Hello, readers! Yes, I'm alive. Just a lot of things going on in my life. The chapters will get uploaded as soon as I can. Thank you for your patience!

Thank you for the review . Yes, Kana is a bitch, but she was so fun to write. Enjoy!

UniversalGoddess

Elder Toguro leered at Team Urameshi, smiling evilly. "Oh Bui, I wasn't expecting you to step forward so soon. Team Urameshi must be special. He rarely shows this much initiative," he explained. "This should be dandy. Whichever one of you gets to fight Bui is in for quite a treat. He has the strength of a thousand oxen."

Tsuki observed Bui warily. That vivid memory of him slicing his opponent's body into guts and bones still gave her chills.

"Oh yeah?!" Kuwabara flexed his arm. "Well, take a look at these big guns I got here. Let me take on this guy."

"Please, fool," Hiei scoffed. "He'll destroy you with one punch. Let a real warrior fight him."

"Zip it, shortie!" Kuwabara fumed. "I swear you are always belittling me!"

"That's because you make it so damn easy." Hiei glanced at Yusuke, his face more serious. "Yusuke, I plan on taking the thug with the sunglasses for myself. But after what he did to Genkai, I believe vengeance belongs to you."

"Thank you." Yusuke nodded with sincere eyes.

"Hmph," Hiei suddenly appeared in the ring. "This thug will do just as well."

"Show him what you got, Hiei," Tsuki stated, eyes filled with genuineness.

"Oh, I will," Hiei said with a devilish twinkle in his eyes. "It's time to show Team Toguro my true power."

"But, hey." Kuwabara's shoulder slumped, watching Hiei stroll to the center. "I thought I had the big guy."

"Looks like Bui caught Hiei's attention," Kurama responded.

Juri pointed to Hiei. "Alright! Measuring 4'10 without his hair, Hiei!" The audience whooped, whistled, and booed while she twirled and pointed to Bui. "At 9ft, Bui!"

"Wow, 9ft! That's tall! And that's more than enough man to go around ladies!" Koto announced to the rowdy crowd. "Then again, Hiei had proved on numerous occasions that kick-ass things come in short packages too! I had absolutely no idea who's going to win this one, people! But I can state for certain, it's going to be exciting!"

"..." Bui's energy sparked. His veins throbbed while gripping the enormous ax.

"Oh my!" Koto gasped. "Is it my imagination, or has Bui's ax gotten any bigger since the last time he formed it in thin air?! I can't wait to see how he wields it and this go-round!"

"She's right," Tsuki stated. "It did get bigger."

"Looks like he's taking Hiei's seriously," Kurama explained.

"Serves Hiei right." Kuwabara struggled to conceal his shock. "Let's see how the shrimp can dodge that."

"Chop the shorty down to size!" a demon yelled.

"Why don't you start by knocking that ugly head of his!"

"Heh," Hiei smirked. "Not a bad weapon you got there, Bui. But with all due respect, I must say I still prefer my own." He removed his cloak, revealing his bandaged arm.

Kuwabara gasped. "No, he can't. Didn't he have issues with the dark dragon when he fought Kuro?"

"Yes," Tsuki replied, remembering that intense and crazy battle. "But I think it's different this time."

"Man, look how tight Hiei has those bandages wrapped around his arm." Yusuke observed. "His injury must not be anywhere close to healing for real."

"No, you misunderstood Hiei's true motive," Kurama explained. "The purpose of this particular binding is not to repair."

"What the hell, so it's just there to look pretty?"

"Not exactly."

"Then why use a bandage that doesn't make your hurties spot better?" Kuwabara questioned.

"I don't know, but I'm not able to sense his powers through that binding." Kurama's eyebrow furrowed. "Hiei, is it possible you manage to remaster the dragon in such a short amount of time?"

"All we can do is wait and see," Tsuki answered. When she was healing him, Hiei didn't say anything about mastering his technique. I hope you figured it out, Hiei.

"And now, the third match of the final round of the Dark Tournament!." Juri gave the signal with a wink. "Ready, set, go!"

With such quickness, Bui sprinted and leaped, swinging his ax at Hiei.

Hiei dodged and reappeared behind him. "Your aim is as broad as your ax. Can you at least try to hit me next time?"

"..." Bui lifted a piece of cement with his ax. He flung it at Hiei.

"Hmph," Hiei jumped away, swiftly dodging as Bui kept throwing more at him.

"Nobody can explain to me why the combatants keep attacking the audience!" Koto announced while the blocks of cement smashed into the crowd. "Though it does make the pain more widespread, and I do love that!"

"Those cement must weigh a ton," Kuwabara commented. "Bui is definitely strong."

"Yes," Tsuki agreed. "But those cement aren't slowing Hiei down."

Hiei kept dodging. "I may be a small target but this is sad." He raised his arm as his Jagan opened wide. "Prepare yourself for the fist of the mortal flame! Haaaaahhh!" Each punch burst the cement into pebbles.

Flunging the last cement, Bui jumped at the surprised Hiei, swinging his ax.

"Look out!" Kuwabara yelled.

"Damn, caught him off guard," Yusuke stated.

Hiei punched the ax. "Haaaaaah!" The weapon broke apart with the blade flying away.

"Eeaaahhh!" Juri screamed as the blade passed her, crashing to the upper section.

Tsuki smiled. "It'll take more than an ax to defeat Hiei."

"Exactly," Kurama agreed.

"..." Bui stood up. A brand new ax appeared in his hand.

Hiei mocked him. "At least you're consistent. Consistently foolish if you believe this ax will have any more impact than the last."

"..." Bui flung his ax at Hiei.

"Fool." Hiei grabbed the blade, disintegrating the weapon completely.

"That's amazing!" Koto declared. "Hiei not only stopped the blade with his bare hand, he then disintegrate into fudge!"

Tsuki's eyes glistened. "Wonderful."

"That ax melted like chocolate," Yusuke stated.

"Uh," Kuwabara's eyes widened with alarm. "Remind me to never let Hiei touch me again anytime soon or like ever."

"Then it is true. Hiei's powers show no sign of faltering. He has risen his abilities expeditiously in this tournament," Kurama explained. "He can wield the living flame with ease. Now the only question is whether he can bear the darkness flame as well and unleash the dragon."

Disappointment appeared on Hiei's face. "I warned you that was a foolish maneuver. But you refused to listen. Much to your disadvantage, and to my boredom." His eyes narrowed. "And that is not forgivable."

"Hehehehe." Bui's eyes glowed red. "Sorry to bore you," he said in a slow deep voice. "I'll remove my armor."

"Did you hear that?!" Koto asked the silent audience. "Bui spoke for the first time in this tournament! His tempering voice is so richly deep, my two little fox ears are tingling! In fact, my whole body got the shivers!"

"You should know two things, Hiei the swordsman," Bui stated. "I was saving my power for someone else. And this is the highest compliment I give."

Hiei smirked. "Hmmm, I am honored. Really I am, but are you sure you're strong enough to take a direct hit from me without any armor?"

Bui tossed his shoulder plate on Team Urameshi's side. "I'll handle it."

Tsuki and Kuwabara dodged it, gasping as the plate left a huge dent in the ground.

Kuwabara's eyes darted from the plate to the ring. "Whoa, that's heavy. And that's just one of his arm things. How did he ever manage to fight in all of that stuff? Let alone stand up straight in it."

