Chapter 120: Entry
Arthur stood at the edge of the vast arena, observing the hustle and bustle of the tournament preparations. His figure was indistinguishable—a shadow overlooking everyone.
His Tamashii was also activated so that he could gauge the chakra levels of those entering the grounds—ninja, feudal lords, and aides alike. He meticulously assessed the chakra levels, noted who had decided to show up and who had opted to stay away.
His eyes narrowed as he noted several prominent figures who would not be making an appearance. Baki, an elder of the Sand Village, was presently occupied, busy restoring the reputation of his village following the recent death of their Kazekage several months ago.
These were the political ramifications that many figureheads had to attend to as opposed to traveling afar for entertainment. Even if ninjas from their respective villages were selected, this wasn't a representation of their home but a mere sporting event for challengers.
Then there were characters like Kankuro who had initially considered participating. However, upon discovering that this tournament was taijutsu-only, he hurriedly retracted any motives to compete.
Kankuro was a puppeteer, after all, and relying on taijutsu was not in his skill set. This applied to many ninjas who didn't want to register for that very reason.
Arthur continued his scan, observing several other formidable names absent from the lineup: Chōjūrō, Chiriku, Asuma, Kakashi, Ao, Killer Bee, and Yugito. While none of them had even registered, that did not mean they couldn't come watch the event.
Arthur speculated that they likely didn't show because of their background. Killer Bee and Yugito were notorious Jinchūriki across the Lightning Country. Kakashi was also the son of the White Fang of the Hidden Leaf and is the Copy Ninja who most feared.
Other characters, like Chōjūrō in specific, were part of organizations that didn't have a favourable reputation in the public eye. The same principles applied for Asuma and Chiriku, who the latter, despite being a monk, did have a questionable background.
Each of them had different commitments that prevented them from participating in this battle of pure physical prowess.
As Arthur continued to ponder the implications of those missing fighters, he couldn't ignore the presence of foreign dignitaries that had begun to trickle in. Feudal lords from the Land of Frost and the Land of Tea were among the notable figures mingling in the arena, eager to catch a glimpse of the combatants who had dared to participate.