Before the Fire

"You have that power. The power of gathering peoples wishies and hearts to advance to the future. The power to change the world. You can do it. I guarantee it. Let me see what you are capable of that day. Until it comes, I will stay by your side."

- Sakura

 is a side story of Sword Art Online: Past of Ashes, and also it's precuel.

It takes place before the beginning of the series, acting as precuel, and tells the past of all the kids that one day would form the guild known Royal Knights.

Characters

 * Galant/Unknown Name
 * Shun Kazeriya
 * Sakura Sakuya
 * Taichi Suzaku
 * Daisuke Ratoya
 * Yamato Ratoya
 * Ikuto Kasanegi
 * Takeru Koda
 * Izumi Wong
 * Miya Kiryuuin
 * Kirei Kyosho
 * Sakura Naoto
 * Yamato Ovan
 * Scott

Part 1: Forgoten Memories
Floor 33, November 2nd, 2024

He draws his sword from his belt, trying to attack me. Next to him, two other of his friends also draw weapons.

I grab from my back Balmung Blade and Carnwennan from my belt, and prepare. The first one strikes, but I parry the blade, and elude, getting to his back. The second one does the same, attacking me with a heavy slash to my chest, but I parry thee blade and manage to punch him with the cross guard of my sword, throwing him to the ground. The third one, gets near my back, trying to stab me by the back, still ,I just spin, eluding the move and getting to his back. I kick him, throwing him above the one on the ground.

I look back.

Though all of them Laughing Coffin former members, they were not near the level of any that I had faced.

I tab my sword, waiting for the first one that attacked, with a vertical slash but I elude and with a single powerful and swift strike of Crescent Stardust Slasher, severe both of his legs, leaving him in the ground.

The one of them gets up and attack me been, but I parry the blade spin and stab him though the neck, the player falls to his knees, and shatters. The last one ran away after seeing me doing this. I remain still, on the same place and grab Guren by the blade. As the player continued to run I spin, and throw Guren at him, impaling the back of his head.

I turn to the one on the ground trying to do the same, crawling to escape. I turn him around by force and step on his head.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“This was unnecessary!” He said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes it was. But you forced me. I just asked what you know of PoH, and when you drew weapons I did what I now best. Now will you tell me?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I do not know!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">I step stronger on his head.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I SWEAR IT IS THE TRUTH! I  BUT KNOW TYRANT IS ON FLOOR 61! THEN ANOTEHR PLAYYER NAMED MORDREAD IS OUT OF THE PRISON ALSO! I DO NOT KNOW WHERE HE IS!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Mordread…? i never heard about him. Speak more!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He is one of the best killers. Even rivaling PoH himself, perhaps even better. I do not know why!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Alright…”I remove my boot from his face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I gave what was asked. Please be merciful!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am sorry. I have already lost that!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“WAIT N…!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">I finish his scream introducing my blade through his eye, killing him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Coward shit.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">I walk by and grab Guren in the ground sheathing it back alongside Blamung. I notice several other players looking at me but ignore them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">I was on the village of Ravening, in the 33rd floor. A place founded by PK. Full of piss and shit. The place was in the deep parts of the blackwood forest, founded by Player killers and orange player, and also serving as their home, as they did not have other place to go, probably. It was one of the most dangerous players in Aincrad.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Now the important part: why I was there? I was not welcome, nor did I care about the player killers, and I am a Killer of Player Killers. But still, this was the best place to find information and track about PoH, or Tyrant, and maybe, even about this new player killer.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Mordread…who can he be?” I ask myself as I walk towards a small tavern.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">I enter, as most of the eyes inside laid on me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">I did not care, neither did it surprise me. My deeds as the “Champion of Aincrad” is what caused this. Most of the players have been to the arena, and seen me facing opponents, either in a duel, or an execution. I even may have killed one of the friends but I did not care. I continued to walk to the bar stroll and take a seat there, falling eyes still laying at me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The tavern owner appeared in front of me, dressed in Scotland fashion, with orange hair and green eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“So…what is the Champion of Aincrad himself doing here?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">I noticed the way of he speaking. He was indeed from Scotland.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am searching for information about Laughing Coffin. Three specific members: PoH, Tyrant and Mordread.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“PoH stacks are left unknown my friends. Every single PK eliminating guild is still searching for him, but there is no clue where the hell he is. Tyrant is on the 61 floor I think in Semlburg.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And Mordread?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He is the second in command of the Guild. He has blonde hair, a violet scar on his face. And strangely, red eyes…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant noticed what he was as he herd. He had Darkness, the same as him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Want a drink?” he said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yeah. One would be good.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">I remain looking town the table, when I hear someone behind me.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“This is not the place for someone like you…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">I remain still looking to my front, and by the mirror in the wall, to the player, who placed himself next to me, at my right.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are very famous. Right Galant? “ He laughs. “Well you know what? I am also famous. True?” racing his voice, he asks to the players nearby who nod back at him, approving what he said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> I noticed in the meantime, he tabbed a small knife on his left hand.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Maybe I give you an autograph. Would you like that?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He moves his body to attack me and makes a deep thrust. But I turn around faster than him, grab this hand and elbow directly on his face then grab my knife, cut his hand off. I grab his knife spin and stab him on his other arm. Using the momentum, I continue to spin and use a strong kick with Meteor Impact, throwing him out of the place by the door, and roiling on the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“ANYBODY  ELSE WHAT TO END LIKE HIM, A STEP FORWARD!!!” I said to all the players in the room tavern.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The ones that were standing sat down and return to their stuff.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">I turn around and get to the table, noticing the tavern man smiling at me, and give me a beer.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The things they say are true. Here, all yours.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">I give him some Col.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Thank you.” I say in English.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">I grab the drink as I walked to a table and sit down. I place my feet up the table and leave my drink to my belly, grabbing it with my right hand. I took a drink of the beer. But notice the Purple ribbon in my wrist was a bit loosening. I tie it up with my mouth and left hand. And briefly stare at it afterwards. Recalling old memories, that moment when I gave it to Sakura here, on Aincrad. When I did the same on real life, and beyond. I had, a glimpse into the past...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tokyo, April 7th, 2013

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“But Mum! Why I have to go?!?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Because you must…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“But!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No more complaining…Do what your mother says…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The small kid of six years, with blue eyes and dark blonde hair closed his arms and walked thought the window. Today, it was his first day of Primary School. He still not wished to go, much likely any other kid. But still, he had to, much to his anger and fear.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Both of his parents were going with him. A Japanese man named Kiritsugu and his mother, Norah Evans. They were shareholders of the company named Ymir, dedicated to make games from children, PS4, Wii, X-Box…etc. They were also working…in a thing that according to the, would change the world.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They rapidly arrived to the school: Tokyo Primary School, just above the entrance. It was the first day.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The kid could briefly gaze outside. There were already people going inside, lots of kids, few of his age. Some kids, playing. Most of them, with black or brown hair, and dark eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He gets down, disappointedly, and looked down to the ground. He looked to both sides of the street, when he saw a girl crossing the street. She had short golden blonde hair, and blue eyes. For some reason, the girl looked to where he was, when they briefly gazed. She was pretty, and caused him to blush a little- She smiled to him, and he turned his sight.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Norah: “What happened son? You looks like a tomato.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“NOTING! I am really hot!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kiritsugu: “We should cross now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They crossed the street, getting in front of the entrance. The kid gazed to the name of the place, and then looks around. She was gone…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Norah: “we can accompany until here. Of you go.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I want to stay with both of you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Norah: “you have to go…other way you would be an ignorant all your life.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“If I will stay with you, want to be it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kiritsugu lowered his leg, getting in front of him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Son…I know what you are felling. it is difficult to take this step, but it is not impossible. You shall make many friends there. ”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The ones on the other just called me half-breed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kiritsugu and Norah shared a gaze between them two.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Remember something. You are capable of doing this I know it. You are capable of making people together and leading them to the future.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Gathering people? Lead them to the future?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes…that is your role?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The kid looked own for a brief moment, and thought.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Does it exist? The future?” he looked up

