Shang Tsung's throne room had been an attractive spot for the fighters with time to spare. Kenshi's preliminary match was to be against the Tarkatans representative fighter which likely garnered some attention. However, Shang Tsung probably attracted most of the crowd with his presence alone. Everyone seemed to be aware that Kenshi had history with the sorcerer and that was appealing for viewers. Kenshi's match would be the only preliminary round to have a proctor or spectators. Every other fighter would be battling with no oversight or spectators at random times throughout the day.
Kenshi recognized some of the fighters watching his match. Shang himself was accompanied by Kitana, Mileena and Jade who would no doubt be interested to see the swordsman in action. Quan Chi was close by and he had a few netherrealm fighters with him that were unrecognizable. Some other various Outworld fighters were scattered amongst with Sub Zero and Raiden being the only representatives from earthrealm in attendance. Kenshi wasn't worried about the crowd of course. He simply wanted to cut this beast down so he could move one step closer to getting a shot at Shang Tsung. Raiden likely only sat in attendance to ensure he didn't stray from that plan to take a shot at the sorcerer too early.
"Welcome, Kenshi Takahashi!" Spoke Shang Tsung as the spectators found spots around the throne room. "You've waited a long time for this, I'm sure."
"Too long, sorcerer." Answered Kenshi. "I'm glad you chose to watch over my first match. It will give you a taste of what you have to look forward to."
"Perhaps…" Spoke Shang Tsung before waving his hand. "Or maybe this will be the last we see of you in mortal kombat."
With the signal a cloaked figure in the crowd leaped to the center of the room in a single bound. He easily flew fifteen feet with his cloak flying off in the process. This particular Tarkatan was roughly the same size as Kenshi with all the regular Tarkatan physical features. Huge teeth, rugged skin, and arm blades all present. His maroon Gi and red facial paint stood out, but he otherwise seemed to be a regular Tarkatan. That in itself was strange for Kenshi, but he'd already seen worse during his travels. This did not faze the swordsman.
"He seems confident, but a Tarkatan can be quite the handful." Spoke Kitana. "He will surely die here."
"We shall see" Answered Shang Tsung before turning to the crowd. "Zartakuta!" Shang Tsung announced with delight. The tarkatan roared in a show of strength. The small gathering applauding his display. "Will be facing off against Kenshi Takahashi." He stated to which Kenshi gained no love from the crowd. "Fight!" Screamed the sorcerer as the Tarkatan rushed the swordsman.
With his blades outstretched the tarkatan lunged for the kill immediately. Kenshi easily evaded the sloppy attack, but the spinning attack that followed did catch the swordsman by surprise. He managed to block the blades and push the tarkatan back before slicing at him.
They clashed blades again, creating sparkes as one of the warriors looked to overpower the other. Kenshi quickly realized his opponent held a slight strength advantage as he was slowly falling onto his back foot. Quickly he dropped down and swept the foot from under his opponent leading to the tarkatan falling flat. Kenshi shot back away from Zartakuta to reassess his situation, but the tarkatan recovered and attacked again proving that he had a massive speed advantage. The duo clashed blades repeatedly waiting for the other to make a mistake.
"He is actually quite good it seems." said Jade, somewhat surprised. "How is it that he can fight blind?"
"His sword, Sento, contains the souls of his ancestors. Or at least one. It guides him as he fights." explained Shang Tsung as he watched the match.
"Zartakuta was trained by Baraka." began Mileena. "He's among the fastest of his race. Even if the swordsman has some talent, the outcome will be the same." she stated.
"You would be wise not to underestimate this generation of earthrealm warriors, Mileena. Raiden has found several warriors that I believe are at least equal to the level of skill that the great Kung Lao and his allies possessed." stated Shang Tsung. "Kenshi himself may be able to give Goro some trouble if allowed to progress that far." He finished turning his attention back to the fight where Zartakuta had taken the advantage.
The tarkatan had begun swinging his blades wildly while pushing Kenshi. The swordsman was left with no choice other than to backup to avoid the flurry. When he was nearly pushed up against the wall, Kenshi darted forward smashing the end of Sento into the tarkatans face. Landing the first real hit of the match was hardly a victory, but bought Kenshi time to distance himself from the tarkatan again. Zartakuta finally decided a rushdown wouldn't work and smashed his blades together firing a spark off towards Kenshi who tried deflecting the projectile only to have his hands burned by the heat. He recovered fast enough to block the next few slices from his opponent before kicking the tarkatan in the face and following it up with an elbow that sent the tarkatan down to his knees. Zartakuta tried to slice the swordsman's knees, but Kenshi dashed away far too quickly. The tarkatan returned to his feet, but this time Kenshi sped at him smashing into him with his shoulder knocking him back. Kenshi then tossed Sento at his wobbling opponent with the blade spinning as it cut Zartakuta vertically in half. Telekinetically Kenshi controlled the blade before pulling it back to himself and sheathing his blade. With Zartakuta in parts on the floor it was clear the fight was over.
"Fatality!" Shang Tsung announced as a few among the crowd applauded the victory with some of the other bystanders showing their respect as well. Even Shang Tsung clapped after the display showing respect for the finish if nothing else.
"Your Victory was assured from the beginning, Kenshi Takahashi." Spoke Raiden as he approached, with Sub Zero besides him. "You did well."
"Not well enough for Shang Tsung to see me as a threat, but well enough I suppose." Answered Kenshi as he looked at Shang Tsung who seemed uninterested.
"Your opponent is dead and you live to fight again. That is the only result that matters." Reassured Sub Zero.
"You're right. This only matters if I make it to the end of the tournament anyway." Spoke Kenshi. "How are our allies fairing?" Asked Kenshi to which Sub Zero was curious as well.
"Not well." Answered Raiden flatly. "Over a dozen earthrealm fighters have already been killed. Besides you two our only victories so far have come from Sonya Blade, Kurtis Stryker and Liu Kang." Answered Raiden. Sub Zero and Kenshi shared looks of disappointment before agreeing to meet with the others as Raiden checks in on other matches across the island.