Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

The news, as if imbued with the power of wind, swept over every inch of the harbor's reefs and seeped into every damp alley of Kirigakure.

When the giant octopus tentacle, thicker than most houses, was transformed into an elegant water tornado under Yagura's masterful water-style manipulation and was respectfully and dramatically transported to the central port, the entire dock was already packed with people, and even the rooftops in the distance were filled with people.

Not long ago, this place was the bloody stage where the Kaguya clan launched their rebellion, and the air still seemed to retain the smell of rust and hatred.

Now, instead, there is a domineering and unreasonable aroma of barbecue wafting from the Konoha flagship.

Countless villagers and ninjas from Kirigakure gathered here, their faces filled with the bewilderment of surviving a catastrophe, their eyes gazing at the massive steel ship flying the Konoha flag with complex emotions. Curiosity, fear, and exploration intertwined, all ultimately settling on the octopus remains, now more like a sacrifice than a sea monster, carried aloft by the current.

Today, this place will witness another war. A war between "the taste of the sea" and "the taste of the land".

Konoha, making no attempt to conceal their intentions, openly designated the arena in the most spacious square of the port.

"Earth Release: Earth Land, Ascend!"

Several ninjas from the Konoha Construction Department moved in unison, forming hand seals and striking the ground.

The earth roared in response, and the stone slabs that had been soaked in blood cracked inch by inch. Then, huge, smooth, round earthen and stone cooking platforms, each more than ten meters in diameter, rose from the ground. The edges of the cooking platforms were also pre-made with intricate rune grooves using earth-elemental techniques. These were "hearths" for embedding fire-elemental techniques to precisely control the temperature.

This precise civil engineering work made many Kirigakure ninja who had participated in the construction of defensive fortifications twitch in surprise.

Using this level of earth magic to build a kitchen? What an extravagance!

"Multiply Technique!"

With a series of low shouts, the chefs of the Akimichi clan swelled in the wind, transforming in the blink of an eye into several small giants, each seven or eight meters tall. Together, they lifted a specially made, enormous iron pot, which resembled a small mountain, and with a lightness that belied their massive bodies, they placed it steadily on the cooking counter, emitting only a heavy yet pleasant thud.

The exquisite control over chakra and power drew a suppressed gasp from the onlookers, who could hardly contain their astonishment.

Ninjutsu, can it really be used like this?

This is not a war, but a magnificent public performance composed of ninjutsu!

The oppressive and heavy atmosphere in the crowd began to be replaced by a sense of novelty, absurdity, and even excitement. One bold child even broke free from his mother's hand and ran to the cordon, curiously observing the Uchiha clan members who were adjusting the "hearth".

A culinary competition showcasing the flavors of the sea and land has officially begun amidst much anticipation.

Immediately afterwards, the crucial judging panel was established.

With a quick movement, Hozuki Shio appeared directly in the center of the two cooking counters. She pulled out a huge folding fan with the words "God of Food" painted on it from somewhere, and unfolded it with a "whoosh," covering half of her face, revealing only a pair of sparkling eyes.

She cleared her throat and, in an unprecedentedly formal tone, comparable to announcing the succession ceremony of the Water Shadow, announced it in a loud voice.

"Yay! Now! Immediately! Right now! I, Hozuki Shio, Chief Judge and Supreme Arbiter of the Culinary World, am online!"

Seeing her like that, Mei Terumi couldn't help but chuckle. She stepped forward and gave a fighting smile to the Konoha side, especially to the silver-haired boy who always complained about Obito.

"This match began with me. The glory of Mist Village is not to be underestimated."

Yagura Karatachi took a deep breath and stepped forward. He crossed his arms, maintaining his usual mature demeanor despite his young age, and said in a deep voice.

"Since it's for the future of Kirigakure... cough, I mean honor, I'm willing to serve as a judge to ensure the fairness of the competition."

The voice just fell.

[Yay! Yay! Teppanyaki! Teppanyaki octopus tentacles! Fry them first with the butter that fat guy mentioned! The sizzling kind! Extra spicy! Extra garlic!]

In Yagura's mind, the voice of Mitsuo Isobu exploded like a landslide and a tsunami, filled with an almost overflowing desire and professional cooking guidance.

His expression froze instantly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's smiling gaze fell upon him at just the right moment, as if he had planned it perfectly.

"Hehe, since Lord Yagura has made his appearance, then I shall also join in the fun and sample the flavors of both countries."

With this, the judging panel was officially established.

Chief judge and head of the overall atmosphere team, Hozuki Shio.

Invited judge, representative of Kirigakure, (forced) to be a tool for the Three-Tails to taste, Yagura Karatachi.

Invited judge, representative of Konoha Village, and chief director of this grand event: Hiruzen Sarutobi.

And... hidden deep within Yagura's mind, offering the most enthusiastic support for the tournament with a mental roar, and providing remote cooking guidance... the special guest culinary consultant, Mio Isobu.