The central tower's combat arena had been transformed for the preliminary matches. A single large fighting platform dominated the space, surrounded by tiered seating that now accommodated not just the remaining genin and their sensei, but also dignitaries, clan heads, and higher-ranking shinobi from all attending villages.
The twenty-seven genin who had survived the Forest of Death stood in a loose grouping before the proctor, Hayate Gekkō, who despite his chronic cough carried an air of deadly competence.
Hayate: "Congratulations on reaching this stage. Before the final tournament in one month—which will be attended by the daimyo of all major nations and the Kage of all five great villages—we must narrow the field to a more manageable number."
He gestured to a large board with names already displayed.
Hayate: "The matchups have been randomized. Single elimination. Victory by knockout, submission, or the proctor's judgment. There are no restrictions on techniques except killing intent—attempted murder will result in disqualification and possibly criminal charges."
His eyes swept over the genin, lingering on some of the more volatile participants—Gaara, whose calm was somehow more unnerving than his previous madness; several Kiri genin with bloodthirsty reputations; and the Kumo contingent, who stood with a different kind of intensity.
Hayate: "First match: Erza Uzumaki of Kumo versus Yoroi Akadō of Konoha."
The selected genin stepped forward. Yoroi was a tall, stern-looking Konoha genin with a reputation for chakra absorption techniques. Erza moved with her usual fluid grace, her scarlet hair tied back in a practical ponytail.
Naruto: (Whispering to Sasuke) "That's your sparring partner, right? Think she'll win?"
Sasuke: "Easily. Yoroi relies on contact chakra absorption. She won't let him touch her."
They took positions on the platform. Yoroi assumed a grappling stance, hands open, ready to seize and drain. Erza simply stood, hand resting on her sword hilt.
Hayate: "Begin!"
Yoroi charged immediately, trying to close the distance. Erza didn't draw her sword. Instead, she moved—not away, but in a precise arc that kept her just outside his reach. Every time Yoroi lunged, she was slightly elsewhere, her footwork creating impossible angles.
Kakashi: (Watching intently) "Her spatial awareness is perfect. She's not just avoiding him; she's mapping his patterns."
After a minute of futile pursuit, Yoroi grew frustrated. He formed hand signs, creating shadow clones that surrounded Erza from multiple directions.
Yoroi: "Now you can't dodge!"
The clones converged. At the last moment, Erza drew her sword—not to attack, but to place the flat against her palm. She channeled lightning chakra, and the blade vibrated at ultrasonic frequency.
When the clones made contact, they didn't just pop—they destabilized in a cascade of chakra feedback that traveled back to the original. Yoroi staggered as his own technique rebounded on him.
Erza: "Your absorption works on direct chakra contact. But vibration disrupts the flow. Makes it impossible to stabilize what you're trying to absorb."
She sheathed her blade and, while Yoroi was still reeling, closed the distance herself. A precise strike to a pressure point on his neck, and he collapsed, unconscious.
Hayate: "Winner: Erza Uzumaki."
The match had lasted less than two minutes. Erza bowed to her fallen opponent, then to the proctor, and returned to the Kumo group.
Shikamaru: (To his teammates) "She analyzed his technique and devised a counter in real time. And she didn't even use her space-time abilities."
Ino: "She's... really good. And she's our age?"
Choji: "She's also really... you know." He made vague shapes in the air.
Sakura: (Eyes narrowing) "We get it, Choji."
The matches continued. Kumo genin demonstrated their training in varied but consistently impressive ways:
Tetsu fought a Kiri genin specializing in water techniques. He used his gravity gauntlets to create localized fields that made the water impossibly heavy, then trapped his opponent in a pit of mud that solidified like concrete. Hikari faced a Suna genin with puppet strings. She moved so fast the strings couldn't find purchase, her enhanced boots allowing acceleration that left afterimages, before delivering a lightning-fast strike that severed the chakra threads. Kaito, Rias' sensory specialist, fought a Konoha genin with genjutsu. He closed his eyes completely, relying on bat-summon-enhanced echolocation to "see" through the illusions, then used precise chakra disruption strikes to break his opponent's concentration.
