Elder Genji agreed to the proposal of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Back at the guest house, Elder Genji gathered Zenkichi and the other two students, giving them a serious warning about what to pay attention to during the upcoming competition.
"Konoha has always been famous in the ninja world for its abundance of geniuses. You must not take tomorrow's match lightly."
"Your performance directly affects the leverage our Kirigakure Village has when negotiating with Konoha."
Elder Genji looked stern, clearly taking the match seriously.
Zenkichi waved his hand casually and said, "Don't worry! Even if Sarutobi Hiruzen showed up himself, I'm confident I wouldn't lose!"
Elder Genji smiled slightly. "Zenkichi, you've got some special abilities—I'm not too worried about you. What concerns me more are Yagura and Terumi Mei."
Not to be outdone, Terumi Mei replied, "I've mastered the limits of both my kekkei genkai. As long as my opponent isn't too monstrous, I'm confident I can win."
The Terumi clan could be considered a bloodline family, though a small one. Their numbers were limited, and in comparison to large-scale kekkei genkai clans like the Kaguya or the Yuki clan, they were closer to a civilian ninja clan.
For decades, the Terumi clan had produced no kekkei genkai users—until Terumi Mei. She was the first in generations to awaken such power.
She not only inherited Lava Release (a corrosive, acidic type), but also developed Boil Release (acid mist), placing her strength among the top of the younger generation in Kirigakure.
Given all this, her pride was understandable.
Without the ability to back it up, she wouldn't even dream of competing for the position of Mizukage.
Yagura stayed silent for a moment, then said slowly, "I may not have special abilities or kekkei genkai, but I believe I'm strong enough to deal with most young shinobi."
Elder Genji nodded slightly, recognizing the strength in both of them.
These two were future Fourth and Fifth Mizukage. Their talent and ability were unquestionable.
Zenkichi glanced at Yagura and Terumi Mei, falling into thought.
Could he afford to relax, just riding on the strength of these two?
But then he shook his head inwardly.
Relax?
He couldn't rely entirely on others. If he wanted peace, he had to earn it himself.
As expected… only I can revitalize Kirigakure Village.
---
The next day.
Konoha Stadium.
This was the same arena where the Chūnin Exams were held in the original timeline. A vast battlefield, perfect for shinobi combat.
The surrounding stands were already packed with Leaf Village spectators. The crowd buzzed with anticipation.
"So many people? Don't tell me Konoha is letting them watch for free?" Zenkichi asked, squirming in his front-row seat and looking around restlessly.
Terumi Mei, standing beside him, replied, "I saw it. Konoha's charging for admission."
"What? That's ridiculous!" Zenkichi frowned. "We came all the way from Kirigakure just to make money for Konoha?"
Elder Genji shot Zenkichi a glance. "Then what do you want to do about it?"
"This concerns Kirigakure's interests," Zenkichi said with a serious face. "If the Leaf wants to profit off our fight, they should give us half the earnings."
Elder Genji thought for a moment, then nodded. "I'll bring it up with the Third Hokage later."
Just then, a young girl's voice nearby shouted, "You're just trying to cheat Konoha's money! You bad guys from Kirigakure!"
Zenkichi turned his head and saw a little red-eyed girl glaring angrily at him.
Although she was clearly directing her insults at all of Kirigakure, her gaze was locked on Zenkichi alone.
He stroked his chin, narrowing his eyes. He recognized the girl—Naruto fans would too. The future beauty: Yuhi Kurenai.
"You seem to hate me..." Zenkichi muttered, puzzled, looking at the man standing beside her.
The middle-aged man wore dark sunglasses and had a cold expression. Zenkichi realized he was likely Kurenai's father.
"Wait a second… that chakra. You... you were the one who tested me with genjutsu the other day!"
Zenkichi suddenly understood why Kurenai looked so hostile—it wasn't just a first impression.
"And the sunglasses—are you wearing those because you admire me, or are you still recovering from my light-based jutsu?" he teased, raising an eyebrow at Yuhi Mahong.
"Hmph!" Mahong grunted, clearly annoyed, but didn't reply.
"Jerk!" Kurenai snapped, baring her teeth at him in childish anger.
"Little brat, you know nothing," Zenkichi shot back, rolling his eyes.
He then formed a water clone with a hand seal and sent it off on a separate mission.
Elder Genji frowned. "The match is about to begin—why are you dispersing chakra?"
Zenkichi gave a lazy smile. "I just remembered something important. The clone is handling it. Don't worry—it won't affect the match."
---
Hokage's Office.
The Third Hokage observed the three young men standing before him with satisfaction.
Namikaze Minato, Uchiha Fugaku, and Hyūga Hizashi—each a rising star in Konoha, and more than capable of representing the village in the matches ahead.
"Today's match is very important to Konoha," the Third Hokage said. "Your performance will directly affect the village's standing."
After giving them a few more instructions, he led them to the stadium.
---
"Remember to bring up the payment when the time comes."
"Are we drawing lots? I bet it's all rigged."
"They'll definitely send someone who counters our fighting styles."
"At worst, they'll find some excuse to nerf us."
Zenkichi leaned lazily on his chair, muttering to himself as he watched the Third Hokage on the platform above.
"First match: Terumi Mei vs. Namikaze Minato!"
After some movements on the high platform, the first round was announced.
Zenkichi looked up at the big screen. Both participants were familiar names.
---