/N: Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. Classroom of the Elite belongs to Shougo Kinugasa. Bungou Stray Dogs belongs to Asagiri Kafka. I don't own three of the series since both of them belongs to their respective owners. Other Anime characters also belongs to their respective owners.
Prologue
Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament
Three months had passed since Itachi and Mio attend the first year of middle grade school. Both of them decided to attend the closest one to home since it was one of the top middle grade school on Nagano. Of course at first, Itachi's name takes the attention of the staffs because of his achievement on elementary grade school but the reactions starts to turn normal as days passed by.
Currently, is the end of learning hour and he along with Mio are walking together to their home. The middle grade school distance is actually not that far so Ms. Ibuki doesn't have to escort them using car.
"It's been three months huh? Time sure went fast." Itachi said to himself as they walk alongside each other. 'However, without Akito, Shiho, and Rika… It feels rather lonely…'
Mio look at her adoptive brother with concern as she also voices her thoughts. "Akito, Shiho, and Rika. I wonder what they're doing now…" She wondered. "Well it's not the time to be sad right now. Itachi, you know what day it is right?"
Itachi nod. "The time of whether our application for the middle grade martial arts tournament is accepted or not. However, thanks to tou-san I think both of us will be accepted immediately." He said, voicing his thoughts. 'I know I'm not like fighting but my Shinobi instincts eager to see what kind of Taijutsu that exists on this world besides the one that I learned?'
"You're right. It will be my pleasure if I must face you on the ring Itachi! I'll show you who's stronger among the two of us!" Mio proclaimed.
"Hn. We'll see about that." Itachi smiled at her sister proclamation. Mio really takes her training seriously for three years, making her now become 1st Dan Rank in Aikido while based on Capoeira assessment; she's still on the 5th Stage after training for three years. Itachi himself currently reach 5th Dan Rank in Aikido and already mastered Arhat's 18 Hand in Shaolin Kung Fu and currently learning Snake Kung Fu from Mr. Ibuki's friend. Although Aikido is his adoptive father teaching, he starting to prefer Chinese Martial Arts because it needs a calm mind and only those who do so can master it to the fullest extent.
"I-Itachi-san, M-Mio-san… S-Seems we meet again like u-usual." A shy and meek voice greets both of them from across the street. There, Kokoro with her middle grade school uniform and carrying bags, greet them.
"Kokoro." Mio greet her as Kokoro crossing the street toward their location. Due to their being neighbors, Itachi and Mio sometimes meet with her on their way home despite Kokoro attending different middle grade school.
"I-I've heard that today is the announcement of your parti-participation for m-middle grade m-martial arts tournament." Kokoro said in stutter tone. She's even shyer than Rika. "I-I hope my s-sewing is to your l-liking…"
"No need to worry about it Kokoro. Both of us will wear the clothes that you sew so hard." Itachi assured her with a smile. "Want to walk together with us toward our house as usual?" Itachi offered her.
"U-Um…" Kokoro meekly agreed as the three of them walk together.
After they bid goodbye to Kokoro who went inside her house, Itachi and Mio are going to enter the house when they sees two shoes on the terrace. It seems there're two guests in the house.
'A guest… At this evening?' Itachi thought before remembering that it may be one of his adoptive father disciples.
(Few Minutes before Itachi & Mio's Arrival)
"I see. So you're going to compete again, Manabu-kun?" Mr. Ibuki asks the one that sit across him on the living room, which is revealed to be Manabu Horikita, his former disciple and the two-time champion of the middle grade martial arts tournament. Besides him is a young girl around the same age as Mio.
"Actually I don't want to compete again since I'm going to prepare for my entrance on Advanced Nurturing High School on the next year. However, after hearing that both of your children will compete, I can't help but curious since Itachi from what I see is quite a prodigy in martial arts." Manabu replied in formal, but respectful tone to his former master. When he's on elementary school, Manabu train with Mr. Ibuki and he's quite diligent, making him able to reach 10th Kyu Rank in just a year while he later train with other masters as well as Karate, making him reach 4th Dan in Aikido and 5th Dan in Karate.
"I see. But I must warn you Manabu-kun… Itachi and Mio achievement maybe can rival you quite easily this time. Itachi today even decided to learn Shaolin Kung Fu. If you two meet on the ring, he maybe can give quite a trouble for you." Mr. Ibuki warned him.
"I'll believe that after seeing their performance on the ring. Because this year, the participants seem to be strong in their own forte." Manabu accepted the warning. "Not to mention that he also joined this year…"
"I see. The owner of Madan…" Mr. Ibuki uttered, knowing the identity of the person Manabu's talking about. "Speaking of it, you never introduce me to the young girl besides you? Is she your younger sister?"
Manabu nod. "Suzune. Introduce yourself." He said to his younger sister which is revealed to be Suzune Horikita. Suzune has long black hair with one braid tied with a pink bow as well as gradient red eyes. She's wearing a light blue dress.
"I'm Suzune Horikita. It's my honor to meet nii-san master." Suzune then stand up before bow in respect to Mr. Ibuki in formal tone.
"I wish for Suzune to train here like I did. Is that allowed shishou?" Manabu asked.
"I see. Well, if that's the wish of my former disciple there's no reason for me to reject it." Mr. Ibuki simply said with a nod, accepting Manabu's proposal. He then saw Itachi and Mio already arrived. "Speaking of them, they just arrive. Welcome home Itachi, Mio."
"We're return tou-san." Both Itachi and Mio replied.
Seeing how synchronized the two siblings are, Manabu can't help but a bit surprise since his relationship with Suzune is far from that good. Suzune always saw him as an idol and since her last year of elementary school starting to imitate him, causing her circle of friends starting to crumble. Although he already advises her not to turn the same way he did since she is her own person, she never heed it. "I take it that both of you are forgot about me since when I was training with shishou, both of you are around 6 years old." He said with his formal tone.
Itachi shook his head. "My memories are good enough not to forget about you Horikita-san. I'm actually rather surprise that you come here of all times. Glad that you're fine." He said with a smile. Ever since he was 6 years old, Itachi sometimes sparring with Manabu and although he already has his memories of battle experience back when he was on the Elemental Nations, he never won against him or that maybe because his body still adapting due to lack of Chakra.
But now, he's confident he can beat Manabu although he himself knows that Manabu was stronger than the last time they train together.
"Horikita-senpai." Mio greeted him. She also knows him but never train with the latter since she start training with Itachi at 7 years old, the time when Manabu leaves Nagano to Tokyo.
"Good to see you Mio. It seems that you also trained Aikido like I did." Manabu greet her with a smile before look at Itachi. "Glad that you're fine as well Itachi. I actually here to visit shishou and announce that I'll participate in my last chance of Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament. I take it that you and Mio also participate?" Manabu asked.
Itachi nod. "The announcement letters come out today. We just need to check if both of us are qualified to participate or not." He replied.
"Actually Itachi. You and Mio already permitted to participate. The tournament will be held two months from now on Hokkaido. Since its summer right now, it means it will be held at autumn." Mr. Ibuki informed.
"Autumn huh…" Manabu in thought after hearing it. "That means the cold weather despite it was an indoor tournament will be a handicap for those that are not use to it." He opined.
"Furthermore, we not know if the arena is slippery or not." Itachi said.
"No need to worry about that. The tournament organizer already makes sure that the arena is safe for use." Mr. Ibuki eases both of their worries since he also had a hand on organizing the tournament. "However, due to I was one of the organizing committee, I must go to Hokkaido ten days before the tournament begins to ensure that all are ready. Both of you will be escort by your mother to there."
While Itachi, Manabu, and Mr. Ibuki are discussing about the tournament, Suzune's existence which is silent all the time gaining Mio's attention. She then decided to greet her. "Hello. Are you Horikita-senpai younger sister?" She greeted her.
Instead of usual greeting like the first time she introduced herself to Shiho, what she gets is a sharp glare. "I don't remember introduce myself to you." She said rather arrogantly, which make Mio flinch a little before narrowing her gaze.
"Mio/Suzune." Itachi and Manabu warn their sister at the same time.
Suzune later back down after slightly scolded by her older brother, while Mio only nod since she knows Itachi did it to prevent high tension.
"I'm sorry for Suzune's behavior Mio. She's not that kind toward strangers." Manabu apologize before look at his watch. "It's the time kaa-san and tou-san escorts us." He then looks at Itachi with a challenging look. "We'll meet again during the tournament Itachi, Mio. I hope either two of you can face me or become champion of this year." He said as he leaves the house. "Let's go Suzune."
"Y-Yes…" Suzune replied in meek tone as she still recovers from Manabu warning before following her older brother without any words.
After both of them already leaving the house, Mio stomp the ground in annoyance. "What's wrong with her!? I never know that Horikita-senpai younger sister is someone that's a-"
"Mio. Language." Mr. Ibuki slightly warns her.
Hearing it make Mio gasp, realizing that she going to speak dirty words. She then looks down. "I'm sorry." She said in apology.
"However, besides inform that he'll join the tournament for the last time, I doubt that's the reason Horikita-san comes here if he bring his younger sister around." Itachi speak his mind out loud.
"You're right Itachi. The reason Manabu-kun brings his sister Suzune-kun here is to ask permission for me to train her in Aikido. It seems the relationship between him and his sister is not as best as your relationship with Mio, so he asks me to train her during weekend to help her at least escape his shadow or something like that. But because it's Manabu-kun personal problem, I can't tell more than that." Mr. Ibuki explained.
'So… She saw Horikita-san as a perfect being and starting to mimic every bit of his personality. I know that Horikita-san is not a bad person… But this is unexpected.' Itachi quickly figures out the problem inside his mind. It's like his situation with Sasuke all over again. He feared that Manabu is doing the same thing like he did in the previous life: keeping his younger sister away from him. "Talking about the tournament tou-san, did the acceptance letter also show the name of those that compete?"
"Normally, there's no such thing but since I'm one of the organizing committee, I manage to get the name of those who'll compete." Mr. Ibuki said before her tone turn serious. "Listen well Itachi, Mio. Don't forget that the reason both of you learn martial arts is not to boast yourself as the strongest neither as a tool for violence in order to make people fear you. Instead, martial arts are used to keep improve to be better. Because of that, when you stand on the ring during the tournament, think of improving your skills by fighting other fighters, not for victory." He advised which both Itachi and Mio nod, accepting it. "You have two months left to train. Be sure to use it wisely while not disturbing both of your learning at school."
Inside her room, Mio rolling on her bed in happiness. In two months again, if the roller permits it, she and Itachi will face against each other on the ring and when that time comes, she'll prove him of her growth. Besides training with Itachi and Mr. Ibuki, she also trained herself and increases her reading about human anatomy to expand her knowledge.
'Just two months left. Other fighters like Horikita-senpai must be strong too but… Itachi, on the ring… I'll surely…' Mio thought to herself as she ready to sleep.
"I see. So you also join then Akito?" Itachi asked Akito via LINE voice call. He currently inside his own bedroom and sitting on his bed.
[Like I let you and Mio take the glory. I'm still confident enough that I trained for the last three years. Although I still not reach you and Mio's rank though.] Akito replied. For the last three years, he manage to reach 10th Kyu rank, a rank below Mio. [Oh. Speaking of the letter you give me back then, I manage to make contact with this Hiyori girl. She already knows you join the tournament from me but she can't watch it sadly. She only said "may Itachi-kun will prevailed. I'll support you from afar."]
Itachi slightly smiled. Hiyori really is a kind soul. "I see. Say thank you to Hiyori if you contact her again." He said.
[But you have her phone number didn't you Itachi? Why did you not call her yourself?] Akito ask in curious tone.
Itachi shook his head. "Not now Akito. Even back then I only make few contacts with her and for the last year I didn't do that. I'll contact her after the tournament is finished I promise." He replied.
[I see. Well then, see you in the tournament. Give my regards to Mio as well.] Akito said as he ended the call.
Itachi sighed, before look at the list of the competitors that Mr. Ibuki gave him and Mio moments ago. 'With Akito, me and Ibuki plus Horikita-san; the total of the competitor is 32, much like the last FIFA World Cup huh? But these four names…. I have wild guess that these four will be the one to not be underestimate.' Itachi thought as he looks into particular names that caught his interest besides Manabu.
Masumi Kamuro
Fuuka Kiryuin
Rokusuke Kouenji
Kakeru Ryuuen
'Even though I hate fight of any kind, being trained by a family who owned dojo and love to improve their own skills by battling others… It seems it rubbed on me a bit.' Itachi thought with relief because although his adoptive parent love martial arts, they never teach him to use it for bad things like street fight but only to improve and use it for good things. 'Come to think of it, Mio and I already make a promise in the tournament… However, I never thought myself to accept her challenge. Hn, maybe this is how I feel if I decided to treat Sasuke's better.' He thought to himself as he lies on his bed.
