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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMBkLshY4pk

“Hey, get away from my stuff!”

“I’m categorising!” you fire back at Roka as you sort out manga volumes and DVDs. “You don’t put anything where it belongs! All our stuff is mixed up!”

Roka puts his boot on your back with a scowl. “It’s you who mixed it all up, jackass!”

“Well maybe that’s because I’m tired from you keeping me awake with your snoring!”

“Snoring? How about your music blaring?!”

“Okay, that’s it!”

You go for a swing, but a piece of string catches your arm and pulls you back. Roka’s own punch is caught by Makoto, trailing him back.

“Dangit guys, remember rule number one?” Chuichi notes, as he point to a sign recently placed in the middle of the dormroom.

RULE #1: STOP FIGHTING, YOU DINKS.

No other rules follow.

One of the doors to the room creaks open, as Kiriko steps into the room. Bags under her eyes, a cup of coffee in her hands and a glare on her face.

“What in the seventh level of hell is going on here?” she asks.

As she looks around the room with two doors and two bunkbeds, Chuichi releases you so you can explain.

“Yesterday, Roka and I got in an argument between the walls, it was a very serious matter-”

“It was about Star Wars expanded universe lore,” Makoto clarifies. “And no, I don’t know half of the words in that sentence.”

“Anyway, things got heated,” you sigh. “And we both went for high kicks in a fit of passion, breaking two large holes in the wall. Instead of patching it up, Takeshi thought the best peace-making solution was to knock it down altogether and have us become roommates.”

“… That was yesterday?!” Chuichi realises. “It felt like three weeks ago! I’ve aged seven years!”

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Makoto shrugs. “I think it’s a splendid idea. The four of us can become great buddies with this arrangement!”

“Oh, that reminds me...” Chuichi replies as he takes a piece of chalk and adds the seventh tally mark on a wall titled ‘Fights Broken Up’. “Three more and they have to buy us ramen bowls.”

Kiriko pauses, blinking as she processes all of the information. “This school sucks.”

“It must be especially awkward for you,” Chuichi tells her. “Your brother and your ex living together in the exact opposite of civility-”

“He’s not my ex,” Kiriko clarifies. “He’s just not specifically my boyfriend anymore-”

Chuichi waves his hand. “I don’t need any nuance, I’m already falling asleep.”

Kiriko’s eyes turn downwards towards the two of you, with a dark stare. “If you two don’t learn to live together, you’re going to die together.”

“That’s an empty platitude-”

“It’s not platitude,” Kiriko fires back. “I meant by my hand.”

Kiriko hunkers down over the two of you and your collected assortment of nerdy paraphernalia. “How about you two learn to be friends?”

“You sound just like Takeshi,” Roka grunts.

“Listen,” Kiriko adds. “How about the two of you say something you like about this new living arrangement. Just one nice thing, okay?”

>Well… Makoto is cool.
>Roka has a nice Red Mask collection.
>Nope, I refuse.

>>3964342
>As she looks around the room with two doors and two bunkbeds, Chuichi releases you so you can explain.
>“Yesterday, Roka and I got in an argument between the walls, it was a very serious matter-”
>“It was about Star Wars expanded universe lore,” Makoto clarifies. “And no, I don’t know half of the words in that sentence.”
>“Anyway, things got heated,” you sigh. “And we both went for high kicks in a fit of passion, breaking two large holes in the wall. Instead of patching it up, Takeshi thought the best peace-making solution was to knock it down altogether and have us become roommates.”
>“… That was yesterday?!” Chuichi realises. “It felt like three weeks ago! I’ve aged seven years!”
THE HIJINKS LEVEL OF THIS IS DANGEROUSLY HIGH
>Roka has a nice Red Mask collection.
Just do the thing nerd boy!

>>3964344
>Well… Makoto is cool.
Takeshi what have you done?

>>3964344
>Well… Makoto is cool.

>“He’s not my ex,” Kiriko clarifies. “He’s just not specifically my boyfriend anymore-”
It's an ex Kiriko and no amount of Ross and Rachel shenanigans will change that.

Calling for
>Well… Makoto is cool.

Writing now.

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>Well… Makoto is cool.

"Aw, thank you!" Makoto smiles. "It's good to have you as a roommate too!"

Kiriko attacks you with a flying high kick. "That's not what I meant and you know it!"

"It's technically true, at least..." Chuichi shrugs.

As Kiriko wrenches in a headlock, she turns her head to Roka. "Your turn, ape!"

Roka scratches his head. "Uhh... Makoto's cool?"

"You already lived with Makoto!" Kiriko points out. "At least say Chuichi is cool!"

"No thanks," Roka replies.

"We've never been on the same page on anything, until now," Chuichi nods, placing a hand on his chest.

Kiriko shakes her head. "You're all impossible. Look, just get up for class. That tournament Act is throwing is only a day away."

You look at your watch. "Oh damn, it is! Welp, no class today!"

"What?!"

You slip out of Kiriko's grip and zoom back into bed. Roka does the same in near unison.

"What are you two-"

"24 hours of sleep to be on perfect form," Roka explains. "No other solution."

"Yeah, get the light on your way out," you respond.

Kiriko's face turns red with rage as she begins to storm out. "That's it! Makoto, Chuichi! We're hanging out today!"

Chuichi nods. "It's like a date-"

"No."

"Lovely!" Makoto smiles. "By the way, excellent job on attempting to calm that pair down. Have you ever given thought to taking up a leadership position?"

Kiriko giggles. "Well, I'm flattered," she mutters as she leaves.

Roka sits up in his bed. "She's what?"

"Jealous?" you ask.

"No... shut up. Go to sleep."

24 hours later, you awake to a boot in your ribs. "Gah!" you exclaim as you look up to see Kiriko glaring.

"Oh, I was hoping you died."

"You meant you were thinking-"

"Didn't misspeak," Kiriko replies. "Let's just hit the quad."

As you rise and exit your dormroom, you notice Mayu still outside the dormitory in the courtyard, practising her swordsmanship on training dummies. "Mayu!" you call out as you approach her. She doesn't answer you at first, finishing her routine before turning.

"Good day, Kazuma..." she replies. "Are you as excited for today as I am?"

"That's her excited face?" Chuichi asks.

"Did... did you get any rest?" you ask her.

Mayu shakes her head. "No time for rest. This will be the most strenuous test of our lives. I need to be at my top level for this tournament."

>Why does it mean so much to you? Didn't your mother already train you?
>Mayu, I don't think exhausting yourself is the way to go.
>Well, you're my pick to win... besides myself, obviously.

>>3964391
>Why does it mean so much to you? Didn't your mother already train you?

>"We've never been on the same page on anything, until now," Chuichi nods, placing a hand on his chest.
Through Makoto, unity.

>>3964391
>Why does it mean so much to you? Didn't your mother already train you?
Have to impress the dead Dad.

>>3964391
>>Why does it mean so much to you? Didn't your mother already train you?
Time for some backstory?

>>3964391
>>Mayu, I don't think exhausting yourself is the way to go.

Calling for
>Why does it mean so much to you? Didn't your mother already train you?

Writing now.

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>Why does it mean so much to you? Didn't your mother already train you?

Mayu pauses. "Yes, since I was old enough to walk, she had begun to teach me the basics of combat. She imparted her Frost style of combat to me."

"Then you don't need to worry about becoming her apprentice," you explain. "You're already her daughter. She dotes on you constantly."

"That is the issue, Kazuma..." Mayu explains. "If I cannot prove myself worthy of her training... then what will I be worthy of. You told me you feel the same about your father's legacy, correct?"

You nod. "Yeah, but... my dad never trained me."

"Why not?"

"He..." you mutter. "He never wanted me to be part of this world. He hoped I would never be awakened."

Mayu places a hand on your shoulder. "Regardless, you have grown to be an elite fighter on your own merit. I greatly admire your tenacity."

You give Mayu a smile. "Thank you, dear. I admire your workrate, even if it's a little overboard. You, uhh... can take your hand off my shoulder no."

"I need you for balance," Mayu admits. "I am going to collapse."

You carry Mayu on your back as she sleeps, making your way towards the courtyard. As you pass by, you spot your upperclassman, Ryoji.

"Hey, shouldn't you be in classes?" you ask him.

Ryoji scoffs. "You've met me, right?"

"... Fair."

He places his hands in his pockets as he looks to you. "What's going on with you? And why is your girlfriend like a koala on your back?"

"We've been preparing for a tournament," you explain. "And it's today."

Ryoji smirks. "She's a peaceful sleeper. Saki mutters the strangest stuff in her sleep. How about her?"

You turn your head to Mayu. "So far she's just been whispering battle tactics in my ear."

"So... this tournament is today?"

"We're on our way now."

"Cool... then I'm on my way," Ryoji replies.

... What?

"What?" you say out loud.

Ryoji shrugs. "Got nothing better to do. You don't mind me cheering you on, right?"

>You're not gonna cheer, you're gonna heckle.
>Honestly... I'd appreciate it.
>Maybe I can show you why you shouldn't look down on me.

>>3964446
>You're not gonna cheer, you're gonna heckle.
Ryoji's going to be the guy that explains everyone's special moves

>>3964446
>You're not gonna cheer, you're gonna heckle.
He will heckle externally but cheer Kaz internally.

>>3964446
>>You're not gonna cheer, you're gonna heckle.
Bully

>>3964446
>Maybe I can show you why you shouldn't look down on me.
I’ll take too 10 lines an overconfident anime rival says before being taken down by a jobber for 600 Alex.

>>3964446
>You're not gonna cheer, you're gonna heckle.
Kaz tries desperately to hide his tears but fails.

Calling for
>You're not gonna cheer, you're gonna heckle.

