Here is the next chapter to this story. The next round of the tournament starts here but unlike the last two, this round will be in just this one chapter. Without wasting another moment here's the chapter. I don't own digimon.

Chapter 8:
Tournament Continues!
Takuya's Dismay

With a brand new day a new stage develops as the next round of the Combat Tournament begins. So far both Daisuke and Takuya were able to advance without sustaining much damage if you didn't included Takuya's hurt left knee which was doing much better then it was yesterday.

While to most of the others competitors all this tournament was about was to either prove themselves or get recognize but to me it was much more. It meant Daisuke that he could be one step closer in finding the person that he was seeking. All that he had to do was find out which one of the people fighting was aligned with that person.

Wasting no time, the first match was about to begin as the two competitors were in the ring. One of the fighters was Sanzo who Daisuke and Takuya have got to known. He wasn't that bad of a guy and a pretty tough person to be up against. The other was Jinto, he was the youngest person in the tournament but that didn't make him easier to beat as was proven in his match against Kinji Kaido. It would be interesting to see who would come out as the winner in this match.

Sanzo would be the first to go on the attack as he immediately switch his staff into his three part nunchuku. Going in he tried a downward strike but it was blocked by Jinto's Kodachi. But that only seemed to be use as a diversion as he swung the bottom part of the nunchuku at his feet. Seeing it coming he jumped to avoided and came back with a side kick to the chest that cause Sanzo to stagger back.

Not backing down Sanzo went at him again and this time, he tried to hit him from the left side. Once against Jinto saw the move coming and when it was about to hit him he used his left arm to grab it and held on to it.

Apparently though that was what Sanzo wanted as he jerked it towards him which caused Jinto to stumble forward and as he was doing that Sanzo went ahead and rammed his knee into his gut. However, before Sanzo could observe his work Jinto quickly responded back with a forearm shot to his face. Freeing themselves, both of them moved back so they wouldn't get hit again.

"I must say that I am impress. Despite everything that I have dished out you are still able to comeback and fight." "Well, that just shows you that you can't always gudge a book by its cover." That brought a smirk onto Sanzo's face as he let go of his fighting stance. Grapping both ends of his three part nunchuku he clicked them back together to become a staff again.

Apparently realizing that his three part nunchuku weapon wouldn't work Sanzo decided to use another method. He began to charged straight at Jinto with an attempt at a forward thrust move. Seeing that move coming Jinto prepared himself to block it. As he was coming in Sanzo pointed his staff to the ground at the last second which acted like a pole-vault. With this new advantage it allowed him to fly over Jinto's sword defense and hit a kick to the top of his head.

The force of the blow caused Jinto to fall back to the ground. When he hit the ground Sanzo placed his foot on his neck and placed his staff on Jinto's forehead. With no way to escape Jinto had no other choice but to concede his defeat in the match.

When it was officially announced that was Sanzo was the winner he let go of Jinto and extended his hand out to him. Seeing no harm in it he accepted his offer and was helped up. Neither of them said a word as they looked at each other right in the eye. Sanzo would be the first to do something as he patted Jinto on the arm and nodded in approval as he walked back to the waiting area.

"Nice work there Sanzo." exclaimed Takuya as soon as Sanzo came over to him and Daisuke. "I'll agree with Takuya. That was a really exciting match." When he finally got over to them he went over and leaned against the wall opposite from them.

"As much as I hate to admit it that kid really took it to me. I guess that just shows that the competition is only to get harder as this tournament goes on." Taking a more serious expression on his face he look directly at Daisuke.

"Listen Daisuke, if you win your upcoming match that means that the two of us will have to face against each other in the semifinals. Just to tell you ahead of time that if that does happen I won't go easy on you." With the same determine look on his face Daisuke began to walk away from his two friends and headed towards the fighting arena.

"You may be right about us facing one another in the next round Sanzo and I agree. If we do fight I promise you that I won't hold anything and expect the same from you." With that said I stepped onto the fighting platform.

Soon after Daisuke entered the ring he was accompanied Tara Okita who somewhat surprised everyone as she was being joined by Kaz Akito, the same person that she defeated in the previous round. Seemingly the two of them became real good friends from the last time they were saw. Putting that aside Daisuke ready myself for the match that was about to occur.

