/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 - Part 2

"Why are you calling me… Mio?" Itachi asked with firm tone.

After crying all her frustration out to her mother, Mio decided to calm herself on the canteen when she listening the announcement that her adoptive brother won against Masumi. While she was glad at her adoptive brother's achievement of going to the quarter final, she can feel seeds of jealousy inside her chest.

It's like what she feels three years ago when Itachi was sparring with Akito. Although she feels jealousy, Itachi's advice back then still rings inside her. She can't bring herself to hate him no matter what.

So she will say what's on her mind.

Mio can only look down. "I-I'm sorry… For not keeping our promises… I-I blindly confident enough to reach your level after three years…"

Itachi keep listening. He knows Mio wants to pour everything inside her heart and he will respect her courage to said it to him even it will sounds painful.

"You know Itachi… Even though I accept your advice to heart, I… I always hate you… You that able to skip grades, you that able to achieve 10th Kyu of Aikido in just a year, you that able to remain calm in most situations. I hate all of it. I hate you! You said it yourself didn't you! You don't mind of being hate by me!" Mio suddenly heightened her tone, look at Itachi. "Even though I work hard! Yet I-" She suddenly halted as she feels tears falling down her cheeks. "Damn it! I won't cry!" She said as she rubs her tears away.

"Mio…"

"At least… Let me punch you!" Mio said as she walk in fast pace toward Itachi ready to punch him. However, the act is quite an opposite.

Instead of punch him in the gut, Mio jumps a little to reach Itachi's height before envelop him in a hug.

Itachi, at first is shock with her acts, strangely smiled. 'Even though this is the new world, I'm still the same as my lives in the Leaf Village. My talents still curse me and I realized… That Mio bears jealousy toward me. I'm prepared if she said she hates me like Sasuke used to be with me for a long time. So why… Why did it turn out to be like this?' He thought before have the will to speak. "Mio… I think I deserve it… You must be tormented right?"

'It's true. That I hate you. However…' Mio then speak as she silently crying. "I hate you. But… I loved you as a brother I never have… I can't imagine… How I will become… If you not exist in my life…"

"I see. Then let me tell my true feelings to you. I don't care if we're not blood related or if you hate me and never forgive me but know this." Releasing the hug, Itachi then gives his adoptive sister a soft head bump, sees her as equal like Sasuke did. "No matter what decision you will go from now on, I will love you always." He said with smile full of affection toward her.

Mio's heart felt touched by the words. She then manages to form a relief smile while tears stains are visible on her cheek. 'Ah… Why'd I have in my minds to hate him… Even though he cares so much about me…'

"Mio." Itachi suddenly speak. He seems like made up his mind about something. "How about I give some challenge?" He asked.

"Challenge?"

"In two years, when Suzune also train with us. How about we do our personal match two years from now. Today is November 12th. That means on the same date, let settle it right then." Itachi said. "As a reward if you manage to get a point from me, I'll tell you something. However, maybe after that, your view toward me will be changed drastically. Do you accept this challenge?" Itachi asked. 'Till now, I never imagine that I will tell someone about the true me and hides it with my background from this new world. However Mio, just like I trust Naruto to take care of Sasuke, I think I can trust you about this secret of mine. After all… We're siblings.'

"Accepted." Mio replied with a smile. "Let settle it until then."

"I see." Itachi then let go of her. "Why don't you accompany Akito? Honami currently take care of Masumi on the infirmary. No need to worry, I keep our promises together by going to the final."

"No. I won't accept it. If that bastard named Rokusuke Kouenji ever goes to the final… I won't forgive you if you didn't kick his ass for my loss." Mio said with a pout.

Itachi slightly widened his eyes before laugh for a bit. "I will try to make it come true." He said as he walk back to the arena with Mio follows him on the back.

As she sees her adoptive brother back, Mio can only think of respect of him. 'Maybe till' now, I can only be following your back. But… I'll prove that I'll be able to stand on equal ground alongside you… Brother.' She thought in affectionate thinking as she keeps following Itachi back on the arena.

As they're return to the arena, Itachi separate himself from Mio back to the participants stand while she goes to accompany Akito who is watching the current match and the last one on the second round.

"Akito." She decided to call him, which Akito look toward her.

"Mio. Heh, seems we both lose huh?" Akito joked to ease the tension. He sees how disappointed she was when she loses against Rokusuke.

"No need to worry. Itachi already promised me to kick that bastard Kouenji ass. So… I can relax now because he'll fulfill our promise although bit different." Mio replied smiling as she sit beside Akito. "I heard that Masumi lost against Itachi?"

Akito nod. "Itachi doing some spectacular moves out there. Masumi surely strong because I can't believe that she masters Dim Mak of all things but… I don't know why but Itachi moves back then when he defeats her is not a form of formal martial arts or street fighting like Ryuuen. It's like something that I never seen before…"

"I see…" Mio silent for a moment before shake her head. "Well, I'm not interested in that because I know he secretly trains himself outside tou-san watch. Let him decided to tell us later."

"I agree." Akito said before look at the match that's already over. "Seems aside from Itachi and that Kouenji; Horikita-san, Ryuuen, Fuuka and someone named Miyabi Nagumo goes to the quarter final. Heh, let's hope Itachi faced Ryuuen on the quarter final then."

On Itachi side, he sits on his usual seat beside Ryuuen. The latter have various bruises on his body, possibly results from his bold plan of mind games during his second round match. "You seem beaten up." Itachi commented.

"Huh. I don't want to hear that from you. Amazing match by the way." Ryuuen still manage to grin despite his injuries.

"Sorry for not seeing your match though." Itachi apologized. "Did Horikita-san also pass to the quarter finals?" He asked.

"He is. Also the same for that vampire girl and some blonde guy." Ryuuen replied. "It said the participants got a rest for half an hour before the quarter finals begin." He then looks toward Mio who is chatting happily with Akito. "Seems she manages to get back on her feet even though she is seems broken previously."

"She just thought that her training for three years amounts to nothing because she loses to Rokusuke. And now she's able to let out some steam." Itachi look with a smile, glad that Mio able to mature slowly.

"Ku Ku Ku. I don't know why but it seems… You're really done your job very good as a brother." Ryuuen laughed. "Anyway after seeing your battle with Kamuro on the second round, I hope we can battle to our heart contents on the quarter final so I can finally fill my curiosity of what you truly are." Ryuuen challenged him.

'So he's found out that I'm holding back. His eyes surely sharp.' Itachi thought in respect. "I also quite curious about you, Ryuuen. Thanks to what Fudou told me back on the canteen."

Ryuuen widen his eyes for a bit before narrowing his eyes. "Save that for your own imagination." He said as he stands up from his seat. "I want some drinks first."

After thirty minutes of rest is over, the awaiting quarter final finally goes on. The first and second match both ends up with Rokusuke and Fuuka's victory. As the screen stops, it shows the third match of the quarter final:

Kakeru Ryuuen

Vs

Miyabi Nagumo

"Kakeru Ryuuen-senshu and Miyabi Nagumo-senshu! Both participants can go to the arena!" The referee announced, signaling the opening match of the quarter finals.

"Good luck." Itachi said to Ryuuen as he stands up from his seat.

"Heh. You shall say that if you manage to go to the final." Ryuuen retorted as he walk to the arena.

As Ryuuen arrive on the arena, he is greeted by his opponent: Miyabi Nagumo. Nagumo is a tall, fair-skinned teenager with light blond hair and light blue eyes.

"Heh. So my next prey is an ikemen huh?" Ryuuen shrugged his shoulders while letting out huff of mocking.

"Seems you mouth is nasty, kouhai." Nagumo replied with surprisingly calm, not shown any sign of being insulted by Ryuuen mockery. He then adopts one of Karate stance, the Short Fighting Stance. Seeing his opponent stance, Ryuuen just stand while preparing to make the first move.

"Get ready. Begin!" The referee announced the beginning of the quarter final. This time however, Ryuuen didn't immediately moves forward like when he against Akito. It's like he not becoming reckless.

On the participants seat, Itachi knows that Ryuuen won't play around on this match since although he's not put Nagumo into the lists of participants he needs to be watchout, he can see that from the charisma that he emitted, Itachi is pretty certain that Nagumo is someone that love to be controlling others under his feet like Ryuuen did, making them like two peas in the same pond.

"Did the seat beside you empty for a moment?" Itachi glanced to the right to see Fuuka approach him with her trademark smirk on her face. From quick glance, Itachi can easily summarized her as the same as Rokusuke. But the difference is that she more approachable than the former.

"Sure." Itachi let her to sit beside him. He then tries to open the conversation. "Nice match by the way. Like Rokusuke over there, your time on the arena is the fastest, even more than Manabu Horikita did." He decided to praise her to see her reaction.

"Ha Ha Ha! No need to praise me. It's natural that I win. Those fools didn't deserve to follows this tournament at all. However, you got my interest Itachi. To think that you able to beat that Madan User and the practitioner of Dim Mak that easily. You have my praise~." She said with nonchalant tone.

"It's not worthy of praise. If I let off my guard even once, I pretty sure Masumi and Fudou will get their victory." Itachi reasoned as usual.

"No need to close it. My eyes are not like those fools~. You holding back as well didn't you?" Fuuka asked.

"What's the reason you think of that?" Itachi curiously asked. 'Hn. Seems she have good perception the same as I did.' He thought, praising her.

"I'll not explain my reason. Just know that if you ever holding back against me will be your downfall. The same as that Kouenji." Fuuka said with a smirk before look on the arena. "Who sides you pick on this? It's true the blonde ikemen have techniques but I place my bet on Dragon Boy~."

"So we have the same bet huh?" Itachi try to joke.

"That ikemen not interest me at all. He just looks like someone that wanted attention." Fuuka huffed while watching the match that still not begin since the two combatant's just stand, waiting for one of them to make the first move.

Back on the arena, Ryuuen begins to get impatient at Nagumo who didn't make any moves at all so he decides to move first. Walking toward him, Ryuuen makes the first move by kick Nagumo's right leg which he narrowly avoided. He then doing some punches which Nagumo block and he counter with an elbow strike to Ryueen's chin, making him stumbled backward while manage to control his stand after few meters.

"Guogh!" Ryuuen threw some spit as he rubs his chin. His face shows wild smile and look. "Ku ku ku. Why don't you continue to do so?"

"Hoo. Interesting." Nagumo said with a smile. He then quickly dash toward Ryuuen and tried to deliver a punch using his right hand with Ryueen easily catch by using the same hand. Nagumo then tried to do the same with his other hand, only for Ryuuen to do the same. The struggle of strength happened as the two try to overpower each other.

As that happens, Nagumo secretly speak toward Ryuuen in whispering tone. "Hey, how about we make a deal?"

Ryuuen just smirked. "I don't know what you're talking about!" He said in high tone as he tries to overpower Nagumo.

"How about you fake defeat at my hand? In exchange, I'll give you half of my money prize if I become the champion. That's what I do to my opponents on the first round and second round. You see, that boy Itachi Ibuki really picks my interest. I really want to taste his strength. That's why, fake your defeat by me-"

"Ku Ku Ku. Do you think this is not a battleground? In an act of violence it's true that strength is not everything but to think that you bribe others to get what you want, make me quite disappointed." Ryuuen said with disappointment on his tone. "You even didn't even deserve to stand on this arena, Notice Me."

