A PikaFlash's World 2013 project
The Anime Games: An Urban Action Variety Fanfic
A Team PikaFlash Fanfic, working on Fanfics for 12 Years
[Produced by the SOS Brigade]
Disclaimers: All characters, Animes, Manga, Games and miscellaneous series mentioned or appearing in this fanfic belong to their respective owners. This fanfic is simply a medium to express ideas.
[01: Let the Games Begin - Mahora Academy Library]
After the celebrations in the introductory chapter, it was time for the real games to begin. The characters quickly changed out of their soaked formal attire into more appropriate attire for the occasion.
Tai calmly waited outside the Mahora Library, dressed in a blue tracksuit, ready for action. Then, Keitaro arrived in the same blue tracksuit. "Yo, Tai!"
"Megane-sempai, are you ready for a big night?" asked Tai.
"Of course," the glasses-wearing senior replied. (Note: Megane-Sempai is the nickname given to Keitaro by the other characters during the Pilot, mainly because he's the eldest character wearing glasses.)
Next, two girls in blue tracksuits arrived at the library entrance. One had long blue-hair that reached her knees, while one has short brunette hair with a pair of hairclips to keep her hair up. They are Kyoto Animation colleagues Konata Izumi and Yui Hirasawa.
"Hey there!" greeted Konata as she and Yui walked up to Keitaro and Tai.
"Hey, Konata, Yui! Welcome to the party," said Tai. "I hope you two are ready for tonight."
Konata grinned. "I'm ready for anything."
"Of course, Tai-sempai," said Yui.
"I notice that aside from swapping Edward for Konata, we're using almost the same team we had for that Nyan Cat race in the Pilot," Keitaro noted.
Tai nodded. "Yeah, Ash and I decided to swap teammates just to change things up a bit."
Keitaro looked up. "Well, here comes the other team."
At that moment, Ash's team walked towards the library building, led by Ash being flanked by Hinata, Syaoran and Edward. The group of four was wearing red tracksuits, with Ash wearing a pair of shades while wearing his jersey over his shoulders like a mafia boss, Hinata wearing her jersey with the hood over her head, Syaoran and Edward having their jerseys wrapped around their waists.
Tai walked up to Ash. "What the hell? What kind of stunt are you trying to pull? You think you're some sort of mob boss, flanked by your goons?"
Ash removed his shades. "Well, I thought it would be awesome to come up with a flashy group entrance when we walk up."
"Well, it looks more like you leading a bunch of henchmen," said Tai. "I bet you'd love to hear the crowd to cheer, 'Oh, look at that, it's Ash Ketchum and his Henchmen'!"
[Ash - Mafia Boss; Hinata - Henchman No. 1; Ed - Henchman No. 2; Syaoran - Henchman No. 3]
Ash remained stoic as he faced Tai's taunt. "Laugh all you want, Tai. In the end, my team will win tonight."
"We shall see. When my team lost that race last time, our punishment was giving free hugs while wearing Vocaloid cosplays," Tai said. "We get to pick the punishment this time."
"Alright, what would you suggest as a punishment, Konata?" Ash completely ignored Tai and looked straight at Konata, now a member of the opposing team.
"I suggest that the losers must go to a convenience store, buy some instant cup ramen, cook it there, and eat the ramen outside, while wearing maid uniforms," said Konata, with a completely straight face.
"That's a perfect punishment. Especially when our team consists of two girls, so it's not so embarrassing if we lose," said Tai, "compared to the other team with three guys who have a lot of dignity to lose."
Ash raised his hand. "I once was forced to dress up as a maid in a maid café."
"I was Sleeping Beauty for a school play," Syaoran added.
"And someone made me cosplay Rin Kagamine for a fan art," said Edward.
"So, we lost our dignity long ago," said Ash.
"And I don't mind being a ninja maid," added Hinata.
(Wait a minute; did Ash's team simply give up long before the game even begins? Or are they provoking the other team?)
Tai glared at the other team, provoked at the other team's relaxed attitude. "That's it! You're going down!"
Tai immediately calmed down as the two teams faced each other. "Even though we've split up into teams, we still have yet to introduce a couple of guests for this chapter."
Ash nodded. "That's right. This chapter's guests are Hikari Yagami and Naruto Uzumaki."
A long-haired brunette woman in a blue tracksuit arrived at the entrance, joining Tai's team.
[Hikari Yagami - Digimon: Joining Team Tai]
Next, a blonde man in a red tracksuit arrived as he immediately joined Ash's team.
[Naruto Uzumaki - Naruto: Joining Team Ash]
"I'm glad to see you two here," said Ash. "It's been a while since we last had a catch up, Kari."
Kari nodded. "It has been a while. It's great to be back in this sort of fanfic after a long hiatus."
Suddenly, Syaoran stood in front of Kari. "Normally, I don't usually do this in both my series I've been in since I'm a CLAMP character and I've have a romantic interest in those series, but I've always wanted to be OOC with impunity."
Syaoran dropped to his knees and held Kari's hand. "Oh, Miss Kari, despite not working with you for almost ten years, I never thought that you would be much more beautiful now."
Ash groaned as he looked at the readers. "Sakura, if you're reading this, we're terribly sorry for letting Syaoran act like my friend Brock in this fanfic. Please don't smack us with your wand."
[The Rise of Playboy Syaoran]
Syaoran glared at Tai. "And since the wonder Miss Kari is on your team, you should take good care of here or else I'll break your legs."
Tai sent a counter-glare back at Syaoran. "You idiot, you just flirted with my little sister! I should be the one saying that if she was on your team!"
Ash continued the introductions. "And we also have Naruto, who's has managed to find time from his busy schedule due to the current arc in both the Naruto Manga and Shippuden Anime."
Naruto nodded. "Yeah, I've been pretty doing my bit in the most epic climactic battles for both the Manga and Shippuden."
Konata noticed that Hinata is trying to avoid eye contact with Naruto. "I want to point out that Hinata-san is trying not to look at Naruto-san."
Hinata flinched at the statement. 'Why did you have to point that out, Konata-san?'
Ash noticed the same thing. "Come to think of it, Hinata confessed to Naruto many chapters ago but Hinata has refused to say anything about it." Ash looked at Naruto. "Any comments to this, Naruto?"
"I can neither confirm nor deny," said Naruto. "You'll just have to read the Manga or watch Shippuden."
Yui raised her hand. "Excuse me, Sempais, but I like to point out that during my break, I was at a swimming pool and I saw Hinata-Sempai fighting with her swimming coach. It turns out he had the same hairstyle as Naruto-san."
[Incriminator Yui: Strike 1]
"That's so not true!" Hinata screamed with a huge blush on her face.
"Looks like our Kouhai got you there, Hinata-san." Konata grinned.
"I know, but you should know that there's a rumor of Konata-Sempai going to a club, but I know there's also a lot of bad stuff involving other Otakus at that place."
[Incriminator Yui: Strike 2]
"Bwah?" Konata became speechless.
Yui continued. "If you think that's bad, earlier today, I also saw Satoshi-sempai in the bathroom pretending to dance..."
[Incriminator Yui: Strike 3]
A furious Ash picked up a paper fan from a nearby prop box and smacks Yui in the back of the head. "Stop spreading around baseless rumors, Yui!"
[Incriminator Yui: Struck]
"Well, at least we now know Yui's starting to learn how to survive in a fanfic like this with her new incriminating skills." Konata rubbed her chin. "You know, if Yui was an Ikki Tousen character, then whoever has Yui's Incriminaiton skills on their side would end up ruling the whole Kanto region."
