Konoha's Grand Hall, typically used for major village assemblies and memorial services, had been transformed into something resembling the court of a celestial emperor. Silk banners in the colors of every participating nation hung from vaulted ceilings fifty feet high. Crystal chandeliers—some borrowed from the Fire Daimyo's personal collection—cast prismatic light across polished marble floors. Long tables arranged in a U-shape allowed everyone to see everyone else, a deliberate design choice for an event that was as much about observation as celebration.
The air hummed with a thousand conversations in a dozen languages, the clink of fine porcelain, the scent of roasted meats, exotic spices, and the subtler perfume of political ambition. Shinobi from every village mingled with daimyo and their courts, creating surreal tableaus: a Suna jonin explaining desert survival techniques to a Water Country noble dripping in pearls; an Iwa engineer sketching diagrams for a Stone Country merchant on a napkin; Kiri diplomats speaking in low tones with Lightning trade representatives.
But all eyes kept drifting to the Kumo delegation.
Indra and Rias stood near the center of the hall, and they looked less like attendees and more like the evening's true hosts. Indra wore formal Uchiha-black robes edged with Uzumaki crimson, the patterns subtly suggesting whorls and lightning bolts. Rias wore a gown of deep scarlet silk that seemed to drink light and release it as a warmer glow, cut in a style that blended Uzumaki traditional wear with modern elegance—flowing enough for movement, fitted enough to emphasize her form without compromising function. Her hair was arranged in an elaborate style that still allowed quick release if needed.
Sakura, standing with Ino and Hinata near the Konoha section, felt her earlier insecurities return with a vengeance.
Sakura: (Whispering, trying not to stare) "How do they... I mean, even in formal wear, they look like they could dismantle an entire squad without wrinkling their clothes."
Ino: "It's not just the clothes. It's the... bearing. Like they own the room without trying to."
Hinata: (Her Byakugan involuntarily activating for a second before she controlled it) "Their chakra... it's completely calm. Even here, with all these powerful people. Most shinobi have at least some tension. They have none."
Nearby, Samui and Karui stood with Omoi, all in Kumo formal attire that similarly balanced tradition and practicality. Samui's ice-blue dress contrasted with her pale hair and eyes, giving her an ethereal quality that somehow still suggested deadly precision. Karui wore deep purple that complemented her darker skin, the cut allowing full range of motion. Omoi looked mildly uncomfortable in his formal jacket but compensated with such perfect posture that it seemed intentional.
And then there were the older Uzumaki.
Venelana and Zeoticus Uzumaki made their entrance, and a hush fell over part of the hall. Venelana wore a gown of twilight blue embroidered with silver whirlpool patterns, her scarlet hair piled in an elegant cascade that defied gravity and convention alike. Zeoticus stood beside her in formal robes that spoke of both wealth and warrior heritage, his bearing that of a man who had survived the fall of a nation and built anew.
They moved through the crowd with the ease of natural nobility, greeting dignitaries from various nations with just the right blend of warmth and reserve. But their path was clearly leading toward one person.
Naruto was trying to eat without spilling on his formal wear—a losing battle, judging by the already-present sauce stain on his sleeve—when Venelana and Zeoticus approached. He froze, a dumpling halfway to his mouth.
Venelana: "Naruto Uzumaki. At last."
Her voice was warm, musical, with the same underlying strength as Rias's but tempered by age and loss. Naruto scrambled to his feet, nearly knocking over his chair.
Naruto: "Uh, hi! I mean, hello! You're Rias's parents, right? My... aunt and uncle?"
Zeoticus: (A deep, resonant voice that carried without being loud) "Your mother's cousin and her husband, yes. But 'aunt and uncle' will do." He studied Naruto, and there was something in his eyes—recognition, sadness, pride. "You have her eyes. And her... presence."
Venelana: "Kushina was like sunlight given human form. Even as a child, she lit up rooms. Argued with elders twice her size. Stole pastries from the clan kitchen and shared them with everyone, then pretended she hadn't when questioned." She reached out, touching Naruto's cheek lightly. "She would be so proud of you. Of the man you're becoming."
