Chapter 3: First Round Obstacles
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. I'm sorry about the wait but I had just watched both series and I finally figured out the perfect balance between the two. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
To kick off summer, the first rounds of the Keijo tournament were about to get underway, and needless to say everyone was ready both competitors and spectators.
"Attention Surfer's Paradise today is the first day of our summer-long Keijo tournament. The matches begin in 3 hours so players be sure to eat, stretch or do whatever you gotta do to prepare yourself but I have been told that tardiness to any match will result in zero points for the day so you better be on time." Johnny announced.
In the pirate ship restaurant, a huge buffet line was set up for the Keijo girls so they could get their energy.
At a table, Nozomi, Sayaka, Non and Kazane were eating.
"Man hotel food is pretty good. I could get used to this." Nozomi smiles.
"Don't eat too much or you'll be too burnt out for your match." Non warns.
"No way, I plan on winning today." Nozomi said determined.
"Well then let's hope we all get good matchups." Sayaka said.
"Hey guys." Emma said walking over.
"Emma, shouldn't you be in your uniform?" Nozomi asks.
"Yeah isn't this your workplace?" Sayaka asks.
"We got lucky today. We officially start tomorrow so that means we actually get to come watch you guys compete." Emma said.
"Well then you're in for a treat." Nozomi smiles.
"Assuming we do well." Non said nervously.
"Yeah Nozomi just about every girl here wants to win." Kazane said.
"Which will make it all the more rewarding when I win. I've been waiting for this day for so long. Me on the land, a big smile on my face and then…" Nozomi stops as a blush appears on her face.
"And then what?" Emma asks.
"Uh nothing just the joy of winning." Nozomi said brushing it off.
"Hey where's Hiro?" Emma asks.
"He's putting the final touches on the arena for today." Sayaka said.
"Cool, well I'll go tell the others. Good luck girls I'm rooting for you." Emma said walking away.
"She seems nice." Kazane said.
"Yeah all our Grom friends are pretty nice." Nozomi said.
"Well except that Reef guy. I don't like him." Sayaka mutters.
"Good guys are hard to come by." Kazane said.
"Well I might know one." Nozomi said as both she and Sayaka thought about one boy in particular.
Ever since Hitomi had pulled that little kiss prank neither girl could get it out of their head. Sure Hiro was a nice guy and pretty cute. Neither one had ever thought of making a move or asking him out.
Meanwhile in the swimming arena, Hiro was putting the finishing touches on the arena for today.
"Alright they said they wanted a road land. I think it looks good." Hiro said walking out in only a pair of dark blue swim trunks.
Examining the land, there were many platforms but also multiple thin lines for roads that allowed players to run across to different areas of the race.
Walking onto it, Hiro did a series of jumps and quick steps to test their balance and strength.
"Hmm alright these seem stable enough." Hiro said walking along the whole thing.
"Hey sup Hiro!" By the door, Hiro saw Reef and Broseph waving at him.
Smiling Hiro jumps into the water and swam to the edge.
"Hey guys." Hiro said resurfacing. "What are you doing? No one is allowed in until near the matches."
"No guests, but staff are allowed in." Brospeh points out.
"So where are the babes dude? Huh? Where are they?" Reef asks eagerly.
"Uh around the hotel. Probably preparing." Hiro said in an obvious tone.
"Oh right." Reef said.
"So you guys coming to watch?" Hiro asks.
"Of course dude. We don't start until tomorrow so we'll be grabbing some cool waves and then come cheer you guys on." Brospeh said.
"And I'll be on the lookout for any Keijo babes looking for a cool hunk of Reef." Reef said fixing his hair.
"Yeah let met know how that goes." Hiro rolls his eyes climbing out of the water. "I hope Nozomi and Sayaka are ready for this."
"You got quite the job dude. And this arena looks da bomb." Broseph said.
"Thanks took quite a while to set up." Hiro said.
