After lunch, and with Hanna calm again, the four friends head back to the dojo to train for the tournament the following day. After a swift warm-up, they pair off to duel, Rob with Danny, Hanna with Maria.

"I never did find out who you're all facing in the first round tomorrow," Hanna asks as she tests the weight of the shinai Maria just handed to her.

"As it happens, we're fighting each other," Rob answers, referring to Danny as the boys line up ready to duel.

"Really?" Hanna asks in surprise, taking her position opposite Maria. "I thought the seeding would have kept you apart for a round or two?"

"Turns out there was a miscalculation," Danny explains as the two pairs begin duelling exercises. "Anyway, doesn't matter. I'm looking forward to it."

"Me too," Rob adds. "We'll be able to put on quite a show for the audience, to make up for your fight lasting ten seconds," he teases.

"Funny," Hanna replies deadpan. "What about you, Maria? Who's your first fight?"

"I'd… rather not say," Maria replies timidly.

"Well, I know you're not up against me, and you can't be up against those two," Hanna presses, referring to the boys. "You're not up against that guy who keeps flirting with you, are you?" she asks, concerned.

"Him?" Maria answers. "He's icky, but he doesn't scare me."

"I take it the person you're facing first tomorrow does then?" Hanna inquires. Maria nods a confirmation. "I have to admit I'm struggling to-" Hanna pauses as the realisation hits her. "Oh. You're fighting Sash."

"Yeah," Maria sighs almost silently. "I've never been so scared of anyone before," she continues quietly.

"It's all talk," Hanna assures. "She's just trying to psyche everyone else out."

"Like you do?" Maria asks.

"Yes," Hanna confirms. "The difference is I have the skills to back it up."

"Do you not remember what Leader Metharom said?" Rob asks.

"That Sash passed Basic quicker than me and broke most of my records in the process?" Hanna replies. "Yes, I totally forgot," she adds sarcastically.

"But she won't hold herself back like you do," Maria interjects.

"In my first tournament, I was as cocky as she is now-" Hanna begins.

"Then I creamed you in the first round," Rob smirks.

"Thanks for reminding me," Hanna growls. "My point is," she continues neutrally, "I talked a big game, but when the time came, I couldn't deliver. And it'll be the same with Sash."

"Really?" Maria asks, hopeful.

"Really," Hanna assures. "Still, it's probably worth us all focussing on your preparation, just in case."

"And work out ways to defend from those hair whips," Rob adds.

"That'll be tricky," Danny continues. "You can't just block or deflect: the whips will just wrap the shinai and pull it out of your hands. You might be able to parry, but it'll be tricky. Logically, your best bet is to dodge and counter-strike."

"Two things you do have going for you are your size and agility," Hanna reminds. "So my recommendation is to keep moving and tire her out. And once she's tired, then you go for the win."

"I can do that!" Maria chimes.

"Good," Hanna smiles.


A few hours later, with training over, Hanna takes a moment to recheck the full draw list. Ah, there's Maria's match… the winner of which faces me. Which means even if Maria loses, Sash will be too tired to match me.

I've got this in the bag!