《The Three Companions: A Tale of Kaimon》


 Welcome to High School (1)

    The Three Companions: A tale of Kaimon


    Chapter One: Welcome to High School (1)


    Kaimon, Japan...The Past.


    "Yuu...Yuu..."


    Yuusuke Hino groaned, deep in slumber. He kept hearing his name over and over...But why? Wait...Why is he feeling wet all over- "Oh geez!!" He cried out, waking up in a shock in the middle of his room.


    A room that''s currently taking in water as with the rest of the houseboat he happens to live in with his father.


    "What the hell happened?!" He cried out, looking at his soaked futon bed, as well as the floor already taking in an inch of water.


    "Oh Yuu!" His father Enishi said, standing at the door to his room. "Sorry, looks like the plugs came loose last night again. Been trying to wake you up for ten minutes now"


    "Ugh..." Yuu muttered as he stood up, soaking wet. "Thanks for that, I guess...I guess breakfast in the shack then?"


    Not long after, the two now have breakfast in their small fishing shack, located in a small harbor in East Kaimon next to their parked decaying houseboat and fishing boat. Enishi Hino have long started a fishing business as a youth, his wife Nanako currently in a constant trip around the world, having raised his only son practically single-handedly. Despite all this, the family is still going strong.


    But yeah, they again still live in a leaking houseboat and have meals in their small shack that smells of various fish odors located just by the harbor of East Kaimon.


    "So, your mother mailed a postcard to us." Enishi said as he scratches at his unkempt beard, noticing Yuu looking at said postcard. "She''s proud to know you''re starting high school."


    Yuu gave a sigh, trying to figure out just where his mother is from the postcard, a towel on his head as he dries himself off. His deep violet eyes narrowing as he couldn''t tell if that building is important or just some weird tourist attraction before giving up, setting the postcard aside on the table. "Right, but still...Would be nice if she was home for once." Yuu replied as he finishes his bowl of rice. He wears the gakuran uniform of Kaimon High School, a black uniform with the jacket having a deep blue vertical stripe in the middle with two horizontal stripes on the cuffs. He sighs in relief, glad he didn''t kept the uniform in the houseboat last night. It would have been an awkward tale to explain just why he came in with a wet uniform. "So Dad, you''re probably going to be fixing the boat all day, huh?"


    "Oh don''t worry bout me." Enishi said with a chuckle. "I got some tricks left to keep the old boat afloat!"


    Yuu could only frown at such a statement as he sets the towel on the table. "...No offense Dad, but can''t you just get some help for once?" He asked before biting his lip. "...Like Mr. Onimada. He''s a carpenter-"


    "I would rather die than to beg for that bastard to fix my house." Enishi suddenly said with a scowl so sudden that Yuu couldn''t help but be taken aback. "Yuu, I don''t care if you''re friends with his son...But as far as I''m concerned, Lent Onimada''s a dead man to me." Yuu couldn''t tell if his father is exaggerating or if indeed the bitterness behind those two men isn''t going to die soon, biting his lip once more upon thinking about the possibility of the latter. "It''s just like the old days, it''s always has to be his way! Even down to picking out nude mags to steal even if they''re terrible issues!" Yuu''s nervousness then suddenly deflated into sheer bafflement after Enishi''s very strange rant. Yeah, maybe his father is taking this way too far after all.


    "...Oh-kay then, I guess I won''t bring it up anymore." Yuu muttered embarrassingly, trying to ignore his father fuming of past transgressions. "You really need to tell me what he did to you to bring all that up..."


    "Trust me, it''s a long story between me and that jackass." Enishi muttered mostly to himself, though it seems his bad mood is pretty much going away to Yuu''s short lived relief.


    "Oh I''ll bet it''s a long one." Yuu replied sarcastically before standing up and picking up his school bag. "But looks like it''s off to the first day of school, see ya Dad." He noticed Enishi slowly giving a sly grin. "Wait, what''s so funny...Especially after that?"


    "Heh, before you leave...almost forgot your lucky charm, son." Enishi said with a chuckle as he pulls out a small picture out of his pocket. "Be glad this wasn''t water damaged in your room-" He never finish his sentence as Yuu, wide eyed in shock, snatches the photo from his hand. "Heh, I knew you still have a thing for her-"


    "Dad, stop it." Yuu muttered as he pockets the picture in his school jacket. "I-It ain''t like that." He said before giving a sad look. "I mean, I really should forget about her...After what I did, I don''t think she''ll ever be interested in a guy like me." Yuu couldn''t help it as he said those words. It always seemed like he will never move on from that day. A day of splintered wood, splattered crimson, and unconscious bodies...So many of it. All by his hand, and she saw it. He shook his head immediately and heads to the door. "Still, thanks Dad..." As Yuu leaves the shack, Enishi gave a sigh. It was obvious for him to see what troubles Yuu.


    "That boy should really let go of what happened a year ago..." The older man said in a tired tone. "You can''t dismiss the blood we got stirring in our veins..." He eyes at the postcard. "Nanako, please head home soon."


    <hr>


    Elsewhere, in the streets of East Kaimon.


    "Yeah, I get it." Hiro Onimada said with a roll of the eyes, growing more irritated as his childhood friend Miki Tozawa again remind him of one thing as they walk to school. That one thing being not to mess up their high school debut. "We''re not that special anyway, so who gives a damn about debuts?"


    Miki quickly gawk at Hiro''s statement, glasses nearly slipping down her face. "Oh right, like nobody would recall the freaking Demon Wolf!" She cried out sarcastically as she rearranged her glasses, noticing Hiro''s cringing reaction to that nickname.


    "Come on, Miki." He moaned out. "Can we just forget about that? I said I was retired from that delinquent shit." He rolled his eyes. "Besides, being a ex-street fighter ain''t nothing compared to being related to a Yakuza doctor-"


    "Don''t say that about my Dad!" Miki snapped back, quickly shutting Hiro up. However, a quick regretful look is made on her face as she shimmers down her mood. "Okay, fine Hiro. Just...Don''t do anything that makes me look bad today and we''re good."


    Hiro shrugged half-heartedly as a response. "Whatever floats your boat, Tanuki Face."


    Miki frowned at the mere mention of such an embarrassing nickname. "And stop calling me that too." The two then took a long look at each other for a lengthy period of time as they walked quietly together. "Huh, I thought you look more like a thug once you put that uniform on." She said rather bluntly and surprisingly with a tone of disappointment, to Hiro''s confusion as he adjusted his Kaimon High gakuran jacket. "You look so...Normal."


    "Where the hell is this coming from?" Hiro muttered as he stares at Miki wearing the seifuku uniform for female Kaimon High students, a white sailor shirt with the Kaimon colors of black and blue adorned on the collar, cuffs, and a black scarf. "And frankly, I thought you''d look sexy in yours but I guess not. "He then eyed at the short blue pleated skirt of hers, an eyebrow raised. "Maybe if you shorten the skirt some more-"


    "That''s sexual harassment, you dick." Miki said with a blunt expression. "Don''t make me smack you."


    Hiro is quickly taken aback with that response, looking away as he scratched his head. "Well, thanks for killing that fantasy, then." He said growling quietly. "Stick in the mud tanuki bitch..."


    "Ugh, you''re too much like Tao." Miki noted, rather frustrated at the mere mention of that name, as they continue their walk. "Why can''t you be more like say, Hino? At least he''s polite."


    "Oh really?" Hiro said with an eyebrow raised. "Jeez, you really don''t know Yuu as well as I do, especially what he did last-" He pauses, realizing that he may have been a little too deep with his best friend''s personal secrets until catching himself, much to Miki''s confusion. "N-Nevermind, you got a point. Just drop it, okay?"


    "Uh, sure. If it bothers you that much." She replied confusingly as they quickly notice a small group of students across the street. Unlike them, this group of students wore blazers of red and light orange, showing that they''re from another school. "Huh, never knew we''d get people here going to Tora Rokku at West Kaimon." She noted in puzzlement.


    "Well duh." Hiro scoffed as they continue to watch. "Tora Rokku''s known to take in students with exceptional athletic talent in this town, whatever that means." He then gave a whistle upon looking at the group. "Damn, Jimmy Kato is going there?"


    "Wait, you know him?" Miki asked only to frown as Hiro gave a grin.


    "Yeah, once broke a few of his teeth in one night when he talked trash bout me. "He answered followed by a chuckle, only to notice Miki''s slightly shocked expression which made him quickly scowl at her. "...Back in my street fighting days. Shit, Miki, it wasn''t recent. Relax a little."


    "Ugh, let''s leave before he notices you-Oh." Miki trailed off as she noticed one of the schoolgirls, walking in a rather noticeable distance away from the group, which caught her eye for some reason. "Hiro, go on without me. I''ll meet you at the gate."


    "Wha-Really?" Hiro said in confusion. "...You better not get those guys over here. Jimmy Kato ain''t the only guy I beaten up-"


    "Who cares about that?!" Miki said in annoyance as she quickly walks away. "Remember what we agreed on, no shenanigans!" Hiro watches as Miki follows the Tora Rokku students for reasons unknown to him.


    "Huh, never thought she''ll get off my back." Hiro said as he walks off, hands in his pockets. "Seriously, what the hell am I going to do to embarrass her other than have a few drinks with my pals?" He grumbles a bit. "Jin better get the good stuff."


    <hr>


    Yuu glanced at his wristwatch, having arrived on time. Well, not like his friends that he expected to meet had they arrive as well.


    "Good grief, what''s taking them so long?" Yuu muttered until he finally notices Hiro approaching his direction. "Hiro, over here!" He only frowns as his best friend finally reaches him. "What took you so long? Your shoes filled with cement or something?"


    Hiro only gave a glare. "Someone''s being a douche." He said rather bluntly. "And are you serious? It''s like early in the morning. The opening ceremony ain''t till another few hours."


    "H-Hey!" Yuu cried out. He couldn''t help but be defensive over such a thing to Hiro''s annoyance. "N-Nothing wrong with showing up early! I-It''s a good t-trait to have!"


    Hiro rolled his eyes. "Well, not if it gives ya stuttering problems and lame ass comebacks." He said with a dismissive wave. "Besides, be a pest to Jin, if he even is showing up. You know how he really doesn''t want to do this."


    "Oh right." Yuu said as he smacks his palm. "Jin called me this morning. He said he''s coming...But he wants you to promise something." He bit his lip, unsure how to explain further. "...Just don''t laugh at him when you see him."


