Shūichi now had a new "son," the delicate and gentle Hoshita Haku.
Looking at the two of them, Mizu couldn't hold back her tears, though her eyes were filled with happiness. The heavy weight in her heart was finally lifted.
After teaching Haku the fundamental concepts, Shūichi also guided him in the finer details.
He broke down Ice Release ninjutsu step by step, from the basics to more complex techniques, analyzing and explaining them in depth. This allowed Haku to gradually improve his chakra control through consistent practice.
Techniques like walking on water, tree climbing, and scaling cliffs were already mastered long ago.
As for reaction training, Shūichi had long taught Haku methods such as using differently colored clay in place of kunai. Haku had trained together with Suigetsu and Kimimaro, refining their reflexes.
This training method had even become a staple for ninja students and genin in Konoha.
After a long session of guidance, Shūichi returned to the research base with Mizu, while Haku left with Suigetsu and Kimimaro.
---
In the bedroom, Mizu hugged Shūichi tightly.
"Lord Shūichi, thank you for treating Haku so well."
Shūichi pinched Mizu's icy-smooth cheeks.
"We're family."
Mizu nodded, her face blushing, before slowly kneeling down.
"Hiss!"
Faced with Mizu's "secret technique" of Ice and Fire Dual Extremes, Shūichi gasped in astonishment.
What made it more intense was the unfamiliarity, heightening the sensation.
This time was different from before—Mizu's gentleness was even more enchanting. She gave it her all, utilizing secret techniques she wasn't yet fully skilled in, leaving Shūichi both surprised and delighted.
---
Meanwhile, in the Alliance Fortress, within the Ninja Alliance's conference room:
Minato Namikaze, Ōnoki, the Fourth Raikage, the Fourth Kazekage, the Fifth Mizukage, and General Mifune had gathered for a crucial discussion.
"Given the current composition of the Alliance's missions, it's no longer sufficient to sustain the Chūnin Tournament. Or rather, these missions don't adequately showcase the abilities of Chūnin," the Fourth Kazekage began.
"Especially in terms of combat skills," he added.
Mei Terumī nodded in agreement.
"While the role of a ninja has evolved, we must remember that at their core, ninjas are combatants. This is especially true given the presence of powerful enemies we may face in the future."
Currently, the Fourth Kazekage and Mei Terumī were responsible for coordinating Alliance missions.
Minato Namikaze and the others listened while reviewing documents. The Fourth Raikage glanced through them briefly and declared,
"If that's the case, let's change the format altogether. Make it a competition among Chūnin, similar to the Chūnin Exams."
"A ninja's greatest opponent should always be another ninja!"
While the ninja lifestyle had diversified and was no longer centered solely on combat, the Fourth Raikage firmly believed that a ninja's ultimate skill lay in defeating enemies.
He worried that if this continued, ninjas might lose their combat effectiveness altogether. And when the Ōtsutsuki clan eventually descended upon Earth, he doubted whether they'd even have the ability to fight back.
"A Chūnin Exam-style competition could work," Ōnoki mused.
"However, it might still fail to comprehensively assess all aspects of a Chūnin's capabilities."
General Mifune suddenly suggested,
"Why not use the format of the Jonin Tournament?"
The Fourth Kazekage frowned.
"Aren't there too many Chūnin for that?"
All eyes turned to Minato.
Minato replied,
"With Shūichi's abilities, creating something suitable with ninjutsu shouldn't be an issue."
"However, Shūichi isn't in Konoha right now," he added, glancing at Mei Terumī.
Mei's eyelid twitched slightly.
"He'll return soon enough," she assured.
"There's still time before the Chūnin Tournament begins."
The Fourth Raikage added,
"If we can implement such a format, this tournament might even surpass the previous ones."
Everyone present had personally witnessed the sheer power of Shūichi's genjutsu and trusted his abilities implicitly.
Minato finalized the decision.
"Then it's settled. Genjutsu will be the primary approach, with the traditional Chūnin Exam as the backup plan. I'll communicate with Shūichi about this as soon as possible."
---
Shūichi spent three days at the Daimyō's estate, basking in Mizu's gentle affection.
When Minato Namikaze didn't see Shūichi return after three days, he had no choice but to use a toad from Mount Myōboku to contact him.
Shūichi promptly left the Daimyō's estate and headed straight to the Alliance Fortress to meet with Minato and the others.
After hearing the council's plan, Shūichi smiled and said, "Genjutsu is no problem."
"Using genjutsu for competition does allow ninjas to fully showcase their abilities."
