'The Hands of a Man'
'Love Hina' is by Ken Akamatsu
Writer's note: Many events cram themselves into this chapter. However, this is to prove the point that Keitaro is a driven workaholic.
Chapter 2: Plowing right in
A puzzled Haruka still does not understand why he will not let anyone know about his accomplishments academically. Mostly, when Keitaro does say something about himself, it is about a project that he wants to do and not much else.
To some people, he looks more like an over-sized common laborer than a genius with very sharp mind and an advanced engineering degree. It could be because he loves working with his hands and has a muscular build.
Finding out from her Oji-san that he passed the entrance exam to Tokyo University with a perfect score, she knows from experience that he did not even have to study for it. Although she was there with Tsuruko when the family celebrated him doing so.
It still amazes Haruka to this day that he had chosen Mechanical Engineering as his major because that is one of the most difficult courses of study, except for some of the higher math programs that the University has to offer.
Though their age difference is only just a few years, she actually looks at Keitaro as being her son since they spent a lot of time together when he was younger. Her pride in him is very strong and she loves him as such. Although not in a romantic way.
Having always taken delight in everything that he does, she always had to get the news from either her Oji-san or her Oba-san. When he plunged into work or his studies, Keitaro could be extremely single-minded at the expense of everything thing else.
Now that he is back with her, she is going to wring every ounce of what he has done over the last two years after getting his degree before she throttles him for ignoring her and kicks his ass.
With his penchant to overwork and to overachieve, Haruka believes that that takes a back seat to his undertakings and achievements. This she knows of personally because they are so many because of his many of his plaques, trophies and commendations that lie around her room as a reminder. There are also monuments to his handiwork with his fingerprints on them all over the islands of Japan.
Moreover, that is more than any philanthropist can boast of doing knowing that her Kei-kun has done more in the last nine years of his life than most people older than him have done or can ever hope to accomplish in their lifetime.
With this in mind, Haruka feels that she has every right to brag about him.
Nevertheless, Keitaro tries to put aside the fact that Haruka has just boasted about him in front of his new tenants. For the rest of the time he just sits here quietly feeling a little awkward. In one way, he likes the fact that his cousin cares about him, but on the other hand, he has the girls staring at him for various reasons.
Although being the center of attention all of the time, he really does not enjoy it.
Having nothing more to say, Keitaro looks to Naru who introduces herself.
Remembering what her girlfriend said about pre-judging people, she apologizes for her earlier characterization of him.
Nodding, Keitaro acknowledges that he has forgiven her and sees that she is struggling with her eyesight.
"See me in the kitchen afterwards, Naru-chan," he says evenly, "I may have a possible solution to your situation."
Not truly understanding his meaning, she will go anyway since he himself is not fully forthcoming about what and how. Her studies can wait a few extra minutes until she finds out.
Next is Motoko, who blushes beet red and becomes very shy when she looks into Keitaro's rich brown eyes.
Turning her head away to the side, she then mumbles, "It is nice to see you again, my Keitaro-sama."
The honorific she uses is also a huge surprise.
The man-in-question and his older cousin both understand the reason however as Haruka smiles.
Noticing how handsome he is now, she becomes ecstatic when he promises to practice with her in the morning whenever possible.
"Usually, I am up that early anyway," says Keitaro knowing how she and her Onee-san enjoyed doing their Katas at dawn.
The teen Samurai smiles and nods as her face returns to its normal color.
To Motoko though, this is not just an ordinary man, this is her Keitaro-sama. The others will come to learn more about her feelings for him as he continues to live here.
Next, Kaolla jumps into his lap and wraps her arms around his neck, after a moment she rubs her cheek against his.
Emulating the foreign girl's mannerisms, Keitaro smiles at her directness. This was very refreshing he thinks smiling at her.
"Can I call you Onii-chan, and would you like to play with me sometime?" asked Kaolla liking the fact that he is a mechanical engineer. Possibly, he could even help her on a new Mecha-Tama sometime.
"Before you answer that, Kei-kun," says Haruka almost chuckling with four of the others, "That little girl in your arms is a genius like you. Although her specialties are mainly in constructing drones and 'mecha', she is also an explosives expert and so enjoys blowing things up. That said however, I'd be very careful with her if I was you."
That laughter clues him in so he realizes that he has to be wary, but he will judge her situation as it warrants.