Nagumo narrowed his eyes. "Hmph. Dragon Boy dares to make me a nickname?" He taunted. However, that's his biggest mistake.

That mockery lit something within Ryuuen. Suddenly he breaks the strength struggle and tries to knee Nagumo on the stomach using his right knee. It will be a clean hit if Nagumo not protected his solar plexus using his left palm. However, Ryuuen did unorthodox move by head-butting him on the temple, making him flinch in pain and cause mild headache.

"Ugh! Damn you!" Nagumo said while holding his head in pain.

"You shall know." Ryuuen then dash and using Nagumo's dizziness, hit him hard on the solar plexus using close-range hammer punch. "Despite we're both manipulator of psyche, you pale in comparison compare to mine!" He then delivers a hard chop to Nagumo's neck to put him out in one strike.

"Guah!" Nagumo said in high tone as he knocks out due to his neck being hit, crash to the arena floor.

"Miyabi Nagumo-senshu, lost by knock-out. Winner of the third match of quarter final, Kakeru Ryuuen-senshu!" The referee announced as the big applause is later heard.

Ryuuen then glanced at his fallen opponent. "Lucky that I still held back. If you ever said that name again, I'll kill you." He threatened as he walks down from the arena.

"Humph. Show off." Mio pouted as she watches the match. 'However… I can't help but respect his tenacity. Itachi… How will you defeat this kind of guy?' She thought in worry.

On the infirmary room, Masumi already awake and sitting on her bed with Honami is sitting on the chair as they watch Ryuuen match.

"Ryuuen-kun wins even faster than during his match against Akito-kun…" Honami uttered in fear. Her hands are clasped together and shake in fear. If Ryuuen is this violent toward men, how will he fare against a girl?

"Ryuuen deserve that victory." Masumi said while closed her eyes and smiling. "Although I not like his way of winning on the first and second round, his way of fighting deserve a respect. He's like me… To some extent…" She uttered, remembering her vow to her father that she will not bow down to anyone.

"B-But you not like him, Masumi-chan!" Honami completely denied it. "You're better than him…"

"Thank you, Honami." Masumi nod in grateful. "I'm very grateful of that. Also, thank you for accompany me in here."

As Ryuuen return to the participant's seat, he is greet by Fuuka who is sitting on his seat beside Itachi. "Well look what we have here. Dragon Boy is celebrating his victory~." She said in her usual tone.

Ryuuen eyes look like he was about to snap but he manage to keep his composure. "Huh. What do you need Vampire Girl? Want an unofficial act of violence? Just to know that if you said such thing again I'll cut your tongue off your head."

"Being called a Vampire is the deepest praise I received. After all, we know that Vampire able to beat a Dragon~." Fuuka said with challenging smirk.

Ryuuen smiled hearing it. "Hoo. Dragon able to consume a vampire if I not wrong." He said as he ready to make a fist with his right hand as Itachi stand up in front of seating Fuka. "What do you want Itachi? This is private matters. You have no right to intervene."

"Maybe you right. However, you act childish because of a mere insult… Which will result in immediate disqualified if you go further." Itachi reminded him. "I know you more mature than this Ryuuen."

Tension happens for a moment till' Ryuuen finally let down. "Fine. I can let it out by beating her up on the semifinal anyway." He said in grudging tone as he sit down on Itachi seat and look dangerously at Fuuka. "If we met at the semifinal, I promise I'll kill you."

"Challenge accepted Dragon Boy~." Fuuka then stand up before pat Itachi's right shoulder. "I can't wait for the last match. You quite interest me, Itachi Ibuki." She said as she return to her seat.

Itachi then sighed. "For someone that seems pride himself to be able playing mind games against others only to be feel insulted with that kind of thing… Seems my judgment of you was wrong." Itachi stated.

"What the fuck did you just say?" Ryuuen asked in slight anger on his tone.

"You seem to think you always under control all the time. That's why you feel angry if someone managed to outwit you. You act just like a nosy brat." Itachi stated with no concern that it will make Ryuuen angry. "However… Your battle spirit is what I quite respect. You sound like someone that will never give up no matter what kind of opponents that befall you. However, you lack one crucial thing for that battle spirit to be honed to its full potential: Fear."

Silence happens for a moment, before Ryuuen laugh. "Ku Ku Ku. A Ha Ha Ha Ha! You wrong about that Itachi. I never felt fear once in my life. After all, fear and pleasure are just two sides of the same coin. Although you or other participants on this tournament try to deny it, this world runs on violence and the person strength is determined by its capacity for it. In truth is there's only one thing that can overturn that wall of nature. That's death." Ryuuen stated as he looks on those that disqualified like Mio, Akito and the others who sit separately. "Fear after all is the natural response for the weak. That's why I love violence and mind games. It's simple to make someone experience fear: you only need to subject them to pain. It's only a matter of time though."

"I see." Itachi managed to grasp Ryuuen personality. "So you experience fear before. Am I right? The way you using that belief is just a protection mechanism."

"Huh?"

"Deep inside you still knows fear. Only you turn to a coward and buried it with the pretense of not knowing it. I can see it now on the first round match against Akito. You actually fear he might beat you because no matter what, Akito's technique is far better than you. This is just an advice from me Ryuuen as I respect your tenacity. Fear is not the feelings of the weak like you think. I'll respect someone that knows fear and have the courage to re-sheath their blades rather than those that bluntly charge ahead proclaiming they know no fear. Fear is not a weakness. It is making you know your own weakness." At the same time, the last match that announces Itachi will go against Manabu is shown on the screen. "Seems my time for the match huh?"

"Because you talk like an old man all the time that you didn't even heard the announcement huh?" Ryuuen close his eyes while smiling; seemingly disregard all of Itachi's advice to him. "Good luck. Just to remind you if I face either of you or that Vampire Girl, I'll crush you without mercy." Ryueen expect Itachi to just sigh, but his expression caught him off guard.

Itachi was smiling. "That sounds good. I also want to taste defeat." He said as Ryuuen really remind him of Kisame and when they are sparring with each other on free time. "And… If someone knows their weakness, they can be strong. If you can't comprehend this… You'll be stuck in a mud for all eternity, Ryuuen." He said his last part of advice as he walk to arena as Manabu already arrived on the arena.

"Huh." Ryuuen sigh as he watch Itachi walk to the arena. "How utterly stupid advice."

When Itachi arrives on the arena, he was greet immediately by Manabu. "At last we face each other huh?"

"Aa." Itachi simply replied as he stops few meters from Manabu. "I'll not regret this match if I lose. However, thanks to my promise to Mio, I won't lose against you in here." He stated as he go to battle stance.

"Same as I." Manabu also stated before the referee announced the beginning of the last match in quarter final.

On the guest stand, Suzune clasp her hand together as she see that will probably be the hardest enemy for her older brother on this tournament. "Win it… Nii-san." She prayed.

On the lose participants seat, Mio and Akito look at the match intently, hoping that Itachi will triumph over the two-time champion of the middle grade martial arts tournament.

"Itachi… Win it." Mio uttered in hopeful tone. "Please… Keep our promise."

'Seeing you beat both Fudou and Masumi without effort, I know you can beat Horikita-san Itachi. Win it.' Akito seems confident of his friend victory.

"Ready. Begin!" As the type that went aggressive mode in the start of the fight, Manabu make the first move. He threw a straight punch of Aikido that Itachi manage to deflect using his left hand before try to counter it with the same attack. Manabu manage to hold Itachi's right arm on the wrist before try to knee him with his right knee but Itachi counter it with the same move.

'He really gotten stronger since the last time we train together.' Manabu thought as he feels Itachi's strength. "Impressive Itachi. As I suspect, you've gotten stronger than the last time we spar together. I wonder what kind of training you did?"

"Mostly self-taught. However in techniques, you still far better than me Horikita-san." Itachi return the compliment. He fully admit it, Manabu after all have plenty of times to train Aikido than he did since Itachi realize despite his achievements, Aikido and Shaolin Kung Fu he just recently learned is not quite his forte. He prefers his unorthodox, Taijutsu he learns from Konoha since he was four years old. He does not know why but it seems he's feel at home when using it.

"I disagree with that though." Manabu said in disagreement tone as he defends himself from Itachi straightforward punch using the back of his left hand. "I always see you during your training Itachi. It seems you train a type of martial arts moves that even I never know. It seems you not favor your train of Aikido but these self-taught moves of yours."

Itachi widened his eyes for a bit before thinly smiled. "As expected of Horikita-san. Seems my being humble won't work on you."

"We're train together for two years and have enough time to recognize each other strength and personality despite we're still kids. Especially the fact that you loved to lowered your achievements." Manabu said with a smile as he deflects a roundhouse kick from Itachi.

"Hn. Is that so?" Itachi asked as he block uppercut from Manabu. He then jumps backward to keep his distance. "However Horikita-san, I think we shall focused on the match right now."

"You're right. After all, I already lose to you ten times and win ten times. How about I make it to eleventh one?" Manabu challenged as he adopt peculiar stance of Aikido.

"Forgive me Horikita-san. But the eleventh one will belong to me." Itachi return the challenge as he also adopt his own stance, which look like her girlfriend Izumi Uchiha stance when spar against him.

"Hm…" Ryuuen put his right hand on his chin as he sees it. 'It seems both of them just warming up on the beginning. And based on the movements, Manabu Horikita is a technique type combatant. However… Itachi's stance. I've never seen it before. It's not a free-form style.'

"I see. Itachi decided to use that unknown style." Mio said with a smile as she sits beside Akito with her arm crossed. "It's been a while since I see him utilize that stance."

"You know about that Mio? From my match against him, Itachi never adopt that stance ever." Akito wondered in interest. "It's like the stance he uses against Masumi back on the second round."

"It's because he said to me at least half a year before the tournament began. Even though he manage to reach Dan rank in Aikido and able to master basic Shaolin Kung Fu stance and some of its advanced moves in a year, he keep saying to me that the moves is not quite to what he likes. Once, I accidentally watch him train an unknown styles that I not seen on the literature and from any movies." Mio explained as she remembers a certain event on the past.

(Flashback – Six Months Ago)

"Itachi!" Mio called him since she's search by Ms. Ibuki to help her bought monthly supplies. He then see Itachi standing on the garden close to Shisui's perch branch. "Ita-" She stopped as she sees what's hold on both of his hands. 'Throwing darts?' She thought in confusion as Itachi begin his moves by adopting a stance where he brings his right arm forward. Aiming at four targets in the front, he then throw the throwing darts by releasing each one in great timing and precision, seemingly hit bull's-eye on each target. He later jump as high as he can before turn his body around in mid-air try to throw the remaining darts as he spotted Mio look at his training. Decided to stop for a while, he gracefully land to the ground.

"Mio…"

Instead of replying, Mio only widen her eyes and open her mouth in awe. 'A-Amazing! All of the four marks on the tree have bullseye hit on it!' She thought in amazement as she try to recompose herself. "K-Kaa-san said she needs your help to buy monthly supplies at the market like usual…"

"I see." Itachi nod as he walk pass Mio. "Thanks for telling it Mio. Seems I forgot time for a little." He thanked her as he go to Ms. Ibuki who's waiting on the car.

