Disclaimer: This is a nonprofit fictional story, a FanFiction based on Ken Akamatsu's Negima. I do not own Negima, or most of the other characters included in this work, excepting where it is stated in the author's notes. It is not intended or presented for any commercial profit or personal gain; it is simply a story written for personal fulfillment and presented for public enjoyment, and as an honest homage to the fine story conceived and written by Ken Akamatsu, as well as all the other (innumerable) works that find place herein (and their authors).
Chapter Five: Sharp Mind, Sharp Blade
It is approximately 4:12 PM on the first day of the Festival. To Kain, this is still his third trip through this day.
"Ami!" Yue called. "I thought we weren't going to follow…?"
"Yes, but I'm afraid of what they will end up doing if we leave them alone…." Ami turned and hurried away.
Yue sighed. "Really," she muttered. "Everyone has such bad intentions. Of course, I'm worried too, especially about those three, but….
"Oh, well. I guess I'll spend the rest of the day walking around the Festival stalls alone."
She actually smiled slightly as she considered the situation. ('Do your best, Nodoka,') she thought.
And, lost in thought, she didn't see where she was going, and bumped heavily into someone.
"S-sorry, I wasn't watching where I was…." She stopped and froze as the face turned to her. "What!? You!?"
She gaped at the pair. "K-Kain-sensei!? And Kenjirô-san!?"
"Oh, hello," Kenjirô said politely.
Kain stammered out, "Y-Yue-san!?"
"Weren't you walking away with Nodoka just a second ago?" Yue demanded. "And why on earth are you suddenly dressed like that? What are you still doing here, Kain-sensei!?"
"Eh? Oh, blast," Kain muttered. "It's this time…."
"Come here!" Yue barked, grabbing Kain's wrist and dragging him behind her. "Where's Nodoka? Nodoka!"
"N-no, Yue-san!" Kain pleaded.
"What's up with her?" Kenjirô muttered.
"Ah, it's complicated," Kamo explained from Kenjirô's shoulder.
They were now up on a walkway, and she spotted Nodoka down below, walking beside….
"Kain-sensei!? Two Kain-senseis!? What's going on here!?"
"T-that's…" Kain began.
Yue narrowed her eyes at Kain. "Is this like the school trip, when you had all those fake senseis and just the one real one? The fakes didn't have your cloak…did you send a fake to date Nodoka while you snuck off by yourself!?"
"That's not it!" Kain finally managed. "Both of them are the real me!"
"Both of them are real? I don't understand! Explain this, now!"
A few minutes later, at a café table, Kain did.
"Time…time machine…?" Yue examined the egg. "This little thing…that's what it really is…?"
"Yes…it's a gift from Sakura-san, in exchange for helping her. It's not strictly magic…it uses mana, but relies more on technology (MagiTech, to be precise) and reiatsu to function."
Yue shook her head. "I'm getting used to magic, but still…something like this is just too incredible…."
"I'll say," Kenjirô commented. "Although it explains a few things. This is why you suddenly had enough time to help Kaji-kun with the patrols earlier."
"So…" Yue mused, "you're the Kain-sensei who is going through this day for the third time…."
"Yes…."
"In that case, there's something I want to ask you. The date with Nodoka…did it go well?"
Yue's look was imploring and hopeful, but Kenjirô quickly spoiled it. "Wait…date? And Nodoka is the girl who reads minds, right?"
"I-it wasn't a date…." Kain attempted again. "We just walked around the Festival…."
"No, it was definitely a date," Yue affirmed. She looked at Kain expectantly.
Kain lowered his head and scratched at it. "Well…it…went well enough…there was a little bit of trouble…at the end…."
"Really? Sounds like business as usual for you," Yue quipped. "More importantly…did you both enjoy it?"
["Kain-sensei, today made me really happy. Thank you for everything!"]
"Y-yes, I think so," Kain admitted. "I think we both enjoyed it…Nodoka, especially."
Yue gave her slight, thoughtful smile. "I see. I feel satisfied, hearing that. Thank you."
Kenjirô sighed. "Kain…you're having so much trouble with girls…it's rather pathetic for someone intent on being a warrior."
Kain flushed in shame, but Yue bristled at the comment. "Kenjirô-san…I don't think you have a right to say anything to him. It doesn't have anything to do with you."
Kenjirô shrugged. "Maybe not. But it concerns me if Kain-kun lets himself get weak because of his girl problems. He's my rival, and we still haven't properly settled things between us…."
Yue glowered at him. "I've been wanting to say this to you for a while. You're way too concerned about things like strength, like winning and losing."
"Really? You might think so, since you're an ordinary human, but I'm a Blade-demon hanyô. Battle is in my blood and bones…."
"Is that so? I don't think someone like you will ever become truly strong."
Kenjirô's calm faded as he glowered back at her. "What?"
"'Not knowing what love is means not knowing true power,'" Yue quoted. "You can't dismiss feelings of love or consider them mere trivialities."
Kenjirô stared at her, trying to come up with a retort to this combat. He probably knew something about 'love', but he had set himself up as seeming quite insensitive to the subject with his earlier outburst.
Kain clapped lightly. "As expected of our Philosophy Girl," he commented. "That sounded like a famous quote of some sort…."
"My grandfather was the philosopher who said that," she remarked.
"Very pretty," Kenjirô finally managed. "You mock my concern for 'power'? Without 'power', you can't even protect the things you love. If you walk the path of the warrior, whether it's for yourself or for others, you need strength to pursue that path."
"Noted. But what comes after being 'strong'? Is it simply to hold onto the throne of the strongest? It's impossible to achieve infinite knowledge, infinite power. Those who want power will one day reach a limit. And only after they reach that limit will they see how powerless they really are. If you can't recognize the weakness inherent in your own strength, you understand nothing of your own power. To such ignorant people, your precious test of strength becomes no different than a group of kids at a playground comparing their heights."
Kenjirô threw his hands up in disgust and turned away. "Fine. It's obvious we'll never understand each other. I'm out. Kain-kun…they've pushed the tournament back and given you a reprieve, but don't forget to be there at seven-thirty!" He stalked off.
"Heh…running away because he can't win an argument," Kamo laughed.
"Kamo…" Kain sighed. He turned to Yue. "S-sorry about that…."
"N-no…that was terrible of me…." Yue sighed in turn. "To argue so easily with someone who just thinks differently…that was so immature.
"Grandpa always told me to avoid that bad habit," she explained. "I try to be careful, but…but when he said those things, I just couldn't hold back…."
"Nah, don't worry about it," Kamo chuckled. "It's a good experience for Kenjirô. He needs to learn you can't solve every problem by swinging a sword at it."
"And I thought your passion was very moving," Kain agreed. "You were pretty cool there, Yue-san."
"No, it's quite embarrassing…."
