Naruto Birdcage

The news of the Imperial Ninja Martial Arts Tournament being officially announced spread across the land.

Regardless of how many pressing matters Makoto had to handle, the organization of such a grand event would only further solidify the image of a thriving and peaceful era.

Upon seeing the announcement posted by the local guilds, countless wandering ninjas became excited.

If they could fight their way to Konoha, it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rise to prominence!

It was certainly far better than wasting away in some small town.

This led to a massive wave of eager participants rushing to the guilds to register.

Seeing the enthusiasm, the guild staff kindly posted an additional notice: Ninjas ranked as Chunin or below should carefully consider their abilities before entering.

Those who advanced to Konoha for the grand event would be the strongest from each province—ninjas of Jonin-level power at the very least.

The Imperial Ninja Martial Arts Tournament was far grander in scale than the previous Joint Chunin Exams and imposed no restrictions on age, rank, or other factors.

As long as one was a registered guild ninja, they were eligible to participate.

The battles would undoubtedly be far more intense and thrilling than simple fights between Genin.

Many who recognized their own limitations still eagerly planned to travel to Konoha just to witness the spectacle firsthand.

Of course, the Empire would not allow an unchecked influx of people flooding into Konoha.

Even in past Joint Chunin Exams, the village was packed to the brim, leaving no empty seats.

One could only imagine the sheer magnitude of this grand tournament.

To address this, Konoha officially announced that the tournament would be broadcast live in major provincial capitals, allowing everyone across the empire to witness the event in real time.

Television and movies theater had existed in the Naruto world for quite some time.

With Makoto actively promoting technological advancements, these industries had rapidly evolved.

The speed of technological innovation and product updates had significantly accelerated, leading to a boom in the entertainment industry.

Compared to before, there were now many more films and TV shows available, making it easier to pass the time by watching television.

The Imperial Ninja Martial Arts Tournament was established as a platform for ninjas from the former Four Great Ninja Villages.

Those who performed exceptionally well would be granted the opportunity to join Konoha and become a Konoha ninja.

Inside the Imperial Palace Loft

A curvaceous blonde woman knelt on the floor, gently massaging the legs of a man lounging in a recliner.

Today, she was wearing fishnet stockings, which looked even more alluring than her usual black stockings.

"Your Majesty, here is the proposed general process for the tournament. Please review it," she said.

Makoto took the document handed over by Samui, skimmed through it briefly, and then reached out his hand.

Seeing this, Samui immediately handed him a pen.

Without hesitation, Makoto crossed out the first item on the list.

"This isn't a Chunin Exam—there's no need for all that nonsense. Remove any written tests and any assessments that focus on theoretical knowledge. We don't need them."

As he spoke, Makoto crossed out a few more items that he deemed unnecessary.

"This is a martial arts tournament—the biggest requirement is that it must be grand and spectacular. It should make everyone understand what kind of golden era they are living in."

"Budget is not an issue. Let them go all out and make it as extravagant as possible. Also, have Obito take the Barrier Team to the original Chunin Exam arena and expand the venue."

After giving his instructions, Makoto handed the document back to Samui.

"When will these people finally start handling things on their own? Every day, I have to worry about everything for them." Makoto sighed, gently running his fingers through Tsunade's hair, as if he were stroking a pet.

Tsunade, understanding his mood, leaned forward, subtly arching her back and swaying her hips.

Jingle—

Like a loyal pet dog wagging its tail to please its master, after this small display, Tsunade quietly resumed her work.

Samui, already accustomed to such scenes, responded calmly,

"Your Majesty's wisdom is beyond what those below can ever compare to."

Makoto merely waved his hand dismissively, then closed his eyes to rest.

Samui bowed and silently took her leave.

The room fell into silence.

With his eyes closed, Makoto appeared to be asleep, and as Tsunade felt the hand on her head gradually lose strength, she instinctively stopped her massage.

But to her surprise, Makoto's hand suddenly moved again, sliding down from her head, tracing along her cheek, and then toward her collarbone.

Tsunade had no choice but to lean forward slightly, continuing to kneel there, allowing him to do as he pleased.

"You know..." Makoto suddenly spoke.

"What if I held a beauty pageant?"

"A beauty pageant?" Tsunade asked, puzzled.

"A competition between women to see who's the most beautiful."

