Sector JP, Part 3: Jinta, the Strongest Boy

Jinta's conflict in this chapter may be scene as controversial, but let it be known this doesn't reflect the views of the writers. This is simply the type of conflict I imagine Jinta to have.

Chapter 3: Jinta, the Strongest Boy

Once upon 20 years ago, there was an operative called Wallabee Beatles.

He was the toughest boy, famous for his wedgies, noogies, and purple nurples.

Sure, he was short, but his strength was superior in size!

…But this was before all the random shit happened.

The Earth was invaded by aliens, demons, fish-people, then some Dark Lord person.

For those first two, Nigel Uno saved the day, and he was awesome.

But then Eva Roberts was an Ocean Princess, and Fanny Fulbright became giant…

Then Rachel became the Hero of Time, Dimentia got redeemed…

I mean, sure Arceus was beaten by Aang and Gnaa

But most of the Firstborn Guardians were girls, all the girl benders became badasses

And not only did Wallabee, Nigel, or especially Chad look boring by comparison…

ALL the best operatives in the WHOLE KND are freaking GIRLS!!

"Isn't that just annoying?!" Jinta stated, after showing his series of pictures.

Yuzu and Ururu were sitting on mats on their knees, staring at him weirdly. "Jinta-kun, what are you trying to say?" Ururu asked.

"It's just so IRRITATING!" He threw the pictures on the floor and stomped his feet. "Why are all the girls stronger than BOYS?! If our Supreme Leader wasn't a boy, girls would have us all wiped out! But half the operatives are mama's boys, like Mason, Anthony, even Cheren. If we don't do something, our precious manhood will be doomed! BOYS are supposed to be the toughest, don't you get it?!"

"It's kind of hard to feel worried if we're girls." Yuzu said, disbelieved.

"That's the problem." Jinta drooped sadly. "Fewer boys are signing up for KND and girls keep passing. Sector W7's all girls, so is Sector SA, Sector W has more girls, and IC, and I'M the only boy in THIS sector! WELL NO MORE!" He raised his fist and shouted to the ceiling, "I'm going to redeem the masculinity this organization has lost! I'm going to restore the good name we boys had! I'm going to sign up for the GIRLS' BOXING TOURNAMENT on Moonbase!"

Yuzu and Ururu's mouths popped open. "You're going to do WHAT??"

Jinta's heart jumped. He turned around, finding Karin and Kodama gaping at him. The latter was hauling large fireworks of blue and green colors; they were anti-ectos. Karin walked up to him, "Jinta, tell me what you said just now, 'cause I don't think I heard."

"It's none of your business." He folded his arms grumpily.

"You're going to sign up for a Girls' Boxing Tournament?!" Karin repeated. "What sort of demon possessed you to do that?"

"Nobody! I just have a point to prove is all!"

"He's tired of girls being the best operatives in the KND, so he wants to prove that boys are still strong." Yuzu explained.

"I don't care for the reason." Karin said. "You aren't a girl, so you're not gonna embarrass yourself by signing up for it."

"You can't tell me what to do!" Jinta gritted his teeth at her. "You aren't my mom OR my sister."

"No, but I'm your Sector Leader." Karin poked his chest. "And I order you not to sign up for that contest."

"And why not?" Jinta narrowed his eyes. "Afraid I'm gonna beat up every contender? Afraid I'm gonna ruin the spotlight for you girls and make the boys realize we're the top dogs? Well, get ready to suck it, 'cause when I win that contest, I'M becoming Sector Leader."

"Yeah right. You wanna prove your strength, then help Kodama carry these fireworks." Karin walked away. "The villains must be desperate for that yo-yo, and we'll need those in case they send more ghosts. My order is final, Jinta, you're not signing up for that tournament."

"Huh." Jinta spitefully grabbed one of the fireworks and carried it with Kodama.

"If it makes you feel better, she never tells me where she gets this ecto material." Kodama mentioned.

Outside

The mountain was cold and cloudy under the night. Karin walked outside the treehouse, looking both directions in the lonely outside. Seeing no other life was around, she pulled out a 4x4 thermos.

Kids Next Door: T.H.E.R.M.O.S.

Thermos Holds Ectoplasmic Reincarnations Mostly Observational Study

Karin aimed the T.H.E.R.M.O.S. forward and pushed "Release." Five lanterns with whitish-blue ghostly flames flew out. The lanterns swayed in the breeze, floating in midair as the invisible phantoms glared spitefully at their captor. Before they could act, a pink-haired girl landed behind, swung a small katana, and sliced all five Poes. All that remained of them were purple souls, which the girl caught inside a bottle.

"Thanks, Karin!" The girl grinned brightly. "These souls look sooper tasty!" She had short hair of a hot pink color, a crossbones hair ribbon, red eyes with blush marks under them, and wore a black robe. She looked about 5 years old.

"Not a problem, Yachiru." Karin replied. "We got attacked by one of the Brotherhood's ghosts. I woulda caught 'im for you, but it got a little hectic."

"Oh, it's no biggie! As long as the Spirit KND can count on your support. See ya later, Karin-chan!" Yachiru waved before vanishing in a faint ray of light.

Karin smiled and waved to no one for a few seconds. She then looked down in thought. "Hmm… I wonder if I should tell them. …" She shook her head, "No. We just dealt with Yuzu's problem, now I feel like Jinta will do something. Eh, it's no big deal, anyway. No need to make them worried…"

Jinta's Room

Jinta returned to his room and plopped onto his bed, lying on the blanket with one leg arched up. Jinta didn't really feel sleepy, but he had to lie down to let his aggravation subside. Karin always made him angry; girls thought they were so great at everything, and knew everything, and Karin was the worst. Trying to tell him what to do. He would show her.

