ã€ŠNihon no Nikoã€‹


 Prologue- How It All Began...

    Niko Kamawari, a teenager, who was somewhere in the process of waking up and falling back asleep, groaned sleepily and rolled over inside of his warm, comfortable futon as he attempted to ignore the blaring sound of his alarm clock from across his four tatami mat room. ¡®Maybe if I ignore it¡­it¡¯ll just stop¡­¡¯ he thought to himself, as the teenager attempted to resume his hibernation.

    Just as Niko was beginning to drift back off to sleep again, he suddenly came to the quick realisation that he was going to be late for his train on his first day at his new school. That thought alone was more than enough to wake him up!

    Scrambling out of his all-too-comfortable futon and letting the cold early morning air hit him was a choice the teenager would have liked to avoid, but ultimately, Niko was already in too much of a rush to really care. Just as he was about to run off in the direction of the communal bathroom to freshen up, the teenager realised that his alarm clock was still blaring, causing a slow but steady uproar in the rooms surrounding his own.

    Transferring to a school in a very different country was never going to be an easy task. Niko Kamawari knew that much even before he had left his home in New York City to move to Shibuya, Japan. After his mother, Nevaeh Kamawari, had walked out on his father when the young boy was only around three, Junichi Kamawari decided to raise his only child by himself. His so-called wife was somewhere in Europe around this time, however Junichi was dedicated to seeing that his son was treated and brought up well.

    Just as Niko was about to hit his eighteenth birthday, he became increasingly curious about his dual Caribbean and Japanese heritage. Therefore, Junichi, in order to assist his son in learning more about his East Asian heritage, paid for Niko¡¯s flight over to Shibuya and his first three months of rent in a cheap Shibuya boarding house as an early birthday present.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    ¡°It¡¯s not much, but it¡¯s a roof over your head! You know, I actually stayed there when I was studying back in the day,¡± Junichi had said to his son a week before his flight. ¡°It¡¯ll be a fun experience, but don¡¯t forget to e-mail and me and stuff, alright?¡±

    ¡°Sure, but Dad¡­I don¡¯t know any Japanese¡­¡± Niko replied, sceptically, as his seemingly carefree father laughed, heartily. ¡°How am I supposed to get anywhere and do anything? You can speak the language, so just come with me¡±

    ¡°And ruin your trip? Nah, this trip is all about you. A young man¡¯s adventure to discover his roots! Oh! That sounds good; I should write that down somewhere¡­¡±

    ¡°Seriously Dad¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the landlady at the boarding house speaks English, she¡¯ll teach you Japanese as well¡±

    ¡°Right¡­Well, I¡¯ll be back within the first week if I can¡¯t handle it¡±

    ¡°Sure, come back whenever you want to; just make sure to pay the rent on your room after my month¡¯s payment on it runs out¡±

    ¡°A month? You already paid that much in advance?¡±

    ¡°Heh heh¡­After a few weeks, you won¡¯t want to leave, I can almost guarantee it! You¡¯ll thank me later!¡±

    A couple of days later, Junichi was hugging his one and only son tightly at the JFK International Airport on a cloudy Thursday morning; just a he was about to board his flight. Niko was grateful for the fact that all of his expenses had been covered by his father, but the teenager barely knew any actual Japanese apart from a few random of phrases that he¡¯d picked up from some anime he¡¯d watched from a while back; was this whole trip really going to be okay?

    It looked like living in Japan was going to prove to be tough for Niko¡­

 Chapter One- A Mysterious Chance Encounter

    Now rushing down the two flights of stairs from his room and into the boarding houses¡¯ foyer, Niko quickly grabbed his pair of black and white sneakers from the front door and struggled to get them on each corresponding foot as he nearly tripped over the other various pairs of shoes that were also tossed by the main entrance.

    ¡°Niko!¡± somebody called out, just as the foreigner was literally a foot out of the door.

    The teenager didn¡¯t really expect anybody to know his name just yet, he had only arrived yesterday after all. Well, maybe the Landlady would; but he had not even had a chance to meet her yet.

    A tall woman with long, silky black hair greeted him. She smiled warmly and handed Niko a small box that was wrapped up in a light blue cloth.

    ¡°Lunch¡± she implied, pointing towards the box. The woman said the word in English, but it appeared that saying single, simple phrases were her limit.

    Grateful for the homemade meal, Niko smiled back and kept his english as basic as possible to avoid any miscommunication.

    ¡°Thank you!¡± he said, remembering to bow his head as sign of respect. He then waved as he made for the door, praying that he hadn''t missed his train to school yet.

    The woman smiled and waved back, glad that they could have at least some sort of interaction with one another.

    The Subways in Japan were accurate to the descriptions he had heard back in America. They were busy, loud and full of people. Also, in addition to not knowing how to speak Japanese, Niko couldn¡¯t even remotely begin to read kanji; so all of the voice announcement and brightly coloured neon signs made little to no sense to him.

    ¡®I¡¯ll just follow the people with my uniform on¡­¡¯ he thought, looking around for other students that were wearing the same black blazer and white-tipped cuffs that he had on. ¡®No good¡­can¡¯t see anybody wearing the same clothes as me¡­¡¯

    Niko sighed and elbowed his way into a nearby kiosk to gather his bearings. He could choose either one of the two options he''d laid out for himself. The first one was to get every train he saw and ride it until he saw the name of his school. The latter was to engage in awkward conversations with the station staff until they pointed him in the right direction. Not a great selection...

    With another heavy sigh, Niko walked over the middle-aged woman at the kiosk counter, cleared his throat and braced himself for the wave of awkwardness that was about to swallow him whole...

    Niko reached Ishimaku High School at around 11am.

    The school originally opened its gates at 7am and classes began an hour later. It turned out that getting on the right train proved to be a much more difficult task than he could have ever imagined. Not to mention the awkward conversation with the woman at the desk.

    Upon laying his eyes on the very ordinary-looking school, he was greeted by a stern-faced teacher at the front entrance, who seemed like he had been waiting there for quite a while. The man seemed slightly irritated, which seemed about right, considering the fact that Niko was three hours late on his first day. Before the teenager could even begin to explain the current situattion to the midlle-aged man, he teacher thrust a pair of white pumps (that were made off a thin material) into Niko''s hands and then instructed him to wear them only when he was inside of the school building. After slipping them on, the foreigner was lead to what he believed was the Teacher¡¯s Lounge and introduced to a small, stocky man, who wore a simple dark blue cap and a tracksuit of the same colour.

    A gym teacher. And apparently, he was bilingual.

    ¡°Why¡¯re you so late, Kamawari?¡± the teacher asked as he stood up and stretched his arms. ¡°Got lost on your first day or something?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah¡­something like that, sir¡­¡± Niko replied, not wanting to tell his story of his stressful train journey to school. ¡°Are you from America by any chance?¡±

    ¡°Cali. But that¡¯s beside the point, isn¡¯t it? Well, I guess I¡¯ll introduce you to your class after lunch. Go eat or something, Kamawari¡±

    ¡°Uhm¡­sure, see you later, sir¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Oh and don¡¯t be late to class. It¡¯s Class 2-B on the second staircase, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Okay, got it¡±

    Not particularly sure of which the direction the cafeteria was in, Niko wandered out into the hallway and watched as a group of friends walked down the corridors chatting and laughing between themselves. The friendship group was made up of two girls and two boys; who glanced over at him and smiled, welcomingly.

    ¡®Well, everyone seems nice enough¡­but I still can¡¯t understand a word that they¡¯re saying¡­¡¯ Niko thought, as he smiled, sheepishly and waved back. ¡®I hope that I¡¯m able to pick up Japanese quickly or else I¡¯m screwed¡­¡¯

    The transfer student was suddenly reminded of the time by his empty stomach as it growled, audibly.

    ¡°That nice landlady gave me a lunchbox earlier, didn¡¯t she?¡± Niko mumbled to himself, as he leaned against a nearby wall and checked his school bag for a glimpse of the light blue cloth that his food had been wrapped in. The contents of the box was something that Niko was greatly looking forward to; it would be his first time eating a Japanese meal and a homemade one at that.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    ¡®There you are!¡¯

    The teenager pulled out the boxed meal from his bag, just as his stomach rumbled loudly again.

    ¡®Don¡¯t really fancy eating in the front entrance though, I wonder if there are any quieter spots around here?¡¯ he thought, looking about. ¡®Maybe there¡¯s a spot upstairs somewhere?¡¯

    Niko made a beeline for the first set of stairs he saw, dodging the occasional student here and there.

    Ishimaku High was honestly much bigger than Niko had originally expected it to, which only seemed to add to the make his current situation seem a little problematic than it was previously. Not to mention that he was now utterly lost as well.

    ¡°I could¡¯ve sworn that I came from that direction¡­¡± Niko muttered to himself, as he wandered down yet another unfamiliar hallway, hoping that it would lead him straight back to the front entrance of the high school.

    Despite being very unsure of current whereabouts, the new transfer student walked on, still clutching onto his lunch. As he continued on his aimless little adventure, Niko spotted an open, empty classroom in the corner of his eye. Normally, entering a unused room in an unfamiliar building would be totally out of the question; but the nagging pain in his stomach was enough to convince the teenager to take a seat and eat something; even if it was just for a moment.

    Unwrapping the box and popping open the lid to his first meal in Japan, Niko immediately noticed that the meal, whilst it filled with delicious-looking foodstuffs, such as rice and rolled omelettes, was obviously not made especially for him.

    Sections of the white rice were coloured red recreating the shape of a heart on it and the tips of the thin toothpicks featured cute-looking characters. Actually, on closer inspection, Niko discovered that the lunchbox itself was a shade of light pink and complete with an array of even more colourful characters plastered on the side and lid of the box.

    This food was clearly was not for made for him, either that or the woman from earlier was massively misunderstanding something¡­

    It probably wasn¡¯t a good idea to eat someone else¡¯s meal, but Niko¡¯s stomach had quite a different train of thought¡­

    ¡®Just a little bit can¡¯t hurt can it?¡¯ he thought to himself, as he breathed in the delicious scent of the homemade meal.

    Niko found a pair of chopsticks in a special compartment on the inside of the lunchbox¡¯s lid and before he could even properly comprehend it, the transfer student was already munching on a mouthful of the white rice that was topped with some unknown red condiment.

    ¡®It tastes bitter? Almost metallic?¡¯ Niko thought in surprise as he tried to verify the flavour in his mouth. He had definitely tasted something like this before, but the question was where¡­

    All of his attention suddenly shifted from the food in front of him to what seemed to be a small child, who was standing in the doorway. She could not have been any older than 10, but she had somehow walked straight into a highschool without being stopped or questioned, which was already suspicous enough...

    The girl¡¯s slick black hair had grown ridiculously long, so much so that it had covered her eyes and begun to trail behind her as she walked. The second most interesting thing about this girl was the way she was dressed. A formal-looking shirt, a striking red skirt and no shoes, but strangely enough; these clothes looked several years old; the hem of the shirt was torn and the vibrant red of the skirt had downgraded to a more dirty, sombre rouge colour.

    The girl walked into the classroom, calmly; pulled out a seat and made herself comfortable. Niko was still in a state of confusion as the girl looked directly at him, well, it was actually fairly difficult for him to tell, because her eyes were hidden by her long hair; but she was definitely looking in his direction.

    This peculiar staring match continued for about another two minutes, completely undisturbed. The only thing that could be heard was the occasional sound of the wind blowing through cracks in the wall, making a high-pitched whistling sound.

    ¡®What does this kid want? She¡¯s been staring at me for a while now¡­¡¯ Niko thought after a while, the almost suffocating silence was beginning to get to him. "How''d she even get in here in the first place?"

    He intended to stand up quickly and walk briskly to the classroom door, but the transfer student tripped over a chair leg on the way; causing him to propel forwards onto the floor causing the contents of the lunchbox to spill all over the recently polished floor.

    It was then that the young girl began to speak.

    ¡°Oh, Blood over Rice, good choice. Hey. You can see me, can¡¯t you?¡± she said, rather sternly. Her tone sounded more of that of a middle-aged woman rather than a 10-year-old girl. It was almost as if some arrogant woman in her early thirties had been trapped inside of a kid¡¯s body. ¡°Answer me already.¡±

    ¡°B-Blood? I was tasting blood?¡± Niko replied, brushing the occasional rice grain off of his uniform.

    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s one of Kaori¡¯s specialties. How did you even get that lunch box anyways?¡±

    "Who¡¯re you?¡± Niko replied, answering a question with a question. Picking himself up of the floor, he attempted to repress the feeling of nausea that was begining to well up from within him. ¡°Who¡¯s Kaori? Why was that rice soaked in blood?¡±

    ¡°Weird¡­I¡¯ve never come across someone like you before¡­¡±

    ¡°What¡¯re you talking about? Actually, what happened to you? Your clothes are completely wornout! Where¡¯s your mom? Are you lost?¡±

    ¡°Huh. Don¡¯t treat me like a kid.¡±

    ¡°But you are one¡­¡±

    ¡°I just said that I¡¯m not one!¡±

    The girl let a pitiful sigh and hopped off of her seat.