Match after match, the Kumo genin advanced. They weren't undefeated—Ren from Karui's squad lost to a clever Earth Country genin who used mirror techniques to redirect his aggressive assaults—but their success rate was staggering.
Jiraiya: (Watching from the observation level with Indra and other sensei) "Your kids are making a statement. Fifteen entered the preliminaries, and... let's see, twelve are advancing to the finals?"
Indra: "Thirteen. Ren lost, but the others won. And several have yet to fight."
Tsunade: "That's unprecedented. Even in Konoha's heyday, we never had such a high advancement rate from one village."
Indra: "They trained together. They learn from each other's matches in real time. See how each successive Kumo fighter adapts based on what worked or didn't work for their teammates?"
It was true. The Kumo genin were observing, analyzing, and adjusting. When one struggled with a particular style, the next facing a similar opponent came prepared with counters.
During a break between matches, Naruto and Sasuke found themselves watching the Kumo Uzumaki girls—Erza, Kaito's sister Miwa who had just won her match with impressive barrier techniques, and several others. There was something about them—a combination of confidence, power, and that distinctive Uzumaki vitality—that was undeniably compelling.
Naruto: (Leaning toward Sasuke) "Is it just me, or are the Uzumaki girls... I mean..."
Sasuke: "They're formidable. Skilled."
Naruto: "Yeah, but also... you know."
Sakura, overhearing, rolled her eyes but found herself also studying them. It wasn't just their skill. It was how they carried themselves. Like they owned the space around them.
Indra, who had come down to the genin area during the break, noticed their attention.
Indra: "Observing clan characteristics?"
Naruto: "Huh? Oh, yeah! They're really strong! And, uh..."
Indra: "And there's a certain... presence. It's genetic. Uzumaki vitality expresses in multiple ways—physical resilience, potent chakra, and yes, certain physical traits that became advantageous for survival."
He said it as matter-of-factly as discussing combat tactics.
Sakura: "Advantageous how?"
Indra: "In the Warring States period, clans intermarried strategically. The Senju prized Uzumaki partners for their vitality and sealing prowess, which complemented Senju life force and versatility. Uchiha often sought partners from clans with strong chakra reserves or sensory abilities to enhance Sharingan potential."
He pointed to where Hiashi Hyūga was watching the matches.
Indra: "The Hyūga have historically married within their clan to preserve the Byakugan, but when they do seek outside partners, they look for sensory specialists or those with exceptional chakra control. It's evolutionary strategy disguised as romance."
Naruto: "So... it's like breeding for good traits? Like with dogs?"
Indra: "More complex, but essentially. Powerful shinobi clans tend to produce powerful offspring. Therefore, attracting powerful partners becomes biologically advantageous. Over generations, this shapes not just abilities but... aesthetics."
He nodded toward where Erza was discussing strategy with her teammates.
During a lull between matches, as the board reset for new pairings, Naruto found himself staring at the Kumo Uzumaki girls—not just Erza and Rias (who was watching from the stands), but the other female Uzumaki genin as well. They shared certain traits: vibrant hair, strong features, confident bearing, and... well, curves that Naruto was trying very hard not to notice but failing.
Naruto: (Elbowing Sasuke) "Hey... do you notice... I mean, the Uzumaki girls... they're all kinda..."
Sasuke: (Not taking his eyes off Erza) "Powerful. Skilled. Focused."
Naruto: "Well, yeah, but also... you know..." He made vague hourglass gestures.
Sakura smacked him on the back of the head.
Sakura: "Naruto! Have some respect! They're our... well, they're from another village! And she's your cousin!"
Naruto: "I know! I'm just saying! It's... noticeable!"
Indra, sitting nearby in the Kumo section, overheard. A faint smile touched his lips. He leaned over, speaking just loud enough for Team 7 and nearby Konoha shinobi to hear.