    A sudden silence occurs as Yuu spoke those very words...The awkwardness growing so thick you may as well cut it with a knife like a cake.


    "...The hell?" Hiro finally said in bafflement. "What did he do?"


    Yuu simply looked away at Hiro. "...It''s kind of complicated-" He never finished as Hiro in annoyance suddenly puts him into a full nelson hold. "Ack!! Let go! I''ll talk!" He gave some deep pants after being released from his hold. "Alright, remember how Jin was trying to grow his hair out?"


    Hiro raised his chin with a hand in pondering. "Oh yeah, wanted to grow a ponytail or something because of some film he watched." He then growled. "Told him he''d look like a jackass and he insults me soon after."


    "Yeah, well...He had a nasty case of lice last night." Yuu said sheepishly as he continues on. "Since the stores were closed, his dad had to use the electric razor..." He noticed Hiro''s eye practically lit up in surprise.


    "Wait...So he''s-"


    Yuu nodded. "Yep, not much hair on his head right now." Again an awkward silence arose...Only for Hiro to suddenly snicker. "H-Hey! You better not laugh when he gets here, cause he''ll kill me too!"If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "O-Okay okay!" Hiro said as his snickering shimmers down. "But no guarantees, Yuu."


    "What guarantees?" A rather gruffed voice said, as Yuu and Hiro turn to see their third member of the trio Jin Tao arrive...Quite so very bald. "So what-" His voice immediately drowned out as Hiro suddenly bursted out in laughter. "Dammit!!" He glared at Yuu in anger. "I told you that asshole is gonna laugh!!" He growled as he notice that despite not laughing, Yuu is giving a rather forced expression with a few loose chuckles. "Fuck! I should have stayed home than let you dicks see me like this!"


    "No no!" Yuu finally said with a nervous chuckle. "I mean it sucks you''ll never get that samurai ponytail you always wanted but this isn''t too bad, right Hiro-Oh come on!" He shouted, seeing Hiro holding his sides in laughter.


    "Hahahaha!!! I''m sorry but-Oh god-Hahaha-This is too much!!" Hiro cried out between words and laughter. "This is like the greatest thing ever!"


    "Can I just kill him?" Jin growled out, cracking his knuckles. "I''ll make it look like an accident-"


    "Nobody is killing anyone!!" Yuu shouted, nerves on the edge as his two closest friends since childhood are being their typical vitriolic selves. "Hiro, just apologize already!"


    "Alright!" Hiro said as he struggles to compose himself, clearing his throat. "I''m sorry, Jin. It''s totally not your fault you got a head as smooth as a baby-Gah!!" That was some really poor choice of words, as Jin is now in a murderous rage, grabbing at Hiro''s collar.


    "I''ll freaking end you!!" Jin roared out as Yuu and Hiro try to get him to calm down.


    "Calm down, already!!" Yuu cries out in frustration.


    <hr>


    As that was going on, a schoolgirl from Tora Rokku readies her first day of school.


    "Let''s see...Regular milk...Or strawberry milk?" Keiko Mitsurugi muttered to herself as she stared at the two containers in hand as she stood in front of the line of a small convenience store near the station. "Wait, I don''t have time for this...But I''m so thirsty. I never thought I would ever find myself in this situation."


    "Uh, just get both." The store clerk respond sheepishly. "Please, you''re holding up the line-"


    "Wait!" She shouted, shocking everyone. "I...Totally forgot I''m on a really tight budget..." She quietly said, fighting back tears.


    The clerk gave a blunt stare. "Just leave already."


    Keiko gave a regretful sigh as she heads out of the store, completely dejected. "That was a waste of time...I really should just head to the station now." However, she is unexpectedly greeted by an old friend upon exiting. "Eh? M-Miki?"


    "Heh, I knew that was you!" Miki said with a grin, hands to her sides, much to Keiko''s surprise which quickly turns to joy.


    "Miki!" Keiko shouted as she hugs her friend tightly, easily making it hard for the other girl to breathe. "It is you!"


    "Oh god, you''re still strong!" Miki gasped out until Keiko released her hug. "Keiko, I didn''t know you came back from Kyoto!"


    "I know!" Keiko replied with a smile. "I''m so glad to see you!" The two then walk to the station as these two friends since elementary school began to make small talk. "You look great in that uniform by the way."


    "Haha, Hiro doesn''t see it that way." Miki said with a forced laugh. "But screw him, when did you come back? I''m surprised you got a Tora Rokku uniform already."


    Keiko only gave a weak nervous chuckle. "Well, to tell you the truth, I was actually back in town about a month ago."


    "What?!" Miki said, taken aback at the news. "Why didn''t you tell me sooner? I was worried about you when you stopped writing to me months ago." She gave a pouty expression. "I didn''t expect that to sting, you know."


    Keiko couldn''t help but feel a tinge of guilt. Miki did bring a good point after all. "You''re right. I should''ve told you I was going back to Kaimon...It''s just been a long year and I felt I still needed time to adjust after all that has happened since." Miki quickly reeled back a tad, realizing she just hit a sore point.


    "Uh, no no!" She quickly countered waving off her initial worries. "I''m sorry, I know that was rough, bout what happened to your grandfather''s sword school..."


    The two can only recall the past upon that mention in a somber mood. The Mitsurugi sword school, once a foundation of swordsmanship in Kaimon, a pillar of the martial arts community in the entire town. Many sword styles were formed thanks to the basic teachings of this grand school, its earliest graduates having long started their own school of styles. Now, it no longer exist, disbanded in its final days, but not by decision.


    But by a single hooded man who came and destroyed the last generation of students. Not in swordplay, but with his bare hands, hands that shockingly shattered hard wooden blades and fractured bones with near inhuman force behind each strike. Few witnesses mentioned being paralyzed in fear of such carnage in display before he ran away. No one knows why such an event happened. Some call it retribution of the students growing arrogance, yet some call it just an unfortunate stroke of bad luck. Hayao Mitsurugi, the elderly yet strong grandmaster, have since retired not long after, currently on a journey across the continent. His only granddaughter Keiko having moved to Kyoto with distant relatives.


    But now, here she is, back home with her best friend waiting for her train.


    "It''s okay, Miki." Keiko finally said quietly, in an somber and regretful tone as she recall the last days of such a school. "To be honest, the school...Probably deserved to die like that, after what I''ve seen of the last generation of students...They grew arrogant beyond Grandpa''s control, and it wasn''t long for that rot to go away if it continued the way it did..."


    "Wha? Don''t say that!" Miki said in disbelief. "I know things were bad given the stories about those guys, but the school shouldn''t disband like that! You love kendo!" She then puffed her cheeks in annoyance. "If anything, that asshole who destroyed it should have been caught!" She looked at Keiko with a stern face. "You were there, did you see his face?"


    Keiko gave a pause before shaking her head. "N-No...I didn''t. It was dark that time." She replied with a tinge of disappointment, only to return a weak smile. "But enough of that, Miki. How about we get together sometime soon, to catch up?"


    "Oh please, already on my mind." Miki replied with a smile to return. "Just forget about the past and enjoy your first day of school, okay? God knows if I''ll enjoy mine." She said as she heads off on her own. "Be safe!"


    "I will, bye Miki!" Keiko shouted back while Miki waves good-bye before heading off. She soon gave a frustrated sigh as she finally focuses on something that bugged her mind since meeting with Miki. "It''s not exactly reassuring to have guys like you hiding in plain sight." She said bluntly as she stares at the hooded teenager sitting at a bench close by. "Never thought you needed me right away while I''m going to school." She pouted. "I was trying to buy milk too..."


    "Relax, Mitsurugi." The hooded teenager said sternly. "Just giving you orders, from Tallgeese himself. We got a group of guys getting too uppity for their own good and Tallgeese wants them to know we don''t tolerate that crap." He then gives Keiko a stern eye to eye look. "He wants it done tonight, consider it your first real trial under us since it''s close by your area."


    Keiko raised an eyebrow in intrigue. "From Mitsuo, eh? Well, guess I''m free tonight, so why not?" She then gave a fangy grin. "But they''re strong, right?" The punk found himself unnerved at her reaction but quickly composed himself.


    "Well, we wouldn''t ask you to do this now if they weren''t." He answers while feeling a little surprised at her rather eccentric expression in response. "Good grief, don''t make it sound like we''re planning a picnic." He muttered to himself as he notices her pumping a fist in the air to boot. "Oh, and that friend of yours? She better keep to herself later today. Brody''s stopping by Kaimon High today."


    Keiko gave a pause. "What''s going on over there to get that giant''s attention?" She only noticed a sneering look from her informant the moment she asked.


    "None of your concerns. If you''re that curious, ask Vice Head Lingstein about that. He sent Brody there after all." He said with a grunt as he stood up, hands in his pockets. "Just do what you''re told. You better be good as Tallgeese said you are, the Empire needs you more than you think.." He soon left in a rather brisk pace, leaving Keiko alone in the station.


    "Guess he has a point." She said quietly before cracking out another grin. "They better be good fighters, or else tonight would be boring." She then stretch her arms out with a slight moan as she walks towards her train. "I really gotta stretch more often...And see if milk''s cheap on the way here..."


    <hr>


    "You sure this is the good stuff? Hiro asks with an intrigue expression, eyeing the bottle of liquor Jin has in his hands as the three friends continued to walk to school.


    "That really looks like the typical stuff my Dad drinks on occasion." Yuu added with a frown. He bit his lip upon further look. "That can''t be it."


    "Look pricks, my Dad never steered me wrong on his liquor choices." Jin said with a growl. "...Just because he''s the town drunk doesn''t mean he has crap taste!"


    "So says the angry cue ball." Hiro said while ignoring Jin''s glare. "Dude, not my fault your place got lice, so suck it up until you get some hair back." He couldn''t help but snort a few snickers. "Totally gonna cherish this moment."


    "You''re just glad there''s a witness here just in case I finally snap." Jin muttered annoyingly, to Yuu''s dismay.


    "Haha...Let''s not call me a witness now." Yuu said with a nervous chuckle. "Besides, Jin''s dad did say this should be good stuff."


    Hiro now gave a worried look. "Then again, Jin''s old man once did drank a cup of engine brewed alcohol from a broken tractor and said that was good too..." The three walk quietly, letting that fact sink in."


