The banquet began, and Gekko Chizan slowly ate the food in front of him. Diagonally behind him on the opposite side, three people were staring at him.
It was Kazuma and his two colleagues, Suirai and Hiyakke.
"Chizan, I still haven't introduced them to you."
"These three across from you are the three commanders of our Daimyō Residence's ninja forces."
"Kazuma, Suirai, and Hiyakke are all powerful ninja."
Gekko Chizan nodded while eating.
He knew Kazuma — the future leader of the radical faction among the Twelve Guardian Ninja.
As for the other two, he had never heard of them. Most likely they were ninja siding with Kazuma.
After all, the Twelve Guardian Ninja had twelve members, divided into radicals and conservatives, six on each side.
The Daimyō saw that Gekko Chizan had no reaction and wasn't angry.
After all, Gekko Chizan's reputation spoke for itself. He looked down on other ninja — that was normal.
Not just him — even the two behind him, Obito and Shisui, were the same.
"Hehehe, I've long heard that Konoha's Twin Stars are extraordinary."
"The Yellow Flash, Namikaze Minato, and the Ghost, Gekko Chizan."
"I wonder what your true strength is like?"
"After a full meal, I wonder if the Ghost of Konoha is interested in moving around a little?"
Hiyakke was extremely belligerent. Before Kazuma could speak, he was already grinning with fighting intent.
But Gekko Chizan completely ignored him. Hearing his words, he didn't react at all, simply picking up a piece of tempura and enjoying it calmly.
"Hmph, you want to fight my teacher? Who do you think you are?"
"You don't need my teacher to deal with you — I alone am enough!"
Uchiha Obito had lost a lot of money that afternoon. His resentment had built up, and after enduring for so long, he finally had a chance to vent.
This was also what Gekko Chizan instructed beforehand — if they provoked, there was no need to hold back.
Just accept the challenge — but the leader should be handled by him.
Seeing Obito already stand up, a hint of displeasure flashed across Hiyakke's face as he also stood.
"Hmph, a kid from the Uchiha clan?"
"I don't know about any other skills, but your attitude sure is big."
Just as the two — one big, one small — were about to clash, the Daimyō chuckled.
"In that case, let's have a friendly match. Whether from the Daimyō Residence or Konoha, you are all citizens of my Land of Fire."
"Masaki."
Masaki bowed and strode out.
After a moment, he returned and spoke immediately:
"My lord, the training field outside is ready."
"They may begin the match at any time."
Heh, that was fast.
Gekko Chizan laughed inwardly. He already suspected tonight's banquet wouldn't be peaceful.
A friendly match? Hmph, just something to put on display for him.
Show off the Daimyō Residence's ninja force, was it?
Then he wouldn't hold back.
"In that case, if I don't accept the challenge, it would seem rather rude."
"Obito, Shisui, let's go give our colleagues from the Daimyō Residence a little spar."
"Consider it our after-meal exercise."
As Gekko Chizan finished speaking, he and Kazuma stood up at the same time. They exchanged a glance and headed outside.
Both sides had exactly three people — perfectly matched.
The Daimyō nodded with great satisfaction to Yukimura and Masaki, then walked toward the training field surrounded by attendants.
One had to admit: the Daimyō Residence was truly wealthy.
At least in Gekko Chizan's eyes. The training field was like the arena of a grand martial arts tournament, surrounded by guards completely enclosing it.
This scene made Gekko Chizan even more certain — this was the Daimyō's plan.
"Hehehehe, Chizan-kun, Kazuma-kun."
"Are you both ready?"
"But allow me to remind you — a friendly match is just a friendly match. I don't want you fighting to the death."
"After all, you're all the backbone of my Land of Fire."
"Understood?"
After speaking, the Daimyō sat on the viewing platform beside the training field, with Yukimura and Masaki standing on either side.
"Kid, come up."
"Let me see your strength — hehehehe — the strength of the Uchiha."
Hiyakke was already impatient, leaping onto the training field. His provocative gaze locked onto Uchiha Obito.
"Go, Obito."
"If you lose, hmhm."
Gekko Chizan didn't finish the sentence, but Obito still shuddered.
He silently encouraged himself — he couldn't lose. Absolutely couldn't.
Uchiha Obito leapt onto the training field, and then Gekko Chizan slowly stood up.
"To ensure the Daimyō's safety, let me reinforce this training field."
"Otherwise, if anything spills over, that wouldn't be good."
Without giving the Daimyō a chance to reply, Gekko Chizan snapped his fingers.
Cracking sounds echoed from all four sides of the arena.
Crystal Release activated — enclosing the training field with four crystal walls.
"Oh? So this is your ninjutsu, Chizan-kun?"
"If I'm not mistaken, it's called Crystal Release."
"Invisible crystal — an impressive technique."
When the defensive preparations were done, the Daimyō gave the order: "Begin!"
Hiyakke and Uchiha Obito moved at the same time.
Hiyakke drew two short swords, while Obito held two kunai.
Short swords and kunai clashed in midair, sparks flying.
"Hehehehe, where's your Sharingan?"
"Show me."
After another clash, Hiyakke pulled back from Obito and chakra surged through his whole body as he formed hand seals.
When the ninjutsu activated, the short swords in his hands were coated in chakra.
His legs thickened with coiled muscle, filled with explosive strength.
Seeing this transformation, Gekko Chizan narrowed his eyes slightly and murmured, "Interesting."
This ninjutsu was simple in principle — infusing chakra into the body to enhance oneself.
The chakra coating the short swords increased their lethality.
And the chakra in his legs boosted mobility — and likely killing power as well, since kicks were an important part of taijutsu.
Seeing this technique, Gekko Chizan was reminded of the Inuzuka clan.
After all, the Inuzuka clan had a secret Four Legs Technique with a similar principle.
"Again!"
With his enhancement technique activated, Hiyakke displayed his power.
With strengthened legs, he stomped off the ground and shot toward Uchiha Obito like a rocket.
"So fast!"
Obito was shocked, raising his kunai.
Clang!
Crack!
Sparks burst, followed by a crisp snapping sound.
Obito's kunai had broken.