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.
[One Hour before the official start of the chapter…]
At a non-descript café in Odaiba, Ed, Tai, Ash and Yui were sitting at a table.
"Why we're being call here early, Sempai?" asked Yui.
"It's an idea that Megane-sempai suggested to the producers," Tai replied. "And speak of the devil..."
Keitaro entered the café along with Konata and Hinata as they joined the occupied table. Producer Koizumi informed the characters on the situation.
"I've talked to Miss Suzumiya and she agreed with Mr. Urashima's idea. As you all noticed right now, Mr. Li isn't here with us."
Yui looked around the café. "Oh, you're right. I don't see Syaoran-sempai."
"This episode, we decided to change the rules. Instead of teams, it would be individual players winning lottery balls," Koizumi explained. "The seven of you are going to play a trick on Mr. Li in a game of 1 Vs. Many. In this game, Mr. Li is the '1' or in the case of this game, the Reverse Mole, where he is completely unaware of the secret task while competing with other players in a fake game. If the other players succeed in their secret task, everyone except Mr. Li will win a lottery ball. However, players fail in their secret task, only Mr. Li will win a lottery ball."
"Its individual battles now, eh?" Ed rubbed his chin. "I think that could make it a bit more competitive when we play the game.
Koizumi continued. "Currently, Mr. Li is at a fake interview about his roles in Card Captor Sakura and Tsubasa."
Meanwhile at the Main Office in the Mahora Library, Syaoran was at the (fake) TV interview with interviewer Kazumi Asakura and a cameraman.
"Hello, I'm Li Syaoran and this is my first time on this TV show. It's nice to meet you all."
Back at the café, Koizumi explained the game. "After the interview ends, the first game we will be playing is a fake Q&A game using questions based on Japanese Anime and Western Animation. So, in this Game, all seven of you must answer seven questions correctly to win your lottery balls. However, if Mr. Li correctly answers a single question, only he will win a lottery ball. Here are the questions we are planning to use for the game."
Koizumi passed around the list of questions. "We can't tell you right now which specific questions will be asked during the actual quiz but I can guarantee that this list will contain the questions to be used, but it should be enough for you to study and learn the answers long before they will be asked."
[However, there is a slight problem...]
Both Konata and Yui groaned. "We don't want to study!"
"I haven't studied anything in years," Keitaro added.
Ash looked at one of the questions. "Let's give this one a try: What is the proper name of the temporary structure used outdoors at Sporting Events and School Festivals commonly seen in Anime?"
Everyone else was completely blank, with no clue to the answer.
Konata decided to take a shot at the answer. "Partition?"
"Container?" suggested Yui.
[Correction: Two 'slight' problems...]
"Where exactly would you find an outdoor container at a school festival?" asked Tai.
Ash looked at the answer. "The answer is 'Kiosk'."
"Oh, so that what they call those things," said Yui. "I just call them stalls."
"What does that have to do with Anime?" asked Konata. "All it's asking about are the Kiosks used at school festivals that we normal seen on any Anime taking place at school."
"But if we managed to correctly answer one of the difficult questions too easily, Syaoran-kun might get suspicious," said Hinata.
[Make that three...]
Koizumi made a suggestion. "How about this, we will ask the 'Kiosk' question first and once Mr. Yagami correctly answers it, act like nothing is wrong and be the MC by asking the questions from that point on."
"However, I think some of us will be tempted at the only question we know that is going to be asked," said Ed.
[Yep, another problem...]
Ash nodded. "And Keitaro will snipe the answer and be in charge. Anyway, instead of trying to focus on memorizing all of the answers, how about three of us focus on half of the questions and the other three focus on the other half so that it's easier to remember."
Yui nodded. "Good idea, Sempai."
Meanwhile, Konata wrote a few of the answers on the palm of her hand and Keitaro noticed it.
"I didn't think you would be the type to cheat, Konata," said Keitaro. "I thought you specialize in last-minute studying?"
"Well, normally I would to do it the night before, not an hour before," Konata replied.
Yui raised her hand. "Speaking of Konata-sempai, there is a rumor I heard from a friend of mine who lives in Saitama. When he was in middle school, Konata-Sempai stole some money from him. For every 100 yen she finds, she'll slap him in the arm once."
[Incriminator Yui strikes again!]
The gang laughed at Yui's statement as Konata frowned in embarrassment.
"We need to remember that if Syaoran manages to answer even one question, we're doomed," said Tai.
"Oh, I forgot to mention," Koizumi added. "If you manage to correctly answer a question, then you are free to leave the game."
"Then that's a problem," said Tai. "If somehow all three who managed to answer their questions correctly have memorized their half of the questions leave the game and one of their questions get asked, how will the other three who memorized the other half of the questions know the correct answer?"
Ash quickly realized the flaw. "You're right. If that's the case, just study as much as you can once you memorize your half of the questions."
Konata looked at her watch. "We better do it quick because Syaoran-sempai is going to finish his interview."
The characters proceed to frantically study the questions while back in Mahora, Syaoran had concluded his fake interview before catching a taxi to Odaiba.
[02: Not an Ordinary Game V2 - Convention Center, Ariake]
The eight Anime Characters stood outside the Tokyo Big Sight convention center in Ariake as Tai began the introduction. "Welcome to today's episode of The Anime Games! We are currently at the famous Tokyo Big Sight, where most Anime and Manga fans around the world would know as the home of Comiket. However, just for today, the entire convention center will be our playground!"
Everyone cheered.
"I'm sure all of us would remember that the last time all of us were here, we actually did the pilot for the fanfic," Tai explained.
"Yeah, it was a bit of a rough start, with us barely able to know what we were doing," Keitaro said. "But I think we should be able to find our footing this time."
"Of course, I hope that my team will win this rematch," said Tai.
"I won't go easy on you, Tai. I like to keep my winning streak," said Ash.
Konata looked at the entrance. "Come on, guys. Let's go in!"
As everyone walked into the convention center, only Syaoran is completely unaware of the deception ahead of him.
The characters were sitting on chairs in the Entrance Plaza as Tai revealed the changes to the game format. "Everyone, I've been told by the producers that there has been a change in the game format. Instead of team lottery balls, everyone is playing for individual lottery balls."
Everyone else feigned surprise except for Syaoran, who was genuinely surprised. "Really?" asked Syaoran.
Tai nodded. "Yep, that means that if your name doesn't come out during the lottery, then you have no choice but to accept the penalty, even if your team wins any of the games."
Tai sighed as he looked at Ash. "I don't think this is going to work." (Playing a prank on Syaoran)
Ash sent a look at Tai. 'Don't ruin it.'
Producer Koizumi began the first game. "Since we are at the Tokyo Big Sight, we decided that our first game is an Animation Q&A game. All you have to do is answer seven questions related to both Japanese and Western Animation."
"I think Konata has no problems with the Anime questions, but we might have problems with the Western ones," Syaoran said.