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t expect somebody like you to understand my current situation¡± she muttered as she walked towards the door. ¡°Do you even know who I am?¡±

    ¡°What? Why would I? I just met you¡±

    ¡°Never mind¡­Well, at least your Japanese is good. I thought that I wouldn¡¯t be able to speak with you at first since you¡¯re a foreigner and all¡±

    Niko blinked in surprise. It took a couple of seconds for him

    ¡®Japanese? Is this kid mentally stable? We¡¯ve been speaking English this entire time!¡¯ he thought, worriedly. ¡®I hope that her parents find her soon¡­¡¯

    ¡°Are you an idiot? No, you must be. Nobody would be stupid enough to insult me a second time¡­¡± the girl said, menacingly. ¡°I already told you to stop treating me like a child!¡±

    ¡°I-I didn¡¯t even say anything, though...¡± Niko replied, now very concerned about this young girl. She then looked in his direction for a second time, not saying anything.

    ¡°W-What now?¡± the transfer student asked, counting the seconds until the girl¡¯s mother and father would hopefully come rushing into the room to collect their clinically insane daughter.

    ¡°Your name. Tell me it.¡± She implied, simply.

    ¡°Niko. Niko Kamawari¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Hanako. We¡¯ll meet again, Niko Kamawari¡±

    And with that sorry excuse of an introduction, Hanako exited the room and headed down the corridor, muttering to herself.

    ¡®I sure hope the hell we don¡¯t¡­.¡¯ Niko thought, as he went to check that the strange girl had really gone. ''Was it a mistake to give her my actual name'' However, the teenager was met with a mixture of surprise and shock as soon as he poked his head outside of the classroom.

    The corridor was completely empty¡­

 Chapter Two- The Pale Girl in Red

    Well. This was weird¡­

    Extremely weird.

    Niko wandered down the corridors of Ishimaku High in a state of absolute confusion¡­

    Everything suddenly made sense¡­

    The students chatting in the hallways, the posters and billboards pinned to the walls; even the robotic-sounding voiceover made sense to him.

    ¡®What the fuck is going on¡­?¡¯ Niko thought to himself, a couple beads of sweat ran down his forehead as the teenager took the stairs. ¡°I can understand everything¡­but I shouldn¡¯t be able to¡­¡±

    Thanks to his sudden understanding of the Japanese language, finding his classroom was no longer a problem for Niko as he casually headed down another flight of stairs, still in absolute awe.

    ¡®Maybe¡­I¡¯m some sort of genius?...¡¯He thought to himself, as he spotted his classroom number on a plate above the door. This was the place.

    ¡®Maybe I should still act like I don¡¯t understand them. Just to be safe, plus there¡¯s no way that that the teacher wouldn¡¯t find me suspicious, considering that I just learnt an entire language during a 45-miniute lunch break¡­Yeah, I¡¯ll just keep quiet for now¡¯

    ¡°Now, why would you go and do that?"

    Niko span on his heels, instantly recognising the voice.

    ¡°Y-You! What¡¯s going on here?¡± he asked actually kind of relived to see the familiar small figure in front of him, hoping that she could shed some light on this current situation.

    ¡°Name¡¯s Hanako, not ¡®You¡¯. I literally told you that a couple of minutes ago¡­Come on, at least try to stay on the same boat, man¡± the small strange girl said, wondering if her weird acquaintance suffered from short-term memory or something. Never before had somebody acted so flustered in front of her, well at least in the past few years anyways.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    ¡°Did you do something to me, Hanako?¡± Niko asked, warily; taking a few steps backwards.

    ¡°Perhaps, why¡¯re you asking?¡± she replied, folding her arms, defiantly.

    ¡°Hm, well I don''t know...Maybe it¡¯s because I can speak Japanese now! I was a foreigner who didn¡¯t know how to speak a single coherent sentence a couple of minutes ago, now look at me!¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this a good thing? Quit complaining already¡±

    ¡°W-Well, yeah¡­but still; what the hell did you do to me?¡±

    Hanako lowered her head as if she were in deep thought. She appeared to be quite literally racking her brain for an answer. The small child paced up and down a few meters muttering to herself, her ridiculously long hair trailing on the floor behind her; before stopping dead in her tracks.

    ¡°Uh¡­A miracle, I guess?¡± she half-asked, half-answered.

    ¡°You¡­guess?¡± Niko replied, not really knowing what kind of reply he was expecting from such a strange child.

    ¡°Yeah, I guess¡±

    There was a short silence between the two as they stared at each other.

    ¡°I have to be losing my mind¡­¡± Niko mumbled, rubbing his temples. ¡°There is no way that any of this is real¡­¡±

    ¡°You doubt me that much?¡± Hanako asked, assuming her usually defiant pose.

    ¡°Sure I do. This has to be a prank or something¡­Man, the Japanese are really through with their jokes¡­¡±

    ¡°Listen here, you dumb kid! This isn¡¯t a prank or anything! This is reality!¡±

    ¡°As if! Plus, if anything; you¡¯re the kid here! Just look at you, you should be in pre-school learning colours or something!¡±

    ¡°I told you to stop calling me a kid!¡±

    ¡°Hanako¡¯s a little kid! Hanako¡¯s a little kid! Hanako¡¯s a little kid!¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s really the kid in this situation?¡±

    ¡°You are! Just get out of here already and go back to your parents or something! You¡¯re a pain in the ass!¡±

    ¡°Alright, fine! Have it your way, you insufferable turd!¡±

    Wearing a furious expression, Hanako and stamped her foot on the ground angrily as she insulted Niko, somehow causing the classroom¡¯s door to fly wide open completely.

    And in that brief moment, the thirty or so students of Class 2-B and their homeroom teacher were introduced to their brand new arrival from overseas for the very first time. A bright ambitious young man, who had decided to bravely continue his academic adventure in a school far away from home. A shining example to all students everywhere.

    It was just a little bit strange how this ''shining example'' was having such a heated argument in the midlle of the hallway...with himself...

 Chapter Three- New Faces

    ¡°E-Erm,..hi... I¡¯m Niko Kamawari and I just transferred here from America. I hope we¡¯ll all get along in the future¡­¡± the transfer student stammered, as he stood in front of the class and the chalkboard with his name written in kanji etched into it.

    The sea of thirty or so students stared at him from behind their desks; well some of them were paying attention to him anyways.

    Many of Niko¡¯s new classmates had chosen to either glance at their phones, mutter to a friend or gain a sudden burning interest in their textbooks, avoiding his gaze altogether.

    ¡®Yeah¡­can¡¯t say I don¡¯t blame them¡­¡¯ the transfer student thought to himself, his cheeks flushing a slight hue of dark red. ¡°Who wouldn¡¯t get second-hand embarrassment after watching some random guy have an argument with himself? Not a great start to the new term¡­¡±

    ¡°Well then, go ahead and take that seat by Andou over there. See the fourth desk in the third row?¡± Niko¡¯s new homeroom teacher instructed. ¡°I¡¯m Mr Goshi, by the way. Your new homeroom teacher. Study hard and don¡¯t get into any trouble, you hear?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir¡± Niko replied, beginning to walk down the aisle to his new desk; bearing witness to the whispering and muttering of his new classmates. The experience wasn¡¯t particularly all that great, but Niko was well aware that he had Hanako to thank for all of this embarrassment.

    ¡®Where did she even disappear to? I would have seen her run off, but she was just gone all of a sudden¡­¡¯ he thought to himself. ¡®Thinking about it, Hanako did that whole disappearing act on me before, it happened the first time we met as well actually¡­¡¯

    Hanako always seemed to appear and disappear whenever it suited her¡­strange...

    Haitei Andou glanced up from reading his weekly girls¡¯s manga and raised an eyebrow in suspicion. Why was this random person just standing in the middle of the gangway, staring into space? Having somebody interupt his precious reading time was something he could stand.

    Haitei was not one for small talk or any kind of talk for that matter; he was a person who loved his privacy. It was one of the few things that he took very seriously, aside from manga obviously.

    The muttering of the class began to rise up a little again as Old Man Goshi began glaring over in Haitei¡¯s direction. Clearing his throat, the unsociable student doggy-eared the page of his manga that he was currently reading, closed the cover and placed the book into his bag, sighing as he did so.

    ¡°Hey. Transfer Student, you still there?¡± he asked, an almost emotionless expression on his face. ¡°Everybody¡¯s waiting for you to take your seat already¡±

    Niko was forcibly escorted from his train of thought by Haitei¡¯s question. Making him realise all the unwanted attention he was receiving. Niko was positive that he had never sat down quicker in his life up until that very moment.

    Haitei rolled his eyes and leaned back in his seat a little, attempting to get comfortable, which was not a very easy task. His new classmate didn¡¯t seem like a bad person, but he was definitely a little strange¡­In Haitei¡¯s mind, he figured that it was probably best if he kept his distance from his new classroom neighbour.

    Niko sighed and watched Mr Goshi leave the classroom, just as a bell sounded from somewhere in the school. Looked like he had somehow made it to the end of the school day¡­Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    The transfer student had not been paying attention to his classes; his mind had been wandering ever since he had taken his seat a couple of hours ago. How did the rest of the class just sit there and study, though? The material was twice as difficult as the stuff back at home, even with his sudden understanding of Japanese.

    ¡®Oh well, guess I¡¯ll just head back to the apartment complex¡¯ the teenager thought to himself, picking up his bag and standing up. ¡®Maybe I¡¯ll even study a little bit, don¡¯t want to fall too far behind or anything...''

    Niko pulled up his phone and checked the route to the school station via a map app he had installed earlier on. Since his inicident that morning, the teenager had taken some precations to ensure it never happened again. Walking towards the door, he proceeded to pull out a pair of black earphones from out of his blazer pocket.

    ¡®Might as well listen to something on the way back¡¯ he thought, plugging in the earphones and began scrolling through a playlist of his favourite tunes. Niko was the type of person who just listen to whatever he liked; as a result, his playlist was a mixture of songs hailing from many different genres.

    Just as a track was about to begin playing, Niko felt somebody tap his shoulder. Turning around, he was met with the blank stare that belonged to Haitei Andou.

    ¡°Uh, can I help you?¡± the transfer student asked, not expecting anybody to start talking to him so soon.

    ¡°Yeah, you can¡± he replied in monotone. It sounded vageuly threatening, but Andou didn''t seem like the violent type.

    The two stared at each other for a little longer, before Niko attempted to pick the conversation back up off the ground.

    ¡°I¡¯m just gonna go then¡­¡± he began, turning to opposite way to Haitei, planning on making a break for it as soon as it was humanely possible.

    ¡°Quick. Hide me.¡± The quiet student ordered as he grabbed Niko by the shoulders and attempted to hide behind him. ¡°She¡¯s coming¡±

    "Huh? Who? Wait, what¡¯re you doing? ¡±

    The two struggled for a little while longer before the classroom door slid open loudly.

    ¡°Haitei? Youhere?¡±

    A girl who seemed to be about Niko¡¯s age wandered into the classroom, drawing the attention of the few students who had not left yet. Her hair was cut short and a hazel-brown colour and her eyes were a just a couple of tints darker.

    Her loud voice and sudden entrance had drawn the attention of class, but her uniform was the main reason. The outfit looked very similar to the overall design of Ishimaku¡¯s one, but the blazer and socks were a dark forest-green colour. She was most likely from a different school, although Niko wasn¡¯t too sure which one.

    The girl suddenly noticed Haitei, grinned and headed over towards him.

    ¡°Haitei! I tried ringing your cell a million times! How come you didn¡¯t answer?¡± she asked, walking over. ¡°Wait, what¡¯re you doing with that guy?¡±

    ¡°N-Nothing¡± Haitei replied, quickly releasing Niko and regaining his usual distant attitude.

    ¡°Don''t go harassing guys, okay? It might give people the wrong idea"

    The girl then gave Niko a friendly-looking smile, holding out her hand for the transfer student to shake it.

    ¡°Hiya! Sorry about Haitei, he¡¯s a total weirdo! I¡¯m Hanayama Natsumi, this guy¡¯s childhood friend. Oh, but you can call me Natsu, though. ''Natsumi'' such a mouthful to say, right?¡± she said, nodding in Haitei¡¯s direction as she spoke.

    ¡°I¡¯m Niko Kamawari, nice to meet you¡± Niko replied, shaking her hand. "I just moved here from overseas"

    ¡°Oh, so you''re foreign! I thought so! Still, it¡¯s a real surprise to see you talking with somebody else other than me, Haitei. Are you and Kamawari friends?¡±

    ¡°Not his friend. Don¡¯t even joke like that¡± Haitei replied, simply; gathering his things and heading towards the door. ¡°Let¡¯s just go home already, Natsumi¡±

    ¡°Sure, sure. Sorry about taking up your time, Kamawari. I hope that you¡¯ll continue to get along with Haitei from now on!¡±

    ¡°Uhm, yeah. I''ll try to¡­¡± Niko replied, still in a daze about this completely random encounter.

    ¡°Thanks, see you later then!¡±

    And with that the two childhood friends left the classroom, arguing about something or other.

