They had clearly received training.
Even so, Torikaze had no intention of going easy on them.
This year, only three people—or perhaps even fewer—would be allowed to become stars.
Torikaze would only permit the very best to become stars. If he deemed someone unworthy, then they could not become a star.
Unless they went out and forged a path for themselves. That was beyond Torikaze's control.
If any random nobody could become a star, then being a star would be worth far too little.
Before long, people would grow sick of it. Torikaze had experienced that firsthand, so he knew it well.
"Such a brutal selection system? And even so, this many people are willing to come?"
Torikaze smiled faintly. "Father, this is a road to the heavens. If someone is fortunate enough to become a star, they could rise to the top in a single step. Even if a ninja isn't very strong, as long as people like them, they can become a household-name star in the Shinobi World."
Windcloud Mountain nodded. He already understood what it meant.
For many people, this truly was a road to the heavens, and if they made it through, their path ahead would be exceptionally smooth.
Unfortunately, this road was destined to be difficult, and it did not seem to have been left for Ordinary Persons.
Windcloud Mountain had heard Torikaze mention the three groups of stars from the first round.
All of them had come from major clans. Only Akeibi from Konoha Village had been born an ordinary person; everyone else had connections.
And Akeibi's background was hardly insignificant either. Torikaze had personally saved her, and she was the daughter of a great inventor from Another World.
Upon hearing those names, Windcloud Mountain understood. He believed Torikaze understood as well.
Though they