(Flashback End)

"But that means the stance is for throwing techniques. While on the tournament, bringing such items is forbidden." Akito argued. He only heard this now and never expected that Itachi also doing self-taught and not only formal training. 'If only I do self-taught just like you. You really amazing Itachi.'

Mio shook her head. "I really don't know. Seems he train in secret." She replied. 'Maybe… He doesn't want me to get jealous and make me obsessed to him.' She thought. Ever since she able to pour her true feelings to Itachi back then, Mio feels like a heavy weight of barbell already released from her body and able to see her adoptive brother in more mature way. "Maybe he prepares that as a trump card to defeat me."

On the arena, Manabu starts to become wary. 'This style… I never seen battle stance like this before…' He thought in worry as he change one of his hands position to Knife hand pose, intend to go offensive this time.

'He aims to target specific parts on my body then.' Itachi analyzed in caution as he realized that style. The Knife hand strike is one of the Karate advanced moves that aims to cause unconsciousness by targeting the specific parts of the body, mainly the back of the neck to cause unconsciousness.

This time, Itachi didn't go on the defensive. Dash forward, he try to grab hold of Manabu's collar to do the same move he did against Masumi but Manabu quickly catch Itachi's right wrist using his left hand while immediately go for the kill by aiming the back of the neck using Knife hand move of his right hand. Surprisingly, Itachi hold tight Manabu's left hand that hold his right wrist, taking hold of Manabu's right arm locking it between his own two as he kick Manabu chest using his left hand. Itachi later nimbly used it as a foothold and jumped, using his other leg for a kick which landed on Manabu's chin, caught him off guard and make his trademark sunglasses off from his face.

"Ugh." Manabu grunted as he stumbled backward before manage to balance his body. His sunglasses falls with a thud as the frames crack.

Itachi then land to the ground as Manabu not counter his attack.

"NII-SAN!" Suzune exclaimed in shock and worried look on her face. She never expected that her older brother manage to catch off guard like that. No, it's not like off guard. She knows more than anyone that even during her training with him, Manabu was never drop his guard down. 'Impossible! Even on that position, he's able to see a gap and manage to land clean hit to nii-san chin!' She thought in disbelief.

As he watch Itachi's like a hawk after getting hit for the first time on the match, Manabu rub his chin using his right hand. "I truly never expected that move. To think you able to point my blind spot on the chin. Seems you decided not to hold back now."

"If you manage to discover that I not prefer to use either Aikido or Shaolin Kung Fu that I just learn recently, I'll not hold back anymore." Itachi stated as he ready to attack once again. He then doing a series of attack which force Manabu into defensive. At one moment, he even jump and doing downward aerial kick which Manabu manage to block using both of his hand which protect his face from the kick.

'His movement completely different from the time I trained him and the beginning of the match.' Manabu analyzed calmly as he blocked the aerial kick. When Itachi land to the ground, Manabu attempt to do roundhouse kick with his left leg to Itachi but much to his surprise, Itachi once again exploit his blind spot by doing wheel kick, making Manabu falls to the ground or it should be as Manabu manage to balance himself with both of his arm and doing a handstand backward leap to keep his distance from Itachi. He found himself slightly panting in exhaustion after force to defensive each times.

'As like you that manage to find out I was holding back, I also know your weakness very well Horikita-san. The fact that you're eyesight on the right is not as good as the one in the left.' Itachi thought as he manage to prove his theory that the reason Manabu sometimes leaves little opening on his right part of his body. He know is not in his character but it's not wrong to show who's dominating the fight now. "You seems now turn to defensive Horikita-san. What's wrong with your first aggressive movement?" Itachi asked to slightly provoked him and see his reaction.

'Seems I'm little bit more than I can chew huh? I can see from the two moves he utilize against me. His body quite flexible and even when jumping, he manages to time the move for the attack quite well.' He inwardly smiled. 'I hope with this… You don't too obsess with me anymore… Suzune.' He thought before entering stance once again. "Impressive movement as I expect Itachi. However… This battle already drags on for too long. How about we settled it right now?" He challenged.

"I agree." Itachi return the challenge as he now turns to defensive. Manabu then begin his assault with elbow strike but Itachi manage to block it but it was later revealed to be a fluke as Manabu manage to land a hit to Itachi's waist using his right leg before quickly deliver another strike with his right hand. He then form knife hand strike on his left arm to make Itachi pass out from a strike to the back of the neck while the former is still stumbled due to the attack. Itachi manage to avoid by duck his head down below the swing of Manabu's attack before counter with a quick succession of punch and forward kick to Manabu's gut before end it with an elbow directly to his face.

"Ugh." Manabu grunted in pain as he feel the force of the attack and stumbled backward. He can feel his nose is twitch in pain and bloody due to the attack. He however have no time to clean his injury as Itachi quickly dash toward him before unexpectedly jump and do a kick with his left leg which Manabu deflect with a swipe of his left hand. However, it's revealed that using the momentum, Itachi spin his body so his right leg have the momentum to kick Manabu's face. It hit the mark and once landing, Itachi immediately doing roundhouse kick to Manabu's chest, incapacitate his body with amount of hits it received before doing one of Aikido movements, the shirohage on Manabu before he can react, thrown his body heavily to the ground while Itachi pin in to officially end the match.

"Seems my victory this time, Horikita-san." Itachi said as he pin him down.

'I really bite more than I can chew this time huh?' Manabu thought as he smiled accepting his defeat.

"Manabu Horikita-senshu, lost by body lock. Winner of the last match of the quarter final, Itachi Ibuki-senshu! After being undefeated for two years, Manabu-senshu finally being dethroned!" The referee declared as big applause come from the audience.

After the announcement, Itachi lessened his hold and help support Manabu's body. "No need to worry Itachi. I can walk on my own. You manage to beat two-time champion after all." He said as he walks to take his sunglasses. Luckily, it only has broken frame and not being trampled during the rest of the match.

"Sorry for your sunglasses frame Horikita-san." Itachi said in apologetic tone.

"No need to worry. This is nothing." Manabu said as he put it back to his face despite it obviously useless right now without being repaired. "I shall thank you for defeating me though." He said as he walks out from the arena first.

"Hn. I see." Itachi quickly the hidden meaning behind Manabu's gratitude as he also walks out from the arena. 'So you plan to shift gear this fast Horikita-san. I'm glad… Because you'll not make the same mistake as I did.'

The referee then revealed that both semifinal and the final match will be held tomorrow. It was a wise decision since the clock currently shows 04.30 p.m. so the remaining contestants must be exhausted.

Itachi and Mio already packing their stuff as they're prepare to walk to their hotel but some familiar voice stopped him.

"Hey." Itachi and Mio turn around to see Suzune walk toward them in fast pace. Mio tensed her guard up in preparation if Suzune will do something funny. From the tone, seems she is pissed that Itachi manage to beat Manabu. "From your looks, it seems you enjoy your victory Itachi-kun."

Itachi immediately knows the situation. Seems Suzune obsession of Manabu as a perfect being really greater than what he calculated. "Horikita-san and I play fairly during the match. I don't understand why should I feel joy beating up someone that's already like my friend since I was six years old?" He asked, try to see her reaction.

Hearing it make Suzune grit her teeth in anger.

"Like I said before toward you, deep inside you just a kind girl who love her older brother more than anything. But I think I understand what Horikita-san means completely right now after seeing your behavior." Itachi stated before continuing with a serious gaze. "You're pathetic."

"What?"

"Do you really think Horikita-san want you to be like this? Just a mere puppet that dances based on what unwilling master does? You seem forget something important Suzune Horikita. You take progress of idolizing your older siblings as a way of growth. While that's a good thing but in truth, you just using a mask to lie to yourself." Itachi continues.

Suzune narrowed her eyes. "You… How dare you an outsider lecture me like that? After all, didn't Ibuki-san also the same as I? Yet, you dare to tell me this! What a big hypocrite you are!"

Angered that Itachi being insulted, Mio can't take it anymore and move toward Suzune. Her fist clench in anger.

Although Itachi not like violence, he immediately understands that Suzune behavior currently is intolerable. He will let Mio let off some of her dislike toward Suzune. 'I actually never want to resort to this. However… You go too far with your words.'

Suzune then turn her attention toward approaching Mio. "What?"

"I already patient enough… You long haired bitch." Mio said with profanity as she keep approach her. "You know what… It seems you're assuming that I was just a weakling that always support Itachi decision but let me tell you one thing." In sudden burst of speed, Mio immediately employs ginga in a short distance before delivers a hard, martelo de chao toward Suzune face, making her thrown a bit from her stand before land butt first to the ground.

"Using violence! You-" Suzune didn't have time to retort as Mio grab her by the collar to look at her with angered look in her eyes.

"Listen here bitch! You have the gall to mock Itachi while you never realize that Horikita-senpai himself is disappointed because of your behavior!? I think what you did is tormenting Horikita-senpai mentally even I can imagine he will turn his hand on you if you keep staying like this!?" Mio yelled to Suzune's face.

"You! Don't you dare-Ugh!" Suzune gasp in pain as Mio knee her stomach.

"You know what… I start to reconsider the decision of tou-san to let you be one of his students. I'll be happy to tell him that his new student candidate was someone that unable to see anything beside the imagination of her older brother being a perfect being!" Mio pushed Suzune at the wall with both hands, prompting Suzune to hit her head against the wall. Itachi's eyes widened as he realized how far Mio went. Suzune became groggy due to the impact, her eyes rolled as if she lost sense of direction.

"You..." Suzune tried to stand without success while gripping the wall.

"Itachi's let's get..." Before Mio could finish her sentence, Itachi slapped her, making her take a step back. Mio can't believe what she just received. Itachi directly slap her in the face. His eyes are full with a slight disappointment.

"You go too far, Mio. I allowed you because I think Suzune's attitude need some fixing. However… You disappoint me." Itachi said with slight disappointment tone.

Suzune who manage to hold herself at last can only look in shock at the scene. Her head is still groggy and have little vertigo as she manage to stand up after having her body banged against the wall. She can't fathom what she just sees. Even though Manabu gives her cold shoulder, he never does something like slapping her. At least... Probably not yet.

Back to Mio, her tone turns a bit feral. "Why'd you slap me? She just mocks you back then!" Mio tried to defending her actions.

"I know. However, if you quickly taken over by anger and immediately lose to violence desires and almost making someone pass out, what makes you any different than her, Mio?" He asked with rather stern tone.

"It's-" Mio try to retort before finally realize it.

Itachi sighed. "Both of you, follow me to my hotel room and I'll take no for an answer." He said with authorities tone before looking to his smartphone, searching for Manabu's contact. He realized that in order to make Suzune's brocon and arrogant nature diminished, Manabu must be the one that said it directly to her.

"Tch." Mio tched as she has no options but to obey. She just reconciles with Itachi and she realizes all that she did will just snap the relationship again. However, what she did is rather surprising. She then approaches Suzune while giving her support to stand.

"What are you-"

"You can't stand properly due to my actions right? After all… It was my fault in the first place." Mio said in nonchalant tone, signs that she not take her words seriously.

"Do you believe I'll take your pity? One that cry like a baby after her defeat against Koenji-kun?" Suzune asked with mocking tone.

