Disclaimer: I don't own anything. See Chapter 1 for details.
Author's note: Hey everybody! How is everyone doing? Hope you guys have been enjoying the few weeks that I have been away. Sorry about not updating quickly as I normally would. Work has been hectic and I am still trying to learn more about the area that I am currently living. It is a beautiful place and I have great neighbors. But it's definitely getting colder that's for sure.
Oh, by the way, I have been planning to put up two chapters per month if possible. I'm trying to do as many chapters as possible but with work being a little hectic and me trying to survive while learning Japanese at the same time, its going to take a while. But I won't stop writing. I love writing this story too much and I have put a lot of energy and time into it. And I have you guys out there, giving me reviews and support. So thank you guys for giving me the energy to continue.
I want to thank naioka1992 for beta-reading this chapter! She has been an amazing beta for me! So, let me present to you guys Chapter 26 of Saiyan in Mahora! Enjoy!
Period 26: The Battle of Destiny Begins! I Will Surpass You!
After seeing the embarrassing ending to Piccolo and Takane's match, Gohan decided to see what Negi was up to. He walked down the hall and as he turned the corner Gohan bumped into someone. At the speed the person was going, Gohan ended up falling down. As he fell he reached out his hand and to grab something to stop his fall. Hearing someone gasp, he knew that he grabbed onto a person and was bringing him or her down with him. His back hit the floor with a thud, and he felt some weight hitting his waist. Gohan closed his eyes as he winced in a little pain. As he opened them, the demi-saiyan found Takane straddling him. "T-Takane-san?"
Takane was beet red when she was looking down on Gohan. She didn't even try to move. She was clutching his shirt with both hands as she sat on top of him. The two heard a sharp intake of breath, and looked to the doorway. The two of them looked over and saw a blushing Mei, who was trying to cover her eyes with her hands. "O-onee-sama," she sniffed. "You're a liar! You tell people not to do vulgar things and you do them yourself!" she nearly shouted. Takane and Gohan used this time to get up from the floor and take a big step away from each other.
"It's not what you think Mei-san," Gohan told the girl red haired girl. "Takane-san just fell on me. Right, Takane-san?" Gohan turned to the blond girl who was looking away, spouting out phrases such as 'Gohan-sensei needs to take responsibility' and 'No one will marry me now...' This had Gohan sweat dropping. Turning back to the sniffling middle schooler Gohan tried to explain his situation. "Look your Onee-sama is...uh...Having a little problem at the moment and is not herself. Can you take her put some clothes on her and have her sit down?" Mei stared at him for a moment before taking Takane away.
Gohan let out a sigh. He got up, wiping off the dirt from his clothes and went back to his original destination. As he walked, he saw Negi, Kotarou and a bandaged up Ku Fei walking towards. "Negi-san," waved the demi-saiyan, catching the boy's attention.
"Gohan-san!" waved back the child teacher. "What are you doing here?"
"I was about to see if you weren't getting cold feet, or falling asleep like Dad did in his first match," Gohan replied. "So do you think you are ready?"
Negi nodded as he put on a determined face. "Hai. I'm ready."
Gohan smiled. "That's good to hear, however you won't be able to do anything if you don't take off your weights."
Negi perked up. "That's right! I should take them off." As instructed, Negi took off his weighted clothes, leaving some big cracks on the ground. Kotarou whistled at the amount weight Negi was carrying on him.
"Remember what I taught you before right?" Gohan said.
Negi nodded. "Feel as if the weights were on you. Got it!"
Gohan smiled at Negi's determination. "Good luck then!" Gohan said, patting on Negi's shoulder. "You are going to need it."
"Thanks Gohan-san," replied the child teacher as he continued to walk towards the stage while Gohan went towards another direction which was in the direction of the stands.
After a couple of minutes of walking, Gohan finally reached his destination and met up with Goku and the others. A few seconds later, Asuna, Setsuna, Kaede, and Kotarou joined him and the others. The group started to mingle with each other but stopped they heard Kazumi start speaking again. "Now, on this side is the formidable school district instructor whose name is known to all the delinquent's, Takamichi T. Takahata!"Gohan heard the crowd go wild as that was announced. "In the other side is the child teacher of rumors who started working in Mahora last year! Negi Springfield!" The dark haired demi-saiyan also heard the crowd go wild in response to his entrance. The two fighters assembled onto center stage and got to their respective spots. "Takahata, the man whose ability to single-handedly resolve almost any student fight has earned him the nickname, 'Death-Specs'! Truly, the most powerful guidance counselor at this academy. However, will the child teacher stand up to him? That he's the odd-on favorite for this match goes without saying! Then again, what sport is there in handicapping a match that looks to be over before it even starts?"
At the commentator's table, Chachamaru and the guy who Negi defeated last night, discussed about the match. "Don't be so quick to judge!" spoke Gotokuji. "Whether he looks it or not, that Negi kid is one tough customer!"
