Chapter 130: Registration
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The next day, Konoha Plaza was officially transformed into a registration site for the tournament.
And sitting at the registration desk, acting as the sole registrar—
Was Uchiha Kagami himself.
To prevent useless participants from bloating the numbers, a basic combat test was implemented.
As long as one could perform fundamental taijutsu and ninjutsu, they could pass.
Even so—
From the moment registration began, a clear hierarchy formed in the waiting lines.
The strongest participants naturally lined up first, while the weaker ones stayed in the back.
It was unspoken, yet obvious.
Among them, one group stood out.
Not because they were first in line—
But because the crowd parted on its own to let them pass.
It wasn't just because of Nagato's Rinnegan, a legendary eye technique…
The real reason was simple.
Everyone knew—
Jiraiya, one of their members, was Uchiha Kagami's former teacher.
Kagami glanced up.
"Yahiko, Nagato, Konan, Jiraiya…"
His gaze lingered on the six bodies behind them.
"…and the Pains."
Nagato nodded.
"Yes. Our team name is Akatsuki."
Whenever speaking in public, he ensured that only Tendo Pain (Yahiko's corpse) would talk.
It was a principle he held firmly.
To the world—
Yahiko would always be the true leader of Akatsuki.
Kagami finished the registration, then lowered his voice slightly.
"The first round will take place in Death Forest. The tournament begins tomorrow."
Then, he casually added—
"Konan, whatever tricks you're planning—you should do them tonight."
…
Konan's expression remained calm.
"You really do know everything, don't you?"
"Still, for Round One, I don't think I'll need my technique."
"I trust Nagato and Jiraiya-sensei."
"Suit yourself."
"Oh, by the way…"
Kagami reached into his sleeve and tossed her a scroll.
"'Mutual Multiplication Detonating Tags'—you might find it useful."
"I suggest using Nagato's Pains as the sacrifice."
Konan froze, staring at the scroll in her hands.
She hesitated before softly saying—
"…Thank you."
Jiraiya, grinning, leaned forward.
"Hey, Kagami, you're awfully generous to her."
"Got anything for your old teacher?"
Before he could pat Kagami's shoulder—
BANG!
The ground split open, forming a deep trench.
Jiraiya's body blasted across the plaza, smashing into a stone wall at the far edge.
Kagami dusted his sleeve.
"…Who do you think you're fooling?"
"Next."
…
The other contestants watching this scene—
Were left in awkward silence.
Kagami had clearly played favorites, handing Konan a powerful jutsu.
But at the same time…
He had just bodied Jiraiya—his own teacher—without hesitation.
…
No one dared comment on the fairness of this tournament.
…
"Here's our team list."
Sarutobi Hiruzen handed over a scroll.
One name was conspicuously absent—
As if knowing he had no place here, Danzo hadn't come.
Kagami glanced at the names and raised an eyebrow.
Hiruzen sighed.
"…To be honest, Kagami, I've already seen Konohamaru."
"I have no regrets left."
"I don't think I really need to participate in this tournament…"
"I'd rather just return to the afterlife."
Kagami didn't look up.
"…Then why don't you just cancel your Edo Tensei and go back yourself?"
Orochimaru had never controlled the past Hokage.
Their souls were free to return at any time.
Hiruzen gave a wry smile.
"I just thought I'd say goodbye properly…"
"And maybe…"
"…ask you for a favor."
"…To lessen Danzo's punishment."
Kagami froze—
Then slowly closed the scroll.
"…Alright. I'll give you a bonus reward."
"If you win the tournament…"
"I'll reduce his suffering by two years."
Hiruzen's eyes widened.
"…Really?"
"If you care about him that much, then prove it."
"Show me what a true 'Shinobi Hero' can do."
Kagami turned back to the scroll.
His smirk returned.
"…Team name: 'Fire'."
"…Hiruzen, Tobirama, Orochimaru, and the Three Great Snake Sisters."
"Oh, and…"
"…Kinkaku and Ginkaku."
"…Tch. So it's just ghosts and monsters."
"…And you named your team 'Fire'?"
"…What is this, Will-o'-the-Wisp?"
Kagami chuckled.
Tobirama, huh…?
Still the same bastard.
…
Next up—
A joint team between the Stone and Cloud villages.
Ohnoki and A had ultimately chosen to ally.
They both sought to reclaim their lost territories—so they agreed:
Whoever won would restore the Tsuchikage title.
And once Ohnoki died, the new Tsuchikage would compete with A for the title.
A reluctant compromise.
But necessary.
The team name: Thunder-Earth.
Members:
A (Former Raikage)
Ohnoki (Former Tsuchikage)
Killer Bee
Kurotsuchi
Dodai
Samui (Big)
Darui (Future Raikage)
Lo (Lava Release)
Mabui (A's Secretary)
Deidara (Youngest member)
Ohnoki knew their talent pool was lacking.
But at least this would train Deidara before pulling him out.
…
Then came Rasa's team—the Sand Team.
Team name: Wind.
Members:
Rasa
Chiyo
Ebizo
Various Sand Jonin
…And then.
Two unexpected names—
Moryo and Gaara.
Kagami chuckled.
"…Rasa…"
"…You're an idiot."
"You're just as stupid as Fugaku."
Moryo stepped forward, beaming.
"Greetings, Lord Kagami."
"This is our first meeting."
He bowed deeply, his expression sincere.
Kagami studied him.
This little plaything…
He had originally intended to kill him in passing.
But Otsutsuki Isshiki had interfered.
"…You still have tonight."
Kagami said.
"Summon more reinforcements."
"Because as you are now—"
"…You're not even entertaining."
Moryo stiffened.
That pressure—
It felt like facing a natural predator.
"…Understood, Lord Kagami."
"…I apologize for my weakness."
Kagami extended his hand—
SHNK.
A black rod pierced Moryo's chest.
The surrounding ninja jumped back, expecting an explosion of gore.
Instead—
Dark, ethereal energy seeped out of Moryo's body.
Crack.
The black rod snapped in half.
"…There."
"You'll hold together for a few months now."
"Give me a good performance."
Moryo's eyes lit up with joy.
"…This…"
"…This is your Yin-Yang Release…?!"
"…So powerful…!!"
Moryo made a silent vow—
He would betray his allies.
He needed the Dragon Vein Crystal.
But even more than that—
He needed Yin-Yang Release.
Kagami waved him off.
"Next."
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