"Now it is time for the second match of the second round. Introducing first, she is the lovely Tara Okita. Her opponent is a man who in the last round had the quickest victories ever in this tournament. Please give a warm welcome to Daisuke Motomiya. Remember, at the sound of the gong you two can begin." Shortly after the gong was sounded and neither him or Tara wasted anytime.

Daisuke was the first to attack as he drew his sword and went for a forward thrust but he saw that Tara was holding her staff at the bottom of it instead of the usual place. Moving quickly Daisuke leapt out of the way before just as she thrust her staff at where he was a second ago. He wouldn't have time to think about it for long as she came at him and as she was doing that she switch her staff around to where she was now holding the front and the rest of it behind her. When she got closer she spun around and along the way her staff came at Daisuke.

Reacting quickly he fell straight to the floor and allowed the staff to swing right over him. Not ceasing her attack Tara tried to drive her staff right down on him. He was able to roll out of the way and got back to his feet but met with a forward charge with her weapon in front. On reflex Daisuke bent backwards and avoided contact by only inches as she went running past him. Standing upright again he positioned his sword to defend himself.

"Not bad. I was surprise that you were able to avoid all of my moves since they were coming at you at such speed." spoke Tara. "I'll admit that you had me on the run for a while. Although no offense attend but their was no chance of you making a direct blow." "Is that so? Well then why don't you come at me and try to make contact with me."

If it was anyone else they would probably go ahead and take her up on her challenge but Daisuke didn't since he saw that she had gripped her staff in a way that she would be able to prevent him from getting in close range of her. Knowing that no ordinary move wouldn't be successful Daisuke decided to come up with a strategy to get by her defense.

To the shock of everyone watching he put his sword back into its sheath and held both of them to my side. Apparently thinking that he was allowing her to finish him off Tara came running at Daisuke to deliver the final blow. Waiting until the right moment came Daisuke stood still and when she was close enough he delivered a lighting fast thrust right in the center of Tara's chest. Combine that with the speed that she was coming at with Tara fell like a sack of bricks.

Soon the announcer began the ten count and around the six count Tara tried to get back to her feet but was unable to because she was still stunned by the blow. When the count reached ten she was still on the ground which resulted in Daisuke being declared the winner.

Showing some sportsmanship he went over to her and help her up. "I'm sorry that I had to take you down like that. I hope that I didn't hurt you too badly." Apparently she didn't show any hard feelings as she looked at him with a friendly smile. "Don't worry about it. I'll be fine after a while. But I have to know what made you think of doing such a move."

"It's simple really. I knew that I wouldn't be able to get close enough to you with your staff being use as a shield. That is when I came up with the idea of putting my sword in its sheath since it would give me a bit more of a reach. Also it cause you to let your guard down a bit which made you leave your strategy to something that I could use to my advantage."

"You're quite impressive Daisuke. You proved to be a great opponent and I wish you the best of luck in your coming matches." With a slight nod she turned and left to join Kaz as the two of them left to places unknown. Daisuke didn't know what they were going but hoped that wherever those two were going they would have good lives. Following their example Daisuke headed back to the waiting area to the waiting Takuya and Sanzo.

"Way to go Daisuke. I'll admit that for a while I thought you were on the verge of losing but you prove me wrong by coming up with that strange but creative move." "I'll agree with your friend. That just adds to my assumption that you'll be a tough person to beat when we face one another in the next round." added Sanzo. "Lets agree to show everyone a match that they won't forget for a long time."

Sticking his hand out Sanzo looked for him to seal the deal and Daisuke did when he stuck my hand out and shook his, promising to live up with his part of the promise. Before the conversation could continue the announcer started to talk again.

"Hold on to your seats folks. If you thought that last match was something wait until we have the next two fighters on this stage. Would those two please come to the stage now?" Hearing the announcer the two scheduled fighters began their walk to the stage.

As they passed them Nori gave a simple nod but when Rikimaru passed he gave them an icy stare or to be more precise he was glaring straight at Sanzo. It was apparent he still was holding a grudge against him for the defeat of his younger brother.