Jinta turned his head left, looking at the picture of his 5-year-old self, cheering and raising his arms, while sitting on the shoulder of a tall, strong, red-haired man. Still baring his grumpy features, Jinta rolled onto his right and folded his hands by his face. He merely laid in bed, waiting for himself to fall asleep. He was still wearing his day clothes, which he usually wore to bed. After all, if Jinta was going to prove his point, he needed to embrace his masculine side as much as possible. He rarely takes baths, his room has broken walls and windows from playing baseball in the house, and he trained his skin to withstand the cold wind. And tomorrow, he would keep training for the big day.

The next day; KND Moonbase

"HUAH! HUAH! HUAH! HUAH!" Jinta wore boxing gloves as he threw endless jabs at a punching bag in the gym room. "Nne-e-e-e-e-e-e-eh-h-h-h-h!" He unleashed a faster storm of punches before he finally stopped to catch his breath. "How many was that?"

"One hundred and forty-two in one minute…" Ururu responded, her look full of concern.

"Soooo, let me see if I got this right." said Ruby, an alien girl with short hair, red skin, and a darker red sleeveless shirt. "You're a boy, and you're going to enter a girls' boxing contest to prove boys are stronger than girls?"

"Yeah, but it ain't gonna be as easy as it sounds." Jinta noted, baring a fierce expression as he readied to deal more punches on the simple punching bag. "Some of those girls are pretty tough, so being a boy won't be enough to beat them. That's why I've been training every day, so I can beat 'em ALL into submission!"

"That's not really what I was trying to say…"

"Jinta-kun," Ururu spoke, "don't you think this whole plan might be a little… weird? I don't think anybody cares if girls are stronger than boys; not even girls."

"That's exactly what you all want us to think!" Jinta pointed accusingly. "The truth is, girls don't even care 'cause they think they already OWN the top spot! But I've seen the darker side of it all." He turned away and clenched his teeth. "Anthony, Mason, and Cheren got shrunk by women, Vweeb is a mama's toy, and heck, I bet that Nature Goddess wouldn't have been what she was if she weren't a girl. The boys have been shrinking too far from their roots, so someone needs to remind them what they were. We have to make the girls afraid."

"Well, you made me afraid." Ruby said with disbelief. "Not of what you said, but because of… you know."

"Ruby!" Sapphire, an alien with dark blue skin, with long hair and a dress that covered her legs, came in. "The sign-up desk is open!"

"Cool! Thanks, Sapphy!" Ruby dashed out. Jinta was about to follow her, but then Sapphire turned to him.

"You should quit while you have the chance." she said in her quiet, cold voice.

"Why, because I can't beat Ruby?" Jinta questioned. "Your girlfriend may be from the sun, but I got a bigger flame under this bod, baby." He jabbed her nose.

"Oh well." She shrugged. "Don't say I didn't warn you." She floated after Ruby.

When Jinta and Ururu walked out to the main bridge, they saw a long line of girl operatives leading up to a desk where Melody Jackson sat. Girls such as Maddy Murphy, MaKayla King, Aranea Fulbright, Chimney, Kirie Beatles, even Makava from GKND were lining up to sign their name, numbuh, and sector. Jinta saw Cheren talking with Panini not far away from the desk. "The Third Wing Party Room is all cleared up for your contest." Cheren told her. "And we set up the chi-blocks to prevent benders from cheating, as per Miss Murphy's suggestion." He rolled his eyes. "Sadly, there's nothing we can do about non-humans."

"Eh, she'll get over it." Panini said simply. "Still, it must be awkward to see all of your girlfriends in one place." She smirked wryly. "Fighting each other, no less."

"Panini, I don't have a close friendship with EVERY girl in the KND." he stated. "And women fighting is typical, why should I care?"

"What up, Cheren!" Lin Beifong came up. "I heard about this contest and wanted in. I know I'm not in KND, but can I? Come oooon, buddy."

"U-Um, I…" Cheren blushed, choking on his words. Panini smirked again. "AUGH, do whatever you want! I don't care."

"HEY, CHEREN! GIRLS!" Everybody looked when Jinta Hanakari stomped over. Ururu was in the background, reaching a hand out and making a 'please don't' look.

"Can I… help you, Numbuh Home Run?" Cheren asked.

"You bet!" Jinta shot his index finger at him. "I WANT in this contest, too!! And I want no ifs, ands, or BUTS about it! (Except for the ones I'll be kicking in the ring.)"

". . ." Cheren blinked twice. He stared with wide, blank eyes. All the girls mimicked his expression. "Look, I'm not even running the contest, you'll have to take it up with Panini."

"HECK, NO!!" Panini shouted. "In case your derpy boy's eyes and ears don't work, this is a GIRLS' Boxing Tournament." She poked Jinta's chest. "And you're a BOY!!" Poked again.

"THAT'S discriminatory!" Jinta shouted back.

"IT IS NOT!" Panini got in his face. "I organized this whole thing as a way to express feminine pride, and in these types of contests, boys ALWAYS have to get gender involved, one way or another. Ay want this ta be a fun, semi-clean contest where we don't HAVE that sort of thing."

"Pbblth!" Jinta blew a raspberry. "You're basically saying that BOYS are the only ones who would do that sort of thing, so it's still discriminating. I bet ALL you girls think you're tougher or smarter than your guy friends."

". . . ." The line of girls were murmuring things like "Weeell…" and "We kind of do", as well as "Anthony makes it too easy."

"That's right." Jinta turned back to Panini. "You're acting like it's still 1959, where boys won't let a girl on the softball team because o' what she is. But when it's suddenly the other way around, you aren't any better!"

"Fine then, BOY." Panini retorted. "Why DO you want to be in our tournament?!"

