The two glared at their final roadblock, none other than the strongest student of the Kita school. Evie called out to her partner. “I’ve worn him down...although I’m not sure by how much… And I’ve got a grasp of how his ability works. When he’s attacked, he’s immediately told the perfect route to avoid it, so if we rush, we should be able to- Hngh!” Her explanation was cut short by a sharp pain in her arm, making her fall to her knees.

Reito looked at her blankly. Hmm...she’s way worse off than me right now… If she were to get hurt even more then…

“H-he’ll definitely wait for us to approach,” she pointed out, “so we’ll go on three, okay? One-”

“That’s a big nope from me, midget,” he rejected, “we’re down to just the one guy, just like ya planned, although some of what led to this didn’t play out one for one like ya wanted. So I’ll handle it from here, you’ve done enough. Besides this is a primo chance for me to show just how much stronger than ya I’ve gotten!” He told her, butting his fists together.

“What are you talking about?! Let me-!”

“Just pop a squat and watch, I’ve gotta pay him back for lookin’ down on me anyways. Although…if ya jump in at any point, not like I could stop ya… You’re still faster than me after all, if only by a smidge,” he said, pulling out two Nei-Spheres and approaching Gold.

She was taken aback. On the surface, he appeared to be showing his arrogant side by pushing her to the side and going into the fray by himself to prove some sort of point, but she was smart enough to see through him. That’s not it… he knows I’ll have a hard time moving, and if I strain too hard, I could just end up being a liability. This is his way of saying ‘Rest yourself for a second.’. And...his way of telling me that he’s concerned about me…

Gold just sneered. What an idiot...I’ll crush both of them for making me speak more than necessary… They’re just pests in my way…!

“Really gotta make this count,” Reito mumbled, shaking a bit, “even though he’s worn down, it’s especially best not to give him any room to breathe… I’ve got one Max Impact left, so I’ve gotta catch him off guard no matter what,” with that, he hurled the spheres toward his opponent.

Looking to avoid incoming damage, Gold did a 180 degree turn to slip in between them seamlessly.

You can dodge those, I’ve got no problems with that, just wanted a diversion. Now that you’re there, take this!” Reito roared, circling around to a blindspot.

“Easy...so he is an imbecile,” Gold swiftly stuck his foot out, tripping Reito off of his feet and tossing him overhead. The sphere’s came after just as planned, but he ducked them like it was second nature.

“Gaahh!” Reito wailed as he landed on his back, bending to rub it.

“Tochi!”

Gold scoffed. “That must’ve hurt, I’m guessing Mayer did quite a number on that area already. I wasn’t expecting much to begin with, and even so, I’m still immensely underwhelmed by your skill. The possibility of cheating aside, beating Zeno’o in a head on clash means your strength could be an issue. But if you never connect, what’s the point? If I had to gauge it based on every other attribute, Tanaka is above you by three times.”

Coughing, Reito rose to his feet. “Y’know...for a guy who might as well have been mute...you’re pretty chatty now. What changed, did Lightnin’ Bug...mess ya up that badly?”

“I only talk when I’m pushed to do so...otherwise I hate the act of throwing around words so recklessly. And if you’re trying to take advantage of my anger, don’t bother. I’m more than capable of keeping mine under warps when it matters most,” he explained with a shrug.”

“Damn, was worth a try though,” he said as he charged forward with another palm strike, only for Gold to do a backwards upper kick, knocking his arm arm away. Ungh! That didn’t work either! What else can I-? Stopping his thought, he immediately raised his guard to block a backwards flying roundhouse that sent him straight to the ground. “Ugh!”

“Useless...is that really all?” Gold questioned with his back turned, waiting for the next attack.

Reito pushed himself up off the ground, panting erratically. It’s not working…nothin’s workin’!” Outspeed him? No, he’s faster than me. Could I win power wise? That’s no good either, even though he has sear marks and scratches all over him, he’s stronger than I am! I can’t even drag any Aura out! He clutched his chest. He held his head down and started whispering to himself. “My heart’s beatin’ like a drum… It was doin’ the same when I fought Meat Tank but...this is different… I’m...I’m… RRAAAAAGGGH! SHAADDUUP!” He shouted, sending a right hook flying in a last ditch effort.

“Right about now, your form should start falling apart,” Gold said aloud as he grabbed Reito’s arm, pulled him in and then elbowed him in the stomach causing saliva to fly from his mouth.

“Ungh!”

“Gold...logically speaking, he should be easier to beat now,” Neigh pondered with furrowed brows,” especially with all the electricity he took, but he’s been able to shrug off the after effects of paralysis. As for Usodachi...he’s not even giving the kid an inch, it’s a one sided brawl. They’re both Boost Types, but the disparity in skill makes all the difference. I’m sure he’s probably noticed by now… The entire time he’s been on the offensive, Gold’s position…”

Reito winced as he slowly stepped back from his opposition, sweat dripping from his forehead as he began to jitter and shake.

“What’s wrong…?” Gold asked, turning to face him with a reserved scowl. “Aren’t you a part of the infamous “Storm’s Impact”, the strongest ninja duo that even God fears? That’s you two, Reito Usodachi and Evie Tanaka...correct?”

“U-um… I...I,” he stuttered and stammered as he backed away further and further.