"If he had all that weight." Tsuki eyed Bui closely. "Then I'm curious how he fights without it."

Bui continued to take off his armor. "Most fighters wear armor to protect themselves from their opponent. But I'm the opposite." He took off his mask, revealing a demon man with turquoise hair and a large scar above his forehead. His aura glowed. "I actually wear this armor to protect my opponent from myself. You see my powers are so great, I can't control them on my own."

"Hmph," Hiei stated with a flicker of excitement. "Now this battle is getting interesting."

Bui's aura rose in the sky while he floated. The crowd murmured in confidence.

"Kill the little monkey!"

"Destroy the shrimp! He's not one of us!"

"Such power," Tsuki stated, amazed. "It's the first time I've seen power strong enough to keep the body floating."

"Whoa." Kuwabara looked astonished. "How did I not pick up on this guy's energy?"

"Because of his armor," Kurama explained. "It contains his powers."

"If it contains it, then why the hell would he take it off?" Yusuke questioned.

"No, what I meant by contain is that armor keeps his power from escaping," Kurama clarified. "Basically, that's Bui's real armor."

"I call this battle aura." Bui proclaimed proudly. "I like to see you try to top it."

"And so would I." Hiei's aura flared. "But I doubt I'll have to try."

"We'll see about that."

Hiei leaped but was pushed back into the ring by Bui's aura. He raised his hand. "Fist of the mortal flame!"

The flame struck Bui but his aura easily destroyed it. "Uahhhhh!" He released an energy blast toward Hiei. "Take this!"

Hiei released another flame. The blasts collided and destroyed each other.

"Look out below!" Bui sent another energy blast.

Hiei maneuvered, but the blast kept trailing. He appeared in front of Bui, smiling. "Fool." He dodged the blast, causing Bui to get struck.

"Nice, Hiei!" Tsuki cheered.

"Ahhhhhhh!" Bui crashed into the ring, causing his energy to skyrocket in the air.

Yusuke grinned. "Not bad."

"Beat by your own attack. Man, that's got to be pretty gosh darn humiliating," Kuwabara commented.

"Fantastic!" Koto announced. "With Hiei's quick thinking, Bui was struck down by his own blast! Let's see how long he'll stay down! Juri, are you ready to start the count?!"

"One…ack….ack….second!" Juri coughed while smoke covered the ring.

Hiei landed by the dent. He came closer, mouth agape as he peered down. "No."

Bui's aura glowed brightly like the sun while he floated. Tsuki could hear the pride in his voice. "I told you. You have to top me, Hiei. Maybe now you'll get to take me more seriously and show me the respect that I deserve," he explained. "My attacks are designed to be only as strong as necessary to take out my opponent. As you can see, that's not even enough to put a dent into me. Take that any way you like."

"So it takes a lot more than that to bang you up." Hiei unraveled his wraps. "Well here comes a lot more."

"Hey, Kurama," Kuwabara began. "Hiei is taking off that bandage you were talking about. You know the one that doesn't do what it's supposed to."

"It seems you misunderstood. On the contrary, Kuwabara. That binding has accomplished precisely what was intended to do. Which for Hiei, it's similar to Bui's armor. Though in Hiei's case, it's not just his own energy trapped in that arm. Wait," Realization spread across Kurama's face. "Neither fighter can control their energy. If they clashed, the stadium could crumble."

"You can't be serious," Yusuke stated.

Tsuki turned pale. "This is bad." She glanced worriedly at her friends and grandpa. "I hope everyone stays safe."

Hiei's smile widened, raising his arm. "Once your own doom has been unraveled." The dragon tattoo glowed as a sinister dark aura surrounded him. "I assure you there's no turning back."

"You don't need to worry about that," Bui stated assuredly. "I'll handle it."

Midnight fire swirled around Hiei's arm. "And now, the end. It's been pulling on the bandages for some time. I couldn't hold the beast for long," Hiei had an insane look on his face. "Hehehehehe, hohohoho, you're the next sacrifice to the dragon of the darkness flame."

"Wow! Fire is leaking from Hiei's arm, and an exciting goosebumps are screaming from mine!" Koto declared. "The big scary dragon is back!"

"It's even more powerful than before," Kurama explained. "Without control, he can kill us all."

"That's cool," Yusuke sarcastically stated.

Kuwabara clasped his hands. "Please don't eat me. Please don't eat me, no."

Tsuki shivered, clutching her arms tightly. "It's so cold." She felt something in the air like the weight of the sky in a great storm. "It feels like death."

Lightning splitted the dark sky. The earth shook and parts of the stadium ceiling fell around them.

"What an attack!" Koto announced. "Our state of the art ring is already crumbling under its power! This could mean surprise injuries!" Koto gasped. "Juri, get back! This isn't a safe place to be right now!"

"Ahhh, I can't Koto!" Juri cried, crumbling to her knees. "I don't want to be a pretty girl referee anymore! Uhahhhhh!"

"Okay," Koto threw a large ribbon toward the ring. She tugged hard as soon as it grabbed Juri's tail. "Let's go! We have a match to ref!"

Tsuki looked around while the stadium kept breaking apart. "I've never seen the stadium like this. What tremendous power."

"Shouldn't we hide under something?" Kuwabara suggested.

"Wait, give him his due time," Kurama assured. "He could be advantageous after all. It appears in his short training since then, he learned how to master it better."

Yusuke stared at Kurama as if he had gone mad. "Oh better. That's reassuring, yeah."

"Take it from someone that was in the ring the first time!" Koto announced. "This attack is not the same! It's like a super hyper mega dragon!"

Lightning struck the stadium, hitting Hiei's arm. "You ready?" He released his enormous power. "Dragon of the darkness flame!"

"Grauwhhhhhh!" The dragon burst out, opening its mouth wide at Bui.

Bui grabbed the dragon's mouth. "Ahhhhhhh!" He refused to allow the beast to consume him.

"Damn, who is this Bui bastard?" Yusuke stated.

Kurama gasped. "He actually stopped it. I didn't think it was possible."

"I'm surprised too," Tsuki agreed.

"I'm not scared." Kuwabara's scared eyes fixed on the battle. "But we should at least find a rock to get under."

"I hope you don't think that dragon is complete." Hiei's hands glowed, shooting more energy toward his dragon.

"Ahhhhhh!" Bui continued to hold the dragon with all his might.

"Amazing!" Koto announced. "Bui avoided instant vaporization! But the dragon's strength is immense, and it's bulldozing him around the stadium! Something has to give!"

Panic and madness spread like a fire in a dry field. Another massive earthquake shook the stadium, causing the crowd to go wild.

"Okay," Kuwabara anxiously glanced around. "We really should find somewhere to hide before we get smashed to death."

"Stay where you are," Tsuki warned. "The flames are attacking the audience."

"Well, I guess the stadium's g-AHHHH!" Koto dodged while the dark flames vaporized the fan next to her. "Alright, people! This is the mayhem you could only expect from the final! The weaker ones in the crowd are being instantly disintegrated! It's hell in the basket and I love it all!"

The dragon still clutched onto Bui. "Grawgh!" It broke the stadium ceiling, knocking him on the rocks.

Hiei quickly jumped on top of the stadium roof, watching as Bui struggled with the dragon.

"Ahhhhhhh!" With all his energy, Bui reversed the dragon to Hiei.

Hiei's eyes widened. The dragon completely devoured him with one bite.

