Well I just want to tell all of you who have written reviews they had a positive affect on me. I have gone back and revised every chapter one at a time. Grammar sentence structures all of it. I'll get this cleaned up and moving forward these chapters will be readable darn it! I'd like to thank all 11 reviews for busting my grammar ballz keep it up. Now for the story, This chapters going to have some ass kicking action, Kyosuke isn't going to be given a choice...did mention feelings yeah feelings...We got a long way to go...I hope you all enjoy reading it, because I am enjoying writing it. As usual fell free to review or PM me. I might respond or I might not - DJ Tenki
legal jargon:
I do not own Oriemo or any characters related to light novels, manga, or anime...but i love the story so here we are...
Chapter 4: Let the games begin!...and the Mischief?
My alarm went off bringing me out of a very deep and restful sleep. Man I am feeling a bit better here what the heck? I thought as I sat up and then it hit me...Kirino? was that all a dream or did that actually happen last night? No that did happened as the memories flashed before my eyes of my sister last night in the soft glow of the moon..stop it Kyoskue yes she is beautiful but stifle those feelings now! I tell myself. Huh my bruises feel a lot better and the soreness I had is mostly gone...
My face starts to heat up once again as those thought of my sister and her attire last night creep back into my mind and distract me from the events that are about to take place today...No! you don't have time for that Kyosuke and you can't think about her in that way...get it together! I gave my face a light slap and push the thoughts as deep down as I can and get up to get ready. I get dressed in my usual dark-colored gear grab my bag of Karate gear and checked it. Gi check..Pants..check..white colored belt..check.
I hadn't tested yet in the club to advance in rank for a higher belt, but that didn't really matter to me a belt doesn't prove your skill, I am hoping that the other competitors will under-estimate me giving me the element of surprise. Whats this? Inside my bag is a simple note and it reads: "Good luck today in your tournament, if you give it your all no one will stop you -Kirino" Sheesh my imouto writing me a support note, this causes those sudden and strange warm feelings to spread across my chest again...stop it you have to stay focused!
Again I had to stifle the feelings that were threatening to make me feel more that sibling affection. I put the note back into my bag zipped it up and quietly headed down stairs. I go into the kitchen to find my father sitting at the table in the dark. What the heck is he doing up this early on a Saturday? I thought. "Hey dad why are you up so early today?" I asked as quietly as I can not wake my mother. "Kyosuke could you have a seat at the table please."
"Sure" I said as a walked over and sat down across from him. "Kyosuke I wanted to wish you some luck today, I know you have trained hard and will bring honor to the Kosaka clan." Did I just hear praise from my father? I don't believe it.. I am brought out of my thoughts as my father speaks to me again. "Just make sure that you know when to accept defeat should you get to a breaking point. I will find no shame in such an action if you have given your all and have nothing left, then nothing more can be asked of a man." I looked at my dad wide-eyed by his statement, I almost fell out of my chair. My father is old school and does not give praise often so when he does its best to heed his advice.
"Thank you father I will give it my all, and as you say should I get to the point at which I feel I am going for broke I shall accept my fate." At this even in the dark I could see a look of approval on his face and he gave me a slight nod. Man this has been a strange 24 hours with my family, I am really not sure what is likely to happen next. I was brought out of my thoughts again by an extra statement from my father.
"Kyosuke I want you to know before you leave this morning that me and your mothers trip has been pushed up. It seems your grandparents would like us to come sooner than expected, so we will not be here when you return home from Tokyo." I wonder if that has something to do with the call I overheard the other day... "Please watch the house and take care of your sister as well." I just know I am asking for trouble with this question, but honestly my curiosity was getting the better of me the longer we talked.
"What matter would be so pressing that they would ask you and mom to come earlier than you wanted to?" I asked hoping for some enlightenment after that call I overhear. "Don't worry yourself Kyosuke it is nothing serious..your relatives make even the smallest matter a huge issue for no reason. We will go and try to resolve it for them. that is all I will tell you."
At this I knew not to press my luck so I got up to leave when my father spoke again. "Oh I gave Kirino permission to have her friends over if she feels the need, but only after your mother demanded it, so try to keep them out of trouble as well." I could tell that it wasn't by choice that those friends of hers were coming over seems Kirino played the mom card on dad heh poor guy never had a chance..
"Sure dad I'll try to keep the place from getting wrecked, I think I'll have some breakfast and head out to get to the station early I don't want to miss the train." With that I got up stopped by the fridge and grabbed a sausage muffin and tea and headed outside to eat on the porch. I sat down and started to eat and my mind started to drift as I took a bite.
Don't worry aniki if you get bruised up again we will repeat this treatment...what in the world is she thinking? I mean it was one thing to massage my injuries but dressed like that...and whats with dad? what issue could be so serious that they need to leave before I even get back..and that call to what was that about? I shook my head and hadn't even noticed all my food was gone and my tea was empty as well. I decided that these distractions could wait so I got up tossed the wrapper and bottle in the recycle bin near the door and headed out the gat to get to the station.
