When Yasushi was ambushed which led him to the hospital with a bleeding head, Rikki Ishikawa, Yasushi's younger sister by a year, decided to go back to their hometown and learned about what happened to her brother.
Being the protective sister that she is, of course she would like to know what happened and who did it which led her to Oya High.
Unknowingly, catching the attention of a returning student, Fujio Hanaoka, when she barged into a school full of delinquents without any fear and care in the world but to only find Kiyoshi, Yasushi's partner in crime.
A stubborn yet kind hearted girl, and a delinquent with a golden retriever personality. Should the two meet, would it be fate? Or just a pair of strangers passing each other's lives for a brief moment?
HIGH & LOW: THE WORST SERIES
HANAOKA FUJIO X OC
"Why are you moping here on your own?"
The day is currently gloomy, not even a peak
HIGH & LOW: THE WORST SERIES
HANAOKA FUJIO X OC
"What the hell's a girl doin' 'ere?!"
"Huh? A girl?!"
*whistle*
Whispers and
HIGH & LOW: THE WORST SERIES
HANAOKA FUJIO X OC
The night was chilly. There were no stars in the night sky, but the moon shone brightly,
HIGH & LOW: THE WORST SERIES
HANAOKA FUJIO X OC
It hasn't even been past a week since the incident of Housen declaring war on Oya High
HIGH & LOW: THE WORST SERIES
HANAOKA FUJIO X OC
"What are you spacing out for, Fujio?"
Tsukasa looked at his friend with a raised b
HIGH & LOW: THE WORST SERIES
HANAOKA FUJIO X OC
"Seriously? I'm surprised the old man agreed."
Yasushi stated while the girl was sm
Yasushi stated while the girl was smiling widely in joy.
"It took a lot of convincing, but he eventually agreed. Also, Granny did approve and so I already handed my transfer papers to Midori Gakuen. I'm starting tomorrow."
It had only been a week and a half of her supposedly temporary visit when Rikki announced that she'll be living with her brother for real this time. Currently, Yasushi and Kiyoshi have been helping her with her things to and settle in their apartment. Although unexpected, Yasushi didn't dislike the fact and is actually happy to be with his sister again. He just wouldn't admit it.
With a cheerful demeanor, she started to cook their dinner while Yasushi decided to take a short nap while waiting for the food, feeling exhausted after carrying his sister's belongings towards their apartment. Kiyoshi had already left earlier when his mother called him for an errand to run.
...
"Hi everyone! I'm Nishikawa Rikki, please take care of me!"
Upon introducing herself, her new classmates greeted her with warm welcomes to which she was grateful for and took a seat by the window, not noticing the set of eyes staring intensely towards her direction. Surprisingly, a lot of them were friendly towards her, and she even managed to make friends, especially with an energetic girl named Kirisame Mio who surprisingly had the same interest of cooking like her.
They managed to get to know each other more as the day goes by and only separated when school was over since their direction home was opposite of each other. The good thing was Midori Gakuen is just a walking distance from their apartment that Rikki didn't need to take the bus, and so she walked home, thinking about what to cook for dinner when she bumped into something, or rather, someone.
"Oh? Ri-chan!!"
Hearing a familiar voice, she looked up to witness Fujio with his usual bright smile. She's been suspiciously bumping into him more often in the streets, but she didn't dislike it. Greeting the teen, her attention was caught with the fact that his face was covered in dirt and the side of his lip was bruised. Seeing his state, concern came into her.
"Fujio! Are you okay? You have bruises on your face."
Looking away shyly, Fujio nodded with an awkward chuckle. Actually, he just had a short altercation just a few minutes ago when a group of smug looking guys had decided to mess with him but of course, they were all beaten to a pulp, although one was lucky enough to land a punch to his face and they actually rolled in the dirt which explains why he looked like a lost puppy in his state.
"Ah, just a scratch. I'm fine though! Anyway, it's nice to see you again, Ri-chan!"
"You know, it's not good to always get into fights. Here, come with me."
Her instinct to treat the injured had taken over and without a warning, Rikki took Fujio by surprise when she grabbed a hold of his wrist and headed into the direction of the convenience store where Fujio was initially headed to get some band aids and maybe some cup ramen since he is pretty hungry at this point, but it seems Rikki beat him to it. Unconsciously, he just stared at the girl in wonder while she scans the aisle for band aids and alcohol pads, not noticing the small smile he let out in the process. He only snapped out of it when Rikki again gently dragged him to sit by the bench outside of the store and asked for his permission so she can clean his wounds to which he slowly nodded, too entranced at her display of kindness.
"Here. That should do it. They ran out of the normal one's, and this yellow one is pretty cute. I hope you don't mind."
With a heartful laugh from her, Fujio didn't notice the yellow-colored duck designed band aid that she placed beside the side of his lip and on his left cheek. Too star struck at the girl and only managed to snap out of it in embarrassment when his stomach grumbled. The girl was also silent at first before laughing at him again.
"Sorry. I guess I'm hungry..."
He shyly stated while looking away. But hearing the girl laugh, he couldn't help but find her attractive, especially when she had a gentle touch to her, just like when she cleaned his wounds. He couldn't forget how light her hands were---
"Eh?! Sorry, I made you clean my wounds!"
For the third time, Rikki was again amused at how occupied he can be. She may look dense and has no sense of danger most of the times, but she is pretty observant. Besides, Fujio is pretty fun to tease, she learned that today when he easily blushes at his somewhat awkward ministrations. She couldn't help but question his brother's words when he would always ramble as to how shameless Fujio can be. The Fujio she is facing right now looks so timid and shy that it amuses her.
"It's okay. Actually, I'm used to cleaning wounds, especially from fights. Having a brother who always fights in a daily basis, you get used to it. At this point, I might even consider entering the medical field in the future with how much I get to witness wounds and treat them on a daily basis!"
"Then, you'd make a great doctor, I'm sure of it!"
"You think so?!"
"Yeah! If that happens, I'll run to you every moment I get injured!"
"Uh, I don't think that it is reassuring. Please don't get injured."
Without realizing it, the two had become comfortable with each other and Fujio went back to his usual jovial self, smiling and joking with the girl to which it really made her burst out in laughter with all his jokes and humor. The two not realizing how time went by and it got darker and darker, only when Rikki had sneezed that the two had realized the time and Fujio had noticed how she is lightly shivering with the cold. Both had decided to eat inside the convenience store earlier and now it was dark.
"Here, take my jacket. Sorry, it's kind of dirty but it'll do."
Fujio offered his gakuran towards the shivering girl to which she didn't get to protest when the teen had already placed it on her, so she just thanked the ravenette. His kind gesture caught her attention which made her smile unconsciously when she suddenly remembered something and fished out her phone from her bag.
Rikki checked her phone and it actually had ten missed calls from Yasushi and four from Kiyoshi which made her panic. She forgot that she had turned her phone into silent mode just earlier.
"It got so late. Sorry Ri-chan! I held you back for too long!"
Fujio apologized and Rikki just shrug it off with a smile.
"It's fine. Besides, I had fun. Let's hang out sometime again, okay?"
"Sure! I'll bring Tsukasa too if that's fine with you!"
"Really?! Then I'll be looking forward to it!"
The two had exchanged numbers and of course, Fujio insisted to accompany her home since he was mainly the reason why she got home late and despite her protests, in the end, she agreed. She had also called her brother back to which earned her a line of nagging and it was a close call since Yasushi was about to run the town over, looking for her. Thankfully, she calmed her brother down, although he sounded serious when he heard Fujio's name and that he is with her. He eventually ended the call in a serious notion of "Get home safe." which confused the girl, but Fujio could sense it.
"What's his problem?"
Fujio just chuckled, totally understanding what made Yasushi turn serious. Of course, if your sister is walking home at night with a delinquent like him, who wouldn't worry? Fujio can already see how the sibling's relationship works. Yasushi is indeed a big brother who's protective of his sister.
He could already feel a fist aiming towards his face the moment he steps into Oya High in the morning.
...
And he wasn't wrong.
"I told you we just became friends!"
"If you have any evil intentions towards her, I'll kill you!"
Upon arriving at their usual hang out, which is basically the rooftop, Tsukasa was greeted by an angry Yasushi and a scared looking Fujio who is currently raising his hands in the air like someone who is surrendering to a cop. He raised his brow at the sight.
"The hell is going on?"
Jamuo rushed to Tsukasa's side and explained everything in a mixture of panic and amusement.
Apparently, Yasushi had lunged at Fujio the moment he came which surprised the others who were present, mainly Nakagoshi, Tsuji, Shibaman, and even Todoroki, and also Jamuo and some of their buddies from Fujio and Tsukasa's Faction. Yasushi may be fight-crazed but his aura seemed kind of off which Todoroki had noticed. It wasn't just the usual playful fight that he would usually initiate.
What intrigued them more was the reason of Yasushi's irritation. It was because of what happened between Fujio and his sister last night. He apparently didn't like that the two had known each other, thinking that Fujio might do something to his sister to which some of them didn't even think that Fujio would do something like hurting a girl. Nakagoshi even attempted to argue but Fujio stopped him.
"Yasushi! That's enough. As much as I hate to admit it, you know yourself he can be trusted. Besides, Rikki would be really hurt if you keep driving everyone away from her."
Despite Kiyoshi lowering his voice into a whisper when he approached to stop his partner, Todoroki, who is the closest to the two had barely heard it, but he did. It made him raise a brow but decided not to interfere, besides, it isn't his business anyway. Although, he was a bit intrigued about Nishikawa Rikki, it seemed like there is more to her than meets the eye. The sole girl who entered Oya High without fear.
Yasushi seemed to calm down and after some time, he's gone back to his usual self and the tension earlier had dissolved like there never was in the first place. Fujio then again mentioned how he wanted to hang out with Rikki again together with the others sometime much to Yasushi's irritation and refusal, but the others were also intrigued that they insisted to meet the girl too. In the end, Yasushi, deep inside, already trusted Fujio and the others although he would never admit it. Over his dead body.
