As the fighting festival progressed, Zodiac and Himitsu each competed in four matches, erging victorious in all. They sat together, awaiting the comncent of the next bout.
Himitsu: Man, I'm still shocked that I've won all my fights so far.
Zodiac: I'm not surprised. All my opponents were weak. I expected this place to have skilled fighters. (Shakes his head)
Himitsu: I wouldn't go that far. So of my matches were pretty tough.
Zodiac: Tough for you.
After a brief interval, the referee called for the next fighters.
Referee: Can we have competitors 69 and 11 proceed to the arena!
As the referee announced the numbers, competitor 11 made his way to the arena, donning a hood and wielding chained weapons. Himitsu and Zodiac observed intently.
Himitsu: Look at that guy. He has an interesting weapon.
Zodiac: He's using chains with blades on the ends. I can already tell he's going to be a long-range fighter.
Himitsu: Even if he is, I don't think I'll have too much trouble.
Zodiac: You say that now, but unpredictability can arise. Stay focused.
Himitsu: Yeah, yeah. Don't worry, I've got this.
Himitsu then approached the arena, taking his position on the opposite side.
Referee: Alright! On the right side, we have Himitsu! And on the left side, we have Zen!
Himitsu glanced at Zen, who maintained a stoic expression and remained silent.
Himitsu: (Muttering to himself) Is this guy trying to intimidate ? That's not going to work!
Referee: Alright! Let's begin in three, two, one, fight!
As the fight comnced, Gram was making his way to the restroom.
Gram: Alright, where is the restroom?
He searched for the facilities and spotted a washroom sign.
Gram: Ah, there it is.
As he approached, a man stopped him.
Gram: Hey!
Man: Back there.
Gram: What?
Man: (Points) Back there.
The man pointed behind him, indicating a long line for the n's restroom.
Gram: What the—Seriously?!
Man: You'll have to wait back there.
Gram: But I really need to use the restroom!
Man: Well, that sucks. You've got to wait in line like the rest of us.
Gram: This is so dumb! I'm going to pee my pants!
Man 2: Waa, waa, waa. Toughen up!
Frustrated, Gram walked to the back of the line.
Gram: (Arms crossed) Man! I'm going to pee my pants!
A man dressed entirely in black, with a hoodie obscuring his face, spoke from behind him.
Man: If you really need to use the restroom, there's another n's washroom on the other side, near the fighting arena.
Gram turned around.
Gram: Wait, seriously?
Man: Yes, but you didn't hear it from .
Gram: Cool! Thanks, man.
Man: No worries.
Gram started to walk away but turned back to ask the man sothing.
Gram: Wait, wh—
When he turned again, the man had vanished.
Gram: Hmm... where did he go? Eh, I don't care; I need to use the restroom.
Gram made his way to the n's washroom on the other side, where the weapon festival was taking place. anwhile, the focus returned to Himitsu and Zen's fight, with Himitsu dodging and blocking Zen's long-range attacks. When Himitsu attempted to close the distance, Zen quickly sent his chains flying toward him. Himitsu blocked them but was pushed back. Frustration mounted as he struggled to land a hit on Zen.
Himitsu: (to himself) Co on! This guy is really getting on my nerves!
Zodiac watched the fight closely, muttering to himself.
Zodiac: Himitsu is having a hard ti closing the gap with this opponent.
Suddenly, Zodiac noticed a strange dark green substance on Zen's blade.
Zodiac: What is that?
As Himitsu continued to be pushed around, Zodiac yelled his na to get his attention.
Zodiac: Himitsu!
Himitsu turned to look at Zodiac.
Himitsu: Huh? What is it, Zodiac?
Zodiac: Don't let his blade touch you!
Himitsu: What do you an?
Just then, Himitsu glanced back at Zen, who launched his weapon with such speed that Himitsu had no ti to react. Zen's blade pierced through Himitsu's chest, causing him to yell in pain. Zen retracted the chain, leaving Himitsu in shock. As the hit landed, Gram walked by and witnessed the incident.
Gram: Dang, he got him right in the chest.
Himitsu: Oww, you cheap bastard! You're going to regret that!
Himitsu charged at Zen, but he began to feel dizzy and collapsed to the ground, his vision blurring.
Gram: Wait, I recognize that look—he's been poisoned! That man poisoned him!
Himitsu: W-what...the...hell...
