As Zodiac and Daru await the festival's commencement on opposite sides of the arena, the announcer prepares to address the crowd, tapping the microphone to gain everyone's attention.
Announcer: WELCOME, LADIES, GENTLEMEN, AND ALL CREATURES FROM DIFFERENT DIMENSIONS! I PRESENT TO YOU THE FIGHTING FESTIVAL!
Daru: Finally, it's here! Time to go!
Gram: Yeah… about time. (rolling his eyes)
Zodiac: Took long enough.
Himitsu: (punching his fists in the air) LET'S GO!!!!
The crowd looks at Himitsu, puzzled.
Person 1: What's his problem?
Person 2: I don't know, but I'll squash him like a bug. (laughs)
Zodiac: Why did I come here with you...
Announcer: WE ARE THRILLED TO SEE SO MANY PARTICIPATING IN THE FESTIVAL. AS YOU KNOW, THIS WILL BE A FESTIVAL LIKE NO OTHER, WITH A GRAND PRIZE OF 100,000,000 GEO!
Gram: 100,000,000 GEO!!! WHAT THE HECK!!!
Daru: Is that a lot?
Gram: You can't be serious.
Daru: What?
Gram: Daru, that's a fortune! You need to win.
Daru: I don't care about the money; I just want to fight the strongest guy here.
Gram: YOU MUST WIN!!! I NEED THAT MONEY!
While Gram expresses his urgency to Daru, the announcer continues.
Announcer: NOW, FOR THE FESTIVAL ITSELF, THERE WILL BE SIX FIGHTING ARENAS DIVIDED INTO TWO CATEGORIES. CATEGORY ONE WILL BE WEAPONS ONLY, AND CATEGORY TWO WILL BE HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT.
Zodiac & Daru: What!?!
They are taken aback to discover they will not be fighting each other.
Daru: So I'm not fighting that idiot? This sucks!
Zodiac: What a dumb rule.
Himitsu: Well, that's unfortunate. Which category will you choose?
Zodiac: What do you think, Himitsu? Do I look like someone who fights bare-handed?
Himitsu: Yeah, that was a stupid question. (scratching his head)
Announcer: NOW YOU CAN CHOOSE WHICH CATEGORY YOU WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN. AFTER MAKING YOUR SELECTION, ONE OF OUR ASSISTANTS (points to the two girls holding papers with numbers) WILL ASSIGN YOU A RANDOM NUMBER FOR YOUR MATCHES. NOW FOR THE CONDITIONS: IN THE FIRST ARENA, YOU MUST WIN SEVEN TIMES IN A ROW. IF YOU LOSE ONCE, YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.
Gram: What!? If you lose once, you're out? That's unfair.
Daru: (arms crossed) It's fair; you simply can't lose.
Gram: (hand on his head) You're so clueless.
As Gram and Daru listen to the announcer, a petite fox girl attempts to navigate through the crowd.
Petite Fox Girl: Excuse me, excuse me.
Gram: What the—
Daru: Watch where you're going.
Petite Fox Girl: My apologies. (continues moving through the crowd)
Gram: People really need to be more attentive.
Daru and Gram redirect their focus back to the announcer.
Announcer: AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, KILLING WILL BE PROHIBITED. NOW THEN, ARE YOU READY TO START THIS FESTIVAL?
Contestants & Bystanders: YEAHHH!
Announcer: THEN LET'S GET THIS FESTIVAL UNDERWAY!
All the contestants proceed to their respective categories.
Zodiac: Let's head to the first category.
Himitsu: Alright, but I must admit I'm feeling a bit nervous. (smiles awkwardly)
Zodiac: In that case, you might as well consider withdrawing.
Zodiac walks toward the first category, while Himitsu hastens to catch up.
Himitsu: Hey, wait for me!
As Zodiac and Himitsu advance to receive their numbers from the assistant, Daru and Gram approach the nearby assistant.
Daru: Why are you following me? You didn't sign up.
Gram: Oh right! I nearly forgot.
Daru: Well, there are bleachers over there (points) where you can sit and observe.
