Chapter 184: The Challenge Matches

The morning after the preliminaries and the announcement of the Top 16—

"Hello?"

"President, your voice already sounds so full of energy and it's only been five days." Rinji laughed. "How's the new job treating you?"

"I'm still getting used to being a bank president... Honestly, it still feels like I'm dreaming."

On the other end of the line, Shirogane Miyuki sat at his desk in a sharp suit, chatting with Rinji.

Ever since becoming president of the Dainippon Bank, Miyuki had lived under immense pressure. Every day he was constantly on alert during work hours, and burning the midnight oil studying finance.

The first three days were absolutely exhausting.

Fortunately, things had calmed down a bit today. There wasn't that much actual work—mainly signing papers, not all that different from his time as student council president. The only real difference was the stress and specialized knowledge.

"As long as you're adjusting, that's good. Five more days, hang in there." Rinji chuckled. "I'll be back in Tokyo tonight. Still have some loose ends to tie up, but I'll come by your place later."

"Great... Oh, will your girlfriend be coming too?"

Miyuki clearly remembered Rinji mentioning he had a girlfriend now.

"You mean Karura?"

Rinji glanced at the girl in front of him.

He was using a Bluetooth headset to talk to Miyuki, because both hands were busy combing Karura's long, smooth, dark hair.

"She probably won't come with me tonight. She needs to wait a few more days."

After receiving the challenge applications from the Top 16 fighters, Rinji would be done and free to leave. But members of the Kure Clan had to remain until the tournament officially ended.

"I see."

Miyuki thought for a moment and said, "School's about to start again. My term ends right before vacation's over, so the day before school starts, let's all clean the student council office together. It's gotten pretty dusty."

"Got it."

After ending the call, Rinji continued combing Karura's hair.

"Rinji, are you really leaving tonight?"

"Yeah. Things are pretty much wrapped up here, so I figured I'd head back first."

"...I see."

Though reluctant to see him go, Karura didn't argue. After all, she also went to high school in Tokyo—it would be easy to see each other again.

"Send me your address. I'll come find you once I'm back."

"Mm."

Rinji smiled, put down the comb, and gently ruffled her head.

---

After a night of discussion, the Top 16 corporations were busy plotting how to deal with Rinji.

Many of the fighters were too proud to team up and wanted to challenge him solo.

And that made sense. Fighters had their pride. Even brutal ones wouldn't easily accept ganging up on someone.

Fortunately for the corporations, they, not the fighters, made the final decision.

In the end, the pre-quarterfinal event was announced:

The Challenge Matches.

First Challenger: Wakasa Life Insurance "Executioner" Akoya Seishu – Solo challenge.

Second Challenger: Under Mount Inc's "Devil" Kure Raian – Solo challenge.

Third Challenger Group: Yato Trading Co's "God of War" Kaolan Wongsawat, Juoh Communication's "Bloody Tusk" Bando Yohei, Gold Pleasure Group's "Lightning God" Mikazuchi Rei, and Village of the Dawn's "Howling Fighting Spirit" Yoroizuka Saw Paing – 4-on-1.

Fourth Challenger Group: Nishihonji Security Service's "King of Stranglers" Imai Cosmos and Gandai's "Hell's Angel" Sekibayashi Jun – 2-on-1.

Fifth Challenger Group: Nogi Group's "Floating Cloud" Hatsumi Sen, Yamashita Trading Co's "Asura" Tokita Ohma, and Furumi Pharmaceutical's "Wild Tiger" Wakatsuki Takeshi – 3-on-1.

Final Challenger: Motoredhead Motor's "Devil Lance" Kuroki Gensai – Solo challenge.

Out of the Top 16, twelve chose to challenge Rinji.

It made sense. Though the opponent was powerful, a win could end everything. Most companies weren't going to pass on that gamble.

There might be a loss in defeat, but a win would mean massive gains.

There were a total of six groups of challengers, and all matches were scheduled to be completed today. This meant that unlike other fighters who only had to fight once a day, Rinji would have to finish all six matches in a single day, facing a total of twelve opponents.

Many fighters felt that this was far too cruel for a sixteen-year-old kid.

In theory, the later the challenge, the greater the benefits—but the risks also increased.

They believed Rinji would inevitably accumulate injuries as the fights progressed, becoming increasingly exhausted. However, if someone defeated him early, the later challengers would be disqualified.

"Welcome to the Kengan Annihilation Tournament's Challenger Matches! The winner will directly secure ultimate victory!!"

Sayaka stood at the center of the arena, shouting enthusiastically into the microphone.

Cheers erupted all around from the crowd, all eager to witness this unique and extreme challenge.

"Without further ado, let's welcome the first challenger, from Wakasa Life Insurance—'The Executioner'—Akoya Seishu!!"

Boom!!!

Flames burst out from both sides of the entrance. Akoya, dressed in a white gi, walked out from within.

He gently placed a finger to his ear and asked in a low voice, "Can you hear me?"

"Yes."

A woman's voice replied through his earpiece—it was Wakasa Life Insurance's CEO, Hiyama Shunka.

Inside Akoya's ear was a bone-conduction micro earpiece used for direct communication with Hiyama. She analyzed the opponent and fed real-time data to Akoya, almost as if remote-controlling him.

"This time, skip the analysis. I'm using our trump card."

"Eh…"

"Takamine Rinji isn't a normal opponent. That kind of thing won't work on him anymore."

Akoya shut off the tiny earpiece hidden in his ear, his expression growing stern as he looked ahead.

At that moment, Sayaka loudly announced the name of the challenged fighter.

"The challenger has entered! Now, let's welcome the one being challenged—'Calamity'—Takamine Rinji!!!"