Indra: "It's a bloodline trait, Naruto. Not just physical, but psychological."
Heads turned. Kakashi's visible eyebrow rose. Jiraiya perked up with scholarly interest.
Indra: "The Uzumaki, Senju, and Uchiha—the three great clans descended from the Sage of Six Paths—share certain... preferences in partners. It's evolutionary, really."
Jiraiya: "Evolutionary how?"
Indra: "In the Warring States period, survival depended on strength. Physical strength, chakra strength, will strength. The clans intermarried to consolidate power, yes, but also because they were instinctively attracted to partners who demonstrated what we call 'fierce heart'—unyielding will, powerful spirit, the capacity to protect and endure."
He gestured to the Kumo Uzumaki women.
Indra: "The physical traits you're noticing are side effects of that genetic selection. High chakra capacity requires robust cardiovascular systems, which influences certain... proportions. But more importantly, they carry themselves with confidence because for generations, Uzumaki women have been warriors, leaders, matriarchs. They expect to be equals, not ornaments."
He looked directly at Jiraiya.
Indra: "You've written about this, in your way. Your... research into human attraction."
Jiraiya blinked, then his eyes widened as connections clicked. Minato and Kushina—the quiet genius and the fiery redhead. Hashirama and Mito—the forest creator and the whirlpool princess. Even looking back through clan histories...
Jiraiya: "By the Sage... you're right. It's not just physical type. It's... demeanour. The fiercer the spirit, the more attractive to those bloodlines."
Kakashi: (Suddenly remembering something) "My father... he once said my mother was the most stubborn woman in the world. That she'd argue with a mountain and win."
Hiruzen: (From where he sat with the elders, a distant look in his eyes) "The Sandaime Raikage's wife was said to have thrown him through a wall during an argument. And he reportedly found it endearing."
The realization spread through the knowledgeable shinobi in the room. It wasn't just about beauty standards; it was about survival traits being sexually selected for across generations.
Indra: "Which is why," he continued, his voice softening as he looked at Rias beside him, "when an Uzumaki or Uchiha or Senju finds someone with that fierce heart, that unbreakable will, that capacity to match them strength for strength..." He took Rias's hand, interlacing their fingers. "...we love with the same intensity we fight with. Because to do otherwise would be... inadequate to our natures."
He leaned over and kissed Rias—not a peck, but a meaningful, tender kiss that spoke of deep connection, of partnership, of equals bound together.
For a long moment, there was silence in the arena. Then:
Naruto: (Whispering to Sakura) "Is... is that normal for Kumo people? Just... in public like that?"
Shikamaru: (From nearby) "Troublesome. Now everyone's getting emotional."
But the effect was palpable. Single shinobi from various villages looked like they'd accidentally eaten something bitter. Couples exchanged glances, some thoughtful, some envious.
Ino: (Sighing dramatically) "Well, now I feel like I just watched a romantic play and then remembered I'm alone."
Choji: "You have us, Ino."
Ino: "That's not the same, Choji!"
Indra: (Breaking the kiss but keeping Rias's hand in his) "Apologies. Sometimes the heart speaks before propriety can intervene."
Rias: (Her cheeks slightly flushed but her smile radiant) "No apologies necessary."
Several single Jonin groaned audibly.
Indra: "Uzumaki red hair signals strong life force. Curves suggest fertility and physical resilience—important when childbirth mortality was high and women needed to be warriors and mothers. For Uchiha, intense eyes and refined features correlated with visual prowess and chakra sensitivity."
Sasuke was actually paying attention now, this being about his clan.
Sasuke: "And this is... documented?"
Indra: "In clan archives, yes. My father's notes contained detailed analyses. The Hagoromo clan—precursors to both Senju and Uzumaki—specifically bred for chakra potency and longevity. Their descendants inherited those tendencies."
Nearby, Jiraiya had been eavesdropping while pretending to examine a scroll. At Indra's words, his eyes widened.
Kakashi: (Suddenly remembering something) "My father... he once said my mother was the most stubborn woman in the world. That she'd argue with a mountain and win."