"S-So, um, Gotokuji-san," Chachamaru asked, "does Negi-sensei? I mean, challenger Negi have any chance for victory?"
"Well," responded Gotokuji, "let's see… I'd say his best shot is to keep a good distance. That damned Takahata…make that challenger Takahata, was last night using some unknown technique to drop opponents left and right! In facing an opponent of unknown technique, it's basic strategy to calmly observe the situation from a distance."
Back at the sidelines, Vegeta let out a loud snicker. "Tsk. Only weaklings would do something so cowardly," commented Vegeta.
"I would have to disagree with you Vegeta," Piccolo said. "It is better to understand your opponent rather than face them head on."
"So does Negi have a chance on winning?" asked Asuna to Piccolo and Gohan, both of whom were standing next to each other. "I mean, do you guys know what that guy was talking about?"
"Heh, only an amateur wouldn't have noticed that weakling's technique," Vegeta replied. Asuna glared at the Prince of Saiyans, which caught on with Vegeta. "What?"
"Don't talk badly about Takahata-sensei!" Asuna screamed.
"Tsk, whatever, like I care," Vegeta muttered. Asuna clenched her teeth in anger at Vegeta's attitude towards Takamichi. He was so pissing her off. She was about to go chase after him and give him a piece of her mind but was stopped when Gohan placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't let Vegeta-san bother you too much," Gohan said.
"Gohan, how can you be so calm about this?" Asuna asked.
"Because, even though Vegeta-san may appear to be a jerk, he is actually quite a nice guy once you get to know him better," explained the demi-saiyan. "But concerning with Takamichi-san's technique, I think Negi-san will be ready."
"You think so?"
"Sure," Gohan replied with a Son grin. "After all, Negi-san is strong."
The crowd started to get agitated at waiting for the match to start. Kazumi spoke up, finally announcing the start of the match. "Now let Match No. 4 Begin!"
Immediately Negi activated Cantus Bellax then Deflexio so as to protect a deadly point, his chin. From there he used Shundo to get behind Takamichi but found that his Deflexio was hit and blown away by an unseen attack. Gohan was surprised like the others to see Negi's improvement in Shundo. He let out a smile. Vegeta noticed it as well. He let out a small smile. It seems Kakarotto was right all along.
He took out his hands…Takamichi's technique can't be used close up, Negi said to himself as he observed Takamichi's movements. Takamchi then proceeded to move ahead and punched Negi in the face. However, the child teacher used Shundo once again to avoid the hit but his landing sent him further than he wanted. Despite that though, Negi quickly flipped to give Takamichi an elbow to the chest before casting Sagitta Magica, thus creating and dingle arrow and releasing it with his punch.
"Wow," awed Goku. "He's a lot better now than the last time. He is amazing. You must have trained him hard Gohan." Gohan blushed at the comment while Eva gave gruff at the Saiyan.
"Yeah," added Kuririn, "after what Goku told me, I thought that the kid would be some wimp. You got him into shape didn't you Gohan?"
"It was nothing," Gohan muttered as he was a bit embarrassed by the comments. Eva, meanwhile, was getting tick marks all over her face and clenching her fists.
"Hey I trained him too you know!" Eva shouted with a blush on her face.
Goku blinked a few times. "Who is that girl?" Goku asked to Gohan, pointing at Eva. Everyone face-faulted.
"Dad! That is Evangeline-san, remember?" Gohan replied.
"Oh yeah! That vampire right, right." Everyone around Goku sweatdropped at his comments, wondering how the Earth's greatest hero could be so dumb sometimes.
Meanwhile, Negi continued to push forward with his assault on Takamichi, not allowing him to gain any distance. However, Takamichi was able to observe the incredible skills that Negi was showing. He let out a smile. I see, Takamichi said to himself. Chinese martial arts relies on coming at you from all directions, making it tough to counter. Both his speed and his power are quite impressive, possibly due to Eva and Gohan-kun's training. In this case, Negi-kun's small physique is actually an advantage – he's really hard to hit! Negi, in the meantime, kept on using his kenpo to keep Takamichi suppressed.
"This is an eye dazzling wonderful exchange of attack and defence. Also this is contestant Negi…the child teacher is pressing," Kazumi said with Sayo over her shoulder observing.
Asuna and her group were estatic. "Incredible!" Asuna awed.
"Negi-sensei may be able to win this after all," Setsuna added.
"I wouldn't be too sure of that," Vegeta commented, who was leaning against a wall and drawing a few glares at him. "The brat is impressive but he won't win."
"What do you mean?" Asuna exclaimed, clenching her fist in front of Vegeta.
"Asuna-san, calm down," Gohan said with pleading smile. "Vegeta-san was a bit rash on his comments. Let him be."
"Grrr, that guy really pisses me off," Asuna said angrily. "You don't believe that crap do you Gohan?"
