When the organizing committee went to consult the Hokage, nearly every young sword-user in Konoha had already heard the news. Some, like Renji Uchiha, even knew the rules inside and out, as if seeded to win.
Everything progressed smoothly. Both sides agreed at once. The tournament was announced with fanfare, even the Daimyō receiving an invitation.
But because it was organized so quickly, word reached other nations only after registration closed. Outsiders would have to wait until the next time.
Posters with rules covered every street corner. To Konoha's people, it was fresher and more exciting than the Chunin Exams.
Tournament Format:
Stage One: Qualifiers
Any ninja under 20 could join. Only blades were allowed. Multiple swords permitted. Matches began with drumbeats. No other weapons. No strikes to eyes or vital areas. Knockout, surrender, or being unable to rise meant defeat. Killing was forbidden. Medics stood ready.
To advance, a contestant needed ten victories. Each could re-enter up to three times, so even with two losses, a strong streak could still see you through.
Stage Two: Advancement Rounds
Surviving contestants were assigned numbers for bracket duels. Losers were eliminated, with byes for uneven numbers.
Then ten groups were formed for a round-robin point system. First-place in each group advanced directly. Second and third went to the loser's bracket, where thirds challenged seconds. Points determined ten additional winners.
Stage Three: Top Ten
Group winners faced off against loser's bracket victors until ten remained. Then came the Exhibition Matches. The ten judges themselves would duel, ranking the strongest mentors.
Each would draw a disciple from the top ten and train them for a week. After training, the Ranking Battles began. Pairings decided 1st through 10th, with challenges cascading up the ladder.
Rewards:
The top ten received commendations from the Hokage. Higher rank meant rarer prizes.
First place earned a "Master's Scroll" and one month of personal tutelage from a chosen mentor.
Judges:
Chief Judge: Hatake Sakumo, the White Fang
Deputy Judges: Kenshi Uchiha, Shimura Kakuji
Judges: Moonlight Shinji, Uzuki Takashi, Fuyuki Ryuei, Jōro Sanju, Oda Saishi, Kishimoto Dairen, Maruboshi Kosuke
Special Rules:
Past champions could not compete again.
Sword clans could nominate one direct entrant into Stage Two.
Each judge could recommend one into Round Two.
Bloodline clans could use their traits if paired with swords.
The Uchiha used their two privileges:
Direct Stage Two – Uchiha Yoshihisa
Direct Round Two – Uchiha Huoluo
Renji and Duantian, the clan's sharpest young blades, insisted on starting from the very beginning, proving their worth openly.
Results:
As expected, Renji and Duantian each blasted through with ten straight wins.
The clan fielded a total of eight entrants: Renji, Duantian, Yoshihisa, Huoluo, Kenshin, Katsuie, Motonari, and Masamune. More than any other clan.
Early rounds were smooth, though Katsuie nearly lost from overconfidence.
By Stage Two, the ten Uchiha were spread across all groups. If they all advanced, the finals would look like a Uchiha internal tournament.
The audience marveled. Such strength. Such numbers. Truly, the Uchiha were an old clan overflowing with talent.
Even more chilling, four Uchiha fought without ever activating their Sharingan. They were holding back.
Renji, watching his kinsmen, thought bitterly. Even if they wished to stay low-profile, their strength betrayed them.
Every Uchiha child trained in sword basics. The talented advanced with fathers and uncles. When eyes awakened, they fused kenjutsu with Sharingan, the Uchiha Flow Sword Style.
A prodigy from another clan might match Uchiha training. But did they have the Sharingan? Unless one became a peerless master, there would always be a gap. The Uchiha's hidden cheat.
In the advancement stage, six Uchiha topped their groups. Four went to the loser's bracket. There, opponents targeted them relentlessly, testing every move.
Still, one more pushed through to join the top ranks. Even in defeat, the others fought so fiercely that their losses won admiration.
The audience's impression was carved deep. The Uchiha were truly formidable. No wonder they acted so fiercely as patrolmen.
If their children were this strong, what of their veterans? No wonder they once stood toe to toe with the Senju.
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