Chapter 796: The Fated Battle Between Konoha’s Light and Darkness
"What?"
"Half of the top eight are Konoha ninja?"
"Is there cheating going on?"
"Shh, keep it down..."
"Keep it down your butt! How strong are those Konoha ninja anyway? You know..."
"If only you’d watched some of their earlier matches, you’d know there’s no cheating!"
"Tsk! So the champion is definitely going to be from Konoha?"
"Not necessarily. The other four finalists are also very strong. Especially Sunagakure—they’ve even secured two of the eight spots. Don’t underestimate them!"
"Who do you think will win?"
"Sarutobi Hiruzen? As Hokage, he clearly has a huge advantage..."
"Uchiha Kagami? The young genius of the Uchiha clan—his chances are also very high..."
"Kazekage Chiyo? She seems to have a good shot too..."
"Hah? Who’s Tanaka? Where did this dark horse come from? Why are his odds so high?"
The announcement of the tournament’s top eight finalists further boosted the event’s popularity.
Instantly, everyone was talking about the finalists and predicting who would become champion.
Of course, some suspected Konoha of cheating.
But these doubts were quickly silenced by protests from many others.
At this stage, Konoha was undoubtedly the ninja world’s beacon—and rightfully so!
When you’re strong enough, wise supporters naturally gather around you.
In fact, to achieve his goal of luring out Black Zetsu, Tobirama had held back as much as possible in this tournament.
He only sent most of the younger generation of ninja.
He himself didn’t participate, nor did his sister-in-law Mito, or other senior ninja from major clans like the Senju and Uchiha.
Even the Ōtsutsuki clan from the moon, who had immigrated to Konoha, were forbidden by Tobirama from taking part.
They from the moon simply couldn’t be exposed too early.
If they were allowed to compete, this top eight list might have been entirely filled by Konoha!
After all, the moon Ōtsutsuki clan had many Kage-level fighters, and their overall quality far surpassed even the Hyūga clan...
Of course, all of this was just background detail.
When the lineup for the semifinals on the sixth day was announced, tournament excitement reached new heights.
Sarutobi Hiruzen VS Tanaka (Konoha Hokage vs. Sand’s Darkness)
Uchiha Kagami VS Chinoike Hyakukin (Sharingan vs. Ketsuryūgan)
Hinata Dokou VS Uzumaki Ashiyoshi (Byakugan vs. Uzumaki Sealing Technique)
Chiyo VS Kakuzu (Third Kazekage vs. First Hokage’s Rival)
Each match was packed with climactic moments that thrilled countless spectators and fans.
Not only did betting amounts go wild, but even the tickets for the scheduled semifinals sold out immediately, becoming nearly impossible to obtain.
Fortunately, there were no cruel scalpers in Konoha right now. If there were, they probably wouldn’t survive the "friendly advice" from Anbu ninja.
Still, to meet the exploding demand, on the night before the semifinals, Konoha even used Earth Release ninjutsu to temporarily expand the arena, adding tens of thousands of spectator seats and selling all the extra tickets—generating another massive profit!
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
Late into the night.
In the Sunagakure delegation’s room,
Danzō and Chiyo, unable to sleep, continued talking by candlelight.
"Tomorrow is the semifinal."
"I know."
"You’re in the first match—facing the Third Hokage!"
"Yes."
Danzō nodded, more excited than ever.
"You seem to have a grudge against him? Didn’t you once ask me to avenge you if I ever met him?"
"He stole everything from me! I’m not worse than him at all, but the Second Hokage favored him. I can’t accept it!"
Danzō gritted his teeth—no pretense, only genuine, raw emotion.
Of course, he was still young, still had hope, and had great promises from Tobirama.
So his feelings toward Hiruzen were currently more competitive ambition than obsessive hatred...
"Calm down. What Konoha couldn’t give you, Sunagakure can!"
"I understand."
"But this time, it seems you’ll have to face him directly. Are you sure? Or will your identity be exposed? What if you just withdraw..."
Chiyo was deeply worried about Danzō. She didn’t care whether Danzō could win, or whether he could help her defeat other favorite champions.
She only feared that Danzō, as a Konoha-wanted criminal, might reveal his identity in the arena.
Before the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, Danzō would surely not survive—he couldn’t possibly escape alive!
That was the most dangerous possibility!
"Don’t worry, I’m sure I won’t be found out..."
Danzō reassured Chiyo with a nod.
