The opening day of the World's Strongest Shinobi Tournament was just around the corner, and many new faces had appeared in the Village Hidden in the Leaves.
To welcome this rare grand event of the shinobi world, Konoha had made ample preparations.
Even the guards at the village gate had been replaced with two jonin.
The true identities of all applicants for the tournament had to undergo layers of screening and receive personal approval from the five great Kage—the Hokage, Amekage, Raikage, Mizukage, and Kazekage—to obtain final eligibility.
And with that, they would receive an official invitation to participate.
To limit the number of people entering the village, only those with an invitation or a purchased spectator ticket were allowed entry.
Even so, the stream of people entering the village was endless, with long lines forming at the gate every day, waiting for clearance.
Faced with this situation, the Third Hokage had no choice but to dispatch several squads to assist with the work at the gate.
Inside the village, even more manpower was needed.
Konoha shinobi, including many Anbu, could be seen coming and going on the rooftops, on high alert in every corner of the village.
Two days before the tournament, the delegations from the various nations arrived.
The first to arrive was the delegation from the neighboring Land of Rain, led by Amekage Kaito, with fourteen jonin, fifty-six chunin, and seventeen genin.
Among them were the former Tsuchikage, Onoki, and his son, Kitsuchi.
"Haha, welcome, welcome!"
The Third Hokage, along with several of his subordinates, personally came to the village gate to welcome the Land of Rain delegation.
Looking at the large crowd behind Kaito, the Third Hokage said with a beaming smile, "So many people. Don't tell me they're all here to compete?"
"Of course not," Kaito shook his head. "This is a rare grand event. I brought most of them along to experience it. Perhaps in a few years, you'll see their figures in the tournament, but not now."
"I see. It's indeed good for them to see more of the world," the Third Hokage nodded, stepping aside to clear the path.
"Please, I'll take you to the guest house."
"Mm, thank you for the trouble."
The large group was settled in the guest house. The Third Hokage, busy with his duties, took his leave.
Kaito looked at the eager faces of the Rain-nin and said with a smile, "I know you all want to go out and explore, but let's get this straight first. You must move in squads; no wandering off alone. This is someone else's village, and it's not guaranteed to be safe for us."
"Yes, sir!"
"Also, remember not to start trouble. But if someone else starts trouble with you, don't be a coward. I'm here, and I can handle any consequences. But the situation must be one where we are in the right, understand?"
"Understood!"
"Alright, that's all. Go on."
Kaito waved his hand, and the group scattered like a flock of birds.
They were already shouting excitedly before they had even left the guest house.
"I've never been to another village in my life! I want to see how Konoha is different from ours!"
"I hear Konoha's bathhouses are nice."
"What's a bathhouse? Konoha's red-light district is the real deal!"
"Hiss~ I'm going!"
"Let's go together!"
"..."
Kaito shook his head helplessly. "These guys, really... acting like country folk visiting the city. It's so embarrassing."
"Can't be helped. Konoha's scenery is just more beautiful than ours. Whether it's the Land of Earth or the Land of Rain, the colors are too monotonous," Onoki said with a grin.
"Why don't you two go out for a walk as well? Don't hang around me and get in my way."
Kaito waved his hand. "I'm going to see an old friend. See you!"
As soon as his voice fell, his figure instantly vanished.
In a flash, only Onoki and Kitsuchi were left in the guest house courtyard.
They looked at each other. Onoki said, "We might as well go out too. How about a bath? I hear it's good for my back."
"Sure, I don't mind," Kitsuchi nodded. "I'm more interested in Konoha's food. After the bath, I want to have a good meal."
"Whatever you want. Let's go."
"Okay."
On the streets of Konoha, Kaito strolled leisurely by himself.
Following his memory, he arrived at Tsunade's former residence, only to find that it had been replaced by a tall building.
"Sigh, things have really changed."
"Of course they have. It's been almost ten years," a familiar voice sounded from behind him.
Kaito turned his head and saw Tsunade, her face as beautiful as ever.
She wore a loose white top and a green vest that concealed the magnificent curves of her chest, but he could still imagine their shape in his mind.
A complex mix of emotions welled up in Kaito's heart, and he couldn't help but sing, "Ten years ago, I didn't know you, you..."
"Why did you stop singing?" Tsunade tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said with a smile, "You used to love singing, but you were terrible at it. Today's song isn't bad, though. It has some flavor."
"Because the rest of it isn't appropriate," Kaito shook his head. "Where do you live now?"
"Just over there." Tsunade pointed into the distance. "Want to go see?"
"Sure."
"Let's go."
They walked side by side, yet with a hint of distance between them. The brother-sister-like affection of the past had long since faded.
Perhaps the only relationship left between them was that of familiar rivals.
After a short walk, Tsunade led him to a much smaller residence.
"Has the Princess of Konoha fallen from grace? How can you live in such a cramped house?"
"I've dismissed all the servants. Now it's just me and Nawaki living together. A house this size is enough."
"Just the two of you? You haven't found a boyfriend yet?" Kaito teased. "I remember you're not that young anymore."
"Hmph, none of your business. The man worthy of me hasn't been born yet!"
"Hiss~ Are you planning on robbing the cradle?"
"Get lost!"
Laughing and joking, the two arrived at the living room and sat down.
"Where's Nawaki?" Kaito asked, looking at the scenery around them.
"He should be at the training grounds right now. That kid signed up for the tournament and is busy preparing his special moves," Tsunade replied.
"What about you? You're not planning to participate?"
"I'm not going. It's too boring. I'd rather go to the casino for a couple of rounds."
"Mmm." Kaito nodded thoughtfully. "It's probably for the best that you don't participate. With your skill level, you'd probably only make it to the top sixteen."
"Excuse me, what did you just say?" Tsunade's eyebrows shot up.
She did not like the sound of that.
"Just telling the truth. Your medical ninjutsu is strong, but that's about it. If you're lucky, you might be able to wear one opponent down. If you're unlucky and run into a master like me, you'll be knocked out in the first round."
"So you're saying you actually signed up?" Tsunade asked in surprise.
"Why not? The title of 'World's Strongest' is pretty cool, don't you think?"
"Aren't you afraid of losing? If the leader of the Village Hidden in the Rain loses, the entire village's reputation will suffer."
"Then I just won't lose."
Kaito grinned at Tsunade. "You don't actually think there's someone who can beat me, do you?"