Gram: Alright, I'll find a seat while you get your number.
Daru: Sounds good.
Daru and Gram part ways. Zodiac and Himitsu stand in line, awaiting their numbers. After a few moments, they reach the assistant, who is holding a box filled with sheets of paper.
Assistant: Hello there, please reach into the box and select a random sheet of paper. (smiling)
Himitsu: Why don't you go first, Zodiac?
Zodiac: Certainly.
Zodiac reaches into the box and pulls out a sheet of paper. Upon opening it, he reveals the number 1. Himitsu watches, feeling a twinge of envy.
Himitsu: Wow, what a lucky number, Zodiac! Now it's my turn!
Himitsu follows suit and pulls out a paper displaying the number 69. His expression becomes blank.
Himitsu: Are you serious right now…?
Zodiac: What's the issue? Don't you like 69?
Himitsu: HELL NOOO!
As Himitsu and Zodiac process their numbers, Daru prepares to take his turn.
Assistant: Please proceed, reach into the box and select a number.
Daru: Alright.
Daru reaches into the box and pulls out the number 5.
Daru: Ugh… 5.
Assistant: What's wrong? 5 is a great number.
Daru: Hmm… I suppose.
Daru approaches the area where participants are lined up. As each individual receives their numbers, the announcer addresses the crowd once more.
Announcer: NOW THAT EVERYONE HAS THEIR NUMBERS, WE CAN EXPLAIN THE RULES OF THE FIGHTS. THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO WIN: FIRST, IF YOU STEP OUT OF THE ARENA; SECOND, IF YOU KNOCK OUT YOUR OPPONENT; AND LASTLY, IF YOUR OPPONENT FORFEITS. LET'S BEGIN THE FIGHTING FESTIVAL! (The crowd cheers.)
While the announcer outlines the rules, Gram looks for a seat.
Gram: There are hardly any seats available.
As Gram surveys the area, he notices two vacant seats.
Gram: Perfect!
He makes his way to the seats and takes a seat, awaiting the start of the fights.
Gram: Now we wait.
As Gram settles in, a short fox girl notices the empty seat beside him and approaches.
Short fox girl: Excuse me?
Gram turns to his right and recognizes the same fox girl from earlier.
Gram: Oh, it's you again.
Short fox girl: (Laughs) Yes, it is. I just wanted to ask if this seat is taken.
Gram: No, it's not.
Short fox girl: Okay, cool!
The short fox girl sits down.
Kono: My name is Kono, by the way.
Gram: (Extends his hand) I'm Gram.
Kono: (Smiling and shaking his hand) Nice to meet you, Gram.
As the participants in the hand-to-hand combat await the start of the match, the referee stands in the center with a piece of paper and a microphone.
Referee: Alright, everyone! Are you ready to get down and dirty? (Sticks out his tongue.)
Daru: What is wrong with this guy?
Person 1: I'm wondering the same thing.
Referee: Alright, the first numbers are... drum roll, please!
The crowd begins to strike the bleachers, creating a drum sound.
Referee: It's 6 and 12! Please make your way to the arena.
Numbers 6 and 12 step forward and stand in the center.
Referee: Before we begin, please state your names to each other and shake hands, ensuring there is no animosity regarding the outcome.
Number 6: Rokou.
Number 12: Guy.
They shake hands.
Referee: Alright! Let's get STARTED!!
Daru: Let's see how this fight unfolds.
Gram: Here we go.
Kono: I'm so excited!!
Referee: FIGHT!!
Rokou and Guy assume their fighting stances, both waiting silently.
Rokou: Let's make this a notable match.
Guy: Agreed.
Rokou and Guy rush toward each other with remarkable speed, colliding as the crowd erupts in cheers. Guy throws a punch at Rokou, who skillfully dodges and counters with a high jump kick, which Guy narrowly evades. They exchange a series of blows, employing various martial arts techniques. Guy successfully lands a punch on Rokou, causing him to stagger. Seizing the opportunity, Guy unleashes a flurry of kicks aimed at Rokou's face, pushing him toward the edge of the arena platform, nearly causing him to fall. Rokou leaps over Guy and delivers a kick that almost knocks him off balance, but Guy swiftly regains his footing.
