Ryoshi sat at his desk, rubbing his temples in exasperation. The shop where he bought his aftermarket upgrade parts from was located in California. The parts themselves would be very costly indeed but factor in international shipping, extra handling charges, tracking, delivery confirmation, and insurance, it would cost him nearly an arm and a leg. He stared longingly at the locked hard case where his rifle now lay in an indefinite comma. When his rifle will arise from its stupor depends solely on how quickly he can earn the money to repair it. Ryoshi heaved a deep sigh and walked towards his closet and retrieved another locked hard case. He twisted the dial to input the number combination and opened the case to reveal sleek, short, black rifle with a folding stock and flip up iron sights. This rifle in question was in many ways superior to his R700 SBR. For one it was semiautomatic and not bolt action which meant the amount of rounds he can sling down range was much greater. It was also more viable in close quarters, allowing Ryoshi to rely less on his pistol. It was also CO2 powered which meant that in fast approaching winter months, the rifle would have less power, worse gas efficiency, and the magazines would be much heavier due to metal construction and additional weight of the CO2 canister. Unfortunately the rifle would be much louder as well. Not only would there be the sound of pressure escaping the barrel but the loud clink of the bolt as it cycled would no doubt add to the overall sound signature of the weapon. Alas, these were cons Ryoshi was willing to work around. So long as he had a rifle for the tournaments and if need be, self defense. If ever he crossed that lovely brunette with a hook that'd make Rocky blush. He racked a fresh magazine into the rifle and cycled the bolt manually. He would need to spend the day on a cleaning and lubrication routine as well as sighting in the rifle with whatever optic he chooses to place on the top rail.
On the other side of town in a small boxing gym by the river trail, Ryoko Okami was beating away at punching bag, several inches taller than her and at least twice as heavy. Each blow was accompanied with a very deliberate thud and an angry grunt from the wolf in question. She imagined she was elsewhere, at an abandoned warehouse for instance. She imagined that it was not a bag she was relentlessly beating, but a boy around her height, clad in camo and brandishing a rifle. Finally she projected a balaclava'd face, eye-level on the bag. She continued this for the next hour until her instructor interrupted her from her trance.
"You'll work yourself into a coma, kid. You should get some rest," He said, giving Ryoko a light pat on the head.
So she did. Ryoko tore the velcro off her boxing gloves and headed for the lockers where she packed her belongings. She exited through the back door and walked home looking forward to a nice, hot shower...that is until she saw it running towards her on the banks of the river trail. A man clad in camo, wearing a balaclava, with a rifle hanging from a one point sling. He was 100 yards away and closing the gap very fast.
Shit shit shit...this is bad...
One hour previously, Ryoshi was lying prone in the vacant lot next to his apartment building. The hop-up on his rifle was now tuned correctly, all moving parts were properly lubricated, the barrel has been cleaned of any excess lubrication and dirt, the seals on his magazines tightened, and his rifle sighted with a 3-9x magnification scope. Best part of it was, he had the rest on the saturday afternoon to himself. He walked back to his room, rifle in tow, stopping by the vending machine for a can of coffee. He walked up to his room, locked the door behind him and laid his rifle down on his bed, plopping down in his desk chair sipping on his coffee. Ryoshi enjoyed his time alone. The silence made it easier to think, allowing his thoughts to move freely as they so pleased. So one would think a sudden ruckus would disappoint our young operator...but not today. He wasn't at all surprised really. He pulled his camo pants over his boxers, his tactical vest over his shirt, and his balaclava over his head. Ryoshi loaded a magazine into his rifle and cycled the bolt, running out his door and down stairs into the alley way where he saw the same thugs from yesterday running towards the river trail.
Ryoko dropped her bag and slipped her gloves back on, ready to pummel the boy in front of him when…
"Behind you!" The boy in the camo said.
To her surprise, Ryoko turned her heels and looked behind her. Ten thugs brandishing all manner of improvised melee weapons were 30 yards from her and closing fast.