"Hiei!" Tsuki yelled as Team Urameshi gasped in surprise. The dragon completely disappeared into the sky.

"Hahahaha!" Bui landed in the ring. His mouth twisted in a triumphant sneer. "A successful victory. Hiei first, then Toguro soon after. Hahahahaha!"

"What a maneuver!" Koto declared. "Bui managed to force the dragon of darkness flames away from himself and directly toward Hiei! Causing the three-eye warrior to be swallowed by his own beast of destruction!"

"Yeah!" The audience cheered. "Way to go Bui!"

"That's what his ass gets!"

"Damn," Yusuke frowned. "That sucks."

"Yeah, that's a horrible way to die," Kuwabara stated.

"It can't be." Tsuki's heart began to crack. "Hiei, come back," she pleaded.

"It's all clear now, Juri! Time for you to make the official call!" Koto glanced down while Juri slept by the wall. "Juri?! We can't have this gore feast without you! All the rich and cutie boys will be watching you!"

Juri's ears twitched. She blinked and gazed up. "Where?"

Koto rolled her eyes. "Well, we see where your motivation lies! Don't we?!"

"Right, I'm coming!" Juri stepped forward and stared at the sky. The dragon still flew in the air. "Uhhh, Hiei can't compete without a body so the official winner can only be–Ahhhh!"

Lightning burst in the ring. Mist swirled, revealing Hiei's undamaged body. There was an air of calm strength about him. "This brings up my next attack. It's a little different."

Bui gawked in wide-eyed wonder. His face fell even further. "No."

"Now that's cool," Yusuke complimented.

"Agreed." Tsuki breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you're alive, Hiei."

"I can't really articulate what's happened here, people!" Koto declared to the silent crowd. "It looked like the dragon had eaten Hiei, but now the demon is back and appears to be unharmed!"

"Go get him, Hiei!" Jorge yelled.

"Interesting," Kurama explained. "The dragon on his arm isn't there anymore."

"Something big is coming," Tsuki predicted, skin prickling. "I can't explain it but Hiei's attack is on its way."

"Come on, Bui! Don't be a pussy now! He doesn't have any powers!"

"Yeah, his dragon is gone! Just rip out his head!"

"A new attack?" Yusuke stated. "Wait, did he just do what I think he did?"

"Huh?" Kuwabara looked at Yusuke who was equally confused. "What did he do?"

"It's true," Kurama confirmed. "Hiei has consumed the darkness technique."

"What? You mean he ate the dragon?" Yusuke questioned.

"Apparently he's learned what no one before him has. The only way to gain real control of the darkness flame is to trap it within. Now the dragon is inside him and at his full disposal. Even Bui must accept what that means."

"He did it." Tsuki smiled radiantly. "He really is a strong warrior."

"Explain this!" Bui demanded.

Hiei's Jagan glowed. "Countless centuries, countless masters try to harness the power of the darkness flame. Only I had the courage, the strength, and the abundance to realize its glorious potential. I have the power of the dark dragon because now I am the dark dragon."

"Say what you want." Bui leaped, lips twisted into a mad snarl. "Nothing is stronger than my battle armor." He punched Hiei in the face.

Hiei stood strong. "Nice."

"Ahhhhh!" Bui delivered more hard blows. Still wasn't enough to move Hiei an inch.

"Bui explodes like an angry toddler in a therapy session, but Hiei is absolutely unaffected!" Koto announced.

"Wow, he's taking all those punches," Kuwabara stated, amazed.

"That's what I'm talking about." Yusuke's mood lightened. "Show him who's tough, Hiei."

"Ahhhh!" Bui flipped, and grabbed Hiei, tossing him in the air. He jumped, kneeing and slamming Hiei into the ceiling. "Ahhh!" Bui grabbed the fire demon, kicking him into the ground.

Hiei rose, brushing the dust from his shirt. "Still not enough."

"Ahhhhhh!" Bui sprinted. "Dieeeeee!" Before he could punch, Hiei grabbed his hand.

"Insane!" Koto declared. "Hiei actually stymied Bui's battle aura! The secret to all of his powers!"

"So he was able to finally stop Bui's energy." Kurama watched with excited shock. "Hiei, you really outdid yourself."

Tsuki smiled. "Remarkable."

"Come now," Hiei urged, his hand glowing. "Can't you even test me?!"

"Yes, I can!" Bui lunged but the Hiei's energy blast flew him up. "Ugh!"

Hiei jumped. "Behold my power!" With his new energy, he punched Bui in the face.

"Ahhhh!" Bui crashed into the aisles, knocking some of the audience away.

Hiei landed in front of Bui, victory already appearing on his face.

"Both fighters are out of the ring! I'll start the count! 1, 2,-ahhhh!" Juri fell inside the dent and quickly picked herself back up. "3, 4!"

"What's going on?" Tsuki asked, observing Hiei and Bui. "Why aren't they moving?"

"Bui wants Hiei to finish him," Kurama explained. "But Hiei refuses. He told Bui he can kill himself. What a prideful man."

"5, 6, 7, 8, 9!"

"Hmph," Hiei landed back in the ring. "I don't take orders. Especially with people that I've beat."

"And 10!" Juri winked. "The third fight is over! Hiei takes the point!"

"Did you hear that Toguro?!" Yusuke yelled. "Looks like we won another fight!"

Hiei jumped down, walking towards them.

"Uh, wait," Kuwaraba stepped back. "This is a no dragon-man area, okay?"

"You did wonderful, Hiei," Tsuki complimented.

"Yeah, really awesome," Yusuke agreed.

"Yeah, spectacular," Kuwabara said. "Why don't you go twenty yards that way and fight the rest of them?"

"That's against the rules now you cretin." Hiei's body shook. "Besides, my attack expired."

"Expired?" Yusuke and Kuwabara stated.

"I don't know if your brains can imagine it, but this attack drained a good deal of my energy." Hiei yawned. "I'll require some hibernation to get it back. Think you can manage finding a safe place for my body where it won't get stepped on?"

"Did you say hibernate?" Yusuke asked. He and Kuwabara exchanged confusing glances.

"Fancy word for being lazy," Kuwabara commented.

"Listen to me as closely as you can, you two. I'm trusting you against my better instincts only because I don't have no other choice." Drowsiness crept over Hiei. "Take care….of the Toguro brothers. If I wake up….and we lost, I swear…I'll kill you…all…"

Kurama and Tsuki chuckled as Hiei collapsed to the ground.

"Hahahahaha," Yusuke laughed. "That's Hiei for you. He faints but he still has time for threats."

"Hold on," Kuwabara stated. "So nothing we'll do will wake him up?"

"Nothing," Tsuki replied, blushing. "His face is so peaceful when he's asleep."

Kuwabara pulled out a marker, smiling mischievously. "Can I give him a mustache?"

"Sure, if you want to get killed by the time he wakes up." Yusuke smirked. "You gotta hand it to him. When Hiei is feeling serious he'll let you know."

"With Hiei's technique mastered, his power is overwhelming indeed," Kurama explained. "We have to stay on his good side."

"Hell, he didn't say how long he will hibernate." Yusuke observed his sleepy teammate. "Maybe we'll all be dead when he wakes up and it won't be an issue."

"Don't say that," Tsuki whined. "I want to go home."

"What are they going to do with the ring?" Yusuke studied the stadium. "Looks like a graveyard."

