Tora and Asuna go to the side and start talking.
Meanwhile Nino goes to where he senses the chi. He closes his eyes and notices malice in one of them. He opens his eyes and in the same instant he is attacked, but Nino reacted fast enough to block the attack with his forearm. He backs up to gather distance, but then he gets bull rushed as Nino and Zayn clash fist.
Tora and Asuna come to the conclusion that they are going to finish the tournament since there's only one fight left.
Tora: "Well the last fight will be Hiroyuki versus Shizuko!"
Just there names alone created tension throughout the arena. Everyone pretty much knows the history between them and their clans. This makes for a great match. Asuna starts the match and no one makes a move. They both just stare at each other waiting. They've seen each other's attacks and abilities so they know just what they're up against. Shizuko gets an irritated smirk on his face as he engulfs his hands and feet with flames. He rushes in to attack Hiroyuki, but gets blocked by ice. Shizuko punches the ice and it doesn't break. He tries attacking from behind, but the same result as it gets blocked by more ice. Shizuko tries and tries to break the ice defense Hiroyuki has, but he knows he's not nearly as fast as Ziku, so landing a hit on Hiroyuki seems impossible. Shizuko backs up and just stares at Hiroyuki. Hiroyuki mocks Shizuko telling him to come on knowing he can't be touched. Shizuko gets angry and unleashes waves of fire that get instantly frozen. He releases an excessive amount of flames that all get frozen and shatter before everyone's eyes. Shizuko gets even more angry because all he can think about is how weak his fire is against Hiroyuki. Then he starts to think about everyone he's fought so far and how much stronger his opponents seem to get.
Shizuko: "I cant lose! I can't lose to you!"
When he says this the flames around his hands and feet become stronger as the flames burn brighter. He rushes in again running into ice, but this time he's able to shatter all of Hiroyuki's defenses leaving him open for an attack. Shizuko finally lands a hit on Hiroyuki causing him to flip back. When he catches himself he looks over at Shizuko and all he can see is flames. Shizuko walks slowly towards Hiroyuki causing Hiroyuki to shake a little. He falls to his knees and places both hands on the ground. In doing so, he freezes the entire stage and makes ice appear all over. Shizuko's flames eventually burn all the ice and he continues to walk forward.
Hiroyuki looks up at Shizuko and closes his eyes.
Hiroyuki: "I quit."
Shizuko stops, looks at Hiroyuki and then the flames go away. Asuna steps in and declares Shizuko the winner. The crowd cheers and the first thing Shizuko does is look into the crowd for his father. His father has his eyes closed, arms crossed and has an emotionless expression. Then all of a sudden he sees a smile form as his dad opens his eyes and walks down towards Shizuko.
Zukiro places a hand on Shizuko.
Zukiro: "Good job son, I'm proud of you."
Shizuko smiles the biggest anyone has ever seen and hugs his dad. Jiro and Marvelle join in on the hug as they have a family hug all sharing a moment that's brand new. Hiroyuki steps up to Shizuko and puts his hand out. At first Shizuko just looks at his hand and walks away. His mom stares at him with a scolding look, he gets scared and turns back to shake Hiroyuki's hand. Hiroyuki walks away and goes to sit alone. Aiko goes to him and sits next to him.
Aiko: "Are you ok?"
Hiroyuki: "Yeah, I'm fine."
Aiko: "Well I'm going to check on everyone in the recovery room. Did you want to come with me?"
Hiroyuki just nods yes and they both head to the recovery room. Almost everyone who participated is in recovery, everyone having their own room. Aiko walks into Isamu's room first to check if he's ok.
Aiko: "Hey Isamu, everything ok?"
Isamu: "Yeah, I'm fine just waiting on the nurse to come back."
Hiroyuki didn't walk in the room, but he looks down the hall squints his eyes to make out the name on the outside and he sees Ziku. He quickly goes over to the room. Aiko quickly behind him. Hiroyuki barges in and both him and Aiko find Ziku sitting on his bed.
Ziku: "Oh. Hey Aiko, Hey Hiroyuki!"
Ziku smiles at both of them.
Aiko: "How's your injuries?"
Ziku: "Oh, I'm fine, it's nothing too serious"
Aiko: "That's good, do you feel any different?"