(2 Months Later)
Two months quickly passed by and its early autumn, meaning the temperature although not winter yet is starting to get cold. It's only a week before the Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament began but according to the rules, all of the participant must arrive three days before the first round begin in order to pick up lottery numbers to determine who will fight against whom in the first round.
For Mio, two months before the tournament is not wasted. With Itachi's help, she manages to balance her training and subject scores, making her feel stronger than before. But like her father said, it is not time to be cocky. She knows from Itachi that Manabu and Akito will also compete and she can't help but feel excited due to aside from facing Itachi, she will face against the one who also considers prodigy on the history of his father's dojo.
Currently, she and Itachi are preparing their belongings on the car before going along with their mother by car to Hokkaido since Mr. Ibuki already going first like he said back then. However, they still not enter the car because there's unexpected guest that will join them to Hokkaido.
"S-Sorry for being l-late I-Ibuki-san." Kokoro arrived in front of their house, slightly panting due to maybe she wake up late and quickly run. Speaking of it, she follows because her classmates from her middle grade school also compete and her school allows five students to watch as an audience while making an essay about each battle style that they saw on the tournament. "D-Did I-"
"No need to worry Kokoro-chan. You just in time." Ms. Ibuki quickly eases her worries as she starting the engine of the car before driving it out of the house and Itachi lock the gate before he also enter the car and they drive toward Hokkaido.
"I'm glad you decide to come with us Kokoro-chan. Does your kaa-san not mind about it?" Ms. Ibuki asked as she drives the car.
"N-No. S-She's fine w-with it." Kokoro replied. "And besides… I can also watch b-both of your matches beside my classmate as well. I-I also rooted for b-both of you…" She said meekly.
"Hmph! What you look is the one that will become the strongest middle grade female on this year tournament!" Mio proclaimed proudly while pounding her chest.
"Hn." Itachi just smiled, knowing that Mio doesn't want to lose face in front of Kokoro. 'This tournament… I make sure to enjoy it.' He thought as the car drives to Hokkaido.
On the tournament arena, Mr. Ibuki is seen checking it as someone greets him.
"Shishou." Mr. Ibuki look behind as Manabu walk toward him.
"Manabu-kun. I don't expect you arrive this early. Itachi and Mio still on the way to here you know? Does Suzune-kun also come?" Mr. Ibuki asked.
"Luckily my exam already over so I decided to see the tournament for the last time before I enrolled at ANHS. After the tournament is over, I probably not have any more free time. Due to it, I said it now. Please take good care of Suzune." Manabu said while slightly bow. "As for Suzune, she'll arrive when the time of the tournament begins."
Mr. Ibuki nod. "You have my words Manabu-kun. Did Suzune-kun already decide the schedule of her training?"
"She said to me that she will train twice every month so maybe on either Saturday or Sunday she will visit Nagano to train. Although she still can't see beyond my accomplishment, I'm pretty sure she can master Aikido easily within a year just like I did." Manabu smiled, still believing on her sister capabilities although the latter is obsessed with him on unhealthy level.
"I see. If what you said is right, I can't wait to see her growth." Mr. Ibuki smiled as he can't wait to see Suzune's growth.
For a moment, silence goes until someone suddenly barged in.
"Ha ha ha! So this is the tournament ring on Hokkaido! Quite a perfect stage for a perfect existence such as mine!" A loud voice bellowed and caught Mr. Ibuki and Manabu attention to it.
"I'm sorry sir! But the tournament arena is not-" One of the committee member try to remind him that the area is still prohibited to be accessed before being cut off.
"So what if it's not ready? Rules are meaningless to a perfect existence such as mine." The one that said it was revealed to be a young man around Itachi's age. His appearance including a well-built body of above average height with straight shoulder-length blonde hair and brown eyes.
Hearing this man rambling make Mr. Ibuki narrowed his eyes. It's been a while since he saw such an arrogant person. He knows that Suzune is arrogant for mimicking Manabu but this young man takes it to another level. "So you're Rokusuke Kouenji, the sole heir of the Kouenji Conglomerate and one of the competitors of this year tournament." Rather than ask, he simply stated with plain tone, showing his dislike on his egoistical attitude. "If you can read, this area is prohibited until the tournament begins so I advise you to return to the dormitories right now. I commend you however for being the first participant to show up in Hokkaido."
Manabu gulp knowing that behind his composed attitude, his master already shown dislike toward Rokusuke. There's a reason why Mr. Ibuki won ten national competitions and because of that, even he knows messing with him was a very stupid mistake.
Hearing the hidden threat behind his words, even Kouenji become tensed for a moment like some invisible hands is choking him. Even so, he manages to keep his arrogant and proud composure. "Ha ha ha! No need to worry Mister Ibuki. I just come to take a look at the arena. Now if you excuse me as I still need to perfect my body for the tournament." He said boastfully before leaving the indoor arena back to the hotel that's close to it.
Manabu sighs. "You should keep that heavy pressure shishou. I heard flying rumors about the heir of the Kouenji Conglomerate about how narcisstic and arrogant he is but to witness it myself is unbelievable." He opined.
"I know but I can say one thing." Mr. Ibuki said with a serious tone. "One day, his attitude will backfire at him. Someone who always arrogant at his or her own achievements… Doesn't deserve to be called mature at all."
Five days have passed. Itachi and Mio finally arrive on Hokkaido after two days of rest on the villa in Nigata and Akita respectively. Currently, both of them already finished packing their items and walk to look at the tournament arena. Kokoro immediately meets and stay with her friends that also competing while Ms. Ibuki is buying supplies for their stay on Hokkaido. They currently already inside the indoor room where the tournament will be held since it already allowed to be entered. They are currently observe from the guest stands.
Itachi look around. The arena is somehow designed in a square with the length of 5 m and width of 8 m. 'So this is the arena huh? This make the way to win either to beat up opponent by make them yield or win by ring out.' He analyzed.
"It's huge." Mio also voiced her opinion after looking at the arena. "I wonder where tou-san is?"
"He says that he still busy with many administration problems. Since it only two days remaining before the tournament begin, it is quite reasonable." Itachi answered. "Speaking of it… I didn't saw other competitors yet-"
"Hello! Are you also the competitors?" A kind voice greets both Itachi and Mio. They look to the right to see a young girl around Itachi's age with back-length strawberry-blonde hair and blue eyes. If one word can describe her appearance, she is beautiful.
Mio decided to reply since she can see the girl means no harm. "Yeah. Do you also the one that will compete?" She asked.
The girl nod happily. "I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Honami Ichinose from Kyoto. I hope I can have a match with either of you during the tournament." She said introducing herself as Honami.
"Nice to meet you Honami. My name is Mio Ibuki." Mio then decided to do the same.
"Itachi Ibuki. I also hope you will give your best during the tournament Honami." Itachi also introduced himself. Her name is on the participants list so Itachi already knows her.
"W-Wait a minute…" Hearing their family name, Honami widen her eyes a bit. "Ibuki? As in the one that win many national competitions in the past?"
Itachi nod. "If you talk about our father then yes." He replied.
All of a sudden, Ichinose suddenly jump forward, holding both Itachi and Mio's hand before shaking it in comical manner. "It's this miracle!? Even though I never meet him directly but I meet his children. This is something like miracle come true isn't it!? Can I ask for both of your autograph!?" She asked in overly excited tone.
"Honami… Your hands first." Mio said as she feels uncomfortable her hand is being shake like that.
"Oh sorry then!" Honami apologize as she releases both of their hands. "I'm just excited that I meet the children of the one that I actually want to meet with. Sadly, I never got a chance since how far I was lived…" She said in rather sad tone before turn to her happy demeanor again. "Because of that, I won't go easy against the two of you! Prepare yourself!" She said with challenging tone.
"You shall be the one to do that Honami. I don't think you can beat my brother though." Mio replied the challenge with the same tone and smirk.
"Mio. It's not good to speak like that to other people." Itachi remind her.
"Geez. Honami is friendly you know? There's no harm for me to tell her that." Mio huffed at her adoptive brother attitude.
Itachi sigh. But Mio was right. He didn't see any hidden persona from Honami. She's a normal, happy-going, cheerful girl. Which remind him of Izumi and making him want to avoid conversation with her. The fact is, even the length of her hair is the same as his former girlfriend. "Hn. I also hope to face you in the tournament Honami." He said.
"Umu! I can't wait for it!" Ichinose beamed happily when another voice greets Itachi and Mio.
"Yo." Akito greet them as he walk from the entrance of guests stand. "I guess you make new companion here?" He asked.
"Akito. You just arrive?" Itachi asked with a smile at the one that he maybe can call his first friend on this new world.
"Unfortunately yes. I just from my hotel put all my items there before decide to go here. What's with the girl here? Don't tell me you cheat on Hiyori already?" Akito decide to tease him.
Itachi shook his head. "I don't understand what you talking about." He replied.
"Heeh~ So Itachi-kun has another girl? My maiden heart is jealous!" Honami comically proclaimed.
Akito teasing however didn't stop there. "So what's wrong with this over-excited girl?" He asked Mio since Itachi is recomposing himself.
"For your information, she… Honami is one of our rivals that compete in the tournament and she seems have big obsession with tou-san." Mio replied with a matter of fact tone.
"I see. Though now I wonder what martial arts she trained with… I even never heard of her name before." Akito commented while rubbing the back of his head.
"Guh!? You so mean um… Akito-kun!" Honami feels like her small pride is pierced by an arrow after hearing Akito's comment. "Then let me brighten you! I currently on blue belt in Taekwondo and I am pretty confident on reaching the final with my ability!" She said while proudly touching her bust.
'What a confidence.' Akito and Mio thought with a deadpan face.
'So her fighting style… Consists mostly on kicking techniques then.' Itachi analyzed after hearing her practicing Taekwondo. Different than Aikido that balance both offensive and defensive, Taekwondo is mostly offensive with most of the attack using legs rather than fist. This means for a tall person, they on a good advantage of reaching the opponents head while keeping their distance far enough to quickly defend themselves. Itachi never fight a Taekwondo practitioner before so he's eager to face against Honami during the tournament.
"Ku ku ku. Seems I arrive very late huh?" A strange laugh caught everyone attention and from the entrance of the guests stand, a slightly muscular young man around Itachi's age is walking toward them with a smirk. He is a young man of average height with shoulder-length magenta hair that is styled on either side, and sharp magenta coloured eyes that strikes fear and trepidation onto anyone he comes into contact with. His outfit is a buttoned shirt with dragon painting on it.
Akito immediately narrowed his eyes, recognizing the newcomer. "Ryuuen."
Itachi also look at the newcomer who is known as Ryueen intently. "Akito. You know him?" He decide to ask as he can sense that among Akito, Mio, and Honami; Ryueen is by far the strongest person in here beside himself. In fact, he's the one that he's wary about based on his intuition after seeing the participants list.
"There're no middle grade students in Yokohama that doesn't know him. A famous delinquent that is known to have massive gang on his school and it's also rumored that he masters several martial arts. Itachi, I can say that he master more martial arts than you." Akito explained while warned his friend at the same time.
"I wonder if that's true." Itachi wondered as even though that's true, there's no way someone can memorize so many types of martial arts even though they master it. He learn from his experience on his past life that no matter how skilled Kakuzu is due to his old age, the Taijutsu that he master is mostly defensive with little offensive while Kisame on the other hand is good at both defensive and offensive. Judging from what he saw seems Ryueen is an offensive specialist.
Hearing his name being called, Ryueen look toward Akito. "Hoo. You join as well Akito? And there are three unfamiliar faces here." He then walks down toward the three of them. But among all three, Itachi quickly picks up his interest. "Ku ku ku. I heard that Ibuki-san, one of the strongest martial arts user in Japan have a son. So it was you?" He asked with taunting tone.
"Itachi Ibuki. I've heard from Akito that you seem master many kinds of martial arts." Itachi simply introduced himself.
Ryuuen smirk seeing Itachi's attitude. Compare to most person that immediately lash out, Itachi manage to compose his tone. "Kakeru Ryuuen. I look forward when we crossed path on the ring." He said before walking past the three of them. "However." Suddenly turn back, Ryueen deliver a fist with his right hand, only for Itachi manage to caught it and clench into it.