    "Aw hell, that''s a good point." Jin finally responds in perplexed horror as he puts the bottle back in his school bag. "I forgot about that too, and I share the same roof as him."


    Yuu couldn''t give much of a reaction, stunned at this revelation. "...I-It didn''t taste horrible right?"


    "Look, it doesn''t matter!" Hiro finally shouted, eager to forget that one unpleasant memory. "We got the bottle, the shot glasses, nothing can go-" He suddenly stopped, the others now confused at his sudden act. "Oh no." He soon placed a palm over his face. "I forgot Miki mentioned this to me this morning, but...Murakami convinced the school to let him conduct bag checks on suspicious new students today after the ceremony."


    Jin quickly grew a scowl at this sudden development. "Are you serious?! How the hell did that teacher''s pet even do that?! He''s in our grade too!"


    Hiro only muttered between gritted teeth. "Cause he''s apparently a model student and a total justice obsessed asshole."


    Yuu only pondered for a moment. "...No offense, but it''s okay if I keep my distance away from you guys today-"


    "You''re with us to the end!!" Hiro and Jin shouted in annoyance.


    "Well well, you finally got the news, Onimada." A voice said in confidence, as the trio notice the guy who started this whole mess. Kiyomaro Murakami, also known as Kiyo, newly minted hall monitor and secretly reformed street fighter...The only one with a losing streak! He''s kinda bitter about that! "That reaction gives it away." He followed up with a smug smirk. "I''m gonna love this."


    Hiro rolled his eyes in disgust. "Murakami, just reforming into an authoritative dick won''t wipe away a shitty losing streak-"


    "What the-Totally uncalled for-I mean, I-I''m not bitter about that, you ass!" Kiyo cried out, being not surprisingly defensive about this old shame that only a handful of his peers know or even care about. "Tch, such a waste, going into fights that carries no honor in the rules."


    "...Kiyo, they''re freaking street fights." Jin said bluntly. "I used to go to your family sword dojo and you''re good with a sword. So why the hell do you keep going in those fights with just your bare hands?"


    "Jujitsu is a valid martial arts!" Kiyo protested with a finger pointed at Jin. "Sure, I''m...Barely yellow belt, but it''s still something to use than to resort to weapons!"


    Jin shrugged and sigh at the attempts to justify such unwillingness to go all out. "...Doesn''t mean shit, seeing that you once lost twenty fights in one night!" He retorted to Kiyo''s dismay.


    "...Again,I''m going to love searching what crap you got in your bags later today!" Kiyo finally muttered out upon realization that yes, he will never live that down...Ever.


    "Um...Just be clear, I''m not like those two. I''m totally normal!" Yuu spurted out, to Hiro and Jin''s horror. "...I didn''t mean that to be an insult!"


    At that moment, Kiyo could only give a surprising look of disdain at Yuu. "No offense Hino, but to make that bold claim..." He then gave an icy glare. "You can''t lie to me that easily, Sword Breaker." He said with surprising coldness. Yuu couldn''t help but felt a sudden shock, following with immense guilt upon hearing that nickname, one that reveals his past actions. Actions he wish that never happened. However, that freezing glare soon softened, Kiyo himself showing signs of regret. "...My apologies, but I gotta go." Kiyo responded before walking away. "You three better not have anything after the ceremony."


    "Damn, I-I didn''t think he knew..." Yuu muttered, biting his lip as Kiyo left the three alone, eager to just go to school.


    "Ah, don''t let what Murakami said bring you down." Hiro said while scratching his head. "He''s a hardass, but he''s not a bad guy. He won''t spill the beans bout what ya did...Hell, he probably hates Jin more than the both of us since he quit taking lessons from Murakami''s old man''s school."


    "Yeah, stop bringing up my past history with that naive douche and focus on the now." Jin said annoyingly. "What the hell are we going to do with this bottle of liquor now that he''s obviously has something against us?"


    "I''m thinking bout it now." Hiro said as he ponders, hand on chin. He then noticed a familiar face walking close by. "Well, how bout that?" He said while grinning. "Got an excellent idea, it''s foolproof!"


    <hr>


    "This is a stupid idea and only something a monkey can think of." Miki muttered as she hears Hiro out of his plan not long after running into him and the gang.


    "Come on, Miki!" Hiro whined out, already bowing to her, much to Yuu and Jin''s surprise. "You''re like the one person Murakami wouldn''t bother to check!"


    "I told you I just want a normal first day in high school!" The bespectacled young woman growled adjusting her glasses. "Being a mule to carry your crap is not normal!"


    "Tozawa, I know it''s a bit too much, but it''s really a small favor." Yuu said in a very polite tone. "We''ll never ask you to do this again next time."


    "If there ever is a time at all cause I refuse!" Miki snapped back to Yuu''s dismay. "For a voice of reason to these two dumbasses, you''re doing an awful job at it!" She looked away in disappointment. "I thought you''d be better than this too..."


    "Y-You really thought of me that highly?" Yuu said in confusion, feeling uneasy to ruin Miki''s rather positive perception of him. "...I don''t know if I should be happy bout that." Jin then suddenly moved him aside, his taller frame overshadowing Miki quite easily.


    "Miki, do it or else it''s Indian burns all year round." Jin said, firmly with a scowl on his face, only meeting a similar expression from Miki in return.


    "Oh, get bent, Jin!" She cried out. "You think violence is going to work, think-" She stopped and covered her mouth, unable to hold back as she gave a muffled laugh, finally noticing Jin''s lack of hair on his head. "I-I''m sorry, but what happened to your hair?!" She soon broke down in cracking fits of laughter. "I know that''s not fair to judge, but what''s up with that?!"


    "Agh! You too?!" Jin spat out in annoyance. "Unreal, I can expect these two jackasses, but you?!" He gritted his teeth upon noticing Hiro trying not to burst into laughter. "I hate this..."


    "Well, considering your piss poor attitude towards me, call it karma!" Miki replied with a chuckle. "Serves you-Uh?" She paused as she noticed one thing she''d never expects from Jin Tao of all people. "A-Are you crying?!"


    "I ain''t crying, bitch!" Jin shouted while apparently fighting back tears. This even puts his friends in shock.


    "You got to admit...That was kinda harsh." Yuu said to Miki, growing more baffled.


    "Yeah...I know it was stupid, but he did want to grow his hair out..." Hiro mutters. "You seriously made him cry?"


    Miki felt a tinge of guilt. Sure, she and Jin were always having something akin to a rivalry of some weird nature...But she never like it when it comes to this, making a young man cry of all things. She clenched her fist and growls. "Okay okay...I''ll do it." She muttered, feeling regretful. "Look, I''m sorry and I shouldn''t have went too far-"


    Jin suddenly drops his depressing expression and hands Miki the bottle of liquor with ease to her shock. "Good, just keep it in the bag and shut those lips bout where you got it from." He said with bluntness before walking to school. "Let''s get this over with! Later, mule!"


    Miki stood stunned only to grit her teeth as she soon annoyingly puts the bottle deep into her bag. "He was faking it...Freaking asshole..."


    "T-Thanks, Tozawa." Yuu finally said sheepishly. "Trust me, it''s the only time we''ll ever do this to ya!" He then runs off to follow Jin.


    "Well then, you did save our asses, Tanuki Face!" Hiro said with a grin, patting Miki in the back to her displeasure as he slips the shot glasses into her bag to boot. "I definitely owe you one! Later!" He also rushes off to his friends. "Wait up!"


    Miki only gave a frustrated sigh. "Idiots will be idiots I guess." She quickly growled as she slowly follows them. "I''m having bad vibes...This day better not suck."


    Little did anyone would know, this first day of high school won''t end in sunshine and rainbows. But it will end in blood, starting a rather interesting school year...

 Welcome to High School (2)

    Welcome to High School (2)


    Much later in the morning, at the gymnasium of Kaimon High School, it is nearly time for the opening ceremony for the students. As their principal and teachers rehearsed out their intentions and goals, various reactions from the students entering are shown. That of intrigue, interest, apathy, and maybe an occasional eye rolling. Regardless, it''ll be the official start of high school for many of these students.


    However, a small group of punks not from this school stood at the unoccupied school gates.


    "After all that waiting, Mikamura ain''t here." One of them, wearing a hoodie, grumbled as he looks at various students passing by, as they looked on with weary of the small group. "This is stupid, he obviously knew there will be consequences for his actions, so why bother showing up?" His companion, wearing shades, only shrugged in response.


    "Who knows?" Shades said with a follow-up sigh. "Still, Lingstein must be a bit off his rocker, asking six guys to go along with Brody. How strong is this Mikamura guy anyway?"


    "Dude, I think Lingstein made the right call..." Hoodie said with a cautious tone. "I heard tales, but what I gather, Heiji Mikamura ain''t human." He continued, recalling rumors regarding East Kaimon''s top banchou. "In his first year, he destroyed five major gangs and knocked out his predecessor with one punch in just one week...How is that possible?"


    "Damn, one week?" Shades muttered in disbelief. "You''re right...But there''s no way he could be an enemy now, right?"


    "Who knows?" Hoodie said with a shrug. "He didn''t answer the call during Tokyo, even when he heard about our plight." He couldn''t help but growl. "That''s...That''s just inexcusable, ignoring the Masuda Empire. With us and Brody, Mikamura better explain himself..." He suddenly gave an exasperated sigh as he glares at Brody, their large and in charge ringleader, ogling at the schoolgirls coming through the gate. "But since this idiot is only looking at skirts, I''m beginning to think we''re screwed here!"


    "Ah, keep your panties unknotted!" Brody said with a grin as girls look at him with disgust. "I know when to separate work and personal pleasure. Ain''t the Eastern Warden for nuthing!" He then gave a scowl. "But seriously, how come chicks my age ain''t this hot? Bunch of uggos and freaks."


    "Well, that''s freaking reassuring." Hoodie muttered. "Warden or not, you better fight like your life depends on it." It is then they notice three men walking past them, surprised at the presence of one of them. "The hell, Hiro Onimada?"


    "Know him?" Brody said, scratching his head in confusion.


    "Good grief, actually know the people around East if you''re Warden." Hoodie growled out. "Onimada''s a tough son of a bitch in the street fighting circuits round here years back. You think a guy like him would end up in Sutogi Commerce from South Kaimon..."


    "Funny story, actually." Shades said with a pondering expression. "Heard round here he''s gone the straight and narrow road. Wanted a normal school life I guess."


