A hush fell over the audience as they collectively looked down, contemplating the unexpected spectacle. Hanzo turned his typically expressionless face towards Akihiko, questioning, "Did you orchestrate this?"
Akihiko responded with a firm denial, shaking his head earnestly, "How could I? I'm a serious ninja; why would I resort to such gimmicks?"
The crowd fell into another thoughtful silence. Nagato, especially, felt a sense of relief, grateful that he wouldn't have to participate. After all, this event was being broadcast nationwide in both the Grass and Rain countries.
Akihiko, noticing the unspoken concerns, addressed the crowd, "What's wrong? I think it's great." He then looked down at Naruto, whose eyes were shining with excitement. "Don't you think so, Naruto? Isn't he cool?"
Naruto enthusiastically agreed, patting his little head, "Cool! So cool! And the sword even lights up, Leader uncle."
Akihiko smiled in satisfaction, "See? So cool."
Hanzo glanced back at Akihiko, at a loss for words. 'You're asking a child. Naturally, a child would find it cool.'
"Still not convinced?" Akihiko, puzzled by their reactions, raised his head to look at Obito behind him.
This guy, seated behind him, along with most of the familiar faces present. Speaking of which, Obito had been shouting Kakashi and kept saying 'for the Grass Village', even accepting homework without hesitation. And now... he had brought Rin along to watch the match. Wasn't that just an excuse for a date?
"Isn't he cool?" Akihiko inquired of Obito.
"Cool!" Obito nodded eagerly, his eyes shining just like Naruto's as he gazed down at the stage. "What's up with that sword? It lights up and looks so cool. Is it some new kind of scientific ninja tool?"
With that, silence fell over the group once more, even Rin beside Obito at a loss for words. Nagato couldn't help but sigh deeply inwardly. Sure enough... some people are as childish as Yahiko.
"In reality, despite the gimmicks, everyone enjoys this," Akihiko remarked cheerfully. "Look how vibrant it is."
As Yahiko made his entrance, the crowd erupted into shouts and cheers. Their unified attire, combined with the glow sticks in hand, added to the liveliness of the entire venue.
Meanwhile, in Konoha's corner, their small numbers and lack of prominence meant that it seemed like everyone was cheering specifically for Yahiko. The cheers and actions of the Konoha ninjas were drowned out by the overwhelming support for Yahiko.
At that moment, the lights flickered back on with a bang. Asuma observed Yahiko, who approached him slowly in an impressive set of armor, wielding a glowing giant sword. A complex expression played on Asuma's face.
While Asuma had been briefed on Grass Ninja Yahiko's information a few days before the competition, the reality surpassed his expectations. The information merely stated that Yahiko was proficient in Fire Release and a formidable Jonin—nothing as grand as what was unfolding before him.
Now, facing this extraordinary background—honing himself in war at ten, defeating all Rain Village ninjas at eleven, and establishing the Akatsuki organization for peace at twelve—Asuma couldn't help but feel dwarfed. It sounded almost terrifying, surpassing even the legendary Jiraiya-sama, who had inherited the arts of Mount Myoboku.
Reflecting on his own introduction, a simple 'Konoha Jonin—Sarutobi Asuma,' Asuma couldn't help but acknowledge the difference in momentum. However, now wasn't the time to dwell on this. Winning was the priority, no matter the circumstances.
At that moment, Mubuki's booming voice filled the venue once again.
"But his quest for strength knew no bounds. Realizing his current abilities had reached a plateau, he sought a breakthrough."
"At fifteen years old, he embarked on a journey to the Land of Grass's first giant clan—the Uzumaki Clan!"
"Upon his arrival, he was personally greeted by one of the last remaining elders of the Uzumaki Clan—Elder Yoshinori. Impressed by his prowess, Elder Yoshinori undertook the monumental task of crafting a divine sword for him!"
"Utilizing the clan's collective efforts, it took two grueling years to complete, draining Elder Yoshinori's strength to the brink. Despite his best efforts, Elder Yoshinori still suffers from the ordeal, often bedridden and beyond medical aid!"
