In the third stage, all the top ten contestants were ranked according to their group placements, with the corresponding opponents from the loser's bracket. The winners would advance. Uchiha Yang was in the tenth group, meaning his opponent was the tenth-ranked contestant from the loser's bracket. In essence, it was almost a guaranteed victory for him. Fortunately for the Uchiha clan, there was no internal conflict this round.
However, the participant from the loser's bracket struggled. He had already endured multiple battles and had exhausted most of his techniques. His previous opponents had already seen his moves multiple times, making them easier to counter. Despite his frustration over the loss, he ultimately had only himself to blame for not securing first place earlier. Strength was the decisive factor.
Six Uchiha members advanced to the final ten, and notably, four of them never even activated their Sharingan, relying purely on their mastery of kenjutsu. The Sharingan greatly enhances one's ability to learn and refine techniques, making training incredibly efficient. Hard work paired with the Uchiha bloodline always led to remarkable results.
Next came the most anticipated event: the Konoha Referees' Exhibition Match. The students, as they were now being called, were tasked with drawing lots to determine the matchups. From this moment on, they would be students under the elite instructors, training under their guidance for a full week before the final battles resumed.
The students were filled with excitement. Being personally trained by such legendary figures for a week was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Watching these experienced warriors clash in an exhibition match was just the cherry on top.
The matches were closed to the public, with only the twenty advancing students and the heads of Konoha's major clans in attendance. Even Hokage-sama himself attended, delivering an important speech before the battles began.
As expected, Konoha's White Fang, Hatake Sakumo, emerged as the strongest referee. The rest of the rankings followed closely to what many had predicted. Uchiha Rina came in second, just a single move behind White Fang. However, a surprising upset occurred when a lesser-known member of the Shimura clan, Kosuke, defeated Shimura Katsuhisa, claiming third place.
1st place: Hatake Sakumo (White Fang)
2nd place: Uchiha Rina
3rd place: Shimura Kosuke
4th place: Shimura Katsuhisa
5th place: Tsukihikari Shinji
6th place: Uzuki Kosushi
7th place: Fujitora Shou
8th place: Monchkap
9th place: Oda Masashi
10th place: Kishimoto
Following the rankings, the instructors took turns drawing lots to determine which student they would mentor for the week. White Fang drew Uchiha Warro, and the sheer excitement on Warro's face was evident. Even the heads of the major clans chuckled at his reaction—his enthusiasm was that of a child who had just won the grand prize.
Uchiha Rina, the second-place winner, picked Uchiha Kuzan, a fortunate draw for the Uchiha clan. Learning under another Uchiha ensured that clan techniques wouldn't be withheld due to secrecy. Kuzan would gain insights not only into kenjutsu but also into advanced Sharingan techniques.
Shimura Kosuke then drew Uchiha Yang. As soon as Yang saw the name, he hurried over and respectfully greeted Kosuke as "Master." Despite his composed demeanor, it was clear he was excited. Unlike the others, Yang knew exactly what he was getting—Kosuke was a direct inheritor of Konoha-ryu Kenjutsu, a style ranking in Konoha's top five sword techniques. If not for Flying Thunder God Slash, Kosuke's techniques might be the strongest. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Some students were luckier than others, with a few privately lamenting their draws. None, however, was more relieved than the Uchiha students who managed to avoid drawing Shimura Katsuhisa. The Shimura clan was notorious for its rigid discipline and harsh training methods. The unlucky ones who got stuck with him received insincere "congratulations" from their peers.
Once the matches were set, the students departed with their temporary mentors for training. Uchiha Warro, still brimming with enthusiasm, declared, "I'm setting up a tent at Hatake's house! Don't even try to call me home!" His excitement was met with envious stares—being personally trained by White Fang for a week was a dream.
Meanwhile, Kosuke simply smiled at Uchiha Yang and said, "No need to overthink things. We'll be training in the Forest of Death for the next seven days." Yang immediately knew this was going to be intense.
For the first three days, Kosuke simply sparred with Yang, gauging his skills. On the fourth day, Kosuke handed Yang a scroll. Expecting it to be an advanced kenjutsu technique, Yang eagerly opened it, only to find a detailed analysis of battle tactics and strategy. At first, he was disappointed, but as he read, he realized the depth of Kosuke's teachings. The scroll contained detailed notes on Yang's weaknesses, along with suggestions for improvement and advanced feints. It was clear that Kosuke had been writing it out meticulously every night.
Yang was deeply moved by his master's dedication. On the final day, instead of training, they spent time in the river, bathing, sharing meals, and exchanging stories. It was a rare moment of peace, strengthening their bond as master and student.
When Yang returned to the arena for the next match, he felt stronger, both physically and mentally.
The Final Battles Begin
Yang's first opponent was Moonlight Baixiaosheng, the first-place winner of the ninth group. True to the Moonlight Clan's reputation, he relied on speed and stealth, using Hiding in the Mist Jutsu to turn invisible and move unpredictably. This strategy would have frustrated most opponents, forcing them into a defensive position.
But Yang was different. He didn't rely on his eyes to strike. He relied on perception.
Smirking, he muttered, "Sorry, brother. But this won't work on me."
In a blur, Yang unleashed "Ittō-ryū: Iai—Drawing Slash", a lightning-fast strike aimed at where he predicted Baixiaosheng would be. Before the opponent could react, Yang followed up with "Kenjutsu: Swallow Return", a triple-slash technique that overwhelmed the target.
Baixiaosheng's sword went flying. The match was over.
For the audience, the battle had been a mystery. One fighter vanished, then Yang swung his sword a few times into the air, and suddenly it was over. Some spectators even shouted, "Was that a rigged fight?!"
But the experts knew better. Yang's precision, his perfect counter to Baixiaosheng's stealth, showed his exceptional growth. Kosuke had truly refined his skills.
The matches continued, leading to a fateful Uchiha vs. Uchiha showdown for the top four.
In the final rounds, only Uchiha Yang and Uchiha Kuzan remained. As they stepped onto the battlefield, the entire Uchiha clan stood up. Their pride swelled—Konoha's first Ninja Sword Tournament had been dominated by their bloodline.
Both activated their three-tomoe Sharingan immediately, a clear sign that they acknowledged each other as equals. The clash was breathtaking, each strike precise and fierce.
Kuzan launched "Uchiha Kenjutsu: Blazing Wind Slash", a combination of fire and wind chakra-enhanced swordplay. But Yang countered with "Ittō-ryū: Iai—Lion Song", using the back of his blade to send Kuzan flying. Even a blunt strike left a deep wound.
And with that, Uchiha Yang was declared the Champion of Konoha's First Ninja Sword Tournament.
The Uchiha Clan roared in victory. This was their pride, their power. The strongest clan had once again proven their dominance.
And so, the legend of Uchiha Yang began.