The arena was still echoing with the energy of battle when the announcer's voice rose once again, commanding the attention of every fighter and spectator alike.
"Ladies and gentlemen! What you have just witnessed was only the beginning!"
The crowd roared.
"The opening match—featuring Ichinaru—marks the start of this grand tournament!"
Ichinaru stood silently among the others, his expression calm, his breathing steady.
"One hundred fighters have entered this competition. They will clash… until only fifty remain!"
Murmurs spread through the arena.
"Those who survive will be divided into teams of two. Together, they must search the western side of the city… for a hidden key."
A pause. Tension filled the air.
"And once they obtain it… they must make their way to the center of the city, where a sealed gate awaits."
The announcer's tone dropped, heavier now.
"Only those who open that gate… shall claim the prize."
Later that day…
Ichinaru stepped out after confirming his exit from the arena. The noise behind him slowly faded as he entered the streets of the city.
For the first time that day… it was quiet.
He walked without a clear destination, his hands in his pockets, eyes observing everything around him. The city was alive—vendors shouting, people laughing, the smell of food drifting through the air.
He stopped at a small stall and bought something simple to eat. Nothing special. Just enough.
Sitting on a nearby bench, he ate slowly, watching people pass by.
No fights. No pressure. Just… normal life.
For a brief moment, he allowed himself to relax.
As the sun began to set, Ichinaru returned home.
The moment he entered, his expression changed.
Calm… but focused.
He placed his things aside and immediately began training.
His movements were sharp. Controlled.
Punches. Kicks. Repetition after repetition.
Then came the harder part.
He closed his eyes, concentrating—drawing out the energy within him.
Kaizo.
It flowed slowly at first… then stronger.
He pushed himself further, expanding his reserves, forcing his limits to grow.
Time passed.
Sweat covered his body, his breathing heavier now—but he didn't stop until he was satisfied.
Night fell.
Steam filled the bathroom as Ichinaru sank into the warm water.
His body finally relaxed.
The tension faded… little by little.
He leaned back, closing his eyes.
Silence.
A while later, he stepped out, a towel resting over his head as drops of water slid down his face.
He walked to his room and sat on the edge of his bed.
Through the window, the city lights shimmered in the darkness.
He stared at them quietly.
"…Long day."
A familiar presence appeared.
Arthos.
"Well, well… our great fighter returns," Arthos said with a teasing tone.
Ichinaru smirked slightly. "Shut up."
Arthos chuckled. "I saw everything, you know. Especially that moment…"
Ichinaru's expression stiffened slightly. "Don't."
"Oh? You mean when you froze in front of that girl?" Arthos grinned.
Ichinaru looked away. "…I didn't freeze."
"You absolutely did."
"I didn't."
"You did."
Ichinaru sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "…Whatever."
Arthos laughed.
"Unbelievable. You can face fighters without fear… but one girl and you collapse."
Ichinaru muttered, "It's not the same."
"Oh, it's much worse."
They both fell into light laughter.
For once… it was peaceful.
Later…
Ichinaru lay down on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
The tournament.
The next fights.
The key.
The gate.
Everything slowly drifted through his mind…
Until—
Sleep took him.