Writing now.

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>You're not gonna cheer, you're gonna heckle.

"Do you really have that little faith in me, kouhai?" Ryoji asks.

You glare at him. "Don't you have little faith in me?"

"That's what you think," he replies. "You need help carrying her?"

"I'm fine," you reply. "But thanks."

Ryoji walks by your side as you make your way out to the training area, the designated meeting point for the tournament. Act is yet to be seen, but you and Ryoji spot a familiar face not from the class.

"You!" Ryoji calls out to Keiji-senpai. "You're the necromancer, right?"

Keiji turns up his nose and runs his hand through his hair. "I wouldn't use that term, but yes. I suppose you're here to ask me a few questions about your predicament?"

"Maybe later," you ask. "Right now, I'm just here to support my kouhai."

Keiji squints his eyes at Ryoji with suspicion. "You know, Shida? You're an odd one. You've been treating a demon in your body like taking out the trash. A simple chore."

"I don't get too worked up," Ryoji responds. "Why are you here?"

Keiji shakes his head. "It seems the drunkard disguised as a teacher decided to insert my sister into this tournament despite her being clearly unfit."

"She's likely the most powerful in the entire class," you explain to Keiji. "She excels in every class Act has overlooked."

You hear a yawn from the tree above you. You look up to see Alice stretching out. "Of course, Alice could probably beat her in terms of raw power, but she didn't make the cut."

"Why not?" Ryoji asks.

"Why do you think?" you explain. "Same reason the demon hunters didn't make the cut despite their strength. She's never attended a class."

Ryoji looks up in the tree. "Alice, have you been skipping class to sleep?"

"I think so!" Alice replies.

"Never been more proud," he smirks, as the two trade a thumbs up.

Kaiya shuffles into the conversation, staring straight ahead, creepy as usual.

That girl...you've seen her die twice now... and she's died way more than that. Every time, she loses more of her humanity.

Chuichi catches up with the rest of you, but the moment he sees Kaiya, he shies away. His heartbreak is still recent.

Keiji places a hand on Kaiya's shoulder. "They claim the sleeping one is more powerful than you, little sis. Is this true?"

"We won't know," you reply. "They won't be fighting."

"Yes..." Kaiya remarks. "We will. Just not today..."

Alice and Kaiya lock eyes, Kaiya staring intensely.

"A nightmare in flames..." Kaiya mutters.

>I don't like the sound of that.
>Keiji, you're right. Kaiya isn't fit to compete.
>Alice and Kaiya? I'd like to see that... minus the potential destruction.

>>3964510
>>I don't like the sound of that.
Well that's an horrifying future...

>>3964510
>I don't like the sound of that.
Jeeze what did Alice ever do to you?

>>3964510
>>I don't like the sound of that.
Kaiya please stop doing that

>>3964510
>Keiji, you're right. Kaiya isn't fit to compete.
I honestly half expect her to explode like a bomb if she's hit too hard.

>>3964510
>Alice and Kaiya? I'd like to see that... minus the potential destruction.
Reminder that when Alice fought an Archdemon Ryoji had to help but Kaiya one shotted the Archdemon she fought.

Calling for
>I don't like the sound of that.

Writing now.

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>I don't like the sound of that.

Kaiya continues to stare at Alice. Alice stares back... before booping Kaiya on the nose. Kaiya remains still as Alice smiles warmly.

"I like the sound of it!" Alice remarks. "It sounds fun!"

"Maybe for you..." you remark. "It doesn't sound good for any of the rest of us."

"Especially Kaiya," Keiji adds. "Stay away from my sister, sleepy."

Alice tilts her head. "Why?"

"Because you're dangerous."

"Why?"

"Because you're a demon."

"Why?"

Keiji's eyes widen, the calm and collected senpai attempting to keep his usual cool. "Just... forget it."

You wait around as the rest of your class fill up the training area, but still no sign of Act.

Mayu eventually awakes while leaning on your shoulder, snorting a little as she wipes her eyes. "Where is my mother...? Did... did I sleep through the tournament?"

"Nah, you're not Alice," Mio remarks. "But why is your mom late? I figured she's be here before any-"

"You can't stand in my way!"

And there comes the familiar voice of Act Nakatoni.

You turn your head to see the one-armed, one-eyed teacher storming towards the area, followed by Miss Hirashi with a notepad and being tailed by Takeshi-sensei.

"Oh, this is sure to be embarrassing..." Agent Blue remarks, having recently joined Akuro on her way to join the rest of the class.

"What's Takeshi even doing out here, this isn't homeroom..." Kiriko notes.

Takeshi doesn't have his usual look of frantic nerves as he steps in front of Act. "One last time, Nakatoni-sensei. You can't have them fight with legitimate weapons!"

Act cracks her neck. "How do you expect them to grow without going all out!"

"Sensei-"

"I remember you, Shusaku..." Act laughs. "You were always so terrified of me when you were studying here-"

"I'm an adult now," Takeshi replies.

Act chuckles to herself. "Are you? You're still the same nervous, stuttery-"

Takeshi plants his feet in front of Act. "Yeah, I'm terrified of you. But... those are my kids. You can't let them harm each-other."

"... Fine," Act sighs. "Training weapons only."

"And Tekina on hand for healing," he continues.

Act rolls her eyes. "If you want to train a bunch of infants, sure."

Takeshi makes his way to the group, his face red, as he instantly trips over his own shoes and begins gasping for air. "That was the single most terrifying moment of my life..."

>You know we'll still beat the hell out of each-other even with training weapons, right?
>Thanks for looking out for us, sensei.
>What was being taught by Act like? Has she always been this... Act-like?

>>3964605
>You know we'll still beat the hell out of each-other even with training weapons, right?
Bruh we can kill a person with a Styrofoam bat, well maybe not Kaz but still

>>3964605
>>What was being taught by Act like? Has she always been this... Act-like?
More backstory for the drunk teacher.

>>3964605
>>Thanks for looking out for us, sensei.
Takeshi is the bestest boy...
AND THE TRUE DRAGON PROTAG OF SEASON 3 YADA YADA OLD MEME

>>3964605
>>You know we'll still beat the hell out of each-other even with training weapons, right?

Calling for
>You know we'll still beat the hell out of each-other even with training weapons, right?

Writing now.

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>You know we'll still beat the hell out of each-other even with training weapons, right?

Takeshi pauses. "I... well... uhh..."

He lowers his head and gives a shrug. "Well, beating each-other is better than killing each-other. That's at least an improvement, right K-dawg?"

"Don't ever call me that again," you reply.

"Yeah, his name is kouhai," Ryoji points out.

"Now get moving!" Act yells, as Hirashi blows on a whistle. "Get to the battle area!"

"This... isn't the battle area?" Amaya asks.

Act scoffs. "Very funny, we need a more destructible area!"

Act leads you all to an area by the forest, a patch of land remodelled into a small arena stage amongst the trees and forestation. "This is the battle area!"

"What!?" Ninsei raises an eyebrow. "When was this built?!"

Hirashi lets out a cough as you notice her frayed hair and heavy eyes. "This was supposed to be an easy job..."

You note a canvas placed up by the area, with the brackets for the tournament attached to it. You look over the page and make note of the first round matches.

Anri Kitamura vs Amaya Shibata

Mayu Nakatoni vs Mio Tanaka

Makoto Shibata vs Akuro Yoi

Gado Nemoto vs Ninsei Marufuji

Roka Abe vs Sae Urai

Kaiya Ki vs Chuichi Murkami

Risa Aoki vs Tami Kajitani

Kazuma Asai vs Kiriko Maita

Ukon looks over the brackets and raises his hand. "Nakatoni-sensei, there appears to be a mistake, I didn't make the cut!"

Chuichi also raises his hand. "Yeah, there seems to be a big mistake, I did make the cut!"

Roka examines the board and clenches his fist. "Dammit..."

"Why's he mad?" Risa asks.

"Isn't it obvious?" Mio replies. "Look at the bracket. No matter what, he won't be seeing Kazuma in the finals. The furthest they can make is the semis."

Risa pauses. "Those two... are impossible."

Roka shakes his head. "It won't be coming down between the two of us."

>Well duh, it was always gonna be between me and Makoto.
>I look forward to seeing you in the semi finals, though.
>We won't be meeting at all. You'll be beaten by Kaiya in round 2.

>>3964677
>>We won't be meeting at all. You'll be beaten by Kaiya in round 2.
>>Assuming she doesn't... Just walk away from the ring?

>>3964677
>We won't be meeting at all. You'll be beaten by Kaiya in round 2.
She'll make it to the final then attempt to suicide bomb her way to victory.

>>3964677
>>We won't be meeting at all. You'll be beaten by Kaiya in round 2.
I honestly expected a Roka vs Kaz semifinals but a Kaiya vs Kaz would be interesting. She is starting to look more important on this season.

>>3964677
>We won't be meeting at all. You'll be beaten by Kaiya in round 2.
Honestly I expect this to come down to Makoto or Roka.

>>3964677
>We won't be meeting at all. You'll be beaten by Kaiya in round 2

Calling for
>We won't be meeting at all. You'll be beaten by Kaiya in round 2.

Writing now.

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>We won't be meeting at all. You'll be beaten by Kaiya in round 2.

"What?!" Roka's eye twitches. "You're so sure of that, but you aren't making it past round one!"

You scoff. "Come on, you really think I'm going to lose to Kiriko?"

"You think you aren't?" Kiriko asks. "I'm tougher than you think, Kaz."

You shrug. "Sure, but... you know, out of the two of us, it's always been-"

"She'll surprise you," Roka replies.

Ryoji leans against a tree and smirks. "I hope you make it to the finals, Kaz... Alice, are you already asleep?"