"Because you girls have been hogging the spotlight too much. You forget that the KND has BOYS who kick butt, too! But no more, you hear me?! I'm gonna wipe that smug look off ALL your faces!"

"Ugh! This is EXACTLY the kind of thing I was TALKING about!" Panini proclaimed.

"What? You mean how boys make GENDER involved? You're already doing that by not letting us COMPETE!"

"THAT'S A DIFFERENT MATTER!"

"If you girls are really proud of yourselves, you won't be afraid of letting a BOY fight with you! Otherwise, you're only proving that you're scared. Scared of a single boy standing up to your secret reign and showing all the other boys that we can be strong, too. And once they learn that, you'll never be able to hold the spotlight again. Because deep down, you know, we are AWESOME."

"B-But- That- You can't- J-, Nn-…" Panini was lost in her own words. "FINE!! Just because I think you're metaphorically funny, Ay'll MAKE an exception for ya! GET IN LINE and SIGN the roster!"

"YES!" He went to do so.

"BOOOOO!" The girls in line were suddenly roaring with protests.

"SHUT UP, ya whiny idiots!" Pan shouted. "He wants to embarrass himself, Ay say let 'im go!"

By the time it was Jinta's turn to sign, Melody asked him, "If you sign up, you know this is going all over KNN, right?"

"I hope it does!" Jinta signed up.

"Well-p, there's tonight's story." With that done, Melody gathered up all the papers into a stack. "The tournament begins tomorrow at… we'll send an email for specific Time Zones. Hope to see you all there and good luck."

"I won't even need it." Jinta smirked proudly. All the girls were glaring at him with malice, except Ruby and Ururu, who seemed like they wanted to pretend to have no association with him.

Sector JP

"YOU FUCKING IDIOT!" Karin swung her fist and punched Jinta in the chin. "I TOLD you not to sign up for that contest. Now you're ALL over the fucking news! Do you ever ONCE think something through before you do it?"

"Well, ipso facto, Karin, why do you even CARE?" Jinta rubbed his sore chin. "Afraid I'll beat you in the contest, too?"

"For your information, I didn't wanna enter the contest because I don't care. But you won't just make YOURSELF look bad, you're embarrassing all of us in Sector JP. The actions of one operative represents the whole team, you know."

"That's a load of bull! Like, if Ururu couldn't defeat 10 guards, then none of us could?"

"Ugh!" Karin face-palmed. "Jinta, you're setting a bad example for your team by violating the rules this way! All those girls are gonna hate you and they'll hate us, too. And if we get bumped below Sector RZ on the Top 10, I'm gonna be really pissed."

"But Karin, doesn't the winner of the contest get an extra 50 points for their sector?" Yuzu asked.

"Yeah, Karin, wouldn't you like that?" Jinta queried mockingly. "Won't you like having the top spot like all girls do?"

"The Top 10 list represents our fortitude and our loyalty to the KND." Karin argued. "It's based on how well we perform on missions and how well we work as a team. As Sector Leader, it's my job to see that our score increases, which can't happen if my teammates don't know how to follow orders and make us LOOK bad. Jinta, if you don't drop out of this contest, I'm dropping you from the team!"

"Karin!" Yuzu yelled reprovingly.

"Karin, what you fail to understand is that we men have a sense of pride that we must live by. I picked me a fight. I chose to. Now, I'm going back tomorrow so I can do said fight. If I were to just 'drop out,' I'd be a greater laughing stock than if I went."

"Well, I'M NOT gonna watch you. And after you lose, don't feel free to come back to this treehouse."

"I'm not even gonna feel free to STAY here!" Jinta declared before marching away. "I can't sleep in a GIRLY environment if I'm gonna win this thing."

After they watched him leave, Yuzu asked her sister, "Karin, don't you think you're being a little hard on Jinta-kun? I know he's a troublemaker, but no matter what happens, he's still our friend."

"Yuzu, you can't tell me you want to see Jinta compete in this thing?"

"Well, I admit it would be a little silly." She touched a finger to her chin. "But as his teammates, I think we should be supportive of Jinta."

"He's trying to prove that BOYS are stronger than GIRLS!" Kodama exclaimed. "Stronger than US! How can we support that??"

"I know that's how it seems…" Yuzu replied insightfully, "but maybe the reason Jinta feels he needs to do this is because he feels sensitive around us. His only close friends are girls and not boys, so he feels like he needs to get in touch with his roots. And boys like to pick on girls, so… what can you do?"

"I'm not supporting him in this." Karin stated. "If he wants to be a boy among tomboys, then I ain't getting involved. Anyway… I'm gonna have me some chips and soda. You girls want any?"

"I'll take!" Kodama happily followed her.

Moonbase; the following day

"GIRLLLLLLS and GIRLLLLLLS!" Panini roared into the microphone. "Are you all ready ta THROW DOWN and watch Kids Next Door's TOUGHEST females duke it out in classic, old-school fist fights?!"

"YEAAAAHHHH!" the all-female audience cheered.

"Then get ready to RUMBLLLLLE-!"

"GIVE ME THAT!" Melody shoved Panini away when an awful ringing came from the stereos. "I'm sorry, Panini, but your voice is not meant to magnify." Panini walked away sadly. "Ahem…" The KNN news anchor wore a shorter white shirt that showed her belly, black shorts, and had a white headband around her forehead. She announced spiritedly, "Welcome, girls of KND, to the First Official KND Girls' Boxing Tournament! Girls from any and all sectors have come to compete, including some from GKND and some non-ops. As well as a, um… certain guest. So, get some snacks if you haven't yet, because in five minutes, we will begin the first round!"

The competitors were inside the next room, dressed in boxing gear as they did mini exercises like bending, stretching, or jabbing their fists. Each of them had trainers who were massaging their shoulders, counting their punches, or being sparring partners: Chimney was trying to hit Aisa, Ruby tried to break her arms free of Sapphire's psychic, Haruka and Kirie were performing a graceful dance, etc..

