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“Rise and shine, Makoto! We’re moving out again!”

“Just five more minutes…” Makoto mumbles, wrapped in his sleeping bag.

Another voice from the tent speaks up. “You lazy brother! You have five seconds, and then I’m setting your tent on fire!”

Makoto sighs. “Okay, okay… you’re eager to move, Giulia.”

Makoto leaves his tent, and spots his younger sister giving him a devilish grin under her oversized hat, spinning a tome in her hand, while holding a burning bright flame in her other.

“You were really going to do it, weren’t you?”

Giulia continues to grin, but is quickly interrupted by a figure bonking her hear with a wooden sword. “Gah! Shingoooooo!”

“No whining,” Shingo smirks. “Little bro, you’re usually not the one to lag behind? You sleep okay?”

Makoto didn’t. The small village they’ve been stopping in… has a reputation. Fights between rival gangs raged through the night. It wasn’t the noise that kept Makoto awake, but the fear.

“I slept fine,” Makoto lies to his brother. “I think I’ve just been exhausted from the last few shows.”

“Better buck up!” Shingo warns him. “You may be my little brother, but you still have to fend for yourself as a man!”

Makoto scratches the back of his head. “I know, I know… you’ll be training me tonight again, I take it?”

“When the caravan settles in the next village, yes!” Shingo remarks. “Good news is Riho is set to make a stew for the both of us when we’re done.”

“Relying on swords…” Giulia yawns as she leans back, allowing a manipulated tuft of air to leave her floating off the ground. “Maybe you aren’t as connected to the Elder One as me.”

“Quiet, witch…” Shingo warns her.

Makoto gives a small laugh to his arguing siblings, before searching his surroundings. Riho, his eldest sibling, is helping to load the caravan, while his parents must be up front. But then…

“Hey, where’s Amaya?” he asks.

Giulia cackles. “Oh, you know her! She wandered off to say goodbye to some villagers! What a sentimental princess! Always lost in her dreams!”

“Better a princess that acts like one than a witch,” Shingo bonks her head once more. “Go fetch your twin, Makoto. Then pull your weight.”

Makoto finds Amaya in the village square, surrounded by children. In their brief time performing in the circus, it seems Amaya has made herself popular, accumulating many temporary friends.

“When will you be back!” a young girl asks, prompting Amaya to beam.

“I don’t know, but hopefully soon!”

She turns to leave as the crowd dissipates, her eyes locking with Makoto as she does. “Oh, hello brother.”

Makoto crosses his arms. “We’re leaving soon. You don’t want to be left behind, do you?”

Amaya chuckles. “I doubt father would go without me. I’m his favourite. Besides, who would catch you if I were gone?”

“I suppose I’d have to get even better with the trapeze.”

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Amaya beams with pride, as she unveils something in the palm of her hand. “Look what that little girl gifted me.”

A wool doll with straw hair lies in her hand, Amaya looking down on it with a proud smile. Makoto simply lets out a sigh.

“Amaya… remember what father always says?”

The glimmer in Amaya’s eyes fade as she repeats her father’s words. “Never take from the people of this world… we must leave no trace but the word of the Elder One, until the day of revival comes…” she shakes her head. “I don’t understand it. Father accepts food and coin from the people!”

“We work and perform for them,” Makoto explains. “And only as much as we need. You should leave that doll behind, father will be annoyed.”

Amaya shakes her head. “I won’t.”

Makoto knows better than anyone to argue with her. “Fine… but keep it secret. Don’t flaunt your gift.”

“I won’t,” Amaya assures him. “We’re leaving already, are we? I… wished we could have stayed a little longer. I was making friends.”

“We aren’t to interact any more than we need,” Makoto continues. “We’re to spread the word of the Elder One and survive until the day of revival comes. That’s always been our path.”

Amaya steps ahead, caressing the wool doll as she looks past her brother to the loaded caravan. “… Why?”

Makoto was never able to answer.


>Current Day

“You care to explain why Keiji calls you a prince?” Kiriko places her hand on her hip as she confronts Makoto.

Makoto shakes his head. “It’s nothing. Nothing important, at least. Do I look like a prince to you?”

Gado shakes his head. “They aren’t royalty. Him and blondie are circus performers, I saw it myself years ago.”

“He’s a prince,” Keiji explains. “A prince without a throne, or a castle, or even his own land. For the time being, at least.”

“Amaya?” Risa raises an eyebrow, but the Shibata twins are quick to clam up.

“Now is not the time,” Amaya replies. “May we just drop this topic? We are in the middle of a tournament after all.”

Makoto clasps his hands together. “Yes! That was a thrilling conclusion to the first round. So how about we move on for the sake of Act-sensei?”

>Leave them alone, guys. They don’t want to talk about it.
>No, I want to know. What other secrets are you two hiding from us?
>Let’s carry on with this tournament. But when we’re done here, you two will spill the beans, okay?

>>4153465
>BLAST AWAYYYY!!!

>>4153465
>>Leave them alone, guys. They don’t want to talk about it.

>>4153465
>No, I want to know. What other secrets are you two hiding from us?
Engage bottom tier Kaz social skills

>>4153465
>Leave them alone, guys. They don’t want to talk about it.

>>4153465
>>Leave them alone, guys. They don’t want to talk about it.

>>4153465
>>Let’s carry on with this tournament. But when we’re done here, you two will spill the beans, okay?
HES BACK

Calling for
>Leave them alone, guys. They don’t want to talk about it.

Writing now.

>>4153465
>>Let’s carry on with this tournament. But when we’re done here, you two will spill the beans, okay?

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>Leave them alone, guys. They don't want to talk about it.

"Aren't you curious?" Kiriko asks.

"That doesn't matter. If our friends are keeping something from us, it must be for a good reason. So let's not hassle them, okay?"

Makoto gives a nod. "Thank you, Kazuma."

Akuro shrugs. "Not that it should matter, just about half the class is a damn mystery. What's another to add to the pile?"

"I am intrigued, however..." Anri mutters to herself.

Act whacks the hilt of her sword against the ground like a gavel, grabbing the attention of the class. "You all done blabbering, yet? Next up is... Amaya Shibata vs my very own pride and joy, Mayu!"

Mayu rises from the tree she was leaning against, getting some well needed rest. "My time has come."

“Now the tourney’s really starting to heat up!” Mai squeals with excitement. “The ultimate eight… err, seven in the class! It’s gonna be tough to call from here on out!”

“My money’s still on Mayu to take the whole thing,” Ukon remarks. “It's her mom’s tournament, and… well, it’s Mayu! She’s got that legacy passed down from her family, she’s been doing this since she was able to carry a sword!”

“Aren’t you forgetting Kaz’s dad just so happens to be the strongest fighter to ever live?” Risa points out.

“Yeah, but his dad never trained him, right?”

You sigh. “Yeah… you’re right. Mayu has all of Act’s techniques ingrained into her. She’s a master of that frost style.”

Makoto lets out a small laugh. “Geez, you’re all so ready to discount my sister.”