"No I don't. I think Negi-san has a chance to win. However..." Gohan paused as he saw Negi do an original move.
I'll finish it here CONVERGENTIA FULGURALIS…1…2…3… Negi thought as he started to creat three orbs of lighting around him. Here we go, my original technique…Raika Houken! The orbs combined, tripling the strength of the attack. The attack sent Takahata out of the arena and into the water, steam covering the surface.
"Has contestant Takahata sunk into the pond? He's nowhere in sight. Is this the end no is his life in danger?" Kazumi questioned, trying to over hype the drama a little.
Everyone, save for Gohan, Goku and the other Z senshi, was speechless. "Even with the move he just did, it will not be enough to handle Takamichi-san," Gohan finished his sentence. The girls looked at him in confusion.
"What do you mean Gohan-sensei?" Setsuna asked. Gohan just motioned to the water.
As the steam cleared, everyone saw Takahata walking on the water…unharmed! "Contestant Takahata is safe! He is completely unharmed after taking that attack!" Kazumi announced.
"Hehe like I thought," muttered Negi.
"You really did quite well Negi-kun. I expected nothing less," Takamichi said as Negi shundo-ed as fast as he could to get in close with Takamichi as the two of them exchanged blows outside of the stage. I can't let him get distance. I've gotta stay close and find my chance! Negi thought as the two of them continued to exchange blows. Running across the area around the stage, the two exchanged blows once again at unbelievable speeds. The crowd couldn't follow their movements but the Z senshi could as they moved their eyes back and forth.
"Wait a minute you two that's out of the stage…!" called Kazumi as Takamichi saw an opening and kicked Negi away from him gaining some distance for his technique.
"Oh boy this is bad..." Gohan said.
"Why?" Setsuna asked.
"This gives that glasses dude a chance to use his moves," Goku explained. The crowd gasped as Negi was hit multiple times, without Takahata even getting close to him. "Things are going to get serious now," continued Goku. As he finished that sentence another hit had smack Negi, sending him sprawling onto the floor.
"Just as I thought," Piccolo said with a stern look on his face.
"What did Takahata-sensei just do Piccolo-san?" asked Asuna.
"That guy's special move is one that very few can keep up with," Piccolo said. "I'm surprised he knows about it too."
"What do you mean Piccolo-san?" Setsuna asked.
"That move is called Iai-ken," explained the Namekian. "Basically like the use of Iaijutsu in sword techniques, Takamichi is pulling the sword from it's sheath then replacing it, or in his case attacking with his fists then replacing them in his pockets faster than you can see. That boy, Negi, has no chance of recognizing the movements at his level," finished Piccolo as Negi took another blow to the face.
I didn't see that last punch at all! As that's the case, I have to get in close and use the shundo to beat him, Negi thought, trying to get in close only to have Takamichi trip him with his foot.
"Negi-san is getting desperate," Gohan said with worry in his voice. Negi fixed himself and landed near the edge of the stage. "And within the small confines of the arena, Negi-san is going to be pushed to his very limits," he said as he started to grab the railing very tightly, squishing it. Suddenly, Takahata appeared behind Negi.
"I learned this WAZA or move, Negi-kun, from one of Nagi's comrades," Takamichi started as the air around him was moving around weirdly. Gohan's eyes went wide as Takamichi's ki level began to rise. "A move taught to me by a person that can be counted as my master. See he's the person on the right end side in that picture you saw from Eishun-san" he said surprising Negi.
"My father's comrade…?"
"Yes…he was a good man," Takamichi said. "Today's been one good thing after another, Negi-kun. To think I'd have enjoyed sparring with you this much. You're my friend Nagi's son, no mistake. How else could this have gone?" Takamichi said smiling as Gohan was starting to get a little worried for Negi's safety. Sure, Gohan would be safe from the incoming attack of Takamichi but for Negi, that was a different story.
"That last exchange of blows drove it home – you've become a fine young man," continued Takamichi. "Which is why, starting now, I'm about to reveal my full, all-out strength! In a fight between men, to do otherwise would be unforgivable." And with, something strange was happening with Takamichi's hands that caught the crowd's interest. "In my left hand, magical power and in my right ki!" An incredible amount of power was appearing on Takamichi's hands. Then suddenly, he put the two together, causing a massive explosion of light in the arena.
Everyone covered their eyes from the unexpected wind pressure coming from Takamichi. Gohan's eyes turned even wider as he realized what Takamichi was doing. No way! Gohan said to himself. Is that even possible? Gohan wasn't the only to be surprised. Goku and the Z senshi looked a bit surprised at Takamichi's technique, including Vegeta. However, he wouldn't admit it due to his pride.
