Well the start of the tournament mini saga of this story is about to begin. Before you read this chapter I had to inform you that I fix an error that was in the previous chapter. It wasn't anything big, all it was is that I changed two of the matches so it wouldn't cause confusion. Without anymore of a delay enjoy and as always, I don't own digimon.

Chapter 6:
Let The First Round Begin
Part One

Hikari's POV...

Today was the day that was looking forward to but at the same time dreading. It was the day that the Combat Tournament which both Daisuke and Takuya would be competing in was to begin. I had no doubt that they could take care of themselves. But with not really knowing what kind of competitors would be entering the tournament and not knowing who you were go up against until the first round was to begin it wasn't hard to think of what could go wrong.

After departing to both of them me, Taichi, Sora, Sakura and Izumi went to the arena where the matches would be held to find our seats. Once we did we did nothing as we waited for the starting ceremonies of the tournament to begin. "You're a little worried aren't you?" asked my brother who snapped me back to reality. "Worried? Why would I be worried? Its not like I am in the tournament is it?" "Calm down Hikari. All you brother is saying that you might be worried about what will happen to Daisuke when it is his turn to fight." stated Izumi.

"I don't know what you are implying Izumi but I think you could take heed to your own words. Remember, Takuya is also going to be fighting and it is not hard to say that the odds are staked against him." "I know that and I think even Takuya himself knows that he is basically the underdog in the entire tournament but despite that he is still willing to participate. Besides, just because Takuya isn't at the same level as Daisuke that doesn't mean he won't still put up a good fight." Before we could continue the conversation the announcer came out to give the opening speak to start the tournament.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the second annual Combat Tournament. I hope you are ready to see some great matches. In our first match we have Tao Shinko versus Sanzo Hitomi. Give each of them a warm welcome. Coming out from the waiting room appeared the two mentioned fighters. The first one that I guess was Tao seemed to be a person who took this whole thing seriously. The same could be said for his opponent but I could tell that he was taking this a little bit easier by his appearance.

He had a tough looking apperance with wild dirty blonde hair, brown eyes and he was wearing a whitish gray shirt and pants with black at the ends. All I knew for sure was that this match would be interesting. "Now if both competitors are ready let the match begin."

No sooner when the gong was sounded Tao drew out his sword and charged at his opponent. Instead of putting any type of defense all that Sanzo did was moved to the side and allowed Tao to pass by him. Turning back around Tao tried the same move again but only got the same results. Getting more frustrated with each miss it looked as though Tao was starting to get a little sloppy with his technique. Finally, after not doing any kind of action except for dodging Sanzo delivered a blow to the back of the head when he avoided another charge.

"Damn you. Why don't you stop running away and fight me?" spat Tao. "Why do I have to do anything?" asked Sanzo. "I mean, with you consently missing me I don't see any reason to fight you since you haven't been able to lay a finger on me." That statement apparently only made Tao more upset than he was before since he charged in quicker than before that Sanzo had to put up a quick defense with his staff before he was struck with the sword.

It looked as though it was a struggle with Tao using his sword against Sanzo's staff. But that all changed when Tao who appeared to be losing pulled out a dagger that was concealed from his back and tried to use it to slash his opponent's arm. Unfortunately for him, Sanzo saw it coming and out of nowhere pulled his staff apart to where it became a three part nunchuku. Using his new modified weapon he used it to block both the sword and dagger at the same time.

That sudden move caused Tao to stagger back a bit which gave Sanzo the opportunity to come in close and knock both of his weapons from his opponent's hands. Not wanting to waste this opening he drove his nuncuku in a downward smash to Tao's right shoulder which result with Tao falling to the ground where he didn't more an inch. The referee started the count and before anyone knew it he reached the count of ten and declared the match over.

"Their you go people. After an incredible match were he was the recipient of most of the attacks Sanzo was able to win the back and advance to the quarterfinals. He will now be facing off against the winner of our next match that will take place after a five minute intermission."

"Did you see that? Despite what the announcer said it was obvious that this Sanzo guy had his way in the match since the very beginning." I mentioned. "Well, you have to realize Hikari that everyone that is competiting in this tournament had to have above average skill. So it won't might not be as easy for Takuya and even Daisuke to win their matches." stated my brother. "Lets just that those two know what they are up against."

Daisuke's POV.

When I decided to enter this tournament I figured that I would only have to worry about the person that Taichi mentioned. However, after seeing the first match I came to realize that their might be some serious competition from some of these fighters. "Impressive wasn't it?" asked Takuya as he stood beside me to watch the match. "Indeed. Despite what those people might think I could tell that Sanzo had the match on his side from the get go. He just waited until he saw that it was time to finish the match. Definitely he will be a person to watch as this tournament moves along."

