I Am Uzumaki Menma

The Ninja Sword Tournament was held in the northern part of the city, in a massive circular structure resembling an enlarged football stadium.

When the three arrived, spectators were already lining up to enter.

The cacophony of voices, vendors' cries, and children's laughter mingled together, creating a lively current.

They entered through the Ninja-only channel, proceeding directly to the upper spectator seating.

Looking down, the seats below were already seventy to eighty percent full. Spectators waved small flags, wore headbands supporting specific ninjas, the atmosphere electric.

At the very front of the spectator area, camera crews from multiple TV stations had set up their equipment. Hosts were providing pre-match commentary to the cameras.

"So many people!" Kankuro leaned over the railing, excitedly looking around. "At least thirty percent more than last year!"

Temari focused more on the competitor area.

A dedicated zone was cordoned off there, and some Ninjas were already warming up or talking.

She squinted, trying to recognize familiar figures.

Just then, a lazy voice tinged with amusement came from the side. "Yo, good morning."

All three turned simultaneously.

Their Jonin Instructor, Yukimi, leaned against the wall by the stairwell entrance, waving at them lazily.

Her brown medium-length hair was casually tied into a low ponytail at the back. Her deep blue pupils were as clear as lake water in the morning light. The small freckles on her face made her look younger than her actual age.

"Yukimi-sensei!" the three greeted in unison.

Yukimi straightened up and walked over slowly.

She wore the Jonin flak jacket of the Star Ninja over a dark casual shirt, her whole figure exuding a nonchalant air.

But those who knew her understood the terrifying power hidden beneath that lazy exterior.

The Kekkei Genkai of the Ibuki Clan, Smoke Transformation, coupled with the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai that she accidentally activated later through the Bloodline Illness Stabilizer, placed her firmly among the top Jonin of the Land of Stars.

"You are here so early?" Yukimi yawned, coming to stand beside Gaara at the railing. "I thought you would sleep in more."

"Temari woke us all up super early." Kankuro complained softly, immediately shutting up when Temari glared at him.

Yukimi chuckled softly, her gaze sweeping over Gaara's calm profile. "So, made up your mind? Registration closes in an hour."

She paused, adding, "I heard over sixty people registered this time, even Uchiha and Hyuga have participants. But that Shunji is not to be underestimated either. He has undergone five genetic enhancement surgeries. He's one of the first trial subjects of the [New Ninja] Project."

Gaara looked down at the gradually filling spectator seats, remained silent for a moment, then shook his head. "Thank you for your kind advice, Sensei. But I still want to master Shukaku's power first."

This answer seemed to be within Yukimi's expectations.

She nodded, not pressing further.

As their instructor, she understood Gaara's special circumstances better than anyone. The One-Tail's Jinchuriki… merely fully controlling Shukaku's power was enough to place him among Kage-level fighters.

The Ninja Swords were good, but ultimately, they're just external tools.

Yukimi's gaze suddenly drifted to a certain corner of the competitor area in the distance, the corner of her mouth quirking up slightly, a hint of playfulness flashing in her deep blue eyes.

"Come on." She straightened up, beckoning to Gaara and the others. "Let me introduce you to this tournament's defending champion."

"Huh? Is that allowed?" Kankuro asked, surprised.

"Why would not it be?" Yukimi was already heading towards the stairs. "I know Shunji-kun pretty well. It's just saying hi before the match."

The four descended along the passage, through internal corridors, arriving at the competitor preparation area.

The atmosphere here was distinctly different, tense with fluctuating Chakra.

Ninjas sat alone adjusting their states, whispered with companions, or performed final warm-ups.

Yukimi led them through the crowd with ease, occasionally nodding to familiar Ninjas.

Gaara could feel many eyes landing on him. His identity as the One-Tail's Jinchuriki was not exactly a secret among the Ninjas of the Land of Stars, and many from Ninja Clans or Jonin knew something about it.

Among these gazes were curiosity, assessment, and faint wariness.

"Shunji!" Yukimi called towards one direction.

A young Ninja with black hair and black eyes turned around.

He appeared to be around nineteen, with a sturdy build, wearing sleeveless combat attire for easy movement, the well-defined muscle lines on his exposed arms noticeable.

Most eye-catching were the massive twin blades on his back, their broad blades reflecting a cold metallic sheen under the lights of the preparation area.

The Twin Blades, Hiramekarei.

Shunji saw Yukimi and grinned broadly. "Yukimi-nee! What brings you here?"

"Bringing my students to see the world." Yukimi said lazily, stepping aside to let Gaara and the others step forward. "These are the three kids from my team. Gaara, Temari, Kankuro."

Shunji's gaze lingered on Gaara for a moment longer, but quickly returned to normal.

He nodded amiably to the three. "I know of you. The three siblings from Wind County, right? Top performers at the Ninja Academy."

"Hello, Senpai." Temari responded politely, Kankuro also greeting him.

Gaara gave a slight nod, his gaze falling on the twin blades on Shunji's back.

He could sense the unique Chakra Fluctuations contained within those weapons, distinct from ordinary ninja tools.

"Nervous?" Yukimi stepped forward, playfully nudging him with her elbow, smiling casually. "Heard there are quite a few tough challengers this time."

Shunji patted the hilts on his back, his smile confident. "A bit nervous, sure. But more excited, honestly. After so many years of the Ninja Sword Tournament, we finally have some worthy challengers. Is that not a good thing?"

His eyes scanned several Ninjas warming up in the preparation area.

Gaara followed his gaze, recognizing a few: a boy in a dark blue jacket bearing the Uchiha crest, meditating with eyes closed, a young man from the Hyuga branch family, sitting cross-legged, and a few unfamiliar faces, but judging from their Chakra Fluctuations, none were weak.

