The next morning, the new stadium was much larger and more ominous. Military grade helicopters hovered around the building, transporting wealthy businessmen. Unlike the old stadium, the new one had a domed roof blocking out the sunlight. Spikes were scattered across the roof and the perimeter had smaller chambers that made up the stands inside. Inside, there were four levels of seating. The walls and seats looked alien and the ring was bigger than the last one.

At the center of the ring, the spotlights shone on the announcer. She was a water sprite demon with blue fins for ears and a matching tail. Her skin was tanned and she had long green hair tied in a low tail and violet eyes. She wore black tights that exposed her midriff, arms, and from the mid-thighs down. She had pink fabric tied around her hips and across her chest and shoulders with a matching cap. She wore matching red arm and leg warmers with black shoes and a thin purple choker. She had just a touch of purple eye shadow and lipstick.

She held up a mic and opened her arm to the crowd as she started the event. "I'm Juri, your semifinals referee! Thank you for your patience! Please give a warm welcome to the teams for the first match!"

"And we're off!" Koto spoke from a booth in the seats at the front row. "This is Koto and I'll be bringing you the play-by-play, moment by moment!"

A door on each side of the ring opened to reveal the two teams. On Team Urameshi were Kuwabara, Hiei, Kurama, and Sayomi. Kuwabara had his jacket hanging open on his shoulders. He wore a white muscle shirt tucked into his blue pants and his arms were wrapped in bandages. Kurama wore a yellow Chinese martial arts outfit with a blue trim and matching sash. Long white sleeves and white pants could be seen underneath. Sayomi had changed back into her long-sleeved shirt with the hood down and her usual cargo pants. Hiei stuck to his usual cloak and black sweatpants. On the other side, Team Uraotogi walked in with all of their members present and ready to fight.

Juri waved the teams forward and said, "And here they come! Whee!"

"What's this? Team Urameshi's down by two!"

"Bet they turned yella and ran off!"

Sayomi glared at their opponents as they met at the center of the ring. She especially didn't like the way the samurai was looking at her. He looked too smug, like he was so much better than them for whatever reason.

"They all right? Did they…" The samurai chuckled to himself. "Heh heh… get cold feet?"

Kuwabara clenched his teeth and said, "You're just not worth their trouble."

Sayomi smirked when they scowled. "What? Did he hurt your ego?" She grinned when he glared at her. Thought so, pretty boy.

"Team captains will now decide the mode of competition!" Juri announced to the crowd, signaling the teams to get started.

"Why bother?" Hiei scowled. "Let's just do it."

Sayomi glanced at him and raised a curious brow. What are you doing, Hiei?

The blond blew a bubble from his gum and said, "Feelin' feisty, eh, kid? Wanna be first up?"

"First…" Hiei smirked. "And last? Normally I wouldn't bother with your sort…"

The blonde's bubble popped as he stared down at the runt.

"…But I've been in a real bad mood lately…" Hiei flexed his bandaged right arm anxiously. "…And I need to work off some stress."

Sayomi thought back and tried to think of what had made him so mad. Was it something I did?

"Heh… Cool down bud." The samurai pulled something small from his pockets. "We can let these decide." He opened his hand to show a set of dice with kanji painted on them. "I've put our names on these dice, along with 'choice.' If that comes up, your team gets to pick their contender. And you can fight as often as your name comes up – as long as you're still breathing, that is."

"Fine, whatever," Hiei agreed. "I'll fill in for Yusuke and Mask, of course."

"As you like," the samurai smirked and tossed the dice. "No fame in winning by default, that's for sure."

Sayomi watched the dice until they landed with two names facing up: Evil Kintaro and Hiei. She looked up at her teammate and bit her lip nervously. Just don't get too hasty…

"So I'm first up anyway." Hiei stepped forward, smirking up at his opponent.

"Too bad for you, shrimp." The muscle man curled his biceps and clenched his fists, grinning down at Hiei. Hiei just smirked, not bothering to respond verbally. Sayomi felt a shiver run down her spine at the look.

"First match is Hiei vs. Evil Kintaro!" Juri announced with extra pep. "Guess we're in for a series of one-on-ones determined by a roll of the dice! Begin!"