“But judging from the way you’re shaking like a mutt and dripping with sweat, it looks like you’re the one who fears me, no?” He examined Reito up and down. “Well, I don’t necessarily blame you. It’s easy to make a false prior assessment without actually experiencing anything that pertains to said judgement. After all,” he flared his arms out, “this is your first time running into a true God.”

“G-God...?” He gulped, attempting to hide his trembling.

“Exactly,” Gold raised a finger, “you surely thought everything would work out according to some plan Tanaka thought up, hmm? But let me tell you this, I planned for two scenarios, one where Mayer and I completely decimated you, and the other which we’re experiencing as we speak, everything down to how you’re cowering in front of me right now…”

“...!” Reito shuddered.

Evie broke into a small sweat. He basically planned all of this...every little thing? No way...I knew he was smart...but to this level?!

“To me, it was maddening,” Gold shrugged, “I was considered omnipotent a bit before this, no matter what came my way, dealing with it was a cakewalk. I was all but touchable...until your little partner shattered that all in one fight,” he pointed to her with an animosity filled glare. “She surpassed my expectations for a brief moment, making me look like a weakling! And that, I cannot forgive… So after I’m done with you, I’ll continue with my revenge, perhaps I’ll fracture her tibia next, or maybe the femur? Which would you prefer, Mr. Pawn Scum…?

Reito mustered the strength to take a step forward, looking to engage his opponent again. “N-no, you’ll hafta get...by m-!”

Gold who brought his hands in front of him calmly in a “Stay away” gesture. “I’d refrain from another engagement if I were you. But just in case you’re getting any reckless ideas, let me reveal another crucial detail,” he started, tapping a finger on his forehead, “from the beginning of this battle, all the way up to this point, not once had I even thought about using my ability against you.”

“N-no… You’re lyin’!” Reito shouted with a shiver.

Shizuka brought a hand over her mouth. “He’s just been toying with Rei this whole time?!”

“What reason would God have to lie? The only unorthodox thing about you is that unusual energy you clad your attacks in, but as I said, if you don’t connect with them, it’s of no threat. And besides, you’re not the only one who can make use of a special battle option. The reason I’ve been able to foresee your attacks without the use of my ability, is because of my Advanced Observation skill.” He pointed at his face. “It’s based on a simple principle, have you ever noticed someone’s eyes veer to the right frequently when they lie, or begin to look up when they ponder something? They’re habits formed unbeknownst to the person that choreographs what action they’re about to take, it’s no different when a person throws out an attack. For example, everytime you throw an attack with your right arm, your right eye closes a smidge.”

Reito blinked. Is he for real?! I didn’t even know that!

“Everyone has these telltale signs and minor inclinations, although they differ from person to person. Breathing patterns, body language, the way they talk, pulse, they’re waning on being unnoticeable on their own, but I’ve honed my analytical skill to perfection. That way, even without my Path, predicting attacks that aren’t too quick is as simple as breathing for me. It makes it easy to say, oh I don’t know, evade and counter any and all attacks without moving from a particular spot one bit, I’d say.”

Having heard this, Reito slowly peered down at Gold’s position and footing, at that time, it became shockingly clear to him. A-Are ya...kiddin’me? No way, right? I must be delusional...he doesn’t even look like he’s moved even an inch! I didn’t even push him back? “Seriously?! SERIOUSLY?!” He panicked in his head as his pupils dilated. I can’t believe it, I’m...scared out of my mind!! My body...won't listen to me!

“Hey! Just calm down, Tochi!”

“Shocked? Frightened? Tanaka was the same way moments ago, but you’re even moreso, and I’m pretty sure you don’t even know why you’re feeling so yourself. If I’m not mistaken, you were a recluse until a week or so ago, right? I wonder what happened for you to shut yourself off from the world like that? Either way, it tells something, you gave up and ran away, plain and simple.”

“Th-thats...n-no-”

“Before you even think about denying it, let me enlighten you on something. It’s a common belief that in the martial arts world, you can understand quite a bit about your adversary through an exchange of blows, and here’s what I’ve observed about you. You’re standoffish and reckless, and thinking ahead isn’t your first, or last choice. By this method of living, you can then gauge what works and what doesn’t based on the outcome of any situation, but only in relatively safe scenarios, nothing life risking. Also, you strive to gain confidence, which isn’t uncommon, but in your case it’s a double edged sword, leading you to fear being unconfident. You want to feel good about yourself and have fun. For example, through your clashes with Mayer and Zeno’o, you’ve most likely awakened a liking for combat. And why wouldn’t you? Adrenaline is an extremely euphoric thing to experience…but, in those scenarios, you were facing a challenge that wasn’t necessarily anything above what thought you could handle.”

“Usodachi, you can still do it! Don’t back down now!” Chikara shouted to no avail.

“It’s easy to think for a second, ‘Hey, I could totally do this, I’m pumped, so fun!’. Etcetera, etcetera, because at that moment, you know that you have a decent 60/40, maybe 50/50 chance of prevailing. It’s natural. However, in the face of overwhelming power or skill, something you haven’t experienced that much, or at all in your life depending on circumstance, you shut down. To top it off, you’ve expended all your options. “‘Nothing's working!’, is what you begin to think, even if you probably haven’t tried but a few things, and just like that, before you know it, three words creep into your head without you even knowing it. They’re ‘I’m scared… Run!’”

Reito covered his mouth. “...!”

