"This is it, Tournament fans!" Koto announced excitedly from the stands. "A winner-take-all battle royale! Will it be Team Toguro's ultimate tiumph?! Will Team Urameshi make the grade?!"

"For the Championship: Toguro vs. Urameshi!" Juri waved her arm in the ring and said, "Begin!"

Toguro removed his coat and instantly powered up. His muscles grew as he said, "Let's review. Your attack the other day… was it fueled by a fit of rage or…?"

Yusuke silently stared at Toguro.

Toguro grinned as he raised his hands, his bones cracking as he enhanced himself. "I'll fire up to 80%!"

"Awright! Action at last!"

"Nail 'im, Toguro!"

"Huh?" A fan turned to his neighbor for help as his flesh began to melt away.

"Yow!" The other demon jumped back in fear and disgust.

"They're dissolving! Like they got doused in acid or something!"

"It's Toguro's aura!" Hiei said in awe. "The weaker demons can't bear up under it."

"Not doing so well with it myself," Kurama gasped as he reached for his heart. "I was really hoping to stay and watch…"

Sayomi tried using her chain to block the miasma, but she could only protect herself from one direction. She was starting to gasp for air when Koenma stepped in front of the team. He spread his arms and put up an invisible barrier. "Get behind me. I can ward off the worst."

Sayomi began to gulp in air until she realized her mistake. She looked up at the stands, searching and fearing the worst. Please don't be dead!

She searched until she saw the girls, cheering as if unaffected by the aura. She saw Yukina turn to the girls, and halt. Did she realize the danger and – ? Huh? A barrier? From who? She squinted as she tried to pinpoint who was behind the shield. Is it… Pu…?

In the ring, Toguro finished powering up. His aura emitted from him like smoke from a flame. Yusuke glared at him. His fists clenched. The crowd watched with baited breath for someone to make the first move.

Yusuke dashed forward.

Sayomi and the boys watched with wide eyes, surprised by his speed.

Yusuke threw a right cross. Toguro raised his fist, sending Yusuke's attack upward along with the rest of him.

Sayomi gasped until Yusuke recovered, using his hand to spring towards Toguro. He threw a right jab, but Toguro quickly dodged and appeared behind him. He swung his fist and Yusuke jumped up, kicking off Toguro's face and dodging his attack.

Yes! Sayomi grinned. He landed the first hit!

Toguro's missed punch exuded enough power to send a path of destruction towards the unlucky fans in the audience. As soon as Yusuke landed, Toguro swung his fist in the punk's direction.

Yusuke jumped out of the way, allowing the attack to pass through. Just as he landed, Toguro rushed towards him. Instead of dodging out of the way, Yusuke raised his arms and braced himself to defend.

"What're ya doin'?!" Kuwabara shrieked in protest. "Don't try t' block, ya idiot! Move!"

Sayomi froze when she realized his change in tactics. Please don't –

Toguro halted a step before impact, his fist raised and held back at the ready. He smirked and said, "Sorry about that. I almost did something patently unfair."

"Heh…" Yusuke didn't return the smirk. He stared Toguro down and said, "I salute your sportsmanship."

Sayomi let out a shaky breath. Right behind Yusuke, on the second level of the stands, the girls stood together cheering him on. I should probably go back up there… but how could I even hope to defend against that? Her eyes traveled back down to Toguro.

As the crowd watched in silent suspense, Koto recovered and said, "This is really amazing, folks! The battle's barely started, and already we've seen sparks fly at lightning speed!"

"They're feeling each other out… gauging strengths, potential openings…" Hiei observed as his right hand twitched. "I really should've taken this one."

Sayomi shifted her eyes towards the swordsman and back up to Yusuke. "That sounds like you're doubting Yusuke's strength, Hiei. You realize that's also an insult to Master Genkai's training." She smirked as she recalled her early training with the old woman. "As tough as you are, I still think she would've put you through Hell."

Hiei glared at her and said, "Yet you've never beaten me in training."

"I have caught you off guard, though." Sayomi felt satisfied when he fell silent.

"Heh…" As the crowd began to chant Toguro's name, he shifted his stance. He flexed his arms and smirked down at Yusuke. "Hmm… You stand ready, almost eager. Let's see what you've gained from Genkai, then."

Yusuke smirked as he held his trigger finger, keeping it down as he focused his aura.

"We've gone into a stare-down, folks! The tension's incredible!" Koto announced breathlessly. "Urameshi's charging up his right hand! Gonna be some major fireworks soon!"

Toguro tuned out the noise from the spectators as he focused on Yusuke. "Show me what Genkai granted you in her passing."

The dim glow around Yusuke's finger began to get brighter.

"Here we go!" Kuwabara exclaimed.

Yusuke leaped forward, his whole hand covered with aura. The crowd held their breath in suspense. Yusuke shifted his direction to change his angle. As soon as he found an opening, he delivered a series of aura-infused punches to Toguro's chest.

"Weak follow-through." Toguro smirked and swung his arm down at the boy.

Yusuke dodged, letting the shockwave pass him and crash into the stands. As soon as he recovered, Toguro was on top of him with a ready fist. Yusuke glared and clenched his fists. "Whew! He's fast!"

"I'm putting more into the next one." Toguro grinned as he disappeared from Yusuke's line of sight. He came down from above, barely missing Yusuke, and punched directly into the ring.

Everyone in the stadium was stunned to silence as the attack obliterated the ring. A cloud of dust and debris made it difficult to locate the fighters and Juri. Within the chaos, Toguro spotted Yusuke falling upside-down with his trigger finger aimed directly at him. As soon as they locked eyes, Yusuke fired.

"A direct hit!" Koto shouted.

Everyone watched as the blast sent Toguro flying into the stands and through the stadium wall. Yusuke flipped in mid-air and recovered his landing as he watched Toguro crash through the forest beyond.

