A/N: This story takes place after Remote Island Syndrome and replaces the Endless Eight sequel.

Originally completed in October 2011, 2013 revisions include Kyon telling us the story, additional dialogue, named chapters removed, and Tsuruya added to the story.

The events expressed in this fiction are those of the author. Characters related to TMOHS belong to Nagaru Tanigawa. All other characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons or outside anime characters is purely coincidental. References to obstacle courses and Mount Midoriyama are the sole copyright of Women of Ninja Warrior (Kunoichi).

Rated T for Minor Language and Crude Humor


Prologue

I don't know why Haruhi gets us into these mundane activities. Matter of fact, I don't even know—yet I do—why I have to be involved in them. I remembered the baseball game, that recent week of events on the island at that mansion, along with other activities that I could make a list and explain, but I really don't want to because I don't really have the time to make a list. Wow, that sentence was broad and wordy but I can't think right now. Let me explain on why I sound down, and worried...

I'm not at home enjoying what's left of my summer vacation like I should be. Instead, I'm halfway across the continent of Japan at an event where women are fighting to become Kunoichi (or what's called Women of Ninja Warriors for Americans). While I should be thrilled to see this event up close as I have on TV, I'm not because I am concerned for the girl that is on this rope about 47 feet from the ground. And this isn't just a normal girl either, it's her. The same girl that would make my life a living hell since the moment we met at the start of North High. Yes, I am talking about Haruhi Suzumiya... Her. She is on this obstacle called the Skyway Pole and it's the last obstacle before she can win Kunoichi. Only problem: there is a time limit and she has 15 seconds left on the clock! She said before the event started that the obstacles were easy and I had nothing to worry about, but yet there she is taking a moment to compose herself before ascending the pole at a moderate pace. The obstacle before this one, the Double Ladder Climb, had apparently tired her out, something unusual to happen to Haruhi despite her athletic abilities, especially since she got this far. If she doesn't make it to the top within the next few seconds, I have a feeling the apocalypse will begin shortly.

Should I also mention that I'm not the only one here at this event watching Haruhi climb that rope? Other than the large crowd that is around us cheering Haruhi on, Koizumi is to my left and has a concerned look on his face. Typically, I'd expect to see him smiling as always but he wasn't. He noticed that I was staring at him and he sighed before saying: "It appears that this stage is too much for Miss Suzumiya."

No shit Sherlock! Why do I sound rude? It's because there is a reason to be concerned when it comes to Haruhi. If you knew Haruhi, she does not like to lose at anything, ever. If she was to lose, a lot was at stake... and it wouldn't be the lost of losing out on Kunoichi, it would mean the end of the world, hint the fact on what I said about an apocalypse occurring soon. I along with the four others and the crowd were surprised to see her fly through the three stages earlier, but this last stage was taking a toll on Haruhi.

Regarding the "four others," Koizumi is not the only person here with me. In front of him are Nagato, Asahina and Tsuruya. Ironically, Haruhi forced these three to participate in this event as well, but things didn't go well for both of them and here they are, watching Haruhi climb this rope. Nagato was standing there in her monotone expression as always as she looked at Haruhi ascend the rope. Asahina was standing there with her fists balled as she watched Haruhi ascend, just 3 feet from victory, and Tsuruya was next to Asahina cheering Haruhi on. I had to warn Nagato, Koizumi and Asahina to not cheat during the competition. As long as there were no unusual events that occurred to the other participants though magic, time traveling or esper powers, Haruhi should be able to climb the rope on her own will.

Suddenly in the distance, there is the sound of an alarm in the background. And it's loud. It's the warning that time is running out. Haruhi was just 2 feet from victory and still straining to reach the top. I can see in the distance the countdown timer now at 10 seconds and counting...

9...

8...

7...

As the countdown is close to an ending, I hear the announcer yell, "Suzumiya is close to victory! Will she be the next Kunoichi?" Haruhi had managed to ascend once more.

6...

5...

4...

Come on Haruhi. I know you can do this, I thought, but that was the problem. Could she do this? And why were we at this competition in the first place? Well, let me take you back to two weeks ago, where all this began...