“Looks like I hit the nail on the head. Another thing, I provoked you earlier because I wanted to test your volition. You said you wanted to become King, right? You, someone who spent all day in their dorm wasting his life away, only to just drop in one day? It drove me to the point of anger. I couldn’t believe someone like you would aspire to lead this City to anything but disparity. You’re a joke, and I proved that fact in one battle. There’s only one person fit to have that title,” he explained, jabbing a thumb to his chest, “and that’s me! I’ll lead this infrastructure to greatness and security with my unparalleled omnipotence as a God among men! And as a result, everyone will praise me.

[Was The Seer always this narcissistic?]

[It’s really bizarre, he seems almost villainous now. I mean, a God, seriously?!]

“Now I’ve confirmed it for sure, someone like you could never be King. After all, if a ruler doesn’t believe in themselves, how would the citizens they lead be able to believe in them? Although,” he started, looking past Reito to focus on Evie, “I’m sure she already noticed this flaw of yours, and as a result, she constructed that childish introduction.

“Urk!” She flinched.

“You’re childish, but you’re also smarter than I gave you credit for. Good job, Tanaka. However, I’m still going to punish you for spitting on my image, so don’t worry. As for you,” he shifted his focus back on Reito, “if you can’t even land a single hit on me at this point, you might as well just pack it up and go back to the safety of your dorm. Nothing can scare you there, and no one would blame you. I promise, I’ll be a fantastic King. But on the off chance you still want to continue, I can just crush your fingers. Quit now, or be subject to pain, your choice, Usodachi,” he offered.

“No, don’t listen to him, Tochi! Just keep trying!”

Chikara stood up from his seat. “Usodachi, push! What, are you gonna just beat Mayer and I and call it quits?!! I thought you said you’d become the King?!!

[Zeno’o’s still pulling for the guy, I know everyone hates the guy but… the way Gold is now, rooting for him doesn’t seem like such a bad thing to do. Usodachi, let’s go!!]

[Yeah! You and the Fulgur Shade can clobber him, just don’t give up!]

[You two can win, just do it already!]

The students in the audience changed their tune and began shouting encouraging words to the both of them.

Well, if everyone’s already screaming, guess there’s no point in not letting loose… Shizuka thought as she stood to her feet and put her fist out in front of her, “Rei, you said you wanted to be the King, so if you give up now, I’ll knock your teeth out, you hear?!”

“Kid...do you really want it to end like this?” Neigh wondered.

Even with the crowd cheering so loud he started to hear them through the simulation, Reito was still paralyzed with fear, his legs unable to take even a step forward. M...my vision’s getting blurry, it’s hard to see from all the damage I took, he thought as he slowly rose his arm above his head,” I just wanted to be at the top...so I that could run away again anyway...I’m pathetic… thinking that, he began to speak out loud,” Sorry...Shion, Meat Tank, Lightnin’ Bug, I.....give-”

Before he could finish his thought, Evie sprung up to her feet, dashed to the side of him and punched him square in the jaw through a tree.

Surprised, Gold burst into laughter “Ba-ha-ha-ha-ha! Fighting amongst yourselves now? At least you two are so good for a laug-!”

“YOU! SHUT YOUR MOUTH!” She roared, pulling her mask down revealing an enraged scowl.

“Oh…?” He backed off out of interest in what might happen next.

The girl began to stomp towards her partner as he sat up and rubbed his cheek. “Ow... Owwww! What’s the big idea?!” he questioned as she grabbed him by the shirt collar and brought him to eye level.

“I SHOULD BE ASKING YOU THAT, YOU ULTRA-IDIOT-BASTARD! ARE YOU CRAZY?!!”

Her tone was loud and booming. She didn’t tease him or crack a joke in the slightest. Ever since they met, Reito had no doubt in his mind that a girl like her could never get mad, not even livid. But that snap judgement was shattered right before his very eyes as her words came down on him like a hurricane.

“YOU’RE JUST GONNA GIVE UP, AFTER EVERYTHING WE DID? THE TRAINING, THE WEAPON MR.BANNER MADE FOR YOU, SHIZU’S ADVICE, OUR DECLARATION, ALL OF THAT?”

“But...I can’t win… I’m just a scared, pathetic loser...sorr-”

“SORRY NOTHING, JUST LOOK AT ME!” She continued her tirade as Reito took a closer look, only to notice that she was shaking almost twice as hard as he was.

“You’re...the same as me…?”

“Of course,” she confirmed, lowering her tone a bit, “I’ve been scared of Gold ever since I met him. That intro I put together, was meant to be just as much as a confident boost for me as it was for you, but I guess it was a waste of time! I’m shocked, Reito! Weren’t you trying to show me that you’d surpassed me?! Was all of that just you blowing hot air?!” She asked, her use of his nickname absent.

“W-well, no, I did want to...but now it just seems so hopeless. I couldn’t even make him budge… How the hell am I supposed to call myself strong, or even say I wanna be King after all of this? It took gettin’ stomped over and over...but I admit it...you’re stronger than me,” he divulged, looking down, “I’m...sorry I’m such a weaklin’...”

“You’re weak? So? Who cares about that? No one’s expecting you to be some unstoppable force right off the bat,” she lifted his head so that their eyes could meet, “and besides, it’s only because you’ve compared yourself to us. If you really looked at it, you’d notice that you’re strong in your own right. In the first place, you can’t exist without being challenged, dummy, that’s not how life works! When you come to a wall that you think you can’t get past, barrel into it at full force! Even if your body starts to break, don’t stop till you’ve smashed through the other side! After that, dust yourself off and keep moving! That’s what a ruler would do, right?”