In the midst of laughter, Jamuo couldn't even help but to point out how cute Fujio's yellow and duck designed band aids were that everyone agreed and teased the teen to which he suddenly remembered how he didn't notice it at first, or more likely he spaced out, when Rikki placed them on his face. He only knew of it when he went home, and despite the standout design and color, Fujio still wore the remaining band aids that Rikki got for him knowing how he might get teased for it later. It was actually Yasushi who instantly knew who gave him the band aids upon noticing the design because Rikki does love to use cute-designed band aids on him even with his protests and knowing how the two were together last night, it isn't impossible that it was Rikki who treated Fujio. This is because the girl has the instincts to treat the injured, no matter who they are to which Yasushi would always scold her for it because they might take advantage of her kindness.
Tsukasa looked at his friend with a raised brow. The latter being unusually quiet, like he's thinking of something with a serious expression. This made Tsukasa nudge him and he acted in reflex, kicking Tsukasa in the gut which surprised him.
"Shit sorry man."
Fujio nervously grinned at his friend who just sighed, forgetting the fact that he was just kicked in the gut out of thin air. Looking at Fujio seriously, he pats his back.
"Don't worry too much. We'll save your friend."
Tsukasa stated, knowing how Fujio is. Despite the latter's cheerful personality, he can sometimes plunge into depression whenever worry and anxiety creeps into him. He cares about his friends dearly and right now, one of his childhood friends, Arata Maekawa have been involved in a shady organization called Kidra, whose been actually responsible for the distribution of the drug called Red Rum and the one who instigated the fight between Oya and Housen.
"Yeah, I know."
They continued to walk in silence when the blonde-haired teen spotted a familiar face, heading towards a familiar direction, nudging Fujio on his side.
"Isn't that Yasushi's sister?"
Fujio perked at his statement and looked up to see Rikki walking alone. Without a second thought, he called out to the girl which surprised Tsukasa at how casual his friend is. As far as he knew, Fujio never met the girl, heck, they didn't even know of her until that time at the rooftop but even then, they never really interacted. Not that he knew of.
"Oh, Ri-chan!!"
He can see how the girl slightly flinched at the sudden call and turned around to see two teens, one who's familiar. Fujio then dragged Tsukasa with him, skipping in excitement as they approached the girl who smiled shyly. His sudden change in moods can be really surprising.
"Hanaoka-san"
The girl formally greeted with a small bow. Looking at them in curiosity.
"Fancy meeting you here. By the way, this is my buddy, Tsukasa."
He cheerfully said which made Tsukasa raise a brow, but then looked at the girl with a small smile.
"Takajo Tsukasa, just call me Tsukasa."
He politely stated. The girl bowed slightly.
"I'm Nishikawa Rikki, it's nice to meet you, Tsukasa-kun"
She greeted and Tsukasa can really tell how similar she is with Yasushi, finally sinking in that the gremlin actually has a sister.
"I can't still believe that you're Yasushi's sister."
His words, Rikki understood that he meant no disrespect, so she laughed. It was normal for one to be surprised that she and Yasushi were siblings because of how opposite they are in personalities, but the features never lie if you look at it closely.
Although, with their small interaction, a certain ravenette was pouting on the side, putting his arm around Tsukasa with a playful frown.
"No fair Ri-chan, you should call me by my name too, and without formalities!"
"Ri-chan?"
Rikki was taken aback at his playful behavior and Tsukasa chuckled at his friend's antics. Typical of Fujio to be childish at times that he's gotten used to it. As well as his habit of giving nicknames to people he just met. He's grateful that Fujio ceased calling him in his made-up nickname. The others would laugh at him being called "Tsun", to which Fujio claims that it fits him.
"Yup! You're Ri-chan from now on."
Despite the confusion, Rikki nodded while chuckling in amusement. She suddenly remembered how Yasushi would always complain about a certain teen named Fujio and his cheery personality which makes him want to deck him in the face with how smiley he can get even though they are in a fight and looking at him now, he really is bright.
"Okay, Fujio. By the way, what are you doing here?"
"Just walking around. What 'bout you? Walking alone again? You know it's dangerous for a girl to walk around alone, especially that it is getting late."
Tsukasa was amused at how civil Fujio is towards the girl, sensing something different with how he usually behaves but couldn't actually pinpoint what's wrong.
"I'm actually thinking about visiting Hope Hill. Though I know it's probably desolated now."
Hearing about their childhood home, Tsukasa then remembered about something regarding the place.
"I think it's better if you don't go there for the meantime. I heard it became a breeding ground for thugs to gather. It's dangerous"
He explained, Fujio nodding along. Actually, they already knew that the group called Kidra is using that place as their den while they make and distribute Red Rum. More importantly, the day after tomorrow, they would pay a visit to that place, all of Oya and Housen students to settle score with Kidra.
"Oh.....I see. Thank you for the warning, Tsukasa-kun, Fujio. I guess I'm going home then."
Rikki thought for a second but before she could wave goodbye, Fujio held out his hand to the side.
"Let us walk you home!"
He suddenly shouted and both looked at him, quite surprised. Even Fujio himself.
"It's fine Fujio. Besides, it's not even dark yet. I can handle myself."
Rikki smiled at his offer but decided to decline. Flustered with his sudden offer. Fujio just grinned, placing his hand at his nape, looking to the side as he insisted.
"It's fine. We insist, besides, we're friends now!"
He insisted further which made the girl agree with an amused smile, but his little actions didn't get past Tsukasa's observant eyes, making the latter tilt his head in amusement. It was rare to see a shy Fujio in the presence of someone after all, or maybe because he's acting like how a shy boy would act in front of his crush.
Tsukasa smirked at the thought.
...
"Come on, stop frowning. I promise I won't even have a single scratch on me this time."
Yasushi consoled his little sister, passing her some carrots while she chops them. It hasn't even been a week and yet another fight is about to begin and Yasushi refuses to be out of it, making Rikki frown even more. She knew how much her brother loves to fight but with his injury not fully healed, she was worried.
"You better. You have to treat me to some ice cream for making me worry, okay?"
Taking it as a sign of approval, he grinned with a salute and went to put on his jacket and left, making Rikki sigh. She may not fully stop him from fighting but she will always be there to support him and patch his wounds.
"Osu!"
Yasushi screamed for the last time before fully shutting the door and scampered off. Despite being crazy in fights and sometimes has no regard for his safety, he never liked worrying his sister. It was easy to get into fights when she was miles away because she would not actually get to see him bruised up if ever, but now that she's back, he knew not to be reckless and go home in a state where she would fret over him.
...
"That's disturbing"
"Right?! They're like zombies!"
"No matter how hard they get hit, they're still smiling like crazy. It's creepy!"
"Aren't you describing yourself, Nii-chan?"
"Ha?!"
The trio, Yasushi, Rikki, and Kiyoshi were currently sitting at an Ice cream parlor while enjoying their cold treats. After their fight with Kidra, true to his words, Yasushi treated his sister to ice cream, and of course Kiyoshi is invited. It was normal for the three of them to hang out even way back then. And just like the old times, the two would tell her stories about their escapades and the fights they would get involve into, as well as the people who they get to fight with and others. At this point, Rikki knew some of Oya's students, only by their names though.
"Actually, I've already met Fujio. In fact, we became friends!"
Rikki cheerfully stated and upon hearing this, Yasushi whipped his head to stare at her, raising a brow with a questioning look. Same as with Kiyoshi.
"Since when?"
"Oh-- uh"
Rikki ended up spilling everything, from how she had met Fujio and about the creepy guys that night, and not to mention, their second meeting and with Tsukasa that time. Rikki told them everything and thanks to Kiyoshi, Yasushi didn't end up storming out of his seat to chase after the two guys that disrespected his sister. Rikki managed to convince him to calm down and he somehow did.
"See, this is why the old man insisted that you learn how to pack a punch. You're too absentminded when it comes to danger and assholes with evil intentions. You should've decked them in the face the moment they looked at you with their shitty faces."
Yasushi implied with a punch in the air which Rikki sighed and looked at the treat in her hand. Kiyoshi even strongly agreed with a fierce nod.
"Violence isn't always the answer Nii-chan."
"It isn't. It's the question and the answer is yes."
With a serious expression, Rikki could tell that her brother isn't joking, so she gave up on resisting. There's no arguing with Yasushi. His head is as hard as a rock and when he sets his mind on something, there's a better chance of seeing him wearing a cute onesie than to change his mind.
While the trio was busy chatting with each other, unbeknownst to them, a figure was stealthily taking photos of the short haired girl who's currently laughing at her companions' shenanigans. A dark smirk crossing their face as they exited the shop.
Although they have proven that they are responsible enough to partake in adult matters, they couldn't deny the fact that they are still teenagers and Murayama better teach his brats to have awareness for danger and life and death situations.
"Fujio-san look!!"
"Oh?! That's awesome!!"
"Right?!"
"Kiyoshi check this out!!"
"Damn!"
...
It was an eventful evening. The air permeated blood and sweat, as well as the clearing of dust from earlier's fiasco. Groans and hisses of pain can be heard and yet a series of shouts from excited teenagers earned their attention.
It was an intense battle. A war to settle old scores of unfinished businesses once and for all. When Kuryuu conceded defeat after the casino project was exposed and the law enforcement were hot on their tails, the Korean mafia tried to undertake SWORD once more with the help of the Mighty Warriors, and the remaining Doubt members, without Ranmaru, and as well as Kidra with the Kanehira brothers.
Old enemies who decided to taunt SWORD once again under Lee's command. They started their old ways, with red rum beginning to resurface again, girls were once again vulnerable to Doubt's exploitation and terror, and the series of threats and warnings left on their territories just like how it was back then with the Mighty Warriors.
This led SWORD to once again unite and settle scores with them. Cobra led Sannoh Rengokai, Rocky with White Rascals, Murayama returning to take the reins for Oya High since they couldn't and wouldn't let Fujio, a teenager still lead Oya into a battle of grown ups much to their protests. While Takeshi and Pi became co-leaders for the Rude Boys in honor of Smokey, and of course, Hyuga still got his signature bitch face as he led Daruma Ikka.
The container yard fight was phenomenal since it was the first time that the whole SWORD district has united, and even better that the legendary Amamiya brothers were part of, but this time, the Amamiya brothers weren't present and instead of the container yard, the old railway tracks, where they had fought Doubt the first time, was where the fight took place this time.
As intense as it was, SWORD had won the fight and Lee had fled the country when he knew that he had no chance of taking down SWORD in his current state.
...