"…Your Majesty is the Emperor. Naturally, whatever you wish to do, you can do." Tsunade was momentarily stunned before responding.

A beauty pageant… Makoto, only you could come up with something like this…

Tsunade secretly mocked his absurd idea in her heart.

Makoto, however, chuckled and said,

"If you were to participate in a beauty pageant, you would undoubtedly outshine all the others."

"Your Majesty flatters me," Tsunade replied.

"There are plenty of women far more beautiful than I am."

Makoto was merely speaking on a whim.

If he really went through with organizing such a competition, who knows what people would say about him?

Hmm… Perhaps he could let the common folk organize it themselves while he stayed behind the scenes.

If he found someone to his liking, he could always engage in some private discussions…

He already had plenty of women around him—just a bit of novelty now and then would suffice.

Speaking of women, Makoto's thoughts drifted to the Shinigami of Seireitei and the pirates at sea.

There were quite a few beautiful women among them.

For example, last time, he had come across Ise Nanao and Rukia—both looking just like their manga counterparts.

Makoto suddenly felt a bit excited at the thought of meeting even more Shinigami in person.

The invitations to Soul Society hadn't been sent yet.

So, on the spot, he issued a new order—to include an invitation for all Captains and Lieutenants to attend.

Knock, knock—

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

Makoto quickly withdrew his hand from inside Tsunade's clothing.

"Enter."

However, when he saw who stepped inside, he nearly fell off his reclining chair.

"N-Neji…"

He hurriedly waved Tsunade away, trying to salvage what little remained of his fatherly dignity.

Neji, however, remained completely composed.

He was no stranger to such matters—he understood perfectly well what was going on.

His father was the Emperor of the Empire—it was only natural that he could do whatever he pleased.

Tsunade, with her head lowered, walked toward the door.

As she passed by Neji, she gave him a respectful bow.

"Prince Neji."

Makoto cleared his throat and sat up, trying to regain his composure.

"Ahem… Neji, what brings you here?" he asked.

Neji got straight to the point.

"Father, I want to graduate early."

He had grown tired of the childishness and stupidity of his peers at school.

He had no desire to continue staying with them.

Makoto wasn't too surprised—he had already expected Neji to make such a request.

This child had grown up alongside Itachi and had always admired him deeply.

Itachi had graduated from the Ninja Academy in just one year—and now, Neji wanted to do the same.

Makoto asked calmly, "And your reason?"

Neji gave his explanation without hesitation.

"I feel that I'm no longer learning anything at school. I've already gone through the advanced courses, and they're far too easy. Itachi-nii and Kakashi-san both graduated early—I want to follow in their footsteps."

Makoto countered with a question:

"Then, in your opinion, between those two and Hakumen, who is stronger?"

Neji's expression froze for a moment.

The truth was, no one could say for certain who was the strongest among the three.

If the topic were brought up for discussion, opinions would surely vary.

However, Hyuga Hakumen was the leader of the Seven Crown Guards and the person His Majesty trusted the most—so if people had to choose, many would likely pick him.

After a brief hesitation, Neji answered, "Perhaps… Uncle Hakumen."

Makoto raised an eyebrow and continued, "Back when we were in the Ninja Academy, both Hakumen and I completed all six years before graduating properly."

"…"

Neji fell silent.

Makoto gazed at him for a moment before speaking again.

"So the reason you came to me today, the argument you prepared, is simply that you want to follow the same path as Kakashi and Itachi?"

Neji stood there in silence.

Makoto walked over and placed a hand gently on his head.

"Neji, you are the son of the Emperor. If you truly desire something, you can just tell me directly."

"If it is your genuine will, I will not refuse you."

"But today, you came to me with a carefully prepared speech, thinking you needed to convince me."

"Tell me, Neji—what do you see your father as? Who do you think your father is?"

"Neji, it's clear that you're not truly ready yet. For now, just stay in school and focus on your studies. But if you ever want to talk to me, you can come anytime."

Neji remained silent, then bowed to his father before turning around and leaving the palace.

Outside the front hall, Jugo and Toneri were waiting for him.

Seeing Neji's expression, Toneri asked, "His Majesty didn't approve?"

Neji turned his gaze toward the loft in the distance and replied, "Not exactly..."

"It's just that... I'm not worthy yet, I guess."

Toneri tilted his head slightly, looking somewhat puzzled.

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