They were still making detestable glances at Jinta, who was doing push-ups. The single boy wore only blue shorts and red boxing gloves, and a white towel around his neck. He stood up to drink some water from his bottle, then glanced at the sign on the wall.

Rules of the Ring:

No Bending

No Trash-Talk

No Weird Powers

NO BOYS

"Peh!" Jinta stuck his tongue out. Ruby approached him from behind.

"At least you didn't rely on playing Smash Brothers to be your training." she commented.

"I'm not THAT dumb, Ruby." He smirked. "Honestly, if I was going against you, I knew I had to be ready. And that's a compliment."

"Well, I hope you give me a challenge, then."

"Ruby, you're up." Sapphire told her.

"Alright! Wish me luck, Jinta!" She went to do her match.

"Hmph!" Jinta was still smirking and jabbing his fists. "GYAH!" He flinched when two familiar hands grabbed his shoulders. "URURU!" He whipped around and backed away from the girl. "Don't freaking put me to sleep, I have a match comin'!!"

"No, Jinta! I'm just trying to massage you." She calmly approached and lightly began flexing his shoulders. "It's not the same as my knock-out one."

"Er…" Jinta flushed slightly. Ururu was very close to him, and her hands were gentle. "W-Why…?"

"Even if this whole thing is weird… you're my friend, Jinta, and I want to support you. And I…I hope you win."

"Ururu…" He stared into her large, adorable purple-blue eyes. He inched his face closer to hers without realizing. "Nnnnn!" He shook his head and backed away. "Thanks, Ururu, but I'll be fine."

"Okay, Jinta-kun…" She blushed. "It is you, I guess. Well, let's go watch Ruby's battle."

"Yeah."

"It's TIME, all you girls, for the first match of the bout!" Melody announced in the center of the ring. "In the red corner, from Sector Kamabaka, a Solaran transfer from GKND, it's Numbuh One Half, RUBY!" The alien girl roared proudly and raised her arms to everyone's cheers. "In the blue corner, the decommissioner with the circular head, Numbuh 59x58, MADDY MURPHY!"

"It's 58x59!" Maddy yelled.

"STILL the same numbers as your brother, NOT my fault! Now, the rules are simple, your only weapons are your arms and fists. The room is chi-blocked to prevent accidental bending, so one only has their physical strength to rely on. When a fighter is knocked down, they'll have 10 seconds to get up or GET OUT. Are we all clear? Then get ready to BATTLLLLE!"

The bell dinged, so Ruby ran at Maddy to throw punches, which she nimbly dodged while throwing a few swings at Ruby's face. The alien ducked one, punched Maddy's face, then roared as she unleashed a barrage of furious punches at the human girl. With one last chest punch, Maddy was down on her back. Ruby turned and waved her arms in victory. "One… two…" Melody began counting over Maddy, but said girl got back on her feet as she ran to punch the back of Ruby's head. The alien stumbled forward, but quickly recovered before sending Maddy skyward with an upper-cut. Maddy landed on all fours, looking up at her opponent before Ruby punched her down. After the 10-second count,

"THE WINNER IS RUBY!" Melody raised the Solaran's arm. Maddy helped herself up and scoffed in anger before leaving. "Up next, from Sector Virginia, the raccoon girl with the tail that twirls, Numbuh Sub-23 Sheila Frantic!" The wereraccoon bore a casual, half-interested frown (implying her confidence) as Aurora fixed the punching gloves on her. "Versus, from Sector Water 7, the large mouth with the flying train, Numbuh W473R Chimney!"

"Good luck, Chim!" Aisa cheered.

"You bet! NYAAAAHH!" Chimney ran to throw quick punches, but Sheila leapt overhead and wrapped her arms around Chimney's neck. She tried to lift the Sector Leader, but Chimney reached her own arms back to wrap Sheila's neck. Both were trying to hoist the other with every ounce of strength. Eventually, they fell over and around, resulting in Chimney being pinned under Sheila's weight. "One, two, three…" Melody began counting as both girls still gripped the other's neck. "The winner is Sheila!" The raccoon got up and smiled excitedly, while Chimney lay with her tongue drooped out.

"Can you even do that in boxing?" Aisa asked.

"Who cares, it was awesome!" Aurora cheered.

"Next, also from Sector V, the girl who's silent and deadly, Numbuh 0-V Kirie Beatles!" Kirie's eyes were closed as she bowed politely, and Haruka gave a thumbs-up. "From Sector West Virginia, she's short, stealthy and sassy, Numbuh 77 Aranea Fulbright!" Aranea made rock star poses as her trainer, Sally Harper giggled. "Start rumbling!"

Kirie, who wore a green one-piece with black shorts, twirled gracefully on her socked feet, dancing and dodging Aranea's fists. Aranea was feisty for her short size, reflected in her fast punches, but Kirie's form was excellent. She dodged with nary a dent in her clothes or skin, and after six minutes had passed, Aranea was tired. Kirie decided to seize the weakness, punching Nea in the chest three times before she fell. Kirie was announced the winner, and Sally shrugged.

"From Sector Rozeland, she's fiery, feisty, and for some reason loves the moon, Numbuh 6.01 Diwata Uno!" The blonde, brown-eyed girl was dancing while Leanne Grayson cheered. "From KND Moonbase, a psychic wonder like her sister, Numbuh January-14 Darcy Chariton!" As Sunni was fixing her sister's ponytail, Darcy waved to her fans. "Get it on!"