    Niko shrugged and headed towards the door as well, now completely intent on going back to his room; but the transfer student couldn¡¯t help but feel like he was forgetting something important¡­

 Chapter Four- A Wandering Spirit

    ¡°Did you hear about that rumour involving those black vans from the other day?¡± an excited student asked his friend as they were passing Niko on the staircase going from the second floor to first floor. ¡°Apparently, they all come driving down one road in a single file really early in the morning¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah, I heard about that¡± the student¡¯s friend replied. ¡°Someone told me that they kidnap people and kill em¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s some scary shit, man¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but it¡¯s just a rumour, right? Plus, I doubt they¡¯re killing people. Probably just a prank; anyways; you remember that girl I told you about the other day, right? ¡±

    Niko readjusted his earphones and continued to pass the two talkative students on the stairs.

    ¡®People that go around in black vans killing people? That guy said that they only appear during the ungodly hours of the morning though, but I should keep an eye out just in case¡­¡¯ the transfer student thought to himself, as he walked around the corner and arrived at a row of shoe lockers for second-year students. ¡°Oh crap, which one is mine again?¡±

    ¡®That would be this one, kid¡¯ came Hanako¡¯s voice form inside Niko¡¯s head. ¡®You really need to get your act together, huh?¡¯

    Niko spotted his seemingly telepathic acquaintance a couple of meters away, leaning against the lockers, arms folded.

    ¡®Hanako! How are you doing that?¡¯ the transfer student asked, quickly walking over to the small girl.

    ¡®Doing what?¡¯

    ¡®That!¡¯

    ¡®Oh, you mean my telepathy? The same way you¡¯re doing it¡¯

    ¡®What are you-¡®

    It took a couple of seconds for him to realise, but Niko became completely aware of the fact that he was talking to someone using his mind!You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    ¡°What is this? Do I have some type of superpower? Am I special or something?¡± he muttered to himself, breaking out in a cold sweat.

    ¡®Yeah, you¡¯re special alright¡­¡¯ Hanako sighed. ¡®It¡¯s my power, idiot¡¯

    ¡®Hanako, are you not human¡­?¡¯

    The girl groaned and shook her head.

    ¡®How has it taken you this long to realise that?¡¯ she replied, giving Niko a sceptical look.

    ¡®Huh? You were serious about that? I was just joking¡­¡¯

    ¡®Some joke! Did you not think something was off when I disappeared down the corridor that one time or when I opened the classroom door without touching it?¡¯

    ¡®Now that you mention it¡­¡¯

    ¡®Idiot¡­this guy¡¯s a complete idiot¡­¡¯

    Niko suddenly stopped and stared at the girl for a couple of seconds before seemingly concluding something.

    ¡°W-What?¡±

    ¡°A vampire!¡± he whisper-shouted.

    ¡®A spirit! I¡¯m a goddamn spirit!¡¯

    ¡®I know. I was just messing with you¡­¡¯

    ''Still¡­you¡¯re taking this better than I thought, idiot¡¯ Hanako deduced as she sat on top of one of the lockers, swinging her legs, waiting for Niko to switch his shoes. ¡®I thought that you would have ran away screaming by now¡­¡¯

    ¡®Oh, trust me; I¡¯d love to; but I really don¡¯t want to sully my reputation anymore than it already is¡¯ he replied, nodding to the large mass of students swarming around the shoe lockers.

    ¡®Oh, I get you. Still does it really matter? Everybody already thinks that you¡¯re insane anyways¡¯

    ¡®Well, thanks for that¡¯

    ¡®Anytime¡¯

    The transfer student picked his bag up off the floor and headed towards the swinging glass doors that lead outside.

    ¡®So, what¡¯re you gonna do now?¡¯ he asked the lost spirit sitting nonchalantly behind him. ¡®I¡¯ve got somewhere to be, so¡­¡¯

    ¡®Guess I¡¯ll go home¡¯ Hanako replied, jumping up off the lockers and floating past Niko. ¡®I¡¯ve got people waiting for me, you see¡¯

    ¡®You actually have somewhere to go?¡¯

    ¡®Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡¯

    ¡®Oh, I don¡¯t know, maybe it¡¯s because you¡¯re quite literally a dead girl walking?¡¯

    ¡®Heh, good one¡¯

    ¡®That wasn¡¯t a joke!¡¯

    ¡®Still, I would¡¯ve thought that you¡¯d be more interested to hang about with a real life spirit. I mean, its not like you see one every day or anything¡¯

    ¡®Yeah, no. This isn¡¯t a shounen manga or anything and I could do without you stealing my soul or something like that¡¯

    ¡®C¡¯mon, I wouldn¡¯t do that¡­¡¯

    Niko narrowed his eyes in the girl¡¯s direction.

    ¡®Oh yeah? You wouldn¡¯t, huh?¡¯

    ¡®O-Of course! Well, I¡¯m out of here! See you around, kid¡¯ she stammered, before disappearing instantly on the spot; leaving Niko just standing there looking quite concerned.

    He shook his head, pulled out is phone and switched tracks yet again.

    ¡°Now then¡­which way¡¯s home?¡±

 Chapter Five- Completely Cut-Off

    Walking through the streets of Shibuya after school proved to be quite a challenge, or that was at least how Niko thought of it. Even though he had been living in the NYC up until recently, the new city he had temporarily moved to was honestly wearing him out. It was almost as if everybody in the city was moving at double the speed he was!

    Thankfully, the transfer student spotted an unoccupied bench and vending machine on the corner of the street he was walking down as he was on his way back to the inn.

    A perfect place to rest for a short while.

    ¡®Coffee? In a vending machine?¡¯ Niko thought as he approached a vending machine filled with appreciation for such a convenient machine. ¡®Wow, that¡¯s actually a really good idea. Don¡¯t think we have any of these things back home though¡­¡¯

    A minute later and the transfer student was sitting on the bench next to the vending machine taking occasional sips from his warm can of black coffee and grimacing everytime he did so. Regretting his decision to be ¡®adventurous¡¯ and try a different blend of coffee than his usual sweet kind.

    ¡°So bitter¡­how can people drink this stuff?¡± Niko muttered to himself, refusing to throw his beverage away due to his stubbornness. ¡°Well, I paid for it, so I might as well finish it¡±

    The sky was beginning to turn orange when Niko swallowed the last of his bitter beverage, shivering as the bitter aftertaste lingered in his mouth.

    ¡®Should probably head back to the inn now, it looks like it¡¯s getting late¡­¡± the transfer student thought, standing up and stretching. ¡®Still, I wonder where Hanako lives. Don¡¯t spirits and stuff usually haunt the place where they died?¡¯

    He tossed his can in the direction of the bin, missed and watched it roll into some bushes nearby. Next thing he knew, the teenager was crouching down on the ground trying to find the can so that he could dispose of it properly. It just felt wrong to leave it there. Guess these were results of having the importance of recycling drilled into his head since grade school.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Before long, he quickly caught a glimpse of the shiny, aluminium can through the green vegetation just after a few seconds of searching.

    ¡®Am I the only one who knows about Hanako? Did she tell other people about her existence?¡¯ Niko thought to himself as he went to grab the coffee can still contemplating if Hanako was even real and not just some illusion he¡¯d come up with on a whim.

    All of a sudden, the can vanished from his sight and further into the bushes as if somebody had snatched it away. Cursing a little, Niko shuffled his way further into the bushes now determined to get the coffee can back. However, in retrospect, that may have not have been the wisest choice he could''ve made .

    ¡°No head¡­¡± Niko stammered as stared at the second supernatural phenomenon in he had seen that day. A bead sweat rolled down the side of the transfer student¡¯s face as tried to comprehend the being that was kneeling right in front of him.It resembled a young woman, maybe around her mid 20¡¯s? Definitely a business person due to the black pencil skirt, black heels and white business shirt it was wearing; but honestly Niko was not entirely sure. The body was headless after all¡­

    The headless body was holding the coffee can and outstretched its arm to hand it back to Niko in a strangely polite manner for a supernatural decapitated being.

    ¡®Yeah, no. I¡¯m not doing this. I¡¯ve already ran into a spirit today, I don¡¯t need this thing in my life as well¡¯ the transfer student thought as he span on his heels and prepared to run away as fast as possible. Well, that was until he felt a deathly cold sensation on his left wrist. It was honestly quite strange, Niko could interact with Hanako, the cursed spirit of a child just fine; but trying to interact with a headless body was just one step too far outside of his comfort zone.

    ¡®Oh hell no!¡¯ Niko thought as struggled to get his hand away from the dead-cold grasp, but the hand some serious strength. ¡®Not today! Hell, I haven¡¯t even been in Shibuya a week and yet all of this shit is happening to me!¡¯

    ¡°Let go already!¡± the transfer student cried out barely broke free of the body¡¯s grasp.Without so much as a second thought, Niko was sprinting down the street, not even bothering to look back and definitely not even considering going back for the empty coffee can.

    However, it appeared that fate had a few more surprises for Niko that day. A whole inn full of them apparently.

 Chapter Six- Masahiros Madness

    The Masahiro Inn was name that every person in the neighbourhood was familiar with. The name carried a great deal of ambiguity, because it was an old-fashioned building that had always stayed the same for as long as people could remember. There was even a small urban legend floating about that Masahiro had been standing since the beginning of time. Naturally, many people regraded this as somebody¡¯s idiotic ramblings, yet they could not exactly deny the claim either. The inn itself was shrouded in mystery, nobody knew all that much about it; apart from the fact that the building was old and that there was a beautiful, young woman with long black hair who was managing it. Other than that, Masahiro Inn was more or less a complete mystery. A great number of the locals had stayed there beforehand to attempt in figuring out the mystery behind the inn, but they were greeted with smiling staff members, content customers and exquisite service. Nothing was out of the ordinary, but that only further fed their curiosity to find out more. However, despite numerous attempts after their first venture, nothing new was uncovered.

    As a result, Masahiro retained its mysterious, yet intimidating image in the neighbourhood.

    Finally reaching the front entrance of his new home, Niko practically fell over from exhaustion. The sky above him was now turning a warm orange colour; it looked like a considerable amount of time had passed since he¡¯d first encountered that headless person. The teenager knew that logically he should not have even been slightly intimidated by the person, since he had been hanging around a lost spirit for the best part of the two days he¡¯d been in Shibuya. Nevertheless, there was just something unsettling about seeing a headless person act, well, not dead. ¡°D-Dullahan¡­Headless people are called Dullahans, right?¡± Niko mumbled to himself. ¡°Well, it looks like it didn¡¯t chase me at the very least¡­¡±

    Dullahans, to Niko¡¯s knowledge, were creatures that usually rode on horses. They were bringers of death and only stopped riding to call out a person¡¯s name to kill them. ¡®S-Should probably research into them some more, now that I¡¯m dealing with a real-life Dullahan¡­¡¯ the highschool student thought as he went to let himself into the inn.

    Just before Niko could open the door though, he heard a loud crash from the inside that resembled the sound of a bottle breaking. The sudden sound practically scared the life out of him making his hand flinch away from the door. Actually, the inn sounded rather lively from Niko could tell. There was the sound of people walking around and talking, which was strange, because it had been dead quiet inside, a couple of seconds ago. The front door suddenly flew open by itself, similar to what happened to the one at school. But by that point Niko was in a complete state of confusion.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    Walking cautiously inside, the first thing that the teenager saw was darkness and the last thing he remembered hearing was voices. A collection of them, they sounded close, but distant at the same time. Despite being able to understand the native¡¯s tongue, Niko could not work out what the voices were saying for the life of him. It just sounded like unrecognisable nonsense or more accurately, white noise. The sound was low and numbing. Niko felt like light-headed just by hearing the noise. His brain felt like mush as the teenager struggled to make sense of his current situation, but to no avail. The sensation made it seem like he was losing his mind; all of a sudden, Niko could not recall anything that had happened before he¡¯d set foot into the inn¡­ Tears began to stream uncontrollably from his eyes, despite the fact that the transfer student¡¯s mind was not even capable of registering or portraying emotion at this point. It was like completely wiping a computer¡¯s memory. There was nothing¡­absoulely nothing...

    ¡°Niko? Are you alright?¡±

    The voice seemingly dragged the teenager back from whatever nightmare he had been in and back into what seemed to be the front entrance of Masahiro. The proprietor of the inn was looking at him with a mixture of concern and excitement in her eyes. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re back with us now? Looks like Masahiro really took you on a ride!¡± she smiled, whilst her tenant stared at her with a blank look. ¡°M-Masahiro? As in the inn?¡± Niko replied, finally beginning to get his bearings back. ¡°Well, you must be exhausted. Take a seat in the communal area, I¡¯ll go and get us something to drink¡±

    And with that the landlady walked off down the corridor, after pointing out the location of Niko¡¯s destination. ¡°The inn took me for a ride¡­? What does that even mean?¡± the teenager muttered to himself as he approached the Communal Area that was only a couple of steps away from the front entrance.

    Opening the door with extreme caution, Niko looked into the room only to lay eyes on the person he had last expected to see after his most recent ordeal¡­

    Hanako.

    Completely wasted, floating slowly around the room, holding a can of beer and giggling to herself. The spirit exploded into hysterical laughter the second she saw Niko¡¯s face.