Koto gasped at the spectacle. "U-Urameshi got Toguro with a dead-on Reigun Blast! It's by far the most powerful one I've ever seen him unleash! Toguro's been knocked clean out of the arena!"

"Is it possible…" The fans wondered aloud. "Toguro's beaten?"

Meanwhile, Juri was in a daze from the massive blasts, unable to make any official calls.

Kuwabara glared at her and yelled, "Hey ref! Get off yer can! Start the count!"

"See where Yusuke's standing?" Hiei asked bluntly.

"Huh?" Kuwabara turned to look. "Oh man…"

Sayomi felt paralyzed as she looked at what was left of the ring. Just a massive crater and small chunks of rock scattered everywhere. Yusuke stood just outside of the crater, watching for any sign of Toguro.

"No platform, no 'out of bounds.'" Hiei crossed his arms as he settled in for a long match. "It's strictly beat or be beaten."

"He's gotten so strong," Sayomi said with admiration. "A big difference from his last match, that's for sure."

"Gotta say, I'm impressed," Hiei admitted. "Toguro was caught flat-footed. If he manages to shake that off, then…"

Sayomi clenched and unclenched her fists and took deep, slow breaths to calm her nerves. Please don't get back up…

Yusuke waited, watching out for any sign of his foe. For a few minutes, there was just forest and the vast sky. Yusuke gasped when he noticed a distant figure walking back to the stadium.

Toguro's shades were gone and his jeans had a few large holes. His frown was amplified by the disappointment in his eyes. He brushed the dirt from himself and asked, "That's it, is it? That's the best you can do?"

Yusuke couldn't answered. He could only stare at Toguro as he began to sweat.

Kuwabara, however, couldn't stay as calm. He gaped openly at Toguro and slumped down to the ground. "What is he? Not a scratch on him!"

Toguro advanced on Yusuke, throwing out his aura and cutting through Yusuke's guard. Yusuke held his ground, but he was bleeding from various cuts as he watched Toguro with wide eyes.

"I'd hoped for more… I really did." Toguro clenched his fists. "But even you don't match me at 100%. So I'll stay at 80% and be done with you. Yes, 80% will more than suffice. Prepare to meet your doom."

"Uh-oh… Not good!" Kuwabara became as pale as his outfit. "If Yusuke's Reigun has no effect…"

"That can't be!" Sayomi refused to doubt him and their teacher's efforts. "That had to have done some damage, right?"

Yusuke recovered from the initial shock and stared at Toguro. "Guess I gotta make an adjustment."

Toguro watched curiously as Yusuke reached for one of his wristbands. When he slipped out of it, a bright yellow light buzzed around his wrist.

"Urameshi's removing his wristbands!" Koto narrated for radio-listeners. "And now his bare wrists… are glowing!"

"Whuh?!" The fans watched the events with mouths gaping open.

Yusuke removed his other wristband and the two glowing rings connected between his wrists.

"Aura locks…" Toguro recognized the technique. "An exercise of discipline."

As the crowd hushed into silence, Kuwabara asked, "What're those? Aura handcuffs?! What's going on?!"

"Yusuke's been fighting with a handicap…" Kurama answered in disbelief. "Against Toguro, of all people! Incredible…"

"More like stupid!" Sayomi couldn't take her eyes off the shackles. "What if he was weakened enough to get killed?! Yusuke, you cocky idiot!"

Ignoring his team, Yusuke stood firm and said, "Ante up!"

The cuffs dispersed and Yusuke's aura began to visibly flare out of control around his body.

"Well I'll be a…" Koto trailed off in awe. "Urameshi's just revealed a whole new aspect of himself!"

"His power level's off the scale!" Kuwabara shouted. "Toguro's got a fight on his hands now!"

Sayomi shivered when she saw Toguro smile. He slid his hands into his pockets as he addressed Yusuke. "Were you hoping to beat me with your aura suppressed?"

"Well… yeah." Yusuke smirked. "Bad call, I see."

"It does rather… make us both look like fools." Toguro shifted his footing and raised his hands, one to block and one ready to punch. "Shall we see where we go from here?"

Yusuke dashed.

"He's fast!" Hiei and Kurama said in unison.

"Where'd he go?!" Kuwabara reeled when Yusuke vanished from his sight.

Sayomi only saw his initial spring. Next thing she saw, he was already on Toguro. "I can just barely keep up!"

"Hyaah!" Yusuke pummeled into Toguro, sending him into the air.

"He sent Toguro flying!" A fan yelled in surprise.

"With his bare hands!" Kuwabara yelled, impressed and pumped from the adrenaline.

Yusuke closed in as soon as Toguro's back hit the floor. He landed a strong punch to his stomach, stealing Toguro's breath and causing him to spit up blood. The impact forced Toguro into the ground, forming another crater.

"Graaah!" Yusuke followed through with another salvo of direct punches. Each hit threw Toguro's head in another sharp direction without restraint.

"He's barraging Toguro…" Kurama couldn't look away from the violent attack. "Giving him no chance to counter!"

"He's got 'im!" Kuwabara cheered desperately. "Keep it up, Urameshi!"

"Kick his ass!" Sayomi yelled as loud as she could, clenching her fists as she watched Yusuke get the upper hand.

Suddenly, Yusuke froze. He jumped back out of the crater, keeping his eyes on Toguro.

The audience peered down, surprised by the retreat.

"Why'd he stop…?" Sayomi wondered in worry. "He was winning, right?"

Yusuke waited. He watched the crater with such caution the crowd began to murmur in confusion.

Then Toguro stepped out of the crater. He lost his muscle mass and he was covered all over with red bruises and bleeding from cuts on his face. He reached up to touch his busted lip and smirked. "Heh…"

"Good golly… Look at him!"

"He seems so… so deflated!"

"Is he… used up already? Was that all he had?!"