Diwata made use of her speed to throw swift punches at her opponent, but Darcy dodged before punching Dee's gut and sending her back. Diwata recovered and rushed headfirst at Darcy, but just before ramming her, she ducked and punched up at her chin, and during this weak moment, Diwata swung two punches across Darcy's head. The Chariton fell over, but after a few seconds, she shot up and punched Dee-Dee in the nose, knocking her down. She smirked at her opponent, waiting for her to stand, and Dee-Dee did so, grabbing Darcy's waist to flip her overhead and slam her head on the ring floor. Darcy dizzily tried to recover, but Dee-Dee punched her senseless. Dee-Dee did a rock star dance when she was announced the winner.

"From the Avatar Realms, she's not in KND, but still a good girlfriend of Cheren," Melody winked, "meet the talented metalbender, Lin Beifong!" The earthbender stomped her foot and pretended to raise a boulder. "From GKND, a half-Glomourian/Kateenian, Numbuh 4 Feet Makava Longname!" Makava waved to her fans as her trainer, Arianna was clapping.

Both non-Earthican girls ran and grabbed each other's arms before trying to shove the other. Lin's feet were more firm, so she was able to push Makava into her corner pole. Arianna clapped her hands over her mouth in horror and concern. Makava recovered and ran at Lin again, but the earthbender dodged as she punched and knocked Makava on her front. She proceeded to stand on Makava in victory, and this win was assured when Melody finished the count. "I'm sorry, Makava!" Arianna yelled. "It's my fault. I'm a terrible trainer!"

"Relax, Arianna…" Makava grunted, still trapped under Lin's feet. "This ain't a high moment for me, either."

"From Sector Iceland, she's a timebender who's more than she seems, Numbuh High Noon MaKayla King!" MaKayla waved happily, and her trainer, Lola had confidence in her. "From Sector Dressrosa, she's more than she seems too, Numbuh Sweetie-1 Aeral Sarah!" The weapons girl blushed as people cheered for her. "Throw down!"

MaKayla ran at Sarah, but the weapons girl morphed her right glove into a metal club and BASHED Kayla's head. She was now on the floor, bleeding. "DISQUALIFIED!!" Melody shouted. "No powers, that was a rule!"

"YOU LET A BOY IN!" Sarah shouted. "Why can't I use powers!!"

"THIS is why! Now LEAVE!"

"Well… if you need me to." She blushed. With that, Sarah climbed out and left the room, with the audience members "BOO"ing behind her.

Melody helped MaKayla up. "Are you okay? I can take you outside and heal you."

"S-Sure, sure. Thanks." Kayla allowed Melody to guide her.

Panini took the microphone while Melody was aiding Kayla. "Well, ahem, after that unfortunate bout, it's time to introduce our special guest. From Sector Japan, he is an annoying BOY who insisted on competing, for some stoopid boy reason, Numbuh Home Run Jinta Hanakari." The girls yelled in protest again when Jinta climbed into the ring, jabbing fists at the air. "From Sector Gravity Falls, she's very large for her age, and unquestionably strong, Numbuh Pounds Grenda!"

"ALL RIGHT!" The large and beefy gal yelled in her deep rough voice. Mabel Pines was massaging her muscles. "It's Grenda time!"

Jinta looked worriedly at the large girl. "You sure you aren't a boy, too?"

"THRASH HIM!" Pan yelled.

"RAAAAH!" Grenda charged and grabbed Jinta in a very tight hug. His arms were binded, and Jinta's face turned blue as he choked. "Well, ladies, it looks like Jinta's glory is all naught." Panini smiled simply.

No! I can't lose now! Gotta think… "Hey, Grenda." Jinta spoke so weakly, only she could hear him. "Cheren told me… he would go out with you if you threw the match for me."

"HE DID?!" Grenda threw him on the floor. "CHEREN! I'm coming, Cutie!" Grenda ran away, ramming one of the corner poles and flipping the entire ring over with her strength. She kept running and breaking down all the metal walls.

Jinta crawled out from under the turned-over ring. "W-Well, um…" Panini stuttered in confusion. "Since Grenda forfeits the match, Ay guess… Jinta is the winner."

"YEEEEAAAAH!" Jinta cheered as the girls were booing. "HAIL the KING!"

"A'right, King, help us get this ring back up so we can get on with this."

When the ring was placed right-side-up, Melody was back to announce. "From Sector Saudi Arabia, can she punch as well as she kicks? Numbuh Chapter Morgiana!" The girl in question had magenta hair and eyes, wearing only a white shirt and shorts, and had an emotionless frown. "Versus, from the Land of… Boobledehumps, Sector Poop, her name is… Numbuh Gibbidy Gooshwan?"

This person wore a very tight, white dress. Even her head was shrouded, but she danced slow and sensually, swaying her rear. The bell dinged: Morgiana kicked off her corner pole and flew at Gooshwan like a rocket. The mystery girl panicked and ran right. Morgiana chased her with a determined expression, swinging her right fist to make the girl wobble toward the center. Morgiana leapt, kicked off the ceiling, and brought her fist down on Gooshwan's head. She fell on the floor as her mask came off. His long ears and slug eyes were exposed.

"JAR JAR BLINKS?!" Panini screamed. "What are ya DOING here?!"

Jar Jar's lips whimpered. "I jush wanted to have BABIESH! Won't anyone have babiesh wit' me? PWEEEEEAAAASE!"

Jar Jar was shoved into the garbage pipe, and- "WEEEEEEEEE!" was fired into space.

"Um… okay… The winner is Morgiana!" Melody raised the Arabian girl's arm.

"Now she's someone I want in our sector." Aisa remarked, while Chimney still lay beside her.

"Okay, girls, let's get ready for ROUND TWO!" Melody announced. "But just for fun, let's go a little out of order! First, we'll pit Kirie Beatles against Diwata Uno! Let's get started!"