After the eventful fight, Rocky just wanted to take a rest and maybe have a smoke after but instead, he could feel a headache coming, not because he was hit in the head earlier with a pipe but because a certain raven haired teen is pestering him with a wide grin plastered on the latter. That teen being Hanaoka Fujio, Oya's full-time leader and to no surprise, Murayama's brat. They are junior and senior indeed.
"You're White Rascal's leader!! It's a pleasure to meet 'cha!"
Despite his battered state, he is pretty energetic that Rocky doesn't have the strength to keep up. He's pretty tired and talking to the teen is only making him more and more restless with Fujio's constant questions and bursts of excitement.
"Is your teeth real silver?!"
"How do you manage to maintain your suit so white?!"
"Even mom couldn't easily wash off the blood on my uniform, and it's black!"
"Murachi told us that you're a grouchy person, but I think he's wrong!"
"Do you think it will suit me if I wear dark glasses too?! Maybe I should!"
"Tsukasa also admires you, he just doesn't want to admit it!!"
"Take it easy, brat. I swear you're more eccentric than Murayama at this point."
He could already feel a pulse inside his head that he raised a hand to stop Fujio from asking ridiculous questions any further and tapped the ground lightly with his cane, when Fujio came to realize something the moment he mentioned Murayama.
"Oh right! I have to see Murachi!"
With a cheerful wave, Fujio scampered away and began to look for Murayama like a lost puppy with his tail wagging while looking for its owner and even if Rocky finds it endearing, he's relieved that the teen finally left. He's not getting any younger and talking to a jovial person like Fujio will surely make him age faster than Cobra can drive his bike.
...
Meanwhile, on the other side, Hyuga is amused by the teenagers in front of him with their innocent -not really- looks. Practically, in his eyes, they're still babies despite those menacing looks and their thirst for fighting. Like little gremlins. In fact, he liked their spirit, but they're still brats so he would take a pass because he doesn't have the energy to babysit children, much less he had his hands already full with the Daruma babies.
More importantly, he could feel Cobra and Rocky's glare even from a couple of feet away when he jokingly offered the teen, from what he learned earlier was named Jamuo, his roll of weed. He swore the kid was about to pee his pants in his presence.
"You kids shouldn't really have been here in the first place but I guess Murayama's brats are of different breed."
Sakyo commented at the side which made Hyuga smirk and the others chuckle while the teenagers, mainly, Yasushi, Kiyoshi, Jamuo, Nakagoshi and some other full-timers who protested at the remark saying they weren't kids anymore.
"So you're the infamous Hyuga huh?"
Yasushi stated with a feral grin which made Hyuga to raise a brow and replied with a bored tone.
"What's it to you brat?"
Yasushi's grin got wider, ignoring Hyuga's remark of him, he cracked his knuckles in excitement and tilted his head, looking at the older man in a taunting manner.
"Wanna go at it?"
Not minding his beaten up state, he confidently challenged Hyuga who let out a laugh and took a whiff of his blunt and blowing it to Yasushi's direction. Somehow, Hyuga could see his younger self in the teen. The reckless and blood thirsty Hyuga who seeked for revenge a couple of years ago before he finally settled and let go of his anger, thanks to Cobra, but don't tell him that.
"Give it up. I don't beat up kids and you're injured. Murayama would fuss and I hate dealing with his annoying ass either so I'll pass."
This made the teens protest once again and Yasushi with his partner Kiyoshi was about to take a lunge at Hyuga to provoke him was stopped when Fujio approached and put an arm around their shoulders which earned a groan from Kiyoshi and an irritated glare from Yasushi which Fujio just laugh it out to ease the tension.
"Now now. You're injured dude, take it easy."
"Speak for yourself, ya' got a nasty black eye and can't barely stand."
The three teens bickered with Jamuo and Nakagoshi standing at the side with a restless expression. Ukyo and Sakyo watched the teenagers in amusement, commending them with their bravery in joining the fight with adults and actually withstanding it, even still having the energy to bicker with each other after. While Hyuga rolled his eyes and decided to take a nap on the hood of his car, not having the energy to watch children fight among themselves.
...
"Nakagoshi-san!! You have to hear this!"
With a distant call from above, on the elevated railings were Nakaoka and surprisingly, Bernie from Mighty Warriors who also waved which earned a confused look from Nakagoshi but relented and rushed towards them.
After the fight, the remaining Doubt and Kidra members fled, together with Might Warriors but somehow, Bernie, and not to mention, Jesse and Pho decided to stay a little longer. Despite the earlier heated fight with them, the moment they've recieved Sarah's call that Lee had terminated them and left, they immediately ceased to fight, having no sense in it when they aren't going to get paid in the end. Ice was pissed and left with the others but the three stayed, finding it amusing to see teenagers joining an adults fight.
Nakaoka had caught Bernie's eyes because of his style and after the fight had ceased, they immediately got into talking about hiphop jams and Bernie found it amusing how the teenager's eyes would sparkle upon listening to his stories about how Mighty Warriors was formed and his hobby of DJ-ing. It turns out that Nakaoka also wanted to be a DJ someday so he tried giving him tips to which the younger man happily nodded and even called his senior, Nakagoshi in excitement. Bernie was more than happy to teach the kid what he knows. In spite of their initial start, he liked the kid's enthusiasm in DJ-ing, something they shared. Some men do get along really well if they share something similar even if they started as enemies and that applies to them.
"I like this kid."
He stated in English while Nakagoshi curiously sauntered towards them with a curious look and Bernie could feel another teen is about to he amused of his awesomeness that he couldn't help but let out a wide grin. Maybe Ice wouldn't mind if he would snatch some teens and bring them over to their place. Maybe.
...
On the train rails, was Todoroki helping Tsukasa to stand up straight when the blonde haired teen twisted his ankle during the fight. They were talking about how Murayama would flip at them after this since they basically disobeyed his rule of no full-time students partaking in SWORD matters but they couldn't help it, not when Kidra had messed with them once again and Doubt even tried to harm high school girls, not on their watch.
"You better get that checked out this instant."
A baritone voice stated and they went alert to see Pho standing over the train tracks above them. Thinking he came back to finish a job well done, they went into fighting mode to which the big man shook his head.
"Relax. Fight is over. More importantly, you kids shouldn't have joined in the first place. What were they thinking, letting teenagers fight with adults."
Despite his intimidating appearance, he suddenly looked like a big brother figure when he began scolding them passively to which they were left speechless.
"Ya' kids should spend your time studying, not getting involved in fights, especially these kind of fights where you can get killed. Did Cobra even agree that you kids should be here? Wait, your leader is Murayama right? He should know not to bring highscool kids into danger."
Todoroki was taken aback and Tsukasa did not know what to say. Instead of protesting to how they treat them as kids and calling them like they're still infants, the two just looked at each other and to Pho whose currently eyeing for Murayama.
Never did they thought that a man like him who looked like a ruffian thug had a soft heart and Todoroki could guess that he has a soft spot for kids despite his appearance. They did not know exactly hos background but they have heard that he's gotten out of prison before joining Mighty Warriors with Jesse so they have assumed that he's like some blood lusty man with the need to seek violence but it looks to it that they were wrong.
"Don't call us kids. We're used to fighting and we won't let them get away when they mess with us. Murayama understands so he can't do anything about it."
Todoroki answered with a firm voice while Tsukasa was silent. Pho looked at them for a minute before bending down to offer a hand.
"I see."
He didn't say anything more and looked at them, still offering a hand to which Tsukasa first accepted and got out of the tracks, same as with Todoroki
"You should be careful. Some fights can end in a bloodshed. Don't rush things. You're all still young, you should take care."
With a serious expression, he turned his back and walked away with a wave. The two just stared at his retreating figure.
His words did hit them. They knew how lucky they are to survive the fight. It wasn't just like the fights that they had with others because they knew that joining in SWORD matters involves life and death, a reason why Murayama made a rule to divide the part-timers and full-timers. But they knew that Murayama still needed them, especially for this fight although the older man wouldn't want to endanger teenagers like them so they were the one to make the decision and insistently joined the fight. They all made their convictions to face the consequences later, especially when facing Murayama's wrath who is currently being scolded by Cobra and the Rude Boys in a distance.
...
"That sounds sick, dude!"
"Right?! I'm awesome like that!"
"So who won between you and Cobra?"
"Ahh that, too bad, we never got to finish our fight."
Tsuji and Shibaman looked at each other before looking back at Jesse whose currently crouching by a crate. The two were also close by him, too invested in his stories with the Mighty Warriors and his life in prison. They were like delinquents gossiping, except that it is actually what is happening that no one would even think that they were fighting earlier, or more like Jesse was toying with the two teenagers. Although he admits that the duo were strong, just not enough experience to par with an adult like him who've gone all his life fighting but he commends them.
And now, he's starting to like them when they looked so interested and amused at his life so he started to gloat about his fights and it didn't disappoint because the two teenagers were looking at him with gazes of admiration.
"Can you teach us your move, Jesse-san?!"
"Yeah, you were awesome when you kicked his ass!"
"Hah?! You've got your ass kicked too!"
Soon, their insistence for him to teach them his moves escalated into bickering when one or the other would insist who got his ass kicked harder by Jesse that the older man laughed. Honestly, he dislikes kids and couldn't bother himself to interact with teenagers but Tsuji and Shibaman caught his attention because of their dynamics in fighting and their stand out hair colors. He liked their style.
Jesse waved at a serious looking Cobra, together with a restless Yamato and a happy looking teen whose grinning from ear to ear. He could even spot a whinning Murayama not far behind with Furuya and Seki.
"Why are you still here? Your friends have already left."
"Aww come on don't be like that. I ain't your enemy now."
Jesse playfully stated but Cobra looked unamused. Instead, he just sighed and looked at the teen beside him whose eyes were sparkling, staring at Jesse.
"Ohh!! You're Jesse! Too bad, I want to see your fight with Cobra-san!"
The golden retriever-- ehem, the teen whose name is Fujio, he learned when Tsuji called out to him, exclaimed in excitement. Jesse let out a smirk and Cobra just rolled his eyes.
"Really kid? Why don't you ask Cobra then? I always have time to spare for a rematch."
Jesse tried to provoke Cobra and Fujio was about to ask the blonde haired older man when Murayama chimed in and dragged the teen away in a headlock to which Fujio let out grunts of protest.
"Later"
Cobra uttered and stormed off, following the two men and Jesse couldn't do anything but stand there, until Pho came and told him that they are leaving.
...
