Chapter 159: The Establishment of Contribution Points

If you want a horse to run, you have to let it eat grass.

No matter the world, this principle holds true, and Uchiha Riku understood it well.

That’s why he had long contemplated the matter of ‘contribution points’ in his mind.

After all, although those who joined Terra were partly coerced or enticed by him, inducement was the more effective approach compared to coercion.

If the apostles of Terra granted Shisui and the others strength, it was akin to paying them a salary.

In Uchiha Riku’s design, ‘contribution points’ were like performance bonuses.

A fixed salary might only keep people going through the motions; true motivation required incentives.

Having introduced the concept of contribution points, Uchiha Riku turned back to them and said, “If you have any questions about the contribution points, now is the time to ask. I will answer them.”

Upon hearing this, Shisui, Kakashi, and Itachi all began to ponder silently.

The sudden mention of ‘contribution points’ was likely tied to the principle of equivalent exchange in Terra that Riku had once mentioned.

But the question was: what exactly could these points do?

All three wanted to ask but hesitated to speak immediately.

Seeing the sudden chill in the atmosphere, Uchiha Riku understood the cause.

Fortunately, he now had a double to break the impasse.

Controlling Uchiha Jun, he disrupted the silence and asked aloud, “What can you exchange contribution points for?”

Hearing Herde ask the question they all cared about most, Shisui and the others silently admired her courage.

From their perspectives as newcomers, asking such a pragmatic question outright might seem too forward.

After all, Terra had already granted them apostolic power in advance.

Being at zero contribution, it felt awkward to inquire further.

But with an experienced Terra member leading the way, it was different.

A faint smile crossed Uchiha Riku’s lips as he replied to Uchiha Jun, “The things you can exchange depend on the number of contribution points—you must consider whether the values are equivalent.”

Pausing briefly, he continued, “I can’t specify exact items, but I can mention some things you might find useful.”

“With contribution points, you can request Terra’s intervention when you face difficulties.”

“Or you can exchange them for knowledge you need.”

“For example, Karoso, who couldn’t attend this meeting, used contribution points to resolve the blindness caused by the Mangekyō Sharingan…”

At this, Kakashi was momentarily impressed but somewhat puzzled, while Shisui and Itachi’s breaths quickened unconsciously.

When Shisui had undertaken missions with Riku, he learned the consequences of overusing the Mangekyō Sharingan and had wished he could take that burden instead.

Itachi knew even more—recently discovering that the Mangekyō Sharingan was not the ultimate limit for their clan.

So, both were intrigued by such an exchange item.

Especially Shisui—after learning about the Mangekyō curse years ago, he rarely used it to avoid blindness.

Though the triple tomoe Sharingan was sufficient for daily needs, having power but not being able to wield it freely was frustrating.

“Blindness from the Mangekyō?” Kakashi finally registered this, noticing Shisui’s Bakaru and Itachi’s Shirok’s unusual reactions.

“Terra has two Mangekyō users. The one referred to is probably Uchiha Riku,” he mused.

“The other, if I’m not mistaken, should be Bakaru, who wrote ‘The Terra Chronicles.’”

“Bakaru’s reaction makes sense.”

“But why did Shirok also show a moment of unease?”

“Could he also possess the Mangekyō?”

“Three pairs of Mangekyō—could that be possible…”

Kakashi scrutinized them but remained uncertain.

Shisui and Itachi naturally sensed Kakashi’s sudden gaze.

Shisui showed no sign of reaction; his intelligence was already fairly exposed, so suspicion was normal.

Itachi, having gained experience this time, imitated Uchiha Jun’s ‘absent-minded’ expression, adopting a cold, aloof demeanor.

Now he understood why Herde always maintained that facade.

By acting indifferent, it became difficult for others to read any clues from her behavior.

“So this is the wisdom of the elders in the organization. Looks like I need to learn more from her.”

Though he had put Herde on a blacklist, Itachi was not so stubborn as to refuse useful lessons.

Meanwhile, as the three contemplated his example, Uchiha Riku continued:

“Of course, what I mentioned are just some simple aspects. Contribution points can be exchanged for many things.”

“For instance, if you want to know certain intelligence or learn new ninjutsu, as long as I have it, you can exchange for it.”

“However, the points required for intelligence vary depending on the specific information.”

At this, Kakashi’s expression showed keen interest, his body trembling slightly.

He had joined Terra precisely for its intelligence.

Especially the information about Obito that Riku had mentioned before.

That matter had weighed heavily on Kakashi’s mind.

Taking a deep breath, he asked, “Commander, how much intelligence does the organization have about the place I am in?”

To avoid revealing his identity, Kakashi spoke ambiguously.

Yet he knew Riku was fully aware of his situation.

Thus, the commander would understand his meaning.

After Kakashi’s question, Shisui and Itachi also showed interest.

They wanted to see if they could glean anything from Riku’s answer.

Almost in unison, their eyes glanced at Uchiha Jun to observe her reaction.

To their disappointment, Uchiha Jun remained motionless, as if asleep.

“Seems Herde really is cold and indifferent, or perhaps she’s just not interested in these matters,” Shisui thought.

Unable to find an answer there, he focused his gaze on the commander.

“Quite cold indeed,” Itachi snorted internally, then also returned his attention to Riku.

With calm confidence, Uchiha Riku said directly, “The place where you are, and even what happens to you personally, Terra knows everything.”

“As for what you want to ask, it involves deep secrets of your world, so the contribution points required are extremely high—far beyond what you can offer now.”

Kakashi was not disappointed by this; instead, his spirit was stirred.

As long as there was a way to uncover the truth, contribution points would not be a problem.

With that thought, Kakashi eagerly asked, “Commander, are there any missions available recently?”