Kimiko knew that tonight's match would feature Kasuki Lu and some new challenger who rose to the top of Neopian Sumo wrestling recently. Other than that Kimiko readied her notepad and pen as a Shoyru wearing a kimono walked on the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen! The end of this year's Neopian Sumo wrestling tournament is underway," the Shoyru said. "So without further ado I bring you our reigning champion, Kasuki Lu and an a new face to the scene, Kenshin Norboro!"

The crowd cheered as Kasuki Lu entered the ring. However, they began scratching their heads when Kenshin Norboro was no where to be found.

"I guess he chickened out," Kasuki Lu remarked. "I guess that means I win by default."

Kimiko sighed in disappointment. Her report for the Neopian Times would be a huge let down to her fans. However, the crowd grew still as an enormous Striped Skeith made his way to the ring.

The Skeith was twice Kasuki Lu's size and had a confident look on his face as he entered the ring.

"Sorry, I'm late. There was something I had to do on the way here."

The referee nodded his head. In an instant the match began. Kasuki Lu and Kenshin Norboro clashed. At first it seemed like an even match, but the crowd gasped as Kenshin slowly lifted the sumo Chia off the ground.

Then with a powerful throw Kenshin sent Kasuki Lu flying out of the ring. The crowd went wild as the Skeith was crowned as the winner of the match. Kimiko was in awe of the new sumo champion.

Kimiko made her way through the crowd to talk to Kenshin Norboro.

"Excuse me Mr. Norboro. Could I ask you a few questions?" Kimiko asked.

The Skeith looked down toward the Usuki Usul and smiled. "I would be honored. What would you like to ask?"

"Sorry, Kenshin cannot talk, he must go quickly." The Grundo said as he grabbed the Skeith and ran towards the nearest exit.

"Well that was very strange." Kimiko thought to herself. "I wonder why Kenshin was not allowed to talk to me, and why was that Grundo so frazzled looking?"

Kimiko knew she had to get to the bottom of it. So she ran through the crowd as fast as she could and exited out the same door that the Grundo and Skeith had used moments before.

The door led to a dark alleyway outside. Kimiko could hear hushed voices whispering behind a nearby corner. She crept quietly to the corner and peeked around to see what was going on. She saw the Grundo and Skeith having a heated conversation. Kimiko strained to hear what they were saying.

"That was very careless of you," The Grundo said in an angry voice. "How could you try to talk to that reporter?"

"She seemed nice," Kenshin replied. "I didn't see any harm in it."

"Didn't see any harm in it?" The Grundo replied. "If you talked to her she would find out that you are really..."

Kimiko listened on quietly as the bicker continued.

The Skeith stood in front of the Grundo with a scornful look on his face. "Pray finish your sentence, my good friend." The Grundo gulped as Kenshin clenched his giant fists. "We may have known each other for years but, that does not give you the right to bring up my past whenever it fits your argument."

"...You are always careless with cute girls!" the Grundo sighed. He shook his head as the Skeith turned around and sat down on a nearby chair. "I hope you remember the last time you tried to flirt with a girl and she almost exposed you!"

The Skeith frowned. "Look, I made a mistake last time. It won't happen with every single girl I talk to, okay?"

The Grundo wore a sad face. "I just want to protect you. It's your job to make sure our goal is complete. If we fail, we can never save our village. You know our enemies have sent a spy to stop you."

Kimiko's heart pounded. There was so much information being thrown around that she couldn't keep up with writing them down. As she scribbled notes furiously, her pen slipped from her sweaty palms suddenly. Kimiko froze in fear at the clanking noise when the pen hit the ground. Her eyes darted back up to the Grundo and the Skeith, who were staring at her.

Kimiko stood, shaking, unsure of what to answer. “I...I…”

Kenshin sighed. “Hideo, you know she heard everything. Just look at her notebook. You know she's got more questions than anything. She won't hurt us.”

“That's foolish. You are far too trusting,” the Grundo muttered. “However, I will allow this Usul to explain herself first, as it seems like we don't have a better option,” Hideo spoke, turning to face Kimiko. “What is your name, ma’am? Why were you spying on us?”

Kimiko worked up the courage to speak again. “Kimiko Usumi, reporter. I'm sorry that I intruded on your conversation. I just...felt like it was my duty to find out what was going on. These tournaments are really the most exciting stories I get to cover, and having a new competitor and everything…”

“It's okay Kimiko. I trust you. We will try to explain,” Kenshin reassured.

“Kenshin, you're doing it again.” Hideo shook his head.

“Hideo, we don't have any other option. She is a journalist after all, perhaps she can help.”

“Or she could ruin this operation!” Hideo replied angrily, before calming down and finally giving in. “Fine. Perhaps this is the best choice. We will show it to her.”

“Show me what?” Kimiko blurted out, curious. She was astounded the two pets had not forced her to leave or used some sort of memory erasing potion on her yet. She wasn't quite sure if memory erasing potions were real, seeing she only read about them in books. Her head spun as Hideo and Kenshin’s conversation confused her even more.