"Oh Tsukasa! You know, I met Jesse and Rocky-san earlier! I want to meet the rest of the Mighty Warriors too but they left."
With a pouting face, Fujio crossed his arms while Tsukasa just sighed, already feeling tired and his ankle isn't helping at all. He just wants to lay on the ground at this point but he knew they were about to recieve some scolding, especially with how Murayama looked so serious and not to mention, Cobra too.
"You kids really took after Murayama. This was a dangerous fight. What were you brats thinking?!"
"Wha-- I'm not like them, Cobra-chan!"
"Shut up. You should be responsible for their safety!"
"But I tried to stop them, and they went behind my back!"
Murayama soon glared at them because he was the one taking the heat from the other SWORD leaders and the teens just looked away, acting in nonchalance that the part-time leader's brow twitched in annoyance. Now he's reconsidering his leave in Oya of their recklessness would continue, although he's glad that they have united as one.
"But we won, right?! That's what matters!"
"Yeah!"
"Did ya' see how I kicked those guys' ass?! They fight shitty for an adult!"
"It was awesome!"
"I know, right?! Keeps my blood pumpin'!!"
At this point, even Cobra has lost the will to scold them, knowing how hardheaded they are. He and Yamato were once like that too back in Mugen and Kohaku had to keep them grounded so he understood where they're coming from. Now that he had matured, he could also understand why Kohaku and Tatsuya were so strict when it comes to them joining in fights because he knew they were just looking out for them and while they were still young, they wouldn't realize the recklessness of their actions until it's too late and Cobra doesn't want that to happen with these teenagers.
While Murayama did change and had matured a bit over the years, from a hotblooded teenager always seeking fights and aiming for the top, he did realize a lot of things the moment he stood at the peak. It was lonely, he now knew, but he had found his path and he wanted to make these kids realize that everything is not just about fighting and aiming to be number one. Being a leader isn't just about being the strongest but it is more than that. He knew these kids got potential and they can achieve greater things but he had to teach them the value of time. They weren't going to be kids forever but it doesn't mean that they have to immediately start acting like adults and involve themselves in matters that they, Murayama and the others, could still handle while they are existing.
"Murayama"
Furuya called out to him.
"I know. Let's go home."
Seki and Furuya nodded and the latter yelled for everyone from Oya to start leaving, some hopping in the truck and others started to help the injured to get in.
"Till next time, Cobra-chan."
Murayama waved and Cobra just nodded with a small smile, barely noticeable but Murayama did. Despite Cobra's irritation, Murayama knew that the former is relieved deep inside that no one died today.
"Oi! Fujio, let's go! Stop pestering them!"
Seki dragged the teen whose currently bothering Yamato and Noboru with his ridiculous questions and the two adults can finally let out a sigh of relief for they couldn't handle his energy for long.
They swore they weren't that cheerful after a serious fight in their youth.
On the other hand....
"Man, I wonder if you'll be just as reckless or more if you've stayed in Oya. I'm sure you'll add to Murayama's reasons for a headache."
"Hah? I'm not reckless! And I'm not anyone's headache!"
"Eh? Have you ever asked Yamato-san?"
Chiharu and Dan bickered at the side while watching Oya High board their truck and Murayama giving Fujio a head flick that the latter held his forehead with a pout.
...
A/N: I'm getting addicted to Kazuma Kawamura that I should stop🫠 Anyway, I'm using this short opportunity to upload as much as I can before school starts again.Thanks for reading and supporting my works and have a nice day, ya'll!
It hasn't even been past a week since the incident of Housen declaring war on Oya High and now the fateful day has arrived. The final fight between Housen and Oya.
The rival factions had temporarily ceased their tension with each other and had united to face Housen.
The once injured Yasushi also joined the fight, despite Rikki's protests. Kiyoshi earning a hard look from her and just promised that he will look out for her brother, much to Yasushi's dislike. Arguing that he isn't a child that someone needs to look out for.
Rikki knew that they were fighting Housen which made her wonder why Housen would attack Oya High, knowing that the two schools never really had any conflicts even in the past. She only knew that a drug called Red Rum was one of the reasons.
She just hoped that no one would lose a life in the fight. Especially praying that her brother and Kiyoshi will be okay and come back whole and alive.
...
"I told you to just stay out of the fight, now stop complaining and let me do my work."
As embarrassed as he was, he couldn't exactly do anything but stay put and let the girl clean his wounds. Especially the one on the side of his head. Curse Shidaken of Housen who purposely aimed for it. Now the stitches were messed up and he has to go and get them redone.
Just as they were about to lose, Murayama came, together with the part-timers and cleared the whole fiasco. It turns out, they were totally being played by a group called Kidra, the true manufacturer and the one who distributed red rum to their territory and the one who planned to pit the two schools together to destroy them in the process. They have fought a useless battle and now they swore to get revenge on the actual enemy for playing with them.
After everyone had dispersed, The YasuKiyo duo were greeted by a disappointed Rikki, waiting for their arrival and is now mercilessly cleaning their wounds. Yasushi swore it hurts more on how she dabs the ointment than the actual wound itself which made him, and after him, Kiyoshi, hiss in pain.
"Take it easy Rikki. That hurts!"
"You're lucky it wasn't totally messed up. Now you have to go and get your stitches fixed again."
A frown was visible on her face and Yasushi just looked away, mumbling protests.
...
"I'm going to buy groceries Nii-chan. Remember, you have to take a rest, okay? No more fights!"
Rikki warned her brother before finally putting on her shoes and going out in a hurry. After cleaning and patching up the duo's wounds, she finally decided to get groceries since upon arriving, she noticed that most of the food that her brother has in his apartment were all instant food which is really unhealthy when eaten on a daily basis, and knowing her brother, it would be his actual diet if left alone. Good thing was, Mrs. Yokoyama would always invite Yasushi to eat with them almost every day to watch out for the teen. She would remember to thank the woman later.
She would also call them at least once a week to reassure them that Yasushi is doing fine, minus the fighting and all. Fights and bruises might have already been normal for them.
"I'll help Rikki-chan. Besides, it's getting late."
Kiyoshi offered to which she nodded with a smile. While Kiyoshi may look like a thug, he's actually more gentle and kinder than Yasushi which is surprising considering how crazy he is in fighting and his crave for violence. He was always the big brother figure when it comes to both siblings, him being actually older than them for two years. Just like his mother, he would always look out for them when their father was away on his work back then, and even now that Rikki and their father went to Toaru City, he's still looking out for Yasushi in their place which the girl is really grateful for. Although most of the time, both Yasushi and him would be just like two idiots of a whole.
"Okay! You should stay for dinner too, Kiyoshi-nii. Besides, it's been so long since I've cooked for both of you."
"Yosh!!"
Rikki excitedly stated which the older teen enthusiastically beamed in agreement. While Yasushi can't cook for his life, Rikki is actually a great cook, having to learn herself at a very young age because she's not really fond of eating instant meals and even their father isn't really great at cooking anything else but eggs, so she had to improvise unless she wants to eat eggs all the way everyday back then.
...
"Thank you and come again!"
After buying everything she needed, Kiyoshi approached her and took the bags of groceries, insisting that he would carry everything and that it's no big deal which Rikki appreciated. Another trait that she liked about the older teen. He was always respectful when it comes to his mother and every lady that he meets, despite being intimidating at first.
"So, Kiyoshi-nii, I was just curious but this Hanaoka Fujio, is he also in the fight with Housen?"
She suddenly asked which made Kiyoshi stop and look at het with raised brows. She could only smile innocently. Truth to be told, she hasn't told anyone about what happened that one night and her encounter with Fujio. They would flip and scold her for her recklessness which she isn't really thrilled to experience. Although, it made her curious about the guy.
"Yeah, he is. Why?"
"Just curious"
Her nonchalant answer made him raise his eyebrow again but decided to shrug it off. Kiyoshi knew the girl really well. From her habits to her personality. Her sudden question about a certain boy raised alarms in his mind. Yasushi would not be thrilled.
"Did you happen to meet him?"
Although they temporarily ceased the rivalry for the race being the leader of Oya High, they weren't stupid enough not to notice how Fujio is slowly being accepted as the Full-time leader, and to be frank, he doesn't strongly dislike the idea, but they are not backing down without a fight.
"Just a short encounter"
Rikki doesn't really keep secrets from them. Not unless they don't care to ask.
"What? When-- never mind. Just don't involve yourself with him, and all Oya students in particular. Wouldn't want Yasushi going all berserk again, you know him."
Kiyoshi playfully stated which made Rikki reminiscence some events that happened in the past that she isn't actually thrilled to remember. She groaned in annoyance.
"He went ballistic for a stupid reason. It's not like I'm going to marry every guy I've just talked to. I'm grateful he has mellowed down."
Kiyoshi laughed at her frustration, remembering what happened back then which will always be something that he will never forget.
Back when they were still in middle school, a boy had actually confessed to Rikki and Yasushi wasn't thrilled at the thought. Her brother even stated in an overdramatic voice that, "If you marry him, your children will look like the grinch" which made her facepalm at his notion. What a way of thinking.
In the end, he beat the boy up and ended up in suspension, but the gremlin just smiled and threatened everyone who comes near his sister. This made everyone avoid her like the plague and basically, she hadn't made friends because of it which made her a loner most of the time whenever the duo isn't at school. Although she never did resent him for it. It wasn't like she's friendless outside of school too.
"He's protective like that."
As violent as he was at times, Rikki knew that it is how her brother shows affection. He was never good at words and most of the time, it would be just insults coming out of it, but his actions would speak differently. He could be insulting her but still accompany her when she needed someone, or he'll be whining and cussing protests while she tends to his wounds but in the end, she will always be the first person he'll go to after a fight. They would always be each other's comfort person, Kiyoshi included at times.
"I know. I love him like that. Don't tell him though."
Kiyoshi smiled and nodded. Both siblings are really alike, despite Rikki being kinder and softer than her brother, their personalities are more alike than they care to admit. Maybe its normal for the Nishikawa family to be somewhat Tsundere's.
Remembering how Yasushi had once told him the promise the latter had made himself after a certain incident that nearly changed the girl for life. He would never forget how menacing Yasushi looked at that time.
"Rikki's not like us. She's far more than the life that's waiting ahead for us and I'll make sure she'll always be happy."
