"The semi-finals commence immediately! First match: Kaze-Maru vs. Urameshi!" Genkai wasted no time announcing the next match.

"What?!" Urameshi exclaimed.

"Great! I'm sick of standing around!" Kaze-Maru crossed his arms and smirked at the boy's misfortune.

Urameshi pointed his thumb at himself and argued, "But I just finished a match!"

"The order of the matches is set. Tough break, kid!" Genkai turned and opened the doors, blinding everyone with the sudden sunlight. "Come on. We're changing locales."

At the last second, Sayomi dived into someone's shadow. Damn, he's got bad luck when it comes to drawing lots, huh? He was beaten around pretty good so I doubt this next match will be easy for him. Meanwhile, Kaze-Maru looks well rested with fairly minor wounds.

Genkai guided the group down another mountain path. Urameshi dragged behind the rest of them, panting for breath. "Huff- huff- Swell! My Reigun's used up and I'm a mass of bruises. I don't give myself good odds for this round."

Botan turned her head to look at the exhausted teen. "Yeah, and to top it all off, this Kaze-Maru could be Rando!"

Rando? Is that why he's here? Sayomi realized she had dived into Botan's shadow. So that young monk is really Rando? That's not someone to mess with when he can barely handle a hike.

"Here we are." Genkai led the group out of the forest and into a large marshy land with puddles of water everywhere.

"A swamp!" Urameshi and the others stared around at the open space.

Genkai turned to the group and explained, "Ancient battles were fought here. There is no more spiritual a spot on this mountain. Here is where your powers may reach full flower."

"You're right. I feel power surging within me." Kaze-Maru lifted his palm and smiled at the sensation.

Botan looked at Urameshi and asked, "Um… anything?"

"Yeah, I'm getting some strength back…" Urameshi struggled to focus energy on his trigger finger. "…But not near enough for a decent shot!" He warily glanced at Kaze-Maru.

As the two fighters made their way to the battlefield, Sayomi carefully shifted out of Botan's shadow and darted to the nearest tree. So long as I stay hidden, I should be able to watch the fights. Except for Rando, there are three possible humans that could be the old man's heir. Odds aren't looking too good for Urameshi, though.

"Begin!" Urameshi tensed while Kaze-Maru stayed calm and relaxed.

"You've drawn a bad hand. I sympathize." Kaze-Maru looked down at the boy, confident in his chances of victory. "But in the real world, you must play the cards' luck and let chance deal out. With enough spiritual strength, you may prevail."

Urameshi clenched his fist and glared up at the ninja.

Kaze-Maru shifted his footing. "Interesting to find another who can emit Reiki, as I can, but it seems your energy's spent." Then he dashed. "I could defeat you now with my bare hands!"

Urameshi tried to dodge, but his foot squished into the muddy grass. He glared down at his foot. "Urgh! Stuck!" Then he looked up in time to see Kaze-Maru's fist.

"Rar rar rar rah!" Kaze-Maru pummeled Urameshi with direct punches to the face. They came at him so quickly; he didn't have a chance to block. With a final right hook, Kaze-Maru knocked the boy off balance several feet away.

"Guh…!" Urameshi dragged himself up from the ground. His cheeks started to swell as bruises formed all over. His whole body felt heavy and sore. Kaze-Maru stalked closer, like a predator hunting its prey.

Kuwabara panicked, unable to do anything but watch. "Cripes! He's too beat to strike back or dodge!"

Damn, not good. Sayomi waited for the punch to land.

"I'll make it quick!" Kaze-Maru closed in with his fist raised for the final blow.

"Now!" Urameshi saw the ninja coming and swung his fist as hard as he could.

"Uff!" Kaze-Maru saw the attack at the last second and leaned back to dodge.

"Ahh! I missed!" Urameshi's punch had barely scratched the ninja's cheek. He grimaced at his wasted energy.

"You're not as spent as I thought!" Kaze-Maru pulled out four small blades from a hidden pocket and charged them with his aura. "I'll have to stay out of your reach and take you out by other means."

"Throwing stars…?" Urameshi was taken aback by the ninja's change in tactics.

"Hah!" Kaze-Maru threw the shuriken.

"I may be in pretty bad shape, but I can still dodge these things!" Urameshi jumped out of the way of the projectiles. Kaze-Maru crossed his arms and watched the boy.

"You got anything else, pal? Or are you just going to stand there-" Urameshi heard a faint whistle in the air that caught his attention.

"Yaaah!" He instinctively threw himself out of the way of the knives, but they still cut his knee and wrist. He quickly got to his feet and turned to see the stars change direction. "They're coming back around! Like they have minds of their own!"

Despite his best effort to dodge, they all sliced through him. "Yeowch!"