Kurama observed Toguro cautiously. "It's like peering into a clear sky just before a storm rises."

Toguro adjusted his stance as the veins around his neck and shoulders began to strain under his skin. His eyes focused on Yusuke, keeping eye contact as he said, "100%!"

Everyone fell silent as Toguro's small frame began to overflow with demonic aura. Toguro's eyes glossed over with genuine happiness as he smiled down at Yusuke. "Thank you, Urameshi…"

Yusuke broke into a cold sweat.

Sayomi looked up at the stands, searching for the girls. Oh no…

There was a blinding flash of light, followed by a low rumble from the ground. Toguro's aura burst forth from his body, destroying the weaker fans in the stadium. Their flesh melted with their bones and their screams quickly garbled into nothing. Toguro gritted his teeth as he flexed his power, breaking the dam that held his aura in check. "Grrraah!"

Sayomi found the girls in the stands. She let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding when she saw them still behind the barrier. Damn. Maybe I should've just stayed with them after all. Her attention was drawn back to the ring when she heard something spill on the ground. Her eyes widened with disbelief. What is he…?

"Gurf! Gurf! Gurf!" Toguro's muscles convulsed as he heaved. They twisted under his taut skin. Once he emptied his stomach, he smirked up dangerously at Yusuke.

"Attack 'im now, Urameshi!" Kuwabara yelled out desperately. "Your goose is cooked once he reaches 100%!"

Whether he heard or not, Sayomi couldn't tell. Yusuke just watched as Toguro's aura continued to build. She could feel the tension in the stadium. The crowd was silent. Their enthusiasm drained as fear took root. Even Koto was at a loss for words. Sayomi fought the urge to run as she kept her eyes on her charge. Yusuke, what are you thinking?!

"Oh boy…" Kuwabara mumbled between clenched teeth. He was pale and sweat trickled down his face and neck. "We're in for it now."

When the miasma receded, Toguro stood proud at full power. His muscles were solid as rock and his bones shifted to act more like armor. His shoulders resembled football pads and his collar bone stuck out more. His whole muscle system seemed to weave into itself within his body, making him look like an aged tree.

"Now I know why my sixth sense has been out to lunch," Kuwabara whispered. "The full force of his aura would fry my brain!"

I hope you're strong enough, Yusuke. Sayomi glanced around at her teammates and Koenma, then shifted her eyes to the girls.

"Toguro's finally notched it up to 100%!" Koto snapped out of her shock and launched into her commentary. "The sheer force of the transformation alone has vaporized a quarter of the spectators!"

Yusuke dropped into a fighting stance when Toguro took a step forward. Without taking another step, Toguro raised his fist and flicked his thumb towards Yusuke. The next moment, Yusuke was knocked back off his feet.

"Urameshi got knocked flying!" The fans became hopeful as their hero regained the upper hand.

Toguro waited patiently for Yusuke to get back on his feet. When he stood, Yusuke was bleeding from his forehead between his glaring eyes.

"See what I did?" Toguro adjusted his hand and said, "I'll do it a few more times."

He flicked his thumb again in rapid succession. Yusuke met each bullet of air with his fists. He glared and gritted his teeth as Toguro continued his attack.

"Wow! Lookit that!"

"Urameshi's getting worn out with blocking!" The fans cheered when they saw Yusuke's energy drain.

"Unh!" Yusuke huffed and jumped out of the way with his fist raised. "That's enough!"

Yusuke's punch landed with full force against Toguro's left thumb. His eyes widened, thrown off guard by the simple defense. "What the…"

Toguro wasted no time. He diverted Yusuke's attack and followed through with a right cross, hitting Yusuke's left arm. The sound of cracking bones echoed in the arena.

"Urameshi!" Kuwabara cried out in fear.

"Yusuke!" Sayomi was about to sprint towards him, but she was held back. She didn't bother turning to see who stopped her. She couldn't tear her eyes away from her charge.

"Aagh!" Yusuke screamed as he landed on his back and skidded across the ground. He struggled to kneel, his broken arm hanging limp and bleeding, and began to charge his trigger finger. "Unf… Now it's my turn!"

"Go ahead, fire away," Toguro urged the boy. "I suggest you give it all you've got."

Yusuke glared as he aimed, his Reigun becoming brighter. "You asked for it!"

He fired a large bullet of aura at point blank range. Toguro watched as the blast got closer. At the last second, he took a deep breath and screamed. "Kyaah!"

The soundwaves from his voice alone obliterated Yusuke's best.

Everyone's mouths gaped open with wide eyes. Sayomi couldn't comprehend how such a thing was possible. She collapsed to her knees, staring blankly as Toguro emerged from the smoke unscathed. "This… this isn't… How can he…?"

"His cry blew the Reigun Blast out like a candle!" Koto announced in amazement.

"Judging from my former experience as a human, you're lacking something…" Toguro stared down at Yusuke. His eyes dilated as he watched his opponent. "A sense of peril."

Before Yusuke could blink, Toguro was gone. Next thing he knew, Yusuke was punched in the stomach. The attack stole his breath and sent him flying up to the third level in the stands.

Toguro scowled and tilted his head. "I think you're still not really aware of how much danger you're in."

"Heh…" Sakyo smirked and began to light a cigarette. "I'd say I win this bet."

"Guh…! Hack!" Yusuke fell to his knees and clutched at his stomach as he coughed up blood. The demon fans around him kept their distance as they watched.

Toguro clenched his fists. "You don't grasp why I went to full power." Yusuke regained enough control of his breathing to stare down at Toguro as he spoke. "You've earned the right to fight me at 100%, but that does not mean you have a prayer of winning. This is my moment, not yours. Is that clear? You, in turn, have an obligation to fight me with everything you've got. But have you? I've been pondering how we can be sure you've really done your best. Would it take pain, fear of death… sheer rage? I'd be glad to apply them all, if it would help you to excel."