Kiriko crosses her arms. “Well, you’re both still an unknown quantity, Mr. tightlips. Still… you said she beat you before, right?”

Makoto gives a prideful nod. “Yeah, that’s right.”

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Mayu looks dead ahead. Not at the battlefield, but to her mother. “I will not let you down,” she mutters to herself as she walks forward. With a smile on her face, Amaya quickly trails after her.

“Oh, Mayu!” she says in a pleading tone. “I understand your serious expression, but I hope there will be no hard feelings regardless of the outcome of this match. At the end of the day, we’re both striving to be our best, correct? It’s an honour to test my skills against you!”

Mayu doesn’t answer. Her mind is far away from anything Amaya is saying. You’ve seen her like this many times before. When Mayu is in the zone… it’s well known that she’s by far the most capable swordmaster in the class… hell, the deadliest swordmaster this school has seen in years. Who knows where she’ll be once you become upperclassmen. Will she have surpassed legends of the school such as Yamato Misawa, Naoaki Naito… Kankuro Asai?

You have faith that she will.

"Why does Mayu even care about this tournament so much?" Mio asks. "The prize is training from her mother, and she already gets that. What is there to gain?"

>It's not about gain. Mayu has everything to lose here.
>It's a matter of pride, Mio. Mayu's got that warrior spirit.
>I don't get it either, to be honest. But her mother's watching, that's a lot of pressure.

>>4153507
>It's a matter of pride, Mio. Mayu's got that warrior spirit.
She's always been a prideful girl

>>4153507
>It's not about gain. Mayu has everything to lose here.
Amaya's going to sweep this.

>>4153507
>It's not about gain. Mayu has everything to lose here.

>>4153507
>>It's a matter of pride, Mio. Mayu's got that warrior spirit.

>>4153507
>>It's a matter of pride, Mio. Mayu's got that warrior spirit.
she samurai heart

>>4153507
>>It's a matter of pride, Mio. Mayu's got that warrior spirit.

>>4153507
>>It's a matter of pride, Mio. Mayu's got that warrior spirit.

>>4153507

>It's not about gain. Mayu has everything to lose here.

Oh boy, I sure can't wait for the literal who Amaya to get btfo
Sure can't wait for the circus schmuck to make like the circus and leave town to avoid a lawsuit
Definitely not going to get some random angel meme old god royal bloodline meme power victory or something

Calling for
>It's a matter of pride, Mio. Mayu's got that warrior spirit.

Writing now.

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>It's a matter of pride, Mio. Mayu's got that warrior spirit.

Mio flicks back her hair. "That's the difference between me and you, Kaz."

"Hm?" you raise an eyebrow.

"I don't put any stock into this spirit of the fighter nonsense," Mio explains. "I'm weaker than most around here, and I'm fine with that. What's important is I've got my wits about me. What's the point in being the strongest if you lose all sense? Push yourself to an early grave... I hate that mindset."

"It's what's needed to push back the-" you begin, but Mio cuts you off.

"Acting pigheaded and pushing yourself beyond what you should be capable of sounds impressive, but it'll tear you apart, won't it? How many of the greatest warriors of this academy live to a wipe old age? Not many, is it?"

You sigh. She has a point. Still, the quarter finals are about to begin, and you doubt yourself or Mio can talk any of the determination out of Mayu.

The two take their place on the battlefield, as Hirashi blows her whistle. Amaya clasps her hands together at the beginning, but Mayu isn’t going to give any time for that. She’s seen that trick in the last round.

“That prayer technique synchs herself with the surroundings…” Ninsei mutters. “She did it last round, why does she have to resynch?”

“It wore off,” Makoto replies. “And knowing Amaya… she decided performing it before the next battle began would be unfair.”

Mayu slices at Amaya, breaking her concentration. Amaya leaps back and twirls her spear, deflecting a slash, but being pushed on the back-end. “Well, I suppose I can’t rely on my past techniques…” Amaya notes. “But I think I have a few more to use… do you?”

Act huffs. “The blonde girl acts like the beacon of purity… but she’s got the haughty air of royalty about her. There’s an ego behind the innocent act.”

Mayu keeps on the offense, while Amaya stays on the backfoot, playing defensive.

“She’s adept with the spear,” Risa remarks. “But in a melee weapons game, there’s no beating Mayu.”

It’s true, and Amaya seems to know it. Mayu zips around the battlefield, coming in with potentially deadly shots, that Amaya just about manages to block with her longer reaching weapon. But the force of each deflection causes her to take a step back. It’s certainly taking more energy out of Amaya than it is Mayu.

Mayu goes for a low swipe, ducking under Amaya’s defences and swiping up with her blade. The attack knocks Amaya’s spear into the air, flying behind Mayu and burying itself into the ground. Quickly, Amaya raises her hands, and a flash of light emanates from them.

“Magic!” Hanako exclaims. “She’s going to blind Mayu!”

Mayu recognises the risk and leaps back, quickly shutting her eyes. Amaya was spared a fatal blow, but now finds herself weaponless… with Mayu in between her and her spear.

“Come,” Mayu challenges her. “Take your weapon.”

>>4153527
>Angel meme power
Nah mate, that's just standard carnie occult magic.

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You breathe a sigh of relief. “I was worried Mayu was forcing herself to go on the onslaught, but she hasn’t lost her mind for strategy.”

“Hm?” Kiriko raises an eyebrow.

“Amaya has lots of magical tricks to defend herself,” you note. “But when it comes to actual offence, her only boon is the reach of her spear. Mayu’s challenging her to try and get past her, and Amaya has no choice but to try her for a chance at landing a hit. Even with her synch prayer, there’s little chance of getting past Mayu.”

Amaya sighs and clasps her hands together, reciting her prayer while she has the chance. “It won’t help her…” Gado notes. “Look at the samurai’s prepared stance. Reading your surroundings doesn’t change the fact that she’s an unshakeable brick wall.”

Once Amaya is done praying, she readies herself. And charges directly at Mayu.

“Is she nuts?!” Ninsei exclaims.

Makoto simply chuckles. “I know this play.”

Mayu isn’t taken aback by Amaya’s direct approach, she keeps her cool and thrust her sword forward towards Amaya’s shoulder.

… Then Amaya twists her own arm, dislocating her shoulder.

“WHAT?!” Several of you scream in unison.

“GROOOOSS!” Kuin yells in turn.

Mayu’s eyes widen, as her sword narrowly misses they now relocated joint, Amaya’s arm sliding safely under the blade.

“Flash heal,” Amaya smirks, hunkering and fixing her arm, and using her placement to get a strong direct hit punch under the ribs of Mayu, launching her back.

Amaya quickly grabs her spear with a quick leap. She lands on the hilt a pulls it from the stone in the earth, launching herself in the air as Mayu does the same. They collide, but the high ground mixed with Amaya’s reach gives her the advantage, deflecting Mayu’s shot then swatting her down into the ground.

Amaya lands on her feet and confidently burrows her spear into the ground once more. She mounts the weapon, spinning her body around it in an elaborate pole dance, ending while perched atop the weapons hilt, maintaining balance with her leg wrapped around the metal shaft, taunting the downed Mayu with a beckoning motion. “Come, take me on.”

