MANGA SURVIVOR: GRANDLINE

Baroque Tribe

Cagalli Ula Atha – Gundam SEED

Leorio – Hunter X Hunter

Maya Natsume – Tenjho Tenge

Mitsuko Souma – Battle Royale

Rock Lee – Naruto

Rukia Kuchiki – Bleach

Ryo Akiyama – Digimon

Sanosuke Sagara – Rurouni Kenshin

Skypeia Tribe

Edward Elric – Fullmetal Alchemist

Ippo Souchiro – Hajime no Ippo

Konoka Konoe – Mahou Sensei Negima

Mitsuki Koyama – Full Moon wo Sagashite

Nodoka Saotome – Ranma ½

Saki Kasukabe – Genshinken

Sena Kobayashi – Eyeshield 21

Yoh Asakura – Shaman King

39 DAYS...

16 CASTAWAYS...

1 SURVIVOR!

DAY 12

Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)

(Although the storm has finally broken, the ground is still damp and the shelter rotting, so Baroque is going back to their “cave” for the night. Sanosuke leads the way, his torch carrying just enough light to let the tribe see where they're going. Leorio slinks up next to Maya, and whispers in her ear.)

Leorio (whispering): What happened? Why did you vote Cagalli?

Maya (whispering): I didn't!

Leorio (whispering): Don't play around with me. I didn't vote for her, and I know Lee didn't change.

Maya (whispering): It must have been Lee, though. Kid might be smarter than he looks.

(Leorio looks skeptical, but doesn't say anything.)

Leorio: Sure, Lee could have been the one to jump ship, but I doubt it. I'm running on the assumption that Maya is lying to me... but that doesn't mean I can't still use her.

Leorio (whispering): What do we do now? Our plan is screwed.

Maya (whispering): We stick with Sano and company. With any luck, Skypeia will lose one of the next two immunity challenges, and then we'll be in a better position.

(Leorio nods his consent.)

DAY 13

(Baroque has finally emerged from the cave, and is starting to repair some of the damage the storm did to their shelter. Most of the shelter has to be replaced outright, as the rain has rotted a lot of the wood. However, everyone goes about their work with a bit of a smile on their face, forced or not.)

Sanosuke: Ah, it's a great day. The sun is shining, the rain has stopped, and we're finally rid of Cagalli. It's time for a new beginning!

(Rukia frowns, but says nothing.)

Rukia: The past week or so, I've attached myself pretty firmly to Cagalli's cause, and followed her lead... but it looks like I'm the only one who did. That puts me in a bad position right now. I'm so worried about myself that I don't even have time to miss her...

(Meanwhile, Lee is hopping around, already having skewered several pieces of meat. He lands next to Leorio, quietly fishing...

...on the boat, at sea.)

Leorio: How did you jump that far?

Lee: Ninja secrets.

Leorio: Uh huh. And why did you want to talk to me again.

Lee: What happened to the plan? What about the consensus of voting Mitsuko out?

Leorio: So you weren't the one who jumped ship?

Lee: No! And in the end, there were only two people voting for Mitsuko! Not a consensus!

Leorio: Well, I'm pretty sure Cagalli and Rukia were the ones who voted for Sanosuke. And those three voted for Cagalli. But as for the fourth... that has to be Maya.

Lee: Brilliant deduction! But why would she do such a vile thing?

(Leorio has multiple sweatdrops at once.)

Leorio: I dunno. Maybe she was playing us all along.

(Lee sits down on the boat, huddled in the fetal position.

Lee: I had no idea this tribe was so full of deceit...

(Leorio pats him on the back.)

Leorio: Welcome to Survivor, kid.

Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)

(Meanwhile on Skypeia, Konoka is still sick, and lying down in the shelter. Mitsuki watches over her, occasionally being sick.)

Konoka: Sorry to be such a bother...

Mitsuki: Aw, come on Konoka. Now you sound like an old granny. You can pay us back when you get better.

(Edward is trying to get a fire going. He looks at the scene with a frown. As Sena walks into camp with a stack of firewood, Edward grabs him by the arm and drags him behind some trees for privacy.)

Edward: Look, if we lose the next immunity challenge, we may have to vote for Konoka. And this isn't for my sake, it's for everyone's, hers most of all.

Sena: This again?

Edward: Konoka needs a place to recover, and the tribe needs a strong competitor over a sick girl.

Sena: Look Ed... I'm not sure...

Edward: Is it the alliance? Sena, alliances only last as long as they're useful. I'm sure Konoka will understand that it's just a part of the game.

Sena: I don't know...

Edward: What, are you worried about loyalty? I don't know what it's worth if we're down 6-4, but I'll stick with this tribe to the end. Not because I like any of you, but Baroque seem like a bunch of jackasses.

(Sena sweatdrops, but is still stammering.)

Sena: ...maybe, Ed.

Edward: Think about it!

(With that, Ed leaves, frowning.)

Edward: Sena seems so flighty whenever I try to talk to him. It's like he wants to say something, but can't work up the courage. Weird.

Challenge Beach (Spring Island)

(Skypeia enters first for once, brimming with confidence and a bit of pride. Skypeia slowly straggles in. It looks like the usual positions have been reversed.)

Light: Skypeia, take a look at Baroque. Cagalli's gone.

Edward: I noticed.

Light: Don't you start on me too. Welcome to today's reward challenge. Today, you're going to participate in sort of a sports marathon. Each tribe starts out with five people. You'll then play through the five events... soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and triathlon. After each event, your tribe will drop a player, until it's down to one on one. First tribe to take three wins.

Leorio: Man, your challenge guys were kind of phoning this one in, weren't they?

Light (trying to ignore him): Want to know what you're playing for?

(Without waiting for a response, Light continues.)

Light: The winning tribe will get to spend a night away from camp. You'll be taken to a private spa and get a chance to get clean, feast, and get a good night's sleep. Worth playing for?

Leorio: I don't know. Could you toss in some women?

(Light's eyes twitch, but he continues studiously ignoring the Hunter.)

Light: Baroque, you're sitting two people out today. Keep in mind that you cannot sit out anyone two challenges in a row.

Sanosuke: Let's go with Rukia and Ryo.

(The two go over to sit on the sidelines. No one objects to Sanosuke's proclamation this time.)