Hiruzen: (From where he sat with the elders, a distant look in his eyes) "The Sandaime Raikage's wife was said to have thrown him through a wall during an argument. And he reportedly found it endearing."
The realization spread through the knowledgeable shinobi in the room. It wasn't just about beauty standards; it was about survival traits being sexually selected for across generations.
Indra: "Which is why," he continued, his voice softening as he looked at Rias beside him, "when an Uzumaki or Uchiha or Senju finds someone with that fierce heart, that unbreakable will, that capacity to match them strength for strength..." He took Rias's hand, interlacing their fingers. "...we love with the same intensity we fight with. Because to do otherwise would be... inadequate to our natures."
He leaned over and kissed Rias—not a peck, but a meaningful, tender kiss that spoke of deep connection, of partnership, of equals bound together.
For a long moment, there was silence in the arena. Then:
Naruto: (Whispering to Sakura) "Is... is that normal for Kumo people? Just... in public like that?"
Shikamaru: (From nearby) "Troublesome. Now everyone's getting emotional."
But the effect was palpable. Single shinobi from various villages looked like they'd accidentally eaten something bitter. Couples exchanged glances, some thoughtful, some envious.
Ino: (Sighing dramatically) "Well, now I feel like I just watched a romantic play and then remembered I'm alone."
Choji: "You have us, Ino."
Ino: "That's not the same, Choji!"
Indra: (Breaking the kiss but keeping Rias's hand in his) "Apologies. Sometimes the heart speaks before propriety can intervene."
Rias: (Her cheeks slightly flushed but her smile radiant) "No apologies necessary."
Several single jonin groaned audibly.
Jiraiya: (Muttering to himself) "Oh. Oh! That explains so much!"
Kakashi, also listening, looked puzzled.
Kakashi: "Explains what, pervy sage?"
Jiraiya: "Minato and Kushina! Everyone wondered why the most brilliant, composed Hokage candidate fell for the loud, fiery Uzumaki girl! But if what he's saying is true..." His eyes gleamed with sudden understanding. "Minato had insane chakra control and intelligence. Kushina had massive reserves and vitality. Together..."
Tsunade: (Who had approached) "Together they produced Naruto, who has both, despite the Nine-Tails' interference." She looked thoughtful. "And my grandfather... Hashirama married Mito Uzumaki. The strongest Senju with the strongest Uzumaki."
Hiruzen: (Joining them, pipe in hand) "And it wasn't just political. They genuinely loved each other. But the compatibility... it makes sense now."
The conversation was attracting more listeners. Other sensei, clan heads, even some of the sharper Genin were tuning in.
Ino: (To Shikamaru) "So you're saying my attraction to Sasuke isn't just about his looks, it's... biological programming?"
Shikamaru: "Troublesome. But statistically, yes. Clan heirs are encouraged to marry those who strengthen the bloodline. Your father would approve of Sasuke genetically, if not politically given current tensions."
Sakura: (Feeling suddenly very aware of her slender frame and pink hair) "And what about those of us without clan legacies? Are we just... genetically inferior?"
Indra: "Not inferior. Different. Civilian-born shinobi often display unexpected talents precisely because they're not bound by generations of specialized breeding. Tsunade-sama's apprentice Shizune is civilian-born and one of the best medics in the world. My mother Delia is from a minor clan but developed medical techniques that rival anyone's."
He looked at Sakura directly.
Indra: "Genetics provide a starting point. What you build from there is choice, will, training. Some of the most dangerous shinobi in history came from minor or civilian backgrounds precisely because they had to work for what clan heirs inherited."
It was a fair point, but Sakura couldn't help noticing how even Hinata, normally so shy and hesitant, had the Hyūga's graceful build and, yes, noticeable curves that her loose clothing usually concealed. And Tenten, for all her weapon expertise, had a lean, athletic build that was powerful but... different.
The conversation had gotten uncomfortably personal for many. Several single shinobi were looking at each other with new, analytical eyes.