('Yes, so embarrassing…getting into such an argument with Kain-sensei's friend…I need to reflect on my actions….')
She shook herself and started away. "Well, I'll take my leave. I need to get changed and go to a ceremony…."
"Wait, Yue-san." Yue turned back in surprise. "That…if you're free, could you stay with me for a while?"
"…Eh?"
The pair (trio?) shortly found themselves on a steamer making laps around the lake. Yue had changed into a rather odd dress, a kind of medieval peasant girl outfit, with a bonnet and two front braided pigtails (a supplement to her hair she used off and on).
Yue and Kain stood silently next to each other on the bow. Time had passed without either of them speaking.
Yue looked uncomfortably at Kain. ('We left the Festival and came here, and yet we can't find anything to say…and this is the first time I've walked with Sensei like this….'
('It seems he really doesn't have anything to say to me,') her thoughts continued. ('And he looks so tired…. Ahhh…this silence feels so awkward. Even Nodoka can talk easily to him now…think of a topic…something to say….')
"Oh! That's right!" Kain looked over at her in surprise. "There's something I wanted to show you, Kain-sensei."
She withdrew the practice wand Kain had given her from her purse and held it up. "Light," she said easily, and a candle flame appeared above the brandished stick.
"Great!" Kain congratulated her. "Well done! You're really coming along with magic, Yue-san."
"Yep. Well, I've been practicing every day. I can only do some of the most basic spells, but I've gotten good at them. Wind," she demonstrated, causing a light breeze to blow…but not, in this case, cause dresses to suddenly flare up.
She carefully (they weren't quite secluded, after all) demonstrated a few other spells, and then put her wand away. They sat at a bench as Yue continued telling of her adventures in magical exercises.
"Three hours a day, even outside of our trips to Alyssa's villa?" Kain nodded. "Impressive."
"No, it's nothing compared to Sensei…."
"Well, you certainly have rare talent," Kamo commented. "Would you like to make a contract with the kiddo now?"
"Kamo…."
"T-that…."
Kamo laughed heartily as the two blushed and scowled at him.
As Kain sighed and smiled in his attempt to recover his composure, Yue considered him again. ('Good…he's smiling now…he seems better….')
Indeed, Yue's demonstration had seemed to quell the hesitancy he was feeling. He suddenly asked, "Yue-san…right now…do you have anyone you like?"
"Eh!? Wha…wha…what are you saying!? I don't…."
"Ah, no, sorry…it's about Nodoka…."
Yue calmed down quickly at this addendum. "Eh? Nodoka? Did…something bad happen during the date?"
"Oh, no, nothing bad…nothing nearly as bad as could have happened, certainly. We definitely avoided the bad, but…I-I just thought that you might be the only person I could discuss this with….
"The truth is…Nodoka confessed to me again…and, more than that…she kissed me…."
Kamo and Yue both gaped at the flushing face. "Eh…?" Yue managed.
"Ehhhhhhhhh!?" they said in unison.
"I-is that so!?" Yue enthused. ('She did it…well done, Nodoka!')
"Nice, Kiddo!"
"Yeah, yeah…but…." Kain sighed. "The truth is…I don't know how to…to face Nodoka after this…it's even harder than the last time…. I don't feel like I could…like I should…just ignore her…."
Yue calmed down. "Kain-sensei, don't you like Nodoka?"
"That's not it," Kain assured her. "Of course, I like Nodoka…I…I have lots of fun talking with her…I enjoy being with her. But I don't really understand…what it really means…to like girls…and what to do about it…."
Yue considered Kain in confusion. "Of course, I'm a fourteen-year-old young man," Kain continued. "I'm…well…I've reached the age where I find the opposite sex…interesting…but…I can't afford to give in to those feelings. I've got…so many other things I have to think about…."
('That's right…') Yue thought. ('Why didn't I realize…? Kain-sensei is a young man our age, so it's only natural that he'd be interested in girls the way…we…are interested in boys…that's what we thought. But, Kain-sensei didn't have a normal childhood. He's normally been amongst adults, and he didn't have any chance at a normal life. And now, everything around him tells him that he can't be a normal teenager, even though he's surrounded by them…and his own morals shackle him to that…what have we…?')
Kamo was mercifully silent during this rant. Kain continued, "I'm still training…as a mage, and as a teacher…I just don't have time to think about other things…."
"Yes…" Yue said finally. "That's the situation…. Come to think of it, you two are in a teacher-student relationship. So…so if you don't reply until Nodoka graduates, it won't matter…."
"I'm not sure…I thought, maybe that was fine, too…but now, after that…it's obvious that Nodoka is wishing for…something more…."
('Of course…because we've pushed her….')
"No, I don't think Nodoka is hoping for a reply, either."
('…Eh…? What am I saying…? At a time like this, as Nodoka's friend, shouldn't I encourage Sensei? Shouldn't I tell him to think seriously about what he feels about Nodoka…?')
"And also…Nodoka doesn't look like she's really desperate. Ami and I have pushed her too much, but we have told her it's something she needs to think about…."
('No…considering Kain-sensei's situation, this is the proper advice. And for Nodoka also….')
"Nodoka only wanted to show you how she feels. If she knew that Sensei was worrying about this, I don't think Nodoka would be very happy. I think…Sensei should just stay as he is right now, and I think Nodoka would want the same thing, too."
Kain sat staring out, a somewhat blank look on his face. "I see," he said, finally, returning to life. "You're right, of course…that's the best…no, the only solution. I'm glad I asked you, Yue-san. You've helped me realize what I knew already. I feel much better now."
He rose. "If you'll allow me to excuse myself for a moment…I have to visit the restrooms. Thank you very much, Yue-san."
He turned and departed, but Yue stared without moving, her heart frozen by that cheerful smile and heartfelt gratitude. She tried to shake herself awake and call after Kain, but he was gone.
She continued to stare after him. ('It can't be…I….
('I'm the one…feeling so relieved…knowing that Kain-sensei…doesn't have anyone, yet, that he really likes…knowing that Kain-sensei and Nodoka haven't taken a step forward…I feel relieved instead….
('Ah…ah…I…I really am….')
Yue buried her face in her hands, giving out a mournful cry. ('Why do I feel like this!? Am I stupid? Didn't I just do a horrible thing? Tricking Kain-sensei…pretending to know Nodoka's feelings so well…and pretending to give good advice…I really am a stupid fool!')
She sobbed. ('I can't lie to myself like this anymore, no matter how much I try to pretend…no matter how much I suppress my feelings…I worked hard to learn magic, but wasn't it just to take a step towards that side of the world?
('I…I….')
"You really like the kiddo, don't you, Yuecchi?" Kamo asked smugly.
Yue freaked. She had forgotten about him. "Ka-Ka-Ka-Ka-Kamo-san!"