    "Gee, that sucks." Brody said with a disappointing tone. "Sounds like a guy I''d recruit and replace any of you jokers."


    "Man, you''re just glad you''re stupid strong." Shades replied in annoyance. They then hear the school bell as students began to quicken their pace. The group couldn''t help but grumbled at the lack of presence of their intended target. "Shit, he ain''t coming after all. Lingstein ain''t gonna like this." Brody simply stood with a scowl on his face. "So, we gonna head back or-"


    "No, we''re gonna stay." Brody said sternly. "I won''t go back empty handed...I''ll make him show up if I have to!"


    <hr>


    A good hour later.


    "Oh man..." Hiro groaned as the students finally stood up from their seats, leaving the gym not long after the ceremony ends, a majority of the staff long having went straight to the main building. "That took forever."


    "You said it." Jin replied curtly. "Should have recalled going to the straight and narrow is a pain in the ass. God, what I would do for some smokes."


    "You read my mind." Hiro muttered as the two exchange bumpings of fists.


    Yuu couldn''t help but feel rather discouraged at the lack of excitement for high school life from his friends. "Delinquency must be one hell of a drug." He finally said bluntly. As the three exited the gym, they soon notice a few students with hall monitor armbands checking the bags of other students to their chagrin. "Damn, Murakami sure got ready." Yuu said, biting his lip. "This better work." The three then notice a student with bleached hair being forced to follow a hall monitor carrying a box cutter to the school.


    "I-I don''t know how that got in there!" The delinquent shouted in protest, though it seem he was more embarrassed than angry. "Please, don''t do this in my first day! I''ll look like a weak bitch!! Please!!" The whining may have die out, but the cringe of many still lingers.


    "...Now this really better work." Yuu said feeling both sympathy and shame for that idiot. "I really don''t want our first day to start like that."


    "Relax, it''s foolproof!" Hiro reassures Yuu with a firm pat to the back. "Don''t worry so much, right Jin?"


    Jin gave a nod, staring at Miki, she herself in a considerable distance away talking with other students. "Yeah, Tozawa''s such a tight ass, nobody''s ever gonna suspect her to check her stuff." Miki quickly notice the three staring and...Threw a middle finger at them with a quick scowl to boot before going back to her conversation. "...Such a tight ass, I bet a can of soda would explode between her ass muscles." He muttered in annoyance.


    "Give her some slack, skinhead." Hiro said with concern over Jin''s behavior. "Miki''s uptight but she really wants to get people to see her as anything but the kid of some crazy ass doctor who works with shady clients." He gave a sigh. "Maybe I wasn''t being fair to her. She didn''t want to be a mule the way you didn''t want your head looking like a pachinko ball."


    "Wow, this personal hell of mine is never gonna end, huh?" Jin muttered in seething rage. "You really testing my ability not to kick your ass in front of these people."


    "Jin, you''re gonna get back some hair in like a week or two anyway." Yuu snapped back. "You really gotta let that go."


    "Man, you can say that shit when you got bugs on your freaking head!" Jin shot back with a hiss.


    Yuu only shrugged. "Well, that sounds nice to invite me to your place to get lice, but I''ll pass."


    Hiro suddenly snorted out a laugh before stopping. "...Shit, he really got you there."


    Jin furrowed his brows. "For the love of-" He grumbled before walking away, hands in pockets. "Let''s just get this shit over with." His mood turn quickly from somber to excitement as the three quickly found Kiyo, having just finished checking a student''s bag. "Kiyo, my man!" He shouted out with a grin. "Doing a great job in something so stupidly trivial! You definitely earn a medal for that!"


    Kiyo gave a blank stare before letting loose a sigh. "Ah hell, you''re up to something Jin. I know that look anywhere."


    "I ain''t hiding anything." Jin replied boldly, with that huge cocky smile. "Check my bag. Hell, do a freaking strip search, I got nothing to hide."


    "Oh geez." Hiro muttered. "He ain''t being subtle at all." Yuu only nodded in approval.


    "In fact, start with those two!" Jin continued as he points to Hiro and Yuu. "They''re that eager to let you do the honors-"


    "Shut up, you bald douche!!" His friends cried out in horror at his stupid bold confidence.


    Kiyo simply rolled his eyes as he motions two additional hall monitors to him. "Alright, I guess we''ll do a full inspection for these three then!" He ordered as Hiro and Yuu continued to be horrified at the new arrangements. "Look Jin..." He muttered as he scratched his head, unsure what to say. "...We''re not going that far with inspections...Please stop removing your clothes."


    Jin paused as he is midway in unstrapping his belt, having removed his jacket and unbuttoned his dress shirt, all with horror written on everyone''s faces. "...Say what now?"


    <hr>


    Several minutes later.


    "What the hell was that all about, you stupid asshole?!" Hiro cried out as he placed Jin in a sleeper hold not long after their inspections, feet dangling a few inches in the air as he chokes the bigger man. "Losing all that hair probably made you a bigger dumbass!"


    "Ack! My revenge...A total failure!" Jin choked out as he fought back. "Yuu, help me out here!"


    Yuu only shot a glare. "Yeah, no...That was a dick move, man."


    "I''m gonna wreck ya!!" Hiro cried out. It took a few minutes, but things then finally calmed down. "Alright, we bout even now?"


    Jin rolled his eyes, rubbing his strained neck. "Whatever, but I guess." He noticed Yuu looking at the crowd still in line for checks. "Is Tanuki head even out yet?"


    Yuu shakes his head. "Not yet."


    "Don''t worry, we''re in the clear!" Hiro said with a small laugh. "Ain''t no way Murakami can bust us now-"


    "Murakami''s heading towards Tozawa." Yuu interjected with a worried tone. Hiro and Jiro immediately dropped their jaws at such a reveal.


    "The hell?!" They cried out, aghast in horror that Kiyo may have unraveled their secret plan. They notice from afar Miki''s blood immediately draining away from her face as Kiyo confronts her.


    "Oh shit, please don''t go nuts Miki." Hiro muttered in terror. "Just play it cool." From a decent distance away, Miki simply gave cold sweats as Kiyo approaches her.


    "M-Murakami!" She said in a nervous tone. "I didn''t think you''d be going to Kaimon High, what with all that fancy swordwork of yours suited for Tora Rokku!" She followed up with a nervous laugh, Hiro from afar placing a palm on his face upon noticing her reactions. "How''s your morning so far?''


    Kiyo sighed and gave a stern stare. "Tozawa, your bag please." He said politely, though heavily firm to Miki''s growing horror.


    "U-Uh, can-can we j-just chat a bit first?" Miki muttered quickly, flustering by the minute. "L-Like that loss record of yours Hiro always told me about- She immediately bit her tongue upon realization she chose a terrible topic. "Shit, I forgot he hates that." She said quietly to herself, cringing all the while.


    "Damn you Onimada." Kiyo hissed under his teeth though he regains his composure. "Look Tozawa, I am not going to place you responsible with what''s in your bag if I find something." He continued, frowning all the while. "I know you don''t want people to lump you in with your father, so just tell me if you''re being forced to carry something. I won''t hold it against you...And please don''t look like you''re going to wet yourself."


    Miki remained hesitant, eyeing the trio from afar subtly, all three have now been resigned in defeat. She swallowed hard...And gave Kiyo a firm stare. "Thanks for the offer, but I refuse." She said quietly. "My Dad and I are a lot of things...But we never throw any associations of ours under the bus." She then gritted her teeth, fists clenching. "If those idiots get into trouble, then add me in too."


    Kiyo couldn''t help but be impressed at her gumption. "Well, I guess Jin and Onimada should appreciate having you as a friend. Alright, just follow me and-" Kiyo is suddenly struck by running kick to the side of his head, sending him tumbling on the ground a good several feet away. Everyone froze in shock of what just happened, all eyes on the perpetrator.


    "Well, can''t say I''m not curious bout what''s going on here." Brody said with curiosity in his tone as he looks at Miki. "I seriously thought I''d have to go through these boring ass inspections. Then they decided to check on you, a rather nice looking chick, for some reason." He then snatched Miki''s bag from her hands quite easily.


    "H-Hey!" She cried out, trying to reach out for her bag. "You can''t just take that!"


    "Hold it!" Brody shouted with sudden force that left Miki frozen in terror. "Don''t be such an uptight bitch, I''m simply doing my job as the East Warden of the Masuda Empire!"


    <hr>


    From afar, Hiro couldn''t help but found himself growing irate at what is taking place.


    "What the hell is going on?" He muttered. "Ain''t someone gonna stop this asshole?" He clenched his hands into fists. "Fuck this, I''m going over there and-" Jin, with little warning, suddenly placed a firm grip on his shoulder. "What the hell are you doing, Jin?"


    "Man, I don''t know how to say this...But you can''t do something, not where he''s from." Jin said quietly before gritting his teeth. "...She''s screwed."


    Hiro is taken aback from this statement. "Are you crazy?! That''s Miki right there!"If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "I know! But that guy''s from the Masuda Empire! That''s serious shit compared to the crap we run into in Junior High!" Jin retorted. "I don''t like it either but doing something is asking for a target on your back, man! Besides, do you want Miki to suffer one humiliating moment or suffer far worse shit for years because you lose that temper of yours?"


    Hiro growled, feeling frustration at such terrible choices as Brody begins to rummage at Miki''s bag. "Damn it!" He muttered out.


    Yuu could only grow confused. "Jin, are you serious about these guys?"


    Jin nodded, frowning all the while. "I don''t like saying it, but those guys...Are real full blown gangsters compared to me and Hiro. Every damn punk in this town may as well be chumps compared to them. Mess with them, you''d be wishing for an early grave. Fuck, even adults don''t wanna screw with them."


    "Oh god..." Yuu muttered in horror. He soon bit his lip. "Tozawa..."


    <hr>


    It wasn''t long for Brody to start tossing all sorts of junk on the ground with a bored look on his face.


    "Man, just typical bitch stuff." He muttered disappointingly as Miki helplessly watches. "Don''t know what those idiots saw in your bag." He shot a quick glare at the scared hall monitors, turning to see a few teachers from afar in a similar state. "Tch, once they hear we''re from the Empire, they turn into pussies. Typical."


    "Well no shit." Hoodie from nearby muttered in frustration at the rowing development. "They know the stories what happens if they try."


