Tournament begins in just 2 hours and all the participants have been registered but a few. Those few being Aiko, Isamu, Poku and Chiori. Ziku and Omoi wait together to get called inside. While Ziku is in line waiting for next instruction it doesn't cross his mind that Aiko isn't there or Isamu. He only realizes when they call everyone they have already and he doesn't hear their name along with Chiori and Poku. Ziku's tries to step out of line and gosee where everyone else is, but he is stopped by an instructor. The instructor tells him that if he steps out of line he will be completely withdrawn from the tournament. Now he has a choice to make; does he wait and see if they show up? Or does he disqualify himself from the tournament in order to find out if they're ok or not.
Ziku looks at Omoi.
Ziku: "I could always fight another day."
Omoi: "What are you talking about?"
Ziku turns around and is about to leave the line, but just before he takes a step they all show up and put their names on the list for the tournament. Aiko walks past Ziku as both of them just smile at each other. Isamu gets to Ziku and thanks him.
Ziku: "Huh? For what?"
Isamu: "It took me quite some time to think whether or not I wanted to participate in this tournament. You and I both know physically I am incapable of winning a fight against anyone. Only reason I'm here is because of you. You changed your mind about fighting and now have a certain drive that gave me confidence to even stand before all of you."
Ziku smiles at Isamu and pats him on his back. When he pats him he also grabs him around his neck and pulls him in and says: "Good! Let's get stronger together!"
*Asuna comes out*
Asuna: "There's one hour until the tournament starts and obviously the one rule we want to express is that there is no killing! This tournament is to recognize all of you as individuals and see how far you've come. Nothing more, nothing less. We have built a stadium specifically for this purpose. All of you will wait together in one room until you are called to fight. These battles will be not be spectated by the outside world, but your family will be here if need be. It's time for us to make the brackets so I ask you all to wait in this room. Good luck to all of you!"
All of the students are in one room. Nothing but silence. For an entire hour, not a single word was said to anyone. Just intense glares and awkward eye contact. Then Shizuko and Hiroyuki make eye contact and that increases the intensity of chi in the room, but before anything can be said Nino walks in and introduces himself.
Nino: "Hi I'm Nino. None of you know me, but I'm going to be the the one who organizes the fights, and is there if they need to be stopped. Obviously I'm not alone, our staff includes: Asuna, Tora, Hozu, Aizu, and myself."
Kame: "What about that Mest guy?"
Nino: "I have not heard from Mest personally, but Asuna has informed us that he is on important business, he should be able to make his return for today though. We'll see if that's true."
Shizuko:"Can we hurry up with this?!"
Nino: "You must be Shizuko? Heard lots about you."
Shizuko: "What the!"
Nino: "We have to wait for Tora... oh would you look at that she's ready. Well now we can begin."
Nino walks out to Tora and whispers to her.
Tora: "The first match will be..... Isamu versus Kisaiju!"
Isamu gulps and begins to sweat.
Isamu: "What are the odds that I'm first and against him of all people! I'm so screwed!"
Ziku: "Don't worry about it Isamu. The staff will stop it if it gets out of hand."
Isamu: "Yeah, you're right. Well here goes nothing."
He walks out, looks back and sees Ziku smiling and gives him a thumbs up.
Both Isamu and Kisaiju are standing both ready to begin. Nino steps up and begins to monitor the fight. He gives the signal and the fight begins.
At first Isamu doesn't move, he just stands and waits for Kisaiju to attack, but he doesn't. Kisaiju slowly walks towards Isamu and is right in front of him.
Kisaiju: "I've trained hard for two years! Just to have my first match be someone as weak as you! They must think I'm a joke! I'm gonna make you wish you never got paired to fight me!"
Kisaiju uppercuts Isamu then grabs his throat slamming him to the ground.
Kisaiju: "What's the matter? Fight back!"
Kisaiju just starts unleashing devastating punches and kicks on Isamu. While he's hurting him he keeps uttering the words "Fight Back!" Until he throws Isamu to the wall. Isamu is barely able to move and tries to get back to his feet. Ziku watches with anger in his eyes. Omoi grabs his shoulder telling him to calm down it won't get any worse. Just as he says this Kisaiju forms a square with his hands and traps Isamu inside draining his Chi while also crushing his body within. This goes on for only 3 seconds, but it's enough to do significant damage to Isamu. Nino stops it and declares Kisaiju the winner. Ziku just stares and ends up making eye contact with Kisaiju. Kisaiju smiles and is escorted to the top of the arena where the winners wait for their next match.
Isamu is picked up on a stretcher and is about to be taken to the medical room. Ziku runs out by his side and grabs his hand.
Ziku: "I'm sorry Isamu!"