Kaze-Maru raised a finger and explained, "Reiki-seeking throwing stars, my friend! You can't escape them! They'll keep coming until they hit you!"

"Unh!" Urameshi braced himself, waiting for the spinning blades to get closer. At the last moment, he leaped out of the way. One of the knives struck the tree behind him and exploded on impact.

"Aaaah!" The blast sent him sliding across the ground, getting mud and grass into his wounds. Then he landed hard on his back. "Urf!"

Kaze-Maru laughed and said, "Oh, yes. They also explode when they hit! Dodging is ineffective! A near miss will get you! You're out of options!"

"Rrrg rrg..." Urameshi forced himself back to his feet. "Oh, man…"

This might be it for him. Sayomi felt bad for the boy. He can barely stand, let alone fight. Even if he manages to survive this match, he won't stand a chance against Rando.

She noticed the boy lock eyes with Kuwabara. Then he started sprinting towards his opponent.

"The rest is up to you!"

What's he doing?! Sayomi watched with wide eyes.

Kuwabara and Botan watched Urameshi in shock. "He's charging Kaze-Maru!"

The ninja started focusing his aura into his palm. "A Kami-Kaze attack, eh? Straight into my Reiki blast!"

"Straight into whatever you've got! If I go down, you go down!" Urameshi glared at him as he ran, prepared for the worst.

"Fool! You'll never get near me!" Kaze-maru aimed his palm straight at the boy. "Take this!"

Then, Urameshi disappeared.

"What? Where'd he go?!" Kaze-Maru's eyes darted around, searching for the boy. "He vanished! Impossible!" He noticed the shuriken flying towards him. "No! Hey! Whoa…!"

There was a large explosion as the knives hit their target. The force of the blast sent Kaze-Maru flying through the air, his clothes torn and bloody. "I just… don't get it!" He landed flat on his back and unable to move.

Sayomi blinked as she tried to register the match. What just happened? It looked like Urameshi was gonna bite it, but...

"Holy cheese! It's true! Urameshi's disappeared!" Kuwabara frantically started to search for any trace of the boy.

Botan glanced down when she heard a gurgle by her feet. She gasped when she spotted a hand waving out from a muddy puddle.

"Hey, down there..." Kuwabara immediately rushed over to pull his rival from the water while Botan watched with a mix of shock and worry. Kuwabara glared down as the other boy coughed out the murky water. "You hid in a bog?! Talk about desperate!"

"Who was hiding?! Koff! I fell in!" Urameshi was drenched and caked with mud as he crawled out of the water. "Still, did it turn out to be the right move anyway?"

"It would seem so." Genkai smirked. "Your sudden disappearance threw Kaze-Maru off his timing. Accidental as it was, it's still your victory. Lady Luck smiled on you this time, Urameshi."

"I… I can't… believe it… uuh…" Everyone looked at Kaze-Maru as he groaned and passed out.

"Same here!" Urameshi admitted.

Botan turned to the boy and lowered her voice. "He's not Rando, that's certain. Now that he's out cold, I detect no subconscious demonic aura from him."

Urameshi gasped. "Then the only one it could be is…"

"Prepare for the second semi-finals match!"

As Kuwabara stared down at his opponent, Sayomi took note of their chances. I guess this will be the real test. Kuwabara had the stronger punch, if just by a little, and the higher sixth sense. But if that's Rando, then that means he was holding back on his scores. By how much, I can only imagine.

Botan looked at the young monk, thrown off by his chosen appearance, but worried nonetheless. "I wouldn't have guessed it!"

Urameshi was just as thrown off. "That little dude…?"

"Semi-finals match 2!"

Kuwabara walked into the field, rotating his right shoulder in anticipation for the fight. Shaolin kept his expression carefree, but there was a sense of eagerness in his large eyes.

"Wait a second! Kuwabara, listen-," Urameshi tried to get Kuwabara's attention. Kuwabara turned, curious about what he had to say.

Botan grabbed Urameshi and scolded him. "No, Yusuke! Don't reveal classified information! Remember, we're undercover!"

"Oh yeah." Urameshi deadpanned.

That caught Sayomi's attention. Undercover? Is that why they're here looking for Rando?

Kuwabara turned to his rival. "What? You gonna cheer me on? Don't bother."

"That wasn't… I mean, well…" Urameshi stammered as he tried to choose his words. He cupped his hand around his mouth and leaned closer, lowering his voice. "…Don't underestimate this guy, that's all. My advice? For your own good, throw the match!"

"Your advice?" Kuwabara pressed his middle finger against Urameshi's nose, irritating the boy as he said, "You won through dumb luck, punk! And you still got beat up so bad you can barely stand! Just sit tight. I'll get to you next, don't worry."