Ziku: "No, I mean, I feel the same why?"
Aiko: "I just thought you'd feel a little different after what happened."
Ziku: "Wait, what happened?"
Hiroyuki to himself: "He doesn't remember what happened?"
Ziku: "It doesn't matter, all that matters is that the tournament is over. So that means we get to all go out to eat!"
Hiroyuki to himself: "He almost killed me, and yet he doesn't remember it.
Hiroyuki just stares at Ziku who's talking to Aiko, he's smiling and is as happy as ever.
Hiroyuki to himself: "I don't get it, how can he not remember..... wait! He does remember! Like Asuna said Ziku is afraid of the power he has within him. So he doesn't even like to think about it. Ziku is the type that doesn't get angry, cause he knows if he does people could really get hurt."
Ziku has his eyes closed as he's laughing with Aiko. Then all of a sudden his face changes and he gets serious and starts looking around.
Aiko: "What's wrong Ziku?"
Ziku: "Something doesn't feel right. It's like....."
Before he can finish, half of the arena gets destroyed and most of the crowd with it. Ziku, Hiroyuki and Aiko all go flying back from the impact. Ziku rushes back to his feet and becomes paranoid.
Ziku: "Mom!"
He goes running to the main stage of the arena to see the thousands of people that were just killed. He looks around, but can't see his mom anywhere. There's smoke all over and through it he can see a silhouette just standing. When the smoke clears he sees a man just waiting. Then Tonamura comes out to stand right next to him.
Zayn: "Where is Kame?"
Tonamura: "He's in recovery."
Zayn: "Perfect."
They start to walk, but Ziku slides in their way and gets into his stance.
Zayn: "I'd suggest that you move."
Tonamura: "You have to watch out for him master. He's the son of Kasai Nakamura."
Zayn: "Really?! Totsuki told us all the Nakamuras were eradicated. Along with the Chikaras, well except Kame of course. Wait, this one isn't the only Nakamura alive but he sure would be worth a lot. Dead or alive."
Ziku to himself: "Not the only Nakamura? Does he mean my mom, or are there more of my clan out there?"
Zayn: "Well in any case, having the blood of both a Nakamura and Chikara....."
Ziku: "Shutup!"
Zayn: "I like this one he's promising. Tonamura now!"
In the same second, Tonamura's eyes change color and he traps Ziku in a sleep paralysis.
Zayn begins to slowly walk towards Ziku, he gets close and grabs him. Once he places both his hands on Ziku, Natsumi kicks him, making him hit the wall and go through.
Natsumi: "Ziku! Ziku!"
Tonamura: "He's stuck in my paralysis, there's nothing you can do to help him. I have to release him."
Natsumi: "Tonamura?! How could you?!"
Tonamura: "I had no interest or intentions on capturing Ziku. Zayn has other plans with him. My mission is Kame and we're capturing both."
Natsumi: "You won't lay another finger on my son!"
Zayn: "Ahh, you must be his mother. That means there are three remaining Nakamuras'. "
Natsumi: "Three?"
Once she says this, she lowers her guard confused and in that interval Tonamura put her in his paralysis as well.
Zayn: "Tonamura! Three Nakamuras'? I was told there was only the one, because the rest were all killed in the midst of the war. Too bad I'm not interested in the Nakamuras' all I want is the Chikara. Tonamura kill them!"
Tonamura raises his hand, but it gets grabbed and then Tonamura falls to the ground. Asuna finally came. Meanwhile in the medical hall Kenshi and Jaken are stuck under rubble and can't move. Jaken's leg is broken and bleeding, so Kenshi has to keep pressure on it. Kame finally finds them and tries to lift all the rubble. He starts to lift it, but he's still pretty tired so his strength is almost gone. He finally lifts it all the way up, but then he gets hit in the back of his neck and ends up falling, but after dropping all the rubble back on top of Kenshi and Jaken. Kame is unconscious as he gets picked up and placed over a mans shoulder. He walks away without saying anything, just with intent on taking Kame.
Kenshi: "Put him down!"
Jaken: "Kame!"
He walks out to where Zayn is and him and Asuna make eye contact.
Asuna: "Do you really think I'll let let you take him?"
Masked man: "I don't think, I know."
Asuna takes a step, but then Hiroyuki comes out to help as he goes to Asuna's side.