Naruto's eyes glistened, but he blinked rapidly, determined not to cry in front of everyone. Sasuke, standing nearby with his usual detached expression, watched with unexpected attention.
Naruto: "Can you... tell me about her? I don't really know... I mean, I know she was my mother, and she was Uzumaki, and she had red hair, but..."
Venelana: "Later. We have time. But for now..." She glanced at Zeoticus, who produced two small, ornate boxes from within his robes.
Zeoticus: "A tradition. For family coming of age. Especially family who have... endured."
He handed one box to Naruto, another to Sasuke, who looked surprised to be included.
Sasuke: "I'm not Uzumaki."
Zeoticus: "No. But you are family to family. And you've endured as well." He opened the box meant for Naruto. Inside, on a bed of velvet, lay a pendant—a delicate but sturdy silver whirlpool symbol. "Uzumaki business interests span nations now. Hotels, trade caravans, certain... specialized services. Show this at any establishment with the whirlpool symbol, and you'll receive the family discount. More importantly, you'll receive aid if needed."
Naruto: (Taking the pendant with reverent hands) "Thank you. Really. This means..."
Venelana: "It means you're not alone. Never again." She turned to Sasuke. "And for you... a different token."
Sasuke opened his box. Inside was not jewelry, but a small, finely crafted whetstone, beside which lay a slip of paper with an address.
Zeoticus: "The whetstone is infused with chakra-reactive minerals. It will keep any blade sharper longer. The address is for a weaponsmith in the Land of Iron who owes the Uzumaki a considerable debt. Present that paper, and he'll craft or repair anything you need. No charge."
Sasuke: (Bowing slightly, genuinely touched) "Thank you. This is... generous."
Venelana: "Family looks after family. Even when family is complicated." Her eyes swept between Naruto and Sasuke. "You two carry heavy legacies. But you carry them together. Remember that."
As they moved away to greet other dignitaries, Naruto clutched the pendant, feeling its weight—not physical, but historical, familial.
Sakura: (Who had edged closer) "That was... really nice."
Sasuke: (Still looking at the whetstone) "It's practical. But the sentiment behind it..." He tucked it away carefully. "The Uzumaki understand loss. And they understand that survivors need tools, not just sympathy."
Shikamaru: (From nearby, observing the entire exchange) "Troublesome. Now they've officially entangled our people with theirs. That pendant isn't just jewelry. It's a statement: Naruto is under Uzumaki protection. And by extension, so is anyone close to him."
Choji: "Isn't that a good thing? Family should protect family."
Shikamaru: "It is and it isn't. It creates... complications. Loyalty complications."
But Naruto wasn't thinking about complications. He was looking at Venelana and Zeoticus as they moved through the crowd, seeing how they stood together—not just as a couple, but as partners, equals, two halves of a whole that had survived catastrophe and built something new.
Naruto: (Quietly, to Sakura) "They're like Indra and Rias, aren't they? Just... older."
Sakura: "Yeah. They really are."
The main table where the daimyo sat was becoming the evening's unintended center of gravity. The Lightning Daimyo, Enmaru, held court with the easy charm of someone who knows he has what everyone wants.
Earth Daimyo: "This 'Raijin' vehicle of yours. The one you arrived in. You said it's customizable?"
Enmaru: "Extensively. Think of it not as a vehicle, but as a mobile statement. The base model includes climate control, basic defensive barriers, and standard speed. But the options..." He gestured, and one of the three elite jonin always at his side—a woman named Sora with sharp eyes and sharper intelligence—produced what looked like a glass tablet.
Images hovered above it: the Raijin in different colors, with different interior layouts, with added features.
Enmaru: "Color? Any shade you can name. Interior? Leather from specific regions, wood inlays from rare trees, even custom scents for the climate system. Speed? The governor can be adjusted—within safety limits, of course. Defenses? Scaleable based on threat assessment."
Water Daimyo: "And the cost for these... options?"