“Evie…”

“As for me, I’m not giving in. I’ve already ran away one in my life, but never again. Heck, I can’t even feel my arm, and I didn’t give up no matter how many times I was knocked down, I’d fight until I couldn’t move anymore rather than throw in the towel because I was outmatched. But if you still wanna run away with your tail between your legs, I’ll be angry at you, but go ahead, I’ll just face him myself!”

With her conviction being made clear, she stood up to face Gold.

“Eager to be beaten that badly? Alright...come at me,” he provoked, sticking his hand out with a “Come on” gesture.

Even though she’s scared shitless...even though we’ve got no chance...she’s still gonna try… Damn it! This guy’s right, he realized in his head, standing up beside her, I am pathetic...and a coward. Every cell in my body is screamin’ at me to hightail it right now...but...I’m not gonna stay like this!

Gold stepped back in surprise. “You!”

“Usodachi...that’s the spirit,” Chikara said.

“Damn it, Lightnin’ Bug...why the hell are ya so cool? Just when I got the nerve to call it quits, ya had to go and motivate me all protagonist-like. Are ya tryna make me fall for ya or somethin’?” He teased.

She noticed him and slowly changed her frown to a warm smirk. “We’re on our last legs, even I wouldn’t try to tease you right now. Besides, there’s no way I could fall for a coward like you,” she teased with a half insult.

He flinched before pounding his fist to his palm. “Urk! ...Ouch. Can’t say I deserved that...but just you watch, this snivellin’ coward is on his way to be the bravest guy you’ve ever laid your eyes on! Got any problems with that?!

“Heh-heh! None here. I’ve gotta see it to believe it though, so show me right now!”

“You’re on, ya nosey cosplay nut!”

“Since we’re going all in,” she said, rolling the upper part of her Dogi down and over her shoulders to unearth a simple black tank top and slender upper body,” I might as well make it easier to move!”

Reito’s eyes instantly darted over to her against his will. Whoa, whoa...whoa...I always thought she was really skinny, but she’s just super toned! She’s even got abs! Sexy-! “Er...I mean...wait,” he halted his wandering perverse thoughts by slapping the sides of his face,” same here! Check it out, you’re lookin’ at Reito’s 100% effort!” He exclaimed, casting his button up overshirt aside to make his SOL print shirt stand prominent on his small, but muscular figure.

Shizuka smiled from the stands. “Sha-ha-ha! His max effort, huh? And he said I’d never see it, just as big of a liar as always.

Gold scoffed as he readied himself for the two. “You’re doing nothing but feigning confidence, you morons. It doesn’t matter if you come at me one at a time or all at once, pests are still pests at the end of the day.”

“Oi, what about your charge? How many lightnin’ attacks left in ya?” Reito whispered.

“I’d say about four more to go, and as for Transfers…only one of those left in me…”

“That should be more than enough. If you’ve got any tricky diversionary tactics, now would be the time to show ‘em off.”

“Got one, just need you to provide a little smoke screen. Think you could give me a boost?”

He took off running with his hands clasped together. “Is this guy a major dick? Just get over here already!”

She didn’t utter another word as she perched onto his hands with her feet and was sprung forward in the same motion as a Volleyball serve reception.

A flying kick, Gold crouched down out of the way, allowing Evie to cling to a tree behind him. “He’s coming,” he muttered, looking Reito’s way. But he’s aiming for the legs...is he trying to slow my movement?

The spheres were launched his way, only to stop short of hitting him to barrel into the ground, knocking up so much dirt that it clouded both their visions.

Backin’ out, hope this works! Reito retracted while his partner came soaring down over Gold.

“You should know something like this wouldn’t work,” he said condescendingly as he blocked her palm strike. He started to punch her away as an oddly satisfied smirk crept onto her face.

“Bleeehh, too bad,” she playfully mocked him, pulling down her lower eyelid and sticking her tongue out at him as her frame turned into pure lightning, chaining to his body.

His hair stood on end as smoke poured from his mouth “Gaaaaahhhh! How did yo-?! Nngh!”

She was under him all of a sudden, and got on her hand to slam a foot into his jaw.

“Evie Style Lightning Release: Shock Double Jutsu! No matter what attack is coming your ability lets you see it coming, right? But that’s also a weakness,” she got back onto her feet. “If anything at all approaches you, you’re alerted, but it can’t specify between actual people and fired off objects or energy. I noticed it when you tried to dodge my Thor. Not only that, but your Advanced Observations are useless if you can’t see the body. Enhanced Sense is a power moreso based on if you’re able to dodge, so if you’re in a position where your reactions can’t keep up, you’re taking a hit. In other words-” Reito ran up to the side of him, gathering Aura on his heel, “if we come at you while your vision is clouded, we’re bound to hit you! We just can’t let you think! Go for it, Tochi!” She shouted, sweeping Gold off his feet.

“Ya don’t hafta tell me twice! How about I dislocate your jaw, asshole?! Retribution Fist: Crescent Moon Hunter, Horizon Zero!”

He nailed him in the jaw with an Aura charged backwards roundhouse kick that sent him rolling.