"So Hiro see any cute babes that got your attention?" Reef asks.
"Well I've met a few but not many." Hiro said.
"You didn't answer. I said any cute ones?" Reef repeates.
"Uh…maybe." Hiro pauses.
"Nice bro. So those girls you hang out with? Which one are you dating?" Broseph asks.
"Dating? No we're best friends. Nozomi, Sayaka and I got into Keijo together." Hiro denies.
"So does that mean they're single?" Reef asks.
"You'd never have a shot with either." Hiro said almost immediately.
"Ooh burn." Broseph chuckles.
"Look guys I gotta make sure everything is ready. This is literally my only job and I do not want to get fired." Hiro said.
"Alright, alright. See you later dude." Reef said as they walked out.
As Hiro went back to the platforms he couldn't help but think about what Reef said.
Ever since the two of them kissed him last night he had begun to think of them differently. I mean he knew they were hot, you'd be an idiot not to notice that, but he had been friends with them for so long.
What would happen if any of them took the next step and how would it affect the other?
Soon it was finally time for the first round and needless to say everyone was eager.
As the stands were filled with hotel guests and Keijo fans everyone was excited to see this years competitors.
Out by the water, Hiro stood near the edge to make sure everything was the way it should be.
To his left, all the competitors were lined up eagerly awaiting their matches for today.
"Alright ladies listen up! These matches will be divided into groups of 12 and the event lasts 10 minutes." Nagisa explains as they looked to the screen. "Look for your face and that will be your match for today."
As all the groups were divided, they saw Nozomi was in the first group along with the familiar Hanabi and Sayaka was in the second group along with Rin.
"Hey looks like you're after me." Nozomi points.
"That's good, I'd hate for us to have to face each other in Round 1." Sayaka said.
"And this way I can root for you both." Hiro said.
"Be sure to cheer extra loud when I win." Nozomi said.
"Me as well." Sayaka said.
"You know it." Hiro said as the three of them fist-bumped.
Making her way onto the land platforms, Nozomi, Hanabi and the other players went to their respective platforms.
"Hmm pretty sturdy." Nozomi said tapping her feet on the platform.
Turning in Hiro's direction, Nozomi saw him give her the thumbs up.
In the stands, the Groms and Johnny sat together among the audience.
"So Lo you familiar with Keijo?" Emma asks.
"I've seen a few matches on TV." Lo shrugs.
"Well just a heads up, that's our girl right there." Finn said pointing at Nozomi. "Her name's Nozomi."
"Oh you guys friends?" Lo asks.
"Yeah her and two others. We'll introduce you to them later." Emma said.
"Oh man Johnny look at all the babes." Reef said.
"There are a lot of girls." Johnny said.
In the judge's booth, Hitomi sat with Nagisa, Ayako and Kyoko.
"Well the first group looks interesting." Kyoko said ready to judge them.
"Hey Hitomi isn't that one of your pupils?" Nagisa asks.
"I hope she can rise to the challenge." Ayako said.
"Oh don't worry, I have a feeling my kids won't give anyone an easy win." Hitomi smiles.
"Alright ladies the race will begin in 5 seconds." Nagisa announced. "4…3..2…1."
On cue the bell rang starting the race. However, no girl had moved from their station.
"Dudes why aren't they moving?" Broseph asks.
"Yeah show us some chest and butt action already." Reef said.
"They're waiting for the others to make the first move." Finn said.
Down below, Sayaka and Hiro knew what was happening.
"Rushing in too early can lead to defeat. These girls are pros." Hiro said.
"If they want to attack they have to run across the pathways." Sayaka said when Nozomi was the first to run out.
Jumping up Nozomi slams her foot down on the last path square causing a wall of water to appear in front another Keijo girl.
"What?!" While she was distracted Nozomi swings her butt through the water and nails her in the face.
"Yes! Go get her Nozomi!" Hiro cheers.