Light: All right, the first game is soccer. Five on five, first team to score wins.

(The usual Survivor pan-away to the challenge being set up happens. Four members of each team stare each other down, as Light holds a soccer ball between Lee and Ippo. Sanosuke and Konoka have taken net.)

Light: Survivors ready? Go!

(Lee and Ippo immediately squabble over the ball. Lee is ultimately able to get the edge, and he goes down the middle towards Konoka's net. Mitsuki runs at him, but he kicks it away to Mitsuko, who clumsily kicks it to Leorio. As Mitsuki runs to block Leorio, he kicks it up and head butts it to Lee, who delivers a big kick to the ball the same as he does to his enemies. The soccer ball flies right towards Konoka.)

Ippo: Konoka! Stop it!

(She catches the ball and tosses it back onto the court, all within the second before she's bowled over by the sheer force of Lee's kick. Fortunately, Edward is in position and kicks it straight to Sena. Sena uses his speed which made him legendary at the other kind of football and races to the other end, dribbling the ball between his legs. Sanosuke smirks, shifting into position, but suddenly Sena is on the other side and has an easy kick into the goal.)

Light: Sena gets the goal for Skypeia! They lead 1-0. Next up is volleyball. Both tribes go down to four.

Mitsuko: Well, that's enough for me.

(Konoka is still twitching from taking Lee's kick, but raises a shaky hand to volunteer.)

(Just like that, a volleyball net is set up between the two teams. Baroque is serving, their previous loss giving them the advantage. Lee holds the ball level.)

Light: Once again, first team to score takes the event. Survivors ready... go!

(Lee immediately dishes out a powerful serve, which is barely bumped back by Sena. It goes to Mitsuki, who is barely able to get the ball up high enough, but Ippo makes the save and smashes it over the net. Sanosuke bats it back, and the fight is on.)

Light: The teams are fairly even... but one mistake and that's it.

Leorio: But no pressure, right?

(The two teams trade for a little while. Baroque has the most power, with Sanosuke and Lee spiking the ball like they were taking its lunch money, but Sena's speed allows him to make a lot of risky saves for Skypeia. Once again, there's a difference in teamwork, as Skypeia's passes are always smooth and natural, while Baroque is frequently scrambling for position.

Finally, Lee dashes up to the net and returns the ball with a backhand spike. It soars over the net and into the sky.)

Edward: It's going long! Get to the edge!

(The tribe rushes to the end of the court, hoping that the ball will go out of bounds. However, Lee's strike is much more calculated than it previously appeared, as after reaching maximum height it plummets to the ground like a rock, landing almost in the middle of the court... but still on Skypeia's side.)

Light: Baroque wins! It's tied 1-1!

Edward: Y'know, that kid just might be smarter than he looks.

Mitsuki: Wouldn't be that hard.

Light: All right, it's time to go down to three. Baroque, Skypeia, who's going to the locker rooms.

Leorio: We get locker rooms?

Light: It's a figure of speech. You know, the whole sports theme and all?

Leorio: Oh. Well, I guess I'll do it anyway.

Mitsuki: That's enough for me.

(The crew has somehow set up a cement basketball court in about a second. Ah, the magic of television.)

Light: All right, this will be three on three, first hoop wins it. Competing for Skypeia are Ippo, Edward and Sena. Competing for Baroque are Sanosuke, Maya and Lee.

Maya: Why am I always the last girl left?

Light: Hey, don't ask me. Your choice.

Maya: Next time, you guys should hire tougher chicks.

Light: All right. Survivors, you know the drill.

(Light bounces the ball off the middle of the court, and everyone scrambles for it. Ippo manages to come out ahead, weaving through the others and making a break for the hoop. Sanosuke intercepts him, using his height to loom up and block the young boxer. He hesitates, and passes the ball to Edward. Unfortunately, Maya is currently blocking the alchemist, and intercepts it.)

Light: Baroque has the ball now! Maya tearing down the court!

(Sena dashes to make up for her, but while he outpaces her, Maya is a trained fighter and evades all of IPOs’ grabs. She passes it to Sanosuke, whom Edward tries to block, but Sano uses his height to toss the ball in.)

Light: Sanosuke scores! Baroque takes the lead, 2-1.

Sanosuke: Nice try Ed. But you were too short to block me.

(His words have the intended effect.)

Edward: What’s that? Are you calling me a malformed runt as small as a grain of sand who you could crush like a bug and is totally worthless and—

(Ippo and Sena hold Edward back, and drag him over to the bench.)

Ippo: Next one is tennis, right? Sena, we’ll need your speed.

(Maya also takes a seat.)

Rukia: Whatever happened to being a tough chick?

Maya: Hey, even I can’t touch the Golden Two over there.

(The sand has been converted into a tennis court, complete with net. Lee and Sanosuke are staring at the strange instruments known as rackets.)

Light: We’re going to switch things up a bit. First one to take a match scores a point. Survivors ready… go!

(Ippo gets to serve by losing the last round, and smashes the ball across the net. Sanosuke returns it with an equally powerful shot. Ippo returns it, and this time Lee strikes with a spinning return which turns away from Ippo and looks to go out. Sena is there just in time, smacking it back. From there, Sena dashes around the court, returning each shot but without enough force or skill to challenge Sano or Lee. Eventually, one of his shots is just too weak and hits the net.)

Light: It’s 15-love for Baroque.

(Ippo serves again, and this time it’s all Lee can do to return it. However, this sets him off balance, and another shot by Ippo bounces off a vacant part of the court, and Lee is powerless to get it before it bounces out of bounds.)

Light: Skypeia ties it up 15-15.

(This time, Sanosuke returns Ippo’s serve, and Ippo’s return shot is even more powerful, powering the ball straight up to the air. It quickly plummets to the ground, then bounces off in another high arc which lands it outside.)

Light: Skypeia takes the lead. 30-15

(The next serve is a lot more even, with a long exchange and not many powerful shots. Eventually, however, Sanosuke simply doesn’t make it in time and Skypeia chalks up another point.)

Light: 40-15! Game point Skypeia.

Sanosuke: Damnit… I’ll show you.

(Ippo issues his traditional powerful serve, and Sanosuke responds with all the force he can muster. This sends the ball flying, and lands it out of bounds without touching the court once… giving the point to Skypeia.)