Looking on we saw Tao being help to the back by the officials as well as his older brother Rikimaru. Shortly after Sanzo follow and when he was about walk passed me and Takuya he stopped and gave me a little smirk. "So, it looks as though I had some people who were interested in my match. May I at least know your names?" "Daisuke Motomiya and this is my friend Takuya Kanabara. We just decided to watch the matches so we could see how the competition would be like. You know, scouting the competition"

"That's a smart move. It's better to somewhat know your opponent ahead of time so that you won't be caught off guard." As we were talking the next two fighters walked past us. Taking a look at them I already knew who they were. The younger of the two who went under the name of Jinto had the same hair and eye color as Takuya but only shorter. The weapon that he had on him was a kodachi that was strapped to his back. The other who was named Kinji was an average looking guy with a simple black outfit. He had a bald head and had black eyes. However, the thing that set me off was that his eyes seemed to have a empty look to them.

"Well, it looks as though the match that will determine who I will be fighting in the next round is about to begin. I think I will join you guys as I watch who wins the next match." exclaimed Sanzo suddenly as he stood beside me. I only nodded my head to acknowledge his presence as I turned my attention to the upcoming match sa the announcer began the introductions.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we now move on to the second match of the first round. Introducing first, he is the youngest participant in this year's tournament. Welcome Jinto Godo. His opponent is a man of mystery, he is Kinji Kaido." Soon after the announcer left the arena the two quickly drew out their weapons. What I found interesting about their choice of weapons was that both of them has the same type.

I already knew that Jinto had a kodachi but I was surprised when I saw that Kinji had not one but to kodachis. That interesting since kodachis were swords that were weaker for offense but strong for defense. Despite this unforeseen coincidence this would add more intrigue to this match.

Suddenly, Kinji went on the attack and try to strike with the kodachi in his left hand but it was block with Jinto's own. Seeing the new opportunity he tried to hit him with his other kodachi. Unfortunately Jinto saw the it coming and quickly stepped back in time to avoid the hit.

"Impressive. I didn't think that Jinto kid would be able to avoid that second strike. It is to tell that he has had some excellent training to react that quickly." exclaimed Sanzo as he was beginning to get more interested in the match. "That maybe true but I still think that he will lose this match." said Takuya. "I mean, he is going up against a person who fights with the same type of weapons which means that he knows how to fight against one and he not only has to defend against one but two of them at the same time."

"Don't be so sure about that Takuya. Just because his opponent is using more than one weapon at the same time doesn't mean he is at a disadvantage. It really all comes down to is who is the more skilled fighter." Having no more to say I returned my attention to the match where all that Jinto was doing at the moment was using his kodachi as a defense from the relentless assault from his opponent.

As Jinto continued to step back he lost his balance and fell to the ground. Not letting this opening go to waste Kinji stepped over him and placed both of his kodachis in a scissors position on both sides of Jinto's neck. Feeling like the match was his he went for a downward thrust to end it. Before he could complete the move, Jinto was able to place his own kodachi in front of him and hit the point where the two swords met.

Without wasting a moment he continued with the hit and was able to knock Kinji down which also caused him to drop the kodachi from his left hand. As he had him down he back to his feet and placed his foot on Kinji's right arm to prevent him from using his only weapon as well as placed his sword on his throat. Kinji tried to struggle free but was unable to do so and had no choice but admit defeat.

"That is it folks. With a come from behind victory Jinto has won the match and will now face off against Sanzo in the next round. Moving along we will now go to the third match. Will Daisuke Motomiya and Shiro Muro please come to the stage?" Hearing my name being called I began to walk to the stage until I felt someone put their hand on my shoulder. Turning around I saw that it was Takuya. "Remember Daisuke, this is only a competition not real fight. So don't go all super fighter on us now." "Relax Takuya. I'll not try to severally hurt anyone. However, with the person that I will be fighting next I might not be able to guarantee you that."

Speaking of my opponent, I saw Shiro walking to the entranceway and when he saw me he gave me that disgusting smile of his. Not bothering to say anything I starting to walk to the fighting arena but as I was doing so Shiro came and pushed me as he was walking by. Instead of yelling or getting upset, I just stood back up and followed him. I was not going to allow Shiro to pull me into some meaningless argument. Besides, I preferred to do my talking inside the ring.

I was somewhat surprised by what I was seeing when I stepped into the fighting stage. Their were more people than I thought their would be but it really didn't bother me since I didn't let things like large crowds distract me from what I need to do. The same couldn't be said for Shiro as he went are the stage trying to absorb the adulation from the crowd. Still I didn't let that get to me since the only people I even bothered to look for in the crowd were Hikari and the other and I was able to spot them close to the front.