Perhaps to break the suddenly awkward atmosphere, or perhaps because the moment felt right, Indra turned to Rias, who had come to stand beside him.
Indra: "Of course, understanding the biology doesn't diminish the reality of the connection."
He took her hand, his usually analytical expression softening into something genuine, affectionate.
Indra: "I could explain exactly why Uzumaki and Uchiha traits complement each other. How your sensory abilities balance my elemental specialties. How our combined chakra signatures create harmonic resonance. How statistically, our offspring would likely inherit both visual prowess and immense vitality."
He brought her hand to his lips, kissing it lightly.
Indra: "But all that analysis just explains why we work. It doesn't capture what matters—that when I'm with you, the calculations stop. The constant analysis pauses. For the first time in my life, something feels... unquestionably right. Not because of genetics or strategy, but because it's you."
The arena had gone quiet. Even the ongoing match seemed to fade into background noise.
Rias: (Eyes glistening) "Indra..."
Indra: "I love you, Rias Uzumaki. Not as a strategic alliance. Not as a genetic optimization. As you. The woman who sees past the Storm Sovereign to the boy who just wants to protect what he loves."
He didn't kiss her—that would have been too much for the public setting—but the intensity of the moment, the raw sincerity in his usually reserved voice, was somehow more intimate.
Naruto: (Whispering) "Whoa. That was... intense."
Kiba: (From nearby) "I feel like I just ate a whole bowl of dog food. And I like dog food!"
Shino: "An interesting social phenomenon. Public declarations of affection often provoke mixed reactions from observers, ranging from vicarious pleasure to jealousy."
Ino: (Sighing dreamily) "That was so romantic! And he's usually so serious!"
Sakura: (Torn between being touched and feeling even more inadequate) "They really do love each other. You can tell."
Kakashi: (Eye-smiling) "Young love. How nostalgic."
Jiraiya: (Wiping an imaginary tear) "That's material for the next Icha Icha! The analytical genius brought to his knees by love! Perfect!"
The moment passed as the next match was called, but the atmosphere had shifted. The Kumo genin looked at their leaders with renewed respect. The other villages saw a human side to the formidable Indra. And everyone who was single felt a strange mixture of hope and loneliness.
The preliminaries continued through the afternoon. Notable matches included:
Gaara versus a Sound genin. The match lasted approximately twelve seconds. The Sound genin attacked with strange, organic-looking weapons. Gaara's sand formed a fist that smashed him through a wall. Hayate called it before the dust settled. Sasuke versus a Kumo genin named Ryota from Omoi's squad. It was a battle of lightning users. Ryota used sophisticated tactical patterns, trying to outthink Sasuke. Sasuke responded with sheer speed and his newly refined Volt Tackle, ending with a Chidori that he expertly halted millimeters from Ryota's chest. Respect was mutual. Naruto versus Kiba. A chaotic, energetic match that ended with Naruto's unexpected use of a basic Uzumaki sealing technique he'd learned from Rias' scroll—a chakra disruption tag that temporarily nullified Kiba's canine partnership techniques, allowing a well-placed Rasengan (still imperfect but powerful) to win the match.
When the last match concluded—Shikamaru winning by forfeit when his opponent from Grass Country walked into a shadow trap and simply gave up—the final tally was displayed.
Hayate: "The following thirty-two Genin will advance to the final tournament in one month:"
The list appeared:
Kumo: 13 names (Erza, Tetsu, Hikari, Kaito, Miwa, and eight others) Konoha: 9 names (Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura, Shikamaru, Neji, Hinata, Shino, Kankurō—the Sand sibling who had joined Konoha's group—and Lee) Suna: 3 names (Gaara, Temari, and one other) Iwa: 2 names Kiri: 2 names Sound: 1 name Grass: 1 name Waterfall: 1 name
A Kiri Jonin: (Muttering) "Thirteen from Kumo? That's nearly half the bracket!"
An Iwa Jonin: "They'll be fighting each other in early rounds. That will thin their numbers."