Evil Kintaro grinned as he stared down at his opponent. "So, runt… Heh… Who'll make the first move, eh?"

"Wow!" Koto exclaimed. "Already we have a standoff!"

Hiei drew his katana, keeping his glare trained on Evil Kintaro.

"A sword?" Evil Kintaro feigned fascination. "Well, well…"

"So much for that," Kurama commented. Kuwabara and Sayomi looked up at the red-head curiously, Kuwabara with his arms crossed and Sayomi with an arched brow.

Sayomi's attention snapped back to the ring to see blood dripping behind Hiei. Is he bleeding or… Her eyes widened when she realized what happened. Oh…

Evil Kintaro continued to grin at Hiei. "So? You gonna use that? Or are you just gonna stand there sweatin' blood?"

"Give me a break." Hiei watched his opponent, boredom dominating his tone and expression. "Haven't you noticed yet?"

"Noticed what?" Evil Kintaro sneered. "Your lack of action? C'mon, at least give it a try!"

"No sweat." Hiei smirked and held up the severed arm from behind his back.

Evil Kintaro looked at the arm, then looked down to see the blood flow from the stub of his remaining arm. His eyes widened as he processed what had happened before he let out a frightened scream. "Aaaagh!"

Hiei turned away and threw the arm over his shoulder. "Way too easy."

"Grrarr!" Evil Kintaro clutched at his wound in pain. He gritted his teeth and growled, "You'll pay for that!"

Sayomi cringed as his wound began to regenerate. However, instead of his old right hand, he had an ax at the end of his new arm.

"Battle Axe Fist!" Evil Kintaro shouted angrily and jumped. "Hah!"

Hiei turned at Evil Kintaro's shout just in time to see the axe coming down. The ax split the swordsman straight down the middle. "Heh! Nailed 'im!"

"Just my afterimage." Hiei was kneeling on Evil Kintaro's hunched back, his katana held up in his hand with the blade pointing down. His cloak was left discarded on the ring in halves. He was wearing a light blue sleeveless shirt tucked into his double-belted pants.

"Huh?" Evil Kintaro blinked, slowly processing the weight on his back and the words spoken behind him. Then the blade was brought straight down, piercing his skull and stabbing through his bottom jaw. "Blug…!"

Kuwabara's eyes were wide open in shock while Kurama simply closed his eyes and sighed. Sayomi felt her jaw hang open in disbelief. Okay… That was pretty impressive…

As Evil Kintaro collapsed forward, Hiei flipped off and landed on his feet with his hands in his pockets. He turned to face the blue-haired samurai and pointed at him. "Roll 'em, bud. Any bets on whether it'll be my turn again?"

"Evil Kintaro is down and clearly out of the fight!" Juri announced. "The winner of the first match is Hiei!"

"Blimey! That was quick!" Koto exclaimed from her seat. "Sorry, blow-by-blow fans, but that was too fast to follow!"

"Roll the dice," Hiei ordered confidently. "I'm itching for another."

"Cocky runt, ain'tcha!" The samurai tossed the dice, scowling at the fire apparition. The dice clattered on the ring floor and rolled to a stop. Poison Peach Boy and choice were facing up.

Sayomi scowled. Is no one else gonna volunteer? Really wish I could jump in on this one…

Without hesitation, Hiei stood his ground in the ring and clenched his fists. "We picked our contender… and once again, it's me!"

Juri waved the blond forward and said, "For the second match, it's Hiei vs. Poison Peach Boy!"

Sayomi glared up at Hiei in the ring. What are you doing, Hiei? I thought I told you not to get too cocky over these fights.

Without turning to face her, Hiei replied. You just sit back and watch. I'll finish this round myself.

Why do you feel obligated to do something like that? Aren't we supposed to be a team?

Hiei's eyes narrowed as he glared at the blond who still hadn't stepped into the ring. I don't need a team. The fox is too soft and the oaf will only hinder our victory. You're obviously barred from the matches so that leaves me.

Sayomi clenched her fists and took slow, deep breaths. What's got you in such a bad mood anyway? Was it something I did? Or are you really not recovered yet?