"Yes on the first part, Kaolla-chan," says Keitaro matter-of-fact using an honorific on this young girl. He makes a mental note to build her a lab out in the very back of the property, "and we need to talk about having destructive devices around here. Tell you what, I will build you a place of your own in the back of the property so you can build or blow up things to your heart's content. Does that sound good to you?"
"Okies, Onii-chan," says the girl with a brilliant smile. She happily hops off his lap and back on to the couch next to Motoko.
Very soon, Keitaro will find that this young lady is very handy with helping him in modernizing all of the electrical and mechanical contrivances around here. In the meantime, he hope that she does not destroy the place first…
Smiling when Shinobu introduces herself, this petite miss had Keitaro's total respect right away after reading her file. Remembering from what he had read, the girl cooks, cleans and does the laundry in lieu of paying rent.
Understanding her circumstances here, he is going to make sure that she gets a good salary for everything that she does to keep the Hinata up and running. Moreover, he is going to provide the proper equipment so that she can do her job in a more efficient manner.
Shyly, she says that her grades have improved since moving here with the help of her Senpais.
"I am also willing to help anyone with their studies if you want as well," he says as his smile widens.
Turning away slightly, Shinobu turns bright red, because she has just developed a little crush on him.
The girl become euphoric when Keitaro offers to help her finish the dinner prep by telling her that he also likes to cook.
Almost swooning at his words, she loves it that a man is taking an interest in her.
The others giggle when they see her blush almost purple.
Moving on…
Struggling hard not to glom on him as she re-introduces herself, the Fox makes sure that he notices all of her charms and attributes.
Ahem!
This gets Haruka's attention rather quickly.
There is no romantic jealousy involved in the cousin's aheming her. The throat clearing lets Kitsune know that there are youngsters present and that she will have to wait until they are alone elsewhere.
Breathing deeply and letting it out slowly, Keitaro is trying to prevent a major erection problem right at this moment. Even as busy as he will be soon, Keitaro sure as hell would not throw her out of bed, though he might just scare the hell out of Kitsune when she finds out what he is packing.
Becoming very hungry, Keitaro has only had a light snack since the huge breakfast that Haruka had provided for him that morning, so he makes one last announcement, "From now on there will be mixed bathing in the onsen. I have waited a long time to be able to use it again. There will be no discussion on this, but I will ask you if you want me to put back up the old bamboo curtain that used to separate the men and women's sides. Personally, I do not care. On the other hand, do you want towels and/or bathing suits? You decide."
As Naru is just about to object, she gets dirty looks from all of the others including Haruka.
Backing down, Naru in the end goes along with the rest smiling sheepishly at Keitaro when they even vote the bamboo curtain down.
What surprises everyone is the fact that Shinobu goes along with this too.
The kitchen, fifteen minutes later…
The first thing that Keitaro sees when he steps into the kitchen is that the same appliances are still being used when his Tou-san lived here as a boy. They were inadequate back then and are just plain pitiful now.
'What was Hina Baa-chan thinking,' he thinks pulling out his notebook and scribbling in it. Everything has to go and soon by the looks of it. So while chopping vegetables he begins to formulate different plans in his head to help his new young friend.
'The old banquet hall would be a perfect place for a new kitchen and dining area,' he adds to himself while making a mental note of it.
Having to call in quite a few favors, Keitaro knows he need to do this if he wants to accomplish his goals here.
There is no time like the present to let Shinobu in on his plans.
"Shinobu-chan," he says in soft voice, "I was going to wait until getting settled in and do a thorough inspection of this place. However, I will share some of my plans with you right now. Since the kitchen is your domain, you should know that I plan to modernize the old banquet hall and turn this particular on into a large pantry. First, we are going to get you a new low stool or short bench to stand on when you are working. No more of this unsafe teetering. Two, I am going to put in all new appliances and only the top brands. A new stove, fryer, a walk-in fridge, freezer, all new counters, a restaurant style dishwasher because when we get more tenants we will need it. In addition, there will be new microwaves, all new pots and pans plus utensils. I can't see how you work in here every day with such outdated equipment."
Pulling out one of his cards, he writes a number on the back and hands it to a stunned Shinobu who has tears welling up in her eyes at his good news.
Before he can give her his next piece of news, she steps down from her stool to run over and hug him.