"Urr." Urameshi jumped back and yelled, "Fine then! Get yourself killed! See if I care!"

"Hope your life insurance's paid up, pal!" Kuwabara threatened.

"Jeez Louise, would you guys knock it off?!" Botan yelled in frustration.

So are they friends or not? Sayomi watched the boys curiously.

Shaolin held his fist against his palm and bowed respectfully to his opponent. "May the best man win."

"Begin!"

Urameshi and Botan watched nervously as Kuwabara shifted his footing. Then he suddenly dashed and pulled back his fist. "Best defense is a good offense!"

Sayomi's eyes widened when he landed a direct punch the young monk's face. He hit him that easily?

"Uhh!" Shaolin slid back across the slick grass several feet away.

"Huh?" Urameshi blinked, confused by what he witnessed.

"Oww…." Shaolin sat up and rubbed his bruising cheek. "You're stronger than the numbers indicated."

Kuwabara rubbed the back of his head, almost embarrassed for the youngster. "Shee, I barely whiffed him. This guy's a wuss."

Shaolin got back to his feet and shifted into a new battle stance. "I'd better get serious, then…

"Dah!" He dashed.

"Yah! Hah!" He punched, but Kuwabara easily stepped out of the way. Every punch he threw, Kuwabara dodged."Tah! Hiyah!"

"Hmph!" Kuwabara brought his fist down on top of Shaolin's head, then crossed his arms and grinned. "So, who's getting the better of who?"

"Owww." Shaolin rubbed his head in pain.

Genkai watched the fight, unaffected by the display in front of her.

Urameshi turned towards Botan and asked, "Are you sure that's Rando? 'Cause if it is, he ain't livin' up to his notices. Maybe he got beat up and robbed of his power."

"Hmm." Botan mused.

Sayomi watched the monk get back into his stance. It's Rando alright. He's either a disappointment compared to the rumors, or he's just playing with him. If he's holding back, then Kuwabara could be in serious danger.

Shaolin stood in a horse stance with open palms. His aura started to shift around his body as he said, "Okay, time to play my ace."

"Uh-Oh! His aura's changing!" Botan realized.

When Shaolin ignited flames in his hand, Kuwabara's eyes widened. "Gack! Fire?!"

"Fiery palms! Tah!" Shaolin's aura receded into his body as he ignited his other hand.

"That technique!" Genkai instantly recognized the attack.

Shaolin threw a fireball and Kuwabara narrowly dodged a direct hit. He frantically tried to pat down the small burn in his shirt. "Whoa! Hot-hot-hot!"l

"The fire's got him hoppin' around! C'mon, moron, you're not a rabbit!" Urameshi yelled.

Once the fire was out, Kuwabara glared at the young monk. "Gonna pitch that kinda stuff at me, eh? Fine, then. Since I'm at the plate…" He pulled out the wooden sword tip and summoned his Aura Sword. "Leadoff Hitter Sword!"

"Hah!" Shaolin threw another fireball.

"Tah!" Kuwabara swung his sword and sent the fireball back at Shaolin.

"Urrgh!" The attack knocked the young monk off his feet.

"Hoo hah! Infield drive!" Urameshi cheered.

Kuwabara held his sword proudly. "Your fireball pitches ain't nothin' to a 120km/h hitter, baby!"

Urameshi turned to Botan and pointed at the two fighters. "Kuwabara's getting more powerful by the minute! Even if he is Rando, Shaolin could be in trouble!"

Sayomi frowned. I don't know. Something doesn't feel right. He has quite a reputation in the Demon Plane. Even the monks have talked about him in hushed whispers when they thought no one was listening. They said he was able to steal techniques from 99 Reiki masters before he killed each one. If he can kill masters, he's not someone to take lightly.

Shaolin got back to his feet as smoke rose from his singed clothes. He still smiled, undaunted by the unexpected move. "Wow! No dodging! You hit that straight back! Defense and offense in one fighting style!"

Kuwabara grinned and rested his sword over his shoulder. "Heh. Flattery'll get you nowhere. Give up!"

"Not just yet…" Shaolin squatted into another stance. He clasped his hands together and pointed his index fingers upward. Then he started chanting in a strange language.

Kuwabara watched the boy in confusion. "What's with all the Buddhist jazz? He sayin' his prayers before I flatten him?!"

Is it another technique? Sayomi wondered curiously.

"That spell…"

Urameshi and Botan turned their attention to the old psychic curiously.

"…and the flaming palms…" Genkai kept her attention on the monk. "The best voodoo charmers and martial artists I know have spent decades mastering those techniques. I've heard that recently some were victims of a demon who's stolen their secrets."

Urameshi gasped. "So that is Rando?"

It's him… Sayomi glared at the disguised demon. And if Kuwabara isn't the old man's heir, then he's in real trouble.

