The Tournament Begins ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The Following Day, Field 01, West Jungle, Kakuri Isle You have both been debriefed about the rules of this tournament. When the winner is decided, they will take their owned crystal and earned crystal to the next field where you will fight your next opponent. Though you will not be monitored in person, you *will* be monitored by security camera. Anyone seen to be breaking any of the tournaments rules will be immediately disqualified. Do you both understand? Yoko just nodded along with the opponent across from her. It was a beautiful day to fight There wasnt a cloud in the sky, there was a cooling breeze from the east, and Kakuri Isle itself was a serene and gorgeous place. The thick rows of tropical trees surrounding the stone arena showed that off. Field 01 was a simple field, 50-by-50 metres of soft stone paved into the ground and grass. There were 16 other fields just like this one, surrounding the inner arenas like an outer ring. Out there somewhere were Jun and Xiangau. Even Li Ming. Yoko shook her head. There was no time to think about Li Ming. She made her choice. If she wanted to push away the people who cared about her for some stupid secret, then Yoko would just let her do it. For now, she had to focus on the task at hand. Defeating her first opponent. Yoko looked across at him. This man, apparently called Senmaru was of Japanese decent. A pretty good fighter who had won a regional championship or two in his past. He was tall, looked about 26 -7 years of age, had dark hair, and was stubbly around the chin. Dressed in a navy blue Gi, he was definitely a fighter of Traditional Fighting Karate. For the most part, he didnt pose much of a challenge for Yoko. But she had to keep up her guard. The Asagawa-girl was dressed up the full-fledged Asagawa-style dress code that had been taught to her by her adoptive grandfather. A pure white Gi, with black lining around the tips and edges, her hands and feet taped, and a white headband around her head, one with the symbol of her family, the Black Sun. Her hair was tied up into a long ponytail that flicked around at the small of her back. The girl drew up her hands One against her side, the other near her chin, body slightly tilted. Senmaru bowed for respect, then brought up his guard. The tournament coordinator at the edge of the ring spoke once more. The first round of the God of Fighting Grand Championships begins! Yoko and Senmaru narrowed down on each other. Both remained still at first, then slowly inched closer to each other, step by tiny step. The gap that was between them began to decrease after time, until Yoko and Senmaru were within striking range of each other. Yah! Yoko was the first to attack. She launched a kick straight for the head of Senmaru. Senmaru leaned to the side and blocked the quick strike, shuffling his feet to the left He crouched down as soon as Yoko retracted her leg, then swung his body around Yoko blinked as Senmarus leg whipped around the stone floor She hopped up, avoiding the sweep, her feet springing off the ground. She landed just a metre away, then brought her guard back up. Senmaru span his body all the way around, then stood. He charged Yoko, and punched at Yoko. Yokos head jerked back as her jaw was hit by Senmarus punch He followed it up with a second blow, via the left fist. Yoko leaned back again as she was hit by a second. Senmaru cried out as he gave a kick, this time at the waist, that made Yoko bend forward from the waist. Senmaru withdrew his leg from Yokos gut, swung his leg up and around, then brought it down, heel first, into the back of a bent-over Yoko. Senmaru drew back his leg, stepped away from Yoko, and caught his breath. His so-called Two-Four Piston Combo took a bit of breath away from him. But he assumed that Yoko would be downed for good with that one. So when he saw Yoko move, he was shocked beyond believe. Yoko drew up her hands, ambled up by the knees, till she was standing firm and proud, a cute smile on her face Hey! She said happily. That wasnt half bad! Senmaru tightened his fist. H-How did you maintain ? Maintain what? The older man shook his head. It didnt matter, he had to proceed with the tournament. Senmaru yelled a battle cry, then came at Yoko. He attempted a swift punch, the young girl swung her upper body to the side to avoid it. Senmaru punched at her again with the right hand, Yoko leaned back so far that the fist travelled over her. Yoko kneeled down, pressing both of her hands into the ground, then swung a violent sweeping kick in a similar way to Senmarus previous one. This, he did not avoid. Senmaru gasped as Yokos taped foot slammed into his ankles. He was struck off of his feet, and right into Yokos hands. In