Enmaru: "Depends on the options. But consider: what price do you put on security? On comfort during long travels? On the statement it makes when you arrive somewhere in a vehicle that whispers power rather than shouting it?"
Fire Daimyo: "You mentioned export agreements earlier. What would that entail?"
It was at this point that Indra, who had been watching the conversation, approached. He bowed to the daimyo, then spoke.
Indra: "If I may, Lord Enmaru?"
Enmaru: "Please. The creator should explain his creation."
Indra: "The export model would be slightly different from the Kumo military or diplomatic versions. Slightly reduced capabilities for security reasons. But still far beyond anything currently available. As for customization..." He took the tablet from Sora, manipulated it, and new options appeared. "We can incorporate specific cultural elements. For Earth Country, stone inlays that are actually lightweight but appear solid. For Water Country, amphibious capabilities and humidity controls tailored to coastal climates. For Fire Country, wood finishes from your sacred forests."
He made it sound not like selling a product, but like offering a service—honoring each nation's uniqueness while providing them with superior technology.
Wind Daimyo: "And the... ongoing costs? Maintenance?"
Rias, who had joined them, answered this time.
Rias: "Kumo would establish training facilities in each nation. Local technicians learning to maintain the vehicles. Spare parts production could be licensed. We're not looking to create dependence. We're looking to create partnerships."
The business discussion continued, but what was more telling was the dynamic around the Lightning Daimyo. The three elite jonin—Sora plus two men named Hayate and Kenta—were never more than ten feet from him. But they weren't just guards. They were facilitators.
When the Earth Daimyo mentioned the hall being slightly too warm, Kenta made a subtle hand sign, and the air around their section cooled. When the Water Daimyo asked about a particular vintage of wine, Sora knew which Konoha steward to ask. When the Fire Daimyo made an oblique reference to a security concern from earlier in the day, Hayate provided a quiet, thorough analysis of the situation without having to be briefed.
Earth Daimyo: (To the Fire Daimyo, low enough that he thought only his cousin could hear, though several shinobi undoubtedly could) "It's like they've embedded an entire intelligence and service apparatus around him. And they make it look effortless."
Fire Daimyo: "It's not just for show. It's a demonstration. 'This is how Kumo treats its important people. Don't you want this for yourself?'"
Orochimaru, watching from the shadows near the Sound section, sipped wine that he probably shouldn't have been able to procure. His golden eyes missed nothing.
Orochimaru: (To one of his Sound Four, Tayuya, who stood beside him in surprisingly elegant formal wear) "Observe. They're not selling a vehicle. They're selling an ecosystem. A way of life. The vehicle is just the most visible component."
Tayuya: "It's working. Look at the daimyo. They're practically salivating."
Orochimaru: "Of course they are. Power has always been the ultimate currency. But power has changed its form. It's no longer just armies or biju. It's technology. It's systems. It's... elegance." He watched Indra explain something about chakra converters to the fascinated Water Daimyo. "He understands something I only recently grasped: true power isn't in having what others want. It's in making others want what you have."
As dessert was being served—elaborate confections that seemed more architecture than food—Orochimaru moved to the center of the hall. The conversation died down, not out of respect but out of wariness.
Orochimaru: "If I may have your attention." His voice carried without effort, a trick of chakra control so refined it seemed natural. "We are here to celebrate the next generation of shinobi. To watch them prove themselves in the finals beginning tomorrow."
He paused, letting the expectation build.
Orochimaru: "But I propose an... addition. A precursor. While the genin represent our futures, we—the established shinobi—represent our presents. Our current strengths, our current... philosophies."
Tsunade: (Her voice cold) "What are you proposing, Orochimaru?"
Orochimaru: "A small tournament. Jonin level. Exhibition matches, the day before the genin finals begin. No Kage participation, to keep things... balanced. A demonstration of what each village's training produces at its peak."
The idea landed in the silent hall like a stone in a pond. Ripples of reaction spread instantly.
Raikage A: (Leaning forward, interested) "Exhibition matches. Non-lethal, I assume?"
