The Shinobi World Ranking Tournament; Maximum Intensity

Time flew by, and six years passed quietly like running water.

The cherry blossoms along Konoha Ninja Academy's Sakura Avenue bloomed and withered, then bloomed again. Now, another spring of graduation had arrived.

Unlike previous years, this year's graduation season was exceptionally lively.

The Ninja Federation's anniversary celebration was being held alongside the "Federation New Generation Ranking Tournament."

Early morning, Konoha Central Arena.

This massive venue, constructed by the Federation Engineering Department with Yamato's Wood Release assistance, could accommodate fifty thousand spectators at once.

The oval arena had a diameter of three hundred meters. Its floor was paved with specially made Chakra-conducting stone slabs, while transparent barrier walls ten meters high rose around it.

This was the "Isolation Barrier" designed with the involvement of Orochimaru Wood Industry Academy. It prevented battle aftershocks from leaking out without completely disrupting the spectators' viewing experience.

The stands were already packed.

Federation higher-ups, representatives from various nations, Clan Leaders of the major shinobi clans, ordinary villagers...

Everyone's attention was focused on the center of the arena.

"Everyone!"

Minato Namikaze's clear voice rang out through the loudspeakers.

He wore the Federation Jonin uniform today, his long golden hair gleaming beneath the sunlight as he served as the host of this tournament.

"Welcome to the Federation New Generation Ranking Tournament!

I am your host, Minato Namikaze."

Thunderous applause erupted.

Minato smiled and waited for the applause to subside before continuing.

"The Federation's founding marked the arrival of peace in the Shinobi World.

Since then, the seedlings of the new generation have grown strong!

Today, five hundred graduates from twelve regions across the Shinobi World will compete on this stage, displaying the spirit of shinobi in the new era!"

He raised a hand, and a massive three-dimensional projection unfolded in the air, displaying the complex tournament rules.