Light: And that’s it! It’s 2-2, so we’ll be going down to the final contest, the triathlon.

Sena: Ippo, I’ll – uh – leave this to you, okay?

Ippo: If you’re sure…

Sanosuke: Fine. You and me.

(Mitsuko walks up to Sanosuke and puts a hand on his shoulder.)

Mitsuko: Use Lee.

Sanosuke: But—

Mitsuko: No offense, Sanosuke, but you’ve got to be tired from all those challenges. Lee never quits. Come and sit down.

(Mitsuko leads Sanosuke away by the wrist.)

Rukia (aside): Wow, if I tried that he’d bite my head off.

(The two remaining in the challenge, Ippo and Lee, stand behind the mysteriously paved starting line, farther down the beach than they usually stand. Both stand behind prepared mountain bikes.)

Light: Alright, this is the triathlon. Bike down to the first beacon, swim to the second, and run to the finish line on foot. Winner takes the whole challenge. Lee and Ippo, are you ready? Well if you’re not, too bad. Go!

(Ippo and Lee hop on the bikes and start pedaling. Lee is obviously inexperienced with them, as he swerves and tilts every which way. Ippo doesn’t pay him any mind, pedaling forward with his eyes locked on the goal. He reaches the first buoy with a comfortable lead over Lee.)

Light: Ippo wins the bike race! He’s headed on to the water.

(Ippo dives in and starts madly swimming. He hasn’t had a lot of practice, so it’s mainly doggy-paddling, but he keeps moving nonetheless. Lee soon joins him, making up lost ground with quick strokes, moving across the water like a bullet.)

Light: Lee and Ippo, almost neck and neck! It’s all coming down to the sprint!

(Ippo hits the ground first and tosses himself towards the finish line. However, he quickly starts to slow down, tiring out. Behind him, Lee is as fast as ever, and despite Ippo’s gasping and wild steps, Lee overtakes him. The Konoha ninja breezes past the finish line to take the challenge for Baroque.)

Light: Baroque wins reward!

(Lee pumps a fist, and his tribemates run up to celebrate with him. Skypeia hardly seem fazed by another loss.)

Light: Baroque, you’re going to get a night away from camp. The boat’s waiting for you down the beach. Skypeia, you also have a boat… back to your miserable cold beach.

(Konoka and Mitsuki are clutching each other’s hands and sobbing in full on SD-mode. The boys just hang their heads and walk back down the beach.)

Baroque Tribe (Tropical Resort)

(The resort is a very swanky place. It’s cool, with comfortable sitting and a spread of food on the tables. A jazz musician plays in the corner. It’s to this setting that the seven members of Baroque arrive, complete with the requisite squeals and “Oh my god!”s. Then they all descend on the food. It’s mostly vegetables and health food, but it’s better than the usual island slop.)

Ryo: Dibs on those nuts!

Rukia: Dibs on everything else!

Ryo: You can’t do that.

Rukia: Why not?

Ryo: Because dibs don’t work like that.

Rukia: I don’t understand.

(While Ryo explains another facet of human culture to Rukia, Maya and Leorio are trading jokes, and Sanosuke and Mitsuko are, of course, together.)

Sanosuke: Oh, you can’t be satisfied with just that much.

Mitsuko: That’s okay Sano. I’m not hungry.

Sanosuke: How can you not be hungry?

(Mitsuko shrugs, while Sanosuke continues trying to getting her to eat more. Lee is on his own, just kind of pigging out.)

Ryo: I think it was the first time since the first day that the whole tribe was together and having fun. Normally, everyone is on edge... maybe it’s the food, maybe it’s the change of setting, but people can just relax.

Lee: Of all things, my greatest weakness is personal interaction… my tribemates just think I am strange… I’m so sorry Gai-sensei!

Ryo (pigging out): This is delicious!

(Sanji, One Piece character and pirate cook extraordinaire pops his head in.)

Sanji: Well, of course!

(He leaves.)

Rukia: Wait, what just happened?

Ryo: It was a cameo appearance. You’ll get used to them.

Skypeia Tribe (Summer Island)

(Ippo is in the forest, gathering fruit. He pauses to take some aggression out on a nearby tree, punching it rapidly. Leaves from the tree flutter down, but Ippo catches all of them.)

Ippo: Good to see I’ve still got it.

Edward: Wow, anger management anyone?

(Ed steps out from behind a tree.)

Ippo: Why are you here?

Edward: I’d make small talk, but I know you won’t buy that this is just a stroll through the woods.

(Ippo seems a little intimidated by Edward’s ultra-serious demeanor.)

Edward: We need to talk about Sena.

Ippo: Sena?

Edward: I don’t think he’s giving it his all in the challenges. It’s like he’s scared. I’ve been like that, and it hurts your abilities. You don’t think you can be all that great, so you don’t try to be. But Sena’s been getting better, and I try to help him out.

(Edward seems utterly bored by this.)

Edward: Yeah, but our tribe isn’t the place to learn self-confidence. We need to win challenges. I think he should be the next boot, if we lose tomorrow.

Ippo: But he does try, and he’s still pretty good in challenges.

Edward: Okay then, one of the girls.

(Ippo sighs as he realizes that Edward is just trying to get himself off the hook.)

Edward: So far my strategy has been to win over Sena, as he’s sort of the weak link of the alliance. But even if I do that, now that it’s down to five I still won’t have enough votes. I’ll have better luck exploiting that weak bond by turning them against Sena and buying myself another tribal council.

Ippo: Look, stop trying to save yourself.

Edward: I’m not—okay, I am. But this is a real concern. If we can’t count on Sena to deliver…

(He lets the sentence hang. Ippo turns away, and goes back to punching trees.)

Baroque Tribe (Tropical Resort)

(Meanwhile, the larger tribe has hit the showers. Cue token fanservice shots, although for Maya and Mitsuko they’re much tamer than usual.

Maya exits the showers with a towel wrapped around her chest and torso. Ryo and Leorio are sitting there, grinning lecherously.)

Maya: Ah, that feels good. I never realized how filthy I was until now.

(Ryo and Leorio keep grinning.)

Maya: Hey, you guys want me to show you how I can kick both your asses while still keeping this towel perfectly in place?

