บท 215: CH - 210 Ninja World Tournament Rules.

After extensive deliberation spanning several days, the regulations for the First Ninja World Tournament were solidified. In accordance with Konoha's stipulation, neither side could dispatch their respective village leaders.

The Grass Village readily acquiesced to this condition. After all, with the payment securely in Kakuzu's possession, it would be imprudent to refuse. Double payment would be preposterous, wouldn't it?

Simultaneously, Konoha's three Sannin and a shinobi by the name of Might Guy have been expressly barred from participation.

Anyways, the three Sannin are often being absent from Konoha for various reasons—such as personal quests, gambling, and secretive experiments. Thus, the village found no issue with this restriction.

Nevertheless, Konoha found itself perplexed by the unexpected exclusion of Might Guy. Given the village's newfound appreciation for taijutsu practitioners following the legacy of Might Duy, this restriction appeared puzzling. Despite his youth and the shadow of his father's formidable legacy, Might Guy's exclusion raised eyebrows. Moreover, as a mere jōnin, the rationale behind this decision remained elusive.

Nonetheless, Konoha ultimately assented to the directive, particularly since they had not contemplated dispatching a specialist in pure taijutsu to represent them in the tournament. The inherent risks associated with such a strategy rendered it unviable. Thus, their concurrence was secured without further ado.

Furthermore, both parties reached a consensus to bar participation from the Uzumaki clan of the Grass Village and the Uchiha clan of Konoha.

Ultimately, after Konoha reluctantly consented to remit an additional two hundred million for 'consultation fees,' the respective village leaders affixed their signatures to the agreement.

Initially, Konoha balked at the notion of 'consultation fees.' After all, both parties had made demands, Why should they bear the burden when both sides were making demands? And what kind of consultation warranted a price tag of two hundred million?

However, in the face of the Grass Village advisor's persistent insistence of "Hurry, Someone," Konoha reluctantly relented and agreed to the exorbitant fee.

Hanzo held the contract in his hand, his expression a mixture of emotions as he sighed deeply. "I anticipated a challenging war, but this conclusion is beyond my expectations."

He couldn't help but ponder why Konoha had relented. The answer seemed clear: there was no alternative. With Iwagakure and Kumogakure withdrawing, prolonged conflict with Kusagakure would be futile. Moreover, with the other major ninja villages observing from the sidelines, could Konoha afford to engage in prolonged warfare while they themselves needed time to recuperate?

Yet, the exorbitant cost of three hundred million Ryo had been incurred even before the battle commenced. Hanzo couldn't help but question the worth of such an investment. He even mused whether the earnings from the First Hokage's sale of tailed beasts amounted to as much.

The only relief for Konoha lay in the fact that the Grass Village had taken charge of settling the registration fee, sparing Konoha from potentially more considerable losses.

With a regretful tone, Hanzo shook his head before focusing his attention on the information in his hand, his expression serious. "Neither of us can participate, and the Uzumaki clan is also barred from the competition. Despite the restrictions on the Uchiha clan and the three Konoha ninjas, it's evident that Konoha, famed for its geniuses, agreed to the terms, suggesting they have other preparations in place. So, who do you plan to send next?"

"And... about Might Guy," Hanzo continued, his curiosity piqued by Akihiko's specific mention. "Why did you take him out? From what I've gathered, he's merely a taijutsu jōnin. Though I'm aware of the Might Duy incident, he shouldn't be on that level yet."

Akihiko shrugged, his expression uncertain. "Perhaps he hasn't reached that level indeed, but in this unpredictable world, there are always those who defy common sense."

"Is he formidable?" Hanzo inquired, intrigued by Akihiko's ambivalent response.

"I cannot definitively say how powerful he is presently," Akihiko admitted, "but considering his single-minded nature, it's safer not to involve him. Better to prevent any unforeseen incidents."

Understanding the potential danger, Akihiko, as someone familiar with the original work, knows the unpredictability of that guy. Who's to say he won't react impulsively if he perceives Konoha at a disadvantage, unleashing his trademark cry of 'Youth' and unlocking the Eight Inner Gates? Even if his body can't sustain it for long, in a matter of seconds, he could deliver lethal blows. The sheer force from just the Seventh Gate alone would likely overwhelm even Hanzo.

Acknowledging the catastrophic consequences of unleashing the Seventh or Eighth Gate, which would result in mutual destruction, it's simply not worth the gamble. Therefore, after careful consideration, it's prudent to eliminate this potential variable and mitigate any unnecessary risks.

With a nod of understanding, Hanzo remained focused, his gaze fixed on the information before him. He trusted Akihiko's intuition; there would be something about this Might Guy that demanded caution.