a split second motion, Yoko pulled her leg back in, then shot her palm up into Senmarus stomach with one swift blow. Senmaru winced and gasped. Yoko leisurely pulled her hand away from Senmarus gut and stood upright. The older man slowly stood up, not even checking to see if Yoko was about to attack him. He looked over at her. Shes far stronger than I expected. He thought. I was careless Shortly after that, he passed out. Yoko giggled with delight, knowing that she had won her first round. Over by one of the tropical trees outside of the ring, was an a sort of intercom stereo. It boomed out a computerized voice to tell the details of the match Winner Yoko Asagawa. It said soullessly. Yoko couldnt stop smiling. Alright! I won! Hmm I guess I have to take his crystal now. There was a pouch at Senmarus waist. All fighters had that pouch. It served as a container for the eight crystals needed to enter the quarter finals Yoko bent over, thrust her hand into his pouch and withdrew the crystal that was there. She put it into her own pouch, then walked off to the edge of the arena and stepped off. There was a dirt path that led deeper into the island. That was the direction the next ring was at. Yoko followed it. While walking down that path, she thought, I wonder how Jun is doing? ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Field 09, Central Jungle, Kakuri Isle Huh! Huh! Hah! Jun swung and dodged each of this mans punches like they were absolutely nothing. Back and forth, back and forth, Juns form swayed from one side to the other with polished speed. The man that was striking at her (or at least trying to) stopped when he needed to catch his breath. He leaped back, out of harms reach, and proceeded to gather himself and his thoughts. Jun didnt even bother to chase after him. She waited and watched as this man got his breath back. It was at that point that she took to time to properly assess him. This man, a full head taller than Jun, was probably American. He was black, dressed in silver and red shorts, silver sports shoes and wore a pair of red and silver boxing gloves. A boxer. The Mohawk on his head made him more noticeable, though. Jun herself was wearing something far less formal that fighting kit. She was in a tight ashen shirt (tight enough to show off her womanly assets to the world), which was below a small jeans jackets On her legs were a pair of equally tight (without being restrictive) blue jeans, made in Italy. Her feet were knocked up with flashy brown moccasins. She didnt even bother to wear any gloves. The way she saw it, these were just preliminaries. A way of wheedling out the crap before the real fight got started. All she had to do was eliminate this man, and she could proceed. Jun looked over at the man she was fighting. His name under entry was Sean Riot. Though she hadnt heard of him, some people on the Grand Soma had recognized him. That probably meant something. Sean got his momentum back. And was not refocused. He looked back at Jun, who was giving him those overconfident glares of hers. Damn kid! Sean thought to himself. Hows a cut-off little half-pint like her so strong? And how the heck did she dodge all my punches? Guess Im gonna have to take this up a notch Sean stamped his booted feet into the ground. If he was going to proceed, hed need something that could tip the scales. His trump card. Jun remained relaxed, till she felt Sean gathering energy into himself. That was unusual. Most American/Western fighters used their overabundance of strength to win matches. This Sean Riot character on the other hand, he seemed to know how to manipulate Chi. Seans eyes flashed with readiness, and he ran forwards at a now alert Jun. Sean branched out his arm, fully extending it, and screamed with battle passion. Haaaah! He hollered loudly. Corkscrew Flame Knuckle! The air around Seans fist ignited, and Chi-powered flames surrounded his powerful punching technique. Jun dove to one side, avoiding Seans fiery fist, then lunged back in, her knee projected. Sean gave a grunt of pain when Juns rock hard knee attack pounded his ribs. His feet stumbled to the side, till he tripped up onto the stone of the arena. Jun watched for his next move. None came. But she never expected a boxer to use Chi-infusion. To think, that a westerner could use Chi to power up the force of their blows. Of course, this man had to be a beginner if that was the best he could do. Sean breathed a sigh, looking downwards. Jun was superior to him. I surrender. Jun smiled Heh, heh, heh! Not to worry, youre the sharpest boxer Ive seen in a while. Now if youll hand me that crystal of yours, Ill be on my way. