บท 216: CH - 211 Hanzo: It's just a tool.

Although Akihiko tried to use the Homework Jutsu to dissuade him, Obito remained resolute. He even made a solemn vow, pledging to tackle any amount of homework without giving up.

Both Akihiko and Hanzo fell silent, stunned by Obito's unwavering determination. His commitment to his friend's cause was admirable, a testament to his status as a former hero of Konoha.

In the end, moved by Obito's resolve, Akihiko agreed to his participation. However, he set a condition: Obito could only join if Kakashi participated as well. Otherwise, he would have to watch from the sidelines.

Despite the looming workload and the need for swift preparation as the leader, Akihiko publicly praised Obito's love for learning and spirit. With newfound excitement, Obito left, visibly trembling with anticipation.

Speaking of Obito, his six-year compulsory education in the Grass Village is nearing its conclusion.

Initially, as a transfer student, he was a bit older than his classmates. At first, he appeared carefree and uninterested in studying. However, ever since Madara entrusted him with his will, Obito has exhibited a newfound sense of stability. Alongside his usual activities, he has shown steady improvement in his studies.

Of course, when compared to the perpetually repeating student—Black Zetsu, Obito is considered quite outstanding. It's likely that even after Obito graduates, Black Zetsu will still be in the first grade.

Despite his initial grumbling, Black Zetsu has grown accustomed to his situation. Even though the academy hasn't allowed him to drop out, he remains there without pursuing his studies.

This has greatly disappointed the academy teachers, who may have begun to lose hope for him. Perhaps due to their lack of optimism, they have started to give up on him.

Meanwhile, White Zetsu's main body has moved past the sadness of Madara's departure and is now diligently working in the factory. As for Zetsu, he has been quite occupied lately. Although his activities remain a mystery, he took the initiative to clean up the hideout after Madara's departure. Which Akihiko hadn't paid too much attention to.

…

Next, with both sides in agreement, the Grass Village initiates the construction of the competition venue. The location, as per Konoha's request, is selected within the Land of Grass but close to the border of the Land of Fire. Construction commences after finding a suitable spot near the border.

To expedite the process, the Grass Village enlists tens of thousands of White Zetsu to assist. Led by senior construction expert Hato, they embark on the task. Hato likely didn't anticipate returning to construction work amidst the ongoing war.

Moreover, the competition will be broadcast nationwide, necessitating the setup of signal stations. Fortunately, the Grass Village's technology in this area is highly advanced, making the task straightforward. Additionally, the Grass Village is willing to assist other ninja villages in setting up signal stations if they desire.

…

As time elapsed, the venue was completed, marking the arrival of the day that would captivate the entire ninja world. The major ninja villages directed their attention to this event, recognizing that, no matter the outcome, this war would conclude in an unconventional manner.

At First, Various speculations circulated among them. Some anticipated a swift resolution with the Grass Village's defeat, leading to the signing of humiliating treaties and subsequent internal turmoil. Others entertained the idea of the Grass Village resisting the onslaughts of the Four Great Ninja Villages, triggering a massive war in the ninja world. However, the actual outcome caught them by surprise, providing them with a truly eye-opening experience.

As the days drew near, excitement about the Ninja World Tournament flourished. Curious civilians from nearby regions eagerly purchased tickets to witness the spectacle, resulting in a bustling and crowded venue.

Thankfully, the Grass Village had made thorough arrangements in advance. Amidst the lively atmosphere, numerous well-trained Grass and Rain Ninjas efficiently carried out their assigned tasks, ensuring order was maintained throughout the venue.

Among the bustling crowd, a group of individuals bearing Konoha's distinct headbands stood out. Though outnumbered by the Grass Village attendees, their presence was unmistakable.

However, the most prominent figures were two elderly men seated at the entrance: Kakuzu, Konoha's financial minister, and Hanzo, the Rain Village leader, were diligently handling ticket sales, with a formidable chopping knife casually placed beside them. And a warning sign nearby sternly reminded attendees that entry without a ticket was strictly prohibited and perilous. {Entry with a ticket only. No entry without a ticket.}

Speaking of which, each village was allotted fifty complimentary tickets, with additional entries requiring the purchase of tickets. Despite some initial reservations from Konoha about paying for tickets after contributing to the venue's construction, they refrained from voicing further complaints upon seeing Grass and Rain Village citizens purchasing tickets and witnessing the efficient organization by the Grass Ninja in maintaining order.

Of Course, The pricing for tickets was reasonable, commencing at a mere one hundred Ryo. However, if Konoha were aware that citizens from the Grass and Rain Villages received a fifty percent discount when purchasing tickets directly from their respective villages, it might have sparked considerable indignation.

