On the high platform, the Five Kage sat in a row. As the host, Minato Namikaze sat in the center, flanked by Onoki and Ay, with Rasa and Mei Terumi on either side.
"Konoha has developed so rapidly these past few years."
Onoki took a sip of tea, his gaze only briefly flicking towards the ongoing battles in the arena. His attention was more focused on Konoha's technological equipment.
To be honest, Onoki felt like an old man wandering into a big city, feeling left behind by the march of progress.
"Technology is the primary productive force."
Minato Namikaze, without a blush, repeated words Lin Yu had once told him, presenting a facade of profound insight and foresight.
Upon hearing this, the other four Kage fell silent, then offered non-committal responses. Technology was important, but this was a ninja world where missions and strength were the paramount principles.
However, Konoha's advanced technology was indeed worth learning from. They should have a good talk with the Fourth Hokage after the Chunin Exam.
Soon, the two combatants in the arena concluded their match.
*Boom!*
Both women lunged at each other with kunai for a final strike, then fell to the ground simultaneously, resulting in a draw.
"First match, a draw."
Kakashi quickly rendered his judgment and then notified the medical staff to carry Sakura and Ino away.
"Next match, Naruto Uzumaki versus Neji Hyuga!"
In the waiting room, Naruto, upon hearing his name, shouted excitedly, "It's finally my turn to fight! Neji, I won't hold back!"
"Hmph! Don't be the one I take down then!"
Neji didn't underestimate Naruto, but he had immense confidence in his own strength. Moreover, during the past three months, while other teams were recovering, he had been training with his father, maintaining peak condition.
The mistake made in the second exam must not be repeated!
As the two entered the arena, the spectators erupted in cheers.
"You blond kid, do your best! I bet one hundred ryo that you'll lose!"
"You're obviously an outsider. That's the Hokage-sama's child! You're betting on him to lose? That's like giving money away!"
The outsider ninja was surprised. "So what if he's the Hokage's son? If his strength isn't enough, he'll still lose."
The Konoha native glanced back, leaned closer, and whispered a few words: "There's an inside scoop!"
Just as the outsider ninja was about to loudly protest, his mouth was covered. The Konoha ninja explained, "Don't rush, let me finish. You've been to the outer casinos, right? Do you know who's running the game?"
The outsider ninja clenched the small ticket in his hand, his face darkening with anger. "How would I know who's running the game? I don't care, I want a refund! You Konoha people are rigged!"
The Konoha ninja looked at him with the disdainful gaze one reserves for country bumpkins. "The one running the game is a big spender in the ninja world. You bet on the lowest odds."
"Then what should I have bet on? Bet on Naruto Uzumaki?"
"Of course, bet on a draw. The odds are ten to one!"
In the arena, the match between Naruto and Neji had already begun. As usual, Naruto's signature Jutsu, Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, was deployed first. Neji assumed his Gentle Fist stance, his gaze constantly searching for Naruto's true body.
The battle between the two would not be decided in a short time.
...
Outside the arena, Tsunade's eyes were practically dollar signs as she looked at the piles of cash.
"Lady Tsunade, you can't pocket all this money, or the village will be in big trouble."
Tsunade reached out and ruffled Rin's hair, saying generously, "Would I, Tsunade, do such a thing? If I want money, I'll win it back honorably!"
Rin chuckled inwardly. Has Lady Tsunade ever won money?
"Lady Tsunade, if the match ends in a draw, we'll lose a substantial amount of money."
Tsunade waved her hand dismissively. "How much money do I, Tsunade, owe? Don't worry about it. At worst, we'll just run away!"
Rin: ...
After giving Rin a few instructions, Tsunade walked towards the arena, her generous smile replaced by worry.
"The ninja world is facing a crisis. I wonder if this gamble of mine will pay off."
If she lost this bet, she, Tsunade, would truly have to wander the ninja world.
...
Another dimension.
In a space filled with lava, Momoshiki Otsutsuki sat on a rock, his chin propped in his hand, looking somewhat irritated.
"Kinshiki, have you found any useful information?"
A scroll in Kinshiki's hand slowly dissolved. Kinshiki Otsutsuki shook his head respectfully. "Lord Momoshiki, the time is too ancient, and all the scrolls containing information are undecipherable."
"Tch! A waste of my time."
Momoshiki flew into the air, impatiently saying, "I can't wait any longer. I'll go harvest chakra from that so-called ninja world now."
At that moment, a spatial portal appeared, and Isshiki, resembling a monk, materialized before Momoshiki.
"Hmm? That aura you have..."
Isshiki stated plainly, "It's been so long, you don't recognize me?"
Momoshiki sniffed the air slightly, then revealed a look of mockery. "Who did I think it was? Are you trying to become fertilizer for the God Tree's fruit in that state?"
His deepest pain struck, black markings instantly spread across Isshiki's face, and the killing intent in his eyes was no longer concealed.
"What, you want to fight?"
Momoshiki chuckled lightly but said nothing. However, Kinshiki, standing beside him, immediately shielded Momoshiki. His tall and sturdy physique loomed over Isshiki.
His hand had already reached for the red axe on his back. If Isshiki dared to make a move against Momoshiki, he would show no mercy.
Isshiki gazed deeply at Momoshiki, suppressing his anger. "The immediate priority is to replant the God Tree and harvest its fruit. All other matters can wait."
Momoshiki's eyes lit up. "This planet can produce God Tree fruit? What's its quality?"
Isshiki shook his head. "I'm not entirely sure how it works, but I know that Kaguya, that woman, consumed a God Tree fruit in secret. Based on power levels, she might still be above us."
"Tch, disgrace is always disgrace. Kaguya, that shame of her clan, can't be compared to us," Momoshiki snorted disdainfully.
Then, Urashiki also arrived.
"If you don't hurry, I'll go find some delicious food on my own."
Momoshiki glanced at Isshiki, then beckoned Kinshiki as they leaped into Urashiki's spatial portal.
"Truly an arrogant fellow."
Urashiki teased, "Senior Momoshiki has always been like this, hasn't he?"
"That's true."
Isshiki buried his inner thoughts and followed Urashiki back into the spatial portal.
In outer space, four figures appeared above the ninja world. Gazing at the incredibly beautiful planet, Momoshiki remarked,
"What a shame. Soon this planet will become withered and desolate, until it's annihilated."
"Don't underestimate the ninja world. With my millennia of experience, ninjas..."
"Hiss, you're actually afraid of a bunch of inferior beings. Isshiki, you truly shame us Otsutsuki."
Isshiki's face darkened. "You'd better pray you don't mess up."
"Hahahaha, do you think I, Momoshiki, am like you?"
Momoshiki Otsutsuki sneered contemptuously,
"Let's go, Kinshiki."