Kuwabara stepped forward, touching his shoulder. "Gee, why are you upset? The ring is not your problem." He gazed at Team Toguro confidently. "All we gotta do is think about smashing those Toguros and getting things back to normal."

"Hahahahahahaha!" Elder Toguro flashed his most menacing grin. "Look, brother! The guinea pig is going to be my next victim!"

Kuwabara jerked, shivering. "Is that guy getting into my brain or I'm just being paranoid?"

"No, you're not paranoid," Tsuki answered, glaring at the demon. Watching his last match made her want to puke. The nerve of him tormenting those two fighters.

Yusuke scoffed at Elder Toguro. "Look, he's pulling some stupid intimidation. What a joke."

"Yeah, can you believe how silly he is?" Kuwabara brushed the feeling off. "I mean what guy would get scared by some terrifying red-eye trick? I'm gonna beat him so fast."

A committee member suddenly gave Koto a note. "I received word that we'll have a long intermission while the replacement ring is brought in!" She announced. "Feel free to move around the parts of the stadium that still exist! And of course, as always, don't forget the snack bars!"

"I thought so," Kurama stated. "There was no way they would allow us to continue without a ring."

Kuwabara sighed in relief, walking away. "Well, I'm going to the locker room to relax. Got to get into my fighting groove."

"Tell them why you're really leaving." Elder Toguro appeared behind them. "You're frightened because you realize you're about to die."

Kuwabara halted and turned around. "Hey! You've got no business over here!"

"He's right." Tsuki's eyes narrowed. "Save your sadistic talk for the next match."

Toguro ignored her. He gazed at Kuwabara like a sick predator. "You have improved your strength remarkably over the last few months, Kuwabara. But there's still an abyss of difference separating you and I." Evilness oozed off of him. "So save the appropriate prayers because I don't like painless endings."

Kuwabara gulped as his body stiffened.

"Lucky for you. Your execution has been postponed. Why don't you go and enjoy your life for a while?" Toguro walked away. "You don't want to have any sickly regrets. Hahahahahahaha!"

"That demon is so evil," Tsuki commented. She felt a creeping of disgust. "To think he was ever human."

"Human or demon, that asshole is going to get his." Yusuke nudged Kuwabara. "Kuwabara, don't listen to that asshole. Let's just get the hell outta here for a while."

Kurama picked Hiei, carrying him on his back. "Yes, I'm sure we can all use this time to relax."

"How long do you think it'll take them to bring the ring?" Yusuke asked as they made it back to the locker room.

"Probably an hour or so." Kurama placed Hiei down on the bench. "Maybe Hiei will wake up around that time."

"I hope so." Tsuki stood by the wall. She gave Hiei a worried look. "I don't want him to miss the last two fights."

Yusuke grinned, leveling down to her level. "Why don't you kiss him, Tsuki? I'm sure that'll wake sleepy beauty up."

"Wait, what?" Tsuki's face reddened while she gazed at her friend.

"Yes, a perfect idea, Yusuke," Kurama teased Tsuki in a jest. "I'm sure Hiei wouldn't mind, Tsuki."

Tsuki blushed heavily, avoiding their eager eyes as they snickered. "T-that's not necessary, guys."

Kuwabara snorted. "I'm sure Tsuki would rather kiss a frog than shrimpie. Hell, he'll probably bite her with his razor-sharp teeth."

"You're so clueless, Kuwabara," Yusuke responded.

There was a knock on the door before Koenma entered. "Hello, everyone."

"Greetings Koenma," Kurama stated.

"Hello," Tsuki waved.

"How did you like the show?" Yusuke asked.

"Very entertaining. I can't wait for next year," Koenma stated sarcastically. "You guys are doing a great job though."

"Unfortunately," Kurama lowered his gaze. "My match didn't give us a point."

"You still did great, Kurama. Karasu wasn't an easy opponent." Tsuki assured him. Realization spread on her face. "Oh, I forgot. I have some moon water to help heal your wounds."

"Thanks, Tsuki," Kurama said with gratitude. "I appreciate it."

Kuwabara's eyes constantly checked the time. If he wasn't looking at the clock, his eyes darted desperately around. Tsuki could feel his anxiety filled the whole room.

Koenma observed Kuwabara. "Your compulsion is starting to match your suit, Kuwabara," he remarked.

"Hey, what's up with Genkai?" Kuwabara abruptly asked. "With a long break like this, she had plenty of time to take some flu medicine right?"

"You're anxious about fighting the Elder Toguro aren't you?"

"Alright, maybe I am. You can always fight in my place if you want to, sir."

"Any fight I take is an instant out." Koenma flipped his cape, revealing a rocket on his back. "Koenma charm. Just in case things get nasty."

"Okay, this is dumb. He's no real substitute, and I'm getting the short end of the poll. If Genkai were here I wouldn't have to fight Elder Toguro." Kuwabara crossed his arms. "I say Koenma fights a brother, or I'll pull Genkai out of bed."

"Give it a break. Will ya Kuwabara," Yusuke's voice had an annoyed edge. "She's not going to come and fight today. You're the only one left."

"He's right," Tsuki stated. "I know Elder Toguro is a ruthless and emotionless killer, but we need you to fight him. There's no other way."

"Hmph," Kuwabara grumbled. "Whatever."

There was another soft knock before Grandpa Saito and the girls entered the locker room.

"Hello, everyone," Botan greeted. "Great matches so far."

Iku growled excitedly. "Iku!" He jumped from Yukina's arm.

Tsuki caught him and gave him a soft squeeze. "I miss you too, Iku. Thank you for being a good boy."

"Iku!"

Keiko hugged Tsuki tightly. "I'm so glad you won your match. Can't believe that nasty witch wanted you to be her lifeless puppet."

"I know." Tsuki returned the hug, shuddering from her remark. "I'm just glad it's finally over."

"Me too. I was worried about you and the others." Grandfather Saito glanced at Kuwabara. "And it looks like Elder Toguro is facing Kuwabara. How do you feel?"

"Great." Kuwabara tried his best to sound positive. "Didn't expect it, but I don't have any choice, right?"

"Alright, baby bro." Shizuru marched towards Kuwabara. She stared at him sternly, grabbing his collar. "And what are you going to do when you fight this Toguro freak, huh?"

"Back off, sis." Kuwabara turned his face away, avoiding eye contact. "Not right now. I'm just feeling a little nervous, that's all."

"Yeah, Kazuma." Shizuru released her grip with a confused look. "Of course."

"Everything alright over there?" Botan asked.

"Yeah, perfect." Shizuru lit a cigarette. "He's never acted like this before. Elder Toguro must be the real deal."

"He is," Yukina spoke. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled at Kuwabara. "Hi, Kazuma."

Kuwabara's face lit up. "Oh, hey baby."

Yukina showed him a six-pack of melon soda. "I went by one of the crushed concession stands and pulled out a pack of drinks. I thought it might cheer you up before your next fight."

"You really are something special, Yukina. But I don't need drinks like those to cheer me up or to have a good time. And If I did, I always drink responsibly." Kuwabara grabbed her hand. "Besides, with the power of our love shining through, I'll beat him in point five seconds."

"Never mind." Shizuru rolled her eyes. "He's normal again."

Tsuki smiled. "Yukina always makes him feel better."

A large stomp shook the room. Everyone waited as the stomp grew louder and louder.

"Hey, guys." Yusuke opened the door. "I think we better check this out."

