CHAPTER 243: THE TOURNAMENT BEGINS [1]

Back on Earth, Noah felt confident leaving the auction preparations entirely in Lola’s capable hands. She possessed both the strength and cunning necessary to manage whatever complexities might arise, as long as she was in the shop.

Her grandmaster-level abilities, combined with her natural intelligence and authority in the shop, made her perfectly suited for handling high-stakes negotiations that could determine the balance of power in such a conflict.

Checking the time on his phone, Noah realised that the dining hall was currently serving the complimentary breakfast that had been included with their tournament accommodations. The mountain resort spared no expense in providing high-end meals that reflected the prestigious nature of their martial arts competition.

Might as well try some of the quality food before the tournament begins, Noah thought.

As he prepared to leave his traditional room for the dining facilities, a familiar knock sounded against his sliding door with enthusiasm that immediately identified the visitor.

Noah opened the door to find Ichigo standing in the corridor with his trademark huge smile.

This guy is a radiator of good energy. He’s always so happy and smiling.

"Oh, you’re awake? Good!" Ichigo declared with obvious pleasure at finding Noah available.

"Want to get some breakfast together? You’ve heard it yesterday, the food is going to be really good." Ichigo said, rubbing his belly as if preparing for the upcoming feast.

His invitation was friendly, just like all his other interactions. Noah wasn’t sure whether Ichigo simply enjoyed his company or whether he was just like that, but either way, he decided to accept the invitation.

"Perfect timing, I was just heading to the dining hall myself."

"Awesome!" Ichigo’s smile somehow managed to grow even wider.

"I heard they serve an incredible traditional Japanese breakfast here. Multiple courses, fresh ingredients, the whole authentic experience."

His excitement about the food made Noah smile faintly.

"That sounds great, let’s get going then." Noah agreed, stepping out of his room and securing the traditional door behind him.

As they walked together through the resort’s elegant corridors toward the dining facilities, Noah found himself appreciating Ichigo despite the competitive environment that surrounded them.

It’s refreshing to find someone who just says what’s on his mind, Noah reflected with genuine warmth. He knew that Ichigo wasn’t simply trying to get close for any ulterior motives; he had checked using the eye of Apollo. A tier 5 artefact that wouldn’t miss, especially on Earth.

...

Inside the dining hall, Ichigo and Noah took their portions from the impressive buffet spread and surveyed the available seating options. The facility’s attention to luxury was evident in every detail, from the traditional Japanese table settings to the quality of the serving dishes.

Several competitors had already arrived when they entered, scattered across various tables in small groups or eating in solitary concentration. The atmosphere carried a mixture of pre-competition tension and appreciation for the exceptional hospitality being provided.

Noah and Ichigo selected one of the many large tables that could comfortably seat up to six people, its spacious design reflecting the resort’s commitment to providing premium accommodations for their tournament participants. The elegant place settings made sure that the participants would be relaxed and prepared before their upcoming tournament.

They settled into their seats and began enjoying the exceptional breakfast, which lived up to every promise Ichigo had made about authentic Japanese cuisine. Multiple courses of perfectly prepared dishes showcased traditional flavours and techniques that transformed the meal into a cultural experience rather than simple sustenance.

"This is incredible," Noah commented between bites of expertly seasoned rice and grilled fish. "I’ve never had breakfast this elaborate."

"Right?" Ichigo replied with obvious satisfaction. "It’s like dining at a high-end restaurant rather than tournament accommodation. They really went all out for this competition."

They were halfway through their meal, engaged in comfortable conversation about the food and their expectations for the day’s events, when a familiar presence approached their table.

The pale man from the hot springs appeared beside them with that same unnaturally wide smile.

"Good morning, fellow martial warriors," Kenzo said. "I hope you don’t mind if I join you? The other tables seem to be... occupied by less interesting company."

His dark eyes lingered on both Noah and Ichigo with the same intensity from their hot spring meeting.

Ichigo, maintaining his openness to new social connections, gestured toward one of the empty chairs.

"Of course! The more the merrier," he said with his typical friendly enthusiasm.

Noah nodded politely while internally noting how Kenzo’s presence seemed to change the atmosphere around their table in ways that were difficult to define but impossible to ignore.

"How thoughtful," Kenzo replied with that persistent smile as he settled into the offered seat. "Such a pleasure to share breakfast with practitioners who show such... potential."

...

After their breakfast concluded, the peaceful atmosphere of the dining hall was interrupted by the arrival of several authoritative figures. Yamamoto entered alongside other instructors, their collective presence immediately gathering attention from all the scattered competitors.

The conversations around various tables died down as participants recognised that official tournament business was about to be announced.

Yamamoto stepped forward before announcing with a clear voice. "Attention, all competitors. The tournament will commence in exactly one hour from this moment."

His words created a visible shift in the room’s energy as the competitors prepared themselves mentally.

"This interim period is provided for digestion, warm-up routines, and final mental preparation," Yamamoto continued with practical consideration for their physical needs. "Use this time wisely to ensure you’re operating at peak capability when matches begin."

The instructors’ presence reinforced the serious nature of what lay ahead, transforming breakfast conversation into a focused preparation mindset among the assembled martial artists.

"Tournament brackets and match schedules will be posted in the main lobby within the next thirty minutes," another instructor added. "Review your assignments and prepare accordingly."

As the officials departed to oversee final preparations, competitors began rising from their tables. The casual breakfast atmosphere had been replaced by pre-competition intensity that made everyone more focused on their individual readiness routines.