Guy: (Laughs) I must admit, you're quite skilled.
Rokou: Likewise. You've earned my respect.
Guy: I appreciate that, but it's time to conclude this fight.
Rokou: Hmm… Agreed.
Daru: (Eyes wide) This fight is incredible! I've been on my feet the entire time.
Gram: I'm hungry. I'm going to get something to eat.
Kono: What? But you'll miss the finale!
Gram: Ehh, I'm not concerned. I'm only here for one person.
Gram gets up and heads to find something to eat.
Kono: (Yells at Gram) Bring me back something too! Oh, and I'll save your spot.
As the fight resumes, Guy delivers a knee to Rokou's chest, causing him to fall to his knees.
Guy: You put up a good fight, but it's over.
Guy then attempts a finishing kick with his left leg. Rokou smiles and seizes Guy's leg.
Rokou: (Smiling) Gotcha!
Guy smiles, jumps into the air with Rokou still gripping his leg, spins, and swings his leg, sending Rokou crashing into a wall, creating a cloud of dust. The crowd stands in shock. As the smoke clears, Rokou is knocked out cold.
Referee: Ugh—ugh! H-he's out! Guy wins!
Guy: Perhaps next time.
Guy then exits the arena.
Daru: Th-th-THAT WAS AMAZING!
Kono: Incredible! That fighter is exceptionally strong.
Gram returns with a substantial amount of food.
Gram: (Mouth full) What did I miss?
Kono: One of the best fights I've ever witnessed.
As the first match of hand-to-hand combat concludes, the scene shifts to Category One, where Fighters 17 and 22 are engaged in battle. Fighter 17 is Daner, and Fighter 22 is Seth. Both wield longswords, clashing their blades against one another. Zodiac stands with his arms crossed, unimpressed.
Zodiac: Observing this fight is quite painful.
Himitsu: Are you serious?
Zodiac: Just observe their sword techniques; they are utterly inadequate. Furthermore, their movements lack precision.
Daner and Seth continue to engage in combat, but neither is performing effectively. Seth swings at Daner's head, but Daner deftly dodges and positions his blade at Seth's neck. With no options remaining, Seth concedes.
Referee: It appears Daner is the victor!
Daner raises his hand in triumph, smiling.
Himitsu: I have to agree with you, Zodiac; that fight was quite underwhelming.
Zodiac: I told you so.
Referee: Now, could we please have fighters 69 and 42 enter the arena?
Himitsu begins to feel anxious, trembling slightly.
Zodiac: What are you waiting for?
Himitsu: Oh, m-my bad.
Zodiac: Here, take this.
Zodiac tosses his longsword to Himitsu, who catches it.
Himitsu: Right, I need a weapon! I almost forgot! Thank you, Zodiac!
Himitsu approaches the arena, his body still shaking. He positions himself on one side while his opponent, Dosh, stands on the opposite side, equipped with a shield and hammer and clad in heavy armor.
Himitsu: (To himself) Wow, this guy looks incredibly strong!
Referee: Alright, you know the procedure. Please state your names.
Himitsu: My name is Himitsu! (Smiling)
Dosh: You can call me Dosh.
Referee: Very well, let's commence this fight! Starting in three, two, one, fight!
Zodiac: Let's see how he copes with this.
As the match begins, Himitsu charges toward Dosh, prepared to attack. Just as his strike is about to connect, Dosh raises his shield to parry the blow, generating a shockwave that pushes Himitsu to the edge of the arena. He manages to regain his balance just before falling off.
Himitsu: Whoa, that shield nearly sent me out of the arena. What kind of shield is that?
Dosh: Surprised, are you? This is a specialized shield that emits a shockwave whenever it is struck. I'm afraid to say you stand no chance against me.
Himitsu: What do you mean by that?
Dosh smiles.
Dosh: Well, why don't you find out?
