In the backstage area, Natalia's almond-shaped eyes darted around in excitement as she asked Koizumi about their next opponent. With each movement, her long olive-green hair with purple dye tips swayed like a field of wheat in the wind. She stood tall and proud, with a busty build and chubby cheeks that gave her a youthful appearance. Her skin was deeply tanned from hours spent training in the sun, and her thick bushy eyebrows furrowed in determination. But it was her long tongue, often slipping out to taste the air around her, that truly set her apart. Koizumi, on the other hand, exuded a calm confidence as she replied to Natalia's question. Her large amber eyes seemed to glow with an inner fire, framed by straight midnight black hair that fell in sleek layers around her face. It almost looked like she had fox ears, adding to her feline grace and agility. Standing tall and slim, with pale skin and distinct hollow cheeks, she was a picture of elegance and strength. As they discussed their upcoming match against two fierce opponents - a vulture and a Kraken - Natalia casually pushed up the goggles resting on top of her head. Her Gi color was a bright purple, with a lime green belt adorned with one tick mark and an Iguana logo on the back. Koizumi's Gi was a deep green, accompanied by a black belt with one tick mark and a kitsune logo on the back. Feeling confident in their abilities, Natalia flipped her hair dramatically as she declared it would be an easy match. Koizumi agreed, recalling watching one of their opponents' fighting styles not too long ago. "Let's go get ready for our match," she said enthusiastically.But just as they were about to turn the corner towards the stage, Natalia collided with someone coming from the opposite direction. In an instant, she was on edge, ready to defend herself. But it turned out to be Kiyoshi, a young fighter who seemed a bit lost and intimidated among the experienced fighters. With a deep tone, Natalia threatened him to be more careful in the future. Her words were sharp and intimidating, but as she walked away with Koizumi by her side, there was a glimmer of concern in her eyes for the young fighter. The announcer's voice boomed through the stadium, announcing the start of the final fight in Round 1 of the tournament. "Let's take a look back at what happened in Round 1," he added. "Howling Flash defeated Crux Force, Revolution Pythons beat Skyhawks, Wild Jackets overcame Mystical Scream, the Loch Raptors triumphed against the Swamp Monkeys, Excalibur bested the Midnight Mustangs, Tiger Wings came out on top against Firestorm Angels, and Tornado Shockwave dominated Galaxy Endors." "Now, let's welcome our next competitor: The Toxic Ivy." Natalia and Kisumu made their way onto the stage from below, bowing to the cheering crowd. "I could get used to this," remarked Koizumi. "Just wait until they all bow down to me as I become the ruler of this place," said Natalia with determination. Koizumi nodded in agreement. The sound of the announcer's voice boomed through the arena as he introduced the last team of the tournament, Zephyr Vulcan. The crowd buzzed with anticipation and excitement, eagerly awaiting the sight of this renowned duo in action. Helga Mari, a fierce and determined fighter, was dragging her partner Vivi from the locker room towards the stage. Her long hair, the color of rich varnished wood, was carefully styled and framed her deep-set teal eyes. Despite her short stature, Helga exuded strength and power with her muscular build and ruddy skin. But what caught the eye of many onlookers was her oddly shaped nose, giving her a unique appearance among the other fighters. She proudly wore a gray GI with a yellow belt and a vulture logo emblazoned on the back. Beside her walked Vivi, a seemingly timid and fragile young woman. Her slanted gray eyes darted nervously around as she clutched onto Helga's hand. Her short curly hair, a vibrant royal purple color, was messy but still managed to add to her alluring charm. Despite her slender build, there was an air of grace and poise about her. However, it was her hooked nose that gave away hints of her inner strength and determination. She wore a peach-colored GI with a white belt, adorned with an intricate octopus design on the back. As they stepped onto the stage, Helga turned to Vivi with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Come on, Vivi," she said playfully, "show these other fighters just how strong you are!" But Vivi shook her head, her high-pitched voice trembling slightly. "I-I'm too scared to fight," she admitted with a hint of fear in her eyes. Despite this revelation, Helga stood tall and proud beside her partner. Together, they were ready to take on any challenge that came their way in the ring. “Bow down, fighters. Begin the match,” the announcer's booming voice echoes through the arena. The two fighters, Natalia and Helga, bow their heads in respect before charging at each other like wild animals. Natalia's dark hair whips behind her as she locks hands with Helga, their muscles straining against each other in a fierce struggle for dominance.