"Oh? And what about you? You here bicker like a child toward Itachi when he defeated Horikita-senpai fair and square. Even though you didn't show it, I can tell that both of us are the same." Mio said in mocking tone. "We'll continue our talk later. Right now, we must follow Itachi first." She then supports Suzune to walk.

Night finally arrives on Hokkaido. As Itachi, Mio, and Suzune are inside Itachi's room, other competitors also have their own activities.

Ryuuen is seen walking around on the street when he passes by a soda vending machine. Feeling thirsty, he the goes to pick a grape with low alcohol which is his favorite delicacy. When he try to take the drink, the familiar voice greets him.

"Oh. Didn't expect to meet you here, Ryueen." Ryuuen glanced to the right to see Fudou approach him while wearing a coat like he does. Due to autumn season in Hokkaido, the weather already turns cold outside the building.

"Ku Ku Ku. Well well if it's not Madan bastard huh? What a coincidence after the last time we met. On the tournament arena when you're beaten by Itachi I wasn't sure at first if that is truly you." Ryuuen greet Fudou with his usual tone. "How's your doing?"

"Heh. As usual I'm man that values freedom above everything else, though I won't take it to the extreme like that Kouenji heir though." Fudou shrugged while smiled. "You completely different than three years ago. I bet your former classmates in grade school must be surprised seeing you." He said.

"Heh. No need for your empty praise since you defeated in the first round." Ryuuen closed his eyes while smiling. "However, do you think I'm fool for not realize you come approach me without any intention?"

"You too cautious on this. I don't have any intention except accidental encounter here to take a drink." Fudou raise his right hand. "But if you said I have intention, here I want to say something."

"What is it?"

"The way you fighting… Is reckless. It's like someone that will quickly succumb to fear if you face with the unknown. Dude, I just want to give you advice that's wrong to keep on with this protection mechanism of yours because I already experienced it firsthand and I must say… It's not a good experience." Fudou said with nostalgic tone.

"Heh. First Itachi and now you. I wonder why so many people give me advice." Ryuuen said with nonchalant attitude as he walks pass Fudou. "You just see the match tomorrow of how I will pummel Itachi Ibuki on the ring with fear plastered on his face." He said as he walk away from the scene.

Fudou who see Ryueen walk away can only sigh. "Seriously. What drive you to be so reckless… Ryuuen…" He said to himself.

Time-skip on midnight, Suzune surprisingly is sleep together with Mio on Itachi's bedroom on the hotel. As for Itachi and Manabu, both of them are on the midnight tea restaurant, relaxing as they both really put it all to put some sense to Suzune and Mio head.

"I thank you for helping me to give advice to Suzune. No… A mere thank you won't be enough." Manabu said as he sips a drink from his glass. He currently replaced his broken sunglasses with a spare one. "If not you the first that called me, I think I have no courage to said those things to her." He said, unexpectedly lowering his pride.

"It's all right Horikita-san. Like I said, being humble and put aside our pride at least once will truly help in mending broken relationship." Itachi said as he sips the green tea he ordered. "Speaking of it, are you sure will leave Suzune behind after this?"

Manabu nod. "The entrance exam to ANHS is only few months from being held and I can't waste my time anymore. And based on Mr. Ibuki wish, Suzune shall use her winter vacation to begin her training. Because of that Itachi, can I trust you to take care of Suzune when I was not around?"

"I can't promise. Even though she'll probably resolved to change herself, the influence that make by your wrong way of making her growth is almost pin on the road." Itachi replied but later nod. "I try my best. At least with this way, she'll learn to interact with others. We have Kokoro and Mio after all."

"I can't say my thanks." Manabu said with a smile, knowing his younger sister is on good hands. "Take care of her Itachi. I… I can't bear if anything bad happens to her."

"Welcome again ladies and gentlemen to 32nd Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament! After the defeat of Manabu Horikita-senshu on the quarter final, It will be pretty certain that the next tournament will not be the same as before! As one of these four contestants will be reward today as the current Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament King!" The referee said which got a big applause from the audience. "And for keep the time on schedule… Both of the semi-finals match will be arranged at the same time! Ryuuen Kakeru-senshu against Itachi Ibuki-senshu & Fuuka Kiryuin-senshu against Rokusuke Kouenji-senshu!" The referee announced.

"Two match at the same time huh? I see. Considers the weather temperature start to turn nasty, it's a wise decision." Masumi voiced her thought. She along with Akito, Fudou, Kokoro, Mio, Honami and surprisingly Suzune are sitting on the same line in guest stand.

"But it makes our focus divided. It still bad for me." Suzune unexpectedly said her opinion on the matters.

"Come to think of it, I'm glad that you want to join us in here Suzune-chan!" Honami said, her kind enthusiastic nature completely return.

Suzune closed her eyes. "I have my reason to bother joining all of you in here." She simply replied.

"Did Itachi and Horikita-senpai yesterday too harsh on you?" Mio decided to tease her.

"Please stop." Suzune said with her cheek slightly reddened. "I… Don't want to… Remember it."

"M-Mio-chan… I-Its not good to keep teasing her l-like that…" Kokoro tried at least to help Suzune.

"Well, maybe her eyes will turn to Sharingan with many of the teasing~." Fudou joked.

"Come to think of it. Where's Shiho?" Akito asked toward Mio. According to her promise, she promised to watch if either Itachi, Mio, or Akito reaches the semifinal. She asks for LINE messages if that ever happens. But so far, even after being called, she's not respond at all.

"I… Also don't know. I already try to call her from noon but she always not answering the call." Mio shook her head. 'Shiho…'

On the arena, both of the matches is only waiting for the referee to sign the beginning of it. Since two matches happen at the same time, the arena was cut in half by a post rope fence. This at the same time makes room to move become narrow.

"Ku ku ku. Who expect that I face against you on the semi-final Itachi?" Ryuuen asked while put both of his hands on his suit pockets.

"I also not expect this. But at least it will fill my curiosity about you, Ryuuen." Itachi replied.

"Like I said I feel no fear and will attack you from anywhere." Ryuuen then ready to attack. "Because as you know it already Itachi. Someone will succumb to fear sooner or later."

"I agree. However." Itachi then enter battle stance. "I'll prove you're wrong from this match."

On the other half of the arena, Fuuka watch her foe with interest. Her arms crossed on her chest. "Even though I not facing Itachi, I'm surprised I am face against a literal gorilla~" Fuuka said with her usual grin.

"Ha Ha Ha Ha! To think my perfect existence will be tested against the heir of Kiryuuin family! Truly an honor!" Rokusuke said as he look toward Fuuka with a mocking smile. "I wonder if your attitude which is the same as I did have strength to back it up Vampire-girl?"

"I shall return that words to you damn gorilla." Fuuka said as she enters battle stance. "Hope you not disappoint me as I beat that so-called perfect face of yours to a pulp."

"Ready."

Ryuuen then decided to enter battle stance, something that he didn't do during all of his matches on the tournament. His stance kinda resembles boxing stance.

"Despite his bravado. I see he takes my advice huh?" Fudou mused to himself.

"Mine as well." Akito said, remember when he warn Ryuuen not to underestimate Itachi battle prowess.

"It seems… Ryuuen-kun understand that even though he use the same movements he did to defeat Akito-kun and Nagumo, he will lose against experienced user like Itachi-kun." Suzune voiced her opinion on Ryuuen sudden change of movements from usual.

"I agree with Suzune on this." Mio surprisingly said. "Ryuuen from what I see is the type of person that underestimates anyone that he deems unnecessary."

"So maybe Ryueen-kun thinks Itachi is necessary for him to go all out?" Honami asked.

Masumi nod her head. "He knows that if he ever makes slight mistakes when fight against Itachi… He will lose."

Itachi as he already on his Shaolin Kung Fu stance can't help but wonder Ryuuen tactical changes. 'I see. So he's not playing around. Well then, what I must do?' He thought to himself.

"Begin!"

Unexpectedly instead of Ryuuen that makes the first move, Itachi was the one to do so. He dash forward and do upward roundhouse kick with his left leg that deflected by Ryuuen to the side. Not expecting that he manages to deflect it, Itachi quickly retract his left leg and do another one that direct directly to Ryuuen face with his other leg but he manage to block it with both of his arm protect his face.

"What's wrong Itachi? Surely this is not the best you can do right!?" Ryuuen proclaimed in manic smile as he found an opening. He tried to knee Itachi on the chest using his left knee but Itachi manage to anticipate it by grab it using his right hand. Not wasting the chance, Ryuuen also get hold of Itachi's right leg. 'He even manages to block that surprise attack!' He thought in fascination before rant once again. "I wonder if you even manage to do this kind of skilled maneuver, why'd you hold back this much!? I can see it you know. The force of your attack is even lower than the time you fighting against Manabu Horikita!" He gloated.

"I simply equalize my strength so I not wasting too much stamina." Itachi simply replied as he tries to pull his right leg from Ryuuen grasp.

"Is that so? Then… I just need to force it into the light!" Using all of his might, Ryuuen pull Itachi's right leg that's on his hold backward, making him lose his balance and receiving hard head-butt from Ryuuen, making him nauseous before Ryuuen kick him with precise hit on the chest making Itachi crash to the ground.

"Itachi!" Mio screamed in worry. 'Damn! I'll not admit it openly but… Ryuuen seems try to figure out all of Itachi's moves from the previous match!'

"Figures he try to do that. Itachi-kun movements so far are too flashy according to me. I can deduce that Kouenji-kun over there also do the same." Suzune supported Mio's thought.

"Consider his eccentric personality, I must agree with you, um…" Akito paused, as he yet to know Suzune's name.

Mio sighed. "This girl is Horikita-senpai's younger sister, Suzune Horikita. Maybe you not remember her because of her harsh introduction to us yesterday." She introduced Suzune. "Isn't that right, Suzune-chan?"

Suzune shoulder shivered. Her eyes obscured by her bangs while having comical tick marks on it. 'Be calm, Suzune Horikita. This for Nii-san… Yeah. For Nii-san…' She thought something like try to hypnotize herself before look toward Akito, trying her best to maintain a smile, although it's twitching. "I'm Suzune Horikita. It's nice knowing you Miyake-kun." She said to introduce herself. 'What the hell am I doing!?'

"See. That's not so hard~" Mio tease while playfully nudge Suzune's waist.

Suzune can only bit her lip in annoyance. "S-Shut up…"

Back on the arena, Fuuka and Rokusuke trade blow after blow. Compare to calculated strategic battle between Ryuuen and Itachi, they more like a beast against beast, disregarding strategy seemingly and battle with nothing but brute strength.

Different than his fight against Mio, Rokusuke suffers many bruises on his body due to Fuuka's monstrous strength. Fuuka on the other way suffers massive bruise on her face.

"Hah… Hah… Interesting." Fuuka panting with grinned wildly at Rokusuke. "You truly are… A beast…"

Compare to Fuuka who's panting in exhaustion, Rokusuke seems paid no mind to his injuries and not seen panting at all. Although trickle of sweat is seen on his face, meaning that he actually catching his breath as well. "Well Vampire-girl, I must commend you for obtaining injuries toward my body." He snickers while raise his hair up. That confident smirk seemingly never leaves his face. "However, I believe we shall ending this rakhsasa battle shall we?"