When the masked man sees Hiroyuki, his eyes get big and he just pauses for a second.
Masked man to himself: "Hiroyuki?! You've grown so much!"
Hiroyuki: "Why are you staring at me like that?"
After Hiroyuki speaks, the masked man snaps out of it and proceeds to take Kame. When Asuna tries to react Zayn jumps up and throws a punch at Asuna. Asuna becomes preoccupied with fighting Zayn. Tonamura leaves with the masked man as they are determined to leave with Kame.
Asuna: "Hiroyuki! Wake up Ziku and go after them!"
Hiroyuki: "Why? I can go after them now!"
Asuna: No! You are going to need help! Fighting on your own is not an option right now!"
Hiroyuki hesitates for a bit before going over to Ziku and waking him up. At first it wouldn't work, but it seems that Tonamura has to be within certain range to maintain the paralysis. Ziku gets up and looks around.
Ziku: "Did they take Kame?"
Hiroyuki: "Yeah, we gotta go!"
Ziku: "What about everyone else?"
Hiroyuki: "They're fine, just come on!"
Tonamura: "Um master?"
Masked man: "What?"
Tonamura: "My paralysis can only be maintained from so far. As of right now The Nakamura is up."
Masked man: "Hmph so? As long as it's not Asuna we're go-"
Before he could finish the sentence he can sense Ziku behind them.
Masked man: "Is that the Nakamura?"
Tonamura: "Yeah, his speed is close to being on par with Asuna's."
Masked man: "You serious? He's just a kid!"
Tonamura: "We can't forget who his father is though."
Masked man: "You're right, just the name of his father strikes fear in even the strongest of warriors. Same with this Chikara brats father."
Tonamura: "So why don't we capture both?"
Masked man: "For one, no one knew the Nakamura was alive. Then even now it would be nearly impossible for us to capture him without Asuna interfering."
Before Tonamura could respond, Ziku shows up in front of them.
Tonamura: "Go on ahead, I can handle this master."
Masked man just nods and then leaves. Once he turns around he looks at Ziku as both of them make eye contact. Ziku sees his eyes and is instantly given an odd feeling that he's seen him before or those eyes. Tonamura and Ziku start fighting and time passes as Hiroyuki catches up.
Ziku: "Go after him, he still has Kame I'll handle Tonamura."
Hiroyuki heads off towards the masked man leaving Ziku to fight. The masked man is still on the move, but then he senses Hiroyuki's chi. He stops and looks behind him, but doesn't see him.
Masked man: "Hiroyuki."
He decides to wait for him. As he's waiting he puts Kame against a tree and can sense the chi getting closer and closer until he finally arrives.
Hiroyuki: "You're waiting? Why?"
Masked man doesn't say anything. As he just stares at Hiroyuki again.
Hiroyuki: "Why the hell are you just staring at me?!"
They stare at each other for awhile, both making eye contact until the masked man walks up to Hiroyuki. He stands in front of him just staring. Hiroyuki doesn't know what to do he thinks if he should attack or not, but he's confused. The masked man places his hand on Hiroyuki's head and through his mask you can see his eyes close.
Masked man to himself: "I can't fight my only son, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I was the one to cause harm to him. I wish I could tell him, but it's not time. I wish the best for you and your mother Hiroyuki."
After he says this Kame ends up waking up, but neither of them notice.
Masked man to himself: "Forget it, ill tell him now."
He reaches for his mask and is about to take it off, but then Kame jumps up in the air and throws a punch towards him. He dodges and moves further away, but Kame punched the ground making it shatter. Hiroyuki didn't move out of the way fast enough and got caught in the force of the punch.
Masked man: "Damnit that boy!"
Asuna and Zayn continue to go at it.
Zayn: "Is this all the strength you have? You're telling me this is the power many fear?"
Asuna: "Why are you doing this?"
Zayn: "Hmph, project Chikara is a go."
Asuna: " Project Chikara?!"
Zayn: "In order to finish creating the ultimate being we need the Chikara. Dead or alive it doesn't matter, as long as we get the blood."
Asuna just stares at him.
Zayn: "As of right now, he's on a completely different level from us. I don't think a mere mortal could match his power."
Asuna: "Hmph, who decided that?"