It took me about ten minutes to walk to the train station from our house. When I got there Kohei and three of the other guys were standing on the platform. They gave me a nod as I walked up but I could tell there was some tension on their faces and I wasn't sure why. "Hey Kohei and guys how are you all doing?" I asked in a serious and neutral tone. "Hey Kosaka glad you could make it, these two guys were just telling me that our team is going to be three guys short for the tournament due to sickness and injury."
Kohei and the other two looked grim. "Hey Kyosuke do you think you and Kohei can really compete in this thing?" a large boy about six-foot tall asked. his name was Shaka and he was considered to be third best in the karate club. "Yeah Shaka I think you and Shin there will be surprised when you see how hard me and Kohei trained for this." Both Shin and Shaka looked somewhat skeptical at my comment like they didn't believe me, it was then Shin spoke up.
"Well with the other three guys not coming there will only be five of us competing from our school in the Chiba prefecture, so I hope you guys are as good as you say." Shin when you looked at him had steel grey eyes and sharp-looking face to match, his frame was a medium build but very toned. From what Kohei had told me Shin took everything serious and never relaxed, he didn't have much of a sense of humor, so I knew this was going to be an interesting time.
Before I could respond our Club leader showed up. "Ah well it looks like everyone that will be able to compete is here, good to see you Shin, Shaka, Kohei and Kyosuke. You all ready to give it your all for our school and prefecture?" The confidence from Tanaka made me shake my head he seemed to believe we had already won but we all gave a silent nod in agreement. "Well then let's get ready because our ride is about five minutes out according to the screen there."
"Hey Tanaka how many people do you think will show up from our school since it's all the way in Tokyo?" I wanted to know how much gossip we would be looking at come Monday. "I'm not real sure Kyosuke, the last tournament was this large so I'd guess about one hundred of the schools students showed last time isn't that right Shaka?" Shaka looked over at Tanaka then back over to me and responded "What are you worried about Kyosuke, I'm sure your going to hold your own no problem, also why'd you have Tanaka hold your names until registration anyway?"
At this I looked over to Kohei and after a few seconds he gave me a nod clearing the air I guess would be good.. "Well Shaka it's like this, I don't want undue attention regardless of how I do in this tournament I like to keep a low profile. Kohei's the same as me. As soon as people from our school know what we can do it might start getting like it does with Tanaka there and I don't want that kind of attention."
Tanaka raised an eye brow and then commented "Oh Kosaka it's not the bad I mean yeah the ladies pester ya sometimes but for the most part it's a good kind of pester." he said as he gave a smile then a chuckle. It was when I looked back over at Shin that I knew something was up he had a big grin on his face and he gave a pretty easy-going laugh and stated to Shaka "You didn't tell them Skaka? about the tournament?"
"Nah Shin I thought I would let it be a surprise I kind of wanted to see the look on their faces heh." Then Kohei who had watched this exchange piped up "What is it you're not telling us guys?" Tanaka answered for them. "Well I had a feeling some of our guys would bow out and once I knew you guys were looking to stay anonymous I may have forgotten to tell you all the details."
"Like what exact details are you talking about Tanaka?" I said dangerously. "Well this event is so large because of two reasons first its in Tokyo and its in the dome, and second is the main sponsor is none other than Eternal Blue some clothing company. They are going to Televise the tournament and I'd imagine most everyone around will be tuning in heh, no pressure or anything."
I almost felt the world fall out from under my feet at the thought of the TV viewing audience numbers. Then it hit me..."Hey you said the sponsor would be who again?" this time Kohei answered and looked me dead the eye "Eternal Blue Kyosuke.." and with a nod he knew what I was thinking. Damn it! that means I bet there going to be there Kirnio, Kanako and Ayase shit this is just what I was trying to avoid.
"Well to late to back out now Tanaka so I'm still in but you and I are going to have some words when this is over.." I said with narrowed eyes and a deep frown. "HA! I look forward to it Kosaka it will be good to try to take back that lose from earlier when we were training!" at this both Shin and Shaka raised an eyebrow they weren't aware I had bested Tanaka in combat. "Yeah yeah looks like the train is pulling in time to get this circus under way."... I siiiiiighed as I stepped on to the passenger car.
Once inside our group took our seats at the back in the last car and I decided I would sit alone for a few as we started to travel to Tokyo I had a few things on my mind I needed to chew over. I'm really not so worried about the crowds although I doubt school life is ever going to be the same after this. No what I am really worried about is what are those three going to do once they find out the truth, and how will they act toward me? The thought of Ayase and Kanako flirting with me wasn't a unpleasant one other than I think they are to young for me...but the mental flashbacks from last night have really been playing on my mind. What is Kirino going to think exactly and what is with the sudden change in her attitude toward me?