Ryoshi took a kneeling stance to stabilize his aim after the hard sprint. His Distance to Ryoko was now 20 yards while the group of baddies were 15 yards and closing. He would never reach her in time. Ryoshi started to shoot, 3 rounds per person, all of which hit in the head and neck area, instantly taking them down and making them writhe in pain. Ryoko on the other hand had one of them rushing her with a bat. She ducked the first swing and threw a left elbow right into his floating ribs. The next one would rush her with a knife which he would immediately drop after Ryoshi emptied the rest of his magazine into the man's hand. At this point Ryoshi was side by side with Ryoko. Ryoko punching faces and breaking bones while Ryoshi reloaded and resumed his 3 shots per head mantra. Soon they were down to one each, Ryoko easily dispatching her last man while Ryoshi pulled the trigger of rifle only to have it click on him...out of rounds and out of magazines...Ryoshi reached down to his right thigh to where his leg holster usually is, only to find it wasn't there. His assailant was now in striking range and raised his lead pipe and brought it down on Ryoshi's skull. Expecting a deep blinding pain that never came, Ryoshi opened his eyes to find the boy who had rushed him knocked out cold at the feet of a very pissed looking Ryoko Okami.
It was at this moment, Ryoshi realized it would be best to turn tail and run, but once again, too little too late. Ryoko had ungloved her hands and lunged for Ryoshi as he was turning. She grabbed him by the collar and tugged back with as much force her sore body can muster. She then proceeded to put him into a headlock which Ryoshi tried to escape from only to end up on the ground and straddled by a livid Ryoko.
"Right, you're gonna tell me who you are and what the HELL you were doing!" Roko said, raising a fist to the quivering Ryoshi who was now shielding his masked face with his hands.
"Get off him or me and my men will open fire," Ryoko looked up to find 6 people, clad in camo, all pointing airsoft rifles at her. The boy who spoke to her wore a buzz cut and spoke Japanese in a heavy American accent.
"Release him, this is my final warning," The boy said, aiming his rifle right between Ryoko's eyes.
Ryoko, seething with rage, begrudgingly got off Ryoshi, giving him a kick as she stood up.
"Fine! Take him back! Besides, what kind of cowards bring guns to a fist fight,"
"What did you just say?!" A girl with her hair tied into a neat bun interjected. This one was native for sure.
"It's all right, we got him, there's no need for anymore violence," Said the group's leader said in English, "Thank you for your cooperation, miss Okami,"
The American helped Ryoshi off the ground, Ryoko already having walked away, "You, my friend, just survived an encounter with the wolf in sheep's clothing. How do you feel?"
"Fine, thanks a lot," Ryoshi extended his hand, "Ryoshi Morino,"
"I know who you are, bud. Your old man saved my old man way back when. I guess you can say I'm just beginning to repay the favor," The boy extended his hand out to Ryoshi, "California native born and bred, William Hickock Jr. and this is Easy Company," William pointed to the group who accompanied him.
"JROTC?" Ryoshi asked.
"Yes indeed, if you'd like you can accompany us back to the lodge, we can get this whole mess sorted out and maybe if you'd be so inclined, we can get your transfer papers sorted so we can put you back into our ranks," William said, slinging Ryoshi's rifle over his shoulder.
"I think I'd like that," Ryoshi said with a smile.
Ryoko entered her and Ringo's small apartment and started to strip. Christ...I need to ice my knuckles...Ryoko held off on the shower for now and grabbed a bucket from beneath the sink, she filled it with ice and set it on her lap as she sat down on the couch. With a very audible hiss of pain, she sank her hands as far as they would go into the ice bucket.
"So how did you know where to find me?" Ryoshi asked, a little curious.
"I was contacted by your CO in Dallas before you arrived, we were suppose to meet up with you and get your transfer sorted out," William walked up to an iron gate and pulled out a set of keys.
"Ah, so who was that girl earlier?" Ryoshi asked stepping through the gate into a cement courtyard.