"That Uchiha kid." Shunji gestured with his chin towards that direction. "His name is Uchiha Taichi. Seventeen. Nephew of Inabi-senpai. He trained in the police force before, promoted to Special Jonin this year after awakening the Three-Tomoe Sharingan."

"The Hyuga one is Hyuga Gensui. Sixteen. Disciple of Tokuma-senpai. I heard he took down over ten Konoha's Ninjas during the [Night of Betrayal]. He performed well in the war against the Land of Wind too. He has been stationed with the forces in the Wind County these past few years."

"Both are first-time registrants, but their strength is said to be formidable."

"Do you think they can make it to the end?" Yukimi asked, looking at the two briefly before turning back to Shunji.

Shunji shrugged. "Who knows? In a tournament, no one can claim certain victory before the fight."

He looked at Gaara and suddenly asked, "What about you? Not signing up to try? With your strength, you could go pretty far."

This question drew the attention of those nearby to Gaara.

Gaara calmly met Shunji's gaze and shook his head. "I am still learning to control my power. I don't want any accidents during the tournament."

The statement was tactful, but everyone present understood the implication.

Shunji nodded in understanding. "Right, that makes sense. I'm looking forward to facing you once you have grown stronger!"

"Watch the matches carefully today. It should be some exciting ones."

He glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's almost time for the draw. Yukimi-nee, everyone, see you later."

He waved to the group, the twin blades on his back making him stand out as he headed towards the drawing area.

"Shunji-senpai seems nice." Temari said softly.

Yukimi smiled. "The kid has a good personality, yeah. It's just that he's too blunt sometimes, so he easily offends people."

She turned to Gaara. "So, any impressions seeing the swords up close?"

Gaara pondered for a moment before replying slowly, "Powerful Chakra Fluctuations... but it seems he does not have complete control over them."

A glint of approval flashed in Yukimi's eyes. "Good observation. The Twin Blades Hiramekarei are quite special even among the Seven Ninja Swords. They can absorb the Chakra of slain enemies to enhance their power. But this characteristic also means that if the wielder's Chakra Control is not refined enough, it is easy for the weapon to backfire."

She paused, then added, "That kid Shunji spent two years fully taming them. That is also why the Ninja Sword Tournament is held every three years… to give new holders enough time to bond with the weapon, and challengers enough time to prepare."

Kankuro asked curiously, "Yukimi-sensei, if it were you, could you beat Shunji-senpai?"

This question made Yukimi laugh out loud.

She ruffled Kankuro's hair, not gently. "Kankuro-chan, you should not ask such questions casually. But well—"

A hint of mischief flashed in her eyes. "If I really participated, I would probably make that kid sweat a bit."

The broadcast sounded at that moment, announcing that all competitors should assemble at the main arena.

The noise from the spectator seats also rose accordingly… the tournament was about to begin.

"Let's go, back to the spectator seats." Yukimi stretched lazily.

"The show is about to start."

When they returned to the upper stands, the spectator area was already packed.

The referee's voice echoed throughout the arena via loudspeakers, explaining the rules of this Ninja Sword Tournament and introducing the competitors.

When 'Current Twin Blades Hiramekarei Holder - Morishita Shunji' was announced, the arena erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

Shunji walked out from the competitor tunnel, waving to the spectators.

Under the sunlight, the twin blades on his back reflected dazzling light.

Gaara watched all this quietly.

He could feel Shukaku's restlessness in his mental world… the Tailed Beast was always particularly sensitive to powerful Chakra Fluctuations.

"What, tempted?" Shukaku's voice carried its usual sarcasm. "Want those swords?"

"No." Gaara replied calmly in his mind. "I was just thinking, if I ever stood in that arena one day, what would it be for."

Shukaku fell silent for a moment, surprisingly not retorting immediately.

…

The matches officially began.

The first round was the preliminary matches. Two Special Jonin engaged in a fierce duel at the center of the arena.

The light of clashing ninjutsu, the thuds of Taijutsu exchanges, the sharp clangs of weapons meeting.

All of this was relayed to every spectator through large screens and sound systems.

Temari watched intently, occasionally analyzing the tactics of the combatants in a low voice.

Yukimi lounged lazily against the back of her seat, seemingly nonchalant, but Gaara noticed that whenever an impressive offensive or defensive move occurred on the field, her gaze would become exceptionally sharp.

Time passed with the matches.

Duel after duel started and ended, winners advancing, losers retiring.

Both Taichi and Gensui passed the first two rounds easily. The strength they displayed drew gasps from the crowd at times and made many Star Ninjas in the spectator seats look grave.

Around three in the afternoon, the quarter-finals began.

Shunji, as the defending champion, would face the challenger who emerged from the quarter-finals in the final round.

The intensity of the quarter-finals far surpassed the preliminaries, each match fiercely contested.

Finally, after nearly two hours of battles, the one standing on the finals stage was Taichi.

This Uchiha youth had displayed astonishing talent in the previous matches.

Although he had only recently awakened the Three-Tomoe Sharingan and been promoted to Special Jonin, his actual strength already exceeded that of an ordinary Jonin. His mastery of Fire Release Ninjutsu was exceptional, his Taijutsu strong, and he possessed the Uchiha Clan's characteristic combat intuition.

After consecutively defeating several formidable opponents, he now stood before Shunji.

The referee's voice grew animated. "Ladies and gentlemen! After fierce competition, the finalist for this Ninja Sword Tournament has been determined!"

"Current Twin Blades Hiramekarei Holder… Morishita Shunji!"

"Challenger… Uchiha Taichi!"

"The final match will commence tomorrow at 10 a.m.! Stay tuned!"

The spectator seats erupted.

Uchiha's new generation Ninja versus the current sword holder… this was undoubtedly the most anticipated showdown.