    "Duh, but I expect some challenge-" He stopped, his hand having touch something within her bag. "What''s this?" He pulled out the liquor bottle in front of all to see to Miki''s embarrassment. "I''ll be damned. A babe like you carrying something like this? Gutsy, I like!"


    "P-Please...Just stop." Miki muttered, feeling much humiliation. "You got what you wanted...I-I thought about drinking that myself...Please leave me alone."


    "Oh, we''re not done yet." Brody said with a grin. "...On your knees." Miki immediately gawked in horror at such a request. "On your knees!" He shouted, enough for the girl to do so as he opens the bottle. "Lower your head."


    Miki glowered at Brody before doing as he ask, face reddened in both anger and embarrassment. She gasps as a sudden cold feeling rains down her head and back, realizing just what the bigger man have done to her. The crowd continue to remain silent in absolute terror.


    "Well, can''t waste it all just yet!" Brody said with a chuckle as he stopped pouring the liquor down on the poor kneeling girl now gritting her teeth and fighting tears. "Alright one last thing...Lick that off your body, like a cute little kitten would do."


    "You fucking asshole..." Miki muttered under her breath, nearly ready to choke on her own tears.


    "Oh for fuck sakes, dude." Hoodie said in exasperation. "We''re not here to do weird fetish shit. We got stuff to-" He found himself shocked as he found himself in midair only to crash onto the floor.


    Brody only raised a brow. "...Well, didn''t expect you to get back up."


    Kiyo panted in exhaustion, on wobbly legs after pulling a throw on Hoodie, as he glared at the large man. "I don''t care who you are, but that shit you pulled you won''t get away with!" He stared at the frighten crowd. "I don''t know what power you have over everyone but that ends now!" He charged into a dash, hands stretch wide ready to grapple...Only for Brody to smack him with a hook from his free hand that sends Kiyo flying right to a nearby tree face first. The crowd is terrified of such a display of raw strength.


    "Fuck...He really does suck." Miki moaned out in dismay.


    "Owww, son of a-" Hoodie groaned as he got back to his feet. "That...Kinda hurts."


    Brody scoffed at that small display of failed heroism. "Trying to be a hero and he can''t even knock out one guy." He turned to Miki, still drenched in alcohol. "Well? Lick yourself clean, then I''ll leave. Simple as that."


    "Dammit..." Miki growled, moving a forearm close to her face, ready to stick out her tongue.


    "Okay, fuck this!" A familiar voice said to her surprise. She looks up to see Hiro suddenly landing a punch right at Brody''s cheek. With that opening, she now realizes what she must do. "Miki!" Hiro cried out after punching Brody. "Get out of here and-Whoa." He turned his head only to see Miki making a wild dash right out of the school gates, running deep into town to his increasing surprise. "Damn...She can really run." He said in both amazement and bafflement. "...I don''t think it''s a good idea to see her for a while." He muttered, well aware of the potential wrath he may face should he see her again.


    "Gah...Wow, that actually really hurt." Brody said with a groan as he held his cheek. "I gotta admit...You got balls defending your girl from a guy like me."


    "What the-" Yuu cried out in confusion now that he realize what Hiro has just done. "Jin, what the hell just-Wait, he''s gone too?!" He shouted in further bafflement as Jin is nowhere to be found. "What just happened?!"


    "My girl?" Hiro said, as we head back to the confrontation. "Nah, I made her carry that bottle as a mule, to get those guys off my back." He said, eyeing at the unconscious Kiyo not too far off. "I didn''t came here on her behalf." He pointed at the half empty bottle in Brody''s hand. "I came here cause you''re the asshole who wasted my good alcohol for your boner bullshit."


    "...You know what, forget bout her." Brody said with a grin, putting down the bottle carefully on the ground. "Kicking your ass will be enough to satisfy those hours of waiting in this dump of a school." He waved a motion to his group. "Don''t butt in till I say so."


    "Whatever, not that we give a damn." Hoodie muttered. "This shit was started by you anyway."


    Hiro raised a eyebrow. "You seriously not gonna ask your goons to-" With rather frightening agility, Brody quickly closes the gap between them as Hiro barely blocked a wild haymaker, with a surprising look on his face. "Damn, I figured he''s tough...But fast too?!" Hiro thought as he quickly moves to the side, took hold of Brody''s back, and lands a knee right at the big man''s gut. He grew unnerve as it apparently didn''t do much, given Brody''s glare at him face to face. "Shit, what''s it gonna take to take you down?!" He threw more punches at what may as well be a wall composed of muscle and bone. Suddenly, one punch right at Brody''s chest have students hearing the rather hard impact before it just stops dead cold. "...You gotta be kidding me." Hiro muttered out in bafflement.


    "Well, I gotta give credit when it''s due..." Brody said with a grin. "Those kinda hurts like hell." With that, he landed a blow right at Hiro''s gut, Hiro quickly reeling back in pain. Brody then threw a vicious and fast wild punch right at Hiro''s face before the latter could react, sending him flying a few feet before tumbling onto the floor. "Too bad, feels like you''re actually slacking." To his surprise, Hiro slowly sat back up, spitting out blood before wiping his mouth, slowly rising to his feet to Brody''s surprise that turns to excitement. "Good, you ain''t dead yet, compared to that loser from before." He crack his knuckles as he slowly moves towards Hiro, now both exhausted and unsure what to do next.


    "Hell...I haven''t been fighting for months till now..." Hiro muttered, trying to regain his bearings. "I''m rusty." He sighed as Brody advances slowly towards him. "Well, first day of high school and already I fucked things up." He chuckled to himself. "Well, guess this means I better pull a good trick outta my ass if I wanna live."


    "Alright, any last words?" Brody said with a bit of glee as he towers over Hiro.


    "Sure." Hiro said with disappointment in his tone. "Kinda too bad you wasted some probably shitty liquor I was gonna share with my pals..I''ll haunt your ass for that."


    Brody smirked as he raises his fist. "I can''t believe I won''t be hearing your smartass comments after this!" Then he felt a powerful blow to his side, enough to send him tumbling to the floor in surprise. "Gah!! What the-"


    "Yuu?" Hiro said in shock as Yuu had just landed a straight punch to Brody''s side. "Dude, what are you doing? You know you don''t like using your karate after that-"


    "Shut. It." Yuu said as he tightly bit his lip. "I just want to forget that time, have a normal life...But you''re my friend dammit." He then entered into a fighting stance. "Friends don''t leave friends high and dry."


    Hiro could only blink twice. "...At least don''t fight back tears like a bitch then."


    "Do you think I wanna do this?!" Yuu cried out in frustration. "Did you seriously need to punch him without a plan?!"


    "How about remembering I''m still here?!" Brody roared as he strikes both Yuu and Hiro with each arm slamming right at their necks. Both young men crash right to ground, reeling in pain from the double clothesline.


    "Ah shit..." Hiro moaned. "I thought that martial arts crap of yours was gonna help. Are you seriously that out of practice?"


    "Man, just shut up." Yuu groaned as Brody grabs them both by the neck, lifting them up with sheer strength. "Good grief. Who trained you, gorillas?!" Brody in annoyance slammed Yuu''s head at Hiro''s in retaliation.


    "Gah!" Hiro cries out in pain, blood running down his head. "What the hell, Yuu?!" He barked out. "Are you trying to get us killed?!"


    "Heh, save your wisecracks in hell once I crack your heads in!" Brody said, growing rather unnerving the more this fight unfolds.


    "Hey, heads up." And with that, Jin suddenly strikes Brody at his back after such a nonchalant statement. His broom in hand suddenly shattered into pieces as the large man arches his back in pain.


    "Gaahhh!!" Brody cried out while Hiro and Yuu kick him off his grip on them, quickly back stepping away while Jin calmly walks towards them.


    "Well, shit." Jin said annoyingly, tossing the now useless broom. "That was pointless."


    "Bout time you got your bald ass here." Hiro said, panting as both he and Yuu catch their breaths. "What the hell were you doing when he was gonna crack our skulls like an egg?"


    Jin scowls at that rather ungrateful statement. "Well, you''re welcome." He muttered dryly. "The moment you decided to charge in like a moron, I went to the gym shed to get a weapon." He gives a frown. "Then turns out that 500 yen book on pick-locking I bought was a lying piece of shit, so I kicked the door in...And this school doesn''t have anything at all!" He growled annoyingly. "So I picked up a broom...That was useless."


    "Guys, I think we should focus on the rather pissed off giant here?!" Yuu cried out as Brody recovered from Jin''s attack. The three immediately give an uneasy feeling as the big man looked more angry than hurt.


    "Shit, I hit em with everything I got..." Jin said quietly in disbelief, watching the big man straighten out his sore back.


    "Agh, that''s it!" Brody shouted in anger, clenching his fists. "I''ll teach you punks not to mess with us! Guys, get over-Uh?!" He is flabbergasted as he finds his men on the floor, nursing various wounds. "How in the-"


    "T-That B-Baldy..." Shades sputtered out while coughing as he lays face down. "J-Jumped us when you were messing with those two..."


    "So quick...My damn side." Hoodie muttered in pain as he lays on one side. Hiro and Yuu couldn''t help but be impressed at Jin''s excellent swordsmanship.


    "Jeez Jin, I can''t believe without a sword, you''re pretty much trash." Hiro said as the three slowly circle around Brody.


    "Shut it. At least I carried you two all the way to this." Jin hissed out. "Man, this day blows."


    "Please, let''s just cut the chatter and get this over with?" Yuu said bluntly. "I really I don''t want to explain things to my Dad, but I guess I got no choice now, huh?" He then chuckled nervously. Brody stands alone, eyeing at each of his oppositions.


    "Well damn, who knew instead of Mikamura, I get these troublesome assholes?" Brody thought as he looks at all sides, waiting to see who would make the first move. "Onimada I can see why people say he''s tough. The baldy, I don''t know jack bout him but he might got nothing on me without a weapon. Still, he''s something alright." However, he frowned at the sight of Yuu. "And that one...Why the hell does he make me nervous?"


    "Let''s take this jackass down!" Jin roared out in fury as he charged in for a tackle from behind, only for Brody to turn suddenly as he slammed his knee right at Jin''s face, sending him crumbling down to the ground. Hiro lunged for a punch yet Brody catches him before grabbing him by the collar to throw him right at Jin still lying on the floor. However, Brody suddenly gets rattled as the heel of a sneaker smashes right at his chin, as Yuu struck him with a spinning wheel kick.