'Damn this monster…' Fuuka just smirk despite the fact her body feel slightly numb. 'I once plan to ring out him because if I do the same as Itachi's sister I probably can only use my technique. I can see it perfectly. Despite his monstrous strength, his technique is not perfect. If I can at least make him drop his guard…' She then gloat him. "Big words from a narcissist~. Your strength maybe monstrous but you lack in technique. Let see what happens if I go all-out with my techniques purely." She said.

"Me? Narcissist? That's probably wrong." Rokusuke shook his head. "I just too perfect for you to be overcome!"

"Let see that when I bash through that face." Fuuka then dash forward toward Rokusuke.

On the other side of the arena, Ryuuen glanced on the beastly duo. "Seems the other side already heated up." He said with a grin.

"So it seems. But… Is this all?"

Ryuuen widen his eyes and see that Itachi manage to sit up and then stand up without much difficulty. "Damn. Even though I kick your ribs you still can stand."

"You need more than that sadly." Itachi claimed as he clean the dust from his outfit.

"Is that so!?" Ryuuen then dash forward to bear hug Itachi waist so he can crash him to the ground for relentless punch assault. But much to his surprise, Itachi's move is unpredictable. 'What the hell!?'

Itachi's jump upward and landing behind Ryuuen without using any acrobatic moves that Masumi utilized on her battle style.

"That's like my movements!" Masumi exclaimed. 'So Itachi able to do that as well… It can't be.'

"That movements… Is incredible. Like the jumping movements of ninja." Fudou commented with interests. So Itachi still hold back against him back then?

"Huh!" Ryuuen quickly turn around and try to do an attack toward him. "So what if you manage to jump behind me!" He then utilizes roundhouse kick which Itachi counter with his own. 'Ggh! His leg strength is different!'

'As I suspect. The wound he gets from fighting on his reckless style was not healed yet.' Itachi concluded as he put more forces the leg he use, breaking the clash while he use the opportunity to dash toward Ryuuen and delivered hard punch to his solar plexus.

"G-Guah!" Ryuuen felt immense pain of the attack unlike the time Akito utilize the same movement toward him on the first round. He then stumbled backward while his left hand clutching his stomach as he fell on one knees to the arena floor. 'D-Damn! How is that possible!? I should be recovering. How can he-' His eyes then widen in realization.

"It seems you realized it now, Ryuuen." Itachi stated while look down on him. "I'm not becoming stronger. I just utilize my best strategy to attack you that's all."

"Huh. What are you talking about bastard?" Ryuuen grunted in pain as he still can't stand up.

"On the first round, Akito hit your solar plexus, right side of your face and temple. On the second round, your right leg wrist being kick by a female martial artist. Despite Nagumo-san failed to deliver any meaningful injuries during the quarter final, what I did is just strike point in your body which not fully healed yet. That will cause enough trauma to bring you down." Itachi explained.

"I can't believe it." Ryuuen then at last stand up. "You can play this dirty as well."

"I won't call it dirty. As it not a violation to the rules." Itachi replied. "It seems you still can stand."

'He's damn right. Tch, all of my wounds from previous matches… Are not fully healed yet.' Ryuuen thought to himself as he smiled in anticipation. "You maybe will win with me against me Itachi. But how about next year? Or the next year after that? Like I said to you, I'll attack from every direction till you finally succumb to fear. Fear toward me."

"If that's a word of never give up, I'll praise it. However, what I see currently is someone who merely using protection mechanism to escape natural feelings known as fear." Itachi stated, causing Ryuuen to freeze up. "You not even realizing your own weakness."

"What you trying to say here? Like I said before I have no fear inside of me!" Ryuuen roared while run toward Itachi who's already prepared. Throwing a right hook that's quite predictable to the former Uchiha, it was a feint when he threw another one with his left. But Itachi manage to clench the attack with his left palm before kneeing him again on the same area and punch his face on the same spot Akito's punch him.

"G-Guu…" Ryuuen stumbled backward and look toward Itachi in anger. He also pants due to Itachi's attack on his healing wounds.

"Seems that's enough. I don't like give your wounds anymore since it was not my likeness to injure others. I suggest you surrender." Itachi stated while rubbing his chin.

"Ku Ku Ku. What a load of BULLSHIT!" Ryuuen screamed in anger as he doing straight kick toward Itachi which he avoids to the side. "W-What…"

"Like I said before. You not know your own limits." Itachi restated once again before kneeing Ryuuen's face, making him stumbled backward close to the edge of the arena.

"You got him Itachi-kun!" Honami cheered.

"Almost there Itachi. Do it. Take him down." Akito supported as well.

"Itachi…" Mio watch with hopeful gaze. 'Bring him down so you can face that Kouenji on the final round…'

Suzune also watch the match between Itachi and Ryuuen intently. 'Ryuuen-kun was finished. With Itachi-kun strike on his old wound…. There's no way he can continue the fight with his usual strength any longer.' She thought. 'If you really can bring good influence for me as like Nii-san said yesterday… You must win this, Itachi-kun.'

"I said it once again as a last warning. You too injured to continue further. Just surrender." Itachi stated. However, Ryuuen's mind drifts into a distant memory. Memories when he start to have this sick mentality during battle.

(Flashback – Five Years Ago)

Ryuuen family is surprisingly normal. Despite his punk-like appearance, his family is a quite known person on Yokohama. As a child, he also have normal lifes.

That is, till' his school have vacation on Lake Biwa.

"Kyaa!"

Ryuuen alongside his group is approach by one of the most venomous snake in Japan: The Mamushi or Japanese Pit Viper. The snake look at them threateningly as it hisses, prepare to strike as its body took S-position.

While his friends cowered in fear, something inside Ryuuen snapped.

Without any second thought, he kick the snake on the head but not before the snake take a bite to its right leg wrist. He flinched for a moment before he found a collection of rocks besides him. Using the small one, he throws it to the snake's body, making it hiss in anger and distracted while he using a large one to hit the snake's head with it. Killing it instantly.

"R-Ryuuen-kun…" A girl from his group that's scared of the snake tries to call out to him.

Ryuuen felt disgust by his group. Why they feared mere snakes? It should be killed as quick as possible? It's not become hero or anything but something that must be done. He even don't think this was an adrenaline.

'I knows… From the moment I was entering grade school. I was abnormal. Many feared me. Even some adults. I also have loyal followers like some-kind of rich boy. However…' Ryuuen maniacally smiled. 'This pleasure… I never felt it before. So… This is how it feels when having others crumbled below my feet like an animals they are. Ku Ku Ku Ku. Its' so damn….' Ryuuen then collapsed to the ground as the Japanese Pit viper venom start to take effect on his body, causing the panic of his group.

(Flashback End)

'In the end, that damn remedy known as anti-venom saved my life. However, I realized one thing. If you can't keep winning by instill fear toward others… There'll be no meaning in life. I realized it more than anyone. Fear can happen if I can instill it with never give up mentality. After that, I try it with great success. Everyone around me revered me and then fears me. That's what should be happen. Yet-' Ryuuen look in anger toward Itachi's eyes who calm and seemingly pity him. 'Why these bastards not feel any of it?' He then smirk. "Heh. Finally feel annoyed? Tell me, Itachi. What'd you feel right now?"

Itachi just look at him with pitying look on his eyes. 'Kisame… He truly makes me remembering you. Although I think… He's not very loyal to a cause like you.' Itachi thought, remembering his relationship with the shark man of the Akatsuki. Despite joining the terrorist organization on behalf of Konoha, Itachi really enjoys the swordsman company despite he disclosed many information toward him and both are able to close their weakness very well. Like a two sides of the same coin.

Ryuuen stupefied seeing Itachi's pitying look. Anger quickly rise up. "Don't you dare!" He then rushes forward with the current he has, manage to deliver the attack toward Itachi's stomach when he let his guard down.

"Guugh!"

"Ku Ku Ku! Let me show you now how I treat others so at last they succumbed to fear! Fear against me!" Ryuuen proclaimed with crazed smile on his face.

On the other side of the arena, Fuuka is seen heavily injured and panting in exhaustion. All of her techniques are useless but at least she can find one satisfaction. "Well look at that. Seems the perfect being… Can be exhausted too huh?" Fuuka asked in mocking tone.

Her opponent, Rokusuke Kouenji is seen panting in slight exhaustion. However, his usual smirk still remains on his face. "Ha Ha Ha… Not enough… It seems…" He said while pant in exhaustion.

'Damn what it takes to bring this monkey down!?' Fuuka thought in rather frustration. 'Seems there's no choice but use that maneuver!' She then adopt a stance where she raise both of her hands to protect her head with her right feet move forward.

"Ha Ha Ha! You resort to defense now! Too bad as I'll break through it!" Rokusuke proclaimed as he rush toward Fuuka to finish her off with a simple punch from his arm while she suddenly sweep Rokusuke's left feet with a kick, making him lose balance. As he lose balance, Fuuka grab hold of his right arm that intend to punch him, doing a backflip throw that make Rokusuke crash heavily to the ground.

"Ugh."

Fuuka smirk in satisfaction. "How's that?" She asked while not realizing she's open to attack. Without hesitation, Rokusuke flip himself up before kicking her face, knocking her out in one hit as she falls to the ground.

"Really. That really got my back aching in pain." Rokusuke compliment downed Fuuka. "Still not enough though."

The referee, who watched the match from outside the arena, finally announced the end of the first match on the semi-final. "Fuuka Kiryuuin-senshu, lose by knock out! Winner of the first match of the semi-final, Rokusuke Kouenji-senshu!"

"That Fuuka Kiryuin is beaten!?" Mio can't hide her shock. 'Impossible! If I not wrong, she beat that girl on the first round in couple of hits but he manage to do it!'

"I'm not surprised though." Fudou suddenly said. "It's not like she didn't stood a chance against Kouenji. It's because Kouenji used a certain technique that if at least he master it fully… He'll be invulnerable to most physical attacks." He explained.

"That's impossible!" Honami immediately denied it. "I read that normal human have a limit about how much damage they can take! But-"

"That's why I said he almost invulnerable to any physical attacks. That moves is a technique of Okinawa Uechi-Ryu Karate… The ability to harden muscles on specific area at will. Karate's ultimate technique: Takemikazuchi." Fudou explained.

"Takemikazuchi? I never heard a technique like that. Even nii-san never knows it." Suzune commented on Fudou's revelation.

"That's because the technique is secretive and hard to master. But to think I see someone that able to do so despite being incomplete…" Fudou clench his fist. "The only way to attack it is only using attack that targeting internal organs… Itachi will have a hard time facing him…"

'A secret technique!?' Suzune thought in surprise. 'It can't be. That means if nii-san faces against him… He…' She clench her fist on her lap in frustration, knowing what will happen if Manabu ever face against Rokusuke. 'Nii-san… I hate to admit it… But it seems… What you said yesterday…'

As one match, already finished, the same can't be said on the other match of the semifinal. Ryuuen finally pin Itachi on the ground when he have his moments of lowering his guard down, preparing to pummel him down till he unconscious.

"Ku Ku Ku. Now let me show you something special. The way I instill fear into others!" Ryuuen proclaimed as he begin his assaults. He then threw a fist toward Itachi's face which he already bring both of his arm in front of his face to protect himself from the pummeling strike.

'Ugh. I can't keep this forever!' Itachi grunted as he curse his own recklessness of nostalgia during middle of the match. 'It seems there's no other choice. I only seen the move once and I don't know if my muscle can handle it but… It's now or never.'