Orochimaru: "As non-lethal as any contest between shinobi of our level can be. But with healers on standby—Tsunade-hime's expertise would be invaluable—the risks would be minimized."
Mei Terumā: "An interesting proposal. It would give the daimyo and other observers a more... complete picture of each village's capabilities."
Ōnoki: "And who would participate? Volunteers? Appointees?"
Orochimaru: "I thought perhaps two participants per major village, one from minor villages that wish to showcase their strength. Fights determined by lot. Single elimination. A small bracket." His eyes found Indra. "I, of course, would participate for Sound. As Kage, I'm excluded from the 'no Kage' rule for myself, as it's my proposal."
The sheer audacity was breathtaking. Orochimaru, offering himself as a participant in what would essentially be a sanctioned duel.
Raikage: "I like it! Shows strength! Shows skill! But the barrier around the arena would need strengthening. Jonin-level combat, even restrained, is... energetic."
Indra: "The barrier can be enhanced. I can modify the existing Konoha systems to handle Kage-level output. Temporarily."
The fact that he said this so casually—that he could upgrade Konoha's defensive barriers—wasn't lost on anyone.
Fire Daimyo: (Looking intrigued) "A tournament before the tournament! Capital! It would build excitement! Show the full spectrum of shinobi ability!"
The other daimyo murmured agreement. The spectacle appealed to them.
Tsunade: (After a long pause, meeting Orochimaru's gaze) "Very well. But under strict conditions. Medical teams have final authority to stop any match. Lethal techniques are forbidden. And participation is voluntary—no conscription."
Orochimaru: "Naturally." He smiled. "Shall we draw lots now? To build anticipation?"
A box was produced. Names were drawn. The bracket formed quickly:
First Match: Indra Uzumaki-Uchiha (Kumo) vs. Rias Uzumaki (Kumo)
Second Match: Might Guy (Konoha) vs. Baki (Suna)
Third Match: Kakashi Hatake (Konoha) vs. Chōjūrō (Kiri)
Fourth Match: Orochimaru (Sound) vs. Winner of Match 1
The announcement of the first match caused a collective intake of breath. Then, as people processed it, a different kind of silence fell.
All eyes turned to Indra and Rias. They looked at each other, and something shifted in the air around them. It wasn't tension. It wasn't anger. It was... anticipation. Eagerness.
Rias: (A slow smile spreading across her face) "Well. This should be interesting."
Indra: (Returning the smile, but his eyes held a different quality—focused, analytical, but also genuinely excited) "It's been too long since we sparred seriously. The gravity chamber doesn't count."
Rias: "You always hold back there. Worried you'll break your toys."
Indra: "And you always exploit that. Clever."
Their exchange sounded like flirtation, but there was an edge to it—the edge of blades being slowly drawn.
Then something visible happened. Not with their bodies, but behind them. To those with enhanced senses or particular visual abilities, two phantom forms seemed to flicker into existence—not fully materialized, but suggested. Behind Indra, the massive, amorphous shape of the Storm Monarch Susano'o, amethyst and cobalt light bleeding into reality. Behind Rias, the shadow-wings of her bat summons, spreading wide, and the faint echo of Uzumaki chains rattling.
It lasted only a second. But in that second, the temperature in their immediate vicinity dropped. The air pressure changed. Several nearby shinobi instinctively reached for weapons before stopping themselves.
Then it was gone. But the impression remained: two forces of nature, momentarily allowing the mask of civility to slip.
Raikage: (Laughing, a booming sound that broke the tension) "Don't look so shocked! They're shinobi! And Uzumaki! And they love each other! But they also love testing each other! Pushing each other! This will be a fight worth watching!"
Jiraiya: (Watching with professional fascination) "It's a compatibility thing. High-level shinobi couples... they express affection through combat. Through testing each other's limits. Through the dance."
Kakashi: (Who had been named for the third match, looking resigned) "And I get to fight the future Mizukage's right hand. Wonderful."
Guy: (Thumbs up, blazing with enthusiasm) "YOSH! A chance to show the power of Konoha's Beautiful Blue Beast! And to test Suna's finest! What glorious youth!"