'Itachi-kun manages to catch it that easily! Even though he's not facing him directly!?' Honami is shock by what she saw because Ryueen attack has no warning in it and even she doubt she can do the same.
"What the hell do you think you doing!?" Mio lash out as she prepares to kick Ryueen but stop by Akito from doing so.
Itachi however smiled. Ryueen strength feels different. "That's some good moves. If a normal person they won't realize that dirty hit of yours." Itachi sarcastically compliment Ryuuen skills.
'This man… Itachi Ibuki… Ku ku ku. It seems my decision to apply in this tournament was not a mistake after all.' Ryuuen thought in interest. "Ku ku ku. That's a greeting from me." He said as Itachi release his right hand. "Let see who's the strongest not only in physical but mentally as well. Itachi." He said as he walks away from them.
After Ryueen already far enough, Akito pat Itachi's right shoulder. "You're good as always Itachi. I also impressed that you not provoked at all by his attitude." He compliments his friend.
"I'm used to face that kind of people. After all, thanks to catching his punch, seems I managed to discover a way to fight him if we ever met on the ring." Itachi stated to himself as he looks at Ryueen who came down from the guests stand to look around. In fact, Ryueen is almost like Kisame from his perceptions of him.
"Itachi." He then looks at Mio that seems hold her rage. "If I face him, can I pummel him?" She asked in angry tone.
Itachi shook his head. "If you ever face him in your current state, without a doubt you'll lose Mio. The type of opponent like Ryueen is a good counter for someone like you." He stated. Based on his perception so far, Ryueen is the type that plays with his opponent emotions before striking. Itachi can feel that his punch although heavy didn't show those like that of Akito that train martial arts. 'It seems… Ryuuen is not a master of various martial arts like Akito said.' Itachi concluded.
Two days have passed, and the day is finally arrived. The day of Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament.
All the 32 participants already gathered on the edge of arena, including Itachi and the others. He already wearing the black Kung Fu suit that Kokoro knitted for him while Mio is wearing the blue version of it.
All the participants look intently as the referee of the tournament walk into the arena and giving an opening speech before opening the tournament and tell the rules of the tournament. The rules consists of:
Fight decided if one of the combatant is knocked out or out of the arena (Win by ring out);
Breaking someone limps are forbidden. One that do it will be disqualified inmmediately.
He then looks at the big screen that was placed on the wall of the indoor arena that will determine who'll fight against who.
"Well then! Let's start the first match! The one that will go is…" The screen then stop shakes the names of the participants before revealing two names. "Itachi Ibuki-shenshu against Fudou Nomura-senshu! Both of participants can go the arena!" The referee announced.
"It seems you're first Itachi." Mio commented with a smile. "Win it so we can fight on the final."
"Win it Itachi-kun!" Honami said giving encouragement.
"I know you will win Itachi. Do it." Akito encourage him.
Smiled after hearing his friends encourage him, Itachi then walk to the arena. "I will." He stated as at the same time, Fudou also walk to the arena. Fudou is a handsome and tall young man, with green, slanted eyes and black hair, with a well-trained body.
As both of them already on the arena and faces against each other, Fudou decided to greet him. "It's a shame that I face someone like you in the first round. I can tell that you're strong." He said after seeing Itachi's physique.
"I return that to you as well. It's my honor to fight the user of Madan." Itachi return the compliment.
Fudou smiled. "So you've heard about my Madan huh?"
The referee then raises his right hand. "Get ready." After he said that, both Itachi and Fudou adopt their fighting stance. Itachi use Migi hanmi stance, where his right foot is forward and his right hand is lowered. Fudou on the other hand use a strange stance with his left foot is forward, right hand bring forward and his left hand is like he's holding a katana.
Ryueen narrowed his eyes seeing it. 'That stance…'
'There's no mistake.' Akito who also reading a lot about kenjutsu, immediately knows about it.
'Users of sword-less Jigen-Ryu that implement it into hand to hand combat… Interesting. So this is the one known as Madan is hiding.' Manabu thought in interest after seeing it first-hand. 'Itachi. Seems your first opponent will be quite hard indeed.'
'Itachi…' Mio thought in worry as she already heard the rumors about Fudou being a famous delinquent that manages to beat 40 Yakuza members on his own during a huge brawl three months before the tournament began. It became headlines in Japan for quite a time.
"Hoo. Interesting." A comment come from a girl that a year older than Itachi. She is beautiful, charming young girl with crimson eyes and long platinum blonde hair. She also wears a headband as an accessory. "Seems my decision to join this meaningless tournament is right after all." She said with a smirk.
"Begin!"
As the referee allows the match to begin, both fighters are not move from their position, assessing each other and wait on who will make the first move.
'Judging from what I read so far, his stance is Dragonfly Stance of Jigen-Ryu sword style. By putting his left hand forward for defense, he'll try to look for my weakness while try to get close as close as possible to me.' Itachi thought as he prepares to move first. However, Fudou beat him first. Rushing forward, he threw a punch to Itachi using his right hand. Already expecting the move, he's ready to deflect it away when Fudou suddenly leap backward to avoid the hand swipe. Now on the offensive, Itachi rushes toward Fudou and threw barrage of punches toward him. Unexpectedly, Fudou bring his left hand and perform something like palm strike to Itachi's stomach after fooling him like he's going to tackle him to the ground and avoiding his barrage of attacks.
'There's no strength in it. What's he up to?' Itachi thought in confusion as he widens his eyes. 'Don't tell me!'
'Take this!' Not long afterward, something akin to shock wave suddenly happens and push Itachi's backward to a considerable degree. Although he manages to hold himself from lose by ring out, he feels the force of the shock wave-like attack and even put his left hand on his stomach while try to control his breath.
"Itachi!" Mio shouted in worry. 'W-What's that? It is palm strike? No. That can't be! A normal palm strike can't do much damage like that!?'
'W-What is that!?' Honami thought in shock.
'Ku ku ku. That's quite a hit. It hits directly to stomach.' Ryueen thought in interest. 'Maybe this Fudou guy will be quite an opponent for me to crush if he manages to go to the second round.'
'The feelings… It's like being hit by a compressed air bullet.' Itachi thought while try to control his breath. He then looks at Fudou who readjust his stance by standing upright.
Fudou smiled seeing Itachi can stand up after hit by it directly on the stomach. "You're quite good. It's the first time I see someone getting hit by Madan and still able to stand. You have my respect." He compliments.
"Madan huh? Now I see." Itachi managed to control his breath before standing upright as well before look toward Fudou with a serious look on his face. "After getting hit, I understand the secret behind it. Using moves of the joints on your hand and shoulder, you compressed the muscles on your hand to release a shock wave directly to your opponent's internal organs, giving it a shock that can drop their strength rather significantly. Is that true?" He analyzed the technique before asking the owner.
"You able to discern how my Madan works just by getting hit once?" Fudou look shocked by this. 'No one able to do that before.' He seriously thought.
"Moreover, I read about the Jigen-Ryu sword style which obviously you implement in your hand to hand combat and conclude one thing. You so-called Madan is still incomplete am I right?" Itachi keep pressed on.
Hearing someone just break the secret of his technique in the open, Fudou just sighed. "To think it go this far till' my Madan secret is revealed. I've heard about how perceptive you are from my friend that also trains under your father. For that, I really appreciate that I face against you on the first round." He then enter battle stance once again. "Because of it, there's no way I'll lose here."
"I also have promised with my sister to face against her on this tournament. So I won't lose." Itachi return back his words as he enter battle stance. However, instead of Aikido stance, he enters Shaolin Kung Fu stance of Plum Blossom Style. "The true fight… Begins now."
"So there's one that use Chinese martial arts as well huh?" Said a young girl that has thigh-length purple hair that is tied in a long ponytail on the right side with bangs swept to the right side and purple eyes with a slight interested tone. She's wearing Chinese style suit. She crossed her arm with narrowed look on her eyes.
'What's that stance?' Honami is confused since she never see Kung Fu stance before.
"Ha ha ha! This Itachi-boy seems interesting!" Kouenji bellowed with interests. Instead watching with other competitors, he's watching from VVIP guest stands, completely ignoring the rules of the participants should be ready on the specific stands close to the arena.
'Ku ku ku. So he wants to change the tide of the battle this quickly.' Ryuuen analyzed.
'Even Itachi must resort to use Kung Fu. Now I understand, his enemy's maybe knows how to counter Aikido so he decided to change his style.' Akito quietly analyzed Itachi's intentions.
'Beat him Itachi!' Mio praised silently.
On the arena, Fudou then adopt the same stance as before. 'I only have one more use of Madan from my right hand. Furthermore, the situation turns worse than I expected. I'm not quite familiar with the mainland martial arts style of attacks.' He thought as a bead of sweat form on his face.
'Now!' Itachi rush forward, delivers flurry of punches toward Fudou, who effortlessly block it using both of his hands with speed that follows every direction of the punches. However, Itachi uses the chance to give an unexpected ground slash move to disrupt the user of Madan balance. 'As I expected he's quite good on hand to hand combat but his balance is easily breaks because of that. Seems my decision to change from Aikido to Shaolin Kung Fu was right after all.'
'So the punches is just a distraction!?' Fudou thought as he delivers a kick using his right leg on Itachi's face from the momentum of his fall, only for Itachi to catch it by his right hand. He then threw a kick that send Fudou flying, making him almost lose by ring out. Coughing for a moment, he stand up again before smiled at Itachi. "I must admit it. You're strong." He said.
"I won't let you use Madan on me for a second time." Itachi stated as he now on defensive. Fudou then rush forward but instead of Madan, he threw flurry of punches to Itachi's face. Tilting his head, Itachi narrowly avoid the attack while also using his arms to block each strikes before grab and pull Fudou's right hand that intend to punch him, later giving him a kick on his chest using both of his legs after jumping from the momentum of the pull, making Fudou stumbled and fall to his knees. However, Fudou retaliate by hold Itachi's right foot that land first on the arena to pull him down. But Itachi quickly retaliate by punch him in the face using his right hand, stunned him and releasing his right foot before doing spinning hook kick on him with it with considerable force like the time he kick Sasuke on the Tanzaku Town.
"Guaah!" Fudou yelled in pain as his body thrown before rolling on the arena and lost by ring out. "Guugh…" He grunted in pain as his rolling finally stopped.
"Fudou Nomura-senshu, lost by ring out. Winner of the 1st Match of the 1st Round, Itachi Ibuki-senshu!" The referee announced. The audiences clapped their hands for the amazing opening match. Mr. Ibuki who watch on the committee section, smiled for his adopted son victory.
"He won!" Honami cheered. 'But seeing that move… Can I keep up with other participants?' She wondered.
"As expected of Itachi." Mio closed her eyes while smiled since she knows her brother not like praising that much. 'He immediately knows that Nomura-san didn't know much about the mainland martial arts since he's expert on the Japanese only. That's why he changed his stance in order to confuse him. That makes his attacks not as sharp as the time their match begins.'
'He immediately knows that the Madan bastard know Japanese martial arts only and both of that annoying technique of his only have one use each day. Which means that two uses each day. Knowing that, he immediately change his battle style to guarantee his victory.' Ryuuen analyzed while smirking in anticipation. "Still… That kicks really fascinating to see." He compliments.
The purple haired girl that watches the fight intensely only narrowed her eyes. 'That move isn't a part of Kung Fu. It's a move that even I didn't see from my tou-sama.' She thought.
On the ring, Itachi approaches Fudou while giving him a help to stand. "Sorry for the harsh kick. I can't let myself getting hit by another one of that technique after all. Good match though." He said as he support Fudou to stand.
"No. It's my loss. You quickly discern my lack of knowledge of mainland martial arts and after you can discern the nature of my Madan, it's only a matter of time before I was overwhelmed." Fudou said, accepting his loss. "Name is Fudou Nomura. Hope we can have a re-match again someday."
"Itachi Ibuki. I'll wait for that." Itachi introduced himself as both of them facing the audiences. Holding Itachi's right hand, Fudou raise it to the air, presenting fairness before both of them walk out from the arena.
As Itachi return to the participants seat arena, he immediately greet by Mio, Honami, and Akito.
"Congratulations Itachi." Akito said with a smile.
"That was amazing Itachi-kun!" Honami cheered him with her energetic attitude.
"As expected of you. I bet tou-san must be proud." Mio compliment him. "Because of that, I won't lose on my first round."
"I believe you can do that Mio." Itachi then pat her head in affection.
"U-Um…" Mio felt a little embarrassed because Itachi show his affection in front of many people.