Hugging her back, he says, "The number on the back of that card is to a grocery delivery service run by a friend of mine. He owes me a huge favor for fixing his plate freezers and refrigeration units no too long ago. Mention my name, order any you need or want and he will deliver it. Also, put it on my tab."
Enjoying how this young girl reacts to this, he cracks a warm genuine smile.
Just then, Keitaro's Karma almost goes south.
Walking in, Naru asks, "What in the hell's going on here?" Balling her fists, she heads toward Keitaro.
Shinobu quickly releases him as she turns around and faces the charging Naru blocking her way.
"Naru-Senpai stop!" hollers the petite chef. Sticking her right arm out, the palm of her hand faces Naru. With a determined look on her face, she adds, "Senpai just shared with me his plans for a new kitchen. He also told me about a grocery delivery service. Is that not it great? No more lugging groceries up those front steps anymore."
The petite girl hopes that this stops her.
Keitaro's respect for this tough little lady increases quite a few notches as he smiles at her.
"Gomen Keitaro-san. Gomen Shinobu-chan," says the volatile brunette stopping after hearing her housemate.
Taken aback slightly, Shinobu looks on to see what happens next.
Bowing to the couple by the stove, Naru starts to cry, "It's my damned temper again. Kami help me see the whole picture before I hurt someone again."
Being very emotional, these sudden outbursts bother her when she blows up like this. Known for a fierce temper as well as a Ki loaded right hand, Naru could send an ordinary mortal into the stratosphere.
Magnanimously Keitaro pulls the vulnerable young woman into his embrace as she cut loose crying and hands her a tissue from its box there on the counter.
'Well,' thinks a surprised Shinobu, 'I never thought I'd live to see this day.' Then stepping back up onto her stool, she goes to check on the progress of the evening meal.
"Naru-chan, have a seat at the counter while I get the rice cooker going," says Keitaro after releasing her.
Across the room, he gets the machine going then goes back over to where Naru is sitting.
Never one to rush to judgment, Keitaro had already assessed her difficulty, so he says to the seated teen, "Naru-chan, when I first met you earlier, I could see you struggling to see me when we made introductions. Before you say anything, please just sit there and hear me out. It must be frustrating to wear those damned thick-lensed glasses. You probably get teased by your classmates and some of those insults must be really terrible."
Listening intently, Naru nods her head as he hands her another tissue.
"Hey, I'd be pissed too if I were you," he continues looking at her squarely in the eye, "What I'm going to do for you because I see a beautiful young woman who just longs to see something without those fucking glasses is this. First, I am going to make an appointment for you to get your eyes fixed, whether it be with Lasik® surgery or corneal lens transplants. The head Eye Surgeon at Tokyo General promised to help me after I helped his son improve his grades. My friend made the Dean's list by the end of that particular semester which made his old man happy. That is where the favor comes in. Well, enough of that for now. To make a long story short, I'm going to call in that favor and get your eyes fixed Naru-chan."
By now, Naru is crying very hard because of his kindness towards her.
"And, before you fall all apart on me," he continues in a quiet voice, "I'll make the appointments, call your parents and even ask the Academy to dismiss you from class for as long as it takes for your eyes to heal up. Maybe even get Kitsune to help you too if it's needed."
Overwhelmed with joy at his words, she launches herself at him sobbing loudly, both in joy and in sorrow at having been such a bitch twice in the last hour.
Hugging her again, he likes how she feels in his arms as she soaks the front of his shirt through. From reading her file, Keitaro knows that this is closest he will become to her as she is not interested in men. However, this is good as far as it concerns him.
"Wow, Naru-Senpai. That's great," exclaims Shinobu happily while turning to look at her crying housemate.
Seeing the tenants as part of his extended family, he will do his utmost to take properly take care of them.
Dinnertime, the first evening…
"Oh Kami, this is so good," says Keitaro eating his first meal with his residents.
Looking next to him, he sees the petite chef blush.
Not surprising anyone, Haruka joins in for dinner as well.
Patting his full belly afterwards, Keitaro absolutely loves Shinobu's cooking.
Then…
Over the next couple of days, there is a whirlwind of activity around the Hinata.
A radio communications table with charging station is set-up in the common room with W/T's for each one of the residents. The girls all stand around the station with Keitaro showing them how to change the battery pack and place the dead one in its charger.
Having his already clasped in its holder on his tool belt, he also puts his cell number and a list with other emergency numbers on it. After this, all of them see that Keitaro is off again to do something else.