Do I really need to answer such ridiculous questions?

"Forward!" Juri beckoned both fighters to the center.

Poison Peach Boy made his way into the ring and he walked towards his fallen teammate. He squatted down and grabbed Hiei's sword, pulling it free from the corpse. "Too bad about Evil Kintaro. Still, if you ask me, he wasn't that much to begin with." Once he had the sword, Poison Peach Boy kicked Evil Kintaro's body out of the ring.

Kuwabara clenched his teeth and glared up at the blond. Sayomi and Kurama glared at the disrespectful act. Hiei just watched, showing no reaction.

"Don't expect your tricks to work on me." Poison Peach Boy smirked and dragged his tongue along the sword's blade. Then he held it up, admiring the weapon. "Nice sword."

"Keep it if you like." Hiei crossed his arms. "I'll take your life as an even trade."

"That so?" Poison Peach Boy took a few practice swings in the air. Then he casually brought his free hand up and sliced off his fingers. "Much obliged."

Hiei's eyes widened and Sayomi felt her mouth drop in shock. Is he crazy?!

"Hee hee hee hee!" Poison Peach Boy laughed out loud, grinning as he watched the blood squirt out of his severed fingers. "Whoo man, that smarts! That's one sharp blade!"

The crowd murmured in shock and disgust. "This guy some kinda lunatic?!"

"Idiot whacked off his own fingers!"

"Hee hee hee…" Poison Peach Boy reached for his belt as he laughed off the pain. "I've just realized that sharpness! And now…" He held up a sphere with a black peach symbol stamped on it. He was sweating and his eye twitched from the throbbing he felt in his hand. "A millet dumpling!"

He crushed the sphere in his hand, releasing steam from the inside. He inhaled deeply and exhaled the steam from his mouth in a puff of white smoke. "Heh heh heh…" Dark fur began to grow from his arms, chest, and face. His ears tapered to points and his fingers grew back into place. He clenched his fists and grinned as his aura began to fluctuate with new power. "Beast Armor One – Demon Simian Pelt!"

"Wow!" Koto exclaimed. "That was one super-potent snack! His demonic aura's power is surging! You can feel it!"

"Begin!" Juri announced cheerfully.

"Here! You can have this back!" Poison Peach Boy tossed the sword back to Hiei with a smirk. "For all the good it'll do you!"

"Hmm…" Hiei snatched the hilt from the air easily with one hand. Then he quickly sprung himself forward, using his hand to accelerate. "…We'll see!"

Hiei was in front of Poison Peach Boy instantly, catching the tall fighter off guard. With a swift slash to the right, the sword connected with Poison Peach Boy's right arm. The sword broke into pieces on impact, catching the swordsman by surprise.

"Heh…" Poison Peach Boy smirked and jumped. "Hmmph!

"You're slow, kid." Hiei's eyes widened as Poison Peach Boy appeared directly to his right. He had his arms held over his head, covering a fist with his hand. Without hesitation, he swung his hands down to hit Hiei on the back of his neck, smacking him down.

"Good gosh!" Kuwabara's eyes widened and he gritted his teeth.

"Hiei!" Sayomi watched as he hit the ground and started skidding across the field, crashing into the wall. When the dust settled, Hiei was kneeling on one knee and glaring up at his opponent.

"Geez Lou-eez!" Kuwabara exclaimed, surprised by Hiei's pain tolerance.

Sayomi clenched her fists, fighting to stay where she was. She relaxed slightly when she saw him get to his feet. He's okay. Thank goodness, he's okay.

"He knocked Hiei clean across the arena!" The crowd was just as shocked by the accomplishment.

"Hee hee…" The samurai just smirked, expecting the turn of events.

"He's still up!"

"There's no winner yet!"

"Stomp 'im!"

"Pound 'im!"

"Slice 'im!"

"Mash 'im!"

"Skin 'im!"

"He's using a customized technique!" Sayomi looked up at Kurama curiously. He looked tense about his observation. "If he gets control of the contest, Hiei could be in trouble!"

"I don't like the sound of that…" Sayomi turned back to see Hiei getting to his feet.

