Chapter 144
The rules of the preliminary round were simple: to encourage conflict between the villages. The greater the clash, the better. If anyone died, they could only blame their own weakness.
Under this competition system, the participants naturally grouped themselves according to their villages. Since teams from the same village couldn't target each other, multiple small groups inevitably formed, mirroring the dynamics of the major ninja villages.
Among the participants were many familiar faces. Although Zixu had yet to reveal any prizes, it didn't dampen their enthusiasm. An event of this scale was second only to the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Some aimed to become famous through this martial arts competition, while others sought to sharpen their skills. Either way, no one intended to hold back—not even in the preliminary round.
---
After entering the forest, the contestants quickly divided into their respective groups.
The Konoha team, led by Shikamaru and Naruto, moved swiftly. The Kumogakure (Cloud Village) team was headed by a grim-looking man alongside a red-haired woman—the same one Zixu had encountered before. The Iwagakure (Rock Village) team was led by a big-nosed man with a dull expression, while the Kirigakure (Mist Village) team followed a short, fan-shaped man with glasses. The Sunagakure (Sand Village) group had a bald man with facial tattoos at the helm.
The Uzushiogakure (Whirlpool Village) team boasted even greater numbers. Aburame Hatsuizumi, Karin, Hyuga Chinano, and others took to the field. Haku and Gaara were not idle either, though Neji refrained from participating. Instead, he remained on standby, tasked with coordinating and monitoring the situation.
The Whirlpools had also sent several promising newcomers who had performed well in recent years. This competition was their chance to be tempered by battle.
---
It was assumed that the first clash would occur later, after some initial testing of each other's strength. However, no one expected the Cloud-nin to immediately launch an attack against the Whirlpools without warning.