"She is Ryoko Okami, that lovely brunette has a right hook that'd put Mike Tyson to shame," William said with a slight chuckle, "She's also part of the Otogi Bank, which we will get to in just a few moments,"
"Easy Company! You are all Dismissed! Thanks for your help, guys," William saluted his company and entered the main building along with Ryoshi.
In the living area of the small concrete building sat a boy around Ryoshi's age who was wearing a black vest over a white dress shirt, black slacks, a black bow tie, and matching loafers. He sported a full head of blonde hair and a very warm but ominous smile.
"Liszt, this is Ryoshi Morino," William said, urging the two to shake hands.
"Nice to meet Ryoshi!" Liszt said in perfect accentless english.
"H-hi, how do you do?" Ryoshi said, taking the man's hand and shaking it gingerly.
"I'm not a scary man, am I Wilhelm?" Liszt asked William in German.
"Not at all, but as President of the Otogi bank you do exude a very intimidating aura," William replied in equally perfect German.
Ryoshi stared at them both, completely confused.
"Well Why don't I just introduce myself as 'Liszt'?"
"This is President Kiriki of the Otogi Bank. He's with us here today to discuss a few things," WIlliam sat Ryoshi down beside him on the couch.
"Ryoshi Morino, sorry for the incoviniences I have caused!" Ryoshi said, bowing in apology.
"Come now Ryoshi! We're all westerner's here, a handshake would suffice!" President Kiriki chuckled, extending his hand out to Ryoshi.
"This is a beautiful country, no doubt about it, but I'm afraid there's not much cultural or ethnic diversity here. I'd be hard pressed to find an American to practice my English with let alone another German!" Liszt said, patting William's back.
"So, if you'd all take a seat I'd like to open the table for discussion," Liszt retrieved a dossier from his satchel, "Now, quite an impressive track record you have here, my friend. Bilingual, military training, marksmanship commendations, spelling bee winner, top tenth percentile of every school you've attended. You, Ryoshi, have brains and braun!
"Thank you, Mr. President!" Ryoshi said, a little too quickly.
"That being said I be absolutely delighted if you would come and work for me," Liszt said with a smile.
"I would like to Mr. President but my place is with the JROTC. I'd like to file my transfer and resume my service," Ryoshi replied.
"What'd I tell you? A sense of duty just like his old man!" William said with a slight chuckle, "Listen to me, bud. I'd love to have you but you're talents are just gonna go to waste here. What are you gonna day to day? PT, drills, marching, then you rinse and repeat, but when you work for Fuhrer Franz Liszt here, I think you'd do a lot more good. The Otogi Bank isn't a bank in the traditional sense. People make requests and then in return the bank helps them out so long as they promise to return the favor,"
"So kinda like the Godfather?" Ryoshi asked, starting to catch on.
"Precisely! Except we'll never ask someone to bury a dead body in an unmarked grave!" Liszt said jokingly.
"Another thing is that the Otogi Bank is local. They have complete jurisdiction out here. We're just guests in this town. They can do things we can't,"
"What do you say, Ryoshi?" Liszt said.
"I...I'll do it!"
"Good! Now if you'd like, you can come back with me to the Otogi Bank and we can sort out your transfer,"
They said their goodbyes and Liszt and Ryoshi walked out of the small compound together. They exchanged small talk along the way, old stories here and there, political intrigue and foreign affairs.
"So Mr. President, how is it you're able to speak German?" Ryoshi asked in english.
"First of all Ryoshi, my friend, it's just Liszt! I'm just a bank president, not a foreign dignitary! Secondly, I am the bastard child of a German ambassador to Japan who fell in love with my mother. My mother insisted that I learn how to speak the tongue of the fatherland so I can, one day, find my father. Being a good son I oblidged and here I am," Liszt said a little too cheerily, "And you, my friend. You're from Texas, born and raised, but able to speak Japanese,"
"My parents were Japanese immigrants, it was spoken at home so naturally I picked up on it," Ryoshi said, still trying to digest the President's story.
They deviated from the latter topic into more lighthearted ones and before they knew it they were at the decievingly small headquarters of the Otogi Bank.
