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Four o’clock in the afternoon. It was still daylight on a weekday, but the Sugamo Martial Arts Center was packed beyond its capacity.
First, the Governor of Tokyo stood on the podium in front of the distinguished guests’ section in the middle of the auditorium and gave a happy opening speech. Then came the short address by the Governor, “Be with the Metro,” followed by a short address by the Metro Church’s Deep Emperor, “Be with the Metro. The crowd was excited to see the top two leaders of the country in one place.
But it was not until the girl who took the stage with the Mayor of Sugamo, Ayukawa, gave a speech that brought the crowd to its highest pitch, even before the game had even started.
“I’m sorry to tell you this, but I’m here to inform you that my daughter Hagumi, who had been ill, has completed her treatment.” (Dan)
The podium is equipped with mycelial loudspeakers (they’re mushroom caps shaped like megaphones). The shy loud voice of the mayor is drowned out by the cheers of more than 5,000 people at that moment. Even me and the people waiting near the entrance and exit of the arena involuntarily cover their ears.
Standing next to the friendly-looking mayor is a girl, rather petite for an eight-year-old, dressed in a pink dress and red ribbon, and as the crowd laughs and weeps in celebration, I am reminded once again that I made the right choice.
The mayor and his family came to greet us before the opening ceremony, and it seemed that today was the day to announce that their daughter’s incurable disease had been completely cured by Old Man Uni’s horn and that she could now walk (by the way, according to her doctor, Nomaguchi, the boy is also recovering well).
The mayor, covered in tears and snot, repeatedly thanked me. He held my hand clinging to it, and his voice was almost hoarse even if he was about to give a speech. He was so distraught that I was tempted to worry that he might not want other citizens to see it.
The daughter, who at first was fidgeting behind her beautiful mother, was a petite, pretty little girl who was aptly described as “doll-like”. She stood in front of me and bowed with cheeks flushed red, saying, “Thank you, Brother Abe,” and glanced at Tamiko, who was riding on my shoulder, with interest.
Incidentally, the fact that I have saved her was not to be disclosed in this greeting. The reason for this was that I was a player in the next match, and the organizer made the decision from a fair standpoint to avoid excessive favoritism from the spectators or jeers to my opponent.
That could become a handicap… I can’t help but think, “Please introduce me in front of everyone! Praise me for my achievements!” Well, that’s fine, but–
“Hey, Kure.” (Shuu)
“What is it?” (Kure)
“I can’t see much from a distance, but it looks like there’s a squirrel-like thing on the mayor’s daughter’s head.” (Shuu)
“Yes, I can see it. It’s Tamiko.” (Kure)
“As expected.” (Shuu)
I think Tamiko is also on the stage with the mayor’s daughter. I guessed that they must have hit it off after that.
The innocent little girl with a squirrel on her head was photographed by the cameraman. If there is any other press coverage besides Sugamo, Tamiko will make her national debut.
“—Well then, thank you for your patience! Here they come, today’s fighters for the Grand Tournament!” (Announcer)
The Sugamo camp is standing by the east entrance of the arena hall, while the rival New Tokyo camp is standing by on the west side. One by one, they step into the ring as the emcee, a cheerful-looking bow-tie man, reads out the following words.
“Starting, the first match! The dainty young buds born in the north! Akabane girls, bloom madly! Akabane branch member, Katou Sakura! [Fighter], level 20!” (Announcer)
As soon as the girl stepped into the arena on the other side, there was a whoosh! A puff of dry ice smoke is released. It’s a fine trick. On the other side of the arena, there is a staff member standing by the doorway with a mushroom in his hand, which seems to be the item that produces the smoke.
“Against! A nineteen-year-old born in the Nanto Ward of the city has come forward as the leader of the Raider Party! Son of the Rice Ball Shop, seize the victory! Sugamo branch member, Ishii Naoto! [Knight], level 21!” (Announcer)
The son of the Rice Ball Shop on the east side of the ring receives cheers and ridicule words from people who seem to be his relatives. On the other side are the Akabane girls, and so the 16 of us line up in a row (the further we go, the more we move toward the middle).
“Second match! The assassin from the tropical Shinagawa! Despite his tough face, his hobby is making sweets! And it is delicious! Shinagawa branch member, Hamu Genta! [Healer], level 29!” (Announcer)
“Against! He’s been a naughty boy since he was little, and now he’s a splendid hunter! Bring honor as much as you caused trouble! Sugamo branch member, Shima Daike! [Fighter], level 30!” (Announcer)
I am convinced that the first person to create this entrance culture was someone from the “Master Threadweavers”. It was definitely an underground fighting manga nerd from the previous era.