"I shouldn't have let my guard down." She said as she thrusts forward but Nozomi narrowly dodges.
"What intense air pressure." Nozomi said.
Spinning her body the Keijo swings her butt at Nozomi multiple times forcing her to dodge.
"Wow these girls have moves." Broseph said.
"That looks like it takes serious butt muscles to pull off." Emma said.
"Wait do butts have muscles?" Brospeh asks.
"That's all they are." Johnny points out.
"Hey where are you going?" Nozomi said as her opponent ran off.
"Don't follow her." Sayaka groans as Nozomi did just that.
"You know she doesn't like running away." Hiro sighs.
As Nozomi chased after the girl, she spun around and rammed her butt into her leg making Nozomi wince as she was forced back onto the road.
"You underestimated the difficulty of this land. Keep running like that and you'll slip and fall. These narrow paths make it hard to balance." The girl points out.
"As much as I hate it. I better retreat." Nozomi turns around to try and run but another girl blocks her path trapping her.
"Well that was a rookie mistake. She let herself get trapped." Naigsa said.
"Maybe but it takes more than that to stop Nozomi." Hitomi smirks.
"You're mine!" The girl said swinging her butt, but at the last second, Nozomi drops down and swings her butt at her feet forcing her to drop down.
Using this chance, Nozomi jumps over her and onto the land area.
"Now you're in the middle." Nozomi grins.
"Go for it!" Hiro yells.
"Butt Cannon!" Racing in, Nozomi bangs her butt against both girls sending them falling into the water.
"Loser!" The computer said.
"Oh yeah! First victims of the match." Finn said.
"Wow she's good." Lo said impressed.
"Keep it up Nozomi." Sayaka said as Nozomi took out 2 more girls with her powerhouse moves.
As she ran along the road, she finds herself cornered by 3 girls this time.
"Sorry about this but we need to take you out so we can survive." One said.
'What do I do?' Nozomi thought.
"Take on step to your left please." Looking up Nozomi quickly moves out of the way as Hanabi drops in. "Mind if I join in?"
"Hey it's her." Hiro recognizes from the first day.
Hanabi turns to another girl and with a quick powerful motion knocked the girl overboard much to everyone's shock.
"Uh did I miss something?" Reef asks.
"I didn't even see her make contact." Broseph said.
"What kid of move was that?" Hiro asks.
"So fast." Sayaka said.
Jumping over Nozomi, Hanabi takes out the second girl just as quickly leaving the third girl all alone.
"Aw what's the matter? Scared to fight me alone? That's the thing with bullies. They're really just cowards." Hanabi said with a terrifying look in her eyes.
"Why you!" The girl lunges at her but Hanabi dodges and nails her quick strike again taking her out.
All that was left were Hanabi and Nozomi now.
"Come on Nozomi." Sayaka said.
"You can do it." Hiro gulps.
Moving in at an incredible speed Hanabi swings her butt hitting Nozomi dead center.
However, instead of falling over like the others Nozomi pulls back gasping for air.
"That was close. If I hadn't figured that move out I would have been a goner." Nozomi said.
"What?" Hanabi said confused.
"You hit all the players in the front of the jaw which shakes their brain and knocks them out. Luckily I figured out how to avoid it." Nozomi smiles.
"Well looks like this tournament has some decent competition after all." Hanabi said as a big grin appeared. "But now I'm getting serious."
Moving in Nozomi goes on the attack but Hanabi dodges and swings her butt whacking Nozomi all over with quick and powerful strikes.
Stepping back Hanabi jumps high into the air.
"Butt Guillotine!" Hanabi said slamming her butt down on Nozomi who narrowly dodges.
Jumping forward Hanabi shoves her chest against Nozomi making her skid back.
"I'm not giving up that easy!" Charging in Nozomi smashes her bust against Hanabi's. "Have a taste of my Bust to Bust attack!"