Leorio: … so, how’s grabbing some more food, huh Ryo?

Ryo: But Rukia still hasn’t got out!

(Leorio starts dragging him out by the ear.)

Leorio: Let’s settle for two out of three, okay?

Maya: So Matsudo’s already left?

Leorio: Yeah, she and Sano went down to the massage centre.

Maya: Ah, I see. “Massage.”

Ryo: Aw, take it easy on them, alright? I don’t know about Mitsuko, but Sano’s really into her.

(Maya just rolls her eyes.)

Maya: I foresee problems with Mitsuko down the road. She’s already got Sanosuke wrapped around her fingers, but she’s done it in a way that nobody thinks she’s anything but his trophy. For now, I’m glad we’re on the same side.

DAY 14

(Yes, it’s already been two weeks on the island for our castaways. Things have gotten so bad that half of them are… curled up in nice beds, sleeping soundly in a nice resort. So much for surviving.

Not for Rock Lee, however. The martial artist is practicing his morning training routine, consisting of several exercises counted in the hundreds and a couple kata that would make most martial artists dizzy watching. He looks back at his tribemates with a little anger.)

Lee: My teammates slept until almost noon. That sort of drive is not what makes a winner! Perhaps I have unusual standards, but in my mind this is basic laziness. Master Gai has taught me that those who work hardest succeed… I hope that applies to this game.

(Rukia stirs in her sleep, and opens her eyes a little.)

Rukia: It was so great to finally get a decent night’s sleep. I feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the game. That’s right, I’m not giving up anymore – I’m going to do everything I can to stick around, even if I am behind the 8-ball right now.

(She grins and poses.)

Rukia: Ichigo has taught me human world cliches now too!

Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)

(Another cool day on Winter Island, and the tribe is away at work. Only Ippo is left, tending the fire. He talks to himself.)

Ippo: Mitsuki, I know I’ve only known you two weeks, but I really like—no, too soft.

(He straightens himself out and tries another one.)

Ippo: Mitsuki, I was just wondering if maybe after the show you’d like to get together – no, too vague. How about Mitsuki, I’ve never felt about anyone the way I feel about you… too sappy.

Edward: Not to mention grammatically incorrect. I think.

(Edward walks in, dumping a pile of wood near the fire.)

Ippo: Gah!

Edward: You know loverboy, I wouldn’t practice those when anyone could walk in.

Ippo: I-I can hear Mitsuki coming. She’s not sneaky like you.

(Edward looks like a light bulb just appeared over his head.)

Edward: I don’t think Mitsuki’s the one you should be worried about.

Ippo: What do you mean?

Edward: Well—I shouldn’t say it. It’s just speculation, but…

Ippo: But?

Edward: Never mind. Get back to practice kissing or whatever.

(Edward walks off, leaving Ippo confused.)

Edward: Sena and Ippo are good guys, but they don’t exactly have great social graces. So they can be easy to manipulate.

Ippo: I’m pretty sure Edward is just trying to freak me out… but it was kind of mean of him. I mean, I’m doubting myself enough with this whole Mitsuki situation.

Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)

(The Survivor Motorboat of Arriving On The Beach ™ pulls onto Summer Island. The seven members of Baroque step off on the beach, thanking the driver profusely. They’re all smiling and refreshed, and both their bodies and clothes have gotten a well-deserved wash.)

Ryo: Man, I feel like the past two weeks didn’t happen!

Rukia: Don’t tell me we’ve got to win all those challenges all over again!

(Ryo laughs and heads off with Sanosuke and Mitsuko. They seem a little annoyed, but let the Tamer tag along.)

Leorio: I’m getting worried about those three.

Lee: More scheming? What happened to unity?

Leorio: Unity is for chumps. Guys, if we don’t turn on that group now we’ll never be able to… at least not without risking a few of our own.

Lee: I refuse to participate in such treachery! Should we go to tribal council, I will vote for the group’s weakest member, whoever I may deem that.

(Lee storms off, with all the dramatic force he can muster.)

Rukia: So, I’m assuming that he voted for Cagalli and you two went for Mitsuko?

Maya: Unless you or Leorio isn’t telling me something.

Rukia: I’m not sure I can trust you… no, I can’t trust you. But I guess I have to work with you anyway.

Leorio: Good enough. Let’s go for Mitsuko… take out the head. And then we have a chance of Lee going along with it.

(Maya nods, and glances away.)

Maya: They still haven’t figured out I’m on the other side? How dense can you get?

Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)

(Konoka bursts through the trees, running at top speed, hoisting the usual box that comes with treemail over her head.)

Konoka: Tree mail tree mail!

Ippo: Another challenge? We can take this one, right?

Edward: We’d better.

(Ippo takes the treemail out of Konoka’s hands, and she collapses into the ground, exhausted.)

Ippo: Maybe you should have saved your energy for the challenge.

Konoka: But I was really excited…

(Ippo unveils the usual assortment of items… a scrap of paper announcing the time of the challenge, a barbell, and three small figurines.)

Sena: What is this, a weightlifting challenge or something?

Edward: That would be my guess.

Sena: I’m just glad that I got that hell march training done before I went on this show.

Edward: Did you? I’m never quite sure how the continuity works here.

(Cue challenge music. Both tribes arrive by boat at roughly the same time. Baroque makes a point of being all smiles, their clean skin nearly shining. Skypeia looks on enviously.)

Light: Skypeia, you’re getting your first look at the new Baroque. Nobody was eliminated, but they bathed, so you might not recognize them.

Maya: Like any of you could forget us.

Light: Ahem… today will be a test of both strength and strategy. Three members of your tribe will be forced to hold weight poles over their heads. These poles will start out light, but every couple of minutes the other two members will get to put additional weights on an opponent of their choosing. The last tribe standing wins immunity, and is safe for another three days. Simple enough?

Leorio: …yeah, except you totally ripped that off.

Light: Well, they can’t all be little snowflakes. So, who’s holding the weights?

Sanosuke: Let’s see, Ryo, myself, and… Lee.

Ippo: I’ll do it.

Edward: I can probably manage that.

(Sena hesitates, then looks at Konoka and Mitsuki.)

Sena: I-I’ll do it. I can’t say I’ll get very far but…

(Maya scoffs.)