"Oh, by the way, why not invite the Daimyōs, as well as nobles and merchants, to participate this time?"
This suggestion left Minato and the others momentarily stunned. However, Minato quickly caught on.
"Shūichi, are you suggesting having the Daimyōs act as the Daimyōs within the genjutsu realm?"
Shūichi nodded.
"Not just them, ordinary people can participate too."
"The Alliance could sell tickets across the entire ninja world. By purchasing a ticket, people could role-play during the Chūnin Tournament."
"I believe many would be interested, don't you think?"
"This venture could bring a considerable income to the Alliance."
Ōnoki and the others exchanged looks, astonished.
Such a thing was even possible?
Mei Terumī asked, "Shūichi, why wasn't this proposed during the Jonin Tournament?"
Shūichi chuckled.
"The Jonin Tournament was different. There are fewer Jonin, and the tasks they undertake involve fewer characters. Adding too many participants wouldn't have served much purpose."
"If we had tried this before, those Daimyōs, nobles, merchants, or other ticket buyers wouldn't have felt engaged."
"Next time, they might not pay to participate at all."
General Mifune nodded.
"Lord Shūichi makes a valid point. The Chūnin Tournament is indeed the best choice for this."
"Its larger scale not only involves more Chūnin but could also allow some Genin and Jonin from the Alliance to participate."
The Fourth Raikage agreed.
"In that case, we should try to involve as many Alliance ninjas as possible."
"And as for the format, should it follow the Jonin Tournament model?"
Minato pondered for a moment.
"If more ninjas are to participate, we'll need to draft a new set of rules."
Shūichi stroked his chin.
"The essence of the ninja tournament is ultimately about individual competition."
"The previous tournament's point system can remain."
"But we could add two new titles: the Strongest Team and the Strongest Chūnin."
Minato and the others fell into deep thought.
In previous tournaments, the goal was to determine the Strongest Chūnin, using a points-based system. Teams would earn points for completing missions, which were then distributed among team members based on contributions.
Shūichi continued.
"This time, let's start by determining the Strongest Chūnin Team. How many Chūnin are currently in the Alliance?"
Mei replied, "A total of 64,628."
Shūichi considered for a moment.
"Then let's change it to four-person teams."
While three-person teams were standard in the ninja world, four-person teams were also feasible.
He added, "We'll first rank teams. The top 100 teams will then advance to the individual competition."
"In other words, missions will be carried out solo in the final stage."
Ōnoki frowned.
"Solo missions?"
Shūichi smiled.
"It's solo in the real world, but within the genjutsu, they'll still have their teams."
"However, these teams will be led and controlled by the participants themselves."
The Fourth Kazekage nodded.
"This does indeed provide a more comprehensive test."
The others agreed as well.
Minato finalized the plan.
"Then it's decided!"
"Shūichi, will the genjutsu missions continue to focus on historical reenactments?"
Shūichi nodded.
"That's likely the best option. Nothing works better than that."
"I'll leave the planning to you all."
With that, Shūichi stood up to leave.
However, just as he stepped out the door, Mei chased after him.
"You're coming home today," Mei said, her tone firm.
Then she leaned close to Shūichi's ear, her voice soft and teasing.
"Three people tonight..."
...
A quarrel at the head of the bed ends in harmony at its foot.
Tsunade had been angry for a few days, but after a passionate and intense reconciliation one night, her frustration completely dissipated.
After all, having lost alongside Mei Terumī and Asuka, she had no standing to complain as part of the defeated group.
---
Time flew by, and September arrived in the blink of an eye.
With the announcement of the new rules for the Chūnin Tournament, the entire ninja world was instantly ignited with excitement.
The prospect of battles between participating ninjas without any real harm stirred unprecedented enthusiasm among the civilians of the various ninja villages, as well as nobles and merchants from the Five Great Nations. Everyone rushed to purchase tickets for the tournament.
What's more, after being refined by the Alliance's think tank, the ticketing plan included tiered pricing for ordinary participants.
The cost varied depending on the role the buyer wished to play.
Tickets were cheapest for those portraying characters similar to their real-life status, while those choosing to role-play as someone vastly different faced higher costs.
For example, a noble wanting to role-play as the Daimyō of a small nation would pay double the price of a standard ticket.
If the same noble wished to play the role of a bandit leader in the tournament, the price tripled.
This tiered system specifically targeted wealthy individuals seeking unique thrills and experiences.