"How kind, suppressing your own feelings for the sake of a friend," Kamo continued sweetly, his voice dripping with syrup.
Yue flushed even worse. Her face was as red as the setting sun. "Wha…!? No, you've got it all wrong!"
"Hohoho…it's no use lying about it," Kamo chortled. "As a spirit of contracts and binding, I can sense human emotions, especially feelings of attachment between people…."
Kamo suddenly produced a scroll and unrolled it. The names of the class members were listed alongside numbers. "I can even measure the various levels of everyone's feelings, and right now, you're at the top in the rate of growth…."
If Yue was panicking before, she was now on the verge of a heart attack. "AAAAAAHHH! PLEASE DON'T SAY IT!"
Kamo vanished the scroll. "Still," he continued snidely, "don't reply until graduation…that was pretty evil, Yuecchi…."
Yue quavered, stuttered, and then finally turned and started dashing off towards the restroom. "I'll go tell Kain-sensei that he should reply to Nodoka right now!"
"Oh, wait a moment…." Kamo's tail suddenly lengthened out in rather cartoonish way, wrapping around Yue's ankle and tripping her, stopping her instantly. "You seem to have misunderstood something, Ojô-chan."
"No! Let me go!"
"If you force the kiddo to reply now, it won't turn out that great. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Hohoho…honestly, it was good advice. The only proper advice."
"Please let me go! I want to go to Kain-sensei…."
Kamo laughed again. "Just be honest, Yuecchi. You've fallen into the forbidden love triangle…although, honestly, that doesn't even begin to describe the competition for Kain's feelings…."
"No, I haven't! Nodoka is my most important…."
"Friend, right? Still…can you be a proper friend when you're hiding your own feelings?"
"N-no…I…." Yue was in tears.
Kamo sighed, and retracted his tail, then appeared in front of Yue's face. "Don't let your conflicted feelings make things worse," he said. "I could see it on your face before…you realized what a mistake you've made. Nodoka-chan would have been perfectly happy watching Kain from afar, rather than pressing her feelings, but you and Ami-chan have been pushing her. Kagome-chan, and even Momo-chan, too, to an extent. Because there are so many girls pursuing his heart, you're afraid of her falling behind, so you've been pushing her. Well, I can't say much, because I'm also partly to blame…but it won't help if you let your silly worries of betraying your friend pressure you…."
"I'm back," Kain remarked. He stared at Yue, kneeling on the floor, only halfway in the act of rising. "Er…did something happen…?"
"NO! NOTHING HAPPENED!"
"Yue-san…are you crying…? Did Kamo say something to you?"
"No! It's just some dust in my eye! Really, nothing happened!"
Some time later, the boat finally docked and the passengers began to disembark.
"I need to go to the Battle Tournament soon," Kain said. "It was supposed to start at 5:30, but then Kenjirô told me they'd pushed it back to 7:30 for some reason. Normally this would be the time that I set aside for patrols, but I was able to do my share earlier, because of the egg…and if needed, I guess I can always run back…." He shook himself awake and focused on his student. "What about you, Yue-san?"
"Well, I have nothing to do before eight…."
"Then, would you like to come and watch? Everyone is coming as well…."
"Eh? Um…."
"Please…as thanks for staying with me and advising me…."
"No…I…there is no need…sorry…."
There was a cough from Kamo. "C'mon, Yuecchi," he implored sweetly, fixing a special stare at her.
Yue tried to hide her furious glower. ('How frustrating…the most annoying person knows the things I wanted to keep secret the very most!')
She dropped her head in despair and played with the bonnet in her hands. ('I'm sorry, Nodoka…it wasn't intentional…everything I said….
('Oh, Grandpa,') she implored, looking at the darkening sky, ('what should I do?')
"Are you sure you didn't do anything to Yue-san?" Kain demanded of his companion. "She looks troubled now…."
"I swear, nothing…really…."
Meanwhile, Nodoka and a previous Kain….
"Is something wrong, Nodoka?" Kain asked, showing his usual combination of attentiveness and cluelessness.
"No, nothing…are there any other good books?"
She glanced around for one in desperation and recoiled anew at the sight of two kissing lovers on its face.
Kain noticed her looking at it, although he could not see the shame on her face. "What's that book?" he asked politely.
Nodoka didn't bother to try and find out, but shoved it away. "N-nothing! No good!"
('I-I can't go thinking about kissing…that sort of stuff….')
And we know how it goes from there….
Because the opening of the tournament had been delayed, there was still a little time left, and so Kain treated Yue to dinner. They ate in good humor, although Kain kept asking about Yue's condition, and she had to assure him that she was fine.
Finally Kenjirô appeared and joined them. "What's up?" Kain asked. "Is something wrong?"
"Oh, no, just trying to get you going to the tournament. I signed us up earlier, but there's some confusion about where the place is. We better go check it out and make sure we're on time."
Yue seemed thoughtful. "May I ask…? What is this tournament? Just what have you been talking about?"
"Oh, right…." Kain showed a flyer to Yue. "It's the qualifying round for this martial arts tournament, the one Akari-san won last year."
"Akari-san? That's strange…the tournament Akari-san won was the UltiMahora Festival that takes place during the Cultural and Sports Festival of the fall. I don't recall there being a large martial arts tournament during the Mahora Festival."
"Huh? What does that mean?" Kain asked, bewildered.
Yue examined the flyer. "Ah, just as I thought…see, the winner of this tournament only wins 100,000 yen. It's probably just a small tournament."
"Eh? What do you mean small?" Kenjirô demanded.
"This Festival has a very long history…there are quiz tournaments and attribute contests that can award 1-2 million yen quite easily; in comparison, this tournament seems quite small indeed. Simply put, I wouldn't get your hopes up about the level of competition in this tournament."
"What? Seriously?" Kenjirô seemed genuinely depressed by the idea.
"If you look around, you could probably find a bigger one," Yue offered.
"Haha…did you just sign up for any old one, Kenjirô-kun?" Kain asked teasingly.
"No! I signed up for the one Alyssa-chan suggested. I guess she was just playing a joke on us…."
"Well, I guess we won't have to worry much about it."
"Yeah…I suppose I'll just have to be satisfied with the chance of facing you. I signed us up already, so we should just go and see who'll get to win the 100,000 yen."
"Right. Yue-san, you should really come too."
"Eh…b-but…."
At Kain's coaxing, Yue finally followed the two as they sought out their tournament. As Kenjirô had said, some confusion had arisen about the tournament, and it wasn't regarding its size. When they made it to the site the flyer had pointed out, a sign gave them directions to a new location…off-campus.
Confused and somewhat curious, the three followed the directions, even taking a train over to the location…..
"Isn't this the Saginomiya shrine?" Yue commented. She then explained, "The Saginomiya family is part of the School's Council, of course, which would suggest that the family is actually a mage family. It's the oldest and most noteworthy shrine in the city…and the largest. Is the Saginomiya family responsible for this change of venue…?"
