Love Hina: A Change of Pace

by Mr. Lee

How would the Hina girls react around a landlord who was no weak pushover? An alternate version of the Love Hina manga, with a stronger Keitaro. Pairing to be determined. Rated T for fluffiness, some action, and various changes from the manga.

3. Ch 3 Dragon vs Steel

Love Hina: A Change of Pace by Mr. Lee

Disclaimer: This fanfiction is for entertainment purposes only. The author of this fanfiction does not own Love Hina, Negima or its characters. Love Hina and Negima are both owned by Ken Akamatsu. Any other similarities are purely coincidental.

Author's notes: Hello everyone, Mr. Lee is here with the next chapter of this very different version of the Love Hina manga. Despite the radical second chapter, it was received very well by most readers, and I thank you all for the support. It's much appreciated as always. I received a few questions about the story. I'll try to answer them to the best of my ability.

1. Why does Keitaro find Kitsune's last name familiar? And why does it make him angry?

Answer: I can't reveal that answer just yet. But if you paid attention to Kitsune's reaction last chapter in regards to Uroboros, you've noticed a clue. Needless to say, there is MUCH more to the foxy woman than meets the eye. And when it's revealed, not only will it surprise some of you, but it will put Kitsune's relationship with everyone in Hinata to the test. Stay tuned.

2. Is the mysterious woman with the sword at the end of chapter 2 Mutsumi?

Answer: Worry not, Mutsumi fans. The mystery woman is not the watermelon/turtle lover with the great melons LMAO XD. HOWEVER, she is connected to the woman. The answers of how and why will shock you. And when she does make an appearance in the story, let's just say it will not be pleasant for her, especially when she meets Keitaro. A subtle clue will be dropped this chapter, so pay attention.

3. What about the infamous promise and the promised girl arc?

Answer: Ah, the infamous promise girl arc. The thing that drives Keitaro in the anime/manga, and one of the most debatable issues in the series. I was wondering when this question was going to be asked. Truth be told, I've been thinking on this issue a lot, especially in regards to the direction I want the story to be told. Ultimately, I've decided to leave it out. I've done this for several reasons, one of the main reasons being that certain characters (Like Mutsumi) will play slightly different roles in the story. But don't abandon my story just yet. Certain aspects of it will remain intact, but Keitaro's reasons for going to Tokyo U will be very different compared to Naru and Mutsumi. Furthermore, the girl that betrayed him in the past is not the only girl that Keitaro has been very close to. That girl will not only make her appearance this chapter, but she will be older as well. And I'm sure it will surprise (And hopefully please.) fans of this story and a certain other work of Akamatsu's. Just keep in mind that this story is AU, and canon rules don't always apply. And before any of you ask, this will not turn into a crossover fic, despite the appearance of the character.

Well, now that the questions have been answered, let us get started with chapter 3. Again, it will be radically different and it was inspired by another of my old anime tapes. Even so, it will hopefully be entertaining. Enjoy :)!

Chapter 3- Dragon vs. Steel

Dream Sequence

As a fierce rain pours down, Urashima Keitaro is hung to a large tree by his hands. His shirt is removed and his body and face are covered with various cuts and bruises, while having a sign on his neck that had the kanji of the word 'beast' on it. The young man opens his eyes, one of them swollen, to see his now former first love with a sword strapped to her waist standing there with several masked men, carrying a dark smile on her face. In the back, there is a young woman with braids in her hair wrapped in buns on the left wearing a white Chinese dress with a dragon design, while another young woman on the right is wearing a dark blue ninja outfit, with her hair covering her eyes due to the rain.

"Why…? Why are you doing this to me? I thought that you loved me…" Keitaro asked weakly as his eyes started to tear up.

"Don't blame me Kei-kun. Blame yourself. Blame your family. Blame Kami himself. If only you did as I asked, you would still be able to dream in the realm that you thought was love." The young woman said coldly.

"No. I…couldn't betray my family. I wouldn't, no matter how much I wanted to be with you. Besides, I have nothing to do with that. I'm just a normal high school student." The young Urashima said.

"I see. Well that's too bad. Now that you're no longer of any use to me, I guess the relationship is off." She laughed evilly.

"Please…please help me…" He wheezed as he looked at the young woman with the blue ninja outfit. She remained silent and turned her head away from him. "Please…!" He pleaded to her once more. But she just turned her back to him, making his former first love laugh at him.

