That statement left Ōnoki at a loss for words. Of course, he knew it was a far cry; if an eleven-year-old could rival Chiyo, then Sasori wouldn't be a genius, but a divine talent!
The Kage laughed and bantered amongst themselves, and the matches were about to begin.
"Speaking of which, I believe the Hokage-sama's other apprentice is also participating today, aren't they? I wonder who they'll face," Mifune said with interest.
Watching the matches yesterday had piqued his interest, and he had even discovered a few young samurai among his own juniors, whom he hadn't paid much attention to, who had shown considerable skill during their battles.
He would certainly cultivate them properly once they returned.
"Indeed, Yahiko will also be taking the stage today," Torifu said with a slight smile.
He himself was quite looking forward to Yahiko's performance. Konan had performed very well yesterday, and he hoped Yahiko could continue that trend.
He just wondered who his opponent would be today.
The spectators in the stands were also discussing their favored contestants. Konan, who had been the most outstanding yesterday, was undoubtedly the subject of much conversation among the audience.
Both in terms of the visual appeal of her ninjutsu and her overall strength, Konan was unquestionably a strong contender for the championship in the top tier.
At the same time, Yahiko, who had not fought yesterday, had also gained considerable popularity through Konan's reputation.
Some said Yahiko was certainly no match for Konan, while others claimed Konan couldn't even compare to a single one of Yahiko's fingers.
The discussions grew wider and more peculiar.
In the end, even the individuals involved found it a bit outlandish, but the audience's comparisons between Yahiko and Konan had spurred a desire in both of them to test their skills against each other.
It was simply a feeling they kept hidden, unspoken.
"Greetings, spectators here in the arena and those watching from home. I am Nara Anka."
"Yesterday, in the first round of preliminary matches of the arena competition, countless talented contestants battled, and a portion of those with more solid foundations emerged victorious."
Nara Anka's voice echoed throughout the entire arena, stirring up the atmosphere.
"And today, we will witness even more brutal battles. Over twenty contestants will be divided into two groups, and a winner will be decided from each group. These two victors will then proceed to the finals tomorrow to determine the champion of this competition!"
As soon as this announcement was made, the villagers cheered, though some felt the tournament schedule was too short, deciding a champion in just three days, leaving them wanting more.
The Kage and Torifu could do nothing about it. The competition system had been hastily decided upon together and was very rudimentary.
The participants were also deployed on short notice; one could say that this sort of event was not considered at all initially, and there had never been such an arena competition before.
That it was so well-received was quite a rare occurrence.
"Alright, without further ado, let's welcome the contestants for today's first match of Group A to the arena!"
Nara Anka stepped back from the stage, and from the two side passages, one contestant emerged from each.
Since they had all advanced yesterday, the villagers were already familiar with them, so Nara Anka didn't need to introduce them again.
"It's Sasori! I can't believe he's in the very first match today! Who's his opponent? I can't quite make them out!"
"It's Tsuchikawa, the Iwagakure contestant. He's a tough one too. I wonder if Sasori can beat him."
As the two contestants appeared, discussions quickly erupted in the arena. Tsuchikawa had fought against a young samurai from the Land of Iron yesterday and had defeated him with ease.
This had left a fresh impression on the Konohagakure villagers.
On the viewing platform, Ōnoki let out a hearty laugh. "Oh, my big mouth! I didn't expect Sasori to be the first to fight. Now this will be a good show."
Ōnoki seemed to care not at all whether his own ninja, Tsuchikawa, could defeat Sasori.
He merely wanted to see how far this young genius could go, and if he could challenge the Hokage's two apprentices.
The Kazekage, upon seeing that Sasori's opponent was neither Yahiko nor Konan, breathed a sigh of relief.
If he had encountered Konan or Yahiko right at the start, he might as well have gone straight home.
"Tsuchikawa also displayed considerable strength yesterday; Sasori may not necessarily win," the Kazekage said modestly.
Ōnoki, however, waved his hand. "Come now, Kazekage. Given our relationship, there's no need for such pretenses, is there? Even if Tsuchikawa trained for another two and a half years, he still wouldn't be Sasori's match."
Seeing Ōnoki speak so frankly, the Kazekage dropped his facade. "Very well, then let's see Sasori's performance today."
Ōnoki nodded upon hearing this. "Exactly, that's better."
In the spectator stands, Naori and Hashirama had been arranged by Torifu in a spot with a wide-open view, perfectly able to see both contestants clearly.
"Hey, Tobirama, look! That's Reto's grandson!" Hashirama said with a smile, constantly nudging Tobirama as he watched Sasori slowly walk out.
"Oh, Elder Brother, I know! I saw him yesterday afternoon, but you were still sleeping then!"
Upon seeing Sasori, Tobirama and Hashirama couldn't help but recall the First Kazekage, Reto. The events of the Kage Summit back then were still vivid in their memories.
At that time, Torifu had fought against the successors of the other Four Kage and even won the championship.
Unfortunately, of all those old-timers from back then, only the two of them remained now.
"Reto, Byakuren, A, and Ishikawa — all those old fellows are gone. Seeing Reto's grandson today, my memories instantly came flooding back."
Hashirama said with a sigh, "Only us two old men are left."
Tobirama also sighed. Time spared no one; if it weren't for the Life Fruit given by Torifu, they would have long since died of old age. How could they still have such an opportunity to enjoy such a wonderful life?
"This is our good fortune; those other old fellows weren't so lucky."
Hashirama smiled upon hearing this. At the Kage Summit back then, the discussions had revolved around how to use Tailed Beasts and their own strength to threaten other nations into signing peace treaties.
But now, the summits involved several Kage hosting an arena competition for the younger generation. Everyone was amicable, and it didn't matter if someone lost.
"Times are changing, and it's truly good."
"Alright, Elder Brother, you've sighed eight times today already. Let's just watch and see who wins between Sasori and Tsuchikawa."
Tobirama mercilessly interrupted Hashirama's contemplative thoughts. He could only shake his head and begin watching the match on stage.
Sasori walked into the arena. Facing him was a ninja a head taller and significantly more robust than himself.
He appeared to be older than Sasori, his body already heavily muscled.
Sasori, on the other hand, looked utterly like a small child, with slender arms and legs, appearing very frail.
Yet, Tsuchikawa dared not underestimate him in the slightest. This was the Kazekage's apprentice; he absolutely could not be taken lightly.
The two first bowed to each other, then stated their affiliations.
"Hello, I am Tsuchikawa, from Iwagakure."
"Hello, I am Sasori, from Sunagakure, grandson of the First Kazekage, and disciple of the Third Kazekage."