"And why is there such a big crowd?" Kenjirô wondered. "There is…."
"Kain-sensei! Kenjirô-kun! Yue-chan!"
They turned to see Akari waving and heading toward them. Kiami, as was usual, accompanied her, along with a dark-haired young man their age in a fine kimono with a bokken, or wooden sword, at his waist. "So, you two came to this tournament as well! And you came to watch, Yue-chan?"
Kiami raised a hand in stoic greeting while Akari chattered, and the young man bowed to them. "Good to see you again, Kain-sensei, Kenjirô-san. To think that fate would bring us together here so soon. My expectations for this tournament have certainly risen if you are here."
Kain looked blank for a moment, then his mind came to a swift, panic-inducing conclusion. While he fumbled around for a response to this stranger his future self had obviously met earlier in the day, Kenjirô returned the greetings. "Likewise, Tsukino-san. I can certainly say the same to you. I look forward to finally seeing you in action."
Ah, yes, now Kain could identify him—he was an attentive teacher, after all, and had heard this name before. Yes, Hikaru Tsukino, the two martial artist girls' companion from Yokohama and a third magnificent martial arts dôjô. "Good evening, Tsukino-san. So, can you tell us what this is about?"
"We're not entirely sure," Kiami responded. "However, apparently someone went around buying out all the small tournaments scheduled for the Festival and…well, see for yourself." She pointed to a sign on the wall, and as the newcomers viewed it, they did double-, triple-, and quadruple-takes.
"T-Ten million yen!? What's with that?" Kain demanded.
"Whoever the buyer is, they've made this into a major event," Kiami said, perhaps unnecessarily. "Normally, this isn't the season for martial arts tournaments, but someone thought differently this year."
"I hear it's the resurrection of the legendary martial arts tournament," Hikaru added. "It was once held annually, but they stopped it around twenty-five years ago."
"Legendary martial arts tournament?" Yue asked somewhat skeptically.
"The martial arts boom faded, which is why it stopped, I guess," Akari explained. "It was the center of attention during the Mahora Festival back then. Some of our masters talk fondly about it. With so many people entering, and so much attention drawn to it, it should be quite interesting…perhaps even better than the UltiMahora Tournament."
"Ah…so you three are entering too," Kain sighed. "Suddenly my chances of victory don't look so good."
Kenjirô tapped him lightly on the back of the head. "Don't count yourself out before we get started. You've really improved your fighting skills lately. You have as good a chance as anyone…."
"Kain-sensei…and all of you!"
Their party was joined by Mai, Momo, Kagome, Hinagiku and Erika.
They moved together and exchanged their greetings, and Kain asked after the trio's patrol fortunes, which had gone smoothly.
"So, what are you all doing here?" Kain asked, and once again realized that there was a problem.
Hinagiku looked at him, confused. "You're the one who invited us to come today, Kain-sensei," she told him. "And we felt we should…after all, we still haven't had a chance to thank you for all the help you gave us today."
Momo, Mai, and Kagome exchanged meaningful glances, and Kain began to realize just how much of a headache this time-traveling was going to be. "Oh, right…sorry, you have no idea how long this day has been for me…."
"So, what's the deal with this crowd?" Mai demanded. "It seems this tournament has gotten awful big awful fast…."
They explained the situation to her, and all five gaped. "T-ten million!?"
Mai considered this. "With that much money…I could pay all my tuition and expenses for this school…all the way through the university level…."
"She doesn't dream small, does she?" Kagome giggled.
"Ten million yen!? With that much money, I can drink all the Dom Pérignon I want! Where's the sign-up for this tournament!? I'm entering!"
Racing like a whirlwind, Yukiji Katsura barreled through the crowd. They stared after her. Hinagiku sighed. "Onee-chan…."
"Seems like she's determined to win," Akari noted. "Her single-mindedness is somewhat refreshing…."
"Why don't you enter too, Mai?" Momo encouraged her friend. "You might perform well. It would be good to see how much your training has come along."
"Eh…I'm not much for fighting…but still, for ten million…."
"The ten million aside, perhaps we should enter as well, Hina-chan," Erika offered.
"I suppose it's not a terrible idea…."
Hikaru had bowed out of this class reunion and gone to investigate a little more, leaving Kamo to pitch in, "It seems that, now that someone new has taken over, they'll be taking entrants until the event starts or they get 160 total participants."
"Really? This is all rather strange," Yue remarked. "Why would someone buy all the other events and then host such a huge and expensive event…?"
"Well, I really don't care!" Kenjirô enthused. "The money doesn't matter to me, but it seems it's drawing in a lot more skilled and interesting combatants…and if Akari-san is among them, this is a tournament worth entering…."
"That's great," Yue replied, smiling. "I'm happy for you guys."
Kenjirô nodded at her. "Now you can see what it means for a man to be engaged in battle."
"Oooh…you sound so scary, Kenjirô-kun."
Kenjirô jumped as Yukari suddenly joined the throng. "Hiya!" she continued.
"Hirai-san? What are you doing here? I-I never mentioned a tournament to you…did I…?"
"I searched for it specifically and came to cheer you on," Yukari replied, indicating by her speech that she meant she intended to cheer on multiple people. "I even ditched tonight's practice early to come see it. Matake and Kazumi should be coming later on as well."
A loudspeaker suddenly announced the opening of the doors; the crowd had been gathered at the gates leading to the temple ground but had not yet been allowed inside the large land of the 'shrine'. Now they could finally enter and see….
The massive courtyard of the great Saginomiya Shrine was filled with eight raised platforms—the square 'rings' for the tournament, apparently. Standing at the top of the steps leading up to the main building's front doors, dressed in a short, sleeveless white one-piece dress and announcing the event into a microphone was….
"N-Nanami-san?" Kain sputtered.
"Students of Mahora as well as our honored visitors!" Nanami cried. "Welcome to the resurrection of the 'Mahora True Battle Tournament!' Our thanks go to all of you who have gathered on short notice.
"The grand prize is 10,000,000 yen! Raise your arms for this famous and traditional event!"
"Why is Nanami-san hosting this?" Mai whispered.
Momo suddenly came hurrying back to the group. "Kamo-kun, this is bad!" she hissed.
Kamo had made his way to Yue's head, and Yue asked, "What's the matter, Momo-san?"
"The person who bought this event! Take a look!"
"Hmm? Oh, this person is…."
Nanami was already following that train of thought. "And now, presenting the event's host…let us hear from our sponsor who arranged it all! Presenting the most popular student in the academy, the remarkable master of all arts…."
And, striding out in the same traditional kimono she wore in Cinema town those many weeks ago, carrying the same umbrella…. "…Sanada Sakura!"