---
The promotional campaign began in early September. Within just half a month, over 100,000 civilians across the ninja world had reserved tickets to participate—far exceeding the Alliance's expectations.
The Chūnin Tournament Planning Committee hadn't prepared nearly enough "extras" roles to accommodate such a massive number of participants.
But turning down all that revenue? Out of the question.
So, what was the solution?
Add more missions involving civilians!
Seeing how well the tickets were selling, the committee made a snap decision to sell another round of tickets during the tournament's second phase.
After all, anyone who could afford these tickets wasn't exactly an average civilian.
Even the most basic ticket cost a hefty 5,000 ryō each.
---
Konoha Year 59, September 15.
Through teleportation arrays, civilians and numerous ninjas gathered from all corners of the world inside the Alliance Fortress.
"So many people!"
Suigetsu Hōzuki couldn't help exclaiming as he stepped out of a teleportation room, his eyes scanning the massive crowd.
Everywhere he looked, there was a sea of people. More participants continued to emerge from teleportation rooms, filling the giant plaza.
Haku glanced around before turning to Zabuza.
"Uncle Zabuza, is there any chance the three of us will be assigned to the same team?"
Zabuza shook his head.
"That's unlikely."
"With your Ice Release, Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku, and this idiot Suigetsu's Hydrification Technique, putting you all on the same team would unbalance the power dynamics too much. The Alliance won't allow it."
Suigetsu immediately protested.
"Hey! I'm not an idiot!"
"And besides, strong teams are the most exciting to watch!"
Zabuza gave Suigetsu a sidelong glance.
"I wasn't talking about you. Haku and Kimimaro are too strong; you're the weak link."
Suigetsu bared his teeth in frustration.
Haku quickly intervened.
"Uncle Zabuza, Suigetsu's Water Release and swordsmanship are very impressive too."
Kimimaro, his face expressionless, added, "His Water Release is passable."
Suigetsu bristled.
"Hey! I'll have you know, I'm going to master all the Seven Ninja Swords one day!"
Just then, a voice called out, "Big Brother Haku!"
Haku turned toward the sound, his eyes lighting up.
Zabuza and the others looked as well and saw two kids pushing their way through the crowd toward them.
It was Nawaki and Naruto.
The two were working as volunteers, guiding participants in the plaza.
When they reached Haku, he immediately introduced them to the group.
Naruto, ever the extrovert, puffed out his chest.
"Since you're Haku's friends, that makes you my friends too!"
"If you're ever in Konoha and need anything, just come find me!"
"Come on, I'll take you to the competition area."
The group started making their way through the crowded plaza, with Naruto chatting non-stop along the way.
"Haku, you're definitely going to be the strongest this time, right?"
"I'm not sure. I still have a lot to improve, and there are many strong participants in the Alliance."
"I believe in you! Nawaki and I did some digging, and the person you'll need to watch out for the most is the granddaughter of the Third Tsuchikage, Kurotsuchi."
Zabuza chimed in for the first time.
"The granddaughter of the Third Tsuchikage? Does she have a Kekkei Genkai as well?"
Naruto nodded enthusiastically.
"Of course! Kurotsuchi has Lava Release—it's super powerful."
Nawaki chuckled.
"Naruto, if Kurotsuchi finds out you spilled her secrets, she's going to teach you a lesson next time."
Naruto immediately shrank back, but seeing so many eyes on him, he quickly puffed up again.
"Hmph! I couldn't beat her before, but now I've got a secret technique that can even defeat the Third Hokage!"
Zabuza and the others exchanged skeptical glances.
A technique that could defeat the Third Hokage?
From a ninja academy student?
Even if this student was the Fourth Hokage's son, it sounded far-fetched.
Suigetsu was openly dubious.
"What kind of jutsu could take down the Third Hokage in one move?"
Naruto stopped in his tracks and raised his hand, ready to demonstrate.
Nawaki's face turned pale as he rushed to restrain him.
"Wait! A technique like that would cause too much collateral damage here!"
If Naruto used the Sexy Jutsu or worse, the Harem Jutsu, it would cause utter chaos.
Naruto realized his mistake and scratched his head sheepishly.
"Oops, almost forgot. I'll show you after the tournament!"
Then he started grumbling.
"Ugh, I can't believe they wouldn't let me join the tournament!"
Suigetsu stared at Naruto and muttered under his breath, "Is this kid… missing a few brain cells?"
(End of Chapter)
❇❇❇
This novel is completed on my Patreon, iƒ anyone interested in reading ahead :)
patreon.com/RedX43
❇❇❇