 Chapter Seven- Unravelling Truths

    ¡°What the hell?¡± Hanako slurred as she squinted at a blank-faced Niko, in order to get a better look at his face. ¡°What¡¯re you doing here, Nimo?¡± ¡°My name¡¯s four letters long. How could you mess that up?¡± the teenager replied, as his wasted acquaintance hiccupped away, her pale face was bright red as she slowly bobbed about the room. ¡°What¡¯s with this ridiculous amount of beer anyways?¡±

    ¡°Ain¡¯t nothing like a good drink after a long day, right?¡±

    ¡°Long day? You don¡¯t do anything!¡±

    ¡°Shut it! It¡¯s brats like you that are running this damn country! Talking back to your elders like that, Jesus¡­ ¡°

    ¡°You sound like a drunk old man, Hanako. Put the can down already, your gonna upset the landlady¡±

    ¡°Huh! Like Kaori would get mad at me!¡±

    The spirit suddenly looked down at the can in her hand with a sullen look.

    ¡°I¡¯m out¡­Kimo, go get some more booze for me, would ya?¡± she asked with tears forming in her eyes.

    ¡°Stop getting it wrong! Why am I doing that? Wait, are you seriously crying¡­?¡±

    ¡°W-Why? Do you hate me or something, Limo?¡±

    ¡°Am I car now or something? You¡¯re doing this name thing on purpose, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Himo¡¯s mad¡­He definitely hates me, just like Mom and Dad did¡­¡±

    Before Niko could even question that remark, he watched as the numerous empty beer cans began to swirl up around Hanako at an alarming rate. It was as if a whirlwind had suddenly kicked up in the Common Room, but Niko was already well aware that it was Hanako¡¯s doing. It was the same power she had shown off at school to open the classroom door.

    The lightbulbs that peppered the ceilings suddenly shattered under the incredible pressure of Hanako¡¯s power causing the tiny glass fragments to shower the room in a beautiful, yet deadly fashion. The transfer student attempted to cover his face from the falling glass, just as the air around him became noticeably thin. The force of Hanako¡¯s power was beginning to absorb everything surrounding it; the second she let loose the entire Masahiro complex was most definitely done for¡­

    ¡°Hana? What¡¯re you doing?¡±

    Everything suddenly stopped.

    The cans dropped loudly onto the wooden flooring followed closely by the shards of broken glass. The incredible pressure had dispersed entirely, making it easier to breathe again. Scanning the room, it was easy to see that the majority of it was in tatters. Expensive-looking marble ornaments were lying in pieces on the floor, they broken beyond the point of no return, in fact, it was impossible to even tell what they were before Hanako¡¯s outburst had destroyed them. A small table that had been in the middle of the room was now sitting in the corner with more than half of its legs broken and littered around the room. Broken vases left scattered flowers around the room too, though they were mostly bare of any petals at this point.

    Looking over at Hanako, Niko felt a mixture of relief and bewilderment as he watched the small spirit slowly close her eyes and enter a deep slumber. It looked like he could stop fearing for his life for the time being.

    After helping the landlady clear up the room from the debris caused by Hanako¡¯s outburst, Niko sat himself down on a dark-green zabuton, (A type of cushion that was made to be sat on) whilst the landlady sat opposite him on a zabuton of her own.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°Sorry about this, Niko¡­This isn¡¯t really a good start to your new life here, is it?¡± she said, looking apologetic. ¡°I can understand if you want to leave¡± ¡°N-No, its fine, really¡± the teenager replied, smiling. ¡°It doesn¡¯t bother me at all! I would love to continue living at Masahiro¡± ¡®Mainly because I don¡¯t have anywhere else to go¡­¡¯ he thought to himself as the landlady smiled back at him. ¡°Uhm, just a quick question though, Miss Landlady¡­¡± Niko started, eager to get this provocative question off his chest. ¡°Please feel free to call me Kaori, ¡®Miss Landlady¡¯ sounds so uptight¡± she replied, beaming. ¡°Right then. Kaori, does Hanako live here?¡± The property owner looked over at the pale girl as she bobbed around, mumbling something in her sleep. ¡°No, Hanako doesn¡¯t live here; but she does come to visits here quite often. Masahiro is a place where people like her can feel at home after all. Though her visits do usually end with her getting completely blackout drunk¡­¡± ¡°I-I see¡­Earlier, you mentioned something about Masahiro taking me for a ride. What did you mean by that? ¡°Oh, that¡± Kaori brushed some of her long black locks out her face as she shuffled on her cushion to let herself get more comfortable. ¡°Masahiro was just testing you. He tends to do that to everyone who is new here ¡°This building is¡­sentient?¡± ¡°Yes, very much so! Do not worry, Masahiro is a very kind and loving spirit; I highly doubt that he will attack you. You passed his test after all, Niko¡±

    The transfer student gulped, as a bead of sweat ran down the side of his head.

    ¡®That ridiculously scary mind-breaking thing was a test? Am I really going to be okay here?¡¯ he thought to himself, hiding his fear and concern from Kaori with a smile.

    ¡°Ah, by the way Niko¡­¡± Kaori began, pointing to the teenager¡¯s head. ¡°Your hair is very impressive! How on earth do you keep it in that style?¡± ¡°Huh? My hair? You don¡¯t think it¡¯s a bit¡­well, much?¡± ¡°Not at all! I find it very endearing!¡± ¡°T-Thanks¡­¡±

    A wry smile suddenly appeared on Kaori¡¯s face.

    ¡°Speaking of looks, Niko¡­¡± she began, shuffling a little closer to the latest tenant of Masahiro. ¡°Do you think I''m good-looking?¡± Niko felt his face burn up a little bit, totally not expecting that comment. ¡°H-Huh? Where did that come from, Miss Landlady?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Kaori, remember? Now what is your answer, Niko?¡± ¡°Erm¡­uh, well¡­¡±

    ¡°STOP!¡±

    Both Kaori and Niko looked over at Hanako, instantly recognising her voice. The two of them were honestly surprised by how quickly the spirit had recovered from her booze binge and mental meltdown.

    ¡°Kaori! What were you trying to do? Niko hasn¡¯t even been here a week and yet you were already trying to cut him?¡± Hanako shouted, floating in between the two, separating them. ¡°God, so much for your change of heart then!¡± ¡°C-Cut him? I would never!¡± the landlady replied, her wry smile had been replaced by an expression of guilt and embarrassment. ¡°Are you still drunk, Hana?¡± ¡°As if! You can¡¯t hide that thing from me! Hand them over!¡± Kaori sighed and reached into the left sleeve of her kimono, bringing out a pair of scissors and passing them to Hanako. ¡°I tried to control myself! I really did!¡± the woman replied, looking down at the tatami flooring sadly. ¡°Sure, you did. I thought that you¡¯d stopped doing this already, Kaori!¡± ¡°I did! But it¡¯s just that Niko is the first human to live in Masahiro for a while, so I just¡­¡± ¡°Right, right; that¡¯s enough! Keep Niko out of your strange habits, alright?¡± ¡°Yes¡­I apologize for that Niko, that wasn¡¯t like me. It won¡¯t happen again, I promise!¡± Kaori bowed her head in apology to the completely confused teenager, who was still coming to terms with the fact that he had mostly likely avoided an early grave. ¡°W-Were you going to kill me just now?¡± he asked, suspiciously, backing away a little. ¡°Not at all! How could I kill a tenant of Masahiro? I was just going to make some¡­¡¯adjustments¡¯ to your face¡­Nothing serious at all!¡± ¡°R-Right¡­¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you get started on dinner, Kaori? Everyone will be coming back soon¡± Hanako suggested, pointing to a clock on the wall. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re right! Thanks, Hana; I¡¯ll start on it right away!¡± the landlady said, quickly standing up and walking to the door of the Common Room. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Niko. Honestly¡± ¡°Yeah, we know; just get going!¡± ¡°Right!¡±

    ¡°Hanako¡­W-What the hell just happened¡­?¡± Niko asked, still in a state of disbelief. ¡°Why did Kaori have scissors?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll explain later, but for now, just remember this: If Kaori asks you if she¡¯s good-looking or not, reply with ¡®You¡¯re average¡¯, okay?¡± the small spirit replied, a serious look on her face. ¡°Unless you want to have a huge gaping hole from ear to ear¡­¡± ¡°Gaping hole?¡± ¡°Yeah. Try to keep your distance from Kaori for a day or two, okay? Yokai like her are practically unpredictable. Promise me¡± ¡°Y-Yeah, I promise¡± ¡°Good. Now, let me explain Kaori¡¯s¡­for lack of a better word, uniqueness¡­¡±

 Chapter Eight- The Horned Girls Fury

    ¡°Simply put, Kaori¡¯s a vengeful spirit,¡± Hanako said, bluntly, folding her arms and crossing her legs in mid-air. ¡°And a delusional one at that¡±

    ¡°So she still has regrets?¡± Niko clarified, his interested piqued, despite the frightening the facts that he had just heard. ¡°Then if she¡¯s so dangerous, why not fulfil those wishes?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­it¡¯s not that simple, y¡¯see¡­Kaori¡¯s wish is cut every human alive¡±

    ¡°Again with the whole cutting thing¡­Why is she so hung up on that?¡±

    ¡°She picked up the habit from a past incident involving her man at the time¡±

    ¡°Well, couldn¡¯t they just meet up and sort things out? I¡¯m having trouble believing Kaori¡¯s habit starting from a falling out with her boyfriend, Hanako¡±

    The spirit chuckled to herself, whilst quickly snatching Niko¡¯s cup of half-empty green tea and downing the lukewarm liquid in a single gulp.

    ¡°That was mine¡­¡± the teenager pointed out, not even going to bother asking why.

    ¡°Sorry, just wanted to get the taste of beer off of my tongue. Booze from Convenience Stores always have that nasty aftertaste, don¡¯t they?¡±

    Niko shrugged.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t know, I¡¯m a minor¡± he replied, casually. ¡°Anyway, you went off track; what¡¯s the deal with Kaori¡¯s husband then?¡±

    ¡°Huh? Oh, I never met him; heard he was a real douche though¡±

    ¡°Right¡­Also, why are you addressing him in the past tense?¡±

    ¡°He died ages ago¡±

    ¡°Oh, sorry¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be. He committed seppuku for treason¡±

    ¡°W-What? Seppuku? In this day and age?¡± Niko exclaimed, in disbelief.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    ¡°Yeah. Sword straight through the stomach and then beheaded¡± Hanako replied, making a cutting motion to her own neck. ¡°And what do you mean by ¡®in this day and age¡¯? I already mentioned that it happened way back in the day¡±

    ¡°How far back?¡±

    ¡°Edo Period¡±

    The blank expression from Niko¡¯s face forced Hanako to sigh and reword her statement.

    ¡°Tokugawa shogunate?¡±

    Still no reaction.

    ¡°Samurais, Niko. Kaori¡¯s husband was a samurai¡±

    ¡°No way! That¡¯s decades ago!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s what I said¡± Hanko replied, shaking her head. ¡°Honestly, are you stupid or something?¡±

    ¡°W-Wait. If that¡¯s the case, how old is Kaori?¡±

    Hanako¡¯s face suddenly lit up in mischievous glee.

    ¡°Oh? Curious about her age are we, sir?¡± she said with a wry smile. ¡°In that case I¡¯ll tell you her exact age¡±

    ¡°W-Well, I¡¯m not that curious about it¡±

    ¡°Sure you are! Geez, are all young men these days so curious?¡±

    The small spirit floated up to Niko¡¯s left ear and readied herself to reveal Kaori¡¯s devastating truth¡­

    ¡°I¡¯m back! Kaori, when¡¯s dinner? I¡¯m starving!¡±

    An unfamiliar, husky voice.

    ¡°Aww, too bad! I¡¯ll tell you later, Niko¡± Hanako said, quickly putting some distance between the two of them.

    ¡°Hanako? You¡¯re here again? You best not be drinking, not after what happened last time,¡± the voice said with a somewhat oppressive tone. Whomever the voice belonged to was already on the opposite side of the Common Room¡¯s door.

    The door suddenly flew open with such force that it almost came off its hinges as it slammed against the wall; it¡¯s like the person had kicked it open!

    The first thing that Niko recognised about the girl standing in the doorway was her height. Making a rough guess of six-foot something, the teenager also noticed her somewhat broad shoulders and the impressive amount of muscle on of her toned arms. She was also wearing a female version of the Ishimaku¡¯s school uniform. Nevertheless, the most eye-catching thing was her messy, tangled black hair that rolled past her shoulders and the long, skin-coloured pointed horn that protruded from her forehead.

    Her face suddenly changed from a neutral expression to a disgusted one.

    ¡°Something reeks¡­¡± she began, looking around. ¡°Of human¡­¡±

    Her eyes instantly locked with Niko¡¯s and just by looking at her, the teenager could already feel the murderous aura she was giving off.

    ¡°Why¡¯re you here? Answer me!¡± she spat angrily, snatching the transfer student up by his collar. ¡°If you want to live, answer me!¡±

    ¡°W-Wait a second! Put me down!¡± he exclaimed, struggling against this girl¡¯s brute strength, but he discovered that there was no way in hell he was going to escape her incredible grasp.