The girl may not remember but all of those who were present that day clearly remembered what happened and swore to never tell a word about that incident. It would only open a dark door that the girl had forcefully closed inside her mind and Yasushi never wanted to see his sister in that state ever again.
Oya High full-time students meet Nakaoka's big sister.
"Okay! Nakaoka, you coming?"
Nakagoshi called out with a grin, together with their friends who were ready to go wherever they had decided for today to hang out.
"Huh? Where?"
Not totally listening earlier, the others frowned. Nakagoshi approaching him and put him in a headlock making Nakaoka protest. The older teen had always liked to tease him whenever he could.
"Arcade of course! Don't tell me you're going to bail on us again?!"
They were currently on the rooftop, together with the other 3rd years, mainly Fujio with Tsukasa and Jamuo chatting, Todoroki reading quietly with Shibaman and Tsuji on the other side by the couch, and the duo, Yasushi and Kiyoshi bickering with their buddies by the side of the pool while the younger ones, mostly the ChunChun faction were on the other side talking about boy's stuff when they decided to go to the arcade.
Nakaoka looked at Nakagoshi with an apologetic look.
"I can't today. Sorry Nakagoshi-san. I'll come with next time!"
Then he rushed out in a hurry making the others frown at his escape.
"What's his problem? He always leaves early these past weeks."
"Do you think something's going on with him, Nakagoshi-san?"
Nakagoshi didn't answer but his face was serious, so they decided to leave it alone. If something was going on with their youngest, Nakagoshi would be the first to know. They're like two peas in a pod, always with each other, protecting each other and no secrets were hidden so Nakagoshi is kind of worried about Nakaoka's uncanny behavior.
Afterall, he never leaves early and was always the first to invite everyone to hang out. It's not like he has a shitty family life, and his mother was actually pretty sweet, always cooking delicious meals for them whenever they visit the teen, and he didn't think that he has problems on money. So, he is pretty worried why he would always insist to leave early these past weeks, even missing out on their weekly party two times in a row.
"Don't worry about him. Maybe he is just busy with things at home."
The others noticed that Nakagoshi's words seemed like a reassurance for himself rather, but they didn't comment on it. Even the 3rd years had noticed the kind of sullen atmosphere within the 2nd and 1st years but decided not to meddle.
"Are we still going?"
One of the 2nd years decided to break the ice and it was a minute of silent before Nakagoshi went back to his bright attitude, cheering with glee as he beckoned the others.
"Yeah, we are! Let's go!"
...
"That was awesome, Fujio-san!"
"Right?! I'm awesome, right?!"
"Yeah!!"
"Don't pamper him, Nakaoka. His head is already bigger than it is."
"Hah?! What did you say?!"
As per usual, the Oya High full-time students, mainly the faction heads were hanging out after being in a fight with another school who tried to take them on again but failed.
And of course, aside from Nakagoshi, Nakaoka also looks up to their senior and leader, Hanaoka Fujio. He would always compliment the older teen which makes the latter raise his chest with a proud huff, doing things to impress his juniors which will also makes the other 3rd years roll their eyes.
"Ahh I'm hungry!"
Now clutching his stomach, Fujio complained, and Tsukasa chuckled. Even the others agreed. Of course, after a fight, food will always be what's next for growing teens like them. With this, they began suggesting places they knew, and arguments had started. Some, especially Yasushi and Fujio wanted ramen, Kiyoshi wanted Ice Cream which earned a lot of questioning looks, Tsuji and Shibaman craved for desserts like cake, Todoroki just stayed quiet, Tsukasa quietly wanted steam buns, and Jamuo argued for monjayaki, while the ChunChun faction surprisingly all wanted Yakisoba.
Despite their rocky start, surprisingly, they mostly hang out to eat after their fights. That would mean all faction heads and some of their buddies. Even Todoroki would join occasionally without a protest which is the most surprising of all, but they weren't complaining. They can't be bothered to fight with each other when they're tired and hungry.
While the others were arguing, Nakagoshi noticed how Nakaoka would constantly look at his phone which made him frown. He had a feeling that the young one will again try to leave them, so he put a hand around Nakaoka with a look.
"Not trying to leave early again, aren't ya?"
Nakaoka just chuckled in nervousness and all eyes were on him. Certainly, all of them were aware of Nakaoka's odd behavior of leaving early and Yasushi decided to speak up, too curious with what's going on. In contrary to his looks, he can be a bit nosey if he wanted.
"You're not up to something shady, are you?"
"What? Of course not!"
"Then why do you always leave early?"
Nakagoshi had finally asked the teen and Nakaoka just scratched his head with a defeated sigh. Not knowing what to say, he avoided their looks with a nervous laugh.
"Well....."
"Sho-chan?"
A feminine voice stated which made them, especially Nakaoka whip his head to the voice's direction and saw a familiar face. The figure then approached him, suddenly holding his face with a frown which shocked the others and made Nakaoka embarrassed that his cheeks turned pink.
"Did you fight again?! Your face is bruised!"
A girl, fair skinned, her hair short and wavy with a distinguished strawberry blonde color, and a pretty face, a couple inches smaller than Nakaoka who's currently scolding him had caught the teenagers' attention.
But what surprised them the most was Nakaoka's words. Removing her hands from his face with an embarrassed look, he protested with a whine.
"Stop it Nee-chan, it's embarrassing!"
"Ehh?!!"
"Nee-chan?!!"
They never knew he had a sister, although some might have like Nakagoshi, he never saw her so even he was shocked. She is undeniably pretty, and shares similar features with Nakaoka, although more feminine.
With their loud reactions, she finally realized that Nakaoka had some-- well not some but a lot of companions so she was also surprised but immediately composed herself with a smile.
"Are they your friends? It's nice to meet ya' kids! I'm Sho-chan's big sister, just call me Akane."
She introduced herself while Nakaoka carried the box she was carrying earlier with a grunt. Totally not ready to meet his sister in a situation like this, especially when he's gone to a fight earlier and has bruises all over. He never liked to worry his big sister.
They Oya full timers also responded and introduced themselves with enthusiasm, while some suddenly went shy, just like Kiyoshi. When it was Nakagoshi's turn, Akane suddenly perked up at the mention of his name and patted the teen on his head.
"So, you're Nakagoshi huh. Thanks for looking out for my baby brother!"
"Nee-san! Stop calling me that!"
Her little endearment made him embarrassed while the others laughed at his reddening ears. His tough facade would be diminished if this continues. Even Nakagoshi chuckled in amusement.
"What are you doing here anyway? What's in here?"
He decided to change the topic before he'll lose his dignity completely. Not wanting them to see him completely being babied by his sister which Akane had always done. Despite being the leader of the first years, he is still one of the youngest in Oya, even among most of the first years that most would still sometimes treat him like a kid, especially Nakagoshi and some of the 3rd years. Particularly and surprisingly, Tsukasa and the duo, Shibaman and Tsuji. Tsukasa and occasionally Fujio would always look out for him in fights aside from Nakagoshi when he is surrounded by a lot of enemies and the duo from Todoroki's faction liked his style and taste in music that they would lend him CDs and records.
Shaking the box, he asked his sister to which she replied with a grin.
"I'm just dropping some stuff at the diner."
Nakaoka nodded and was about to say something again when they heard a tummy rumble. Like actually rumble so loud that they all heard it. Looking at their leader, he just grinned while scratching his head in embarrassment.
"Well, how about this. You kids hungry? Sho-chan why don't you invite your friends and have some dinner at the diner? It would be a good opportunity for feedbacks you know so I know what to adjust before the opening."
Akane offered and Nakaoka was taken aback at first but in the end, relented. Actually, excited to invite them to try out his sister's cooking.
"What do you say guys?!"
"Hell yeah!"
...
"So, this is why you always leave early. You could've said so and we could have helped ya' dumbass."
Nakagoshi playfully punched Nakaoka's shoulders while the latter shyly let out a smile. The reason why he's always eager to go home was because he was helping out his sister in remodeling an old bar into a diner. His sister, the reason why nobody had ever met her was because she was studying college abroad, and upon finishing college a year ago, she recently came back and decided to open up a diner. Truthfully, Nakaoka's household were known for their cooking skills, even Nakaoka knew how to cook variety of dishes that sometimes he lets Nakagoshi and the others taste his made-up recipes and they would always end up good.
"It's fine Nakagoshi-san. Besides, I originally wanted to invite you and the others when Nee-chan had her opening, but I guess change of plans. Sorry for not telling you."
Nakaoka may love fighting and hiphop but his sister is special to him. Ever since they were kids, she would always protect him from those who will pick on him because he was shorter than the others way back then. It was a good thing that puberty hit him, and he's gotten taller. She was also the one to teach him how to cook when he reached middle school before she went abroad. It was because she liked to send him CDs that caught her attention that he got introduced to hiphop and began to love it. He learned everything because of his sister, especially that she was the one who taught him how to fight. That's why now that his sister is back, he wanted to be there for her like she always had been for him. Especially now that she is starting to build her dream of owning her own restaurant diner.
"It's fine. We're thankful though. Your sister is very kind to invite us all and let us be her first costumers for free."
"Yeah! And she's pretty too!"
"Oi! Don't push it!"
They playfully bantered while Nakaoka excused himself to help his sister in preparing the large batch of cuisines for his hungry friends. Upon reaching the kitchen, he smiled when he saw how excited his sister were as she prepared the dishes. She always liked to cook for others, saying that nothing can make her happier but to see someone smiling and saying 'delicious' to the food that she makes.
"They're rowdy but they're good guys. Sometimes."
Nakaoka stated which made Akane laugh, not bothered by the group of teens bickering inside her diner. In fact, she is actually glad that her baby brother got himself a lot of friends, even if they are obviously delinquents. She didn't like it at first when Nakaoka got himself involved in fighting, but she accepted as long as he didn't get himself in deep trouble and remember his morals. That even if you use your fists, it isn't to intentionally hurt people but to protect. Never fight dirty and know your limits. And Akane could see how they weren't just some punks who likes to fight just to seek pure pleasure in hurting others, but instead, they still have a heart while acting tough on the outside. Nakaoka likes to tell her stories about his friends and his life in Oya High and she likes to listen to his stories.
"I can see that."
The two siblings continued their work, unbeknownst to them, the others could hear their laughter which made them, especially Nakagoshi smile.