“Amaya’s acting a lot more cocky than usual…” Risa remarks. “Can’t blame her. Having Mayu on the back end is a hell of an accomplishment.”

“Yeah, and that pole dance sure was… something,” Ninsei replies, wiping some blood from his nose.

Act stares from her chair. “Now this is something… Mayu, this girl will be one of your greatest challenges, but you can’t fall to one so overconfident! You’re still my daughter, show her what the Nakatoni spirit is all about!”

Amaya turns to the coach with an annoyed look. “You aren’t part of this, Sensei!”

“What?!” Act yells.

Amaya turns her attention back to her opponent. “I don’t care about the Nakatoni spirit. I care about Mayu’s spirit.”

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Oh… so that’s why Amaya is acting as she is… she wants to draw something out of Mayu.

“You have been restraining yourself,” Amaya explains. “You cannot shackle yourself to your family expectations. To see one as capable as you dismayed… weakened by the shadow looming over you… it angers me!”

Mayu, soft spoken this entire fight, finally speaks up.

“Shackled?” she questions. “You are mistaken, Amaya. I am empowered by my family. My mother and father passed their fighting spirit onto me, and it is a child’s duty to carry on with her family’s destiny-”

“I left my family behind!” Amaya yells. “Makoto and I left to form our own destiny! The path we knew was right! Mayu… as your friend, I want to see you carve out your own path, not to be dragged along by this… madness stricken witch!”

… Uh oh.

“What did you call my mother?”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8Y5xARp76A

Here we go.

Mayu disappears from sight, and Amaya’s eyes widen in fear. Mayu appears behind her, before kicking her from her perch. Amaya saves her spear, but Mayu keeps on the charge. Mayu’s incensed in a way you’ve never seen… Amaya could be in serious danger.

And yet… she’s smiling.

“This is it,” Amaya remarks. “Give me everything… and I’ll return the favour!”

Amaya closes her eyes, as her spear begins to glow with a shining silver aura. “HOLY LIGHT!” she exclaims, as the two clash weapons. They trade attacks in the centre of the battlefield, each one more ferocious than the last. The force begins to send half the spectators falling back. You can barely even make out the battle from the shine from their attacks.

“What…” Takeshi mutters in awe. “What are these two capable of?”

“I love my mother,” Mayu grimaces as their attacks send off sparks.

“And I love mine,” Amaya replies, “But who do you fight for?!”

They both knock each-other back, before charging towards each-other once more.

“MY FAMILY!” Mayu screams.

“FIGHT FOR YOURSELF!” Amaya fires back as they meet in the middle.

Nobody is able to make out the climax, as the light is completely blinding.

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Once your eyes adjust, you see both women in the middle of the field… with Mayu slumped over, leaning against Amaya. She’s not downed, but you can tell her body has nothing left in it. But… that’s not the notable thing about the scene…

“What the hell?” Ninsei remarks. “What’s this… ice?”

Diverting off from the middle are two massive fissures of… ice? Bergs running in two directions around Amaya, with one of the nearby trees being claimed as a casualty, torn through entirely. Did… Mayu do this?

Amaya looks around to notice the anomaly that almost took her out. “Mayu…” she mutters. “I didn’t expect…”

Amaya steps back, as Mayu’s body collapses face first on the floor. “S-sorry!” Amaya gasps. “I thought you could still…”

Hirashi blows her whistle. “The winner… Amaya-”

“No…” Mayu mutters as she picks herself up to her knees. “I… I can still fight.”

Act’s remaining eye widens as she looks to her daughter. “Mayu… your spirit is unbreakable.”

“No… you can’t,” Amaya sighs. “You can’t even stand on your own feet.”

Mayu readies her sword. “I can still move. You have not beaten me yet.”

“I… don’t want to hurt you any more…” Amaya mutters, her eyes welling up with sympathy. “Please… just give up.”

“I… cannot…”

“Act-sensei!” Amaya yells. “End the match! For your daughter’s health!”

Act pauses, hesitating. “If she insists she can continue… the fight goes on.”

"What?!" Kiriko exclaims. "You're crazy!"

... Act doesn't want to humiliate Mayu by calling the fight for her, and Mayu wants to keep fighting, but...

>Step in, call off the fight.
>I can't hurt Mayu's pride. I... have to sit back.

>>4153538
>… Then Amaya twists her own arm, dislocating her shoulder.
>“WHAT?!” Several of you scream in unison.
>“GROOOOSS!” Kuin yells in turn.
Holy fucking shit this is rad

>>4153542
>>Step in, call off the fight.

>>4153542
>>Step in, call off the fight.

that's a wild as hell match holy fuck i love it

>>4153542
>Step in, call off the fight.
SWEEP

>>4153542
>Step in, call off the fight.

Calling for
>Step in, call off the fight.

Writing now.

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>Step in, call off the fight.

You don't hesitate, running onto the battlefield and stepping in between Amaya and Mayu. You hunker down, and reach for Mayu's hand. "This fight is over!" you declare.

"Kazuma..." Mayu weakly mutters. "No..."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-sqsBi3-mk

"Come on," you respond to her. "You can't let yourself be hurt any further."

"No..." Mayu grips her sword tight. "No!"

>Years prior

"Papa... did I perform... poorly?"

Kano chuckles, ruffling the hair of the young Mayu. "Not at all, my dear. You're coming along nicely in your training."

"Then... why am I not as strong as you or mama?"

Her father laughs. "Well, you're six years old, for one. If you were as strong as us, you'd be a real prodigy! You shouldn't go so hard on yourself, this training is just for fun."

"But... I work hard," the child protests. "Am I doing something wrong?"

Kano shakes his head. "Of course not. Sometimes... it's simply not your moment. You can give your all, you can do no wrong... but that doesn't mean success will come always. Sometimes your goal is... just out of reach for the time being. No matter what you do, you can't outrace time... and when the moment isn't right for you, it's just the way the cards lie."

"I see..."

>Current day

Mayu pushes you aside, using the last of her energy to charge at Amaya... who sidesteps, allowing Mayu to collapse face first on the floor, her energy gone. "I... can still..."

"Mayu... please," Amaya pleads.

You rush to help Mayu. "Kazuma... I can still do it."

"No..." you respond. "You can't. And I won't let you do this to yourself. You shouldn't either, Act!"

Act raises her eyebrow, staring at you.

"You heard me!" you speak up. "This is your daughter you're toying with! Don't you care about her?!"

Act's eyes lower, breaking their gaze from you. "That's enough," she speaks. "The winner is Amaya Shibata."

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Gasps among the class. "I can't believe it..." Mai mumbles. "Is this tournament still going? Act didn't hide it being an excuse to toughen up Mayu, but now that she's out..."

"Well, one of us was promised the training," Gado explains. "We keep going on."

You pick the weakened and wounded Mayu up and help her hobble off the battlefield. "Mayu..." Act remarks, prompting her daughter to turn her head her way... but no eye contact is made. Mayu stares directly at the ground below.