Indra: (Overhearing) "Or it will ensure that whoever reaches the later rounds is battle-tested against familiar opponents. Either way, Kumo wins."
It was true. With that many in the bracket, Kumo was guaranteed several quarter-finalists at minimum, possibly more.
Tsunade: "One month to prepare. The finals will be in the main arena, open to the public, with daimyo and Kage attendance. This is where legends are made."
Hayate dismissed the genin with instructions to return for detailed scheduling the next day. As they dispersed, the Kumo group gathered around Indra and Rias.
Indra looked over his thirteen advancing Genin—tired but proud, some nursing minor injuries but all standing tall.
Indra: "You performed well. You represented Kumo with skill, with honour, and with intelligence. The world now understands that our village produces not just strong shinobi, but thinking shinobi."
He gestured to the three who hadn't advanced—Ren and two others.
Indra: "And you three. Your losses were not failures. They were lessons. You faced opponents whose styles countered yours. Now you know what to train for. In the grand scheme, this may be more valuable than advancing."
Ren nodded, though disappointment still clouded his features.
Indra: "For all of you—advancing or not—today demonstrated what we've built in Kumo. Not just individual excellence, but collective strength. You supported each other. Learned from each other. That is our true advantage."
Rias: "And now, as promised: a day of bread."
The Genin perked up. "A day of bread" was Kumo slang for complete rest and recovery—literally, a day where you only had to get up to eat bread if you wanted to.
Indra: "No training tomorrow. No strategy sessions. Rest. Recovery. The finals are in thirty days. Starting the day after tomorrow, we begin specific preparation based on your matchups. But tomorrow... be tourists. Relax. You've earned it."
Erza: "Hot springs?"
Several Genin: "Yes! Hot springs!"
Indra: "If that's how you wish to spend your recovery, certainly. There are excellent hot springs in Konoha. Just remember you represent Kumo even in relaxation."
As the Kumo Genin cheered and began planning, the other village genin watched with mixed feelings—envy at their camaraderie, respect for their performance, and for some, a growing determination to surpass them.
The next day, the Kumo Genin—male and female separately, of course—descended on Konoha's best hot springs. The females chose the more secluded "Moon Viewing Springs" on the village's eastern edge, famous for its natural rock formations and privacy.
Sakura, having heard about the outing, decided to go as well, dragging a reluctant Tenten along for "moral support." What she didn't expect was to find Hinata already there, having been convinced by Kurenai and Anko that some relaxation before intense training would be good for her.
Anko: (Stripping without the slightest self-consciousness) "Ahhh, nothing like hot water after watching kids beat each other up all day! You girls coming in or what?"
Sakura and Tenten entered the changing area just as the Kumo females were arriving. Erza, Miwa, Hikari, and five others, all laughing and talking animatedly about the matches.
What happened next was, for Sakura, a study in comparative anatomy that felt personally targeted by the universe.
The Kumo females stripped with the unselfconscious ease of athletes accustomed to communal bathing. And as they did, Sakura couldn't help but notice:
Erza had the classic Uzumaki build—generous curves, narrow waist, hips that flared dramatically from her torso. Scarlet hair cascaded down a back that was both muscular and graceful. Miwa was slightly taller, with similar proportions but more athletic muscle definition from her barrier technique training. Hikari, while leaner from her speed training, still had the distinctive Uzumaki vitality in her form. Even the non-Uzumaki Kumo females—a girl named Aiko from a minor Lightning Country clan—had impressive physiques that spoke of intense training and good genetics.
Tenten: (Whispering as they undressed) "Okay, I'm officially intimidated. They look like they stepped out of a battle goddess painting."
Sakura: (Trying not to stare) "It's not fair. They're strong AND they look like that?"
Hinata: (Already in the water, trying to disappear) "Please don't compare... everyone is different..."
Kurenai: (Settling into the water with a sigh) "They're from a different village with different training and genetics. Comparing yourself is pointless."
Anko: "Besides, different isn't worse! I like my build! Lets me move fast and strike hard!" She gestured to her own athletic, compact form.
