An immense explosion resounded, resonating through the entire arena. Akihiko's prior efforts in setting up a sealing barrier prevented potential harm to the front-row spectators from the fiery blast. Dust billowed in the dueling arena, obscuring the view, and creating an atmosphere of suspense among the audience. Even those watching remotely on television held their breath in nervous anticipation.
Among them, Kushina's gaze remained locked, her eyes unblinking as she watched intently. She understood the stakes of this battle. If they were to lose, Naruto might be forced to return to Konoha. For a Jinchuriki who had betrayed the village, even if it was due to the mistreatment of children, returning would mean facing a life even harsher than before.
Determined to secure victory, indignation simmered in Kushina's heart. The Third Hokage had assured Minato would care for Naruto, but the promise had been broken. The mere thought of it filled her with fury.
Fuso, who stood beside her, noticed Kushina's tension and sought to comfort her. "Don't worry, with Akihiko here, victory is assured."
"It's over! It's over! The Flame Dra—ugh!" Kushina's excitement bubbled over as she spoke, almost referring to Yahiko as the Flame Dragon Shinobi. She raised her fists in celebration, abruptly standing up and exclaiming, "Yahiko won! He won!"
…
As the dust settled, two figures emerged from the haze. One lay prone on the ground while the other stood calmly, clutching the artifact, Blaze of Hope, with an expressionless gaze fixed on the fallen Asuma.
A hush fell over the arena, briefly interrupted by cries of victory from earlier, "We won! The Grass Shinobi prevails!" "The Flame Dragon Shinobi is unmatched!" "Victory for the Grass Shinobi Village!" After a momentary lull, the audience, save for the Konoha Shinobi, erupted into cheers once more, resembling a tumultuous sea.
Mubuki's voice cut through the renewed fervor, declaring, {Victory is ours! The legendary shinobi from the Grass Shinobi Village, the Flame Dragon Shinobi, emerges triumphant! Truly deserving of the artifact's recognition! Let us cheer for him!"
"The Blaze of Hope! Forged with the mastery of the Uzumaki Clan, this artifact embodies their dedication! The Flame Dragon Armor! Impervious and formidable!"
"Now you too can wield the same artifact as the Flame Dragon Shinobi. Head out of Gate C, take a left for a hundred meters, and acquire your own!"
"Purchase now and enjoy a 20% discount with your ticket!"
"Let's refocus on our protagonist. Despite his victory, the Flame Dragon Shinobi wears a gentle smile towards his opponent, embodying the noble spirit and essence of a Grass Shinobi!} After the biased host's commercial interlude, he resumed his commentary.
Yahiko held the massive sword, his strength seemingly not fully exerted yet, and cast a calm gaze down at the incapacitated Asuma. "You're the first to force me to employ so many ninjutsu... you truly are unique."
With a faint sigh, he continued, "But it's a shame... your introduction was far too brief!"
Before he could complete his thought, the young Asuma clutched his chest, gritting his teeth in pain. "Damn..."
But his words trailed off as he tilted his head and succumbed to his injuries, fainting. Unfortunately, he had hoped to unleash a torrent of curses upon the Grass Shinobi, who disregarded the principles of ninja ethics, but he couldn't muster the strength.
Observing this scene, Yahiko sighed, shaking his head in a mixture of disappointment and understanding. He gestured to the medical ninja waiting below, signaling for their assistance, before finally turning away with a relaxed look.
Mubuki, on the other hand, continued his biased and shameless commentary, "The Flame Dragon Shinobi, even in victory, maintains his dignity. Witnessing his opponent's serious injury, he endures his own pain and calls for a medical ninja, exemplifying the noble qualities of a Grass Shinobi. It's these noble traits that earn recognition for an artifact!"
"Now, you too can possess the same artifact as the Flame Dragon Shinobi! Why wait? Your own Blaze of Hope and flame dragon armor... awaits your decision!"
"Finally… Let's all give a resounding cheer for the Flame Dragon Shinobi!"
