The idea Torifu provided could give Konan an opportunity. An opportunity for Yahiko to misjudge, allowing her to ultimately win. However, whether she could seize and master this opportunity was up to Konan herself.
His two disciples, though seemingly amiable on the surface, had always been competing with each other. It was a healthy competition, and Torifu tacitly approved. But Yahiko had always held the upper hand, and over time, this might foster arrogance.
Torifu wanted to use this opportunity to see if Konan could break the status quo. If Konan truly managed to win this competition, Yahiko would certainly train even harder.
"Alright, let's head inside."
Konan also responded with a cheerful laugh. Having just heard Master's words, she was eager to process them. To see if she could do as Master said and ultimately defeat Yahiko in the competition. Torifu smiled faintly as he watched Konan rush back into the house.
Competition fostered progress, and Torifu was very pleased to see them compete, as long as it didn't harm their relationship. As for the boundaries, he, as their Master, would naturally manage them well, ensuring his two disciples wouldn't clash over such trivial matters.
However, Torifu felt this might be overthinking. He had once asked Yahiko why he trained so hard. The answer he received was that training allowed him to better protect Konan. Konan was the same. How could two children like that let it affect their relationship?
Thinking this, Torifu shook his head, then returned to the house. As soon as he entered, Akihara hugged him.
"Papa, why are you just getting back?"
Torifu half-bent down and ruffled Akihara's head: "I went out for a meal with the village leaders from other villages. Since they're visiting Konohagakure, we definitely had to host them."
Naori heard Torifu's voice and came out of the bedroom.
"You're back so soon? Did you just go to some small restaurant?"
Naori was quite surprised. Hosting the Kage usually involved a grand affair, dining in Konohagakure's finest banquet halls. Yet, how much time had passed? All in all, only about an hour and a half?
Torifu scratched his head and chuckled: "Well, we're all pretty familiar with each other now, so we just went to the owner's barbecue restaurant for a meal. When we left, we even ran into a few youngsters from the three clans; they were thrilled."
Naori also let out a giggle: "Seeing so many important figures, how could those children not be excited? Next time, let's find a place with fewer people."
Torifu nodded: "You're right."
"Did you watch Konan's match today? What did you think?"
Naori picked up the cup from the table and poured Torifu a glass of hot water: "I did. Although it was the expected outcome, it made me so happy. Even Master called to praise Konan."
Torifu pursed his lips: "Master, that old man is still so trendy."
Naori poked Torifu's forehead with her finger: "You're one to talk! Such a huge venue, and not a single person from our family or Master's family drew a winning number! Can't even the Hokage's family get preferential treatment?"
"Who said we couldn't? You didn't say anything, I thought you weren't too concerned about it. I'll just get you a few reserved seats this afternoon, and that'll be that."
"That's more like it. Master and Mistress are both very interested in this competition, it's just that the Senju clan doesn't have any age-appropriate contestants."
Torifu made a gesture indicating he understood, then took the hot tea Naori offered him.
Next, Torifu recounted to Naori what he had just said to Konan. Naori listened and agreed; such healthy competition was beneficial for their growth. Besides, Naori always supported Torifu's decisions.
"I hope Konan truly can defeat Yahiko. You can give her a good reward then."
"Alright, I'm just afraid Yahiko will still win in the end."
Torifu smiled faintly: "That doesn't matter. What I care about isn't who wins or loses between the two of them."
Torifu didn't play favorites with his two disciples. He hoped Konan would win because he wanted her victory to inspire Yahiko to train even harder. But the reverse was also true. If Torifu said so many encouraging words to Konan, and Yahiko still won, given Konan's personality, she would certainly train even harder. Torifu only feared them becoming complacent, feared Konan thinking Yahiko was naturally stronger than her, and that Yahiko's victory was to be expected. Once this mentality took root, it wouldn't be easy to remove.
Lunch break quickly passed. The afternoon continued with the first-round matches, and under the watchful eyes of Konohagakure's villagers, many talented individuals successfully advanced to the second round.
The next morning, villagers once again gathered in the arena to watch the day's matches. And today, some familiar faces appeared in the stands. Several members of the Kumotsuru Clan, besides Torifu, had also arrived. Hashirama, Mito, and Tobirama were also there.
When the villagers saw Hashirama on the arena's large screen, the entire venue erupted in thunderous cheers.
"First Hokage-sama is still so young. It's truly incredible. I suppose this is the effect of the Uzumaki Clan's age-preserving jutsu." Ōnoki stroked his beard and said with a chuckle.
Torifu nodded upon hearing this: "That's right, Mistress developed it. It's a seal that stores chakra, allowing chakra to stimulate cells, maintaining one's appearance long-term and also extending lifespan a bit."
The other Kage were all very envious upon hearing this. No one ever thought they had enough lifespan, but unfortunately, such a secret technique could not be widely publicized. They merely felt envious, without any ulterior motives, or perhaps they were still relatively young and hadn't reached an age where they considered such matters.
"Kazekage-sama, we'll see your disciple again today. His puppet jutsu yesterday left quite a deep impression on me," Ōnoki said, changing the subject.
Kazekage: "Ah, you're too kind. Sasori's strength is far from Chiyo-sama's; he still has a long way to go."
This remark left Ōnoki unsure how to respond. He, of course, knew Sasori was far from Chiyo's level. If an eleven-year-old could rival Chiyo, then Sasori wouldn't be a genius, but a divine talent!
The Kage chuckled and bantered with each other, and the matches were about to begin.
"Speaking of which, Hokage-sama's other disciple will also be competing today, won't they? I wonder who they'll face," Mifune said with interest.
Watching the matches all day yesterday had piqued his interest and made him notice a few young samurai among his own subordinates, whom he hadn't paid much attention to, acting quite impressively in their battles. He would definitely cultivate them well upon returning.