Dosh charges at Himitsu and slams his hammer down, attempting to push Himitsu out of the arena. Himitsu rolls under the attack just in time. Dosh runs at Himitsu once more. Himitsu swings at him, but Dosh blocks the attack with his shield, creating a shockwave that forces Himitsu back. He swiftly stabs his sword into the ground to halt his momentum and begins to panic.
Himitsu: (to himself) How am I going to defeat this opponent? There must be a strategy.
As Himitsu contemplates, an idea occurs to him.
Himitsu: (to himself) Oh wait! Zodiac mentioned that movement is disadvantageous. This opponent is bulky, making his movements significantly slower than mine. If I can lure him to the edge of the arena and somehow push him off, victory will be mine!
Zodiac observes Himitsu strategizing.
Zodiac: What is he planning?
Himitsu charges at Dosh again, aiming for a strike. Dosh laughs.
Dosh: This again? You simply do not learn.
Dosh raises his shield, blocking Himitsu's attack and pushing him back toward the edge of the arena. Dosh then charges at Himitsu, swinging his hammer. Himitsu jumps just in time, avoiding the blow and positioning himself behind Dosh. Dosh turns around, noticing Himitsu preparing for an attack. Himitsu delivers a powerful sword strike, but Dosh intercepts it with his shield. The resulting impact sends Himitsu flying, creating a shockwave that disrupts Dosh's balance. Dosh tumbles off the arena, out of bounds, while Himitsu remains firmly on the opposite edge.
Referee: It appears Dosh has fallen off the arena; this makes Himitsu the winner! (The crowd erupts in cheers.)
Himitsu begins to jump in celebration.
Himitsu: I won! Did you see that, Zodiac?
Zodiac smirks slightly.
Zodiac: Not bad, Himitsu. Quite impressive.
Himitsu steps off the arena and approaches Zodiac.
Himitsu: I secured my first victory, Zodiac! How do you think I performed?
Zodiac: I must admit; that was quite clever.
Himitsu: Absolutely! I put that opponent in his place.
Zodiac: Don't become too overconfident. If you maintain this attitude, you're likely to lose.
Himitsu frowns.
Himitsu: You always find a way to dampen the moment.
A few moments later, the referee announces the next fight.
Referee: Now, could we have contestants Numbers 1 and 30 enter the arena!
Himitsu: It looks like you're up next, Zodiac! Oh, and please take this back.
Himitsu offers his sword to Zodiac, who declines the gesture.
Himitsu: Huh? What are you doing?
Zodiac: It's fine; I have my daggers. Besides, you'll need my sword.
Himitsu: Oh, alright then. Good luck!
Zodiac: I don't need luck.
Zodiac proceeds to the arena.
Himitsu: And he says I'm the cocky one…
Both Zodiac and his opponent enter the arena, prepared for combat.
Referee: Alright, you both know the rules.
Ced: I'm Ced!
Zodiac: Zodiac…
Referee: Okay! Let's begin this fight in three, two, one, fight—
As the referee is about to signal "fight," Zodiac employs sudoshi, appearing directly in front of Ced in an instant. Ced is taken aback.
Ced: What the—
Zodiac executes a leg sweep, knocking Ced to the ground, and then draws his dagger, holding it to Ced's neck. Ced gazes into Zodiac's eyes, their intensity overwhelming him, causing him to lose consciousness. The referee is left speechless.
Referee: T-t-the winner is Zodiac…
The crowd is silent, astonished by the speed at which Zodiac concluded the match.
Himitsu: That was incredible. Zodiac has truly improved over the years.
Zodiac exits the arena and approaches Himitsu.
Zodiac: I'm relieved that fight is over.
Himitsu: Over? That wasn't even a fight!
Zodiac: I suppose not.
Himitsu: He had no chance against you. That sudoshi technique is remarkably effective and swift. Do you think I could learn it?
Zodiac: Well, it's a technique anyone can master, but it's not easy; Zodek mentioned it would take years to perfect.
Himitsu: Oh, right. I forgot how extensive the training required is.
Zodiac: So, do you still wish to learn it?