"A small tip, from me to you…you'll want to avoid this," Takamichi said. Negi was curious as to why when suddenly a chill ran across his spine. Then, out of nowhere, a ray of light came crashing down onto the stage! It left a massive hole, which caused the crowd to be in awe at the amazing fight. Gohan was in awe as well. Then he suddenly remembered something. During his fight against Negi before the festival started, Negi did something similar when he performed the Kamehame-Ha wave at him. So that's it, Gohan said. I was curious as to how Negi-san was able to perform the Kamehame-Ha but now I know. It is possible to combine magical power and ki. This is exciting. I can't wait to train him on this. However, Gohan noticed that when Negi got up, he was shaking in fear of the power of whatever Takamichi had used.
Gohan gritted his teeth. "If he keeps like this he won't be able to reach that level," Goku said sternly, catching everyone's attention.
"What level would that be?" Kotarou asked this time.
"The level at which Negi-san's father and Evangeline-san's stand at," continued Gohan. "The amount of skill and power one needs to reach that level is unbelievable. If he keeps trembling from that small show of power...he won't make it there. Not in this lifetime," Gohan sighed.
"Indeed he won't get to his or even your level if he can't get past this hurdle," commented Eva.
Takahata let loose a barrage of punches while chasing after Negi. All the while, Kotarou gritted his teeth, unhappy to see his rival being beaten around like that so easily. "There has to be a weakness!" Kotarou shouted.
"What do you mean Kotarou-kun?" asked Asuna, in awe at Takamichi's amazing skill.
"Sure, it's flashy, and if Negi gets hit by it, it's all over, but a large impact like that also has to leave a large opening!" Kotarou said. "He also telegraphs it a lot more than his other move! Plus there's that other weak spot Negi's already found – how the move can't be used close-in!"
"That is true," Goku said.
"Besides, with so much power unleashed, Takamichi's gonna havta worry about the crowd – directly sideways is the one direction he can't risk!" continued Kotarou. "In a way, those invisible punches were safer for Takamichi to use. This big move's got big risks!"
"I agree to a point with you Kotarou," Piccolo said, "but…" Takamichi then used one of his weaker punches and hit Negi in the face. He then unleashed the big move once again but Negi was able to dodge by the skin of his teeth. "If this new move is used together with those invisible punches you mentioned, the weakness is gone," explained the Namekian.
The red head tried to shundo out of the way again, but Takahata appeared behind him and attacked again. As Negi dodge, Takahata threw another punch that Negi blocked with a magical shield as he chanted, "FLANS PARIES AERLIALIS!"
To the red head's dismay, the older teacher appeared before him. "While I agree that the wind-barrier is a good anti-kinetic energy defense-magic capable of neutralizing the impact of up to a ten-ton truck," Takamichi said, "it's effects are ephemeral and its major weakness is that it can't be used repeatedly." He then threw one of his strong punches...point blank at Negi. Negi managed to avoid being completely hit, but Takahata didn't back down and threw another punch sending him to the floor.
"It's over isn't it over? Is contestant Negi alright?" Kazumi said as the smoke cleared from the recently made crater. "Th-This is bad! Challenger Negi seems barely to be hanging on! I-Is Cha…Negi! Negi-kun, are you okay?"
"Negi/-bouzu/-kun/-sensei," the girls whispered.
Kazumi turned to Takamichi. "Sh-Shame on you, Takahata-sensei! Did you have to do this? We already knew who was going to win!" Takamichi was then announced the winner of the match without having to do the countdown.
"Negi-kun…is this, then? Negi-kun? You give up then? You care no more than this?" Takamichi asked as he looked down on the boy. The crowd started murmuring about the match result, noting that Negi had no chance against Takamichi at all. He was lucky to be even alive. Gohan, and the other Z senshi thought differently. Everyone is wrong here, Gohan said to himself. Negi-san was going all out like someone of his caliber should be! When it comes to fighting, there is no such as going too far or bullying! It is just you and your opponent! If you were not strong enough, then you got to train harder and come back again!
Gohan was about to shout something to Negi but he was beaten to the punch by Asuna. "BAKA NEGI! WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING? STAND UP!" Asuna shouted.
"NE-NEGI-SENSEI GET YOURSELF TOGETHER!" Nodoka followed suit. One by one Negi's and Gohan's students, save for Chisame since it would be weird to do so, shouted for him to stand. Even Trunks and Goten got in the mix.
Gohan smiled. Maybe he should say something. "COME ON NOW NEGI-SAN! GET UP! YOU WON'T EVER REACH HIM IF YOU JUST LAY THERE!" Gohan shouted his own input. The crowd cheered as Negi shakily got up, and Gohan smirked at the kid.
Negi then charged forward but ended up being kneed in the face before sent into the water by another powerful blow which sent him flying into the water that was around the stage. Not yet…Sagitta Magicca, Series Fulguralis, thought Negi not giving up as he jumped out of the water and onto one of the lamp posts with orbs surrounding him.
"Takamichi! This is where it ends!" proclaimed the boy teacher.
Have you come up with something Negi-kun? What, though? Just firing magic-arrows won't have any effect against my attack, Takamichi said to himself. However, he let out a smile"…Very well! I accept that challenge! The exchange will be our last!" he shouted back.