"Mama?"

"... You did nothing wrong, Mayu," Act assures her.

Mayu remains silent as she returns to the sidelines.

Ryoji shakes his head. "What kind of tournament is this..."

"Kazuma Asai," Act calls you over to her.

Once you approach, she takes you aside, out of earshot of the others. "My daughter will bear no ill will for your interference..."

"I know," you reply.

"But she'll never forgive herself for allowing it," she replies. "I never thought I would say this... but you prove a decent influence, Asai. I can see you winning this tournament."

>If I do, I'm doing it to spite you.
>I will... for Mayu's sake. I want to help carry on her family's training.
>You made her this way. Take some responsibility for that.

Gonna take a short break after this vote to make food.

>>4153589
>You made her this way. Take some responsibility for that.
I can't believe Mayu is fucking dead

>>4153589
>>You made her this way. Take some responsibility for that.
THE SHAAADEEEE

>>4153589
>You made her this way. Take some responsibility for that

>>4153589
>You made her this way. Take some responsibility for that.

>I can see you winning this tournament.
Better get that eye checked, Makoto's going to bamboozle his way to the top with his carnie magic.

>>4153589
>If I do, I'm doing it to spite you.
Well I'm surprised, I thought Kano would've been nuts as well, looks like the deficiency is on Act's side of the family.

>>4153589
>>You made her this way. Take some responsibility for that.

Calling for
>You made her this way. Take some responsibility for that

Taking a short break, then writing.

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>You made her this way. Take some responsibility for that.

Act stares ahead. "You think I don't? It's not that simple, either. Losing her father..."

Act trails off. "Right... let's get back to business, shall we?"

"Next up..." Hirashi reads the brackets. "We've got Makoto Shibata vs Gado Nemoto!"

As the names are called out, none other than Chihiro-senpai comes rushing towards the battlefield. “Did I miss it?”

“Miss what?”

“My lovey dovey Makoto’s splendid victory, of course!” Chihiro exclaims with a smile and a peace sign. “I arrived as soon as I could!”

“You’re skipping class?” Ryoji shakes his head. “For shame, Chihiro.”

Chihiro stares at her friend. “Ryoji, mon ami, I hate to inform you, but-”

“Well, it’s expected of me,” he explains. “You do well in class. Anyway, Makoto’s second fight is just starting.”

As Makoto and Gado take the battlefield, Makoto offers a handshake to his opponent. “I can expect a fair battle with you, can I not?”

Gado shrugs. “I’m in it to win it, Makoto.”

Makoto pauses. “And why is that? I figured you would have no interest in this kind of tournament. What do you seek Act’s training for?”

Makoto doesn’t get his answer as the fight begins, and Gado instantly takes out his pistol and fires.

Makoto flips back, dodging the rubber bullet, but Gado is already on the attack with his sword. The two clash, with Makoto in mid-air, as the former circus performer launches himself behind Gado. Going for a forward stab, Makoto is stopped by Gado poking his gun from his underarm, forcing Makoto to dodge the bullet once more.

“Not gonna hit me with any of that magic?” Gado asks.

“I wanted a fair fight.”

“I have a gun,” Gado points out. “You’re underestimating me.”

Makoto clears a safe distance before shaking his head. “I just want our discussion to continue. Why do you want to win this tournament? I doubt you’re just eager to face my sister in the next round, considering your history.”

“Blondie and I don’t have history,” he remarks. “And why would anyone else want to be in the tournament. I want to be stronger. I need… agh, forget it.”

“No, go on!” Makoto replies.

Gado grunts. “We can’t get a single detail about your life, and you’re trying to grill me? Forget it. You and your sister are nutjobs.”

Gado charges once more, and the two clash swords… but Gado keeps charging. Makoto is taken of his feet and with a great push, launched into a tree, breaking it.

“You’re already very strong,” Makoto points out as he collects himself. “You protect Kuin each and every day.”

“Do I?”

Makoto tilts his head. “What? Of course you do! It’s a great source of pride. Why would you doubt your… oh, I see.”

“What?” Amaya asks. “What do you…”

Risa sighs. “Amaya… figure it out.”

Those words coming from Risa makes the truth click with everyone else.

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“Oh… Gado…” Amaya mutters.

The look on Gado’s face tells it all. After the events with General Aoki… he’s doubting himself.

Gado grunts. “If I were such a great protector… Kats would still be alive. Ninsei would still have his brother.”

Makoto looks at his opponent with guilt and sympathy. “Gado… you can’t blame yourself for that. We were all out of our depth there. You did the best you could.”

“Then my best isn’t good enough, is it?” Gado replies. “Come on, fight me like a man. Instead of looking at me like I’m something to pity. You’re not that much stronger than me.”

Makoto sighs. “Saying that… you remind me of my brother.”

“You have a brother?”

Makoto smiles. “I can tell you some things, friend. Now, let’s do this.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7fOuZjASLE

Makoto charges at Gado, who sidesteps and fires his gun, away from Makoto.

“The ice?”

Gado’s bullets chips off parts of the bergs of ice left behind from Mayu’s fight. He leaps over Makoto and kicks the newly created sharp icicles down towards Makoto. Makoto dodges one, but the other catches him in the leg, taking him down.

“Ahh!” Chihiro lets out a scream of horror. “My dear Makoto!”

Makoto hunkers down, creating a blue flame to melt the sharp ice embedded in his leg. Gado doesn’t let up however, as he continues to fire away on the head of class. Makoto manages to roll to safety, as the two draw their swords. They meet in the middle, clashing before they engage in a quick flurry of parrys and dodges.

“Makoto is going easy on him…” Atasuke remarks. “How droll.”

“No,” Amaya states. “That’s where you’re wrong.”

It’s true, you can tell by their footing. Makoto is giving it his all, and so is Gado. Makoto may be the most powerful in class, but Gado… his determination, his drive puts him above most others. They’re equals in this fight.

Makoto creates a ring of energy, which locks in like a bangle on Gado’s arm. The former mercenary’s arm is trapped by the ring locked in place, but he still fights with the blade in his free hand. Makoto summons another ring, but Gado has none of that. He grunts, powering through and smashing his fist, still locked in by the magic ring, into Makoto’s face.

“Your resilience is… incredible,” Makoto chuckles. “I’m genuinely thrilled to have this contest with you.”

“Ah, shut it,” Gado replies.

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Makoto gives him a respectful nod. The two charge, and an uppercut from Gado sends Makoto flying into the air. Gado leaps up to slash him, but Makoto collects himself.

“Bad move,” Makoto warns him… as five rings appear.

“Huh?” Gado raises his eyebrow.

Makoto takes a breath. “This is always a risky one, takes a lot out of me… but you forced it.”

The rings lock Gado in place, unable to move any of his limbs in mid-air. A complete sitting duck.

“Now… Holy meteor shower!” Makoto yells, as his blue flames come raining down upon Gado, taking the mercenary down.

A smoky crator is left in the battlefield after the attack, and Gado is left unable to stand.

“The winner… Makoto Shibata!”

