Sakura Festival

Part 3: The Clash of Rivals

Part 3: The Clash of Rivals

The courtyard of Majisuka Academy erupted as Sakura and Chaeyeon clashed, their every move watched intently by the gathered crowd. The students could feel the intensity between the two fighters, their rivalry palpable in the air.

Sakura launched the first attack, her fists flying with precision and power. Chaeyeon dodged gracefully, her capoeira-ballet style allowing her to move with a fluidity that seemed almost impossible. She countered with a swift kick, but Sakura blocked it, retaliating with a strike aimed at Chaeyeon's midsection.

The impact was strong, but Chaeyeon managed to twist away at the last second, avoiding serious damage. She spun on her heel, using the momentum to deliver a series of rapid kicks that forced Sakura to backpedal.

Sakura gritted her teeth, determined not to give an inch. She had trained hard since her last fight with Salt, and she wasn't about to let Chaeyeon get the better of her. With a fierce resolve, she lunged forward, her punches coming in a flurry that left little room for Chaeyeon to evade.

But Chaeyeon was just as determined. She met Sakura's attacks head-on, matching her strength with agility. The two seemed evenly matched, their skills pushing each other to the limit.

As the fight raged on, it became clear that this wasn't just about who would challenge Salt. It was about proving who was the stronger fighter, who deserved to stand at the top. The crowd watched in awe, unable to look away from the spectacle before them.

Meanwhile, in the Rapappa clubhouse, the Four Heavenly Queens were watching the fight unfold from a distance. Bakamono was practically bouncing with excitement, eager to see who would come out on top. Magic and Yoga were more reserved, but even they couldn't deny the tension in the air.

Otabe, however, was focused. She knew that this fight would have far-reaching consequences, not just for Sakura and Chaeyeon, but for the Rapappa as a whole. If Chaeyeon won, it could mean the beginning of a new era for Majisuka Academy. But if Sakura emerged victorious, it would reaffirm her place as the strongest contender for Salt's throne.

Salt, as usual, was the picture of calm. She sat with her arms crossed, watching the fight on the screen with an unreadable expression. Otabe glanced at her, wondering what was going through her leader's mind. But Salt gave nothing away, her eyes never leaving the screen.

Back in the courtyard, Sakura and Chaeyeon were both starting to show signs of fatigue. Their movements were slower, their breathing labored, but neither was willing to back down. The fight had reached a stalemate, with both fighters pushing each other to their absolute limits.

Sakura wiped the sweat from her brow, her eyes narrowing in determination. She knew she had to dig deep, to find the strength to finish this once and for all. With a fierce cry, she launched herself at Chaeyeon, her fist aiming for a decisive blow.

But Chaeyeon wasn't done yet. She spun out of the way, using her momentum to deliver a powerful kick to Sakura's side. The impact sent Sakura staggering, but she quickly regained her footing, refusing to fall.

The crowd gasped as the two fighters clashed again, their bodies moving in perfect synchronization, each trying to find the opening that would give them the victory.

And then, just as it seemed the fight would never end, Sakura found her moment. She feinted to the left, drawing Chaeyeon's attention, before pivoting and delivering a crushing punch to Chaeyeon's midsection. The force of the blow was enough to send Chaeyeon to her knees, gasping for breath.

Sakura stood over her, panting heavily but refusing to let her guard down. "It's over," she said, her voice filled with exhaustion and resolve.

Chaeyeon looked up at her, a mixture of pain and respect in her eyes. She knew she had been bested, but she wasn't bitter about it. Instead, she gave Sakura a small, tired smile. "You're strong, Sakura. Stronger than I thought."

Sakura nodded, extending a hand to help Chaeyeon up. "So are you. This was a good fight."

Chaeyeon took her hand, pulling herself to her feet. The two stood there for a moment, breathing heavily and reflecting on the battle they had just fought. There was no animosity between them—only respect.

The crowd erupted in cheers, the tension finally breaking as they celebrated Sakura's hard-fought victory. But Sakura didn't bask in the glory. She knew that this was just the beginning. Her real challenge was still ahead.

In the Rapappa clubhouse, Salt watched the screen with a faint smile on her lips. "Looks like Sakura's ready," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

Otabe turned to her, her expression serious. "Are you going to fight her?"

Salt didn't answer right away. She stood up, stretching her arms as if preparing for a long-awaited event. "It's time," she finally said, her voice filled with anticipation.

Otabe nodded, understanding. The rematch that everyone had been waiting for was about to happen.