    "Agh, damn!" Brody growled, rubbing his sore chin as he grew even more irate as Yuu gave a deep breath before entering a fighting stance. "You got to be shitting me using that basic karate bullshit." Brody muttered before roaring out followed by a rush, fists raised. "Don''t look down on me!"


    "Good, looks like he''s got all his screws loose." Yuu thought as he backpedals, easily parrying and avoiding numerous sloppy jabs and hooks. "Guess he doesn''t use kicks, and his footwork really sucks...He''s making this easy." The crowd couldn''t help but be shocked at the display of Yuu''s martial prowess, as he defend himself near trivially from such an onslaught of wild blows. "Time to end this." He suddenly sidesteps, kicking low at the back of Brody''s knee.


    "Guh!" Brody grunted as he found himself onto one knee. He looked up at Yuu only to be shocked as Yuu raised his hand, in a knife hand position, readying to take aim right as his now exposed head. Yuu''s purple eyes glowered down at his, like a beast poised to strike.


    "Sayonara."


    A booming crack is heard all around the stunned school yard, those around shocked at Yuu with all his might struck his hand right at Brody''s head in a chopping motion. It wasn''t the speed of such a blow, which half the students couldn''t see that shocked them. Nor was it the sheer strength behind it, cracks of the pavement forming around Brody''s feet. It was the fact that the larger man still stood his ground, blood dripping down his face as he gave a grin.


    "N-No way..." Yuu muttered, biting his lip.


    "I gotta say, that was impressive." Brody said with a dry chuckle. "Never knew this side of town was secretly keeping such a monster in plain sight." He never shed his unsettling smile as he clenches his fist. "Grit your teeth, boy. I''ll show you the strength of a Warden of Masuda." Before Yuu can even react, Brody''s fist smashes right at his face, sending him hurtling several feet before crashing right to the ground face first. Brody stumbles as he slowly rises to his feet, wobbling a bit as he walked away from the cracks on the floor. "Jeez...To think Kaimon High School would be getting some annoying tough guys." He said with an irritated tone, groaning as his injuries were catching up.


    "N-No way. Is he some kind of monster?" A student nearby muttered in horror. Yuu suddenly started wheezing, coughing as he lifted his upper body with his arms, blood running down his nose and mouth.


    "The hell..." Yuu growled out, glaring at Brody from afar. "What kind of guys are running this empire he''s yammering about if he''s this strong?"


    "Hey, asshole!!" Hiro roared as Brody was caught off guard as Hiro lands a vicious haymaker punch right to the side of the jaw, droplets of blood spraying to the ground, the bigger man backpedaling as he nearly loses his balance. "Huh?! How''s that for a punch, bitch?!" Jin, not too far from Hiro, covered his bleeding nose.


    "Don''t think we''re out yet, fucker!" Jin growled out as he raised his fists, letting his bloodied face trickle down his chin. "I don''t give a shit if you''re some big shot! We''re gonna kick your ass!"


    "Shit..." Brody said, a tinge of anger and disappointment in his tone. "One simple job, and it gets fucked up by a bunch of stupid first year students..." He looked at his fallen group of fellow delinquents. He gave another dry chuckle. "I wanted Mikamura...And all I got is three very dead persistent assholes." He then slowly sauntered towards Hiro and Jin. "Prepare to die."


    "Hey!!" A voice shouted out, revealing an gruffed looking male adult wearing a suit carrying a collapsible baton, as he slowly advances closer. "You punks better get the hell out of this school, or else!"


    "Shit, a teacher?!" Hoodie cried out, as he rises to his feet holding his injured side, the rest of Brody''s group following suit as they grew uneasy. "Brody, we gotta go!"


    "Aw hell, it doesn''t look like it he''s holding that baton for show!" Shades said in horror. "Let''s split!"


    Brody himself gritted his teeth only to cry out in anger. "Gah! Fine, retreat!!" He ordered his men as he himself is ready to walk away. "Don''t think this is over..." He hissed out at Hiro and Jin before limping away with the rest of his group as they quickly head off to the school gate.


    "Get back here!" The teacher roared out before stopping. "Tch, when an adult actually does something, they run off like rats." He said with loaded venom in his tone. "The hell this world coming to?" He then turn to glare at Hiro and Jin, as they head over to Yuu to carry him by their shoulders...While also trying to walk away. "Stay. Right. There." He said menacingly, the three injured young men suddenly frozen stiff in fear as they are caught. "You boys follow me to get patched up, and to the principal''s office to explain yourself...Now!" He then gives a rather big glare at Jin. "Especially you, Jin! How the hell did you already get yourself in trouble?"


    Jin looked away in shame as Yuu and Hiro gave him a baffled look as he apparently knows the man who caught them. "...I totally forgot Takahiro-aniki teaches in this school." He muttered. "High school blows."


    <hr>


    Deep into town...


    Miki simply walked, having long been tired from running. She grimaced as she reeks of booze, light reflecting off her glasses that obscures her eyes, which she would preferred as it hides the tears she''s barely fighting back. She finally stopped her movement, before violently kicking down a nearby trash bin.


    "Gahhh!!!!" She roared out. "You jerks!!!" She then sniffled and put a forearm against her face as she was unwilling to show the tears now flowing down her face in embarrassment. "...Fuck this, I''m going home..."


    <hr>


    At a school gym in West Kaimon...


    "Gee, that girl over there isn''t paying attention to the principal''s speech at all, huh?" A Tora Rokku student whispered to his friend. "I know it''s kinda boring, but what''s so interesting at where she''s staring at?"


    Keiko simply ignored their whispers, staring at a direction that was towards East Kaimon. She couldn''t tell what exactly went down, but her gut feeling told her it was interesting. "I wonder...If there are anyone back East that can put up a good fight?" She said mostly to herself, a small smirk forming as her blood boils.


    Thus began a high school year where nothing will be truly be the same...

 End of First Day

    <u>End of First Day.</u>


    Before diving in the resulting aftermath of a rather crazy morning, let''s see further into the past, as three six year old boys struggled to save a trapped cat for nearly an hour under the blazing hot sun.


    "Come on, give it everything we got!" One of the boys cried out as all three strained to slightly lift the debris. Eventually, the small cat then scurried off upon seeing an opening, the three boys groaning loudly as they finally released their grips, the debris crashing down back into place. "Whew!" The same boy gasps out, sitting on the ground. He turns and gives a grin to one of them. "It''s a good thing we saw you, huh? You''re Mr. Hino''s son, Yuusuke, right?"


    Yuu couldn''t help but stammer as he grew flustered. "Y-You''re Mr. Onimada''s kid..."


    Hiro gave a grin in response. "Yep! The name''s Hiro! That sad looking sap here is Jin!"


    "Oh shut up." Jin said annoyingly. "I didn''t think we''d spent hours helping a stupid cat." He glared at Yuu. "If you weren''t so weak, Hiro would have ignored ya and we''d be on our merry way to play games at his place by now!"


    "I-I''m so sorry!" Yuu said, feeling regrets, biting his lip. "I didn''t mean to waste your time..."


    "Nah, Jin''s always been a killjoy, but trust me when I say he''s a total softy too." Hiro chuckled while Jin grumbled to himself. "Say, since my Dad apparently suckered yours to help him fix this house on the other side of town, you''re home alone, right? I heard your mom isn''t usually home for some reason." He noticed Yuu looking away, too ashamed to admit it. "Hey, how bout you come to my place?" He smiled. "My Mom would love more company!"


    "Say what?!" Jin cried out. "It''s bad enough Miki is coming, but him too?!" He paused as he looked at Yuu, and sighed as he softened his expression. "...Alright, I guess it ain''t that bad. Anyone is better than Miki."


    "It''s settled then!" Hiro said, grinning at Yuu. "So, wanna come with us?" Those very words were words that to Yuusuke Hino, who rarely made friends as a child, started an unbreakable bond...


    "...O-Okay." Yuu replied quietly, a small smile on his lips.


    <hr>


    Now, the present...In a screaming principal''s office.


    "I can''t believe this!" Principal Homare Hojo cried out, glaring at the three students that have just fought off a dangerous punk. Yuu gave a nervous look, Hiro simply giving a scowl, and Jin looking elsewhere much to Hojo''s annoyance. All three are patched up with band-aids and bandages. "You three just started high school and the very first thing you all did was get into a fight?!" The older bald man shouted, slamming his hands down on his desk. "And why is it I can barely contact your parents?!" He took one dirty look at Jin. "And I can''t even find yours!"


    "Oh...I guess that meant my old man left work early and went drinking." Jin said, scratching his head while again avoiding eye contact. "Don''t even bother with that old hag of mine too."


    "Eh, my Dad was probably fixing a house." Hiro said, rolling his eyes. "Doesn''t like it when some blowhard tries calling him while working."


    "...I-I live in a houseboat." Yuu said sheepishly.


    Hojo could only be baffled at such responses. "What even are you kids?!"


    <hr>


    As that is going down, a man and his ten year old daughter walked down the hallways of the school.


    "Oh boy, Hiro''s in trouble." Ami Onimada, the little girl, said in a singing tone with a smirk. "He''s soooo in trouble."


    Lent Onimada, Hiro''s father, gave an exasperated sigh. "Ami, don''t give your older brother a hard time. Still, didn''t think he''s already got into trouble." He frowned. "Can''t believe I gotta leave work for this-"


    "You gotta be kidding me." Enishi said bluntly as both he and Lent simply exchange blank stares as they unexpectedly ran into each other, face to face. "...Why are you here?"


    "That''s my line!" Lent growled out. "Your boy actually did something wrong?! I thought he was way smarter than his old man!"


    "Fine words for a liar!" Enishi hissed out. "If you didn''t want to join the fishing business with me, at least be honest. But nope, it''s exactly like that time you suckered me in helping you fix that stupid rundown house people said was haunted!"


    "Oh my god, you''re still angry about that?!" Lent shouted. "Grow up! ...There''s no such thing as ghosts, fish for brains!"


    "Ghosts do exist and I think you got me cursed that day, you jackass!" Enishi protested as the two men started grappling each other, Ami simply looking at the childish scuffle going on in annoyance. The three young men and Hojo peeked their head out from the door all the way down the hallway, witnessing this farce of a fight.


    "...That''s our Pops alright." Hiro muttered in embarrassment. "Geez, they''re still at it, huh?"