Makoto is quick to help Gado to his feet. “I want you to know I didn’t go easy on you.”

Gado smirks, coughing up from the attack. “I know… you’re still bleeding from the mouth. I know I had you on the ropes.”

Makoto nervously laughs as he wipes his mouth. “Well, you do hit hard! I was worried you had me there until the last moment. I was very lucky I was able to pull that last move off.”

Gado shakes his head. “You know Makoto… you ain’t as invincible as you act sometimes. Drop the superman act sometime, it could get you hurt.”

“Duly noted,” Makoto replies. “And Gado… if you want to get stronger, then we’re in the same boat. We’re allies… we’ll grow stronger together. Okay?”

“Okay,” Gado replies.

As Makoto helps Gado to the sidelines, the mercenary is approached by Risa. “Gado… do you think I blame you?”

Gado coughs. “… I don’t blame you for it.”

>It’s not your fault Gado. You couldn’t have done anything to stop Aoki.
>Do you, Risa?
>Do you blame her for her father’s actions, still? The past is the past, Gado.

>>4153655
>>Do you, Risa?
Big oof
but Gado is still a god damn badass

>>4153655
>Do you, Risa?
Pry the secrets from everyone

>>4153655
>>Do you, Risa?

>>4153655
>Do you, Risa?
Should've pulled the GOD DAMN TRIGGER

>>4153655
>It’s not your fault Gado. You couldn’t have done anything to stop Aoki.
Kaz knows a thing or two about voices screeching in his head.

Calling for
>Do you, Risa?

Writing now.

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>Do you, Risa?

"Of course not!" Risa fires back. "Gado..."

Gado shakes his head. "Kats was my friend. And you... genuinely loved him, didn't you?"

Risa pauses. "I..."

"You can't be honest about that," Gado replies. "I know deep down how you feel."

Gado walks off, as Risa is left speechless.

Hirashi awkwardly clears her throat. "Well, next up would have been Roka Abe vs Chuichi Murkami, but of course Murkami is too injured to continue. Therefore we'll be skipping that..."

Speak of the devil, Roka returns to the field, looking rather worn down.

"You took my advice?" Ryoji asks.

Roka nods. "Picked a fight with Taka-san. Good advice, he gave me a hell of a battle."

"Did you win?"

Roka shakes his head. "Akihito-sensei broke it up. We now have two months of lunchtime detention."

"You're a real idiot..." Kiriko mutters.

Roka examines the bracket, catching up on what he missed. "What the...? I expected to meet Mayu in the finals."

"That depends on if you get to the finals," Sae taunts him.

"You think Kazuma is going to-"

"No Kazuma," Sae responds. "Tami."

You pause. "Hey, what?"

Sae shrugs. "What? I think Tami is gonna make it to the finals."

>Sorry, but I need to face Roka. Tami isn't getting through.
>You're alone in thinking that. Right, everyone?
>She has a chance. I look forward to our fight.

>>4153716
>>You're alone in thinking that. Right, everyone?

>>4153716
>You're alone in thinking that. Right, everyone?
Oh Kaz, you never learn

>>4153716
>You're alone in thinking that. Right, everyone?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n5E7feJHw0

>>4153716
>>You're alone in thinking that. Right, everyone?
Ha ha right guys
Guys

>>4153716
>>You're alone in thinking that. Right, everyone?
hahaha guys haaha

>>4153716
>You're alone in thinking that. Right, everyone?
You think you'd have learned by now Kaz

Calling for
>You're alone in thinking that. Right, everyone?

Writing now.

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>You're alone in thinking that. Right, everyone?

Most of the crowd remain silent. "H-hey..." you mutter. "I'm a favourite to win, right?"

Ninsei shrugs. "You're good, yeah... but Tami is beyond dangerous."

"Isn't she your girlfriend?"

"Exactly, I should know."

You sigh. "Come on, Kiriko. Mio. You guys believe in me-"

"Odds are 45/55 in her favour," Mio admits. "N-not that I've put odds or am gambling on the results of this tourney of course..."

Kiriko nods. "I believe you'll win, Kaz."

"Thanks, sis."

"It just won't be easy, that's all."

You sigh. "Surely someone else has a vote of confidence! Atasuke? Taiyo? Anri?"

None of them respond positively.

"Hanako?"

"W-well..." Hanako mumbles. "Y-you see... I, uhh... well, uhh... you know... ahh..."

Kuin shakes her head. "You don't stand a chance! Have you see how she shoots that arrow! She's a lean mean killing machine!"

Tami gives a bow. "Thanks all for your overwhelming confidence! Sorry, Kaz."

Ryoji is quick to pipe up... after savouring in the embarrassment of your entire class being against you. "I know you can do it, kouhai."

"Cut it out-"

"No, I mean it," Ryoji replies. "The way you stepped into that fight before... you're not lacking in guts. You're gonna win this thing."

Oh... that sounded genuine. There wasn't a joke at the end...

Unless... him saying you're going to win WAS the joke? What a jerk!

You take to the battlefield, ready to show everyone wrong. They don't believe in you, huh? Well, you've got a legacy to live up to.

As she takes to the field, Tami addresses you quickly. "Hey... you're doing this because of your dad, right?"

You pause. "Well..."

"To live up to him, yeah?"

"... Yeah."

Tami nods. "Neat. I'm doing the same. Let's see who loves their dad more."

With that, she readies her bow, and the fight is on. Fighting for her father... Tami's dad is a total deadbeat who never had time for her, and abandoned her in her time of need. Why would she want to impress in the name of someone like... oh.

You and Tami are coming from the same place here, aren't you?

This fight should be interesting.

That'll be all for tonight, we'll be continuing tomorrow at around 6pm GMT, maybe slightly earlier!

>>4153802
Thanks for Running Booker
Rip Kaz bullied to death
Never stood a chance

>>4153802
Good run bookz, is nice to be back

File: Tami_Gif13.gif (2 MB, 500x281)

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>Years ago

"Dad... I've been working hard!"

Your father gives you a smile of pride. "Is that so?"

You nod. "Yep! Kiriko and I have been running each and every morning!"

"That's wonderful!" he exclaims, handing you your ice cream. "I'd like to see that sometime."

"Yeah..." you mutter. "I would too."

Kankuro sighs. "Look, son... I want to be around more often, but there's a lot of responsibility and... oops! Looks like you're too busy for a flashback right now. Better focus before you get beat!"

"... Huh?"


>Current Day

"BEGIN!"

Tami wastes no time in readying her bow and firing at you. You slash at the arrows and move back, but Tami is in hot pursuit, her knife held tightly in her hands. You dodge with a flip, but Tami doesn't let up.

"She's got a near murderous intent in her eyes..." Risa remarks. "She's one of my best friends, and yet..."

"She can be pretty wild," Ninsei responds.

Kuin scratches her head. "What leads a girl to become such a cold blooded hunter?"

"What leads a girl to wear a cape?" Ninsei fires back.

"Silence!"

You duck and weave, as Tami pushes you back towards the woods... the woods of the academy, where she always hunts. The woods she knows inside and out. Not where you want to be when fighting her.

