Everyone arrived at Shinji's house — even Akaimo.
Shinji: Today, you'll be fighting against each other.
Here are the matchups:
Shino vs Akaimo
Jeisuke vs Momoshimo
Shizuku vs Shino
Akaimo vs Momoshimo
And lastly… Akaimo vs Jeisuke
Shinji: Here are the rules.
Pop the balloon on your opponent's head. Use kicks and punches if necessary — but don't hit each other's faces too hard.
Shino vs Akaimo
Shinji: Akaimo and Shino, step into the circle.
If anyone leaves the circle, they lose.
They both entered.
Shinji: Three… two… one… go!
Akaimo (thinking): He's smart. I need to be careful against him.
Shino (thinking): He won't use full power on me — he's saving it for Jeisuke. He's stronger but slower than me… and there's no food motivation today. Still, I have to stay cautious.
Akaimo: Here you go, Shino!
Akaimo rushed at Shino's leg. Shino saw his chance to pop the balloon.
He locked onto it and reached out — almost touching it — but then Akaimo suddenly kicked Shino's leg instead of grabbing it, and Shino fell to the ground.
Shino had expected Akaimo to grab his legs, not kick them — it was a trick.
Akaimo was about to pop the balloon, but Shino — still on the ground — kicked him hard in the chest. Both stood up again.
Shino now realized Akaimo was actually thinking in battle.
Shino (thinking): You tricked me once. My turn.
Shino charged and shouted:
Shino: Look! Sensei brought food for you!
Akaimo instantly looked at Shinji.
In that moment, his balloon was popped by Shino.
Akaimo: Sensei! That's not fair, he cheated!
Shinji: Even if he did — you still lost. Imagine a monster using the same trick on you in real combat. Will you complain then? Will you get time to argue? Be smarter, Akaimo. In real battle, only one thing matters — who's still standing in the end. Cheating, teamwork, traps… none of that matters. Also, don't be too greedy about food. It can get you hurt, just like this.
Akaimo: Understood… I'll be careful next time.
Jeisuke vs Momoshimo
Shinji (thinking): I put these two against each other because they're extremely strong physically. Momoshimo is especially powerful because of his Khaki Eyes — they drastically increase defense and physical strength.
Jeisuke and Momoshimo entered the circle.
Shinji: Everyone step back from this fight.
Shinji: Jeisuke and Momoshimo, I order you both to use your visual abilities.
Jeisuke: But didn't you say—
Shinji: I know. I'm making an exception. The others need real exposure to eye abilities.
Jeisuke smirked.
Jeisuke: You might have a higher-level eye than me… but I've got more experience.
Momoshimo: We'll see.
Shinji removed the balloons from their heads so they could focus fully on combat.
Jeisuke:
"Bullet of Bamboo!"
Countless sharp bamboo spikes launched at Momoshimo.
Momoshimo:
"Rockic Shield!"
A rock barrier surrounded him and blocked the attack.
Before Momoshimo could counter—
Jeisuke:
"Wooden Punch!"
A massive wooden fist slammed into Momoshimo's upper chest. He was knocked back but stood again.
Momoshimo:
"Mega Ground Blast!"
The ground beneath Jeisuke exploded upward. Rocks smashed into him, injuring him. Before he could land—
Momoshimo:
"Explosive Meteorites!"
Small rock orbs shot toward Jeisuke, exploding on impact.
Jeisuke was badly injured.
Jeisuke:
"Forest Healing!"
His wounds vanished instantly. Since they were near a forest, the ability became even stronger.
Momoshimo: How is that possible?!
Jeisuke (thinking): This drains my energy… but I've got a plan.
Jeisuke:
"With the Forest!"
Leaves and bamboo shards launched toward Momoshimo.
Momoshimo:
"Rockic Shield!"
A rock dome formed again and saved him.
Jeisuke used that moment — he'd already disappeared from sight.
Momoshimo released the shield and looked around.
Too late.
Jeisuke (from above):
"Ground-Breaking Bamboo!"
The earth beneath Momoshimo erupted. Bamboo spikes shot upward, flinging him into the air — where Jeisuke struck him mid-air.
Momoshimo crashed to the ground.
Jeisuke stood over him, holding a sharpened bamboo spear.
Jeisuke: I win.
Shinji (thinking): This kid… his tactics… Who was his previous master?
Shinji: I'm impressed, Jeisuke. Truly amazing. I didn't know someone your age could be this strong and this clever in battle. You're a gem. And Momoshimo — you dominated the mid-battle. Your defensive ability is on another level. Both of you — great job.
Next Match
Shinji: Now it's Shizuku vs Shino.
Remember, Shizuku — your biggest weapon in this battle is your mind.