I hadn't noticed as I looked out the window thinking Kohei had quietly come and sat down across from me and was studying my face very closely. "Hey Kyosuke whats up man? I can't put my finger on it but it looks like you have something on your mind...want to talk about it?" I looked up and thought, man my face must be an open book now. I steeled my emotions as best I could and responded. "Well Kohei I do have something on my mind"
I glanced around the passenger car to make sure the rest of the team was away from us and they were. They were sitting up near the front of the car so I continued. "What I am about to tell you Kohei stays just between us alright?" He raised an eyebrow at this but he nodded in agreement. "Sure Kyosuke I'm not one to show secrets, how long have we know each other man?" I raised an eyebrow and thought about that, yeah he and I had known each other a long time so I knew what I was going to tell him wasn't going to get around, but that didn't make me any less anxious.
"Well last night at the refrigerator Kirino stepped up in front of me as I walked past her and wouldn't let go until I explained my late arrivals at home that have gone on for a while now." Kohei had a look of disbelief on his face. "You blew her off right Kyosuke?" I shook my head in the negative, "You know at first I almost did Koehi but that earnest face and those blue eye looking up at me worked my will power out of existence. I thought long and hard but I brought her up to my room and show her my chest and back." Kohei whistled at that statement, "Damn it Kosaka we both know that would cause a ton of questions to be asked, so what happened?" I sat back in my seat and crossed my arms.
"Yeah I knew what I was getting into or so I though instead of blackmailing me or the usual ridicule she leaped up and her hands went to my chest exploring the injuries." At this Koheis eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. "Is that so? What did she say after that?" I now had Kohei undivided attention. "The questions came a mile a minute, who did this to you? she asked, How did this happen? Then swear to god she said I needed to know who did this so I can cause them injury." Kohei out right laughed at that comment from Kirino, "Wait a second, this makes no sense Kyosuke your telling me that your cold little sister was worried about you?" It sound just as crazy to me when Kohei said it out loud but I guess that was the case.
"Yeah..yeah Kohei I guess she was. I had to calm her down when she almost started crying because she thought I was in real pain." "Well don't that beat all, she really did care about you after all Kosaka, so how does that make you feel?" I put on a serious face because I was about to show what I had tried to deny this whole morning. "Wait you didn't let me finish man it what came after that has me thinking..when she saw those injuries ahhh she decided that treatment was in order Kohei.."
Kohei sat back in his seat with a very confused face but continued to listen. "She then told me she would come to my room after my parent went to sleep and massage some medicine into my chest shoulders and back and that I had no say in the matter it was closed." Kohei snickered at me and slapped his knee I glowered at his response but continued. "I thought she wasn't serious so I went to sleep last night like usual only to be awakened by her on top of me in...erm...uh...less than respectable clothing... doing just what she said she would."
At this my face I was sure was very red and Kohei had quite the astonished look on his face and said, "Go on man I'm listening." "I tried hard not to enjoy that massage...and the view but she said some things that really went straight to my core and sorta broke my will at keeping her at a distance. So now to me it seems there might be something more going on with here than simple sibling affection from her and it concerns me."
"I can understand that Kosaka I mean it is your little sister right, you don't want to give her the wrong idea...right?" I shook my head rapidly in agreement with Kohei, "That's what is bothering me Kohei...I know I shouldn't, and it can't be that way but I can tell I am having feelings that are way out-of-bounds and the real problem is it's not bothering me all that much.."
Kohei sat there a long time with his eyes closed thinking...to me it seemed way longer than I had ever seen him think about anything.."So Kohei what do you think man? I'd like to know." He opened his eyes looked at me and whispered, "Man Kyosuke that is really tough, I mean we both know that it can't go anywhere, it would lead to nothing but trouble. It's just that when a person falls in love it has shit to do with logic...it just the heart wants what the heart wants I guess.." Kohei folded his arms and continued.
"I mean seriously I just don't see how you can do anything with it man, it...it..it pains me to say it, but I think for now you need to think a lot more about it on your own and choke down those feeling as much as you can. It's not really the best advice I know but its all I have for you..sorry man." I had to agree with Akagi it did make sense even if it did bother me a bit.
"Yeah man maybe you are right..but shes threatening to do that massage thing when we train or she thinks I am injured and I don't have the heart to tell her no.." "Plus man in my heart of hearts I dunno if I want to tell her no...this is soooo messed up." Kohei looked at me and chuckled "Well Kosaka you'll just have to humor her I guess but don't let her get to you, try to do your best to keep it outside her boundaries so you can keep at least a little control...hope that advice helps Kosaka."
"Yeah Kohei I wasn't sure who to talk to this about but I'm glad it was you, so thanks man." Kohei leaned back and gave me one of his goofy grins, "Sure Kyosuke what are friends for if we can't help each other with the real serious shit from time to time...but one thing Kosaka." "Eh what is Kohei?" Ah there it is the evil grin, "You'll have to tell me how life as a sis-con is someday I'll write your story hahahaha just kidding Kosaka just kidding!"