As Toguro walked towards Yusuke, Kuwabara trembled in place and said, "H-he's crazy! A battle junkie! He's running on pure fighting instinct!"

"Instinct?" Toguro paused to glance at Kuwabara. "No, my will. Instinct is only about survival. Like this…" The extensions on his shoulders opened at the ends and began to suck in like a vacuum.

"What?!" The fans began to drop dead as their souls were forced from their bodies.

"Everyone Toguro's aura took out…" Koto powered through to keep up her commentary. "He's sucking them up! H-he's feeding on them!"

Yusuke clenched his teeth angrily as he glared down at his enemy. He still couldn't move through the pain.

"This mode does rather give me an appetite." Toguro pointed up at Yusuke as the demon souls continued to flow into his body. "I consume their chi, starting with the weakest. In 20 minutes I'll finish off everyone in this arena. Don't you have friends here cheering for you? Heh heh."

Sayomi glared at Toguro before shooting a worried look towards the girls. Her eyes widened when she saw Yukina trying to stop Atsuko from leaving the barrier. Sayomi was about to go to them when a hand clamped down on her shoulder. She turned and saw Kurama staring at her with stern eyes.

"That wouldn't be the best course of action, I'm afraid." He looked back towards the fight, letting her go. "So long as everyone stays in place, there's a chance we'll survive."

"Yeah, but…" Her eyes wandered to the rest of the demon fans. They were stampeding towards the exits in a panic. People tripped over bodies and were trampled. Screams reached her ears and she trembled. This is what happens… Too much power and you become a monster. Not enough power and you're prey. Is there no middle ground?

Soon after the fans tried to make their escape, there was a low rumble and the ground began to shake. Sayomi braced herself and gasped when she noticed the giant cement walls rising up around the stadium. "What the hell?"

"Stick around, folks, the fun's just starting!" Sakyo smirked with a lit cigarette between his teeth. "More fun than you warts deserve, in fact."

Yusuke glared at Sakyo with such intense loathing, Sayomi could only hope the human would burst into flames.

"Sez you!"

"Get Toguro! Before he gets us!"

The fans turned and ran down the bleachers. They leaped over the barricades and charged their former hero. Toguro turned to them and flicked his thumb towards every demon. The small bullets decapitated every demon who got close enough.

"Stay out of it," Toguro said firmly. "This is between me and Urameshi."

Yusuke snapped. He leaped from the third level and charged at Toguro with a raised fist. "Don't bring me down to your level!"

Yusuke punched Toguro directly on the forehead. Though Toguro braced for it, the force pressed him into the floor, breaking up the ground itself.

Toguro glared up at Yusuke and said, "Sheer rage, then. Same as Genkai."

"Raah!" Yusuke's eyes dilated as he became furious and pounded into Toguro.

Toguro caught Yusuke's fist before he could land another punch to his face. He tightened his grip, instantly popping Yusuke's knuckles. He kept squeezing, forcing the bones to crack. "Still not enough, though."

"Aaagh!" Yusuke yelled out in pain.

Toguro cut off his cries with a right hook to the face. He quickly followed through with a series of quick punches into his gut. Yusuke coughed up blood, unable to block or retreat.

"We're all doomed, man!"

"Unless… Unless Urameshi wins!"

"Take 'im down, Urameshi!"

"Beat 'im! Bash 'im!"

Sayomi could just barely hear the crowd's change of sides. Her eyes zeroed in on Yusuke as Toguro dropped him and stomped down on his stomach. Yusuke coughed up more blood, unable to scream.

"Heh heh…" Toguro stared down at Yusuke sadistically. "What's the matter? You just going to lie there while everyone gets eaten?"

"Unh… I don't think…" Koto was on her knees, surrounded by rubble. She struggled to keep herself up as she held her mic. "…I can continue my commentary…" The fans around her continued to scream in agony as their souls tore from their bodies.

Yusuke managed to get his hands under Toguro's foot and slowly push it up in defiance. Toguro stared down at the boy and said, "In this mode, I throw off all restraint. My sole aim is to draw out your power… any way I can!"

Toguro flung his arm off to the side, sending a blast of air into the stadium wall. When the smoke cleared, the girls were standing not five feet from the new crater. He smirked down at Yusuke. "A near miss… that time."

Yusuke's pupils dilated as he yelled, "You'll pay!" He jumped out from under Toguro's foot and quickly closed in. He punched Toguro's face with a strong right cross. While Toguro's head was still facing up, Yusuke charged in again. "Raah!"

Toguro instantly backhanded Yusuke's face, sending him crashing into a wall. Sayomi and her teammates could only stare in shock as their chances of victory seemed to dwindle.

"Not quite…" Toguro glared at Yusuke. "Not quite enough, my friend. You can't prove yourself by rage alone."

"Guuh…!" Yusuke sat against the wall with his arms raised to just above his head. His shirt was a tattered rag and he was covered in dark bruises. "Unh… Arrrh…" He slowly raised his head to glare at Toguro.

"Uh-oh! That's it!"

"We're goners now!"

"Nobody can beat him! He'll suck us all up!"

Sayomi felt helpless as she watched Toguro stalk towards Yusuke. She clenched and unclenched her fists. She tried to keep her breathing in check, but she didn't feel any better. She could feel her aura shift around her as she tried to keep from acting on impulse. Get up, Yusuke… You have to… Damn it! If Master Genkai was still here, she'd be able to push him past his limits! She's done it before!

As Sayomi began to recall their early training days with the old woman, she saw movement in her peripheral. She looked up and noticed Pu was flying down to Yusuke. She looked up to see the girls still behind a barrier and she let out a sigh of relief. She turned back to the small beast and raised an eyebrow curiously. What's the little guy trying to do? He can't take on Toguro… Can he…?

Pu flapped down until he was just above Yusuke and Toguro. They both looked up at the beast in curiosity or alarm. Then, he did something he'd never done before. Pu said, "Don't mind me, boys!"

