The finest ninja gathered in the teahouse.
Ten years had passed.
Obito had a body revived through Impure World Reincarnation, so his appearance would not change in any substantial way.
Madara's appearance had not changed either, except that his hair had grown a little longer. Perhaps because he had settled down and now had a wife and daughter, a touch of tenderness had softened the imperious air between his brows.
With the Grand Martial Arts Tournament approaching, their conversation naturally turned to it.
Madara said, "That old rascal Ōnoki is competing again this time. Looks like he won't let himself be buried until he earns a lifetime rank..."
After the Shinobi World's reforms, Ōnoki had handed the position of Tsuchikage to his granddaughter, Kurotsuchi. Still ambitious despite his age, he had become a regular at the Grand Martial Arts Tournament.
He had competed in seven consecutive tournaments. Now in his eighties, his chakra and stamina fell far short of those of younger competitors, but through sheer determination, vast experience, and powerful Dust Release, he had retained his Earth Shinobi rank for four consecutive tournaments. Had back pain not interrupted his fifth defense, he might already have secured a place among the Eternal Earth Shinobi.
But a missed opportunity was a missed opportunity. He could only take the "seven tournaments" route to promotion.
This would be Ōnoki's eighth tournament. If he successfully defended his rank, he might become the oldest Eternal Earth Shinobi.
Thinking of that old veteran, whose back was already bent, Naruto could not help feeling sympathetic. "Why don't we let the old man rest? He really is getting too old. Let's help him fulfill his dream..."
Madara said, "No throwing matches. Are you looking down on a soldier I trained...? He may be old, but he's still a