Poison Peach Boy smirked at Kurama's deduction and revealed his secret. "My body memorizes an opponent's attacks, while the dumplings give me the ability to withstand damage, overcome it and become even stronger for it!" He spread his legs and clenched his fist in front of himself as he yelled, "So try your Blazing Fist of the Overlord, Shrimp! My body will memorize its intensity and throw it back at you!"

Hiei glared at Poison Peach Boy and removed his white headband, throwing it away. His Evil Eye opened and his hair flared up out of his view. He faced his opponent openly and gathered his aura around his fists. "Sure… Why not?"

"That's it!" Poison Peach Boy grinned and flexed his hands greedily. "Gimme the works! It's the last pitch you'll ever make to me, I guarantee it!"

"Get ready, then…" Hiei stood his ground, focusing his aura into his right fist. "…Here it comes!"

"Now for the Black Dragon!" Kuwabara cheered. "That bozo won't know what hit 'im!"

"Don't count on it." Kurama spoke with certainty and Sayomi began to worry as she watched Hiei.

"What? Why?" Kuwabara turned to the red-head.

"The Black Dragon embodies the flames of Hell and can only exist in miasma. To summon it into the Human World, Hiei has to lure it with an immense outpouring of aura. He nearly lost his right arm in the battle against Zeru because he really didn't have enough. Which, in hindsight, suggests those flames were of the Human World. He's down to 60-70% of his usual level of aura, so summoning the dragon's out of the question."

"60%?! Geez!" Kuwabara cringed back. "He looks like he's at 600%!"

Sayomi shivered at the red-head's information. If that's true, then why is he pushing himself so much? Hiei, you better not get yourself killed…

Hiei dashed forward, his right fists engulfed in red flames. "Eat this!"

"Sure!" Poison Peach Boy grinned and stood his ground, leaving himself wide open to attack.

Hiei closed in and delivered a strong punch to his opponent's stomach followed by a second burning punch across the face. "Overlord Purgatory Scorch!"

"Eeyaah!" Poison Peach Boy yelled out in agony. He wobbled as he tried to stay on his feet, leaning more to the right away from the smoke that rose from his scorched fur. "Yiiee!"

Hiei smirked and relinquished the flames from his fist. "Seems I don't need the Demon Flame! Regular fire's more than enough to flatten you!"

"Hee hee… Heh heh…" Hiei's eyes widened as his opponent began to laugh despite the pain. "Ha ha ha ha! That attack… is memorized!"

"Poison Peach Boy's still standing!" Koto announced from the stands. "Looks like he can back up his boasts!"

"Yeah, well so can Hiei." Sayomi muttered under her breath. She refused to believe Hiei would let himself lose to anyone. Stubborn as he is, he won't let anyone keep him down.

"Heh heh heh heh…" Poison Peach Boy grabbed another sphere from his belt and squeezed it. The fumes escaped his grasp and he inhaled them with one deep breath. His muscles began to flex and his bones cracked as they seemed to shift. His skin went from tan to a shade of blue. His dark fur began to recede as bright yellow feathers grew in its place, extending from his arms like wings and spiking out around his face. His voice screeched as he laughed. "Ha ha ha ha! You'll have to try something else! Beast Armor Two – Demon Avian Pelt!"

"Second transformation for Poison Peach Boy!" Koto was impressed by the new form. "His aura level and appearance are off the charts!"

"Dammit! Really?!" Sayomi growled angrily.

"Ho ho ho!" Poison Peach Boy jumped straight up and hovered in the air with his wings. He grinned as he dived down and punched Hiei in the face, knocking him down.

Hiei flipped at the last moment and dashed to the side, spitting out some blood. He dashed around his opponent, leaving multiple afterimages behind. Poison Peach Boy swiped at one and growled when he hit nothing but air. Hiei took advantage of the few seconds of distraction and appeared right in front of Poison Peach Boy. He covered both fists in red flames and threw punch after punch after punch directly into his open torso. "Haah!"

Poison Peach Boy smirked, unfazed by the fire this time. His vest, however, was charred and in tatters from the attack.

Hiei gritted his teeth, his eyes wide and annoyed. "He is getting tougher!"