"That's true," said Ed.
"Also, all you need to do is answer one question to be able to leave the game and earn a Lottery ball. To answer, you must raise your hand and call out your name before you give your answer."
Keitaro was confident. "Well, as long as we have Yui here, I don't think I'll lose."
Koizumi began the quiz. "Anyway, here is the first question: What is the proper name of the temporary structure used outdoors at Sporting Events and School Festivals commonly seen in Anime?"
Keitaro immediately raised his hand. "Keitaro!"
Tai looked at Keitaro. 'Hang on. I thought I'm supposed to answer the first question. You don't intend to betray me, Megane-sempai?'
"Booth," Keitaro answered, causing Tai to breathe a sigh of relief as the answer was wrong.
"Incorrect," said Koizumi.
Konata scratched her head. "But what does this question have to do with Anime or Western Animation in general?"
Ed raised his hand. "Edward! I think the answer is Partition!" (Wrong!)
Yui suddenly raised her hand. "Yui! How about Container?" (Wrong!)
"You guys love sprouting out random answers," Ash sarcastically said.
"Tai!" Tai raised his hand. "Kiosk?"
"That is correct, Mr. Yagami," said Koizumi.
Tai smirked at the others. "So long, suckers!"
Just as Tai tried to walk to the side, Koizumi stopped him. "Mr. Yagami, since you're the first to answer correctly, you will now be asking the remaining questions."
"By the way, what is the difficulty of these questions?" Ed asked.
"These are questions a normal person can answer," Koizumi explained.
"A 'normal person'?" Keitaro gave a dubious look at the producer. "In case you have forgotten, there's an Otaku and a ditz with us, so I doubt they could even answer these questions correctly."
[Of course, everyone except for Syaoran knew the answers to the questions.]
"Here's the next question," said Tai. "Various Sword styles are very well known in various Anime. For example, One Piece's Roronoa Zoro uses three swords while Card Captor Sakura's Li Syaoran uses magic with his sword. Who is the current successor to the Shinmei-Ryu sword style?"
Keitaro racked his brains. "That name sounds familiar."
Ash raised his hand. "Ash! I think..."
[Flashback: One Hour Earlier]
The group of seven were discussing about the question.
"Shinmei-Ryu sword style? Isn't that your tenant's fighting style that is commonly used to send you flying, Keitaro-sempai?" asked Ash.
"Don't remind me," said Keitaro.
"But this is a question that Megane-sempai can answer easily," Konata pointed out. "I'm sure Syaoran-sempai wouldn't get suspicious over that."
"Still, just to play it safe, I'll take this question if it pops up," said Ash. "Then, I should be able to sneak you guys answers on Western animations if they pop up."
[End Flashback]
"I think...the answer is Motoko!" answered Ash.
"Motoko is correct!" said Tai. "However, I do need the full name. I give you five seconds."
(5, 4, 3...)
Ash tries to recall the name. "It's..." (He knows the answer, but he's pretending that it slipped his mind in order to trick Syaoran.)
(2, 1...)
"Motoko Aoyoma!" Ash called out.
Tai nodded. "Correct!"
Ash managed to get himself out of answering the questions. Two down and five more to go.
"I thought you would have been able to answer that question, Megane-sempai, since the answer is Motoko."
Keitaro merely shrugged. "Ash just beat me to the answer."
"And Syaoran, since you were mentioned, I thought you would have known the answer as well," Tai commented.
Syaoran frowned. "Just because my name is mentioned doesn't mean I should know the answer."
"Yeah, you're right," said Tai and everyone laughed, although Syaoran laughed thinking it was a joke by Tai, not aware that everyone is laughing at Syaoran's naivety.
"Just to make sure everyone is confident enough to be able to answer questions, let's have everyone call out their names."
"Hinata!"
"Ed!"
"Syaoran!"
"Konata!"
"Keitaro!"
"Yui!"
"And backwards!" Tai called out.
"Yui!"
"Keitaro!"
"Konata!"
"Syaoran!"
"Ed!"
"Hinata!"
Tai began the next question. "Next question: In the American Animated Series: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the main characters are named after artists..."
"Oh, I know this one," said Syaoran.
[Uh oh...]
[Flashback]
Tai rubbed his chin. "Syaoran is from Hong Kong, so he might be able to know the Ninja Turtle question."
[End Flashback]
In a panic, Hinata raised her hand. "Raffle Ticket!"
"Wrong! I haven't finished the question yet, Hinata-san. The Main characters are named after artists: Leonardo..."
"Dicaprio!" Hinata yelled out while in her panicked mind.
"Calm down and breathe, Hinata," said Ash.
Tai ignored the outburst. "Michelangelo, Raphael. Who's the fourth Ninja Turtle?"
"I've seen the series before, but it was dubbed, so I'm not too clear on their names," said Syaoran.
Yui had tears in her eyes. "I haven't studied anything, because being in this fanfic is more important than studying!"
[The only thing you had to study for is the answers to the questions that may be asked.]
Ed raised his hand. "Edward Elric! The answer is Donatello!"
"That is correct! How do you know, Ed?" asked Tai.
"For those who have seen or read Fullmetal Alchemist, you should know that I'm a patron for the arts. I appreciate artists like Donatello and Nickangelo."
"Michelangelo," Ash corrected Ed.
"Whatever."
"So, which one is Donatello?" asked Tai.
Ed was speechless.
"Isn't he the one with the Sais?" said Syaoran.
"Of course," said Ed. "That's the one."
[No, Donatello's the one with the Bo staff.]
"Either way, Ed is free from answering any more questions!" Tai announced.
[Three down, Four to go!]
Keitaro had a worried look at Yui. 'The biggest concern we need to worry about is Yui. If she manages to answer a question correctly, Syaoran might get suspicious.'
Tai simply continued the quiz. "Next question: In Ouran High School Host Club, what is the family name of the character who is a highly skilled martial artist who loves cake and sweet things?"
Syaoran raised his hand. "I know this one! Syaoran!"
Almost everyone froze as Syaoran attempted to answer the question.
"Honey-dukes!" answered Syaoran.
Tai shook his head while subtly breathing a sigh of relief. "Incorrect!"
Syaoran quickly realized his mistake. "Oh wait, that was from Harry Potter."
Keitaro raised his hand. "Keitaro! Honey-zuka!"
"Incorrect!"
"Yui! Hirasawa!"
[Yui's a highly skilled martial artist in Ouran?]
"Incorrect!"
Yui sat back down on her chair in disappointment.
Ash sent a look at Yui. "Close, but you're not a member of the Host Club in high school, were you?"
"It was the Light Music Club, Sempai," Yui replied.
Hinata suddenly raised her hand. "Hinata! It's Haninozuka!"
Tai looked at the question card. "Is that Haninozuka or Honey-no-zuka?"
Hinata walked up to Tai and grabbed him by the collar with a look on her face reading, 'Are you trying to sabotage us, Taichi-kun?'