Himitsu: No, no, I'm fine! I don't think I have the patience. (laughs)
After Zodiac's match, the scene shifts back to the hand-to-hand category, where Daru is waiting. By the time the focus returns to him, four matches have passed, and Daru is growing increasingly frustrated by the delay in his number being called.
Daru: Ahhh!
All the contestants ignore Daru as he complains.
Daru: Ahhh!!
Some contestants appear visibly annoyed but remain silent, exchanging exasperated glances.
Daru: AHHH!!
Finally, the contestants lose their patience with Daru's incessant complaints.
Person 1: Would you shut up already?!
Person 2: YEAH, SERIOUSLY!
Person 3: SHUT UP!!
Daru: (frustrated) I just want it to be my turn!!!
Referee: Wow, wasn't that an incredible fight!
The crowd erupts in cheers and applause.
Kono: That was an impressive fight! Wouldn't you agree, Gram?
Gram is asleep, snoring.
Kono: Aww, he's sleeping.
Referee: Alright, it's time for the next match.
The referee checks his notes to announce the next competitors.
Daru: (still complaining) I just want to fight.
Person 1: I can't deal with this guy.
Referee: And now, the next fighters are — drum roll, please!
Everyone begins tapping their seats to create a drumroll, inadvertently waking Gram.
Gram: Ahh! What just happened?
Kono: Oh! You're awake now.
Gram: I wish I could have stayed asleep.
Referee: The next fighters are… 5 and 10!
Gram: 5! WAIT, THAT'S DARU!! YAYYYY!
Bystander 1: Shut up.
Gram: You shut up! Before I make you.
The individual falls silent and crosses his arms.
Kono: (To herself) Man, this guy has anger issues.
Daru: 5! That's me!! Finally!
Daru walks up to the arena, but number 10 is absent.
Referee: 5 has arrived! What's your name, young man?
Daru: Daru.
Referee: Well, Daru, are you ready?
Daru: (Smiling) Yes, I'm ready to dominate!
As time passes, the audience waits for number 10 to arrive.
Daru: Umm… Is my opponent on their way?
Referee: Ugh, I'm not certain. Please wait a few more minutes; I'm sure they will arrive.
Gram: This doesn't bode well for Daru.
Kono: Oh, that's his name?
Gram: Yeah… That guy is Daru, one of the toughest fighters I know.
Kono: (Looking at Daru with wide eyes) Impressive!
As a few more minutes pass, Daru grows increasingly frustrated.
Daru: Alright! Is my opponent coming or not?
At that moment, an assistant rushes onto the arena, whispering to the referee while Daru and the others look on.
Daru: Ugh… Is there a problem?
The referee turns to Daru.
Referee: I have good news.
Daru: Huh? What is it?
Referee: You have won!
Daru: What!?
Gram: Huh?
Kono: What?
Referee: Your opponent didn't show up and has left the festival.
Gram: Left the festival?
Kono: Perhaps they were intimidated.
Gram: Maybe, but that means Daru is really mad.
Daru: (Frustrated) How is this considered good news?
Referee: You won the match without having to fight.
Daru: (Yelling) AHHHHHHH!!
Daru's scream reverberates through the arena, prompting everyone to turn and gaze at him in astonishment. He storms off to his designated area, visibly agitated, while the other contestants distance themselves, intimidated by his fury. Daru takes a seat in silence.
Gram: Okay, he did well.
Kono: Did well? He didn't even fight.
Gram: No, I meant he managed his anger better than if he had resorted to violence.
Kono: (Somewhat apprehensive) Oh…
Referee: I apologize for the disruption, everyone, but we are about to commence the next match!
Gram: I need to use the restroom.
Kono: What? You're leaving again?
Gram: I must attend to it. I'll return shortly; please hold my place.
Kono: (Sighs) Alright, but please be quick.
Gram: I will.
Referee: Could contestants 36 and 9 please come to the arena?
Number 9: Yes! It's my turn! I am going to defeat my opponent.
Daru: (Frustrated) This festival sucks.