    ¡°Who the hell are you giving orders to, you piece of shit!¡±

    ¡°You just asked me to answer you, now let go already!¡±

    ¡°You lowly human, you¡¯ll regret the day you made me your enemy, even when you¡¯re dead!¡±

    ¡°Wait, what the hell are you talking abou¡­¡±

    The girl suddenly cut the transfer student mid-sentence, quickly raised her right hand and balled it up into a fist before briefly smacking Niko across the face with terrifying force, knocking him out almost instantly. The only thing that Niko could make out clearly, before his consciousness faded entirely was the satisfied demonic grin of the girl in front of him¡­

 Chapter Nine- Spirited Away

    The ice-cold water that was dumped onto Niko¡¯s face was enough to shock the transfer student awake from his unconscious state.

    More than enough, actually.

    The teenager spluttered as he quickly sat upright in what appeared to be his futon, soaked straight through his white t-shirt. Apparently, the water had been filled to the brim with ice cubes, which were now sliding down his body causing a rather unpleasant sensation.

    ¡°See? Told you he¡¯d get up¡± came Hanako¡¯s voice as she threw the empty bucket into a corner of Niko¡¯s room. ¡°Hey, you okay?¡±

    The answer to that question was pretty obvious.

    ¡°Do I look okay to you?¡± the transfer student replied, wincing a little at the throbbing pain coming from his head. ¡°God, my head¡¯s killing me¡­¡±

    Niko suddenly remembered what had caused him to completely pass out. The monstrous strength of that punch¡­

    ¡°Ibuki! You can come in now!¡± Hanako shouted, shocking Niko as he wasn¡¯t expecting it.

    The sliding door to his bedroom swung open in a similar fashion to the one that Niko had seen before he¡¯d been knocked out, almost breaking it; but not quite.

    A familiar face walked into the room, striding over to the futon and sat formally directly in front of Niko.

    ¡°I, Ibuki Rinne, have come to apologise!¡± she announced loudly, head bowed.

    ¡°R-Right¡­¡± Niko replied, completely unsure of how to react to this situation.

    Despite the fact that she was kneeling, Ibuki was still taller than the new tenant, which he couldn¡¯t help but find a little intimidating. Her horn

    ¡°I assumed that you were an intruder from the human world trying to destroy Masahiro from the inside, like them¡±

    ¡®That¡¯s some assumption¡­¡¯ Niko thought to himself.

    ¡°Anyway, I was hoping to get your forgiveness¡± Ibuki continued. ¡°If it would make you feel any better, then you may hit me back as hard as you¡¯d like¡±

    ¡°No, don¡¯t worry about it¡­¡±

    The tall girl sighed in relief and adopted a more comfortable position, legs stretched out on the flooring. She ran a hand through her long hair attempting to detangle it somewhat, but failing miserably.

    ¡°So¡± she began, smiling friendly at her fellow teenager. ¡°What brings you to this side of the woods?¡±

    ¡°This side of the woods?¡± Niko parroted in confusion.

    ¡°Yeah, like, why¡¯re you living at Masahiro? I¡¯m pretty sure that there are plenty of places for humans to live out there? Why would you choose to live here?¡±

    ¡°Oh, that. Yeah, my dad set this whole thing up for me; I¡¯m actually here to learn about my heritage, believe it or not¡±

    ¡°So, have you learnt anything?¡±

    That one hit the nail right on the head.

    ¡°N-Not exactly¡­¡± Niko replied looking away, embarrassed by the accuracy of Ibuki¡¯s remark. ¡°But I¡¯ll dig up something eventually!¡±Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    ¡°Cool, go for it. So anyways, I heard from Hana that you¡¯re a student at Ishimaku. What year you in?¡±

    ¡°Second¡±

    ¡°Oh, then that makes you my upperclassmen then, Kamawari¡±

    Despite the surprise of being older than her, Niko had been trying throughout the course of the conversation, to ignore the horn protruding out of Ibuki¡¯s forehead; but it just diverted his attention too much.

    ¡°Something caught your eye there, Niko?¡± Hanako asked, smiling mischievously. ¡°It¡¯s rude to stare, you know¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t!¡± the transfer student retorted, glancing away for the second time that day.

    ¡°Curious about the horn, huh?¡± Ibuki asked, pointing to her most distinctive feature. ¡°Can¡¯t blame you, most people are¡­¡±

    ¡°Are you some kind of demon, Rinne?¡± Niko asked, his curiosity beginning to get the better of him.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m an Oni, to be exact¡±

    ¡°The human-eating kind?¡±

    ¡°The very same. Don¡¯t worry; eating people is pretty much a last resort for me¡±

    ¡°Right, good to know¡­¡±

    Niko glanced in Hanako¡¯s direction. She was floating quietly, which was quite out of character. Despite knowing her for less than a week, Niko was used to the ghoul butting into his conversations or hitting him with snarky comebacks.

    ¡°Oh yeah, I never asked this, but¡­¡± He began, beckoning Hanako over to his bed. ¡°What¡¯s your story? How¡¯d you end up as a spirit?¡±

    The pale girl chuckled.

    ¡°My story? It¡¯s pretty brutal, you know?¡± she replied, folding her arms. ¡°Can you even handle it?¡±

    ¡°Easily, plus you never really talk about yourself that much, this¡¯ll be interesting¡±

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s been ages since you spoke about your death, Hana!¡± Ibuki chimed in, turning to face her. ¡°Go on, start already!¡±

    ¡°Fine then, but don¡¯t blame me if you can¡¯t fall asleep tonight, you two¡±

    The small spirit cleared her throat and adopted a more serious tone in her voice as she began telling her tale.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    There is always two sides to one coin¡¯

    Somebody famous might have said that phrase, I¡¯m not really sure, to be honest. All I know is that never was a quote so true. I say this, because this very phrase best described my parents back when they were alive. It¡¯s almost laughable.

    Sae and Kenta Hanamori always carried themselves with pride wherever they went. They possessed that pressure of a powerful and prideful family; one so intimidating that most of the common folk wouldn¡¯t even come near them. Only people similar to the Hanamori family could even hope to be granted an audience with them. In other words, they were at the top of the food chain. They played the role of god in the small village of Ura, they decided whether people lived or died there and trust me, people definitely died¡­

    The Hanamori clan had people everywhere though; Ura was just their main base of operations despite it being a rundown, old place in the middle of nowhere. It was probably because they knew that Ura was under their control and completely safe. Business people travelled to the village just to meet them and strike up some sort of deal. A carriage from Tokyo to Ura wasn¡¯t cheap back in those days either, so you knew that they were loaded.

    The other side to their coin was that they were extremely invested in growing the Hanamori Empire using whatever means necessary. Murder, fraud and threats were the most common ¡®business practices¡¯ used by the clan to gain the upper hand against other families and gangs in Ura and over in Tokyo.

    Like most families back then, the Hanamori Clan seeked an heir to their continue their work. Typically, at the time, men were seen, as the smart, dominant type, where as women were simply seen as objects for them to vent their sexual frustration on and bare their children. In other words, Sae having a little girl was completely out of the question. But as luck would have it, I was born.

    Hanako Hanamori.

    They kept me alive for about ten years, letting me live only because I could be pawned off to some other families¡¯ snot-nosed son to improve relations with them and secure the Hanamori Clan¡¯s future if the situation demanded it. In the meantime, Sae and Kenta kept fucking like rabbits in the attempts of creating an heir. But by this time, Sae had already had two miscarriages.

    By the time, I was eleven, Kenta had grown tired of Sae¡¯s ¡®failures¡¯ and attempted to wipe the slate clean entirely by ¡®recreating¡¯ the Hanamori Clan. In layman¡¯s terms, it just meant that he was bored of Sae, wanted to take the clan¡¯s money and leave it all in the dust.

    He wasted no time in killing her. Beheaded the poor thing.

    Naturally, I was next on his hit-list, but by this time Kenta had already decided to silence everyone in Ura as well as his own family. Permanently, of course.

    By the time the crazy old man broke into my room, more than half of the townspeople were dead and the village was on fire.

    I want to say that I put up a good fight, whilst struggling for my life; but I¡¯ll be honest, I was an absolute wreck. Wouldn¡¯t you be? I was eleven years old and the piece of shit that I recognised as my father was pointing a katana at me, fully prepared to kill me. I vividly remember begging him not to stab me, promising to be a ¡®good girl¡¯ and all of that, but that man was hell-bent on murdering me.

    Quite obviously, that scum got his wish.

    Was probably laughing his ass off when made off with all of that money, that sick fuck¡­

    Well, there you go. That¡¯s my story, satisfied now Niko? Ibuki?

    Hey, wait¡­Are you two crying?

 Chapter Ten- The Walls Have Ears And The Doors Have...Eyes?

    Wiping the tears from his eyes, Niko smiled sympathetically at Hanako as he did so; Ibuki joining him in his little crying session. It was honestly difficult to not shed a tear at the heart-wrenching story they had just heard.

    ¡°Hanako¡­I didn¡¯t know that you went through all of that¡­¡± the teenager said, reaching out to pat her shoulder in sympathy.

    ¡°No matter how many times I hear it, your story still makes me tear up¡­¡± Ibuki added, attempting to ensnare Hanako in a tight hug. ¡°You¡¯ve had it really rough huh, Hana?¡±

    The spirit effortlessly evaded both of their advances, sighing.

    ¡°What¡¯s done is done, I guess. I don¡¯t need any sympathy, thanks¡± she responded. ¡°Well anyway, you seem well enough, Niko; so I¡¯ll get out of your hair for now¡±

    ¡°Me too, I¡¯ve got stuff to do, you see¡± Ibuki added, getting up and stretching her arms. ¡°Guess we¡¯ll see you at dinner then?¡±

    Niko nodded in affirmative as his new supernatural acquaintances left his room; one leaving through the door and the other phasing straight through the flooring. Suddenly letting a sneeze, the teenager realised that he was still sitting in wet clothes; thanks to Hanako¡­

    A few stray moving boxes littered Niko¡¯s room, he¡¯d only managed to get half of his unpacking done when he¡¯d first arrived at Masahiro; but who actually unpacked all their stuff on the same day they moved in anyway? Grumbling about how his t-shirt was sticking to him, the new tenant of Masahiro walked over two medium-sized boxes in the corner of the room, which were labelled: ¡®CLOTHES¡¯ and began sifting through them for a few minutes before finally picking out a fresh black t-shirt and a pair of tracksuit bottoms that wouldn¡¯t make a wet, squishing sound when he walked around in them.

    Changing into his clothes was never a problem before he¡¯d come to Masahiro, but with Hanako just walking through whatever wall she pleased, it was a little hard to change in peace. Nevertheless, Niko swapped clothes quickly, hoping not to accidently run into the small spirit.

    Just as he finished putting his t-shirt on, the teenager suddenly felt like there was eyes on him. The sensation did not last for more than a couple of seconds though, it was as if the thing staring at him had suddenly looked away. Putting it down to his imagination, Niko walked over to the door of his room that was set ajar slightly.

    Reaching for the handle, he froze almost instantly as he noticed the two brown eyes that were staring directly at him through the crack in the door. Niko and the eyes stared for each other for a couple of seconds, neither of them blinking at all¡­Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    ¡°H-Hi¡­¡± the teenager began, successfully resisting the urge to scream in shock. Are you a tenant here¡­?¡±

    Despite the fact that they were just two eyes in the darkness of the crack, they were surprisingly good at portraying expression. Raising an eyebrow, they made Niko instantly reword his question.

    ¡°Uhm, I mean, of course you are! Sorry, I¡¯m new here¡± he said, rubbing the back of his neck, smiling sheepishly. ¡°I¡¯m Niko, by the way¡±

    As the eyes rolled, a grey, clammy hand appeared from the darkness and clutched onto the edge of the door, which was followed by a second hand and then finally the person or entity that they belonged to.

    A girl around Niko¡¯s height emerged from the shadows, looking very casual about her sudden entrance. She looked like she had walked straight out of a black and white film, because there was not a spot of colour on here apart from grey, black and white. Her hair was cut short and neat, not at all like Hanako and Ibuki¡¯s hairstyles. The girl only wore a plain white dress as she stood in front of Niko. However her most striking feature were her lips, which weren¡¯t present on her face at all.

    At this point, Niko wasn¡¯t sure if he even wanted to ask¡­

    ¡°Erm¡­Can I help you?¡± he began, wondering if this new face was hostile or not.

    The girl folded her arms and tapped her foot, occasionally glancing at her wrist.

    ¡°Are you maybe waiting for something?¡±

    His response was met by an eyeroll and a facepalm. Despite her rather sombre and depressing appearance, this girl appeared to be very animated.

    She made a writing motion in the air, asking for something to write on, which Niko understood; bringing her a couple sheets of paper and a black ballpoint.