>Push her forward, keep this fight in the centre of the battlefield.
>If I don't go along she'll just snipe at me from the trees, better we both have the forest covering.

>>4154724
>"Yeah..." you mutter. "I would too."
>Kankuro sighs. "Look, son... I want to be around more often, but there's a lot of responsibility and... oops! Looks like you're too busy for a flashback right now. Better focus before you get beat!"
>"... Huh?"
SODIGOSDHGSOFDGHOHNRFDO;ASFHSDIP9GBAFG
OK THAT FUCKING GOT ME
>Push her forward, keep this fight in the centre of the battlefield.

>>4154724
>>Push her forward, keep this fight in the centre of the battlefield.

>>4154724
>>Push her forward, keep this fight in the centre of the battlefield.

>>4154724
>>Push her forward, keep this fight in the centre of the battlefield
She is leading us into a trap isn't she?
Also I love Kaz' constant flashbacks, they are starting to be more like a recurrent joke in the series.

>>4154724
>>If I don't go along she'll just snipe at me from the trees, better we both have the forest covering.

>>4154724
>Push her forward, keep this fight in the centre of the battlefield.
Pls be gentle Crit Machine

Calling for
>Push her forward, keep this fight in the centre of the battlefield.

Roll 1d100, BO3.

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>4154762

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>4154762

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>4154762
Time to make the non believers shut up.
Also should have voted on Kaz for easy wins.

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>4154762
Just seeing what could have been

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>61

You fix your footing as Tami's knife clashes with your sword, pushing forward in an attempt to send her back. She's strong, but a well placed boot is able to send the hunter flying back towards the centre. You follow up with a charge towards Tami, but she is quick to outmanoeuvre you. She leaps up, rebounding off your shoulders as she launches herself into the air, spinning and preparing her bow. Two shots, that you just about manage to deflect, but Tami's landing comes in the branch of a tree.

"Hey, get down from there!" you yell instinctively.

"No thanks!" she replies, leaning down one of the branches and staring at you. "So Kaz, when are you going to take this fight seriously?"

"I am!"

Tami chuckles. "I don't think so. Even I've been going easy on you!"

She's trying to get under your skin, isn't she?

Tami pulls herself up and disappears into the tree. Before you know it, you're finding an arrow flying from an unexpected direction. You leap back, but it grazes your knee. "Gah!"

You hear Tami's laughs from the trees. You can't let her embarrass you like this.

>Chase her through the trees.
>Summon your rifle, play a game of ranged attacks.

>>4154790
>Cut the Trees down! Reduce her options!
S T R A T T I M E

>>4154790
>>Chase her through the trees.

>>4154790
>>Summon your rifle, play a game of ranged attacks.
This almost never works
BUT MAYBE IT WILL THIS TIME HA HA

>>4154790
>Chase her through the trees.
Even Kaz isn't stupid enough to challenge an archer to a ranged fight.

>>4154792
That's not very environmentally friendly bud

>>4154790
>>Chase her through the trees.
Kaz is a surprisingly good shoot, but not even near on Tami's level.

>>4154790

>Chase her through the trees

All these "plz bully me" options for Kaz

Calling for
>Chase her through the trees.

Roll 1d100, BO3.

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>4154811

Rolled 12 (1d100)

>>4154811

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>4154811
Les go

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>4154811

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>4154811
>>4154818
Nvm Kaz is back on the fight.

>>4154818
AYYYY CLUTCH

>>4154818
Ayyyyyyoooooo no sweeps today

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>91

You don't hesitate to pursue Tami, knowing her approach is to act as the hunter. If you meet her head on, she's at a disadvantage.

You leap up, making your way into the trees yourself, hoping from branch to branch.

"H-hey!" Mai yells. "Get back here guys! We can't see the fight anymore!"

"I don't know..." Hanako mutters. "Not having to see the fight is kind of... nice. Less stressful."

You hop from branch to branch, never staying in one place too long. If you stop moving, you'll be a ripe target for Tami. But how are you going to find her before she finds you?

... You have an idea.

You take out your music player, turning the music up on it before placing it down in the cove of a tree. You move out of the way, and wait.

Soon, an arrow flies in from the west, embedding the bark of the tree with the music player. She's scouting you by the sound you make, and you just got her tricked. And now you know where she's sitting.

You charge for the location, and Tami doesn't stand a chance. As you burst through the leaves, you just see Tami's surprised face as you tackle her, the both of you flying from the tree and smashing into the trunk of another. You see the panic in Tami's face as she realises her bow flew from her hands.

"Taking this seriously, huh?" Tami smirks.

"You told me!" you fire back, as Tami draws her knife.

You back up to dodge her swipe, as she rolls under your reach, trying to rush through to be reunited with her bow.

>Cut her off, get between her and the bow again.
>Summon your rifle and fire while she's on the run.
>Keep her away from the bow, knock her back a few feet with a jumping kick.

>>4154870
>>Keep her away from the bow, knock her back a few feet with a jumping kick.

>>4154870
>>Keep her away from the bow, knock her back a few feet with a jumping kick.
Kind of wanted to vote for option 2 for extra disrespect but that might be dangerous. So let's go for something safe and effective.

>>4154870
>Cut her off, get between her and the bow again.

>>4154870
>>Keep her away from the bow, knock her back a few feet with a jumping kick.
DIVEU KICKYU

Calling for
>Keep her away from the bow, knock her back a few feet with a jumping kick.

Roll 1d100, BO3.

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>4154900

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>4154900

>>4154906
BIG YEET

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>4154900
Can't be the crit machine without her bow.

>>4154906
What is this sorcery?

>>4154906
We killin it today bois

Taking a slight break, then writing!

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>97

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

Tami charges for her bow, but you're there to meet her in the process. A swift kick from the side, and Tami goes flying into a tree, smashing through. She lands on her feet, but you can see the fear setting in on the usually composed hunter. "Kaz, you..." she grunts.

"You wanted me to take this seriously."

Tami shakes her head. "I still have my tricks."

Tami throws her knife, forcing you to deflect it, giving her the opening to retrieve her bow. Instead of going on the offence after rolling through and grabbing her weapon, Tami starts sprinting back to the battlefield. You give chase and as you reach the crowd, Tami spins around and fires. Her arrow flies through the air, but a quick swing and you deflect it back at her.

In a snap move, Tami raises her knife to block it, the force of the arrow knocking her dagger from her hand. As you come down and swing, Tami instinctively raises her bow in defense.

With a clean swipe, you slash right through the wooden bow, splitting it in two.

The look on Tami's face is one of horror as she drops to her knees.

"You're out of... weapons..." you mutter, as you look to the defeated Tami, who is un-moving and refusing to fight back.

... Oh no... you destroyed her bow.

"Tami, I..." you mutter. "Sorry, I got a little carried away and-"

"My... my bow..." Tami mutters, beginning to sniff as her eyes water. "My... my boooooow! WHAAAAAA!"

Not holding back her tears, Tami cries like a child who just saw their favourite teddie bear torn in half.