Maya: Boys.

Sanosuke: And we’ll be sitting out… Mitsuko and Maya. Rukia, Leorio… strategize away!

(As is typical, we flash to the start of the challenge, with everyone in position. All six men are lifting weight bars above their heads, currently empty.)

Light: This is also an endurance challenge – you could be out here for a long time, so take that into account. Survivors ready? Go!

(Everyone seems pretty calm in the easy going – even Sena is lifting the bar over his head with ease. There are a few nervous jokes, but the tension is still thick.)

Light: All right, time for the first weights to be put on.

(This decision is pretty automatic, as they’ve had plenty of time to strategize. Leorio and Rukia head immediately for Sena, putting both sets of weights on his shoulders. Konoka and Mitsuki are a little more even, putting a set each on Ryo and Sanosuke.)

Sena: Irk…

(The football player struggles with the weight, barely able to keep it above his head. He manages to last another couple of minutes before he throws the bar down, despondently heading over to join the survivors sitting out.)

Light: Baroque’s strategy pays dividends, as Skypeia is down to two.

FIRST ELIMINATED – SENA (7 MINUTES)

(The others are less cavalier about the challenge now, but still seem to be doing alright.)

Light: All right, next weights.

(Rukia and Leorio choose to double-team Edward this time, putting two sets of weight on him. Lee gets the same weights from the Skypeia team.)

Light: Different strategies are being used here – focusing on the strongest versus focusing on the weakest.

Edward: Hey, are you calling me weak?

Light: Read into it what you want.

Edward: I’m warning you…

Light: Edward, I control your fate in this game. Think about that before you do anything.

(Edward curses under his breath, but the challenge moves onwards.)

Light: Third set of weights!

(Baroque piles two more on Edward, who sweats and curses but refuses to give up. Skypeia splits theirs up, putting a set of weights on Ryo and another on Sanosuke. Ippo is the only one with no weights. Everyone manages to survive, until Ryo throws down his bar, exhausted.)

Ryo: Sorry, guys.

SECOND ELIMINATED – RYO (18 MINUTES)

Sanosuke: Don’t sweat it, Ryo.

(In the next round, Baroque finally decides to burden Ippo, giving him two sets of weight. Skypeia puts one on each of the remaining Baroque members, giving Sanosuke and Lee three sets a piece.)

Light: We’re starting to talk about a lot of weight here.

Leorio: Who’s talking?

Light: It’s an expression.

(Edward turns to Ippo with an exhausted grin.)

Edward: Don’t think I’ll give up and make you look good.

Ippo: Well, uh, I’m not going to lose to you!

Konoka: Um, you guys are on the same side…

Mitsuki: Ah, stupid male rivalry… the strongest force in the universe.

(We get the usual Survivor “time elapsed” shot of the sun. Everyone’s burdened with a lot of weight, and are visibly slouching. Edward has the most, while Ippo only has three or four sets – not that it’s a walk in the park for him either. Skypeia has stuck to their strategy of distributing their weights evenly between Sanosuke and Lee.)

Skypeia: You guys have been out here about forty minutes. I must admit, you’re showing a lot of endurance here.

Edward: This? This is nothing.

(Edward immediately pitches forward, collapsing in exhaustion.)

THIRD ELIMINATED – EDWARD (41 MINUTES)

Ippo: Great…

Sanosuke: Only a matter of time now…

(It’s a bit later, and Ippo now has a rather hefty weight on his shoulders… but so do Sanosuke and Lee, and they’ve been holding it for longer. The Skypeia strategy pays off, as after the ninth weight is put on Sanosuke gives up, tossing the pole to the ground, exhausted.)

FOURTH ELIMINATED – SANOSUKE (55 MINUTES)

Edward: Not so tough now, huh?

Sanosuke: … shut up.

Light: This is down to one each… Ippo and Lee.

Leorio: Hmm… a tough strategic decision…

(Both sweat as they take on more and more weight. Ippo is quite obviously the weaker one – he may be a boxer, but he’s not a very big one. On the other hand, Lee has had to carry an increasing amount of weight for a longer time. In the end, they both collapse around the same time, with one hitting the sand about three seconds after the other… but there is still a winner.)

Light: Skypeia win immunity!

(The four members of Skypeia yell with joy and crowd around Ippo. The girls help support him, and he bows in each direction… an old habit. Meanwhile, Baroque is quite visibly crushed.)

Lee: …I’m so sorry, everyone.

Light: Baroque, it was close, and Lee lasted over an hour… but in the end, you will be going to tribal council tonight. See you there.

Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)

Sanosuke: Damnit damnit damnit DAMNIT!

(In his rage, Sanosuke punches a whole in the shelter roof. Mitsuko rushes up to try and restrain him, while the rest of the tribe watches on with a mixture of amusement and fear.)

Mitsuko: Calm down!

Sanosuke: Why do we keep losing?

Ryo: We only lost two…

Sanosuke: Too many, Ryo. We should have won that challenge. I know we’re stronger than the other team, and we were better rested to boot! Why did we lose?

Mitsuko: Look, these things happen. Sometimes things just don’t work out, and it isn’t anyone’s fault.

(Sanosuke storms off. Mitsuko and Ryo follow him, trying to calm him down.)

Leorio: You know, if he wants to blame anyone…

Rukia: We only lost by a hair. Worst case scenario, we’re even going into the merge. I don’t know what everyone’s so upset about.

Maya: I don’t know why you’re so cheerful. I mean, you’ve got to be the next target for their alliance.

Rukia: Yeah, I guess you’re right. I mean, I was Cagalli’s ally, and I haven’t really stood out… it’s easy to convince someone to vote for me.

(She stares at the ground, looking depressed.)

Leorio: Ah, come on Rukia! You know that we can save you. As long as we convince Lee, it’ll be four to three.

Rukia: Isn’t that what you said about Cagalli?

Leorio: We screwed up there. But trust me, this time we’re all on the same page.

(Rukia frowns, but nods.)

(Lee is in the forest, hunched against a tree, shivering. Suddenly, he strikes up a fighting pose and pounds at the tree, peppering it with punches and kicks which send bark flying everywhere, before collapsing against it once more.)