[Meanwhile, in Konata's scenario in the Ikki Tousen universe, Yui stood by Gentoku Ryubi's side. She then snuck over to Motoku Sousou's side and whispered baseless incriminating rumors, causing Sousou to be confused. Then, Yui snuck over to Hakufu Sonsaku's side and whispered more baseless incriminating rumors, causing Sonsaku to be flustered. As both Sousou and Sonsaku disappear into obscurity because of the rumors, Yui rejoined her BFF Ryubi as they laughed at their victory.]
Tai looked at the readers. "Well, I think it's time for us to begin the first game."
Ash and Tai were sitting at a desk in front of the Library entrance. The other players were sitting on chairs behind the duo.
"Before we start off the games, let's talk about how the winning and losing teams are determined," Ash spoke as though he was making a commentary. "Can you tell us about it, Tai?"
Tai nodded. "Teams will be competing against each other through the various games being played where the winning team will receive lottery balls for their victory to be used in, a lottery to determine the winner of this chapter. The more lottery balls a team wins, the better chances of them not getting the penalty. Obviously, if a team does not win any lottery balls during today's challenges, they will automatically receive the penalty."
"Excellent," said Ash. "Now that we know the rules, let's start on the first game:"
[Telepathic Q & A]
Ash explained the rules. "The rules for Telepathic Q & A are simple: Two players from each team will be sitting at this desk with one player asking the questions from a list of questions while the other must try to give the correct answer from a list of answers within a given time limit. However, both players will be unable to hear each other as they will be listening to very loud music through the headphones they're wearing. The winning team will win two points for their team in the lottery."
[Team Tai's first attempt]
Tai and Yui were now sitting at the desk as they put on their headphones for the challenge as Ash stood in behind the duo to give the signal to begin the game. Two crew members (Outsourced by the S.O.S Brigade) were given the role of showing placards revealing a variety of random questions and answers for Tai and Yui.
"This is Team Tai's first attempt with Tai and Yui. Your time starts now!" Ash yelled.
The game has begun and with loud music being played on the headphones, both Tai and Yui were unable to hear each other's voices. Tai started off with the first question. "What is Sephiroth's memorable line in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children?"
The correct answer is 'I will never be a memory.' However, the answer Yui gave was, "Lend me 40 bucks, Sempai."
(Wait? Sephiroth's memorable line in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children is 'Tai, lend me 40 bucks.')
Tai asked the next question."What was once Naruto's catchphrase in the US version of his series?"
Yui pointed at the answer list. "In the name of the moon, I punish you!"
"Can you recite the most famous line in Shakespeare's famous play Hamlet?"
Yui thrust her fist into the air. "I caught a Pokémon!" (Wrong)
"What does Mr. Ash Ketchum say when he catches a Pokémon?"
Yui rubbed her stomach. "I'm still hungry." (Wrong)
(Well, at least we now know what Ash really ate during his journeys in Pokémon)
"What is the famous line in the chorus of the Card Captor Sakura opening 'Catch You, Catch me'?"
Yui suddenly became a Tsundere. "Quit acting cool, you're not that good looking." (Wrong)
"What does Sailor Moon says when she confronts an enemy?"
Yui did a quick dance. "Catch You Catch You Catch Me Catch Me matte..." (Wrong)
"A female Tsundere would say this to a guy she likes:"
Yui clenched her fist. "To be or not to be, that is the question." (Is that what a Tsundere would say to a guy she likes?)
"Can you recite the most famous line in Shakespeare's famous play Hamlet?"
Yui yelled out, "Believe it!" (That's Hamlet's most famous line?)
Tai couldn't help but slip in a question of his own. "What is your name?"
Yui raised her hand and yelled, "I caught a Pokémon!" (Yui's name is 'I caught a Pokémon!'?)
[Time's up!]
The other characters were laughing at the random answers given by Yui as Tai and Yui removed their headphones.
"Did we get any correct?" Tai asked.
"No, but it was hilarious," said Keitaro. "And Yui, I didn't know your name is Miss 'I caught a Pokémon!'."
Yui had a blank look on her face.
[Team Ash's First Attempt]
Ash and Hinata were now at the desk wearing their headphones with Tai taking charge of giving the signals.
"Now, this is Team Ash's attempt with Ash and Hinata," Tai announced. "Ready… start!"
"How are you feeling right now?" asked Ash.
Hinata clutched her chest. "My heart's about to explode!" (Wrong! While it makes sense, it's not the correct answer.)
Ash asked the next question. "What happens when you drink too much beer and you feel unwell?"
Hinata covered her mouth. "I want to puke!" (Correct!)
"How would you feel if you pull an all-nighter?"
Hinata feels her forehead. "I'm tired." (Correct!)
"How would you feel if someone made a rumor about you with no actual evidence?"
Hinata pouts. "Felt like I stepped on poop." (Correct!)
"After you ate a lot of good food, what would you say?"
Hinata holds her stomach. "My stomach's going to burst!" (Correct!)
"In a public toilet, you see a person doing something harmful to another person, how would you feel?"
Hinata puts her hands together. "It's so cute! I wanna have a bite!" (That's Hinata's first response when someone is in danger?)
"What would you say to someone who farted in an elevator?"
Hinata clenched her fists. "Awesome!" (Wha?)
[Time's up!]
"You did it! You got four correct!" said Edward.
Both Ash and Hinata removed their headphones. "We did?" asked Hinata.
Ash stood up and pointed at Tai. "In your face, goggle-head!" yelled Ash.
Meanwhile, Miss 'I caught a Pokémon!' could only stare in disbelief.
[Team Tai's second attempt]
"This time, Yui can ask the questions and Hikari will answer," said Tai.
Both Kari and Yui sat at the desk.
"I'm putting all of my faith in you to win this one for us, Hikari," said Tai.
Kari nodded as she wore her headphones. Both Yui and Kari got themselves in the rhythm of the music they're listening to in the hope that they managed to successfully pair up the correct questions and answers.
"What do you say to your friends when you want to borrow some cash?" asked Yui.
Hikari slammed the table. "Let go of my leg!" (If you want cash, you yell 'let go of my leg'?)
"What is the first hit single by Hokago Tea Time?"
"You're so noisy!" (Wrong!)
"When you're arguing with someone and you're extremely mad, what will you say?"
"OBJECTION!" (Is that what you say when you're furious?)
"What is the best congratulatory worss to a newly married couple?"
"If you find it, you'll get 10 bucks!" (Eh?)
"A female Yandere would say this to a guy she likes:"
"Fuwa Fuwa Time!" (Wha?)
"For people who like to stroke their own ego, like Yagami Taichi-san, what do they always want to say?"
Hikari held out her hand. "Lend me 40 bucks." (Wrong!)
"When you're arguing with someone and you're extremely mad, what will you say?"
Hikari slammed her palm on the desk. "I'm going to destroy you!" (Wrong!)
"In the hit Anime series Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, what is Alphonse Elric's favorite animal?"
"Shut up!" (Wrong!)
"A lawyer will say this when they disagree with a statement in court:"
"I curse you!" (Really, is that what they say in court?)
"In school, what do you hear the male Sempais say the most neart the girls' locker room?"
"Let go of my leg!" screamed Hikari. (Wrong!)
[Time's up!]
Both Yui and Hikari both removed their headphones, unaware that they didn't get any of the questions and answers correct.
"So, perverts would choose to reveal themselves by screaming 'Let go of my leg!'" said Hinata. "No wonder they get caught easily."
"Alright, now it's our turn," said Ash. "Time to put this in the bag."
Both Syaoran and Ash sat at the desk, ready for their turn.
"Are you ready, Ash?" asked Syaoran.