"Save your breath. You know she won't help you. She's the one who brought you to me. She's the one who truly manipulated you, betrayed you and made all of this happen! And she was another person you foolishly trusted and allowed to get close to your heart. Someone who you called friend for a long time. Friendship, love, hah! You're such a naïve fool. You just can't trust anyone these days, can you?" The woman said as if it were a joke. Keitaro could do nothing but lower his head and sob in despair and heartbreak. His former first love turned to look at the young woman with the white Chinese dress on. She nodded to her, making the young woman nod back. She unsheathed her sword, which strangely shined like the sun, even while it rained. Keitaro looked at her with pleading eyes, asking her silently not to do this.

"I…trusted you. I truly…loved you…" Keitaro choked.

"Really? I never loved you. I never even liked you. I'm sure you feel the same way, right friend?" She said in a manic tone as she turned her head to the girl in blue. The girl looked back for a moment with an emotionless face before looking away again. "Well Kei-kun, the time has come to close the curtain on this sad play. Give my regards to Hina-sama, and tell her that Uroboros did this to her favorite grandson and that she and her family will be next! That is, if you live through this." She chortled darkly as she gave him a clammy kiss on his cheek, making him turn away in revulsion.

"And remember, my dear Kei-kun. You get too close to the sun, you burn to ashes!" The young woman said as she lifted her sword and slashed him across his heart as if she were slicing it in two. The only thing heard after thirty minutes were the screams of the young man who was being tortured by the first girl he could say that he loved. A girl that laughed with each slash she made to his body.

End dream sequence

Dawn- Field in back of Hinata house complex

"AAAHH!" Keitaro screamed as he opened his eyes. He was breathing hard with his face in a cold sweat. "Wha…A dream?" He said to himself as he composed himself. 'Hmm…I must've dozed off while I was meditating.' He thought to himself as he sat up and stretched his body. 'I haven't had that nightmare in a long time. Why am I having it now?' He thought sadly as he unconsciously rubbed the scar over his heart. It has been two weeks since his run in with Uroboros after saving Shinobu. And Keitaro is hoping to get back to a normal pace. A minute later, a lone figure walked up to him, wearing a cut off tank top shirt which showed off her stomach, and running shorts that showed off her sexy toned legs while carrying two beverages.

"Sorry to keep you waiting nephew." Haruka greeted him when she walked up to him.

"That's alright, Haruka-obasan. I was just meditating." The Hinata landlord said with a light smile as he wiped the sweat off his brow.

"Are you alright Keitaro? You don't look too good." The café owner said worriedly as she walked over and placed a hand over his head.

"I'm okay. I don't have a fever or anything like that. It's just…I dozed off and I had a nightmare." He admitted as he lowered his head slightly.

"Let me guess. It was about her, right?" The woman asked with a sigh, already knowing the answer.

"Yeah…" He said quietly as he closed his eyes. Haruka frowned deeply, as the memory of the day she saw her nephew after that incident played freshly in her mind. It was considered by all the darkest day in their family's history. It was so tragic, that Haruka and Hina had to temporarily close the house and the café to go his side. Placing the drinks down on the grass, she pulled him into a warm hug. Keitaro immediately returned it and held her tightly as they stood there silently while the early morning sun began to shine. Nothing needed to be said. The only thing that was needed was comfort. And she would gladly give it to the young man anytime, anyplace and anywhere. Five minutes later, they released each other.

"Thanks. I needed that." Keitaro said with a warm smile.

"Anytime…" Haruka said while smiling back. A minute later, they both faced each other and got into a battle stance. "Now you better stay focused Keitaro, or you're gonna get hurt." She said playfully with a smirk.

"Ha ha. We'll see who gets hurt today Haruka-obasan." The young man said as they came at each other with their fists pulled back.

A couple of hours later

After their sparring match, Keitaro and Haruka went their separate ways to get ready for the day. After washing up, he put on his glasses and quickly went downstairs to grab a bite to eat for breakfast.

"You're sure in a rush this morning." Kitsune said as she came downstairs with nothing but a toothbrush in her mouth, a slightly open night shirt which showed a small part of one of her breasts since she was wearing no bra, and red panties. Ever since she and Keitaro had made up, they have become good friends. And on Friday and Saturday nights, they talk and drink together in the living room. Though he normally leaves most of the drinking to her. And as promised, she no longer tries to deceive or trick him. But they do flirt and rib each other now and then.

