Mysterious eyes watched the Samsara Grotto, while in Torrent City, the night of Heaven Shinobi challenges at the Grand Martial Arts Tournament continued.
In the arena, five challengers were vying for the right to go first.
A-Juan said, "This time, I'm not giving way, no matter what! Heh heh, I'm challenging..."
"Wait...!"
The same old routine again. A-Juan snapped impatiently, "One after another! Are you people ever going to stop?!"
"Ahem." Hiruzen coughed twice. "I'm getting old, and I really can't stay up much longer. A-Juan, could you let me go first?"
The curved braid behind A-Juan's head writhed as she replied bluntly, "No. An outdated old fossil like you should stop rehashing your glory days. You can't win anyway. You're just trying to remind everyone you exist and milk their nostalgia for the Will of Fire. It's not like you'll have any part to play from now on..."
Hiruzen's expression dimmed. "You're right. In this age, when the Will of Fire has faded from people's memories and everything revolves around power, ninja without the blessing of an Ōtsutsuki bloodline have almost no opportunity to contribute. But that isn't a reason to stop growing. I don't think this is the outcome Naruto wants to see, either..."
A-Juan said, "Ugh, nice move, old man. You even dragged Dad into it. Fine, you can go first. I am Dad's daughter, after all."
Hiruzen Sarutobi won the right to challenge first. As he looked at the Heaven Ranking hanging high overhead, his target had been realistic from the very beginning!
"I challenge Minato Namikaze!"
On the moon, Minato heard those words through the live broadcast and silently rose. He opened his wardrobe, took out the white cloak that had grown creased in storage, and spread it across the table. After ironing it smooth,