"Konata! It's Haninozuka!"
Hinata looked at Konata. "Are you trying to copy me?"
"I just want to get out," Konata replied.
Despite the gags happening, Syaoran was completely unaware of the stress the other characters have trying to give the correct answers ahead of him.
"Let's try this again. Hinata! Hani..."
Konata immediately interrupted Hinata and finished her answer. "-no-zuka!"
Hinata ignored Konata and repeated her answer, "Haninozuka."
"Hinata, you are correct! You're free to go!"
Hinata cheered as she joined the others who answered their questions.
[Hinata is now safe. Three more to go!]
"Still, it's such a pity, Syaoran," Tai said. "You were quite close. Anyway, here comes the next question:"
"Hinata Hyuga has managed to earn Naruto Uzumaki's respect and she believed that he has expectations of her, enabling her to work harder in a positive direction to avoid disappointment." Tai paused. "That's just sounds like an interesting plot for a NaruHina fanfic. Anyway, I'll continue: What is the effect that is responsible for Miss Hinata's mindset?"
Yui immediately raised her hand. "Yui!"
Yui stood up, only for her mind to become blank. "Eh, the answer fell out of my head when I stood up. I'm sorry."
"Well, time's up. Sit back down," said Tai.
[Flashback]
Ash was reading up a question that happened to come up with an uncommon answer.
"Well here's another question that only slapped on an Anime character in it just to make it fit the category. Anyway, what is the Pygmalion Effect?"
"The Pygmalion Effect is the state of someone becoming more hardworking due to high expectations," Keitaro explained.
Konata nodded. "With an explanation like that, and how it sometimes applies to characters who emphasize on hard work in some Anime I've watched, so I guess that's relevant. Even the question specifically uses Hinata-sempai as an example."
"But remember, if Syaoran manages to guess the answer to this one, its game over," warned Tai.
[End Flashback]
Back in the present, Keitaro raised his hand. "Keitaro! Is it the Pygmy Effect?"
"Incorrect!" said Tai.
"Yui!" Yui stood up. "Is it Pygmalion?"
Tai looked at the answer. Suddenly, Syaoran raised his hand. "Syaoran! It's Pygmalion effect!"
Everyone froze as they remembered Tai's warning. Syaoran had given the correct answer to the question.
Suddenly, Yui spoke up. "I'm sorry, Syaoran-Sempai, but I haven't finished answering the question. Is it Pygmalion effect?"
Syaoran's jaw dropped.
[Yui's Interception saves the day]
Tai grinned. "I'm sorry, Syaoran, but I didn't even say Yui was incorrect before you answered, so technically, she's still answering the question. Either way, Pygmalion Effect is the correct answer! Yui, you're safe!"
Yui jumped up in celebration before joining the other characters, leaving Konata, Keitaro and Syaoran.
"Excuse me, Yui, how exactly do you know about the Pygmalion effect?"
Yui began to stutter. "W-w-well, you see...I am normally concerned about these kinds of things as a musician when I'm in Hokago Tea Time and observing my teacher and mentor, Sawa-chan."
"Well, that makes sense," said Tai. "But would you care to explain to me about the Pygmalion Effect?"
Yui was struggling to come up with an excuse. "Well... I think Sawa-Chan explained it to me. Or was it Azy-Nyan? I forgot now. But I somehow know that this is important because I am studying to be a teacher."
[Wait, didn't you make a comment earlier that being in this fanfic is more important than studying?]
Ash sent a glare at Tai but Tai ignored it. "Ed, what was your answer?"
"Bonatello!" Ed replied.
"What?"
Ed laughed. "I was kidding. It's Donatello!"
"And what was your correct answer, Hinata-san?" asked Tai.
Hinata could only giggle. 'Why are you torturing us, Taichi-san?'
"Haninozuka," said Hinata.
"And what about you Ash?"
Ash's response was a furious gesture and glare telling Tai to 'GET ON WITH IT!' , causing everyone else to laugh, though Syaoran is only laughing because he finds the reactions unbelievably hilarious. However, wait until he finds out that the joke's on him...
Tai calmed down. "Anyway, moving on to the next question:"
"Good luck, everyone," Hinata said to the remaining three characters as Ed gave the thumbs up.
"This American Cartoon series is known for having kids saving the world from evil adult tyranny. Known to fans as Codename: KND, what does KND stand for?"
Konata stood up. "Konata! It's Kids..."
"You have five seconds," Tai reminded Konata.
"Kids..."
"Three, two, one..."
"Kids Next Door!" Konata hastily answered.
Silence.
"KND stands for Kids Next Door," said Konata.
"That was what came to my mind," said Syaoran.
"I thought KND stood for Ken and Davis [from Digimon 02]," Keitaro said.
"But I thought KND stood for Kurama Naruto Daisuke," said Ed, completely butting into the conversation.
[…]
Tai simply continued. "It doesn't matter what KND means now because Konata is correct!"
Konata smiled as she joined the other characters, leaving behind only Keitaro and Syaoran with one final question that will determine victory or defeat for the majority of the characters.
"Alright, let's do this!" Keitaro said, psyching himself up for the final challenge.
"Of course! I'm pumped as well," Syaoran said, still unaware of what's going on.
"Here's the final question: In San Diego, California, this event originally began in the 70s but has become a very significant and recognizable event that is similar to Comiket here in Tokyo. This event is used by various entertainment companies to promote and make announcements on upcoming American TV Shows, Animations, Comics and Films, not to mention Anime and Manga to be licensed and localized. Currently, this event is held in July for four days, what is the name of this event?"
"I think I have an idea what this event is," said Syaoran. "After all, it's similar to Comiket..."
[Well, that's not good...]
[Flashback]
At the café, Ash was skimming through the list for questions that Syaoran may not know the answers to.
"I think we shouldn't worry about the Comic-Con question. I doubt that Syaoran would even know what Comic-Con is," Ash said to the others.
"But what if Syaoran does know?" asked Tai.
"I mean, we're going to be at the Big Sight where Comiket is normally held," Ash exdplained. "I doubt that Syaoran would even make that connection if that question is asked, especially when it's based on an event all the way in San Diego, California?"
"But this is a fanfic and he could make that connection," said Konata.
[End Flashback]
"I think its San Diego Comiket," said Syaoran. "But I might be wrong."
[Phew!]
Keitaro knew that this is the one chance he can get win the game. "Keitaro! Is it the San Diego Comic-Con?"
This is the moment that seven characters have been waiting for. "San Diego Comic-Con? Is that your final answer?" asked Tai.
Everyone else held their breath. "Mr. Keitaro Urashima... you are correct!"
Keitaro dropped onto his knees from the suspense. "YES! We did it!"
[1 Vs. Many Battle: Prank on Syaoran: Success!]
Everyone began to celebrate, except for Syaoran, who could only sigh at his bad luck.