Yusuke raised an eyebrow, the best he could do to express his confusion. "Am I hearing right? Genkai?"

"Hmm…" Toguro watched the possessed beast, waiting for the old woman to speak.

Oh… Sayomi blinked. Speak of the devil…

"Toguro…" Genkai-possessed-Pu turned to the demon. "You want to draw out Yusuke's potential, correct? There's one way that can't miss… and it'll save time, too. Kill one of his friends."

Everyone stared at the old woman in either disbelief or on guard. Sayomi shook her head in denial. That can't be the only way…

"Wh-what are you saying?!" Yusuke yelled angrily.

Genkai ignored Yusuke and said, "Like a hesitant thorough-bred he needs someone to apply the whip. And that means snuffing out the life of someone he cares about." She turned to Yusuke, ignoring his glare. "As it stands, everyone here is going to die. If one dies now, the rest have some hope of seeing tomorrow."

"Is that right?!" Yusuke shot up to his feet and pointed at Genkai accusingly. "How can you be so coldblooded?! No amount of power is worth that price! Nothing is!"

Genkai slapped the back of Yusuke's head with one of Pu's wings. When Yusuke recovered and got in her face with defiant rage, Genkai stared him down and said, "This is the world you're in, like it or not. You think your feeble complaints matter here? It's not your choice anyway."

"Heh…" Toguro flicked two finger bullets and hit both Yusuke and the small beast in the head. Pu flew away and Yusuke landed back on the ground in a heap of pain. Toguro stared down at the boy with pity. "That's right. I'd considered doing it… as a last resort. Since it appears you have little control over your power… my course is clear."

"Unh! Don't…!" Yusuke shook as he tried to get to his feet.

"Hmm…" Toguro turned to Yusuke's teammates. They all flinched as his eyes swept over each one, sizing them up like a butcher choosing his meat. Then, he raised his finger and pointed. "You get to die."

Kuwabara flinched when Toguro pointed him out.

"Your death will ensure Urameshi gives his all," Toguro said as he walked towards the human boy. "And don't think I won't appreciate it."

"Toguro! Don't do it!" Yusuke dashed forward and punched Toguro in the back of the head. He quickly jumped in front of him and delivered a torrent of punches in an effort to stop him. "Aaarr!"

"Shoo!" Toguro smacked him out his way like an annoying insect.

Yusuke was sent flying backwards. He hit the ground on his back and bounced a couple times. Then he recovered and sprang back. "Oh no you don't!"

Again, Toguro knocked him out of the way. Yusuke landed hard on the ground and forced himself to get up. Blood spilled from his mouth and open cuts and scrapes.

"The four of us have to step in, Hiei." Kurama kept his eyes fixed on the coming threat. "Toguro's flipped, demanding his level of power from Yusuke."

"What'll you use?" Hiei asked casually. "You're tapped out. And the woman is banned from fighting."

"So are you. Tapped out, that is," Kurama countered. "Would you rather bug out?"

"Not on your life." Hiei smirked. "He'll get whatever we've got."

"I don't mind fighting if it means I can help. One fight won't kill me." Sayomi kept her voice low and firm. Inside, she could feel her nerves building up. I just hope I don't eat my words…

Toguro punched Yusuke in the stomach, stopping him from landing another hit.

"Hack! Graagh!" Yusuke made it to all fours then he started hacking up more blood.

Toguro stared down at him and said, "You're pathetic, Urameshi."

"Raaah!" Yusuke shot up to kneel and aimed his Reigun to shoot.

Toguro disappeared from Yusuke's line of sight and reappeared behind him with a hand resting on his shoulder. "You've got nothing." He pushed down, pressing Yusuke face-first into the earth. He stood up, leaving Yusuke face-down in a crater, and made his way to Kuwabara.

"Here he comes!" Kurama warned, preparing to attack.

"Wait!" Kuwabara stepped forward from behind his teammates. "Leave this to me."

"Kuwabara…?" Sayomi's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Are you out of your mind?!" Kurama snapped. "You? Alone? That's suicide!" He halted when he saw the look in Kuwabara's eyes.

"Koenma… You've bet your life on Urameshi." Kuwabara turned to the prince with clear eyes. They weren't clouded with fear, anger, or hope of survival. They only reflected his resolve as he stepped forward. "I'll do the same… for what it's worth."

Sayomi couldn't bring herself to stop him. She couldn't move as her vision became blurry with unshed tears. She couldn't bring herself to regret meeting the obnoxious human that gave her a headache at times.

"Admit defeat? Never!" Kuwabara dashed forward at a full sprint. "Urameshi!"

Toguro was half way across the field in one moment. In the next, he was standing right in front of Kuwabara with his fingers digging into his chest. Yusuke let out a shrill scream as he watched Toguro pull out his bloody fingers.

Kuwabara reached out to Yusuke, ignoring the gaping wound in his chest and the blood in his mouth. "I sure as heck… hope you… got enough… to make this… worth my while…"

As Kuwabara collapsed to the floor, Toguro jumped back out of the way. Sayomi and the others rushed forward to help. As Kurama reached him, he swung Kuwabara's arm over his shoulders and tried to stop the bleeding. After a brief moment, his face fell in grief with Kuwabara's limp body in his arms. Sayomi tried desperately to heal his wounds, but she was too slow. She hung her head low, mourning the boy she had come to think of as a friend.

Yusuke paled as he saw his best friend die in front of him. He clenched his teeth, unable to speak or blink. He let his head fall limp between his arms as he grieved on all fours.

Toguro stared down at him with his arms crossed. "Should I do it again? If that's what it takes, then perhaps I should take out your medic..."

Yusuke silently stood on his feet and disappeared. Toguro flinched when he lost sight of the boy. Sayomi and her teammates gasped when they spotted him again.