"Kombawa," she greeted the assembled group.
There was a mixed reaction from the crowd. Many of the students in attendance cheered for the girl, but most of the adult visitors seemed quite perplexed. Kain heard more than one comment along the lines of, "Eh? The person in charge is this little girl?"
Sakura comported herself with extreme decorum and control. She seemed unaware of any reaction from the crowd, and simply said in a light and pleasant but strong voice, "I bought this event for a single reason…to find the strongest fighter among you, whether from the inner world or the outer world."
"Inner world?" came mutterings from the crowd. "Is she talking about the yakuza or something?"
"Twenty-five years ago," Sakura continued, "this event existed to allow masters from the outer world to compete against champions of the inner world…to see who was stronger. However, with the development of advanced video technology, particularly in easily-portable sizes, it became too dangerous an event to host—a threat to the best secrets of both the inner and outer worlds. It was considered too much trouble to deal with at the time, and so the event was abandoned.
"My goal, however, is to resurrect the 'True Battle' in all its glory! There are no restrictions to combat, save in the summoning of spirits—this is a battle for true fighters, not puppet masters! Otherwise, any weapons or techniques are allowed!"
"W-what?" Kain gasped, scarcely believing what he heard.
"That girl…" Yue murmured.
"What is she saying in front of all these normal people?" Momo demanded.
Almost as if she could hear their outcries over the other rumblings of the crowd, Sakura suddenly said, "At this time, there is no need to worry about any secrets, truly like the old tournament. In this day and age, no rational person believes nonsense without solid proof. During this event, all outside electronic capture devices—cameras, video recorders, even those functions on phones—will be completely blocked.
"Those from the inner world can use all their abilities to their fullest…and likewise, masters of the outer world can show their greatest skills without worry! Those who underestimate and doubt the powers of either world can see with their own eyes just what this world is made of!
"Now, to explain a few other small details…."
Most of the crowd near the party was now filled with levity. "Well, whatever she's talking about, there are no rules, right? That's just fine and dandy!"
"This 'inner world' doesn't sound so tough! We'll show what real martial arts are all about!"
"What's she planning?" Momo hissed.
"Wish I knew," Kamo remarked.
"Sakura-san seems to have many obligations and extensive resources," Yue remarked. "Still, I find it surprising she can fund this tournament. What does it mean that she received permission to host this event on Saginomiya territory?"
"Nice…I'm getting excited," Kenjirô remarked.
"Are you kidding?" Kain barked. "This could be seriously bad!"
"Why? With all these strong fighters…."
"Yes, but Sakura-san was nearly taken away by the school for getting involved in the magical world and spying on magic secrets, and now she's hosting a tournament that's borderline exposing those secrets…."
"Are you really that worried about it?"
Kain started as Alyssa wandered up, flanked by her usual guard. "The Saginomiya family is quite responsible when it comes to their duties, even if their magically-talented matriarchs have little common sense," she explained coyly. "Sakura explained it, didn't she? The 'secret' aspect is being taken care of. Besides, I hope that you don't put the good money I'm sinking into this project to waste."
"Eh? Your money?" Kain gawked. "You're funding Sakura-san in this?"
"That's right. It seemed an interesting diversion. I'm doing it on the side, so don't go blabbing about it." She gazed at the assembled group and smiled. "And I expect all of you fighters to compete, as the price for using my villa so much. I want to see what each of you is capable of after all I've given you. I'll excuse Kagome, Yue, Nodoka, Ami and Kazumi, non-fighters all, but the rest of you will join."
"Oh? That means this many of my students will be entering? Perhaps I should pitch in too."
Kain's face lit up. "Takamichi!"
"Yo, Kain-kun!" Takamichi greeted him as Alyssa scowled at the interloper. "It seems you've been busy. And your fun isn't over yet…."
"Why would you want to enter something like this?" Alyssa growled crossly.
"Well, I meant to just come and take a look," the teacher declared. "But when Kain-kun was little, I told him I would have a duel with him once he grew strong enough. This seems like a great opportunity for that."
"A-ah…that's right…but I don't think I'm ready to have a proper duel with you yet…" Kain muttered.
Kain's discomfort seemed to renew Alyssa's spirits. "No, it might be a good opportunity to see how far you've come," she said sweetly. "You really should enter too, Hawk-boy. Just remember the punishment if you don't win the tournament, Kain-sensei." She turned and strode away, and Miyu followed her as usual.
Sakura had been announcing the minor rules during this time—talking about how, despite the legality of all weapons, killing was forbidden, and anyone who killed an opponent or put them in critical condition would be instantly disqualified. She remarked to the stunned and angry members of the crowd that any true master, of either the inner or outer world, could control their power to that extent easily, and anyone who couldn't understand these possibilities would be unlikely to advance in any case.
Then she said, "Oh, and I almost forgot to mention one last thing—the winner of the last tournament twenty-five years ago. He was an American who was not a member of the school, but who was granted an honorary diploma from the academy. He was a young boy, only ten years old at the time…Kalan Lockeheart. Some of you may be familiar with the name. If you are…you know exactly what level you are aspiring to if you seek to win this tournament."
Several members of the group, including Mai and Yue, stared in shock. "Kalan Lockeheart…isn't that Kain-sensei's father?" Yue demanded.
"Is that really true?" Mai asked.
"So I heard," Kamo agreed. "I hadn't joined him at the time, of course."
Takamichi was lost in thought. "Yes, I remember…I was nothing but a young boy at the time, living far from Japan, so I never saw the tournament, but I did hear about it often."
Kain had been growing more and more apprehensive about the tournament with every word from Sakura and every command from Alyssa and every appearance of a new strong challenger. Now, however, his entire visage had changed. He stared out at Sakura with the calm, serene face he always wore when he thought about his predecessor.
"That's right," he murmured. "I'd heard that this was how he earned his initial fame…so, this is where it all started for him.
"Kenjirô…I'm going to enter this tournament…and win it."
Kenjirô turned to Kain in surprise, then smiled. "There you go. That's the proper attitude. Now, you're worth fighting."
Yue gazed at Kain thoughtfully. "…His eyes changed the minute he heard his father's name," she mentioned to Kamo.
"Yep…."
"…I think I sort of understand now."
"Hmm? Understand what?"
"He's our age, a fourteen-year-old boy…it would be normal for him to like girls, even start liking a particular girl…but truly…ever since that snowy day ten years ago…all he could ever really see…was his father's back in front of him…. That's probably what attracts Nodoka so much."
"And Yuecchi, too?"
"You're twisting things, Kamo-san."
"It seems we have our 160 contestants signed up!" Nanami announced shortly afterward. And we must parenthetically note that Kain, Kenjirô, Hinagiku, Erika, Mai, Momo, Akari and Kiami were all part of that group—whether for their own personal reasons, the money, or simply the desire to avoid the wrath of Alyssa, they were all part of it.