Poison Peach Boy took advantage of Hiei's hesitation and swiped down at the swordsman. Hiei sensed the attack in time to jump back out of the way. Poison Peach Boy's clawed hand crashed into the stadium floor, leaving a crater of broken tile.

"Huh?!" Hiei saw Poison Peach Boy disappear from view. Sayomi gasped when she saw the yellow feathers appear just behind Hiei and kick him back down to the ring.

"Hah!" Poison Peach Boy grinned, his eyes wide open with excitement. "I beat you—in speed and power now!"

Hiei struggled back to his feet, bracing his hands on his knees. He was covered in scrapes and bruises, but he still glared up at his opponent in defiance. "So it seems."

Sayomi clenched her teeth and glared at Poison Peach Boy. That damn coward! Without those spheres, he would've died a long time ago! How many more of those does he have, anyway? He's already immune to Hiei's sword and his flames, so what next? Hiei looks pretty beat up already. I don't know if he could win if the chicken transforms again.

"Heh heh… Guess you're stumped, huh?" Poison Peach Boy reached for another sphere, taunting the swordsman. "But I won't take chances! I'll seal your defeat! Time to enjoy…" He squeezed the sphere and inhaled the fumes. "The ultimate snack!"

"Mreow!" Koto exclaimed, her ears at alert and her fur standing on end. "Another dramatic transformation! Hiei's got himself in a deep ditch now!"

"Oh c'mon!" Sayomi yelled, annoyed with the transformations.

Poison Peach Boy lost the feathers and grew more dark fur. His hair turned white and grew down to his shoulders. His ears pointed like a canine's and his nose and mouth grew into a snout. Large teeth grew in his mouth and his skin shifted from blue to brown. He grinned down at Hiei and introduced his third form. "Demon Canine Pelt!

"Harf harf harf…" Poison Peach Boy's laugh sounded vaguely like a barking dog. "I'm now your worst nightmare!" He held up a clawed hand and growled, "You've got a powerful aura, kid, but that won't protect you from these fangs and claws!"

Hiei shifted his footing until he came across his broken sword. He stared down at it and reluctantly reached down for it. "Feh!" He tossed up the hilt and caught it again, staring at Poison Peach Boy with an annoyed expression. "I was hoping to avoid doing this…"

"Heh…" Poison Peach Boy smirked. "Don't go trying any mind games. You saying you have an ace in the hole? I don't think so!"

"No…" Hiei stared at his opponent, bleeding from his mouth and various scratches. "…No ace, just a move… I really don't like to use."

"Shee…" Kuwabara shivered at his teammates tone. "What could make Hiei hesitate?! Must be fierce, whatever it is!"

Sayomi watched Hiei curiously. "Whatever it is, I just hope it's enough. Otherwise he's screwed."

Poison Peach Boy's new form seemed to be his fastest. He was gone from view as soon as he started speaking. "I was hoping your last words would be just a bit more interesting!"

He latched onto Hiei from the front and chomped down into his right shoulder. Blood began spilling from the wound in excess. Sayomi and her teammates could only watch in stunned silence at the amount of blood Hiei was losing.

Then, Poison Peach Boy was cut in half at the waist, spilling blood, intestines, and bones. The attack forced the wolf to release Hiei, scratching his other shoulder and tearing skin in the process. Hiei was wielding half a sword that was covered in black and blue flames.

"What in—?!" The samurai was left speechless, not expecting the new attack.

"Blazing Sword of the Overlord!" Hiei swung his flaming weapon, ignoring his bleeding shoulders.

"A flame sword?!" Kurama exclaimed in wonder.

"That's not just any flame, either." Sayomi stared at the weapon in awe. He was able to summon the black flames after all. That's a relief.

"Th-that looked like my Aura Sword…" Kuwabara muttered to himself. "…Except mine's a candle, his is a blowtorch! Um…" Kuwabara's eye twitched as he connected dots in his head. "…Hang on a sec!" He glared at Hiei and threw up his arms in anger. "You didn't like using an ability that resembled mine?!"

Hiei smirked over his shoulder at human and said, "Heh… got it in one!"