Diwata merely stood in place while Kirie was dancing peacefully, likely intending to use the same stratagem as before. "One time, I burned all the Rainbow Monkeys in my local toy store." Dee-Dee said.

Eyes burning like fire, Kirie attacked Diwata with rage in her fists. Diwata ran around happily and dodged all the fists. Dee-Dee managed to avoid the furious Beatles for at least 10 minutes. Kirie finally got tired and fainted on her own. Dee shrugged when she was announced the winner.

"You feeling okay, MaKayla?" Melody asked the timebender. She smiled and nodded. "Great! Because you're up against Lin!" Said earthbender climbed in the opposite corner. The bell dinged, and both girls got in fighting stances. They finally charged and began swinging punches at the other. They both took several hits to the face, but still had plenty of strength to spare.

"For the record, I love your world's culture." MaKayla panted.

"Thanks." Lin took a punch. "I'm not spiritual, though. I like your world better."

"Wanna trade places?"

"Naaah."

After five minutes of repetitive punching, the girls backed away and stared at each other, gasping for breath and sweating. With a moment to recharge, they ran for one final punch at the other. Both fists struck the other's face simultaneously. With that, they were both down. Melody declared the match a draw.

"Now, back to our self-proclaimed superstar boy, it's Jinta Hanakari vs. Morgiana!"

Jinta looked eager to fight from his corner, but Morgiana stood still and gave him a cold stare. The Japanese boy ran and threw punches at her chest, but Morgiana stood strong before throwing a punch that knocked Jinta down. Jinta growled and got up to punch her in the face, but Morgiana punched him across the head, spinning him around, then punched his back to make him fall. With that, Morgiana planted a foot on his back, and Jinta found himself unable to push her off. "One… two… three… four…" Melody counted.

"Get off me… stupid girl!" Jinta was trying to push up.

"You lose." Morg stated coldly.

"Seven… eight!…"

"Hnnnnn!…" Jinta used every ounce of strength to push the floor. "YAAAH!" Morgiana was taken aback when Jinta succeeded in pushing her back. Now back on his feet, Jinta punched her in the face, then leapt overhead to stand on the corner pole. He held both fists together, leapt down, and slammed both down on her head. Melody began counting over the fallen Morg, and to the girls' dismay, Jinta was the winner.

"Our last match before the semifinals!" Melody announced. "Ruby vs. Sheila Frantic!"

"Bring it on, Raccoon!" Ruby fist-palmed.

"Too bad for you," Sheila smirked, "the gloves are coming off this round." Indeed, her gloves were off as she cracked her bare knuckles. "AAAAAAHHH!" She spun her right arm rapidly and ran at her opponent.

"Sheila, wait-!" Aurora yelled.

Sheila PUNCHED Ruby with terrific force, several teeth flying out of her mouth. Ruby flew out of the ring and through the room's large window. "AAAAAHHHH!" She spun as she flew into the depths of space.

"Ruby!" Sapphire flew after her.

The Solaran landed in the arms of Jar Jar Blinks. "RUBISH! I-sa LOVE ta have babies with you! MWWWWwwwwww!" He swallowed her face in smooch.

"AAAAHH! HEEEELP!"

"HAHA!" Sheila fist-pumped. "Who's the Queen of Punching?"

"Um, Sheila, impressive as that was…" Panini walked up and touched her shoulder, "you need to wear your gloves."

"I ain't gonna wear those stinking things forever! My fists are FREE, Mate!"

"Be that as it may, you're disqualified."

"EH, bother." She brushed it off and climbed out of the ring. "No one uses rules in the real world, anyway."

"Time to start the semis, with Jinta vs. Diwata!"

The bell dinged, and when Diwata ran at Jinta, the boy jumped on the corner pole and ran across the ropes. Dee-Dee jumped up there with him, both smirking as they kept balance. Dee-Dee punched at his legs, but Jinta jumped and shook the ropes upon his landing. Diwata punched his face, and Jinta fell onto his front in the ring as Dee jumped on his back and punched his head down. Jinta suddenly rolled and pushed her off, back on his feet as he ran at her, but Dee-Dee dodged. He ran into the ropes and bounced toward her, punching Dee in the face as she fell. She rolled on her front and punched his left leg, so he knelt down, and Dee smiled as she got up and punched his face.

Melody was beginning to count while Diwata blew kisses to her fans. Jinta smirked and got up to smash Dee's head between both his fists. Dizzy, the girl fell down, and Jinta was victorious.

"And now… our final match." Melody declared. "The one to decide who is the strongest: Jinta Hanakari… vs. Ruby."

After the Solaran was rescued from space, she was ready to battle, smirking at Jinta with holes in her teeth. "This ain't gonna be like Smash Brothers." she told him. "Today, I'll smash you for real."

"Sorry, Eternal Flame… but I burn with a real passion."

"And begin!" The bell dinged. Jinta threw the first punches, but Ruby dodged and dealt her storm of punches on his bare chest. She hit his chin and knocked him down, then dodged when he got up to punch back. Jinta flipped overhead when Ruby came at him, and when she turned, Jinta threw rapid punches at her stomach. Ruby felt her stomach tighten, and Jinta seized the chance to knock her down with a face punch. Ruby got up again, and both circled around before Ruby punched his face, and Jinta punched hers.

Both opponents grabbed the other's fists and began to push. Ruby lifted Jinta overhead and slammed him on his back. She stood on his stomach and smirked, but Jinta brought his fists up to punch her legs. She fell on her back as Jinta recovered, then Ruby did the same before they exchanged fists again. With that, both grabbed the other's shoulders and began another shoving contest.

"Feeling tired yet… Jinta?" Ruby panted.

"Nope… My passion… is still burning!"

"Even if you beat me, there's still tons of tough girls out there. This is only gonna make them wanna come after you. Can you really defend your pride from all of them?"