"What are you doing?" Hanabi asks struggling to push her away.
"As long as I'm this close you can't use your attacks." Nozomi said.
"Neither can you." Hanabi said.
"Oh yeah? You wanna see?" Thrusting her chest forward Nozomi pushes Hanabi towards the edge.
"Fine you want to play like that?" Smashing her chest against her, Hanabi pushes back. "You got power but it's not enough." Hanabi said pushing her towards the edge.
"You think moves like that surprise me?!" Nozomi yells before swinging her chest knocking Hanabi back.
"Whoa you're good. This is getting exciting." Hanabi smiles.
"30 seconds remaining." The announcer said.
"She's running out of time." Sayaka said worried.
"Come on Nozomi." Hiro said equally worried.
'I won't get anywhere if I keep pushing into her. I gotta knock her off.' Nozomi thought as Hanabi moved in.
"Thought you could attack me?" Hanabi grins.
"I already seen this move before!" Nozomi dodges it. "I won't make that mistake again!"
Moving in Nozomi smacks against Hanabi knocking her back towards the edge.
"How can you read my moves so fast?" Hanabi gasps.
"This is it! Game Over!" Nozomi swings her butt with all her might but to everyone's shock Hanabi dodges the attack completely and spins around smacking her butt into Nozomi's jaw.
"Ooh that's gotta hurt." Finn winced.
"Down you go." Hanabi said as Nozomi fell into the water. "This was fun. I hope we get paired again sometime."
"And the winner of the first match is…Hanabi Kawai!" Kyoko declares as the crowed went wild.
'I can't believe I lost. There are so many strong players in this tournament…I am gonna love it here.' Nozomi smiles.
A few seconds later, she resurfaces to see Hiro at the edge waiting for her.
"Come on you, let's get you out of the water." Hiro said offering her a hand.
Slowly, Nozomi took it and he helped her out.
"Hope you can do better than me." Nozomi said looking at Sayaka.
"I'm gonna get her to the back room then I'll come cheer you on." Hiro said.
"You better." Sayaka said.
"Man I really thought Nozomi had her." Emma said.
"Those girls are crazy competitive." Lo cringed.
"Yeah I don't know if I could do this." Finn said.
"Hmm sadly I think you're a little lacking in one area." Reef said.
"What's that supposed to mean?' Finn glares.
"Dude stop talking it'll save your life." Johnny said.
"Well Hitomi I gotta say that one has a ways to go but she definitely has potential." Ayako admits.
"Nozomi is a very fast learner. Wait until you see Sayaka in action." Hitomi assures.
"Well at the very least your engineer has done a great job with the field. It's holding up well." Kyoko said.
"I told you he wouldn't disappoint." Hitomi smirks.
Making his way to the backroom, Hiro sets Nozomi down on a bench.
"I'm sorry I looked so lame out there." Nozomi said.
"Lame? Are you kidding? You were amazing out there." Hiro said.
"I was?" Nozomi said.
"Yeah you gave Hanabi a run for her money. You totally had her on the ropes." Hiro said.
"Well not enough. I don't think I'm starting off on such a good note." Nozomi said.
"It's the first day of the tournament. You still have plenty of chances to show them what you can do." Hiro said.
"You think so?" Nozomi asks.
"I know so, and I know you. You're not gonna take this. You're gonna train harder, fight harder than anyone else in this tournament. That's the Nozomi I know." Hiro smiles.
"Hiro. I don't know what to say." Nozomi said.
"Say you'll be rise to the challenge and be the winner I know you can be." Hiro said.
Beyond touched, Nozomi grabs Hiro by the face and pulls him in pressing her lips against his.
Eyes widening Hiro was the one speechless.
"That's a promise." Nozomi declares with a soft blush on her face.
"Uh well…" Before Hiro could finish the bell went rang meaning the next round was starting. "I'm gonna go see how Sayaka."
"Cheer for me too." Nozomi said.