Breaking free from his contemplation, Hanzo shook his head and addressed Akihiko, "You didn't answer my question earlier. Who do you plan to send? We must ensure victory."

"Rest assured, I have everything under control," Akihiko responded with unwavering confidence.

He understood Konoha's concerns well, particularly regarding Nagato's involvement as the front-line commander. It was likely that Konoha had gathered intelligence on Nagato's activities during this time, prompting their demand for restrictions.

In reality, Akihiko had numerous strategies up his sleeve should the situation turn unfavorable. If they were indeed on the losing side, Akihiko could easily send Nagato into the tournament without fear of repercussions. Who would dare to oppose it?

The ban on the Uzumaki clan's participation? No problem. Akihiko could simply assign Nagato a temporary surname like Kusano, and Nagato would likely comply without question. And if anyone sought confirmation from Elder Yoshinori, he would undoubtedly deny Nagato's Uzumaki lineage without hesitation.

After all, who knew better—the outsiders or those within the village? And as for the notion that red-haired individuals were Uzumaki clan members, Akihiko would simply point to Sunagakure as a counterargument.

Moreover, there was Kakuzu. As long as his secret technique remained undisclosed, Kakuzu was essentially immortal. At this stage, who could possibly defeat him?

And if worse came to worst, he, as the Grass Village leader could announce his abdication on the same day, relinquishing his role as the leader of the Grass Village. Furthermore, even Sasori, currently working in a factory in the Rain Country, could be summoned and handed a mask, instructed to participate somehow.

However, it wasn't a desperate moment yet, and the Grass Village wouldn't resort to such extreme measures. After all, they had gained recognition as a reputable major ninja village, and engaging in such shameless tactics would tarnish their newfound prestige.

As Hanzo listened to Akihiko's concise response, he couldn't help but reflect on their differences. Over their time together, he had gained insights into Akihiko's thoughts. However, unlike Akihiko, Hanzo retained a more traditional mindset. Despite being a legendary ninja, he still held onto some remnants of the old ninja code in his heart.

Letting out a sigh filled with emotion, Hanzo mused, "Once this is over, I anticipate that all the major ninja villages will enter a period of recovery. However..." His voice trailed off momentarily as a note of concern crept in. "This is merely postponing the inevitable conflict. In the future, the five major ninja villages will undoubtedly clash once more."

Akihiko waved off Hanzo's worries with a dismissive gesture. "Why concern ourselves with the future? Who knows what alliances or disputes may arise."

"That's true." Hanzo chuckled, nodding in agreement. Then, with a tinge of regret, he added, "But it seems I might not live to see it. After all, Unlike you who is still in prime, I'm getting older."

A wistful smile appeared on his face. "Well, maybe it's better that way. I don't need to witness it. In fact, it's probably better not to."

As the words were spoken, the space around them twisted, and Obito burst in, his face brimming with excitement. "Hey!"

Akihiko, taken aback by Obito's abrupt entrance, quickly admonished him, "Why the casual greeting? Show some respect and address me properly as your leader. Have you forgotten the values of the Grass Village? Your lack of manners is unacceptable. And... are you skipping class again?"

"Skipping class? I'm on approved leave," Obito retorted, his expression darkening with frustration. "I'm nearing graduation, and there isn't much happening in school right now, so taking leave is perfectly normal."

Then, recalling his reason for visiting, he added, "I heard about the Ninja Tournament you're organizing, and I want to participate. You can count on me to make a difference."

Akihiko was taken aback by Obito's request. He stared at him suspiciously, "No, you're already neglecting your studies. Participating in the tournament would only be a distraction."

"Hey, what's with the suspicious look? I've pledged allegiance to the Grass Village too. Everything I do is for the benefit of our village. Why are you giving me that look? Fine, fine." Obito couldn't bear the scrutiny and pouted, his eyes flickering with determination. "Kakashi is definitely participating this time. So, how can I not join? That idiot Kakashi needs to see my strength!"

With a slight shift in his gaze, Obito continued, "And I'm doing this for the Grass Village as well. Trust me, with my help, we'll emerge victorious. Hahaha~"

As Obito finished speaking, Akihiko nodded approvingly, rising from his seat to pat Obito's shoulder with a pleased expression. "I didn't expect you to be so determined."

Obito beamed at Akihiko's reaction, hopeful for an agreement. However, before he could speak, Akihiko let out a deep sigh. "Seems like there isn't enough homework to keep you busy if you're considering skipping class for a fight."

Obito stared back at Akihiko in disbelief. This guy is really insufferable. Why bring up homework now?