"If they come at me a hundred to one… that means I succeeded. I proved to them… that there are some boys worth worrying about. We will… be recognized again!"

Jinta weakened his own grip so Ruby would push him against the ropes, but she lost balance with the sudden shift in force. Jinta punched her head against his chest, then pulled her off before punching left-and-right across her face. Combining both fists, Jinta punched in the face and knocked her down. "One, two, three…" Melody counted. The girls pleaded Ruby to get up, but the Solaran stayed down. "Um… as much as I hate to say it… Jinta Hanakari is the winner."

"YYYYYYEEEEAAAAAAH!" Jinta cheered over all the angered girls. "That's right, girls! The boys have RISEN again! Make sure all the dudes of KND know, our awesomeness is not forgotten! We will-!"

"WAIT!" Panini called. "We have a last-minute extra contestant!"

"WHAT?!" Jinta exclaimed. "WHO?"

Karin Kurosaki climbed into the ring. She wore a white T-shirt, black shorts, and was shoeless. "You may be stronger than THIS bunch of girls, Jinta," Karin began, "but the sad truth is, you're still under the command of your female Sector Leader. It's time I reminded you that."

"H-Hold on! You said you didn't sign up for this!"

"I don't care about the contest." She cracked her bare knuckles. "As Sector JP Leader, I need to discipline my operatives. So, what'll it be, Jinta? You gonna obey me and get on the ship, or will I have to make you?"

"Er…" Jinta shook his head and readied himself. "Give me your best shot."

The bell dinged. Jinta ran to throw punches, but Karin dodged her head, ducked, and punched up at his gut. The force of her bare fist made him hack out spit, and teeth flew out when she punched him in the jaw. Jinta fell down as Karin stood over him. "Fine, so you beat a couple of girls in a punching game, wearing gloves. What about the ones who like to get their hands dirty? And don't get me started on the ones who have powers."

Gritting his teeth, Jinta got up to punch, but Karin ducked and spin-kicked Jinta off his feet. He got up for an upper-cut, but Karin pressed both hands on the fist and pushed herself upward, then caught his neck between her legs. Jinta tried to lift her off, then fell back and hit the floor. He got up and whipped around, and after Karin got up, they both locked arms and pushed.

"You know, Jinta, there's one thing about this tournament you overlooked." Karin grinned devilishly.

"What?" He glared back.

"This is a girls' boxing tournament. Which means there's no 'Below the belt' rule."

"Huh?"

At that instant, Karin balled her right fist, pulled it back, and- "UUOOOOOHHH!" punched Jinta between the legs. He choked out spit and folded both gloved hands over the spot.

Karin dodged behind, grabbed Jinta's shoulders, turned him to face the center of the ring, and pushed him on his front. While Jinta was still holding his weak spot, Karin proceeded to sit on his back, facing his legs as she grabbed his ankles, pulled them up, and crossed them like an 'X'. "Aaaaaahhhhhh…!" Jinta moaned when Karin bent his crossed legs farther. He tried to lift his head up, but Karin bent her right foot back and placed it on to pin his head down.

The girls were all giggling at Jinta's silly and humiliating position. Melody came and called, "One, two, three-"

"No!" Jinta fought the weight of Karin's foot and struggled to raise his head. "I'm not. . . out yet! . ."

"There's no way out of this, Jinta-kun." Karin stated, holding his legs in place. "You can either concede or listen to all these girls giggle at the awkward state your arms are in."

"I…I won't!…" Jinta bit his teeth as he applied more pressure to keeping his head raised. "I need to… for all the future men of KND… for all men everywhere!… I have to… win!…"

"Give up, Jinta. It's hopeless."

"Never! I will never give in to a girl… as long as I live!…" The pain was becoming too much.

"No matter what you do, Jinta, there will always be girls who are stronger than guys. It won't matter how strong you become, because you'll always have an obvious weak spot!"

"Nooo…" Jinta was beginning to tear. He made a sniffle as his tears soaked the ring's floor. "If I don't defend… my manhood… I'll be a disgrace… just like… my dad…"

Karin glanced to him, hearing this. She made a low, aggravated sigh. Wanting to end this contest, she gripped his hair in her toes, bent her leg up to pull his head with, then smashed his head facefirst on the floor.

"One, two, three, four, five, six- Eh, he's done." Melody shrugged. "The winner is Karin Kurosaki!" She raised the victorious girl's arm as all the operatives cheered. Karin released and climbed off of Jinta as she went to go claim the reward.

"I warned you." Sapphire told him softly. She left the room with Ruby.

The red-haired boy played dead until everyone was gone.

Later…

After getting back in her normal clothes and washing her hands, Karin returned to the ring. Jinta was sitting cross-legged, facing the opposite wall. "Hey." Karin called. Jinta, wearing a pouty face, ignored her. There was pain still between his legs, so he tried to hide it with this crossed position. "Jinta, I didn't mean it about not coming back to the treehouse. One way or another, you're still my teammate. Now stop acting like a baby and let's go home. I can smell you from here, you need a bath."

"I'll stay here as long as I want." He turned and glanced at her with his right eye, his teeth clenched. "I'm not leaving 'til this place is empty."

"Moonbase has a night shift, dumbass, it'll never be empty. Time Zones and stuff. Jinta, what did you think winning this contest would accomplish? Just because you won, you would be stronger than any and every girl in the universe?"

"I would've set an example!" He turned his head around further to glare at her. "I would've reminded all the boys that we still got a spot in this world! But not only did you ruin it, you completely humiliated me in front of the whole KND!" He faced forward again. "I'll never be able to show myself to anyone again."

"First of all, this plan didn't even make sense." Karin walked over and crossed her arms over the ring's rope, leaning forward. "I mean, yes girls are better than boys, but half the sectors are still led by boys, and nobody else is getting mad over gender stuff. I mean… what was the point of this?"