"Alright Ryoshi, my friend, as soon as we step inside we need to switch back to Japanese out of respect for my and your new colleuges. After you," Liszt said, holding the door open for Ryoshi.
"Mister President! Back so soon!? Let me make you a cup of tea!" A long haired brunette appeared and started fretting.
"That won't be necessary Otsu! I'm quite alright but Ryoshi here just had a run in with those pesky bike thieves. I'm sure he'd like a refreshment after that," Liszt responded, "When he's done do you mind sending him to the meeting room?"
"Not at all Mr. President!" Otsu said with a bow.
"Good, I'll see you downstairs Ryoshi!" Liszt waved goodbye and descended a hidden staircase.
"So, what would you like to drink, Ryoshi?" Otsu asked, making her way to the small kitchen tucked away in the back of the main lobby.
"Umm...a glass of iced water if you please…" Ryoshi said timidly.
"You sure? Because we have a lot to choose from!"
"I'm fine...thank you Otsu!" Ryoshi said, averting his eyes slightly.
"Okay. Well here you are! The meeting room is just straight down the stairs. Welcome to the team, Ryoshi!" Otsu said cheerily, pointing Ryoshi to the right direction.
Ryoshi just nodded and swallowed. He'd be meeting her… and it scared him...scared him to his very core. Nonetheless, Ryoshi wanted to face it head on, whatever it was. So he adjusted his rifle which was still slung over his shoulder and tugged on his balaclava which still hung around her neck. With a deep breath he opened the door and walked inside the room.
"Ladies and gentleman, This is Ryoshi Morino. The newest addition to our small family!" Liszt said, sitting behind a desk with a woman who bore the slightest resemblance to him at his side.
"H…h...hi everybody…" Ryoshi said nervously, looking down at his feet.
"This is the guy the beat up Ryoko? I don't believe it!" A young man with long white hair started laughing and writhing on the couch he was sitting in.
"Shut up Taro or I'll make sure you'll be eating through a straw the rest of your two timing life!" And there she was...glaring at the young man with white hair. The brunette who could knock out Chuck Norris…
Ryoshi swiftly looked away and planted his eyes back down to his feet.
"Don't worry, Ryoshi. Taro's a nice guy! You just need some time to get to know him!" Said the girl next to Taro. She was breathtakingly beautiful (quite literally since Ryoshi choked on his would be response).
"Sure! If Ryoko doesn't kill him first! I'm glad though! I'm not the only guy here now! Welcome to the team, friend," Taro said with a smile and a small wave.
"Now Ryoshi you're a man of the service. Give us an introduction and tell us a little about yourself!" Liszt said, smiling in anticipation.
"My name is Ryoshi Morino...JROTC Cadet Master Sergeant...uhh retired I guess...I'm from Austin, Texas…" Ryoshi started hesitantly.
"But you speak very good Japanese for an American," Said the serious looking woman standing next to Liszt.
"My parents were Japanese immigrants, so I kinda' picked up on the language real quickly…" Ryoshi responded, venturing forth and making eye contact.
"Ahh, this is my cousin Alice, if you're wondering" Liszt said, patting Alice on the back, much to her dislike.
"Nice to meet you, Miss Alice," Said Ryoshi, giving a slight bow.
"Hi Ryoshi! I'm Ringo!" Said a short girl sitting next Ryoko.
"Hi…" Ryoshi said, still avoiding eye contact with Ryoko.
"Don't worry about Ryoko, Ryoshi. She'll warm up to you eventually!" Ringo said optimisticly, giving Ryoshi a rather enthusiastic thumb up.
"LIKE HELL I WILL!" Ryoko shouted suddenly.
Ryoshi recoiled and covered his face with his hands instinctively.
"Well Regardless of how you all feel about dear Ryoshi over here, he'll be a key player in our little operation here and, if he so chooses, will be staying quite a long time!" Liszt said as he clapped his hands together, "Alrighty! Introductions are out of the way and with that our meeting is adjourned!"