Ash nodded. "Anytime, Syaoran."
Ash and Syaoran put on their headphones. "Your time starts now!"
"What do you want to happen to someone you hate?" asked Syaoran.
"Constipation," answered Ash. (Wait, you want constipation to happen to someone you hate?)
"What is the common term for a situation when you are unable to poop?" asked Syaoran.
"Don't fix it," Ash simply answered. (Ouch!)
"Finish this famous saying -'If it ain't broke-'"
"Argentinian Back Breaker!" answered Ash. (Double Ouch!)
"When an Otaku is carefully trying to complete his collection, what should you not do?"
"Onigiri." (Wrong!)
Tai thrust his fist in excitement. "Yes. Not even a single correct answer..."
"What is the name of Mr. Ash Ketchum's long-time companion when he travels through the various Pokémon regions?"
"Fart." (Really? That probably explained that weird fan Pokémon animation on Youtube.)
"When you can't mention someone's name or can't remember someone's name, what do you use in place of their name?"
"Pikachu!" (Wrong!)
"When you body has a digestive problem, what is the gas your body release?"
"The Great Naruto Bridge!" (That is one seriously massive digestive problem.)
"In Naruto, what is the name of the major bridge linking the land of Waves with the mainland?"
"Constipation!" (No one wants to be near that wrestling ring when that move is used.)
[Time's up!]
The members of Tai's team laughed. Naruto angrily walked up to Ash and Syaoran. "Seriously? How could you consider wanting the person you hate to have constipation?!"
"But did we get any correct?" asked Syaoran.
Tai grinned. "Nope."
"Dammit," cursed Ash.
Tai sighed. "But still, Hinata managed give four correct answers, so Team Ash wins this game and the lottery ball!"
Team Ash celebrated their victory as they received their lottery ball.
The two teams gathered inside the main library hall for the next game. Tai stood in front of the two teams as the others sat on benches to watch.
"Our next game is a solo game called 'Pain Auction', where everyone is participating as individual bidders making bids on important items that could potentially benefit the bidder or their team later on in the game," Tai explained. "However, as you can tell from the name of this game, the price bid for each item is a punishment that a bidder has personally chosen to earn the item. Let us begin the auction: Please bring out the first item!"
At that moment, Kyon (from the Haruhi Suzumiya series) walked in, transporting a covered portrait frame that holds the item that everyone is suppose to be bidding for. Once Kyon leaves, Tai stood next to the item. "I think before the item up for bidding, I like to see what bids we can get. Do we have any bidders?"
At that moment, Syaoran raised his hand. "One smack in the forehead!"
Tai pointed at Syaoran. "Smack in the forehead! Any other offers?"
Yui raised her hand. "Three hits on the wrist!"
"Three hits on the wrist," said Tai. "Anything else?"
Syaoran made his counter-offer. "Smack in the forehead, followed by a noogie!"
"I got one!" Ed raised his hand. "A slap on both cheeks from an automail arm!"
Tai groaned. "You know what, let's pick something more realistic. The punishment will involve hits in the forehead using chopsticks and the bid you make is the number of hits, got it?"
"If that's the case, 15 hits with the chopstick," Edward said.
Keitaro looked at Edward. "Are you kidding me, Ed?"
"I'm good at enduring pain," Edward said. "Haven't you seen me do that in both series of Fullmetal Alchemist?"
"That makes sense." Tai simply nods in agreement. "Alright, current bid is 15 hits."
Yui raised her hand. "16 hits!"
Tai pointed at Yui. "16 from Yui!"
"Twenty!" yelled Syaoran as he rasied his hand.
"Twenty from Syaoran! Any more bids? Going once, going twice..." Tai then paused. "Come to think of it. Ash and Naruto, aren't you going to make any bids?"
Naruto shook his head. "No thanks. I rather know why I'm hurting myself before I make my bid."
"Fair enough," said Tai.
Keitaro looked at Naruto. "Naruto-san, maybe if you make a bid of 22, I'll bid 23."
Naruto shook his head. "I'm not going to fall for that trick, Keitaro-san."
At that moment, Edward raised his hand. "Twenty-five!"
"Twenty-five hits from Mr. Elric! Do I hear twenty-six? Alright, twenty-five going once..."
Keitaro rasied his hand. "Twenty-six!"
"Yes, Twenty-six from Mr. Urashima. Going once..."
Yui raised her hand. "Twenty-seven!"
"Twenty-seven from Miss Hirasawa!"
"Twenty-eight!" yelled Keitaro.
"Twenty-eight, going once, going twice...sold to Keitaro Urashima!" Tai yelled. "Congratulations. Let's see what you've won."
Tai removes the cloth hiding the item up for sale, revealing the first item up for bids: An 'Ash Ketchum Usage Voucher'.
Tai grinned. "You're in luck, Keitaro! You'll get to have Ash Ketchum as your slave for today, even if he's the opposing team leader which means that there will be one less person for us to worry about in the next game."
"Yes!" Keitaro jumped up in excitement as he walked up towards Tai.
"That's if you can get through your punishment of twenty-eight hits on the forehead," added Tai
"So I must get hit first before I can use him. I guess I'll take my chances."
"Alright, Mr. Ketchum, if you would kindly please come up to hit Mr. Urashima in the forehead with the chopsticks?"
Keitaro glared at Tai. "Wait? He's going to hit me in the forehead?"
"It's an Ash Ketchum Usage Voucher. It's only fair that he gets to smack you in the forehead with the chopsticks."
Ash walked up towards the front with an evil grin.
Tai then added, "Also, if you make any noise when you get hit, your bid is invalid and we must start the bidding all over again. However, the ladies are excluded from this rule. So, just remember to be reasonable when you make your bids."
Keitaro glared at Tai. "What the hell? Couldn't you at least try telling us that before we made our bids?"
Ash picked up a pair of disposable chopsticks. "Prepare yourself, Keitaro."
Keitaro sighed. "Alright, let's get this over with.
Ash smacked Keitaro in the forehead using the chopsticks. "Ow."
Keitaro rubbed his forehead after the hit, unable to take the pain from the hit. The other bidders could only laugh. Tai rang a bell.
"You said 'Ow', so now the bid's invalid," said Tai. "This is an important reminder that you must be reasonable when making your bids. Now, let's start over. Starting bid is one hit."
Syaoran raised his hand. "One hit!"
Ed raised his hand. "Two hits!"
"Two hits from Mr. Elric!"
"Four hits!" Yui yelled.
"Four hits from Miss Hirasawa."
Konata raised her hand. "Five!"
"Six hits!" yelled Keitaro.
Everyone immediately looked at the bidder. "Are you asking for more punishment, Keitaro-sempai?" asked Konata.
"Sold to Mr. Urashima. Again..." Tai announced and everyone else laughed at the unfortunate situation that Keitaro had put himself in. Keitaro had barely recovered from the first hit and he was up again for another round of punishment, this time, with six hits instead of the original twenty-eight from his first attempt.
"Alright, bring it on," said Keitaro.
Ash smacked Keitaro's forehead with the chopsticks, eliciting a small "Ow!" from the glasses-wearing senior, bring out more laughter from the other bidders.
Tai tried his best to hold back his laughter. "The bid's invalid, so we're starting over."
"I was only catching my breath," Keitaro protested.
"Who catches his breath by saying 'Ow'?" asked Tai. "We're starting over from the beginning."
Syaoran's bid: "One hit!"
Ed raised his hand. "Two hits"
"Three!" yelled Keitaro. However, everyone laughed.
Hikari raised her hand. "Four hits."
Edward makes his bid. "Seven hits!"