Lee: I lost. It was not even a team loss… it falls completely on my shoulders. Someone is going home tonight, and it will be on my shoulders. I AM SO SORRY MASTER GAI!

(He hears chattering, and quickly straightens up. Lee runs up the tree ninja-style to pick fruits. Sanosuke, Mitsuko and Ryo enter, having left the beach in the scene previous.)

Mitsuko: I mean, she’s not even that useful. I mean, she’s like, okay, but nothing special, am I right?

(Ryo and Sanosuke nod.)

Ryo: So, Rukia next?

Mitsuko: That’s what I was just saying.

Ryo: Right, but that was before the scene started.

(Sanosuke and Mitsuko look at him weirdly, and Ryo just shrugs.)

Sanosuke: Hey Lee! How’s it going!

Lee: Fantastically, Sano-kun!

Sanosuke: Okay… hey you two, why don’t you go on and get some water? I’m gonna talk to Lee and then head back to camp.

Ryo: Okay. I’m sure we’ll have... fun.

(He grins lecherously at Mitsuko. She, in turn, slaps him. They sulk off.)

Sanosuke: Lee, get down here.

(Lee hops down from the tree, landing in a crouch.)

Lee: Yes?

Sanosuke: Let me guess… you’re sad about losing, and ashamed about giving out before that kid.

Lee: Uh… no! I am perfectly fine!

Sanosuke: You can be honest with me, Lee.

Lee: …a little.

Sanosuke: Look, kid… I know you’ve lost before, and I can tell you that I’ve lost plenty before. But you can’t throw a crying fit every time you do. Being a warrior means that when you get beaten, your only reaction is to get back up and try to be better so that it doesn’t happen again. It means that when someone breaks your bones, instead of laying there and wondering how it happened, you get back up and say that you’ve got lots more bones where those came from, and you’re going to use ‘em. Understand?

Lee: …wow, that was actually sort of motivational Sanosuke.

Sanosuke: What can I say, Kenshin must be getting to me.

Lee: I shall train even harder, so that I can defeat Makunochi-kun when we meet next!

Sanosuke: That’s the spirit. I’ll train harder too. There’s no way we’re going to let Skypeia slip out from under our grasp.

(They butt knuckles.)

Lee: There! A promise between warriors!

Sanosuke (smiling): …yeah, whatever kid.

Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)

Mitsuki: Way to go Ippo!

Edward: Yeah! You da man!

(Everyone stares kind of awkwardly at Ed.)

Edward: Right… I’ll have to note to never say that again.

(The camera moves to reveal that Ippo is laid out in the shelter, weak from the effort.)

Ippo: Not now… Takamura…

Sena: I guess he’s pretty out of it.

Konoka: Yeah, I don’t blame him. He’s not that big a guy, and to lift those weights all the time…

(Edward nods sagely.)

Sena: Winning the challenge was great because now it feels like we have a real shot to make it to the merge intact… well, as intact as we’re going to get. Just one more immunity win and it’ll be all tied up.

Edward: Well, as much as I’d like to rest, there’s work to be done. We’re low on food, so we’ll have to go gathering… that and water.

Konoka: We’re always low on food.

Edward: That’s because people keep eating too much.

(Everyone sort of shrinks away from Edward in shame. Except for Ippo, because he’s not moving.)

Sena: S-sorry.

Edward: Eh, don’t worry about it. There’s plenty of food around here if you know how to look.

(Sena, Konoka, and Edward all move off into the woods to search for food. Mitsuki looks to follow them, but hangs back for a moment.)

Mitsuki (staring at the ground): Uh, thanks for holding on that long Ippo… I know it must have been hard.

(She pauses once more, to screw up her courage, before leaning in to give him a peck on the cheek. Ippo blushes scarlet, and mutters something incomprehensible. Mitsuki quickly scampers off.)

DAY 15

Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)

(Sanosuke is down by the waterside, looking for fish. It’s not going very well. Rukia walks up to him, carrying a bucket of water, and pauses to squat down next to him.)

Sanosuke (snappy): What do you want?

Rukia: Your fourth is playing both sides.

Sanouske: Huh?

Rukia: The fourth member of your alliance. It’s you, Mitsuko, Ryo and someone else… and that someone else is also telling Leorio, Lee and me that they’ll vote with us and that we’re safe.

(Sanosuke pauses, obviously biting his tongue.)

Sanosuke: So why are you telling me this again?

Rukia: I want to be a part of your alliance. I’ll help you vote out the fourth and replace whoever it was. I swear I’ll be loyal to you only.

Sanosuke: I imagine you said the same thing to Cagalli.

Rukia: I’m only trying to survive out here, Sanosuke.

Sanosuke: …I’ll talk with the others. Not the fourth.

Sanosuke: I think I handled myself well. I didn’t give away any of the vital information the other two are always talking about. See, I’m not so dumb after all!

Skypeia Tribe (Summer Island)

(The boat, a familiar setting for covert dealings, is home to a much brighter conversation today – between Mitsuki and Konoka.)

Mitsuki: Thanks for coming along! I know you’re sick.

Konoka: I’m not really that sick. I mean, I’ll live.

Mitsuki: Right! Now, we’ve got to catch some fish, to prove that we can help out the tribe.

Konoka: Because it’s the right thing to do!

Mitsuki: Right!

(Both nod, determined but cute, and cast out their lines. A minute passes.)

Mitsuki: Okay, I’m bored now.

Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)

(Lee walks into camp, holding a pot of water above his head. Maya, exiting, passes by him and stops to talk.)

Maya: Hey Lee. About the vote tonight…

Lee: I will not make a deal with you.

Maya: Fair enough. But are you still going for Mitsuko?

(Lee pauses, trying to decide what to say.)

Lee: I am going to vote for which I think is the weakest, as this game is meant to be played. And that is all I will say to you.

(He walks the other way, in a bit of a huff. Maya frowns.)

Maya: It doesn’t really matter, because I’ll probably vote with Sanosuke’s group… but I just hope Lee hasn’t changed his mind about who’s weakest. I know that if those three managed to get into his ear they could probably persuade him to vote for Rukia… and if they convince Lee, they don’t need me anymore.

(Maya continues into the forest, where she’s quickly cornered by Mitsuko herself.)

Mitsuko: You know Maya, I heard something interesting recently.