Jinta said nothing. Karin stared at him for a few seconds. "What was it that you said before?" she asked. "Something about your dad…?"

"…" Jinta turned to her slightly. "My mom was really mean and she ordered my dad around a lot. She divorced my dad because he was a 'failure as a man.' Before that, I saw her come home with some strange guy and…"

Karin raised a brow. She hadn't heard this story. "…It's none of your business, why am I telling you!" Jinta huffed, turning away.

Karin climbed in and sat beside him. "Well, whatever the case, Jinta, a real man wouldn't just sit here in his own filth after getting his butt kicked by a girl. He would stand up and keep walking forward. No matter how many girls kick him down or laugh at him, a man has to brush it off and keep walking. …They would also take a bath to avoid rotting to death. Whaddya say, Jinta?"

"…" Jinta glanced at Karin, who had the proud expression of someone who had full confidence in her own words. …Of course, that same person had the pleasure of kicking his butt for the whole KND to laugh at. What had she to worry about?

"Whatever." Jinta stood up and walked out of the room. "I don't need anyone's pity."

Karin quietly sighed and began to follow him out, glad she at least managed to get him to come home.

Sector JP Treehouse; the day after

After taking a bath and removing his manly stench, Jinta was still in his room. He chose to lie on bed until everyone eventually forgot his failure.

"Um… Jinta-kun?" He heard Ururu's soft voice, and the patting of her bare feet walking across his floor. "I don't know if you're still upset, but… even after what happened, I really admire you for standing up for your feelings. Even if it was a bit… silly." She blushed. "Jinta-kun, it doesn't really matter who is stronger, because you're strong on your own. You should use that strength to protect the boys and girls who are weak. Like…Like me." She blushed more.

Jinta turned his head to her slightly. "Remember how you always beat up those bullies when we were little?" Ururu continued. "You were stronger than me and you protected me. You inspired me to try and be strong, too. That's why I signed up for CND Training. But no matter how much I trained to fight, I was always too small and weak. Then I invented the Tiny Devil suit with GKND's technology, and turned my tiny size into strength. Now I can fight beside you as an equal, Jinta. But I know you'll always be stronger than me."

"You don't understand, Ururu." He told her. "I was standing up for the pride of all men everywhere. But I ruined it, not just for me, but for all men. All the KND's girls are laughing at all the boys, now the boys are sulking in shame and it's all my fault. The best thing I can do is stay away from them."

"Jinta-kun…"

"Leave him alone, Ururu." Karin said, standing in the doorway with Yuzu. "You can't stop a boy from whining."

"Jinta-kun?" Yuzu walked up with a paper. "An operative delivered this letter. They want you to come to Moonbase ASA now."

"Probably in trouble for entering a girls' tournament." Karin figured. "Maybe next time, you'll listen."

"Huh." Jinta grabbed the paper and hopped out of bed, stomping away in anger. "Better than staying here with you girls."

"Jinta, when're you gonna get over yourself?" Karin questioned. "Most girls are better than boys, but other boys are better than girls. Why are you the only one that gives a damn?"

"The problem is that other boys DON'T give a damn! They're treating it like it's no big deal, and now they never will 'cause of you! I don't care if you're my leader, Karin, why don't you butt out sometimes?"

"J-Jinta-kun, I'll drive you!" Ururu ran after him. "You can't fly a ship, so…"

"What are you going to do about him, Karin?" Yuzu shook her head in disbelief.

"Well, I could always try shrinking him. Maybe…"

Moonbase

Jinta followed the instructions on the letter and journeyed to a back area of Moonbase. Girl guards were laughing at him and making fake threatening poses. Jinta made it to a door that was labeled Private. He sighed to himself and walked in.

"JINTAAAAAA!" He jumped in shock when the room full of boys from many sectors roared his name. "There's our man of the hour!" Chris Uno punched his shoulder.

"Praise our hero of the KND!" George King raised his arm.

"He's the guy who kicks BUTT!" Anthony McKenzie punched his fists and kicked a foot.

"Uhhhh… what's going on here?" Jinta asked.

"You stood up for what we all BELIEVED, Dude!" Dillon York proclaimed. "Those girls are WAY too monstrous for their own good! And why are they so badass?! My sister is a freaking videogame character!"

"Half of us take after our MOMS!" Terry Stork groaned. "It's SHAMEFUL! I have no reason to admire my mom!"

"Yeah, and trust me, being the only boy in Gravity Falls is no joyride." Dipper Pines remarked. "The only other is Gideon, and he's… Sigh, I don't even know."

"This was the start of a revolution, Dude." Chris wrapped an arm around him. "When you did what you did, you showed the girls what was coming! You showed 'em we boys ain't out of the game, yet! That's why we're gonna challenge 'em to a Boys v. Girls Wrestling/Boxing Extravaganza! It's gonna be a no holds bard to PROVE who's the BEEEEEEST!"

"And we wouldn't have got up the courage to do it if not for you!" Vweeb jumped up on Jinta's shoulder. "You're the man, Jinta Hanakari! Lead us to glory!"

"You guys…" Jinta couldn't believe it. It was so sudden, how his dream had come true. He never felt such a feeling before. A feeling of true pride. …Tears escaped his eyes. "I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUUUUCH!"

"JINTAAAAAA!" All of the boys were crying. Chris, George, Anthony, and Vweeb hugged Jinta close. Tears of pride and joy filled the room. They released the emotions that expressed their manhood. They would always stand together. No matter how much girls overshadowed them, or how much they were humiliated, they would always have each other.

Harry Gilligan and Hibiki Lates sat in a corner, reading books with disbelieved expressions. "I don't know why I came." Harry said.

"Me, either."