In addition, Haruka gets a radio too, as she loves the fact that he has included her in the Hinata communications network.
Repairing the ubiquitous hole in Naru's floor, and after he finishes the job, you cannot tell that there was even one there.
Three weeks later…
In the time that the residents have come to know Keitaro, they all learn one special thing: when he makes a promise, he keeps his word.
Here are just two examples:
One…
Naru has to have corneal lens replacement surgery. On her initial visit, the doctor tells her she is on the verge of going blind because of cataracts.
Keitaro then tells her parents about this who okay everything, and then makes all of the appointments after getting the permission from the Academy for Naru's medical dismissal after the surgery.
Well ahead in her studies anyway, Naru is the Academy's second ranked student after Kaolla. Since this is the case, she will not be behind too much when she returns to the classroom.
Taking her to the hospital in his truck, he good-naturedly waits while she is in outpatient surgery and then brings her home. Keitaro then gets Kitsune to help her get around because she will not be able to see very well for a few days.
Not long after the surgery, and with everything seeming to work better, Naru gives Keitaro a big hug in gratitude.
A short time later, the doctor who had performed the surgery considers the transplants a success when he checked his handiwork out on a subsequent visit.
With this promise kept, Keitaro thanks the doctor for taking care of her.
After that, she tells everyone that it 'weirded' her out being able to ask questions on what was happening to her during the surgery. She gasped when the doctor said that he was slipping the new lens into place and securing it. When the anesthetic wore off, she was happy that there was no pain, just a little itching.
In awe, she can both see and read without ever needing those accursed 'coke-bottle' glasses again.
Never has anyone in the Hinata ever seen the brunette smile so much. This event goes a long way to quelling her volatile temper.
The brunette teenager now sees Keitaro as a man of his word and a good friend.
Two…
Everybody is amazed when Keitaro replaces the old fuse box with a modern high capacity breaker box.
The residents immediately notice the difference.
The brightness of the property lights is such that the whole hilltop seems to glow now at night.
Naru tells Keitaro that it is nice that she can finally watch TV in her room and that she has plenty of light to do her studying.
Kaolla helped him install the main fire panel, which went in to tie together all of the new smoke detectors in the Hinata.
Keitaro is very impressed that the foreign blonde blur expertly couples the alarms into the phone system, so it can alert the local Fire Brigade if there is ever a problem.
In with this, the girls like the fact that they do not have to change those damned old-fashioned fuses anymore and worry about getting an electrical shock or electrocuted.
Posting notices in the hallways, Keitaro does this to let the girls know where the new fire extinguishers are. There is one CO2 and one chemical extinguisher on each floor along with one each in the kitchen. He even teaches all of the residents about their proper usage.
Kaolla says it was fun to help her 'Onii-chan' and wants to help him out a lot more on future projects.
Also…
As promised, Keitaro puts some new small appliances in the old kitchen until he can get going on the banquet hall project. He went to a major appliance store in Tokyo and plunked down many Yen to get Shinobu only the best appliances.
Knowing that Shinobu will be very happy when she sees a new rice cooker and two new microwaves, he knows that he will receive a big hug from her. There is also a large capacity coffee urn with a nice coffee bean grinder next to it. An expensive knife set that cost more money than most people make in a month. Brand new chopsticks for everyone including a dozen extra pair in case of new residents, and a western-style eating utensil set that Shinobu pointed out to him in an online catalog.
Along with the grocery delivery service, Keitaro is spoiling the young girl rotten. He thinks that nothing is too good for her.
When the work refurbishing the old banqueting hall begins, the heavier equipment that he had ordered Keitaro expects it to arrive within the week.
Calling a few of friends of his in the homebuilding industry, he tells them that he wants their assistance in bringing in some heavy new appliances inside his home.
Smiling when his old crony replies that he will bring a crew to get the job done, Keitaro knows that it will happen quickly and efficiently.
When the bluenette comes home and goes to prepare dinner, Shinobu cries tears of happiness seeing new things everywhere in her kitchen.
Leaving her a note on her board about the heavier kitchen equipment, Keitaro said that he had ordered everything and it will be coming very soon. The note also tells Shinobu that the present kitchen will be her new storage pantry when the new one is complete.
There is also a note on the counter letting her know that there are new washers and dryers coming to replace all of the old ones.
When Shinobu sees Keitaro later that day, she runs up and hugs her Senpai again.