He knew that even if he were exposed, Tobirama would cover for him.
"Danzō, don’t take unnecessary risks. Think again..."
"No need to think! Because this chance exists, and I’ll face Hiruzen—I must settle this myself! This is my lifelong dream. Promise me—you won’t stop me, okay?"
Danzō looked at Chiyo with deep sincerity, his eyes filled with determination and resolve.
He didn’t want to prove anything.
But Danzō wanted everyone to know—what was taken from him, he would reclaim with his own hands!
He was never inferior to Hiruzen!
"This... alright."
Chiyo covered her slightly reddened cheeks and reluctantly agreed.
She had seen that kind of look before—just like when her teacher, the Second Kazekage, decided to take risks alone. Nothing could stop a true ninja who had made their decision.
And Danzō now was a ninja among ninja—a true man among men!
"Besides, don’t just focus on me."
"Your opponent tomorrow isn’t easy either—be careful of that man named Kakuzu."
Danzō reminded her in detail.
Chiyo frowned. "I know him—a missing-nin from Takigakure. I’ve seen his fights—he truly seems to have an immortal body. In several previous matches, no matter how severe his injuries, he recovered quickly. He’s quite troublesome..."
She wasn’t just a beautiful woman who knew nothing.
Over the past few days, she had continuously gathered and observed information about other participants.
Undeniably, Kakuzu’s "immortal body" did give him an advantage over her puppet techniques.
Or rather, true immortality almost overpowered all Ninjutsu and Taijutsu, except Genjutsu or mental secret techniques...
Chiyo already sensed that if she faced Kakuzu, she might be drawn into a fierce battle.
"Don’t worry too much. That man isn’t truly immortal. It’s just a disguise through a secret technique. He can be defeated!"
"Really?"
"This is his secret of immortality—the forbidden technique of Takigakure, Jiongu (Earth Grudge Fear)! Study it carefully, memorize its characteristics and weaknesses."
Danzō suddenly pulled out a forbidden technique scroll and handed it to Chiyo seriously.
"What? A forbidden technique like this... you can get it? How?"
Chiyo was shocked.
This was Takigakure’s greatest secret, believed lost after Kakuzu’s defection.
How did Danzō obtain it?
This was too unbelievable!
"A secret."
"Fine. I won’t ask now. After everything’s over, I’ll make you tell me!"
Chiyo gratefully accepted the highly secret forbidden technique scroll, and her trust and reliance on Danzō deepened further.
She didn’t rush to dig for information.
After all, when the time came, she’d definitely find a way to make Danzō tell her everything.
And as long as the forbidden technique and information were genuine, that was enough.
As for its source?
Why overthink it?
Chiyo now truly understood her teacher, the Second Kazekage’s teaching:
When Sunagakure was in danger like this, use the suspicious, and suspect the one you use. That was the only way to protect the village!
"Once you know his weakness, there won’t be a problem. If something unexpected happens, I still have one secret technique. When you use it, he’ll likely surrender on his own!"
"Hah? A secret technique like that? Really? Tell me quickly!"
Chiyo was shocked again, increasingly amazed by Danzō’s magic bag. Why did every time he pulled out a "treasure," it grow bigger?
Absolutely incredible!
"Shh! Just do this, and this..."
"Is this really effective?"
"Trust me!"
Danzō guaranteed it earnestly.
And so, amidst their long conversation, the long night passed by.
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
The next day.
On the sixth day of the Ninja Tournament, the highly anticipated semifinals finally began.
With only four matches in the semifinals, they weren’t held simultaneously.
One match ended before the next began.
This ensured the best possible spectacle and prevented audience fatigue.
Early in the morning, the expanded arena—now able to hold a hundred thousand spectators—was already packed and bustling.
After being promoted all night, the odds for the first semifinal match between Hiruzen and Danzō had risen to 3 to 1.
Meaning: three times as many people bet on Hiruzen’s victory than on Danzō!
Clearly, even though Danzō had won five consecutive matches, due to his obscurity, most people didn’t know his true identity.
His winning odds were still far below Hiruzen, the well-known Third Hokage.
A dark horse was exciting to watch, but not everyone believed he could beat an established racing favorite.
Or rather, letting a quarter of bettors believe Danzō might defeat Hiruzen was already quite unrealistic.
At nine in the morning,
Under the gaze of many, Hiruzen in armor and Danzō with a kunai at his waist simultaneously stepped onto the arena.