Stepping onto the stage the two squared off and awaited the gong to be it. When it was sounded Rikimaru was the first to go on the offense. Taking out of his sword he went at Nori who at the last second moved out of the way but barely as their was now a slash mark on the side of his outfit.

Taking nothing for chance he got out two of his daggers and went into a defensive position. The two of them circled one another waiting for the opportunity to attack. Going on the offensive Rikimaru charged straight ahead and went for downward slash on Nori's left shoulder. Acting quickly Nori placed his daggers in front of him in a crisscross and was able to block the blow.

By the look of things the match had turned into a power struggle as both men fought to establish dominance in the back and forth with their weapons scrapping against each other. As that went on Rikimaru reached down grabbed the dagger scrapped to his belt. Pulling it out he lifted up and drove it into the right shoulder of Nori.

Being unprepared for the sudden attack Nori fell to the ground and in the process lose both his daggers as they skitted across the stage. Staggering back to one knee Nori tried to get back up but was unable to as the dagger that he was still stuck in his shoulder.

"My word, in a vicious blow Rikimaru has stabbed his opponent in the shoulder. It looks as though Nori is in real bad and I will now question him on whether or not he wants to continue." Rushing over the announcer knelt down, ready to question him. "Nori, do you wish to concede this fight?" With a labored breath Nori looked directly at the announcer. "No. I do not want to quit and will not stop fighting until I come out on top."

With great determination, Nori pulled himself back to his feet Nori and prepared to fight. The audience was amaze by his courage but to anyone that was really watching would see that Nori was on the verge of collapsing. Obviously Rikimaru noticed this as well as he dashed over to him to finish it. Despite being in tremendous pain Nori tried to reach for one of his two remaining daggers but as soon as he pulled it out he dropped it since he was momentarily overcome by the pain of moving so hastily.

Recovering quickly, he leapt to the side to avoid the oncoming attack but once again it aggravated his injury further as the dagger sunk deeper into his shoulder. "This is pathetic. You can't do anything put run like a coward." sneered Rikimaru. "I have more important things to deal with. Such as getting revenage against Sanzo for what he did to my brother. Now, if you don't mind I am going to put an end to this."

Raising his sword over his head Rikimaru went straight towards his opponent to finish off the match. Seeing him coming Nori had only had few options to counter for what was to come. Having no other choice he actually gripped the dagger that was imbedded in his shoulder. With a great resolve he pulled the dagger out of the shoulder and not wasting another second went head long to his opponent.

Taking back by this unforseen maneuver Rikimaru didn't have time to come up with a defense as his sword was knocked away by his own dagger and was quickly followed up by a huge punch to his face which caused both fighters to fall to the ground.

Seeing that both men were down the announcer started his count. "One......two......three......four-" It looked as though both fighters would be counted out one of them began to get up. "Eight......nine......ten." The announcer reached the end of his count with one man standing and the other still struggling to get up. "There you go folks. This match has come to an end and your winner is....Nori Kada."

A huge uproar went out as Nori was able to comeback from certain defeat and get the upset win. Throwing his opponent's he slowly he went around the stage to gather the daggers that he lost. Once he done that he began to walk to the entrance way but suddenly collapses to a knee. Both Daisuke and Takuya were about to go over and help him but surprisingly it was Sanzo who beat them to the point and help Nori to his feet.

"Whoa, take it easy man. Just relax and let me help you." Being to exhausted to protest he simply did as he was ask and leaned against him. Slowly the two of them came over to where Daisuke and Takuya were standing. "This guy needs some medical attention so I'm taking him to the hospital to get treated. Good luck Takuya in your match." With that the two of them went off to get Nori treated.

"Hopefully he will be okay but that will have to be put on hold as your upcoming match is now Takuya. Don't let your guard down against this Jin character. I don't know what it is but their is something more to him than meets the eye." "Hey don't worry about it Daisuke. I know that I have to keep my guard up against this guy but I feel as though I can squeak by with a victory."

With those words Takuya walked off to the ring, ready to face off against the person that was considered the most vicious fighters in any recent tournament. Shortly after Jin came down the aisle but as he was passing Daisuke he gave him a side glance and a sinister half smile. "I surely hope that you're not too attach to that friend of yours. It would be a real shame to have another one that you care for to get hurt or even worse."