"Eh?!" Toguro turned to see Yusuke standing behind him.

His eyes were glued to the ground and his body was heavy with regret. His voice was barely audible as he spoke to Toguro. "I am pathetic. I couldn't stop… one friend's death…"

Massive waves of aura began to emit from Yusuke. Sayomi could see it and feel the flux of cold and warm. She felt her body relax on reflex. Yusuke's aura… It feels… sad…

"This isn't Yusuke's usual chi!" Kurama observed.

"It's my fault…" Yusuke slowly began to walk towards Toguro, his face devoid of any emotion except grief. "I'll never… be able to forgive myself…"

"Now…" Toguro watched Yusuke with interest. "Nothing stands in his way." His interest soon morphed into a grin. "It's the same for you, I'd say!" He rushed towards Yusuke. "You should be grateful, Urameshi! Your power is now approaching a level that matches mine! You've become like me!"

"I've become… like you?" Yusuke stared down at the ground as the words registered in his mind. "No…" He glared and gritted his teeth. "No!"

"How can you deny it?!" Toguro threw a strong right uppercut, sending Yusuke bouncing across the field on his back. He grinned as he flexed his hands eagerly. "Come on, I know that barely scratched you! My punches are just as devastating as before, and seconds ago that would've atomized you! But you're well able to withstand such blows now! That's power, little buddy! Real power!"

"You're right… that wasn't too bad." Yusuke pulled himself out of the crater he made in the barricade. Though he was covered in bruises and scratches, he stood up without any sign of acknowledging the pain.

"Their power levels are matching up," Hiei observed.

"But Yusuke's not Toguro. He can't be." Kurama denied the comparison with certainty as he felt Yusuke's aura.

Sayomi stared at Yusuke. She let the tears slide down since no one would see under her hood. Even though he's as strong as Toguro, he feels so sad… This isn't what he wanted…

"Does your soul ache with loss? Heh heh…" Toguro laughed off Yusuke's grief and said, "Don't worry, it's like the measles – you'll gain resistance! You stand there as if you're helpless! You're not! You've gotten stronger! Isn't that what you want? Of course it is! You want to be like me, no matter what it takes! Now is your moment! You must believe that power is everything!"

Yusuke clenched is fists. "I'm not like you." He looked up at Toguro. His eyes displayed open sadness and pity. "I could never abandon my humanity. I've come this far because of those who've stood by me."

Sayomi bit her lip in shame. What will he think when he finds out the truth?

"What mush!" Toguro glared at Yusuke in disgust. "Pure emotional claptrap! Don't you see?! You can stand on your own now!" When Yusuke didn't respond, his eyes narrowed. "Heh heh heh… Perhaps another spur… or… should I kill all of them…?"

Toguro turned towards Yusuke's teammates. Before he could take a full step, he felt a tug. He looked down behind him to see the boy with a firm grip on his wrist, holding him back. He glared and said, "Let go…"

"Somewhere… deep inside… I admired you." Yusuke held on as he kept his eyes cast down. "Your power really frightened me… but it also drew me in… with a desire I didn't understand." He let tears flow from his eyes and mix with the dirt and blood on his face. "Yes, I did want it! Craved it! Genkai tried to warn me, but I didn't get it. I do now, though." He tightened his grip on Toguro's wrist. "I realize what you threw away. I won't do that!" His aura blazed, causing a minor earthquake. "Friends, soul, humanity… I'll defend them to my last breath!"

Sayomi stared with drying eyes and her mouth slightly open in shock. His aura's changing again… His doubt is gone!

Toguro stared down at Yusuke in disappointment. "So you are Genkai's student after all. Which means you're no better."

Yusuke glared up at him from under his stray bangs. "You won't kill again! I won't allow it! I'll take you down first!"

"Heh…" Toguro smirked. "Is that so?"

Yusuke threw a full-force right hook into Toguro's face. The attack sent him toppling over himself across the field and crashing through a wall. Everyone, including Sakyo, stared at the spectacle with open mouths and wide eyes.

"Gluuh!" Toguro sat up when he stopped bouncing. His neck was bent at an unnatural angle and blood dribbled from his mouth. His eyes widened when he saw a massive blast of aura closing in on him.

The Reigun blast hit Toguro and blew past him through the cement walls Sakyo raised. It soared through the woods and over the ocean before fading out of sight over the horizon.

Yusuke lowered his hands and stared down at Toguro. "I have one last shot. I'll put everything I have into it. I invite you to use all the power you purchased with the price of your soul." Yusuke raised his finger to point at Toguro. "I have one aim – your total obliteration… and I will achieve it."

Toguro got to his feet and popped his neck back into place. "I like that look… I've seen it in the eyes of many challengers who died by my hands. Whatever their real strength, I honored them with my full power." Then he charged. "You, however, have enabled me to raise my own threshold! Come! Rraargh!" Toguro's muscle mass expanded again. His skin turned gray and strained as his shoulders grew more layers of bone. His pants ripped, unable to sheath his massive calves and thighs.

"He's almost unrecognizable!" The audience watched the transformation with a mix of shock, fear, and disgust.

"This is it: 100% of 100%!" Toguro rushed at Yusuke. "To be the best at something, you can care about nothing else! You'll never be able to do that, so you will fail!"

"Did you stop caring or just make yourself forget?" Yusuke faced Toguro head-on. He focused his aura on his trigger finger, letting it build until his whole body was surrounded by his energy.

"Here we go!"

"This'll decide the match!" The fans braced themselves for the impact.

"He's… using his life energy!" Kurama realized at the last second.

"What?!" Sayomi stared helplessly as the gap between the two fighters closed.

"Yusuke!" Koenma called out urgently.

"Eat this!" Yusuke shouted as he fired his last shot.