"I don't understand," Kuin mutters. "It's just one bow, it's easy to replace! She's probably gone through hundreds, knowing her!"

Risa shakes her head. "I've only seen her use the one... her mother's bow."

Damn... you didn't mean to... it just happened.

"Tami, I'm so sorry..." you mutter. "I never would have intended to-"

"Forfeit."

"What?"

"... Forfeit..." Tami picks herself up, holding onto the two remaining halves of her mother's bow.

Hirashi hesitates, but eventually blows her whistle. "Uhh... the winner is Kazuma Asai!"

>No, hold on! Tami, you can't give up! What about making your dad proud? We have that same determination, don't we?
>I can't accept a win by forfeit. Please, don't give up the fight yet.
>Tami, I'm sorry. I... I'll help fix the bow up, I promise. It'll be good as new.

>>4154976
>Tami, I'm sorry. I... I'll help fix the bow up, I promise. It'll be good as new.
Oh
Oh no
You turned my big yeet against me

>>4154976
>Tami, I'm sorry. I... I'll help fix the bow up, I promise. It'll be good as new.
Fucking wow Kaz

>>4154976
>No, hold on! Tami, you can't give up! What about making your dad proud? We have that same determination, don't we?

Be the dumbass all your friends know you to be Kaz

>>4154976
>No, hold on! Tami, you can't give up! What about making your dad proud? We have that same determination, don't we?
Rip mom

>>4154976
>>Tami, I'm sorry. I... I'll help fix the bow up, I promise. It'll be good as new.

I'd just say 'Sorry, I got way too into it.' The rest seems...well, it's Kaz enough.

Calling for
>Tami, I'm sorry. I... I'll help fix the bow up, I promise. It'll be good as new.

Writing now.

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>Tami, I'm sorry. I... I'll help fix the bow up, I promise. It'll be good as new.

"It's... not about that..." Tami mutters as she shuffles back to the spectators... then walks past them entirely, stepping away from the crowd. She hands Ninsei the two halves of the bow as she shuffles out of sight.

"Tami?" Ninsei mutters. "I'll talk to her."

You shake your head. "No, I'll do it. I'm the one at fault here."

You take the bow halves from Ninsei's hand, and with some tape, you tightly place the halves back together. It's not the perfect fix, but you can do better after speaking with Tami.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV4BlAlrIlk

You find her sitting in the courtyard, looking out over the school.

"Hey..." you mutter as you approach, presenting the bow to her. "Again, I'm sorry."

Tami shakes her head as she takes it back. "It's okay... I'm not angry with you. It wasn't your fault, I threw the bow up like an idiot. I just... was reminded of something."

"What?"

Tami sighs. "I went in there so desperate to prove... I was good enough. To impress my father. He wasn't going to see it, and he wasn't going to care, but somehow I got it into my head that I might... get his respect. His love."

You place your hands in your pockets, a defeated slouch as you speak. "I... get that. I've went so hard to prove I was as good as my dad... and he isn't here. I don't even know if he's still alive."

"I was so focused on gaining the love of my father... I ended up losing one of the last connections I had left to the parent who really did care about me."

"Tami..."

Tami gives a small laugh through watery eyes. "I don't get it, Kaz. If someone can't find love for their own children, then surely they don't deserve anyone's time. Yet... I find myself seeking that distant love all the more because of it. Why is that?"

>We humans are messed up that way, I guess.
>You're a hunter. You're always going to try and catch what you don't have.
>If I knew, I would tell you. I've been wondering that myself.

>>4155030
>If I knew, I would tell you. I've been wondering that myself

>>4155030
>>If I knew, I would tell you. I've been wondering that myself.
Fuck
big sad and parallels
~~also chance to improve friendship.~~

>>4155030
>I've been wondering that myself. I guess something about it makes us think it was our fault even if it wasn't.

>>4155030
>We humans are messed up that way, I guess.

>>4155030
>If I knew, I would tell you. I've been wondering that myself.
At least Kaz is self conscious enough to know that he is pretty messed up in the head:

>>4155030
>>If I knew, I would tell you. I've been wondering that myself.

Calling for
>If I knew, I would tell you. I've been wondering that myself.

Writing now.

File: Tami17.jpg (172 KB, 1240x1754)

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>If I knew, I would tell you. I've been wondering that myself.

Tami lets out a sigh. "No easy answers, is there? Was... your father...?"

You shake your head. "We aren't in the exact same boat. My dad... he couldn't be around often, busy with the school, but the times he did visit he spent every waking moment with me and Kiriko. He'd become a superdad, fit all he could in the short time we could spend together."

"I can see why you miss him so much, then..." Tami smiles. "My dad would rather be dead than spend time with me... psh, who needs him, right?"

"Right," you smile back, offering a hand. "Come on, pal."

Tami takes your hand, and admires her bow. "Gonna need a lot more than tape to fix this... it's crooked."

"Then I'll fix it right," you reply.

"WE'LL fix it right," Tami corrects you. "Friends?"

"Friends."

As you return, you see Act yawning. "Well, it seems it's growing late, and since I legally can't keep you here past school hours-"

"I can't believe you listened to me!" Takeshi exclaims, before clearing his throat. "Ahem, I mean... that's right. You can't, the kids need rest, and have study to do before the year end exams."

Act rolls her eye. "Sure, Shusaku. The semis and the finals will take place at the crack of dawn tomorrow."

Mai examines the bracket closely as the others begin to discuss the next day's events. "Roka vs Kazuma... ehh."

"What do you mean, eh?!" Ukon speaks up. "It's the fired up ultimate battle between two forever rivals who never got their final conclusion!"

"I'm over it," Mai shrugs. "They fight almost every day, it's nothing new. Now, Makoto vs Amaya should be interesting..."

Chihiro shakes her head. "Oh no, I dread to think of it. It ruffles my feathers in a horrid way to imagine two caring siblings having to do battle!"

File: Keiji01.jpg (465 KB, 850x850)

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"Feathers..." Keiji mutters. "That's right... Toriyama, you unlocked your angel form, haven't you?"

"Why, yes I did!" Chihiro beams proudly. "One of the few humans to ever do so, I hear!"

Keiji nods. "And the Aoki girl too... it's becoming more frequent. Perhaps the connection to the Elder One is growing stronger..."

"Or we're just that kickass," Ryoji suggests. "Maybe you didn't consider that."

Keiji shakes his head. "All awakened humans... well, the awakened aren't truly humans at all. They're angels on earth without a greater beyond to reside in, not until the day of the Elder One's revival. The act of attaining your angel form is no transformation, merely realising your true self. The one you always were."

Makoto perks his head up. "Senpai, you know an awful lot of the legends. Even the people who attended this school for the most part aren't believers."

"Me included," Ryoji points out. "I don't give two shits about your mumbo jumbo."

"I'm surprised you haven't seeked out your angel yet, Shida... after all, it's the trick to dispelling your demon."

Ryoji pauses. "... What?"

Keiji shakes his head. "Oh, now you're willing to hear the solution to your problem? Put simply, a demon cannot possess a fully formed angel. If you were to awaken to your true self, you and your demonic counterpart would... separate."