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Centre Field 02, Outer West Jungle Yoko stepped up to the second stage of the road to the quarter finals. Just winning this fight would bring her into the quarter finals of this tournament. When she got to the top of the steps, she looked over the distance of the stone arena (exactly the same as the one before) her opponent had already gotten here. That was a concern Considering how fast she beat Senmaru, she was expecting to have to *wait* for her next challenge to arrive. She took a brief gander at him. This man was quiet. From the tone of his skin, he looked like he originated from the Philippines. He was of medium height, just a little bit taller than Yoko herself, and was dressed in Muey Thai clothing (shorts, taped hands and fists). Yoko knew nothing about him. But that didnt matter much. All she had to be aware of was proceeding to the next stage. Yoko walked slowly towards the Muey Thai fighter. His eyes remained closed, till Yoko got close enough. They flashed open, to reveal strong determination to win. Youre Yoko Asagawa, are you not? He asked. Yoko nodded Who is asking? My name is Bon Fau. He said silently. Before we fight, I must ask you. Will you submit, and let me pass? Excuse me? The girl questioned. Bon Fau shook his head. I am not trying to trick you. I have entered this tournament for one reason and one reason only. I come from Paoji village. A very poor section of the world. I entered the tournament in the hopes of winning the prize money needed to help my family through the hard times they are facing. Please let me help them. Let me through without violence. Im sorry to hear that. Yoko responded. I hate to hear of peoples suffering. But I entered this fight to test my limits to their maximum. And I have a deeper need. To meet with someone I havent seen in a while and give her the chance to explain herself. For that reason, I cannot submit to you. Bon Fau sighed I see. Well, I respect your dedication. We will settle this with our fists! In that instant, he charged. Yoko watched his motions as Bon Fau flung himself at her, in a quick tackle. She swerved to one side, avoiding his charge, but didnt move any further than that. Bon Fau swung the back of fist around his body, sharply, fiercely, and blindly. Yoko ducked under it speedily, and ducked away as a second punch came for her from above. It smashed into the ground, cracking the paved floor of stone. Yoko back peddled and watched the furious Bon Fau charge he once more She sidestepped him like a matador, avoiding the raging bull, and moved around to get a better position to strike. Suddenly she realized just why Bon Fau had gotten here so quickly. He was a carnivorous fighter, his will to save his family was unparallel. But, his recklessness was working against him. That desperation wasnt allowing him to think clearly As much as she hated to do this, she had to show him that rage would get him no where. Yoko stood still, spreading her legs. She pulled her arm up above her head, and pushed her hand downwards, spreading the palm. Bon Fau did not even bother to think about what Yoko might be planning, and instead went for another charging stride. Bon Fau jumped off the ground, extended his leg and drew the other one close, screaming with passion, fire and the will to win. The altercation happened in seconds. Yoko brought up both of her arms to cover her face from Bon Faus flying kick. With the kick successfully blocked, she grabbed his leg by both hands. From the speed of the kick, it was easy to perform a throw. It took little for Bon Fau to realize that his momentum had worked against him. Yokos arms and upper body weight hurled Bon Fau over and away. He landed sharply, the ground grazing his legs and shoulder. But what was worse was that he had landed outside of the ring. And it also occurred to him that it was his own fault. If he hadnt pushed Yoko so close to the edge of the ring, he wouldnt have been thrown out. And we wouldnt of lost his chance to save his family. The intercom gave off the outcome. Winner Yoko Asagawa Bon Fau punched the ground in his anguish. I am defeated Though her special reversal technique, Crystal Goddess had won her the fight, she didnt feel too happy about her victory. Yoko sighed, and walked to the edge of the ring. She leaned over it, and did her best to smile for Bon Fau. If I win this Ill give you my prize money. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Centre Field 06, Central Jungle Oh, ho, ho, ho! Steinler laughed heartily. So you made it this far, my Japanese princess? Jun smiled back at Steinler. Truly she didnt expect to meet with this guy at this point. She actually expected him to be knocked out by one of the other fighters long before he reached this stage. In actuality, he had reached this stage point before she did. Maybe he wasnt all mouth, like Yoko had suggested. Jun took on a fighting stance as she thought, Doesnt matter She then ran at the large western man. Jun gave an effeminate cry as she charged at Steinler, pulling back both of her hands against her sides. This man was very heavily built, Jun knew that the only way to take him down would be to quickly knock him out. Using her throwing techniques would be a worthless action against him. Jun delivered a swift punch to the stomach as she came close, her fists pounding the core of his gut. Without removing her hand from his lower torso, she looked up. She looked up and saw a smile. Heh, heh, heh! Steinler kept laughing. Youll have to do better than that to finish me off! A large, thick hand came from nowhere and grabbed Jun by the throat. Though she was confused, she knew that it was Steinler holding her. A sentiment that was quickly confirmed as the Irish Wrestler hoisted her up from the stone floor of the arena. Jun felt her feet dangling in the air. Her hands tried to grab his wrist. Her two small hands struggled to hold on to Steinlers solid arm. But it was no use. His grip was so strong. Now it was no wonder that this man had gotten this far. His speed might have been lacking, but Steinler made up for that in strength Juns struggles became urgent when she felt herself slipping away. She had committed enough knockouts via choking in her time to know that this was going to win Steinler the match. Jun swung her body back and forth, gaining some momentum in her legs, then made a final swing from the shoulders. Juns legs smacked the side of Steinlers head, catching the older man off guard. Jun used that time to break free of the grip, then shot away from his calloused hand as speedily as she possibly could. If Im to beat this guy before he uses more of that strength on me, I have to finish him off, right here and now! Jun dove hand first into the ground, tumbled into a forward roll and avoided the swing of Steinlers long arm. She stood up, then leaped up so her knees pressed into his back. Her arms wound around his arms, and before Steinler knew it, he was locked in Juns patented, flawless technique, the Stunner Grab. A few minutes later, the Irish Wrestler, Steinler, was well and truly down for the count. Winner Jun Magami. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ E. K. J. C (East Kakuri Jungle Checkpoint) Yoko walked up the one of the two guards at the checkpoint. This place was deep in the heartland of the Kakuri Jungle. The wooden and stone strip of a gateway seemed to dissolve into the thickness of the surrounding trees. It was obviously connected to the other checkpoints that lead to the Quarter Final ring. Of course, she couldnt see that connection, but that was just a little thing that Yoko observed One of the two guards addressed her as she walked up to the checkpoint for the Quarter Finals. Got your four crystals as proof of candidacy? Yoko nodded, and went into the pouch at her waist. She withdrew her own crystal, along with the three she had won in victories over Senmaru and Bon Fau. The second of the guards rudely grunted in acceptance of that, then turned around and tapped a security code into the door. It opened, and Yoko stepped through, handing her crystals and pouch to the other guard. Then, she beheld the Quarter Final Arena. It was different to the rest, much different. The stone it was built from was lighter, and the blocks that made up the arena were better taken care of. The surrounding grass was trimmed to its lightest, and the arena itself was a little larger, about 75x75 metres. A very wide space for a martial arts battle. She walked over to the steps, and climbed them, reaching the face of the arena floor. And when she looked across it, Yoko was surprised to see that her opponent had already reached there. And she was even more surprised to see who her opponent was. All he wore were a pair of black leggings, a white belt, Chinese flat soled shoes, and some shades. On his toned back was the tattoo of a Chinese Dragon, the colours of blue and red the symbol of the martial arts master of the movie world Yoko was shocked. R-Ryoma Taneda? *I* am going to fight Ryoma Taneda?! The man in question called out to her. Yo, kid! Think we can hurry this up? The girl hushed her way forward, barely taking her eyes of the man in the centre of the ring She still could not believe that she was going to go head-to-head with Ryoma Taneda. Aside from being a martial arts movie legend, he was said to have made his way up from illegal underground fights with the furiousness and savageness of a demon. He was famous, both in the east and west. Yoko was a member of his fan club. She had even been surfing on his official web page! But now she was supposed to fight him? Yoko had a hard