    ¡®Finally! Why did it take you so long to figure that one out?¡¯ she scribbled down in a rush before showing it to the teenager standing opposite her. ¡®Are you slow or something?¡¯

    Despite not having one, the girl¡¯s tongue appeared to be pretty sharp¡­

    ¡°What? No, why would you even say that?¡±

    ¡®Because somebody had to¡¯

    ¡°Okay¡­so any reason why you decided to climb out of the shadows just now?¡±

    ¡®To introduce myself to you. Obviously.¡¯

    ¡°Riiiight¡­Well, once again, I¡¯m Niko. Nice to meet you¡±

    ¡®I¡¯m Mieru. I live here, sort of¡±

    ¡°Cool. Uhm, could you maybe stop appearing in my room unannounced in the future?¡±

    Apparently, Mieru had run out of paper, so she simply nodded in response to Niko¡¯s question wearing a serious expression.

    ¡°Hey, Niko! Dinner¡¯s done!¡± Ibuki announced as poked her head into his room. ¡°Oh, I see you¡¯ve met Mieru already, huh?¡± She waved as the voiceless girl smiled back at her. ¡°You might want to come downstairs quick though, unless you¡¯re okay with eating what¡¯s left¡±

    ¡°Thanks, I¡¯ll be right down¡± the teenager replied as he followed Mieru out of his room. ¡°Wonder what Kaori¡¯s cooking tastes like?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s really good! It doesn¡¯t even compare to normal human food!¡± Ibuki replied, whilst Mieru nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Sounds good to me. Wait, hold on. What do you mean by ¡®normal human food¡¯?¡±

    And with that Niko¡¯s second night in Masahiro came to a close, but despite his interactions with his fellow tenants, he was only just beginning to scratch the surface of the secret that was known as Masahiro¡­

 Chapter Eleven- A Certain Onis Morning

    There wasn¡¯t much that could awaken a slumbering Oni from her bed, aside from the blaring sound of an alarm clock apparently

    Ibuki¡¯s room was a simple-looking one. A single pair of drawers where she kept all of her clothes, a desk along with a small bookcase werqe sitting in the corner of the room and her bed in the corner opposite it. She had wisely decided to bring only the necessities from her village when she¡¯d first moved into Masahiro a couple of months back. It wasn¡¯t like she had a lot to bring with her in the first place anyways, Ibuki had always preferred the simple lifestyle she lived back in her village. In Tokyo though, everything was usually very complicated and time-consuming. The Oni had learnt this fact the hard way on her very first day in the city when she had casually taken a couple of apples from outside of the grocery shop, assuming they were free like they normally would be back in her village.Thankfully, the police had let her off with a warning after she had returned the goods.

    Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, Ibuki dragged herself out of bed and over to her school uniform that she had neatly laid out the night previously. After collecting it, the young demon practically sleepwalked out of her room and into the communal baaathroom that all the tenants shared. The bathroom itself was big enough to hold three people at once, maybe four if everyone in there squeezed together.

    ¡°Morning, Ibuki!¡± came an energetic-sounding voice, despite the fact that it was before eight in the morning.

    Ibuki sleepily nodded in response and turned towards the sound of the voice that belonged to a headless body of a young woman who looked like she was in her early twenties. The body itself was dressed in a pair of pale blue pyjamas that were slightly too big for it. Held tightly in its hands was the owner of the body. Well her head at least. Her eyes were a brilliant shade of green and her straight shoulder-length was a sleek, shiny black colour.

    ¡°Hi Chie, you¡¯re up pretty early¡± Ibuki yawned, wondering where her fellow tenant got her energy from. ¡°You working today?¡±

    ¡°That''s right¡± the woman replied, leaning against the doorframe of her room. ¡°Thought I¡¯d go in a little earlier today. My higher-ups are pretty strict about tardiness, you know¡±The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°Sounds rough¡±

    ¡°Not really. I have to work hard and dedicate myself to getting that promotion, so I can finally move out of this place!"

    For as long as Ibuki had known her, Chie had always wanted a place of her own. The Dullahan had moved into Masahiro just because it was closer to her workplace, which was an accounting firm a couple of minutes away. How she motivated herself to go through all of that trouble just for her new job was well beyond Ibuki¡¯s knowledge, but the headless beauty always seemed to have such a large amount of optimism it was almost unsettling at times.

    ¡°Oh yeah¡± Chie started, grabbing Ibuki¡¯s attention. ¡°My family sent me some clothes from the countryside but they¡¯re too big on me, so I was wondering if you wanted them. They¡¯re pretty cute¡±

    Despite the offer, Ibuki knew that any clothing that was ¡®too big¡¯ on Chie was going to be laughably small on herself. Finding clothes that fit and were stylish proved increasingly difficult when you were an Oni. Many women¡¯s clothing stores didn¡¯t hold products meant for ridiculously tall girls with broad shoulders and rapidly-developing muscles. Ibuki even tried Harajuku, but she still could not find anything comfortable and trendy in her size. As a result, most of her wardrobe consisted of men¡¯s clothing.

    Silently cursing her Oni blood for her tall stature and wide shoulders, Ibuki quickly declined Chie¡¯s offer. It was a pleasant gesture, but she was positive that her friend¡¯s clothes would tear if she ever tried to squeeze into them.

    After leaving Chie to do her thing and a quick shower, Ibuki found herself back in her room attempting to tie the ribbon on her school uniform. A task that she struggled with almost every morning before Hanako or Kaori intervened. After failing for the umpteenth time, she remembered the large, heavy glaive that was sitting in her wardrobe. A family heirloom that had been passed down for generations back in her village. The blade of the weapon was made from a rare red metal that was forged by the founder of her village. The polearm-like body of the weapon was created from a more common steel and it was practically covered in various charms and bracelets from her people. The decorations apparently gave the weapon its destructive power and made it impossible for anybody other than an Oni to wield it with ease.

    Ibuki preferred it more as a decoration in her room than an actual weapon, but she still carried it with her everywhere just in case an emergency arose.

    Better to be safe than sorry.

    After chanting a quick enchantment in her native tongue, the weapon became invisible to any humans. Monsters however, were still perfectly capable of seeing it. It was a helpful little spell that was capable of manipulating what humans could and couldn¡¯t see. Chie had taught her it a while back and the Oni assumed that her friend used it make it appear as if her head was constantly attached onto her shoulders.

    Picking up the heirloom and her school bag, Ibuki headed downstairs to face the day. Still feeling slightly irritated from waking up too early and realising that she had actually gotten a little taller since she¡¯d last measured herself.

    Well, at least the walk to school wouldn¡¯t be so lonely anymore at least. Not with Niko around anyways.

 Chapter Twelve- Oni Unleashed (Part One)

    ¡°Oh yeah, Ibuki¡± Niko began as he stood alongside the his fellow classmate. ¡°I¡¯ve never asked you this before, but did you live anywhere else before you moved to Masahiro?¡±

    Sipping on a can of black coffee from a nearby vending machine, the girl turned towards her company and began weighing up her options. It was a deep-seated rule in her village to never expose its existence to outsiders in fear of a raid, but Ibuki was sure that Niko had least graduated from his ¡®outsider¡¯ title by now, in light of recent events.

    ¡°Yeah, I did. It was a small village in the middle of nowhere¡± she replied, glancing at the glowing digital train timetable on the wall in front of them. ¡°Loud and lively. It was a nice place¡±

    ¡°Then why¡¯d you move out?¡±

    ¡°To see more than just the village, you know? Everyone living there was curious about human civilization and stuff as well. Ma and Pa weren¡¯t too pleased with my decision though¡­¡±

    The two acquaintances were both waiting on Platform 8 for the train that practically took them straight to Ishimaku¡¯s front gates. The station was packed full of people as usual despite it being so early in the morning. Men and women in business attire packed into trains like sardines in a can, whilst students from various other highschool students waited around for their rides to school.

    Armed officers patrolled the area in pairs determined to protect the public if something unsavoury occurred.

    ¡°More importantly, did you hear about that rumour circling around school?¡± the Oni asked, her eyes lighting up at the opportunity of gossip. ¡°The one about the men in those black vans¡±

    ¡°Yeah, what about it?¡± Niko replied, recalling the conversation he¡¯d heard when he was heading home from school the other day. ¡°Did something happen?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, apparently they kidnapped some guy yesterday night¡±

    ¡°Seriously, what did the school say about it?¡±

    Ibuki smiled and shrugged taking another sip from her drink.

    ¡°Can¡¯t say. I mean, it is just a rumour after all¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true¡­¡±

    The monotone voice of the announcer echoed throughout the station announcing that a train was promptly arriving on Platform 8 interrupting Niko and Ibuki¡¯s conversation.

    It was only then that the Oni realised that something was felt¡­off.

    Maybe it was the huge amount of pressure weighing down on her or perhaps it was the three hooded individuals that were staring directly at her. All three of them were scattered randomly throughout the station, but strangely enough all the enemies were placed where they¡¯d have a perfect view of herself and Niko.

    Just perfect. A planned group attack.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    Whichever it was no longer mattered, though. All that did was leaving the station as quickly as possible. There was no way she could defend herself and Niko in such a largely concentrated area of people. Bystanders were definitely going to get caught up in it if she decided to initiate a fight here.

    ¡°Niko. We¡¯re leaving. Now¡± she said in a stern tone, tossing aside her coffee can and grabbing the transfer student¡¯s arm before fighting against the wave of students to leave the station. ¡°Listen. Whatever happens don¡¯t get involved, alright? Promise me that¡±

    ¡°Ibuki, what the hell? The train¡¯s right there! Where¡¯re you going?¡± her fellow tenant retorted, trying to pull his arm back, but proving no match for her demon like strength. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°For now, we just need to leave the station¡­I swear I¡¯ll explain everything later, so just do what I say, yeah?¡± she replied, hurriedly.

    After finally breaking through the crowd and rushing up the stairs back to the surface level, Ibuki began flat-out sprinting down the street, dragging a completely confused and exhausted Niko behind her. The Oni knew that she could not let any humans see or be involved in the upcoming clash, so finding an empty backstreet or something similar was crucial.

    Luckily, Ibuki knew a spot where the local gangs fought occasionally. A back alley behind a rundown convenience store that was maybe about a minute away if she kept up the pace. The Oni glanced back just to check if Niko was still behind her, which he was despite his ¡®colourful¡¯ language.

    ¡°Ibuki, what the fuck is happening? S-Slow down! My legs are fucking killing me!¡± he shouted, still trying to loosen the girl¡¯s iron grip on his arm.

    Just as she was contemplating on carrying Niko the rest of the short distance, Ibuki suddenly felt a searing hot pain in her left shoulder that almost made her let go of Niko entirely, but she preserved through pure willpower.

    This time, thanking her demon blood for bestowing her with such a resistant body, she and Niko managed to turn into the empty backstreet somewhat safely, aside from the small dagger that was protruding out of her shoulder.

    Watching her schoolmate tumble onto the ground and roll up against a wall, she stood in front of him just as the three enemies from the station dropped down in front of them. Apparently, they had been travelling using the roofs of the nearby buildings, which explained how they got such an accurate shot on her with the throwing knife.

    Thank god that she had brought the family heirloom with her today, though¡­

    Gritting her teeth and tearing out the knife from her shoulder, Ibuki concentrated every fibre of her being into unlocking the true power of the weapon on her back. She couldn¡¯t remember the last time she¡¯d trained with it seriously, but she assumed that this was as a good as time as ever to get some late practice in.

    Filling its power well up within her, Ibuki stared down her opponents, who wore baggy bottoms and large hoodies to hide their faces. Despite this Ibuki could sense some sort of odd power enemating from them. They were, without a doubt non-human.

    All the more reason not to hold back then...

    ¡°Tear them apart, Druxgal!¡± Ibuki yelled, as the glaive on her back suddenly sprung to life, letting its power explode from within her body. The wrapping around its blade instantaneously burst into flames and were burnt to ashes. The weapon¡¯s true weight was also unleashed, causing a small crater to from underneath Ibuki¡¯s feet due to the insane heaviness of the glaive. The Oni herself, however, was much more intimidating by far. Her brown tanned skin had turned a dark shade of red along with her burning eyes that held almost no trace of the awkward girl that was inhabiting the body before she had undergone this powerful transformation.

    A small smile appeared on her lips as she turned back to a completely bewildered Niko.

    ¡°Just sit tight, yeah? I¡¯ll finish this up in no time¡± she said, practically oozing with confidence. ¡°Hey, maybe you¡¯ll even learn a thing or two!¡±

    Now turning back to face her unfaltering opponents, Ibuki clutched her family heirloom, Druxgal and took a stance. An almost taunting grin now on her face, she let her aura wash over everyone and everything in the area again.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you guys one more chance¡± She began, loudly. ¡°Give and go home and I¡¯ll¡­¡± The Oni smiled as she was interrupted by yet another throwing knife that had been launched in her direction, watching as it melted into nothingness the closer it got to her.

    ¡°Okay¡± she said calmly, cracking her neck. ¡°Execution it is then¡±

 Chapter Thirteen- Oni Unleashed (Part Two)

    The first of the three opponents launched themselves at the new and improved Ibuki with seemingly no plan or regard for their life. Perhaps it was the pressure that she was emitting, but Niko felt like the attackers were completely unfazed by it. Maybe they¡¯d lost their minds or something? Even from where he was sitting, the foreigner could sense the sheer amount of bloodlust coming from his tall, intimidating housemate.

    Ibuki effortlessly stepped back, evading the first attack with ease. The first foe stumbled a little after missing their attack, leaving themselves open to a heavy kick to ribs from Ibuki and Niko could¡¯ve sworn he heard them break, even from where he was sitting.