“I am glad you're finally trusting on this. Kimiko, just follow us. Do not write any further notes please, unless we tell you to,“ Kenshin said.

Kimiko remained silent as she followed Kenshin and Hideo back into the building, down the narrow hallway and into Kenshin’s dressing room. Kenshin pulled out a container from a closet, and set it down in front of Kimiko.

Hideo opened the box to reveal...

Kimiko gasped. "What is all this?"

"As you may have guessed, Kenshin is not my real name," the Skeith said. "I get a new name every time I change my identity. I have to." He gestured to his body. "Sometimes we mix it up by using colors there is no morphing potion for, just to throw the scent off."

"But why? Why change your identity so much if you want to compete? Wouldn't it be better to stay the same and build up a reputation?" Kimiko asked. Her fingers itched to be writing this down, but she had made a promise.

"You would think that," the Grundo replied. "But, a reputation would be harmful in our case. You see, once you get a reputation as a good fighter, the bookies give you lower and lower odds. A rookie going up against established fighters like Kasuki Lu, though? No one makes that bet, so the people who DO make it... they cash in big time."

Kimiko was aghast. "Money? You're doing this all for money?!" she asked incredulously.

Kenshin - or whatever his name was - had a look of hurt on his face. "You must understand, it's not about getting ourselves rich. But we need to do this, we have no other choice! Let me explain..."

At the sight of the Skeith's crestfallen features, a bit of sympathy developed within Kimiko. They were just trying to help out their people.

"Our intentions were good, not fueled by greed," Hideo added in. "We just...didn't know what else to do."

Kimiko looked up at the Skeith, then the Grundo, right in their eyes.

Then an idea came to her.

Kimiko smiled. "I think I know a way I can help..."

"Okay, hear me out," Kimiko said. The Usul could feel her tail twitching in excitement before she could even get any words out. "For now, stay as Kenshin." She saw the Skeith was about to interrupt so she put a finger up. "Just listen. You stay as Kenshin the Skeith and win a few more competitions. The crowd LOVES you."

"Is that the whole plan?" Hideo asked with a raised eyebrow. "We just told you why that wouldn't work."

"Well, if you keep coming in and winning one time, someone will eventually figure out what's up," the Usul explained. "Yes, your odds will go up as you win but you'll gain a following--that's where I come in. I'll have exclusive reports about how you came from nowhere as a rookie and defeated the champions! I won't even take a cut of the pay, all I want is to be a better reporter. People will pay good money to see you and you'll profit off that for a while before you switch up the identities again and start all over."

Though Kenshin looked eager, Hideo was still not convinced.

"Just think of all the money you'll save on morphing potions," Kimiko added.

The Grundo had a far-off look for a moment as if he were doing the maths in his head. After a moment, he nodded approvingly. "Sounds like a good plan," he finally admitted. He reached out to shake hands with the reporter.

Just before their hands touched, a loud knock was heard at the door.

Kimiko was lifted, ever so carefully, by her new Skieth friend and placed into the box with the potions. Kenshin gave her an apologetic look.

"Sorry," he stated remorsefully "you don't mind, do you?"

Kimiko blinked twice up at him, before her features too took on a look of determination.

"Not at all. Quick, hide me!" She whispered, a bit frantic.

The lid was but back on the box and the morphing potions, accompanied by Kimiko, were safely deposited back in the closet. All the while, the banging at the door had become more and more persistent.

Hideo stood guard by the closet door, acting as naturally as the Grundo possibly could, as Kenshin reached out to open the door.

Who should be waiting on the other side, but Kasuki Lu himself.

“Kasuki Lu, it’s an honor. What can I do for you?” Kenshin asked, feigning innocence.

“Hmm, yes. Kenshin Noboro, is it? I’m surprised I have not heard more about you. You were quite an opponent today....” Kasuki Lu began, grabbing the cracked door, and letting himself inside the cramped dressing room. Kasuki glanced around, his eyes carefully scanning each object before resting his intense gaze directly on the the two in front of him. Hideo shot a nervous look at Kenshin, sweat beginning to bead on his brow.

“I have to tell you, Kenshin, you have real skill. A skill that I have never seen possessed by such a new wrestler such as yourself. Tell me, where is it you come from, again? Maybe I know your trainer, perhaps?” Kasuki asked.

“Well, of course, you just might! I come from —“ And with that, Hideo cut him off. Kenshin knew he needed to keep his answers vague, after all. He was never good with keeping the story straight, especially with so many personas he’s taken on over time.

“Kasuki, please, you must be exhausted. We can surely continue this conversation at a later ti—“

This time, it was Kasuki interrupting. His temper was beginning to come through.