"Yeah you got it." Hiro said heading out.
Once he did Nozomi grabs her towel and screams into it.
'Oh my god, I kissed Hiro! I actually kissed him!' Nozomi thought.
Reaching up to touch her lips Nozomi could still feel it.
Outside on the arena, Sayaka knocks two girls into water.
"You're pretty fast." A third girl said.
"I have a method that works for me." Sayaka said moving in and knocking her into the water.
"Whoo! 3 down!" Broseph cheers.
As a girl swings her butt at her, Sayaka thrusts forward to block but at the last second she slips between her legs.
"Got you now! No way you can stop me with those mini melons!"
But instead of hitting her in the chest, Sayaka vanishes and slams her butt into her face knocking her overboard.
'How was she so fast?' The girl thought.
"Well looks like there's another fast girl in this group." Rin grins. "But nowhere near as fast as me."
"Got you!" 4 girls said coming at her.
Smirking Rin dodges the attack with ease and took them out with two super fast strikes.
"Whoa she really is fast." Hiro said worried about Sayaka now.
As Sayaka ran across the road a girl tried to cut her off but Sayaka dodges and nails her into the water.
Looking around for her next opponent she saw Rin knock the remaining girls into the water leaving on her left.
"So she's my big competition." Sayaka narrows her eyes.
Turning her head Rin looks at Sayaka and smirks.
"So you're all that's left." Rin grins.
"You're going down!" Sayaka swings her butt at her but Rin dodges at the last second completely avoiding it. "How did she dodge me?"
"Well not bad, you almost caught me off guard. But too bad for you, I'm the fastest Outfighter in West Japan." Rin brags.
"So you say but that's not possible." Sayaka said.
"Well if I'm not the fastest who is?" Rin asks.
"Isn't it obvious? Me." Sayaka declares.
"Is that so? Well looks like I'm gonna have to teach you a lesson." Rin said.
Moving in at an incredible speed Rin appears behind Sayaka.
Gasping she narrowly dodges her attack as Rin swings her but at her.
Sayaka tries to counter but Rin dodges again.
Lunging forward, Sayaka quickly blocks Rin's strike with her butt but the resulting force sends her skidding back.
"That's insane, how are they moving so fast?" Lo asks.
"That's what Keijo training is. If you really commit it can make you crazy strong and fast." Finn said.
"Well clearly these girls commit." Johnny cringed.
Down below Hiro was watching this and cringed.
'It's more than that. This Rin girl is doing something.' Hiro thought looking at her closely.
Panting heavily, Sayaka was struggling to stay up.
"Well I'll be you're actually keeping up. I guess that just means I'll have to move faster." Rin said as part of her hair moved upwards almost like they were cat ears.
"Whoa." Blushing softly Hiro couldn't help but find that attractive. "Wait focus dude." Shaking his head Hiro snapped out of it.
Moving super fast, Rin nails Sayaka much to everyone's surprise.
"And I thought she was fast before." Kazane said.
"She must have powerful lungs." Hiro said.
"Lungs? What do you mean?" Non asks.
"By taking long deep breaths she's able to move her body at incredible speed for short bursts of time and maintain it without burning out." Hiro said.
"You can see all that?" Kazane asks.
"I've been training with Nozomi and Sayaka for years, Hitomi would have me keep an eye out for any mistakes they could make." Hiro nods.
"Well, you might be useful to have around." Kazane mutters.
"Sorry but this match is mine!" Rin said firing a barrage of powerful butt strikes.
Sayaka tries to counter but because Rin could take in so much more oxygen she was able to gain the edge forcing Sayaka back.
'I need to counter. If I can get even a second. I can win.' Sayaka thought.
Flinging her up upwards Sayaka deflected Rin's attacks making her move back.
"Gotcha!" Sayaka thrusts her butt forward but Rin spins out of the way dodging it.
Eyes widening Sayaka sees Rin come in from behind.