"Nyaarr!" Toguro reached out to meet the attack with his left hand, using his legs to anchor himself into the ground. "Gnyaah!" He tightened his grip until his arm began to bleed from the strain. "Hrun!" He quickly brought up his other hand to hold back the blast.

"He grabbed it with both hands!"

"He's gone to total defensive mode!"

Sayomi and her teammates watched anxiously as the attack began to push Toguro back. Sayomi clenched her fists until her knuckles turned white. This is it! Come on, Yusuke!

Yusuke collapsed to his knees, his arms hanging limp in front of him.

"Hrr!" Toguro grunted as the blast continued to press into him. He squeezed his large arms around the Reigun blast, hugging it to his body. "Nyaar!"

"Come on!" Sayomi shouted desperately.

"Grayaaah!" Toguro squeezed until the blast disseminated from his grasp. He was left standing in a squat with his arms crossed in front of his lowered head.

A lull of silence fell upon the crowd. Their faces overshadowed with dread while some slumped to their knees in defeat. "It's over… and we're all doomed!"

"Yusuke…?" Sayomi felt paralyzed when she saw him fall over unconscious. Her eyes snapped up when she saw Toguro move.

He dragged his feet towards Yusuke. Blood and sweat dripped down from his abdominals, arms, and legs. He smiled down at the boy and said, "Thank you, Urameshi… for pushing me past my limit…"

The crowd listened in suspense, waiting for Toguro to turn on them. Then a loud crack echoed throughout the arena. Everyone watched with open mouths and wide eyes as they focused on Toguro.

"Guess it's… the strain… of going beyond 100%..." Toguro's enhanced bone structure and muscle mass shattered around him. He was reduced to his original lean build. "You reached… 120% at least! Fighting… for the sake of others… is a source of great power…" His smile stayed in place as he collapsed just feet away from Yusuke.

"They're both down!" A fan supported his friend as he turned to a stunned Koto. "We're saved…"

As Koto recovered from her shock, Juri came out of hiding. They both approached Toguro with caution.

"Oh…!" Juri brought her hand up to cover her mouth as she gasped. Toguro was white as bone, the life gone from him in mere seconds. When Juri looked up, her eyes widened as she looked past Koto's shoulder. "Uh…!"

Koto turned around curiously, then froze when she saw Yusuke on his feet.

Sayomi's vision blurred as she felt a smile spread across her face.

Yusuke stared ahead at nothing, his breathing shallow. His fists held firm despite his limp arms. Though he was unfocused and exhausted, he was standing.

Koto and Juri raised their arms and announced together, "The winner: Urameshi!"

"Yusuke!" Kurama ran towards Yusuke as he dropped back down to his knees. Sayomi, Koenma, and Hiei followed close behind the red-head. He made it in time to catch him and said, "Yusuke! It's okay! It's over! You did it, you beat him! You're the champ!"

Yusuke stared down at nothing. "Am I… still alive…?"

Koenma stepped forward and said, "Take it from me, you are! That last shot… Incredible!"

"Aw, man…" Sayomi's excitement died when she saw Yusuke slip free from Kurama and clench his fists in the dirt. "…This…" He glared and clenched his teeth bitterly. "…This really sucks!" Koenma, Kurama, and Hiei all watched as his empty eyes filled with regret. "I should've been able to do this without Kuwabara's sacrifice! So what's this worth? Nothing!"

"Yusuke…" Kurama stared at the boy with sympathy.

Yusuke hung his head in shame. "I was right here… and I couldn't save him!"

As Yusuke grieved, Kuwabara got to his feet and threw up peace signs with a goofy grin. When Yusuke realized no one was saying anything, he looked up to see his classmate walking among the living.

"Yo! How's it goin'?" Kuwabara smiled broadly at Yusuke's haunted, tear-stained face.

Kurama closed his eyes and cleared his throat. "The thing is, Yusuke… Kuwabara never died." When Yusuke glared at Kurama with tears and a running nose, Kurama smiled nervously and explained, "Now, calm down and listen to me! At the moment…"

A few minutes earlier…

"Kuwabara!" Kurama ran up to his dying teammate and wrapped his arm over his shoulder for support. He stopped short when he realized the truth.

Kuwabara grimaced as he looked at Kurama. He kept his head down and his voice low as he said, "Hurts, but… he missed my heart. Don't say anything, okay? Yusuke needs… a good kick in the pants!"

Sayomi kneeled beside him and reached for his chest. She lowered her head and muffled her voice. "Hold still. If you stay like this, I might be able to use your own shadow to heal you in secret."

"Heh heh…" Kuwabara smirked and let himself slump into Kurama's arms.

Back in the present…

Yusuke listened to Kurama as he began to grasp the reality of the situation. His grief gave way to disbelief followed shortly by anger. "You didn't tell me? You… you all tricked me?"

"Why not? You had to focus… and it helped." Hiei sighed and turned to stare at the ground briefly. "It's like you said, you should've been able to do it without such motivation."

Sayomi chuckled quietly before tapping Hiei's arm and pointing him towards the large dust cloud. Kurama pointed towards Hiei and said, "Uh… Hiei's here…"

"So you jerked me around again! You're dead, Kuwabara!"

"Ow!"

"Still got fight in ya, eh?"

"Hey! Watch it! That smarts!"

"Hmm…" Yusuke stood with his foot on Kuwabara's head and his hand curled under his chin in thought. He reached down and picked up a beaten Kuwabara by his curls. "Okay guys, out with it! Why didn't he die?"

Sayomi sighed and marched towards the boys. "Damn it, Yusuke. I just healed him! That doesn't mean you get to waste my efforts again!" She reached for Kuwabara and laid him down on the ground to repair the fresh damage.

When Kuwabara felt well enough, he brushed Sayomi aside and got to his feet. He turned to look at his attacker. "Toguro…"

Hiei looked up towards the sky as he said, "He probably underestimated Kuwabara's defenses, which are unusually strong. He's certainly stubborn."

