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As the tournament approached, the number of people in Kirigakure visibly increased. The prices of inns had tripled, and it was said that some were even willing to pay hotel rates just to stay in civilian homes.
What surprised Midorima even more was that betting odds had emerged for the competition—something he hadn't expected at all.
Had he assumed gambling in the Naruto world was limited to casinos?
Of course, these so-called odds were based on real money wagered by bettors, effectively ranking the participants. To some extent, they reflected the fighters' actual strength, though they weren't necessarily indicative of who would ultimately win.
Midorima glanced at the odds. Kisame Hoshigaki was at the top.
This made sense.
Aside from the various Mizukage, Kisame was the most intimidating Kirigakure ninja featured in Naruto. His experience was vast, and his ruthlessness was on par with Zabuza Momochi's.
In second place was Zabuza himself, which Midorima guessed was due to his infamous "Hundred-Man Slaughter" during his graduation exam.
Third place went to Ringo Ameyuri. Midorima remembered that she was originally part of the second generation of the "Seven Ninja Swordsmen," so her ranking here was unsurprising.
Mei Terumī made the top ten, meaning people recognized her strength, but she was still too young, having graduated less than a year ago.
The rankings only listed the top ten, and Midorima's name was nowhere to be seen. Clearly, he still wasn't taken seriously.
On the day of the tournament, spectators began entering the venue early. Outside the arena, discussions about the matchups were already underway.
Fifty matches in total, with sixteen sets held each day across two venues, spread over three days.
The first day would have two fewer matches due to the announcement of the brackets.
"What are the highlights of the first round?" A spectator from the Land of Water squeezed up to a betting stall and shouted at the top of his lungs.
"The matchups haven't been announced yet… but we have recommended fighters. If you want to see an exciting match—or maybe earn some money for takoyaki—follow these names." The bookmaker slapped a wooden board beside him, displaying the top ten fighters by odds.
"When will the matchups be out?" someone yelled from the back of the crowd.
"They've been decided already. We've got them too. But there's a rule—no one's allowed to reveal the matchups before the main venue makes the announcement. Otherwise, we'd lose our stall privileges." The bookmaker raised his voice.
"Will this be held every year from now on?" another person asked.
"Are you kidding? You want a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen to die every year?" the bookmaker shot back.
The crowd burst into laughter, but their noise was soon drowned out by cheers erupting from outside the venue.
"What's going on?" Someone turned to look toward the arena.
The venue could only hold 5,000 people at a time, leaving many unable to buy tickets.
"Did the matchups come out?" The bookmaker turned to a child nearby.
Without a word, the child quickly slipped away from behind the stall and returned moments later, giving the bookmaker a slight nod.
"Alright…" The bookmaker clapped his hands. "The main venue has announced the matchups, so we can now—"
As he spoke, he pulled out a large sign from under the table and propped it up.
"Top 100 advancing to Top 50! Place your bets now!"
Instantly, the crowd surged forward.
——
Inside the venue, Midorima stared at the massive white curtain lowered from above, black characters detailing each fighter's matchup, along with the time and location of their matches.
Midorima's match was scheduled for the afternoon of the second day, giving him enough time to grab a meal afterward.
Though there were two venues, the main one hosted the more significant matches—all top ten fighters by odds were assigned there.
For some reason, Midorima had also been placed in this venue. Maybe his opponent was strong?
"Akamatsu Yusuke?" He had never heard of him.
After a brief speech, Yagura announced the matchups and instructed fighters assigned to the other venue to prepare for their battles.
The 100 participants split into two groups, with those assigned to Venue B leaving first. Midorima was about to head to the competitors' lounge when a hand suddenly landed on his shoulder, making him instantly uncomfortable.
He turned to see a man half a head taller than him, hunched over like a mantis. Coincidentally, the two tufts of hair sticking up from his head even resembled a mantis' antennae.
"Mantis guy?"
Midorima was baffled but maintained his politeness. "And you are…?"
"Akamatsu Yusuke," the "mantis" introduced himself.
"Oh." Midorima nodded, realizing the name sounded familiar.
Right—his first-round opponent.
Immediately, Midorima dismissed any underestimation and asked, "Did you need something?"
"Tomorrow, I'll face you in battle here—no, it'll be a one-sided slaughter." Akamatsu's eyes burned with malice. "I'll make sure the entire village sees it. This isn't a place for a medical ninja like you!"
"Is that so?" Midorima smirked. "You recognized a nobody like me at a glance, so you must've known I was your opponent beforehand. Or were you keeping tabs on me even before the matchups were announced?"
"A scheming weakling like you isn't worth my attention. As for the matchups—yes, anyone with connections would know. A clueless fool like you will just die like the trash you are."
"So the so-called 'elite of Kirigakure' have to rely on insider info to get an edge. Otherwise, they'd be lost. Got it."
Midorima's words were measured, but his tone and gaze were dripping with mockery, irritating Akamatsu further. The taller ninja sneered, his dead fish eyes glancing at Midorima.
"Has no one ever told you? Gathering intel is also part of a shinobi's skills."
"A medical ninja you claim has no right to be here has forced you to do research on him. Seems like you're not that impressive either." Midorima grinned.
Akamatsu's face twisted in anger. His lips twitched before he forced out a smile.
"Keep running your mouth… but your time is running out. Tomorrow afternoon, in front of all those spectators, you'll lose both your dignity and your life. We'll see then!"
With that final threat, Akamatsu turned and stalked off, swinging his arms exaggeratedly.
A staff member approached Midorima, urging him to leave the arena as the first match was about to begin.
After apologizing, Midorima hurried off the stage. Zabuza stood near the competitors' entrance, watching him approach.
"That cockroach—you know him?" Midorima pointed at Akamatsu, who had disappeared into the crowd.
"You really are a magnet for trouble. Wherever you go, you become the 'center of attention.'" Zabuza's voice was icy.
"Is that a compliment?" Midorima rolled his eyes.
This was not a trait he enjoyed.
"Hmph… I don't know him well, but his strength should be around the same as Akizaki's. Honestly, if you think no one rigged your first match against him, you're delusional."
"Akizuki?"
Midorima recalled his past encounter wit Akizuki and felt a headache coming on.
"A mantis is a mantis, I guess." He sighed. "If I can't even beat him, I may as well give up on the Seven Ninja Swordsmen."
"You're serious?" Zabuza studied him.
"You should know better than most." Midorima spread his hands.
Back then, Zabuza had discussed the Seven Ninja Swordsmen with Midorima and Hōzuki Mangetsu.
"I just think your chances are slim. You'll die. Fine, I'll tell you two things."
"I'm all ears."
"First, you're strong, but you won't become one of the Seven. Why? Because you're a medical ninja. Your eyes lack killing intent. That kind of aura is intangible, but when it comes down to life and death, those who have it won't hesitate to strike. Second—"
Zabuza's lips curled.
"Bu personally trained him."
"What?" Midorima immediately looked in the direction Akamatsu had gone.
Only now did he understand why that mantis had targeted him—the root of it all was that old bastard.