Alice doesn't answer, as she's already asleep.

A tired Hirashi stumbles into position in the arena, blowing weakly on her whistle. "Let the tournament officially begin!"

Act takes a seated position in a high chair similar to a life-guard's position... in fact, identical. Definitely stolen from the school's pool.

The first match of the whole tournament, Amaya and Anri make their way to the stage.

“Remember, no weapons that can cause serious permanent harm!” Takeshi warns, as Act rolls her eyes.

Mai sighs. “You know, I was kinda hoping for something a little more exciting for the first fight...”

“Whatever do you mean?” Atasuke asks. “I think the fine form of Amaya and Anri is-”

“Can it,” Sae warns him. “You’re basically a high-class Chuichi!”

“Yeah!” Chuichi tells him. “Wait, does that make me a low-class Chuichi?”

“I’m just saying,” Mai explains, as she motions to the drawn up bracket. “Look at these match-ups!”

“Kazuma and Kiriko,” Ukon points out. “Roka and Sae, Risa and Tami! This opening round is kinda disappointing compared to those! No offence, neither of these two are making the finals!”

Roka doesn’t take his eyes off the battlefield while the two girls prepare. “Are you braindead?” he asks Ukon. “Blonde buns, Firehead, shut up.”

“I don’t have my hair in a bun...” an oblivious Mai replies.

Atasuke flicks his hair. “I loathe to say it, but our resident jesters aren’t exactly wrong, are they dear Roka? Among the calibre of combatants in this tournament, the brains and the healer are hardly-”

“Kazuma,” Roka calls your name, with a serious look on his face. “You know what I’m talking about, right?”

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Roka is not the smartest man in the world, and while neither of you are the others biggest fan, you know he’s right.

You fold your arms. “Anri isn’t worth counting out,” you explains. “She’s very intelligent and tactical in her approach… but Amaya...”

Roka nods. “Figured you’d get it.”

“Get what?” Chuichi asks. “You guys better stop speaking in cryptic lines like you’re wise old mentors!”

“Amaya’s the number two in class,” you point out. “Based on the ranking system, you don’t get that high in class on behaviour and academics alone. Combat effectiveness is a major factor… but on the field Amaya has been so focused on healing the rest of us, we’ve never seen what Amaya can do on the offence.”

“Same with the fourth highest in our class...” Roka points out, turning his head towards Atasuke. “How’d you avoid this tournament? I’ve never seen you fight, but you must be good to be in the front row.”

“I’m just wonderfully intelligent and well-behaved,” Atasuke shrugs with a smirk.

“I doubt that last part...” Akuro mutters.

Makoto steps forwards and places his hand on your shoulder. “Ha, you two guys really cracked the code!”

“Then it is true?” Mayu asks. “Is your sister truly on par with the four of us?”

Makoto laughs. “You know… Amaya’s always hated fighting. She’s always holding herself back because of it, and prefers to stay on as a support… but when she goes all out? She might be even stronger than me.”

Stronger than Makoto?

>Have you two fought before?
>Just how were you two raised?
>I'm more curious about Atasuke, to be honest.

>>3964716
>Have you two fought before?
There used to be 10 kids in Makoto's weird inbred cult family before Amaya offed 7 of them during a fight.

>>3964716
>I'm more curious about Atasuke, to be honest
Inb4 He got that rank by sleeping with the teachers

>>3964716
>Have you two fought before?
I'll lose it if it's the scrubs that sweep the whole thing.

>>3964716
>I'm more curious about Atasuke, to be honest.
Like seriously did you or did you not killed glasses kun?

>>3964716
>>Have you two fought before?
AMAYA IS BROOOOLYYYY

Calling for
>Have you two fought before?

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>Have you two fought before?

Makoto looks to Amaya with a small smile. "Only once," he answers.

"And?" Kiriko asks. "What happened?"

"... She won. So we came here," Makoto replies.

So... it was Amaya's idea to ditch their family? Interesting...

Chuichi slinks his way over to Gado and nudges him on the elbow. “How does it feel, Gado?”

“What?” he replies.

“Y’know...” Chuichi winks. “Anri is your… whatever she is to you. And Amaya is your… whatever she is to-”

“I heard that!” Amaya yells. “I’m not his anything!”

“I am his something,” Anri admits. “But it’s not any of your business, Murkami.”

The two girls square up, as Anri eyes up her opponent. “Based on all analysis, I’m likely to lose here...” Anri points out. “In any one-on-one straightforward battle, there’s zero chance you won’t overpower me.”

“Is that an admission of submission?” Amaya asks with a cocky tone, before softening her face. “No seriously, is it? I’d really rather not have to fight you...”

“No,” Anri remarks. “No forfeit, you heard Act-sensei. I don’t intend on running her penalty trials. Instead, I will have to attempt to use my surroundings provided to overcome you.”

Gado laughs. “And blondie, you can bet brainiac’s got plenty of tricks up her sleeve!”

Amaya gasps. “I would never gamble! That’s a major sin!”

Gado sighs, as Hirashi blows her whistle. “The first bout of the Class 1 Tournament BEGINS!”

Instantly, Anri retreats to the forestation. Smart move.

“No doubt...” Risa remarks. “Anri’s got traps laid out everywhere ahead of time, hasn’t she?”

Kuin nods. “I should know! I helped set them up!”

“Kinda gave it away there...” Kiriko yawns.

“Wait...” Hanako squints her eyes. “Amaya isn’t giving chase...”

It’s true. Amaya hasn’t even budged, or changed her facial expression. In fact… she closes her eyes.

You turn your head to Makoto. “Hey… what’s she doing?”

Makoto gives a small, proud smile. “Praying.”

Your eyes widen. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

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Amaya clasps her hands together and pauses to herself for a moment… before opening them. And charging.

“She’s going straight for her!” Kiriko yells as Amaya moves into the trees.

“No, she’s not...” Roka mutters.

Indeed, as Amaya instantly diverts through the trees, taking a zig zag path.

“She...” Kuin’s eyes widen. “She’s avoiding all the traps! How does she know how to?!”

Makoto laughs a little to himself. “That little prayer of hers… it’s an act of magic. She feels the environment around her, down to the slightest atom, and can perceive any unnatural shifts in that make-up. She can never be surprised. Of course, it takes some time for her to get in synch. If Anri had chosen to take a shot, Amaya would have been in serious trouble.”

Ryoji continues to lean against a tree. “Huh… good ability.”

Keiji nods. “With the right implementation, she could...”

“Kick butt?” Mai asks.

“… In a sense,” Keiji admits.

Amaya disappears into the shrubbery of a tree, and soon after you see Anri being launched like a dodgeball back into the centre of the battlefield. Joining her side as she bounces in the air is Amaya, who hits a swift thwack to the back of the neck with the top of her wooden spear which takes Anri out.

“The winner...” Hirashi calls for a small drum roll that never comes. “Amaya Shibata!”

“I didn’t know she could do that...” you mutter.

Risa stares straight ahead. “Neither did I...” she sighs. “In fact… Amaya’s my best friend, but… I barely know anything about her or her family.”

“I’m her family!” Makoto points out.

“You’re just as much of a mystery,” Risa remarks. “… And I know better than anyone why someone would choose to be a mystery.”

Regardless, as Amaya approaches, Risa gives her friend a pat on the shoulder. “Congrats… I can’t believe you didn’t even break a sweat.”

Amaya shrugs, before being approached by Gado. “Geez, Blondie… you could go a little easier.”

“It’s a tournament,” Amaya points out. “I’m going to heal her up myself anyway. Who’s up next?”

“Next up!” Act declares with a devilish grin on her face. “Mio Tanaka vs My very own pride and joy, the greatest fighter in this tournament, and the upholder of my family’s legacy… MAYU NAKATONI!”

Mio’s eyes widen. “I’m gonna die, aren’t I?”

“It was nice knowing you,” Chuichi shakes his head. “And so soon before our first date. What a shame.”

>Truly a shame. I think you two would have made a good couple.
>Don't be silly, Mayu's not some vicious monster.
>Good luck. Both of you.

>>3964776
>Truly a shame. I think you two would have made a good couple
Rip snake

>>3964776
>>Truly a shame. I think you two would have made a good couple.

>>3964776
>Good luck. Both of you.

“Mio Tanaka vs My very own pride and joy, the greatest fighter in this tournament, and the upholder of my family’s legacy… MAYU NAKATONI!”
Oh yeah, Mayu's definitely going to crash and burn in the next couple of rounds.

>>3964776
>Don't be silly, Mayu's not some vicious monster.
As much as I want to pick the first option, I feel this option is going to have a punchline.

>>3964776
>Don't be silly, Mayu's not some vicious monster.
So will Mayu pass out from sheer exhaustion or is someone going to unleash their hidden power level?

>>3964776
>>Truly a shame. I think you two would have made a good couple.
This is going to suck for everyone involved
Pull some Usopp vs Luffy shenigans my girl
also FUCK AMAYA STRONK

Calling for
>Truly a shame. I think you two would have made a good couple.

Writing now.

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>Truly a shame. I think you two would have made a good couple.

"You don't have to make fun of me while I'm down..." Mio explains.

Chuichi sighs. "Since when did actually dating me become a punchline?"

Mio crosses her arms. "About sixteen and a half years ago."

"Good one," Chuichi replies. "You still agreed to a date."

"And this is the universe's punishment for my hubris..." Mio replies.

“H-hey, Mayu!” Mio approaches her soon to be opponent. “You know all those time I playfully flirted with your boyfriend? T-those were all jokes, y’know?”

As stone-faced and icy as she has been, Mayu doesn’t answer. She simply grips her blade and makes her way to the battlefield.

“I don’t think this drawing was random!” Takeshi points out.