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">That is an answer…I cannot give you. To answer it, you must take your path, without us...”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The boy looked down for a moment. As he closed his eyes and thought. He was afraid indeed. But still…he wanted that answer, and many other things…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I…I will go.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“That is my son. Go!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The boy, looked back for a brief moment, but then turned around and rant to the school without looking back. Kiritsugu got up as he saw him doing this.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You really believe that Kiritsugu?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I know that he can do it. Making friends…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No…I mean…making people together. Gathering people. Leading them…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He can do it. I am goddamned sure he can. He has something special on his soul that makes that possible. I do not know what it is. But I am certain that with that, he can overcome any obstacle.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The boy got out to the break, and walked by the place. All the other classmates also got out. He walked by the place, searching for someone…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">To his left, two boys of his class, one with black hair covering most of his face and a single lock, the other with a bandana on his head, and the hair pointing back. He noticed them,  Kazeriya, Shun and Suzaku, Taichi.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“hey!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun looks at him, with anger. But still replies, reluctantly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hi.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hi.” Taichi says the same.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“you mind if I play?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You?! No! I do not play with half-breed kids. Be gone, mongrel.” Said Shun, with a serious look, of severe hate towards him. “let’s go Tai!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Taichi not says a single word, and follows his friends.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The kid is left there, upset and sad. He placed his back against the wall, and sat down to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He was already used to be called that. But still it hurt every single time the same. Mongrel: a typical curse from Japanese to a boy like him, a half-Japanese, half-American, on his case. They called mongrel every single Japanese that held characteristics that were not typical of a Japanese boy: black hair, dark eyes…etc.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He was half-Japanese by blood, and his nationality was Japanese, and still, he was treated as a monster, someone that according to many old-fashioned Japanese was horrible. Specially Americans, after the two Atom Bombs in the cities at the south of the country. And still, the country owed its good economy to the same country ty despised.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Going back to him he just sat down and looked to the ground…sad. Nothing on his mind…thinking why of all the kids on the world, us him had to be a “mongrel”.Why?!?!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“hey! You seem mad down there…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He looked up. A blond haired kid with golden eyes in front of him, standing up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Do not feel bad. That racist idiot calls mongrel everyone he meets.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“From your class. Yes, Kiryuuin Miya. Nice to meet you, new kid.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He offered his hand. He grabbed it, and Miya helped him up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Kids like us, that are half Japanese, have to support one another.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Thank you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hey! Miya!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> Both of them looked to the left, t6o the voice of a girl.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He turned around, and saw the same blonde girl from the morning. He blushed a bit, but tried to hide it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The girl arrived.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Miya! How is it doing!?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hi. A long time since I last saw you! You changed classroom?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“yes. The one next to yours.” She looked to the new kid, as they briefly stared. “You are new? Am I right?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She smiled. She was very cute, and cuter still, smiling.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Shun and Taichi were bothering him, I thought the best to cheer him up.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Always the same Miya, fighting others?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I did not fight, I just spoke to him. Tell her kid.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He did what he said, nothing more.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She looked at him. She looked again to his eyes, and noticed something…special on him, she could not tell what that was…but she still knew. That kid was unlike any other she had seen before.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You seem to be good, new kid. What’s your name?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Um…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well, if you do not want to tell me yours now, it does not matter. I will tell you mine still! Sakura. Sakuya Sakura…” <h3 class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Part 2: Change the world <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tokyo, May 25th, 2013

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The blond kid kicks Miya back. Miya advanced, thought the boy was faster and blocked his strike with his sword with his own, and the turned around him and hit his back. Miya fell to the ground with his face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“argh! Damnit! You were right, you are good on this.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I practiced a bit of fencing at younger age.” He helped Miya up with his hand “It seems I have not lost it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Still, no one grabs a Shinai like you grab it. With just one hand. The sensei himself told us it must be grabbed with both hands. Japanese swords are wielded with both hands.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“This is my style. I dislike some of those traditions. Adapting to a new style is how I do things. I do not see why I should grab it with both hands. If I did, my strikes would be strong, but I would sacrifice part of my agility.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well, suit yourself new boy!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It passed over a month since the begging of the class and you still call me that…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Aw come on!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You know my name, use it!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I have an idea. A gamble: the one that strikes first the head of the other wins. If I win, I will keep calling you: new boy.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Then if I win, start calling me by my name!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Fair enough…new boy!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are a douche when you want you know that!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He was about to attack him, when he notices Shun, practicing Kendo next to Taichi. He was skilled, really.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He clashed swords with him; they separate, and stare at each other for brief moment. Taichi attacked, but Shun felt back, eluding his first attack, then he countered with one of his own diagonally to his right, still Taichi was not bad either, and deflected the attack,  a small part scratched his mask. Taichi still did not fell back, and attacked once again, but shun eluded his attack, spinning at his side and striking his flank, Taichi fell to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He is good…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What? Kazeriya? Yes…I hate to agree with you. But his father was master Kenjutsu and Kendo. Is logical that he is skilled.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Cool.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yeah…”he said reluctantly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What? You have had problems with him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes…More than you. He is a total ass with kids like us.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He has been bulling me more than you! I have been in this school for longer time, and he has been here the same as me. He always sized opportunity to call me mongrel or half-breed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“So you hate him?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I do not know. But I am close to it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He is not that bad…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“How do you know?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I do not know...Is just…I think it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Whatever…Round two! Get ready!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tokyo, May 26th, 2013

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hey! Sakura!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The blonde girl tuned back, to see the kid following her running.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Ah, new kid!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Aw come on! Miya has stopped calling me that. Now you call me or that. That is not my name!” The kid shrugged.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Haha. Well alright…You are cute saying that!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Cute…Me..?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“oook…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well? What happened?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No…nothing…I forgot…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What a dummy! I will go to the bathroom. Go to the break, I will find you there.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Okay.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The kid left to the school-yard with a smile drawn on his face. That was actually the first time a girl had called him that: “cute”. It had never happened to him before. He really liked her…she was cute, sweet with everybody, and caring with either boys or girls. Not even Kazeriya bothered her, and she was half Japanese the same as him and Miya. But for some reason, he bullied more either of them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The kid placed himself against the wall, and looked down with a smile, waiting for her, and also for Miya, who had gone to the bathroom as well.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Suddenly, a pair of black shoes appears on his view. He looked up; it was Kazeriya, just in front of him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hey! Mongrel!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Stop talking to her!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“To who?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Sakuya! To her! Stop talking to Sakura Sakuya!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Why?!” He looked to the face of Shun, and noticed a small blush on his face, which quickly became redder. “Wait a moment… you like her?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun blush turned redder still, to make certainty the kid’s question.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You like her! YOU LIKE SA-”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A strong fist to the pit of the stomach, taking all the air on his lungs. He fell to his knees to the ground, with his hands covering his chest and his eyes with small pupil. He was in pain.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You stupid mongrel!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He punched the back of his head, hitting the ground with his front, and making a wound on his head. There were no teachers near, so he would not stop. Other students were looking at the fight, but no one dared to stop Kazeriya.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He placed his foot on the back of his head.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I WILL TEACH YOU TO SHUT UP WHEN YOU MUST! YOU HAVE TO STOP TALKNIG WHEN I SAY IT!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He raised his leg, ready to step on the back of his head.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“NOW SHUT UP, MON….”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“NO YOU SHUT UP!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya threw himself to him, and stopped his kick. He punched him on the face, but this did not stop Shun, who then counter with a fist of his own also to his face. They struggled a bit between them two with both hands pushing one another, until shun pushed him back with a kick to his stomach, taking part of the air on his lungs but the strength. They separated and briefly stared to each other faces.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“YOU WILL NOW GET WHAT YOU DESERVE STUPID RACIST!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Miya stop!” The kid said, raising his head, with his head dropping blood

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“This is my fight!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“But…look at you! You are dropping blood from your face! You cannot fight!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No. This fight is one on one, and I have not lost my will to fight! You have no reason to get in the way! Stand down Miya!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Alright…you better know what you are doing!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He crossed his arms and got near the rest of the students, as the kid got up facing shun, and raised both of his hands.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It seems the mongrel has a bit of honor!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I do…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The kid advanced, as did shun, they started fi a straight punch both of them directly to the face, which both of them well placed on each other’s cheek right cheek, setting distance after the strike, the kid attacked with his left hand, but Shun chained a fat kick to his back, hitting part of his ribs, and blocking the strike with his hand. Still the kid managed to move his other punch and strike him directly to the middle of chest, taking part of his breath. The briefly stared as Shun advanced with a frontal kick but the kicked grabbed it. But still, he managed to bend his leg,  getting near to the kid, and fisting him,, still the kid grabbed his hand near to his face, and moved and countered to one of his own to his stomach, but shun jumped, managing to get his leg free of bondage and kicking the boy with his other leg, using a scissor kick. They settled distance and stared to each other for a brief moment, as if they were searching for each other’s weakness, and suddenly they advanced once more, to attack each other. While shut directed a lower fist, the kid attacked with one directly and upwards. They clashed. The kids’ stomach had been pierced deeply but Shu’s nose was bleeding. They pared as both of them fell to the ground, exhausted.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura appeared in front of the kids eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Are you okay?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I …will be…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Idiot! Idiot! Idiot! Idiot! Idiot! DUMMY! DUMMY! DUMMY! DUMMY! Why did you fight him?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Because I had to!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Teachers arrived, and raised the kid, Shun and grabbed Miya.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You three, to the director’s office. The others! The brake is over! To your class rooms! Now!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The kid, Miya and Shun were taken to the director’s office by one of the teachers, as Sakura just looked at them and went back to the side. Taichi followed her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Its all your fault dumbass!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You were the one that started the fight!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“yes! And?! If you had not fought, we would not be here!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And then you would have kicked him on the back on the neck further damaging his forehead.” said Miya interrupting.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I do not care! You dual of Mongrels! You pathetic!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The door of the office opened.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“SHUT UP! ALL OF YOU! ”<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The door closed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “Dick teacher…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">His friend laughed, as Shun remained still serious. The kid looked him, as Shun did the same, but he quickly parted sight.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I did not mean to know your secret, but you made it to obvious.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Not your concern, Mongrel.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hey. Come on. I know you are not as you appear to be Shun.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Not your concern, Mongrel. Mind your own business.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “You should not even bother to speak to him, is useless.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No, I am stubborn lo let this stay just like this.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “you should stop wasting time!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well, I will not. You are not truly like this, Shun. A kid that just likes to insult us for being half japanesse!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“As I said! Is not of your concern!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Suddenly a sound of an alarm began to sound. It was the alarm of a fire.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “what are we doing!?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “we are going back to the class room! Help the others!” he began to ran, in the direction of their classroom.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “No we should stay together! Shit!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Let us follow him! We should stay together.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He began to run just behind Shun, as Miya reluctantly followed. He got next to his friend fast.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Why is he doing this!? It a mad plan!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes. But we cannot stop him no matter how hard we try!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They rapidly arrive to the classroom in few seconds. All the classmate had gotten out, but the classroom, was burning in crimson fire. Most of the children were crying, as there was no teacher nearby.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Shun!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Taichi appeared.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “what happened?!?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tai: “The light turned on fire. We all got out as fast as we could. The teacher went to find a fire extinguisher.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun looked around.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “where is Sakura?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tai looked at him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The blonde kid looked around and noticed she was not there. She was not there….