"So, it looks like we will be able to finish up that little confrontation that we had a few days ago." said Shiro as he stood in front of me. "Its a shame that you will be taken out of the tournament so quickly. At least you will have the honor of losing to a superior fighter." "Really now? Who would that be? I mean, the only fighter that I can see is the pathetic excuse of one standing in front of me."

Apparently that comment really infurated Shiro since he began to squeeze his staff so hard that it was on the verge of breaking. "How dare you say something like that to me. All you are nothing more than a little punk who is nothing. You and that little bitch that you were with." That last comment caught my attention. I didn't mind if people bad mouth me but when they involve my friends they are crossing the line. "What did you just say?"

"You heard me. I don't understand why she would like to be seen with someone like you. I guess she is nothing more than some cheap flossy that will cling on to a person when they given a little attention." That was the last straw. Without warning I unsheathed my sword and in a blink of an eye I ran passed Shiro who stood there like a statue. I put my sword back in the sheath and began to walk away.

"Uh, excues me, but where do you think you're going? You still have a match to finish." questioned the official. "On the contrary, I have already won. If you don't believe me go check up on my opponent?" Following my suggestion he went over to Shiro who still hadn't move. With a slight on his shoulder Shiro fell to the ground, back first and it was then that everyone realized that I indeed attack when they saw a deep sword imprint on his chest.

"Incredible. Unseen by any of us Daisuke was able to deliver a single blow that knocked his Shiro unconscious. This has never happen in any of the previous tournament. Expect many surprises from Daisuke as he is advancing to the second round." The whole crowd started cheering me, especially Hikari and the others. This caused me to be a little embarrassed since I didn't usually get a reaction like that from a crowd.

After taking one finally look at the fallen Shiro I walked back to the waiting area where Takuya and surprisingly Sanzo were waiting for me. "That was amazing Daisuke. I didn't believe that you could do something like that." "I agree with your friend here. As much as I can recall I never saw anyone able to deliver a move that quickly before and without no one seeing it happen."

"It was nothing really you guys. I mean, I didn't want to do something that wasn't out of the ordinary but I couldn't help it when he began to make fun of my friend." "We understand. We did hear what he was saying. I must say that whoever this girl that he was badmouthing about has to be someone speical for you to react the way you did."

Before anything else could be said the announcer called for the next two fighters to enter the stage. Walking past us were those two fighters. One was a girl with long blonde hair that was tied into a ponytail, bright blue eyes and a blue female fighting outfit with black trim that somewhat showed off her feminine build. The other was a boy who had to be around the same age as Jinto Godo with reddish brown hair and was wearing a simple brown kimono. For weapons, the girl had a basic staff while the boy had a long length of metal chain that had small lead weights at the ends of it.

By just their appearance I would say that the boy would be the odds on favorite to win this match. But I had a feeling that their was more to this girl than meets the eye. I guess I would have to wait to see what will happen like everyone else and I wouldn't have to wait long since the announcer was beginning the introductions.

"We now are going to move along to the fourth match. Introducing first, he is one of the younger competitors of the tournament. He is Kaz Akio. His opponent, she is one of two women that is competiting in this tournament. Welcome the intriguing Tara Okita. Now fighters when you hear the gong begin the match."

The gong was soon sounded and both quickly drew their weapons. While Tara had her staff in a ready position, Kaz began to swing his chain by his side. "As much as I detest fighting with a girl I have to do what is needed to assure me victory. I hope that you understand." spoke Kaz. "Don't worry about it. Besides, I would rather have you fight me with all that you have since it will make beating you more gratifying."

Taking the inceptive, Tara went charging in. When she was close enough she tried to hit with the bottom part of her staff as she ran by. Unfortunately, Kaz saw it coming and ducked under the move that caused her stumble a bit which allowed him to throw his chain that wrapped around her right ankle. With a quick tug he caused her to fall to the ground. Unhooking his chain he began to spin it over his head.

"I'm sorry that I had to do that. Can you just give up so we don't have to do this any longer?" "Not a chance." answered Tara as she got back to her feet. "I will not surrender. You'll have to beat me to unconsciousness to stop me." "If that is what you wish then so be it. But I have to admit that I admire you fighting spirit." With a quick throw he wrapped his chain at the top end of her staff. However, that wasn't all as he used the other end of his chain to wrapped around the bottom end of the staff.

Despite trying her best Tara was not able to untangle the chain from the staff. I could see by some of the people in the crowd that they thought this was the beginning of the end for Tara. Still, I had a feeling that she would come up with something that will get her through this obstacle.