"Ooh the two have made a finishing declaration! It's true that that match time is also getting close to the 15 minute limit," Kazumi announced but most of the audience were too fixed on what was happening.
Shundo…Sagitta Magica Series Fulguralis Negi chanted as he pushed himself into the spell to empower his charge. Takamichi returned with his Ultimate Iai-ken but Negi used Flans Paries Areialis the block the heavy attack and rammed straight into Takamichi's torso.
"The challengers have collided! Was that a tackle challenger Negi just showed us? With all the smoke, I can't see a thing!" Kazumi shouted in the mic.
In the middle of the smoke, Takamichi was on one knee coughing. I see…! He used that brief moment after the launch of my own WAZA to surround himself with magic-arrows and then tackle me! He needed me to launch directly forward. He stood before me and issued that final challenge, blocking my Iai-ken with his wind barrier. It worked! Well done, Negi-kun! Takamichi said to himself as he was about to get up. "Still, it's not enough to defeat me. Negi-kun, where are you?" Takamichi asked.
Then suddenly he felt a hand on his back. He turned around and at that moment, he heard a chant, "DOMINUE AERIALIS." Takamichi turned around fully to see Negi with more orbs surrounding him. "EMITTAM!" Takamichi turned wide-eyed. A delayed spell?
"Heh heh. Can't use your 'Waza' at this distance, eh, Takamichi?" Negi said smiling. "Ultimate…Ouka Houken!" Negi called as he slammed his fist down on Takamichi combining it with the Sagitta Magica and like Takamichi's blow earlier, it left a large crater on the stage.
"D-Did you see that? Did Challenger Negi's 'Hissatsu-Waza' ultimate technique just light up the heavens or what?"Kazumi shouted into the mic. "As if that weren't enough, he then knocked his opponent flat on his back with a powerful blow! Talk about your big upsets! Like it or not, the 15 minutes are up! This match is ovah! Challenger Negi is a mess! Who's the winner of this thing? Where's Challenger Takahata? Ahh! Truly, this is the complete opposite of what we saw earlier! I-Is he dead? Let's start the count!" Kazumi started the counting, but when she reached five, Takamichi sat up.
"T-Takamichi…You're amazing!" Negi said in awe. "Didn't you feel that?"
"Oh, I felt it, all right," Takamichi replied with a grin on his face. "There aren't too many who could've withstood that, apart from Gohan-kun and his friends!"
"You're still going to fight?" asked Negi.
"Hahaha…ohh, I dunno about that. You got me pretty good. C-Considering I was going all out against someone a good 20 years younger than me, I'd say…yeah, you got me pretty good, all right," Takamichi said.
"So I?"
"Yes, Negi-kun…you win."
"Contestant Negi wins! The ten year old teacher advances to the second round!"
A few minutes later…
As the crowd surrounded Negi as he tried to get back into the arena headquarters, Takamichi was smoking a cigarette as he looked at the sight with a smile on his face. "Just like with Nagi," he said as he let out a puff of smoke from his mouth. "For just two month's time…in a year, he may even surpass me!"
"Takahata-sensei!" screamed a voice. Takamichi turned his head around to see Asuna and Setsuna walking towards him.
"Asuna-kun! Setsuna-kun! What a pleasant surprise," Takamichi said.
"T-Takahata-sensei! A-Are you okay?" asked Asuna loudly.
Takamichi let out a smile. "I'm fine," he replied. "It is, in face, what I've trained for. Besides, that was a serious thing – it ought to be expected. Though, I wished I could have faced Gohan-kun. It's a pity that I won't get to fight him. That would have been a great match."
"Huh?" sounded both Asuna and Setsuna in unsion.
"Nevermind. However, I feel I should apologize to you, Asuna-kun," Takamichi said. "It doesn't exactly sit well with me, my going so hard against a child like Negi-kun. You must have been worried."
"Eh?" Asuna sounded before flailing around her arms in protest. "N-Not at all! Wh-What's he to me anyways? B-Besides, it was you who was facing him, sensei."
Takamichi chuckled. "Yes, of course," he said. "Still, I am sorry. I did want to see Negi-kun's true strength after all."
Asuna tried to say something else but couldn't find the words as she was blushing really hard. Setsuna decided to take stage and spoke up. "Oh yeah, about what Chao-san's been up to…"
"Have you learned anything?" Takamichi asked.
"I sure have!" replied the swordswoman. "I've had my Shikigami here checking out the back of the tournament area, and she's got some interesting news to report."
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a chibi version of Setsuna appeared, surprising both Asuna and Takamichi. "Why, hello there!" greeted C-Setsuna. "I'll show you where it is, okay?"