“Sure it was!” Act explains. “If I wanted to fix this, I would have fixed it so my little girl would get all the toughest opponents!”

“Ah… I don’t get it,” Takeshi replies with a blank face.

Act scoffs. “Of course you wouldn’t, Shusaku. You’ve always been less brains than everything else. This whole tournament is for my girl… to train her to be the best she can be. To help her reach the top… for her to live up to the family name.”

“… That’s a lot of pressure.”

“Maybe if your mother pressured you, you wouldn’t be such a mistake!” Act fires back.

“… Ouch.”

Mio skittishly approaches the battlefield. “Hey Ryoji-senpai! Any advice?” she asks.

“Don’t die!” Ryoji replies. “Always works for me!”

“But… you CAN’T die!” Mio points out, before Hirashi blows her whistle.

“BEGIN!”

Mayu doesn’t hesitate to slash at Mio with a cold unyielding face. Mio yelps and ducks, side stepping and readying her wrist turrets. She opens fire with rubber bullets on the samurai, but Mayu is able to block each bullet with her blade. Not just block… slice the bullets in half.

“How did you cut anything with a rubber sword?” Mio asks.

“Enough speed and pressure creates enough heat and friction to make anything razor sharp,” Roka points out. “She’s slashing with enough power for the material she swing to be irrelevant.”

“You know that crap, but you barely know how to tie your shoes...” Kiriko points out. “You’re a real oddball.”

Mio continues to move back continuously on the defensive as Mayu keeps slashing at her. Mio backs up towards a tree and pleads for mercy. “Are you sure there isn’t anyway I can bribe you to let me pass? Pleasepleasepleaseplease!”

Mayu doesn’t listen, and goes for a forward stab, but Mio dodges quickly and Mayu’s sword embeds itself in the trunk.

“Wait, she just...” Anri mutters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzhE_XbZxYA

Suddenly, Mio’s expression turns to a smirk. “Sucker.”

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Mayu looks back at the trunk, just in time to be sent back by a concussive blast, sending her back towards the battlefield.

“That was one of Anri’s traps!” Amaya exclaims. “How did Mio-”

Mio laughs to herself. “Come on guys, you think the merchant of Dark Gate doesn’t know better then to keep her ear to the ground? I’ve got info on all your traps, Anri! By the way-”

Mio shoots again from her turret just behind Mayu, triggering another concussive trap that launches Mayu into the air. She loses grip of her sword, and it lands a few feet away from her, and Mio is quick to take advantage, launching a small rope from her wrist turret and snagging the Katana, pulling it towards herself. She grabs it and poses, but quickly loses her balance.

“Whoa, guess swords aren’t for me...” Mio remarks as she harnesses it to her back. “Oh well, as long as you don’t have it! Oh, and-”

Mio shoots her bullets to trigger another trap, this time a net which snags around Mayu’s leg, slowing her manoeuvring. “Wha-!” Mayu loses her composure and lets out an eep before falling flat on her face, trying to drag herself along the battlefield.

“What?!” Act yells, crushing the coffee cup in her hand, before tossing it aside. “Mayu, my precious baby girl, why are you ON THE BACK FOOT AGAINST THIS LOW-TIER FIGHTER! YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN THIS!”

“M-mother...” Mayu mutters.

Mio pauses. “Hey… your mom’s pretty harsh on you.”

Mayu glares at her with determination… though Mayu’s usual intimidating presence is hampered by her tangled legs as she tries to flop herself into a standing position. “My mother loves me.”

“I’m not doubting that...” Mio replies. “But… that love can be overbearing. You don’t have to do everything to justify that love, right?”

Mayu grabs the rope and tears herself lose. “Mio, I ask that you show me proper respect and continue to fight. You… could have beaten me had you continued.”

“Wha-?!” Mio scoffs in disbelief. “No way I could have beaten you! You’re Mayu! You’re not going out in the first round!”

“Quite right.”

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Mayu charges at Mio, but as Mio prepares her dodge, Mayu drives her feet down into the earth beside her. “A mound in the earth,” Mayu points out. “I see it now.”

Another concussive blast which sends the two girls flying back, but Mayu lands on her feet from a backflip, as an out of control Mio comes falling towards her. With a driving uppercut, Mayu catches Mio in the sternum, and the crafty one goes down.

“The winner… Mayu Nakatoni!”

Act stares at the battlefield and begins to clap for her daughter, but you can see the look on her face. The look on Mayu’s face. She won, but she was placed in a losing position by a lower-tier fighter. They both expected that fight to be over in seconds.

Mayu walks over to Mio, and helps her to her feet. “I hurt you.”

“You kinda had to...” Mio coughs.

“I am sorry, friend...” Mayu replies. “But… thank you. For worrying about me. And angering me.”

“Angering...” Mio notes. “Oh… I inspired you to fight better, didn’t I?”

“Slightly,” Mayu replies. “I would have defeated you regardless.”

Mio gives a weak laugh. “Sure thing… friend. You know… as much as it would do wonders to my pride if you went on to win this… you don’t have to.”

Mayu pauses. “Yes, I do.”

>Your mother will love you regardless, Mayu.
>Mayu... get some rest until your next fight. You need it.
>You know, Mio's craftier than any of us thought.

>>3964835
>>Mayu... get some rest until your next fight. You need it.
>>You know, Mio's craftier than any of us thought.
THIS IS EXACTLY THE LEVEL OF COMETANCY I WANTED

>>3964835
>Mayu... get some rest until your next fight. You need it
Captcha kindly fuck off

>>3964835
>>Mayu... get some rest until your next fight. You need it.
All this Class 1 episodes have been quite the "lets break Mayu's spirit and confidence" train

>>3964835
>You know, Mio's craftier than any of us thought.

>>3964835
>Your mother will love you regardless, Mayu.
If her family legacy is so great why did Kano die then?

Calling for
>Mayu... get some rest until your next fight. You need it.

Writing now.

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>Mayu... get some rest until your next fight. You need it.

"I should instead train for my nect-"

"No," you reply. "Get some sleep, before you collapse."

Mayu pauses, before giving nod. "Yes... I will. Thank you, Kazuma."

Mayu walks off and rests against the tree next to Alice, and rests her eyes for the time being.

Mio smiles. "I'm glad she ended up with you. You're a pretty good influence on her, Kaz."

"I don't consider myself a good influence for anyone," you reply.

Mio shrugs. "I don't know. You certainly helped me along the way."

“Next up… Makoto Shibata vs Akuro Yoi!”

Akuro shakes her head. “Just my luck… getting matched with the head of the class.”

Blue smirks. “Good luck, kiddo.”

Akuro glares at him. “That’s sarcasm and I know it. I can’t even believe I’m in this tournament.”

“You’re perfectly capable,” Makoto assures her. “Though, technically, you’re not a real member of the class.”

Akuro pauses. “… Wait, what?”

Makoto shakes his head. “Oh, sorry. That seemed rude, but you know-”

Akuro chuckles to herself. “I see how it is. You don’t see me as one of you, huh? I’m just the agent invader, huh?”

“Well, you spend more time with them than any of-”

“Then how about this?” Akuro states. “How about this outsider takes out your entire class?”

Makoto tilts his head and gives her a small smile. “Hmm… I’d like to see that.”

Akuro scowls. “Damn, you’re so positive...”

Akuro stands in place as Makoto strides into his own position. He’s brimming with confidence… he’s quite the humble guy, but he’s not naive to his strengths. He knows full well the power he possesses.

“Now Akuro, let’s be sure to keep this-” Makoto begins, but Akuro instantly opens fire with rubber bullets from her gun.

Makoto quickly cartwheels out of the way, but manages to get caught in the ankle, going down. Akuro took him by surprise, and she doesn’t let up.

Makoto continue to duck and weave her shots, closing the distance between them. As he begins to do so, Akuro pulls a pin from her jacket.

“What did she…?” Kiriko asks.

Agent Blue smiles. “Heh...”

“She’s playing smart,” Anri explains.

As Makoto approaches, Akuro expels the smoke grenade.

Ryoji smirks to himself. “Your sister fights like I would, Raiden...”

Makoto finds himself lost in the smoke, as Akuro leaps from the coverage, now adorning goggles.

“Infrared sensors.”

Akuro opens fire on the lost Makoto, catching him with every bullet with pinpoint precision.

“Looks like the upset of the entire tournament,” Keiji remarks with a yawn. “How droll, I expected more from the Shibata...”

You pause. “Why do you say that name like it means something?”

Keiji tilts his head. “Because… it does mean something.”

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“Makoto and Amaya don’t have any family who went to the school,” Chuichi adds.

Keiji eyes you suspiciously. “I know. Doesn’t mean they aren’t important.”

Akuro raises her gun, after unloading all her ammo. “He’s out,” she notes, as the smoke begins to dissipate.

… Before the smoke begins to clear even faster. Being sucked into a burning blue flame in the palm of Makoto as he picks himself up.

“What?” Akuro’s eyes widen. “How are you-”

She doesn’t get to answer, as Makoto slams his palm into the ground, and the blue flame creates a trail just under Akuro’s feet.

“Crap!” she yells, leaping up to safety… only to find Makoto leaping up to meet her.

“That was a decoy,” he notes. “I can play smart too.”

Makoto spikes Akuro like a volleyball, and the young agent crashes into the fighting ground.

“The winner… Makoto Shibata!”

Makoto without hesitation helps Akuro to her feet. “Sorry about that… you went more aggressive than I expected.”

“Well… you pissed me off.”

Makoto pauses in thought. “Ah, I see… I’m sorry, Akuro.”

“Why?”

“I was rude earlier,” he remarks. “In truth, you consider yourself to be a true member of the class, don’t you?”

