Blue B, the current Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, carried a broad-bladed sword on his back, its blade wrapped in several sealing patterns.
Blue B stood behind A, his gaze sweeping over Konoha's contestant area before finally settling on Mirai Uzumaki.
He stood silently among the group, like an iron stake driven into the ground.
Hiruzen Sarutobi approached from the other side of the contestant area and stopped beside Mirai.
He looked considerably older than usual, but his back remained straight, and his eyes were sharper than when he sat in his office. "Mirai, I'll take the first match. I'll do my best to give Konoha a good start."
"Alright." Mirai nodded. "Your opponent is that Magnet Release ninja. Are you sure you'll be alright, Lord Hokage?"
Hiruzen took a quiet breath. "Magnet Release may be rare, but it isn't without counters.
"I've lived for so many years. I've seen more ninjas than he has Ninjutsu."
After saying that, he paused. "Your side is the real challenge—the Raikage should be stronger than the last time you fought him."
"I know, but maybe you and Lord Orochimaru will both win, and I won't even need to step in!"
After saying that, Mirai did not continue the subject and turned his gaze back to the arena.
The noise from the stands gradually died down.
The referee was still Shinku Yuhi. He had already stepped to the edge of the arena, a small flag raised in his hand. Taking a deep breath, he announced, "First match: Konoha's Hokage—Hiruzen Sarutobi—versus Kumogakure's Magnet Release ninja—Toroi!"
The wind swept across the arena, carrying autumn's chill.
Shinku Yuhi's voice echoed through the arena. Enhanced by an amplification technique, every word reached every corner of the stands with perfect clarity.
Hiruzen rose from the contestant area, removed his Hokage robe, and