Shortly afterwards, near the end of May…
With summer coming soon, Keitaro gets to work on the area around the lake, falls and spring.
Clearing the edge all around the lake of vegetation, trees, cattails and brush, he utilizes the mowing tractor first to clear out the light stuff. The large wide cutting-deck cuts a big swath through all the overgrowth helping him get through it all very quickly. With this complete, he brings in his lawn vacuum, a woodchipper and the stake-sided trailer to haul off the big stuff for him to split later. He has the chainsaws doing their thing along with a pneumatic log-splitter that he had purchased.
Yup, another tool for Keitaro to keep him busy as the days get longer and the work progresses in clearing the lake for the girls to use. Shit, he is just like a normal man in wanting to see bikini clad women back here sunning themselves on a clear day. Nevertheless, like always, he puts these thoughts on the back burner compartmentalizing them in his mind until their proper time.
Getting back to the log splitter, he smiles and watches this machine do work that use to take him many extra hours to accomplish. Now, he has almost ten cords of wood from dead trees around the hilltop along with another half dozen cords from thinned out live trees seasoning in other piles.
Most of the brush and underbrush the woodchipper mulches. It will be useful for the gardens around the Hinata.
Using some fresh lumber that he had just dried in his kiln and some heavy-duty bolts, Keitaro builds and stains a picnic table. As with everything else he makes, it is very well constructed.
Then turning his attention to making sure that those who use the lake to swim or cool off in can access the water without stepping into mud or dirt. Keitaro loads up some dry sand from over by the hill's entrance road and dumps it onto the shoreline with his front-end loader before smoothing it over with scoop at an odd angle.
Pleased that this task is complete, he turns his attention to his next chore.
In the open area inside, Keitaro places a few comprehensive charts and a list of things on a new bulletin board by the wall near the radio charging station.
All of the girls, along with Haruka, can keep up with the progress as he goes along.
Updating his list every morning, he places a line through the jobs he has completed and adds new ones to it when needed.
Along with this, Keitaro encourages the girls help him out with the chores and gives them credit for what they do. Either by taking something off their rent or by giving them outright cash payments.
Placing spots on the charts and lists for their initials, he does this to keep track of who is helping him.
It is voluntary of course, and he finds that there are quite a few takers.
This is very popular with the girls, who like seeing a bit of extra cash for the weekends.
Saturday afternoon, during a particularly gorgeous day…
Behind the scenes, Naru, Motoko and Shinobu are helping outside in the gardens of the Hinata.
For some reason, the girls all said yes when Keitaro had asked for help.
Planting some fresh perennials, Naru works with what Keitaro had dropped off in front of the Hinata after picking them up in town.
Behind her, Motoko spreads some of the mulch that Keitaro made out back from a pile that is there for their use.
A little ahead of the older teens, Shinobu pulls weeds with her fingers and a little garden spade.
At this very moment, Kaolla is building a Mecha-Tama floor polisher for her 'Onii-chan'. Keitaro, true to his word, built the Hinata's 'mad scientist' a workshop for all of her inventions.
Since Kaolla wants to please him, she has cut back on blowing things up and now makes only practical things to help him.
Even though she works down at the Tea Shoppe, Kitsune sometimes acts as Keitaro's 'go-fer', because she wants to be near him.
Thoroughly enjoying the eye candy, Keitaro knows that she is purposely showing him a lot of flesh. He enjoys watching her large titties bounce around when she is in a string bikini or just plain braless.
The Fox knows that he has more than a passing interest in her.
"Shinobu-chan, how's the new kitchen coming along?" asks Naru placing another plastic tub in the growing stack as the fresh flowers go into the garden.
"Great Naru-Senpai," answers the petite chef pulling out some dandelions, "Senpai tells me that the rest of the equipment will be put in on Monday while we're at school."
"Isn't it amazing how my Keitaro-sama has kept all of his promises since he arrived here six and a half weeks ago?" asks Motoko. She always seems to gush when someone mentions his name or talks about him.
"He's sure changed my mind a little bit about men, or at least him," says Naru looking down at the dirt in front of her, "Although I still have little use for them. I will tell the two of you this, I have come to respect Kei-kun and know now that he is trustworthy. If either of you develop any interest in him, I will not call him a pervert or try to bash him. I think he'd make some girl a great catch."
She misses seeing her two housemates turn bright red.