"You ass" I told him as he grinned real big at me as the announcement came over the speaker "Now arriving at Tokyo station Please gather your items to disembark." I tabled my thoughts on the matter and got ready to leave the train. "Well Kyosuke I hope you got that out of your system its time to show this tournament what we are made of." "Sure thing Kohei time to give it all we've got here." and with that we got up grabbed our gear and headed out.
(Tokyo Dome, Tokyo)
As we entered the stadium on the ground floor I finally realized the size of what this event really was, the stands had started filling and camera flashes were igniting all over the stadium. We were guided across the floor to the fighter area where we would be called out to the proper mats for each round of combat. I started listening as the tournament announcement and format info flooded the stadium PA system. Ladies and gentleman welcome to the annual National Prefecture Martial Arts Tournament! This year we have many schools from all over Japan showcasing their best and brightest, looking to bring home the title of the Nations number one Martial Artist! There will be four preliminary rounds theis year with those winners moving on to the quarter finals and those winners will move on to the semi-finals matches! The winners of those two matches with move on to the Finals and that winner will be crowned champion! At this the entire stadium now full of people cheered loudly and many more flashbulbs went off.
The announcer continued The matches are three points and best two of three points wins the match! Now we would like to thank our sponsors for putting this together.." I listened to the four or five sponsors they thanked but it was the last one that made me nervous. and our Final and largest contributor this year Eternal Blue! They have provided many of their models to attend this event stand up and wave to the crowd ladies and enjoy the show everyone!
My heart dropped when not far from me in the stands were all three of the girls I had dreaded seeing here I had hoped they wouldn't be at the tournament but once I had heard who the sponsor was on the platform earlier in the day I knew it was inevitable. I tried to ignore them like I hadn't seen them, but I could tell that they definitely seen me..
Kanako looked shocked but excited, Ayase had a confused look on her face and was talking with Kirino. Kirino had a small smile playing her face and was absently answering Ayase question because her blue sapphires were fixed on my own eyes. She gave me a wink and that shook me out of my lull. Kohei had been watching me now knowing my secret and walked over and gave me a light elbow. "Hey Kosaka snap out of it man she'll be there after this whole thing.." This caused Kirino to give a very dangerous glare to Kohei and I could tell on her face she was making a mental note of something for later. "Yeah Kohei I'm good now thanks man." as I gave a curt nod and got ready for round one.
(Round One)
Everyone took their places at the assigned mat. It seemed my first opponent was a large heavy-set boy from the Nigata prefecture. We both took our stances bowed to the ref then to each other and right before the start he said to me "I hope your train tickets validated you won't be here long." "we'll see" I told him and took my stance, the ref yelled Shiai o kaishi! and the match began.
After fighting most days with Kohei I almost could not believe how slow this kid was. He stepped in deep and threw some successive punches all of which I blocked, I ducked under the last one and did a leg sweep sending him to the mat, As he came up to his feet I chest thrusted him sending him flying to the mat knocking the breath out of him and earning "one point!" as the Ref yelled.
The kid rolled around for just a second and popped back up to his feet. I could tell by the stunned look on his face he never had expected a white belt to be able to do that...so my ploy worked and this guy was surprised. I thought. I could hear the cheering section from our school going wild as they saw me score a point. We took our stances and started again, this time the Nigata participant tried a jump kick which I side stepped only to be met with a reverse forearm punch that surprised me!
I barely dodged but was able to reverse a hold on that arm and flip him over onto the mat. I thrusted a punch into his side as he laid sprawled on the mat earning a second point and the ref calling out "WINNER!" I was kind of astonished that my first match went so fast we bowed and headed to the sidelines where I was met by Shin, Shaka, Tanaka and Kohei.
"Nice work Kosaka I'm glad we brought you along you just might go far here after all." Tanaka said with a large smug grin. "Thanks Tanaka, looks like all five of us made it past the first round." He smiled, "That we did Kosaka I think most if not all of us can make it to the quarter finals after that it's anyone's guess." I nodded to Tanaka and then headed over to the resting section, as I was walking over I could see some of the TV cameras passing over the area I was in and it made me wonder just how many people are watching this? Hope mom and dad don't have the tv on at home it wouldn't be good if mom found out I fibbed a little...
(Kosaka Household)
Yoshino:
If I had to put it into words I would say the first one would be shock...then maybe disappointment and then I guess pride. Yes that's what I was thinking when I came into the kitchen and Diasuke changed the channel on the tv and quickly went back to the paper...
I had no idea that he was watching the National Tournament but then I shouldn't be surprised he has always kept a close eye on Kirinos career. That girl is his princess so I figured he would turn it on to at least check up on her. It was when I asked him to turn it back over to the tournament that my suspicions grew. "Diasuke what were you watching just now before I came into the room?"
He shuffled his paper "Nothing dear I was just checking the news.." I looked over at the TV, "Stop right there, you and I both know you had the Tournement on for Kirino since she is there for work turn it back over I want to see how she looks in the national spot light today."