    "Yeah..." Yuu said quietly. "This is just cringe..."


    <hr>


    "Ahem, now that you know the story, I strongly urge you both to discipline your sons!" Hojo said sternly, ignoring both Enishi and Lent fuming as they sat on the couch in considerable distance away from each other. "And bringing alcohol to the grounds to boot!"


    "Look, you old idiot." Jin finally opened his mouth, Hojo being taken aback. "That fatass was asking to get his ass kicked, beating up Kiyo and wasting damn good alcohol on that idiot girl! Someone''s gotta do something!"


    Shigeharu Takahiro, the teacher that turned the three in and now sat in a chair in the corner, speaks up. "All well and good, Jin...It certainly still doesn''t quite justify kicking down the doors to the gym shed, right?" Jin froze stiff at the mere mention of that incident. "I guess shaving all that lice ridden hair of yours didn''t exactly achieve enlightenment...Or an IQ boost."


    "Aniki, we live next door...But you didn''t need to bring that up..." Jin muttered, red faced.


    "Look, I think we can attest that while they''re idiots, they''re just trying to protect that girl." Lent finally spoke up. "I know her father and despite their background, they''re good people and she''s fortunate to have good friends...Who would apologize to her later today." He glared at Hiro. "I''ll see to that."


    "Y-Yeah Dad..." Hiro said nervously. "I-I''ll apologize..."


    "I admit, Lent may be an absolute prick, but it''s just boys doing what''s right, I''d say!" Enishi said, looking at Lent with disdain. "This ain''t an apology." He said grimly much to Lent''s nonchalant rolling of his eyes in response.


    "Jeez Dad, you really want to add the final say, huh?" Yuu muttered with sarcasm.


    "But come on!" Hojo said, exasperated. "This really doesn''t look good no matter how much this can be spun around like a heroic tale! The school demands I do something!"


    "Hojo, we may as well say it is a tale of heroics because we sure as hell did jack, and we''re the adults. It certainly doesn''t look good on our part so far." Takahiro said as he lit a cigarette. "We do have another testimony in support of those three anyway. A Kiyomaro Murakami." The gang suddenly raised eyebrows, surprised at this reveal. "He was unconscious during the incident but he seemed pretty sincere that those three fought that punk in defense of Ms. Tozawa. I mean, the alcohol is still shady, but I think we can spin this story around, than let that scandal start the year. Right, Hojo?"


    "Guh...." Hojo grunted, feeling pressured at the fact he might need to redo his reports after all... "I can''t believe I''m really doing this..." He muttered as he pulled out a slip and pen. "Lips are sealed the moment we all leave this room, right?" He said, meekly.


    <hr>


    "Soooo, should we give Kiyo some porno mags as thanks for making us sound like heroes?" Jin asked, before being smacked from behind his head by Takahiro as the group left the school grounds during late afternoon. "Ow...I was just kidding."


    "Good grief, it seems like Kiyo''s still far more responsible than you ever were." Takahiro said bluntly, the lit cigarette between his teeth. "You three should be glad Hojo''s a bit weak on willpower for the sake of Kaimon High''s reputation."


    "Aniki, when you told me you managed to find a teaching job here, I thought you were yanking my chain." Jin said annoyingly, looking away. "Can''t believe I''m gonna deal with this for all of high school..."


    "You seem to know Jin quite well." Yuu said to Takahiro, surprised. "For a teacher that is."


    Takahiro snorted in annoyance. "Can''t believe he never told ya." He said as he quickly disposes the cigarette in his mouth. "I used to be the assistant instructor in Kiyo''s sword school with his father a few years back. I personally taught Jin myself, because apparently he was a pain in the ass to the other students."


    "That''s definitely Jin, alright." Hiro said, much to Jin''s embarrassment. "Wait, I recalled the reason you kinda stopped going to Murakami''s was because you said you got someone expelled-"


    "Haha!" Jin intervened, laughing nervously. "Let''s just walk away and forget our troubles-" He froze as Takahiro placed a hand on his shoulder, a deathly glare staring at him eye to eye.


    "I almost forgot that moment of covering your ass..." Takahiro hissed out. "How about I walk your bald ass home while you pay for whatever interests me on the way?" He grabbed Jin by the back of his jacket collar and dragged him off. "Try to stay out of trouble next time!" He said to Yuu and Hiro, baffled as Jin is frantic in trying to escape Takahiro''s grip.


    "Wait! Stop! Aniki!" Jin cried out in various pleas. "Help me!!"


    "Sorry Jin..." Yuu said disappointingly, as he points to both Enishi and Lent being engaged in a ridiculous slap fight. "We got our own problems..."


    "Go, Dad!" Ami shouted in glee, to Hiro''s bafflement.


    <hr>


    Deep in Central Kaimon. Masuda High School, home of the delinquent faction known as the Masuda Empire. Infamous for its student population consisting of the worst youth in town, more so than the delinquent school of Sutogi Commerce in South Kaimon. However, recent events had left the Empire''s status of power in question...


    "Well, I just got off the phone with Rou." Ghai Lingstein, a second year student and newly appointed interim vice head, said bitterly. "It looks like yet another one of our senpais won''t be coming back to school." He sighed. "Locked in juvie. Who knew this failed invasion the upperclassmen set up would be that much of a clusterfuck?" He gave a dry chuckle, turning to face a bowing Brody. "It''s funny...He was the guy you replaced as Warden. A month and half since Tokyo...And you got knocked around by a bunch of idiots." He sighed, relaxing his tense composure. "Level with me, man. What happened?"


    "There ain''t an excuse, Ghai." Brody said quietly. "I was supposed to find Mikamura like Bandai ordered us to do...And I got carried away."


    "Well no shit!" Ghai snapped back, adjusting his dark red headband. "You honestly had to screw around with some chick! We''re already been dealing with gangs breaking off from the Empire when they heard what happened in Tokyo, so we can''t afford screw ups!" He grimaced for a moment. "Look, we always had our backs...But I have to punish you for this."Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Brody paused while the students around them gasped out in horror. "I have followed you and Bandai since day one. I''m happy to know Bandai-...Mitsuo rose up to be leader even when things don''t look so hot for us. He saved my ass during Tokyo." He gritted his teeth. "Give me your knife, Ghai." He growled out. "I''ll punish myself."


    Ghai paused for a moment, finally unsheathing a small kitchen knife as he tossed it to Brody''s side. "...You better give a good scar." He said regrettably before walking away to the school yard. "I need a freaking smoke." As he heads outside, he reaches for a box of smokes in his pocket.


    "Well, I certainly didn''t think things would be this bad for you boys at Central."


    Ghai''s eyes widened in shock as he turned to see a large man in a Kaimon High uniform standing at the school gates, the unconscious bodies of the few delinquents guarding it laid down before him. "...Heiji Mikamura." Various students now started gathering, seething in rage as the unofficial leader of East Kaimon''s delinquency has shown himself to them. "...Got a lot of balls coming here, Mikamura. Especially for that shit you pulled!"


    "I gotta admit. I was actually for once looking forward to going to school until my guys told me a bunch of Masuda mooks were waiting for me." Heiji said with a smirk. "It was amusing watching your guys get whipped by a bunch of random guys."


    "You son of a bitch!" Brody cried out, shirtless and carrying Ghai''s knife, a bloodied slash across his chest. "Don''t think we forgot what you did at Tokyo! We were promised that you help out in the invasion! Instead, you fucking bailed on us!"


    "Tch, don''t misunderstand." Heiji said bluntly. "I promised Masuda Head, Iga, that I''d showed up to help in your little war. That was null and void the moment I heard he got his head smashed in by a tire iron just when I was getting my guys together. I got no obligations when he''s apparently replaced."


    "You bastard..." Brody growled as he slowly walked up to Heiji, knife in hand. "I''m gonna do what I planned this morning if I did see your-" He suddenly flew several feet away as Heiji nonchalantly drove his fist right to Brody''s bandaged face, much to the shock of many. It took a few tumbles onto the ground for the unconscious big man to be out cold.


    "Shit, so much for that." Ghai muttered sadly as he walks up to Heiji, picking up the discarded knife. "Heard you''re a monster...Just like Mitsuo..." He grinned. "I ain''t like that, but with a knife, expect a life or death struggle from me."


    "So this Mitsuo Bandai is Iga''s replacement." Heiji muttered. "I didn''t expect most of the old leaders to either be half dead or becoming the cops bitch. Your empire must be on life support and even then you got guts to threaten me." He smirked. "But I got an offer to make with your leader. Call it a way to make up for my...Tardiness, if you want to call it that."


    "You want to see Tallgeese even after all that?!" A random Masuda student shouted out. "Man, let''s just beat his ass up!" Ghai simply waved his bloodied knife up, signaling hostility to simmer down.


    "No! I''d say we escort him to Bandai!" He replied loudly. "Hear what he got to say. If ain''t worth Bandai''s time...Then we''ll kill him!" Cheers are heard as the delinquents are thirsty for blood. "Someone get Brody to a doctor to boot!" Ghai then sheaths his knife, looking at Heiji. "Follow me to the roof, where Mitsuo is." He then gave a smirk. "If you don''t impress him, remember you''re deep in a place that''ll quickly be your own personal hell."


    Heiji scoffed only to smirk as he followed Ghai into the building, ignoring the deathly glares of those around him. "Still gutsy. That''s just cute."


    <hr>


    Back at East Kaimon, near a convenience store.


    "You serious about this Aniki?" Jin said as he carried a series of large plastic bags.


    Takahiro nodded. "I''m surprised you didn''t hear it yourself." He paused. "I guess I owe you an apology for thinking you were talking out of your ass when you told me you were changing your ways."


    "Aniki, please just keep focus on what you''re telling me while I''m going broke buying you snacks." Jin said bluntly. "I told you I was serious..."


    Takahiro sighed. "Well, the Masuda Empire tried to make a move in Tokyo. A mass invasion to expand their influence." He rolled his eyes. "I say it''s a bunch of dumb third years trying to make a name for themselves."


    "Gee, I guess that arrogance I heard about is spot on." Jin muttered as he attempted to open a can of beer from one of the bags before it got snatched away. "You''re a total buzzkill, you know that?"


    "Quiet cueball, I''m still technically a teacher." Takahiro said sternly before continuing on. "Thing is, Tokyo has its own delinquent faction, the Tokyo Orochi Alliance. Within a week, the Masuda Empire lost over half its leadership."