enough time separating the fictional Ryoma on screen, from the real one, standing in front of her now. When Yoko got close enough, she bowed for respect. Mr. Taneda, Im so honoured! I-I hope that I wont embarrass myself against you I love all your films and everything I um Ryoma yawned discourteously. Yeah, yeah, youre one of my greatest fans. Whatever. Look, lets just get this over with. Whoa! Yoko recoiled, stunned by Ryomas blunt rudeness. She had no idea he was such a jerk. Sure, it was annoying for famous people to have to deal with their fans, but that was part of the price paid for being in the public eye. There was no need to be rude about it. Now Yoko couldnt wait to fight this guy. The young woman clenched her fists, spread her legs, brought her right hand to her side, the left to her chin, body slightly tilted to the left. Ryoma finally wiped that smug look off his face then got ready. His feet began dancing back and forth in slow, steady rhythms, his loose hands flaying about from their raised positions. Yoko had never fought someone who was a master of Jeet Kune Do before, but there was a first time for everything. And she was having a hard enough time believing that she was actually going to fight *Ryoma Taneda*. Whoooooo . wata! Yoko quickly recoiled and darted back as Ryomas fist came out of nowhere to strike. It happened again, an attack which Yoko managed to see better, and she swung left from the waist up to avoid it. A third came. This one was too strong to avoid. Yoko winced as she was struck dead-centre in the face, her head jerking back. Ryoma smiled and followed up with a lightning fast kick to her stomach, one that made her crouch over. Yokos hair whipped up and then down as her whole upper body leaned downwards. Woooyah! Ryoma screamed another of those passionate cries, and his elbow was the next to attack. Yoko gasped as the elbow strike hammered her back, completely wiping out her balance. She toppled over to the group, face first, while Ryoma drew back his arm and smiled victoriously Ryoma adjusted her glasses. Youre out of your depth, kid. Yoko fluttered her eyelids, looking downwards. Gingerly, she pressed both of her palms into the ground and pushed, making her upper body rise somewhat. She dragged her legs into herself, then shook her head. Yoko barely saw those strikes being thrown. Ryomas speed was impeccable. And his attacks packed some serious punch. Yoko had always thought that the speed Ryoma displayed in his films was just a special effect or something. But he actually was that fast. No wonder he was so arrogant. He probably thought no one could beat him with that kind of skill But Yoko wasnt like most people. Even at an early age, Yoko showed and interest in and an aptitude for, martial arts. And so far, it had served her pretty well. The Asagawa-girl looked over at Ryoma, who was half convinced that he had already won the fight. When he saw that he hadnt, Ryoma was confused, but still mightily arrogant about himself. Take a siesta, kid. Ryoma sneered, running a hand through his dark black hair. Im a professional Not a youngster out for a kiddies game. Put your tail between your legs and make my life easier. Yoko didnt take that for a warning. More like a challenge. Hiya! The girl flung her fist at the older guy, and Ryoma saw it coming a mile away. He dodged the punch and the one that was to follow. Yoko swapped sides of her body and balanced on one leg, thrusting the other outwardly. Ryoma kneeled below the kick, and hopped over the sweep that Yoko unleashed in response. Yoko attacked him again, throwing combination after combination, but all hit nothing but air. Ryoma was so fast that Yoko could barely keep up with him. Yoko growled, drew back her palm, then thrust it forward at Ryomas chest. Ryoma grinned, grabbed it before it reached within inches of his chest, then spun the arm around, which in turn spun Yokos body around. Aahh! Yoko was slammed into the ground, below the feet of Ryoma, her assault ending with not even one landed blow. Dust was whipped up as she fell, and she coughed from it. It didnt take much for her to stand again, but it did take a lot to think up a strategy. What strategy could Yoko use against this man? He was so fast that attacking him was almost impossible. Whats more, using that speed didnt seem to tire him out at all. It looked like matches would be getting far tougher from this point on. But if she couldnt figure out a way to defeat Ryoma, shed never make it to the Semi-Finals. So youre up? You just dont know when to quit. I dont wanna hurt a little girl, but I think you need to be put in your place before you *do* get hurt. Yoko narrowed her eyes. Whats that supposed to mean? He did not reply. Ryoma removed the dark sunglasses from his