“Hell no!” Akuro brushes him off. “It’s just… I would like you to consider me that way. That’s all.”

Makoto smiles. “Very well. Then consider yourself one of us. Hug?”

Makoto outstretches his arms, and the agent rolls her eyes. “Ugh, as if.”

“Come on! You know you want one!”

“Drop dead.”

“Don’t be so moody!”

As Makoto returns to the group, he flashes you a smile. "What's your feedback on that, Kazuma?"

>Why do you care about my feedback? Ask a superior.
>Why does Keiji-senpai know you? What's your family about?
>I'll tell you my feedback when we meet in the finals.

>>3964889
>>Why does Keiji-senpai know you? What's your family about?
Boooo let sneaky science bullshit win :P

>>3964889
>>Why does Keiji-senpai know you? What's your family about?

>>3964889
>Why does Keiji-senpai know you? What's your family about?
Volleyball spiked Akuro like you returned a bad serve
Nice
I can't believe Blue would waist perfectly good money on giving Akuro infrared Goggles

>>3964889
>Why does Keiji-senpai know you? What's your family about?
Bet Keiji learned necromancy from a Shibata.

Calling for
>Why does Keiji-senpai know you? What's your family about?

Writing now.

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>Why does Keiji-senpai know you? What's your family about?

"He does? That's pretty odd..." Makoto remarks in a confused tone. "Can't say that my family is anything special. We're just a bunch of circus performers. I have no idea what Keiji is talking about..."

As he walks off, you know for certain. He's definitely dodging the question.

“Next up… Gado Nemoto vs Ninsei Marufuji!”

Gado and Ninsei look to each-other. “Well, looks like we’ll be beating the shit out of each-other.”

Ninsei gives a small smile. “Sure does.”

As Ninsei passes by, Ryoji places a hand on his shoulder. “Hey… good luck, kid.”

Ninsei eyes him oddly. “You were my brother’s friend, weren’t you?”

Ryoji nods. “He helped me out a lot… probably a lot more than he knows.”

Ninsei nods. “Thank you.”

As Ninsei walks on, Mai places a finger to her chin. “Ninsei’s been a lot more… personable lately! Do you think my calming presence and group planning has anything to do with-”

“No,” many reply in unison.

“He’s still a bit of a grouch,” Risa replies. “But he has friends now...”

You shrug. “He’s just a tough nut to crack. A regular hermit. Like Yoda, or Jolee Bindo, or-”

“Someone not from Star Wars?” Mio jokes.

“Maybe.”

The pair from Rubi stand opposite each-other on the field, as Act looks on.

“You using any weapons?” Gado asks.

“… Nah,” Ninsei replies.

Gado smirks, as he throws his revolver aside. “Cool… neither am I.”

Act smiles. “Oh, I like them...”

The two charge and trade fists, both connecting with the other’s jaw. Gado throws a kick, but Ninsei ducks. Ninsei leaps to catch Gado with a knee, but the mercenary catches his leg and tosses him down. Gado attempts a mount, but Ninsei kicks him off, and the two go back to trading punches and blocks.

Fist after fist, the two stand with bloody noses, cracked jaws and black eyes.

“Aren’t they friends?” Chuichi asks. “You don’t see me and Kaz beating the life out of the other like that.”

“They’re more than friends...” Risa explains. “Their shared pain… it makes them brothers.”

“Brothers...” Kuin stares on with awe at the two, battering each-other until one will eventually fall.

“Brothers in battle, brothers of war...” Taiyo adds to Risa’s point, as he joins the proceedings after taking care of some animals. “I understand. The bonds forged through combat, through loss, through pain...”

“Kinda like most of us, huh?” Chuichi ponders in thought.

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You never thought of it that way, but it’s true. All of you… through the worst, have come together. A regular group of rejects.

Ninsei catches Gado in the jaw, and he looks to go down, but catches his feet at the last minute, before swinging around with a roundhouse that catches Ninsei square in the back of the head, taking the hermit down.

“The winner… Gado Nemoto!”

Gado wipes blood from his mouth as he looks down at Ninsei. “Damn… you’re getting tougher. I figured this would be a breeze, but you had me on the back foot. You took a lot more punishment than I gave you credit for.”

Ninsei picks himself up, dusting himself off and coughing from the pain in his ribs. “Please… there wasn’t a chance you couldn’t win.”

“Gado and Makoto...” Ukon mutters to himself, a fire appearing in his pupils. “The spirit of competition is finally heating up! What a prospect!”

“Calm down...” Sae sighs. “I’m up next, aren’t I?”

“Next up… Sae Urai vs Roka Abe!” Hirashi yells, before double checking her notes. “Uhh… should we reinforce the area? Maybe have everyone take a few steps back.”

“Come on, it won’t be that destructive,” you protest.

“It might,” Roka admits.

“Are you ready to get whupped?” Sae asks, loading her guns and cracking her knuckles. “Don’t think that because you’re a favourite doesn’t mean I can't riddle you up.”

Roka cracks his knuckles in turn. “Please, the only thing you can tear through is a doughnut in a pastry shop.”

An angry vein appears on Sae’s forehead. “What?! Hey, can you even spell doughnut, shit-brains?!”

“Can you?”

“That’s not the point! Oh, you are so dead!”

Chuichi eyes the situation carefully. “Damn… guys, I think this is them flirting.”

“Don’t say that!” Kiriko slaps the back of his head.

“Why, jealous?”

“I can slap much harder.”

That'll be all for tonight, we'll be continuing this thread tomorrow! Thanks for playing!

>>3964934
>Taiyo pretending to be a real person and member of the group
Absolutely disgusting
>Sae VS Roka
wew just fuck already, in front of everyone like the pair of gluttonous savages you are

>>3964934
>flirting on the battlefield
My favorite!

>>3964934
Damn kinda wish we had some more upsets in the first round.

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“Begin!”

Roka doesn’t have time to move before Sae instantly opens fire with her machine guns. Ukon and Mai have to run from the wings in order to not get caught in the crossfire of rubber bullets.

“She doesn’t let up, does she?” Kiriko mutters.

Roka throws up his sword, using it as a shield against the hail of fire whilst he formulates a plan against the machine gun packing Sae.

“Attacking from range, what are you, a coward?” Roka asks.

“You only think melee is an honourable tactic because you have ape-brain!” Sae fires back. “You just like melee because you need to smash everything like a savage!”

“And you just tear holes with no precision!” Roka fires back.

“No precision?!” Sae’s eye twitches. “I’ll show you no precision!”

Goaded into movement, Sae leaps behind the greatsword being used as a shield to take proper aim on Roka… but the supposed dumbass wanted that. “And I’m the idiot?” he asks, as he kicks his feet up, knocking the machine guns from her hands.

Roka leaps up to grab the guns, as Sae shakes her head. “Predictable.”

She pulls out a handgun, catching Roka in the ankle with a pellet, causing the big man to fall back to earth without catching the guns, which fly across from Sae. She flips back into position to grab her big guns, and points them up again… to see a mist before her.

“That old steam trick of yours,” Sae cracks her neck. “Well, time to cut holes in you!”

Sae opens fire into the steam Roka is hiding within, using up entire rounds in the process. Not only that, but her rampant fire sets off several of Anri’s traps. You and the other spectators have to clear distance as the battlefield is reduced to a series of smoking craters.

“Now this is what I want to see!” Act exclaims with joy. “THIS is fighting!”

“I want to see my opponent!” Sae fires back. “Where the hell is he!?”

“Stupid not to conserve your ammo,” Roka’s voice calls, as he bursts from the crater behind Sae, and knocks the rifles from her hand with a kick. Sae ducks back and produces her backup pistol, while Roka charges with his sword. Sae catches the point of the blade, in an attempt to break his grip on the weapon. Roka charges on, raising his blade, only to receive a headbutt from Sae. Sae hits him with a few more punches, before the two grapple their respective weapons from the other’s hand. Roka’s sword goes flying, while Sae’s pistol does the same. The two stand head to head, no readying their fists.

“Hand-to-hand brawling?” Ninsei remarks. “I figured it would always come down to this.”

“Sae’s got iron fists,” Tami points out. “There’s no way she loses to Roka here! Look, she’s got him on the back foot!”

It’s true, Roka is now on the defensive, blocking shots from Sae while taking a few in the process, stepping back towards the edge of the battlefield.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mabNiTFxIQw

Makoto shakes his head. “No, Sae may have the raw power, but that means nothing in the face of skill.”

“Roka? Skill?” Akuro scoffs. “That guy’s just a hulk. If he can’t just smash it, it doesn’t matter.”

“Is that really what you think?” Act asks, looking to the crowd, with a devilish grin on her face. “I know that style all too well… that’s Kankuro Asai’s Shadow Style.”

Shadow Style… yes, that’s always what your father called the way he fought… the way you were never taught. The same style Roka uses.

“Do any of you understand why it’s called Shadow Style?” Act continues. “Me and my daughter’s Frost style… that’s an offensive style. It’s cold, harsh, precise and unyielding… hence the name. Shadow Style is actually defensive in nature.”

Defensive? Roka?

“It lulls the opponent in,” She explains. “What makes it unbeatable… it’s an impossible style. It reveals to the opponent and opening in defences… that doesn’t exist. An illusion of weakness, simply a shadow… waiting on...”

Act snaps her fingers. “The reversal.”

Sae goes for one last haymaker, but Roka has it scouted, catching her underarm and bringing her to the ground with a judo throw. He pins her face-down in a mount while twisting her arm. “You give?”

“Aaaaagh!” Sae calls out, seeing that she’s been caught. “Fine! I give, I give!”

“The winner… Roka Abe!”

Roka releases his hold as Act looks on intently. “Very… very interesting… you and that man had the same trainer, did you not?”

