The New Generation of the Land of Stars

The second day of the Ninja Blade Tournament.

It was the same competition venue, the same lively crowd, but the atmosphere was slightly different from yesterday. There was less of the freshness of first appearances and more of the solemn tension of true powerhouses facing off.

Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro met up with Yukimi at the agreed-upon spot.

Their Jonin Instructor had changed outfits today. She still wore a jonin flak jacket, but the inner layer had been changed to a black skintight shirt that made movement easier. Her medium-length brown hair was tied into a high ponytail, making her look much more capable and efficient.

"Morning, little ones." Yukimi waved at them, her face carrying its usual lazy smile. "How did you sleep? Yesterday's matches were pretty exciting, weren't they?"

"Those seniors are all so strong!" Kankuro said excitedly. "Especially the fight between Senior Taichi and Senior Gensui. I kept replaying it in my head all last night!"

Temari analyzed it more calmly. "Although Senior Gensui lost, he was also very impressive. He even forced Senior Taichi into a desperate situation several times."

Gaara also gave a slight nod and said, "Senior Taichi and Senior Gensui both have rich combat experience, and each has his own specialties in battle. From yesterday's fight, it isn't hard to see that their strength is evenly matched. It's just that this time, Senior Taichi was a little better."

The four of them pushed open the door to the competition venue's lounge. Morishita Shun-jin was sitting on a bench, inspecting the sheath of the Twin Blades Hiramekarei. Hearing the door open, he raised his head and revealed a bright smile. "Yukimi, you're here."

Beside him sat a female ninja with short brown hair.

She looked about nineteen. Her brown eyes were clear and bright,