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Taichi: “I…did not see her getting out…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The blonde kid rushed inside the room, as did Shun following him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “dammit!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They entered. Inside everything was set on fire, as the heat inside could be compared to the one of the sun. Not much could be seen, but they both lowered to their knees, trying to catch the oxygen near the ground, as the air produced by the fire was always in the upper parts.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“SAKURA!” he began to cough. “SAKURA WHERE ARE YOU!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He heard a sound, and both of them followed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “keep on speaking! We are heading there!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">In few time, they found her. She was on the back of the classroom, ad a burning wooden rafter from the ceiling had felt to her legs, trapping her down inside of it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The blond kid ran next to her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will get you out of here! Shun!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They tried to get out the beam with all his strength, but it was too heavy from them. They tried several times as the heat grew by each second they spent inside.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “No stop! Get out! You can die in here the same as me!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “No! We will take you out!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “my legs could be broken by the weight! Just get out! Forget us!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “We will carry you outside!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “CAN YOU NEVER LITSEN TO ME!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No! a true here does not leave anyone behind! Especially you!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They both tried once again, but it was on no use. It was too heavy for two kids of just 6years to get the wooden piece of her leg.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Bot of them began to get numb, but the blonde kids kept on trying. He was not going to surrender.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“SHUN!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“That voice…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Taichi appeared out of the smoke, alongside Miya.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “You were taking too much time!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “give hand!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Now we can do this!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They all grabbed the wooden rafter, and at the count of three, they lifted up for a second, enough to Sakura to move her body out of it. After it, they let it down.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Sakura! Are you alright?! Can you walk?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I cannot, somebody haves to lift me up!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Shun you can?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He noticed him coughing a lot, he could not stop. In that moment, he decided.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Miya! Taichi! Help her up, get her out of here! I will help Shun! GO!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya and Tai went to lift her up, by her arms, while her legs swiped on the floor. The kid removed his blue shirt and tied it around Shun’s head.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“This will help you to breath! Let us get the hell out!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Galant carried him with his arm slung over his shoulders, while both of them walked. After some difficult steps, both kids got out, coughing a lot, but both of them alive and not wounded nor burn by the fires.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Let themselves to the ground on their knees and hands, continuing to cough. The kid looked around and noticed Sakura sat down, next to Miya and Gawn. He, smiled to her, as what she did the same.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Some teachers appeared, alongside firefighters.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“what are you two doing here?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Saving lives.” He replied. “Sakura was still inside. We entered to save her.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well done. But it was mad.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It is what any would do, to protect anybody else.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Some firefighters took Sakura, shun and the kid outside to the hospital to check if they were alright. While he was carried in a wheeled pallet, he could look to Taichi and Miya. He smiled and gave a thumbs up with his right hand.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Son!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kiritsugu hugged him; Norah did the same short afterwards. Noth of them were happy to see his son alive, and they were both crying, both for the happiness and sadness they held of previous moments.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hi.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Norah: “We thought you dead…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I did what I must. To protect people.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kiritsugu: “we herd what you did…well done.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It was not myself alone, two others helped me. But I have to find Shun and Sakura now, I have to go to see them!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> “Alright.” Kiritsugu parted. “Go!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He ran to the rooms his friends were taken. Both of them were worse than him. He just had a bandage covering his forehead and other bandages across his arms and hands.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He rapidly arrived to the place where both of them were. Shun having oxygen by a machine, and Sakura with her legs bandaged.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He first went Next to Shun.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Are you alright?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will be. It seems I breathed much of that monoxide. It affected by lungs, but I will be alright. I just need some bandages in my arms, the same as you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am glad! I will go with Sakura now.”The kid began to walk to the bed next to Shun’s, when he stopped him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“wait!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“what?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I…Owe you one…I am sorry for what I said. I will never say it again.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“See. I knew you were truly not that bad.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Indeed. You were right.” He extended his right hand to him. “Let us be friends.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The boy looked to his hands, and to Shun, mad smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He grabbed his forearm with his hand, and Shun closed his hand to the boys forearm.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Best friends. And your secret is well kept with me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He turned around, as a doctor closed a curtain between him and Shun. He looked to Sakura smiling.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“How are you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“My legs are damaged. I will not walk for some weeks. But if I had not gotten out of that place, I would be dead- And if I had spent more time there, I could have lost both legs. You are my hero.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She extended her hand. The boy grabbed it with both of his.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I could not leave you there, to die. But I had not done it without Shun Miya and Tai.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“But you leaded them. And I owe you my life for that.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They spent a brief moment staring at each other’s eyes. She broke the moment with her voice.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hey, what you want to be when you grow up?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What I want to be…when I grow up…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> “Because now I notice it. I do not know what it is. But you have a power. You can really lead people to the future.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Lead people to the future…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes. You have that power. The power of gathering peoples wishes and hearts to advance to the future. The power to change the world. You can do it. I guarantee it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They boy thought but a moment. His father said to him the exact same thing. Both her and his dad believed in him. In something he had not discovered, or perhaps neither even existed. But they call it as if it would be a certainty. That power…he was not sure if it even existed…yet…all of them saw something on him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Still, what he wanted be on his future was very clear to him

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What I whant to be…That is…That is a secret….”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She got her back up the bed, and they stood in front of each other eyes. Both of them blushed a little but not parted sight.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“That being the case, let me see what you are capable of that day. Until it comes, I will stay by your side.” <h3 class="MsoNormal">Part 3: Roar of the Crowd <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Nikaho, Akita Prefecture, January 6th 2022

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Roar of the crowd.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Clash of wooden swords.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Several dozens of young teenagers watching the matches roaring. Students from Nikaho Middle School entered by personal will to fight in the stadium, a small former kendo stadium, now with sand on the ground, from all types of martial arts and sports. The matches were controlled and organized by students of 3rd grade, and lasted till one of them surrendered; they were nearly for joy…and illegal.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Several boys already in puberty watching them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “the fights are particularly entertainment today!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Daisuke: “We would enjoy more viewing them from the 3rd grade’s stands. Look at them…Fucking shit eaters.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “let them joy and laugh as a bitch Daisuke. He will put them in their place when he steps to the sands.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “Besides we have left like two months of this. Afterwards we shall either go back to Tokyo, or have the stands for ourselves. Let us joy this moment.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The two gladiators upon the sands clash swords. As one of them falls to the ground the other goes round the place, shouting to the crowd, amusing them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya looks around, and notices someone he knew.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “SAKURA! TAI! HERE!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “sorry, we were still on class, a test.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tai: “we hope we have not missed him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “lucky then. Cause you have not.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “next match.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The gladiator in the ground surrenders, as he is helped to get out of the place by the gate.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Matou, one of the kids of 3rd grade raises his hand, as one of his classmates enters the sand with  Shinai in hand, while shouting his own battle cry.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “Matou begins the match without proper introduction?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Daisuke: “proper? Matou and the words keep distant relationships. I can nearly undertand him…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “then I am glad…The kid’s voice causes me headaches…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They all laugh.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“now he takes position.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The door opens, as a blond teenager with blue eyes and blonde hair appears, with a smile shining on his face. The entire crowd gets up and roars to him, showing approbation and likeness to him. he continues to smile while looking to the crowd of teenagers, boys and girls.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya gets up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“NOW THERE IS A FUCKING GLADIATOR!!!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The blond kid notices him and nods him, as he raises both hands with his shinai on his right hand. he keeps on walking with the smile, which Sakura notices and also smiles.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Matou remains still, looking at him. As most of the students at third grade, he despised him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yet this did not stop the one known as “the Blue Ronin”, known for that nickname his he was always wearing blue and he never followed command of anyone, except himself. Who raised his hands again keeping his smile, raising both hands and turning 360º grades, as if he would be a total diva. He stops at the left of his opponent, looks at the grades of 3rd, and waits.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Matou raised his hand