"Oh dear we have seen her on TV I am sure she is doing fine no need to worry about that, beside I didn't think you liked martial arts." Huh that look, he's hiding something there what is it? "Oh I'll manage turn it back now or no dinner you got me?" with that he flipped it back to the tournament and what I saw shocked me!
"W-w-w what is Kyosuke doing on the TV? Better yet what is this, he is fighting? Did you know about this dear?" Diasuke sighed deeply and put the paper down and answered "I did." I frowned at my husband, "And when were you going to let me in on this little secret?" wow look at him move he has that other boy on the ropes...OH! what a punch..as she looks from the screen back to Diasuke.
"Honestly Yoshino I didn't think it would matter all that much to you since he got permission from me to enter." This cause me to frown again at my husband, "Why wouldn't I want to know when my only son is entering a full contact sport, and when did he actually get this good? I don't know much about the sport but it's quite obvious he's moving far different from a beginner."
Diasuke sighed again and gave into the questioning of his now chagrin wife. "Well for a while now Kyosuke has got up early everyday physically training his body. Now how he got to this point even I am not sure. I would say that he has kept a few secrets from me as well, but I asked him to do it a while back."
"Did you see that Daisuke he just won the match! he's really good..wait a minute why would you have asked him to start training? he hasn't shown any drive like that before." "Well dear we both know that we will have to have that discussion with him soon. I still think it is a bad idea but I can't seem to talk you fools out of it, so I have tried to take some steps for my peace of mind and his training was part of that."
I guess that is understandable, "Oh...well I guess I can understand that but I am going to have a sit down with him when he gets home for lying to me this whole time. As for that well I think he will be happy to hear that I mean you have noticed it haven't you?"
Diasuke looked over at Yoshino's bubbly face and could tell she was having some unhealthy ideas again and sighed, "No I don't think he will take it well at all, have any of you given thought to what he might do if he doesn't like what we have to tell him? It could go badly for us all."
Yoshino waved a hand at her husband to dismiss the idea of any problem, "Oh Diasuke I think you are worrying too much and you will be able to plead your case tomorrow, although I think it will fall on deaf ears, but do what you must honey I understand." "Honestly Yoshino I really do think I know him better than you all might, and I expect this to go badly for us once he finds out, but we shall see, lets at least watch his matches I want to see how he has progressed."
"Oh I know him better than you think dear, I have seen how he looks at her, recently no matter how hard he tries to mask it there is something there. Don't get me started on her either we both know that it is a given with her so I think it will work out." Yoshino widely smiles as she looks back at the screen. "Siiiigh I think you are far to optimistic, and I fear for him when she find out...there might be no stopping her then...and its all to soon, but I'll make my case on the trip." and with that Diasuke turned back to the tv to see just how far his son had come...
(Tokyo Dome: Tokyo)
Round Two
Kyosuke:
Thank you ladies and Gentlemen the first round Intermission is over and we now bring you the second round of Martial arts action. The winners of these matches will move on to the Quarter Finals, lets give our competitors a nice round of applause as they enter the stadium! Numerous flash bulbs and cheers rain down upon us as we come back from the fighters rest area.
I look around in awe to the more than sixty thousand people who have come to support their local teams. As I scan the crowd sure enough I come across the section of wall with the Eternal Blue banners and there again is Kirino and her two friends in their respective seats. Kanako and Ayase Still chatted excitedly toward Kirino but she wasn't saying much in return. I wonder what's wrong with her? "Snap out of it Kysouke we have work to do here man , don't let her distract you." Kohei whispers to me which breaks my stare with Kirino.
"Yeah man I haven't forgotten why we are here" I whisper back somewhat gruffly to him. Alright Kyosuke remember your training...remember what kirino's note said..if you give it your all no one will stop you." I can't be thinking about that I have to stay focused..I rip my thoughts away from my sister and back to what is at hand. My second round opponent steps on to the mat and says "Hey man I don't know how your last match went but I'm from the Iwate Prefecture and I was last years runner-up...I'm not losing here."
I just nod to him not saying a word and then bow to the ref. He yells Shiai o kaishi! and the Iwate runner-up starts his offensive on me. The thing here was he was fast I'll give him that, but his movement seems choppy to me, I dodged and blocked his four punches and two kicks at me. What he wasn't expecting was as he backed me to the edge of the mat I jumped back and into a vertical standing jump kick. His momentum carried him into me and I made hard contact with his face sending him to the mats holding it.
The ref stated, That is a point Green side, Can you continue red?" the Iwate participant got back to his feet rubbing his jaw but nodded and said he was fine. BEGIN! This time I decided I wasn't going to mess around I moved in with my barrage of punches and when he tried to counter a full on punch with one of his choppy movement punches he had fallen into my trap. I took my hand wrapping it around his arm, I grabbed his gi in my other hand and pulled him up and over my shoulder as I turned into a full throw.
This surprised him as he landed flat on his back outside of the ring leading to an instant disqualification. WINNER! Green! Ladies and gentlemen it seems that last years runner-up has been beaten...and it seems by a relative newcomer we will try to get more information on this. The crowd erupted into cheers, and the flash bulbs nearly blinded me as I headed back to the rest area...and still she has that look on her face and what is with that smirk?