Alice pauses. "Without killing it?"

"Yes. It would be expelled from your body, and you can live on as two separate beings," Keiji points out. "Not that I see any point in sparing the demon."

"I'd like to!" Alice exclaims. "Dreamer is my friend!"

You didn't realise how quickly you gravitated to the conversation once you began eavesdropping, but now you stand before Ryoji and Keiji.

>That's great news, Ryoji! Do that, and you don't have to deal with that demon anymore!
>Well, Ryoji and Alice's demons have been more help than good when dealing with the bad guys... so why get rid of them?
>Ryoji can't become an angel, he's not really an awakened one. At least, he can't hurt demons at all.

>>4155098
>>Ryoji can't become an angel, he's not really an awakened one. At least, he can't hurt demons at all.
I'm really feeling this one

>>4155098
>>Ryoji can't become an angel, he's not really an awakened one. At least, he can't hurt demons at all.
INNNNNNNNNNTERESTINGGG

>>4155098
>Ryoji can't become an angel, he's not really an awakened one. At least, he can't hurt demons at all.

>>4155098
>Ryoji can't become an angel, he's not really an awakened one. At least, he can't hurt demons at all.
Or if you can read between the lines - "Ryoji can't become an angel, he's a fucking cunt."

>>4155098
>>Ryoji can't become an angel, he's not really an awakened one. At least, he can't hurt demons at all.
Would like to pick the second choice but this is also true, Ryoji was 100% weak punny human before Stranger.
Also wow Keiji is just spitting lore bombs.

>>4155107
>Keiji shakes his head. "Oh, now you're willing to hear the solution to your problem? Put simply, a demon cannot possess a fully formed angel. If you were to awaken to your true self, you and your demonic counterpart would... separate."
So what the hell did Nina do to herself to remove her demon without holywater or becoming a meme angel
AND turn herself into a emotionless husk?

Calling for
>Ryoji can't become an angel, he's not really an awakened one. At least, he can't hurt demons at all.

Writing now.

>>4155115
>Not realising that Archangels and Archdemons are just different coloured parasites that consume their host and pilot them as meat suits
Remove Lawfags and Chaosfag

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>Ryoji can't become an angel, he's not really an awakened one. At least, he can't hurt demons at all.

"He's right," Ryoji nods. "Without Stranger, I can't do anything to demons... and that jackass has been pretty absent lately, anyway. Without him around I’m just an ordinary human."

"You can't hurt them, but you can still see them?" Keiji points out. “That’s hardly the markings of an ordinary human.”

“What can I say,” Ryoji shrugs. “Fact of the matter is that I can’t become angel, and I certainly…”

Ryoji trails off, before letting out a sigh, retrieving his pack of cigarettes from his front pocket. “Forget about it. Look, I gotta go. Me and Maro have gotta meet and talk about a new problem that popped up.”

“New problem?” you ask.

“Don’t worry about it Kouhai,” Ryoji explains. “It’s just…”

He shakes his head, unable to finish his sentence. With a heavy breath, her moves on. “Hey, Ryoji…” you call out to him, but he ignores you, walking back.

As he leaves, Kaiya creeps up behind her brother. “Will I see the meat boy?”

“No,” Keiji explains. “He needs to recover. And you need your own rest.”

“I would like to-”

“Kaiya,” Keiji interrupts in a scolding tone.

Kaiya stops talking, and follows her brother back to the dorms upon his command.

>Later that evening

You arrive back at the dorms after a visit to Chuichi in the nurses’ office. Tekina says he’ll be fine with bedrest, but shouldn’t move for the next day at least. Chuichi didn’t seem to care that he’d be missing out on the rest of the tournament… which is no surprise. Poor guy… he was still broken up over his fight with Kaiya, he wasn’t his usual joking self. Even Mio’s attempts to cheer him up were fruitless. Sae even tried to share food with him to no avail.

When you arrive back to your dormroom, you see Makoto already fast asleep in bed like the responsible kid he is, but Roka remains sitting at the edge of his bed.

“How is he?” Roka asks.

“Didn’t think you’d care.”

“I don’t,” he responds. “Just thought I should ask.”

You sigh. “He’ll be fine… with time. I figured you’d be out training, or at least getting your rest already.”

Roka shakes his head. “There’s something I want you to see.”

Oh, really? Now this is curious…

Roka holds up what appears to be a photograph before handing it to you. You examine the photo, and in it you see a young child with scraggly black hair posing with an old man, both decked out in black gis.

“This is you?”

“Yeah. Me and old man Kanashido, my trainer. Same guy who-”

“-Trained my dad, I know.” You give a shrug. “Why are you showing me this? To brag about receiving training in my father’s style when I didn’t? To show off your afro-like hair as a kid? To-”

“Look closer, idiot.”

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You look back at the photo, and the finer details become apparent to you. That’s…

“Those bruises…” you mutter. “The blood…”

“You never wondered why my face is split in half?” he remarks, pointing out the large scarring across his nose.

You shake your head. “I figured it was in a gang fight, or something.”

“I was the dorky kid who dressed as a hero!” he fires back. “You think I was in a gang? Look… the Shadow Style I was taught… there’s a reason the old man only took on two students ever. The training process is… life-threatening. It takes a part of your soul and your spirit in order to master it.”

You find yourself at a loss for words as Roka continues. “There’s a reason your dad never trained you in the style. He was never going to put his own son through all that pain… and he’s a better man for it.”

“That’s easy for you to say,” you fire back. “You already reaped the benefits. You can’t appreciate the guidance you received along the way. I had to teach myself everything!”

“And you did, didn’t you?” Roka explains. “Frost style, Shadow style… whatever. You’re making your own form of fighting, from the ground up. Master yourself, then bring those techniques to me… I want to test myself against it.”

Of course, it all comes back to wanting to fight you. “Sure, I will,” you promise.

As you lay in bed that night, your thoughts turn to his words. Forging your own path… it’s like what Amaya said to Risa in their fight. You’re creating your own style? You never thought about it that way. Problem is… you have no idea what that style is supposed to be. What is that style? How can you master something that hasn’t been created yet? What kind of fighter are you?

Just… who is Kazuma Asai supposed to be?

END OF EPISODE 34

>>4155254
OOOOOF ROKA BABY PLZ

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

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Thanks for playing! It's real good to be back, and I promise the wait for the next thread won't be anywhere close to as long! In fact, expect it within the next week! Follow the Twitter for any updates!

>Player Questions
What were your thoughts on the fights this episode? Who do you see winning in the final four? And what is the deal with Makoto and Amaya's family?

>>4155270
Thanks for running Booker.

>PQ
Fights were good, definitely didn't expect Amaya to go popping out her limbs, still fully expect one of the twins to sweep it though.

>>4155270
Thanks for Running Booker
>what is the deal with Makoto and Amaya's family?
Incest and inbreeding, like all circus folk and royals

>>4155270
Good run boo

Amaya fight was dope and I can't believe Kaz became the new crit machine. Circus freaks are mysterious and will prob win the tourney