The night was chilly. There were no stars in the night sky, but the moon shone brightly, illuminating the dark street. Streetlamps flickered every second, but Rikki didn't really care and just kept walking, her earphones blasting loudly that the silent night didn't bother her while she walked alone in a deserted street. It was already midnight, a perfect scene from a thriller movie where a girl like her is vulnerable to predators lurking.
Rikki left the hospital when the doctor assured her that her brother only needs to rest and avoid strenuous activities, emphasizing the word 'fights' to not agitate his head wound. Kiyoshi insisted that he walked her home, but she declined, not able to insist further when Kiyoshi's mother called him in urgence. He didn't want to let her walk alone but at the same time, Kiyoshi knew that despite Rikki's petite figure and kind of pacifistic nature, the girl could pack a punch and her roundhouse kicks were no joke. She can take care of herself and didn't really like to depend on others, although Yasushi is always there to protect her, even way back then.
She was vibing with the song on her phone when a call interrupted. When she checked it out, it was her father.
"He's fine dad. I already gave him a scolding so don't worry. Mrs. Yokoyama and Kiyoshi's been taking care of him too."
Ever since Yasushi brought Kiyoshi and introduced him to the family, both families became close with each other. Mrs. Yokoyama had also treated them like her own children and had always been the one to patch up Kiyoshi and Yasushi's wounds back then whenever Rikki couldn't. Surprisingly, both their father and Kiyoshi's mother were once colleagues and even fought together at times. Kiyoshi was even shocked when he found out that his mother was once a delinquent herself, no wonder her slaps were fire and she herself can even intimidate the cops and the troublesome guys around their complex.
"Yeah, I'll visit her when I can. I miss her desserts."
Even now that they've moved to Toaru City, Mrs. Yokoyama was the one looking out for Yasushi and made sure that he gets to eat and not starve even for a day. That boy couldn't really cook a decent meal even if his life depended on it. The good thing was Yasushi's apartment is just beside the Yokoyama's. For that, they were grateful for her.
"Goodnight dad. Say hi to grandma for us!"
Just as she ended the call, a pair of rowdy looking adults came into view with their creepy smile. Waving at the girl which made her raise a brow. She didn't like this scene.
"Hey there little girl. Why are you alone?"
"It's dangerous for a girl like you to walk alone at night, ya' know~"
She scrunched her nose in disgust as they started to come forward, still sporting their creepy grin. She could smell the strong scent of alcohol and cigarettes as they came closer which further irritated her. She hated the smell.
"It's only dangerous because of people like you."
She simply stated with a frown on her face. This was her first night here in SWORD again, but it looks like she'll have a really eventful experience. Although, she's ready to run at any time. She didn't really like fighting, even though she can.
"Well, why don't we have fun, eh?"
The taller one framed over her short stature and held a hand to her head, his grin even widening. The other just let out a laugh, although it sounded like a hyena laughing to her.
"Come now---"
Just as the other was about to touch her, he flew a few meters away, a figure appearing at the scene which made the taller creep protest and punch the stranger, but the latter was faster and kicked him in the chest.
"It's not nice to bother and scare the girl. Leave her alone."
He stated which and the two guys run away in haste, not bothering to protest in schock and fear.
"Uhm, thank you mister."
The girl, although startled at his appearance, thanked the stranger. Bowing her head.
...
After Fujio's talk with Todoroki, he stayed for a while, contemplating about their upcoming fight with Housen and about being the leader of Oya High.
It has always been his goal to strive for the top and he's set his eyes on Oya. Also wanting to challenge the legend of Oya himself, Murayama Yoshiki. Although, they still need to settle things with Housen and the redrum incident.
"Alright!"
He stood up in his position and looked at the time. It was already midnight. He took a deep breath and decided to head home, feeling hungry with all the fiasco earlier.
"Ah, I'm craving for ramen~"
He was walking with his hands on his pants pockets, thinking about what to eat when he spotted figures ahead. Squinting to see what's going on, his eyes widened, and he rushed to the scene.
It wasn't hard to understand that the two guys were preying on the little girl, not really surprising in this part of town, there are a lot of thugs like this, so he didn't waste a second and punched the guy, also kicking the other which made them run with their tails between their legs.
Turning around to ask the girl if she's okay when he stopped, recognizing that it was the girl from earlier, the one who's said to be Yasushi Nishikawa's sister.
"Aren't you Yasushi's sister?! What are you doing here, walking alone at night?"
He exclaimed when the girl whose thanking him looked up to meet his gaze with a confused expression.
"How'd you know me? I don't think we've met, mister."
Fujio unconsciously scratched the back of his neck with a small chuckle.
"I've seen you earlier. You know......when you suddenly showed up at the rooftop of Oya High. Then Tsuji said that you're Yasushi's little sister"
"Tsuji?! He was there-- oh uhm never mind. Sorry for barging in your school. I was looking for my brother so.... yeah"
Rikki didn't know what to say, embarrassed about the fact that she just trespassed, if that was considered trespassing, then just left like nothing. Fujio chuckled at her flustered state.
"It's fine. I'm Hanaoka Fujio!"
He introduced himself with enthusiasm which took the girl aback but still smiled in return.
"Nishikawa Rikki. It's nice to meet you Hanaoka-san, and thank you for saving me from those creep."
She again bowed which earned a shy grin from the teen, his hand unconsciously caressing the back of his neck.
"Well, be careful and don't walk alone at night. The streets are full of predators, you know."
He stated and the girl nodded her head.
"Good thing I'm here. Also, I didn't expect that Yasushi has a little sister. How come I never saw you at Hope Hill? I'm sure I should have at least once, considering how we always get into fights with the YasuKiyo duo."
Rikki looked at Fujio for a moment before answering. Unknown to the man, she actually heard a lot about him from her brother, just that she never could put a face to the name Hanaoka Fujio, but now she has, and she is actually surprised. Her brother's description of him really fits.
"I was a sickly child back then. I don't go out that much so I'm not surprised that nobody would expect me to be Yasushi-nii's little sister. Especially that I live in Toaru City now. Why? Is it that surprising?"
Fujio nodded his head.
"Well yeah! Didn't expect Yasushi to have a cute sister like you, the other guys were surprised as well, ya' know!"
He stated with enthusiasm, not realizing his words which made the girl stop on her tracks. It was kind of him to offer to walk her home despite her resistance, but the sudden compliment really took her in a surprise.
"Do I really look that cute?"
She shamelessly asked which made Fujio realized his words and now, he was the one feeling flustered.
"Ah, well......yeah"
Fujio might be a straightforward person, always speaking what's on his mind and is totally shameless a lot of times, and more importantly, he unconsciously has the charm to befriend all that he encounters but he had never really spoken like this to a girl, nor has he ever walked a girl late at night.
Well, maybe except for his childhood friend, Madoka. He now realized how awkward he was, not knowing what to say next until Rikki let out a laugh which made him look at her.
"Thank you for the compliment, Hanaoka-san. Also, thank you for walking me home and have a good night."
Fujio didn't realize it, but he found himself waving back at her retreating figure, totally out of words until she is out of his sight.
It was just a simple laugh. But her eyes were definitely shining like fireworks in his eyes.
Whispers and shouts can be heard along the hallway, the rowdy students peering over their classroom's windows and others by the door or just crowding by the hallways as a certain girl walked past them without batting an eyelash at their intimidating faces and intense gazes. The girl continuously tapped while looking at her phone, trying to navigate through the hallways marked with graffiti and littered with trash and a bunch of broken stuff. The boys around her, despite their delinquency, a lot was hesitating to approach the girl, while the others simply didn't care and just minded their own business the moment she passed through them.
"Come on. Answer your phone Nii-chan"
The girl muttered with a restless sigh, her eyebrows furrowed as she bit her lips in frustration. Now lifting her gaze from her phone, she cluelessly turned to the right when she bumped into someone.
"Hm? What's a girl doing here?"
A guy with the standard gakuran, although, his looked more formal, with a patch on his right eye looked at her with a blank expression. Even if he looked like the nerdy type, the girl knew that the guy is also a delinquent. After all, she is currently in Oya High, a school full of rowdy delinquents, repeaters, misfits, and also enigmatic ones that strives to be the top guy by fighting with each other. Also, the guy exudes an aura of superiority to him, making her think that he may be someone of not the typical delinquent.
Although, not waiting for an answer, he continued to walk away when the girl finally had the chance to speak, already frustrated with how she's going circles the moment she entered Oya High.
"Wait! Uhm, maybe you know where I can find Yasushi Nishikawa? He just transferred here this year."
The guy finally looked at her with an expressionless face, then put up a finger, pointing up.
"Rooftop."
Then he left which only made the girl more confused at the guy's rather cold demeanor but decided to shrug it off and trust his word. After all, if he didn't know who she was looking for, then he would just tell her he didn't.
"Seriously, why isn't he answering his phone."
She again muttered under her breath and decided to go up the stairs, assuming that it would lead to the roof top.
"I swear--- oh!"
Rikki beamed up when she saw a familiar face, forgetting the fact that there were also a lot of teens on the scene as she approached a familiar face.
"Kiyoshi-nii!!"
...
One would always assume upon seeing and meeting Yasushi that he is the type to be an only child, the troublemaker son who has been tethered a lot of times as a child. No one would think that he can be a big brother to a cute little sister whose kind and always smiling. A total angel at a glance.
Kiyoshi had once thought of it too. The first time he finally met Yasushi's family, he was actually surprised of how normal it was.
At least in his eyes, it was a pretty normal family in their standards living in Hope Hill complex which isn't really known for anything normal, whether it be their community or the people living in it. Most of the time, why kids living there grow up to be messed up was because the adults who were supposed to raise them were also fucked up. Although, there are still families who are pretty normal and those hoping to get out of the complex in the future.
Despite the missing mother, Mr. Nishikawa was a cool man, now he knew where Yasushi had gotten his drive for fighting, seeing that their father was once like them, also being the one who taught Yasushi how to fight, and of course Yasushi, the troublemaker son, and surprisingly, Rikki, the baby of the Nishikawa Family. The young girl whose opposite of her brother, one who disliked fighting and was always respectful and kind towards others. Although, he understood why they would be shocked if they learned about her relationship with Yasushi.
Ever since Rikki was little, she had always been a sickly child. Thus, why she rarely went out of their apartment and Kiyoshi had only known of her existence when her brother invited him to their apartment. Yasushi also wasn't the type to tell stories about his home life, but of course, Kiyoshi may be the only one to have the privilege to know since they were long time childhood friends.