But as the Kumo females entered the water, another phenomenon occurred. The hot springs' buoyancy did interesting things. What was impressive before became... dramatic.
Tenten: (Eyes wide) "Are those... floating?"
Sakura: "I think they are. And they're not even trying! It's just... physics."
Hinata: (Peeking, then blushing furiously) "The water is very buoyant..."
The Kumo females seemed completely unaware of the effect they were having. They were discussing techniques, laughing about matches, comparing notes on Konoha foods they'd tried.
Erza: "So when Sasuke Uchiha used the Chidori, did you notice how he channeled it through his fingertips rather than his palm? That's more precise but harder to control."
Miwa: "And Naruto's sealing tag—basic but effective! For someone who just learned it, that was impressive improvisation."
Hikari: "I want to try that ramen place Naruto recommended. Ichiraku, right?"
They were so... normal. Skilled, powerful, genetically blessed, but normal. Talking about techniques, food, the upcoming matches.
Sakura: (Sinking into the water up to her chin) "I need to train harder."
Tenten: "You're training under Tsunade-sama! You're going to be amazing!"
Sakura: "But look at them! They're our age and they're... that!"
Anko: (Splashing her) "Stop it! You're here to relax, not have an existential crisis about your boobs!"
Kurenai: "Anko!"
Anko: "What? It's true! Every woman has something someone else wants. You think they don't have insecurities?" She nodded toward the Kumo group. "That tall one—Aiko. She's from a minor clan in Kumo. Probably worked twice as hard to keep up with the Uzumaki. The redhead—Hikari—she's the fastest but probably had to overcome stamina issues. Nobody has it all."
As if to prove Anko's point, Hikari mentioned just then:
Hikari: "...so Indra-sensei had to redesign my entire training regimen when I kept collapsing after speed bursts. My body wasn't processing chakra efficiently. Took six months to fix."
Aiko: "Try being the only non-Uzumaki in the advanced sealing class. I had to work three times as hard just to understand basics they grew up with."
They had their struggles too. Just different ones.
Sakura took a deep breath, letting the hot water soothe her muscles. Maybe Anko was right. Maybe comparing was pointless. She was training under Tsunade, the strongest kunoichi in the world. She had her own path.
Sakura: (To Tenten) "You know what? Let's just enjoy the hot springs. We have a month to train. Today, we rest."
Tenten: "Amen to that."
They settled into the water, the tension easing. Even Hinata relaxed slightly, though she still sat where the steam was thickest, offering maximum concealment.
On the other side of the springs, the Kumo females continued their conversation, unaware of the mini-drama they'd inspired.
Erza: "One month to prepare. We should spar with the Konoha genin. Learn their styles."
Miwa: "Indra-sensei would approve. Cross-training."
Hikari: "If they're willing. After the preliminaries, some might see us as rivals, not potential training partners."
Erza: "Then we extend the offer with respect. The worst they can say is no."
They were already planning, already thinking about improvement. But for now, in the hot springs, they allowed themselves to simply be—young women enjoying a moment of peace between battles.
Meanwhile, on the male side of the hot springs, a different but parallel scene unfolded. Naruto, Sasuke, Lee, and several other Konoha males had coincidentally chosen the same springs as the Kumo males.
The Kumo males—Tetsu, Kaito, Ryota, and others—were similarly impressive in build: muscular without being bulky, with the defined physiques of those who trained in high gravity environments.
Naruto: (Whispering to Sasuke) "Okay, they're ripped. Like, really ripped."
Lee: "Such splendid musculature! It speaks of most vigorous training! I must ask about their regimen!"
Kiba: "Shikamaru, you're the smart one. Is there a genetic thing here too? Like with the girls?"
Shikamaru: (Already half-asleep in the hot water) "Troublesome. Probably. Different training methods, different diets, different altitudes. Kumo is mountainous—builds lung capacity and muscle density. Also, they have those gravity chambers Indra invented. That would accelerate muscle and bone development."