Roka stands tall and looks to Act. “If by that man, you mean Asai… then yeah. But more than anything, I want to learn the secrets to your style.”

“And why is that?”

“I can’t surpass Kankuro Asai by aping him,” Roka replies. “That should be obvious.”

“… I like this one.”

“Geez...” Sae groans as she nurses her arm. “You really know how to hurt the pride, don’t you?”

“We all need humbled,” Roka replies.

Sae raises an eyebrow. “Hopefully one day someone will humble you, dumbass.”

“Hopefully,” Roka replies.

“Uhh, aren’t you gonna help me up?” Sae asks. “Like a gentleman?”

Roka shakes his head as he walks off. “Hell no. You’ve got feet, don’t ya?”

“You jackass!”

Chuichi shakes his head. “Wow, the sexual tension could be cut with a knife-”

“You are severely underestimating how hard I can slap,” Kiriko warns him, her face red with embarrassment.

Roka passes by you, and stops briefly. He notices you staring. “What?”

>I can’t wait to kick your ass in this tournament.
>Don’t think that knowing my dad’s style makes you better than me.
>Nothing. Good work.

>>3965841
>>Nothing. Good work.

>>3965841
>Nothing. Good work.

>>3965841
>Nothing. Good work.
Too sad and angry and depressed to be petty

>>3965841
>Nothing. Good work.
Looks like Kaz and Mayu are nothing compared to the Ape-Man

>>3965841
>Nothing. Good work.

Calling for
>Nothing. Good work.

Writing now.

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>Nothing. Good work.

Roka pauses, crossing his arms. "Huh... I expected something different."

He walks off, as you pause to yourself.

Frost style... Shadow style... Mayu and Roka are in a different league of skill to you. You don't carry your own style of fighting. You... always had to train yourself. Who was there to pick you up? Your father was always busy, he could only give you guidance from afar. How could you grow without a proper teaching hand?

“Next up… Kaiya Ki vs Chuichi Murkami!”

“Next up...” Chuichi’s smile fades, as he looks to the bracket.

Ukon throws his hands behind his head. “Yeah, I’d be scared too if I was going up against Kaiya-”

“I’m not scared,” Chuichi mutters. “I’m… sad.”

“Chuichi...” you mutter, but your friend is already walking to the battlefield.

Keiji stops Kaiya in her tracks, and gives her a strong warning. “Don’t exert yourself. End him. Quickly.”

Kaiya nods as she makes her way to the battlefield.

“That’s funny,” Ryoji remarks.

“What is?”

Ryoji shrugs. “That’s supposed to be your sister, right? You talk to her like she’s a weapon.”

Keiji pauses. “… She’s both. I wanted the former… I created the latter.”

“Then… why bring her back every time?” Ryoji asks. “You’re creating a monster, there. If you love your sister, let her rest.”

“Easy to say from a distance,” Keiji replies. “If you could see the face of one you love, hear that face speak in her voice, would you have the same ease of saying goodbye? Wouldn’t you want to preserve that as best you could?”

Ryoji becomes unusually silent. “...”

“That’s what I thought. Don’t judge me, Ryoji.”

As they reach the battlefield, Chuichi turns to Kaiya and addresses her. “What’s my name?”

Kaiya continues to stare blankly ahead.

“Tell me my name, and I will forfeit right now,” Chuichi explains. “I don’t care if Act makes me run fifty million laps, I’ll do it. I want to hear you say it.”

“Who are you?” Kaiya asks.

Chuichi sniffles. “That’s what I thought. Come on, just do it.”

Kaiya raises her hand, as a ball of flame surrounds it. “Perish.”

“CHUICHI, MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!” a concerned Takeshi calls out to his student.

Chuichi closes his eyes, as the flames draw ever closer… until he leaps into the air.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=867Sb08va0I

“So… he chooses to fight,” Atasuke smirks. “Interesting.”

Chuichi converts his arms into strings as he comes down, catching Kaiya’s arms and pointing the path of the flame upwards. “Say my name… please.”

“I said perish,” the husk of Kaiya repeats, burning away the strings around her wrist. She raises another hand to blast flames at Chuichi, but the green-haired boy plants a fine string in place through her arm, piercing through and solidifying her in place like a marionette.

“I just want that word,” Chuichi replies. “Just that one… please, Kaiya. I’m your friend.”

Kaiya’s eyes widen in confusion. “No friends, no power, no control… nothing but ashes, in a broken class.”

“Didn’t ask for another prophecy,” Chuichi replies.

Kaiya breaks free of the restraints yet again, but Chuichi is quick to pin her down with strings once more, this time doubling the amount.

“I’ve never seen Chuichi this serious...” Mio mutters. “He’s usually so carefree...”

“He needs to be careful,” Anri remarks. “Those strings are made up of his body. He has a limited supply before he himself begins to unravel. He can’t go all out.”

“And Kaiya is just toying with him...” Hanako notes. “She’s not going all out.”

Kaiya burns through the strings again, and Chuichi once again pins her down… before Kaiya burns through instantly once more, this time covering the entire floor in flames. The battleground is covered in fire spreading from beneath Kaiya’s feet.

“This power…” Takeshi mutters. “Kaiya...”

Alice wakes up with a jolt. “I just felt something! I...” she looks upon the sight of the burning Kaiya. “Oh… I’d like to fight her!”

“Chuichi...” you mutter, as you look to your friend.

He didn’t dodge. He didn’t jump. He didn’t step aside.

He just planted his feet into the burning ground, tears of pain streaming from his eyes.

“Chuichi, it’s just a tournament!” Mai calls out with concern, squinting to see through the flames. “You don’t have to go this far! You could die!”

“Act, put a stop to this now!” Takeshi shouts. “Before I do!”

Tekina moves to step in as the nurse, but Act stops them both. “Give it a moment. They need this.”

Chuichi’s shoes burn away as his feet plant into the searing heat… and he continues to step forward, launching more strings at Kaiya, which instantly burn up as they approach.

“Kaiya!” Keiji shouts out. “I told you! Stop going all out! You’re going to kill yourself while you’re at it!”

“Perhaps that’s the goal?” Atasuke asks.

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Chuichi walks through the flames, and increases the amount of strings moving towards Kaiya, one finally catching into her shoulder. The flames begin to simmer, as another string wraps around her arm. Followed by another, and another, and another. Soon, the flames begin to die down, as Chuichi ‘s entire arm has now been converted to string, using up all he has to cocoon his opponent.

“KAIYAAAAAAAA!” he calls out. “WHO AM I!”

Finally, Kaiya speaks.

“Forfeit.”

Chuichi collapses from exhaustion, as Hirashi blows her whistle.

“Uhh… the winner via forfeit… Chuichi Murkami!”

“How’s that for an upset?” Atasuke flicks his hair.

Kiriko shakes her head. “Shut up, this is serious. He...”

As Chuichi slowly picks himself up, he looks to Kaiya with a look of hope. Instead, tears run from the eyes of her emotionless face. Keiji storm onto the battlefield, and grabs Chuichi, punching him hard.

“Whoa, what the hell?!” Ryoji steps forward, ready to fight with the upperclassman.

“She wasn’t supposed to go all out!” Keiji yells. “Why would you push her like that! Do you want to die! Do you want her to-”

He goes for another punch, but is caught by Takeshi.

“Back off,” Takeshi tells him.

“Sensei, he-”

“I’m not your sensei,” Takeshi replies. “You’re no longer a student. He is. And if you ever lay a hand on one of my kids again, you’ll feel it.”

Keiji stares at Takeshi, to see the teacher is determined. He backs away. “Sorry. I just… got carried away. Come on, Kaiya.”

Kaiya looks to Chuichi, and the two lock eyes. “Meat boy.”

Chuichi gives a small smile. “I’ll accept that much.”

Takeshi carries Chuichi back to the group, where he collapses and begins to cough.

“Chuichi!” Mio exclaims, as Tekina rushes to check on him. Pulling up his shirt, she sees a series of severe burns across his back.

“Those strings are his body converted,” she explains. “The heat was too much… he won’t be fit to fight in time for the next round… or for the rest of this tournament.”

“But, he won his fight!” Ukon exclaims, before being slapped in the back of the head by Kiriko.

“That’s hardly important now!”

“He needs his rest...” Tekina replies.

Act nods. “Fine… adjust the bracket!”

“Okay…” Hirashi replies. “Going through to the semi finals on a buy… Roka Abe!”

“What?!” Roka exclaims. “I’m going through without having to fight?!”

“You know, pretty much anyone else would be happy with that,” Hirashi notes. “Why can’t you be?”

“I… don’t want an unfair advantage,” Roka mutters. “That’s no good.”

As Roka clenches his fist, Chuichi looks up to you. “Sorry pal… I guess I gave Roka the benefit over you when you make it to the semis… I’m kind of an idiot, aren’t I?”

>Yeah, you really are, pal.
>You're actually a genius, Chuichi.
>Call it dumb, but I would have done the same in your position.

>>3965865
>“If you could see the face of one you love, hear that face speak in her voice, would you have the same ease of saying goodbye? Wouldn’t you want to preserve that as best you could?”
Man, I can hear Nina coughing from here.

>>3965869
>>Call it dumb, but I would have done the same in your position.
Wew, what a fight.

>>3965869
>Yeah, you really are, pal.

>“If you could see the face of one you love, hear that face speak in her voice, would you have the same ease of saying goodbye?
"Pretty easy the first time I did it."

>>3965869
>Call it dumb, but I would have done the same in your position.
Wow that was much more intense that what o was expecting, too much feels, and Ryoji about to defend his kouhais and Takeshi being badass and telling Keiji to fuck off was also pretty good

>>3965869
>Yeah, you really are, pal.
Damn circus clowns and their faulty necromancy spells.