"I'm right behind you," Tsuki stated as she, Kuwabara, and Koenma sprinted out of the locker room.

"Please don't be a giant monster," Kuwabara pleaded.

Koenma frowned. "If it is, I'm out of here."

They halted when they made it back to the arena. The crowd stopped yelling obscenities, cooing, and gasping while the stomps came closer.

Yusuke's mouth widened in shock as they peeped through the large hole in the wall. "Holy hell."

"Unbelievable," Tsuki stated while Iku growled. The fear had hold of her now, swelling with every breath.

"Yeah, does he qualify?" Kuwabara asked.

"Why it's unbelievable, people!" Koto announced. "Toguro is carrying the ring from the old stadium on his back! Seems we'll get on with the finals earlier than expected!"

"Yes! We can continue!" A demon screamed.

"Toguro is awesome!"

Yusuke's face turned funny. He clutched his stomach. "Anyone cares if I puke on myself?"

"Just as long it doesn't get on me," Koenma replied.

Tsuki noticed Kuwabara breathing heavily. "What's wrong, Kuwabara?"

Kuwabara met her gaze. Tsuki never imagined him appearing so defeated by anything, and she felt pain at the look on his face. "This just keeps getting worse. Usually, when I see Yukina I feel unstoppable. This time I'm just more afraid."

Yusuke placed his hand on Kuwabara's shoulder. "Let's go take a walk. I'm sure that'll make you feel somewhat better. It'll sure help me. Remember, I have to fight a brother too."

"Yeah," Kuwabara agreed. "It's better being here waiting for the match to start."

Koenma watched them stroll away. "Don't go too far, and make sure Kuwabara doesn't run away, Yusuke."

"I feel bad," Tsuki confessed while she and Koenma headed back to the locker room. "He is facing off against an evil maniac."

"Well, he doesn't have a choice. Genkai was murdered. Kuwabara is the only one that didn't fight, yet," Koenma explained. "You guys haven't told him yet?"

"Nope. I was going to, but Yusuke just told him she was sick." Tsuki gave out a heavy sigh. "I don't know how long I can keep this up. I'm not the best liar."

"Sooner or later he's going to find out," Koenma stated. "I just hope it's not by the wrong person."

"What happened out there? And where's my love-struck brother?" Shizuru asked when Tsuki and Koenma entered the locker room. "Don't tell me he got cold feet?"

"Younger Toguro carried the ring from the old stadium here. Kuwabara got nervous so he and Yusuke went for a walk." Tsuki gave Shizuru a worried look. "I hope that'll cheer him up. He needs to be calm when he fights Elder Toguro."

Shizuru puffed her cigarette, releasing a smoke. "Honestly, I don't see Kazuma winning."

"Yeah," Botan's head hung low. She sighed deeply. "I think Kuwabara is a dead man for sure."

"Shizuru! Botan!" Keiko frowned, shaking her head in disappointment. "Have more faith. If Kurama, Tsuki, and Hiei could survive their matches, then Kuwabara has a high chance to survive too."

"I'm being realistic, Keiko," Shizuru retorted. "I love my brother but his chance of winning is slim to none. And you're right. The others did survive, but my brother is different. He's never dealt with this type of mess before."

Grandfather Saito folded his arms. "I wish I could rebut her statement, but Shizuru is correct. Kuwabara has gotten better but he needs more training. And Elder Toguro isn't the demon that'll show his opponent any mercy. It'll take a miracle and strategy for Kuwabara to win."

"Well, I believe Kazuma will find a way like he always does," Yukina stated with a warm smile. She glanced at Hiei. "How long do you think he'll be out?"

"For a while. The dragon used a lot of Hiei's energy," Kurama replied. "Why don't you ladies walk outside to pass the time? I'm sure you don't want to stand around and be bored here."

"You don't have to tell me twice." Shizuru put out her cigarette and proceeded to the door. "Let's go, girls."

"Tsuki," Yukina's eyes glowed. "You want to come with us?"

"No, thank you." Tsuki handed Iku over to her and smiled. "I'll stay here with the guys. But I'm sure Iku and Puu need some fresh air."

"Iku!"

"Puu!"

"I'll go with them." Grandfather Saito stared lovingly at his granddaughter. "Keep encouraging Kuwabara and Yusuke. They're going to need it."

"I know. They're my friends. I'll always be there for them," Tsuki replied. "And I'll pray for them as well. See you soon, grandpa."

"Bye, everyone," Botan stated. "We'll still be rooting for you guys."

"We'll see everyone soon," Keiko said. "Alive and with no missing parts."

"Kuwabara," Koenma stated after the door was closed. "I hope you're ready."

"I'll be a liar to say I'm not worried about him," Kurama replied. "Kuwabara only had a few short months to train. I just hope there's a chance for him to survive at least."

"Me too, Kurama. I don't care if he wins the match or not. I just want him to come back home in peace." Tsuki clasped her hands. "Gods, I pray you'll give Kuwabara and Yusuke the strength and power to destroy those monsters. They brought us here in this evil and filthy tournament. Now it's time for them to pay."

Kurama winced as he sat down on the bench. Fresh blood from his injured legs leaked down on the floor.

Tsuki stepped forward, opening her canister. "Kurama, let me heal you."

"What about your spiritual energy?"

"Believe me, I'm just the vessel. The moon water will do the rest."

They waited patiently as the time passed by. Tsuki decided to meditate and converse with Koenma while Kurama read a book.

Hiei began to move slightly. He opened his eyes, scanning around the room.

Kurama smiled, closing his book. "Ah, you're finally awake."

Tsuki's heart pounded and she beamed with delight. "I'm glad."

Hiei lifted himself, confused. "Where am I?" He looked even more sour than usual. "How long have I been out?"

"We're in the locker room," Kurama answered. "And you've been hibernating for a little over six hours."

"Six hours?!" Hiei sat stunned for a few seconds. "Well, who won the tournament?!"

"I'm afraid I can't answer that one. Nothing changed since you were last out. Yusuke and Kuwabara got bored and went for a walk."

Hiei did not look amused. He rose, agitated. "You're not making sense."

"It's taking time to organize since you destroyed half the stadium," Kurama explained calmly. "I hear they were going to fly in a carrier plane from the mainland to transform the ring from the old stadium. But Younger Toguro carried it on his back so we can begin shortly."

Hiei still couldn't comprehend. "What?"

"Hiei, the Dark Tournament isn't over. Kuwabara is next t-" Tsuki stopped herself when Koto's voice boomed in the speaker.

"I just received the official word!" Koto announced. "The ring is now in place and will be ready to start in thirty minutes! Please make your way to your seats in an orderly fashion and Juri if you can hear this, get over here!"

"Well that settles it," Kurama stood up. "Shall we go? I'm sure Yusuke and Kuwabara are in the arena."

"Yeah," Hiei nodded.

Tsuki took a deep breath. She proceeded to the door. "Let's do this."

"We're getting so close to being done," Koenma stated. "Kuwabara just needs to suck it up and fight Elder Toguro."

Hiei snorted. "So the fool will fight the leech. Is he quivering in fear?"

"No exactly," Kurama replied. "But close. He still doesn't know about Genkai."

"Yusuke still didn't tell him?"

"No," Tsuki replied. "But I'm hoping he told him before the match."

They heard the crowd buzzing with excitement as they entered the arena.