But most eyes remained on Indra and Rias, who had returned to normal appearances but still radiated that anticipatory energy.
Orochimaru: (Watching them, then looking at the bracket showing he would face the winner) "Perfect. Either I face the creator and test his theories in practice, or I face his equal and measure the system's output. Either way... data."
As the banquet wound down, conversations fractured into smaller groups, all discussing the unexpected development.
Among the Konoha genin -
Naruto: "They're gonna fight each other? But they're together! Isn't that... weird?"
Sasuke: "It's logical. Who better to test yourself against than someone who knows all your strengths and weaknesses? Who won't hold back out of fear of hurting you?"
Sakura: "But in public? In front of everyone?"
Shikamaru: "Troublesome. It's a statement. 'Our personal relationships don't weaken our professional edges. If anything, they sharpen them.' Also, it guarantees Kumo gets a participant in the final match against Orochimaru, since they're facing each other first."
Among the Kumo genin -
Erza: (Looking excited) "This is perfect! We get to see sensei and Rias-sensei go all out! Well, not all out—they won't kill each other—but seriously!"
Tetsu: "The learning opportunity... it'll be like a masterclass in high-level combat."
Kaito: "I've never seen Rias-sensei fight without holding back. And Indra-sensei... I've only seen glimpses."
Among the Kage and advisors:
Mei: (To Tsunade) "They're remarkably calm about it. Most couples would be... conflicted."
Tsunade: "They're not most couples. They're two apex predators who found each other. The fight is just another form of conversation for them."
Ōnoki: "It's a clever move politically. Shows unity and strength simultaneously. 'We're so strong we can fight each other and still be together.'"
Raikage: "Damn right! And they'll put on a show! You'll see! Lightning and fire and whatever else they decide to use!"
Among the daimyo -
Fire Daimyo: "Fascinating. Their relationship dynamics are... not what I'm used to in court."
Lightning Daimyo: "Shinobi culture is different. Especially in Kumo now. Strength is respected. Challenge is respected. A partner who can match you is valued above one who simply complements you."
Earth Daimyo: "And this tournament... it will be safe for spectators?"
Indra, who had approached, answered: "The barrier will be reinforced to withstand multiple tailed beast bomb equivalents. The healing teams will include myself, Tsunade-sama, and several other medics of comparable skill. Safety is prioritized."
His calm assurance was somehow more convincing than any promise.
As the hall emptied and dignitaries returned to their compounds, several private conversations occurred in the moonlit gardens of Konoha.
Indra and Rias walked together, hand in hand, but their conversation was anything but romantic.
Rias: "You'll use the Spatial Dominion, of course. And probably try to end it quickly with a conceptual erasure if you think you can control it precisely enough."
Indra: "You'll use bat echolocation to track my movements even when I phase. And you'll have Uzumaki chains ready for when I materialize. You might try to disrupt my chakra with resonance frequencies first."
Rias: "I've been working on a new variation of the silencing field. Combined with certain Uzumaki sealing formulas... it could temporarily sever your connection to your summons."
Indra: "Interesting. I've developed a counter to sensory-based targeting. It doesn't hide me—it makes everything else seem like me. You'll have to find the real one among a thousand false positives."
They stopped, facing each other, and smiled—real, genuine smiles of pure anticipation.
Rias: "I love you."
Indra: "I love you too. Now let's go plan how to defeat each other."
They kissed, not a gentle goodnight kiss but something fiercer, a promise and a challenge, then separated to begin their individual preparations.
Elsewhere, Orochimaru stood on a balcony, looking at the stars. Kabuto materialized beside him.
Kabuto: "The match is fortunate. You get to observe Indra's capabilities up close, whether you fight him or Rias."
Orochimaru: "More than observe. Participate. Test. His theories about optimized development... the proof will be in his combat style. How he integrates his abilities. How he adapts." He turned. "And how he handles fighting someone he cares about. That psychological dimension... fascinating data."
Kabuto: "And if you face Rias instead?"