"Seven hits from Mr. Elric. Going once..."
Syaoran raised his hand. "Question: Does the winner of the voucher get to use Ash in any way they want him for the whole day?"
"Of course," answered Tai. "Seven hits, going twice. Any other bids?"
No response from the other bidders.
Tai pointed at Ed. "Sold to Mr. Edward Elric! Congratulations, Ash Ketchum will be your slave if you can take the seven hits."
Ed walked up to Tai as Ash picks up the wooden chopsticks.
"Think you can take the hits, Ed?" asked Tai.
"No problem. I can take the hits and make good use of him," Ed replied.
Keitaro shook his head. "Pft, I won't even have Ash as my slave even if he's free of charge."
"Says the guy who couldn't take the first hit," mumbled Konata.
Ed moved his hair to expose his forehead. "I'm ready."
Ash landed the first hit on Ed's forehead. Ed calmly smiled. Ash lands another two hits and Ed remained calm.
"You can back out if you want to, Ed," Ash said as he picked up a bell. "You want to stop?"
Ed shook his head. "I've made it this far. I can take it."
Ash landed three more hits on Ed's forehead. "One more and I'll be your slave. Do you have any regrets?"
"Just do it, Ash."
Ash sighed as he hit Ed's forehead for the seventh time, winning Ed the Ash Ketchum Voucher.
"Edward Elric wins the Ash Ketchum Voucher!"
Ash silently groaned as he followed Ed back to their seats.
Tai stood in front of the group as Kyon brings in the next lottery item, hidden by a cloche.
"Let us see what the next item that is up for auction." As Tai was about to remove the cloche, the other players couldn't wait in anticipation for the next item. "Alright, our next item..."
Tai removes the cloche, revealing a lottery ball.
[2nd Auction Item: Lottery Ball]
Tai gives a general description on the auctioned item. "Our next item is this all important Lottery Ball! As you all know, later tonight, we'll be holding a lottery to see who gets punished, so a lottery ball is a must if you do not wish for your team to go through the punishment. Even though this is an individual game, the person who wins the auction for this lottery ball will win it for the team. So I hope that someone on our team would be willing to win us this lottery ball. Let's start the bidding."
Ed raised his hand. "Three hits."
"Three hits from Ed."
"Four hits!" yelled Syaoran.
"Four from Syaoran!"
Yui raised her hand. "Seven!"
"Are you sure, Yui?" asked Konata.
"I'll be fine, Sempai," said Yui.
"Hinata Hyuga, eight hits!" Hinata yelled out.
"Hinata Hyuga bids for eight hits. Any more bids?"
"Don't you think doing eight hits to a lady like Hinata makes us look bad?" Ash asked.
"Going once, going twice..."
"I'll be fine, Satoshi-san," said Hinata.
"Sold for Eight Hits to Hinata Hyuga!" announced Tai.
Hinata and Konata walked up to the front as Konata prepares to hit Hinata in the forehead with the chopsticks.
"Are you ready, Hinata-sempai?" asked Konata.
Hinata nods. "Do it."
Konata lands the first hit on Hinata's head, followed by immediately hugging Hinata. "It's alright, Sempai," said Konata.
"Do you want to give up?" asked Tai.
"No, Tai-san," Hinata answered.
Konata then followed up with four more hits, though
"Oh come on!" Keitaro protected. "Konata's being too soft on Hinata! At least let me do the rest."
"Fair enough," said Tai. "Take a break, Konata."
Hinata looked up. "Eh?"
As Keitaro got up from his seat and walked towards Hinata, Syaoran immediately raised his hand. "Let me be Hinata-san's Black Knight!"
"Being the playboy again, Syaoran?" said Ed. "Come on, Naruto, why don't you be Hinata's black knight since she confessed to you?"
"Err...I prefer to be white," Naruto replied.
"How about this, Naruto and Syaoran would each take a hit for Hinata from Keitaro," Tai proposed.
Both Naruto and Syaoran stood at the front as Keitaro prepared the wooden chopstick. Keitaro hits both Syaoran and Naruto, but both of them managed to endure the pain, enabling Hinata to win the Lottery Ball.
"Alright, Hinata wins a Lottery Ball for Team Ash! So now, it's time for us to reveal the last item!"
At that moment, Kyon brings in another covered portrait that is up for auction. Tai immediately reveals the last item: A 'Punishment Immunity Voucher'.
Everyone became excited as the final item was revealed.
[3rd Auction Item: Punishment Immunity Voucher]
"The Pièce de résistance: A must-have for any competitor in this game. The holder of this voucher is guaranteed immunity from punishment if their team loses the lottery. However, if your team happens to win the lottery, then the voucher is completely worthless."
"It doesn't matter," said Keitaro. "I don't want to go through the punishment. Not after last time in the Vocaloid cosplay."
Ash immediately raised his hand. "Five hits!"
"Five hits from Ash Ketchum?"
Yui raised her hand. "Eight hits!"
"Ten hits!" Konata yelled out.
"Ten hits from Konata." Tai then raised his hand. "My bid is thirteen hits."
Everyone blinked. The auctioneer is also participating in the bid?
"You're making a bid as well?" asked Ed. "Does that even count?"
"It doesn't matter," said Tai." Thirteen hits from me! I really don't want to wear the maid costume!"
Konata made her bid. "Sixteen!"
"Now you're getting desperate, Konata," said Keitaro.
"I just don't want anyone in the other team to win immunity," Konata explained
"Seventeen!" yelled Syaoran.
"Eighteen!" Yui yelled.
Konata made her counter-offer. "Twenty!"
Naruto wrote on a card and raised it up, revealing the number 21.
Tai spotted Naruto's bid. "Okay, a blonde mystery bidder has made a bid for twenty-one hits in the forehead. Going once, going twice! Sold to mystery bidder Naruto Uzumaki!"
Naruto calmly walked up to the front to receive his punishment before earning the immunity.
Ash held up the chopstick. "How do you want me to do this, Naruto?"
"Hit me five times in a row."
"You got it." Ash hits Naruto's forehead five times with the chopsticks. Naruto managed to endure the hit as he calmly rubs his forehead from the continuous hits.
Tai held out the bell. "Do you wish to give up?"
""I've already taken one hit for Hinata. I should be able to handle Twenty-one," said Naruto
"Another five hits in a row?" asked Ash.
Naruto rubbed his forehead. "Make it three hits instead."
As Ash landed the sixth hit on Naruto's forehead, Naruto immediately raised his hand and said, "Give me a sec."
Tai immediately rang the bell. "Bid's been cancelled."
Naruto sent a look at Tai. "Eh? But how?"
"Your 'give me a sec' cancelled the bid," Tai explained.
Naruto returned to his seat as he laid himself on the bench in frustration as Tai continued the auction. "Let's start the auction again."
"Eleven!" yelled Yui.
"Twelve!" Konata counter-bids.
"Thirteen!" Yui countered.
"Fifteen!" Konata countered.
"Fifteen hits from Miss Izumi! Any more bids? Going once..."
"Sixteen!" Yui yelled. At that moment, Konata sent a glare at Yui.
"I'm sorry, Sempai," Yui quietly apologized.
"Sixteen from Miss Hirasawa! Going once, going twice..." Tai then raised his hand. "Nineteen hits! Going once, going twice..."
"I protest! Twenty!" Konata yelled.
Naruto raised his card again. "Twenty one from me!"
"Alright, twenty-one hits, going once, going twice." Tai then raised his hand again for the snipe. "Twenty two from me! Do I hear Twenty three? Going once! Any more bids?" Going twice!" Tai became nervous. "Do I hear any more bids?"