"Hello, here are our tickets," Nara Shikaku, taking on the role of the leader, guided the Konoha ninjas toward the entrance. As they handed over their tickets, their initial relief turned into surprise when they observed Hanzo raising a large chopping knife. The sudden turn of events made their expressions shift, questioning Hanzo's intentions. Were they about to witness a breach of ninja ethics? Was Hanzo planning to confront them right at the entrance?

Just as Shikaku prepared to issue orders, alerting all Konoha ninjas, Hanzo reassured them, lifting the large chopping knife in a friendly manner, "Don't be nervous. This is just a tool for cutting tickets."

With these words, under their watchful eyes, the Rain Village leader took the chopping knife and delicately cut a corner of the ticket, creating a distinctive mark. So, it turned out to be a ticket cutter. Shikaku though couldn't help but wonder why a smaller pair of scissors wasn't used.

Observing the bewildered and slightly embarrassed Konoha ninjas behind Shikaku, he sighed internally. For some reason, a sense of unease crept over him. From the beginning, he found it challenging to comprehend the workings of the Grass and Rain Villages.

"Are you finished? If you're done, the next one," Hanzo's discontent was palpable as he glanced disapprovingly at Nara Shikaku. "Don't you realize there are people waiting behind you?"

"Uh, sorry. I got a bit distracted," Shikaku quickly apologized, regaining his focus and preparing to enter after handing over the tickets.

"You two actually came to guard the gate!" A familiar yet somewhat resigned voice interrupted from behind.

Shikaku and the Konoha ninjas turned around to see a figure carrying a black-haired little girl and leading a familiar blond boy toward them.

It was Akihiko Kusano, the leader of the Grass Village, accompanied by none other than Uzumaki Naruto, the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails.

The Konoha ninjas exchanged complex looks as they observed the golden-haired boy held by Akihiko's hand. Why did he bring the Jinchuriki here?

"What are you doing bringing a child?" Hanzo's gaze shifted from Akihiko to the little girl, Karin. "Hey, little Karin, would you like to come over to Grandpa Hanzo's side? I'll show you the big Salamander later."

"Grandpa Hanzo!" Karin chirped happily upon hearing him and eagerly moved towards him.

"I just thought it'd be fun, so I brought the child along," Akihiko explained casually, unfazed by the attention from the surrounding Konoha ninjas, as he passed Karin to Hanzo. Although he hadn't intended to bring the child along initially, he maintained a reassuring smile. "Rest assured, I've made all the necessary arrangements."

"It's too risky," Hanzo remarked as he took Karin into his arms. Unfortunately, due to his abilities, he couldn't interact with children normally, so he held her cautiously.

Glancing at the Nagato's group beside him and then at the blond-haired child beside Akihiko, Hanzo remained unsure of the reason behind bringing the child. Nevertheless, he nodded in acknowledgment. "Fine. Since you say so, I'll trust your judgment."

"Don't worry, there won't be any problems. And if there are, we can always secure this bunch of guys here instead," Akihiko reassured with a sly grin, holding Naruto securely and disregarding the glances from the Konoha ninjas. He turned to Hanzo and added, "Let's move. Naruto, say hello to Grandpa Hanzo. He's got a big fish to show you later."

After his words, despite the lingering uncomfortable stares from the surrounding ninjas, Naruto remained unfazed held by Akihiko, wearing a bright smile as he greeted, "Grandpa Hanzo!"

"Hmm," Hanzo responded with a calm nod, his attention more focused on Karin due to his inherent bias towards children from his own village.

Nonetheless, even a simple acknowledgment from Hanzo brought joy to Naruto. At least, the looks directed at him weren't filled with disgust or anger.

As for the Konoha ninja beside him, their mindset differed. It was evident that they needed to be cautious. After hearing Akihiko's audacious remarks, Nara Shikaku felt a surge of curses bubbling within, though he refrained from voicing them.

However, observing the hatred and anger brewing among his companions, Nara Shikaku heaved a profound sigh. Turning to Akihiko, who was close to Naruto, he remarked, "It's getting late. We're heading in first, Lord Akihiko."

With that said, without awaiting any further response from Akihiko, he swiftly guided his ninjas towards the entrance. Beside him, the Konoha ninjas inquired hesitantly upon seeing Naruto, "Shikaku-sama, was that... the traitor's son?"

"Silence! Follow my lead!" Shikaku growled softly, silencing him. Then, he glanced at Kakashi, who remained silent beside him, and the Grass Village leader who sported a smirk, he shook his head inwardly, dismissing the thought. Perhaps he shouldn't have accepted the leadership role in the first place.

…

On the other side, sensing that the time was drawing near, Akihiko glanced at the clock, squinted his eyes, and grinned, "It's almost time. Let's head in too!"