By the time the members of the Flying Combat Unit hurriedly changed out of their equipment and headed to the arena, Konoha Ninja Village's first athletic games had officially begun.
Under the crowd's expectant gaze, the young ninja taking part gave it their all, eager to show the spectators what they could do. Konoha Ninja Village's events had a distinctly ninja flavor. An ordinary footrace, for instance, became an obstacle course packed with hurdles that ordinary people could never navigate. Only ninja capable of racing over rooftops and along walls could run such a course.
There were also kunai-throwing contests, combat matches, and more. Some retained their original form, while others incorporated ninja skills, adding more variables to the contests and drawing the audience deep into the excitement.
Even the Kumogakure delegation, once they recovered from the shock of seeing the Flying Combat Unit, began to focus on the games. Thanks to their traditions, the people of Kumogakure Ninja Village were particularly keen on anything that stirred the blood. They cherished that spirit, and although they had reined it in somewhat after the Kinkaku and Ginkaku incident, a passion woven into their blood would not simply disappear.
When the action drew him in, even the Third Raikage could not help cheering aloud in support of the contestants. In that moment, he forgot that they were young ninja from Konoha Ninja Village and that he was the leader of another shinobi village.
The next event was a soccer match. The Shinobi World had something similar in its traditions, but it was entertainment for nobles rather than a competitive team sport. Here, however, they played true competitive soccer, emphasizing teamwork while also allowing ninjutsu to assist them. It promised quite a spectacle.
Meanwhile, the members of the Flying Combat Unit arrived as