As he landed from his attack, he held his forearm out to her in a kind gesture. She raised her own and bumped his. “Why didn’tcha use that durin’ our spars?”

“I think a girl has her rights to some secrets. But that’s neither here nor there, let’s finish it.”

Gold got up. “He didn’t dislocate it,” he muttered under his breath while clutching his jaw, blood coming out of his mouth, “but he came close… Damn them...they’re just scum!” He looked up to notice his two foes rushing toward him. “Drawing blood from me, these two clowns? I’ll-! Hngh!” He shuddered, grabbing his chest as residual lightning ran over his person.

A glint came to Evie’s eye “Just as expected. No one can take that much electricity and keep kicking without suffering the backlash!”

“So let’s nail him in the face!” They shouted in unison.

Gold actually began to panic. I-I can see it coming...but I can’t move! W-wait, s-sto-,” he pleaded as the two knocked him back with simultaneous haymakers to the face.

“Pincer him!” Reito communicated to his partner as they launched kicks from opposite sides.

“You two...are really ANNOYING!!” Gold shouted out of nowhere as he sent one fist crashing into Evie’s broken arm while the other dug into Reito’s chest.

“AUAGGGHH!” She cried, grasping her arm.

Shit, he’s still up?! Since he doesn’t get hit much, I thought he couldn’t take any abuse! I misread him! Reito grasped his chest.

“Why...why do you two have to get in my way? Just fall already!” Gold roared with an enraged tone. “I stand at the pinnacle, I’m godly in every sense of the word! You’re all fools...Tanaka with your constant talk about ninjary and your crude, idiotic smile and laugh! Stop talking already! Your efforts are wasted in the first place, you could never become anything like that! And it’s the same with that moronic Mayer! Working up a beat before you fight, profusely flirting with every girl who so much as even breathes in his direction, and his constant showboating! If he’d just beat you on his own, I wouldn’t have even bled, what a joke of a Student Council VP!”

Reito clenched his fist. “Oi...what didja just say…?”

“Just the complete truth! Just like my assessment towards you, loser!” He responded, pointing a finger at the boy. “Not to mention Zeno’o, the one who put a stain on the Student Council in the first place by losing to someone as weak as you! All he knows are his strength, training and food! Although he’s the strongest out of the four of us physically, he lacks in every other department! I bet he lost the fight between you two because he started enjoying himself too much, which led him to make huge mistakes! I’m glad he’s off of the Council, anyone who blunders like that doesn’t even deserve the Number Four spot!”

Chikara looked on with a blank stare. “........”

“And now, you two refuse to stay down even when I have you beat, even though you two clearly can’t beat me!” He grit his teeth. “I’m the only one fit to rule this City, a God among everyone! SO JUST KEEL OVER AND ACCEPT THAT I’M ABOVE YOU ALREADY!

Unbeknownst to him, Aura enveloped Reito’s entire body as he clenched his fist and glared at Gold. Seeing this, Gold jumped back to get a better read on him. Wha-?! That energy is coursing all over him...what’s going on?

A vein popped up on Reito’s as he stomped forward.

“...Oh?” Gold started, raising an eyebrow. “You’re approaching me alone?

“Well, yeah... I can’t beat the shit outta ya unless I do!” He answered, raising his fist.”

“...Alright, then come as close as you’d like,” he taunted, “although I doubt you’ll be able to do-” He brought his arm up to guard as he was punched in the blink of an eye by Reito, the wind pressure from his blow shaking the trees around them. “Hngh?! What the?!” He shouldn’t even be able to stand...but just now...he was faster than Tanaka! And that punch almost shattered my arm, when did he get as strong as Zeno’o?!”

Reito leapt forward and rammed his fist into the ground, sending a slim shockwave towards Gold which he narrowly avoided. It sunk deep and cleaved into the ground even still.

“100D 2S!”

Using another Max Impact, the shockwave grew even taller and wider, like it had a mind of its own.

It’s a cutting attack...but he’s not a swordsman, no hidden blade either! What the hell’s happening?! He faded around the shockwave to run his fist across Reito’s face, but when it connected, Reito didn’t show any signs of pain, not even a flinch. In an unusual turn of events Gold withdrew his hand while it shuddered and shook from the impact and held it in his hand as he stepped back. H-his skin is toouugghh! it’s like I hit steel! This goes beyond a Patho’s natural durability! What is he?!

“You’re hurtin’, huh? Good...but that’s nothin’ compared to the pain that Lightnin’ Bug had to take. So how about this? Just so ya can see what that’s like...an eye for an eye...how bout I break your arm too?!” Reito declared as his voice swelled louder and louder.

“Tochi, what are you…?”

The kid…he’s overflowing with it...Qi! Neigh assessed.

“Hey, you trash,” Gold asked, sweating profusely, “what’s going on? How were you able to power up this much from being in such a downtrodden state? What were you hiding?”

“Ask me all ya want...I don’t have a clue,” he answered back, raising his fist, “All I know is that I’m gonna kick your ass! ...Those guys are all just livin’ life how they wanna, even if they may look stupid to you, they’re movin’ forward doin’ the things the way they find some value in, without bein’ held back, and that’s amazin’! Ya say I’m not cut out for the ruler stuff, but you're not even fit yourself. Callin’ yourself God, talkin’ yourself up! Well I don’t care much about the Father Martin thou art in heaven quasi higher bein’ bullshit that you’ve been spewin’, never really been much for religion, anyway! But even I can tell that ain’t how a God should talk!” He scolded, rushing forward and forcing Gold to block the numerous Aura clad punches and kicks.