Zen smirked as he approached Himitsu and punched him in the face, sending Himitsu rolling on the ground.
Zodiac realized what was happening.
Zodiac: Now I understand. Himitsu has been poisoned.
Gram starts to run toward the arena, pushing through the crowd while yelling.
Gram: Stop!
The noise is so overwhelming that no one can hear him.
Gram: Stop! Stop! Stop the fight!
Zodiac catches sight of Gram as he forces his way through the throng.
Zodiac: What in the world? Isn't that the guy we ca across earlier?
Himitsu struggles to pick himself up, breathing heavily and sweating. Zen finally speaks up.
Zen: You okay there, buddy? You don't look so good. (Smiling)
Himitsu: What... did... you... do... to... ?
Zen: I don't think I need to explain that.
Zen swings at Himitsu again. Himitsu raises his sword to block, but he's too slow; the blow lands, pushing him back further. The poison coursing through his body accelerates, and he begins to spit out blood. Zodiac grows increasingly worried.
Zodiac: If this fight continues, Himitsu is going to die.
Gram is still shouting.
Gram: Stop the fight!!
The referee notices Gram on the sidelines.
Referee: What the—why is he yelling?
Gram: STOP!! THE FIGHT!!
The referee calls for a halt.
Referee: Stop! Stop the fight.
Gram: Finally!!!
He rushes to the center of the arena to check on Himitsu.
Gram: Are you okay?
Himitsu: Ye-yeah, I'm...
Suddenly, Himitsu collapses to the ground, unconscious. Gram kneels down, cradles his head, and lifts it.
Referee: What's happening?
Zen: What's happening is that I win.
Gram: What? No! You cheated! You poisoned him!
Zen: Well, whatever secures your victories. (Laughs)
Gram turns to the referee.
Gram: He cheated!
Referee: Ugh...
Zodiac thinks to himself: Even though that guy used a cheap tactic to defeat Himitsu, the rules didn't address poison, aning Zen still claims victory.
Gram: Isn't that illegal?
Referee: (Consulting a festival rulebook) Ugh... The only rule is not to kill.
Gram: What! So he's allowed to use poison!?!
Referee: Ugh... Yes, he is permitted.
Zen: So I guess I win. (Laughs)
Gram: This is stupid!
He begins to lift Himitsu and exits the arena.
Referee: Umm... Well then, it appears Zen is the winner!
Most of the crowd falls silent, while a few voice their displeasure.
Gram: (Carrying Himitsu) I've got you, man. Don't worry, I won't let you die.
Zodiac notices Gram carrying Himitsu and approaches him.
Zodiac: What do you think you're doing?
Gram: What?! You again!
Zodiac: I asked, what do you think you're doing?
Gram: What do you think I'm doing? I'm going to save your friend.
Zodiac: And what makes you think I can trust you?
Gram shakes his head, disregarding Zodiac, and places Himitsu on the ground.
Gram: Alright, buddy.
Gram retrieves a bottle of green liquid from his belt and shakes it.
Zodiac: (Thinking) What kind of substance is that?
Gram looks at Zodiac.
Gram: Can you open his mouth?
Zodiac: Why can't you do it yourself?
Gram: (Angrily) JUST OPEN HIS MOUTH!!!
Zodiac begins to shake his head.
Zodiac: I think your friend was right; you do have anger issues.
Zodiac bends down to assist Gram. Gram tilts Himitsu's head back and pops the lid open. Zodiac holds Himitsu's mouth open while Gram pours the liquid down his throat.
Gram: There.
Zodiac: Now what?
Gram: 3, 2, 1.
Himitsu rises, fully recovered.
Himitsu: AHHHHHH!
Zodiac: Can you stop yelling? The fight is over.
Gram: (Laughs) It works every ti.
Himitsu looks around and sees Zodiac and Gram beside him.
Himitsu: Wait, what are you doing here?
Gram: (Crosses his arms) I just saved you.
Himitsu: You saved ? What about my fight? Did I win?
Zodiac: No...
Gram: (Looks at Zodiac) Wow, you're a real piece of work. (Looks at Himitsu) What he ant to say is that he poisoned you, and you lost.
Himitsu begins to feel upset.
Himitsu: That's right. I rember Zodiac trying to warn about his weapon, but I was caught off guard.
Gram: So you're saying Zodiac cost you your fight?