"Yeah. I'm heading back to cram school and I have a practice test today." Keitaro told her as he grabbed a piece of buttered toast while putting his jacket on.

"Where was your cram school again?" The fox woman inquired.

"Sasagi Seminar." The landlord replied as he grabbed his bag.

"Hmm…" She said with a somewhat somber expression.

"What's wrong Kitsune-chan?" He asked with worry.

"I don't know. It's just that it'll be kinda boring without ya here during the day." Kitsune replied honestly with a light blush.

"Sorry about that." Keitaro said sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head.

"Nah, forget it. I'm just acting silly right now. Good luck with your test today!" The vixen said as she gave him the peace sign.

"Thanks. See you later on this evening!" The young Urashima said as he went to the door and put his shoes on while she waved at him. "By the way Kitsune-chan…." He called out to her.

"Yeah?" She said.

"Nice outfit this morning. You should wear it more often." He chuckled as he went out the door. Kitsune looked down at her lack of wardrobe and blushed a deep red before smirking a minute later.

'Heh. Thanks Keitaro. I'll keep that in mind.' She thought with an inward chuckle.

Sasagi Seminar- Fifty minutes later

As he found a parking spot for his motorcycle, Keitaro grabbed his bag and ran inside, making it just in time for his first period.

'Phew…I made it. Thank Kami for my bike or I would've been late.' He said as he went to take a seat. But just as he was about to, he accidentally ran into a girl with coke bottle glasses and two long pigtails.

"Ow!" She said with a start.

"Oh, I'm sorry about that. I was in a hurry. Are you alright?" Keitaro asked kindly. The girl gasped and her face turned red with embarrassment as she quickly ran away from him as if he had the plague. "Wait! Hey!" He called out to her. But she was already in another part of the classroom. 'What's with her?' He thought with a raised eyebrow.

"Yo Urashima! Just making it to the practice test, as usual." A voice called out to him. He turned to see his good friends Masayuki Haitani, a second year ronin, and Kimiaki Shirai, a first year ronin.

"You're really begging to become a third year ronin." Haitani said.

"You think you can cut it after skipping for over two weeks?" Shirai added.

"Shut up guys. I've just had some problems lately." Keitaro said as he took off his glasses and gave them a deadpan look.

"Well anyway, the results from the last practice test are back." Haitani told him as he brought the list.

"You're right here." Shirai pointed to a spot on the paper. When Keitaro saw it, he groaned loudly and lowered his head in defeat.

'This is it? Oh man.' He sighed to himself.

"Get ready for a third year, ronin." Haitani chortled.

"I can't believe you're aiming for Tokyo U with that score." Shirai said as he shook his head.

"Do you guys want to be able to chew solid food this afternoon?" The landlord asked in a deep voice as he glared at his friends.

"We're good!" Haitani answered quickly as he started to sweat.

"Yeah, we were just j-joking." Shirai said as his face turned pale.

"I thought so." He said with a satisfied smile as he put his glasses back on. Keitaro and Haitani looked at the girl with the glasses as she wrote something in a notepad intensely.

"Whoa. Look at those coke bottle glasses and braids. Doesn't she look like a big time bookworm?" Haitani inquired while pointing at her slightly.

"I guess." Keitaro replied with a shrug. 'But she does seem familiar.' He thought.

"You guys don't know her?" Shirai questioned with surprise. The two friends just shook their heads. "She was tops in the nation on the last practice test. She's famous at this school!" He explained.

"What?! Tops in the nation?! Someone like that actually exists?" The young Urashima asked incredulously with wide eyes.

"Well, there has to be someone." Haitani replied.

"That's not all. Like you, she's aiming for Tokyo U." Shirai informed them.

"I see. It'd be easy to get into Tokyo U if you're the best one out there." He said. He looked at the list to see what her name was, and his eyes almost popped out of his sockets. 'Wow. I never knew she was this smart. Too bad she doesn't excel in the social department.' He thought to himself with a light chuckle.

"What is it Keitaro?" Shirai inquired as he saw him looking at her.

"Oh, it's nothing. I was just thinking about someone." He replied with a wave of his hand.

"That's it Keitaro!" Haitani said suddenly as he patted him on his back.