"That is good to hear, Naru-Senpai," replies Motoko, "I wouldn't want to have to punish you if you ever assaulted my Keitaro-sama."
The other two know of her feelings for Keitaro.
Leaning against the garden rake taking a breather, Motoko has caught up to where the other two are.
"Looks like our little Samurai's in love," says Naru in a sooky voice teasing Motoko.
Shinobu giggles as she pulls up a long root and tosses it into a refuse pile.
Turning an even brighter red, Motoko knows that Naru has successfully teased her. Yes, she is very much in love with her Keitaro-sama.
For the rest of the afternoon and until Shinobu has to go prepare dinner, the trio shares small talk, gossip and news just like any other normal teenagers.
The next evening…
The nights are now comfortably warm.
Keitaro is in his camp after enjoying another great meal prepared by Shinobu and then he has a soak with the girls. He is beginning to enjoy living at the Hinata, if for nothing else, just to see the petite chef blush when he praises her.
Naru also makes him smile as she now lets her real beauty show, but as with Haruka, he knows that she is just not into men.
'To each, their own,' he thinks while closing out that line of thought.
Now to end his long day, he is relaxing in a large hammock that was set-up just to the right of his tent. The posts are the remains of two birch trees that he lopped off so they are only about two meters tall. A swath of tar over the bare wood on top, a couple 'eye' hooks screwed into them and voila, an instant place for resting his weary bones.
Sunday is the only day of the week that he allows himself to work only half-a-day, or even to take it off. He hates not being busy or having something to do, but the girls want him to go out for lunch with them so they can spend the day together with him.
Keitaro has to admit that he had a lot of fun when Kitsune hopped on his back and hollered, "giddy-up." It almost got him hard feeling her large boobs pressing into his back.
In the hammock now, he watches the stars come out. With his arm underneath his pillowed head, he enjoys the panoramic view from over his head.
Smiling here in the dimly lit wooded area, he does a mental inventory of all that he has accomplished since inheriting the Hinata from his Obaa-san. He still has a long way to go to reach his goal in his estimation, but with the girls help he knows he will attain it.
His Tou-san called him the other day to let him know that he is very proud of him and wants to visit soon.
His Kaa-san sent him some e-mails relaying the same thing with some little notes she wrote about Kanako saying hello.
He cannot wait to see his Imouto-chan Kanako again. He then has some bad thoughts about what his parents would think about their incestuous relationship.
'Shit,' he thinks, 'I'm only human.' However, he understands that she was the aggressor even though he did nothing to stop it from happening. With that, Keitaro knows that he would never turn her away either.
Putting that aside until another time, Kitsune and Motoko are really coming on to him now as his resolve towards them is starting to crumble.
When he sees Kitsune's hot body with those big tits and that great ass of hers, he just wants to take and fuck the living daylights out of her.
Keitaro also notices how much Motoko has grown into a magnificent example of Japanese womanhood and how large her breasts are. In a Yukata, she looks like the perfect 'Yamato Nadeshiko' with her long black hair and porcelain skin. Seeing her in a towel or a traditionally dressed always catches his attention.
"I miss Mutsumi-chan as well," he whispers feeling a slight bit of melancholy.
Cringing for a moment, he remembers that he will formally be moving into the Hinata this fall.
'Shit, what have I done now,' he thinks before laughing.
Going back to his stargazing, Keitaro does so to clear his mind and is grateful that he does not have a hard on right now.
Taking a breath, he exhales and then falls asleep.
Monday morning…
Waiting by the old bridge outside, Keitaro is waiting for some friends to help him rebuild the old banquet hall before installing the new larger kitchen appliances for Shinobu.
The old road in the back of the property Keitaro had widened before the Prefecture came in and paved it over. Another friend in the parking lot paving business came in and extended it from where the cement had ended.
This is so larger vehicles can drive up the back way now for Shinobu's future deliveries. (No more lugging groceries up the front steps.)
At first, Keitaro laid out a ten spot parking lot as a forerunner to a new garage he wishes have built before winter.
Finally, Keitaro utilizes Kaolla's explosives expertise, as he had asked her to blast out some rocks without taking off the rest of the hilltop.
This is for a future Dojo and workout center he plans to install just between the lot and the lake.
Kaolla clapped and cheered giddily after being able to help her 'Onii-chan' once again.
This is before the Princess gave him a 'bone-crushing' hug similar to how Shinobu-chan does it.