Tai resumed his hosting duties. "As a result of this game, with Syaoran coming in last, everyone except for Syaoran will win a lottery ball!"
Hinata collected the lottery balls from the producers and distributed them among the other characters. "Syaoran-kun, despite the circumstances, I think you did great."
"What are you talking about, Hinata? I barely had any idea how to answer these questions given to us," said Syaoran.
"Good point. How did you know the answer, Keitaro-sempai?" asked Tai.
"Well, that was easy. I saw it in the script," Keitaro replied
Syaoran looked at Keitaro in confusion. 'Script?'
"I knew my answer because it was in the palm of my hand," Konata added, showing Syaoran her hand.
"What's going on?" asked a confused Syaoran.
"All of us, except for you knew the answers to the questions," Tai explained. "But most importantly, you had an interview back at Mahora, right?"
"That's right," said Syaoran.
"That was a fake interview," Tai said. "We were using the time to memorize the questions."
Syaoran could only stare in disbelief as the truth finally hit him. In the end, it was Syaoran's loss against the other seven characters.
Syaoran sighed as he did a facepalm. "I can't believe that I actually got tricked by the four kouhais (Hinata, Ed, Konata and Yui)."
"So, thinking back, what do you think would have given us away?" asked Ed.
"Well, I think the Pygmalion question would have given it away if Yui hadn't made up some excuse about wanting to be a teacher."
"But Syaoran-sempai, I really am studying to be a teacher," said Yui.
Syaoran sighed. "Well, that goes to show how much I know about the kouhais."
"Either way, everyone except for Syaoran wins a lottery ball!" Tai announced.
Everyone relocated themselves to the West Exhibition Hall as each character sat together at a group of tables put together for the next game.
Tai looked at the camera. "In case everyone has just joined us, because Syaoran didn't answer any questions during the first game, only he was unable to win a Lottery Ball."
Hinata yawned. "Are you tired, Hinata?" asked Ash.
"Yeah, there were too many questions that I couldn't get my head around," said Hinata
Tai smirked. "Really? Was it Haninozuka or Honey-no-zuka?"
"Haninozuka," Hinata answered.
Tai looked at Konata. "What about you, Konata?"
"Kids Next Door," Konata replied.
"And Yui?"
"Pygamalion," Yui replied without hesitation.
"But to be honest, I say that this group is blending together quite nicely," said Keitaro. "We've managed to learn a few new things, including how much Ash likes to be in charge and how much of an incriminator Yui is capable of becoming."
"Speaking of which, Yui, have you heard any new rumors?" Tai asked.
"Of course," Yui said. "I heard from a lot of people that one time, a Sempai I know bought a bag with games from Gamers and Konata-Sempai said she exchanged bags with my Sempai and somehow the bag got stolen."
Konata could only hide her face with her hands as she lay her head on the desk to hide her embarrassment.
[Incriminator Yui's Accusation: Game Thief Konata]
Tai nodded. "Anyway, time for the Second Mission: Catch the Thief."
Rules: In Catch the Thief, each player will receive a card and one of the cards is marked as the 'Thief'. The object of the game is not to have the 'Thief' card in your hand. During each round, each player must exchange cards with the player next to them. When each round ends, mini-games will be played to and the winners will be exempt from playing Catch the Thief and give their card to another player of their choice. After the second mini-game, the seating arrangement can be mixed up among the remaining players. Then, the remaining players must reveal their cards and the holder of the 'Thief' card loses.
The players sitting from left to right were Yui, Ed, Konata, Keitaro, Tai, Ash, Hinata and Syaoran. As the cards were shuffled and distributed among the eight players, each player looked at their card, carefully not revealing what it is to the other players. As Tai looked at his card, the first thing he saw on his card was the word 'Thief'.
Tai maintained a straight face as he looked at the other players.
"There's a saying that goes 'Life consists not in holding good cards but in playing those you hold well.', though it would make more sense if we were playing 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' instead," said Konata.
"I have a saying of my own: 'If the strawberry falls off the cake, you can eat it'," said Yui.
Ash sends an annoyed look at Yui. "What does cake have to do with the current game we're playing?"
"It's possible that Yui-san has a really good poker face if she has the 'Thief' card in her hand," said Hinata.
The real holder of the 'Thief' card nodded in agreement as Tai nervously laughed. "You could be right, Hinata. So, shall we begin the game?"
The game began as Syaoran handed over his only card to Hinata. Hinata checked the card she received from Syaoran and was relieved that it wasn't the 'Thief'. Now with two cards in her hand, Hinata turned towards Ash and allowed him to pick one of the two cards. Ash calmly picked a card and looked at what he picked. Then, Ash looked at Tai as he raised his two cards in front of Tai.
"I hope luck's on your side, Tai," said Ash, waving his cards in front of Tai.
"I think the 'Thief' is in Ash's hand," deduced Keitaro.
"I don't need luck to decide which card I should take, Ash." Tai simply took one of the cards off Ash without hesitation, since the 'Thief' card is in his hand anyway. It was now Keitaro's turn to pick as Tai prepares to take the opportunity to get rid of the dreaded 'Thief' card. Tai slowly looked at Keitaro, with each of his hands holding a card.
"Tai, I'm your Sempai, right? Is the 'Thief' in your hand?" Keitaro asked.
"Yes, the 'Thief' is in my hand," replied Tai.
Keitaro felt a bit of unease by Tai's straightforward answer. Keitaro slowly reached for the card in Tai's left hand. "I could take this card..."
As Keitaro reached for the card (which happened to be the 'Thief' card), Tai held his breath in anticipation.
"...but I think I'll take this one instead." Keitaro immediately took the card from Tai's right hand instead, which turns out not to be the 'Thief' card.
Tai forced a smile, hiding the despair he's feeling because Keitaro did not take the 'Thief' card off him.
Now it's Konata's turn to choose from Keitaro's two cards.
Keitaro points at one of the cards in his hand. "I recommend taking this card!"
Tai groaned. "Do you really have to make it meaningless, Megane-sempai? If this fanfic gets axed, it's your fault!"
The outcome of the remaining choices didn't matter as the 'Thief' card remained in Tai's possession.
The first round ended after every player had exchanged their cards. Now, the players prepare to play the first mini-game as they received their instructions.
Tai read out the instructions. "In the first mini-game: The player must call out a number from 0 to 8 and the players may raise their hand. If the number of hands raised matches the number called out, the player will win and be exempt from playing Catch the Thief and hand over his card to another player. For this game, there will be two exemptions up for grabs. We'll start from Syaoran."
Syaoran suddenly yelled out, "Two!"
Only one hand was raised as the number was called out. "Well, I thought I should raise my hand anyway," said Yui.
"Five!" Hinata yelled out as she raised her hand. Only Yui and Ash raised their hands.
"Eight!" Ash yelled as he raised his hand. No one else raised their hands.
Tai smirked. "Nice solo performance, Ash."
Ash glared back. "It's your turn anyway, you egotistical maniac."