"Get on with it, Tai!" Ash yelled as he ran to the front and hits the bell. "Sold for twenty-two hits to Mr. Yagami!"
"Come on, Ash. Let's take turns hitting Tai's head," said Keitaro.
Both Keitaro and Ash walked up to the front as they prepare to administer punishment on Tai.
Keitaro grinned. "Alright, if Tai can endure five hits without making any noise, I'll give him my Hinata Dorm."
"I'll take that bet," said Tai. "I could do with the rent from an all-girls dorm and immunity from punishment."
Ash prepared to hit Tai's forehead. "Here I come!"
Tai braced himself as Ash landed the first hit on Tai's forehead. Tai collapsed onto a nearby bench from the hit, but he managed to endure and not make a noise in response.
"Are you ready to give up or go for another round, Mr. Yagami?" Ash asked as he held up the bell.
"I'm fine, Ash," Tai said. "I'd just have to endure another four hits and the Hinata Dorm is mine. Let's do this."
Tai calmly walked up to Ash with a smile on his face before he pressed the bell, effectively making his bid invalid. Tai simply gave up from the shock of that first hit.
"I knew he wouldn't make it," said Keitaro. "That's why I risked the deeds to my Dorm."
Tai rubbed his forehead. "So says the guy who claimed 'Ow' is a part of his breathing."
"Man, I really want that coupon," said Syaoran.
"Well, just remember that your bid must be in bearable conditions," Tai reminded everyone as he quickly recovered and resumed the auction. "Alright, let's begin round three of the auction for the Punishment Immunity voucher!"
Syaoran: "One hit!"
Keitaro: "Two."
Ash: "Three."
Syaoran: "Four!"
Ed: "Five!"
Yui: "Six!"
Konata than raised her hand. "Seven!"
"Seven hits from Miss Izumi! Do I hear eight hits? Alright, seven hits! Going once! Going twice! SOLD for seven hits to Miss Izumi!" Tai announced.
Konata happily walked up to the front to proceed with the punishment to win the immunity as Keitaro prepared to hit Konata's forehead with the chopsticks.
"How do you want me to hit you, one at a time or 3-3-1?"
"I'll go with 3-3-1."
"As you wish, Konata, I'm not going to show any special treatment because of the rules of the game, but you're free to make noise since you're a girl," said Keitaro. "Here I go."
Keitaro calmly flicked the chopstick at Konata's forehead three times. After the third hit, Konata winced as she rubbed her forehead.
"Do you wish to give up?" asked Keitaro.
"No, I can take it. Keep on going."
Keitaro flicked Konata's forehead three more times as Konata winced in pain again. At that moment, Yui raised her hand. "I can't bear to see you in pain, Konata-sempai. At least let me take that last hit for you!"
Konata looked back at Yui. "I can handle it. Do it, Megane-sempai."
Keitaro landed the final flick on the forehead, enabling Konata to win the Punishment Immunity Voucher.
"Finally!" said Konata as she picked up her voucher.
"Konata Izumi wins the Punishment Immunity Voucher!" announced Tai. "And with Hinata winning the Lottery Ball, Team Ash has two lottery balls while my team has none. But we're not going to give up."
Producer Koizumi Itsuki arrived to give out the next instructions to the two teams.
"The next game is Hide and Seek. The object of the game is that one team must hide for one hour while the other team must catch and remove the other team's armbands. However, there is a twist. Each hiding team member will have a cell phone with preset alarms attached to their armbands."
"That means that if the alarm rings, then we'll be discovered," said Tai.
"So, it's basically a game of Alarms Hide and Seek with Tag," said Ash. "I think this will be interesting."
"That is correct," said Koizumi. "The alarms will reveal the position of the hiding team's members. But if at least one member of the hiding team doesn't get caught within the time limit, they will win the game. You are free to hide anywhere within the upper levels of the Library building or around the Library grounds; however, you are not allowed to leave Library Island or go to the lower levels. The Winning Team will win two lottery balls."
[11:45 PM]
Inside a meeting room within the library, Team Ash was having a strategy meeting as Producer Koizumi explained the rules.
"It is now 11:45 PM. Team Tai will be going to their hiding spots at 11:50pm, and at Midnight, the game will begin and you have one hour to find all members of the other team. Once you capture a member of the other team, you must remove their armband with the alarm on it to remove them from the game."
"Sounds simple enough," said Naruto.
Koizumi added, "There is also a special rule that applies to both teams: You are not allowed to run around the ground floor of the library building."
"But we can power walk, right?" asked Syaoran.
Naruto looked at Hinata. "What's power walking, Hinata?"
Hinata does her best to explain. "It's when you try to walk as fast as possible, while trying to keep one foot on the ground."
"It doesn't matter. This game isn't about walking. It's running! So, we're running anyway," said Ash, completely throwing the concept of speed walking out of the window.
Meanwhile, outside the Library, Team Tai were preparing to hide as Producer Asahina explained the rules. "As long as you stay on the island, you won't get disqualified," the producer explained the rules. In order to win this game, you must make sure the other team does not remove these armbands off your arms. If your armband is removed, you are out of the game."
Each of the team members then received an armband attached to a cell phone case with a touch-screen phone inside. As the team members put on the armbands, Tai noticed that the phone is within a thick transparent case. "It looks like we can't tamper with the phone alarms when they ring."
As the clock on the phone hits 11:50 pm, the phones suddenly play 'Hare Hare Yukai' in a very loud tone, catching everyone by surprise. Keitaro tries to cover his phone, but the music can still be heard. After 30 seconds, the music stopped.
"Well, that's just great. Someone turned a very happy song in to a song that we will dread in the next hour," Konata said.
(And since they can't tamper with the phones, they are completely unaware when the next time the alarm would ring.)
"I have an idea," Yui suggested. "We can split into two groups and spread ourselves around. As long as one of us doesn't get caught, we'll win."
"Good idea, Yui," said Tai. "Kari, Konata and Keitaro can hide in the library while both Yui and I will hide outside on the grounds."
The group quickly split up so that they can go to their first hiding spots. Tai and Yui remained outside as Yui slipped behind some bushes next to a wall to use as her hiding spot while Tai hid in a dark behind a storage shed.
"I hope we don't run into a dead end or its game over for us," Tai mumbled to himself.
Meanwhile, the remaining three team members found their hiding spots inside the main library building.
At Midnight, the game has begun as Team Ash began their search for the other team.
Edward surveyed his surroundings. "It looks like there's only one entrance to this building that we are allowed to use."
"Let's split up," Ash suggested. "One group will remain in the building while another will search outside."
"Good idea," said Hinata.
Ash and Naruto went outside the library as Hinata, Edward and Syaoran stayed indoors.
Outside, Ash and Naruto were amazed at how the library takes up almost the entire island. "Man, this place is huge. How are we going to find them in a place like this?"
Five minutes has passed as Ash and Naruto searched the library grounds, meanwhile at Tai's hiding spot, the nerves began to kick in as his stomach began to hurt from the tension.
Tai silently groaned. "I should have gone to the bathroom before we started the game," he mumbled to himself.
However, just as Tai thought that he was safe from danger, the opening riff of 'Hare Hare Yukai' is played from the phone's alarm.
"Oh crap," Tai mouthed.
The other members of Tai's team quickly flinched as they heard the same alarm tone that broke the silence. Inside the library, Kari hid under a desk while Keitaro desperately tries to find another hiding spot, fearing that his cover has been blown.
Back outside, despite being close to Tai's hiding spot, somehow Ash didn't hear Tai's alarm. "I wonder if the alarm went off." Ash said to himself.
