Outside Konoha.
Training Ground 6.
"The first round is over."
"Congratulations to the ten who advanced."
"You have already received generous Merit Point rewards."
"Next is the second round."
Chiba's voice was not loud, yet it reached every corner clearly.
As soon as he finished speaking.
Chiba casually waved a hand.
"Bzzzz—"
The ten arenas shook violently.
They began drawing toward the center, their wooden edges locking together.
"Crack! Crack!"
In the blink of an eye.
The ten small arenas merged into one.
They became a massive combat arena one hundred meters long and wide, delivering an overwhelming visual impact.
"The rules of the second round are king-of-the-hill mode."
"Those aiming for first place, step onto the stage."
"Accept challenges from the remaining nine in turn."
"As long as you defeat every challenger, first place is yours."
"After first place is decided, we will proceed in the same manner to determine second and third."
The moment those words were spoken.
The entire venue erupted.
Taking turns to challenge?
Wasn't that just a gauntlet battle?
Whoever stepped up first would have to endure the attrition of nine opponents at the same level.
No matter how strong they were, their Chakra would eventually run dry.
The rules seemed fair, but they actually put tactics to an extreme test.
"That's too unfair!"
"The first one up will definitely be at a disadvantage!"
Many ninja from other villages immediately voiced their agreement.
Konoha was clearly trying to use numbers to wear down the geniuses from other villages!
As everyone argued.
Chiba clapped his hands.
Several Anbu ninja walked forward carrying trays.
Ten test tubes emitting a faint pale-green glow rested on the trays.
"Everyone, there is no need to worry about exhaustion."
"This is the Special-Grade Military Ration Pill Elixir, newly developed by Konoha's