Isamu: "Don't be. This just goes to show I'm not cut out for this fighting stuff."
He's taken to the room and Ziku just watches. He just stands in the middle of the room thinking to himself. Nino calls out to him 4 times until Ziku finally hears him.
Nino: "Come on kid, it's time for the next match."
Ziku walks back an Tora begins to announce the next match.
Tora: "The next match will be.... Jiro versus Senpu!"
Jiro is about to walk out, but he's stopped by Shizuko.
Shizuko: "Don't lose."
Jiro just smiles and then walks out to meet Senpu who's already there. Jiro stretches at first and then Nino begins the match. Jiro and Senpu both just stand there at first. Senpu is the first to attack, he stretches his arms out and wraps them around Jiro. Jiro is unable to break free as Senpu Just throws him around the arena. Jiro finally releases heat from his body that burn Senpu's arms making him retract them. Then Senpu stomps his foot in the ground and it comes up in front of Jiro kicking him in the chin making him fly back, but he catches himself. Jiro starts to think to himself and see if he can try and figure out Senpu and the extent of his abilities. Senpu keeps attacking though giving him no time to think, with the fact that he can put his arms and legs through the ground stretching them for a surprise attack. Then Jiro comes up with the conclusion that he must close the gap between them. He knows that Senpu is a long range fighter the reason being his ability. Jiro is being attacked by Senpu from all around, but Jiro is dodging and moving swiftly leaving Senpu unaware that he is trying to close the gap. Finally Jiro closes the gap and used that window to attack Senpu with a fire blast from his hand that is strong enough to push Senpu causing him to hit the wall, but not doing any true fatal damage. When Senpu hits the wall he is rendered unconscious and the match is over.
Jiro goes to help put Senpu on the stretcher and goes with him to the medical room.
Tora: "Alright that concludes the second match. What a great one it was! Now for our third match we have Mikoto versus Chiori!"
Chiori is afraid and doesn't want to go out there. She starts thinking about how strong Mikoto is and that she could never win. Just before she gets overwhelmed with negative thoughts, she thinks about a conversation she had with Shizuko.
Shizuko: "Hiroyuki is stronger than me. Aizu told us that it doesn't matter if they are stronger than you, there is always a way to win. I act the way I do because I'm afraid. This persona I put on is to distract myself from my fears. It's those at the top of the class that really intimidate me, for me to not be intimidated I allow my pride to take over and all I want to do is win. Cause when I win, I won't be afraid anymore."
Chiori thinks to herself: "That was the first time Shizuko has ever expressed his feelings. I have to be like him! I'm afraid, but if I win there will be no more fear."
Chiori finally goes out and stands across from Mikoto. Nino begins the match and right away Chiori rushes towards Mikoto, but she gets pushed back. Chiori gets back up and tries to attack her again, but the same thing happens she gets pushed back even farther.
Mikoto: "Why do you continue to get up? Your defeat is certain."
Chiori looks at her in the eye and slowly walks towards her.
Chiori: "Because it doesn't matter how much of a gap there is between us. I will find a way to win!"
Mikoto stares at Chiori. She just looks at all the wounds she's suffered so far. Mikoto puts her hand up and pulls Chiori in close.
Mikoto: "I don't care about this tournament. All of this means nothing to me. You win, cause I quit."
Mikoto starts to walk away, but Chiori yells at her.
Chiori: "No! I don't want to win like this! I understand if you don't care about this tournament, but I do! So get back here and fight!"
Mikoto turns back around and rushes towards Chiori, grabbing her head and slamming her to the ground. She puts her hand out and pushes her deep into the floor. Chiori is unconscious and Mikoto just stares.
Mikoto: "I respect you."
Nino announces that the match is over as they take Chiori to the medical room and escort Mikoto to the winners circle.
Ziku: "She's strong!"
Mireko: "Yeah, Mikoto was born with great power she's only going to get stronger."
Tora: "The next match is... Kireina versus Haruna!"
Kireina gets nervous, but takes a breath and then goes out.
Ziku leans against the side railing and begins to smile. Nino asks both of them if they're ready they nod and he begins the match. At first both of them just feel each other out with small attacks to understand their abilities a little more. Haruna makes a water cyclone that lifts Kireina up spinning her. Finally dropping her on the ground with great force. Kireina stands to her feet and as soon as her eyes focus, there's a huge wave of water coming towards her. She thinks as fast as she can and creates a wall of just vines that gets easily blown away. She didn't completely stop it, but she lowered its damage and effect. She tries to get up again, but then she's just overwhelmed by Haruna's water slicer technique. Kireina dodges all except one, being the last one, but taking quite the toll on her. Finally Kireina goes on the offensive side as she creates bundles of vines that all surround Haruna tying her up. Kireina gets close to her trying to think of her next move, but then Haruna forms a water dome around both of them a dome with no oxygen. Both of them are trapped inside, but once Kireina starts to fade, the vines loosen and Haruna is able to get out. Kireina is left inside and her chi starts to decrease as she just loses consciousness. Haruna is declared the winner.
