core belief—everything in this world is driven by value and exchange.
Everything had a price.
Elvis' words suggested a bargain was possible.
Taking a deep breath, Mangetsu steeled his resolve and addressed the massive cat before him.
"Elvis," he said, his voice calm and measured.
"Let's not waste time. The Mizukage Scroll is in your hands."
"So let's speak plainly—name your price."
His gaze was steady, his confidence unwavering.
"If I'm not mistaken, the scroll is of little use to the ninja cat clan."
"But to me? It is invaluable."
"You want to know who I am?" Mangetsu continued, taking a bold step forward.
"I am Hōzuki Mangetsu, direct descendant of Second Mizukage Hōzuki Gengetsu."
"I am also one of the strongest contenders for the next Mizukage."
"This scroll—the last piece of the puzzle—is all that stands between me and my rightful place as Mizukage."
His sharp, mist-blue eyes locked onto Elvis.
"So let's make a deal."
"Tell me what you want, and I will offer whatever is necessary in exchange."
Mangetsu had laid all his cards on the table.
He was convinced that a transaction was the simplest and most effective path forward.
All he had to do was convince Elvis that his offer was worth more than the scroll.
Now, it was up to Elvis to respond.
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