Battle Royale

Danzo frowned and spoke in a low voice.

"If you're worried about pressure from the Daimyo and Mito Uzumaki, I can send Root. I guarantee they'll leave no trace."

"Danzo! Have you lost your mind?"

Hiruzen could no longer contain himself. How could Danzo say something like that out loud?

"Danzo, stop! You've gone too far!"

"Danzo, how could you even suggest that?"

Koharu and En were both stunned. They glared at Danzo, furious and alarmed.

He really would say anything. If Teacher Tobirama were still alive, he would tear the four of them apart.

"Enough. This matter is settled. We'll do as I said!" Hiruzen ended the discussion. "And you, Danzo! Go back to the Shimura Clan Grounds and keep reflecting on your actions. I don't want to see you right now!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi stormed out of the Hokage's Office and slammed the door, leaving the other three staring at one another.

Wait, how did you end up doing Danzo's job?

After finishing his match, Eiji did not return to the Rest Room. He had gone first, so more than fifty matches would pass before he needed to fight again. He headed for the Spectator Seats to find Kushina and Minato.

The moment Eiji entered the Spectator Area, Kushina, who had been waiting for him, threw herself into his arms.

"Eiji, you were amazing! You beat your opponent in no time!"

Kushina was as enthusiastic as ever. She pulled Eiji back to her seat, where Minato waved to him.

"That was a great fight. You even beat an Uchiha. No one's going to underestimate you now."

Minato smiled as he spoke, but privately resolved not to let Eiji leave him too far behind.

"My opponent didn't seem that strong. You could've beaten him in an instant too, Minato. I was hoping to fight someone stronger."

Eiji frowned, a little disappointed.

An opponent like that won't do. I barely gained any Fusion Rate. At this rate, I'll only get six or seven fights. Chances to fight like this will be hard to come by again before the

Shinobi World War. If only there were some way to get more opponents.

"No way. You're too strong, Eiji. How could any of them stand a chance against you?"

Kushina did not think Eiji was exaggerating at all. As far as she was concerned, he would definitely be strong enough to become Hokage one day.

But my dream is to be Hokage too. What am I supposed to do?

She glanced at Eiji beside her, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly.

Grandma Mito had told her that although Hashirama Senju, the God of Shinobi, had been unmatched in the Shinobi World, he had been hopeless at administrative work. He had often needed help from his brother Tobirama Senju and from her.

Eiji doesn't have a brother. When he becomes Hokage, I can help him with the administrative work!

Oh no. I don't know much about that stuff either!

Eiji did not notice Kushina lost in her daydreams. He was still considering whether to use his days off to teleport outside the village with Azure and hunt Rogue Ninja near the Exchange.

The trouble was hiding it from Kushina and Tsunade. If Tsunade found out, she would give him a pounding.

If that doesn't work, I could just earn Experience Points by sparring with Tsunade. I got quite a lot from our last fight.

Experience gained from fighting the same person would keep dropping, though. That would put Tsunade through a lot, and he had no idea whether she would agree.

"Ryuuzaki Eiji, Lord Hokage would like to see you."

The unfamiliar voice pulled Eiji from his thoughts. He looked up to see someone in standard Anbu attire, wearing a cat-faced mask.

"You're trying to trick us again, you bad guys!"

The sight of that outfit seemed to bring back the last incident. Kushina jumped off her chair and stepped in front of Eiji.

"Uh... what?"

The Anbu Ninja scratched his head, looking baffled. Eiji studied him, confirmed that he really was with the Anbu, then pulled Kushina back.

"It's okay. I think he's genuine this time."

But why would the Hokage summon me now?

The most likely reason Eiji could think of was that he wanted to ask about his Ninjutsu.

Unfortunately, Eiji could not hand it over even if he wanted to. It was not Ninjutsu at all, and activating it required the Six Eyes.

Eiji followed the Anbu Ninja to the lowest level of the central VIP Area. As soon as he entered, he saw the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi standing alone with his back to the door.

Hearing them enter, Hiruzen turned around. Once he confirmed it was Eiji, he waved the Anbu Ninja away.

Eiji noticed the strange look Hiruzen gave him. Then Hiruzen rubbed his brow and spoke.

"Eiji, you're a clever boy. Sometimes personal glory means nothing compared with the village's interests..."

Is he going to ask me to hand over "Azure," that "Ninjutsu"?

"The Daimyo enjoyed your match so much that he found the matches afterward boring. He's asked us to switch to an Arena Match. You would defend the arena while the other contestants take turns challenging you."

Eiji's eyes widened.

"I know it's unfair. But the Daimyo said that if we do this, he'll add another hundred million ryo to Konoha's funding this year."

Wow. If Kakuzu heard that, he'd race to Konoha overnight to enter the arena.

Still, thanks to the Daimyo, I'll have plenty of chances to earn Experience Points. This works out nicely.

Eiji nodded. "I understand. I'll do everything I can for Konoha."

Pleased with his answer, the Third Hokage nodded and told Eiji to prepare for the difficult fights ahead.

Hiruzen Sarutobi watched Eiji leave with a gratified smile.

What a good boy. I can see the Will of Fire burning in him. A Ninja willing to sacrifice himself for Konoha's benefit—that's an outstanding Ninja!

Eiji walked back into the Rest Room and felt eyes turn toward him from every direction.

The matches had been halted without explanation, leaving everyone restless. When Eiji came in, they looked at him with even greater caution.

None of them dared underestimate the younger student now. They regarded him as a formidable opponent on par with Uchiha Yo.

Uchiha Yo and Uchiha Yamashiro also looked grave. Both were trying to work out how they would deal with Eiji's move if they faced him.

Just as the tension in the arena grew almost suffocating, the Jonin refereeing the competition stepped into the center and called out.

"The rules have changed. This will now be an Arena Match! Second Year student Ryuuzaki Eiji will defend the arena. The remaining contestants will draw lots and challenge him in order. The first to defeat Ryuuzaki Eiji will take his place! Whoever is standing at the end wins the competition!"

The arena erupted into chaos.

"What the hell? What happens to my bet? You can't just change the rules like that!"

"Give us our money back! This is rigged!"

Kushina cried out that it was unfair. They were clearly making sure Eiji could not win!

There were still around a hundred contestants left. How could he possibly last until the end? He would run out of stamina!