Zhang Miao was always quick to act on his ideas. Once he decided, he immediately summoned all the leaders of the ninja village and issued his command.
"To promote peace in the ninja world and to elevate the status and influence of our village, I have decided to hold a ninja martial arts tournament called 'Super Happy Run, Ninja Run!'"
"…"
The leaders understood the martial arts tournament part, but what was "Super Happy Run, Ninja Run"?
After Zhang Miao finished speaking, everyone looked at each other in confusion. Finally, Kakadong stepped forward and slightly bowed his head to Zhang Miao.
"We understand your intention, Boss. But who should we invite for this martial arts tournament? The daimyos of the Five Great Nations or the Kages of various villages? And how should we determine the participants? What about the tournament's rewards?"
"Uh… well…"
Zhang Miao had yet to think about these details. He was bored, stuck with a big belly because of the Shinigami, and couldn't go anywhere. Hosting this tournament was mainly for self-entertainment and to pass the time.
Of course, he wouldn't say that. After pondering for a moment, he addressed Kakadong.
"Since this is the first tournament, the participants should be our own village's ninjas. Those willing to participate can sign up themselves. As for the invitations, notify the daimyos of the Five Great Nations and the Kages of the Five Great Ninja Villages. Whether they come or not is up to them. And for the rewards…"
At the mention of rewards, Zhang Miao frowned and thought for a while before looking at everyone.
"Since the participants are from our village, the reward will be monetary. The total prize pool is 50 million Ryo. Additionally, the top ten will be awarded the title 'Blade of Hades.' How does that sound?"
"That's sufficient!" Kakadong immediately nodded. "Earning the title 'Blade of Hades' is already a supreme honor!"
As soon as Kakadong finished, the other leaders nodded in agreement. Seeing this, Zhang Miao grinned.
"Since everyone understands, let's get to work. Decide among yourselves who will send the invitations, prepare the venue, and manage the tournament. Go!"
"Yes!"
Everyone responded in unison and then turned to leave Zhang Miao's room.
Once they were gone, Zhang Miao activated his Byakugan and watched Haku train Naruto and Sasuke. He smiled again.
"Before the tournament, this will serve as a warm-up. By the time they leave, my 'Super Happy Run, Ninja Run' competition should be ready!"
As Zhang Miao predicted, it took Tazuna a month to finish building the bridge. After its completion, Tazuna named it "The Great Naruto Bridge" and personally escorted Naruto and his team out of the Land of Waves with his daughter and grandson.
Shortly after Naruto's team left, the messengers who had delivered the invitations returned.
The growing strength of the Land of Waves was evident, so the messengers were treated with respect in the Five Great Nations. To Zhang Miao's surprise, while the daimyos didn't attend, the Kages of the Five Great Ninja Villages all arrived!
Fourth Kazekage Rasa, Third Tsuchikage Onoki, Fourth Raikage A, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Fifth Mizukage Mei Terumi arrived in the Land of Waves.
Zhang Miao was familiar with the first four Kages, so their presence wasn't surprising. But seeing Mei Terumi made his eyes narrow.
"If she's here, then Yagura must be dead!"
Yagura, the Fourth Mizukage of Kirigakure and the jinchuriki of the Three-Tails had turned the village into the feared "Blood Mist" under the control of Uchiha Obito. After Ao freed him from the genjutsu, Yagura soon died, and Mei Terumi succeeded him as the Fifth Mizukage.
Seeing Mei Terumi, Zhang Miao guessed the current state of Kirigakure.
"Mei Terumi must have just taken office and is probably consolidating her position while cleaning up Yagura's mess. She's here to gauge the strength of the Land of Waves."
Zhang Miao quickly deduced Mei Terumi's intentions but didn't mind. He knew that besides Hiruzen Sarutobi, the other four Kages were also there to "scout the enemy."
Zhang Miao smiled.
"If you want to see, then I'll show you everything. Just don't be too shocked when you go back!"
Zhang Miao was right. The first few days, the battles involved ninjas like Zabuza and Aburame Shino, who were five- or six-star level. The Kages were impressed but were calm.
However, by the tenth day of the tournament, when seven-star ninjas like Kakashi, Kakadong, Hiruzen Sora, and Uchiha Shisui entered the fray, the Kages began to feel uneasy.
Watching the fierce battles of these seven-star ninjas, each Kage had the same thought.
"Judging by their combat prowess, they must be S-rank ninjas. Could I win against them?"
But this thought only lasted for about a week. On the fifteenth day, when eight-star ninjas like Uchiha Yo and Uchiha Madara entered the scene, the Kages were left stunned.
When the two started fighting with their Susanoo, Uchiha Madara's blue Susanoo, wielding six swords, fiercely clashed with Uchiha Yo's red Susanoo, wielding the Totsuka Blade and the Yata Mirror. The sheer power devastated the battlefield.
The intense battle thrilled Zhang Miao, but the Kages were dumbfounded.
Damn, who are these people? How are they so powerful?
The oldest, Third Tsuchikage Onoki, stood in shock when he saw Uchiha Madara's masked figure using Susanoo.
"That man… the one in red armor, is Uchiha Madara!"
"What? Impossible!"
Onoki's declaration caused the other four Kages to turn pale with shock.