"That was quite a match Itachi." Ryuuen said as he approaches Itachi. The others tensed when he approaches. "I have feelings that in the first round, I'll face against either three of you. I can't wait for that." He said with a smirk.
"You face will be buried six feet under if you ever go up against me." Mio mocked him with hateful tone.
"Ku ku ku. A tomboy girl. I like that." He then looks at the screen that starts to stop to determine the second match. "Hoh. Seems you turn this time. Ichinose." He said to the blonde-haired girl.
"Me?" Honami didn't expect that as she looks on the screen that shows:
Honami Ichinose
Vs
Masumi Kamuro
"For the second match, Honami Ichinose-senshu against Masumi Kamuro-senshu! Both of you can enter the arena!" The referee announced.
"Masumi Kamuro? That's no new name I presume?" Itachi wondered. She belongs to one of the four people that he's wary on this tournament and Itachi can't help but worried for Honami. "Honami. Be careful when you face against her. I can presume she's strong."
"You're right on that Itachi." Ryuuen support his warning as he looks on the purple haired girl that stand up from her seat and walk to the arena. "Ever heard of Wing Chun? There's a rumor that her father is a Wing Chun instructor and he passes it to his own daughter."
"I've heard of it. However, different from Shaolin Kung Fu, Wing Chun attacks revolves on striking vital points like the neck, chest, belly and groin using jabs and other moves while the user also focus mainly on defense. This makes Wing Chun one of the hardest martial arts to master cause it needs great dedication and flexible body to use to its full potential." Itachi replied while explained Wing Chun at the same time. "I take it you can't master it as well Ryuuen?"
"Ku ku ku. Don't take me for a fool. There's no way I decipher my battle style to my enemy." He then sit on the bench. "I guess I'll watch here."
"Fine by me." Itachi said as he also sit beside Ryuuen. "Do your best Honami." He said to the cheerful girl.
"Thank you Itachi-kun…" Honami nod seriously as she walks to the arena. 'I… I can do this… To make my kaa-san and sister proud, I won't lose!' She thought, determined.
The purple haired girl known as Masumi Kamuro is stretching her body, doing warm-up as Honami enter the arena. She then hardens her gaze on Honami. "I take that you're my opponent." She acknowledged her presence in plain tone.
This makes Honami tensed. Seems Masumi is a serious person with no nonsense attitude. "Y-Yes. I'm Honami Ichinose. Nice to meet you." She introduced herself with her usual tone.
Masumi however laugh seeing Ichinose seems nervous around her. "No need to be wary. I'm Masumi Kamuro. Nice to meet you Ichinose. Just my advice, steel your heart. In martial arts, become waver which means your defeat." Masumi immediately enter battle stance, which is a high, narrow stance with the elbows close to the body and the arms place close to her chest.
Seeing Masumi immediately enter battle stance, Honami steeled herself as she also enter battle stance as well, which is one of Taekwondo fighting stances, which her right arm bring forward and raise close to her head. "Thanks Kamuro-san."
"Ku ku ku. Ichinose will lose." Ryuuen commented as he watches the tension become high.
"The battle isn't even begin and you dare to say that?" Akito asked him with a glare. He is sitting beside Itachi while Mio is sitting beside him.
"You can tell it by look into their eyes. Aside from the training and experience, Masumi determination is on another level." Itachi support Ryueen comment. "However in battle, unexpected things can happen."
"Ku ku ku. That won't happen if you can instill fear to your opponents." Ryuuen disagree.
"Get ready. Begin!" The referee announced the beginning of the second round of the first round.
Masumi immediately make the first move. Closing the distance quickly, she threw a fast jab toward Honami's neck with her right hand which the latter swat it aside using her left hand. However, Masumi left hand quickly jab her in the stomach even though it didn't ready for an attack before, making her gasp in pain. Her right hand also immediately returned and jab her in the neck before Masumi slid aside and giving Honami an elbow on the right side of her hips, making her stumbled as she tries to regain her footing before fall to her knees and coughing up, feeling the pain as her jabbed vital organs ached in pain.
"She's fast." Mio said as she watches Masumi moves intensenly. 'Honami… She'll lose.' She thought in worry.
"Seems my intuition is right. A jab on the stomach, neck, and kidneys. Even moves must be hard for her." Ryuuen said with a grin.
'Honami…' Itachi thought as she sees Honami struggling to stand up.
As Honami stand up, Masumi only frown. "I suggest you give up Ichinose. I train my Wing Chun specifically for attacking vital parts of human body. No matter how strong someone trains their body, if I keep strike at their vital parts they'll subdue rather quickly. With this tactics, I can avoid wasting stamina on battles and end it as quick as possible." She explained.
"I-I *pant* see. That's quite *pant* a technique *pant*." Honami said as she is panting while holding her neck with her right hand. 'Forget about her targeting vital parts of my body. Her movements also fast and all of the attacks are precise. But as a results, she seems hold back much of her strength. If I compare it to a character named Hit from Dragon Ball, it's like she hold herself from killing me or rather punch too hard to my vital parts.' She analyzed as she manages to control her breaths and the pain on her body become lessened. "What are you talking about Kamuro-san? I won't give up just yet." She said as she immediately threw a straight punch to Masumi which she effortlessly caught it. She then tries to knee Honami's stomach but the former block it using her left leg. Seeing the stalemate, both of them immediately keep their distance before adopting battle stance again to prepare for the next attack.
'So my first jab is not enough to defeat her huh?' Masumi then begin the first assault by jab on Honami's chest but she blocks it with her left hand. Honami then threw a punch to her unprotected cheek; hit it before pushing her backward. Manage to regain her balance, Masumi rub her cheek before changed her stance suddenly. She adopts the Emperor's Long-range style before rushing forward.
Itachi who's watching the match intently quickly analyze Masumi's style. 'I see. Her battle style is not Wing Chun at all. Wing Chun is just the base of her flexible movements. Her battle style is actually-'
Back on the battle, Honami is ready to anticipate Masumi who's running toward her. 'I'll finish it with one of the strongest move that I recently learned!' She then forms a stance as she prepares to anticipate Masumi attack.
'Judging from her stance, she'll perform a kicking technique. I won't let that hit me!' Masumi thought as she doing something unexpected: she jump over Honami, passing her head and spinning twice on the air while doing so before landing gracefully behind her. This cause big applause from the audience. She then immediately turns her body toward Honami as quickly as she landed.
"She jumped!?" Mio said in disbelief after seeing such moves.
"Amazing…" Akito uttered in disbelief. Masumi's body must be truly flexible and athletic to do such feat.
Honami's face is shocked by Masumi's feat but she also turns her body to attack. 'It's now or never! I'll aim on her chin!' Honami then doing reverse turning kick toward Masumi, which involves a sweep performed to create an impact on the opponent and the kick is performed with a perfectly-straight leg. It should be connected…
… Or it should be, as Masumi manage to duck under Honami left leg that doing the move, make the kick missing and only strands of her long, purple hair before tripping her leg using ground slash movement, making Honami lose her balance and on the way of trip to the ground. Using the perfect opening, Masumi threw five precise jabs toward Honami thighs, neck, lower left arm, left leg, and chin before finishing her with front kick that hit her solar plexus, making her gasp for air as she is thrown the air by the force of the attack before crash heavily to the ground.
"U-Ugh…" Honami grimaced in pain as she unable to stand up on her feet while Masumi look down on her.
Seeing the match being concluded, the referee decided to declare the winner. "Honami Ichinose-senshu, lose by knock out. Winner of the 2nd Match of the 1st Round, Masumi Kamuro-senshu!" He declared, gaining big applause from the audience.
After the declaration is over, Masumi then try to help Honami to stand but it seems her last attacks make her unable to do so. "Can you stand?" She asked.
"U-Ugh… I-I don't think so…*pant*." Honami panting in pain as she receives Masumi's help to stand up. "Different than me…*pant* you're truly dedicating yourself *pant*…"
"Don't underachieve your achievements Ichinose. That last attack of yours quite dangerous if you ever hit me. My advice, you can take this defeat as a way to become stronger than now. I'll wait our match next year." She tried to lift up her spirit with a smile.
"T-Thank you *pant* Kamuro-san…" Honami thanked her as Masumi helps her to walk out from the arena.
As both Masumi and Honami arrives on the participants stand, Akito immediately stand up from his seat and approach both of them. "Thanks for bringing her here." He thanked Masumi.
Masumi simply nod as she switches with Akito to support Honami. "No need to worry. All of the pain on her vital parts will heal in a short time. If you give her a time to rest she'll be good enough as before the match." She informed as she return to her own seat.
"Thank you." Akito thanked as he support Honami to sit beside him.
"Are you alright Honami?" Mio immediately asked in concern after Honami already sitting.
Honami slowly look at Mio, before close her eyes and smiled. "It's all right Mio-chan. But… It seems I can go the second round now like I promised. Kamuro-san is right…" She then released silent tears. "I'm still too weak…"
"No." Itachi immediately denied it. "You too weak are just your assumptions. The fact that Masumi praise you it's not a formality." He then look at the latter that's sit on her chair while drinking mineral water and wearing napkin on her left shoulder. "I know from the fight. She's not the type that belittles other's achievements or said something just to make you not feel sad. She truly praise you back then so you shall be proud." He opined to lift up Honami's spirit while showcasing his special abilities like what Kabuto told him during their final battle.
"How can you be so sure about that? You only heard a glimpse. There's no way you can decipher someone personality that easily." Ryuuen immediately disagree.
"Actually… He can." Mio suddenly speak up. "Ever since he was four years old, Itachi is known to be able to decipher other personality through small talk, their tone and observation. It's like he can see through hearts of others no matter what kind of shield they use to hide it." She explained.
'That explained why he can win so easily against the Madan bastard. So… A gifted decipher of people huh? Ku ku ku. I wonder if I can bring him to my side.' Ryuuen thought in interest after hearing this information. "Ku ku ku. This make him sounds like one of Manga I read back then." He commented.
"Yeah yeah says what you want then." Mio shrugged him off. Itachi noticed this is bit different from her once wary nature of Ryuuen. Maybe she starts to tolerate him?
"T-Thank you Itachi-kun…" Honami thanked him while wiping her tears away. "That means… I just need to prove her appraisal to me right?" She asked with a smile adorned on her face again.
Itachi nod, happy that Honami return to her cheerful tone again. He really didn't want someone like her to be depressed.
At the same time, the rolling of those that will compete on the third round already stopped, and it shows.
Akito Miyake
Vs
Kakeru Ryuuen
"Ku ku ku. Like I said I'll face female Ibuki, Ichinose, or Miyake. Seems my hunch is right." Ryuuen glee as he immediately stands up from his seat. "I'll crush you on the ring Miyake. Prepare yourself." He challenged.
"I should be the one to say that. Although not leading a gang and occasionally go into street fights like you doesn't mean I can't defeat you." Akito return the challenge as he also stand up.
Ryueen smirk. "Then we'll prove it on the arena. Because you can say martial arts also an act of violence." He said as he walks toward the arena. "And in the fight of violence, strength isn't everything."
Itachi immediately narrowed his gaze on Ryuuen. "Akito. Be careful when fight against him." He warned his best friend. "I have some feelings he's gonna do fishy things."
"You no need to warn me Itachi. I know him since our middle grade school is close to one another. I will not fall for his tricks." Akito replied as he also walk to the stage.
"Buried him six feet under okay Akito? Don't you dare lose!" Mio encourage him with a smirk. Seems she really wants to see Ryuuen smirk vanished from his face.
"Good luck Akito-kun. Defeat Ryuuen-kun!" Honami also joined to encourage him although still recovering from her loss.
"For the third match, Akito Miyake-senshu against Kakeru Ryuuen-senshu! Both of you can enter the arena!" The referee announced. A loud applause then follows soon after.
Both of combatants then facing each other on the ring, with Akito immediately goes into one of Aikido stance, Migi-hanmi tenkan 1, where his right foot is forward while his hands bring forward in tegatana position. But surprisingly, Ryuuen just stand there without any stance unguarded at all. This cause some commotions and confusion from the audience.
"He surely does that?"
"He underestimates his foes."
"Is he an idiot?"
Ryuuen chuckling hearing it. "Ku ku ku. Seems the audience already getting noisy. Even though I'll start crushing you from now."
Akito narrowed his eyes. "Their words have some truth in it. You sure to be attack with low defense like that?" He decided to asked.
"This is the way I like doing things." Ryuuen stated as he bring out both of his hands from the pocket of his battle suit that resembling those use in Karate as he clench it into fist. "Nothing more. Nothing less."
"Get ready." Both Ryuuen and Akito tense to prepare. "Begin!"