When Kireina is put on the stretcher she regains consciousness and looks around. Haruna comes to her and grabs both of her hands.
Haruna:"That was fun, great match!"
Kireina: "Yeah."
Tora: "What a strong will both of these girls showed! Now for the next match we have Omoi versus Tonamura!"
At first Omoi is unsure of himself to be able to match Tonamura, but then Ziku punches his shoulder in a playful way and smiles.
Ziku: "You got this!"
Omoi smiles
Omoi: "Yeah, after this get ready cause I'm coming for you."
They both smile at each other, then Omoi goes out to meet Tonamura. Nino asks if both of them are ready and then begins the match. Straight out off the start, Tonamura rushes towards Omoi as they engage in hand to hand combat. They would have been evenly matched, but Omoi has been training his Aerokinetic combat making his attacks sharper and using wind to finish off combos. The fight just ends up being a hand to hand fight in which Omoi is clearly winning. Tonamura falls to the ground exhausted as he just concedes the match. Giving Omoi the win. Tonamura gets up and shakes Omoi's hand. He doesn't say anything he just shakes his hand and goes back to the room.
Tora: "Next match is Aiko versus Shizuko!"
When Ziku hears this he looks over at Aiko with sorrow in his eyes. Then he looks at Shizuko. Shizuko and Aiko walk side by side out to the fighting stage. Ziku watches, all he can do is worry about Aiko. Nino asks if they're ready and he begins the match. As soon as the match begins, Aiko concedes and it ends, just like that. Aiko starts walking back while Ziku is confused. Everyone else sighs with relief and then Aiko smiles.
Ziku: "Wait, what happened?"
Aiko: "While we were walking out, Shizuko told me to just forfeit the match. I had no problem with it so that's what I did."
Ziku smiles.
Tora: "Next match is Poku versus Mireko!"
Both of them are smiling as Nino asks if they're ready. They reply and he starts the match.
Poku: "What do ya say we just have a hand to hand combat match?"
Mireko: "That's fine with me."
They begin to fight as Mireko throws the first punch that is countered with a punch by Poku. Then they just start throwing combos at each other, both being evenly matched. Once Mireko lands a punch, Poku lands a punch. Once Poku lands a kick, Mireko lands a kick. Mireko gets Poku to the ground and tries to submit her, but Poku head butted her causing her to be dazed. Then they both get up and are extremely exhausted. They smile at each other and then run towards each other. Both throwing a punch that knocks both of them out. For a moment there is nothing but silence. Once both of them are put on stretchers everyone thats waiting in the room starts to clap and cheer.
Tora: " Next match is Ziku versus Kotai!"
All the cheering comes to an abrupt end and Ziku and Kotai stare at each other. Kotai walks out and right behind him is Ziku. They stand across from each other and before the match starts, Omoi looks down and notices how Ziku's hands are twitching.
Omoi thinks to himself: "Come on Ziku!"
Nino begins the match and the first thing Kotai does is increase his muscle mass making him 5X stronger than Ziku. The first thing Ziku does is jump back, but his body moved on its own. Ziku becomes confused and then gets distracted, leaving an opening for Kotai to punch him causing him to hit the wall. Ziku gets up and sees Kotai coming again, but he moves out of the way. Ziku knows that at the size Kotai is at, there is no way he can keep up. So Ziku vanishes across the entire arena. Then he tries to attack, he stops in front of Kotai and punches his stomach, but it does absolutely no damage. Kotai grabs Ziku by his hair and then uppercuts him. When Ziku falls to the floor Kotai grabs his leg and slams him on the floor a few times before colliding him and the wall. Kotai throws Ziku and just watches him land. Kotai thinks he's won, but Nino points behind him. He turns around to see Ziku standing even though he's clearly hurt. Ziku rushes towards Kotai and throws combos punching, kicking, kneeing and elbowing Kotai, but nothing seems to work. He throws one final punch, but Kotai slips it and goes behind him suplexing him. After Ziku gets suplexed, everyone thinks it's over. Even Natsumi thinks he won't get up from that. Kotai's body reduces back to normal size and Ziku gets back up. Everyone is shocked as Ziku just stares at Kotai.
Kotai: "Why won't you just stay down?!"
Ziku: "Because I don't know how."