"Way to go Kyosuke, I saw you on the big screen so I imagine that got you on TV briefly as well." Great unwanted attention I don't need I thought. "Thanks Kohei, but can I confide something to you?" I whispered. "What is it Kyosuke?" "I'm not sure why but I don't feel a lot of these guys fight as hard as you or I do what's the deal with that?"
Kohei looked around to make sure people weren't close and then said, "Yeah man I was wondering the same thing, I am glad I wasn't the only one" I smiled at that. "You know I overheard Shin and Shaka talking and they were whispering the same thing, so I dunno whats going on here. Maybe we all just trained harder than other prefecture schools?"
"Well nothing to do now Kohei but wait for the second round intermission to end and see what we can do right?" At that comment Kohei just nodded and we both continued back to the fighting rest area away from all the crowds.
(Second Round Intermission)
Kirino:
I can't believe this...grrrrrrrrr I just can't believe my baka oni-chan...when did he get so good at this stuff? I mean he said he had trained sure but I thought with all those bruises that he probably wouldn't get past the first round, then I would cheer him up when we got home and my plans would have continued unhindered...but now there are going to be problems...Kirino thought to herself looking at her friends Ayase and Kanako.
"Hey Kirino-chan isn't it exciting your brother won his second match and is headed into the next round. I knew he was strong, but wow he was stronger than I thought!" Kanako squealed. "What do you mean you knew he was this strong?Whats more why didn't you seem surprised like Ayase that he was here today Kanako?"
At this Kanako could tell she had played a bit to much of her hand to Kirino and though she would admit that she had seen him training there would be no way she would let it slip about lunch... "Well I kinda saw your oni-chan training at school but I kept it a secret from him and you! I figured he might show up here is all.
Kirino's dangerous stare softened at that response leaving her none the wiser about Kanako's truth. "W-w-well that baka aniki of mine is doing well, but I hope he doesn't do to well or he will be to cocky when he gets home and I won't have it!" Ayase raised an eyebrow at this and stated "Well obviously he trained hard Kirino, but I have to agree no telling how smug he might become if he gets too much further, it's a little sisters job to keep their oni-chan in check."
Kanako laughed at this, "Ha ha ha Ayase you are too much Kyosuke not that type of guy he's really easy-going, he wouldn't be like that." This caught Kirino's attention, "One question Kanako how is it you seem to know so much about Kyosuke? I certainly haven't talked about him all that much."Kirino asked in a dangerous voice.
Kanako chide herself for getting draw out by Ayase stupid comments but she was sure she could salvage this conversation. "Well Kirino its just a feeling I get when I look at your aniki, he doesn't seem like the irresponsible type to me, that just what I think anyway." Kirino's gaze stayed on Kanako a long time and Kanako could tell she was trying to gather something in her face from that look but it soon passed as Kirino finished with a comment.
"Well then he would have you fooled because he is a lazy slacker...or at least I used to think so.." Kirino mumbled at the end and went back to watching the events on the main stadium floor. Whew I am really going to have to be more careful around her, let just hope she doesn't catch on and spoil my lunch time like Ayase. At this Kanako looked over and glowered at a quite oblivious Ayase who was now back to talking with Kirino like usual.
Privately Kirino thought much differently than she showed on the outside to her friends. Sure Kyosuke could be dense and had spent a lot of time avoiding her, but she knew with the recent activities that she was starting to break the barrier that had started to build between them a long time ago. Now that she had made some progress with her aniki she would not allow some interloper to interfere with her feelings and get in her way even if it was her closest friends.
No she though I'll have to keep a closer eye on these two, but then it hit her Why? Why do I care if my two friend get close to him? I mean he is my aniki it's not like he's my boyfriend...but still his attention should be on his little sister. There again she felt that heavy feeling in her chest when she thought this. I mean I know I can't like him like that but why do I feel this heavy feeling when I think of him spending time with anyone else? No it can't be...in the middle of the stadium crowd next to her friends Kiriono realized she maybe like Kyosuke a bit more than a sibling should but it didn't bother her all that much, and the thought of another treatment after the tournament put the smallest smile back on her faces as the third round start was announced.
Round Three the Quarter Finals
Kyosuke:
Well after a short break and a rousing speech from our fearless leader Tanaka we were called back out to begin the quarter-final round of the tournament. It was no surprise to me that the participants were getting better and what surprised me more was that all of our team was still in the event. I walked out onto the mat as my name was called over the PA system to loud cheers from our school cheering section and it seemed like a thousand bulbs went off as well in the crowd.
My Opponent this time was a very athletic looking guy like myself. When he came out onto the mat he stretched a bit then walked over to me. "Hey you're the Chiba Prefecture guy who beat last years runner up right?" I nodded, "Yes I did last round it was a tough match." He scratched the back of his head and smiled hearing my response. Well I'm Kon from the Miyagi Prefecture and I'd like to wish you good luck." as he stuck out his hand.