"I'll admit that was a clever move, but not good enough!" Rin said smacking Sayaka with all her might sending her falling into the water.
"And the winner of match two is…Rin Rokudo!" Ayako declares.
"Oh man she lost too?" Emma said.
"This competition is crazy." Lo said.
In the back room, Nozomi saw Sayaka on the TV and felt bad for her friend.
"Looks like we both have to step it up." Nozomi said.
"Sorry Hitomi looks like your students weren't good enough to win today." Nagisa said.
"It's still early." Hitomi said as Sayaka resurfaced.
"Maybe next time Slowpoke." Rin smiles.
"Oh you bet there will be a next time." Sayaka growls.
'From defeat, you learn and now that my girls have tasted it, they'll fight as hard as they can to make sure they win. And I know someone else who will make sure of that.' Hitomi thought looking at Hiro helping Sayaka out of the water.
As the remaining brackets went on, Kazane and Non had done pretty well while other girls like Nami, Mio and Usagi had gathered tons of points.
Soon the first day of the tournament came to an end.
That night at the beach by a fire, the Groms had invited their friends to a small fire with weenies. Sitting down, Nozomi had an ice pack to her face while Kazane and Non had tired looks on their faces.
"So your dad kicked you out of the penthouse and is making you work at the hotel?" Nozomi asks.
"For now at least." Lo said.
"She thinks all her dad needs is time to cool off." Finn said.
"After the damages we saw when we arrived I think you'll be working here a while." Kazane said.
"I gotta say girls you were amazing." Emma said.
"One week down only 11 more to go." Nozomi said.
"And 5 more until the final 24 are announced." Kazane said.
"Oh I hope we make it." Non said nervously.
"Chill girl chill. You'll wear yourself out." Brospeh said.
"How you feeling Nozomi?" Finn asks.
"Better, should be fine by tomorrow." Nozomi said.
"I gotta be sure to sign up for practice with Hiro. Next round is coming up and I need to be ready." Kazane said.
"You and just about every other Keijo player." Lo said.
"Man some guys get all the luck." Reef said.
"Hey where is Hiro?" Finn asks looking around.
"He's helping Sayaka. He said they would be a little late." Non recalls.
Near the front, Sayaka was leaning against Hiro for support since her butt hurt from deflecting all the attacks.
"I knew this tournament would be a challenge, but I didn't realize I would be pushed so hard at the beginning." Sayaka said.
"You and Nozomi both." Hiro said.
"I must have looked so dumb. I thought speed was my thing Hiro." Sayaka frowns.
"Well then I guess you might need this to get faster." Hiro said showing her a list of times.
"What's this?" Sayaka asks.
"My time chart for training hours. You wanna be the first to sign up?" Hiro offers.
"Absolutely." Sayaka smiles putting her time in.
"No one knocks my girls down and gets away with it." Hiro said.
"Your girls?" Sayaka asks making him blush.
"Well I mean yeah we've been a team for a while now. J-Just because you and Nozomi are competing against each other doesn't mean I can't try and help, right?" Hiro asks.
"No Hiro and I'm glad you are still helping me." Sayaka giggles.
"I know losing stinks but I know you'll get better and next time it'll be you knocking catgirl into the water." Hiro assures.
"You think so?" Sayaka asks.
"I know so. You're the fastest player in the world." Hiro declares.
Blushing Sayaka was so happy. Even though she lost Hiro was able to make her feel like a million bucks again.
"Hiro." Sayaka turns him to her. "Thank you for being my biggest support."
"You don't have to—" Before Hiro could finish Sayaka kisses him on the lips.
"I know, but I want to." Sayaka said limping towards the fire.
Hiro couldn't believe it, Nozomi and Sayaka kissed him. This tournament was bringing out a lot of emotions but I think Hiro got the worst of it.
Round 1 is over, but this summer tournament and all the excitement was far from over.