Uchiha Makoto tugged at the corners of his mouth, revealing a smile with little warmth.
Fine. Since the higher-ups wanted a show, then... maybe I should put a little more effort into the act?
The final-round matches unfolded one after another.
Uchiha Makoto was scheduled fairly late, so he simply found a corner with a good view and watched the "Konoha next-generation combat showcase" while munching on sticky rice dumplings he had bought by the roadside.
As he watched, he couldn't help clicking his tongue inwardly.
The gap was truly plain to see.
The battles in the arena could essentially be divided into two types:
One was a clash between ninja clan children. They traded blows, unleashing Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and secret techniques in an endless stream, sparks flying. They might have lacked real combat experience, but their foundations were solid and their moves refined. Watching them was like watching two miniature mechs slug it out.
The other was a civilian ninja facing a ninja clan child.
The outcome was usually... less than encouraging.
Civilian ninjas mostly relied on basic Taijutsu, the standard Three Basic Techniques, and a few common Ninjutsu. Their fighting styles leaned toward practicality and risking their lives, though they occasionally delivered impressive performances.
But once the clan children brought out some inherited specialty, such as the Hyuga's Gentle Fist sealing chakra points, the Aburame Clan's insects harassing and devouring through every opening, or the Yamanaka Clan springing a sudden Mind Body Switch Technique on them...
The civilian ninjas often found themselves overwhelmed and went down in defeat.
Unequal resources and generations of accumulated knowledge were on full display in this little arena.
"Next match: Uchiha Makoto versus Kakashi Hatake! Contestants, please enter the arena!"
The announcement interrupted Uchiha Makoto's thoughts.
He stuffed the last bite of dumpling