“Well, see this is where you’re wrong. I’m not at all tired. I was merely caught of guard! With such a new opponent, I never would have thought you could beat me! During the fight, I began to wonder... where have i seen this skill before? Some of your moves, Kenshin... well, let’s just say I don’t see a fighter like you often. I always come out on top! I have only been beaten a handful of times before, and they were all different fighters. And see, Mr. Kenshin. You must understand. It all makes sense now. All of these opponents. They share a similar style. A trademark, you might say. I don’t know how it could be possible. But I have no other explanation. I must know, and I must know NOW! Tell me, Kenshin Noboro. Who are you?!”...

How will this story end...

The three others just stared in shock at her.

"Kimiko Usumi, sumo-wrestling reporter, proud to make your acquaintance," she said politely with a small bow.

The three others continued to stare in shock.

"You... were just waiting there," Kasuki Lu gawked, "in that box?"

"Yes sir," she said, beaming. "Waiting for both Kenshin and you, Mr. Lu, to be in the same room together -- to get an interview with both wrestlers in the match, today." She hesitated. "But since you just arrived, Kasuki," Kimiko said as she hopped out of the box, "how about I get an interview with you first?" She smiled up at him and raised an eyebrow. "About your, perhaps, expectant comeback next season?"

Kasuki just looked dumbfounded. "Er..." he trailed, his previous train of thought completely derailed -- but there was this cute reported in front of him -- "Oh, absolutely!" he said to her, flashing a large smile. "Today was just a momentary setback, but of course I'm still the greatest sumo wrestler in the league. I'll be back on top again soon."

The Usul raised her notebook. "Shall we finish the interview perhaps somewhere more comfortable than that Skeith's dressing room?" she asked Kasuki.

"Oh, certainly," he replied with a smile.

As the two walked out of the room, Kimiko turned around and a gave a little wink to Kenshin -- the crisis was averted.

Kenshin gave a sigh of relief as the door closed behind the two. "Well that's one way to end a sto--"

But before he finished his sentence, a Shoyru jumped out of one of the lockers in the dressing room!

Hideo and Kenshin gasped in unison.

"I heard the entire plan," said the Shoyru -- the announcer from earlier today. "From the morphing potions, to the bets, to the wildfires..."

The Grundo was more horrified than ever -- just when it seemed they had gotten off scott-free. "Are you... him?"

The Shoyru just grinned malevolently. "Why yes, I am indeed the spy." He raised his hand, as though ready to punch the Grundo... but then the Shoyru shook Hideo's hand, instead. "A double agent, in fact," he finished with a wry smile.

Hideo could have fainted from that revelation.

"Yes, rest assured, I come from a village nearby yours. All I want is peace in the area. I've been spying on the forest-fire starting village more than anyone, and, incepted into their ranks, I just needed to find out whom it was that's been 'rigging the sumo wresting', so to say." He nodded at Kenshin. "Rest assured, I am fully willing to protect your secret, and testify against the forest-fire starting village -- what with their attempts to drive out the other villages and capture all the land in the valley on the outskirts of Shenkuu!" He seemed to have a fiery passion about him, and Kenshin and Hideo knew he was telling the truth about what he had said.

The Skeith came up to the Shoyru and gave him a big hug.

***

"Ladies and gentlemen! The end of this year's Neopian Sumo wrestling tournament is underway," the Aisha dressed in the Kimono said. "So without further ado I bring you our reigning champion and crowd-favorite, Kenshin Norboro, and longtime wrestler Seobun Ko!"

Both wrestlers were in the ring. It seemed like an even match, but soon Ko was down and out. The crowds went wild for Kenshin. "KENSHIN! KENSHIN!" they cheered.

It had been a great past year. In the initial off-season Kimiko had helped Kenshin used to cultivate a fan-base by publishing numerous articles about his victory, and a fabricated life story -- but one full of real hardships, drawn from the Skeith's past experiences. The Shoyru had been true to his word, and the neighboring village leaders who had started the fires were arrested; the Shoyru was now in witness protection somewhere. Finally, Kenshin and Hideo used the funds from wrestling bets and Kenshin's numerous new advertising deals to rebuild their village.

And it just got better for Kenshin when the league started up again for next year's season: Kenshin kept winning and Kimiko's articles about him just continued to cultivate his fan-base and persona. His name was known by sports fans all throughout Neopia -- and she became a big reporter in the sumo wrestling circle, with her name synonymous with credibility in coverage of the sport, and her articles being read by sumo enthusiasts and newbies alike. Kenshin left the ring of the final match for that season, a proud smile on his face. He high-fived his Grundo manager, and picked up and playfully swung around his reporter. (Well, Ms. Usumi technically covered the entire league -- but she covered him, most.) "Great job, big guy," Kimiko said with a hint of a smirk, her arms folded casually. "I can't wait to see what you write about me," he smirked back. "Come on now," said Hideo, "the post-season party will be soon! We missed it last year for... reasons you both know." He chuckled, slightly. The three went, ate delicious food, and talked with fans, and Kenshin signed many autographs. It was all very good, and Kenshin was grateful to have such an excellent life.

THE END