    ¡°Too slow. Are you actually trying to hit me or what?¡± she taunted, staring down at her hunched over opponent. ¡°Attacks like that aren¡¯t gonna work anymore, y¡¯know¡±

    By this point, the remaining two foes had leapt into the battle to assist their own. One began chanting something in some sort of unknown language just as the other threw a couple more throwing knives in the Oni¡¯s general direction, not damaging her, but distracting her, giving their injured comrade enough time to regroup with them.

    ¡°Huh. Seems like you guys some strategy at least¡± Ibuki remarked, ignoring the barrage of useless projectiles that came flying at her. ¡°You¡¯re not done yet, right? I¡¯m pretty sure you lot are better than this, considering he sent you¡±

    Seemingly, out of nowhere, glowing golden chains exploded from underneath Ibuki¡¯s feet, quickly wrapping tightly around her body and constricting her movement.

    ¡°Oh? So you were chanting a Paralysis spell, huh?¡± the Oni pointed out, making eye contact with the hooded figure that had been chanting something earlier. ¡°Fair enough, I didn¡¯t know you could¡­¡±

    She was cut off by a wicked kick to the face that forced her head to swing dangerously to the left. The foe that had delivered the kick in question then continued to relentlessly bombard Ibuki with a flurry of kicks and punches, which were surrounded in a faint red glow.

    From the looks of it, it appeared that opponents had come up with a pretty effective strategy, in which one of them attacked and the other two continued to power up the first one¡¯s attacks and maintain the Paralysis spell.

    That was how Niko perceived it at least.

    Despite her earlier demeanour, Ibuki¡¯s confidence was now seemingly gone as she yelped in pain as each attack rained down on her body. Their earlier attacks were completely ineffective and weak, but now that they were strengthened with some sort of enchantment the attacks had really begun to have some weight behind them.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    The Oni gasped for air as she was heavily winded by a blow to her stomach, leaving her hunched over. Her hair was then roughly grabbed as she was pulled up so that she was eye-level with her attacker, who was now holding a knife that was shimmering in the same red glow that their entire body was surrounded with.

    Mustering just enough strength to curse them all in her native tongue and spit in her foe¡¯s face, the Oni cried out as the blade of the knife promptly dug into her side.

    It was funny.

    Ibuki hadn¡¯t even remotely expected to die when she got out of bed this morning, but that was just her being na?ve. She already knew that Masahiro was in the middle of a war, but she had gotten too complacent just because there hadn¡¯t been any recent attacks up until now. Maybe it was also because of Niko¡¯s sudden appearance; having such a (relatively) normal human in her life had probably helped in lowering her guard.

    Just as things were starting to go blurry, the Oni spotted a small rock being flung from behind her. In that very second every pair of eyes were on that rock, temporarily breaking any focus that Ibuki or the attackers had.

    ¡°DRUXGAL!¡±

    The chains shattered into fragments of tiny fragments of golden light as Ibuki¡¯s familiar bloodlust swamped the area once again. A terrifying look in her eyes that could only be described as a mixture of excitement and anger. She¡¯d seen the chance and grasped it with both hands. Though she¡¯d be sure to thank Niko later for this favour he¡¯d just done her.

    Almost vanishing, Ibuki moved towards the opponent that was the farthest away with blinding speed, jabbing them in the gut with the bottom end of her weapon and then decapitating them with the blade in one swift motion. The foe seemingly evaporated into black smoke, leaving behind a small white piece of paper that had been cut out in the shape of a person.

    ¡°Familiars, huh? Figures.¡± The Oni muttered to herself as she ducked low, avoiding yet another punch that was aimed at her head. Swinging her family heirloom around so that its blade separated her opponent¡¯s feet from their legs, she shot up just as they fell back to the ground. Raising her left foot up high, she brought it down on top of her opponent¡¯s head with devastating force, leaving only a small crater in the concrete and a small paper cut-out behind.

    After seeing its former comrades perish, the final hooded foe wisely decided to make a break for it. Turning tail and attempting quickly scale the wall in a futile attempt to reach the roof and escape, the familiar concentrated solely on its getaway, stupidly forgetting about the monster that was standing behind it.

    Halfway up the wall, the familiar was briefly introduced to Druxgal on a much deeper level¡­

    Watching as Ibuki¡¯s weapon continued to pin the opponent to side of the wall in a crude and painful-looking manner, Niko sighed in relief as the familiar finally croaked and reverted back into its paper-like form. His legs still shaking from the excitement from when he had thrown that rock from earlier. He didn¡¯t really imagine it working to the degree that it did, but all that mattered was that he and Ibuki had gotten out of the situation alive and in one piece.

    ¡°Hey, uh¡­Niko¡± Ibuki began, who had apparently reverted back to her usual self. By some miracle, it seemed that majority of wounds had healed themselves almost completely, leaving only a light bruise on her right cheek. ¡°Seeing as we missed the train already; want to skip school with me?¡±

    At this point, school was absolutely the last thing on the teenager¡¯s mind as he nodded absent-mindely and joined his housemate as they made their way back to Masahiro for some much need rest and recuperation.

 Chapter Fourteen- The Situation Gets Hairy

    ¡°Listen, I¡¯m not asking for much here! Just give me a little more time, I¡¯m begging you!¡± an exhausted-looking woman pleaded, her back against the grimy, rough wall of an alleyway. She wore a rather-expensive-looking rouge kimono that had been tied with a black silk obi. She had her long black hair flowing halfway down her back with a small red flower ornament sitting on the left side of her head. On her feet were traditional-looking geta that could not have been cheap purchase.

    ¡°Huh? More time? You boys hear that, huh? She¡¯s asking for even more time!¡± exclaimed a man in an all-black suit, turning back to his group of subordinates that were dressed in exactly the same way. ¡°You should already know that I hate waiting, Saki¡±

    ¡°I know, but I¡¯m still getting the money together. You know how hard it is for a lone girl in Shinjuku, right?¡±

    ¡°As if. All you women have to do is smile and dance a bit and you¡¯re drowning in cash. You¡¯re just not trying hard enough. Do you want to be in debt or something?¡±

    ¡°No, but I¡­¡±

    ¡°Or maybe you¡¯d like to get rid of it all in one go? If you get what I mean¡±

    All colour drained from the woman¡¯s face.

    ¡°N-No¡­I¡¯d much rather pay it off¡­¡± she replied quietly, casting her eyes downwards.

    ¡°You fucking said that last time too!¡± the man shouted, suddenly closing in on the girl. ¡°C¡¯mon, if you just pretend its your husband or something you might even enjoy yourself!¡±

    ¡°Leave Keita out of this, you fucking asshole!¡±

    The swift slap that followed stunned the man for a couple of seconds, but it wasn¡¯t long enough.

    ¡°Alright. We¡¯re doing this¡± he said in a serious tone, grabbing the flailing woman¡¯s wrists. ¡°You lot, surround her already. Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll get your turns too¡±

    A couple of seconds passed. No response.

    ¡°Oi! Are you lot deaf or something? I said fucking surround¡­¡± the man twisted around to shout at his men, only to find nobody behind him. Until he looked up.

    Maybe it was the way that his comrades were suspended above the ground by what seemed to be hair or perhaps it was the way they were all hanging by their necks, their blood running down the thin hair strands that strangled them. Either way, the man¡¯s grip on the woman loosened, but at this point, the two of them were too engrossed to notice. Their attention was solely on the figure that was in front of them.

    A woman in a white and red kimono with a bright red obi loosely keeping the garment closed. She wore a pair of simple wooden sandals on her feet that looked worn-out, thanks to the broken straps on them.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    Her most haunting feature was her hair. Despite it looking black and silky, it was long. Extremely long. To the point where it even covered her face and trailed behind her as she walked. She was chuckling to herself as she approached the man and the woman, although it was impossible to see what kind of face she was making under her hair.

    ¡°My, what a disgrace¡± came her voice, her words were muffled slightly by her hair, but it easy to tell that she was speaking in a rather thick Kansai dialect. ¡°Doing all of this in broad daylight? Suppose little Renzu was right about humanity being a lost cause after all¡­¡±

    It took the man¡¯s brain a few seconds to register the intense fear that he was feeling before jumped and began sprinting out of the alleyway.

    ¡°M-Monster!¡± He shrieked, as he was only a couple of steps away from the main walkway, trying to alert all the passerby¡¯s there.

    It was only then that he realised the web of hair strands that was stretched out in front of him, thanks to the light reflecting off them. However, at the speed he was running at, it was already too late.

    Watching her debt-collector being cleanly cut into several pieces was the last thing Saki expected to see when she woke up that morning. Maybe she should¡¯ve screamed and ran as well? But the only thing the girl could do in front of the mysterious woman was break down into tears. As she cried, she felt the woman gently pet her head, the same way you would do to a small animal.

    ¡°Nothing to worry about now, girl. It¡¯s all over now. Take this and leave, you hear?¡± she said gently, pushing a bulging brown envelope into Saki¡¯s right hand. ¡°Us Red-Lighters have to look out for each other, yeah?¡±

    Before Saki could even look up and thank her for everything, the woman was already gone. Along with what was left of the debt-collector and his goons. Not even a strand of her hair was present. It was almost as if the whole event never took place, apart from the brown envelope that Saki discovered contained a ridiculous amount of money.

    ¡°Sorry about this, Niko¡± Ibuki said as she tossed a can of cola in his direction. ¡°I thought we could just take this shortcut through the red-light district to get back quicker, but I guess I took more damage from that fight than I thought¡­¡±

    ¡°Nah, its okay. You need to take a break anyway, Ibuki. You¡¯re pushing yourself too hard¡± he replied, catching the drink, opening it and taking a sip.

    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right¡­Don¡¯t look so tense, I know it¡¯s a red-light district, but these places are actually pretty normal in the mornings¡±

    ¡°Really? Well, I guess it is pretty quiet¡­¡±

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t hang around too long though, we might get attacked again or worse, the police might catch us¡±

    ¡°Police?¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah. This is Shinjuku after all. And how can we explain ourselves when we¡¯re two highschool students standing in a red-light district at eight in the morning?¡±

    ¡°T-That¡¯s true¡­We should make a move then¡±

    ¡°Yeah, hopefully Kaori doesn¡¯t murder us when we get back though¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah¡­I forgot about her¡­¡±

    The two housemates both chuckled sheepishly and continued slowly walking towards their inevitable fate that was awaiting them back at Masahiro.

    ¡°Urgh. Too old. How¡¯s a girl like me supposed to get any nutrition out of old farts like these?¡± A woman with a thick Kansai accent muttered to herself on top of the roof of a popular nighttime cabaret club. ¡°Maybe I shouldn¡¯t have given that girl everything I had in my purse¡­could¡¯ve used it to buy some food, even though human food tastes like shit¡­¡±

    She stepped over the dead bodies in black suits and stared out towards the convenience store that she frequented often. ¡°Maybe I could get a meatbun or two if I showed a little skin to cashier, but I don¡¯t really feel like eating meatbuns today¡­¡±

    As the woman fought with herself over her current food crisis, she suddenly spotted a rather filling-looking meal walking with some highschool girl past the store.

    ¡°Now. That¡¯s convenient!¡± she smiled, licking her plump, red lips. ¡°Convenience stores really do have everything even for a woman like me!¡± She leaned over railings around the building, watching them walk away. A malicious grin plastered on her face.

    ¡°Now, how should I catch this one?¡±

 Chapter Fifteen- Deceived and Destroyed

    ¡°Still can¡¯t believe she sent us back out to school, though¡­¡± Ibuki muttered as she and her new roommate began walked up to their gates of their familiar high school. ¡°Even after we got attacked like that¡­Kaori really is a demon, huh?¡±

    ¡°I never knew she was this serious about anything other than Masahiro and cutting things¡± Niko added, as the two friends quickly arrived at the shoe lockers.

    ¡°Well, she¡¯s always been a stickler for education ever since I first met her¡±

    ¡°At least she treated your wounds before we left though, otherwise it wouldn¡¯t have been tough to get here¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right about that¡±

    After switching their shoes and exchanging goodbyes, the two roommates headed off for their respective classrooms, Ibuki quickly taking off down the corridor for the first year classrooms and Niko heading up a flight of stairs for the second year ones.

    Passing a bulletin board that had postings all over it, the transfer student decided to take a moment to glance over it, after all he was already late so what would a couple more minutes matter? The postings were all about Ishimaku¡¯s sports and cultural afterschool clubs. The colourful flyers were all announcing that the majority of clubs were now accepting new members. Back at home, Niko had never really been one for staying at school for any later than he had to, once the bell rang he was usually on the first people out of the classroom. However, he figured that now he was in a foreign country it wouldn¡¯t hurt to try and spend his time afterschool a little more wisely. After all, time at school meant time away from those familiars that tried to kill him and Ibuki earlier.

    ¡®I should probably look into this later¡¯ Niko thought to himself as he went to turn away from the board and continue on to class; but out of the corner of his eye, the transfer student noticed a poster that wasn¡¯t promoting any sort of clubs. It instead was warning students of staying too late afterschool and to avoid any suspicious people.