As the referee sign the beginning of the match, Ryuuen begins to make the first move. Walking forward in fast pace, he suddenly doing a push kick toward Akito with his right foot, only for Akito to avoid it to the right and counter with shoumen'uchi on Ryuuen unprotected right side of his head, hit it directly and making him stumbled. Akito then try to do morote-dori on Ryuuen, but he grab both of Akito hands using one hands each to push him, before rush toward him and doing serious of attacks, first begins with sideway kick to his right side that Akito managed to block before follow by a flurry of punches that push Akito on the defensive.
"Ku ku ku! What's wrong! Didn't you say I underestimate you! Seems it is not the case right now!" Ryuuen boasted as he keeps assault Akito with flurry of punches.
"Tch." Akito grunted as he manage to break the punches barrage by swat Ryuuen right hand aside before giving a hard punch to his solar plexus using mune-tsuki.
"Guuogh!" Ryuuen spat saliva and gasps for air as he feels the hard hit and he even actually falls sitting to the ground due to the force of the punch.
Akito immediately realize something. 'Did he just take that hit on purpose?' He thought.
"Huh. Turns out he's not a big deal. All of his arrogance seems only back up by some GTA fighting style." Mio scoffed in disappointment. Thanks to Shiho introduce her in some games; she's not blind enough about it.
"Mio-chan didn't you realize something?" Honami suddenly speak. "Even if my knowledge in martial arts is still quite low… I know from that movement, Ryuuen-kun should be able to protect his solar plexus from Akito's hit. But… That move is like he's hit on purpose…"
"Huh? Didn't you see his sloppy move when Akito deflect his punches Honami? Even though he's being hit on purpose-"
"No. What Honami said hits the mark Mio." Itachi supported. "Although it was rumored that he mastered several martial arts, from what we see here seems his not only strong in physical but in mental as well. As for his battle style… Seems like Masumi back then, he's hiding it."
"Like Kamuro-san?" Honami now confused. "From what I see… It resembles those that is used in that match that so-called MMA or something-"
"True. His battle style is mixed martial arts without a doubt." Someone suddenly support Honami's opinion as Masumi walks toward them. "Sorry for appearing suddenly. I'm afraid that my hit is too hard on you."
"N-No need to worry Kamuro-san. Maybe my muscles still a-aching but it's better than before." Honami assured her by moving her right hand.
Masumi smiled. "I'm glad then." She then look toward Itachi and Mio. "I believe I haven't introduced myself to both of you. I'm Masumi Kamuro from Saitama Prefecture. Nice to meet both of you." She introduced herself.
"Itachi Ibuki. Nice to meet you Masumi." Itachi reply the introduction.
"Mio Ibuki." Mio said with a formal smile. "Y-You said you from Saitama right?"
Masumi tilt her head. "Yes. Is there something wrong?" She asked.
"One of my grade school friend also from Saitama as well. So… I'm just on nostalgia that's all." Mio replied.
"I see." Masumi laugh a little before look at the match once again. "That Ryuuen guy is dangerous. Mixed Martial Arts user tends to be hard to predict since we will never know which style he will use on battle. However, based on skills, I think Miyake far superior now." She opined.
"That's right. Like Mio said back then, Ryuuen fighting style mostly self-taught so although maybe he got some formal training in martial arts, an expert like you can defeat him with the sheer mastery of your techniques Masumi." Itachi agreed. "However, seems he won't win this by skills, but by sheer will."
"You mean… He tries to win like the shounen characters?" Honami asked curiously.
"Just watch and I think we will know." Itachi said as the four of them watch the match seriously.
On the seat that's not far away from Itachi's group, Manabu also narrowed his gaze at the match. 'This is dangerous. If he didn't try to win by knock out, Akito will lose.'
"Ku Ku Ku…"
"Huh?" Back on the match, Akito rather surprised that instead of expecting Ryuuen will yield, he laughed while also put his right hand on his injured solar plexus.
"Ku Ku Ku… Interesting… I've never expected you hide this much strength… Akito…" Ryuuen said as he breath heavily due to the injuries. Moments later, he stands up again. "Want to know something interesting?"
"I have no interest." Akito replied with plain tone as he prepares to attack.
"I see." Ryuuen once again launch the assault on Akito, unexpectedly threw straight punch that's easy to read for martial arts practitioner like Akito who deflects it and give two punches (shoumen'uchi and yokomen'uchi) on Ryuuen's head.
"Ugh!" Ryuuen grunted as he feels the pain however he look at Akito wildly. "What's wrong? That's all you've got!?" He taunted as he delivers rain of punches once again on Akito. "Keep me amuse!"
"You talk too much." Akito replied as he try to finish Ryuuen off by holding his body to perform throwing techniques but Ryuuen hold both of Akito's hand in place to prevent him from performing the techniques that of course will end badly for him.
"Is this what you call talk too much? Too bad, because you lack one thing to beat me Akito." Ryuuen said with a smirk as he struggling to hold Akito. "You too strict!" Ryueen then do a dirty move by kneeing Akito's unprotected stomach, making him grunted in pain.
"Gugh!" Akito then step backward while holding his stomach. The kneeing must be very hard.
"Akito!" Mio yelled in worry. "Damn that bastard!"
"That's some dirty move he use there." Masumi frowned at the scene.
"However, he's not violating the rules." Itachi simply stated. 'Now I see. He's keep taunting Akito at that time to search for an opening to do a sneak attack. I'm pretty sure even though Akito's not showing it on his face; he must be quite annoyed by the taunting. Even though Ryuuen lack techniques… His will is strong. Hn, its like I see a brutal version of Naruto. I can respect him for that.' Itachi thought, respecting Ryuuen tenacity. "However, his plan is a double edge sword. True that hit is a clean one however, his injuries also not a light one."
"Hit on the solar plexus is not a big deal after all…" Honami agreed.
"I see my way to victory now." Ryuuen stated as he walk forward at fast pace for the kill. Using the advantage of Akito's vulnerability, he then assault him with punches and doing a heavy push kick on Akito's stomach, doubling the injury.
"Guugh!" Akito feels the pain of the kick.
"It's over." Ryuuen suddenly take a few steps backward of at least three meters before rush toward immobilized Akito and jumped, doing a spin-kick on mid-air using his left leg that hit hardly on Akito right side, making him falls to the ground before locking his movement by sit on top of his chest, while the latter already unable to get up due to being hit on the same area thrice. "Like I said before… Strength and techniques are not the only factor that decide the victory in violence."
"Akito Miyake-senshu, lose by knock out. Winner of the 3rd Match of the 1st Round, Kakeru Ryuuen-senshu!" The referee announced as the applause coming from the audience. Ryuuen then raise his right fist in victory. However, unlike the other two victors before, Ryuuen just walk alone to the participants stand without even glance an eye on the defeated Akito.
"Huh." Ryuuen stopped when Akito sitting on his own. "That's what I expected of you Ryuuen. Dirty tactics as usual." Akito coughed before continuing. "Maybe you've won against me… However, there's still monster that you can't conquer using that way." He then stand up and turn his body to look at Ryuuen's back. "Prepare yourself."
"Huh! A howl of a beaten dog is not worthy to be heard. I said to you before haven't I, Akito?" Ryuuen dismiss the warning as he continue his walking return to the participants seat where he sits beside Itachi.
Akito closed his eyes while smiling. 'Don't say I didn't warn you.' He thought as he also return to the participant's seat.
As Ryuuen return to his seat, glares immediately come from Mio and Honami. Masumi immediately excuse herself but not before sending a glance toward him. Not long after, a bruised Akito also return to his seat.
"Are you all right Akito?" Mio asked in worry as Akito sit on the bench once again before glared at Ryuuen. "You bastard! How dare you use dirty tricks like that!?"
"Oh so Akito have a fan girl? You must be a nice dude then Akito for making her keep worrying about you." Ryuuen mocked.
"Why you-"
"Mio. Stopped it." Itachi said which make Mio held back her fist. He knows Ryuuen try to play mind games in here by making Mio angrier in case he face against her on the second round, expand his chance of victory.
"Ku ku ku. Let her continue Itachi. I never expect that among the two, you're more mature than her." Ryuuen point as he sit on the bench. "What's the source of it I wonder?"
"It's not important." Itachi quickly replied with plain tone.
"Hoo. Play hide and seek are we? No matter, we'll find it if we clash on the ring." Ryuuen said with disinterested tone as he look on the screen that already show who'll compete on the fourth match.
Fuuka Kiryuuin
Vs
Makoto Kino
(/N: This Makoto Kino is just a normal girl who can do martial arts like her canon counterpart. So… She won't turn into Sailor Jupiter lol.)
"For the fourth match, Fuuka Kiryuuin-senshu against Makoto Kino-senshu! Both of you can enter the arena!" The referee announced. A loud applause then follows soon after.
"Kiryuuin huh? Ku ku ku. That's a name I never expected to join the tournament." Ryuuen chuckling to himself after hearing one of the competitors name.
"You're right." Akito agreed despite still winced due to his injuries. "However, that Makoto Kino is also a strong combatant. I've heard she is one of the few female to reach 1st Dan of Karate on the sixth year grade school. She's not someone to be underestimating."
"Ku ku ku. However, It's been a while since I heard one of the Kiryuuin participate. I'll enjoy see this match." Ryuuen said as he looks on the ring as the both contestants already entering the ring.
'Fuuka Kiryuuin. Heir of the Kiryuuin family, one of the largest conglomerate family in Japan besides the other three. She's one of the four people that I keep my eyes on but I can't decipher her battle style. Maybe this match will bring it to light.' Itachi thought as he see the match that is about to begin.
On the ring, both Fuuka and Makoto already face against each other on the ring. Fuuka is a beautiful, charming young girl with crimson eyes and long platinum blonde hair. She also wears a headband as an accessory and wearing Taekwondo suit. Makoto on the other hand has wavy chestnut hair that is styled into a ponytail and held up by a green hair tie. She is also seen wearing pink rose earrings on her earlobes. She also quite tall, stands at 168 cm for her age.
"Hoo? I can take your my opponent?" Fuuka wondered with bored tone. "Not interesting at all."
"What did you say?" Makoto narrowed her eyes.
"Interesting opponent is the one that use exceptional techniques like the Weasel boy, Wing Chun girl, or the Dragon boy that finish their first round match. While you, I can see you just a normal, talented person like the blonde girl that is defeated." Fuuka explain with a smile.
Fuuka's remark make Makoto a bit snap. How could she look down on someone that she didn't know yet? "Take back those words. All you did was boasting." Makoto said in anger.
"I take that as a compliment." Fuuka said as she do a stance identical to Muay Thai. "Let's begin already. So I can take a nap to prepare for my match against the big fish on this tournament."
"I make you regret those words!" Makoto then adopt Karate stance, the Heiko daichi.
"That Makoto. She's fall to the trap." Itachi stated. "I'm surprised there's also one that use the same tactics as you, Ryuuen."
"Ku ku ku. She more likes making her angry than play mind games like I did." Ryuuen replied. "She aims a quick victory."
"A quick victory? Is that even possible?" Honami wondered.
"It's possible." Mio supported. "I remember that Muay Thai is a balance technique of offense and defense. But I wonder how she will utilize it since to balance the two is quite a hard thing."
"Get ready. Begin!"
Makoto then decide to begin the first move. Rushing forward, she takes the offensive immediately by throwing punches at Fuuka's face but she effortlessly blocks all of it with her hands. Makoto then doing sideway kick but Fuuka jump backward while also watch her distance from the ring out line.
"Huh. What'd you exactly do all this time? I even didn't feel it at all." Fuuka said with a smirk.
Makoto however smiled. "Huh. Seems your ego really backs up by your strength." She remarked.
"Of course. It's a waste of time if I don't have backup. But I guess since I'm bored, I'll finish it right now." Fuuka then walk forward in fast pace to begin her attack. Makoto however also go on the offensive by threw a punch once again to her face that Fuuka easily avoid. She however counter quickly by giving a hard elbow on Makoto's chin.
"Gugh!" Makoto grunted in pain. She tried to counter but Fuuka immediately knee her on the chest, making her gasp for air.
"As I expected you only talk." Fuuka stated in disappointment as she giving a serious of strike consisting of straight knee strike, straight punch, and jab before finishing it with a hard roundhouse kick, making Makoto's head crash heavily to the ground as she lose consciousness.
Seeing the match is over, the referee decided to stop it. "Makoto Kino-senshu, lose by knock-out. Winner of the fourth match of the first round is Fuuka Kiryuuin-senshu!" He declared which gain applause from the audience.
