Chapter 16 - Tournament Part 2 (2/2)

”THE WINNER IS KUCHIKI AKEMI!” The announcer concludes the match.

”I would expect nothing less of Akemi.” Byakuya says with no change in his expression or tone.

”How disappointing. Daiyu was too hasty and made poor decisions that match. I expected more out of her. I'm hoping Taro displays a better performance.” Soi Fon comments. Aizen remained quiet with a soft smile on his face.

The next few rounds went by fast with Daiki winning his against a 2nd year and Taro winning his against a 4th year. Kanzaki lost against a 6th year named Setsu Tomo, dropping him out of the tournament.

The brackets move up and it is once again Itachi's turn. Itachi is paired against a 4th year. He once again wins with relative ease.

”FOR OUR NEXT MATCH, FIRST YEAR SHOU ITSUKI WILL BE FIGHTING FIRST YEAR KUCHIKI DAIKI!”

”Hey those two are both from the advanced class just like one of the other previous matches. Who do you think will win.” A few students discuss.

The announcer yells out. Itsuki looks at Itachi with a somewhat nervous expression as Daiki had always been the one berating him and Itsuki could never win against Daiki previously.

”Over the past few months, I have watched as you developed and I am impressed with how far you've come. Acknowledge yourself and you will succeed.” Itachi reaffirms to Itsuki.

Itsuki's nervousness is replaced with determination as he walks out to the ring.

Daiki and Itsuki meet at the ring. They lock eyes and stare each other down. Daiki is surprised at the level of confidence Itsuki was displaying as he has always seen Itsuki as a weak low class peasant. 'This can't be the same Itsuki who I beat earlier in the year right?' The announcer leaves the fighting area and makes his announcement.

”LET THE MATCH BEGIN!” The announcer yells out.

Itsuki and Daiki both charge at each other. They engage in close quarters combat and go even for each other blow for blow. For the next thirty seconds, there was nothing but Hakuda. Eventually, Daiki starts to gain the upper hand and overwhelms Itsuki. Itsuki is forced to retreat backwards.

”What's wrong? Scared to fight me you third rate peasant!” Daiki berates Itsuki as Itsuki retreats. Itsuki ignores the comment and puts his hand up.

”Oh you're going to use Kido now? Go ahead and try!” Daiki taunts at Itsuki.

”Wait one moment please.” Itsuki says. Daiki's eyes widen and he gives Itsuki a confused look. Itsuki bends down and lifts up the leggings of his shihakusho. Underneath he reveals his leg weights. Itsuki unhooks his leg weights from his ankles and lifts them up to around shoulder height while keeping his reiatsu inside of them.

”WHA-” Daiki is cut off as Itsuki delivers a swift punch to Daiki's face, sending him flying. Daiki rolls on the ground and regains his balance. While still on his knees, Daiki looks up to see Itsuki already standing right in front of him. Daiki's eyes open wide in shock and anger as he sees Itsuki looking down on him.

”YOU PIECE OF-” Daiki is cut off as a foot smashes into his face.