"Hello, bloody and narcotic fans!" Juri's hand rose. "It's time to start the third match of the finals! Did everyone out there have a cozy break?!"

"Yeah!" A demon spoke. "Now I'm ready to see some action!"

"Team Toguro better win this match!"

Kuwabara anxiously glanced around. He made a face when they came closer. "Isn't that nice? Genkai really didn't show up in time for her battle."

"No, fool." Hiei glowered at him. "You'll pull your own weight for now on."

"Oh, even Hiei is back," Kuwabara said. "Okay, she must be really sick."

Tsuki sighed. She was hoping Yusuke would've told him while they were walking. "Yusuke," she whispered. "I don't know how long to keep this up. Kuwabara needs to know the truth about Genkai."

"I know." Yusuke's eyes showed his torment. "I just can't do it right now."

Koenma observed Kuwabara. "Yep, you're definitely still pale, Kuwabara. How do we know you're not going to bail on us?"

"Will you please shut up about that? I'm a real man, okay." Kuwabara took the hilt of his sword out, glaring at Elder Toguro. "The only way I'm leaving that ring is if he's beaten, or I'm dead."

"Kuwabara," Tsuki began. "I know you're scared but I have faith you'll figure it out."

Kurama nodded in agreement. "Yes, the sword may be the key to helping you win this match."

"If he knows how to wield it." Hiei smiled. "But I doubt you can master this weapon with a peanut size brain like yours."

"You take that back, small-fry!" Kuwabara retorted

The crowd roared when Elder Toguro entered the ring.

"Make this one count, Toguro!"

"I sat for six hours for this fight! I better see some blood!"

"Sorry for being presumptuous, but dare I say the long wait was a help to this final round!" Koto declared. "For hours we anxiously wondered how this undeniably crucial fight would end, and now the answer comes in less than a minute!"

Kuwabara took a deep breath. "Huh, here it goes." He jumped in the ring. "In case I don't make it, take care of my cat."

"Do you really think that sword will help him?" Tsuki asked Kurama.

"If he knows how to wield it correctly," Kurama answered truthfully. "I hope he took some time to practice before coming here."

Hiei shook his head. "If not, he's a dead man."

Kuwabara and Elder Toguro met in the middle

"Ready?!" Juri gave the signal. "And begin!"

Kuwabara charged his spiritual energy, unleashing a powerful aura-blade from the hilt.

"Whoa," Tsuki's eyes widened. "Such power."

"You better know how to handle it, dufus," Yusuke stated.

Kuwabara huffed, confidence oozed off of him. "Didn't expect that one coming, did ya?"

Elder Toguro smiled. "What an interesting looking toy."

"I don't know what pocket Kuwabara was hiding his sword in, but he's clearly stronger than before!" Koto pronounced. "His entire body is surrounded by a shocking electrical aura!"

"The energy drawn in by that sword strengthens Kuwabara's body and improves both his offense and defense," Kurama explained. "If Toguro doesn't realize that, Kuwabara may actually have a chance."

"And a chance is just what he needs," Koenma replied.

"If there's any way to bring you down, Toguro." Kuwabara sprinted. "I'll find it!"

Toguro stood still. "That weapon looks awfully dangerous. Try not to slip."

"Why isn't the bastard moving?" Yusuke gazed down and gasped. "Look at Toguro's feet. Notice the cracks forming in the ring."

Tsuki's frown deepened. "That bastard is up to something."

"Ahhhhhh!" Kuwabara's sword slashed downward, easily splitting Toguro's body in half.

Juri cringed, slowly backing away. "Ew!"

Surprised, Kuwabara took a step back. "That really got you there, sorry."

"Don't be sorry!" Yusuke shouted. "The bastard deserves it!"

"Oh my goodness, people!" Koto announced. "I don't know if I should believe this! Kuwabara's first swing has ripped Elder Toguro's body into two! I think this fight is over!"

"Hehehehehe," Kuwabara's eyes lit up. "I'm really incredible. I beat a Toguro brother in one attack!"

"Hey, did Kuwabara just win?" Yusuke asked.

Kurama seemed confused as well. "I don't know."

"I don't believe it," Hiei stated.

"Agreed," Tsuki said. "That was too easy."

Juri stepped closer, looking at Toguro up and down. "And the winner is Kuwa-!"

Tsuki caught her breath when fingers splurted out of the ring and flew at Kuwabara. "Kuwabara watched out!"

"Ahhhh!" Toguro's fingers penetrated Kuwabara's body from behind. He collapsed, releasing his hilt.

"Hehehehehe, idiot." Elder Toguro released his fingers from Kuwabara's body.

"What the hell was that?!" Yusuke demanded.

"A surprise attack," Hiei answered.

Kurama grimaced. "A trickster, isn't he?"

"Hehehehe," Elder Toguro's doppelganger emerged from the ring. "Did I surprise you?"

"I said a moment ago that Elder Toguro had been sliced in two, but the real life splitting must have occurred well before the sword came down!" Koto announced. "It appears he made some kind of clone, slipped his real self through the crack, and attacked Kuwabara from behind!"

"You are a very simple-minded child," Toguro stated. "It feels so nice to trick you."

"Ahhhh," Kuwabara scowled. "It's supposed to be one-on-one."

"Hehehehehahahahaha!" Elder Toguro barked with sudden laughter. He lifted his decoy from the cracks of the ring, transferring back to his normal arm. "Oh, I assure you my decoy and I are part of the same body. You got me." He licked the wound from his thumb. "But when you see the truth of it, it's just a paper cut."

Tsuki glared daggers at Toguro. "It's going to take more than slicing to destroy this freak."

"Hopefully Kuwabara will be able to find his weak spot in time," Kurama answered.

"I feel the sensation of pain, but it's quite unlike yours." Toguro moved his organs to different areas of his body. "You see, I can move my body's vital organs wherever I please. Whenever I see your attack coming, I simply adjust so that all you hit is flesh. It makes injuring me very complicated."

"Ahh," Kuwabara gritted his teeth. "All you are is a little freak show."

"Heh," Elder Toguro stretched his fingers, grabbing Kuwabara's hilt. "It's truly an exquisite sword. You inherited it from her?"

"Who?" Kuwabara questioned.

"You would think she would leave something like this for her apprentice, but I guess Yusuke wasn't strong enough."

Tsuki's eyes widened. "No. Shut up, Toguro."

"Y-you don't know what you're talking about!" Kuwabara rebutted. "Genkai is just sick."

"Oh, that's perfectly sad. Your friends have been keeping secrets," Elder Toguro stated. There was no remorse on his face. "Genkai is dead. She has been for two days."

"No, it can't be." Kuawabara's demeanor suddenly changed. He glanced at Team Urameshi.

Yusuke put his head down. "Crap."

"I was afraid of this," Kurama stated.

Tsuki nodded to Kuwabara. Tears welled in her eyes. "I just feel bad he had to learn about it this way."

"Why didn't I see that?" Kuwabara rose, pondering. "I see. Everybody really did know about it but me." He clenched his fist. "They kept me out on purpose. They didn't think I could take it."

"Oh wow," Koenma said. "He's really hurt."

"This isn't the time to get emotional," Hiei explained. "Toguro is playing with your mind, fool."

"That's not true, Kuwabara," Tsuki insisted. "You know we wouldn't do such a thing."

"Hmm," with a mad grin, Elder Toguro stabbed Kuwabara's chest.

"Ahhh!" Kuwabara quickly fell to his knees.