Kotai gets mad, but then he's ambushed by Ziku because he forgot about his speed. Ziku punches Kotai clean across his face finally phasing him. When Kotai gets pushed back, Ziku also falls to his knees due to injuries. Kotai tried to rush him, but Ziku trips him and when he's falling he kicks him up and then jumps up and finishes it with a spinning back kick that makes Kotai fall to the ground with great impact. Ziku lands on one knee and just waits for Kotai to get back up. When he does Kotai just stands there wanting Ziku to approach him. Ziku does and they just have a stare off.
Kotai puts his hand out for Ziku to shake, when he goes to grab it Kotai grabs Ziku putting him in the bear hug again.
Kotai: "Haha too easy!"
Ziku starts screaming as his ribs are beginning to break again, he hears a crack and then tries to break out. He head butts Kotai causing him to release his grip. When he does Ziku knees him in the head twice and gets payback by suplexing Kotai. They both get back up to their feet and throw a punch at each other. Both fall to the ground, but there has to be a winner.
Nino: "There has to be a clear winner! At this point it's a battle of heart! Who has more?!"
While Ziku is on the floor all he hears is his name, but he doesn't know who's calling out to him. He can't recognize the voice. The voice says to him: "Get up, this is nothing compared to the upcoming battles you're going to encounter! So get up Ziku!"
Ziku opens his eyes as he just stares at the ceiling. He finally gets up, but holds his ribs again. He looks over to see Kotai still on the ground. He walks over and they make eye contact.
Ziku: "Why didn't you get up? You could have gotten up way before I did."
Kotai: "You're right. I could've, thing is I can't move."
Ziku wins the match and Kotai is about to get taken to medical room. Before he goes, Ziku stops them and talks to Kotai.
Ziku: "You Really can't move?"
Kotai: "I can't move anything but my mouth."
Ziku: "I....."
Kotai: "Shutup! Don't apologize! Just take the win, cause when I'm healed I want a rematch."
They both smile at each other. Kotai gets taken to care and Ziku goes up to second stage bracket. But he's in pain and sustained drastic injuries.
Tora: "Next match is Kame versus Bokutso!"
Kame jumps up and punches his palm.
Kame: "Finally!"
He rushes out there, the most excited since he's been patiently waiting for his turn.
Bokutso: "You shouldn't be so excited to lose."
Kame: "Who said anything about losing?"
Nino begins the fight. Right away Kame rushes in and throws a punch and Bokutso counters with a punch of his own. When their fists touch it creates a huge shockwave that pushes everyone back.
Kame tries to kick his face but Bokutso blocks it and grabs his foot trying to slam him into the ground but Kame counters by planting his hands and does a round house kick to his ribs causing a good amount of damage.
Bokutso to himself: "That actually hurt?"
Bokutso lifts up his shirt and sees a mark. Rib cage totally bruised and battered making everyone watching cringe and shocked. Even Asuna raises his eyebrows at the sight of Kame's strength. The fight is paused and for a moment there is just silence.
Bokutso to himself: "I can't take another hit like that."
In the same instant as his thought, Kame rushes forward throwing a punch that gets blocked by Bokutso, but Kame also throws his elbow making Bokutso move out of the way and flip Kame. When Kame hits the ground Bokutso tries to punch him but Kame blocks it by kicking his fist and then kicks him in the head. When Bokutso gets pushed back Kame gets up and dashes towards him.
Bokutso to himself: "Damnit! I can't catch a break!"
Kame tries to kick him, but misses then Bokutso counters with a punch that gets blocked and then they both back up. Bokutso is hyperventilating but it's subtle. Meanwhile Kame just stares waiting to see if he'll attack. Just when Bokutso thinks he's getting rest, Kame rushes towards him again, but this time his foot makes a whole in the ground due to the amount of force he pushed off with. Kame gets in close and hits him with his elbow, causing Bokutso to fly back. When Bokutso gathers his balance he changes it up and then he rushes forward. Throwing a punch that Kame blocks with his fist creating another shockwave. Then Bokutso gets his other hand and tries to punch Kame but that one is blocked the same way creating another shockwave. As both of their fist are touching they try to demonstrate each other's strength. Then Bokutso headbutts Kame, but when he does it only hurts him. Bokutso gets weakened from it and leaves himself open. I'm that same moment Kame jumps up and round house kicks him across his face as Bokutso falls to the floor. While he's on the floor Kame just gets back into his stance thinking he'll get back up.
Nino goes over to him and ask if he can continue.
Bokutso: "He won."
Kame is declared the winner and ends up moving on to the second bracket. As Bokutso is getting up he goes over to him and Kame does a standing bow towards him as a sign of respect and to say good fight. Bokutso just walks by him and doesn't say or do anything. Both of them walk off and then Tora gets up to announce the next fight.