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The faced each other, as the blonde swings his sword a single time circularly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Beggin!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The one of third attacks spinning in the ground and making a downwards slash, but the blue ronin saw him coming and blocked with his sword, and then  tried to hit him at his side, yet the gladiator eluded and attacked back. They clash swords. The blonde kid begins to go round him. His superior attacks again but he continues to elude his attack laughing at him. He makes a forwards strike, yet the kid parries it, and hits the kendo mask he was wearing, leaving his superior a bit dizzy. The blue ronin, laughs and begins to run backwards to one of the corners, he parries another of his attacks, turns around and makes a quick short rush, jumping on the wall, and getting to the part of the audience stands, he turns around and noticing the other just below him he jumps back to the sands, and hits his back. The one of third gets to his knees, as the blue ronin get to the center of the sands. The arena roared, as the other removed his helmet protector from the head, and looks back to hi opponent raising both hands opening them while smiling once again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “he is never serious, right?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Daisuke: “he would strip naked and fight with his dick as long as he wins.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> “BLUE RONIN! I LOVE YOOOOOOOOOUUUUUU!!!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He laughs as he notices a beautiful girl shouting to him, and points his sword at her, in the opposite direction to his opponent. Seizing his distraction, he attacks hitting him on the left side of his forehead and then pushing him back as the audience exclaimed impressed. They set distance between them, as Matou joyed from the fight and laughed after his classmates opponent was hit.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The blonde kid looked back at his opponent. He thrusts his shinai to the sands leaving its handle vertically. He touches his head noticing the blood and gets up walking to his impressed opponent.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “What is he doing?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Still…and wait…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He continues to walk to his opponent, when he makes a horizontal slash,he eludes it by lowering his body, and castes two hard fists to his opponents face while using his Kote kendo gloves. The crowd roars. The one of third attacks once again making the same attack, opposite way, but he jumps back and eludes it. Hi opponent’s the tries to fit him, but the blue ronin lowers his body, bypassing the left fist above his head, and castes other four had fist to his face. He fall to the sands

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I told you!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The blue ronin shout to the arena rising his arms. He looks back, noticing his opponent was getting up; he rolled on the sands edlung one of his attacks, getting near his sword and grabbing it. He spins once again eluding other of his attack and the turns and makes a heavy thrust to his stomach.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He falls down on the sands, and raises two fingers, giving the mission and surrendering once and for all.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">As he did the crowd roared for the blue ronin’s victory, as he raised both arms and made a fearsome battle cry while turning 360º once again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tai: “Well, we should get going now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “yeah we should.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “you well know him still. He can by a goddamned year there screaming to the crowd.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They got out and gout outside the arena.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “we are not staying for the rest of the games?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Daisuke: “nah, the guys of 3rd have all the prominent matches now. All that are now inside the arena are more than enough to watch him stroke his dick.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “Better to not see it then.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“NOW YOU LOVE ME, NIKAHO!RAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He raises both hands while keeping that same confident arrogant  and overconfident smile and continues to scream and shout before going back to the inner part of the arena. He looks back at the girl that shouted him that and winks his eye to her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Once inside he grabs the dark blue sheath of his sword and placing it inside, before putting it on his back. Shinji, other guy of 3rd year speaks to him, from back of some bars that separated those that entered than those that got out of the arena.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Perhaps one day the pretty little bitch will fight later in the afternoon. WITH THE REST OF THE MEN!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He approaches the bars.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You and your tiny dick best pray that day never comes!” he places his hand on his mouth and separates it slowly blowing a kiss to Shinji just to piss him of.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He moves the bars in anger and spits to the ground before the blue ronin get out of the arena looking to his friends, as soon as he was out, they started to walk back to the student’s apartments, as the gladiator stepped in the front of the group with the rest at his back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “you should save blood for the sands.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tai: “seriously. What sized you brains releasing the swords in the arena?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I COULD HAVE KILLED THE MAN ABSENT AN ARM AND BOTH FUCKING LEGS!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “Hubris fine quality…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “yeah often passed by guys that perished by it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Thanks for those martial arts lessons guys… they have been of use.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “you should continue with them. You got more potential. At least more of the one of Matt”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “another that may parish by it…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Taichi: “It still does not make you afraid be discovered?

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“This games have been running the last year, and have never stopped nor been discovered. I can say the same of you since you are watching them.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Taichi: “Imagine what Kirei would tell you…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Then a blessing he is not here! He would not favor the games. But for that, he needs to KNOW of them!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “the guys of 3rd make good work covering this…I do not know how they do…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Daisuke: “maybe, we should not even know bro…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Taichi: “or maybe this is just luck…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Whatever it is, let it last…It is amazing.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “Is that so?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes cheesy girl, You should ask Shun, once he I back upon the sands.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “I do not think he will ever be…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well, then I will tell you: hearing the roar of the crowd and the herald of your name, filling the air…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “they were not heralding your name.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You did not get my point still. There is no grater thing, that standing victorious in the arena….except maybe girls.” he laughs

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “Amen to that brother.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura closes her eyes, and sights for a moment.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Maybe it is the best of the options if he does not come back to the arena, Cheesy. If not, too many girls…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “Maybe…But you can be a dick sometimes.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The better to be with girls then!” he laughed “Speaking of them…You know that one that shouted that she loved me?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “Yes. Otome Sayou, she is in on 2-3.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well…it seems I have something to do these weeks…”He laughed again

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Daisuke: “hey are not those?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “Ikuto! Takeru!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">From long distance arriving at the same time as them to the students’ dorms were Ikuto and Takeru. Both of them best friends. Ikuto was by far a joker and some one that cheer up each one of the group. Takeru was far the contrary. Silent and few of words, but a bull’s-eye speaking in of terms of archery. He was by far the best on the archery club. Even they were as night and day, they were best friends and spent lot of time together.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “Guys!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ikuto: “Hey! How was the arena?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Taichi: “the champion here won.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ikuto: “well done!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I thought you would come, and that also Izumi would. What happened?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ikuto: “wait, what? He did not tell you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tai: “what?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ikuto: “Shun told us they would to have class at Kirei’s dojo. Izumi also went there with him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tai: “GOAT FUCK!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We should get going! Now!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “I am going with you. I have to help Naoto.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Is that…or you want to see shun…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “Let’s go!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“That answers it: she wants to see Shun!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura looked back at him with a killer sight, but she then laughed. They began to run to the dojo of Kirei, after they said goodbye

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Daisuke: “always the same mad fuck.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “will he ever change?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “who knows…who knows…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The group of three arrives running at the Dojo in a small mountain, at several blocks from the school dorms. It was a long way up, like 100 steps. It was one of the few green places in the city of Nikaho, as the dojo was very traditional in Japanese culture, some. Sakura trees were round the place, as generally at spring the smell in that place was great, as was the air covered in thousands of pink petals.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They three remove their shoes, as they enter to the dojo. Shun looks at them and they nod back, they go the bathrooms to change themselves, when someone stops them. Sakura smiles too him, and he is distracted form the opponent he was facing, Izumi Wong, but he rapidly comes back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You three…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Both of them look to their right. There he was dressed in a black hakama, Kyosho Kirei, the sensei and owner of the Dojo.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Sakuya, Susaku you can go to the changing room.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">All them three go to the changing room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Not you. Come with me. I would have words…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kyosho goes out of the Dojo by a big door, which gave way towards a small garden.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Taichi and Sakura look back at him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It seems it is speech time. Go. I will see you later.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They nod and go forth to the changing room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The blue eyed kid follows his master to the garden, placing both hands on his back he waits for him to speak, while looking anywhere else. Kyosho was looking to a Sakura tree, and then looks back at him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You have arrived late. Again.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I have been having some personal problems.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> “Your face suggests that.” Kyosho said referring to the wound of the gladiatorial match, which still made drops of blood fall from his pear.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Nothing important. Minor disagreement.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I cannot understand why a student like you has become the champion of the minor classes.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I never sought the title. You just gave it. Neither do I favor it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“But I had no choice. Not since Kazeriya was injured on his battle, and broke his arm.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And since that you had to choose me as last resort. Though you never favored anything of me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“A Dojo must have a best man, all classes must. That is the tradition of my forefathers.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Some Japanese Traditions must change.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Tradition is why we ARE Japanese.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I do not favor that.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“True. You never did. You never wished for something beyond battle. Not glory. Nor honor. Nor following your ideals. Tell me now…why do you fight for?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I fight to stay alive, so I can I search that answer, while I grow stronger.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Then power. That is what you fight for.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No. Not something so slim and stupid.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Then what for?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“As I told you. I do not know.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirei sights again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The truth is…I guess you have never wished for this. Battle, Honor. Your eyes are forever focused on something else. Always looking towards the horizon…to this thing you do not even know what it is…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am tired of this Kirei. Always the same discussion.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Because you always have the same problem. I remind you: your school has a pact with the next year to go back to your home, at Tokyo. If you want to be one of the few that will be going, you better get back to this…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will remain with my friends whatever the cost. And nothing will seem me far from them.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Then I would see you battle. In a week.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He walked turning to his students back, as he turned around.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“With who?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The school of Shiba is coming tomorrow, of your same grade and age. One of our man to face each other, in exposition constest.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Who I am to face then?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Some kid called, Shinji Kato”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Kato. I know him. He goes the same school as I do. But is of 3rd.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are still to face him, Kazeriya cannot.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And why you do not send your favorite student then to face him?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Because I am too old to face a kid of 15 years.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The blond kid turned around, noticing a black haired boy with sky blue of 18 years, dressed with a hakama the same as Kirei. He carried a bokken, a wooden katana.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He well knew him, as he smiled reckoning his rival, yet kept his serious brow.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Ovan.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“That is why.” he approached walking next to the blonde boy.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“That did not apply when you broke Shun’s arm.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“That was an accident.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I still cannot forgive it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirei: “Keep on being champion then. And once March arrives, the battle shall come upon your final test.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I long for it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He left walking the same way he came, as the gladiator kept his sight on him, but he looked back for am moment.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “So do i.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He went back to his part of the Dojo.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirei spoke.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You cannot defeat him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Maybe. But underestimating your opponent is a stupid trait.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Go to the changing room, and change to you hakama. Train.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He left to the dojo of the class, as he went to the changing room and in few minutes he got out with his dark blue hakama. He did not like wearing it, but he had not much choices. The Japanese traditions were not favored by him. Most of them, not all. But a few were alright.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He got his Shinai from its sheath and entered the Dojo. He faced Shun quickly, as he was alone. They shook hands.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“what happened?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Kireis daily speech. I grow tired of that.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I can tell but what do you expect: you do not favor his traditions, and you almost always arrive late.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And I do not favor favoritism. Especially with students. A teacher must be neutral.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“and be thankful he does not know of the arena. By the way, Tai told me you won.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You should come back to it. When you are able. The crowd misses the Green Ronin.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I do not know, but I miss it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The roar of the crowd…yes. There is no sound more glorious.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yeah.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“But Sakura would tell otherwise still.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“what?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Because of all the girls I the arena, you may throw your girlfriend for another on it.” He laughed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Get in position before I smack your brains to the wood.” he said also laughed

