Anime Tournament of Power 2 (ATOP 2)

Chapter 31: The Fight That God Frowned Upon

"Before we get back into the mix of things, I  wanted to sit you babes down and have a little chit chat. So pop a seat and open your lovely ears. Now heh, I don't say this often so this is a big deal but I wanted to thank all those who are viewing this broadcast. ATOP 2 has been an absolute hit thank you, viewers, for example, we've collected up to a total of 4K viewers in a short span of two-ish months!"

"That may sound irrelevant but, I assure you that it's all but irrelevant. We may be miles away from the colossal amount of popularity but as your host, I truly believe that one day 2 will pass 1. The reality of the small dog towering over the big one will come true. The torch has already been passed down, now it's time for us to run with it."

"I hope you're clapping because we together have accomplished something great so again from the bottom of my green heart. I thank you all, and it should be known that our hard-working Author-San greatly appreciates his love for you all. He's going through trials and tribulations at the moment but, seeing your guy's support keeps him moving forward. And no that is not a reference to Mr.Yeager, nice try."

"With that out of the way though, continue being great by being yourselves babes. Now let's get on with the chapter! Roll the cameras!"

Al nearly gasped when he noticed the calm yet devious aura that surrounded the man known as Kirei. However Ed simply continued with his keen observation of items that were laid out on the table, he was fully aware of the situation but he knew that if he jumped the gun he would end up the loser. So as he pretended to not acknowledge Kirei's existence Al was looking back and forth at his brother and the quiet man.

I know he sees him, and I get that we shouldn't engage in battle without a plan. What in the world does brother hope to accomplish by ignoring this guy? Al looked at Ed one last time and this time he was able to see his brother's subtle wink, which in turn caused him to nod his head. Al then walked away going towards the chapel's walls where he began admiring the golden curtains of the large windows. His hand gently felt the soft, rich touch of the cloth's material which had a design that one may call holy.

Hmm, I guess brother already has a plan. As soon as I can figure it out, that's when I'll act. As Al continued to admire things inside the sacred building, Ed also continued his bluff in ignoring the silent man. Kirei found this strange at first but after seconds had passed, he decided to close his eyes and take a seat that was further away from Ed. Tsk. The Fullmetal Alchemist was feeling the edge of a small steel pole, but his eyes were focused on the mysterious Kirei.

Ed's eyes continued to stalk the tall man as he casually took a seat on one of the wooden benches, Kirei looked straight ahead admiring the piece in front of him. It was a small statue of Jesus Christ himself in glossy gold paint, the pose was him spreading his arms out wide while looking up at the window ceiling. Kirei seemed lifeless as he stared blankly at the work of art, but his gaze shifted ever so slightly to the right.

This was due to Ed taking a seat on the bench on the other side of the aisle, same row different side which allowed them to have the same view of one another. Kirei diverted his eyes back to the statue but Ed almost immediately asked the question causing him to bat an eye.

"I noticed that chain of yours, you a man of the Lord? Maybe a pastor? Priest?"

Kirei answered with a hint of suspicion in his tone of voice.

"Not I, my father was more of a man of the Lord. Although I used to help him with the church a lot when I was younger, so I have a vast amount of information of such things."

Ed crossed his leg over one another as his arms spread out on the bench's backrest allowing him to lean his head back when he inquired.

"You said used to, do you not do it anymore? Help your father I mean."