I was a little shocked at this sportsmanship but I responded in kind. "Thanks Kon I'm Kyosuke and I wish you similar luck in return." as I shook his hand we then moved back into starting place and bowed to the ref and then each other. The Ref then Yelled BEGIN! The first moves from both of us were so fast that all I saw was a similar forearm bar meeting my own.
Once I saw that our strength was similar I moved to leg sweep him but he countered by performing a somersault away from me leaving me prone on the ground to an open assault. Kon was faster than I expected and I got four to five fist punches sent my direction almost all at once. I defended well but I was looking for a point here not defense.
I decide it was finally time to get serious. I jumped back away from his attack which surprised him and then I used my technique I planted my foot and closed my eyes and focused Kaminari pasu I thought to myself as I launched forward into Kon. The movement was so fast that Kon never saw the two fist punches that connected with his chest. All I heard was a light gasp of air as I passed by him and he crumpled to the floor in a heap as I opened my eyes I heard the ref stammer one point Green!
The ref then looked over at Kon laying on the mat on his side and went over to kneel next to him. After a few whispered words were exchanged a member of the training staff was brought out onto the mat and knelt next to him. The whole time I was standing quite close listening to what was said. "ref I don't think its a good idea for him to continue I think he may have a few cracked ribs." the trainer stated.
"Well you're the medical staff if you say that then I'm going to have to call the match." Before the ref got up I moved around the group and knelt myself to speak with Kon." Kon I am sorry I didn't mean to cause you any real physical injury, I was just trying the best I could I feel bad man." I whispered to him.
"Augh don't feel bad Kyosuke it's just part of martial arts it can happen to any of us. To be honest I hadn't ever seen anything like that its no wonder I couldn't defend against it but don't feel bad, just do me a favor." "Anything Kon what can I do for you?"
"Once I heal up let me come find you and let's do this again I'd like to see what I can do against you with a bit more training." I grinned at his fighting spirit, "Sure" I whispered shook his hand again and stood up to return to my side of the mat. Ladies and gentlemen may I have your attention on mat 4 we have an announcement to make due to some extraneous injury the Miyagi prefecture participant can no longer continue. this means the Chiba participant will be moving on by default. thank you.
After the announcement there were many cheers as Kon got up with help and was hauled off the mat to the medical area. I bowed to him then the referee and headed back to the rest area to find out how the rest of our team did.
To my great surprised only two of our team continued to the semi final round of the tournament me and Shin. Tanaka, Shaka and even Kohei lost their matches. " What exactly happened out there. "Well Kosaka it's like I said there are a lot of guys out there with things to prove and their resolve was greater than ours it seems." Tanaka stated with a grim look on his face. "Hey Kyosuke can you tell me something?" Shaka asked
"What is it Shaka?" " Will you show me that move you used when we get back to Chiba after the tournament during practice, I don't think any of us have seen anything like that before." I was more than a little reluctant, I mean I barely felt like I had that move down myself, "W-w-well I can try I guess but it's not normal and it will take you a lot of time and practice to get it but I can show you the basics."
Shaka thanked me and then Kohei spoke up. "Oh man look at the posting for the next round, what the hell!" I looked over to the big board to see who my next opponent was and to my shock it showed my name Kyosuke vs Shin. "Kosaka I don't want any quarter just because we are comrades. You came here with something to prove...and so have I so do not disappoint me." Shin said as he turned and walked over to get a drink of water and have a seat. I decided to go over and sit with him.
"Hey shin you got a minute?" He looked up at me and nodded, I sat down close to him and spoke. "Shin were you serious just now, I need to know that you won't hold it against me if I pull out all the stops." he moved in close to me so only he and I could hear and said "Look Kosaka I know you don't show much of your hand in class but I know full well you are very smart and very strong.
I had greatly hoped it would come down to this. Shaka, Kohei even Tanaka there all good guys but when I look into their eyes I don't see what I see in yours. The thirst for recognition, no matter how well you mask it I know it is there I see it every time I look at myself in the mirror as well. So yes if you want my respect then do not hold back."
I put my hands on my knees and closed my eyes, "You know Shin I think that is the most I have ever heard you say at one time." at this he quietly laughed. "well I talk when I actually have something important to say. See you out there Kyosuke." "Same to you Shin." Siiiiiiiiigh I really had hoped I could keep that promise to my father, but it seems I really am going to have to use everything...damn I wish Kirino wasn't here to see this she is going to get mad at me...oh well.
Semi-Final Round:
Kyosuke:
Well it seemed that my earlier match had cause an extreme amount of chatter on the SNS blog sites as well as with viewers at home because when I came out to the mat for my match the place nearly exploded. I took my spot on the green side of the mat once again.
Across from me was Shin with that stoic look on his face but when I looked into his eyes it was if they were glowing. He would hold nothing back in this fight I decided at that moment I would do the same. I turned away from him and the ref and closed my eyes to focus.
