The Grand War Festival was set to begin and their final rosters were as such:
Vercheg Coalition-
Toro Fernandez Hezikiah Rooach"Earth"Erik Vermicelli HikariOscuro Coyote Fernandez Black MaskGyoki LarsFabian MartinezMikanos PapasMizuhitoUnicorn KnightBlack Rope Rider
Imperial Forces-
"Star"Minister of the Left Minister of the Right "Spear""Axe""Bow""Sword""Death""Destruction""Fast""Eraser""Copy""Hypnosis""Gravity""Diamond"
The Imperial forces included the 9 captains of the Royal Guard as well as the four members of the 4 War Powers, who were each known to be the greatest user of each type of weapon. Their final two spots were filled by the Ministers of Right and Left. Though they had no intentions of actually fighting.
There was great fanfare for the start of the tournament. Even though the fate of billions or even trillions were on the line, the Imperial citizens still treated it as a spectacle of entertainment.
The first two matches were fairly easy victories for the Empire, as "Gravity" and "Diamond", who had been promoted to Royal Guard Captains after the defection of "Sun" and "Moon", both made quick work of their respective opponents. That being said the two Coalition Soldiers both put up admirable performances.
The next match was set to be Mizuhiro vs. "Hypnosis". Toro had sent Mizuhiro in early in the line up try to get their team on the board. Though, he had another reason for this decision.
"Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready for the next match?" The announcer asked to a roar of cheers and applause. "Introducing first, fighting out of the eastern corner, standing 6'7 weighing in at 275 pounds, he has a record of 1349 wins and one loss, he has the third most wins in War Festival history, he's known as the 2nd strongest swordsman in the Empire, he's the former captain of the 7 Elements! It's!!! "Lightning"!!?????!!"
Suddenly, and much to the shock of the crowd the once believed dead warrior had indeed stepped into the arena and looked just the same as he always had, apart from stitches all down the middle of his body which would have been from being cut in half by Toro two years ago.
"That's impossible. There should be no way that he's alive." Mizuhiro said while trembling in shock.
"It IS impossible for Chihiro to be alive. You definitely killed him two years ago. Mizuhiro's scheduled to be facing "Hypnosis" this is clearly some sort of trick. There's no way Mizuhiro wouldn't be able to see through this." Hezikiah said, observing the situation.
"That's true, but I wonder if it'll be enough." Toro said.
"What do you mean?" Hezikiah asked.
"I think that this is a bad match up for Mizuhiro. Maybe I shouldn't have sent him out to fight after all." Toro said worriedly.
"Please tell me, what are you doing here "Water" and why have you abandoned the Empire?" The fake "Lightning" asked. "Why do you fight side by side with the very man who killed me, what are you thinking?"
As the act continued, every person on the coalition team knew that this was some sort of trick that "Hypnosis" was using get into Mizuhiro's head. Of course, Mizuhiro himself was aware of this too. He was aware but….
"I- I- I just can't attack Chihiro. I know it's not really him, but- I just can't bring myself to do it!" Mizuhiro said through sobs as tears streamed down his face.
"This is exactly what I was afraid of." Toro thought to himself as the scenario he was most worried about played out before his eyes.
Mizuhiro was never really cut out to be a warrior. It's true that he was exceptional in terms of power and skill, but deep down he didn't have the disposition for battle. When Chihiro found him as a child his powers were out of control and a danger to others. Being a warrior himself, the only way he knew how to teach him control was to teach him to fight.
Toro was hoping that this would be the last time he would have to send the kind hearted Mizuhiro to fight, but he needed his power to win this pivotal battle. That being said, he wasn't so cruel that he'd force him to kill the man who was like an older brother to him, even if it was just an illusion.
"Mizuhiro, it's fine you don't have to push yourself." Toro said with a sigh.
"I'm sorry, but I can't do it. I surre-" Mizuhiro was about to surrender but he was suddenly stabbed in the neck.