Choji: "I like our way better. Good food, varied training."
As with the females, the Kumo males were discussing techniques, matches, improvement.
Tetsu: "When that Iwa genin used the earth分身 technique, did you notice the slight delay between clones? That's a flaw in their version. Our earth clones synchronize better."
Kaito: "Our bat summons helped with that. They can sense chakra fluctuations at micro-levels. We trained to eliminate the delay."
Ryota: "Sasuke Uchiha's lightning control... it's different from ours. More aggressive, less sustained. Interesting variation."
They were analytical, observant. Always learning.
Sasuke: (Listening) "Their conversation is all about improvement. Even after winning."
Naruto: "Yeah, but they're also talking about food! They want to try all the Konoha stuff! That's cool!"
Indeed, the conversation had turned to culinary matters.
Tetsu: "That barbeque place we passed yesterday—the smell was incredible. We should go after this."
Kaito: "Indra-sensei said to experience the culture. Food is culture."
Ryota: "As long as we're back for evening strategy session. Rias-sensei wants to review individual match footage."
Even their relaxation was structured, purposeful.
After a while, the two groups—Kumo and Konoha males—began to interact. Tentatively at first, then with growing ease.
Lee: (Bowing dramatically to Tetsu) "Your taijutsu form is magnificent! Would you honor me with a spar sometime?"
Tetsu: (Bowing back, slightly less dramatically) "I would be honored. Your speed is remarkable."
Kiba: "So those gravity chambers... do they really make you stronger faster?"
Ryota: "Exponentially. But they're dangerous without proper training. We started at 1.2G and worked up over months."
Shikamaru: (Eyes opening slightly) "The physiological adaptations would be significant. Not just muscle, but cardiovascular, even neural. Interesting."
Naruto: "Hey, if we're all going to be fighting each other next month, shouldn't we be, you know, not hanging out together?"
Kaito: "Indra-sensei says: know your opponents as people, not just as obstacles. It makes you fight smarter. You understand their motivations, their patterns."
Sasuke: (Considering this) "Makes sense. In the Forest of Death, you helped some teams rather than just taking their scrolls."
Tetsu: "Strategic alliance is different from friendship. But both require understanding."
The conversation flowed from there—techniques, training methods, village differences, even lighter topics like food and entertainment.
By the time they left the hot springs, there was a mutual respect that hadn't been there before. Still competitive, still representing different villages with different agendas, but with a layer of human connection.
That evening, Indra and Rias walked through Konoha's streets, enjoying the cooler night air after the day's warmth.
Rias: "The genin did well today. Relaxed but not excessively. Socialized with other villages but maintained perspective."
Indra: "They're learning balance. That's as important as any technique."
They paused at a viewpoint overlooking the village. Lights twinkled below, the night market bustling, the sounds of a village at peace—or the illusion of peace during the brief ceasefire of exams.
Indra: "One month. Then the finals. Then... whatever comes next."
Rias: "You're worried about more than the exams."
Indra: "Orochimaru is here. The Akatsuki are undoubtedly watching. The political tensions between villages... this gathering is a pressure cooker. The exams are just the visible part."
He looked toward the Hokage monument, the stone faces illuminated by spotlights.
Indra: "My father loved this village. Believed in it. Even as he sent my mother away to protect her, he stayed. Because he believed it could be better."
Rias: "And now you're here. Showing them what better looks like."
Indra: "Not showing. Offering. There's a difference. They have to choose to accept it."
They stood in comfortable silence, hands linked. Around them, Konoha lived its nightly life—shinobi returning from missions, civilians closing shops, children being called inside, lovers walking in the lantern-lit streets.
A month of preparation stretched ahead. A month of training, of strategy, of political maneuvering. A month before the world watched their genin compete, before alliances were tested, before the fragile peace of this gathering would either strengthen or shatter.
But for tonight, there was just the two of them, the village lights, and the quiet certainty that whatever came next, they would face it together—as partners, as leaders, as the eye of the storm in a changing world.
End of Chapter – 28