Asuna unleashes his Aura causing the ground to shake. It makes Zayn tremble and fall to his knees. He just stares at Asuna in fear not able to move. Asuna slowly walks towards him, but before he does anything; a dark warp gate appears behind him. He looks back and then gets sucked in. Asuna is confused as to what happened. Instead of overthinking he goes to help with the masked man.
Masked man is preparing to fight, but the hate appears behind him. He turns to look at it and also gets sucked in. Both Kame and Hiroyuki instantly get confused. They both look around thinking it's going to happen to them as well.
Kame: "Are you okay?"
Hiroyuki doesn't say anything, instead he just walks back towards Ziku. Both of them go to where Ziku is and when they get to him they notice that Tonamura is unconscious.
Hiroyuki: "What happened?"
Ziku: "He tried to kill me."
Kame: "What?! Really?!"
Asuna comes and sees Tonamura. He goes straight to him and picks him up. They tie him against a tree and wait for him to regain consciousness.
Tonamura: "What the?! Where am I?! Master!"
Asuna: "You will tell us everything you know."
Tonamura looks around to see that there's no point in trying to escape.
Tonamura: "I won't tell you anything! I swore!"
Asuna: "You also swore with us."
Tonamura looks down as he thinks about everything that has happened since he's been there. It wasn't a long time, but it was a good time. Even though he had ups and downs.
Tonamura: "Fine, ill tell you what I know."
It takes Tonamura time to think about everything. Takes him even longer to gather himself and tell them.
Tonamura: "My mission was to capture Kame. Dead or alive. They want Kame dead, but they need his blood. That was my purpose. They want him dead because they see him as a threat considering how powerful his father was. With his blood they want to make the ultimate being, one even the gods themselves can't beat.
Asuna: "One the gods themselves can't beat?"
Tonamura: "Yeah, I hear them talk all the time. There are 3 realms, which you guys should know. Earth realm, Abaddon, and Dharma."
Ziku: "Wait, what's Abaddon and Dharma?"
Tonamura: "Abaddon is the demon realm and Dharma is where the highest entities are. Demi-Gods and the Gods. What my master wants is to gain control of all three realms."
Ziku: "So evil."
Tonamura: "They-"
Asuna: "That's enough, I think we've heard enough."
Hiroyuki: "Where are we taking him?"
Asuna: "Emperor's council will deal with him."
They pick him up and choose to take him to the emperor. The whole class attends.
Emperor: "The penalty is death!"
Ziku: "Wait, death?! That's not fair!"
Emperor: "Someone shut that boy up!"
After that was said, Ziku is confined and kept from speaking.
Emperor: "This is for your own good. I will not be persuaded by you."
Tonamura is taken away. Ziku is being held as he's squirming trying to break free but can't. Ziku is yelling but it's muffled and he continues to try and break out. Everyone looks at Ziku wanting him to calm down and stop, but he doesn't. Asuna looks at Ziku and then stands up.
Asuna: "I'll take him."
The emperor respects Asuna and his wishes so of course he honors his request. Asuna takes hold of Tonamura and then looks back. He makes eye contact with Ziku before he leaves. Finally Ziku is released, he looks over at the emperor and gives him an angry look. He walks out of the building and then looks back at him again and slowly leaves.
Emperor: "That kid is just like his father."
Ziku is outside and he's just staring into space.
Kame: "Ziku you alright?"
He doesn't say anything as he continues to stare off into space. The rest of the class walks out as they all gather. Then all of a sudden Ziku takes off like a blur leaving Kame confused. Of course he goes after him. When he finally catches up, he sees Ziku, Asuna and Tonamura. Tonamura isn't tied up he's just standing.
Kame: "What's going on?"
Tonamura: "I'm not sure, I was fine with death. After all I deserve it for betraying my master."
Ziku: "You don't have to die for your actions."
Tonamura: "That is how I truly atone for what I've done."
Ziku: "Everyone does wrong at least once in their life. That doesn't completely make them a bad person. We all have time to change."
Tonamura: "Ziku shutup! Death is my only way of atonement! Nothing you say will change that!"
Ziku tears up in his eyes and just stares at Tonamura.
Kame: "Death is not the only way you can atone. You just would rather choose death, then to live with this constant guilt."
Tonamura: "What do any of you know about it huh?!"