Tai ignored the insult as he calmly assessed the situation. 'This is the perfect opportunity for me to get rid of the "Thief" card, give it to Ash and get out of the game.'
"Zero!" yelled Tai without raising his hand. At the same time, Yui happened to raise her hand, unintentionally thwarting Tai's master plan. Tai slammed his head on the meeting table in frustration. "I should have seen this coming..."
It is now Keitaro's turn. "Three!"
Keitaro, Hinata and Yui raised their hands, making the exact number of hands needed to win the mini-game. "Yes, I got it!"
With one more exemption up for grabs, the game continued with Konata's turn.
"Two!" yelled Konata, but no one raised their hand.
"Four!" yelled Ed as he raised his hand. No one else raised their hands.
It's now Yui's turn. All she had to do is pick a number between zero and eight.
"Three!" Yui yelled out at the top of her voice as she raised her hand. Hinata raised her hand while Ed raised his hand in surprise after becoming temporary deaf in one ear from being next to Yui.
Ed glared. "Are you trying to destroy my eardrum, Yui? That yell gave me such a fright that I raised my hand by accident!"
"I'm sorry, Ed-sempai," Yui apologized.
"But I have to admit that it was an awesome strategy yelling at the top of your voice, Yui-san," said Konata. "You might be quite the competitor."
Ash nodded. "Well, Yui joins Keitaro in being exempt from playing Catch the Thief."
Tai glared at both Keitaro and Yui in envy. They are freed from playing Catch the Thief and they can give their cards to whoever they want.
"I'll give mine to Satoshi-sempai." Yui placed her card in front of Ash.
Keitaro walked up to Ash. "I'm giving you my card as well, Ash."
Ash was fuming, now that he has three cards in his hand.
"By the way, Ash, I had the 'Thief'," Keitaro lied.
"Oh, if that's the case, I had the 'Thief' as well," Yui boasted with her own lie.
Ash rubbed his chin. "Oh, so there are now three 'Thieves', eh?"
"I have the 'Thief'," said Konata.
"Me too," said Ed.
The only person remaining silent was Tai, the holder of the 'Thief' card as he tried to calm his nerves.
Round two began with Tai choosing from one of the three cards in Ash's hand. Then, Tai holds a card in each hand in front of Konata. "Which card do you wish to pick, Konata?"
Konata took her time to think about her decision. "I think I'll pick the middle one." Konata grabs Tai's chin.
"Very funny, Konata," said a slightly agitated Tai.
"If your friend Miyuki did that, that would have extremely awesome and Tai wouldn't be annoyed," said Ash as Konata gave him a high-five in agreement.
With the distractions over, Konata finally picked one of Tai's cards. Next, Ed picked one of Konata's cards, followed by Syaoran choosing one of Ed's cards, before Hinata took one of Syaoran's cards and finally, Ash took one of Hinata's cards, ending up with three cards back in his hand.
With round two complete, the remaining players prepare for the second mini-game.
Keitaro gave out the instructions. "The second mini-game is Quick-Time Reaction. The object of the game is for players to stand up as quickly as possible while calling out their numbers in order of 1 to 6. However, the last person to call out their number or if more than one person call out the same number at the same time, they're out of the mini-game."
"So, what do you think would happen if everyone stands up at the same time?" asked Tai.
"Who knows? It might get interesting," Konata replied.
Yui stood up in front of the players, readying the start of the mini-game. "The game will begin...now!"
The six players kept their eyes on each other, watching for any reaction that might indicate who would stand up first. Suddenly, Konata, Hinata and Syaoran stood up, yelling, "One!" at the same time, which unfortunately led to a triple elimination. That leaves Ed, Tai and Ash in the mini-game.
Ed grinned. "Well, that's one way to cut out the competition."
Keitaro looked at Tai. "Here's a suggestion, Tai. Try to endure as much as you can."
Tai simply nodded. Keitaro raised his hand. "Ready, set, go!"
Ash quickly stood up, yelling, "One!"
Ed quickly followed. "Two!"
Tai endured as Keitaro suggested and ended up getting eliminated. "The next time you come up with a suggestion, Megane-Sempai, I'll ask a leek for a second opinion."
It is now a battle between Ash and Ed.
"Any words before this duel?" asked Konata.
Ed looked at Ash. "Ash has more experience than me being in fanfics that seem to be in between something that makes sense and crackfics. For that, he has my respect. But I'm not going to hold back in this game because of that."
Ash smiled. "Ed, I am happy to work with you in any future fanfic we could appear in together."
"Really?" asked Ed.
Ash nodded. "Yeah, and it's not because I just said it to ease the tension between us. But either way, I won't back as this is still a game."
"Anyway, back to the game." Keitaro raised his hand. "Ready... start!"
In less than a millisecond after Keitaro yelled "start", Ash instantly stood up and yelled "One!"
Ed dropped his head onto the desk in defeat. Ash won the mini-game and is now exempt from playing Catch the Thief. With Ash's victory, it was time for him to hand over his three cards.
Ash was slowly deciding on the recipient of his cards. "So, who should I give my cards to?"
Syaoran slowly pointed at Tai, mouthing Tai's name at Ash. Tai glared at Syaoran. "Are you telling Ash to hand his cards over to me?"
Ash walked up to Syaoran and placed his three cards on the desk. "You can have them instead."
Syaoran sighed at his misfortune. However, before Syaoran could check his cards, Ash made an announcement. "Before the 'Thief' is revealed, it's time for the three mini-game winners to decide on new seating positions for the remaining five players."
Tai immediately stood up. "What? Why do they get to change our seating arrangements?"
Ash glared at Tai. "Is that a complaint I'm hearing?"
Tai meekly sat down. "No."
"Are you alright with this, Syaoran?" Keitaro asked, walking to Syaoran.
"Well, I do have four cards in my hand," Syaoran said, looking at his cards.
"So you do." Keitaro stood in front of Syaoran. "What do you think of your Sempai?"
"Well, I think you're a really nice guy," answered Syaoran.
"I see." Keitaro turned around and looked at Tai. "What do you think, Tai?"
"You are a nice guy, Megane-sempai," Tai replied.
"You really think I'm a nice guy? Why don't you prove your sincerity by kissing my hand?" Keitaro acted like a mafia boss as he placed his hand in front of Tai, who immediately kissed Keitaro's hand rapidly. Keitaro then took out his other hand.
"The other hand as well," Keitaro ordered, which led to Tai rapidly kissing Keitaro's other hand.
Yui stood up. "As a winner exempted from playing this game, I too have influential power."
"The only influential power you have is deciding whether you want to put a sticker on your guitar or not," said Syaoran as he relaxed in his chair.
Yui looked at Keitaro with teary eyes. "Megane-sempai, Syaoran-sempai's being mean to me!"
Yui then looked at Hinata. "Hinata-sempai, do you think I have influential power?"