"Hehehehe, don't cry, Kuwabara. It isn't your fault the old wench couldn't stay. Go and question it yourself if you don't believe me." Toguro punctured deep into Kuwabara's body. "Another few inches and I'll puncture your heart."

"Gah," Kuwabara coughed out blood, blubbering in pain. His face looked twisted and pale.

"Kuwabara!" Yusuke and Tsuki screamed.

"Someone stop him!" Yukina cried.

"Hehehehe," Elder Toguro released his fingers. "What a sad life when your close friends aren't even straight with you. But I'll tell you everything about the fragility of your humankind. It's a story about a young and impressionable girl named Genkai," he began. "She was the most beautiful girl in all the land. A fighter who wanted to be the very best in the world. Then she met a man named Toguro who always wanted to be the best and he agreed to play with her. They did everything together. So much so that the man nearly forgot his own brother. The woman and man were even in love. But then the woman became ugly like a prune and no one wanted to be around her."

"Brother," Young Toguro spoke, unpleased by his brother's statement.

"Oh, it's okay, he's just a little anxious because this next chapter is his favorite part of the story. You see the man became a demon who stayed strong and never became a prune. The ugly woman became extremely jealous of the handsome man and went to fight him." Elder Toguro pierced Genkai's puppet. "But she was not strong anymore. So the man was happy to murder her."

"This sadistic puppet show has brought up a very different explanation for Genkai's absence!" Koto pronounced. "Apparently she was killed by Toguro before the finals even began!"

"I can't believe I'm hearing this." Tsuki felt her face burn like she's been slapped. "He's such a conniving liar."

Koenma glared at Toguro. "The nerve of him talking about Genkai like that."

"Despicable," Kurama stated.

Elder Toguro hawed with laughter. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Wait, wait. I'm not done yet. Muttering some final rubbish to her failed apprentice. The woman's soul drifted away to some quiet corner of hell, and we live happily ever after. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Kuwabara's body shook as tears poured down. His grief broke Tsuki's heart.

"That's all crap!" Yusuke fumed. "Genkai wasn't jealous! Toguro killed her because he couldn't have her!"

"You weren't even there you bastard!" Tsuki yelled.

Hiei clenched his jaw. "I'm disgusted hearing this."

Kuwabara rose, his spiritual energy increasing while he balled his fist. "I'm going to kill you. You better know that."

Toguro bared his teeth. "That's very nice enthusiasm, but you must've forgotten that I have your weapon. I give it back, but helplessness is more fun."

"You're honorless," Kuwabara remarked.

"Yes, I am." Elder Toguro's arm transformed into a drill. It headed straight toward Kuwabara. "Good thing that's not what this tournament is all about!"

"Oh no, Kuwabara!" Tsuki yelled.

"Dodge it, dufus!" Yusuke cringed when the drill punctured Kuwabara's stomach.

"Oh my!" Koto announced to the rowdy crowd. "Elder Toguro has shoved his drilled-shaped hand directly into Kuwabara's chest cavity!"

"Kill him! I want to hear him scream!"

"Let's see if he has honor then!"

"What's happening here?" Elder Toguro twisted his arm, trying to release it from Kuwabara's body. "I can't pierce your skin."

"I see," Kurama explained. "Kuwabara's strength and his resolve appear to be closely related."

"You have no soul. You're just a waste of space," Kuwabara's face flushed with fury. He raised his hand shooting sparks of energy. "Now die!"

"Oh damn." The blades pierced Toguro's body. "Ahhh!" His body broke apart and splattered on the ground.

Hiei smirked. "The fool deserved that."

"Indeed," Kurama agreed.

"Oh, yeah! Another new attack from Kuwabara! This looks like a new variation of his normal spirit sword!" Koto declared. "Elder Toguro is left in the form of a pile of sorted body parts! We may really get a chalk of X for this score round!"

Blood spurted out of Elder Toguro's mouth. "That hurt."

"Right on, Kuwabara!" Tsuki cheered.

"That was nice," Yusuke complimented.

Koenma nodded his approval. "Serves him right for making Kuwabara mad."

"I'll start the ten count!" Juri declared, standing next to Toguro. "1, 2!"

"I've seen enough mauling and amputation in my day to know when a ten count isn't necessary! And this one definitely qualifies!" Koto announced while Juri kept counting. "Kuwabara has just destroyed the Elder Toguro, giving a 3-1 lead to Team Urameshi! One more of that and the championship is all there's!"

"6, 7!"

Kuwabara stared hard at Toguro. "Maybe honor doesn't matter to your kind, Toguro but it does to me," he stated, walking away.

"8! Uahhh!" Juri shrieked.

Tsuki slumped her shoulders. "I don't like the sound of that."

"Yeah," Kurama agreed. "That could mean one thing."

"Stop counting. Do you really think it's over?" Elder Toguro's body began to attach together. "I was only surprised for a moment. I didn't think you could attack me that way. I should be more careful."

"Damn, he really is a freak show," Yusuke stated.

"What are you going to do now, fool?" Hiei questioned. "It's going to take more than that to defeat a Toguro."

Kuwabara's eyes bristle with horror. "What are you?"

"Hmm, good question," Elder Toguro stated. "I liked to know that myself. I suppose you should ask the tournament committee who made my wish come true. I knew I would become a demon. The rest was just trial and error."

Koenma gazed up at the committee booth. "The committee needs to be stopped."

"This whole damn place needs to be destroyed," Tsuki stated.

"You better conserve your energy for now on." Toguro's face twisted with malicious intent. "You're already hurt and I have yet to be."

"You're invisible," Kuwabara stated.

"I need to retract my former statement, people! Elder Toguro is alive and he's clearly in this match!" Koto declared to the erupted crowd. "Every time you think he's down, he shows a new side of his talent! This guy is absolutely bizarre!"

"This is the most awesome thing ever! Someone kill me, I've seen it all!"

"Cut the human, Toguro! I want to see if he can put himself back together!"

"Ergh," Yusuke balled his fists. "There's got to be a way to defeat this asshole."

"If not, Toguro will surely kill him," Kurama explained.

"The only chance you have of beating me and surviving Kuwabara is to destroy either my heart or my brain." Elder Toguro moved his organs around his body. "But that's not very fair, is it? It's kind of like searching for a needle in a haystack. Except the needle moves whenever it chooses to."

"Just shut up!" Kuwabara trembled.

Elder Toguro's fingers stretched. "I think I'll just skip the surgeons, and send you straight to your death. Don't forget to tell Genkai how much we miss her." He pierced Kuwabara from behind.

A surge of worry went through Tsuki. "Kuwabara!"

Hiei scowled. "Be alert, fool."

"Ahhhhh!" Kuwabara was lifted in the air. His squealing grew more shrill, more urgent, and more terrified.

"Allow me to reacquaint you with the ground!" With a mad eager look on his face, Toguro pulled, sending Kuwabara to the hard cement.

"You bastard!" Yusuke yelled.

"Yikes." Koenma winced. "That got to hurt."

"Toguro makes a smashing comeback, slamming Kuwabara face first into the concrete!" Koto declared.

"Now it's your chance to cry and beg for your life like your dear friend Genkai did right before my brother killed her," Toguro mused.

Kuwabara's face turned red. "Liar."

"This is insane." Tsuki felt frustrated with herself. And worst of all frightened of Kuwabara's life. "How can Kuwabara defeat him now?"