Work on Shinobu's kitchen…
"Dammit Keiji watch where you're going with that, you baka," says someone working on the crew.
"This fucking thing's heavy," Keiji complains grateful that they do not have to bring it up the front stairway.
"You want to help Keitaro with the walk-in fridge parts?" says Junpei a former Sumo wrestler. "If you don't, then shut the fuck up."
"Hey Keitaro," says Maki the crew chief, "I'm bringing in the one of the new granite countertops, where do you want it? Do you want us to remove the entire counter here or just some of the old one and leave part of it?"
"Okay then," says Keitaro pointing as he walk through the old banquet hall kitchen, "I want the new stove there, the fridge parts there, the large freezer there, here will go one of the countertops along with the new cabinets. The deep fryer goes over by where the new stove is."
Firing this all off in rapid succession, he then takes a deep breath and goes on again to say, "The other countertop goes there on the floor cabinets, the wall cabinets go up there and over there. (Keitaro points at the bare walls) We need the dishwasher parts over where the old sink that we just tore out. The pipes, hoses, the Burnz-o-matic™ torch and the solv-a-set to all go together by the new little wash sink. The new tiles begin where we took off the old ones, and Keiji, just shut the fuck up!"
Saying this 'in no uncertain terms', he hates listening to people whine and so he 'nips it in the bud' by telling the man to piss off. He will be fit-to-be-tied if he disappoints Shinobu-chan in any way and not get her kitchen done today before she comes home.
The fridge, freezer and sink all go in very quickly.
The counters and cabinets they all tackle next.
Keiji redeems himself by doing an expert job in installing everything expertly along with their mouldings. The man gets praise from the others and a slap on the back from Keitaro.
Wiring in the heavy appliances, Keitaro leaves nothing to chance and hooks up all of the natural gas lines himself, with Maki backing him up. Both men are master electricians and have hooked up gas mains together on many occasions.
When this is complete, they then test dishwasher to make sure the soap dispenser synchronizes itself to the wash cycle. They then both install the angled drying racks by bolting them into the wall and when done, this particular task is complete.
Maki lights the stove and deep fryers pilot lights after Keitaro re-opens the main gas valve. They then test the two appliances.
Next, after erecting the walls of the walk-in fridge, Keitaro climbs up on a ladder and bolts on the roof. Checking the cooling unit, he plugs it in and turns it on. The fridge's blower starts to whirr letting them know that it is now on the job.
Smiling because his friend from the grocery delivery service sent a truck out here with Shinobu's first order.
Crossing the bridge and coming in the backdoor, the driver walks pushes a two-wheeler and slides it right into the now working cooler. (Karma is on his side since the food does not have to sit out in the warm air, and possibly spoil.)
Asking him if he has anything left unsold in the truck, the delivery driver says that he has some frozen squid left over.
Enjoying squid, Keitaro tells him to put it in the freezer and then signs for the order.
He returns to help with the final additions.
The newer appliances, as well as an all new Kitchen dining set with many new chairs they bring in after the carpeting goes in.
After placing the last tile on the wall, they strip, sand and wax the old traditional wooden floor on the new kitchen floor. They then open the doors and windows to allow for faster drying and air the place out from the fumes.
When they finish everything and clean up after themselves, everyone steps outside to grab a beer to celebrate a job well done.
"Kanpai, and thanks for everything. A man couldn't ask for better friends," says Keitaro raising his beer can.
The crew all drinks up before packing their tools, re-checking their handiwork and departing for home.
They all hope to see Keitaro on one of their worksites again in the near future.
He hopes to use them again on another project or two very soon.
Later that day…
Shinobu and the other residents walk down the main hallway after a note on the comm table directs them all back to the old banqueting hall.
Upon arriving at their destination, they slide open the door and gawk at the new indoor facility in their school uniforms.
Having her hands clasped together under her chin with tears in her eyes, Shinobu looks over the new eating and cooking space as well as all of the new appliances. Her Senpai has come through in more ways than she could have ever dreamed of in a thousand years.
She does not know what to touch first.
"Like it?" comes a voice from the other doorway.
Keitaro has to brace himself as the tiny young woman throws herself at him with such force he almost lands on his ass.
At the same time, Haruka and Kitsune come walking in to marvel at the new kitchen.
"Oh Senpai, thank you," says Shinobu squeezing him as tight as she can.