Takamichi pondered on whether or not he should check the place out that Chibi Setsuna found. After all, he wanted to watch Asuna's and Setsuna's match but the one he wanted to see especially was the match between Gohan and Eva. Oh well, safety takes priority. "All right then," Takamichi finally said. "Now that my match with Negi-kun's over, I suppose I'd best check it out. Come to think of it, don't you two have a match next?"
Asuna flinched. She had completely forgotten about it! "You can relax," Setsuna said. "Chibi Setsuna is almost completely independent."
"And because of that, I'm really kind of stupid," added Chibi Setsuna, scratching the back of her neck.
Takamichi smiled. "Well, then, we'll be off. I'm sorry I won't be able to stay and watch your match Asuna-kun," he said.
"No-no-no!" Asuna protested. "That's okay! Really! I-I think I'd be more embarrassed if you were here, so…please! Go right ahead!" Asuna started to blush even more. She wanted him to watch her match of course, but there was something else as well. It most likely had to deal with a certain dark haired demi-saiyan.
"Asuna-kun," spoke up Takamichi, snapping Asuna out of her thoughts. "It's tomorrow I promised to go around the school festival with you, isn't it?" Asuna nodded, a heavy blush appearing on her face. "I'll be looking forward to it. There are some things I've been wanting to discuss with you."
Meanwhile…
When Negi got to the room, he slumped over and Kotarou had managed to catch him before he hit the floor. "Oi you okay Negi? Can you fight the next match?" Kotarou asked his rival/friend.
"I-I guess I'm more hurt than I thought," Negi said as Eva and Gohan walked in.
"Negi-san…you should know that he did all that he could to make sure you weren't injured, right?" Gohan said with a bit of worry in his voice. He was proud that Negi had won but he had hoped that by winning against Takamichi that it wouldn't get into his head. He remembered how Muten Roshi told him on why he participated in the Tenkaichi Budokai when Goku and Kuririn were young and how he wanted to make sure that his two students didn't get too cocky about their skills.
"But I won against Takamichi didn't you and master see?" Negi asked. Gohan facepalmed himself as he shook his head, realizing his worst fear for Negi. He was about to say something to the boy teacher, but within a second later Negi was hit in the face by Eva's fist.
"'Beat Takamichi,' my! He practically put on a bow and got under a tree for you, you…you dim-wit!" scolded the Dark Mage.
"But master…" protested Negi. He was about to ask Gohan for help but once he saw the demi-saiyan's face, he knew that Gohan wasn't going to be on his side.
"She is right Negi-san," Gohan said. "Takamichi-san could have taken you out permanently in about 10 seconds if he had gone all out from the start. He merely showed you what level you need to reach. I know you want to savor your victory but as great as your victory was, there will always be someone better. There are many more warriors more powerful still. As Muten Roshi-sama would say, the way of the warrior is not so easy that you can now be satisfied with today's performance! Your true training is only now beginning! Remember that Negi-san," Gohan said patting the kid on the head. "But regardless, you did extremely well Negi-san. I am very proud of you."
Negi nodded. "Yeah Takamichi was great. I mean, I knew he was strong, but…that strong? It was incredible." Negi said. He then turned to Gohan with determined look on his face. "Gohan-san, I will take what you said to heart!"
"I'm glad Negi-san," Gohan smiled.
"Hard to believe he can't recite spells at all," muttered the Dark mage, getting confused looks from the boys.
"What do you mean Evangeline-san?" asked Gohan.
"To have been born into the magical world and not be able to do that…that must've been rough," explained Eva. "He doesn't have a single bit of the natural ability someone like you boya was born with. Still, he's had quite a past. Then again, nearly dying in training will do that to man. So, just like what the assistant said earlier, don't you get overconfident – learn from him."
Negi nodded. "I will!"
Meanwhile…
Takahata could be seen walking in the sewage system of Mahora with a chibi-Setsuna. He had gone here to learn more about Chao's plans. "I didn't know that the drainage system was this extensive underneath Mahora," Takahata commented.
"Yes, I discovered Chao-san and her associates' room in the tower by the tournament grounds, but from there on there is a direct passage leading to this drainage system," Chibi Setsuna told him. "In the deep end of this, there is a giant space that looked like a hanger, and a room with lots of machinery."
"A research facility of some sort?"
"Most likely, but I'm not good with machines so I can't say."
"By the way chibi Setsuna-kun, being autonomous means that you and the real Setsuna-kun are not connected right?" Chibi Setsuna nodded. "You give off a cheerful feeling unlike the real one...however that seems to be changing. Does it have anything to do with the new assistant teacher?" Chibi Setsuna blushed and laughed nervously.
"Oh dear, oh dear. You ended up coming to a place like this? Are you sure that you are okay from those attacks during Negi-sensei and your battle?" Takahata looked at each end of the tunnel he was in and saw Chao and Mana standing at opposite ends.
"What's the meaning of this?" Takahata asked.
"It's my job," Mana replied.
"I'm here to make sure that you will behave properly from now until the end of the festival tomorrow," Chao explained.