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Alright.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They face each other and get ready.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They clash swords. <h3 class="MsoNormal">Part 4 : The Brotherhood <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Nikaho, Akita Prefecture, January 13th 2022

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Otome Sayou gets out of a room in the male students room at night, as Sakura was waiting for her. Seconds afterwards, he comes out just wearing his pants and a towel on the back of his neck. He hits Otome in the butt, as she smiles and goes towards the entrance of the dormitories.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura speaks to him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Are you happy now?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“VERY happy.” He says as he places his hand on his hair and pushes it back, styling it to his left.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hope she is pleased.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Not as much as I am!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She turns back and begins walking to the entrance as well.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“When are you not so, especially with yourself?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It is a curse! BEING BLESSED WITH SO MUCH TO OFFER!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And so few interested in shearing it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He laughs.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura gets near to Otome.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“See yourself well cleaned; I would not have you smell of goat.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He bends on a wall looking to her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Goat…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The door of one of the room’s opens, as Shun appeared out of it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“A dead one.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He laughs as he approaches Shun and they shake hands.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The smell of victory, brother!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well earned. I heard of your last victory today, all are speaking of your triumph.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“As they will do the same of yours when you return. The crowd will come in great geysers, to see Shun Kazeriya.” He hits the chest of his friend with his fist. “ONCE MORE UPON THE SANDS!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun nods his head.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I would have words with my girlfriend, absent your dick. Which can escape from you…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He adjusts rapidly his pants

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It could be missed.” he laughs and leaves them back to his room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Both of them also laugh, and they began to walk towards the entrance of the males dorms.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Have you heard if Kyosho has spoken of my return, or if Naouto knows something?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No I am sorry…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“More than three months have passed since I faced Yamato…perhaps he does not intent…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are the only one we know to stand against him and almost defeated him. Kirei would be mad to leave you out of anything.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Or maybe I am the fool. To ever dream otherwise…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are many things, fool is not among them. He but waits for you to heal at full strength. So that you retake position of champion and retake glory and honor.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura bends of Shun and they share a brief kiss, she leaves passing thought the door looking back at shun and smiling at him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">While walking, she finds Otome talking with other friends of her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hikari: “is it true? That his thing is as long as horses’??”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kiriko: “Hikari!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hikari: “Are you not curious?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kiriko: “Is he really that big?”Hikari looks back at Otome, but Sakura arrives rapidly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We should go.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Alright…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They begin to walk towards their dormitories.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Otome: “I do not know actually.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Hikari: “what?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Otome: “we did not do it. We just kissed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura was impressed, looking up, she got close and she spoke.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Do not worry girls. Soon enough we will all have the moment…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What of you and Shun?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Eh?! NO!!!”She blushed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They all look at her, while she blushes more and more.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Mmm…it has been 6 months since you began dating…so yeah you did!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hey no!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well. We will ask Him later.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am sure he will tell you.” She advanced faster and got in front of all her friends.” And in regards to him, I have seen bigger.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">All the girls smiled and laughed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Nikaho, Akita Prefecture, January 14th 2023

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “There you go, just let your fist move freely across the punching bag.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Alright.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “move as fast as you can, and do not stop. Let us see your aerobic performance.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“When you say go…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “three, two, one…go!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Her advances to the punching bag delivering a fast move of swift punches and kicks, for several seconds, s both Miya and Yamato shouted at him forcing him to continue regardless of being tired or in pain. He moved further and further and further, as dis his speed, agility and power.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“TIME!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He stopped breathing fast, placing both of his hands letting his weight on his knees resting for a moment.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “Good job.” He tossed an energy drink to him. “Now rest, we are done for today.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“How I am doing?” He took a drink from the bottle.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “SO FAR SO GOOD.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “true, you have a nice speed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Soon I might best you Miya.” he laughed

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What martial arts you told me was this?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Taekwon-do ITF. A resent martial art of less than 100 years. But it combines most of the styles of more ancient martial arts like Karate or Kobudo.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Cool. I heard some of those kicks can have a 1 ton of strength on it. Enough to kill in a single strike well placed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “yeah.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “Later on we should continue on Aikido, Judo a bit of Sipalki and Kenjustsu.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Em…I would forget the last Kirei is enough already.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yeah we do notice.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And actually I should makes this fast. After tomorrow we are having a contest against the school of Shiba. I am to face Shinji Kato.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “ah your friend from the arena…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yeah. That idiot. So I have to go to the class, which will start in 30 min. I will have an extra fast shower and get there.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “should we go…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“you know Kirei does not like you going there. Not after you almost got into a fight with Ovan, after he broke Shun’s arm.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Of course. I acted for you also. You were really pissed with him that day.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“yeah but it was mad to even think to face him. He attacked you…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I stopped his bokken with my hands. And I would have beaten him if you have not stopped me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Sorry to telling you, but even with your skill, he would have defeated you. Ovan is the most skilled swordsman I have ever seen. Shun had a great battle, even for him. But in the end…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “we were all there, remember?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yeah. But if I continue fighting, and keep my title as champion of my class, I may face him. And return favor.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Now see who is overconfident…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He laughed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am going guys. See you later!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He arrives to the Dojo just in time, the class was about to start. He goes towards the changing room and changes his common clothes to his hakama, while he returns, he notices Shun, calling him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “you are here!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“yeah just in time.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “you should speed up a bit. If not…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yeah. Trust me shun, no one is more aware of what could Kirei do rather than me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “yeah about him…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You did not tell me you were to fight Kato tomorrow here.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“uh. Yes I am sorry.” He looks upon his face. “How did you come to that.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“ Kirei asked me if our man was ready to face  the man from the Dojo of Shiba. I answered that I felt ready I longed to fight. Yet…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You were mistaking. He referred to me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes. What you think of your level, though he is the sensei. He should know your level better than anyone. But he sought a more visceral opinion of you, one of a friend that has been with you since you were children. We grow up together.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And what did you told him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“That there was no more worthy of the mantle of champion.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He looked towards Shun’s face, and noticed his true feelings.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are disappointed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Indeed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I know you better than anyone, brother.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“yes you do.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Trust me. The tittle of champion is something I do not sought. It just appeared to me. I do not wish to be set above my brother believing greater that I am already. I am not worthy of that. Yet, he just placed the title to me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I know.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“But we need it. One day one of us two shall face Ovan, and have true contest. I know you want to rise in Kirei’s eyes again. But know something; he appreciates more you than me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> “As all adults do.” Shun smiled, as he extended his hand. He grabbed it and had a handshake.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I should go now. Kirei wants me to do specific training for the battle tomorrow. I count on you to come here to see it?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Of course.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am sorry for not telling you. I have a bottle of sake I stole. Want a dink later?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am going to see Sakura. Another day.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“ok, chessy lover. See you later.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun lays down on his bed, placing his back to the wall, and looking to Sakura who had just arrived to his room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You seem depressed.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I am depressed. Kirei did not chose me as the one to fight tomorrow against Shiji Katou from 3rd. Choosing him as champion of the class.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“and that is why you are depressed?” She sat down next to him, and grabbed his face with her hands, looking deeply in to his eyes. “Fighting that idiot is not the way for the mighty Green Ronin to be back at his full strength. Your day will come some enough, and I will be there to witness it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She kissed him, as he did the same, The remained like that for a few moments as they ended leaning on bed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will dream of your touch.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“As I dream of yours, every night.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They shared a brief kiss on the entrance to the males room, as they then parted as she went back towards the Girls dormitories.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun turns and begins to hear a song from a room

