"If I keep winning, first round's Soku Toma, second's likely Hina Hongo, third's probably Gaku Kana, semifinals Oriba, and the final… most likely Kuroki, but maybe someone else," Suze mused.
Uncle Kuroki was strong, but not invincible in the chaotic Kengan world, so the final opponent was uncertain.
Suze was satisfied with the bracket.
Gaku Kana, then Oriba, then a showdown with Kuroki—thrilling just to think about.
Lose? Impossible.
Absolutely impossible.
As a fighter, Suze believed victory was his.
Someone like Gin might fear Oriba, but Suze felt only excitement, ready to raise the flag.
The thirst for violence rivaled any other desire.
In Toyorin Construction's VIP suite, Suze's group feasted.
"So good!" Hana Uzaki stuffed her mouth, cheeks puffed like a cute hamster.
She didn't hog the food, urging Suze to eat more between bites.
She wasn't the only one devouring.
The Sena sisters matched her ferocity.
The chef was world-class; the sisters had never tasted such food.
Sakura Yamauchi's chopsticks moved faster.
But mid-meal, sadness hit her.
Such delicious food—she wouldn't taste it after death.
The merrier the room, the heavier her heart. Tears glistened in her eyes.
A large hand patted her head.
"Don't eat such greasy stuff, Sakura. You're getting a little belly," Suze teased, ruffling her hair.
Sakura puffed her cheeks, tears retreating, and headbutted his chest. "I don't have a belly! Don't slander me!"
"You're making it more obvious," Suze said, holding her squirming head. He shifted to Reiko Sena. "Reiko, how's the tournament feel? Who do you want to fight?"
Reiko paused, swallowing hard, eyes blazing. "That big guy! Julius!"
Suze chuckled, pleased.
Hina Hongo's group loved fighting, and the Sena sisters shared that passion.
A Kengan women's fighting team was promising.
The surface world had more than just these women fighters.
A roster of a hundred? Possible.
Can I handle that?
"After I win the final, I'll set you up with him," Suze said.
"Got it, boss!" Reiko grinned, fists clenched.
Her injuries from Suze were nearly healed.
She felt in top form.
On Ganryu Island, she sensed a strange thrill, like it was a sacred fighting ground.
"I want to try that Reian Wu," Sora Sena said boldly.
Since Kurapika joined, the Sena sisters started calling Suze "boss."
"Don't they doubt Suze could lose?" Yoshino Yorita wondered.
The fighter's world was hard to grasp.
…
The next day.
The fighters' spirits were at their peak.
The Kengan Deathmatch Elimination began.
At the island's central arena, spectators swarmed like ants.
The stands were a sea of people.
The arena darkened. Seconds later, screens flashed with effects, and a striking white-haired woman appeared at the commentary desk.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is over! The Kengan Deathmatch Elimination starts now!"
In a shoulder-baring red gown, her figure was stunning, her voice booming with intensity uncharacteristic of a woman.
This was Metsudo Katahara's granddaughter, Sayaka Katahara.
As her announcement landed, electrifying music and dazzling effects erupted, the crowd's cheers shaking the heavens.
This was the Kengan Tournament's unique fervor, unmatched by any public sport.
…
Group A, First Match.
Genzai Kuroki vs. Hisayasu Takemoto.
The fighters' images flashed on the screen.
"What is the pinnacle of martial arts? Unmatched technique, a tempered body, or a master blending both?"
"His Kengan record: 0 wins, 0 losses! Can he claim the crown?"
"Representing Motorhead Motors, the current head of the Kaiwan Style, known as the 'Demon Spear,' Genzai Kuroki!"
The giant screen showed Kuroki in a black martial arts uniform, striding calmly from the tunnel.
"Next, at 82 years old, the 'Martial God,' Hisayasu Takemoto!"
"Founded the Takemoto Style at 45, fought over 90 unofficial matches in the next 37 years, still undefeated!"
"Kengan record: 10 wins, 0 losses!"
"Cumulative earnings: 7.64 billion yen."
"What martial prowess will this veteran Martial God show us? Let's find out!"
…
"What do you think, Reiko?" Suze asked, standing with the girls in the VIP box, the arena in full view.
"Two old geezers," Reiko scoffed, brimming with confidence.
"Keep an eye on Kuroki. He's top-tier this tournament," Suze said, smiling.
The Sena and Yorita sisters perked up.
"How do you know? Fought him?" Yukino Yorita asked.
The Kengan atmosphere was infectious.
Even she, usually uninterested in violence, joined the discussion.
"Yukino, you're such a rookie. Suze-kun's probably seen his fight tapes," Hana Uzaki teased.
"But their records are terrifying," Yoshino Yorita defended her sister.
Outsiders couldn't judge.
Until the fight began, everything was a mystery.
Even pro bettors often misjudged.
That was the thrill of underground fighting.
Shrimp or whale? Only the fight would tell.
But Suze was different.
As a transmigrator, Suze knew the outcomes and rarely misjudged.
"I have a special knack for reading people," he said cryptically.
"Tch! Suze-kun's hiding info we don't know!" Hana Uzaki scoffed.
Suze flicked her forehead.
Hana clutched her head, eyes teary. "Suze-kun's bullying me!" she whined, turning to Sakura Yamauchi for backup.
The kid's getting clever, rallying allies.
Sakura pinched Suze's ear with a sly grin. "Only I get to do that, okay?"
Her ticking lifespan fueled urgency, and the growing crowd of pretty girls around Suze sparked jealousy.
She desperately wanted to do couple things with him.
"Right, only I can do this!" Suze tugged Sakura's soft cheek.
Amid their playful bickering, the match ended.
Genzai Kuroki landed a sudden step-in hook to Hisayasu Takemoto's jaw.
The 82-year-old, caught off guard, collapsed, fast asleep.
A perfect display of an old man's sleep quality.