Chapter 1

Now then, it looks like everyone's here, so I'll go over the rules once again.

The purpose of this tournament is for Court Guard members to hone their combat abilities.

While the basic objective is to reach the goal from our current starting position, several checkpoints have been set up along the way.

Unlike the previous tournament, there will be a variety of other events in addition to Kido. Be sure to confirm the details at each checkpoint.

All the squad members who are not gathered here will take part in the tournament as the Sabotage Squad.

These saboteurs will attempt to hinder your progress through the various events, so put the fruits of your training on full display as you head for the goal.

While basic combat is a given, there will also be times when Kido will be essential. Additionally, some events will test speed rather than strength.

I, along with Captain Unohana and the members of Squad 4, will be on standby for administrative support, so give it your all.

Now, let's get things underway. On your marks... Begin!

All right! Not a bad start!

Heh. Well aren't you just champin' at the bit!

Lately, I've been getting back to basics and working on training my fundamentals.

That's why I think I'll be able to achieve better results than in the last tournament.

That so, huh? Well, I guess you can't help but get fired up when you get a chance to put your training to the test.

It just so happens that I also increased the frequency and length of my workouts recently, so I'm in top shape.

How about that! Seems like we all had the same idea! And here I was thinkin' I'd have you all beat by leaps and bounds!

That won't be happening. I intend to show off my progress by taking first place!

Everyone seems rather enthusiastic.

Being able to demonstrate the results of their training is indeed part of it, but I think they're all just grateful for an opportunity to run wild without constraint. Especially Ikkaku.

I suppose speed is also necessary to some degree, but simply reaching the goal is just as important. So there's no need for us to rush, don't you think?

True enough.

That said, I do hope those three don't get carried away and end up causing an incident.