The large monitor displayed the names of the next two fighters: "Makaro Akimichi vs. Anko Mitarashi!"
Among the spectators, some were taken aback, while others were indifferent. Given that the arena was mainly situated with ninjas from the Leaf Village, it came as no surprise that two of their own were squaring off against each other.
However, the unexpected choice of Makaro, who appeared overweight and somewhat sluggish, raised eyebrows.
The Akimichi clan was known for their talent; figures like Torifu and Dōtō had made a name for themselves, yet here was Makaro, an average Genin, stepping into the spotlight.
Few knew the truth behind his selection. Unbeknownst to many, Makaro had unwittingly provided Arthur information on the Akimichi's secret technique, Calorie Control, which helped boost Arthur's prowess.
The main reason he was invited here was so Arthur could determine whether or not the boy had caused any unnecessary problems after Arthur had infiltrated their clan.
"And… begin!"
Anko wasted no time showing off her agility. The spectators watched with bated breath as she employed of quick taijutsu attacks.
Bang!
The boy grunted and attempted to counter, but it became clear that Anko was not a pushover. She dodged his attacks while landing her own, making it apparent the difference in skill between a Special Jōnin and Genin.
Makaro attempted to summon all of the training he had undergone, but Anko's speed continued to overwhelm him as she executed a horizontal swipe, knocking Makaro off his feet.
Bang!
Before long, he was on the defensive, dodging until, bang, he was knocked out of the arena.
"Anko Mitarashi wins!"
As Makaro trudged back to his clan, he felt embarrassed and wanted to apologize. "I'm so sorry for the loss…"
"We're just glad to know you could last that long, Makaro!"
Their comfort was enough, but he still felt a tad frustrated.
Now, Arthur hadn't solely been focused on Group 10; all the shinobi here were being carefully monitored. From what he deduced from Makaro, it was that the boy was too foolish to have made any connections with Arthur at the time.
Not long, the next match was announced: "Atsui vs. Chen!"
"Get ready!" the Raikage boomed. His behaviour was almost too laughable at this point since he would only cheer for his ninjas. "You're in for a show this time."
Atsui was written to be a character from the Cloud Village, known for his impulsive conduct. His personality was the opposite of his sister's, Samui's. While he was marked by an eagerness to engage in direct confrontations with adversaries, it often led him to charge into battle without considering a strategy.
Physically, he sported a distinct hairstyle, characterized by neck-length, blond locks styled into an asymmetrical bowl cut, which added to his youthful look. Additionally, he bore a tattoo on his left shoulder that featured the kanji for "heat," once again emphasizing his fiery nature.
That same nature likely won't help him here since he was mainly skilled in kenjutsu, wielding a long katana with a white hilt. That weapon had the ability to channel fire-based chakra through his sword, allowing him to unleash attacks that could engulf enemies in flames.
Sad for him, it was confiscated for the duration of the tournament.
Arthur could always take it, but then that would stir up an investigation. Plus, he didn't care for Atsui's worthless weapon when he himself had several, more unique ones.
If he recalled correctly, during the Fourth Shinobi World War, Atsui served in the First Division of the Allied Shinobi Forces alongside his sister.
Atsui demonstrated his combat prowess when confronting the reincarnated Gold and Silver Brothers. But the tides turned during their battle, in which the brothers imprisoned him and his sister in one of the Treasured Tools.
"Let's go, Atsui!" A roared.
His behaviour was the opposite of what one might expect from a Kage. Mei herself was unsure of how to respond to his overt excitement.
"He's getting a bit too riled up," she commented to a feudal lord nearby, who was suppressing a chuckle.
As the fighters stepped into the arena, Atsui just eyed Chen. There was no need for any words to be said; it was clear what both fighters came here for.
So when the announcer yelled begin, and the battle commenced, Atsui's brute strength met Chen's cunning tactics.
The Raikage, caught up in the moment, roared, fueling the crowd's energy: "That's it! Show that Leaf ninja what it means to be a Cloud shinobi!"
As the two traded blows, the spectators copied his sentiments, feeding off the Raikage's energy. Mei practically felt embarrassed to be sitting next to him.
Down below, their attacks weren't that straightforward to analyze. Atsui unleashed strikes, while Chen danced deftly around his attempts. It soon became clear who's agility was better.
The fight raged on, and Arthur couldn't help but keep his attention mainly on Chen's maneuvers. That shinobi was reported to be a legendary taijutsu user. But what Arthur was witnessing was nothing short of an above-average martial artist.
Then the expected happened: bang! Chen succeeded in landing a blow that sent Atsui sprawling to the ground.
For a moment, the Raikage's looked anxious. "Get up, Atsui! You're not done yet!"
Atsui quickly regained his footing, breathing heavily but composed. In retaliation, he darted forward, unleashing a barrage of punches that began pushing Chen back just long enough to catch him off guard.
Swish-bang-swish!
The back-and-forth nature of their battle kept the audience slightly on edge. They thought that Chen was just an old geezer. But after seeing him in action against a younger, more favourable opponent, each side was banking on the other to stumble.
Just as Atsui sought to capitalize on a moment of weakened defense, his foot caught on the uneven floor, allowing Chen to counter.
Swish! He missed!
"Sheesh, that close!" Atsui gasped after recovering.
Chen smirked. "You're worthy of my full strength, I see."
"You mean you weren't going all out just now?!"
"Not even close! With those words, an immense energy began to radiate from Chen as the atmosphere shifted. Then, an electric charge surged in the air for him to unleash his ultimate technique. "Leaf dragon!"
Suddenly, the arena became windy, spiraling upward as swirling dust particles began to coalesce, intertwining into a dragon with elongated whiskers glimmering in the sunlight.
The spectators gasped in awe; they had never seen a taijutsu technique like this before.
When the dragon roared, it quickly launched itself at Atsui.
"No, no, no! Not like this!" he yelled, throwing up his arms to shield himself.
Boom!
The force of the technique had easily propelled him backward like a ragdoll, causing him to crash violently against the arena's boundary.
Chaos of cheers came from the audience, half in awe and half in shock at the rapid turn of events.
As Atsui lay on the ground, Chen stood at the center of his storm, breathing triumphantly.
The Raikage exploded with fury as he shot to his feet. "That's not how a Cloud ninja fights!" Unable to contain his rage, he hurled his seat against the wall, shattering it. "I need a bathroom break!"
Some of the feudal lords around him were actually scared. Mei finally let out a hearty laugh as if things were a well-scripted show.
It's then that the announcer's voice broke through. "Chen is the victor!"
"At least now I get more tea," the old man sighed in relief.
Yet even he knew that this would not be the last time he'd need to use his ultimate technique again. There were still others to face, and he was ready to meet them head-on.