Chapter 34: Road Trip!

(After a few weeks passed, only nine days remain until the Intercontinental Elemental Tournament. Everyone who was fighting for Japan met up at the meeting point outside the academy and Sawano met with them a while later.)
"Sawano: Hey guys!"
"Konnor: Sawano!"
"Sawano: Sorry I'm late..!"
"Okisaki: Yeah.. sorry!"
"Velriot: Its fine guys, really."
"Crystalline: Don't worry a bit, we just got here a little bit after five minutes."
"Sawano: Oh, that's good.. wait, aren't we forgetting some people?"
"Velriot: Azumi said that she's on her way, but she has last-minute problems to take care of first."
"Sawano: Oh ok, that explains it."
(A few other people showed up later on.)
"Akira: Sawano!"
"Sawano: Akira?!"
"Akira: Man.. I'm sorry for not being around... We all was so caught up with what happened recently, we barely had any time to help you and the rest of the guys."
"Sumizaki: Y-yeah.. unfortunately."
"Sawano: Wait.. Crystalline? What happened to Frederick?"
"Crystalline: He's more of a worker, not a fighter. We placed him in the High Commission for his services in location."
"Sawano: So wait, he never fought before?"
"Crystalline: Never in his life."
"Sawano: Wow... and yet he has super speed."
(A zoom just passed by all of them which brought a heavy amount of wind then distracted everyone till Gaito was seen leaning on the gate of Saikan Academy.)

"Gaito: Yo."
(They all looked confused and stared down the street then back at Gaito to think how that was possible.)
"Sawano: How did you-"
"Gaito: Don't say a word. I'm not wasting my breath on you."
"Okisaki: Gaito come on..! What even is the problem?"
"Gaito: I don't want to talk about it nor do I want to explain it."
(Noah was sliding on his ice-made skateboard to the school gates as he was listening to rap music through his headphones.)
"Noah(Rapping): You can taste that kick, but cha' can't take a kitty's lick. Me and the boys be walking on thin ice, MAN! You got us laughing if you think you're thicker than white rice, let me and my brothers bust the doors down and take all that heat like we's gonna have us a goddamn feast, uh!"
(He'd skid down the stairway and sees the rest of the team at the gates then lands on the wheels and stops after pausing the song.)
"Sawano: Noah!"
"Noah: Hey guys. Where's the rest?"
"Velriot: Going to be a while for everyone else to get here but so far, we're the only ones."
"Noah: Ah! Alright."
(A while later, they all looked at a car which pulled up as Azumi was stepping out the car then closed the door and waved to her parents as they pulled off.)
"Crystalline: Azumi!!"
"Azumi: Greetings Crystalline! Hi Sawano and all!"
(They all smiled and greeted her back with smiles.)
"Velriot: Where was you at Azumi?"
"Azumi: It was an urgent family problem. Someone cut off my father's tail and he was really pissed off about it."
"Sawano: Whoa what..?"
(They all looked at her with worry as Sawano looked at his own tail and remembered when Ares came close to cutting it off.)

"Crystalline: Wow.. we're really sorry about your father..."
"Azumi: No. It is ok, I... have decided to let my family deal with the ones who took my father's tail from him and I believe they'll catch whoever did."
(Sawano started getting a weird vibe but a while later, Konnor, Lotus, Silvershot and Onara made it to the meeting point as they all walked into the academy and saw the other students going inside as well.)
"Student: Hey guys, good luck at the tournament!"
"Student #2: Go kick some butt and come back with the win!"
(Everyone else cheered them on as they walked towards Chimon's office and a moment later, they all gathered in the office with the prime minister as well.)
"Chimon: For years. Saikan Academy has been the top-ranked education industry that has been all about teaching the next generation the use of elemental power. But never, have we ever faced a challenge like this. There are freakishly stronger adversaries among other countries but do not let that stop you! We are the ones who will win for Japan and we shall prove ourselves as the strongest country!"
(They all bowed to the Chimon and the prime minister.)
"Baisho: From what I was told, the other countries finally have their teams set. Here are their top fighters so far."
(The windows were blinded as the entire room was darkened and a projector screen was descending from the ceiling and a slide shows a male with blonde hair and a school uniform.)
"This is the United Kingdom's top student at their academy, Leonard Moore. His special ability is Discharge. He's given the power to release toxic chemicals into the air or attack his opponents with them and his trump card has never been used. He always gets the top scores on their tests and is a combat strategic."
(Gaito didn't look pleased with him as the next slide shows Germany's top assassin.)

