In the arena, Minato raised his hand and said to the Third Hokage, "Lord Hokage, I forfeit."
The Third Hokage sighed. In his eyes, Minato truly had no chance of turning the tables.
"Alright, the winner of this match is..."
"Wait a minute!" Kaito frowned, looking very displeased. "That's it? That's it? I haven't even finished warming up, and you're already giving up?"
"I have no choice. My skills are inferior," Minato said with a wry smile. "I am no match for you, my lord."
"Bullshit!" Kaito cursed, retracting all the Aura Spheres into his body. He said loudly, "This competition arena is too small! It's too restrictive! I can't even display my full power. I request a change of venue, and I want to fight Minato... no, I want to challenge all the remaining contestants! Come at me together! A champion won that way would be the true number one in the shinobi world!"
"What?! He wants to challenge all the contestants?"
"Even if he is the Amekage, that's far too arrogant."
Everyone was shocked, thinking Kaito's proposal was utterly absurd.
On the Kage's platform, the fake Third Kazekage—the real Kaito's main body—couldn't help but cover his mouth. Sigh, this guy is going crazy again. We're the same person, so why are our personalities so different? But... this might not be a bad idea.
Kaito had no worries about his clone below, because that clone possessed the power of the Fighting, Ice, Fire, and Electric Plates.
His strength had even surpassed that of his main body, which had separated from all the plates.
"Kaito, don't be rash," the Third Hokage advised. "This is the procedure we agreed upon. You should abide by it."
"Abide by my ass! Aren't we the ones who make the rules?"
Kaito pointed directly at the Third Raikage and roared, "You! Do you dare?!"
"Hmph, why wouldn't I dare!"
The Third Raikage ripped off all the restrictive clothing on his body, revealing his muscular upper torso. "I've long since thought this tournament schedule was too long-winded and tedious! Let's do as you say! Everyone fights at once! The last one standing is the strongest in the shinobi world!"
"Raikage, how could you too..." the Third Hokage frowned.
"I also agree," the Third Kazekage stood up. "I'm worried about the Tailed Beast in the Sand Village. If we can shorten the tournament schedule, that would be for the best."
"Yes, I have the same concern," Yagura added. He had a bad feeling in his gut, as if something terrible had happened.
So he also wanted to return to his village as soon as possible.
"Mmm, that is indeed a point worth considering."
Seeing so many in agreement, the Third Hokage quickly changed his tune. "Alright, in that case, I will change the battle location to a canyon outside the village. There, you can all fight to your heart's content."
"But in that case, the audience will only be able to watch your battle on the big screens."
"Hmph, who cares about the audience?"
With the unanimous approval of the Five Kage, the tournament format was changed to a battle royale.
All contestants from all groups would participate in the final showdown.
After taking some time to explain, the participants were moved to the new competition site.
"Let's go, Tsunade. We'll go watch in person," Jiraiya said.
Tsunade nodded. "Mm, of course."
Besides them, some others who were confident in their own abilities also rushed to the scene.
Compared to the big screen, watching it live was, of course, much more thrilling.
In a barren canyon several dozen kilometers from Konoha, all the contestants had assembled, awaiting the start of the match.
The Third Hokage and the other spectators stood on the edge of the canyon, not too far away.
According to their allegiances, all the contestants, except for Kaito, had gathered in small groups.
Upon hearing the new format, Kitsuchi had immediately withdrawn from the competition. In his words, he simply didn't want to get beaten up.
Nawaki, Minato, and Fugaku also gathered together to discuss their strategy.
As for Shisui Uchiha, he had been persuaded to withdraw.
"This format is actually much more advantageous for us," Fugaku said, looking at Kaito, who stood alone. "Right now, the strongest person on the field is Amekage Kaito. Many people will probably want to team up and take him down first."
Nawaki clenched his fists. "I actually wanted to have a one-on-one duel with Master Kaito. But I also know that I can't win against him alone. So, I will cooperate with you guys."
"Minato, you've fought him before. You should come up with the battle plan."
"Mm, alright!"
He wouldn't have asked for a second chance!
A short while later, the preparation time ended, and the Third Hokage announced the start of the battle.
Kaito stood in the center of the battlefield and let out a sinister grin. "Well? What are you all waiting for? Hurry up and come at me!"
"Alright, we'll grant your wish!"
Except for the Third Raikage, A, and Killer B, who stood off to the side and did not make a move, everyone else tacitly launched an attack on Kaito.
In an instant, a swarm of various ninjutsu—wind, fire, lightning, water, and earth—surged towards him.
"Hahahaha, bring it on!"
Kaito was fearless. He stomped his right foot forward, and a flash of lightning erupted. His figure instantly vanished, leaving only an afterimage of electric light.
"So fast! Everyone, be careful!" someone shouted.
As soon as the words left his mouth, a fist wreathed in flames appeared before his eyes.
With a sharp pain, he was sent flying backward, embedding himself in the rock wall.
Kaito charged into their formation like a tiger among sheep. His right hand burned with fire, his left hand condensed with ice, and his feet flickered with lightning.
No one was a match for him. One by one, they were all sent flying.
Suddenly, a figure cloaked in red chakra actively blocked Kaito's path.
"Master Kaito, your opponent is me!" Nawaki shouted, raising his fist and clashing with Kaito's. He was only pushed back a single step.
"Hmm?"
Sensing the unexpected strength from his opponent, Kaito showed a smile of interest. "Not bad, not bad. You've improved."
Looking at the red eyeshadow around Nawaki's eyes, he had a realization. "Oh, so it's Sage Mode combined with Nine-Tails Mode. Is this your trump card?"
"That's right. I've been waiting for this day for a long time! Let's have a good fight!" Nawaki said seriously.
"Alright, alright, I'll satisfy you today!"
Kaito grinned, revealing his pearly white teeth, and the aura around his body grew even more intense.
Final Gambit!
The two looked at each other and charged forward at the same time. The ground beneath their feet instantly shattered.
They swung their fists, smashing them violently towards each other.
"Dynamic Punch!"
"Sage Strike!"
The two fists collided, and a terrifying shockwave erupted, blowing away anyone who tried to get close.
Feeling the irresistible force surging from the other side, Nawaki couldn't control his body and took several large steps back.
At that moment, a giant with black armor appeared in front of Nawaki, its heavy hammer smashing down on the momentarily stunned Kaito.
Boom!