Unable to decide whether she should say the truth or lie to Yui, Hinata simply looked away as she avoids eye contact with Yui. "I cannot give you a definitive answer, Yui-san. I'm sorry."
And with that, Yui's 'influential power' entered non-existence.
After all the discussion, it was decided that only Hinata and Syaoran would have their seats swapped, with Hinata now holding Syaoran's four cards while Syaoran having Hinata's only card.
Keitaro looked at the remaining players. "It is now time to reveal who is the 'Thief'. Hinata, since you have four cards and there is a huge chance that you might have the 'Thief'. Would you like to reveal your cards?"
Hinata nodded as she revealed the first card. It was blank. Hinata reveals the second card and it was also blank. Hinata reveals the third card and that too was blank. Hinata picks up the fourth card and the card was blank.
"It looks like Hinata does not have the 'Thief'," said Ash. "Syaoran, would you like to reveal your card?"
Before Syaoran could reveal his card, Tai quickly stood up, revealing his 'Thief' card as he slams it on the table. "It was me. I couldn't stand all the suspense anymore! I had this card since the beginning of the game!"
"So, you're saying that the 'Thief' never left your hand," said Ash.
Tai simply nodded. "Both Keitaro and Konata managed to avoid taking the thief card off me."
"Then, it's settled. Tai lost the game," said Ash.
[It's time for the team game. Who will win in this 5 vs. 3 Battle?]
[Team Tai vs. Team Ash]
[Team Tai: Mission Team]
Tai: The Egotistical Hero
Keitaro: The Todai Graduate
Konata: The Gaming Ace
Syaoran: The Playboy
Yui: The Ditz
[Team Ash: Hunter Team]
Ash: The Other Hero
Ed: The Scheming Midget
Hinata: The Ojou (Princess)
Ash, Ed and Hinata were outside the Convention Center discussing their strategy.
"The strategy is quite simple: one person goes in to investigate while the other two will cover the exits and surprise our opponents," Ash explained.
"Who's going to investigate them, Satoshi-kun?" Hinata asked.
"We should let Ash do it," said Ed. "If they see Ash, they will try to escape by all means."
"Good point," saisd Hinata. "I remembered that Satoshi-kun was responsible for the capture of three members of the other team in the previous chapter."
At that moment, the team received their mission from a text message from a cellphone. "Team Ash: Your mission is to remove the other team's armbands."
Meanwhile, inside the Convention Center, Team Tai were in one of the exhibition halls sitting at a bench having their own strategy meeting. Each member of Team Tai was wearing a red armband with their name on it.
"Today we have Syaoran on our team," said Tai.
"Yep, safety in numbers," said Keitaro. "That's a good sign for us."
Tai was holding a cell phone in front of a poster. "I just need to scan the QR code to receive our instructions."
"Let me give it a try," said Yui as she took the phone. Unfortunately, she pressed the cancel button while she took the phone, returning the phone screen back to the main menu.
"You really are the ditz of the team, Yui," moaned Tai as he retrieved the phone and tried scanning the poster again. This time it was successful as the phone receives the mission instructions.
Team Tai: Your mission is to disarm a timed bomb in the convention center. Find the hidden clues to cut the four colored wires in sequence to disarm the bomb. The bomb is located in the Entrance Plaza near the designated 'Detention Area'. The locations of the clues are:
[1: West Exhibition Hall - First floor]
[2: West Exhibition Hall - Second Floor]
[3: East Exhibition Hall - Galleria]
[4: Conference Tower - Sixth floor]
"Knowing Ash, his strategy would be having all of us guarding the exits before charging in," said Syaoran.
"A sound strategy," said Konata. "Let someone unknowingly get attack from multiple directions only for them to get caught."
"Still, I have no idea how to counter that though," said Tai.
"Yeah, even if we know the strategy, I doubt it would do us much good," Keitaro said.
The timer on the bomb at the Entrance Plaza started up, giving Team Tai only one hour to complete their mission.
[60:00]
As Team Ash was making their way towards the Entrance Plaza, Team Tai began their search in the East Exhibition Hall's Galleria.
"If we managed to find at least three clues, it would be enough to disarm the bomb," said Tai.
"Let's start our search here in the East Exhibition Hall," said Konata. "If we can find the clue here, it would save us from searching here later on."
The team quickly searched the Galleria for the clue, but with no luck. Unfortunately, the Galleria barely has any hiding place. "Forget about the clue here. If we stay here, we're as good as dead," said Syaoran.
"Let's split up," Konata suggested.
Tai and Keitaro quickly ran towards the Conference Tower, while Konata, Syaoran and Yui ran towards the West Exhibition Hall.
Three characters entered the Entrance Plaza with the sound of bells echoing the hall. With bells attached to their shoes as a warning to the other team of their presence, Ash, Ed and Hinata have entered the building.
"Alright, guys. Let's begin the hunt," said Ash.
On the sixth floor of the Conference Tower, Tai and Keitaro searched the different conference rooms for the clue. As Keitaro searched under a chair, he finds an envelope stuck underneath.
Keitaro opened the envelope and read the clue. "Green 2. I'm guessing that it means the second wire to be cut is Green."
Tai walked up to Keitaro. "Nice."
Meanwhile, Ash happened to be travelling towards the sixth floor of the Conference Tower as the sound of his bells managed to get Tai and Keitaro's attention.
"Someone's coming this way," Tai whispered. "We got to get out of here."
Ash noticed some movement on the sixth floor. Ash took out his walkie-talkie. "Guys, I need some assistance on the Sixth Floor! I think I saw someone up there."
"I got it." As Hinata made her way towards the Sixth Floor, she somehow managed to miss both Tai and Keitaro as they swiftly made their escape and split up.
Keitaro ran to the second floor of the West Exhibition Hall and he managed to catch up with Syaoran. He quickly showed the clue to Syaoran. "Alright, I'll search the second floor before they arrive while you take the first floor," said Syaoran.
Both Keitaro and Syaoran split up.
[Clues:]
[1: West Exhibition Hall - First floor]
[2: West Exhibition Hall - Second Floor]
[3: East Exhibition Hall - Galleria]
[4: Conference Tower - Sixth floor (Cleared)]
Meanwhile, Tai was already at the second floor of the West Exhibition Hall as he searched through Hall Three. "There has to be a clue somewhere here."
"Did you find any, Sempai?" Konata asked through the walkie-talkie.
"We only found one," Tai replied. "Wait, I think I found another one."
Tai found the corner of an envelope hiding under a table cloth. Tai pulled out the envelope and read the clue inside. "Red 3."
Meanwhile, in the Entrance Plaza, Ash spotted Konata on the second floor.
"I see Konata! After her!"
Ash led the chase after Konata as both Hinata and Ed joined in.
"Waaaaa! It's Ash Ketchum!" screamed Konata.
Ash was in hot pursuit in the chase after Konata when Ed suddenly caught her.
"Alright, I got her!" said Ed.