"One of Germany's top assassins, she actually sits at the number one rank. The Blood Queen, Sybille Schmidt. Her ability is Blood Control, one tiny cut and she's able to take your blood as hers. It gives her a powerful boost in speed and power but she can also shift it into many different weapons and she's been a vengeful assassin for years but has never had a true fight."
(Okisaki looked a tiny bit worried as she looked at her hands and saw a tiny flame become lit as the next slide showed a male with a tie and a black short hair.)
"Next is Canada's current champion in elemental combat, Gabriel Brook. He's actually a multi-ability welder, his first ability is Duplication and his second ability... Transmutation."
"Velriot: So Gabriel here is able to transmute any element into an attack for offense and defense? Sounds like a very tricky opponent."
"Baisho: It gets worse."
(The next slide showed the horned headed Trample Horn.)
"Russia's most dangerous prisoner and the one responsible for several deaths across the battlefield, Trample Horn. According to those who fought against him, his horn is able to smash through a freight train and his power comes from his Muscle Growth. At will, he can make himself so powerful, a single energy beam would tickle him."
(The others thought about battling him as Gaito chuckled then laughed a bit.)
"Is something funny?"
"Gaito: Nah.. nah... I was imagining him as Sawano back then when me and him fought."
"Baisho: Well.. here's where we face the threat in the tournament."
(The final slide showed another male wearing an red, white and blue tracksuit which represents America with a girl standing next to him which had the other surprised.)
"This... is America's top hero. One of the strongest in the world currently as he sits atop the number one rank, globally. This hero is Nathaniel Reynolds or by his hero name, Freedom Knight. The Spirit Of Honor. The reason he sits at number one is because... he is able to weld five elements at once..!"
"Everyone: HUH?"
(Gaito looked up with interest.)
"Baisho: His elemental abilities are Vortex, Twin Duplicate, Resistance to Extreme Temperatures, Ground Manipulation and his main element, Plasma."
"Gaito: Heh... finally someone more interesting. Hopefully, we'll make it to the finals to take these guys down."
(Azumi looked at the list and wasn't fazed by any of them as she believed they can win.)

"Noah: Damn. Well, this might be tough but we'll still win this tournament."
"Azumi: So what is plan until then? Also, who is that female next to him?"
"Baisho: Until then, you all will remain at Tokyo's five star hotel, Slumber Palms Resort as promised for the time being before, during and after the tournament. Also, that is Miya Larsen, she is Nathaniel's wife and is a leader of one of the American elemental divisions. If there are no more questions, I will be planning your trip to Tokyo, bring anyone you wish to bring. I will provide maximum support to your transport!"
"Sawano: We really appreciate that Baisho, you don't really have to..!"
"Baisho: Please, take this time to relax! After all, you've all been trying to get stronger right? Take the time to rest your muscles and your elemental abilities!"
"Sawano: Well... we can't argue with that. Alright guys, pack everything you need and we meet at the bus depot!"
(They all agreed then everyone left to their homes and got ready to pack for the trip to Tokyo.)
"Masunashi: So you're going to the tournament anyway?"
"Gaito: Of course I am, knowing that we have some interesting fighters can finally means I don't have to hold back!"
"Johide: Well, me, Masunashi and your mother has made a decision Gaito."
(He turned around and looked at them.)
"All: We're coming to support you at the tournament!"
"Gaito: Huh?"
"Masunashi: Gaito, we're not passing a chance to see how strong you've gotten ever since our deaths. Besides, I believe you're gonna win!"
"Gaito: Heh. You'll be right once you see me in the tournament sister."
(As Gaito packed up the last few things, Velriot was bringing along her attire from the Order before it was disbanded.)
"Scarlett: So, you're actually fighting in that tournament?"
"Velriot: Yes. I can actually prove myself as a worthy adversary in the ring."
"Chloe: We'll be rooting for you, Velriot."
"Velriot: Thanks girls. You two be safe, ya hear?"
"Both: We will!"
(Velriot left their hideout and hid her face in the public as she began to walk towards the bus depot to meet up.)

"Noah(Phone): So, yeah. I'm going to be out of town for a while. I'm heading to Tokyo for this "Continental" tournament thing."
"Noah's Friend(Phone): Its.. INTERCONTINENTAL ELEMENTAL TOURNAMENT!"
"Noah(Phone): I know I know, I just didn't feel like saying the whole name completely. Its too long and boring."
"Noah's Brother(Phone): That's my bro for you. Anyway, hope you win man, we'll be rooting for you in Tokyo!"
"Noah(Phone): Thanks man, I gotta meet up with everyone at the bus depot. Talk to you soon."
(He hanged up then recreated his ice skateboard and shredded his way to the depot.)
"Azumi's Mother: You are leaving, Azumi?"
"Azumi: Yes mother. I've been training more than ever for this tournament and I am ready to show why the Umezaki name is not one to be underestimated."
"Azumi's Father: My dear daughter. Please remember to not take the name in vain, we are a strong family yes but our power can somewhat end negatively if manipulated."
"Azumi: Understood father, I would never do something like that or even think of it..!"
(As Azumi hugged her parents, she held a talisman and opened a teleport gate and left to the bus depot to meet with everyone. As time flew by, Konnor, Silvershot, Lotus and the rest of the team met up at the bus depot where it was crowded with people wanting to head to Tokyo early before the tournament. As for Sawano, he stopped by Toni and Klaus's home before heading to the depot to check on them.)
"Sawano: Yo!"
"Dalton: They're in there, I still hate you Sawano."
"Sawano(4th Wall Break): If you're wondering how Dalton's alive again, Kira put in another favor to bring him back. I owe her one. (Aloud): I know. Thanks though."
(As Sawano knocked on the door, he went inside and saw Toni and Klaus arguing in the room then Sawano leaned on the wall and watched them.)
"Klaus: No! You told me before that the budget was below forty thousand yen!!"
"Toni: But that would ruin the profit! The shop is literally on a budget and I have to pay the workers! Otherwise, I'd be stressed out all over again!"
"Klaus: Look, I get that Toni. But we have to think of something, otherwise we'd- SAWANO?!"
(They looked at him and they both said his name with glee.)