"So tell me Itachi!?" Ryuuen said between the assaults. "What'd you feel right now? Fear? Anger? Annoyance? Show me that face of yours shall we! Itachi!" Ryuuen then threw the last punch but much to his surprise, he feel slightly tense air around him as his right arm that aim to punch Itachi being hold by his arm while clench it tightly. 'What the!? What's that heavy feelings that I feel just now! It's like if it keeps longer it will crush me entirely!' He thought as he feel something that he not feel for a time since he killed the snake.

Fear.

On the other side of the ring, the heavy killing intent even make Rokusuke have cold sweat on his face.

"Ha Ha Ha. This intent… Is fearsome…" Rokusuke stated with his smirk slightly faltering.

Ryueen open his mouth as his face clearly shocked by what he just felt. His assaults toward Itachi even stopped as he looks toward him. 'Don't tell me! It was him!'

*Crunch*

"Uagh!" Ryuuen scream in pain as Itachi's hold on his right arm become even tighter, threatening to crack his arm bone. His face contorts in pain as he tried to pull it from Itachi's grasp but to no avail.

"Hn. As I suspect." Itachi then look toward Ryuuen with plain look on his eyes. "It seems that you can still feel fear inside you. Ryuuen." He stated. 'A mere release of my killing intent and he felt fear. Seems I was right.'

"Let me go you bastard!" Ryuuen screamed as he tried to pull his right arm free. He then using his still free arm to punch Itachi, but it was hold by Itachi's another arm as he also grab it hard. "Guah!" Ryuuen screamed as he's the first time feel this kind of pain. This is not strength of a martial artist.

Is the grip… Of a killer.

"Let me finish this. Right now." Itachi stated as he released the grip from both of Ryuuen's arm before doing hard punch on his solar plexus once again as he lose his guard due to fear of sensing Itachi's killing intent.

"Guoh!" Ryuuen spat saliva in pain as he can feel his stomach burning from the punch since Itachi once again strike the same area. 'Ggh! He strike me at the same spot again! My strength-' He unable to finish his thought as Itachi throw his weakened body aside as he stand up and look down at him. "Grr…"

"What's wrong? Not laugh like usual?" Itachi decided to taunt to see his reaction.

"Grrh! Shut your mouth!" Ryuuen then throw a kick from his position which Itachi easily avoid. He then manages to stand up although hard to do so. "You think you can achieve victory! Like I said you maybe defeat me now! But there's always tomorrow! I'll strike you again and again till the flame of resistance inside you vanish and be replaced by fear!"

Itachi narrowed his eyes toward him as he concentrates his killing intent once again toward him.

Ryuuen baffled as he now feel the intense pressure once again. Cold sweat starts to form again on his face. 'It… It was… him…' He thought slightly shaky as he unconsciously brings his left feet backward.

"Seems you out of words to make me feel fear." Itachi simply said. "Like I advise you back then. Not knowing fear is something that is impossible for living things to achieve unless you're emotionless puppet. Also fear is not a weakness like I said back then." He then walk toward Ryuuen, who's too shaky to stand up properly.

As Mio see Itachi movements that make someone like Ryuuen shake in fear, She can't help but feel it during the first release of Itachi's killing intent. Her eyes wide on the match as she slightly trembling. 'Itachi… What was that just now… I… Can't stop trembling…'

Masumi frowned as she also feels it the most. 'It was the same as Tou-sama aura. Itachi… What's happen to you till' you can release something like that?' She thought in curiosity as she knows how intense killing intent of someone from her own father during their training.

"Seriously… That Ryuuen… Is on that state…" Akito however smiled. "Damn. You really strong, Itachi."

'Miyake-kun seems not realizing it!' Suzune thought as she also slightly trembling. 'That slight pressure from the first time… Is like those of an assassin that I used to watch on film! What kind of person… Are you, Itachi-kun?'

Back to the match that is going to be concluded, Itachi keep walking toward Ryuuen. 'Ryuuen. Maybe you think you can play my mind by your determination and your protection mechanism of lack of fear in order for me to be afraid of you. However, I can't help but thanking my experience as a shinobi that make me strong mentally as well. If not, I won't be standing right now.' Itachi thought in respect as he walks forward. "No need to worry. It will end soon enough."

Ryueen eye's keep trembling as he prepare himself for the worst. "Don't get cocky… After all that farce…" Using the remaining strength he had, Ryuuen is running toward Itachi before jump and do spinning roundhouse kick. "YOU THINK I GIVE UP-" Much to Ryuuen's surprise, Itachi harshly deflect the kick with his left hand.

"I'll end it now." Itachi then kick Ryuuen on the chest so hard that it launches him to the ground, crash to the arena floor as he lose consciousness, signaling the end of the match.

"Kakeru Ryuuen-senshu! Lost by ring-out! The winner of the second match of the semifinal! Itachi Ibuki-senshu! Four hours from now he and Rokusuke Kouenji-senshu will meet on the decisive match of who shall be the king of this year Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament!" Itachi's victory meets with loud applause from all the guests who watch the match.

Itachi however, not feel happy with his victory. He then look toward the guest stands where Mio and the others watching him. 'Forgive me for making you seeing that Mio.' He apologized as he approached Ryuuen.

Mio immediately realized Itachi look at her in apologetic expression before he walk toward Ryuuen. "Itachi…" She then manages to smile. 'I see. You really not meant it do you? Is this… Is one that you promised to talk with me after I beat you?' Her curiosity takes over.

After reaching Ryuuen's body, Itachi crouch down before lightly slap his cheek to wake him up.

"Uuuh…" Ryuuen grunted as he open his eyes to see Itachi look at him with concerned look on his face. His face quickly contorts to slight fear but he manages to hide it well. "What's…. wrong? Come back… To pummel me?" He asked with taunted, tired tone.

"No." Itachi offered a hand to help him stand up. "I want to apologize for the stunt I pull off earlier."

"Ggh… Damn I really want to punch that concerned look out of your face. But…" He then accepted the help. "Don't take this… as I give up. I'll crush… You… Next time…" He manage to form a smirk.

As so, the semifinal match of the 32nd Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament is over as both Itachi and Rokusuke are resting for the next four hours, preparing for their ultimate showdown.

As Itachi return to his resting room, he is greet by Mio who bring him towel and mineral water. "Thank you, Mio." He thanked her with neutral smile.

"Great work. You've managed to beat his sorry ass." Mio said while chuckling. "That means you just need to beat him on the final."

"Considers he can beat Fuuka Kiryuuin with moderate difficulty and manage to best you despite you're more proficient on technique rather than him, he can be quite an opponent on the final match." Itachi opined as he clean his sweat using the towel.

"I believe you can beat him. Besides, I think he already bit the dust enough from the semifinal match." Mio opined. "Hey, um… Considers we're alone for now… Sorry for my sudden outbursts toward Suzune yesterday. I mean… She's dare to said something harsh like that toward you."

Itachi nod, understanding Mio's concern. However, if he looks in detail, Mio and Suzune really share something in common: Both admire their brother although thanks to Itachi's guide Mio admiration is not as toxic as the latter. "By the way, where's Suzune?"

"Hanging out with Akito surprisingly. Seems she really try to decipher what Horikita-senpai said that night to heart." She shrugged. "After the event yesterday… I can't help but feel connected at her."

Itachi then walk closer toward her while patting her head. "I'm glad though. Seeing through a person and understanding their pain is a good step toward maturity. You really need something like this when you become an adult. I'm proud of you." He give her a slight smile.

"Thanks though." Mio smiled slightly while her face slightly reddened. "Say Itachi…"

"What?"

Mio decided to ask about it later. She then shook her head. "No. Its nothing." She still smiled at her adoptive brother.

After finishing his conversation with Mio, Itachi walk among the corridor when he spotted a person he didn't expect. However, the way he acts is not like what he used to be.

Ryuuen is seen walking on the direction of the exit door, carrying a backpack which no doubt belong to his own. He also not wearing his martial arts suit and instead wearing simple red t-shirt with long jeans and simple shoes. The bruises on his face are not fully healed yet. When he encounters Itachi on the corridor, he widens his eyes for a moment before smiled. "Look what we have here."

"Ryuuen. If I not wrong, you still have match for the third position against Kiryuuin-san. Why;d you-"

"I forfeit. Let her take all glory for the third position."

"What?" Itachi for a while didn't expect this from Ryuuen that known to never give up based on his brief interactions with him. 'Did what I did on our match really trigger something on him?' He thought in confusion.

"That feelings back then… It's even more poisonous than the snake poison that strikes me back then." Ryuuen surprisingly admitted. "Itachi, I just want to ask one thing. Who're you exactly?"

"I'm just normal person just like you. Is there a reason for that?" Itachi replied while his mind knows Ryuuen is curious about his intense killing intent.

"Don't play dumb. The pressure back then is only from those that wash their hands with blood." Ryuuen insisted since he has many shares of violence after that fateful incident.

"If I said I was washing my hand in blood, will you believe it?" Itachi curiously asked.

"Like I believe someone that cared for his sister like you can be that terrifying." Ryuuen immediately replied when he suddenly do roundhouse kick with his right leg toward Itachi but stopped a mere inches from Itachi's face. "But… I guess we can't judge book by its cover won't we?" Ryuuen smirked as he put his right leg down. 'I hate to admit it clearly but… What you said back then have some truth…' He thought remembering Itachi's advice that fears is not a weakness like he thinks it is.

Itachi surprisingly smiled. "Hn. You remind me of someone Ryuuen. My close friend to be exact."

"Huh? What, you mean Akito?" Ryuuen is confused this time. He and Akito are like polar opposite. Yeah, both of them grant with strong physics but Akito dislike violence while Ryuuen thrilled with it.

"The first time we met… He and I made an agreement that we shall never trust each other in case one of us betray one another. However as the time goes on, we start to get along with each other." Itachi said with nostalgic tone of his relationship with Kisame. "But unlike you, his ideology is that mission is everything and everything beside it just in the way."

"Ku ku ku. This friend of yours seems will get along with me just fine." Ryuuen replied while bothers himself to listen to it. "So you want to say something like I remind you of him?"

"Something like that." Itachi shrugged. "But are you sure you just let her to take the third spot that easily?"

"For now… Yes." Ryuuen walk pass Itachi as he raise his right hand saying goodbye. "Good luck against that freak on the final." He said his parting messages as he leaves the arena. However, his mind is filled with something else. 'Damn you slanted eyes. But thanks to you… I finally found myself a new purpose. This new purpose of mine, I'll make sure to return this defeat hundred times when we meet again. So… I hope you prepare yourself… Rival.' He thought with a bit of fondness on the one he can considers as close acquaintances on this tournament as he try to catch up a bus to return to Yokohama.

After four hours of rest, the final match that's about to decide this year Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament is about to begin. On the resting room, Itachi is hugged tightly by Mio.

"Win this Itachi. I'll always support you." Mio said with care tone. "Be careful of him. Somehow he have a high durability that even my currently strongest move can't put him down." She said.

"I know. Thanks for the warning." Itachi said with a smile before Mio release the hug and Itachi look at her smiling face. "Although I can't promise you that I will obtain victory on this match, I won't let our promise down."

Mio nod as Itachi walk toward the arena. 'Good luck.'