Himitsu: Well, if you put it that way, then I think he did—
Zodiac looks at Himitsu seriously.
Himitsu: (Nervously) Actually, it was my fault. If I hadn't been paying attention, this wouldn't have happened.
Gram: Hmm... I see.
Himitsu: So, what are you doing here anyway? Isn't your friend competing in the hand-to-hand combat arena?
Gram: Yes... I only ca down here to use the restroom because the one on our side has a long line.
Himitsu: A line, you say? I guess a lot of people needed to go. (Laughs)
Gram starts to laugh.
Zodiac: It's really not that funny...
Gram: Well, if you smiled for once, maybe you'd understand.
Zodiac turns his head away.
Zodiac: Whatever.
Himitsu: I just want to thank you for taking care of .
Gram: (scratches his head) It's no big deal, really. (extends his hand) I'm Gram Amora. Nice to et you.
Himitsu: (shakes Gram's hand) Nice to et you too. I'm Himitsu Teniki, and my friend over there is Zodiac.
Gram: Nice to et you both. I also wanted to apologize for that ti I bumped into you.
Himitsu: Oh no, it was my fault for not looking ahead, so I apologize for that.
Gram: (laughs) You know, you're a pretty cool dude.
Himitsu: You're cool too, Gram. (smiles back)
Gram and Himitsu laugh while Zodiac stands nearby, looking annoyed.
Gram: I better head to the restroom and then check out Daru's next fight.
Himitsu: Oh, Daru? That's his na.
Zodiac: Of course it is, you idiot.
Gram: Yes, that's him, Daru. If you two get a break, you should co watch.
Himitsu: Sounds like a great idea, right, Zodiac?
As Himitsu speaks, Zodiac walks away from them and heads back to the arena.
Himitsu: Zodiac!?
Gram: Huh... He seems like a handful. (laughs)
Himitsu: Trust , he is.
Gram: Anyway, I'll see you later.
Gram and Himitsu part ways, with Gram heading to the restroom and Himitsu seeking a seat for Zodiac's next fight. After ten minutes, Gram returns to Kono.
Kono: Oh my goodness! Gram, where have you been?
Gram: Long story, trust .
Kono: Is everything okay?
Gram: Yes, everything's fine. So, what did I miss?
Kono: Um... not much, just a few fights. There was one where a guy got a bloody nose; it was quite unpleasant. (Kono's eyes widen)
Gram: Oh, I see... how fascinating.
As Gram and Kono begin to watch the next match, Daru sits down, visibly upset.
Person 1: Look at him; he's been like that the whole ti.
Person 2: Yes, it's concerning.
Person 1: I just hope I don't get matched with him in my next fight.
Person 2: I feel the sa way.
Referee: Alright, let's get the 10th fight underway!
The crowd erupts in cheers.
Referee: Can I get competitors 15 and 23 to the arena!
Gram: This guy really yells loudly.
Kono: Yes, it gets everyone excited!
Gram: I guess.
Competitors 15 and 23 make their way to the center of the arena.
Referee: Alright, you know the rules!
Competitor 15: Ned.
Competitor 23: Takaka.
Referee: Alright, three, two, one, fight!
Ned and Takaka rush at each other, clashing fist to fist. Ned jumps and delivers an air kick aid at Takaka's head. Takaka raises both hands to block the kick, then grabs Ned's leg and swings him to the ground. The crowd erupts in excitent as Ned crashes face-first onto the mat.
Takaka: (Laughs) How does it feel down there?
Ned responds with a swift kick from his other leg, hitting Takaka in the stomach and freeing himself.
Ned: It wasn't the greatest, but how's your stomach?
Takaka: So you think you're funny, huh?
Ned: Nah, I just think I'm going to win this and take ho the 100,000,000 geo.
Takaka: Not going to happen.
Ned charges at Takaka, who assus a stance that catches Daru's attention.
Daru: What the—
Takaka makes a fist with his right hand, his middle finger slightly extended.
Takaka: (To himself) Let's see how he likes this.
Ned throws a punch aid at Takaka's head; Takaka dodges and counters, striking Ned's right arm. Ned jumps back from the impact.
Ned: What kind of punch was that?
Takaka: It's a technique I learned from my master.
Ned glances at his arm, revealing a dark purple bruise.
Ned: What is happening?
When Ned looks up, Takaka is right in front of him, throwing another punch that lands on Ned's left arm, pushing him back and causing him to fall.