"Sawano: Hey guys! I came to check on you after a while."
"Toni: We're doing fine, just a little trouble."
"Sawano: What's going on?"
(They explained the situation to him.)
"Oh... so correct me if I'm wrong. Klaus here changed the budget from one hundred thousand yen to forty thousand yen which means you guys accidentally went over the limit which then costed you guys more than twenty clients?"
"Toni: Yes."
"Klaus: YOU TOLD ME IT AS FORTY THOUSAND!!"
"Toni: I SAID "I WAS THINKING ABOUT SWITCHING IT TO FORTY THOUSAND!" I DID NOT WANT IT TO GO DOWN TO FORTY THOUSAND ALREADY!"
"Sawano: Look. Normally, I'm not that much of a money guy.. but why not try hiring a budget analysis? Someone who can look into the situation for you guys and possibly fix it?"
"Toni: I could do that... but I'd have to call one of the family to come down to Hakodate to help us and Dalton doesn't really want company."
"Sawano: What about your mother?"
"Klaus: She's more of a "keep-things-cool" mother. She's not into stressful things like budgeting or running the family's business."
"Sawano: I see. Well, I can't stay long I got to go-"
"Both: You're going to Tokyo for the Intercontinental Elemental Tournament?!"
"Sawano: How exactly... did you guess that right off the bat..?"
"Klaus: Its been trending across social media. The country leaders in that tournament is actually on their way to Japan as we speak!"
"Sawano: Well yeah, I am going but I won't be fighting at all. Doctor's orders."
"Toni: Aww... Well, I know Japan will win!"
"Sawano: I know it too, the team we got is guaranteed to win of course."
(He smiled and got up to leave until Toni stopped him for a moment.)
"Toni: Sawano."
"Sawano: Hm?"
(She looked down with anxiety as Klaus pushed her to ask the question.)

"Toni: D-do you uh... have any... training sessions open..?"
"Sawano: You mean at my dojo? Of course I do, why?"
"Toni: Well.. me and Klaus was wondering if... w-we could-"
"Klaus: Toni wants to know if me and her could train in your dojo and learn your family's techniques."
"Toni: Klaus!!!"
(They argued again as Sawano smiled again then chuckled and patted both of their heads.)
"Sawano: When the tournament ends, we'll meet at a time you two are available. How does that sound guys?"
"Both: We love it!"
(The three of them smiled as Sawano walked out and stopped to look at Dalton.)
"Dalton: Japan better win. If they don't, I'm making sure you die."
"Sawano: You can try, it'll be hard to get me with the power level you're at."
(He flew off to the bus depot then Sawano picked up the pace and saw everyone meeting up then landed a while later as Chimon waited outside for everyone.)
"Okisaki: Big brother! You made it!"
"Noah: Hey Sawano."
(They all greeted one another as Chimon stepped up.)
"Chimon: I expect great things out of all of you. Now, most of the people that are coming with you are most likely spectators or close ones. But don't worry, you won't be confused with who's in the tournament. Like said, I hope and wish each an everyone one of you good luck in Tokyo. I and all of us will be rooting for you all!"
"Everyone: Thank you, Headmaster Chimon!"
(They all began to board the bus and Sawano sat next to Okisaki and looked out the window of the coach bus then came Gaito but then ignored Sawano like he wasn't there. After everyone got on, a parade of fans and supporters began to form with cheers and yells for their return with the victory in the tournament and the bus began to take off.)
"Supporter #1: GOOD LUCK GUYS! WIN FOR JAPAN!"
"Supporter #2: SHOW THOSE OTHER COUNTRIES WHY JAPAN IS BOSS!"
(They all continue cheering as the bus officially drove in the streets and everyone was excitedly talking to one another and Sawano looked out the window at the traffic going in and out of Hakodate with a smile.)
"Sawano(Thinking): Hakodate.. We'll come back. And when we do, we will come back as the winners of the Intercontinental Elemental Tournament! We will not give up!"