"Now will the competitors come forward to draw lots!" the announcer commanded. "We will divide the contestants into eight groups of twenty for a battle royale to determine who qualifies for the tournament! The second round and true tournament starts on the Festival's second day at 8 AM! The qualifying round starts…now!"
The last two standing in each of the eight groups would be the qualifiers—our heroes took their lots and separated into their groups. Kiami and Erika ended up in group D.
"No one else I recognize," Kiami remarked. "So I won't have to fight you today, Fukukaichô. Unless you'd like to leave…?"
"No…I'm not thrilled about this, but…I have my own reasons for wanting to see this tournament through a ways. But I'll be happy to sign a truce with you for this round."
Kiami wasn't one prone to fighting back-to-back, so she dispersed at the sound of the bell, using varied means to throw their competitors onto the ground and out of the ring. She used substitution jutsu at will to confuse her opponents, moving constantly out of sight, and seemed especially delighted with causing multiple enemies to inflict wounds on each other while pursuing her. Erika resorted to more normal martial arts, fighting off those who came at her.
"In Group D we have two members of the academy's legendary Martial Arts Mastery Society! Tsukimori Kiami moves like a ninja, defying all common sense as she baffles her foes with trickery! And the dazzling fukukaichô of the girls' middle school, Sendô Erika, despite her beautiful and almost fragile appearance, is taking down her foes with ease! She's like a raging gorilla! Don't get her angry!"
But Nanami's taunting praise was in direct contradiction to her own advice. "Aren't you being incredibly rude, Jinnai-san!?" she demanded in fury as she took down another attacker with even greater ferocity than before.
Nevertheless, several young men from Mahora's boys' middle school, lying on the ground in dazed pain, declared their devotion to the 'raging gorilla'…and the piles of victims to the two deadly beauties grew.
"As expected," Kain laughed. "Even without their true powers, no normal person can match up to them…."
"All well and good, but it's almost our turn," Kenjirô remarked, pulling out two round pills. "Eat up, so we can compete."
"Eh? Oh, is that the age-deceiving pill from Alyssa? We don't need that anymore, Kenjirô-kun. There's no age limit in Sakura-san's tournament, after all."
Kenjirô shrugged. "Well, that's true, but you were the one who was worried about things being exposed. You could avoid attention this way…not to mention that an older body will have an advantage in strength and reach, however slight."
"Well, you're right…but my father won this tournament when he was even younger than I am. It seems disingenuous to try and wriggle for other advantages…."
Kenjirô considered this, and pocketed the pills with a smile. "Fine—well said. Let's do this proper, then. We'll show these adults not to underestimate kids like us."
"Group E contestants gather! Group E!"
"That's my cue," Kenjirô said. He pointed at Kain. "My goal is to defeat you, Kain-kun…make sure you don't lose until we face each other."
"Likewise, Kenjirô-kun," he replied, bowing, and headed away as Group B was called.
Kiami and Erika had finished their competition off, and once her victory was announced, Erika fled the stage to find and chastise Nanami.
"Did I really think I had a chance at winning 10 million?" Mai sighed. "It looks impossible with this level of competition…."
"But right now, you're actually on the level of the strongest ones here," Momo assured her. "You've come a long way on the road to strength in the magical realm…as much as you might not like the idea."
"That's right…there's nothing to be ashamed of," Hinagiku agreed. "I never thought you cared much for battles and such things, Mai-san, but obviously your time knowing Kain-sensei's secret has been well-spent. Even after the very short time I've been a part of that world, I can tell—no, maybe I can sense—this 'inner world' is certainly very different."
"Maybe." Mai sighed again, then turned back to Momo. "But what about you? I didn't think proving your strength in a tournament like this would matter to you. Or are you just trying to avoid Alyssa-chan's wrath?"
"Ah, well…in truth, there's something about this that bothers me, and I want to see it through. In order to investigate, it will be easier for me to be a participant…and easier to act if anything happens."
"Investigate?" Hinagiku demanded. "Anything? What are you talking about, Momo-chan?"
"Ah…that's right, you haven't really heard…it's about Sakura-san…."
Meanwhile, Nanami began to announce the impressive individuals of other starting groups. "What's this? Group E seems to have a dangerous combatant…."
"I-is that a real sword?"
"Look, kid, you shouldn't play with toys like that…."
"Isn't that completely cheap, using a sword!? This is supposed to be a martial arts tournament, isn't it!?"
"Group E's Hanatabi Kenjirô seems to have a real sword in his possession! As a reminder, there is no restriction on weapons in this tournament—all forms of combat are permitted! It is only forbidden to critically injure your opponents, so just make sure you know what you're doing!"
This official announcement didn't do much to assuage the sensitivities of the grumbling fighters. They warily turned back to Kenjirô, who smiled widely at them. He suddenly hurled his sword up into the air. The fighters stared at the blade as it turned end over end in the air, then began to fall. Kenjirô held his arm straight out…right into the falling weapon's path. The blade came across his arm, falling on it perfectly and sliding to the ground…and burying itself, point first, a foot deep into the arena floor. Kenjirô drew the sword again and gave a vigorous slash. "A true swordsman knows how to control his blade," he intoned. "If you're afraid of my sword, then you might as well run away now…I don't want to waste my time with weaklings who are afraid of being cut."
The fighters stared at the boy nervously, but a new figure attracted their attention. "Well, now that that's out of the way," Akari said brightly, "shall we start fighting?"
The group reacted to her appearance in much the same way as they reacted to Kenjirô's sword. Nervousness seemed to dominate them. "Akari-san…" Kenjirô murmured. "So you're here in this battle as well?"
"That's right. I would enjoy the chance at fighting you again, but I'd prefer it to be in the regular tournament. Shall we refrain from fighting until then?"
Kenjirô smiled. "I do owe you a rematch…but I agree, I don't want others interfering in this fight. Let's go."
Yukari, who had finally been joined by Kazumi and Matake, happily cheered Kenjirô on as the battle began. The two swiftly began to dispatch those around them, Akari with her usual martial arts, and Kenjirô with his naked blade…his strikes put down his opponents without leaving a cut upon their body.
"Truly amazing! Hanatabi's sword doesn't leave a mark! Is it real? Regardless, it's effective! But he's not even the most impressive warrior in his bracket! Heiro Akari, the reigning UltiMahora champion, is completely unstoppable! A master of jeet kune do, jûjutsu, American boxing, Krav Maga, capoeira, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, she seems like the ultimate warrior!
"And now Group B is getting ready for action! There's a foreigner boy with a unique appearance! What's with that white cloak—does he think he's at a cosplay party?"
Indeed, several of the older fighters were laughing at the young man, but he merely smiled at them. He gave a bow from jûjutsu etiquette, and then readied himself.