>>3965869
>>Call it dumb, but I would have done the same in your position.
God Chukchi is great and he deserves better

Calling for
>Call it dumb, but I would have done the same in your position.

Writing now.

File: Risa02.jpg (460 KB, 900x1200)

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>Call it dumb, but I would have done the same in your position.

"I guess that makes us both dummies, then..." Chuichi gives you smile.

Mio moves to his side, looking over his burns. "You idiot..."

"I bet I looked real cool..." Chuichi gasps for air, trying to keep his cool.

Mio sighs, before turning back to Tekina. "I have a home remedy salve for burns like this. It might prevent scaring."

As Tekina carries Chuichi away on a stretcher, Hirashi hesitantly blows her whistle once more.

“Next up… Risa Aoki vs Tami Kajitani!”

Risa sighs. “Well, this is sure to be less intense than that last fight...”

“You sure about that?” Sae asks. “You and Tami aren’t exactly casual fighters.”

Ukon clenches his fists. “I’m excited! This is maybe the most competitive match-up in the first round! I could see it going either way. Assuming Risa doesn’t activate her super robot angel mode...”

“It can’t really be turned on at will that easily,” Risa replies. “Well… it sometimes can, if you’re calm of mind enough. But I’m hardly breaking it out for the sake of a school competition. This is for training.”

Tami yawns. “Sure thing, you just want an excuse for why you can’t beat me!”

Risa glances at her. “Starting the trash-talk early?”

“Is it trash-talk if it’s true?” she asks, readying her bows.

“It’s trash talk if it’s coming from trash.”

“Zing!” Mai yells, earning a stare from both of the fighters.

As they approach, Risa twirls her sawn-off shotguns in her hands. “So… what did you do to prepare for this? Camp out in mud, drink a gallon of rain-water, hunt a wild bear?”

“That’s about ten percent of what I did, yes.”

Risa chuckles. “You’re such a weirdo, Tami. Too bad in a game of guns vs bows, guns are going to win.”

“Too bad this is a game of talent,” Tami fires back.

The two share a laugh, before Hirashi blows her whistle once more. “Begin!”

Risa points her guns, but Tami is already gone.

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“What?” Risa pauses. “Now where did she…?”

An arrow flies from a tree, and Risa quickly dodges. “How did you get up there so fast?!”

“Shortcut!” Tami’s voice calls out from a tree on the opposite end as another arrow flies. Risa dodges yet again, before firing into the forestation.

“Did I get you?”

“Nope!” Tami calls out, before a rain of arrows flies down.

Risa doesn’t dodge, this time just firing on the arrows themselves, to break them into pieces.

“You know you’ll run out of arrows before I run out of bullets?” Risa ponders.

Tami laughs. “I may be a hunter, but this isn’t an endurance test! I’m waiting for you to show your weakness!”

“Not gonna happen!” Risa replies.

Tami laughs from the trees. “It will if you don’t play serious and find me!”

Risa smirks. “You… took note of my ammunition, didn’t you? You want me to break it out?”

“If it pleases ya!” Tami laughs.

Risa shakes her head. “Fine.”

Reloading her guns, Risa fires two pellets into the trees.

“Did they hit?” Ninsei asks.

Gado shakes his head. “Nah, but they weren’t supposed to. There’s oil in those pellets.”

Next thing you see is Tami slipping on a branch. She tries to catch her fall, but the oil on the branch leaves her unable to catch her grip as she falls from the tree and into one of the craters left behind from Anri’s traps.

“Tami! Is your back okay?!” Ninsei calls out.

“Possibly broken!” She replies. “Just a little though!”

“Your back can’t be just a little broken!” he protests, but Tami isn’t listening.

Risa meanwhile makes her way to the crater, pointing her gun Tami. Her other gun fires a shot at her quiver, covering it in grease. “No last second trick shots,” Risa smirks. “Any last words.”

Tami nods. “You used the wrong ammo.”

File: Risa24.jpg (489 KB, 1050x1700)

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Risa pulls the trigger, but Tami has a trick up her sleeve. Quite literally, as she flicks a dagger from under her pants leg, flying into the barrell of Risa’s gun as it explodes, the oil in the ammunition flying in every direction.

Risa falls back, as Tami makes her move. Producing her rope, she springs into action, using the oil to quicly slide around Risa as she restrains her like a prize hunt. All tangled up, Risa collapses as Tami ties a literal bow on the fight.

“The winner… Tami Kajitani!”

Ukon crosses his arms. “Kind of an upset, don’t you think? Tami’s good, but I would have figured even without her angel Risa would take the win in this one.”

Tami tosses the tied up Risa into the catching arms of Hanako… who quickly loses balance and falls back. “You’d be right, Ukon! Risa let me win!”

“What? I did not!” Risa yells. “Hey, hands off that!”

Tami quickly unloads Risa’s remaining ammo, to reveal a red pellet. “This is the special ammo I expected her to use. Combustible. If she lit up the trees with flames, I wouldn’t stand a chance. I knew she had the idea after seeing Kaiya’s fight, because it came to me as well.”

“But… she didn’t use them?” Makoto asks.

Tami nods. “She didn’t want to damage the forest like that just to get me. Risa is a better fighter than me, but I just wanted the win more. Oh well, a win’s a win!”

>And just why do you want it more, Tami?
>You’re really going to accept an empty victory like that?
>Risa did the right thing. It’s not worth causing damage to the environment for this contest.

>>3965913
>>And just why do you want it more, Tami?
I am pretty sure she couldn't care less bout Act's training.

>>3965913
>And just why do you want it more, Tami?
I imagine the rush of crushing hopes and dreams is reason enough.

>>3965913
>And just why do you want it more, Tami?
Risa is s very good girl who doesn’t burn things.

>>3965913
>And just why do you want it more, Tami?
inb4 Risa is one of Tami's Dad's lovechildren

Calling for
>And just why do you want it more, Tami?

Writing now.

File: Kiriko09.jpg (561 KB, 752x1062)

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>And just why do you want it more, Tami?

Tami shrugs. "Oh, you know! Just always looking for a little extra education!"

"No you're not," you point out. "You're always skipping class. Why would you want guidance from Act? Aren't you already more of a solo hunter-"

"-Kaz," Risa interrupts you. "Don't grill her."

"I was just wondering-"

"Use your head," Risa replies. "You can work it out yourself."

You look to Tami, who has already begun refastening her bow. Figure it out yourself? What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Your train of thought is interrupted by the blowing of Hirashi's whistle.

"Last up for this round... Kazuma Asai vs Kiriko Maita!"

Ukon gasps. "Of course! This is sure to be the most competitive! Brother and sister going head to head! You two have known each-other since you were even able to walk! There's no way this won't be a tight battle!"

"You're kidding, right?" Sae scoffs. "Think for a moment, genius. Remember all the expeditions we've had so far? Kazuma fights on a higher level that just about any of us. He's taken out fighters way above us! He's even managed to survive in a fight with Act! What has Kiriko done?"

"I..." Ukon pauses. "Well, uhh... she sometimes zips, and sometimes zops-"

"Those aren't real verbs!" Sae fires back. "Kaz is the fighter in that family. Kiriko's just the... cheerleader."

Kiriko's eye twitches. "Excuse me?"

"I don't mean it in a bad way!" Sae replies. "You help the team do their absolute best! You even cheered me on in that hot dog eating contest!"

"I'm more than just a bystander..." Kiriko replies. "When Kaz and I were kids, I'd get the better of him plenty of times in sparring!"

That's not true at all. You care deeply for Kiriko, but there's always been a gap in your combat abilities. She was always more suited to directing others than getting her own hands dirty.

"Come on, Kaz! Tell her!" Kiriko yells at you.

>How about you prove it right now, against me?
>Uhh... yeah, sure. She got me. Plenty of times. She's strong, you guys.
>Kiriko, there's nothing to be ashamed of. You're a perfectly capable leader.

>>3965944
>>How about you prove it right now, against me?

>>3965944
>How about you prove it right now, against me?
And now we watch the dice fuck us.

>>3965944
>>How about you prove it right now, against me?
Biiig awkward Oof time

>>3965944
>Uhh... yeah, sure. She got me. Plenty of times. She's strong, you guys.
She got bodied by a mid-tier fighter in Class 2

Calling for
>How about you prove it right now, against me?

Writing now.

File: Kiriko20.jpg (357 KB, 670x850)

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>How about you prove it right now, against me?

Kiriko's eyes light up. "Sure thing, bro. I'll show all of you just how good I am!"

You and Kiriko step into the centre of the battlefield, as Act keeps a close eye on you. "I'm looking forward to this, Asai."

"Hey, I'm here too!" Kiriko yells.

Act yawns. "Sure, sure, I only have one eye you know! I can only look at one at a time!"

You ready your training sword, as Kiriko flicks her training daggers.

"Remember," you tell her. "It's just like sparring as kids. Let's not go all out... especially since Roka has an advantage over me in the semis."

"Over... you?" Kiriko raises an eyebrow.

You shrug. "Well... yeah? It's always been about me and Roka. That's what everyone's been waiting for."

"Well, keep waiting."

Kiriko disappears from your sight, appearing behind you. You spin around and block the stab from her daggers, before throwing her back. "That's the main trick in your book, and you figured I wouldn't see it coming?"

Kiriko chuckles, as you look down around your ankles. A... chain?

As Kiriko flies through the air, she pulls the chain around your legs. You fall face first, as she flings you by the legs towards a tree.

"Didn't see that coming, did you?" Kiriko yells.

You sigh, breaking the chain with your sword, before pressing your feet against the tree, rebounding with a slash which Kiriko dodges.