Ned: Ah!
Ned scrambles to his feet, glaring at Takaka.
Daru: That punch! I've seen Rito use that before!
Takaka approaches Ned slowly.
Takaka: It appears you've lost this fight.
Ned: What? No, I haven't.
Ned attempts to assu a fighting stance but finds he cannot lift his arms.
Ned: Wh-What? I can't move my arms!
Takaka: Aww, that's too bad (smiles).
Daru: His arms are paralyzed.
Takaka reaches Ned, who tries to kick, but Takaka headbutts him to the ground before he can connect.
Ned: AHH!!
Takaka: (Laughs) I told you this fight is over!
Takaka then stomps on Ned's leg, breaking it as Ned screams in agony.
Referee: Man, that one's gotta hurt.
Daru: What the hell!
Gram: He just broke his leg!
Kono: Yeah, I know, I saw it too.
Ned: (In pain) You just broke my leg!
Takaka: (Creepily smiling) Would you like to break the other one?
Ned: I fo—
Before Ned can declare his forfeit, Takaka kicks him in the mouth to silence him and then begins to stomp on his face repeatedly.
Daru: This isn't a fight. He's trying to kill him.
Gram: (stands) Is this even allowed?!
Kono: I believe so. The only rule is not to kill.
Gram looks at Kono.
Gram: He is killing him.
Takaka continues stomping on Ned's face, laughing.
Takaka: Weak (stomp), weak (stomp), WEAK!!!!!! (stomp)
Takaka prepares for the final punch in slow motion, going for the last stomp to end the fight.
Gram: I can't watch this.
Kono: Okay, I'll watch it for you.
Just then, Takaka goes for the final stomp but suddenly flies into a wall. Everyone is shocked. Turning to Ned, they see Daru standing in front of him, fist extended from where he punched Takaka. Gram's eyes widen as he recognizes Daru.
Gram: Daru?
Kono: What?!?
Referee: Ugh-ugh-UGH... UGH YOU!! (points at Daru) DISQUALIFIED!!
Gram: What?! DISQUALIFIED?! No, no, no, I need that 100,000,000 GEO!
Daru: I don't care. This festival was getting boring anyway.
Ned looks up slowly, noticing Daru standing before him. As Daru turns to leave the arena, Ned speaks.
Ned: Th-Thank you.
Daru does not look back and puts his hands in his pockets.
Daru: Don't thank ; you need to train harder and get stronger.
Daru exits the arena. As the fighting festival continues, Zodiac wins the remainder of his matches, advancing to the second arena. With the number of fighters reduced to half (80 to 40), Zodiac must win five matches to proceed. He waits for his next fight while Himitsu observes from the bleachers.
Himitsu: All those fights Zodiac had, and not one person was able to beat him. Zodiac is truly amazing.
The scene shifts back to Gram yelling at Daru while Kono observes.
Gram: YOU IDIOT! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU! YOU COULD HAVE WON 100,000,000 GEO!
Daru: Okay.
Gram: OKAY?! THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY?! OKAY?!
Kono: (to herself) This guy always gets angry.
Daru: Are you finished?
Gram: NO! I'M NOT FINISHED. YOU COULD HAVE BEEN RICH, RICH!!
Daru: I don't care about money.
Gram: WELL, I DO!
Daru: Can you stop yelling? If you want the money so badly, you should have signed up.
Gram calms down.
Gram: You know what? I should have; I would have beaten everyone in this festival.
Daru: Yeah... Then you'd end up tied up again by goblins.
Gram: SHUT UP!
Kono: Are you two done yet?
Gram is breathing heavily while Daru looks at Kono.
Daru: Who are you?
Gram: Hey, I'm talking to you.
Gram starts yelling at Daru, who ignores him and continues speaking to Kono.
Kono: Oh, my na is Kono. Kono Sawuda, captain of Maivelance.
Daru: MAIVELANCE?
Kono: Yes, it's the na of my ship in samp—
Gram: DARU!
Daru: WHAT DO YOU WANT, GRAM?
Gram: (puffing) Since you're out of the tournant, we can go watch the other one. I know soone there.
Daru: Who?
Gram: Doesn't matter. Let's go.
Daru: Okay... I suppose we can watch.
Kono: Oh, another tournant! I'm coming too!
Gram: Finally, sothing we agree on.