Ash suddenly heard Hinata's voice on the walkie-talkie. "Satoshi-kun! I see Syaoran-kun!"
"Got it." Ash looked at Ed. "I'll leave her to you."
As Ash left Ed with Konata, Konata looked at Ed with teary eyes. "Come on, Ed. Can't you let me go just this once? I mean we're kindred spirits, sharing the same type of hairstyle and dislike for our height impairment."
"Well, that's a bit awkward. What am I going to say to Ash if he finds out?"
"Tell him that I slipped away while you tried to remove my armband," Konata suggested.
"Are you sure?"
Konata nodded.
"Alright, I'll let you go only once. But don't expect me to show you the same mercy next time."
Konata hugged Ed. "Thank you, Ed. You won't regret it."
"Now go before he comes back!"
Konata nodded as she ran off while Ed pretended to chase after her.
Meanwhile, Ash and Hinata were in pursuit of Syaoran as the chase went into the Hall Four in the West Exhibition Hall. As Syaoran ran into Hall Four, Hinata quickly double backed as Ash kept up the pursuit. Syaoran ran through Hall Three towards Hall Four, only to run into Hinata as she quickly caught him.
"Got you, Syaoran-kun," said Hinata as she ripped off Syaoran's armband, eliminating him.
[Syaoran - Eliminated]
[Remaining - Tai, Keitaro, Konata, Yui]
[Clues:]
[1: West Exhibition Hall - First floor]
[2: West Exhibition Hall - Second Floor (Cleared)]
[3: East Exhibition Hall - Galleria]
[4: Conference Tower - Sixth floor (Cleared)]
With only 30 minutes remaining on the timer, Yui began her search on the first floor of the West Exhibition Hall starting in Hall One. Suddenly, the sound of bells disrupted her search, forcing Yui to find a place to hide.
The source of the sound, Ed, walked into Hall One searching for new targets as Yui hid behind a sign. As Ed walked by, he noticed a pair of feet standing behind the sign. Pretending not to notice, Ed continued walking into Hall Two.
Thinking the coast is clear; Yui decided that now is the time to escape. However, she did not see Ed waiting in ambush near the door separating Halls One and Two.
"AHA!" Ed began to run towards Yui, forcing Yui to run for her life towards the main atrium.
As the chase led into the main atrium, Konata was near the escalator when she saw Yui running towards. "No, don't come this way Yui." Konata looked up the escalator and saw the one person she hoped not to see. "Ahhhhhh! It's Ash Ketchum!"
Ash ran down the escalator, forcing Konata to run away. However, Yui only saw Ash at the very last minute, with his very appearance surprised Yui, causing her to slip and fall onto her butt. The surprise appearance has managed to reduce Yui's lifespan from the shock.
"Wahhh! It's Ash Ketchum!" screamed Yui as Ash immediately ran to her and ripped off her armband, eliminating Yui from the game.
Ash glared at his teammate."What the hell, Ed? Why did you let Konata escape?"
"She's too sneaky!" Ed replied.
[Yui - Eliminated]
[Remaining - Tai, Keitaro, Konata]
[25 minutes remaining...]
Meanwhile, in the East Exhibition Hall, Tai was searching the Galleria until he heard the sound of bells. "Uh oh." Tai tried to sneak away.
Meanwhile, Ash entered the East Exhibition Hall when he noticed some movement. "Wait. I think I saw somebody." Ash began to run towards Tai's direction.
Hearing the increased pace from the sound of the bells, Tai picked up speed, running so fast that Tai's handler, Junpei, couldn't catch up with Tai.
"Just run, Taichi-Sempai!"
Ash soon spotted Tai, only to see Tai already at the farthest end of the Galleria sneaking into one of the halls.
However, Ed spotted Tai. "I see him! Let's go!"
Using teamwork, Team Ash prepared to close in on their prey. Ash and Ed entered the hall through different entrances while Hinata remained outside.
In the hall, Ash walked towards a stage to investigate. He looked backstage and saw something funny. "Hey, Ed, you'd better check this out!"
"What's so funny over there for me to see?"
Tai was lying on the backstage floor in a poor attempt to hide from his pursuers. As Ash tried to grab Tai's armband, Tai quickly jumped up and slip away from Ash's grasp by going through the backstage area. "Ed, stop him!"
At the other side of the backstage, Ed tried to block Tai's path, but Tai swiftly evades his pursuer using his soccer skills. However, though Tai managed to evade Ed, his exit was blocked by Ash, forcing Tai to take a detour through the backstage again.
Ash could only watch in disbelief. "Ed, he's gone backstage again! Block the other exit!"
Ed quickly block Tai's exit as Tai saw that he has no escape. He calmly sat on a prop to rest as Ed walked towards him to remove his armband. However, just as Ed got closer enough to grab Tai's armband, Tai swiftly got up and slip through Ed's grasp.
Ash became agitated. "What the hell, Ed? You're letting everyone escape!"
But Tai's escape was shorted lived as Tai ran out through the exit not blocked by Ash, only to be spotted by Hinata. Hinata quickly intercepted Tai as she accelerated after her prey. This time, Tai was completely exhausted from his earlier lucky escapes, enabling Hinata to easily catch him and rip off his armband.
[Tai - Eliminated]
[Remaining - Konata, Keitaro]
[20 Minutes remaining]
[Clues:]
[1: West Exhibition Hall - First floor]
[2: West Exhibition Hall - Second Floor (Cleared)]
[3: East Exhibition Hall - Galleria]
[4: Conference Tower - Sixth floor (Cleared)]
Ash and Ed entered the first floor of the West Exhibition Hall.
"Why are we back here?" Ed asked.
"I noticed that the other's team has been running through the halls on this level," Ash explained. "So we need someone here to stand guard in case they are here."
As it turns out, Konata and Keitaro were hiding behind the various stalls in the Exhibition Hall.
"I need you to stand guard in the middle of the hall. It has a clear view of the exits, so you can chase after whoever enters."
"Got it. But can I make a request?"
"Shoot."
"Can I be the vice-captain of the team?"
"I'll think about it, considering that you let Konata go."
"She was a sneaky fox! She slipped out of my grasp and ran off too quickly before I could catch her again."
"Well, do this well and I'll think about it," Ash said as he left to search elsewhere.
Ed sighed. "I don't think he will." Ed walked around the exhibition hall. "This won't do."
Ed slowly walked towards one of the exits and looked outside. Meanwhile, Keitaro peeked from his hiding place and saw Ed looking away. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Keitaro sneaked towards another stall to hide within, with Ed completely unaware of the movement behind him.
Ed was being impatient as he continued to patrol the exhibition hall. "Why do I have to take orders from Ash and do this? I mean, Hinata has caught more guys than he did, so why does he have to be in charge?"
Suddenly, Ed's walkie talkie received a call.
"Where are you, Ed?" Ash asked.
Ed meekly replied. "Still guarding the hall, Ash."