"Kei-kun, this is outstanding," says Haruka almost gushing at what her cousin has done in redesigning the old family dining area, "Obaa-san will be very pleased."
"Nothing's too good for Shinobu-chan," says Keitaro walking through the new kitchen while showing everyone all of the new stuff.
When Motoko opens the large double-door fridge, she gasps at how full the appliance is.
Kitsune opens the big freezer and marvels at what is inside it.
"This'll keep Kaolla-chan happy for a couple of days at the very least," says Naru blown away just like everyone else.
The Princess giggles as she reaches for a banana.
"Shinobu-chan, from now on and for as long as you want it," declares Keitaro, "This kitchen is all yours. You're the boss in here."
Then, she does something that actually surprises him. Shinobu climbs up on her new step stool and kisses his cheek.
The meal the petite chef prepares that evening Keitaro and the others considerate it to be a masterpiece. It is some of the best cooking that Shinobu has ever done.
Middle of June, close to the summer break…
Smiling as he looks at the polished floor of the just completed Dojo, Keitaro knows that Motoko will appreciate having an indoor place to practice swordsmanship and other martial arts together even in the worst weather.
However, this is only half of it though, as the other side is wholly devoted to working out in a modern manner. Lined up along the walls, free weights and different types of exercise machines sit in ordered rows around the floor. Along with those, a number of brand new flat screen TV's, men and women's locker rooms, a modern Jacuzzi® and he even installed a glass cooler for bottled water.
A fully equipped office with desks, chairs and computers compliment the new Dojo. The glass door says, 'Aoyama Motoko, Proprietor'.
The same crew that built this place is also the one that re-did the kitchen, as they all completed the work in less than a week. It helped that Keitaro kept on working even after his friends went home.
It is effort such as this that pushed the others in the crew to help him build a first-class, top-of-the-line facility that the residents can come out to re-energize themselves in the dead of winter or on the hottest days of summer.
During the planning stages, he had hot onsen spring water diverted from the old Annex B to heat the place. It also provides water for the indoor spas in the locker rooms.
To keep the place cool in summer, Keitaro installed a new central air system out behind the place, as wall mounted ones would be too inefficient.
As a special touch, he etched the residents' names onto small plates and attached them to the lockers in the female locker room. Keitaro made these one evening in his machine shop.
Standing behind a stationary bike, he has a quick fantasy about seeing Kitsune's gorgeous ass in the saddle. (Hey, he is only human.)
When he tells Haruka that the Dojo is finished, she wants to spar with Keitaro in the Urashima style so she can finally kick his ass for ignoring her for two years.
They both laugh because they know that when she is pissed, this could very well happen. Haruka is one of only three people known who can go toe-to-toe with him. His Tou-san and Kanako are the other two.
He absolutely refuses to fight with Hina Baa-chan out of respect. She laughed and said that she would probably kick his ass anyway.
Truly amazed, Motoko and the others love the new Dojo as much as they did the dining facilities. This is also true with just about everything else that he has done around here.
The teen Samurai has tears in her eyes when Keitaro shows her a sword rack that is for her use only.
He is going to call a local Shinto priest in to have him bless the place for her.
The thing that pleases Motoko the most is when her Keitaro-sama says that the traditional side of the Dojo and the office are both hers.
Losing all control, she hugs her Keitaro-sama.
Since they are alone out here, she gives him a full on the mouth kiss. It turns quickly into the first of many French kisses with him.
Smiling, he loves the feel of her young body against his.
Feeling something rather large poking at her through his work belt and nail apron, she nearly wets herself when the kiss breaks.
Then they go back together hand-in-hand to the old manse and enjoy each other's company along the way.
A few days before the summer solstice and the break from school…
A beautiful tall woman gets out of a luxury sedan and looks over the new façade of the Hinata Tea Shoppe.
'Too long,' she thinks looking at the front door of the place. Wanting to see the person that she loves more than anyone else in the world, and hold her, she takes a deep breath before proceeding to the door.
Most of her worldly possessions she had stuffed into the front and back seats of her car.
She now has only her apartment, her business, her first name and that is not too bad because the person she has come to see has always told her that they could have theirs.
Coming out of the closet has been difficult for her, but it was also very liberating too.
She can be with her lover every day now. So gathering up her courage, she puts a smile on her face and walks in.
"Tsuruko-chan," says a familiar voice.
End of Chapter