After ascending the stage, Hiruzen and Danzō locked eyes. A thick sense of familiarity and a strange atmosphere hung between them.
Danzō’s masterful disguise could fool others, but not Hiruzen.
As close friends and comrades who had faced life and death together, Hiruzen knew Danzō intimately—just as Danzō knew Hiruzen.
Their understanding was so deep that with just a tap on the shoulder, they knew to change tactics.
Now, they had coincidentally met in the semifinals.
Was it fate, or deep mutual attraction?
But their current feelings were vastly different.
Hiruzen felt the joy of reuniting with his friend and the spirit of fair competition, tinged with slight pride.
Meanwhile, Danzō felt intensely excited—he had passionately prepared for this moment to finally test his strength against Hiruzen.
"You..."
Hiruzen spoke first, lowering his voice instinctively, wanting to ask how Danzō was doing.
He knew Danzō had gone alone as a spy in Sunagakure. He must have endured great hardships.
He had fought hard for the village!
But under so many eyes, Hiruzen dared not call Danzō by his real name or reveal any information, to avoid ruining Danzō’s secret mission.
"I want to win!"
Danzō drew his kunai, his face filled with determination.
There was nothing else in his eyes—only the desire to defeat Hiruzen and prove himself!
"I know, I..."
Hiruzen wasn’t stupid either. He always understood Danzō’s desire to chase and compete with him.
Just like best friends wanting to see who could pee farther when they were kids.
Hiruzen saw nothing wrong with this healthy competition. In fact, this competitive spirit was what drove both of them to rapidly grow and stand out among all Konoha ninja.
Only, Hiruzen never realized how much damage would occur if this competition turned into obsession.
When he understood, it was already too late.
But this time was different.
Everything had drastically changed—and so was the future.
"Don’t hold back, and I won’t either!"
Danzō cut Hiruzen off, warning and seriously demanding.
He knew what Hiruzen wanted to say, but all his efforts so far weren’t to defeat a rival who deliberately held back. That would mean nothing.
"Alright!"
Hiruzen was slightly surprised, then became excited.
Yes!
Right now, this ninja tournament arena was undoubtedly the perfect place for them to fight.
Giving their all, using the kunai in their hands to determine a result no one could doubt—that was the greatest respect between them!
In this fight, Danzō would unleash his full strength!
And Hiruzen wouldn’t hold back either!
"Get ready!"
The referee began giving instructions.
At the same time, four elite Anbu ninja suddenly appeared and landed around the giant arena. They formed hand seals and activated the Four Violet Flames Formation.
The danger level and intensity of the semifinal fights were incomparable to earlier rounds. At minimum, their destructive power was at Kage level. If spectators were harmed, it would threaten the tournament’s continuation.
Tobirama had certainly anticipated this and taken precautions.
The Four Red Yang Formation wasn’t needed—the Four Violet Flames Formation should be sufficient.
If anything unexpected happened, Tobirama himself could intervene in time.
Simultaneously, in the highest spectator seats, including Tobirama and other Konoha leaders, as well as nobles from various nations, all were seated.
The semifinals were captivating enough to draw the attention and curiosity of everyone.
Even Lux, who loved watching entertainment, arrived on time unseen and sat down, ready to enjoy the show.
Tobirama was also extremely excited today. Watching his two students face each other below, his heart burned with fiery enthusiasm.
As long as it wasn’t a fight to the death, what teacher wouldn’t love seeing their students battle fiercely?
Though Tobirama usually had a stoic face, his curiosity and gossip-loving spirit was no smaller than anyone else’s.
He couldn’t even resist quietly asking Lux beside him.
"Lord, who do you think will win between the two?"
"You want to know who I’m betting on?"
"Could you tell me?"
Tobirama became extremely excited, barely able to contain his urge to bet.
"Why? Do you want to bet too?"
"That... I don’t dare. I can’t bet against Lord—I’d definitely lose!"
Tobirama quickly declined. His desire to bet wasn’t small, but he wasn’t foolish.
Who dared bet against a Sennin who could easily travel across time and space?
That was certain defeat!
Who knew if the Tenshō Sennin had already watched similar matches in other parallel dimensions?
It was pointless playing against someone using cheats!
"Tch! Then I’ll find you a worthy betting opponent."
Lux seemed to think of something interesting.
So he extended his hand and instantly activated world teleportation, pulling a Tobirama from another dimension and bringing him here.
The next second, the two Tobiramas stared at each other—and both were instantly shocked.