“Third match! Ever since he was a little boy, he has been playing at the ‘Dragon’s Mushroom Den’! Here comes the young dragon hunter who is rapidly gaining popularity! Ichigaya branch member, Kirishima Yameo! [Puppeteer], level 35!” (Announcer)
“Against! From the village of Rikugi! A girl with strong legs who grew up with ostriches will run around the ring! Don’t miss this beautiful speedster! Sugamo branch member, Chatani Ami! [Fighter], level 37!” (Announcer)
“Fourth match! A giant like an ogre, he is as powerful as a master! But by day, he is a single father of three boys and three girls! Go for it, Dad! Suginami branch member, Junya Ouki! [Beast Warrior], level 45!” (Announcer)
“Against! The pride of Sugamo, a skilled hunter and bartender! Toying with his opponent with mycelium cocktails! But be sure to flirt with women in moderation! Sugamo branch member, Hino Enon! [Illusionist], level 46!” (Announcer)
When all eight players were lined up, the announcer paused for a moment.
“The fifth game was a special match! Two of the best talents from all over the country, young talents who will lead the next generation will clash with each other! The legend begins here tonight!” (Announcer)
The hall is abuzz. The audience was buzzing, eagerly waiting for the names that had already been announced to be read out.
“First to enter from the west side! One who shares the strongest genes! The younger brother of the No. 1 hunter, ‘The Transcendent’ Kang Jubei! A super-genius who made his brother say, ‘He’s already surpassed me when it comes to swordsmanship.’ New Tokyo’s strongest swordsman! Meguro Headquarters, Kang Yoshitsune! [Holy Knight], level 57!” (Announcer)
A cool, super handsome man enters gracefully. Waving his hands with a smile, he looked like a movie star or an idol. The loud cheers exploded, and I thought that the handsome man should also explode.
“The challenge came from the east! He took over the baton from Kajita Hirose, a fierce fighter from Daiba who was originally scheduled to participate. Entered the match in a hurry! The Phantom of Senju stands in the ring to prove the strongest of in grappling! Will his polished body and technique break the strongest sword!? Huh? From Senju, Goblin Mask! [Fighter], level 52!” (Announcer)
“Kikiiii!” (Kure)
The audience was stunned by the appearance of the masked man in the green monkey mask, who let out a strange cry. The wrestler, who had already cast off his jacket, slips past the fourth Sugamo fighter and stands in front of Kang Yoshitsune, jutting his chin up and glaring at him. From my perspective, it’s a bit of a chest-thumping pro-wrestling move, but perhaps noticing the lackluster reaction from the crowd, he just shakes hands with him and returns to his designated position.
It was the night before last when Kure challenged a Daiba fighter to a match and successfully defeated him. When he came back covered in blood, I was wondering whether I should shut the door on him.
After some discussions with the committee and the church, it was officially decided that he would participate in the tournament. I don’t know the details of how it happened, but Kang Yoshitsune agreed to take part in the competition.
“–I had heard rumors about him, and I really wanted to be there. Ufufu… I am really glad to be with Shuu and his friends. I never thought I would get a chance to catch such a big fish.” (Kure)
As a person who turned down the initial request to participate in the tournament, I was humbled by his courage and conviction to stand up to a man stronger than himself without fear.
“Let’s continue! Sixth match! The sword of the ‘Queen of Nerima’ takes off her veil! What will the mysterious warrior have to say in the ring? Nerima branch member, Kinuta Pompoko! [Beast Warrior], level 59!” (Announcer)
“Against! A super veteran who has supported the guild since the early days of Sugamo have entered the tournament! At fifty-eight years old, he is the oldest active member of Sugamo, but he still retains his smoldering skills! Let his back speak for you. Sugamo Branch member, Ide Kenzo! [Illusionist], Level 61!” (Announcer)
He is one of the five masters of Sugamo, excluding me. The oldest here, but don’t tell anyone.
“Seventh match! The hero of Ikebukuro descends! The King Slayer Silver Wolf howls at the moon of Sugamo! Can he offer victory to the young king who is watching from the guest of honor’s seat? Ikebukuro branch member, Giran Taichi! [Holy Knight], level 73!” (Announcer)
“Against him! Our Sugamo branch representative! The young leader has turned her blade to the top to usher in a new era! Now raging, “Beast Berserker”! Sugamo branch member, Aomoto Rin! [Beast Warrior], level 54!” (Announcer)
“Beast Berserker” is her title (“Yokozuna Queen” is just a nickname, apparently). It is said to be derived from her rare Fungal Skill called [Berserker], but I suspect that it rather comes from “Animal Fanatic”.
And then—yeah.
The time has finally come.
The staff urges me to stand by. My heart begins to race like never before.
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