"And with that, the Grass Village claims victory in the first match of the Ninja World Tournament!"
"Stay tuned until tomorrow for the second match!"
After the impromptu advertising by the host, the arena once again erupted into cheers.
At this moment, Yahiko also strode out, still adorned in the striking Flame Dragon Armor, radiating a fiery glow that resembled a majestic flame dragon in motion. Clutching the artifact in his hand, he continued to showcase it even as he left the stage, captivating the crowd once more.
The Grass Shinobi media, eager for an interview, swiftly approached him. "Flame Dragon Shinobi! Following your victory in today's match, do you have any reflections? What are your thoughts on the Konoha Shinobi, Sarutobi Asuma?"
Yahiko raised his gaze, pausing for a moment before speaking with profound sentiment, "I am grateful to our village leader, to the Grass Shinobi Village, and to..."
…
On the other side, Akihiko wasted no time in guiding everyone to rest after the conclusion of the match. Their next priority was to remain vigilant against any potential ambush from the Konoha.
At the beginning of the match, Konoha had fortified their border defenses. While this move didn't necessarily indicate an intention to break their promise, the increased defenses could be a manifestation of Konoha's concern about the perceived lack of trustworthiness from the Grass Village. Regardless, Akihiko deemed it prudent to stay prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
However, Akihiko noticed Kakuzu who appeared in front of him and inquired, "Is something the matter?"
Kakuzu responded with his characteristic calm demeanor, "In the upcoming match, Konoha will be sending Kakashi Hatake to the field."
Upon hearing Kakuzu's revelation, Obito, positioned behind Akihiko, shared in the surprise, "Kakashi is stepping onto the field?"
This development caught him off guard. He had anticipated Kakashi and himself being saved for the grand finale.
However, Akihiko, wearing a perplexed expression, directed his inquiry towards Kakuzu, "And what of it?"
For Akihiko, the planned sequence involved Obito following Kakashi onto the field. The arrangements had already been made, and Obito's unwavering commitment to accepting heaps of homework couldn't be in vain.
Reflecting on the situation, Next match… Kakashi would be competing; it seemed that Konoha might be apprehensive about potentially losing the upcoming match.
"Nothing," Kakuzu shook his head and sighed, "It's just... they don't want me to participate in the next match."
Akihiko looked puzzled, "Weren't you not supposed to be part of it in the first place?"
Kakuzu replied with a smile, "Exactly, so I decided to give them a concession."
"And they had some requests," Kakuzu added, pulling out a document and handing it to Akihiko, "I agreed to them as well."
As the words sank in, Akihiko took the document with a perplexed expression, quickly scanned its contents, and then glanced back at Kakuzu with a blank expression, "You... agreed to this?"
Kakuzu nodded, a hint of resignation in his demeanor, "Had no choice, they made quite the offer."
…
Meanwhile, on the Konoha side, as the medical ninja attended to Asuma and transported him away, his fellow Konoha shinobi quickly followed suit. Despite their defeat in the first match, there was no blame placed on Asuma. It was evident to them that he had given his all; the opponent simply proved to be exceptionally cunning.
As Asuma regained consciousness, he clasped Kakashi's hand tightly, his voice trembling with emotion. "Kakashi!"
Kakashi, momentarily puzzled by Asuma's fervent grip, regarded him with a calm demeanor. Assuming Asuma felt responsible for the loss, Kakashi reassured him, "This defeat isn't on you. Don't dwell on it. Focus on recuperating..."
"No, that's not it!" Asuma interjected, his tone urgent. "The Grass Village lacks ninja ethics. Be cautious tomorrow. And if possible..."
He paused briefly, exhaling deeply. "Please come up with an entrance that outshines the Grass Shinobi. Show them the might of us Konoha Shinobi!"
With Asuma's impassioned plea, Kakashi fell silent, momentarily taken aback by the request. Demonstrating the pride of Konoha? Shaking off Asuma's hand, Kakashi found himself at a loss for words. Suddenly, he found himself hesitant to take the stage.