"At long last! The final match is going to begin! Due to Kakeru Ryuuen-senshu resign himself, Fuuka Kiryuin-senshu becomes the third place of this year Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament!" The referee announced which get applause from the audience. "Now without waste any more time… Let's give applause to two participants that will battle for Middle Martial Arts King of this year! Itachi Ibuki-senshu against Rokusuke Kouenji-senshu!"

On each side of the arena, both of Itachi and Rokusuke stand face with each other. While Rokusuke keep his usual confident face, Itachi's face looks plain as he dig up some ideas to bring Rokusuke down. 'Judging from the match before, I can assume that Rokusuke already knows that I release my killing intent on my match against Ryuuen, so it won't work very well against him. Another thing is… Is his crazy durability. If only I have my Sharingan I can know what exactly happen with his body but… If based from what I read, he must be using Takemikazuchi without a doubt.' Itachi access every information he have in order to turn the tides on Rokusuke.

Compare to Itachi that try to analyze his opponents, Rokusuke is the opposite. He then snickers at Itachi. "Hoo. Your face is familiar to me~." He then clicks his finger. "Now I remember. Seems you're related to the wolf-girl that I beat on the second round~"

"Mio. Her name is Mio Ibuki." Itachi immediately narrowed his eyes. He sees fair share of those that boasting their power in his old world from his time in Leaf Village and Akatsuki but Rokusuke seems brings it to a new level. "Seems like she told me, you're quite annoying. You act like you forget my name… But actually you're not. So enough of the bravado and face me seriously."

"Hoo~" Rokusuke seems interested with his behavior. "Judging from what you said, you seems annoys with me even though I never did anything to you~"

Itachi however not bother to reply as he adopt the Aikido fighting style.

"No talk huh? Fine then Weasel-boi." Rokusuke as usual didn't adopt any fighting stance as he simply stand upright. "I hope you not disappoint me."

"Get ready. Begin!"

As the referee announced, Rokusuke makes his move by delivers a jab that Itachi easily avoid by tilt his head to the side as he keep his distance and quickly enter battle stance once again. He then counter by delivers elbow strike which Rokusuke manages to block easily but not by take hold of it instead counter by another jab. Itachi manage to duck and make the first hit by upward kick to Rokusuke's chin, making him stumble backward.

Itachi then doing backflip jump to keep his distance as Rokusuke manage to stabilize himself. He then look toward Itachi with his usual smirk as he clean the scratch on his chin. "Hoo~"

'Although I manage to make the first hit, he seems not budging at all. Furthermore, when I manage to get a hit, it's like I hit a bone instead of small muscles on the chin. What's his secret?' Itachi tried to analyze as he keeps his distance. Although he knows Rokusuke probably not best him in term of speed, his match against Mio and Fuuka prove that he holds much more surprise on his side.

"You manage to take the first hit on this match huh?" Rokusuke asked while touch his forehead.

"I see that judging from how you receive my attacks, your strength when beat my sister was not a joke." Itachi compliment him. 'Is that feeling is like what I read once. Let test that again shall we?' Itachi then make a move by jump to the air and delivering aerial kick toward Rokusuke side but he manages to protect it using his left arm. Using the momentum, Itachi do another spin and manage to land a kick to his chest but Rokusuke's didn't even flinch. 'Impossible!'

"Oraa!" Grab tight of Itachi's leg, Rokusuke spin around while Itachi right leg being hold as using the momentum, he thrown Itachi that launch toward the edge of the arena. However, at the last moment Itachi manage to gracefully land his left foot on the arena close to the edge before kneeling in order to avoid being ring out.

As usual, the other competitors plus Suzune and Kokoro watch from the guest stands. They can't hide their amaze and shock of the intense battle. The opening is just beginning and Rokusuke almost win by ring out Itachi.

"Amazing strength he has." Masumi frowned while complement Rokusuke's movements. Although she favors Itachi to win this match, she can't be biased with the current development.

"He's that strong…" Suzune still can't hide her shock everytime she witness Rokusuke's prowess. First, she sees her make fun of Mio and Fuuka and now even Itachi is being thrown around.

Mio only narrowed her eyes at the match. She have belief that Itachi will win this.

'The only way to beat someone that master Takemikazuchi is either targeting his insides or injure him with so much damage that he cannot stand anymore. However, the second strategy will take a long time and considers Kouenji, he's too smart to let it happen. Itachi… What will you do?' Fudou thought with interest.

Back on the match, Itachi look at Rokusuke intently as he stand up. 'Amazing strength. Had I not watch-out, he will win with that moves.' He thought in amazement at Rokusuke's prowess. "Amazing power. Have I just a bit too late, I will lose." He said, admitting that he let his guard down at that very moment.

"You amazing yourself weasel-boi. Now I can see why you able to win against all of that losers." Rokusuke said with his usual arrogant tone and smug face.

"Losers?" Itachi raised his eyebrows. This narcissistic for someone like him make him remembering Kisame once again but the man in front of him, he's so arrogant and cocky that Itachi can't found any respect for him unlike the time he go against Ryuuen. Ryuuen is cocky yes, but he'll admit someone talents despite his sick mentality of knowing no fear. But this Rokusuke brings his dislike of someone on this new world to another level. "There's no loser here."

"Oh~ Of course they are loser. After all, I have no intentions to bother myself too long with those weaklings. They not worth my time." Rokusuke simply stated.

"You that arrogant huh? Put aside you have a strength to back it off, seems you will never realize you just a big fish in the small pond." Itachi simply stated with disappointed expression.

"Big fish in a small pond? You mean me? It seems you're wrong, two-face killer." Rokusuke said with nonchalant tone.

"Hn." Itachi have enough of his attitude. However, he knows that give in to anger will be his downfall. Dash forward toward Rokusuke, he tried to elbow him directly in the nose only for him to easily catch the attack with his left hand before delivering a counter by kneeing Itachi on the stomach hardly. "Guugh!" Itachi spat saliva due to the impact of the attack but it not ends there. Rokusuke make another strike by elbow the back of Itachi's head, making him crashed to the arena floor.

"I always confident with my power since from the beginning. Compare to my perfect self, all the others in here are loser and weakling. That also including you, weasel-" Rokusuke can't finish his sentence as Itachi unexpectedly manage to get up and doing back-flip kick that strike his chin once again. He unexpectedly stumbled backward as he touch his chin. 'That attack. He manages to injured me with just a kick!?' He inwardly surprised although not shown to his face.

Itachi then slowly rose up; smile is form on his lip. "I see now." Itachi stated as he stand up to gaze toward Rokusuke once again but found himself on the same position as Masumi after receiving heavy attack from him on the second round. "Compare to them, who fight with determination, goal, or belief, you more trash than them. You're just an arrogant man who takes freedom too far and insult others without any concern."

"What's wrong with that? Like I said before, all of them are just trash that not bothers for me to be concerned of. Even the two-time champion megane-boi. All of the cheers he get and he only did it so he can get away from her little sister, how cruel~." Rokusuke said with no care tone.

"H-He…" Suzune clench her fist on her lap in repressing anger. Her eyes full of dark intentions. "B-Bastard… H-How dare he…"

"You don't know what his problem and yet you dare to mock his conviction of trying to make his younger sister change to be better?" Itachi demanded although he also uses this opportunity to regain his breath pattern and lessened the pain on his body a little. "After such display, I can see that you didn't even deserve on this tournament."

"Is that so? However, you the one that picks my curiosity Weasel-boi. The fact you can make Dragon-boi piss his pants is interesting. What I don't understand is which such potential; you have anything to be able to accomplish anything on your own. You have no need to put your faith on the others like that wolf-girl do with you." Rokusuke keep boasting.

Itachi narrowed his eyes. This is the last straw. "What's wrong with that?" He demanded since once again he mocking Mio. This man really reminds him of Deidara to some degree although he can't find him obsessed with something like the Iwagakure Shinobi. Even Deidara can still converse with like a normal person and able to admit something he can't do. 'I can see it now. He cares for no one except for himself. This kind of opponent weakness is kind of hard to be exploited since the only way is to best him in combat. However, the sensations I receive conclude one thing. He using Takemikazuchi.' Itachi thought.

"It simple. I can see it; you're the same as me. The type of people that won't trust others to something. After all, I'm special existence and the rest of you are nothing more than childish brat for me." Rokusuke stated with mocking tone.

"Hn. I wonder who's childish." Itachi said to no one in particular as he dash toward Rokusuke giving him a roundhouse kick toward Rokusuke which he blocked rather easily. "So basically you said trust is nothing more than wishful statement of a fool?" He asked.

"That's right Weasel-boi~. If the one is strong, such trivial things would be meaningless don't you agree?" Rokusuke said to him.

"I can't deny it that once upon a time I also think like you. Thinking if I placed burden on my own, I can do anything without involving anyone unnecessary. However, there's one big difference." Itachi then found a gap on Rokusuke's defense before make a punch to his chest as strong as he can. "Unlike you, I never once am arrogant about my talent like you as it was a curse on my part."

"A curse huh?" Rokusuke smirk despite his mind thinking otherwise. 'His punch. That feel hurt.' He thought as he leap backward while also makes sure he was not close to the ring out line. "It's a pity then. You just a weakling that wasted it."

"If it means help me befriend others like many people would, I will do it." Itachi replied as he change his stance to his ANBU battle stance. "After all, I think I found out the secret why you can beat Mio and Kiryuin-san."

"Care to prove it?" Rokusuke challenged as for the first time on the final, he makes initiative to make the first move. He then race toward Itachi before jump after a few meters from him to deliver the superman punch toward Itachi's chest, but surprisingly, Itachi gracefully ducked and roll on the ground, before using the momentum to kick Rokusuke stomach with both of his feet, slightly launch him to the air. Not wasting any chance. Itachi launch to the air, before doing the same move like Sasuke did on the Chuunin Exams.

'Shishi Rendan!' Spinning his body on the air, Itachi use the momentum to deliver a kick to Rokusuke's stomach using his right leg that with the help of gravity, his attack along with Rokusuke launch heavily to the ground.

"Gaa-" Rokusuke almost yelped in pain before grinned. Try to use the same move that he use on Fuuka: Targeting the head, he can only baffled as Itachi manage to block his right foot with the back of his left hand. 'His movement is different?'

"Seems you not as perfect as you think. After all, there are no perfect being in this world." Itachi simply stated before punch downed Rokusuke hard in the face, but it seemingly didn't budge him at all. "Why'd you so sure you're perfect?"

"Care to repeat that? Now I found that you're annoying." Rokusuke stated in silent mocking tone as he punches Itachi's face. The force even makes him thrown to the air. Luckily, he still manages to stabilize himself on the floor just in time.

'He still has that much strength after all of that!' Itachi thought in surprise although his face is still calm. "Lack of attention."

"Huh?"

"You act like you wanting to get attention of someone. Who is it exactly?" Itachi asked as he finally manages to find Rokusuke's sore spot. "You're smart. You're strong. I admit that the current me not strong enough in physical strength compare to you. However, you are arrogant and not knowing the concept of limits. For that, you'll fail to get the attention you desperate to seek."

Surprisingly, Rokusuke start to lose his smug smirk. His face slowly contorted to annoyance. "That some interesting analysis~."