Tai could only thank his lucky stars that Ash didn't hear the alarm as he ran to another hiding spot after the scariest 30 seconds of his life. "I almost thought I was going to die back there," Tai mumbled to himself. He looked at the alarm on his armband. "It's as though the very thing that I must protect with my life is also the thing that will end me."
Inside the library, the alarm had exposed Kari's location, forcing her to make a run for it as Edward and Syaoran search for the source of the alarm in the same area. As Kari ran down some stairs, Hinata managed to spot Kari. Hinata pulled out her walkie-talkie. "I found Kari! She's heading to the first floor!"
Hinata tried to pursue Kari, but Kari managed to outrun Hinata and ran away so quickly that not even the fanfic author could keep up with her...
After losing sight for Kari for few seconds, Kari's handler began to search for her within the library. "Kari? Where did you go? You do know that we need you in this fanfic. Kari?"
[The Disappearance of Hikari Yagami...]
Back outside, Kari's big brother Tai checked around a corner. "I think it's better if I hide inside the library since Ash is outside here. As a Digimon character, it will be humiliating if I get caught by that Pokémon Trainer."
It just happened that Ash is blocking the only entrance into the library. "We just have to be patient. We will hear an alarm at least once and sooner or later, someone will head this way."
Tai slowly made his way to towards the library entrance as he slipped through the shadows behind a few other library buildings. "Looks like I'm safe for now," Tai mumbled to himself. However, he spoke too soon as 'Hare Hare Yukai' is played for the second time.
30 minutes remain as the alarms played 'Hare Hare Yukai' for the second time. Yui continued to stay at her hiding spot behind the bushes. Inside the library building, Konata sits comfortably at her hiding spot in a store room while Keitaro hid behind a library shelf. Kari remains missing in action.
This time, Ash managed to hear 'Hare Hare Yukai' being played. "Someone is definitely here," he said. Ash began to run towards the direction of the alarm. He climbed up a small hill, trying to get a better view of the area.
However, Tai managed to spot Ash from a hiding spot within the shadows. "Oh crap, it's Ash Ketchum," mumbled Tai. "I guess it's now or never."
Tai proceeds to run towards the unguarded library entrance under the cover of darkness.
Back inside the library, Tai's younger sister still remains missing in action. 20 minutes had passed before Kari had reemerged. She slowly hid behind a library sign. It was at that moment that Edward had arrived in the vicinity and began to search the area.
With almost 20 minutes remaining in the game, Kari could only hope that her alarm would not ring as Ed walked past Kari's hiding spot. However...
...the 'Hare Hare Yukai' alarm tone was being played for the third time in the game on everyone's alarms.
As Ed walked through a library aisle, he managed to hear the song from Kari's alarm. Ed ran towards the source of the music as Kari quickly got out of her hiding spot and ran towards the exit. But Edward spotted her escaping. "I found Kari!"
Kari was able to outrun her pursuer. "I can't stay here any longer. I got to get out of here!"
Kari noticed an emergency exit. "They didn't say anything about using the emergency exits to get out."
As Kari opened the emergency exit door, the first person she happened to meet behind the door was a man wearing a red cap and tracksuit with a psychotic grin.
"Look who do we have here," said Ash.
"Kyaaaa, it's Ash Ketchum!" Kari tried to escape, but Ash managed to remove Kari's armband before she could get away, eliminating her from the game.
At the same time, both Hinata and Syaoran heard the alarm on Keitaro's armband and the duo managed to catch Keitaro by cutting off his escape routes. Hinata swiftly removed Keitaro's armband.
In the 30 seconds of 'Hare Hare Yukai' being played, both Kari and Keitaro have been eliminated.
[Kari, Keitaro - Eliminated]
[Remaining: Konata, Tai, Yui]
Meanwhile, Kari was taking her handler to a dark and isolated storeroom. "This was where I was hiding for the past 20 minutes," said Kari.
"Why did you come out now?" asked the handler.
Kari scratched the back of her head. "It was dark and I got a bit scared."
(She was hiding in that dark room for 20 minutes?)
Outside, Tai had to reach the main entrance of the Library building after managing to evade Ash. He watched through the windows as both Keitaro and Kari were taken to the 'detention' area.
"Looks like Kari and Megane-Sempai have been caught," whispered Tai.
Hinata happened to look outside the window and she spotted Tai.
"Oh crap. She saw me," Tai mumbled. He proceeded to slip away from the main entrance and find a place to hide.
10 minutes remain as Hinata and Edward walked out the library building. "I think I saw Taichi-kun," Hinata said. At that moment, they could hear the fourth alarm of 'Hare Hare Yukai' being played as Tai tried to return to his first hiding spot.
"Oh crap, why did it have to be now?" Tai mumbled to himself, now that his position has been exposed.
Hinata and Ed quickly split up, hoping to cut Tai off.
"Hey you, stop right there!" Ed yelled as he chased after Tai. Tai quickly ran around a corner and found Hinata trying to block his path, but Tai managed to slip past her. Out of desperation, Tai ran into the library building.
Hinata pulled out her walke-talkie. "Syaoran-kun, we got one heading into the library!"
Inside the library, Syaoran made his way to the entrance as he joined the pursuit after Tai.
However, despite having three people in pursuit, Tai quickly used his natural agility to evade his pursuers around around the entrance before leading the chase through a corridor. Tai quickly snuck through an emergency exit after running around a corner, completely evading his pursuers. Once outside, Tai quickly ran into the men's bathroom for a quick breather from the chase.
Tai looked at his handler (Junpei from Digimon Frontier), who had been following him since the beginning of the game. "You know, it would be good if I get caught by somebody other than my nemesis Ash. It's less humiliating that way," Tai whispered. "After all, if Ash catches me, it would only inflate his ego."
Suddenly, Tai heard a voice from outside the men's room. "I have to go pee."
At that moment, Naruto walked into the bathroom and spotted Tai. "Oh. Hello. How are you doing today?" greeted Naruto.
[The Awkward Bathroom Conversation of Naruto and Tai]
"Oh, I'm very good. How about you? How is the Shippuden going along?" Tai politely returned the greeting.
"It's going pretty well. They told me that the current storyline have positive reviews from the fans," Naruto replied.
After a short pause, Tai immediately went to business. "You do know that I will fight tooth and nail to get out of this mess."
Naruto calmly looked at the mirror. "I'm just here to use the toilet, so I'll let you go just this once."
Tai became skeptical of Naruto's offer. "Really?"
Naruto adjusted his hair. "Just go. I won't follow you."
"Alright, I'm going now." Tai walked towards the exit, only to find the one and only Ash Ketchum blocking the only escape route.
[Out of the Fox's Ramen Bowl and into the Pokémon Trainer's Poké Ball]
Tai doubled back towards Naruto. "That's just mean, Naruto! You just handed me over on a silver platter!"
Naruto finished using the bathroom. "What can I say? I'm a sneaky fox."
Tai could only sulk in defeat. "Let's just get it over and done with it."
Naruto ripped off Tai's armband, eliminating him.
[Tai - Eliminated]
[Remaining: Konata, Yui]
An exhausted Tai collapsed on the ground outside the Men's bathroom as he made his final speech in the game. "I like to thank my supporters who have supported me all this time. Next time, I will try harder and win."
Meanwhile, at Yui's hiding spot, 10 minutes remain as Yui could spot Ash and Naruto searching the area.
"I hope Taichi-sempai is alright," Yui said. At that moment, the fourth 'Hare Hare Yukai' alarm rang, revealing her location to the two pursuers, forcing Yui to slip under the bushes. Yui could only hope that they did not hear the noise.