There was no holding back, he was forcing Gold to resort to Enhanced Sense. Even still, Reito’s movements were getting wilder, Gold thought he resembled like a raging bull. But even with that, he was still applying his Grandma’s style to all of his attacks, he retained his technique. I see all of it coming...but dodging is barely working because of his increasing speed, he’s like a tidal wave!” He, barely ducked and weaving around the flurry of strikes. If I take one or two hits from him directly by blocking, I won’t be able move my arms afterward! This guy's is actually forcing me on the defensive! Damn him! Your point?” He asked out loud.

“My point is, what kinda God berates the people he wants to follow him?! Buildin’ yourself up by tearin’ others down…ain’t that more devilish than anything?!” he questioned.

“He’s mad because of that…?” Evie just stared as the two went on.

“You-!” Gold narrowly dodged another slash attack that ripped the side of his tracksuit.

“Sounds to me like you’re compensation’ for somethin’! If ya really believed that no one was in the same realm as ya, it would go without sayin’! What’s wrong, got somethin’ to hide?!” He antagonized him as he brought his fist downward.

I’ve got to jump, I can’t take that! Leaping out of the way, Gold felt a sense of deja vu. But wait, I felt this with Tanaka as well...it came out as an overhead attack, but I still feel more coming!

Nowhere to run now, Reito said, I don’t know how I’m drawin’ this much Aura out, I’ve never even been able to use the slashin’ effect before this, but as long as I’ve got access to it, might as well try a special move idea I’ve thought about for a while. Granny’s leagues better with this Aura stuff than I am, but I’ve got somethin’ she doesn’t, this shitty ability of mine is the only reason I can do this technique!

As those thoughts ran through his mind, he pounded the ground, transferring the Aura shrouded around him snaking towards Gold.

“I don’t have bulgin’ muscles, or a snazzy cap. But I do know one thing, my fury right now is damn near fatal! Now! Roaring Aura and burstin’ Impact, combine and send this guy packin’!”

No good! Gold went pale. Him of all people!

“EAT THIS, ‘GOD’! 100D 5S TANDEM SPECIAL MOVE! IMPACT GEYSER: SKYWARD SWORD VERSION!!”

With his roar, the Aura erupted from the ground, taking the form of many energy blades as they engulfed Gold, blasting him into the air while digging into the sides of his body.

“AARRRRGGGGGHHH!” Reito yelled in pain, clasping his arm as he felt the repercussions of overusing his full power. “Urgh! See that?! I laid your ass out! In the end, we all breathe the same air and walk on the same ground, we can even be beaten! So wake up already, and see that when it’s all said and done, you’re just a human bein’ like the rest of us! Hear that, Kade?!”

Evie went wide eyed. “He said his first name!”

[Gold’s first-]

Chikara smiled. “Even though we told him not to… That guy, he’s seriously gutsy!”

Through all the bewilderment, Kade spun in the air and landed on the ground. He slowly rose to his feet with shallow cuts that bled lightly all over his frame, and with an enraged glare, clenched his fist so hard that blood dripped from it.

“That name...never speak it AGAIN!” He exclaimed with bloodshot eyes.

Reito gulped. “This is bad,” Reito muttered sheepishly. “He thought if he hit him full force with his last Max Impact, he’d be down for the count. Now one of my arms is useless. Heh-heh,...guess I got a little too sure of myself. What was it they say about him again, say his name and he’ll beat ya like a dog? Ha-ha-ha...haah....I’m so fucked,” he realized.

Gold trugged toward him, baring his teeth. “First, making me speak more than necessary…and then saying that name… Why do you two have to constantly piss me off to no end?!”

“Oh, I dunno...it’s just always been a special talent of mine. Makin’ dumb choices is a Reito trademark,” he joked, wobbling back and forth, trying his hardest to continue standing. “Good thing I messed around with my S.P., otherwise I would’ve never guessed that I can see other people’s stats too...and their names. I couldn’t knock ya out...but I did prove somethin’ with that. Turns out, you’re not Godly in the slightest, are ya? After all...some lowly palm scum like me almost beat ya to hell, hahaa. Ya mad? Did I hurt your widdle fweelins’? Well, I’m right here,” he taunted with his index finger in a “Come on” gesture, “I’ll still curb stomp y- Fuah!”

An angered Gold decked him in the face to stop his taunting short.

“QUIT BLUFFING ALREADY, I CAN TELL YOU USED UP ALL THE ENERGY YOU HAD!!” He shouted, turning his head to the resting Evie. “Now that the nuisance is down and out, let me get back to breaking you Tana-!”

The sound of skidding heels broke Gold’s focus as he turned back to him in astonishment. He had lost the use of his arm, and was extremely fatigued. But even still, he stood up after Gold’s self perceived final blow.

“I know a girl who punches way harder than that when she’s barely even tryin’...that barely tickled,” he boasted, raising his head with a newly acquired black eye and bruised lip.” What’s the matter, Kade? I’m still standin’ here. I guess even someone like you can get weaker the longer they go at it.

“You...stop using that name RIGHT NOW!” Gold punched him in the shoulder blade and then the jaw, pushing him to the ground once more. “Now,” he said, turning his back to him, “back to yo-!” Only to find himself in a one-armed full nelson courtesy of Reito.