One large man moved towards him. "Sorry, Kid, this isn't a child's playroom…I'll send you away now…."
He moved to grab Kain, but the younger man simply retaliated by grappling his arm and immediately throwing him. This move brought Kain a little bit of respect…and a few more opponents. These, too, he began to dispatch with ease.
('As I thought…after all the training I've done, fighters of this caliber aren't any problem, even if I don't use magic….')
"Oh, this just in! That American boy is Akari-senshu's best pupil!"
"She really knows how to work the crowd, doesn't she?" Kagome giggled to Kamo.
"Kain-sensei's come a long way," Akari noted as she and Kenjirô enjoyed a lull in their fighting.
"That's right," Kenjirô agreed. "He's finally got himself mentally prepared for the fight. I can't wait to match up with him in a proper duel…."
Most of their opponents were already defeated, but one new challenger hailed Akari. "Akari-buchô!" The two turned to surprise.
Dressed in his full bôgu, all save the helmet, a young man, high school age, with a bokken in his hands, presented himself to the girl. "The Kendô Club will not lose to the Martial Arts Mastery Society this time. I will defeat you today, Akari-buchô!"
"This guy is…?" Kenjirô asked.
"A worthy foe. I defeated him last year at UltiMahora, too. A moment, please."
She walked slowly towards her foe, and bowed to him.
"The Kendô Club has challenged Heiro Akari to a duel! Will the little girl really be a match for a man with a wooden sword…?"
Nanami's declaration was barely over before the fight itself was. Akari dashed in and sent her opponent flying out of the ring, his bokken shattered from the blow.
"Well, let that be a lesson to you all: in this battle, weapons offer no major advantage! This is the world you have entered!"
Momo and Hinagiku, as part of Group C, entered the ring. Hinagiku brandished her shinai. "This should be enough to deal with the likes of these," she noted, giving it a good practice swing. "What about you, Momo-chan? Will you be fine like that?"
"Eh? Like what? Oh, you mean in my gigai?" Momo pinched her shirt instinctively, even though the uniform was not the vessel she wore she was referring to. "I should be all right like this. I only have a normal girl's strength and speed like this, but even if I'm not the best swordsman in the Seireitei, I should have more than enough to deal with ordinary humans."
"What about a weapon? I'm afraid I don't have a spare shinai…."
Momo held her hands, palms up, in front of her, and her zanpaku-tô, complete with scabbard, appeared in her hands. "I'll make do with a sheathed sword," she said.
And how did the pair 'make do'?
"Group C is being dominated by a pair of middle school girls! Members of the Kendô Club, Middle School Student Council President Katsura Hinagiku and her more demure and unremarkable classmate, Hinamori Momo, are laying waste to any who oppose them! This is rather remarkable! It's a Hina-Hina Girl Power special!"
"Nanami-san likes rubbing people the wrong way," Momo murmured as she knocked another opponent out.
"Just ignore it," Hinagiku replied. "She's just entertaining the crowd."
"And Hinagiku-kaichô shows her brutish tomboy power, the exact opposite of her more feminine and well-endowed fukukaichô. Hinagiku-kaichô, banzai!"
Hinagiku froze and began to tremble. "Jinnai-san…."
"Just ignore her, Hinagiku-san, it's just entertainment for the crowd…."
Nanami turned her attention to Group F. "Another swordsman is making his mark in Group F, but the real story is the famed teacher, 'Death Glasses' Takahata, who is present in this battle. He's…just what is he doing?"
Indeed, everyone was falling around him…without him apparently doing anything.
"Takahata-sensei…w-what did you do?" demanded one young man from the Karate Club as he collapsed.
"I apologize," was Takamichi's only reply. "Please, go and train yourself harder."
"What on earth is he doing?" Hinagiku muttered, glancing over. "I can't even see anything happening."
One of the foes in the ring with him observed him with respect more than amazement. "Quite some skill, Takahata-sensei," Hikaru Tsukino commented. "You are quite as impressive as my masters. It shall be interesting to see you in the ring."
"Oh?" Takamichi smiled at him. "You don't want to try your luck now, Tsukino-kun?"
"We'll have two victors here. There's no need. As others have observed, some fights are best left out of this free-for-all." He swung his bokken behind him and took down another fighter who was approaching from his flank.
Kain sent another combatant flying with a well-placed punch. "Only a few left," he commented. "Almost there…."
"There you are, Kain-kun!"
Kain flinched at the sound of the outcry. "Is that…?" he began, turning slowly to face….
Yukiji Katsura. "Ho, you're pretty good," she commented. "But I won't let you stand in the way of my earning that ten million yen! Prepare yourself." She took up a fighting stance…and then began to sway strangely, her motions large and exaggerated.
Kain stared in shock. "Eh? Is that…?"
"Hmm…the famous drunken fist. No surprise, from that teacher."
Kain started and glanced behind him at the presence that was now standing over him. He was tall and wrapped in a black cloak, his face completely obscured. "Don't look away," the man cautioned Kain. "She's focused on you. She's a fellow teacher and, at that, a woman…can you go all-out in order to beat her, Kain-kun?"
Kain was unsure of the motives of this strange newcomer, but he seemed to be issuing no threat, while Yukiji was indeed focused on him. He turned back to face her. "Can I go all-out against her…?"
He thought about the matter. He had not suffered at her hands as a certain butler-in-debt might have, but he recalled her initial assault on him, and a few other encounters the author never bothered to talk about, including a particular adventure during the skipped athletics festival. "Actually, I think I can," he remarked.
"Here I come!" And with a cry, indeed, the cry of the drunkard, the older woman came hurtling in….
And Kain called upon all his speed. He rushed in to meet her, touched her on the forehead, and then swept past. She stood, frozen, for several seconds before toppling to the ground like a springy-limbed tree.
"And that's that…." Kain looked around and noticed that there was no one else standing besides him and the mysterious man in black. "And that's it?"
"We're nearly at the end of the tournament! That's fourteen fighters who have triumphed…only Group H still has fighters remaining! And standing out the most is Tokiha Mai! Known before mostly for being the leader in the 3rd Grade's 'Biggest Breasts' competition, she's making a case for herself as a fighter, too!"
"How did I get talked into this?" Mai moaned as she flushed at this comment. "Did I ever think I actually had a chance at this?" ('Still,') she continued in the privacy of her own mind, ('this is surprising…I can't believe how easy this is….')
As the members of 'Kain's Party' had practiced magic, Mai had been reluctant to engage in the spell-casting…she just felt uncomfortable with it, as if using it would destroy the last vestiges of her 'normalcy'. However, the flow of magic came easily to her, and over the course of her own training she had instinctively learned to use enhancement magic to boost her own capabilities—after all, it was similar in nature to the power of the contract working on her, and she'd already had more experience with that than she'd liked. She wasn't the natural genius that Kain was, and, even working as hard as she had with Erika, she had not truly learned any great level of martial arts. However, as she called upon that magic power, she found herself more than a match for these various fighters, warriors and martial artists.