"Amazing move there. She's doing a move that's on master level." Mr. Ibuki commented from his seats. 'Itachi. Mio. Maybe she can become one of the hardest foes on the ring.' He thought.
"Fuuka Kiryuuin huh?" Manabu uttered in interest after seeing her match. 'That move… If she's follows the two previous years, she'll be a champion without a doubt instead of me.'
"Seriously!? That's even faster than Itachi beating Fudou!?" Mio is shocked by the results.
"Ku ku ku. A Ha ha ha!" Ryuuen laughed seeing the results. "So she's playing mind game like me didn't she? She'll become an interesting opponent."
'No. She doesn't play a mind game here. She's fully confident in her strength to win the match.' Itachi thought, disagree with Ryueen's opinion.
"No way…" Honami uttered in disbelief. 'If I fight against her… I don't think I can't last that long…'
"She seems master the Muay Thai well enough." Akito said in deep thought.
On her seat, Masumi also showed slightly shocked expression. 'That's quite a quick match. If I face against her on the first round, there's a risk that I must expose it earlier than my match against Ichinose.'
After the fourth match, the other match of the first round went smoothly with the results:
5th Match : Mio Ibuki
6th Match : Manabu Horikita
7th Match : Rokusuke Kouenji
8th Match : Miyabi Nagumo
9th till 16th Match : Random characters
Rokusuke win is even more impressive than Fuuka as he able to win against his opponent with a couple of strikes. Itachi's glad that he put Koenji on one of the competitors he must watch out for.
As for the second round, the participants are allowed to rest for an hour before it begins. On the arena building canteen, Itachi is sitting on the table along with Mio, Akito, Honami, and surprisingly Masumi. Masumi feels companionship toward Honami and ask if she can eat together. Something that the kind, blonde girl happily accepts.
As for Ryuuen, he currently is eating alone on the single seat table on the canteen. Although Itachi ask him to join, he insists of eating himself said it did not suit him at all.
"Thank you for joining us Masumi-chan." Honami thanked with happy tone. After a while, she start to drop her honorifics to the purple-haired girl.
"It's nothing. I just join your groups because I find all of you enjoyable that's all." Masumi said with elegance as she sips her drinks. "After all, three of us here entering the second round… Along with that Ryuuen guy."
"To meet you in the second round will be my honor Masumi." Itachi stated with a smile.
"I also wait for it Itachi. To think you're able to beat that Fudou Nomura is quite commendable to me." Masumi smiled with challenging one.
"Oi Oi. What's the matter talking about me in here? All girls will hear you know." Surprisingly, Fudou himself emerge while bringing some burgers on his right hand. "Hello again Itachi."
"Hello to you again Fudou." Itachi then noticed Kokoro is walking beside him. "I see you escort Kokoro here?"
"Sharp one aren't you? Yeah. She seems confused looking for the canteen so I just escort her like the gentleman I am." Fudou said in light tone, signaling his easy-going personality. "Girl really shy and I'm afraid I disturb her you know?"
"N-No… In fact, I-I thank you for escorting me N-Nomura-san…" Kokoro shyly thanked him.
"Please add accent if you called me Inogashira. A-C-C-E-N-T." Fudou said with slight annoyed tone but with no sign of hostility in it. He then looks at the group. "By the way, all of you not mind if I join despite I'm losing?"
"Sure. Why not." Mio merely shrugged.
"I don't know why but I feel something like pervert tendencies here. However, since you seem a humble kind of man I'll accept it." Masumi said nonchalantly.
"No need to worry purple-chan. I'll not bite you." Fudou jokingly said as he sits on the remaining chair. Kokoro then sit beside him. Her face is red from shyness.
"Still, to think that you able to implement kenjutsu into hand to hand combat is something impressive. Too bad that instead of facing you, Itachi is the one to have honor to that." Akito compliment him while also voicing his disappointment for not able to face him on this tournament.
"Ha ha ha. There's still next time if you want to do that." Fudou jokingly said before narrowing his eyes. "However, Ryueen dude surely fired up as usual huh?"
"Y-You know Ryuuen?" Akito asked in disbelief.
Fudou took a bite of his burger before telling them the story. "Back during the grade school trip, my school and his unexpectedly meet and that's where an incident happens. Since our trip back then is to Lake Biwa, you can expect that is teemed with wild animals." He said with nostalgic tone. "I don't know the details though but there are some incident involving wild animals on his school based on the official announcement. After that… When our first year of middle grade started, I meet up with him twice along with his gang." After he said that, Fudou however smiled. "Although some of you here maybe thought of him as bad punk, I think he's not your typical delinquent."
"I see." Honami baffled by Fudou's explanation. "I… Can't look at Ryuuen-kun that way. Even at our conversations… He seems look down on us."
"Y-You right… The w-way he beat I-Itachi-san friends i-is cruel…" Kokoro supported Honami's opinion.
"But thanks to Fudou explanation, we can learn that we shouldn't judge someone based on preconceptions and appearances." Itachi agree since Fudou is the same type of man as him except his carefree attitude. "So… Do you will watch the tournament till' final?"
"Yeah. It's not like I don't have time to do that." Fudou replied with a smile. "Anyway Itachi, I hope you be the winner of this year so… I hope your luck."
"Hn."
"Nii-san will be the one that win again without a doubt." A harsh voice interrupted them and all look at Suzune who walk toward them with her arm crossed and aura of arrogance is around her.
"Hmph. Look who's coming…" Mio uttered with disdain toward Suzune, still remembering the events two months ago.
"Suzune if I not wrong. Where's Horikita-san?" Itachi asked her with formal tone.
"Can you please not call nii-san name so casually even thinking you can defeat him?" Suzune retorted, completely disregard Itachi's victory on the first round. "There's a reason why he become that powerful aside from Ibuki-san training. It's because he can do anything-"
Masumi suddenly put her glass on the table with a thud. "Look girl. I don't know why you talk so arrogantly about Manabu Horikita however… If you in here just to mock us I advise you can go now." She said with threatening tone.
"Ugh." Suzune grunted before huffed and walk away from the scene before stopped for a while. "By the way, Just like you asked me Itachi-kun, nii-san is looking for you. He waits on the participants seats." She informed before walk away from the scene.
"Truly, compare to Ryuuen, that girl attitude is so annoying." Mio said in repressed anger, hold herself from saying dirty words.
"I wonder how is she becomes like that…" Honami wondered.
"But since Horikita-san is looking for me, I'll go." Itachi said while stand up from his seat. "Sorry everyone. I'll go back quickly." He said as he goes to Manabu's location.
It takes not long time to Itachi when he spotted Manabu sitting on the participant's seat while sipping a bottle drink. "You'd called me Horikita-san?" He asked.
Hearing his name being called, Manabu look toward Itachi with his stiff look. "You take too long to arrive here Itachi. But I can guess Suzune's the reason?"
"Unfortunately yes. She seems make new friends with the participants of the tournament." Itachi said sarcastically as he sit beside Manabu.
"No need to be so sarcastic. Honestly, Suzune really need a lesson." Manabu smiled as he sip his bottle once again. "Congratulations for winning the first round. I truly never expected you managed to beat him."
"Same as you. Your match on the first round also spectacular Horikita-san. Compare to you back then when you still training with tou-san… Seems you're stronger now." Itachi compliment him.
"No need to compliment me like that." Manabu dismissed. "Maybe this is not the right time and right place but after this tournament I prepared for Advanced Nurturing High School Entrance Exam so maybe we will not seeing each other again for three years."
"That school that is said ensured hundred percent employment and college entrance for its graduate?" Itachi asked. He heard about the school from rumors but since that, he feels something very strange about that school. There's no way a school can ensure something like that and thus… He never trusts the school propaganda. "I see. That school however sounds fishy. Even boarding school it still more trust-able on getting college entrance than that."
"As expected of you to immediately sense something fishy." Manabu smiled since he always know Itachi have sharp mind ever since he meets him. "I also not believe it and from what I see, many graduates from that school encompass one thing: Arrogance. I really not like it one bit." He said as he clenches the bottle on his grasp. "However, my curiosity hit its peak so I decided to enter it. However, that's not the only reason. With I was gone for three years… I hope it will change something within my younger sister."
'Seems my hunch back then is right huh?' Itachi concluded as he started to speak. "If I may ask, why'd Suzune acts like that exactly?"
Manabu sighed. "If it's another person, maybe I will tell them not to meddling into my business. However, I trust you and Ibuki-shishou can keep it a secret." He said. "Suzune… I don't really know what happen to her but… I don't know why but she sees me as her idol. After all, you know that my parents is quite busy in work right?"
Itachi nod.
"At first, it looks natural like a younger sister looks up to his older brother talents but ever since sixth year of grade school, she started to have this strange reason of mimicking everything that I did. Mannerism, way of speaking, body languages, even my likes and dislikes. The worst thing is… She started to think that companionship and cooperation are useless as long as she on that personality and keeping many people away from her due to her arrogance. Honestly as an older brother… I was disappointed at her growth." Manabu continued with narrowed eyes. "She can't differentiate between separating herself and living on her own."
"I see." Itachi now fully grasp the problem. It basically what is going to happen if he keeps cold shoulder with Sasuke and not advise him not to be like him. Manabu truly doing the same thing as he did. Something that he fully regrets. "Then, how'd you plan to solve this problem Horikita-san?"
"Maybe by giving him cold shoulder. I hope with me become cold and never cared at all about her achievements, she'll realize her faults and become better than she is now. She after all has a greater potential than me to become a big person. I know that exactly when seeing her scores on the grade school… Before she become obsessed by me and just my little younger sister that I love." Manabu said with somber tone.
Itachi can't help but feel surprised. It's not just a coincidence like he first thought. Manabu and Suzune relationship truly a parallel to his relationship with Sasuke. Because of that, he immediately knew the flaw behind Manabu's approach. "Horikita-san… Forgive me if I'm being rude but… Your approach even from the start is wrong." He said.
Manabu look at Itachi with curiosity. If it's another person who said it he'll get angry. However, since Itachi also have a younger sister, he's curious how Itachi took care of Mio so she's not too obsessed by his achievements.
"Horikita-san… Do you have a thought being the best isn't all that's crack up to be?" Itachi asked him.
"That's some question huh? The truth is… I feel that way. Even to become not arrogant at all by my achievement, it is hard but it give positive impact on my life." Manabu honestly replied.
"I also thought the same. If we ever arrogant by our achievements… We become individualistic and egoistical. That's something that I don't want to become at all costs." Itachi stated while look at the roof. "Your personality is good Horikita-san. There's no doubt about it. But… On taking care of your younger sister, it seems you forget that talk is also important for her growth."
Suzune is on the way of bringing the bread that her older brother asked. Her face show complete confusion and anger. Especially on one person: Itachi Ibuki, the seemingly younger twin of Mio Ibuki, the children of the martial arts master that going to train her after the middle grade martial arts tournament is over.
Hearing his name something brings her nerves up. She can't understand why'd Manabu respect him so much during his time training with Mr. Ibuki and says Itachi have a potential to become better than him? From her view of him on her first see him and on the canteen of the arena, Itachi is a boring guy who seems silent and hard to reply to other conversations. What did her brother see from him? Even though he is already someone look up to in her middle grade and the epitome of a perfect student?
"Your personality is good Horikita-san. There's no doubt about it. But… On taking care of your younger sister, it seems you forget that talk is also important for her growth."
'Huh?' Suzune is shocked hearing the familiar voice. And this one is criticizing her older brother. Instead of immediately go to him, she decided to sit on the guest stand that's closest to theirs, disguising herself by reading her favorite novel, Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. 'What's Itachi-kun doing with my nii-san? I think he just want to congratulate him?'
"So you say my way of becoming cold and uncaring toward her is wrong?" Manabu asked but with no hostility. He can't judge because Itachi also have a sister as well.
Itachi nod. "From what I get, you shown genuine care for Suzune during her childhood Horikita-san. Now imagine if you suddenly turn all cold and uncaring toward her which can lead you to physically or mentally harm her. It will not only disturb her mentally but her wanting admiration from you will become even bigger that will lead to obsession of she want to become one that she admire the most." He said.
"That some big stuff you said." Manabu said. "If my way is wrong… Then what is the right one according to you?"
"The right way huh? Even I don't know…" Itachi lamented. "But if according to me, if at least you have a sibling conversation with Suzune and admit in front of her that you are not perfect like she believe you to be, I think it at least will help her to discover her own true self as Suzune Horikita rather than be known as Manabu Horikita sister. To do so however, you need a good deal of patience." He adviced.