Meanwhile, Ed was still unaware of Keitaro secretly moving around the hall as he searched for clues to disarming the bomb. Keitaro peeked around a corner to see Ed walking out of the exhibition hall, giving him a better chance to search.
Outside the exhibition hall, Ed was giving directions to his cameraman.
"I want you to aim at me at a 45 degree angle from below while you try to film as much of the background as you can. And Action..."
Ed calmly looked at his surroundings, pretending to be the poster-boy for all security personnel. "I will guard this place with my life. Not a single soul will get past me."
The diversion was enough for Keitaro to thoroughly search a stall and Keitaro noticed a small enveloped pinned to a stall's tablecloth. Keitaro took the envelope and read the contents. (Blue 1) With this crucial clue, Keitaro immediately ran towards the Entrance Hall, where the bomb is located.
Ed returned to the exhibition hall and spotted his glasses-wearing prey running past the stalls. "Aha! I see Keitaro!"
Ed proceeded to chase after Keitaro as Keitaro tried to throw Ed off by making a few turns around the various stalls before escaping through the exit. With the knowledge of which three wires to cut first, Keitaro knew that he has to make it to the bomb if there was any chance of disarming it but he first has to lose his pursuers. Unfortunately, Ed managed to coordinate with his teammates, enabling him, Ash and Hinata to trap the glasses-wearing Sempai along a narrow walkway.
[Keitaro - Eliminated]
[Remaining - Konata]
[10 Minutes remaining]
At the same time, Konata decided to run towards the direction of the bomb, knowing that only 10 minutes remained on the clock.
Meanwhile, at the Entrance Hall, Tai, Yui and Syaoran were at the Detention Area next to the bomb.
"Has anyone seen Konata-sempai?" Yui asked.
"We need to tell Konata which wires to cut when she gets here."
At that moment, Konata entered the Entrance Hall. However, her arrival did not go unnoticed by Hinata, who relayed Konata's location through her walkie talkie.
"I see Konata-san!" Hinata yelled.
"Quickly, Konata, cut the wire!" yelled Tai.
"Cut the green wire second, red wire third!" Syaoran relayed the info. Unfortunately, Keitaro did not inform the others about the very crucial clue about cutting the blue wire first before he got caught.
Konata ran to the bomb and looked at the wires. Even if she knew the second and third wires to cut, she needs know which wire to cut first and despite having plenty of time, a member of the opposing team is after her.
"Which one do I cut first? Yellow or blue?" asked Konata in panic.
At that moment, Keitaro ran into the Entrance Hall. "Cut the blue wire first! Blue wire first!" yelled Keitaro.
Konata looked up and saw Keitaro and Hinata, but knowing that if she gets caught, it's over, so Konata made her choice and cut a wire...
Suddenly, large plumes of smoke were released from the smoke machines in the Detention Area, which indicates that the bomb had been detonated.
"Well, that's not good," said Syaoran.
In her panic, Konata had cut the yellow wire first before cutting the other wires.
[Misson Failed]
"What just happened?" asked Konata.
"We won? We won!" Hinata screamed. "Satoshi-kun, we won!"
Ash was walking towards the Detention Area in celebration while Ed had two walkie-talkies in his hands. As it turned out, Ed had Konata's walkie-talkie after she accidentally dropped it when she was in Ed's custody, which was why Keitaro was unable to inform Konata about cutting the blue wire.
Keitaro ran up to Konata. "Why did you cut the yellow wire? I said blue wire!"
"How the hell could I have known? It was a 50-50 chance and if I let Hinata-sempai catch me, the team would have lost anyway! You came too late, Megane-sempai!" Konata said, throwing the blame at Keitaro.
Tai sighed. "If this was a real bomb, Konata, we won't have Comiket in Ariake in a very long time..."
Either way, Team Ash wins the game at the Big Sight, earning them a lottery ball each.
[Winner: Team Ash]
At the Entrance Hall, everyone was standing at the lottery machine.
[Lottery Ball Count: Ash, Hinata, Ed - 3 Balls; Konata, Keitaro, Yui - 2 balls; Tai, Syaoran - 1 ball]
"It's now time for the Lottery!" Tai announced. "What's the penalty?"
"The penalty will be different," Koizumi explained. "You won't be serving it tonight. You will be serving the penalty right before going to our next location in the next chapter."
"But now it's time to find out the moment of truth," said Ash. "Let's put in the lottery balls."
Everyone placed their lottery balls into the machine. Tai kissed his only lottery ball. "Please give me a miracle," said Tai as he kissed the ball before putting it in the machine.
[The four names selected by the lottery will be guaranteed escape from the penalty.]
The lottery machine began to scatter the lottery balls within as Tai pressed a button that randomly selects a lottery ball. The first name that was chosen: Hinata Hyuga.
Hinata breathe a sigh of relief. "I'm safe"
The next name to be selected by the lottery machine: Konata Izumi.
Konata jumped for joy. "Yes!"
The next name to pop out: Ed Elric.
Ed grinned. "Oh yeah!"
Yui, Keitaro, Ash and Tai now began to pray that the next name to be chosen is one of theirs.
"Come on, lady luck! Don't fail me now," said Tai.
"Let's find out the final name on the count of three," Keitaro suggested.
"One, two, three!"
The final name was revealed by the lottery machine: Ash Ketchum.
With all four names chosen to be exempt from the penalty, the remaining four could only stare in disbelief with the knowledge of a humiliating penalty coming up.
Tai had completely given into despair and looked at Producer Koizumi. "So, what's the punishment?"
Koizumi gave Tai a selection of outfits to wear for the penalty. "As our next location will be at Crypton Future Media's Tokyo offices, your penalty is to walk to Crypton wearing Vocaloid cosplays."
"So, who wants to wear which cosplay?"
"I want Kaito because I like to wear his scarf!" said Yui.
"As Sempai, I claim the mature one. Luka's mine," said Keitaro.
"I prefer to wear hot pants over skirts, so I take Rin," said Syaoran.
Tai looked at the remaining Vocaloid cosplay for him to wear. "That leaves Miku with me."
[Preview of Next Chapter:]
The next night, an SUV arrived a block away from Crypton Future Media's Tokyo offices and four unfortunate individuals disembarked the vehicle.
Yui was cosplaying as Kaito in a blue wig; Keitaro was cosplaying as Luka Megurine in a pink wig; Syaoran was cosplaying as Rin Kagamine in a blonde wig and finally, Tai was cosplaying as Miku Hatsune wearing a turquoise wig.
The arrival of the four cosplaying Anime Characters attracted the attention of the various passer-bys on the street, with three of those characters only feeling embarrassment from the attraction as they walked towards the Crypton Future Media Tokyo Offices...
[To be continued next chapter]
[Coming up next on Project V: Search for the Next Vocaloid, how will 11 contestants now face a challenge that puts their vocal skills to the limit when they have to replicate two high tempo Hatsune Miku songs?]