However, the music did not escape both Ash and Naruto's ears. Ash had managed to discern Yui's location and slowly walked towards there. Ash ran through the bushes, forcing Yui to make a run for it.
"Come back here, Yui!" yelled Ash.
"Ahhh, it's Ash Ketchum!" screamed Yui as she made a run for it.
Yui managed to narrowly escape from Ash and Naruto's initial chase after running around a couple of corners. Yui quickly hid some bushes before Ash and Naruto arrived at the scene.
"Yui, you do know that you're not allowed to get off the island and that includes swimming in the water!" Ash yelled out. He slowly checked behind some bushes and spotted the brunette teenager's blue tracksuit and an armband with an alarm attached to it. Ash calmly removed Yui's armband, making her the fourth victim. "Gotcha," Ash said.
A teary-eyed Yui could only stay in her hiding place in defeat. "What a waste..."
[Yui - Eliminated]
[Remaining: Konata]
At the 'Detention' area, Tai, Keitaro, Yui and Kari have placed their hopes on Konata to stay hidden with only five minutes remaining.
"Konata is the only one on our team who hasn't been caught yet," said Tai.
"Come on, Konata. Win for us," said Keitaro.
The blue-haired Otaku had managed to find a decent hiding spot in a storeroom on the third floor of the library. Almost an hour ago, Konata had placed a 'Staff only' sign outside the storeroom, hoping that no one would think of going that way to search for her. After setting up a few visual obstructions, Konata proceeded to stay in her hiding place for the duration of the game.
With only a couple of minutes remaining, Team Ash has begun a desperate search inside and outside the library for Konata. If Konata's armband is taken, Team Ash will win the game.
Hinata just happened to be searching the third floor as she noticed a suspicious door with a 'Staff Only' sign on the outside. Konata is unaware of the danger outside the storeroom, hoping that no one would find her in there.
However, the alarm on Konata's armband began to play the 'Hare Hare Yukai', this time indicating an hour has passed since the game began. Konata checked her alarm and she danced to the song in victory. Konata had managed to hide from her pursuers for the entire hour, bringing victory to her team.
Outside, Hinata heard Konata's alarm. However, it didn't matter now as the game is now over.
[Victory to Team Tai!]
A jubilant Konata followed by a dejected Hinata arrived at the detention area, where everyone else was waiting.
The winning team began to celebrate their victory, receiving their crucial two lottery balls while the defeated team could only be berated by their furious team captain while Naruto miraculously managed to avoid the berating.
[The Beratement of Ash Ketchum]
Ash glared at his 'henchmen'. "And you call yourselves my henchmen. What do you have to say for yourselves?"
Hinata, Ed and Syaoran could only bow in forgiveness. "We're sorry," the trio said in unison.
Inside a classroom at Mahora Academy, Team Tai and Team Ash were now seated at two tables facing each other as Tai introduced the next game. "It's now time for After-Game Tea Time!"
[After-Game Tea Time]
"It's a pretty blatant reference to Hokago Tea Time," Syaoran pointed out.
Tai ignored Syaoran and continued the introduction. "In After-Game Tea Time, both teams will enjoy a nice hot drink to recover from fatigue after a very tiring game (Note: For those who just joined us, it was the hide-and-seek game previously). But, the two teams must play games to determine the ingredients in their drink. Once the ingredients have been determined, the first team to finish their drink first wins After-Game Tea Time and the winning team will win two lottery balls."
At that moment, Producer Asahina (in her maid costume) entered the classroom with a cart with a large bowl of instant coffee and a cloth covering six different utensils.
"This is how the first game goes. Each team member will choose a random number from 1 to 5. The number that is picked corresponds to a utensil used to scoop the coffee into your cup. To make it fair, once a utensil has been picked by a team member, the numbers are randomly moved around so that the next team member won't be able to pick the same utensil on the same number. Team Ash will make the first choices."
Ash nodded. "Alright, I pick No. 1."
Asahina revealed the No. 1 utensil: A tablespoon. Asahina then gave Ash a single tablespoon of coffee in his cup. After mixing up the numbers, Asahina looked at Hinata. "It is now your turn, Hyuga-san."
"Number three."
Asahina revealed utensil no. 3: A soup ladle.
Hinata was shocked at the soup ladle's appearance. "Eh? You're going to give me that much coffee?"
"Do you love coffee, Hinata-san?" asked Tai.
"I enjoy the occasional cup, but this is too much!" Hinata replied.
Using the soup ladle, Asahina gave a very generous scoop of instant coffee into Hinata's cup. "It's too much!" Hinata looked at Ash. "Satoshi-kun, couldn't you at least take some coffee off me?"
Ash rubbed his chin. "Well..."
"Are you willing to take some of Hinata's coffee?" Konata grinned.
Ash paused for a few seconds. He then looked at Hinata. "You do enjoy coffee, don't you, Hinata?"
[Hinata Betrayed]
As Hinata received her cup, Ash immediately took the cup and poured some of the coffee powder into his cup.
"Oh look," Tai mumbled. "The King of 'Friend Zones' is at it again!"
[Ash Ketchum: The Friend Zone King]
Ash looked at Tai. "Hey, I'm just being a gentleman here!"
"Hypocrite," mumbled Keitaro.
It's Syaoran's turn to be served by Asahina.
"I recommend that you pick number 3," Konata suggested.
"Alright, number three!" Syaoran yelled out.
Asahina reveals the utensil: A wooden rice scoop.
"Oh come on!"
"Edward-san, what is your choice?" asked Asahina.
"Number four," said Ed.
Asahina reveals the utensil and made a generous scoop of coffee powder into the cup. "It's a popcorn scoop."
Ed pulled out the voucher he won earlier. "I'm using my Ash Ketchum voucher right now!"
Ash groaned. Why did it have to be now?
"Good idea," said Tai as he took switched Ash's cup with Ed's cup, giving Ash more coffee than he originally had.
"Naruto-san, what is your choice?" Asahina asked.
"Number 1." Naruto answered.
Asahina reveals the utensil. "Congratulations. It's a large flour sifter."
Asahina scooped up the coffee from the bowl. However, not a single fragment of coffee powder was sifted out, giving Naruto a very full cup of instant coffee powder.
Naruto was horrified at the amount of coffee filling his cup. "There's not even enough space to fill it with hot water!"
Asahina smiled as she poured away a small portion of the coffee powder, still leaving an enormous amount in Naruto's cup.
"Did P-I-C Suzumiya (*Note: He means Producer-in-Charge Haruhi Suzumiya) have a hand in this?" Syaoran asked.
Asahina looked at Team Ash as she held out a spoon in one hand and a very tiny spoon in the other. "Miss Suzumiya did have a hand in the planning, but she suggested that we should offer a chance to remove some of the coffee. You can remove one scoop of coffee using either a tablespoon or the ear pick."
Asahina stood in front of Ash and held the two utensils behind her back. "Pick a hand."
"How about choosing right," Keitaro suggested.
"I choose left," said Ash.
Asahina revealed her left hand, revealing the ear pick that Asahina used to scoop up a pathetic fragment of instant coffee from Ash's cup. Ash could only do a facepalm at his bad luck.
"You should have followed my suggestion," Keitaro gloated.
Tai grinned. "He won't be able to make it."
Asahina hid the utensils behind her back and randomly moved the utensils around for Hinata to make her choice. "What is your choice?"
"I choose the right hand!" Hinata called out.
Asahina revealed her right hand holding the ear pick and scooped up a very tiny amount of coffee from Hinata's cup, causing Hinata to cover her face in embarrassment.
Next it's Syaoran's turn. "I choose left!"