Meanwhile, back at the arena…
Gohan was walking back to the spectators stands to watch the upcoming match. He decided to leave the temporary infirmary room that Negi was in when all the girls from class came bursting in. He let out a smile when all the girls surrounded their boy teacher, although he got a few questions himself especially on the outfit. Gohan tried the best he could in not telling some of the girls on how strong he was or how he could potentially face against Negi in the finals. Gohan definitely didn't want to think too far ahead. After all, he might potentially face against Goku or Vegeta if he wins against Eva. But then again, he would have to face either Asuna or Setsuna. He let out a smile. This was going to be a lot of fun.
As Gohan continued walking, he passed by the temporary dressing room where he heard two voices discussing. As he got closer to the door, he immediately recognized one of the voices to be Asuna. This can't be good, Gohan said to himself. What are they up to in there? Don't they know that the stage has been fixed? Oh well, might as well wish them luck. He was about to open the door when he heard Asuna continue her ranting. "...He's just such a kid, you know?" He heard Asuna say. "Stupid Negi. He's no cool-looking-grownup-with-amazing pecks-and-can-transform, I'll tell you that. And him all standing there and smiling like that…"
"Wh-What is it, exactly that's bothering you?" Setsuna asked. "Is it because he won't take sides? I think that's pretty teacherly of him, if you ask m–"
"And the worst part," Asuna interrupted, "is I don't think he even cares who wins the match."
"That's not true, Negi-sensei isn't a kid like tha-" Setsuna was interrupted again when Asuna replied.
"I know what he's up to, even if he doesn't! How could he have come as far as he has if he weren't?" ranted Asuna. "Just watch – he'll try and do it all by himself! He's surrounded by so-o-o many people, yet he hardly seems to notice! I think the only person he would willingly ask for help from is Gohan or Eva-chan." Gohan raised an eyebrow at that. "Why does he think I've been working so hard these past two months? And to have gotten you involved by asking you to train me."
"But Asuna-san," Setsuna said, "I kind of liked training you. Besides, Asuna-san, didn't he thank you – thank all of us – for helping him get back up?"
"You really think that?" Asuna retored. "He only thanked us because that's what a proper English gentleman does." Gohan frowned on that statement. I don't think so Asuna-san, Gohan said to himself. I think that Negi-san really did get up because of our encouragement. Gohan kept listening as they continued to talk about Negi.
"He can't help himself," continued Asuna. "He got up because of what Takahata-sensei said to him about his feelings for his father. It wasn't us cheering him." Gohan turned a bit wide-eyed. She heard him say that? Gohan asked himself. How much has Asuna-san improved?
"St-Still, don't you think that you're maybe…?"
"What, overthinking?" finished Asuna. "I don't think so. You remember that story about his past, don't you? That's just how he is. If we'd let him, he'd just keep going…all the way to the end. Overdoing it…not taking care of himself…going until he reached his father's side."
"Asuna-san, you really love Negi-sensei after all do you?" Setsuna asked. Now Gohan was interested.
"Why did it come back to that? Even though I told you Setsuna-san over and over again!"
"Well, it's just that you understand him so well..." Setsuna mumbled.
"I don't like him like that! Seriously...besides what would Gohan-kun think if he saw me liking a little ten year old brat?" Asuna asked.
"'Gohan-kun?'" Setsuna asked curiously. Even though Gohan couldn't see it, he knew at that moment Asuna was blushing red at the slip up, and that Setsuna had a twinge of jealously in her voice. "When did you stop calling him by his name alone and started using such an affectionate suffix with his name Asuna-san?"
"I didn't mean to say it like that!" he heard Asuna defend herself. "It just came out that way...Yeah! It just came out that way." It sounded as if Asuna was just trying to convince herself that instead of Setsuna. "Anyways, what I need to do is keep moving ahead, too – winning my matches! I need to come face-to-face with Negi in the ring, make the idiot see things my way!" She then fisted pumped, letting out a proclamation. "Yes, sir! I'll smack some upside that stubborn head of his if it's the last thing I do. And then, I'll hit Gohan even harder for making Negi this way. Just you wait, stupid Gohan!"
Setsuna let out a chuckle. However, she did feel slightly jealous on Asuna's statement that she was going to meet Gohan in the arena. Setsuna would not let that happen. She wanted to get in a match with Gohan and then maybe, confess her feelings for him too. "Just to let you know, I won't let you win so easily," Setsuna said.
Asuna turned her head with a grin on her face. "I wouldn't have it any other way Setsuna-san or rather 'Master.'" Setsuna nodded in agreement.
Gohan chuckled quietly as he leaned against the wall after hearing the whole conversation. The girls are highly motivated, Gohan said to himself. I wonder if I should even wish them luck. Oh well, might as well do it. As he got off the wall, Gohan noticed Kazumi walking towards his direction. "Hey Kazumi-san," he greeted her.
