Nightfall.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the moon rose high, the final round of the Shinobi World 4WD Grand Prix was about to begin.
Compared to the morning's races, the upcoming ninja match had drawn even more attention.
Even before the official start time, spectators and participants had already begun pouring into the venue. Vendors pushing carts loaded with drinks, popcorn, and sunflower seeds were making rounds throughout the stadium.
During the afternoon break, restocking had been completed for the items that had nearly sold out earlier.
Tonight was destined to be a carnival of chaos.
To make sure everyone could still enjoy the event in the dark, over ten thousand White Zetsu hidden throughout Sunagakure had been deployed. Each one carried a portable light source, illuminating the track at various sections. Combined with the large temporary streetlights set up in the central arena, visibility wouldn't be an issue at all—even under the night sky.
Once the primary organizers—Rasa (the host), Konoha's acting representative Shimura Danzō, and various key guests—were all seated, the event was about to begin.
As for the host Tobi…
He'd already been here for hours!
No one had bothered to untie him from the wooden cross after the morning event, which technically made him the first one to arrive at the venue.
It didn't matter anyway—White Zetsu wasn't human, didn't eat, drink, or need to pee. He would definitely be able to handle the rest of the night's commentary without any issue.
Truly, a selfless and dedicated host~
"Honored guests, respected leaders…"
"Good evening, everyone!"
"On this enchanting night, beneath these twinkling lights, we gather together for the final race… of the Shinobi World 4WD Grand Prix, proudly sponsored by the host village, Sunagakure!"
Tied to the cross, Tobi recited his lines in an overly flowery tone.
"Let's give a warm round of applause to our contestants from the Ninja Division!"
As his words fell—
Clap! Clap! Clap!
A wave of enthusiastic applause erupted from the crowd.
However...
"This opening line…"
Rasa froze when he heard Tobi's stiff, poetic introduction. He glanced toward the cross, watching Tobi nodding along like a bobblehead.
Who wrote that?
Just as the thought crossed his mind, he noticed Ebizō sitting beside him, grinning like a blooming chrysanthemum, stroking his beard with satisfaction, nodding approvingly.
So that's who wrote it.
"It's way too formal… doesn't really suit a ninja race."
This event was supposed to be wild!
Rough!
Only then could it fire up the crowd's passion!
"I think it's perfect," Ebizō disagreed, shaking his head with a dignified tone. "Since this is a major event hosted by Sunagakure, it should be conducted with structure and decorum. We must establish a proper rule system—for future tournaments."
"After all, we are one of the Five Great Hidden Villages. If things are a mess, how can we demonstrate our cultural depth and shinobi discipline?"
"..."
Culture and discipline, my ass…
They had only just started eating full meals consistently. And now they were acting all high and mighty?
Not long ago, Sunagakure was facing such severe budget and resource issues that they were forced to reduce their shinobi numbers. Their outdated training facilities hadn't been replaced in decades. Their teaching staff was mostly unqualified. The only thing they had in abundance… was cannon fodder.
Their overall shinobi competency probably ranked just above Kirigakure back when it was still buried in bloody, outdated teaching methods.
As for cultural depth? Pfft.
Other than Puppet Techniques and the rare Magnet or Sand Release bloodlines, they had nothing to show off. Their standard ninjutsu was mid-tier at best—most villages did it better.
Rasa gave a helpless smile but didn't shatter Ebizō's smug pride.
Actually, he didn't need to say anything—Ebizō's face was already turning green.
Because…
"First up, we have the contestants from Konoha! Well, other than one participant being a bit… big, there's really not much to comment on. You'll see for yourselves!"
After reciting a few more awkward formalities, Tobi finally dropped the act and returned to his usual trolling tone.
"Now entering—our Cloud Village contestants! If this morning was all about 'Little Black Coal,' then this evening is clearly 'Big Black Coal!' Seems like the sun in Cloud Village is even more intense than Sunagakure's, huh? Why else would they be so dark-skinned?"
He added with mock sympathy,
"But don't be sad. I actually know someone even darker—from head to toe. I can introduce you sometime!"
Meanwhile, far across the arena at the contestant entrance tunnel—
"I want to kill him."
Black Zetsu turned to the original White Zetsu standing next to him with an utterly deadpan face.
"Any ideas?"
"Ehh… that might not be a good idea…" the clone hesitated. "That guy's pretty tight with Obito. If something happens to him now, it could raise suspicions."
"Hmph! Fine. I'll let him live—for now."
"Ughh, it's chilly tonight~" Tobi suddenly shivered and yelled out dramatically, "Hey, someone! Don't just stand there—bring me a jacket! And a cup of hot milk tea while you're at it!"
After giving orders to a nearby White Zetsu clone, he continued commentating as the ninjas made their entrance.
"And now… Sunagakure's turn—oh wait, what's this?!"
His voice suddenly turned theatrical, practically shrieking:
"Who is that goddess bathed in moonlight?!"
"Unbelievable! Her entire being radiates a divine glow—untouchable, ethereal… Is she a god?! No! She IS a god—the goddess of the entire shinobi world! I can already see the outcome of this match. The winner is clearly you—Lady Kaguya!!"
Surprisingly, not a single person in the audience threw trash at him this time.
Because everyone… was equally stunned by the sudden appearance of this cold, elegant woman.
Tall, graceful, and serene—yet not at all seductive. Her light, floating steps shimmered beneath a soft glow, making her appear like a moon goddess descending from the heavens.
That idiot host… actually nailed it this time.
"Heh heh~"
BONK!
A fist slammed down.
Tsunade, forehead pulsing with rage, stood over a flattened Jiraiya, who had been drooling with a lovestruck grin.
"That's our enemy, dumbass! Wipe that disgusting look off your face! We're here for first place. If we don't win—I'll beat you to death!"
"Don't worry!"
Jiraiya sprang back up, wiping the goofy grin off his face and replacing it with a rare look of seriousness.
"We'll definitely get you first place!"
Assuming… you didn't bet on yourself to win again…
He sighed internally with quiet despair.
Tsunade gave a satisfied nod at his promise, then scanned the surrounding Konoha ninja, all of whom gave her sheepish grins.
Hmph! If anyone dares screw this up, I'll show them what it means to face one of the Legendary Sannin!
"Now, will all participants please move to the starting line!" Tobi whistled, dragging out his words with a leisurely drawl, the tone practically screaming: Everyone here is just cannon fodder—except for that goddess!
"So don't feel bad if you lose. This outcome was set in stone from the start. Now move! Don't waste our time!"
"Can I hit that guy?"
Tsunade cracked her knuckles, the joints letting out ominous click-click sounds as her chakra surged ominously.
"This guy… is doing this on purpose, right?"
What a piece of work.