They head to the other side to watch the ongoing tournant. As they arrive, Gram spots Himitsu sitting down and starts calling his na.
Gram: (jumping and waving) Himitsu! Over here!
Himitsu makes eye contact with Gram.
Himitsu: Hello, Gram! (waving)
Daru then sees Himitsu and recognizes him.
Daru: Wait a minute, isn't that the person who bumped into you earlier?
Gram: Huh? Oh yeah, it is, but we're cool now.
Daru: Did I miss sothing? You said you wanted to beat him up.
Gram: I did, but after I helped him, we beca friends.
Daru: (confused) What? I'm lost.
Gram: I'll explain later. Let's take a seat.
Kono: (running to Himitsu) I call shotgun!
Gram: What? No, that doesn't even make sense! (starts to run.)
Daru: This is going to be so annoying.
They approach Himitsu.
Gram: Hey there, how are you?
Himitsu: I'm doing well, thanks! Zodiac has made it to the second arena!
Gram: That's fantastic news! He must be pretty strong then?
Kono: (eyes wide) Incredible!
Daru: (rolling his eyes) Pff.
Himitsu notices Daru and appears slightly anxious.
Himitsu: Y-you must be Daru.
Daru: Yes, and?
Himitsu: I just wanted to say hello, that's all.
Daru looks at Himitsu, then shifts his gaze to the arena, waiting for the next fight to comnce.
Gram: Don't mind him; he's just a bit stubborn.
Kono: Indeed, he is. I only t him a few minutes ago, and he is quite hard-headed.
Daru looks at Kono, who becos slightly intimidated and looks away.
Himitsu: It's alright; Zodiac is very similar. (Looks at Kono) And who might you be, if I may ask?
Kono: I'm Kono, Kono Sawuda, captain of MAIVELANCE—
Gram: Yes, she bumped into while the referee was explaining the festival rules.
Himitsu: Nice to et you, Kono! I'm Himitsu!
Kono: Nice to et you too. (Smiles)
Referee: LADIES AND GENTLEN, AND ALL CREATURES FROM ALL DINSIONS, IT'S TI FOR THE SEMI-FINALS! HERE ARE YOUR FIGHTERS WHO HAVE MADE IT TO THE NEXT ROUND!
As the referee steps aside, all the fighters walk to the center of the arena, and Daru spots Zodiac.
Daru: (To himself) Hmm... Look who it is.
Zodiac notices Daru staring at him from his seat with Himitsu.
Zodiac: (Thinking) Is that who I think it is? And why is he with Himitsu?
Kono: So which one is your friend, Himitsu?
Himitsu: It's that guy over there with the dual blades on his back. (Points)
Kono: (Eyes wide) Whoa! He looks strong!
Gram: Do you think everyone is strong?
Kono: Huh? No, I simply appreciate strong people.
Himitsu: Well, not to boast, but Zodiac has won every match effortlessly.
Daru: That's because everyone here is weak. I could have accomplished the sa.
Gram: Well, you didn't, did you?
Himitsu: Huh? What are you referring to?
Gram: Oh, Daru was disqualified for interrupting a fight.
Kono: Yes, I witnessed the entire incident.
Himitsu: Really, what happened?
Referee: ALRIGHT, LET'S BEGIN!!
Daru: Shut up, it's starting.
Daru and the others begin to watch.
Referee: To comnce the semi-finals, could fighters number 1 and 11 please proceed to the arena!
Himitsu looks shocked.
Himitsu: Number 11!? That's the guy who poisoned !
Gram: It was number 11!?
Kono: Oh no, what if he does the sa to your friend?
Daru: He'll win.
Gram: What? How can you be so certain?
Daru: Because I just know.
Kono: Wow, Daru is so cool!
Gram: I guess we'll see if he's correct.
As the referee calls the numbers, Zodiac approaches the arena, along with Zen. They face each other.
Referee: Alright! Let's give a round of applause for Zodiac and Zen as they comnce the semi-finals! (Crowd cheers)
Zodiac glances at Zen, noticing they wield the sa weapons and that poison still lingers on Zen's blade.
Zodiac: (Thinking) Looks like this guy plans to poison like he did with Himitsu.
Zen smiles at Zodiac.
Zen: What's the matter? Feeling a bit anxious?
Zodiac: Do a favor and shut up. This is already over.
Zen: Oh, really? Let's find out.
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