eyes, folded them, and slipped them into the white belt around the waist of his leggings. His smile became a serious expression, a sort of glare that spoke of victory before it had been claimed, but with a good reason to believe so. His stance became still, rather than flailing, but his body began tense with subtle shaking, as if something inside his body was surging to get out. He spread his legs apart, bending from the knees, and focused his energies. Ryomas shaking in that position grew little by little, until his fists were visibly shaking. Yoko could sense the Chi in Ryomas body growing with each second. But she was so drawn by this that she didnt realize that this was a ripe time to attack Ryoma parted his lips and bellowed another fierce cry. Whoooooooaaaaaaaahhhhhhh ! Ryomas open palm shot out like a cannon, surrounded by surging waves of electrical energy drawn from his Chi. Yoko cried out, Ryomas palm pounding her in the stomach, the waves of Chi passing through her body and shocking her flesh. The girl was hurled back by sheer force and speed, and her head collided brutally with the ground again, downed and shocked. Literally. Ryoma slowly drew in breath, his muscled chest heaving, streaks of electricity passing visibly up and down his body. He eased his position, lowering his palm and standing up straight Ryoma withdrew his shades and put them back on. The Rairyuuken. Not exactly a beginners move Sorry I had to be so rough on you, but you should feel lucky, kid. I dont usually use that on amateurs. Yoko opened her eyes gradually, realizing that she had retained consciousness. She was stunned Ryoma was using Chi-infusion techniques Physical abilities or strikes that are enhanced by powering them with Chi-energy usually used for wave attacks. Maybe he did have a good reason to be so confident But, Yoko couldnt give up like that. She couldnt. She wouldnt. Yoko looked back over her shoulder, at Ryoma. Shed have respected his power more if her wasnt such an egotistical narcissist. Thats it! Yoko suddenly had an idea. An idea which she was going to put into plan. Her eyes rolled over from one side of the ring to the other, and smiled when she looked at the south side, the one they were closest to. She got up, slowly at first, but she managed to stand, then turned around and faced Ryoma at a distance. But instead of giving him a angry look or a mean glare, she smiled deviously. While doing so, she clutched her left fist and began drawing energy into it, just as Ryoma had done. That all you got? She quipped. That was childs play! I barely felt a thing! What a pitiful little technique! Ryoma grew annoyed. Whatd you say, kid? I said that attack sucked. Whats it sound like? Oh man! Ryoma said angrily. You really picked the wrong man to mouth off to, kid! I tried to let you off the hook with a warning and this is what I get? Thats it! Im not gonna take it easy on you anymore. This time we go for real! Yoko just shrugged, indifferently. You mean you werent before? Raaah! Ryoma ran for Yoko, drawing back both fists and narrowing in. Yoko smiled at him, pulled up her guard, and let her feet do the work. Ryoma erratically flung punches at Yoko, some hit violently, some missed narrowly, but all were thrown with anger. Yoko continued to smile even when she got hit, and kept back peddling, drawing Ryoma with her, until he was dead centre within her trap. The energy within Yokos fist was still growing Ryoma crouched down and swept at Yokos feet, probably to keep her from walking back anymore. Yoko vaulted straight upwards, over the kick, and somersaulted forwards. The moment she landed on both feet, Yoko pulled back her energy charged fist. It exploded with a whoosh, and was surrounded by bright orange flames of Chi. The punch went straight for Ryomas back, its force blasting him over the edge of the ring. Just where Yoko had lead him to. Ryoma fell to the ground, the tattooed skin of his back singed by Yokos newfound attack. The younger girl smiled, her hand still burning with those gingery-gold flames of hers. The Asagawa Fist. Yoko said slowly, confidently Made it just for you The action star was bamboozled. He just now realized what had happened. The little girl had tricked him. She enticed him into attacking by inciting him. Then she lead him to the edge of the arena so she could knock him out of it. Clever little plan for a youngster. Ryoma stood up, removed his glasses (one of the lenses were broken now) then turned back to the girl. He looked hard at her for a moment, then his hard glare became a defiant smile. Not bad, kid. He said gruffly. Yoko smiled back innocently. Thank you, sir. The intercom came over again, giving out the result, Winner Yoko Asagawa.
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