Just like right now, all of Oya boys present were staring at the girl in curiosity but Kiyoshi ignored them and focused on the girl.
When they started high school, Mr. Nishikawa decided to move to Toaru City and took Rikki with him to live with grandma Nishikawa. Originally, Yasushi was also coming but he refused and stayed in SWORD. And now, the little sister is here.
Rikki demanded answers which he couldn't refuse to answer, forcing him to spill the incident on what happened to Yasushi, where he was ambushed last night and was hospitalized with his head cracked open. This made the girl storm out, and him following behind, leaving the still confused bunch. Although, Tsuji might spill the beans about her, considering if he can still remember her. It has been a long time since the last time the duo, Tsuji and Shibaman had seen her.
...
"I can't believe that you care more about fighting and not the fact that you just had your skull stitched."
Rikki scolded the now newly conscious Yasushi who just rolled his eyes and groaned in pain. His whole body hurts and his head felt like splitting open, yet he's not off the hook with the scolding and glares from his little sister. Although surprised at the sight of his sibling, he's not really in the ideal state to show his happiness, not really a fan of showing his battered-up state to his worry wart sister.
"Come on, I just woke up. I said I'm sorry for not picking you up. They totally ganged up on me, those bastards, I'll kill them the moment I see them."
Yasushi stated which made Rikki frown even more. Her arms and legs crossed while sitting at his bedside. Kiyoshi decided to stay silent by the door, not really wanting to receive the wrath of the girl. He didn't have any siblings, but Rikki is already like one, a nagging little sister which he is grateful and also regretful at times to have when she nags like a mother does like they're her sons.
"You boys are really stupid. Getting into fights and stuff. What if someday you might be injured beyond repair? I'll kick your ass when that happens!"
"But Rikki-chan---"
"You too, Kiyoshi-nii! Stop making your mother worry and focus on your studies! At this rate, only the Yakuza will take your stupidity in the future!"
Yasushi can't help but snicker at the insult while Kiyoshi just looks away in embarrassment. Such small body but her words cut like a knife.
"Stop laughing Nii-chan. You're just as dumb as him, no, maybe even dumber. At this rate, I worry about your future."
"Hah?!! The hell did you just call me dumb?!"
"Pfft--- so you're dumber than me!"
"Shut up Kiyoshi!!"
The three bickered, even with Rikki's insulting words, both knew that she didn't mean it. It's just her way of showing her worry and means that she cares, no matter how dumb they are and only cares about fighting, admittedly so.
...
On the other hand, Todoroki Yosuke had a talk with Hanaoka Fujio. Their fight with Housen will still continue, partially acknowledging Fujio being the new leader of Oya High.
Housen, on the other hand are already preparing for the big brawl.
The day is currently gloomy, not even a peak of the sun can be seen, almost as if sympathizing with Kiyoshi's solemn mood when a certain ravenette interrupted, squatting by the stairs, looking at him. It was Hanaoka Fujio, now together with the arriving Takajo Tsukasa, Jamuo and their other companions.
"How is Yasushi?"
Tsukasa stated, leaning by the barricade, all waiting for the mohawk haired's answer.
"What? Does everybody know already"
Kiyoshi hated the moment. He disliked the fact that he'll have to answer their rivals and let everybody know that his partner is currently out of commission.
"How is he?"
Fujio asked, sighing, Kiyoshi had no choice but to divulge answers. Still feeling somber on what happened to Yasushi, his partner in crime.
"He got a few stitches, but..."
He should've been there when Yasushi was attacked last night but he wasn't. It was a sudden ambush and they didn't even know who did the attack except that......
"But?"
"The guys who did Yasushi were all bald. They were wearing uniforms that were not from around here"
He exclaimed in frustration.
"What?"
Now Fujio furrowed his brows in comtemplation.
"It's probably---"
Kiyoshi was interrupted when a voice screamed for Fujio in haste.
"One of ours got his head cracked open by a gang of bald guys on his way here"
"What?"
It was Nakaoka, together with Nakagoshi, and the members of the Chunchun Faction, all looking so serious and pissed.
"And, they gave him this"
Nakagoshi held out a paper, almost crumpling it in anger. One of their guys was also ambushed and beaten up on their way to school, leaving a message written on paper.
Jamuo immediately got the paper and read out the message which made everyone more pissed off at the context. It felt as if they were being mocked by using dirty tactics of ambushing one of their students just to declare a a fight with their school.
"We'll crush everyone who gets in the way of our business. You Oya High morons, we'll settle this with you tomorrow"
Tsukasa held the letter to see for himself and looked surprised at who sent the letter. Even the others were surprised, but nonetheless, it made their desire to avenge the pride of their school and friends stronger. Anger brewing within Fujio himself. No one messes with them, especially that they believe that it was them who is inciting the spread of red rum again. Even Murayama was peeved with Oya students dealing with drugs, he won't let them destroy their school. Not when he is still aiming for the top.
"Housen?"
Even the usual cool tempered Tsukasa was now pissed off.
"This is all their doing"
"This is like a declaration of war"
Jamuo stated.
"A declaration of war in this era?"
Fujio chuckled, yet his face showed no humor, just plain cold expression which meant that he isn't definitely thrilled with what is going on.
"Well, now we know who they are"
Mere seconds later, a certain duo arrived with a not so happy expression.
"Fujio! What the hell is going on here?"
A newly arrived Shibaman exclaimed, together with Tsuji. Then not even a minute, more students under the Yasukiyo Faction arrived and called for Kiyoshi. Tsukasa also aproached Fujio, finally realizing what has come to happen.
"Fujio, are you serious? We're facing Housen, you know"
Tsukasa seriously stated, staring at his partner when Fujio just chuckled, but Tsukasa knew that the former were just as pissed as they are, itching to fight Housen.
"It doesn't matter who the fuck they are!"
Fujio may sometimes act like a goofball, always smiling innocently with a teasing facade but a lot of times, his serious nature had always amazed Tsukasa. His duality will always be amusing.
"You know what happened to our pal"
His stare meant that he will not let the incidents pass. Despite his kind nature, he doesn't easily let those who hurt his friends slide and go unscathed.
"We're going!"
"Fujio!"
Kiyoshi called out, his expression pleading but Fujio didn't budge. There might be rivalry on their part but there are times that even the greatest rivals will work together to overcome a greater foe.
"This isn't just your problem. This is an Oya High problem"
His declaration made the others silently agree with him, their expressions never changing, already determined to take revenge for those who were beaten down. Especially Kiyoshi who is determined to take revenge for Yasushi.
"Shit. Our captain doesn't mince words"
Even Tsukasa can't do anything about it and just chuckled. As expected from Fujio, the latter can always inspire and persuade others with just his words, a charm that he's unaware he always have even back when they were just some snotty little kids looking for trouble.
"Okay everyone! Tomorrow, let's kick some ass!"
Everyone cheered at Fujio's declaration, all feeling pumped out, ready to let out their frustrations when a girl suddenly called out for Kiyoshi, rushing past the others, heading straight to the mohawk haired teen, which garnered everyone's attention. Kiyoshi could only stare at the girl with a surprised face.
"Kiyoshi-nii!"
"Rikki-chan?!"
This made everyone confused, that a girl just suddenly hugged Kiyoshi, or the fact that a girl is in Oya High, a school full of delinquents.
"Finally someone I know! It's been a long time nii-san"
The girl exclaimed with an excited smile, this made Kiyoshi smile too which shocked the others who suddenly went quiet, all of them were confused on who the girl is, and how does she know Kiyoshi and the fact that a cute girl just hugged their fight crazed delinquent.
"Well yeah, what are you doing here? How'd you even get here in Oya?!"
Kiyoshi just realize that she's currently at their school which is full of violence loving hormonal teenagers which alarmed him, but at the same time, happy to see the girl again.
"Who is she?"
"Is she Kiyoshi's girl?"
"What? Nah impossible"
"She's cute though"
"Why is a girl in Oya?"
"She called him 'nii-san', maybe his sister?"
"But Kiyoshi-san doesn't have a sister"
A series of whispers circulated throughout and the girl just realized the situation she's in but at the same time, her top priority is that she needs to know where her brother is. It was the very reason she came here after all, and good thing that she found Kiyoshi. Only the croissant-like haired teen will know where his other half is. They've always been a duo of dumb and dumber in the girl's eyes.
"Where is nii-chan? He hasn't been answering any of my calls since last night and he didn't even come to fetch me from the station that we agreed to meet. Did something happen? Is he okay?"
The two conversed, totally forgetting about the other teens, oggling and whispering with each other in confusion, although, some didn't care and just stared at the girl in wonder. Only that a certain rainbow haired teen tilted his head, nudging his friend in realization.
"That's Rikki-chan! Yasushi's sister, I remember now"
Tsuji beamed, making his partner, Shibaman also stare at the girl in realization. Who knew that they would get to see a familiar face again, considering how many years it has been.
"Woah, it is her indeed"
Shibaman placed his arm around Tsuji's shoulder with a grin which Tsuji only scoffed. A certain memory resurfacing unnecessarily.
"What?! Who did-- nevermind, I'll go see him!!"
They were still bickering with each other when the girl suddenly shouted in anger and stormed off, leaving them more confused. Also, even Kiyoshi had gone off in a panic, seemingly trying to stop the girl but to no avail, he looked more scared to actually try and stop the seething girl but still followed her with a sigh.
It was momentarily silent, until Fujio spoke with a voice of confusion, breaking the ice.
"Uhh who's she?"
Almost all of them shrugged, until Shibaman surprisingly spoke with a teasing voice.
"Tsuji knows her"
They all looked at the multi color haired teen which made him roll his eyes at their questioning glances. Especially glaring at Shibaman who just grinned at the side and looked away. Who knew that the scary looking teen can be actually teasing and playful which irritates him.
Tsuji let out a sigh.
"Rikki Nishikawa. Yasushi's younger sister"
"Ehh?!"
This earned a lot of shocked replies, some with amusement, while the others looked unbothered but intrigued. Who knew that the violence crazed Yasushi Nishikawa has a cute sister. Totally surprising.
"Heh~ well that's unexpected"
Fujio just grinned at the shocking information. He and the others, mostly Tsukasa and Jamuo had always knew Yasushi from way back then but they never knew about the fact that she has a sister. Although, looking at the girl earlier, she's definitely got her brother's guts to be able to enter Oya High alone, let alone the fact that she's a girl.