"Discover her own true self huh? I don't know if I can do that. Suzune, she…"
Listening to the whole ordeal, Suzune can't help but tremble despite her disguise by reading a book. "Nii-san…" She uttered. 'He… Thought like that about me…'
"From what I see, you still haven't talked heartly to Suzune about this right? It's true that abandon our pride and be humble for at least once is a hard thing but if at least we have the courage to do it, I think it will bring change that even us didn't expect." Itachi said. "I think I must go back to my friends and must be prepared for the second round as well."
Manabu nod. "Thank you. I hope I'll face against you in the second round."
"I'll wait for that Horikita-san." Itachi smiled with the challenge as he stand up from his seat before going back to the canteen where Mio and the others are waiting. When he passes a certain someone, he decided to stop and speak.
"I know you overhear our conversation back then Suzune." Itachi revealed, which make her flinch.
"So you know it Itachi-kun." Suzune said with narrowed eyes. "Why'd you say such thing to nii-san?" She asked but surprisingly no hostility on her tone, just curiosity.
"I think I shall say this to you as well, Suzune." Itachi then turn to look at her. "From the first time I met you, I know you're not a bad person at heart. In fact, you're quite similar to Mio on her younger years." He chuckled remembering Mio childhood.
She closed her eyes. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm not like her. In fact, why'd you think like that?"
"Because deep inside you're just a kind-heart girl that loves her older brother more than anything but goes too far." Itachi suddenly hit the nail, making Suzune bit flustered.
"Please don't joke with me. I'm not that kind." Suzune denied although her mind think otherwise. 'Kind? Someone like me? I can't say myself kind when I make nii-san seemingly put a cold shoulder toward me.' She thought.
"Suzune, I already said this to Mio and since after this we'll be training together in our doujo for the next two and half-years, would you at least hear it?" Itachi asked which get no response from Suzune. But he senses no hostility toward him so maybe it's okay. "But tell me this first, have you ever once resent Horikita-san?"
"There's no way. Please don't freely judge me like that." Suzune said as she look to her older brother that seemingly talk with other competitors after finishing his talk with Itachi. 'Nii-san… He always be there for me when I was nothing but a bother. Even if only once, I wish to show him that I was different. However, no matter how far I prove my talent to him, he never acknowledges me. Why is that?' She thought.
"Horikita-san thinks that you can't differentiate between separating herself and living on her own. I think I get it now." Itachi surprisingly smiled. ""That's my sister", you only longing for that three words from him am I wrong?" He then walk away.
"Nonsense." Suzune completely denied it before look at Manabu again. 'However… At least once… I want him to say that thing to me.'
"Sorry for keep all the audiences waiting! Now we will begin the second round of the 32nd Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament!" The referee announced which get big applause from the audience. All the participants already sit on the participants seat once again while those that didn't manage to pass the first round is sit on the different section. "Okay then! Let's begin the first match of this second round! The one that will go first is…" The screen then stopped revealing two names.
Rokusuke Kouenji
Vs
Mio Ibuki
"Rokusuke Kouenji-senshu and Mio Ibuki-senshu! You can go to the arena!"
"Against the heir of Kouenji Conglomerate huh?" Itachi become cautious. From what he sees, Rokusuke have an absurd physical strength thanks to his easy victory against the competitor from Kokoro's middle grade school. He also on his caution list. "Mio. Seems this will be a hard battle for you."
"No need to worry Itachi." Mio immediately stand up from her seat between Itachi and Ryuuen. "If I can beat him, I can put this dragon beside me in his place after all." She claimed with a smile.
"Ku Ku Ku. You become comedian now? What a pity." Ryuuen laughed hearing it. "Anyway, good luck. I see your performance on the first round so I think you're perfect enough for me to be crushed."
"C'mon did you encourage me or what?" Mio said as she walks to the arena.
"So you're Itachi-boi sister huh? Like him, seems you're fit to fight perfect fighter such as me." Rokusuke smiled in anticipation as Mio already arrive on the ring. "I hope you don't disappoint me!"
"Humph. I make sure you can't act carefree like that." Mio stated as she prepare her usual Capoeira stance. Ever since she train herself on Capoeira, she begins to rarely use Aikido since it not fit her agile, small body and relied on one that completely use her agility the most.
"No nonsense. Well then wolf-girl." Rokusuke then open up the top of his training suit, revealing his quite muscular body. "I hope you not suffer the fast K.O as the last competitor that face me!" He declared.
"As you wish!" Mio said as she prepares to make the first move.
"Ready. Begin!"
As the allowance to fight is started, Mio immediately rush toward Koenji before doing a martelo de chao (diagonal upward kick) to Rokusuke face that he gracefully avoided by protected it with his left hand. Mio immediately keep her distance with ginga moves before attacking with sweep kick and another martelo de chao. It truly look like someone dances and Rokusuke keep his body safe from each attack.
"Hoo. An interesting movement you have here!" Rokusuke decided to compliment her. "Still." He then doing kick to Mio's stomach which hit the mark, making her gasps for air and stumbled backward. "That movement is too flashy!"
"Gugh!" Mio controlled her breath while controlling her breath for a moment. 'I know that this man… Rokusuke Kouenji is strong but not to this extent. There's no way I'll lose here! Itachi and I already promised to reach the final!' She thought as she manage to stand firmly again. Without any words, she rushes toward Rokusuke with the intention of doing another martelo de chao, with Rokusuke already prepared.
"Doing the same thing again aren't we wolf-girl?" Rokusuke asked with his usual arrogant smile as he prepare to anticipate his move. As like the first, he doesn't move from his position.
And that's what Mio aimed. She suddenly balance herself on one arm after reaching few meters from Rokusuke drops beneath his hips and brings the knife edge of her foot to his instep, disrupting his balance. She doing a grass-cutter move.
"What the-" For once, Rokusuke lose his confident tone. He had no chance to defend as Mio later do another fast movement ginga backward.
'Now he can't protect his head. I will finish it immediately. Prolonged battle with the intention of make him ring-out is impossible. I still can't do the same thing Itachi do to Fudou. So… Look at me Itachi. I'll fulfill our promise to make us go to final together!' Mio then jump to the air to perform armada pulada (aerial reverse roundhouse kick). Spin on the air two times, she land a direct hard kick on Rokusuke temple, making his face crash heavily to the ground. She immediately keep her distance after land on the arena floor. 'I-I've won!'
"Nice hit there." Mio immediately shocked as she seen Rokusuke stand up like normal but with red mark on his temple. "That's quite perfect kick. My perfect face now has some injury to be hide." He said with his usual tone.
"Interesting durability this Rokusuke has." Itachi compliment him. 'It's almost reaching the durability of a normal Jounin. Mio, now after you see this… Did you have another strategy?' He thought in worry.
"Ku ku ku. Why not worried about your sister instead complimenting that blonde freak durability?" Ryuuen laughed although his mind thinks otherwise. 'Now that I see it. I'm glad I was not faced him on this second round.'
"I'm not worried because after seeing this, the match is going to be concluded quickly." Itachi simply stated. "Unless she avoid the next attack… Mio will lose."
"Now I hope you prepare wolf-girl." Rokusuke said as he walk toward Mio with a fast pace.
Manage to regain her composure, Mio hardened her gaze. "I don't know why you still can stand but… Don't you underestimate me!" Mio said as she dash toward Rokusuke. Its later shown that Rokusuke threw an overhead punch to Mio but she avoid it using queda de quarto (fall of four) evade techniques. Regaining her stance, Mio then use series of fast variations of many types of armada (reverse roundhouse kick) and bencao (straight forward frontal push kick) toward Rokusuke who is now more prepared and even managed to block series of that attacks with his own roundhouse kick.
"Ha Ha Ha! I like you wolf-girl! It's been a while I found strong woman like this!" Rokusuke once again compliment Mio's skills. "Amuse this perfect existence more!"
Mio smirked hearing the challenge. "Hmph! You see nothing yet Kouenji! It's also been a while since Itachi I find another strong male!" She said in competitive tone as they break their feet clash before Mio continue with another leg swing.
"I see. Seems Kouenji-kun use Kickboxing as his main martial arts. Quite a destructive in damage but it will hinders his speed against Capoeira movements like Mio-chan who tends to be agile." Honami commented when seeing Mio and Rokusuke keep exchanging fists with each other.
"However, Kouenji durability is higher than Mio means he can tank more damage. It's only a matter of time before Mio gets tired. The only way to turn the tide is hit the solar plexus but…" Akito said as he watches his friend in worry.
On the arena, Mio and Rokusuke keep exchange attack until both decide to break the clash. Rokusuke still standing firmly not tired at all except some sweat in his body while Mio is seen panting after exchange attacks with Rokusuke.
'This *pant* will be my last *pant* attack.' Mio prepared as she controls her breath. 'I still not master it very well. But it's now or never!' She then makes one last dash toward Rokusuke. Rokusuke also dash toward her, throwing superman punch to finish her off but she avoid it on the last moments and delivers escorpio kick which revolves on kicking backwards, over the head, at a target in front of the kicker impacting with the sole or heel of the foot. The kick impacted on Rokusuke face but as a monster, he land on the ground like nothing happen while holding Mio's right leg that kick his face. 'Impossible!'
"I think it's enough wolf-girl. Time for an endgame." Rokusuke said as she release the hold on Mio's right leg, making her fall to the ground. Rokusuke wait for her to stand up and as she stands, he delivers hard backfist on her face, making her head dizzy before finish her off with a front kick that launch her before she land hardly out of the arena.
"Ugh…" Mio uttered as she feels her head dizzy and her body aching due to the strength of the punch. "Damn… You… It's not over-"
"Mio Ibuki-senshu, lose by ring-out. Winner of the first match of the first round is Rokusuke Kouenji-senshu!" The referee declared which gain applause from the audience.
"W-What?" Mio uttered in disbelief. 'L-Lose? N-No… I can't lose… Not like this…' Her body starts to shake as she tried to hold tears. Not only lose by ring-out, she thinks she shame her father and Itachi by losing on the second round.
"Now if you excuse me. I need to flex and fix my perfect skin a little." Rokusuke said as he leave the arena, leaving Mio to stand on her own.
'Damn it!' Mio gritted her teeth in disappointment of her own achievements as she also walk out of the arena.
When Mio reach the participants stands, Ryueen clapping his hands in mocking manner. "Ku Ku Ku. Congratulations for the amazing match. Now I only need to think of how to bring that blonde freak down." He said. Mio instead not reply and walk pass him and Itachi.
"Itachi… Sorry but… I need a time for my own…" Mio said as she walks out from the participants stand.
Want to stop her at first, Itachi immediately nod, respect his adopted sister decision. 'Mio… Maybe you're saddened by this but by knowing the feeling of defeat… Will make you stronger than before.' Itachi thought.
On Mio side, she currently walk toward the toilet to clear some steam before unexpected voice catch her.
"Mio-chan."
Mio stopped when she knows it was Ms. Ibuki who called her. "Kaa-san…"
"Why'd you go out from the participants stand? Itachi-kun and the others is-" Ms. Ibuki not expecting as Mio suddenly runs toward her, envelop her in a hug before crying loudly.
"S-Sorry Kaa-san… I… I… *Hiks*… I…. !" Mio said between her cries as she crying loudly. "I… Never… *Hiks* Can't become like…"
Seeing her dear daughter cry her frustration, what Ms. Ibuki can do is only caressing her head to comfort her. "It's okay Mio-chan. Just let it all out. For your loss… I can promise you that Itachi-kun and tou-san never be disappointed by you."
Mio just listen as she keep crying loudly, disappointed on herself.
As Mio still lamenting herself, the second match of the second round has already been decided.
Itachi Ibuki
Vs
Masumi Kamuro
As of now, both Itachi and Masumi already stand on the arena, only waiting for the referee to begin their battle.
"Seems our match begin not well. Mio… I hope she's all right." Masumi said with a sad smile. She knows that Mio must be crying right now and she knows it more than anyone.
"No need to worry Masumi. Mio is a strong girl able to stand on her own feet. What I can do right now." Itachi then enter his battle stance, which is the same one he used against Fudou. "Is to keep going to keep our promises."
Masumi then close her eyes while smiled. "You really are a kind brother to her." She then hardened her gaze as she goes to her own stance. "In that case, I'll go all-out against you from the start."
"As I hope from you." Itachi return the challenge.
