"Welcome to the Tiger Festival's Inves Games Tournament!" Chinrin Kosho announced as she spoke into her microphone. At the mention of the event's name, cheers erupted from the crowd. She waited for the cheers to die down before she continued, "First of all, allow me to introduce the organizers of this event. Our ruler Sonken-sama and her Armored War God Zangetsu-sama!"

The Son Royal Family was seated at the very top of the steps that led into the palace's entrance. They were joined by their officers so they could watch the tournament from a safe distance and still be seen by the citizens who were allowed entry into the courtyard.

The entire Go Faction was present, but Shuyu seemed oddly absent. She was not in her room. Perhaps she was not in a celebrating mood. While Sonken was worried about Shuyu, she knew the woman could take care of herself.

"No matter how many times we do this, it's still new," Sonken smiled, blushing at the attention as she waved to her people.

"Sonsaku-sama loved the attention too," Masataka reminded nostalgically.

"Indeed she did. Hopefully, this event will bring her spirit much joy," Sonken nodded.

"Oh, this is just so exciting!" chirped Sonshoko happily. She was upset that she wasn't allowed to participate, but at least she would get to see an exciting tournament.

"Now, let's begin the tournament!" Chinrin announced. "Players, get in the ring and unleash the beasts!"

"That is not a bad catchphrase," Kogai commented.

"Indeed, it was quite apt," Rikuson agreed.

"Meh, I could think of something better," Natsu shrugged.

"Just enjoy the matches, Nii-san," advised Fuyu.

The first two participants released their Inves using A-Class Lockseeds. One player released a Byakko Inves while the other released a Kamikiri Inves. Instantly, the special energy field that kept the Inves within the confines of the stage erected itself, keeping the players and audience safe.

Once given a command, the two Inves began to fight. Masataka watched as both players shouted orders. The Kamikiri Inves was using fast strikes but the Byakko Inves was using its armor and claws to defend itself. The Byakko Inves then threw the Kamikiri Inves to the ground before it brought it claws down for a killing blow.

Sonshoko cheered loudly at the action taking place along with Shokyo and Daikyo.

Masataka scanned the crowd. Members of his own personal guard were ready in case anybody tried anything funny with Inves. With this many people using Lockseeds gathered in one place, it would be a disaster if an out of control horde was summoned. He was not going to be careless and allow another tragedy to happen.

Among the audience stood a man in white robes with a hood covering his head. He was just standing there. He didn't seem to be very threatening, just odd. Even when he took out a Lockseed, he didn't seem out of place. After all, Lockseeds were very common in Son Go since Zangetsu introduced them to the people.

While traveling merchants used the Inves to protect themselves from bandits, the farmers used the creature as extra farmhands, and the carpenters and construction workers used them as extra muscle to carry tools and building material. They were also used to bolster Son Go's military power.

Though, the Lockseed in his hand didn't seem normal. It was modeled after a pomegranate and lacked a code.

When he unlocked it, the Lockseed blinked repeatedly while making a beeping noise.

"And we have a winner!" Chinrin declared as the Kamikiri Inves was destroyed. The winner caught the loser's Lockseed as it flew into his hand and smiled victoriously. "And next-!"

Chinrin was interrupted by a loud scream.

"DEATH TO THE FALSE GODS!" the man in white screamed before the Lockseed in his hand flashed brightly.

The explosion was deafening.

Minato got himself some dumplings from a vendor and was enjoying them as he walked through the festival grounds. While he was getting breakfast, he heard about an incident that took place at the palace earlier in the morning. He learned that there was an explosion during the middle of an important event and a lot of people were killed.

Minato spotted the statue dedicated to Armored War Zangetsu, an effigy in his own image. Minato glared at the statue of Son Go's supposed guardian and protector with disdain. He would not allow it to bring down his good mood. After all, he had gotten lucky and spent the night with a gorgeous woman yesterday.

Score!

And besides, it was a festival and he wanted to spend his time during the festival enjoying himself.

After all, you must cherish the fun times as long as you can before it all comes crashing down.

"It's your move now, Onii-chan."