"Huh? What's it?" Keitaro asked with a raised eyebrow, not liking where this was going.

"Why don't you give her a shot and ask her out?" Haitani asked with a chuckle.

"What?!" Keitaro shouted with wide eyes.

"Ha ha ha! That'd be good. Two little bookworms in glasses!" Shirai said as they started to laugh at him.

"Yeah, you haven't had a girlfriend since-" Haitani started to say, until Keitaro looked at them with a grim face. The moment they saw the look on his face, they knew that the time for jokes was over, and that they went to an area that they both knew was off limits. "Sorry man…" He said as he lowered his head in shame.

"Yeah…Sorry Keitaro." Shirai apologized as well.

"It's alright. Let's just drop it, okay?" He requested in a quiet voice as he turned back to his desk. The young men nodded silently, not saying another word on the matter. Feeling that he needed to cheer himself up a bit, he decided to have some fun. "You know, that girl over there reminds me of this girl I know." He said in a normal voice.

"Oh really?" Haitani asked with curiosity.

"Yeah. She is a pretty girl. But she has the meanest temper I've ever seen." The landlord told them honestly, making sure she heard it. As Keitaro predicted, a vein started to pulse on the girl's head and she stood up and walked over to him and his friends.

"Can I have a minute?" The girl asked with a slight edge in her voice, almost as if she was demanding it. Keitaro took off his glasses and looked at the girl with a straight face.

"With all due respect, that's no way to ask something from somebody. Especially after running away from them." He said in a calm voice. She staggered back a bit before mumbling some expletive under her breath.

"Excuse me, sir. Can I speak to you for a minute, please?" She requested politely, with a hint of anger underneath it.

"Sure. After you." Keitaro responded with a smile after he put his glasses back on. She started to walk to the stairs leading to the roof, with Keitaro following behind her, making Haitani and Shirai gawk in surprise. Once they reached the roof, she walked forward a little and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I heard you talking. Who's pretty with a mean temper?" She asked angrily.

"I was just teasing you. But it serves you right for ignoring me and treating me like a stranger, Naru." Keitaro said with a little anger in his tone as well as she took off her glasses.

"You knew who I was?" Naru inquired with a hint of surprise.

"It wasn't that hard to figure out. Though I don't know why you're wearing that outfit. You can't really be incognito in a sweat shirt and mini skirt." The landlord chortled.

"S-Shut up, you jerk!" The brunette snapped with a red face.

"Relax Naru, I was just kidding. Sheesh, you really need to lighten up." He told her calmly as he puts his glasses back on. "Seriously though, you're really an exam student?" He inquired with a smile.

"That's right. A high school exam student." She replied proudly.

"And you're aiming for Tokyo U, and you're tops in the nation?" He asked her.

"That's right. Too bad for you." Naru replied arrogantly with a smirk, making him frown. She looked at Keitaro's score on the result sheet and her smirk widened as she looked at him. She finally found a weak point to the strong young man, and she was going to exploit it.

"You really are a clueless baka." The brunette said.

"What do you mean?" He asked with confusion.

"What's with this test result? You really think you can get into Tokyo U with a score like this? Forget it! You only have two months until the big entrance exam. With those grades, you don't have time to be landlord of a girl's dorm, let alone being able to get into any school!" She berated and laughed at him like he was a child. It was then that the landlord of Hinata house had heard enough.

"Well, let's see. Besides just becoming your landlord, I had to deal with you trying to grope me, chase me and beat me down twice for no reason on my first day. I nearly got used by Kitsune. I protected and saved Shinobu, you and Motoko from a group of thugs who wanted to, and nearly did, beat the crap out of all of you. And finally, I had to clean and repair the house and the hot springs while getting to know all of you and taking care of all of your needs in the last two weeks. Excuse me if I got a low score this time around, Miss high and mighty!" Keitaro countered with an indignant glare as he lowered his glasses from his face. Naru took a step back, remembering the last time he looked at her like that, and the consequences that resulted from it. She then lowered her head in shame, remembering all that he's done for them these past two weeks since he came to the house, with nothing but a smile on his face. Keitaro turned his back to her and began to speak once more.

