A sizable crowd had already gathered at the entrance to the arena. Two separate lines stood at the entrance: one leading to the Konoha contestants' lounge, the other to the Hidden Cloud contestants' temporary camp.
The stands were packed, and even the aisles were filled with standing spectators.
The Fire Daimyo sat in the center of the VIP section, surrounded by attendants and guards. Fans, tea sets, and fruit covered the low table before him.
The Lightning Daimyo sat across from him with no less of an entourage. His attendants wore dark kimono in the style of the Land of Lightning, and even their tea sets looked rougher and sturdier.
The two glanced at each other, but neither spoke first.
The Fire Daimyo lifted his teacup, took a sip, set it down, then picked up his fan and gently waved it. His gaze swept across the arena as he broke the silence first.
"This arena looks fairly sturdy. Your village's people shouldn't get knocked out too quickly, right?"
The Lightning Daimyo did not even raise his eyelids. "Hmph. You worry too much. Our village's ninja have always been tougher than yours."
"Tougher?" The Fire Daimyo chuckled. "Then what about the result of the last match..."
"That was an accident."
"An accident? I heard your Raikage Building was even torn down..."
"That was a sneak attack! It was not a direct battle!"
The two traded barbs, their voices low, yet every word drifted clearly into the ears of those nearby.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood not far below the VIP section, pretending he had heard nothing.
Raikage A stood in the contestants' area on the other side, and his expression was none too pleasant either—
After all, "the Raikage Building was torn down" was the last thing he wanted to hear about right