"Warriors of Shinpi, in this Battle Royal, rely solely on your intellect and physical prowess. No magic is permitted," 

declared the eldest, his eyes filled with the weight of tradition.

The central square buzzed with anticipation as the warriors positioned themselves on the circular battleground. The elders' hands gestured towards the edges, signaling the beginning. The air crackled with energy as Mamoru, alongside others, engaged in a dance of strategy and strength.

Mamoru, keenly observing, analyzed each opponent's style. With a nimble grace, they dodged and weaved, utilizing their surroundings to create openings. The clash of diverse skills echoed—the swift footwork of a martial artist, the precise strikes of a weapon master, the agile maneuvers of an acrobat—all converging in a symphony of martial prowess.

Mamoru took what Murasaki told him at heart and exploited the strengths and weaknesses of others. They used the martial artist's aggression against them, leading them into an overextended move that left them vulnerable. Simultaneously, Mamoru deftly avoided the calculated strikes of the weapon master, redirecting their attacks to disrupt their balance.

As the battle royal intensified, Mamoru found himself at the edge of the ring, narrowly avoiding elimination. The dynamics shifted constantly, forming and breaking in the blink of an eye. Each participant fought not only for personal glory but also for the honor of their respective backgrounds.

In the midst of the Battle Royal, Mamoru found themselves face-to-face with a formidable opponent—a lizard-like humanoid being with agile movements and a mastery of hand-to-hand combat. The air crackled with intensity as both warriors unleashed blows with the precision of martial arts masters.

Makoto, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but be awestruck by Mamoru's prowess. 

"Wow, I never knew Mamoru was this strong," 

Makoto marveled, his eyes fixed on the dynamic exchange of blows.

Jin, standing beside Makoto, chuckled knowingly. 

"Mamoru is strong, but he is still naive. That day he got captured was probably because he was trying to protect you and got careless. Now he can fight to the fullest and enjoy himself," 

Jin remarked, revealing a side of Mamoru's past that surprised Makoto.

As Mamoru and the lizard-like opponent continued their acrobatic dance of combat, Mamoru's determination shone through. Despite the formidable skills of the lizard, Mamoru adapted with swift counterattacks and agile maneuvers. Mamoru's smile was evident, a reflection of the joy found in the art of combat.

In a critical moment, the lizard made a wrong move, choosing the wrong footing. Mamoru seized the opportunity, executing a flawless elbow technique that knocked the opponent to the ground. The crowd erupted in cheers, acknowledging Mamoru's strategic brilliance and impeccable execution.

Makoto, still processing the newfound understanding of Mamoru's strength, couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for their friend, who had grown into a formidable warrior capable of facing any challenge.

In the heat of the ongoing Battle Royal, Mamoru's focus remained sharp as they engaged in combat. Amidst the clashes, Mamoru's gaze shifted and locked onto Kigai, who stood in a corner, smiling with an air of quiet confidence.

Suddenly, a wolf-like humanoid warrior seized the opportunity and launched a surprise attack on Kigai from behind. Unfazed, Kigai closed his eyes, his instincts taking over. With a fluid movement, he gracefully dodged the attack and retaliated with a swift kick to the face, rendering the assailant unconscious.

As the dust settled, only four contestants remained in the ring—the strategic Mamoru, the composed Kigai, the fierce leader of the Flaming Dojo, and an agile bird-like creature. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the remaining warriors locked eyes, each assessing the strengths and strategies of their opponents.

The Battle Royal was reaching its climax, the energy in the air palpable. Mamoru, Kigai, the Flaming Dojo leader, and the bird creature stood in a tense standoff, their determination evident. As the square echoed with the unspoken challenge that lingered in the gaze of these last four contenders, setting the stage for the final showdown in the legendary Shinpi tournament.