Kiriko throws some stars at you, and you quickly deflect them, as the two of you stand apart.

"She's got something to prove..." Makoto remarks.

Roka gives a small smile. "I knew she would. She's cute when she's spirited."

"What was that last part?"

"Nothing, shut up."

Kiriko stares at you with determined eyes. "You gonna take me seriously, now?"

You nod, gripping your sword tight.

>Stand your ground, wait for her to strike first.
>Use your speed to catch her in a chase.
>Stay aggressive, power through her small attacks.

>>3965989
She’s a literal teleporting ninja so speed is dumb, and again teleport ninja she can attack from all angles... Soooo
>Stay aggressive, power through her small attacks

>>3965989
>Stand your ground, wait for her to strike first.
You can outdex a ninja so just let her come at you.

>>3965989
>Stand your ground, wait for her to strike first.
If we're moving not only do we need to worry about the area immediately around us but the area we're moving into as well.

Calling for
>Stand your ground, wait for her to strike first.

Roll 1d100, BO3.

Rolled 64 (1d100)

>>3966014

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>3966014
Cruisin for a bruisin

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>3966014
Pretty good rolls for the first fight, let’s hope it stays that way.

File: Kazuma11.jpg (115 KB, 850x667)

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>81

You plant your feet. Kiriko is zipping around with her ability, you know full well that trying to give chase against her would be a fruitless effort. You need her to come for you so you can counter and catch her.

As expected, Kiriko teleports above you and comes down with her daggers in hand. You sidestep as she drives into the ground, before booting her back with a kick. She flies through the air, only to teleport again, behind and beneath you, stabbing upwards. You swing around, deflecting her attack and sending her back once more. She rolls through back to her feet, before disappearing once more. You don't even have to look this time, blocking the shot with each before ramming your training sword into her ribs.

Kiriko gasps for air and leaps back to regroup. "Dammit..."

"Samey tactics," you point out. "I know you too well, Kiriko. You can't keep up with me."

"Just like when we were kids, huh?" Kiriko mutters. "Remember those days?"

You remember.

You remember the first day you ever trained. You were supposed to start running by the Kingudoro pier with your dad first thing that morning... but he had to cancel.

Despite being only seven years old at the time, you still made the journey to that pier. And you began to run.

Of course, you couldn't run for very long, you were quick to run out of breath, and fall to the ground, and cry.

And then... Kiriko appeared.

She followed you out the door that day, and promised that if you wanted to get stronger, she would support you. She would run with you.

And from that day, she did.

But one thing remained the same every day you ran... she could never keep up with you. You always ran ahead, while she was happy to lag behind, as long as you were pushing yourself forward.

"You kinda have yourself to blame," you joke. "You're the reason I reached this point."

Kiriko shakes her head. "Nah, you did that yourself. I was just there to see it."

With that, Kiriko readies her stars and daggers. "Enough flashbacks, more fighting."

"I wasn't flashing back!" you protest, as Kiriko throws a barrage of projectiles at you.

>Block them with your sword.
>Run through the projectiles to get to Kiriko.
>Deflect the weapons back at her.

>>3966053
>>Run through the projectiles to get to Kiriko.
She'll zoop away from them if they come towards her.

>>3966053
>Block them with your sword.
Style on her by not moving from this spot.

>>3966053
>Block them with your sword.
As much as I want to Jedi her don’t think deflecting her weapons is gonna do much.

>>3966053
>Block them with your sword.
Like Kaz said, Kiriko uses samey tactics.

Calling for
>Block them with your sword.

Roll 1d100, BO3.

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>3966076

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>3966076

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>3966076
AAAA

>>3966084
RULES OF NATURE

>>3966084
Fucking hell Kaz calm down, at least let her get one measly hit in

File: Kiriko32.jpg (79 KB, 850x1157)

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>100

You spin you blade and block off all the projectiles lobbed at you... but you notice with each one knocked off, Kiriko teleports and catches the item, before throwing it into the air? What's she doing?

Before you can work that out, Kiriko appears right by you, before placing her hand on your back.

Next thing you know, you're in the air... surrounded by weapons from all angles. Kiriko appears again, letting loose with every projectile at once.

You block the first few, but find yourself overwhelmed by the offence, taking a beating in mid-air, before crashing to the ground below. You refuse to stay on your back, though, rolling back to your feet and readying your sword... before taking a kick to the side of the neck from Kiriko.

"You just don't get it, do you, Kaz?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRQCfxmwGoU

"Remember back to those days..." Kiriko replies, zipping in and out as she hits you with shot after shot.

You grunt. "I remember! You could never keep up with me! I'd leave you in the dust, tired and worn out!"

"You're only half-right..."

You think back. Every day, every morning by the pier, you remember lapping your younger sister as she continued to run, panting and gasping for air. Then you remember her completing her own laps after you had long finished.

Finished her laps...

Of course.

"You couldn't keep up, but you never wore out," you mutter.

It's then that you truly notice the fire behind Kiriko's eyes. "I always trailed behind... but I never stopped running."

All this time... she's be chasing behind you, hot on your tails.

All this time... she's made sure you kept moving.

You smile. "Thanks, sis."

And like that... you take Kiriko seriously.

You launch yourself forward, with a direct headbutt, right into the gut of the ninja. She flies back, as you ready your sword. She begins another barrage of teleporting attacks, but you have your eyes on her as a serious threat. He block each shot this time, keeping up with each of her movements. You take a few attacks directly as she switches up her pattern, but you quickly adapt.

You think ahead to those days as kids... and you sprint past your sister.

Kiriko remains still for a moment... as her weapon snap in her grip, the work of your training blase. "Enough force and velocity..." you repeat Roka's words from earlier.

In your mind, you and Kiriko run by that pier, side by side.

"You're tough," you reply. "You'll catch up."

"I know," Kiriko smiles, before collapsing from the shot to her gut you take her out with.

"The winner... Kazuma Asai!"

You don't hesitate to help Kiriko to her feet. "Gave you a better fight than you expected, huh?"

"Really didn't make it easy on me..." he joke, as she takes your hand and you pull her up.

>I think next time... you'll actually beat me.
>When we were kids... why did you follow me out to that pier every morning?
>What did you even want Act's training for?

>>3966129
>>What did you even want Act's training for?

>>3966129
>>I think next time... you'll actually beat me.
The answers to the others are obvious. She's our sister and she (SIBLING) Loves us, and cause she want's to push us forward duhhh

Also hot damn that's a move

>>3966129
>What did you even want Act's training for?

>>3966129
>What did you even want Act's training for?
Mayu gets the knife twisted further when Kiriko reveals she's actually hot for Act.

>>3966129
>>What did you even want Act's training for?
Damn, Kiriko is now thinking with teleports.

Calling for
>What did you even want Act's training for?

Writing now.

File: Makoto03.png (248 KB, 650x877)

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>What did you even want Act's training for?

Kiriko pauses. "You're not the only one who wants to live up to him, Kaz."

"Dad..." you mutter.

"Besides," Kiriko smirks. "More than anything I just wanted you to sweat for it. You've been getting real lazy lately!"

"What?! I was lazy when we started here!" you protest. "I've been working harder than ever!"

"Sure thing Mr. Sleeps for 24 hours!"

"That was for prep!"

As you follow Kiriko back to the others, you see Hirashi adjust the brackets. "Well, there's only three fights in the quater finals. Amaya and Mayu, Gado and Makoto, and Tami and Kaz."

Roka grunts, before walking off.

"Where are you heading?" you ask.

Roka shakes his head. "I want you or the hunter in a fair fight. I'm going to go pick a fight... so we can be even."

"I recommend Taka in Class 3," Ryoji replies. "He's an asshole, he'll take you up on that offer. If you can't find him, go for Akio Naito-"

"Don't encourage him!" Kiriko yells.

Makoto gives a slow clap to Kiriko with a smile of pride. "You know I lost, right?" she asks.

"Yeah, but I respect what you did," he replies.

Kiriko blushes, playing with her hair slightly. "What do you mean?"

"Ugh," Roka grunts before moving to fight an upperclassmen.

"You caused Kazuma to push himself to improve," Makoto replies. "You... have a gift for encouraging others when they don't even realise it. They push themselves beyond their limits... all for you."

Sae scoffs. "So... a cheerleader."

"Remove the cheer," Makoto responds. "You're a born leader."

Kiriko gives a small laugh. "Seriously, you can lay off that stuff, Makoto. I'm not really a leader like you... I'm just sorta nice and likeable."

"Sorta nice and likeable is the most important combination," Makoto replies.

Keiji nods. "I would listen to him, Maita. A compliment from the prince himself means a great deal."

"W-well," Kiriko stutters. "I guess I am flattered, but... wait, what did he call you?"

Makoto casually tugs his ear. "What? Did he say something? I didn't hear it."

"Nope!" Amaya adds, a bead of sweat dripping down her forehead. "Nothing at all-"

"Prince?" you raise an eyebrow.

Keiji pauses. "You people really don't know who the Shibatas are?"

Kiriko stares at Makoto, and the head of class breaks his confident smile.

"Makoto... Amaya..." she mutters.

"Just who are you?"

End of Episode 33

File: Amaya&Makoto02.jpg (284 KB, 885x885)

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YF8vecQWYs

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Thanks for playing! New thread will be coming in the near future! Follow the Twitter for any updates!

>Player Question
With the first round out of the way, the clear competitors show up! How do you see the tournament continuing?

>>3966180
ROYALTY
AAAAAAAA

>>3966185
>PQ
Clearly we will be facing Mayu in the finals.
If we manage to roll good anyway, which will not happen.

>>3966185
Final battle's gotta be Mayu, it's only fitting.