    Heeding the warning, Niko remembered the rumour about the man in the white van that he¡¯d heard somewhere before, apparently he was still at large. Nevertheless, how hard could it be to catch a guy in a white van that lurks outside a highschool? Were the police in the area slacking off or something?

    ¡®Well, its not like I need a sign to tell me not take candy from strangers, but I should probably keep an eye out¡¯ the student thought to himself, before realising he¡¯d spent too much time dawdling in the hallway.

    It would be a miracle if he got away with just a detention for this one¡­

    ¡°You want to join a club?¡± Hanako parroted as she watched Niko chew on some dry-looking bread from the school cafeteria. ¡°I never really took you to be the athletic type, Niko¡±

    ¡®Hey, I can be athletic if I choose to be! Besides, I was already thinking of joining a cultural club¡¯ Niko replied using the telepathy skill he¡¯d recently got from the small spirit. ¡®I want to try something completely new and exciting¡¯

    ¡°Well, I guess that¡¯s fine. Still isn¡¯t this image a little bit too sad?¡±

    ¡®Huh? What image?¡¯

    ¡°This one. The one of you sitting alone at your desk at lunch, eating some bread whilst all of these other kids are talking and having fun in their own little circles. ¡±

    ¡®Oh, that one¡­¡¯

    ¡°So you¡¯re aware of it, that just makes it even sadder, you know. Even Ibuki has her friends from her sports club¡±

    ¡®S-Shut up! This is your fault! If you never blew open the classroom door that one time, then it wouldn¡¯t be so difficult for me to approach my classmates!¡¯

    ¡°Can¡¯t blame me for this one, Niko. You¡¯re young! Go and talk to somebody and have a rose-coloured highschool romance! Youth doesn¡¯t last forever, you know¡­¡±

    ¡®Who¡¯s having a rose-coloured highschool romance?!? I don¡¯t want to hear that from you, Hanako! You¡¯re the last person I want lecturing me on romance and even highschool for that matter!¡¯

    Just as the duo were about to get into fully-fledged argument, (again) Niko spotted somebody walking towards his desk.

    This was big. Somebody was actually going out of their way to talk to him.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    The person in question was a rather plain-looking, polite girl. Her black hair was in two pigtails and she had on a pair of thick-rimmed black glasses. Just under her normal-looking eyes, there was cluster of freckles on her cheeks.

    She truly was the type of girl someone would just overlook or even forget about. Nothing about her seemed even remotely note-worthy.

    ¡°Uhm¡­Kamawari¡± she began a little sheepishly. ¡°Are you in any clubs at all?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­no. None, in fact¡± Niko replied, just happy to have a conversation with someone other than the noisy spirit that was currently floating beside him. ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve met before. Are you in my class?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m in the next class over 2-D. I¡¯m Sawako Reiko¡±

    ¡°Cool, well nice to meet you then, Sawako¡±

    ¡°L-Likewise. So about the clubs¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah, are you in any?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the Sewing Club. I was just wondering if you were interested in joining us. You don¡¯t have to join straight away if you don¡¯t want to, how about you just come and check out the club afterschool today?¡±

    ¡°Sewing, huh? I was never good at that, but sure why not! Where¡¯d you want to meet up?¡±

    After deciding on meeting up outside of the Library, Sawako briefly said her goodbyes and headed back to her own classroom. Niko, however, seemed to be looking rather smug.

    ¡®How¡¯s that, Hanako? Who¡¯s a loner now?¡¯ he said, triumphantly. ¡°Sawako approached me to be in her club, so I can¡¯t be as lame as you think!¡±

    Rolling her eyes, the spirit grimaced at the sight of her in front of her.

    ¡°No, you¡¯re still lame. You got invited to join the Sewing Club, I wouldn¡¯t call that the most exciting and youthful club ever¡± she replied, folding her arms. ¡°Well, whatever. I¡¯m gonna go drink or something, don¡¯t get too excited at your new club, okay?¡±

    ¡®Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. I know I¡¯m right!

    ¡°Sure¡­Well, I¡¯ll see you later then¡±

    ¡°Ah, here we are¡± Sawako said, smiling as opened the sliding door that lead to the Sewing Club¡¯s clubroom. ¡°Welcome to the Sewing Club, Kamawari! The clubroom¡¯s a little out of the way, but at least its nice and quiet around here.

    ¡°Yeah, its good to have a little quiet now and then¡± Niko agreed as he followed the girl into the room.

    ¡°Still, I can¡¯t believe you actually accepted my request. Nobody really cares about this club, so we were in danger of shutting down¡±

    ¡°Well you seemed like you really wanted me to join, so I just decided why not?¡±

    ¡°I was really lucky to ask such an easy-going person like you, Kamawari. But you know, that its bad to let your guard down so often¡±

    ¡°That so? People often tell me that¡± Niko replied, chuckling as he looked around the clubroom for the first time.

    It was empty.

    Nothing not even a chair was lying about.

    ¡°Uh¡­I was kind of expecting more, you know¡­sewing stuff¡± he remarked turning around just a small clicking sound echoed through the room. ¡°D-Did you just lock that door, Sawako?¡±

    ¡°Sure did. Boy, was it tough pretendin to be a good girl this entire time. Shit really wears me out¡­¡±

    The voice that answered didn¡¯t even remotely sound like the hushed, polite tone that Sawako usually spoke in. Instead, the voice sounded confident and somewhat seductive, not to mention the obvious change in dialect.

    ¡°Boys like you are the best, ya know? So trustin and innocent. It just makes it all the more satisfying when I¡­taint you¡±

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Niko asked, instantly getting as far away from the imposter as quick as he possibly could. ¡°What do you want with me?¡±

    ¡°What do I want? Well, to eat ya, obviously¡± the fake replied, as her hair rapidly began to grow to an insane length. ¡°Ah¡­that¡¯s so much better, its so restricting having it tied up like that¡±

    ¡°Your name! Your real one!¡± Niko demanded as the hair began to slowly wrap around his ankles.

    ¡°Its not important, but I guess I can grant you your dying wish¡± the imposter began, smiling smugly. ¡°People around here call me Kejoro, but calling me Keji is fine too¡±

    ¡°So you were pretending to be Sawako then?¡±

    ¡°Huh? That girl never even existed. She was just a persona for me to use. After all, if I approached you like this, I¡¯m sure that little girl and that muscle-headed Oni would¡¯ve killed me straight away¡±

    ¡°You knew about Ibuki and Hanako?¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course! Those two are bad news; even a girl like me knows that!¡±

    Niko clenched his teeth and tried to rip the hair off his legs, but no matter how much he removed, even more replaced it.

    ¡°Nobody¡¯s comin to save you, so struggle all you like, boy¡± Kejoro laughed as she transformed some of her hair into a blade. ¡°It¡¯ll only make you even tastier¡­¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t get away with this!¡± Niko screamed as Kejoro¡¯s hair enveloped his entire body, leaving just his head free.

    ¡°Oh, what a clich¨¦ line¡± she smiled. ¡°You been reading too much manga or something?¡±

    The tip of the monster¡¯s blade was thrust directly into Niko¡¯s right thigh, causing him to screech out in pain.

    ¡°What a great voice! This is so much better than those old geezers from this morning!¡± Kejoro cried out, a manic smile stretched out across her lips.

    ¡°I think that quite enough¡± The voice was unusually deep and husky.

    ¡°You again, Keji? I could have sworn I killed you last time we met. I have other missions, so I can¡¯t play with you for too long today, alright?¡± the voice said, sounding exparated.

    ¡°Always getting in my way, aren¡¯t you, Whitey?¡± Kejoro replied, clicking her tongue in irritation as turned around to see an unlocked door and a slim-looking man in a completely white three-piece suit complete with a shiny mask of the same colour. The mask was totally blank apart from two eyeholes that had been cut messily into the prop with a pair of scissors. It also seemed almost identical to the cheap ones that you would find in a convenience store.

    ¡°Now, let¡¯s end this. I don''t have a lot of time, you know. So feel free to come at me from anywhere¡± the person in white said, confidently.

    ¡°You bastard. Today¡¯s the day I rip off that damn mask and devour you whole!¡± Kejoro declared as she totally ignored the injured and immobilized Niko. ¡°Not like an old guy like you would taste any good, but still. Oh yeah, you sit tight, Kamawari. I¡¯ll get back to you in a minute¡±

    Well, it wasn¡¯t like he was going anywhere. Niko attempted to block out the numbing pain coming from his thigh and find a way to somehow escape Kejoro¡¯s hair, whilst he was forced to watch the deathmatch that was just about to unfold right in front of him.

 Chapter Sixteen- The Well-Mannered Man In The Mask

    ¡°I¡¯m not the same girl you fought last time, you old coot!¡± Kejoro shouted as she leaped towards the masked man with unrivalled speed, closing the considerable distance between them in a singular movement. ¡°Let¡¯s see you keep up with me now!¡± Her re-enforced hair blade began slicing around just as quickly, aiming for the man¡¯s vitals. Although to Niko, it just like the girl was just thrashing around aimlessly.

    ¡°You never learn, do you?¡± the man sighed as he ducked and dodged with surprising agility. ¡°You¡¯re so confident in your power that it blinds you¡± Catching the tip of Kejoro¡¯s blade with his right hand, he pulled her in close, causing his opponent to flail wildly.

    ¡°Get ya wrinkly old face away from me!¡± the woman screeched, saliva trothing at the corners of her mouth as she tried to break free of his grasp. ¡°Listen to me or I swear to god, I¡¯ll fucking castrate you!¡±

    Yet another sigh escaped from underneath the old man¡¯s mask. ¡°At this rate, you really will die today, Keji¡± he said, sounding somewhat disappointed. ¡°I thought you had changed? Well no matter, let¡¯s just call this a learning experience, yes? ¡±

    ¡°Huh? Have you gone senile, ya delusional old man? What makes you think you¡¯ve won this shit? I¡¯ve still got a whole lot of fight left in me! Just you wait till I get free, I¡¯m gonna tear your¡­¡±

    The masked man flicked Kejoro¡¯s forehead nonchalantly, interrupting her furious yelling mid-sentence. Normally such an action would result in little more than a small stinging sensation for a couple of seconds, but when such a powerful individual was the one doing it, naturally it was going to play out differently. The flick was so strong that it sent Kejoro rocketing back, forcing her to smash into the wall imprinting a Kejoro-sized crater onto it. Niko could only really liken the scene to when he squashed a bug against a wall, but only more dramatic and much more destructive.

    More importantly, the attack from the masked man had knocked the girl clean out, the moment it connected with her, which in turn let the bindings trapping Niko to fall to the ground, freeing him completely. Quite honestly, the teenager was surprised that the battle was over so quickly, despite Kejoro being such a powerful being. However, he was much more concentrated on the man walked calmly towards him. If he could fell someone of Kejoro¡¯s power in one hit, then Niko could simply kiss the rest of his life goodbye.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Seeing him tense up, the man chuckled heartily. ¡°Relax, boy¡± he said, dusting his opponent¡¯s leftover hair off of his suit. ¡°I¡¯m here to help you. How¡¯s your leg feeling?¡±

    To Niko¡¯s surprise, he no longer felt any pain from where Kejoro had skewered him earlier, despite the fact that the wound was throbbing and bleeding like hell a couple of seconds ago. This guy was just full of surprises apparently, but only one thing really mattered to Niko in that very moment.

    ¡°What the hell are you?¡±

    The man appeared to furrow his brow in deep thought, though with the mask Niko couldn¡¯t be sure of what facial expression he was making.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­a bounty hunter of sorts. Yes, a bounty hunter¡± he replied, seemingly satisfied with his answer. ¡°I go around defeating evil spirits and the like, it¡¯s a hobby of mine¡±

    To be honest, Niko personally couldn¡¯t really see the appeal of mass murdering spirits for fun, but at this point it was simply best to just nod and agree with him. After all he did just save his life and having this man turn on him would be catastrophic.

    ¡°Well, thanks for saving me. I fell for plan and got separated from my friends, you see¡± Niko replied as he glanced over at the unconscious Kejoro, who had now peeled off of the wall and was lying in a pile on the floor. ¡°Thanks to you, I can see them again¡±

    ¡°Ah, anything to help a fellow human being, my boy. Well, I¡¯ve got to get a move on, looks like Keji¡¯s already given us the slip¡± the masked man said, nodding towards the pile of hair on the floor that had successfully as Kejoro¡¯s substitute. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll stop by Masahiro soon as well, I haven¡¯t seen Big Sis Hanako in a while, it¡¯ll be good to rest and catch up like old times¡±

    Human? THIS GUY WAS A HUMAN !?!

    ¡°W-Wait, fellow human? Given the slip? Big Sis Hanako?¡± Niko stammered as the masked man bowed his head and headed towards the door. ¡°How do you know Masahiro? What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll explain it next time I see you, till then keep you head on your shoulders, Niko¡± the masked man said, calmly and walked out of the room and down the corridor, leaving the completely bewildered teenager standing there covered in stray hair, bloody trousers and in a state of absolute confusion.

    As always, just when Niko thought that he was beginning to understand how things worked in his new life, he realised he, in fact, knew nothing.