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“BLOOD RAINS DOWN FROM AN ANGRY SKY! MY DICK RAGES ON! MY DICK RAGES ON!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He notices that the noise  came…from he’s room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He rushes there as the sound became stronger and stronger as we went nearer. He opens the door and saw him, just wearing trousers, singing in the window with a jar of sake, totally drunk.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“BLOOD RAINS DOWN FROM AN ANGRY SKY! MY DICK RAGES ON! MY DICK RAGES ON!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hey!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Brother! Brother take drink! Join me!” he said as he approached Shun with the jar.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Lower you voice. You could wake someone up! If the teachers would hear you…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The teachers have already passed. THEY ARE WELL DRUNK WITH WINE! Keeping nose from fucking business.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Tomorrow you fight for the Honor of the school. Now is not the time for drink.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Every night is a time for drink!” he approached the edge of the window, placing half of his feet outside the window, millimeters from falling to his death “Cause the morning sun may great you…with the last…fucking…day!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He fell…to his back, landing on the bed, as he began to laugh a lot. Shun helped him up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Fall to your bed!” He took the jar of sake from his hands. “Or risk deeper plummet against your Kato tomorrow.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Words of wisdom…well received…well well received.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun turned back to the entrance, but he was stopped by a voice.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Shun!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He turned back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Should be you tomorrow.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Nikaho, Akita Prefecture, January 15th 2022

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirei: “We are ready.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Alright.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He grabbed his Shinai, and stepped out of the outer part of the Dojo after clearing his mind before the battle. As he enters, he notices sensei Shiba Kyoshiro, and old friend of Kirei just in front of him and at his back Kato Shinji, not tearing eyes from him. He looks to his right, and most of his friends were there. Shun, Sakura, Taichi, Yamato and Miya. He smiles and nods at them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">As he walked towards the center, he notices Ovan, placing his back against a wall, while tabbing his bokken, looking at him. Next to him, Kirei’s granddaughter Naoto Sakura, his childhood friend. She was also one Sakura’s friends and she attended to the dojo to help her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Let us see what he can do.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirei greets his friend

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Shiba, old friend.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Kyosho, long time since we last saw each other.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It is.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Come, let us see the contest.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Alright.” Both of them sat down, leaving the center of the dojo Shinji and him. “We have on this glorious day to witness a single battle between respected rivals. Clear space!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">All the ones in the Dojo cleared the center leaving just the two fighters in the center.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They both entered to the center and got ready for battle.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shinji: “Your day finally comes.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And yours ends” as he points at him with the tip of his sword, with a confident smile on his face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Do not become stopped in base exchange.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Both of you.” Kirei replied looking towards his warrior.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Kyosho, upon your command.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He raises his hand, as both of them got ready, and the Blue Ronin tabbed his sword a single time, with all his fingers.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Begin!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shinji starts with a fast diagonal attack, but he eludes easily bending his legs, as the sword passed millimeters from his head. As he manages to slightly hit the chest of Shinji and then tries a downward slash, but is blocked by the blade and then Shinji starts his assault, but both of them are tied on the battle. Shinji makes a downwards slash but he blocks the hit, and makes the blade slide thought his own. He ten manages to makes hit to Shinji’s left arm, but his opponent thrust his sword to his chest, setting distance between them two.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They briefly stare to each other, as Shinji dual handed his Shinai, as his opponent kept his single right hand wielding. In that moment, Shinji smiled, as he attacked once again, the Blue Ronin blocks his strike, and advances to his left, trying to makes a slash directly to Shinji’s face, but a he managed to parry the blade, and as his opponent’s momentum made him to continue the stroke, he hits his back it a powerful diagonal slash, but it was not enough to defeat him. He rolls on the floor, but Shinji rapidly followed and made a single dual handed downwards slash, as he used a single powerful upwards thrust, directly to the stomach of Shinji. After the blow, they set us distance between them two.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shinji covered his stomach for a second, but he refused to show how the blow left his body and continued standing, and quickly regained his strength. The Blue Ronin moves his right hand fingers, but notices he could not. Shinji’s blow headed directly to his right hand elbow, and now he could not move his arm. It was numb. He looks up noticing Shinji smiling at him, and reading up for a finish him off. In that moment, he knew what he had to do. Surprising most of the audience of the battle, he grabs his Shinai with his left hand, and gets ready to continue fighting even without his more useful arm.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Confident, Shinji attacks, forcing the Blue Ronin to fall back, he tries to make another strike to approach him, but he continues to elude his moves. He parries a thrust blow and then seizes opportunity; he attacks directly to Shinji’s neck, but his opponent was also fast and they clash swords just in front of both of their faces and lock eyes and heavy breath. They remain like this for several seconds testing who of them would be the first to give up, and finally, Shinji seems to gain the upper strength, as he smiles over confident. They separate as Shinji sees his opponent opened and prepares to finish him off, with a horizontal left slash. But in that moment, he smiled. The Blue Ronin uses his right arm parrying the wooden blade, feeling pain in the prices, yet, with this defense, he wins time and makes a single powerful and at full speed thrust directly to his stomach. The battle stops for a moment, as finally Shinji got down to the ground hitting the wooden floor with his face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “yes!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “yes!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He looks directly to his friends cheering for his victory.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirei stands up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are the victor.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He raises his sword with his left arm and cheers as he did on the arena, just days ago.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirei then speaks to his friend.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“A great display still Shiba. One not soon forgotten.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We would have re match, upon a day maybe.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Maybe.” He gets up and helps Shinji to get up, who still numb on the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He looks at his opponent, and as he was charring his friends, he seriously looks at him, his happiness, and does not part ways from his new enemy.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ovan: “hm…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He turns around, and goes back to his dojo, not after sharing a brief stare with his rival.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The Blue Ronin surrounded by his friends raises both arms and shouts in happiness.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Applauses in the reunion back at the male school dormitory, as all Daisuke, Izumi, Takeru and Ikuto were present, alongside the rest who went to see the battle.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Daisuke: “Only the mad blue ronin could win contest, without his fucking right arm!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “I could do the same!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Daisuke: “you know I would kill you…for being a fool.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “But Daisuke speaks the truth. Facing Shinji with just your left arm and your right hand damaged was beyond foolish.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He shows his arm to him as he could easily move all the fingers and rae it, moving as he wished.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The lucky guy hit me on a exposed nerve, and that made my hole arm got numb.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “but still Fate took pitty of your rotten brain, that is why you won.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Fate had nothing to do chessy girl!” he turns to his friends. “Shinji smiles like a confident asshole each time he has advantage and groans like and old pig. And that gave way to his intentions.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: "I do not know who he reminds me of!"

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">"Maybe yourself."

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Heavaltica,serif;font-size:14px;">They all laught.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He shakes hands with Shun.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“your victory lifts the heart.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“you will not be rid of me so easily, brother.” Shun laughed as he did. “Now in honor of my victory, we must celebrate, and as I the won today, THE FIRST ROUND GOES ON ME BROTHERS!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“YEAH!” <h3 class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Part 5: Payback <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Heavaltica,serif;font-size:14px;">Nikaho, Akita Prefecture, January 27 <sup style="font-family:Heavaltica,serif;">th <span style="font-family:Heavaltica,serif;font-size:14px;"> 2022

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Pair training at Kirei’s Dojo.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The Blue Ronin blocks a downwards strike form a sword, and then manages to stpe on the blade, making it slip from the hand of his opponent, he then places buts his onw direcly to the neck, defeating him