Asahina revealed the ear pick and scooped a miniscule portion of coffee from Syaoran cup. "Are you kidding me?!"
Next is Ed's choice. "I think I'll put my faith in someone else's hands."
"Pick the left hand," Konata suggested.
"Left it is," said Ed.
Asahina revealed her left hand, holding the ear pick to scoop up a microscopic amount from Ed's cup, causing Ed's jaw to drop.
Naruto looked at his almost-full cup of coffee as Asahina stood in front of Naruto. "I don't think a scoop from either spoon would make a difference here."
"Well, one scoop is better than none at all, Naruto-kun," reassured Hinata.
Naruto sighed. "I guess you're right, Hinata.." Naruto looked at Asahina. "I pick the left!"
Asahina revealed her left hand, holding the ear pick which barely scooped anything from Naruto's cup. "We're victims here!" screamed Naruto.
[Team Ash's new name: Team Victim]
[After Game Tea Time Rules: After ingredients have been added, add hot water to fill your cup. The first team to finish the contents of their cups wins one lottery ball.]
Both teams had their hot coffee filled in their cups as Konata and Naruto were holding their cups, ready to begin. "We'll begin at the count of three. One, two, three!
Naruto and Konata began to drink the hot coffee.
"What's it like?" asked Syaoran.
"It's like drinking very bitter lava!" screamed Naruto in between small gulps.
"Start stirring to cool down your drinks!" Tai suggested.
The other team members began to stir their coffee while Konata and Naruto raced to consume their hot drinks.
Konata managed to endure the heat, finishing her drink first, allowing Yui to start drinking. However, as the coffee touched Yui's lips, Yui's eyes began to tear up. "It's still too hot."
"Just bear with it!" yelled Keitaro.
At the same time, Naruto managed to finish his coffee, allowing Ed to start drinking. However, as Ed tries to swallow the hot liquid, he almost spat it back into his cup.
"We know you can do it, Ed!" yelled Syaoran. "You're the master at pain endurance!"
Ed endured the heat while Yui began to endure the heat from the drink as she tries to keep herself ahead of Ed. Then, Yui began to walk toward Ed as he was catching his breath and poured a bit of coffee into Ed's cup, taking advantage of Ed's pain endurance.
"What the hell?!"
Yui quickly snuck back to her seat and finished the remainder of her coffee. "I'm done!"
Kari began to drink her coffee just as Ed managed to finish despite the extra amount given to him by Yui, enabling Syaoran to begin drinking his coffee.
"It's too hot," said Kari as she tries to sip her coffee.
"Well, I find it too bitter," Syaoran retorted.
Kari managed to finish her coffee ahead of Syaoran, allowing Keitaro to begin. As Keitaro took a big gulp from his cup, he quickly stopped and took a deep breath. That gave Syaoran time to quickly finish his coffee as Hinata began to drink her coffee.
"It shouldn't be a problem for Hinata. She managed to down 46 bowls of Ramen in 30 minutes," said Naruto.
Hinata managed to quickly finish her hot coffee quickly just as Keitaro was barely two thirds through his coffee.
Ash calmly began to drink his coffee like a normal person as Keitaro subtly poured the remainder of his coffee into Tai's cup. "I leave the rest to you," said Keitaro.
As Tai took a sip of coffee, the bitterness kicked in, but before Tai could lower his cup, his teammates mercilessly kept the cup near Tai's mouth.
Ash continued to drink his coffee in a relaxed manner, before Kari decided to put her finger on Ash's cup, trying to obstruct him from drinking his coffee.
Ash glared at Kari. Like brother, like sister. But Kari's obstruction managed to buy Tai enough time to consume the remainder of his coffee in one gulp, with unwanted assistance by Keitaro as he forced the remainder down Tai's throat.
As Tai's teammates celebrate their victory with their lottery ball, Tai collapsed in his chair, losing complete sense of reality because of the bitterness. "Who finished my coffee? I don't even remember drinking it!"
Team Ash and Team Tai were at the entrance to the Mahora Library with Ash and Tai standing in front of a lottery machine. "It's now time to determine the winners and losers through the lottery!" Tai announced.
Ash nodded. "Before we begin, let's agree on tonight's penalty: The Losing team will be cosplaying in maid uniforms while going to a convenience store and eating some cup ramen outside the store."
"That's right. And now it's time for us to put our faith in Lady Luck."
[Team Tai: Three Blue Lottery balls. Team Ash: Two Red Lottery Balls.]
Both teams placed their lottery balls in the lottery machine filled along with a bunch of white lottery balls.
Tai started up the lottery machine. "Alright, the first colored ball that the lottery machine reveals will determine which team wins."
"Come on, red," chanted Ed.
"Blue, blue, blue," Keitaro silently mumbled.
A red ball exits the lottery machine, allowing Team Ash to beat the odds and escape the penalty. As Team Ash celebrated the win, Konata quickly joined the victorious team, celebrating the fact that they will not be punished (since Konata won her punishment immunity voucher at the auction).
Tai, Keitaro, Kari and Yui could only stare in disbelief. They cannot escape their fate of going through a penalty suggested by their teammate who happened to win immunity.
[The Embarassment of Team Tai]
Four characters exited the Mahora Library wearing maid uniforms as Konata, Ash and Syaoran followed as 'moral support'.
"Hope you guys enjoy your punishment," said Syaoran.
"Easy for you to say," said Tai. "You're not the ones going through the penalty. And since it's after midnight, I don't think it would get any worse than what we went through last time."
Tai, Keitaro, Yui and Kari boarded an SUV that drove them to their destination: A 24-hour convenience store in the middle of Akihabara and even though it's after midnight, there's still the regular citizens and Otakus roaming around as they were greeted by the arrival of four anime characters in maid uniforms, two of them being embarrassed males.
A huge crowd gathered outside the convenience store as the group of four purchased their instant cup ramen and cooked the noodles.
Tai grumbled. "This is the most embarrassing few minutes of my life."
"Well, at least this is a bit less awkward than the Miku outfit we wore last time," Keitaro commented.
Once the ramen was ready, the punished stood outside the convenience store to begin their penalty.
"Itadakimasu!" The quartet began to eat their Cup Ramen outside the convenience store as a crowd of people watched and recorded the scene on their phone cameras. Out of embarrassment, Tai and Keitaro tried to rush through their ramen.
Despite their increased pace, Yui managed to finish her Ramen first. "Finished!" Yui put the empty cup onto the floor. "Thank you for watching us."
[Yui: First to complete the penalty]
Keitaro finished his Ramen next and stacked the empty cup in Yui's cup. "I'm done as well. Thank you for watching us."
[Keitaro: Second to complete the penalty]
Both Yui and Keitaro left the scene, leaving behind the Yagami/Kamiya siblings who were still eating their cup ramen. The younger sister finished her cup ramen ahead of her brother.
"I'm done! I'll be heading home now, Onii-san!" Kari stacked her empty cup among the others and walked off, leaving her brother alone with the crowd in front of the convenience store.
[Kari: Third to complete the penalty]
All that's left was a lonely Tai wearing a maid costume in the middle of Akihabara eating instant cup ramen while being watched by a crowd in front of a convenience store. Tai quickly consumed the remainder of his ramen. "That's it. I'm done, folks! I hope you see you guys next time in much better circumstances."
[Tai: Last to complete the penalty]
Tai picked up the other empty cups and thoughtfully disposed them into a bin before heading home.
[Coming up next on Project V: Search for the Next Vocaloid, how will 12 new contestants fare as they live in the same building while competing for a chance to be the voice Crypton's new Vocaloid?]