Finally only one young man was left staring at Mai. She panted as she glanced around, utterly amazed that she had made it this far.
"The sixteenth finalist has been decided!" Nanami crowed. "Thank you all for participating in this auspicious event! The Main Event starts tomorrow morning at 8 AM! Prepare to see fighting the likes of which have not come for a generation!"
The victors gathered together. Kain and Kenjirô congratulated each other, Kiami, Akari, and Hikaru acknowledged their victories, Takamichi joined the group, Erika helped pull the still-shaking Mai into the party, and Hinagiku and Momo vanished their weapons. Kamo, still perched on Kagome's shoulder, chortled as she moved to congratulate them all. "Nearly half of the champions are members of our class…."
"I'm not sure if I like the idea of that," Mai sighed. "That almost guarantees I'll have to fight one of you next…."
Nanami, who had disappeared inside the main house for a few minutes, finally emerged. "Well," she announced, "the results of the draw for tomorrow's matches will now be revealed. And here they are!"
The group stared in shock at the revealed names…for the ease of a picture-less document setup, presented as a match-up text-based map….
Round 1
(1) – Mei Sakura vs. Kenjirô Hanatabi
(2) – Rin Tôsaka vs. James Bond
(3) – Kiami Tsukimori vs. Tatsuya Makimura
(4) – Erika Sendô vs. Akari Heiro
(5) – Hinagiku Katsura vs. Tear Grants
(6) – Kain Lockeheart vs. Takamichi T. Takahata
(7) – Mai Tokiha vs. Momo Hinamori
(8) – Hikaru Tsukino vs. Keiichi Ichijoji
Round 2
(9) – Winner of (1) vs. Winner of (2)
(10) – Winner of (3) vs. Winner of (4)
(11) – Winner of (5) vs. Winner of (6)
(12) – Winner of (7) vs. Winner of (8)
Round 3 (Semi-Final)
(13) – Winner of (9) vs. Winner of (10)
(14) – Winner of (11) vs. Winner of (12)
Round 4 (Final)
(15) – Winner of (13) vs. Winner of (14)
Winner of (15) – Champion
"T-T-T-Takamichi!?" Kain groaned. "Immediately…?"
"Not the only interesting thing to see, either," Kamo noted. "Some of those names…."
He indicated a few. Kain finally paid attention to them. "Wait…Tear Grants…Sakura Mei…and Tôsaka Rin…those are…."
"That's right, Kain-sensei." Tear and her two associates moved through the crowd and stood before the child-teacher…Tear and Rin imperiously, Mei flanking them nervously. "From the look of that bracket, it may be pointless, but you won't get through this tournament without trouble."
"But…why are you here?" Kenjirô demanded.
"Isn't it obvious?" the girl replied. "To discipline you, of course, Kain-sensei!"
Kain stared at her, confused. "Eh?"
"You took the side of the criminal, Sanada Sakura, standing up for her despite the trouble she's been causing. Now she's holding this suspect tournament. And what else do we find when we investigate this tournament? A half-dozen of your students who shouldn't know any better, blatantly working magic and defeating skilled martial artists! Not to mention what you pulled earlier today, on those several occasions…something strange is going on here at this Festival, and yet you blatantly, selfishly are just doing as you please! Well, teacher or not, I'm not going to sit by and watch this nonsense continue. We're going to make sure you're properly punished!"
"As Tear said, it's a shame we won't get to face you ourselves," Rin added, smiling somewhat viciously. "Still, it'll be entertaining to see Takahata-sensei punish you tomorrow. Until then." With this, the three turned and walked away.
Kain stared after them and sighed. "This is getting more and more complicated," he muttered. "Just a little tournament for a proper duel, eh, Kenjirô?"
"Heh. I don't care. This is finally something interesting. I'm going to enjoy every minute of it."
Author's Note: Character Introduction: Hikaru Tsukino
Yue has her most significant personal screen time in a while…and officially joins Kain's Fan Club in a scenario that once again was nearly completely ripped from Negima. And once again, the main adjustment was his…lack of child status, and her consideration of that situation.
Yue is actually a lot like Hinagiku, at least when it comes to romance...and in a situation Mai also found herself in, although to a lesser degree. Supporting a friend in her pursuit of her love, she realizes that she has fallen for the same boy and (rather wrongfully) assumes that she is the lowest of the low, a despicable traitor for daring to have feelings for that same boy. Her overreaction is extreme, but for her there is no greater crime than this betrayal of her best and truest friend. We'll see more about this later, during the next day's festivities.
Kain is in the middle of his third trip through the day, and is about to see just how much trouble all this time travel can cause…although it will allow him to tend to his entire class, which is what he wanted in the first place. So, he'll finish up the day's activities with his fourth run through it.
And so begins the tournament which will, with its associated subplots and behind-the-scenes events, take up the majority of Act 5. In fact, in my mullings over the progression of the Festival, I've decided on this course: Day One (and the various events leading up to the Festival) will be covered in Act 4. Act 5 will consist of the events of Day 2, and the finale—Day 3, and related events—will be Act 6.
The tournament begins largely as it did in Negima, but with a few more differences and arrangements due to my characters—the usual, really. Significantly, Eva decided to compete in the original, but I decided against having her replacement, Alyssa, join. I just didn't feel she'd take that sort of plunge. Besides, as much as she enjoys teasing those in the know, she's quite fond of her image as a demure little girl amongst the general population. She's more a watcher than a participant here. Besides, I have plenty enough new characters in the tournament to take her place. Adding a third regular to the school party aiming at Kain gives us Tear, Rin and Mei as opposed to just Takane and Mei. Replacing Ku Fei and Kaede with Akari and Kiami gives us Hikaru in addition (see below). And, of course, I also have Hinagiku here, and there isn't a person she's replacing in the line. There are a few other positional shifts that would matter largely only to those who are well-versed in the main story, particularly in this pre-tournament.
Now, as I mentioned in the introduction to Akari and Kiami, they are taken directly from my 'Kenichi' GURPS campaign, and I even left them members of the same elite dôjôs, so it made sense to include Hikaru Tsukino, the third child from the third dôjô. A swordsman, Hikaru nevertheless trains, like his fellows, in all the arts of his particular dôjô—aikijûjutsu, taekwondo, Shaolin kung fu, savate, and kenjutsu. His chosen specialty is iaijutsu, the art of drawing the sword, striking, and then sheathing all in one swift motion. An honorable young man, he pursues the art of war with the dream of being able to be a so-called 'ally of justice'. He's a minor character in this work, but perhaps he will get his wish….
Now, onward to conclude the first day…and Act 4!