As soon as the random versus machine displayed the match-up, the crowd erupted. "Zaki Zaki vs. Suri Kensei!" the commentator's voice boomed across the stadium.
"Woah!" Jesse exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement.
Kaijin turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "Aren't those your classmates?"
"Yes," Jesse nodded. "This is going to be interesting."
Meanwhile, inside the waiting room, Reina gave Suri an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "You've got this, Suri. You can win."
Suri smiled at her, trying to shake off the nerves as he headed toward the arena. "I'll do my best."
As he stepped out onto the battlefield, he saw Zaki already standing there, waiting for him. The tension between them was palpable, and even those in the waiting room could feel it as they watched from the TV, eyes glued to the screen.