Maya: And?

Mitsuko: A little bird told me that you weren’t being completely loyal to us… that the reason the others weren’t all panicking was because they think you’re allied with them.

Maya: I should have known not to trust that damn bird.

Mitsuko: All jokes aside, is it true?

Maya: Yeah, I’m working the other side. But don’t worry, my loyalties are with you.

Mitsuko: They’d better be. Because you? Can be replaced—

(She snaps her fingers.)

Mitsuko: Just like that.

(Maya frowns as she walks off.)

Maya: I think this whole “swing vote” thing might be more dangerous than I thought.

Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)

(Konoka and Mitsuki are still fishing, staring dully at the water. Back on land, Edward and Ippo are once again sparring, this time clashing swords. And by “swords” I mean “sticks”. Edward knocks Ippo onto his behind.)

Edward: What do you know. I win again.

Ippo: It was close this time, though!

Edward: I’ll give you that. Maybe if I beat you down a few more times, you can give up your silly punching sport and become a swordsman.

Ippo: Not a lot of demand for that any more…

(Ippo gets back up, clutching his stick.)

Ippo: Again!

Edward: Ippo, that’s like the twentieth time today—

(Ippo is not listening, and charges forward, madly swinging. Edward pokes him in the stomach and sends him back to the ground again.)

Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)

(Leorio is hanging around, drawing in the sand. The drawing is of stacks and stacks of money. Hey, got to keep your eye on the prize.

Maya storms up, looking angry.)

Maya: That all you care about?

Leorio: In this game? Yeah.

Maya: And that’s why you want to betray us?

Leorio: Wait, what?

Maya: Don’t lie to me. I know that you offered to join their alliance.

Leorio: Hey, wait a minute. How would you know about that?

Maya: So you admit it!

(They’ve started to gather a crowd.)

Leorio: No, this is a hypothetical question. Where did you hear this from?

(Maya pales a bit, but keeps her expression fierce.)

Maya: I overheard them talking.

Leorio: You expect me to believe that?

Maya: It’s true.

Sanosuke: What’s going on?

Mitsuko: Sano-kun, I don’t like it here. Let’s go somewhere else.

(Mitsuko subtly hurries Sanosuke away, clinging onto his arm.)

Leorio: Look Maya, can’t you see what’s going on? You’re being duped!

Maya: Leorio, listen—

Leorio: They’re trying to tear us apart. It’s their only chance, because we outnumber them. Mitsuko probably let you overhear what they were saying so that you would turn on me.

(Maya stares at Leorio, wide-eyed. She seems to make a realization.)

Maya: Rukia! It was Rukia who sold me out! Damnit, now that I went around accusing Leorio I’ve shown too much of my hand.

Maya: Y-yeah, you’re probably right.

(Ryo, watching on the edge of the forest, looks on with interest.)

Maya: Let’s talk somewhere else.

(Leorio nods, and the two head out into the forest. Ryo enters, walking up to the gawking Rukia and Lee.)

Ryo: What was that all about?

Lee: I have no idea.

Skypeia Tribe (Winter Island)

(Mitsuki and Konoka are still on the boat, bored out of their minds. Mitsuki is practically falling asleep.)

Mitsuki: Let’s head back.

Konoka: But we’ve only got a couple little fish. That won’t even feed me, much less the whole tribe.

Mitsuki: It’s been, like, six hours. I don’t know how the boys stand this.

Konoka: Yeah, I guess you’re right.

(Konoka starts dejectedly pulling her line out of the water, when it gets tugged back down.)

Konoka: I’ve got something!

(The Mahora student pulls and struggles at it… until the fish surfaces! One of the Grand Line’s famous oversized animals, a fish as long as a man!)

Mitsuki: Wow!

(The fish pulls away, pulling Konoka along with it.

Konoka: Ah! It’s too strong! Help me out!

(Mitsuki grabs on and pulls – but somehow, the man-sized fish is still stronger than two small human girls. It flops away, pulling the two out of the boat.)

Konoka: Don’t let go! This is our chance to prove ourselves!

Mitsuki: Am I gonna almost drown again?

(The fish surges through the water, twisting and turning to try and get the girls to release, but they doggedly hang on. Its zigzagging gets more pronounced, and it goes so far as to try to knock them off by leaping through the air – and landing on the beach. Skypeia beach, that is.)

Sena: What the...

Ippo: It’s a beached fish.

Edward: A very big beached fish.

(Konoka and Mitsuki, wet but triumphant, crawl onto the beach after it.)

Mitsuki: You can thank us later.

Edward: What happened to the boat?

(Both girls look guilty before deciding to beat the ungrateful Ed with cartoon mallets.)

Baroque Tribe (Summer Island)

(Maya drags Leorio through the bushes, before finding a secluded spot.)

Leorio: You know, if you’re trying to seduce me, I have to say that I like your forward approach.

Maya: No, you idiot, I just want to tell you something away from the peanut gallery.

Leorio: And what might that be?

Maya: Sanosuke, Mitsuko and Ryo think I’m on their side. I voted with them last time. But don’t worry – I’m with you guys all the way.

Leorio: So why lie to them?

Maya: I’m hoping to get some information from them. Like, for instance, that someone from our group is outing me.

Leorio: Well, it’s not me.

(He pauses to think about it.)

Leorio: Lee might do it just to remove some of the sneakiness from the game. Or Rukia could do it trying to replace you.

Maya: I’m thinking Rukia for now. Lee doesn’t really seem to get the sneakiness enough to stop it.

Leorio: Don’t underestimate him. He may be childish, but that doesn’t make him stupid.

(Maya nods, looking confused.)

(On the beach, the others are having their own meeting – Sanosuke, Ryo, Mitsuko and Rukia are lounging around the fire, with Lee probably off working as always. Sanosuke rests his head in Mitsuko’s lap, and she brushes his hair out of his face. Rukia, on the other hand, looks kind of uncomfortable.)

Rukia: So, we’re voting Maya tonight.

Ryo: Yup! That snake is going down!

Rukia (smiling): Great! I’ve just got to go make sure that they haven’t realized anything yet.

(She gets up and walks away. Mitsuko smiles, and waits until she leaves to speak.)

Mitsuko: All right guys, here’s the real plan.