"However, you always overestimate everything about you, with no idea of the depth of my own. Let me show you now." Itachi simply stated as he adopts a strange stance. Raising one of his feet up, both of Itachi's hand mimicking the s-strike position of a snake.

Fudou smiled with interest seeing it. 'That's Snake-style Kung Fu stance. Hmph, makes me remember that Karate Kid film.' He thought really determined to see the match conclusion. 'I wonder what'll you do to overcome Takemikazuchi, Itachi.'

'I see. Tou-san once said that Dim Mak movements with Snake-style is almost the same. No wonder Itachi have such agility.' Masumi thought, remembering her father lesson.

"Here I come." Using the peculiar stance, Itachi jump toward Rokusuke who simply move aside to avoid the attack. However, Itachi notice one peculiar thing that's different than usual. "Your movements is strangely changed from your usual confident one." He then jab Rokusuke on the joint of his left elbow before delivering a kick toward Rokusuke's face, making him stumbled backward and doing something unexpected.

"Uugh!" Rokusuke was grunted in pain. His smirk completely gone from his face.

"Your trick is utilizing a secret technique of Karate called Takemikazuchi am I right? Based from what I read, it can harden muscle on a specific parts even the experienced one can turn it to the density of steel and sword. However, it has glaring weakness that can be exploited." Itachi simply said with plain look on his face. He's not in mood to hear Rokusuke's blabbering anymore. 'First, it can't harden joints since if that is happen, you won't be able to move your arm or leg on the same flexibility as normal martial artists. Second, to harden the specific parts, there's brief moment for that to happen. I simply attack your face before you even have a chance to harden your bodies. Because of it, you tend to have a weakness against flexible combatant like Mio, Masumi, or me.'

Rokusuke not look angered. Instead, he managed to maintain his arrogant expression. "Weasel-boi… That was some interesting development you just put in there. However, if you think you can just beat me by find out something trivial like that… Then you just an idiot person unlike what everyone said about you." He said sarcastically.

"Why you won't admit that even yourself have something you can't do? No wonder you keep stuck in place like a dead tree." Itachi replied the sarcastic comment about him on the same manner.

"Go to a philosophical rant huh? Sorry but it just a waste of time. However, as I find you annoying enough." Rokusuke then doing something unexpected, he adopts a battle stance. "You hurt my pride enough for mocking everything. To protect my pride, I'll K.O. you like what I do to that trash that fell before me."

That's the last straw. Like the time he against Ryuuen, Itachi eyes narrowed but unlike that time when his killing intent spew out uncontrollable, this time he directs it toward Rokusuke. "I have enough hearing your nonsense."

Like before, Rokusuke have a cold sweat but this time his face is clearly shown discomfort with what he just felt. His body is like being crushed by something heavy. 'That time… Its from him after all. W-What… Is this sensation!?' He thought as he feels something he himself didn't expect to feel. Fear. However, thanks to it, his face shown an expression even he didn't expect. "Enough!" Suddenly he screamed toward Itachi.

"Hn. Seems even you can snap." Itachi mocked him. Although it's not in his character to mock people, Rokusuke deserve it that much. 'A much heavier emitting of my killing intent and he immediately snap from his bravado. Even though all of that, it seems he never see humans died.' He thought after seeing Rokusuke's behavior is changing.

Rokusuke suddenly races toward Itachi and deliver a hard and fast roundhouse kick toward Itachi's face before he can even react, injuring his nose and swollen one of his eyes as he thrown back by the force of the kick. Itachi quickly balance himself while withstand the immense pain on his face. It was at the same moment Rokusuke punch him through the gut.

"Uah!" Itachi spat some blood due to the strength of the punch. 'He's stronger than before. Not holding back anymore huh?' He thought as Rokusuke punch the back of his head in downward position, crash him heavily to the floor.

"Itachi!" Mio screamed in worry seeing her adoptive brother being beaten. 'No… Is this bastard even stronger than you? Please, I know you're better than that!' She thought.

'Itachi. Seems you can only go this far huh?' Akito thought grimly. He didn't like seeing his best friend getting beaten like this but the fact that Rokusuke superior to him is very grim.

Back on the arena, Rokusuke hold Itachi by the hair before raise him to face him in the eyes. "Now you understand it clearly huh Weasel-boi? I try to get patient but you lit up my fire~. Because of that, there's no choice but doing this." He then punch Itachi's chest using his other hand. "Like I promised before, I will K.O. anyone that damage my pride, and now I'll do it."

"Ugh!" Itachi gasp in pain however, he manage a smile. "Your pattern…"

"Huh?"

"It's different from before. Now you fight much more like a mad beast rather than martial artists. Too many loopholes." Itachi stated with weak tone. "Is getting attention of someone really that important to you? Losing yourself in complete delusion of being perfect and arrogant toward others is that important?" He demanded.

"Can you just shut up-" Rokusuke unable to finish his sentence as Itachi suddenly knee his chin, free his hold from Itachi's air. "Guah!" He grunted in pain as he have no time to harden his muscle. Stumbling backward, he can see Itachi still stand up but found his body shaking in pain. 'I hit the back of his head even harder than before! How he can still stand!?' He thought in anger.

'It seems… This will become my last movement. I put everything I have into this attack.' Itachi then adopts the Snake Style Kung Fu stance once again but instead of jumping toward Rokusuke, he stay on his place while seemingly slightly move his body from side to side. At that exact moment…

"Don't you dare lose!"

Itachi glanced toward the guest stands and he can see Suzune stand up and look intently toward him.

"Is this the one who beat nii-san! The one that makes Ryuuen-kun cowered in fear! I was disappointed if it turns out to be like this! You the one that awaken me from that foolish need of acknowledgement! Stand up proud like you did against nii-san and beat his sorry ass and DON'T YOU DARE LOSE!" Suzune screamed as some of the guests look at her.

'Thanks Suzune.' Itachi thanked her although he knows it sounds harsh, it's her way of encouragement. 'Keeping promise like this to someone, is this what you feel when you decide to forgive Nagato, Naruto?'

Rokusuke put both of his hand on his hips. "What's now? A Circus Show? I can see you even barely able to stand?" He asked.

"Why not you come here and find out? After all, you're perfect right?" Itachi challenged. "Or are you still actually afraid that your still not reach my depth?"

"Khu Khu Khu… Nonsense!" Rokusuke dash toward Itachi but his hand strangely in knife-hand position.

'That's… Tegatana!' Fudou thought in worry. "Avoid it Itachi!"

Rokusuke intention is obvious. All he need to do is smack Itachi's back of the neck to make him K.O. and he'll win the match. There's no way Itachi can avoid it with his current condition. However as he tries to do it after get close to him, Itachi jump to the air. 'What the-' Rokusuke unable to finish his thought as after spin his body on the air, Itachi delivered a hard downward kick toward the back of Rokusuke's head, making him crashed heavily to the ground. He then gracefully land to the arena floor once again although he find himself wobbly to do so. Panting in exhaustion, he only hope that Rokusuke's don't stand up again.

'That attack… I make it sure I hit the back of his head and some part of his neck. He should be unconscious.' Itachi thought.

"He he he." Much to Itachi's surprise, Rokusuke manage to stand up but also shakily. The hit must be very hard. "Damn… What a-are you exactly?" He asked more like demanding.

Itachi close his eyes while sighing. "Just like you, a fellow martial artist." He simply replied.

"I-Is… That… So…" Rokusuke said as he suddenly fell backward. As he crashes back first to the ground, he make his last statement. "Heh… This is my… Victory…" He whimpered as he lose consciousness.

As the referee looks the result, it was already decided. "What an amazing final match! After a lengthy battle, Rokusuke Kouenji-senshu lost by knock-out! With this, Itachi Ibuki-senshu officially crowned as this year middle grade tournament king!" He declared that triggers big applause from the guests.

"H-He win." Akito clapped his hands seeing his best friend victory.

"Itachi-kun… He win!" Honami along with Kokoro cheered happily.

Masumi just smiling while closed her eyes. 'Congratulations Itachi. That means, I must get stronger than you. Next time when we meet on the ring again, I won't lose to you.'

'I-I can't believe it! He manage to find the weakness in Takemikazuchi except attacking the internal organs!' Fudou can hide his surprise and respect to his fellow contestant. 'Congratulations Itachi.'

Suzune can only look the victory intently. 'That was a clever move. By jumping upward when Kouenji-kun have no other option to dodge, you immediately hit him on the body point when you can ensure he defeated by being knock out.' She thought grimly while clench her fist. 'I'm ashamed to admit this but… Now I see why nii-san respect you so much.' Unknown to others, Suzune slightly smiled. 'You're the one that help me awaken from that stupid mentality of mine where nii-san unable to do so. Thank you, Itachi-kun.'

Ryuuen currently on the bus that will cross Hokkaido to Honshu when he sees the result of the match from the television inside the bus. He then smirks. "Ku Ku Ku. This makes my goal of defeating you more challenging. Till' our next match Itachi." He said with slight respect to the one that awaken him from his delusional.

Manabu is still on the way to Tokyo using personal driver when the news is shown on his smartphone. He then smiled.

"He… Win…" Mio uttered before she raised her hand highly while stand up. "HE WIN!" She screamed as loud as she can. 'Shiho-chan, Rika-chan… Although you not watch it, do you see? Itachi… He keep his promise!' She thought in happiness.

Back on the arena, Itachi suddenly fall to his knees, the injury finally catch up with him. He however smiled. "I see." He uttered. 'So this is what it feels if someone manages to keep a promise. Not… A bad feeling.' He thought as his vision is black out.

Author Notes

And at last after long months in making, the main chapter of the prologue arc, the Middle Grade Martial Arts Tournament finally ended! There's only one last prologue left that will cover the aftermath of the tournament, the fate of some characters, and Itachi against Mio with the former will tell her about his past. The reason of Suzune change in personality will also be explained on the last prologue.

The last chapter of the Prologue will also show Bungou Stray Dogs chars involvement for the first time in my story and it will hit one of Itachi's friends back in the grade school (Ch. 2 till' Ch. 3). I can let you guess who is it.

And as of dear reader realize, there are two other Anime characters make their debut: Fudou Nomura from Busou Shoujo Machiavellianism & Makoto Kino from the popular franchise Pretty Guardian: Sailor Moon. These two of course won't make their appearance on this chapter only as I said there are some other Anime characters that play a big role in my story. Stay tune to it!

I am really taking my time with this chapter as this one is the one that I really want to write. I of course use reference for each characters battle style from known martial arts around the world. Here's the list I use for the named participants alongside their prefecture and battle styles:

Itachi Ibuki (Nagano) - ANBU style + Aikido + Shaolin Kung Fu

Mio Ibuki (Nagano) - Capoeira + Aikido

Manabu Horikita (Tokyo) - Karate + Aikido

Fuuka Kiryuin (Osaka) - Muay Thai

Ryueen Kakeru (Yokohama) - MMA

Akito Miyake (Yokohama) - Aikido

Kamuro Masumi (Saitama) - Wing Chun (Dim Mak)

Honami Ichinose (Kyoto) - Taekwondo

Rokusuke Kouenji (Chiba) - Kickboxing + Boxing

Nagumo Miyabi (Iwate) - Karate

In case you wonder, all of these named will later have importance when we reach the Canon storyline so be patient.

See you in the next update!