As Mubuki's narration continued, Uzumaki Yoshinori, watching the spectacle unfold on television, couldn't help but feel a twitch in his mouth, uncertain whether to intervene. He's very much alive and kicking. But the saga wasn't over yet.
"When the sword was finally forged, the heavens themselves seemed to acknowledge its creation. A fiery blaze engulfed the skies, akin to a dragon's breath, illuminating the entire shinobi world with hope and joy! Thus, this divine creation was christened—the 'Blaze of Hope!'"
As Mubuki spoke, his voice became coarse with each breath, as if the introduction was too much for him to bear.
Slyly glancing at the ever-vigilant and serious Asuma, a faint smirk played on Mubuki's lips as he pressed on, "And then, as he grasped the Blaze of Hope, an eruption of flames pierced the sky. The divine artifact acknowledged its master, summoning a fire dragon from the heavens, enveloping him, and materializing a mystical armor! Behold, the Flame Dragon Armor!"
"With unmatched talent and wielding the most potent divine weapon, clad in the formidable Flame Dragon Armor! He stands as the first graduate of the Ninja Academy of the Grass Village, the eminent leader of the Akatsuki organization—Yahiko!"
The announcement ignited another round of cheers from the enthusiastic crowd. Yahiko stepped onto the stage, his gaze fixed on Asuma. He proudly hoisted the giant sword in his hand, declaring, "This sword, the Blaze of Hope!"
A confident pat on his armored chest followed, "This armor, the Flame Dragon Armor!"
Then, locking eyes with Asuma, he introduced himself with unwavering determination, "I am Yahiko, the Grass Ninja!"
Yet again, Asuma found himself at a loss for words in the wake of this unprecedented introduction.
"As the participants from both sides finally cross paths, the ninja from the Land of Grass presented himself with fervor, while the Konoha representative remained silent, uttering not a single word!" Mubuki's voice echoed once more, "Is he perhaps daunted by the resolute momentum of participant Yahiko?"
"Jonin from Konoha!" Asuma cast a wry glance at Yahiko, tick marks forming on his face, as he introduced himself, "I'm Asuma Sarutobi!"
He might not know much about Yahiko, but one thing was for certain — Mubuki's incessant commentary was beyond irritating.
In the midst of the introductions, as both sides presented themselves, Mubuki declared, "Let the First Ninja World Tournament commence with the first match!" The participants from both factions swiftly engaged in combat.
However, during this moment, Nara Shikaku couldn't help but sigh inwardly. His gaze on Asuma became complex, recognizing that the momentum Asuma had meticulously crafted was now deflated by the lengthy and extravagant introduction orchestrated by the Grass Village.
Meanwhile, Mubuki continued his commentary, "Grass Ninja Yahiko unleashes his divine weapon, the Blaze of Hope! Witness the power of the Blaze of Hope! Naturally, Konoha's Asuma is forced to step back in the face of such a formidable divine weapon. It's only natural given the circumstances, and we can empathize with his decision."
Observing Grass Ninja Mubuki as he provided commentary, it became apparent that his bias heavily favored the Grass Village. The commentary seemed to favor Grass Ninja Yahiko's every move, attributing great strength to him while subtly downplaying Asuma's efforts.
It was clear that the Grass Village had orchestrated their strategy meticulously from the outset. Furthermore, Grass Ninja Yahiko's formidable strength, coupled with the advantage of utilizing equipment during the match, placed Asuma at a distinct disadvantage.
So, winning for Konoha won't be as straightforward as expected. Shikaku cast a serious glance at Mubuki. If they were to succeed, getting this guy off the commentary would be the first step.
He glanced around at the enthusiastic crowd, then pondered over the card handed to him by the Grass Ninja earlier, contemplating whether to take action.
At that moment, he spotted a familiar figure not far away. A spark of realization flashed in his eyes as he mumbled to himself, "It seems... we can't let this go on like this!"
These Grass Ninjas were really messing things up.