"Get ready. Begin!" The referee shouted as the second match of the second round begins. Like the match against Fudou, Itachi decided to silent for a moment to decipher Masumi's movement. Seeing her match against Honami, Masumi is a fighter that aims for the opponent vital parts to end the fight quickly. This makes her quite an adversary for anyone even for a monster like Rokusuke that beat Mio. 'Now is the chance to see if her martial arts style is really like what I thought back then.'
'He seems cautious for a moment. What's he trying to do? Don't tell me he try to discover my real style?' Masumi cautiously thought.
After a quiet stalemate, Itachi decided to move first by threw a chest-thrust to Masumi who immediately dodge out of the way and counter with a thrust that Itachi manage to block with his left arm. He then tried to knee her but block with the same movement as she jump backward to keep her distance. Masumi immediately dash forward toward Itachi who use roundhouse kick on her but like the time with Honami, Masumi jump upward to avoid the kick and try to do the same moves that brings her victory on the first round only for Itachi to immediately turn around and force her to block a straight reverse turning kick from him using both of her hands, making her skid for a bit due to its force.
'I never expected he's this strong.' Masumi thought in surprised as she catches her breath. 'Did he probably still hold back during his fight on the first round?'
'The same attack pattern like she used on Honami. Instead of brute strength and agility like Mio considers their physics almost the same… I feel like I fight the Senbon user of Kirigakure. I can see that she's aim for my vital-no, she's not aiming for that.' Itachi shook his head before look straight at Masumi. "I think… I finally discover your true battle style."
Masumi narrowed her eyes. "Is that so?" After a bit of rest, she then dash forward toward Itachi again with the intent to punch him but instead of block it, Itachi avoid the strike that follows by a roundhouse kick by her that he avoid by duck below her feet. Using the blind spot, Itachi use his unorthodox battle style from his time as ANBU, kick Masumi's chin using his left leg that thrown her to the air as she manage to balance herself in time. 'Ugh. That kick is not from normal martial arts.' She thought in wary as she touches her chin that have red tint on it but manages a small smile in recognition. "It seems you have a self-taught move right Itachi? I never know that moves from any martial arts and even Mio didn't use it." She said.
"As you suspect, Masumi." Itachi smiled in recognition for Masumi's good intuition. "You can say that I train hard before go into formal training. But I think I can clearly see your battle style. You use one of the rarest form of martial arts. Not Wing Chun… But one of the forms of Dim Mak am I wrong?" Itachi immediately see Masumi narrow her gaze in anger for a moment before return to her normal composure.
"Dim Mak you say?" Akito stand up in disbelief after hearing it from Itachi's own mouth. Thanks to him befriending the former for six years, he knows that Itachi is not the one that makes statement without analyzing it first. But this one is almost unbelievable.
"T-That's a move i-intended for killing right?" Honami shivered after knowing it. Does that mean Masumi battle style is a killing move so she is holding back against her?
"No. That kind of Dim Mak isn't the one for killing." Fudou suddenly joined as he sits behind Honami and Akito. "Ever watch Kung Fu Panda? You know what battle style Tai Lung use right?"
Bit shocked for a while, Akito then nod. "I see. Her aims are to strike nerves or pressure points on body to immobilize her opponents. That way, she can avoid a prolonged match. Now I see why Itachi always avoiding her attacks and only attack when there is an opening." He said, understood with the situation.
On the arena, the struggles continues as Masumi still tries to hit Itachi with serious of ferocious punches and jabs aim to immobilize his pressure points but thanks to his reflexes that maybe followed from his experience on the Elemental Nations, Itachi is able to avoid each hit.
'Now that he's discovers my battle style… It's hard to even attack him once. Moreover-' Masumi thought isn't finished as she avoid another punch from Itachi by leaping backward. '-Is he really not tired?' She thought in disbelief as she can feel her body stamina start to lowered due to her moves and attempt to strike Itachi.
'She's starting to get tired. Better end this quickly then.' Itachi then run forward toward Masumi who prepares for the attack. Bring her hands upward, she suddenly doing cartwheel move to gain momentum to launch a kick that hit Itachi if he not duck underneath its range before doing grass cutter move on Masumi's right hand that used to balance her body, making her slip as Itachi do the upward kick her on the stomach when she's in vulnerable position.
"Akh!" Masumi gasp in pain as she feels the force of the kick that seems inhuman even for her. Using the chance, Itachi jump and doing a finishing move by kick her head using aerial downward kick, making her crash to the ground and almost make her lose consciousness. After the attack, he keeps his distance.
"U-Ugh… N-Not yet…" Masumi said in pain as she struggles to get up. Even though she manages to get up, the fact that her feet become shakily means that Itachi can easily overpower her. "N-Not yet…"
Itachi narrowed his eyes. "It's over Masumi. With your current condition plus a wound in the head, I hope for your own good, you shall surrender." He advised.
"N-Not yet…" Masumi repeated the same words. "Not until… I managed to reach it… To make him proud…"
(Flashback – Four Years Ago)
Masumi, seemingly on her elementary grade, look exhausted and almost falls to the ground if she not supports herself with both of her hands.
"Stand up Masumi. As the practitioner of Dim Mak, I'll not allow you not master it in order to bring our legacy." Said a man with hard tone.
"Y-Yes… Otou-sama…" Masumi said panting as she stands up to face her father once again.
Masumi was born from a Chinese father and a Japanese mother. Her mother dies when she's still a baby, making her father being the sole parent for her to interact with. Her father later revealed that before marrying her mother, he's a part of a Chinese Mafia before he deserted it and thanks from them, he learns one of the deadliest form of martial arts.
Dim Mak.
Legendary martial art that is known as one-hit kills technique that specifically targets the specific parts of the targets body. Mr. Kamuro learn the one that called Nerve Strike, which strike nerves on the bodies, leaving the opponents become immobile for the kill. Since the death of his wife and his declining health, he doesn't want Masumi to be helpless girls that takes order from others but someone that can stand on her own two legs without no one dictate it. That is the reason he started train her on Nerve Strike since she was eight years old. So far, the training paid a price. With one and a half-year, she's able to master the advanced movements of Nerve Strike that is combines with her amazing agility and Wing Chun moves.
To be honest, Mr. Kamuro truly surprised by this because he lacks the agility that Masumi possesses. So far, his mastery over various techniques is helping him dominate her daughter on their daily training.
Although harsh at training, Mr. Kamuro never abuse Masumi. During free time, both of them acts like normal family. Currently, Masumi is stargazing with her father on their home garden after they cook their favorite meal together.
Mr. Kamuro looks at Masumi with a nod before ruffling her long, purple hair. "For today, good job as always Masumi. That's my daughter." He said with plain, but proud at her daughter's progress.
"Tou-sama you make my hair messy!" Masumi complained while make her father stop the act. She then look down to the ground. "But I truly don't understand. Tou-sama seems having two faces. The first one is the kind-heart tou-sama that is with me now. But during the training…" She bring her legs close to her face while her face turn sour. "… I don't like it. I like tou-sama as it is."
Mr. Kamuro look at his daughter with understanding look. He then look to the star before look to the sky. "Look Masumi. Do you honestly hate me for making you train martial arts?" He asked.
Masumi shook her head. "I don't hate it. I… Just don't like it if the one that I learn is a martial arts that legendary known for killing. I just want to be a normal girl like you describe of okaa-sama to me." She said, voicing her true thoughts.
"Masumi. I think you misunderstood the Dim Mak as only tools for killing." Mr. Kamuro argued. "Before I married your mother, I was not a good man like you always thought. I think I spent some of my times… Hurting others. I was so tired of it… And later deserted my previous job and went to Japan when I fall in love with your mother after I met her as the air hostess." He said with a nostalgic tone, remembering his late wife. "The last thing I want… Is to see my only daughter unable to protect herself if my doesn't exist anymore-"
"Don't say that!" Masumi immediately screamed. "Please… Your illness isn't incurable I'm sure of it… Tou-sama… Please… Don't say that anymore…" She said sniffling as tears appears on the edge of her eyes.
"I know you're worried. However Masumi, you must become a strong girl that can stand on her two feet without taking orders from others. Because you're my lovely daughter, I have faith in you. Be strong Masumi." Mr. Kamuro said with an assuring smile.
Masumi nod, smiling. "Yes. Because of that, otou-sama must be healthy okay?"
However, their happy days is over quickly than little Masumi expected.
Her father died in a car accident, making Masumi an orphan at ten years old. Lucky for her, he leaves large fortune from his work as a assistant manager of a large company, making her life guaranteed until she can search a job for her own.
Masumi put the flower on her father's grave while rubbing her tears. Behind him, a man that is one of her father former comrades during his time as a mafia is promised to take care of her.
"Kamuro-sama. Let's go." He said to her.
Masumi look at the grave one more time before clap her hands together, bid her goodbye to her father before return home. She however have determined look. 'Tou-sama. I promise to you that I, Masumi Kamuro, will not be a helpless girls that can be exploited by others and able to stand up on her own!' She thought determined.
"Hiding… My Dim Mak ability?" She asked her father accomplice, Mr. Fang while painting a jar of fruits. It's one of Masumi's hobbies that her father very appreciated from her and he allows her to do it on free time. It's been a month since her father's death and Mr. Fang didn't have the courage to tell her when she still in mourning time.
"It's your father last wish before he breathes his last. He said that although he trains you on that, he wants to respect your wish from back then." He said with a smile. "But as his daughter, I think you know what's best. After all, I'm just tasked to watch over you."
"I see. Thank you very much Fang-sama. No need to low yourself like that. For this one month, you really took great care for my wellbeing." Masumi thanked him with a smile. 'Tou-sama… You really think so much about me even in your last moments…' Her thought turn sad for a moment. 'However… I'll respect it.'
(Flashback End)
"To make him proud?" Itachi repeated her words. 'Hn. So this is explained your determination.' He thought in respect.
Masumi smiled. "Although… He never asked me to join this tournament… And after all my efforts to hide my true battle style… There's one… That forces me to use it…" She said while flinch in pain on every words. The head that hit by one of Itachi's kick must be a hard one. "Just tell me this Itachi… Do you feel disgust of me… Knowing that I used a martial arts… That used for killing?"
The answer is an immediate one for Itachi as her problem for him is not that complex. "Why should I hate something that you faithfully master to do it?" He simply asked.
Hearing it, Masumi gasp for a moment, before smiled. "If that so… There'll be no hard feelings… Whether I win or lose." She simply said as she manages to adopt stance with her willpower.
"I see. To respect you, I'll also use my strongest move." Itachi stated but he stand with no-guard like Ryuuen did against Akito.
'Ku Ku Ku. This'll be interesting. Now then, which final move will be prevailed?' Ryuuen thought in interest as he can see this will be the final attack that determines the match result.
Fuuka is seen smirked. He really enjoys this match.
Masumi stance is kind of weird. She seems aims for a straightforward simple punch with her body lowered. But unexpectedly, Itachi make the first move this time by dash toward her. Seeing such straightforward approach, Masumi then appears to threw a punch, but is revealed to be a feint as she doing upward roundhouse kick with her right leg. Realizing it, Itachi jump over her before at the right moment, he quickly grabbing hold of Masumi's training suit on the collar, spinning her around after land on the arena and slamming her to the floor with one hand.
"Gah!" Masumi can only gasps as she immediately lose consciousness.
"Masumi Kamuro-senshu, lost by knock-out! Winner of the second match of the second round, Itachi Ibuki-senshu!" The referee announced received with a loud clap from everyone.
Itachi then look at her unconscious opponent. 'Want to make someone you loved proud despite it not exist anymore, huh? You truly are worthy of my respect, Masumi Kamuro.' Itachi thought as he carries her body bridal style. He then looks at the referee. "I'll take her to the infirmary." He said as he walks toward the participants stands.
The scene then changes to Itachi watching over Masumi who's sleeping on the infirmary. That's when a voice comes from the door.
"Excuse me." The person is revealed to be Honami.
"Honami. I assume you come here to check up on Masumi?" Itachi glanced at her who closes the door.
She nods. "You can go back to the arena Itachi-kun. You managed to reach the quarter final after all." Honami giggles. "Let me watch over Masumi-chan in your stead." She offered.
"Thank you very much." Itachi then stands up from the chair beside Masumi's bed before walking past Honami. "Give my regards to her. Sorry for making a harsh move to defeat her." He said his parting words as he return to the participant's stands.
As Itachi walks back to the participant stands, someone is calling him from behind.
"Itachi."
Already predict that the confrontation will soon be happen no matter what, he turn around to see the one that is calling him.
"Why is you calling me… Mio?" Itachi asked with firm tone.
To Be Continued on Prologue – Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament (Part 2) -