Evenly Matched (Part Two)

Seeing Gekko Hayate pass the ball to him, the Third Hokage couldn't help but mutter inwardly.

As the host, and in front of everyone, he didn't dare show too obvious a bias toward his own side.

After thinking quickly, he puffed on his pipe and asked Mei Terumi in the spectators' seats, "Mizukage, what do you think about this?"

Mei Terumi said indifferently, "It's only a weapon. What's the big deal? Just give it to him!"

Letting one of their own use a weapon while forcing the opponent to fight bare-handed was indeed somewhat bullying.

Besides, this was only a tournament match, not a battle to the death. A little fairness would make things look better for everyone.

The Third Hokage immediately said to Gekko Hayate below, "As long as it doesn't directly interfere with the battle, it can be considered part of normal competition!"

"Yes!"

Gekko Hayate acknowledged him, then said to Rock Lee, "It's fine now. Pick it up and use it!"

Hearing that, Rock Lee finally let out a sigh of relief and picked up the Nunchucks his teacher had thrown down.

Outside the arena, Might Guy also breathed a sigh of relief.

If Lee had been disqualified for a foul just like that, it would have been too late for regrets.

On the other side, seeing his opponent pick up his weapon, Yuri charged straight over with her Dual Blades in hand.

She shouted with high spirits, "Let me see what you Konoha ninjas are capable of!"

"Don't turn out to be as useless as that last one, though!"

Hearing Yuri belittle her previous opponent, Lee became displeased.

He clearly remembered that Ringo Yuri's previous opponent had been Sakura Haruno of Kakashi's team.

Though he had only met her a few times, he had a favorable