Before he could ask what he meant by that Jin continued on his way to the ring. What was that all about? Could he possible know about that incident? thought Daisuke as he watched a possible opponent head off to face his friend. As much as he wanted to confront him he could do nothing but watch and hope that his friend would come out of this match with his health in tacked.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for our fourth and final match of the quarterfinal round. This will pit two virtual unknown fighters who have amazed their onlookers. In this corner, he has shocked everyone by his merciless attack on Akira Ando, who is still recovering from the assault. Here is Jin Kata." Instead of getting cheers like everyone did he received a chorus of boos. Obviously no one appreciated what he did in his previous match.

"His opponent, he stunned everyone with his what is considered an upset victory over Mari Akito and is hoping to repeat it here. Introducing Takuya Kanabara." Getting an entirely different response than his opponent the crowd gave Takuya a rounded applause. Apparently everyone was on his side and were hoping that he would come out of this match as the victor.

The gong sounded and almost immediately Takuya went on the attack as he removed his sword and ran at Jin who surprisingly hadn't drawn his weapon or even put up any type of defense. As Takuya tried to hit with a slash from the right it looked as though he was going to make contact but just as he about to hit Jin simply stepped back and avoided the sword by mere inches. Not letting this setback get him down Takuya tried to attack with a variety maneuvers but on every attempt Jin would just move out of the way with ease.

"Amazing, despite Takuya's valiant attempts he is unable to make any progress as Jin has avoided all his attacks. Can Takuya figure out a way to get around this obstacle or will it be too much for him to overcome?" spoke the announcer as he along with the audience were complete stumped on how Jin was able to move so quickly. Everyone that else except for Daisuke who was watching this match with a grim expression on his face. So he knows the shadow dance. That just helped make make my suspicions about him to be confirmed.

For a while the situation wouldn't change as Takuya was starting to get exhausted in his failed attempts. "This is pathetic." spoke Jin in a disappointed tone. "I thought that this would be a more challenging but at last this has been proven to be insignificant. Apparently the person that trained you had to be a real sad excuse of a fighter if he was willing to train someone like you."

That comment must of lit a fire inside of Takuya as he tightly griped and with speed that he has never shown before to deliver a quick attack. Unfortunately the move didn't go without a price as his injured knee gave way on him. Turning around he figured to see a down opponent but instead he saw a hardly fazed Jin with a small cut on his chest.

Realzing what happened to him, Jin glared at Takuya with a look of pure anger. "How dare you to actually hit me with that sad exscue of fighting. For that I will make you experience pain like you have never ever felt before." Not giving him a chance Jin charged forward and hit with the hand without the sword which caused Takuya to stagger back. Before he could recover Takuya was kneed in the gut and as he tried to catch his breathhe was elbowed in the back of the head.

He's fast. Probably as fast as Daisuke. How can I possibly fight someone that I can barely keep up with? thought Takuya as he struggled back to his feet. He wouldn't have long to think about it as Jin was again came at him again. Going into a defensive position he ready for a frontal assault but instead Jin went to the side and hit with a slash to his right arm.

The pain from the attack resulted in Takuya to drop his sword. Clutching his arm he stepped back while he was trying to stop the lost of blood as it was dripping down his arm. "While don't you do the smart thing and surrender before you suffer a real severe injury? You're not even considered a challenge to me anymore." "Not a chance. As long as I have strength in my body I will not stop until one of us left standing." "Takuya, no."

Turning his attention to where he heard his voice Takuya saw that it came from Izumi who had a look of great worry on her face. "Please Takuya just give up. You already proven yourself so there isn't really any need for you to continue." "I'm sorry Izumi but I can't."

Reaching down he grabbed his sword with his uninjured arm. "I may have made it further than most have thought that I would but it won't mean nothing if I just go ahead and surrender. Before this tournament even started I made a promise to myself that I would face Daisuke to see if I really deserved to be his apprentice and a fellow swordsmen." Looking straight into the eyes of Izumi with a look of determination.