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With a grunt, Natalia uses her opponent's momentum against her, tripping Helga and sending her crashing to the ground with a sickening thud. But Helga is not one to go down without a fight. She quickly springs back up, her eyes blazing with determination.“Oh, so you want to play rough,” Helga growls through gritted teeth.“That's the plan, girl,” Natalia smirks. Helga lunges forward with a powerful punch, but Natalia takes the blow head-on without flinching. She narrows her eyes and wipes a trickle of blood from her split lip before launching her attack. In a flurry of blows and counterattacks, the two women exchange fierce punches and kicks. The sound of fists hitting flesh echoes throughout the arena as they battle for supremacy. A wicked grin spreads across Natalia's face as she lands a solid punch to Helga's jaw. The force of it sends Helga stumbling back, clutching at her face in shock. “You're dead now,” Natalia hisses as she stalks towards her injured opponent. But just as Natalia goes in for the finishing blow, Helga suddenly gets a burst of energy and strikes back with a vicious kick that catches Natalia off guard. The impact sends Natalia flying backward and out of the ring with an audible gasp from the crowd “Ring out!” The announcer declares triumphantly, his voice drowning out the shocked silence of the onlookers. The fight is over in a matter of seconds, leaving the audience bewildered by the unexpected turn of events. “Wow,” the announcer remarks with disbelief. “I can't believe she went down with just one hit.” The intense battle between these two fighters has come to a swift and surprising end, leaving everyone in awe of their strength and determination. The announcer's voice boomed through the arena, signaling for all teams to make their way back to the fighting stage. Felix and Lionel cautiously made their way back, keeping an eye out for any sneak attacks from Lucas and his team. As they walked onto the stage, Kiyoshi welcomed them with a friendly fist bump. As the other teams joined them on stage, the announcer declared the advancing teams for round 2 of the tournament. Lucas' eyes locked onto Lionel with a menacing look, while Vincent eagerly awaited a chance to face off against Felix.

Felix scanned the unfamiliar faces in the crowd and noticed one familiar boy with a distinctive man bun. "Wait a minute, that's Kiyoshi!" he exclaimed. "Kiyoshi!" Felix called out, catching his attention. Kiyoshi ran over with excitement and gave Felix a fist bump. "I see you're still alive in the tournament," Kiyoshi said with a grin. "I want you to meet my teammate, Lionel Feret," Felix introduced him. But when Kiyoshi greeted Lionel, he remained silent and closed his eyes. Confused, Kiyoshi asked if something was wrong. "No, he's just shy," Felix explained. Before they could continue their conversation, Jax joined them. He greeted Felix and Lionel with a bow before introducing himself as well. Kiyoshi couldn't help but notice that Jax received a respectful fist bump from Lionel while he only got a curt nod. Curiosity getting the better of him, Kiyoshi asked why there was such a difference in treatment. Felix explained that Lionel could sense power and spirit guardians, and it seemed like Kiyoshi didn't pass muster. Feeling embarrassed and eager to prove himself, Kiyoshi declared that he would challenge Lionel after the tournament to earn his respect. However, Jax chimed in reminding him of the inevitable outcome if he were to fight against Lionel. With his head hanging in defeat, Kiyoshi followed the rest of the fighters to the locker room."I can't wait for round 2," Kiyoshi muttered under his breath. The anticipation and tension in the air were palpable as they waited for their matches to begin.