As Shaolin finished his chant, Kuwabara ran towards him with his sword raised. "If you won't make a move, I will!

"Huh?!" His eyes widened and perspiration glistened down his face as he stared up at Shaolin. "Gack!"

The monk towered over him and smiled. He stomped down, but Kuwabara jumped out of the way. "Yaah!" He quickly turned to look up at his opponent . "He's become – a giant!"

As Kuwabara rushed to his feet, he took in his surroundings. "Huh?! Where'd these bushes come from?"

When he heard the rustling behind him, he turned and yelled as a giant caterpillar crawled by. He freaked out and jumped back as the insect scurried away. "Ohmigosh!"

Kuwabara clenched his teeth and tried to wrap his mind around his situation. "What's goin' on? Did he grow, or did I…?"

Shaolin reached down and grabbed Kuwabara in his hand, pinning his arms to his sides.

"Ack!" Kuwabara gasped in pain as Shaolin started to squeeze.

"Get it now, Tom Thumb? I didn't grow – you shrank!" Shaolin smirked sadistically.

Kuwabara stared at the young monk fearfully. His whole body started to sweat and tremble in pain. He clenched his teeth as he bit back his screams.

"K-Kuwabara's no bigger than a doll! Shaolin can crush him at will!" Urameshi yelled desperately. "Kuwabara! Throw in the towel! You've lost!"

"Please don't spoil my fun." Shaolin squeezed harder and watched his victim squirm. "I'd like him to suffer a little… before the end."

"Guuh… unh!" Kuwabara struggled to breathe in his opponent's constricting grip.

"What if I took your right arm like this…" Shaolin carefully held the limb between his fingers.

Kuwabara watched in horror as he realized what was coming.

"Kuwabara!" Urameshi called again.

Shaolin used his thumb to push down on the bones and rub against them.

"D-don't- Aaah!" Kuwabara begged and yelled out in pain. When his arm snapped, he choked on his screams. "Aah! Gasp! Hurk!"

Shaolin laughed. "Ha ha! Brittle as a matchstick, eh? Now, if I just went ahead and squeezed real hard…"

Sayomi's eyes narrowed as her aura started shifting around her body. He doesn't have to torture him to death. If he keeps this up…

Urameshi turned to Genkai and yelled, "Hey woman, it's over! Call it!"

"Mmm…" Genkai took the boy's plea as Kuwabara's forfeit. "That's enough! Victor: Shaolin!"

The monk's smile grew when he heard the announcement. "Hear that? I won! Ha ha ha!" He squeezed his victim's body as hard as he could, breaking several bones at once.

"Kuwabara!" Urameshi charged Shaolin, ready to fight. "You scum-ball!"

"Heh." Shaolin smirked. "I'm done with him, so… here!" He turned and threw the broken fighter across the field.

He clutched his stomach and pointed as he laughed. "Ha ha ha! Got some real speed on that pitch! Ah, the thrill of victory."

"K-Kuwabara!" Urameshi and Botan rushed to find him in the tall grass.

"Guess you'd like to have him back to normal size. Well, why not?" Shaolin held his hands in position and recited another chant.

Moments later, Kuwabara returned to his normal size. His body was covered in bruises, from his swollen face to his mangled arms. His clothes were stained with blood and dirt. His right arm was already swelling and his body was twisted in ways that inspired little hope.

Urameshi knelt down next to his rival. "Oh… Man!"

Botan crouched down on his other side. "Both his arms are shattered. His left leg and ribs too…" She inspected Kuwabara's injuries with trained eyes. "It's bad… those arms may never heal properly…"

Urameshi's face became grim after Botan's diagnosis.

Sayomi clenched her fists and took slow, deep breaths. I need to be patient. He's not dead yet, so there might still be a chance to save him. Just be patient for one more match. If Urameshi can't beat Rando, then I'll step in before he can do anything to Master Genkai.

"I'd been wanting to try that spell for a while, but it's a lengthy and complicated incantation," Shaolin explained enthusiastically. "Leaves me vulnerable while I conjure it, and it doesn't really make me more powerful. All in all, not very practical." His eyes gleamed dangerously. "Master Genkai's techniques, though, are another matter. They require few words, but create devastating results. One little phrase, and I could blow a human to smithereens."

Genkai frowned. "That would be so in evil hands."

Shaolin pumped his fists and grinned from ear to ear. "You guys don't know how excited I am about this! I'm just itching to try all that stuff out!"

"Hey." Urameshi clenched his fists and glared at Shaolin. "In your dreams."

"Wow." Shaolin turned to his new opponent curiously and smiled. "I've never seen an aura so fired up with bloodlust. Cool."

Urameshi ground his teeth and growled, "You're dead, Rando! Dead!"