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi clashes swords with Shu, but he without effort blocks most of his strikes and forces him back. Izumi makes a fast trike forwards but Shun eludes, and hit’s his leg with his shinai, forcing him to the ground. He still gets up and attacks his friend another time, but after some of his blows, shun makes the blade out of the front, and then places the a hit to the beginning of the neck of Izumi, sending him to the ground for a second time.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He helps him up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are getting better, but charged like a crazed bull, without thinking too much and with fear also. Hold it inside, and if you face a stronger opponent, draw him to you and then counter.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi nods, and gets ready for another assault, as Shun did the same.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi attacks, this time faster and with less impulsiveness and recklessly, but Shun defends still. Her makes a diagonals slashes which is blocked and then tries the same move the opposite way and then  go with his sword vertically,  as both blows were also blocked by Shun, how started his counter attack,  forcing hizumi back with a fast strike diagonally, but the newbie blocks. As he noticed that he left his belly exposed, he attacks there with a powerful thrust, but Izumi blocks still and makes a mirror of the same move shun used against him, a powerful blow to the neck forcing him back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">This catches Kirei’s attention, as even the champion of the Dojo looks at his newbie friend and nods his head to him in a sign of “well done”.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “much better now.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirei: “Wong, pair up with Susaku. Kazeriya, with me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi: “yes, Sensei.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi goes with Taichi.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“The mighty newbie returns. Ort it is your corpse, to stubborn to fall to grass.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“A bit of both.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I feared you hurt, with all the dust that you have been eating!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He attacked him, but Izumi manages to parry and he fall to the ground after he delivers other to his back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“An acquired taste. Come! I shall serve you some more.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Tai laughs and grabs his friend’s hand helping him up, afterwards the beginning training.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You worked well with the man Shun.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirei looks at their practice while he gives a glass of water to Shun, while he drinks his own.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Izumi held fear of battle and is undisciplined, but he is not short of promise if he continues.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Reminds me of other wild I schooled.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Me…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I yet feel the sting of your lessons when I was younger.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“If you continue this way, and prove yourself in the upcoming test to decide the true champion of this Dojo, you may face Yamato once again.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Do you really believe it so?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I do. Your friend is undisciplined, reckless and without honor. I would seek the tittle in someone more suitable for it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Alright Sensei.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The Blue Ronin eludes a vertical downwards strike, he clashes swords with his opponent forcing him back then tries to make a fast slash to his back, but his opponent bocks, and with the momentum spins 360º. Nerveless, he blocks it, and kicks hard the leg, forcing him to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He helps him up and looks towards Kirei and Shun.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Sensei! I require a more worthy opponent, perhaps is Shun is done with his drink…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Kirei speaks to shun.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Go and teach him the ways of a true champion.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He smiles and grabs his Shinai on the ground as he got ready his blade and also smiles.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun readies a vertical slash and his friend get ready to block.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They clash their blades.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Both friends laugh while they share drink on the room of Shun. Shun is sited on against the wall on his bed as the other in the same position, but on the floor and diagonally to him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He turns to his right and grabs the jar of sake he had, and offers it to Shun.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I had my fill.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The door opens, and Sakura appears.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Finally someone who can hold the sake!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “I did not realize we were for company…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “He leaves…presently.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Oh please! After we have finished the jug.” He fills his glass and hands it to Sakura “This is the last of my spoils, to be sheared with dearest of friends.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “replace dearest with only and sentiment becomes true.” She says as she places herself next to Shun

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He laughes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Settle argument Blondie.” As he points with his finger to himself. “who was the better man as we sparred today?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“My boyfriend.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun laughes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are persuaded by the tile of Girlfriend! One day we shall face each other, and have true decision.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What would really happen, if you had to face each other on a tournament or upon a serious battle?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He becomes serious for a moment as he stares at his best friend.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I would give your boyfriend, a glorious and honorable defeat.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun bends his head and looks at him in an “I do not believe you” and “seriously?” manner, as he begins to laugh upon seeing his face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “you joke about defeating a person you love when some day you may be asked to…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Oh you two are the perfect couple, right? Both of you fearing what tomorrow may bring. Fate does not exist. And if it did, life would have no purpose. Full of rules to follow, things that you cannot escape from and without freedom”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “even so…Society has rules. You are never truly free.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No. There is but one moment we are free: we are truly free when we fight!” He thinks again what he said. “Or when we fuck, WHAT I SHALL LEAVE TO DO PRESENTLY!” he laughs

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">As Shun laughed and Sakura was a bit annoyed, he gets up and goes towards the door of the room, but she stops him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “it is you and my boyfriend who are a perfect couple. One hides true thought in silence, the other in boastful jest, meant to hold all at fair distance.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “Sakura…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I DO NOT HOLD YOU AT DISTNACE. You two are my favorite women in this world!” He laughs again

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And what happens to the brave Blue Ronin, when presented with circumstance you cannot fight or laugh your way clear of it?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He thinks for a moment, and looks at her then.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well I may have to FUCK my way clear of it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He smiles and laughs one last time, and goes towards the door getting out of the room, leaving sighing Sakura next her laughing boyfriend to their privacy

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“GOOD NIGHT!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He walks by some doors going to his own bedroom before a voice from the back call him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Hey!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Miya! I did not expect you to be here so late.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We and the others were on Izumi’s room. I wanted to call you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Something bad has happened?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No. Far the contrary, come.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He enters the room of Izumi, next to his. All his friends were there, as Izumi was going to reveal something.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He spoke to his just arrived friend.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi: “I am glad you came.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Taichi: “where is Shun?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“With Sakura on his room, I have just leaved and was walking pass here when Miya called me. But my time grows short, I have pressing business.” He smiles, as he bends over the wall with his arms closed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi: “I have an important announcement to say.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “we are all ears. Speak.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And be fast!” He smiles for a second time

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> I will be quick. Remember the Game I talked you about my father is programming?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “Yeah, that game, how was it called? Sword…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi: “Sword Art Online, SAO.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Daisuke: “Ah, that fuck mothering game, which will come out on November this year.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi: “Bingo. I have good news! My father can get you copies to play!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Ikuto: “Amazing! Yeah!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> He raised his hand in joy. Looking to Takeru, who remained silent next to him, but he made sort of a smile to him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Brother, you are the coolest of all here Izumi.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Daisuke: “what of the console?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi: “that is not its name. It is called NerveGear.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Daisuke: “whatever!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi: “Of course we are getting one, if not is non-sense!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well, that was great, but if that is all…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi: “I am not done.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “Continue!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi: “well, the alpha tests of the game are beginning next month….”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Taichi: “And….”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi: “A bit of suspense makes everything better. The alpha testers are to receive some other things. Among then a free copy of the game and a NerveGear, and besides, they design and get their own weaponry, which is unbreakable, and does not have level dependence.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Other brief moment of suspense by the silence of Izumi.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Daisuke: “Get to the point!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi: “The truth is, most of the alpha testers are chosen randomly, and I sent all your names to it. And who won, was no one else, than the Blue Ronin!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“FUCK YEAH!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He jumps u and when he gets back to the floor he let his body to his knees on it, and screams in joy.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“God. I. Love. Life.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Yamato: “you are a lucky son of a bitch.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Like hell I am!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya helps him up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well that is amazing. I need to know something else?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi: “not by the moment. This is all I know. I will have you updated.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Well, I am leaving, for more good stuff.” He laughs and leaves.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Nikaho, Akita Prefecture, January 30th, 2022

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun gest out of Kirei’s dojo, as Sakura accompanies him after the days training. No one of his friends attended to class that day.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She grabs his had places her body close to him, bedding her head over his shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“How are you doing now?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Better. It seems that Kirei wants me to be the champion of the Dojo again. He does not favor much him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“If he continues going to the arena, he will not be capable of fighting you on the competiton.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He still has plenty of time. And besides, he loves that. The roar of the crowd, you herd him. It is the only place he is ever truly free, from everything.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Indeed. What of you, how was your day helping Sakura and the other girls in the Dojo?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Fine luckily. We are preparing everything for the next weeks festival. The winter festival.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Ah yes I heard much about it. Where will it be?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“On the mount Sakurasou, some blocks from here. It is a beautiful place.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes, those pink blossoms always flying across the sky and filling the air with that aroma. It is a great place to go next weekend.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I guess…that is a date?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes it is.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Amazing!” She hugs him stronger. “I will have to go and buy a new yukata, I have seen one purple that looks beautiful. What of you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will have to search for my own yukata. Or maybe I will wear my Hakama.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Alright. Hey.” She stops him as they arrived to the beginning of the block where the Dojo of Kirei was. “Shun, I lo…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“LOOK WHAT WE HAVE HERE!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The look to hteir front, noticing Shinji Kato holding his shinai on his right arm.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shu steps in front of Sakura and removes his shinai from his shoulder

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Kato, what do you want?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Uh nothing special.” He looks round as other five of his friends appear surrounding the couple, with either a bokken or a shinai on their hands. Sakura got around placing herself back to back, afraid and ready. “I but wanted to send a massage to your best friend. Can you do it for me?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Coward as I thought Kato.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Sieze them!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The five of them attack the couple Shun faces the fest and kick him back, after eluding his sword, as Sakura managed to elude a sword for her own and deliver a hard and fast slap to one of them, slashing his eyes with her hands. Shinji faces Shun, after he removes his sword from the sheath if a fast move, as the clash sword Shun manages to hold him back in two fast moves di his face, but other appears and kick Shun in the side, forcing him back, but he quickly recovers, and attacks his opponent, managing to deliver a powerful and direct thrust to his belly, but in the meantime, Shinji attacks him, and they face each other again. Sakura removes the sword from his opponent, and as other came, she nearly manages to parry the bokken, but with her other hand slash her opponents eyes, and then delivers a hard kick to his groin, as he lowered his body  and screamed in pain. In the meantime, she is grabbed by the hair boy other of Shihi’s friends, and screams by the pain but she manages to elbow him in the face and the punch him in the face. Still she is kicked to the ground and then forced up by grabbing her hair again. Shun gains the upper hand against Shinji and manages to deliver a blown to the side his neck and then kicks him to the ground, as another of his friends attacks him, and still he was able to Parry his blade, and then a second strike to his neck he spins and directly hits the back of his head. He then looks and Shinji and get ready to finish him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“STOP! OF YOUR GIRLFRIEND DIES!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura was being held by the hair, with a short knife to her neck.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Shun do not!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun begins to doubt, but he resigns and throws his sword to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shinji smiles.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Sieze him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They place a hard kick to his stomach letting the air out of his longs and looking consciousness.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">---