“H-hey,” Reito huffed with a faint smile, “What do ya think...your doin’? Gods are supposed to finish what they started...right?” He taunted before being thrown overhead and hitting the ground again.

“What...what’s wrong with you?” Gold asked in a cold sweat. “You can’t win...you never even had a chance to begin with. But you keep getting up. Are you making fun of me? Are you...making fun of ME?

“Heh, maybe…then again, ya don’t need my help to prove that you’re a complete joke. I mean, ya can’t even knock out someone you say is so much weaker than yourself. Some “higher power” you turned out to be,” he continued to gode him.

“Y-yooouu! You’ve tested my patience long enough… Tanaka can wait...right now, I’m going to beat you so bad, you won’t be able to stand... No, so bad that you won’t even be able to speak!” He declared, bolting forward.

And thus, accepting what was coming to him, Reito flashed another smile coupled with a directed towards his partner. In that single moment, she understood what he was trying to do. As he was showered with blows he could only dream of defending against, Evie nodded and wove multiple hand signs on her usable hand while electricity discharged from her body and surged around her.

Tochi, you know you can’t win…so you’re riling him up and making Gold focus his anger on you completely.... I’m sorry you have to take this much abuse...if I was stronger...I could’ve done it on my own... But if this is how it has to be, I’ll make sure that I beat him in your stead, I just need a few seconds, hold on…”

Gold punched Reito in the solar plexus, roundhouse kicked him in the face and chopped his throat, but even after the boy's face was starting to become disfigured from the bruises he gained, he still smirked.

“Gack! Y-ya know...what else...Eagle Eye?” he questioned in a raspy voice. “Ya said Meat tank isn’t fit for the Council and all, but when I walked through Kita’s gate and lazed my way through the day, he was right there gettin’ all wound up for the sake of the 4 of ya. Why didn’t you come at me?”

“S-shut up already! I was training at the time, I could have dealt with you later!” Gold yelled as he raised Reito by the collar.

“So, in other words, he dropped everything he was doing just to stamp out a stain on the school reputation,” he confidently stated, clutching Gold’s hand, “compared to him, you’re a loser. It’s your sorry ass that doesn’t deserve the position ya have… He’s a way better man than you!”

That was all it took for Gold to slam him to the ground and pummel him once more.

Chikara smiled “Usodachi…”

“As for me..I’m just- Uggh! I-I’m just a black cat who only brings bad luck to myself. I’ve been technically struck by lightning for the fir- Gaah! F-first time, hurled through a buildin’, almost got assaulted by thugs again, and managed to piss off 3 of the strongest p-people in the first school. But even I can say...that I’m a better guy than you. You're just a control freak,” he explained as his forehead protector snapped off.

Kade threw a punch to shut him up that broke his nose, but he shrugged it off as blood poured from it. Damn it, I thought if I waved it off, I could take it. But this still hurts like hell! And if you’re ‘God’ as ya say, then I’m the Godslayer!” He stood up and ran toward Gold. “Now just watch me slug y-!” He was swiftly jabbed in the face multiple times and forced away. During his flight, he thought to himself. Damn it… Damn it...that was all I had, my throat’s messed up, and I can’t even lift a finger. Haha...man, that sucks, I just wanted to slug him one more time...but I’m done. He’s way too strong for me to beat right now, if I was on my own, he would have won this… Good thing I’m not. Guess it was for the best that I didn’t end up in a one on one with this guy. Just end it already, ya short stack Kunoichi!

As he landed on the ground, Evie jolted up and placed a palm on Gold’s. All before she was promptly backfisted by him.

“Ugh!” She put her hand to the ground and skidded across it, blood dripping from her cheek.

“Tanaka...so you’re that eager to be next? In that case I’ll-!... What?” Before he could act, electricity trickled from his back and wrapped around him

“Evie Style Lightning Release: Electro Snare!”

“Urrghh! Paralysis again??!! Haven’t you learned?! The second I break free of this, I’m beating you to hell as well!”

“Threaten me all you want, it’s useless,” she said, her hair standing up along with a single risen hand in a ram hand sign, “I had some time to prepare it, so you’ll be trapped for at least a minute...”

Gold went wide eyed. “Y-you, you’re just bluffing. This is one of your idiotic jokes... Yeah, it has to be! Can’t you stop fooling around even when your about to los-”

“I am serious, stupid. Even when I’m playing a prank, joking around or perving out, I’m always 100% serious. So let me tell you this seriously...from this point on...I refuse to be scared of you… On the contrary...right now,” she proclaimed as electricity surged around her and was released into the air, forming a disc-like shape, “you’re the one that should be scared of me!”

“From above!” Kade looked up towards inevitability. My Path is screaming, telling me to move out of the way...but, I can’t! I won’t be able to dodge this!!

She brought her handsign down in front of her and closed her eyes with a slow exhale. “Evie Style Lightning Release 120 Volts Ultimate Technique: Heavenly Thunder Series,” she swiftly shot her hand towards to the sky and brought it down, “GIGAVOLT HAMMEEERR!!!”

At her command, a massive pillar of lightning came crashing down towards the boy, and in utter disbelief, he thought to himself.

“No...did I...lose? They’re weaker than me...but still. That loser...and what he said… I thought I was unbeatable...was I wrong...? ...Maybe my methods were too... Ciel...sorry... I lost focus...