Ryo: We’re not going for Maya? What about the snake going down?

Mitsuko: Look, just do what I say and we’ll be in the clear…

(Of course, we fade out before we hear her plan. Hey, it’s convention.)

(The tribe prepares for tribal council. This time, everyone has packed their bags. They line up and get on the canoe, looking like they’re going to prison.)

Mitsuko: Am I worried? You bet. So many things could go wrong tonight – but if they go right, it’ll be all worth it.

Rukia: I’ve done my best, I’ve worked with people I never thought I would – if I still end up going home after all that, I’m going to be pissed.

Maya: I’ve got a big decision to make. No matter what I do, half the tribe is going to be pissed off at me.

Sanosuke: Tonight, we end all doubt… and prove that my alliance has complete control of this tribe.

Tribal Council (Autumn Island)

(The leaves are grey as the seven members of Baroque march themselves into the tribal council area. Light is already standing there.)

Leorio: How long have you been standing there?

Light: Long enough.

(Leorio shivers and sits down with the others.)

Light: All right, Baroque. You were the dominant team for the first ten days or so of the game… and all of a sudden you lose two immunity challenges straight. What gives?

Lee: It was my fault. I grew complacent, and neglected my training. Master Gai will be furious!

Rukia: Don’t listen to him. I think Skypeia has worked better as a team lately, while we’ve kind of been taking them for granted. I assure you, it won’t happen again.

Light: You’d better hope not. Ryo, from what I’ve observed Sanosuke seems to be the leader of this tribe, although some people have objected to that. Is that correct?

Ryo: Well, I don’t know who’s objecting now that Cagalli’s gone. Sano is kind of the leader, because we all – well, at least I look up to him. Personally, I think he’s doing the best he can.

Leorio: Well yeah, but we’re still going to tribal council. If this is the best he can do, maybe we need a new leader.

Maya: Truth be told, I don’t see why we need a leader anyway. We can all make our own decisions.

Light: All right, obviously a contentious topic.

(Most of the tribe looks kind of confused, not knowing what “contentious” means.)

Light: Maya, do you think you’re safe tonight.

Maya: Well, you know, never say never – but I personally don’t think I’m going home tonight. I just can’t see why I’d be a target right now.

Light: You’d better hope you’re right. It’s time to vote. Leorio, you’re up first.

(Leorio goes up to the voting booth and writes down his choice – “MITSUKO”.)

Leorio: This is nothing personal, it’s just strategy. However, I’d like to note that this bit o strategy makes me personally feel very happy. Good riddance.

(Maya goes up and hesitates for a little bit before casting her vote. Mitsuko votes, then Lee. We don’t see his vote, but we hear what he says.)

Lee: I really wish this could be avoided, but I guess out of everyone you’re the one I think should stay least.

(Rukia goes up and writes down “MAYA” in a fancy cursive style.)

Rukia: Maya, I like you, but this is the only way for me to survive. Maybe next time you should be more truthful.

(Ryo and Sanosuke vote quickly and without thought. As Sanosuke returns, Light heads off.)

Light: I’ll go tally the votes.

(After some dramatic shots of the torches, he returns with the jar.)

Light: Once the votes are read, the decision is final, and the person voted out will be asked to leave the tribal council area immediately. But don’t let that prevent any of you from being dramatic. We need the ratings.

Leorio: Okay, got it. Meltdown.

Light: First vote goes to… Mitsuko.

(Mitsuko nods, seemingly accepting it.)

Light: Second vote… Rukia.

(Rukia frowns, but seems to remain optimistic.)

Light: Next vote… Maya. Mitsuko. Mitsuko has two votes, Maya and Rukia each have one.

(Maya looks around, wondering who voted for her. Mitsuko doesn’t seem surprised.)

Leorio: Not a good time to be a girl, apparently.

(Light reads the next vote and raises an eyebrow before turning it around.)

Light: Leorio. Man, you guys are all over the place tonight.

(Leorio looks shocked. His jaw approaches the floor when the next vote also reads “LEORIO”.)

Light: That’s two votes Leorio, two votes Mitsuko, one vote Rukia and one vote Maya. If the next vote isn’t for Leorio or Mitsuko we go to a tie vote. We might end up with a three-way tie. Has that ever happened before?

(Everyone just kind of glares at him, wanting Light to get on with it.)

Light: All right. Fifth person voted out of Manga Survivor: Grand Line…

(…dramatic pause…)

Light: …Leorio.

(The Hunter looks stunned, as do most of the surviving Baroque members, but slowly gets up and offers his torch. Light snuffs it out with a bit of a grin on his face.)

Light: Leorio, the tribe has spoken.

Leorio: Wow… okay sorry Light, no meltdown, but… well played, all. Well played.

(He leaves, vanishing into the dark exit way of Tribal Council.)

Light: Well, if today’s tribal council showed one thing it’s that this tribe is rather fractured… and that you never know when elimination can come. Go back to your beach, Baroque. I get the feeling that this is only getting started.

Last Words

Leorio: Wow, that one really blindsided me… it’s funny how you think you’re in control of this game, right before you get voted out. I guess my mistake was in trusting Maya. Ah well. I’m still rooting for you though, you sneaky bitch.

Voting

Leorio – Mitsuko

Maya – Rukia

Mitsuko – Leorio

Rock Lee -- Mitsuko

Rukia – Maya

Ryo – Leorio

Sanosuke – Leorio

Author’s Notes

Well that took… inordinately long. Considering that I actually got Episode 4 to Arp at the end of May, this chapter has taken three months, two of which I was on vacation for. Sorry for the delay, and there’s really no excuses – I just lost interest for a while, probably something to do with my general lack of interest in fanfic these days. Don’t get me wrong – this will be completed, and possibly even with more series to come.

Interesting episode, no? Well, at least the last half. Leorio was a character I had big plans for before I thought up a more interesting turn of events, so I kind of feel guilty for eliminating him here… oh well. I think I did a pretty good job with his personality, even though he was rather ineffective as a schemer. The series he hails from, Hunter X Hunter, is worth picking up mainly for him and Kurapika, although the focus on the other two (more boring) characters and mastery of the anticlimax made me give it up.

The next episode will hopefully be along quicker. Hope you enjoyed the fic, and feedback would be appreciated.