"I appreciate your concern for me Izumi, I really do but this is something I need to do." With a definite he rushed forward ready to go for last attack that would prove to be success or defeat. Putting all that he could muster Takuya reared back his sword and swiped forward but hit nothing as Jin leapt out of the way and moved beside him. Acting without the slightest bit of remorse he delivered a swift kick to Takuya's already injured left knee.

Everyone in attendance, including Daisuke watch in shock as Takuya landed hard on the ground with his sword sliding away from him. Grabbing his knee Takuya was trying not to show any pain yet it was obvious that he was in a great deal go through his body. He tried to get back up but his just gave out on him as he fell right back to the floor.

Seeing one of her close friends hurt Izumi tried to go over to him however she was being held back by Taichi. "Let me go Taichi. I have to see to Takuya. Don't you care that his hurt?" "Of course I do but if you go to him now he will be disqualified and I know that is something that Takuya doesn't want to happen. So please, just wait until the match is over before you go to him." Being let go of Taichi's grip Izumi slumped to the floor with tears on the verge of falling.

Noting the serious situation the announcer immediately began the ten count. It seemed as though the match was over until Jin went over and lifted Takuya before the count could be completed. "Well look at this. He somehow has gotten back to his feet. I guess that means that I have to do some more punishment." Rearing his sword back he prepared to issue him another vicious move until a voice intervened.

"It would be wise for you to let my friend go." exclaimed Daisuke who was ready to unsheathe his sword. "Unless you want to leave that ring with a few missing body parts." After a intense moment of staring Jin finally let go of Takuya. However, just as he was falling Jin gave him a vicious kick to his neck that sent him flying one of the walls.

"I'm not even going to bother counting. Jin Kata advances into the semifinals." Just as what happened earlier he just walked off only this time he stayed a safe distance away from the people who were giving him death glares as he passed. Forgetting about Jin for the moment, Daisuke immediately went over to Takuya with Izumi and the others arriving shortly after. "Takuya, come on Takuya say something."

Slowly Takuya began to stir. Lifting his head up he looked at all them with a glazed look in his eyes and a lopsided grin. "Hey, did I do good?" "Yes you did. You did good." answered Daisuke. "That's good. Now if you don't mind I'm going to take a little nap." Closing his eyes he let his head droop. Fearing for their friend they checked and saw he was only unconscious. "We better hurry and take him to a hospital so he can be treated."

Going over Taichi went by and picked him up and they all hurried to the nearest hospital. Fortunately the people at the hospital were ready and they quickly got to work on their injured friend. After an hour a doctor went to them to give his report. "Well doctor, how's our friend?" "Your friend is in stable condition. Fortunately with the exception of a bruised back and damaged knee nothing is broken. He just needs to take it a easy for a could of days and he should be back to his feet. If you want you can go see him."

Walking to where the doctor to us them they entered Takuya's room and saw him laying on a hospital bed with bandages wrapped around the gash he received on his right arm his hurt left knee which was being elevated. "Hey there guys, what up?" voiced Takuya with a cheerful voice but you could tell that it was forced. Before any of them could speak, Izumi raced over and hugged him tightly.

"Oh Takuya, I'm so glad that you're okay. I couldn't hardly stand there and watch as you were getting hurt." Putting his uninjured arm around her, he tried to comfort her. "Sorry about that. I didn't mean to make you guys worry. I was just trying to do my best but I guess my best wasn't go enough." Clenching his fist anger he looked at Daisuke with determination in his eyes. "Be very careful Daisuke. That Jin is no ordinary fighter and he is liable to do about anything to come out as victor."

Walking over to him Daisuke placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry Takuya, I'll be careful and I will this tournament for the both of us." Soon all of them began to talk about other stuff, trying to forget about the tournament and what had happened to their friend. But as they talked Daisuke was promising himself something.

I have finally found the person that I was looking for. Now I just need to get him to tell me what I need so I will finally come face to face with him again. But now I have another reason in facing Jin and that is to avenge Takuya. I promised that I would beat him Takuya and I will do everything in my power to make that promise a reality.
Well, that round has come and gone. Now it's time to move on to the semifinals. Hope you like the the chapter and I will have the next one as soon as I can.