No POV 3 days after the teams first victory at Kishimoto Locals Tournament, the team had decided to spend the week however they wanted and split up with an agreement to meet again next weekend. Its a Wednesday afternoon at the Takemori Arcade and the leader and manager of team Imagine Victory are working behind the counter, helping customers while talking about the teams. “So now that your whole team has local victories under your belt, you guys are prepared for the Regional tournaments in one month. Nervous?” Takemori asked as he watched over the store. Naoki, stacking boxes on the shelves behind them, grinded his teeth before starting. “Actually, Looking back at the tournament, I think our group might need a little more experience before the next level.” “Oh really? I figured with skilled veterans like yourself and Kai on the team you'd feel more confident. And the non-vets are shaping up to be big players.” “Talent can get you far. Experience can get you farther. And I’d like for my whole team to have a good amount of both. Honestly. All of them are too comfortable on the battlefield. Too capable. I need something to get them into a different mindset.” “Hmmmm, well if you’re looking for something different,” Takemori then grabbed a poster under the counter, sliding it over for Naoki to see. “THIS would be a perfect event, plus a good chance to look for your last 7th teammate.” “... Actually, about that. … Tomiyoka talked to me yesterday about something and there's another I’d like your opinion on.” Naoki said and for a second Takemori felt like they had just reached a high point on a roller coaster. What had happened to Tomiyoka? Takemori POV Sunday Takemori Arcade [@KenjuGuy][@Blade17][@Shiyonichi][@Double] As the last of team Imagine Victory entered the room Takemori looked over the group of 5. The leader of team IV, Naoki, is missing from the meeting for good reason. “Everyone, can I grab your attention for a moment.” I called As I tried to gather the fighters into a huddle in front of the store counter. “Naoki isn’t here today so I’ll be giving you guys the news. Theres 3 thing we need to discuss so listen up!! “Now first things first, Team Imagine Victory will be busy next Sunday as we’ll be going west to Setogaya where we’ll be attending an Anaheim Co. sponsored Gunpla event called the Gunpla Festival. Its a unique event where competitors of all types compete in a variety of different kinds of battles and challenges. Me and Naoki talked about it and we’d like all 4 of you to participate in an event of your choosing. You can pick to team up or do an event independently we don’t care.” As Takemori finished saying this he held out a post with information on the events going forward. A Gunpla Racing Event. A Gunpla Performance Fight. Duos Gunpla Mini Tourni. Gunpla Solo WARS Event. And lastly a Gunpla Quick Build Event.. “These are the big 5 events along with a gunpla idol showing and a couple small AI vs Human events. I’m expecting all 4 of you to participate whether it be together, separate or with outside help. And speaking of 4, someone in your group has an announcement.” As Takemori said this, Tomiyoka who had been standing to the side lifted his hand and nervously walked up to the group of Jun, Kai, Riku and Blade. “U-umm, I’m not sure how to say this properly but … I was really happy when I was invited to join Naokis team. And even happier when you guys joined the group, and don’t get me wrong I’ve improved greatly since joining but … I .. Don’t belong here. I’m just not at the same level as you guys and it shows! How can I stand with you guys if I can’t even keep up” He finished with a sour smile before continuing. “So … when my friend invited me to join the schools Gunpla club I decided to join. I’m not at the same level as you guys yet but I’ve decided that I’m going to start believing in myself and reach that height!!” His smile turned much brighter as a small tear formed in his eye. “S-So you guys better watch out! Because Tomiyoka of Koyaba Primary School will see you at regionals just you all wait!! And when we fight I hope I- *sniff* I hope I can show you guys how awesome I can be!!” I couldn’t help but smile as Tomiyoka bowed when he finished that sentence. It takes alot of courage to leave your team and even more backbone to challenge your former team, especially when the team is all older than you. “Oh, the third part of todays agenda, before I forget, is the reason Naoki is currently busy.” I took a deep breath, not really confident in my next statement. “Naoki is .. recruiting your last team members.” Naoki POV [@Renny][@Dezuel] I stretched my arms nervously as I sat in the booth of the family style diner. A couple notebooks and my tablet in front of me as I looked over the data of the two people I was waiting to meet. Ryuichi and Charmaine, the two mercenaries that we had fought at the Tournament. I had luckily found their contact info online and through an inside source respectively and had sent them emails asking to meet me with me. Wether they would actually show up or not I wasn't sure. Ryuichi was a no brainer. A talented and experienced fighter with little temperament about working in a team and with no previous allegiance made for the perfect target for recruitment. Charmaine however was a different story. I had told Takemori that I had decided to recruit him was because of his building and battling expertise but in reality I wasn’t completely honest with him. During my fight with Charmaine I felt something. It was dark, and subtle but I saw. And if I was ever going to find out what exactly it was and why it bothered me so much I would need to fight Char again. And the only way to guarantee that would be to keep him close. So I continued to wait at the back of the restaurant, a coffee and cake to my side as I waited for the two of them to show up.