    "S-Seriously?!" Jin cried out. "How tough are those Tokyo guys?!"


    "Given the news...I would rather not tell you." Takahiro continued. "It''s been over a month since and I''ve heard they''re still quelling small rebellions from gangs in town that never did like them. They all think it''s time to break out of the Empire."


    "Well shit, I guess that means they probably won''t care much about us since they got bigger stuff to deal with." Jin said, chuckling. "Guess I dodged that bullet with my pals."


    "Hey, you got lucky." Takahiro shot back. "But I heard rumors that the new head is bad news. So as long as you don''t do any more stupid crap, I think you guys will be safe." He frowned. "Seriously, don''t worry your father like this, especially since he got a lot on his plate. I''m surprised you''re taking it rather well compared to him."


    Jin paused, an eyebrow raised. "Aniki, what the hell are you talking about?" Takahiro froze, now aware he may have revealed something going on beneath Jin''s notice. "Did my Dad told you something?" He growled as the silence grew uneasy. "Aniki!"


    "Shit, I really should''ve kept my mouth shut." Takahiro muttered. "But I guess I have to tell you. Jin, your Dad told me..." As Takahiro explained, Jin''s confused expression slowly turned to surprise...Then into upset.


    "...You asshole." Jin growled out. "You should have told me about this!" He dropped the bags as he turned around. "You can drag that crap yourself!"


    "Jin, where are you going?!" Takahiro cried out.


    "To find my Dad, what else?!" Jin shot back as he ran off into the streets. "Don''t follow me!"


    "Jin, wait!" Takahiro shouted before giving a sigh, well aware he had just lost Jin. "...Shit, that''s definitely on me." He gave a sad look. "Don''t blame your Dad for not letting it go..."


    <hr>


    "I really don''t want to do this." Hiro moaned out, as he and his father slowly walked into an apartment complex. He changed out of his uniform long ago, dressed ruggedly in an open flannel shirt, a t-shirt underneath, and jeans. He shuddered in dread as they walk past the lobby. "I''m telling ya, I really really don''t want to do this."


    "Well, you better." Lent said sternly. "You''ve been there many times since it''s not that far from our place, so what the hell are you so scared of?"


    "Because Miki will bite my head off the moment I showed my face after what happened this morning!" Hiro cried out, panicking all the while. He noticed the older man chuckling to himself. "This ain''t funny! Why can''t you come with me the whole way?"


    "Well, I can''t obviously leave Ami to herself at home." Lent said, rather surprised at Hiro''s lack of concern. "She''s your sister, Hiro. At least be concerned for her safety."


    "Dad, she once punched out a middle schooler." Hiro said bluntly. "I think she can handle herself." They both paused for a moment. "...She still cries about Mom, huh?"


    "Right...She doesn''t want to admit it." Lent said quietly. "When your mother passed away, I...I guess I just kept myself working away from home constantly."


    "While I spent a few years beating up people." Hiro added, as the two waited at the elevators. "...We really sucked taking care of Ami, huh?" He gave a faint smile. "You''d expect Mom''s ghost to start pestering us to do better."


    "Can''t deny that." Lent said, the two giving out dry chuckles, before glaring at Hiro. "...Someone in the house definitely taught Ami how to deal in poker, though."


    "And I keep telling you it ain''t me, old man." Hiro said annoyingly. "Dad, I''m just saying...I''m gonna try not...Like, solve everything with a punch."


    "Tch, do you have to repeat yourself about that?" Lent said, rolling his eyes. However, he gave a faint smile. "I know."


    Hiro couldn''t help but feel something from his father, a carpenter who is devoted to his craft, being this open than usual. "...If you can say stuff like that, you really should patch things up with Mr. Hino-"


    "Enishi is a freaking moron and I will smack you upside the head if you try to suggest that again." Lent said sternly once more, shutting Hiro up. "Now you better make a damn good apology." He then turns around to leave. "Dr. Tozawa always creeps me out anyway."


    "God, you''re so cold blooded to leave your son at the jaws of hell, old man!" Hiro shouted in an irritated tone. It wasn''t long after an elevator ride for Hiro to finally reached to the Tozawa''s apartment door. "Hey, open up!" He said, knocking on the door. He found nothing but silence as an answer. "...Come on, Miki! I know you''re in there!" Hiro shouted. "Your lights are still on!"


    "Go. Away!" Miki shouted from the other side. "You are freaking dead to me, Hiro Onimada!"


    "Look, I''m sorry for all that crap this morning!" Hiro replied back, feeling guilty. "It''s my fault, and kinda Jin''s fault, that we thought letting you stash that bottle in your bag was a good idea!"


    "And guess what, my uniform reeks of cheap alcohol!" Miki said with a barely contained fury. "I just wanted one good impression! Is that too much to ask for?!"


    "I get it!" Hiro said, heated up for the moment before he calmed down. "...I mean, I hope I got it. Miki, please understand." He paused, looking at the plastic bag he brought with him. "I bought your favorite soda and snacks with me...So, can you at least see I''m trying to make up?" A long pause occurred until a click is heard as the door opens...Followed by Hiro getting smacked face first by a thrown plastic cup. "Ow!" Hiro cried out. "What the hell?!" He then noticed Miki, dressed in a simple tank top and shorts, looking surprised at his bandaged appearance.


    "...You should have told me you''re hurt." She said quietly, Hiro noticing her teary eyed expression beneath her glasses. As he could figure, a lot of tears were shed, probably for hours.


    "Well...It was kinda obvious it was gonna be like that." Hiro replied just as quietly. "...So, can I come in?"


    "...I guess." Miki said as she looked around before ushering Hiro in. "Besides, whoever patched you up is a flipping idiot. Let me fix that." She closed the door. "Don''t mind the bullets on the table, my Dad just removed them from his latest client.


    "Jeez, like I need to know that." Hiro muttered as the two quietly went deeper into her apartment.


    <hr>


    Meanwhile, at the docks as the Hinos stared grimly at their houseboat...


    "So apparently...It''s barely floating and what used to be my room is halfway flooded." Yuu said bluntly, having changed out of his school uniform for a t-shirt, cargo shorts, and flip-flops. "...I should have known karma was a harsh mistress coming to bite me in the ass when I heard you weren''t going to punish me, Dad."


    "Oh come on! You fought to help your friends, and..." Enishi suddenly stopped and stroked his beard in pondering. "Okay, point taken. Sorry, Yuu. I really tried. I guess I''m running out of tricks."


    "And Mr. Onimada was just right there!" Yuu bemoaned, recalling the absurdity of the two old men bickering and fighting back at the school gates. "If you two just make up from whatever it is you two are so pissed off about-" He stopped immediately as Enishi gave a deathly glare. "N-Nevermind." Yuu quickly reeled back in embarrassment and fear. "You did your best." He bit his lip. "...Thanks for moving my stuff to the shack though."


    Enishi gave a pause. "You know, for a growing boy, you surprisingly are lacking with your porn stash-"


    "Dad!" Yuu cried out in shock, putting a palm over his face in utter embarrassment. "Please, just tell me there''s a silver lining in this awful first day of high school. Anything."


    It is then Enishi cracked a smile. "Perhaps there is!" He said as he pulled out an old cassette tape. Yuu''s eyes widen as his grief slowly turns to excitement.


    "You can''t be serious." Yuu said as he''s becoming more and more giddy in joy. "Is that the Tiger Man episodes you recorded that we thought we lost?"


    "Very same!" Enishi said, chuckling with smugness. "Turns out it was under all the old fishing junk in the boat! Managed to salvage it just in time!" He grinned. "How about we end your first day of high school on a good note, watching all of these at once tonight?"


    "Yes, yes!" Yuu said in much higher spirits. "Let''s go to the shack, dust off the VCR, and pop that sucker in!" As soon as he said this, loud grumblings can be heard as both Yuu and Enishi took pause. "...After I buy some take-out!"


    "Exactly, buy the good stuff while I set things up!" Enishi added as Yuu heads off into town. "Empty that wallet of yours!"


    <hr>


    "Tiger Man''s gonna defeat those mole men...with tiger spirit!!!" Yuu shouted with a laugh as he headed back home, take-out boxes in hand. "Heh, leave it to Dad, cheering me up even in the toughest of times." He smiled faintly. "...I hope Mom''s doing alright." He shook off such thoughts. "No no, don''t sour this night! We just recovered the greatest cartoon ever from my sinking house, and I get to binge watch it tonight with good food!" He said to himself, calming himself down as he continues his way home, entering an empty parking lot. "Sucks that I can''t talk about Tiger Man to Hiro and Jin...They really don''t know what they''re missing!"


    He then frowned for a moment. "Oh yeah...I used to own a limited time Tiger Man keychain too...Where was that thing?" He bit his lip, trying to recall it only to sigh. "Who knows, it''s probably sunk in my room or-" He paused, recalling that the last memory of seeing himself carry the keychain...Was rather close to his rather painful memory. He felt an alarming increase of uneasiness, a feeling of dread and fury. He wanted to drop the boxes to clutch his chest, short panting coming out of his mouth. He can recall the raindrops, the feeling of wood shattering against his hand, cries of agony-


    "Hey! You coming over or what?!"


    Yuu gasps as he felt himself being pulled back to reality, panting as he turns to see a rather large group of young men, all wearing dark green sashes on their person, the leader yelling at the stragglers nearby to catch up. "You gotta be kidding me." Yuu muttered. The Eastern Sables, a small gang that frequented around the East Kaimon docks. Thankfully, they ignored the space where both the Hino houseboat and shack are in, but Yuu did recall reports that they were dangerous. "Not sure what they''re doing, but I want none of it." He said while rolling his eyes. He bit his lip, remembering his encounter this morning. He again shook it off as he walked past a nearby pedestrian wearing a hoodie. "Yeah...Definitely best to just walk away-" He suddenly stopped, a stunned expression on his face as he turned around to look at the young woman he passed by. "W-Wait!" He said, unsure what drove him to stop this girl from walking away. She turned around, leaving Yuu completely at a loss. "...K-Keiko?"


    Keiko, slowly lowering her box of strawberry milk, tilted her head in confusion, only to turn into surprise. "...Is that you...Yuu?"


    The two could only stand awkwardly face to face, as old memories came flooding in, alone in that empty parking lot as the sunset ends...