"Definitely can't with him being stuck like that," Kurama replied.

Juri got out of her dazed and focused. "Oh, Kuwabara appears to be down!" She raised her hand. "So I better start the count! 1, 2, 3!"

"You can stop," Elder Toguro ordered. "I have other plans for this one that doesn't include him living to see the end of this match."

"I'm sorry sir, but I have to count!"

"Then you will end up next to him."

"Okay then!" Juri backed away nervously.

"Hehehehehe, the funny thing is that even if you could stand up, which you can't." Toguro moved his organs again. "There's no way you could beat me. You see, you'll never be able to precisely pinpoint my vital organs because they're never in one place for very long."

"Whether it is this fight or the next one, Toguro. Know this," Kuwabara met Togruo's gaze with as much determination as he could muster. "I will beat you."

"Hehehehe," Toguro's organs stopped moving. His eyes blazed murderously. "I was going to play with you a while longer, but your voice grows irksome. Perhaps I'll just cut off your tongue." His arm transformed into a sharp blade.

"Kuwabara," Yusuke stated in a warning tone. "Do something."

Tsuki's heart burst with fear and excitement. "If only he can reach for his weapon."

"Yes," Kurama agreed. "But finding his vital organs will be tricky. He doesn't have much time to figure it out."

"Hehehehehehe, my mother always wanted me to become a surgeon. It's a pity I played hooky the day we dissected frogs." Elder Toguro sprinted. "Well, here it goes."

Juri dashed out of the way. Yikes!"

"You monster!" Shizuru yelled

"Kazuma!" Yukina screamed.

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Toguro cried out with shrill delight. "Scream while you can!"

Kuwabara rose. "Come to papa!" He slammed his hand, sending his spiritual energy toward his hilt.

"Nice, Kuwarabara," Koenma stated while the hilt hovered in the air.

"Hmph," Hiei crossed his arms. "Lucky fool."

Elder Toguro halted, turning his head. "What is that?"

"It's another round of slicing for the bad guy," Kuwabara answered. "Goodbye."

Elder Toguro's body broke into pieces. "Ahhhhhh!" He collapsed to the ground.

"Yes," Yusuke fist-pumped the air. "Slice that asshole!"

"What a nice comeback," Tsuki stated.

Kuwabara sighed and glanced at Juri. "Now I call the shots and I do want a count!"

"Uh," Juri's voice had an annoyed edge. "I shouldn't be taking orders from you guys, but since this one complies with the actual rules! 1!"

"There's no need for that young lady." Toguro rose with his body piecing back together. "Hehehehe, you're quite the slow learner, Kuwabara. I thought we already established that my body doesn't like to go to pieces so it doesn't."

"Too bad," Kuwabara stated with disgust. "It's a look you deserve."

"Ugh," Tsuki groaned. "He needs to rot in hell where he belongs."

"Come on, Kuwabara," Yusuke urged. "You can do this."

"I've been very sporty," Toguro explained. "You know I've told you exactly how to end my life, and yet you're obviously unfit to do it. Hehehehehe."

"Ergh," Kuwabara's lips pressed together, but he released the tension from his face when his sword glowed, spreading wider. "I thought about what you said before, Toguro. And you're right. I've got no way of knowing where your vital organs are hiding. So I'll just pound everything all at once."

"Yeah!" Koto announced. "Kuwabara shaped his sword into something like a giant tennis racket, and I believe he's about to make Toguro into his unwilling bright yellow ball!"

"I like the sound of that," Koenma stated. "I guess Kuwabara figured it out."

"That sword definitely compliments him," Kurama applauded.

Toguro's body froze as he stared at the sword. "Stay back."

Kuwabara stepped forward with confidence. "Well since we're sharing, Toguro. My mother always wanted me to be an exterminator. So now, it's time to make her proud of me." He swung his weapon with all his might. "Spirit flyswatter!"

"Ahhhhhhh!" Toguro's whole body smashed like a child busting a watermelon in suikawari. His blood and guts splattered across the ring.

"Yes, Kuwabara!" Tsuki cheered. "Such a sweet sound."

"Agreed," Hiei stated.

"Whoa!" Koto cried out in excitement. "Nobody around here expected Kuwabara to have enough energy to wack Toguro into oblivion!"

"Okay, Juri. Call the stinkin match," Kuwabara demanded.

"Ahhh, I'll check it out." Juri observed the nasty scene. She cringed and stared at the audience. "Ew, there's nothing left oh him. The winner of the fourth match of the finals is Kuwabara!"

"I knew you could do it, Kuwabara!" Yukina cheered.

"Me too!" Botan yelled.

"In a major underseen offset, the underdog Team Urameshi moves ahead of the reigning champion Team Toguro 3 to 1!" Koto declared.

"What the hell Toguro?!" a demon screamed. "This is embarrassing! I want my money back!"

"You better kill Urameshi, Toguro! I want to see him gore to death!"

Kuwabara marched with an unreadable expression. His eyes steady at the spirit detective.

"Uh oh," Koenma sucked his pacifier. "He doesn't look too happy."

Tsuki gave out an exasperated sigh. "Here it goes."

Yusuke broke out in a radiant grin. "Hahahaha, it's about time you won a fight. That was awesome." His smile dropped. "You alright there, man?"

"Jerk!" Kuwabara punched him hard in the face.

Yusuke stumbled back. He wiped the blood from his nose and glared at Kuwabara. "What was that for?"

"I thought we were a team but I guess I'm just one big joke to you all! Aren't I?! Well, this jokester has feelings! Genkai meant a lot to me too!" Kuwabara's voice rose as he grabbed Yusuke by his shirt. "Did you all just sit around and laugh about how clueless I was?! Is that how you get your kick, Urameshi?! Huh?! Answer me!"

Tsuki came forward. "Kuwabara, listen."

"This doesn't concern you!"

"Yes it does," Tsuki rebutted. "I knew about Genkai's death before Yusuke. Kana told me. I tried to stop it, but my interference would have gotten me killed." A tear dropped from her cheek. "That's why Kurama put me to sleep. Luckily Yusuke woke me up, but we didn't make it in time."

Kurama placed his hand on Tsuki's shoulder. "Don't put the full blame on yourself. I tried to warn Genkai but she didn't listen. She chose to fight Toguro. Yusuke didn't tell me, or Hiei either. We were left to detect her passing for ourselves."

"Is this true?" Kuwabara focused on Yusuke. "But, why?"

Tsuki sensed some deep sadness from Yusuke. The hurt and pain in his voice didn't make it better. "She died in my arms. I guess I thought if I never said it, it wouldn't have to be real. I like to think that I know better than that now," he explained. "The only way to move on is to give her death the reverence that she deserves and give grief when it's due. But that's why I couldn't tell you, Kuwabara. I'm sorry you had to find out the way you did. And I'm sorry you felt we punked you. But I can't apologize for dealing with this the only way that I knew how."

"Hmph," Hiei folded his arms while Yusuke headed to the ring. "I hope you're ready, detective."

"He better be," Koenma stated. "We're all counting on him."

"I believe in you, Yusuke," Tsuki beamed.

"Yes," Kurama agreed. "You got this Yusuke."

"Urameshi," Kuwabara relaxed his face. He sounded genuinely sincere. "Win this. Especially for Genkai."

"Right," Yusuke cracked his knuckles, walking forward with grim determination. He glared menacingly at Toguro.