I quietly searched for the pool of physical strength I use only for emergencies. Once I grabbed onto it I began to draw it out and at once I felt my whole body come alive like it was electrically charged. I turned around and opened my eyes and it was now shin who smiled. I smiled back and we both bowed to signify we were ready.
The ref could see this was going to get serious but nodded all the same and yelled BEGIN! I once again moved toward the middle and planted my anchor foot and closed my eyes Kaminari pasu I thought and all at once I was past shin but I could tell he had blocked both attacks cleanly I turned around fast to counter.
I heard a whisper Kurai hai kikku as a lightning quick dark flash passed before me catching me from the bottom of my chest to my shoulder send a huge spike of pain into me and sending me sliding back on my feet to a sudden stop. POINT! Red the ref called out as Shin had cleared me in one shot.
The look of surprise on his face told me that not many had taken that attack and stayed on their feet. I steeled myself and retook my place. No way am I taking another shot Like that..BEGIN! I moved in plainly this time with kicks and punches as fast as my body could move and shin was blocking and countering in a same way. We were moving quickly around the mat when I decide to take a risk, I dropped down to foot sweep Shin.
He countered this by jumping up and over it and at that moment I once again dove into my strength Tetsu no suiryoku I thought as I planted a foot and knee on the ground and thrust-ed both fists up into his chest. This lightning movement caught him Prone and blasted him back into the air and onto the mat rolling and bouncing back up into a standing place on the edge of the mat. POINT! Green.
Shin was breathing heavily and holding his right side after that attack. I wasn't left untouched by the attack because both of my arms were numb but I did my best to hold a stoic look as well. I got to end this quick. BEGIN! I knew neither of us could continue a long duration exchange so I decide this was it I'd go for broke. I pulled every once of strength I had left and didn't even take my normal technique stance I just closed my eyes and thought Kaminari pasu and launched to the middle of the mat in an instant.
Shin feeling the ever-growing sense of fatigue had the same idea, in an instant he was also in the middle of the mat I could clearly make out Harikēn no suiryokuin his whisper and as both attacks met there was a blinding moment where everything stopped, to me it felt like real electricity was passing between us and at the moment of this realization the blow back occurred.
A shock of pain traveled up both my arms across my chest and through my legs blowing be far back across the mat I fell hard and slid a long way. Shin was in no better condition a huge bruise had formed on his forearm and cheek as he flew in the opposite direction and slid to a stop in a heap on the mat as well. It was at that moment I heard the Referee.
"The green participant is off the mat, The winner of this round is RED! WINNER!" he yelled as he raised his hand toward Shin. I looked down to see I had indeed crossed the edge of the mat boundary my-my elbow. Damn if I just could have held that movement a second longer maybe...oh well it was a good try.
I slowly got to my feet the amount of damage I had taken was immense I would definitely have some major bruises after that. It wasn't until after a few moments I realized the entire crowd was on its feet and cheering by far louder than I had heard all day and the flash bulbs geez stop with the pictures damn it already...
I took my spot and bowed to the ref and then looked over to shin, man how was he going to move forward-looking like that? I wondered. I bowed to him he smiled and bowed back and then I turned and headed back to the rest area with a fist held high over my head to respond to the cheers.
"Hey Kyosuke wait up man." It was Shin trying to catch up with me, wonder what he wants? "Hey Shin good job man that was a hell of a fight." His goofy grin had returned from the void, "Yeah I'm pretty sure the tournament winner was going to be either you or I the rest of these guys can't hold a candle to us."
"Is that so?" I raised an eyebrow in response. "Well if that is the case Shin finish this up quick I want to get home and soak, plus we got a long train ride heh good luck man." "Thanks Kyosuke after this let start sparring after school where you and Kohei train if you don't mind."
"Sure Shin but I'm not going all out again for a while deal? I think I'm gonna have hell to pay as it is." Shins face told me he agreed, "Deal, but what hell to pay are you talking about?" I just waved a hand at Shin and continued to walk back to the rest area. "Don't worry about it man just some stuff to deal with at home..."
Shin was right. Not long after our fight he made it to the Finals and won the match I was there to greet him and congratulate him for bringing the win home for our school. We all went out to the stadium podium as a team to celebrate and it's probably one of the greatest memories I have to date.
"Hey Kohei you did a heck of a job in your first tournament man." Kohei waved to the crowd and grinned at me, "Thanks Kyosuke, I think its you and Shin they will be talking about on the news, and here I thought I was really on your level too." I scoffed at Kohei's negativity, "Well kohei I went into a pool of power I never pull from so it won't be happening again for a while. your more than a match for me seriously..." Kohei smiled flatly at my confidence in him, "No worries man, I can't believe you made it to the Semi-finals in your first attempt...damn man!"
"Well its time to get back to reality I guess that bullet train isn't going to wait forever" and with that Kohei and I left the stadium and headed for the platform and train that would take us home, and me to my next moment of embarrassment to say the least...