preliminaries

Yamashita stood watching from behind a glass wall.

Look at all those fighters! Yamashita's secretary exclaimed. There's at least a hundred of them in there!

Ohma-San let me hold onto his things at the harbor…I remember there was a plastic bottle amongst them. And I forgot it…I better go get it.

Akiyama immediately stopped Yamashita. You're the president…you need to maintain your dignity.

Lemme take the tea to him…

Yamashita's secretary watched Akiyama as she handed the bottle over to Ohma.

They look so good together…Do you think they are an item?

Yamashita was puzzled for a moment. No…They are not.

Wait a minute… It's actually quite possible…

Ahhh…! Ohma exclaimed contentedly as he gulped the tea Akiyama brought for him.

You're a life saver!

Anything else I can do for you?

Ohma didn't answer as he wiped his mouth.

Akiyama turned around. If not…I'm going back up.

Wait, Kaede. What do you think of this situation?

Akiyama shot him a displeased look. I told you to call me Akiyama.

What situation?

What do you mean, Ohma?

Ohma smiled. What do you think I mean? This situation's clearly unnatural. All the fighters are gathered in one place.

And there is a tasteless glass ceiling with which we can be seen.

It's like they are putting on a show.

Akiyama got the message and she immediately felt a cold shiver journeying through spine.

BEGIN!!

What!? Yamashita couldn't contain his fear. Did the door just close!? Miss Akiyama's still down there!!

…Attention all employers and fighters, thank you for your patience. This is an announcement that the ship has just left port.

And simultaneously, the Kengan annihilation tournament preliminaries has just begun!

There are I51 corporations enrolled in this tournament.

28 of which has already been selected to advance to the finals by chairman Katahara's invitation.

There are five more spots left on the tournament. So we will have you fighters representing the 123 corporations…

…Fight for them in a battle royal!!

You have until sunrise.

In case there are over 5 fighters left still standing by the time this deadline passes, you are all disqualified!

If at all, there are all five fighters left even before the time passes, the preliminaries will come to a sudden end.

Further more, until the preliminaries have ended, any contact with the fighters is solely prohibited!

Akiyama banged on the door nervously.

Ohma stared at Akiyama. Well…it seems we are trapped here for now, with you inclined.

After saying this, Ohma turned around to go and fight.

Smack!

Ohma held his head in pain as he stared at Akiyama. What the hell was that for!?

Akiyama stared at him. Are you really that dense? You are the reason I'm trapped here in the first place. So I'm your responsibility. You have to protect me until you win the preliminaries.

Whoosh!

Whoosh!

Two fighters came at Ohma at lightning fast speed.

The preliminaries has started already!

You have quite the nerve! Bringing a chick in here!

Ohma thought inwardly. This is it, Niko. The time has come.

Niko style…

Redirection Kata…

Weeping willow!

The two fighters were stunned as their attack suddenly lost itself and they were suddenly swept off their feet by their supposed prey's leg.

Ohma backed Akiyama. Alright then…get ready to be protected…

Ya Majesty.

This sudden display by Ohma garnered the attention of the fighters.

He's pretty good…

Should we take him out…?

Let's crush him with the power of our numbers…

Tokita Ohma!!!!

The voice shouting his name surprised Ohma more than the manner in which his name was shouted.

That voice…

Ohma turned in the direction of this voice.

He was…

…Lihito

It's Lihito! The fighters were stunned.

Lihito is taking part in the tournament?

It's Lihito the ripper!!!

Lihito shouted again.

I missed you so much Tokita!

A man who had stitches all over his face suddenly stood in front of Lihito.

Lihito shot him a quizzical look.

The man with stitches all over his face shouted at Lihito.

Lihito you motherf*cker Don't tell me you've forgotten me!?

Lihito was visibly uninterested.

Who the f*ck are you?

It's high time I got you back for these scars!

The man with stitches all over his face shouted again.

Tap.

Lihito placed his finger gently on the man's neck.

Who the hell are you?

F*ck off!

Splat!!

Razor's Edge!

The man's neck was shredded and he unarguably died immediately.