"She probably came to see Yasushi"
Even Tsukasa was intrigued at the girl. Come to think of it, she definitely looks a lot like Yasushi.
...
On the other hand....
"Wait Rikki-chan!"
Kiyoshi was mentally praying for Yasushi. Some little sisters are sometimes scary when mad and Rikki is definitely one of them.
_________________________________________________
A/N: This is just a fanfiction I have concocted in my mind, and it won't necessarily follow the timeline from the original series so don't be confused. Also, Nishikawa Rikki is an OC I've made, and actually, I would've made it an XReader but I honestly prefer incorporating OC's since I'm more comfortable with it. I guess that's all for today!
Next Chapter will be posted soon so stay posted, and have a great day!
What if Toman meets Mikey? But not the Mikey they know. A different Mikey who looks so lost and his eyes mirrored nothingness. Maybe he's Mikey from the future?
Or Mikey from a parallel universe with theirs? Who knows……fate likes to fuck with their lives anyway.
It was a hot sunny day. Fluffy clouds littered the clear blue sky and the sun blared so brightly on a Sunday noon.
Ideally, going to the beach, splashing on the cold water, running on the sandy beach with melting ice popsicles in hand would be great but here they are, sitting on the stairs while beads of sweat trickled down their forehead with the warm weather.
"Where the hell is Mikey?! Draken you said he's coming but we've been waiting for like an hour!"
Baji complained and stood up. Growing frustrated with their commander whose running very late to their meet up which was an hour ago but still no sign of Mikey.
"The fuck would I know?! He's not answering my calls and even messages! This twerp really!"
Draken retorted with the same frustration and the hot weather isn't helping either. Even the rest of the Toman members were about to complain. Mikey may come late at certain times whenever they would meet up but not this late and without even answering their calls and messages.
"Maybe something happened? Mikey usually is never late unless he tells us in advance"
Mitsuya intervened before the two would combust on each other.
It wasn't every time that Draken would lose his composure but with this hot weather and their leader running late when he was the one who actually arranged for them to meet and hang out at the beach, he'd be a god if he still have the patience.
"Okay that's it! I ain't waiting for another hour in this fucking hot weather!"
Pah finally complained.
"Ya' think we also wanted to?! Why don't you go fetch Mikey then!"
Now Baji had enough of this.
"Huh?! Who are ya' to order Pah around?!
Of course, Peh would always take Pah-chin's side whatever it may be.
"You fucking bean wanna fight huh?!"
Baji cracked his knuckles, eyeing Peh-yan whose also ready to throw hands when Chifuyu took a hold of Baji and Mitsuya held Peh-yan from taking a step towards Baji.
"Stop it Baji-san!"
"Pipe down Peh!"
"Fucking calm your asses down! Let's just---- there you are you twerp! You're very late--- the fuck?"
Draken was about to scold them when a certain man caught his eye, slowly walking towards them with a gloomy face.
"The hell Mikey you're fucking late---"
Even Baji swore to punch the hell out of their leader for being late and ignoring their calls when he stopped and looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar man nearing towards them with a grim face.
"Mikey?"
Even Mitsuya became skeptical with the man who finally stopped in front of them, still not saying a word.
"You dyed your hair? And that tattoo....."
Baji was the one who spoke with uncertainty. The Mikey standing in front of them feels so unfamiliar but it is definitely Mikey.
His usual shoulder-length blonde locks were now dyed in black and styled in an undercut. His dark orbs somehow seemed darker and lonely, innocence and sanity robbed out of him. A small frown on his face and his body looked so thin and he seemed to grow a few centimeters. He looked so mature too.
No, he is definitely mature. An adult.
"Kenchin..."
His voice is still the same but it wasn't as lively as usual. His eyes were widened in shock, confusion, and fear? There were also tears starting to pool in his eyes which startled the rest. All captains and their vice-captains were present and this was the very first time that they have seen Mikey look so afraid and vulnerable.
"Who the fuck?"
Draken was the most perplexed. This person standing right in front of them isn't the Mikey they know. As ridiculous as it sounds, Draken had thoughts about this person being a different Mikey from who fucking knows where. It was just yesterday when Mikey had excitedly told them about hanging out at the beach and his hair was still blonde, his eyes doesn't look empty like the one standing in front of them, his voice still held cheerfulness, and most definitely, his physique isn't as mature as this one. Mikey's words confused them even more.
"Is this when your life flashes before your eyes before dying? It feels so real....."
His words sent shivers up their spine, especially with how empty Mikey's smile is and tears were freely cascading down his cheeks. After all, Mikey rarely cries. Especially in front of them.
"What are you talking about Mikey? You're not dying, what the hell!"
Baji exclaimed with confusion which made Mikey stop and look at them intently before looking around like a lost puppy, only realizing that the surroundings were a bit different and it felt so real like he's currently alive and currently living his life. But wasn't this supposed to be like a flashback? To reminiscence his memories with Toman when they were younger? When he hadn't lost everything and had everyone by his side?
"How?......Takemitchy...."
Now he remembered. Mikey asked Takemichi to kill him. To finally put an end to his suffering but of course, Takemichi can never do it. The crybaby is just too kind to even think about hurting them. Right. Mikey is really an awful person. How could he ask the crybaby hero to stain his hands just for him to be free? It will only leave Takemichi to suffer in guilt, hands stained with his blood.
He was grateful that Hinata's younger brother, Naoto was there. Had he not pulled the trigger, then Mikey might do it himself. In the end, he was still happy, and at the same time confused. Confused with Takemichi's words before he closed his eyes, and confused as to what is currently happening now when clearly, he should have been in the afterlife, maybe even in hell and not standing here, face to face with Toman in their younger years.
"Where is Takemitchy? What is-- no, I have to find Takemitchy first"
Mikey was about to leave when Draken took a hold of his shoulder which earned the tall dude a death glare from 'Mikey'. His glare sent shivers up their spine and Draken could've sworn he gulped in fear from Mikey's actions and let go of the shorter man's shoulder.
Even Baji went silent but was eyeing the dragon tattoo on Mikey's neck with a suspicious gaze. They were all stunned. Mitsuya was quietly observing him, Hakkai and Chifuyu decided to keep silent on the side, Mucho and Sanzu also decided to stay low, Smiley, Angry, and Peh also decided not to say anything. Maybe Pah-chin's stupidity and obliviousness was a good thing and was the only one who dared to shout at Mikey, clearly not sensing the dark aura currently surrounding them.
"What's the holdup Mikey?! You're late and who the hell is Takemitchy?"
All of them sweatdropped, especially Draken who sighed but was grateful because someone actually had the balls to question Mikey when he looks like he's going to kill anyone.
"Seriously Pah I don't know if your stupidity is a good thing or a bad thing"
"HAH?! Of course, Pah-chin's stupidity is a good thing!"
"Shut up Peh!"
"Calm down everyone!"
"Oh this is getting heated"
As much as Mikey wanted to leave, he couldn't help but to inwardly laugh at their hopeless banters. His own reality was forgotten in a second before changing back into his cold demeanor. His own actions haunting him again as he tried to block out the voice inside of him.
How he killed his own friends.
How he purged them without mercy.
'Kill them'
'Eliminate everyone who goes in our way, that way, all will be fine'
Now he's facing his sins.
"Mikey.....Mikey......Mikey!"
Draken tried to snap him out of his trance but to no avail, Mikey was still standing, unaware of what was happening, his face looked so dark and his eyes screamed insanity. It sent fear in the usually stoic man like Draken but he tried to hide it. Still worried about 'Mikey' and their Mikey as to what happened to him if his hunch was right and this was a different Mikey but still is Mikey.
(confusing? It's all Mikey's fault lol)
"Shut up...SHUT UP!"
Mikey snapped, still unaware of his surroundings and the fact that Draken and the others thought that it was addressed to them but in fact, Mikey was close to losing his mind with all the whispers in his head.
'You're a horrible person Manjiro. Did you ever think that you can finally be free if you die?'
"No shut up!"
'Now face the people you've betrayed but still trusted you in the end'
"Fucking SHUT UP!"
They were all distraught. Too shocked to move, too afraid to intervene. Mikey looked feral and insane as he continuously yelled to shut up and kneeled at the ground, clutching his head in pain as he begged to be left alone but the voice never did. Not until when a familiar shaking voice screamed for his name.
"Mikey-kun!!"
It was the crybaby hero.
...
It felt so cold and yet so warm. He cradled Mikey's cold body but the warmth of his blood on his hands never felt so comforting in the cold. It can only give him nightmares. The fact that Mikey is dead is eating him up. Guilt bubbling in his stomach as he watched Mikey took his last breath with a satisfied smile. Why would someone smile on their death when what was left was crying for them, begging them not to leave so soon?
Life sure is cruel.
"Mikey-kun!!"
That was the last thing Takemichi remembered before waking up in his room. The same room where he lived as a growing teen. He knew all too well but how? He didn't shook hands with Naoto that time. Then he remembered. Mikey died in his arms.
Takemichi scurried and looked for his flip phone when he was astounded to what was displayed.
June 25, 2004
This was way before he met Toman. But how? What happened to his time-leaping?
Despite all his questions, there was only one thing that came to mind. It was to find Sano Manjiro and make things right before all falls into chaos again. With all his time-leaping, he had learned one thing and promised himself.
Don't cry Takemichi. Face forward and never look back. Stop grieving for something that had already happened and instead raise your head and continue. There's no time to waste. As long as there's another chance, there is still hope. Don't waste it.
It's not the time to mope around, he knew that.
With a determined gaze, he went out and began searching for Toman, especially Mikey but what was currently happening before his eyes startled him. Currently on the Musashi Shrine where he ended up going......
It was the 'Mikey' he met in Manila. Its not the blonde childish Mikey that is suppose to exist in this time but the mature and 'dead earlier' Mikey from the future in confusion with Toman watching him worriedly.
"Mikey-kun!!"
How can it be? That 'Mikey' wasn't supposed to be here. Its the past, but here he is, alive and screaming in his adult form. Despite the confusion, he called out his name with tears in his eyes. After all, it wasn't that long when he was just holding a dying Mikey in his arms, warm blood staining his figure as he smiled in his last moments.
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