Asuna: "You are right for not fearing death, you are wrong for living a life unlived and without purpose."
Tonamura: "Living a life unlived?"
Tonamura starts to think about his past. He starts to think how he's never really been able to his life. He's never known his parents, known what love is and known what the true meaning of a family is or what it feels like to be apart of a loving family. He falls to his knees as all his dark memories with Totsuki and Mayonaka flow in. He starts to cry and then begs for forgiveness.
Asuna: "It's not your fault this life was forced upon you. You didn't choose anything. Here it's different believe me."
Tonamura: "I cant be trusted, and I must atone."
Asuna: "Look, you can atone. It starts right now, change how you view the world and change what you fight for. Be apart of this village."
Tonamura continues to cry, but then he looks up and sees Ziku and Kame in front of him with their hands out. At first he hesitates, but then he grabs their hands as they lift him up and console him.
Tonamura: "Just because you guys can forgive me, doesn't mean everyone else will."
Ziku and Kame at the same time: "Yes they will."
They all go back towards the academy and by that time all the students were gathered injured or not. Kame runs towards them to ask if Jaken and Kenshi are ok.
Kireina: "Yeah they're fine. They are really worried about you though."
Kame: "Who helped them?"
Kireina: "It was Kotai and Bokutso."
Kame looks at them and thanks them by bowing. Showing his gratitude. Then he decides to go see Jaken and Kenshi so he leaves. Once he leaves everyone focuses on Tonamura and just stares at him.
Ziku: "We're asking that you forgive Tonamura like we have."
Kireina: "Are you stupid? Did you forget what he has done and what he tried to do?!"
Ziku: "I haven't, but he's innocent none of it was truly his fault. He was forced. All he needs now is a place to grow and people around him that can be a family. We're a family right?!"
Most of the students nod.
Omoi: "I trust you Ziku. When we fought I noticed that he hesitated. He never truly wanted to hurt anyone. He was just trying to please whoever."
Asuna: "As long as you guys approve his worth, he should be fine."
Ziku: "Worth?"
Asuna: "They're going to need a reason for him to not be killed and or locked away in prison."
Ziku: "I think both of those wouldn't be fair."
Asuna: "Then it's settled, when we talk to the council Ziku speaks. Any objections? I didn't think so."
Ziku: "Wow."
Kireina to herself: "Still don't think it's a good idea."
Asuna takes only Ziku and Tonamura to the council to speak in front of the emperor. Everyone else either tagged along to see the final verdict or went home.
Emperor: "Asuna why do you bring this child back here. I already made my decision."
Asuna: "No, you gave me the decision."
Emperor: "Hmph!"
Ziku stares at the emperor for awhile before actually speaking. Before he said anything he can see that he made the emperor a little nervous.
Ziku: "Tonamura should be a given a second chance at life."
Emperor: "Give me one good reason why."
Ziku: "For one, he's my age. So he's still a kid. Everything he has done wasn't his fault, he was forced."
Emperor: "His actions have caused lots of damage and we almost lost Kame! He can't be trusted! How do you know he's completely changed?! Exactly you don't, you are just in your own head and are too trustworthy not knowing...."
Ziku interrupts with tears falling: "No! You're wrong! It's not fair! I know what he's done! I'm willing to put it all behind us because I know it wasn't his true intention! He's never had a true family, true guidance, or even felt true love that a family has to offer! He's always been used like some tool! This village could be his home!"
Emperor: "Hmph, fine. All this is on you. If anything happens, just know Ziku, you are held responsible."
Ziku: "I'm willing to take full responsibility for what I believe!"
Emperor: "Dismiss! Except you Asuna. I want to speak with you."
Council gets dismissed and now it's just Asuna and the emperor.
Emperor: "I leave the decision to you, instead the decision rested in Ziku's hands."
Asuna: "With all do respect sir, I respect what you do for the village, but I don't respect the decision you made for Tonamura."
Emperor: "Is that so?"
Asuna: "Ziku talked to him, found out the truth. I trust Ziku's judgement as should you."
Emperor: "That kid. He may be emperor one day."
Asuna leaves and the emperor is left alone.
Emperor: "He will never become emperor. Ziku should not be allowed to live! All that stands in my way is Ziku and Asuna. They must be killed."