Ladders and live streaming!
Two brand-new features!
Among them, the live streaming feature didn't cause much of a stir at first, because something similar had already appeared in various arcades before. In arcades, players could project their gameplay for others to watch using the arcade's equipment, and each arcade even had people dedicated to doing this.
So, people naturally assumed that this so-called "live streaming" was merely an expansion of the projection range through the Genjutsu Network. They still couldn't begin to comprehend the impact live streaming would eventually bring to the gaming world.
Instead, it was the ladder ranking feature that struck directly at the hearts of countless players, making them instantly excited—burning with fighting spirit, even.
Because Ultimate Ninja Storm, as a competitive game, had already stoked the flames of an e-sports atmosphere. Players were dueling through various modes, pushing their desire to win to the max.
In fact, even without any official action, many players had already organized small-scale tournaments for Ultimate Ninja Storm on their own. The Hidden Leaf Game Guild hadn't interfered—as long as there was no direct commercial activity, the officials would not step in.
Now, the officials had directly rolled out a ladder ranking feature, letting players compete for in-game standings. This ignited the passion of all those with a strong competitive spirit, making their blood boil.
Although the ladder ranking system hadn't even gone live yet, countless people were already itching to get in and start climbing the ranks.
For example, Madara Uchiha was one such person. Like an old man possessed by the spirit of a hot-blooded shōnen manga protagonist, he radiated overwhelming momentum and ambition, his sights locked firmly on the number-one spot!
Only for
Thinking this, Madara cast an inconspicuous glance at "Muzi," adding in his heart:
If it's team ranking, then Muzi and I should share the honor of standing atop the summit.
Yes—though he would never say it out loud, and would absolutely never admit it—Madara did feel he was no longer alone.
Just then, Muzi turned to him, clenching his fist with determination:
"Senior Radama, let's give it our all in the ranking matches ahead!"
Hearing that, Madara was momentarily stunned beneath his mask, then couldn't help but smile. After all, Muzi's thoughts had aligned perfectly with his own.
But the proud Madara simply crossed his arms and said loftily, "Hmph, of course. But you—don't drag me down when the time comes."
Muzi grinned. "Of course! Don't worry, Senior—I won't let you down!"
That firm, confident voice, and that ever-familiar "senior"—though he had long since grown used to it, every time he noticed it still brought Madara an inexplicable sense of satisfaction.
Then the "Shura of the Shinobi World" started running through scenarios in his mind, imagining all the possible opponents they might encounter in ladder matches.
Since the Genjutsu Network had gone live, Madara had faced many strong opponents in the game. Thanks to Muzi's introductions, he had even added some as in-game friends.
Of course, these "friends" weren't for teaming up—they were just sparring partners for arranged PvP matches.
For example, there was a player named "Tamamo-no-Mae," a nine-tailed fox woman who, despite having the same nine tails as the Nine-Tails beast, was far stronger—at least in terms of skill variety. She was, without a doubt, a formidable opponent, and improved at a frightening pace.
At first, Madara could easily suppress her in battle. But with each encounter, her progress was obvious.
Especially in skill usage, developing new techniques, and creating countermeasures for specific moves—Tamamo-no-Mae had that rare "the same trick never works twice" quality.
Without question, she was a worthy foe—someone Madara respected in the game, without looking down on her for being female or for having a fox-girl avatar.
Her appearance, Madara believed, was simply a product of the game's customization system—just as he himself always played in a masked avatar.
Besides, gender couldn't be changed casually—only those with administrative access to the Mental Network could alter it.
So, to Madara, Tamamo-no-Mae was simply a woman of great combat intellect, creativity, and adaptability.
Aside from her, there were several other opponents Madara kept in mind—people he was sure would appear in the ranking battles.
Still, Madara had absolute confidence in himself and Muzi. He believed that together, they would sweep through all challengers, just as he once did alongside Hashirama Senju.
The top ranking—Madara Uchiha would claim it!
Just as he was thinking this, the hosts—Hyūga Ruyan and Yamanaka Hakuta—announced a new event: alongside the ladder and live streaming features, the Hidden Leaf Game Guild would host the very first Ninja World E-Sports Tournament!
The competition would feature Ultimate Ninja Storm and the soon-to-be-released Shinobi World War, with both solo and team categories.
The entire tournament would be broadcast via the live streaming system, ensuring that anyone connected to the Genjutsu Network could watch.
When the competition reached the knockout and finals stage, the broadcast would be upgraded to a full Ninja World-wide live feed—just like the broadcast signal used for the current press conference.
IN
And the venue for the final eight knockout matches was confirmed—it would be right here, in the greatly expanded hall of this press conference.
The ultimate winner would receive extremely generous prizes. Even those who didn't win but made it to the final stage would receive rewards according to their ranking.
In short—anyone who broke through the preliminaries and reached the final eight would walk away with benefits.
These announcements poured gasoline on an already roaring fire, sending the crowd's excitement into overdrive.
Because everyone realized something—the matches would be streamed live, and the finals would be broadcast to the entire world.
What did that mean?
It meant fame in front of the masses—it meant showing your face to the entire world, rising above the crowd, no longer a no-name nobody!
Before, such honors belonged only to the great clans, the daimyō, the Kage of the Five Great Nations, or legendary figures like the Sannin.
Did ordinary people and small-timers really not want to experience that kind of glory? Of course not.
In fact, the culture of the Ninja World was somewhat like the atmosphere in Cyberpunk 2077, with its classic line: "Do you want to be a no-name, or world-famous?"
That line was the true reflection of many in the Ninja World—countless people craved fame, even if it meant risking their lives.
Yet, in the cruel Ninja World, even dying for it often meant dying without worth—let alone becoming famous.
After all, in a world of superpowered elites, without strength and exceptional talent, you were nothing.
Take Hiruko, the movie-only villain—despite his brilliant scientific mind, his mediocre shinobi talent made him far inferior to the Sannin. Their brilliance overshadowed him entirely, leaving him unable to hold his head up among his classmates, warping him with jealousy and leading him down a dark path.
Even in this altered timeline shaped by Uchiha Kei, Hiruko remained the same—lost in his thirst for fame and fortune, reduced to Root's research workhorse, and now Orochimaru's personal lab lackey.
In short—the craving for fame and fortune filled the Ninja World, but its ruthless "might makes right" nature left most people without hope.
This game, however, was different—it truly allowed ordinary people to become masters. With enough skill, anything was possible.
In other words, for those who had already resigned themselves to obscurity, this was a golden road to the top—a path not limited by ninja talent.
Even a mere civilian could stand at the summit of the Ninja World!
No-name nobody, or world-famous? That wasn't even a question.
When the opportunity was right in front of them, countless people willingly became the "V" of Cyberpunk 2077.
And so, today—when the press conference's announcements were broadcast across the entire Ninja World—the world boiled over. Countless people became frenzied pursuers of glory and fortune, dreaming of surviving the preliminaries and making it to the final eight.
Many believed their chances were high, since the tournament featured not just one game, and more than eight total spots.
With
By that math, the odds suddenly seemed much better—and as long as it felt possible, countless people would want to try.
Like this story Leave a review ; it would really help me out a lot.
Want to Read Ahead in Advance?
Join my Patreon!
+75 Chapters
Support me in
Patreon.com/BestElysium