With her being unable to get her staff free from Kaz's chains, she drives her staff down which penetrated the ground and quickly runs at him. Seeing this he tries to free his chains but is unable to since it was still wrapped around the staff. Being unable to free his weapon he wasn't able to prepare a strong defense from the spinning back kick to the side of his face that knocks him out.

"That is it you folks. Even with her being on the defensive throughout this short match, Tara Okita was able to comeback and gain the victory by knockout and will now face Daisuke Motomiya in the second round. Now lets give a round of appaluse for both competitors." The crowd started to cheer to show their appreciation for what the two did in that short but interesting match.

While that was going on Kaz began to wake up and knowing what happen he tried to get up but was met by Tara who had her out stretch in front of him. Accepting her help he grabbed her hand and pulled himself back to his feet. "Well, I guess by the looks of things it seemed as though I lose this match."

"Afraid so. I'm sorry that I had to knock you out. I just couldn't come up with any other way to win." "Don't worry about it. A lost is a lost and their is no need to make any excuses about it. Besides, I at least I lost to a magnificent as well as stunning fighter like yourself." Despite the fact that I was standing over at the waiting area I could clearly see that Tara had a slight blush on her face. Before I anything else could probably happen the announcer spoke up again.

"Ladies and gentlemen, with half of the first round matches over with will stop for the day and have the second half of the first round tomorrow. So, we hope to see all you back here tomorrow, same time and same place." With that said the audience started to leave until their were only a few stragglers left.

"Well, see you guys tomorrow." said Sanzo. "If today was any indication of what this tournament will be like then it will be definitely one to remember." Having nothing more to say Sanzo turned around and started to walk away. Soon the only ones that were by the fighting area were just me and Takuya. "I guess I won't be fighting until tomorrow." exclaimed Takuya. "I really wished I didn't have to wait another day to fight. The waiting will drive me crazy." "Calm down Takuya. You'll have your moment in due time. In the meantime I suggest that you try to come up with some sort of strategy for your upcoming match."

Shortly after we met up with the others who looked pleased by what happened today. "Incredible. That is the best way that I can describe how you handled your match Daisuke." commented Taichi. "My brother is right." added Hikari. "I thought I saw most of your best moves already but I guess you were holding out on us weren't you?" Not being use to having this kind of attention put on me I instinctively I placed my hand on the back of my head.

"Maybe, but I was hoping not to draw any attention to myself. Unfortunately I had the misfortune of being paired up against Shiro and after all of the things he said I couldn't help but deal with him in a simply but humiliating way." "I now. We could hear most of the things he was saying and I have to say thanks for standing up for me. I really appreciate it." Wanting to change the subject I suggested that we head back to the dojo and fortunately they agreed.

Hours Later...

It was now the middle of the night and everyone was sound asleep. Everyone that is except for me and Taichi. "I think I should get right to the point and ask if you were able to find the person that you were hoping to find in the tournament?" No I haven't. Many of the fighters look a bit suspicious, though its still not enough to confirm anything."

"I was hoping that wouldn't be the case. With you not being sure who it is that places you at a decent disadvantage." "That is true. However, I have a strong feeling that none of the fighters that participated in today's matches is the person. Judging by how their matches went they couldn't be the person that we are searching for." "Maybe you're right. Still it could also be that they are holding back to not draw attention to themselves." Apparently this was going to be harder than I thought.

"Its no use in worrying about it now. Their are still four more days of the tournament. That should give you enough time to figure out who is person that you are wanting to find. Until then go to sleep. It won't help matters if you are too exhausted to think straight."

Being too exhausted to argue I went ahead and went to the room that me and Takuya shared so that I could get some rest. Moving quietly I entered the room and got under the covers. As I began to drift off to sleep I thought about all the tournament competitors that I already met and try to figure out if any of them were the person that I was seeking.

*I am positive that Shiro Muro is not the one since if he was he would have been able to last longer in our match than he did. The same can be said for Tao Shinko, Kinji Kaido and Kaz Akio since they lost their own respective matches. Tara Okita doesn't seem like the person who would associate with the person that I am looking for. Sanzo Hitomi is another story. So far he is the wildcard since I have no real clue about him.*

Getting frustrated I tossed and turn in my futon. *I guess it is turning out harder than I thought. But tomorrow is another day which hopefully will lead me to find out who the person that I am searching for. Once that is done I can go on and search for him.* That was the last thing that I thought about as I slowly began to go to sleep.

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I hope that you enjoyed those matches. You may wonder why their was only four of the eight matches in this chapter. Well, the reason for that is because after doing the first four matches I saw that their was enough to have a decent chapter. But don't worry, the next half of the first round will be in the next chapter. Anyways, please leave a review so I will know what you liked about the chapter and story in general.