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun wakes up. He looks around, he was on an abandoned factory. He wall knew the place. It was named “Shiba Heavy Armory” factory. It was abandoned but the company existed, as they left to work on the center of Tokyo. It was several blocks from the school and Kirei’s Dojo.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Ah, he is up!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Shinj you son of a bitch!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He tries to get up and face him but he falls to the ground immediately. He could not get up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Do not try. Your ankle is sprained. I did it myself.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Fuck.” He looks at him. “WHERE IS SAKURA?!?!?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He laughs.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Bring her.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura appears with ties on her legs and arms, which were placed on her back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Shun!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Sakura! What did you do to her?!??!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Nothing…still.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Why are you doing this just because I am the best friend of the one that defeated you?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Yes! That is why! That overconfident shit need to learn one thing or two. And I will start to take two things he cares a lot about: his oldest friends.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Cowards! Just wait until I get up.” he tries to get up, an manages, but his weight was too much for his other leg, and as he briefly stepped on his other leg, he falls to the ground. “FUCK!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He could not move.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We will make him shit. And in the meantime, we should have fun guys, right?” He looks directly to Sakura.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No do not dare to!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“And what if we did? We are all underage, and there are none of your parent here.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Wait no! leave her!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">One of the five other brakes Sakura’s t-shirt, and then cuts off the ropes while holding her close to the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“SAKURA! NO!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She looks directly to him, as a tear of hidden sadness fell down her cheek.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will be alright Shun. This will not hurt me. Whatever it happens.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shinji laughs.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I had the hope to hear that! How much time you will held that pride of your last tell me? 10 minutes, 20? 30? Hold it as long as you can!” She removes her shirt in a by pulling it off, braking it and also destroying the purple ribbon on her neck, leaving her in just her upper under were.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“SHINHI YOU BASTARD! SON OF A BITCH!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He continues to laugh as they removed her bra, and then proceeded to go downwards taking out her black long stockings.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Now for the most important part!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US"> “I WILL KILL YOU!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Now tell me what does it fell Shun eh? What?? The next one to suffer more than you is your friend! I WILL…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Clap, clap, clap, clap…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Applause the distance is heard, cutting out the speech of Shinji, as it came from the entrance of the factory. Steps were herd from a single person, as he appeared there, the Blue Ronin holding his Shinai to his back, while still clapping.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He stops doing it

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Brilliant speech, Shinji. But you surprise me; you have a smaller dick that I expected. If you so much wished to face me, you should just do it, not go cowardly.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shinj parts from him as he advanced closer to his enemy.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“What are you doing here?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He makes that same confident smile

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Is not that obvious. I am going to defeat every single one of you six, and free my two friends. Shun! Sakura! Be still”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun nods at his friend, as he crawls to get nearer to her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You alone?” Speaks one of them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Of course, I am the only one needed to defeat six guys. Especially coward shits” He removes the sword from his back, as he smiles.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">All six attackers, including Shinji looked directly on the one that just came; ready to face him as he kept his is confident smile.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are outnumbered and outmatched. Not even the great Blue Ronin can pass through this. Surrender!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Get on your knees!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I AM NOT YOUR MOTHER LAST NIGHT!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Upon hearing this, he attacked the Blue Ronin but he was capable of eluding the move rapidly and casts a direct hit to the player face, sending him to the ground. The other appeared and he briefly exchanged blows with him. He parried a horizontal slash and then countered with one of his own, which slashed the arm of the guy. As they set distance other attacker hits his back delivering a hard blow to the back of his neck, partially leaving him numb, but he quickly recovers and turns around and thrust the wooden sword direct to the stomach. But in that time other appears and hits him on his right hand, making the sword slip for his hand. Never less he does not stop and deliver a right uppercut to the chin of the attacker sending him to the ground as the other three join attacking him as the other to get up. He eludes the first attack and then get near the and elbows him directly on the face, but he the receives a hit to the back,  he gets around to receive other to the chest and falls back ending to his knees as the attackers approach again. He gets up and blocks the firs sword strike with his forearms and gets near kicking his attacker with a circular kick, as  other appeared as he eluded the first sword strike, but was hit hard by another’s and then Shinji appears and thrust powerfully the sword thought his stomach, returning him the attack with which he had defeated him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He is left to the ground trying to catch his breath again.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shinji: “Is that all the great Blue Ronin can do? Really? And what all that about defeating all us six?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He begins to laugh.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Words fall from your mouth as shit from ass.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Enraged, Shinji slashes downwards an powerfully, leaving almost no time for him to block the move with his forearm. Still the power of the strike leaves him laying on the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“BE GONE!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He raises his sword and prepares to make a downwards strike direct to his face, when something stops him and he is kicked back.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You are late brother.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He is helped up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya: “Sorry. But it seems that I arrive just in time.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You did.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Suddenly Taichi, Diasuke, Yamato, Ikuto, Takeru and Izumi appear from parts of the factory.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The six of the look around, surrounded and outnumbered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">A desperate Shinji looked at the person he hated most.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“You panned this?!??!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Indeed. I was the bait, saving time for my friends to get around the place and defeat you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shinji: “you son of a!

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya appears and casts a hard fist directly to his chest forcing him back another time.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The Blue Ronin gets down, and grabs one bokken left on the ground with his left hand and his Shinai with his right.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“He is mine. Now ATTACK!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">The Blue Ronin begins a savage assault while he attacks his opponent with two swords.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Miya advances on his opponent and eludes the strike with sword speed several times. After his opponent tries to smash him, Miya blocks the blade with both hands, and manages to make it slip from his hands. He starts a fast deliver of fist directly to his chest and finishes him with a right uppercut. Yamato parries the blade with his forearms, resisting the pain the wooden blade infected, but he rapidly manages to defeat him with help of his brother, who slips down to his opponent and makes his legs to the ground. Taichi spins on the ground and parries the blade of his opponent with his own, he later grabs the hand to his opponent and deliver a fast hit directly to his face and drives his blade deeply into his stomach, defeating him. Izumi is nearly holding his own against his opponent, but suddenly, his opponent screamed; an arrow had been struck to his ass. In the meantime he makes a full strength hit to the face, defeating him. The Blue Ronin spins on the ground eluding his opponent’s attacks and then clashes sword with him and looks eyes, as his were full with his love of battle and anger for what had happened to his friends. They part, and he is left on a vulnerable position, band Shinji attacks, as the Blue Ronin made a smiled at this. He spins on the ground as he got nearer parries the blade with his bokken ,and makes a deepest thrust with his bade his opponent fall to his knees and Galant smashed his neck with the bokken.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shinji still crawls in the ground trying to get another sword in the ground, but he forces him to get around and looking at him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I told you. You should had prayed for this day not to come.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He raises his sword getting ready to strike him on the face. He lowers his sword in a flash strike and Shinji screams in pain. He is covering her bleeding groin, with both of his hands.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“now you that even tinier dick.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">As Shinji continued screaming, he rushes to see Ikuto next to Shun and Sakura.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Are you both okay.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will be, but her…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“I will be alight.” Shocked but happy that they were saved, as she covered her breast with her arms crossed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Upon noticing this, the Blue Ronin removes his blue jacket and gives it to her.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Take this you will need her more than me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She gets up and goes to other place to change herself.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Izumi got near Shun, examination her feet.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It is sprained. We should go to the hospital.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “shit.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Daisuke and Yamato help him up, lifting his arms, as he grabbed their shoulders. Sakura wearing the blue jacked closed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She hugs Shun.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “Are you alright?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Shun: “I will be. But you…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">Sakura: “I will be fine.” She placed her hand on his cheek. “They did not make anything else on me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“It seems that then we arrived just in time.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">She turns around, noticing her childhood blonde friend, as she run to him and hugged him. He was surprised to his.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Thank you!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">He smile, and hugs her also.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“No. Thank us. I would be with brains upon ground in we had not arranged this.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Still. I am grateful.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">They separate, as She holds her hand to her fast beating chest.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“We should still get going fast the hospital.” He looks at all his friend on a circle round him and smiles to them

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Heavaltica","serif"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US">“Guys. Good work!”

Part?: Fight as One
<p class="MsoNormal">