"Hello Gohan-kun. What are you doing here?" the reporter turned announcer greeted back.
"Well, I was going to wish the girls luck but it seems like they weren't done changing," Gohan replied. "How about you?"
"The crowd is getting restless. I'm here to get the girls." Gohan nodded and watched as the girl opened the door next to him. "Hey, what are you doing? Hurry up and change you two! The audience is waiting!" After three minutes Asuna and Setsuna walked out and saw Gohan.
"Gohan! What are you doing here?" Asuna asked surprised. He looked at them giving the two a sweet smile that made them blush. He noticed that both of them were in maid costumes. Setsuna had her hair down and had black neko ears in her hair, while Asuna had a hat.
"Just wishing you two luck that's all," Gohan replied. "Oh Setsuna-san, can I speak to you alone for a moment?"
"Sure Gohan-sensei," Setsuna replied. Asuna was a bit confused on why Gohan wanted to speak to Setsuna alone, but she decided to give them space.
"I'll be outside waiting Setsuna-san," Asuna said as she walked out the door. Once the door was closed, Gohan and Setsuna were left all alone.
"What did you want to say Gohan-sensei?" asked the swordswoman.
Gohan looked at Setsuna sternly. "I heard your conversation earlier with Asuna-san," Gohan said which caused Setsuna to flinch. Did he hear about Asuna-san's feelings towards him? Setsuna asked herself. "It seems that Asuna-san really wants to face against me, so I was going to ask to you to not be too hard on her."
Setsuna frowned her eyebrows at the statement. "Why Gohan-sensei?" she asked with a hint of anger in her voice.
"Well, I know you are stronger than Asuna-san and you can easily beat her but I want her to have a fair chance at this tournament," Gohan said.
"You know Gohan-sensei, you don't seem to have a lot of trust in Asuna-san's skill," Setsuna said sternly.
"She does have some skill," Gohan stated, "but I don't want her to get too hurt."
Jealously began to rise in Setsuna's face. "You are worried about Asuna-san's safety?"
"Well yeah," Gohan said. "I care about her safety and I care about yours as well." Setsuna flinched as she was caught by surprise by Gohan's words. He cares about me as well? Setsuna asked herself. "When I was watching Negi-san's match, I couldn't help but get worried about Negi-san's safety," explained the demi-saiyan. "I know I shouldn't because you guys volunteered for this tournament but I care about you guys. You are my friends so its obvious that I am going to worried." Setsuna started to chuckled which brought a confused look to Gohan's face. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing, nothing," waved off Setsuna. "It's nothing. I misunderstood what you were trying to say Gohan-sensei and I apologize."
"Huh?" Gohan blinked a few times. "Misunderstand what?"
Setsuna smiled. "Come on, we shouldn't let the crowd get anxious," Setsuna said as she turned around to grab her broom. However, as she was walking, Setsuna tripped herself and started to fall down.
"Setsuna-san!" Gohan cried as he rushed to save Setsuna. He stopped the swordswoman from falling down as he held on to her tightly with a hug. If someone were to come in and see this scene, they would have suspected that Gohan was embracing Setsuna tenderly. After a few seconds of 'embracing', Gohan let go a heavily blushed Setsuna. "Are you okay Setsuna-san?"
Setsuna nodded frivously. "Y-Y-Yeah I'm fine, Gohan-sensei," she said. "Let's get going."
"Sure," Gohan said as the two of them walked out of the room, thankful that no one saw what just happened. However, unknown to the two, Asuna had seen the entire thing. She was coming back to get something that she had forgotten and when she opened the door, she noticed Gohan 'embracing' Setsuna tenderly. She quietly closed the door and left. Her eyes stung with tears and her fists were shaking in both anger and sadness. She furiously wiped away the tears from her eyes, but it didn't stop the heaviness in her heart as she walked away and back to the arena.
Author's note: Hey everybody! I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. I know it was relatively shorter than my usual chapters but in actuality, this chapter and Chapter 25 were one big chapter that I had written. And because it was so big, I had to separate it into two like I did before earlier with another chapter in the series. Even though I like writing big chapters, I think you guys would have been put off by how long the chapter really was.
Anyways, hope you guys enjoyed the fight between Takamichi and Negi. I added a few things in there so as to involve more of the DB crew especially Gohan's comments on the Kanka that Takamichi unleashes against Negi. I thought about having Negi learning both ki and magic during the Training arc before going to the Mundus Magica world, but thanks to RyumaOmega's review to an earlier chapter, I decided to add that part of having Gohan thinking of training Negi in using Kanka especially since Negi was able to perform the Kamehame-Ha against him.
And the last scene, you probably would have guess what happened there since it is well known in the manga as the most misunderstood scene in the world I believe. This is going to influence the next chapter. Trust me on this. But enough of my ranting.
READ AND REVIEW! Keep the reviews coming! Although I am in Japan working, I still enjoy reading them so keep them coming! See you guys around! Peace!