Konan challenged Hinata!
Naruto thought innocently, Since Konan earned her eternal earth shinobi qualification, she's never challenged a Heaven Shinobi. Has she finally lost patience this year? Looks like the Grand Martial Arts Tournament's electric atmosphere stirred her long-dormant heart. This tournament's a huge success, believe it!
At that thought, a sense of accomplishment welled up inside him.
He encouraged her, "Hinata, Konan's calling you! Go on, let her experience the joy of battle, believe it!"
Hinata rose silently. A woman's intuition told her there was more to this than met the eye.
"I'm going, Naruto-kun."
She leaped down from the stands!
Himawari said, "Hey, is Mom going to fight Auntie Nan?"
Hitomi said, "Strictly speaking, it's not a fight. They're sparring as ninja."
Himawari asked, "Will they get hurt, then...?"
Hitomi said, "Probably. Mom's a Heaven Shinobi, and Auntie Nan isn't weak either. Since they've decided to face each other, they'll definitely have to get serious..."
Himawari clenched her little hands. "Is becoming a Heaven Shinobi really that important...?"
Hitomi said, "Dad once said the Heaven Shinobi system was established to help ninja improve their combat strength. In that sense, becoming a Heaven Shinobi is very important."
Himawari spotted a flaw. "Then why is Auntie Nan challenging Mom? She could challenge someone weaker, like Grandpa Minato!"
Hitomi rubbed his little horn. "Well, maybe Auntie Nan wants a higher rank? Think about it. Sixth place sounds a lot more impressive than ninth!"
Hinata landed in the arena, facing Konan!
Konan looked calm and serene, yet there seemed to be a deeper meaning behind her words. "Hinata, we've known each other for so long, but we've never truly fought, have we? Without this stage, we might never have such an opportunity..."
Hinata spoke pointedly. "Konan, that can't be the only