He was engulfed by the pillar, causing a giant smokescreen.

Reito realised something about Kade’s Path. Sure, ya have a good idea of what’s comin’ your way, but if ya end up predictin’ somethin’ ya can’t avoid, you’ve just gotta grit your teeth and eat it, while dreadin’ the impact. His opinion of Gold didn’t change though, he was still what he would call ‘A ragin’ dick’. Heh, just thinkin’ about him knowin’ he can’t avoid bein’ smacked...well, it’s hella funny!

“That’s strong!” Shizuka gasped. She was holding that huge of an attack back?! Guess it does make sense though, you would need an open area for that sorta thing!”

The shroud cleared shortly afterward revealing 3 things. First, the one who launched the attack fell to her knees, slumped over. Secondly, the ground had been burned severely, turning it a deep chalkly black. And lastly, Gold had went white eyed as smoke billowed out of his mouth. Burn marks covered his face as he finally fell unconscious.

The A.I. alerted the whole arena of the matches end. “With this, the team of Kade Gold and Forte Mayer is now unable to battle, the winners of this match are the team of Evie Tanaka and Reito Usodachi.

Neigh crossed his arms. “Fa-ha-ha-ha-ha! Well there you have it folks!” His voice being heard across the stands. “They won, hands down, and as for the kid everyone deemed a cheater, I think he’s earned the right to be cut some slack. Trust me, I didn’t see any poison, hidden apparatus, or the like on him the entire fight. They came out on top, plain and simple!”

The crowd swelled with increasing applause for the two.

“THAT WAS AMAZING, YOU TWO! YOUR TEAMWORK WAS REALLY A SIGHT TO SEE, YOU BEAT GOLD!!” Chikara cheered, not holding anything back.

[YOU REALLY ARE THE REAL DEAL, NICE MOVES USODACHI! YOU AS WELL Evie-SAN!]

[I THOUGHT HITTING HIM ONCE WAS IMPOSSIBLE, LET ALONE WINNING OUT OVER HIM, TANAKA, USODACHI, YOU REALLY ARE THE STRONGEST NINJA DUO!!]

“REI, EVIE! GOOD JOB STICKING IT TO THAT ASSHOLE!” Shizuka joined in.

Hearing the comments and applause grow louder around her, the small kunoichi shed a single tear. “Papa,” she mumbled, “I ran away from everything you wanted me to be, I never even had the guts to tell you how I actually wanted to live my life…this moment right here…marks a change...I won’t be scared, or run away anymore, no matter what it is. And one day...I’ll come home and give you a piece of my mind… By that time, I won’t just be cosplaying...I’ll be the strongest ninja around… So even if you refuse to support me...it won’t matter one bit. Back then, I didn’t even have friends...so I latched onto your approval while pushing my own feelings aside at times. But now...I’ve got mama, Maestro, Shizu, Kara, and Tochi’s support, and that’s all I need to keep smiling. Your image won’t get in the way of my happiness any longer...when I come home, I’ll have a 10 yard smile plastered on my face. B-but...just for r-right now,” she crawled over to Reito with tears rolling down her face. I’ll cry as much as I want.

“Mf faths id tho thowdden thad idth hard two sthee. Hmm? Shdeth cwomin’ ova hwere? (My face is so swollen that it’s hard to see. Hmm? She’s comin’ over here?)” He mumbled, just barely being able to make her out by her hair and outfit color. Then all of a sudden, he felt a bit of weight on his chest.

“T-Tochi,” she cried into his chest,” Tochi...we won! T-thank you so m-much! Waaaaah!”

Reito tried to pry himself away, but his lack of strength left him unable to. “FWEY, IB YWER GWNAA CWY, DONB’T DO IB OM MY MHEST! F-FWEY, IDTH DAT TNOT?! DEWOIODLY, FDT OFWA BE! (H-HEY, IF YOU’RE GONNA CRY, DON’T DO IT ON MY CHEST! IS THAT SNOT?! GROSS! SERIOUSLY, GET OFF OF ME!)” He exclaimed incoherently as the incoming medics pried her away from his person.

“Ms.Tanaka! I understand you’re happy, but we have to get you two treated! Can someone pull from the other side?! Please?!” One of the medics pleaded.

Ugh, whatever...maybe I shouldn’t be such an ass to her. After all, it was her who did most of the work fightin’ that guy. So go on ahead and bawl your eyes out, Lightnin’ Bug...I guess you’ve earned it…

[YOUR FIGHTING STYLE IS PRETTY COOL BLACK CAT, LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING MORE OF IT!]

[YOUR SYNERGY WITH THE [FULGUR SHADE] IS TOP NOTCH, SORRY FOR DOUBTING YOU BLACK CAT, YOU’RE REALLY SOMETHING!]

[FULGUR SHADE!]

[YAY! BLACK CAT!]

The hell-?! They mean me?! Why?! If they took anything from what I said, then it shoulda been Godslayer! What if this thing sticks?! OH MAN, WAIT! LEMME GO BACK IN TIME! I’ll TAKE THE BEATIN’ OVER AGAIN TOO, JUST LEMME STOP MYSELF FROM EVER MAKIN’ THAT BLACK CAT COMMENT! DAMN I-! In the end, his body couldn’t take anymore and he passed out as they were both loaded onto hospital gurnees.