The Group Stage Begins; Shikamaru's Team vs. Kimimaro's Team

The atmosphere in the central arena had not cooled after the preliminaries ended. Instead, it grew even hotter.

The staff quickly cleared the grounds, using ninjutsu to rapidly repair the damaged floor.

Meanwhile, the names of the top sixty-four on the leaderboard floated in a holographic projection above, shining brightly.

In the contestants' waiting area, the atmosphere was subtle.

Naruto Uzumaki stared at the rankings, an unyielding fire burning in his azure eyes.

"Sasuke, did you see that? I'm only one point behind you!"

"Heh, just luck."

Sasuke Uchiha leaned against the wall without even opening his eyes.

"Once the individual matches begin, I'll show you the difference between us."

"What did you say?!"

"I'd lose to you?!"

Not far away, Mirai Uchiha was helping her younger sister straighten her collar.

"Chiemi, you handled that combined Genjutsu dispelling beautifully."

There was praise in Mirai's eyes.

"But during the third minute, there was a 0.3-second gap in your defense on the left. If the opponent had been stronger..."

"I noticed."

Chiemi spoke softly.

"It was a Chakra distribution issue. Maintaining the Sharingan and casting Genjutsu at the same time consumed more than I expected."

"Do you need me to help adjust your breathing rhythm? Mom taught me a method..."

"No need, Sis."

Chiemi smiled.

"I've already found the problem. It won't happen again next time."

The sisters exchanged smiles. Their wordless understanding made quite a few contestants around them click their tongues in amazement.

Meanwhile, in another corner of the waiting area, the mood was somewhat grave.

Hinata Hyuga sat quietly on a bench, her pale eyes fixed on the center of the arena.

Neji Hyuga stood three steps behind her with his arms folded, his expression complicated.

"Lady Hinata."

He finally spoke.

"In that battle just now... you could