Orochimaru: "Then I measure the output of his system. How well his teachings have been absorbed. How much of his capability is unique to him, and how much can be transferred." He smiled. "Either way, I win. Knowledge is the true victory."
In the Konoha compound, Kakashi and Guy discussed their upcoming matches.
Guy: "The flames of youth burn brightly, Kakashi! We must show the world Konoha's power! My match against Baki of Suna will be a glorious clash of taijutsu and wind techniques!"
Kakashi: "And I get to fight someone who wields one of the Seven Swords of the Mist. Who probably knows techniques I've never seen. And who's almost certainly been training specifically to fight Sharingan users." He sighed. "What fun."
Guy: "Do not fear, my rival! Your skills are magnificent! And think of the example we set for our students!"
Kakashi: (Looking toward where the Kumo compound glowed with steady light) "They're watching everything, you know. Our genin. How we handle this. How we represent Konoha. It's not just about winning or losing. It's about... showing them what being a shinobi means."
Guy: "Then we shall show them the power of will! Of passion! Of the unbreakable spirit of Konoha!"
Kakashi: (A faint smile) "Yeah. Let's do that."
Dawn found Konoha already awake, already buzzing. The jonin tournament announcement had electrified the village. Merchants who had been selling genin tournament tickets now offered "combo packages." Food stalls advertised "Battle Breakfasts." Even the training grounds were more crowded as shinobi from every village put in last-minute preparations.
The arena itself—already impressive—was being modified. Indra, true to his word, was overseeing the barrier enhancements. He stood in the center of the fighting ground, hands moving in complex patterns as seals formed in the air and sank into the stone.
Indra: "The barrier will have seven layers. The outer three for spectator protection. The middle two for containing collateral damage. The inner two for regulating the combat environment—preventing certain area-of-effect techniques from becoming uncontrollable."
Konoha's barrier team watched, equal parts fascinated and chagrined as he implemented systems they hadn't considered.
Konoha Barrier Nin: "The chakra resonance feedback loop... that's brilliant. If a technique hits the barrier, it strengthens it rather than weakening it."
Indra: "Temporary effect. Drains the attacker's chakra to reinforce the defense. Useful for containing high-energy exchanges." He finished the last seal. "Test it."
A Konoha jonin fired a concentrated fireball at the barrier. Instead of impacting, it spread across the surface, was absorbed, and the barrier glowed slightly brighter.
Indra: "Adequate. It will hold."
Meanwhile, throughout the village, the upcoming fights were all anyone discussed.
At Ichiraku Ramen:
Teuchi: "Special tomorrow! 'Thunder and Crimson Bowl' in honor of the first match! Spicy lightning-style broth!"
At the training grounds:
Neji: (Watching Lee practice) "Their willingness to fight publicly... it demonstrates remarkable trust. Both in each other and in their control."
Lee: "AND IT IS VERY YOUTHFUL! TO TEST ONE'S BONDS THROUGH COMBAT! TO STRENGTHEN THEM THROUGH CHALLENGE!"
At the Hokage's office:
Tsunade: "Medical teams are ready. I'll be overseeing personally. Shizune will handle triage. We've stockpiled enough blood and regeneratives for a small war."
Jiraiya: "Which this might become if something goes wrong."
Tsunade: "It won't. Because if it does, I'll personally beat sense back into every participant."
But beneath all the preparation, the true significance of the tournament was becoming clear. This wasn't just entertainment. It was a new form of diplomacy—one where villages tested each other's strengths not through proxy wars or espionage, but through sanctioned, public combat. Where the measurement was transparent. Where the results would influence alliances, trade, and the balance of power for years to come.
And at the center of it all: Indra and Rias, whose relationship had become a symbol of this new paradigm—where love and battle weren't opposites, but different expressions of the same fierce commitment to growth, to challenge, to becoming more than you were.
As the sun climbed toward noon, casting the arena in sharp relief, the entire village held its breath. Tomorrow, the jonin would fight. The day after, the genin would follow.
And the world would watch, and learn, and change.
End of Chapter – 31.