The man nodded, and ran off. Ezra smirked, "That...Stinks, like rotten eggs. Come on, is there anyone else-"

Hinata put a hand over his mouth, and whispered, "No, we don't have any time. Come on, let's get this done with."

Ezra managed a muffled, "You just wanna be with Naruto, don't ya."

Hinata blushed, and nodded, "Y-Yeah..."

Ezra sighed, threw Hinata's hand off of his mouth, and yelled, "Never mind! See ya in a while!"

He looked around for Akako, and yelled, "Akako! Where are you?"

Akako jumped down from the stands, and said, "H-Here."

Seeing her quivering lip, Ezra said, "What is it? Something the matter?"

A tear suddenly ran down her cheek, and she said, "I-I can't go back...My mom caught my brother's disease, I can't leave now...I'm sorr-"

She stopped her by putting a finger to her mouth, "Nu uh, no sorries! Family is more important than school, no matter what! Oh yeah, and congrats on making Chuunin! It's awesome, right?"

Akako smiled at him, and he took his finger away, "Family, needs to stick together, right?"

A tear ran down his face as he smiled, Roxas...

He waved at Akako, and said, "If you ever need anything, you know who to call! See ya!"

He and Hinata disappeared, and Akako smiled, and jumped off, leaving the crowd wide eyed and open mouthed.

***********************************************************************

As soon as Ezra appeared, someone ran over him. He looked up to find Jaden flailing his arms, and caught him before he could fall. Jaden smiled, "Sorry, just in a rush. I'm late for the announcement!"

Ezra gasped, and said, "Well, come on then!"

Ezra ran off, Jaden and Hinata not far behind. The three made it to the classroom they always used for announcements, and noticed chancellor Shephard standing, waiting. Ezra waved, "Hey! Chancellor Shephard, when did you get here?"

Shephard smiled, and said, "Not long ago, thank you. You can just stand there if you like."

Ezra looked around for Fabia, and said, "Hey, have you seen a girl with blue hair, grayish-green eyes, a Slifer Outfit, and...an awesome personality?"

Shephard shook his head no, and said, "Now, watch out for the students, they should be arriving about now."

Ezra nodded, and frantically jumped to the front of the classroom, and folded his arms to wait. Jaden walked up next to him, and Hinata to his right. As soon as the rest of the school arrived, Shephard said, "Welcome! It's good to see you all! I bet you're wondering why I'm back."

Mumbles of yes came from the crowd, and Ezra raised a hand, "Excuse me, but what's the medal for? Did you win a tournament?! And didn't invite me?!"

Chancellor Shephard laughed quietly, "No, but you're invited to the one I've organized. Here."

He tossed a medal identical to the one in his hand to Ezra, who caught it, and looked it over. He tossed it up and down in his hand, "What's this for? Isn't it a bracket tournament?"

Shephard shook his head, "Nope, that isn't what happens. Everyone get's one of these, and you must duel someone once a day. The winner get's the loser's medal, and the loser is disqualified from the tournament. You all get a fair chance, and even some pro's are coming! How does that sound!?"

Noise erupted from the crowd, and Ezra looked to Jaden, "See you in the finals?"

Jaden nodded, "Yeah!"

They high-fived, "Game ON!"