"Nuthin' wrong with that!" Kuwabara defended as he glared down at the fire demon.

"I can list a few things wrong with it." Sayomi glared at Kuwabara from under her hood. She let her aura creep from beneath her cloak for extra effect. She smirked when she saw his face become pale.

"I don't think Toguro intended to kill anyone…" Kurama suggested. "He just wanted to make the most of this day… the day he finally faced his ultimate challenger."

"However it was, I…" Koenma trailed off as the ground began to shake.

As the shaking got worse, Sayomi and the others were thrown off balance. She looked around as the stadium began to crumble. The remaining survivors scrambled to get out from under falling debris.

"But why?!" Kurama asked desperately. Everyone followed the red-head's line of sight to the businessman with the red button. "Sakyo!"

Sakyo stared down at the timer as it counted down from five minutes before slipping it into his pocket. "Kurama's pegged it, I think. I haven't known Toguro long, but I've seen hints of weakness. Now it comes to this – I lose. I didn't give those hints sufficient consideration… to my cost. This arena will soon self-destruct, taking me and my ambition with it."

There was a brief moment of silence from the crowd as Sakyo's words began to sink in. Then all hell broke loose as everyone stormed down the stands and jumped over the barricades.

"Lemme outta heeeeere!"

"Quick! Leave through Urameshi's blast hole!"

"Whoa!" Yusuke stood his ground as the horde of demons rushed by. "Plenty of survivors, I see!"

Sayomi stood her ground and frantically scanned through the sea of faces. She froze when she spotted the girls still at the second level balcony. She pointed up at them and said, "I found the girls!" She hesitated and arched a curious brow. "I think something's wrong with Keiko!"

"What?!" Yusuke yelled over the screams of fans.

"Oh no!" Kuwabara bellowed. "Yukina! She's up there!" He proceeded to charge against the current of fans, making a beeline for the girls and leaving a confused gap in his wake. "Outta my way, ya pug-uglies!"

"He's impossible," Hiei muttered.

"But effective. Let's go." Kurama followed behind Kuwabara with Sayomi and the others close behind.

Once at the top, Kuwabara turned left and ran straight for the girls. "Yukina! You okay?!"

"Yes! But Keiko—she's completely out of it!" Yukina called out in worry.

As she approached Kuwabara, the stadium wall began to topple down over Yukina. As the wall crashed onto the floor, Kuwabara screamed in fear. "Yukina!" He stopped short when the dust began to settle. "Yow!"

Hiei was kneeling on the other side of the rubble with his arm holding the ice maiden close to his side. He averted his eyes, refusing to look at her directly. "Move out. Got it?"

"O-okay…" Yukina blinked as she realized what had happened. "…Thank you, you s-saved…"

"This way! Hurry!" Yusuke called out to his friends and mother. He limped along while Koenma supported his left side. Sayomi and Kurama stayed just close enough in case he needed another hand.

Sayomi stopped short when she saw Hiei release Yukina from his grip. She felt a warmth in her chest that quickly cooled when Hiei turned away from the girl. Even now, he keeps his distance…

Botan looked up at Yusuke in a panic. "Keiko's still weirded-out! She won't get up!"

"She won't, eh?" Yusuke glared down at his childhood friend as he grabbed her by the shirt and yelled in her face. "Hey! Keiko! Get a grip! Y'hear me?! It's all over! I won! We beat 'em! Oh for the luvva…" He gritted his teeth as he began to slap her cheeks, snapping her head back and forth. "Wakey, wakey… ya little pest!"

"Ow… Ow… Hey… Ow…!" Keiko's dizzy eyes tried to focus as Yusuke continued his assault. Keiko growled until she smacked him head-first into the pavement. "That hurt!" She then blinked back into reality as she realized her mistake. "Oops… Um… wha'… Wha' hoppen?"

"Yeesh…" Kuwabara cringed as he looked down at Yusuke's unconscious body. "Now Yusuke's watchin' the birdies…"

Sayomi sighed and shook her head. "Serves him right for doing something that stupid." She heard a scream cut off with a clear splat just yards from her and the others. "I'll fix him later. For now, I think we'd better bail before this place blows us up with it."

"Sayomi's right. Let's go!" Kurama agreed.

Keiko growled as she dragged Yusuke's body onto her back and took off. Sayomi followed close behind, making sure Keiko didn't falter while carrying the boy. As they ran through the forest, Sayomi heard Keiko grumble under her breath. "Feh! It's always something with this guy!"

As they made it to the main road, the stadium exploded into a mass of flame and smoke. Sayomi watched with her friends as the arena burned down, along with the demon who dragged them into it in the first place.

"So… That's it," Kuwabara muttered.

"Yeah…" Yusuke agreed. "Game, set, and match."

"Awake, eh? Then off, ya free-loader!" Keiko glared as she threw Yusuke from her back.

Yusuke sat up and rubbed the bump that quickly formed on his head. "Ow! Now you're tryin' t' snuff me!"

"Hah! As if, you blockhead!" Keiko retorted angrily.

"Now, now," Kurama chided as he held the angry teen back. "Don't you two get started."

"I oughta…" Yusuke growled between clenched teeth.

"Yes, save it for later." Koenma stepped between the teens to block their view of each other.

"Whoa!" Atsuko exclaimed loudly. "What about the prize? Each winner gets one wish, right?! So how are you gonna collect on that now, huh?"

"Shoot! I'd forgotten!" Kuwabara jumped as he recalled the prize.

"Figures," Atsuko sighed. "Any ideas, anyone?"

Yusuke slumped down to the ground and leaned back on his hands. "There's just one thing we all want… but no wish can bring it about…"

Sayomi lowered her head and closed her eyes as the face of her teacher appeared in her mind's eye.

Yusuke stared up at the rising smoke. "…All that matters is – we won! Hear that, Genkai? We won!"