The Fateful Showdown Between Konoha's Light and Darkness

The Fateful Showdown Between Konoha's Light and Darkness"What?"

"Half the names on the Top 8 list are Konoha shinobi?"

"Could there be some sort of inside deal?"

"Shh, keep your voice down..."

"Who cares? You know how strong those Konoha shinobi are..."

"If you'd watched a few of their earlier matches, you'd know there's no funny business."

"Yikes! Does that mean the championship is already in Konoha's hands?"

"Not necessarily. The other four competitors are strong too. Sunagakure, in particular, has two of the Top 8. They can't be underestimated!"

"Who do you think will win it all?"

"Hiruzen Sarutobi? As Hokage, he definitely has a huge advantage..."

"Kagami Uchiha? He's a brilliant star of the Uchiha Clan, so his odds are high too..."

"Kazekage Chiyo? She seems to have a chance as well..."

"Hm? Who's Dan Fire? Where did this dark horse come from? Why are his odds so high?"

The announcement of the Ninja Way Tournament's Top 8 had further stoked the excitement surrounding the competition.

In no time, people everywhere were discussing the Top 8 competitors and speculating about who would take the title.

Of course, some wondered whether Konoha had rigged the matches.

But countless people quickly shouted down those suspicions.

At this point, Konoha was unquestionably—and deservedly—the beacon of the Ninja World!

When you were powerful enough, great scholars would naturally find arguments to defend you.

Besides...

To lure Black Zetsu, Tobirama had already shown as much restraint as possible in this year's Ninja Way Tournament.

He had sent only most of the younger generation of shinobi.

He hadn't competed himself, and neither had his sister-in-law Mito, nor the older shinobi of the Senju, Uchiha, and other major clans.

He had even barred the Moon Otsutsuki Clan, who had already moved to Konoha, from competing.