"So you have better grades than me Naru. Fine, I can live with that. But that doesn't give you the right to look down on me! Though it may seem hard to believe, I actually envy you and respect you for it. You must've worked hard to become number one in the nation. I was going to ask you for your help after our class. But I'd rather fail than work with someone like you who disrespects others for trying to reach their goals!" He told her as he looked back at her with a fuming face, making her flinch in fear. After he fixed his glasses on his face again, he turned and walked downstairs without another word. Haitani and Shirai were coming up the stairs to check on their friend, but he just walked past them silently with a displeasing look on his visage.

Throughout the day, Keitaro focused on his studies, even though he ended up being seated next to Naru in almost every class. The brunette turned her head to look at the ronin from time to time, feeling strangely guilty for what she said. But he just let out a 'humph' and focused on his work. As lunch time came around, he sat at the table and took his wallet out.

'Oh no. I'm short today for lunch. First Naru, now this. What a bad day…' Keitaro said in his mind as he closed his eyes and let out a tired sigh. He didn't notice someone sitting down on the other side of him until he heard a female's voice.

"Here. I'll let you have half." The voice said with resignation. Keitaro opened his eyes to see that Naru was holding out a dripping sandwich to him.

"Oh, thanks. W-what's this? A homemade sandwich?" The ronin inquired with a strange expression on his face as he looked at the food. 'Weird, as usual.' He thought to himself.

"I'll take it back if you keep complaining." Naru warned.

"I wasn't complaining. It was just a question." He said as he shook his head exasperatedly. They ate quietly for several minutes, an air of tension between the two of them, until the young woman began to speak.

"L-look. I'm not really good at this. So…I'm sorry…for making…fun of you this morning. I was out of line." The brunette said softly with a blush as she mumbled the rest with her head turned away from him at the end. Keitaro couldn't help but look at her with a stunned expression on his face, until he smiled at her a minute later.

"Thanks Naru. Apology accepted." Keitaro responded cheerfully. The mood lightened a bit and they took their time eating with Naru sharing more of her meal.

"Wh-What?" Naru asked apprehensively as she noticed the landlord staring at her.

"I was just thinking. Despite your attitude, you're a cute girl. Why do you dress like that?" Keitaro asked her with a hint of seriousness. She put her sandwich down and turned her head slightly while crossing her arms.

"Does it matter? I'm majorly short sighted, so I need my glasses when I go out." The young woman replied sadly with a blush of embarrassment.

"That's not what I asked you, and you know it." The landlord said, making sure she didn't avoid the question.

"I just need to stay focused, okay? I can't get distracted with other things, like guys asking me out. Happy now?!" She replied in an agitated voice.

"There's no need to be so defensive. I'm not trying to make fun of you." He said in a gentle voice, trying to defuse the situation. The young woman remained silent and just turned her head away with her hand holding her chin.

"Let me see your math stuff." Naru requested suddenly.

"Huh? Alright." He said as he handed her his notes.

"Hmm…these are last year's Tokyo U problems. There's a limit to the types of math problems they can test you on, so they use standardized forms." She started to explain.

"Ah, you're right. They do look familiar." Keitaro said as she pointed out certain problems to him. For the next half hour, they talked about what they went through in their classes while keeping civil towards each other.

"Well, I'm heading to my school for afternoon classes." Naru said as she got up and started to leave.

"Hold on!" Keitaro bellowed as he got up from his seat.

"What is it now, Baka? I have to go!" She grumbled. Keitaro reached his hand out, making the girl gasp.

"Thanks for the help. We should study together sometime." The ronin told her with a smile. With a slightly flushed face, she just turned away from him.

"Don't get any ideas Keitaro. We're still not friends or anything." The brunette said as she walked out.

"Right. Silly me." He said quietly with his eyes closed as he pulled his hand back. With a shrug of his shoulders, he went to the rest of his classes.

Early Evening- Hinata House

"I'm home everyone!" Keitaro called out as he entered the house.

"Welcome home Sempai!" Shinobu greeted joyfully with her apron on.

"Good evening, Urashima…" Motoko said with a small formal bow with Su waving frantically to him while clinging to the kendo girl's back. Naturally, the landlord chuckled and waved back at the foreign girl.

"Hey there Keitaro." Haruka said with a wave as she read the newspaper while she smoked in the living room.

"So how did ya practice exams go?" Kitsune asked curiously as he sat down on the couch next to her.

"Well, I did a little better than last time. But I still have a long way to go." The young man admitted sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Hey, it's still progress right?" The fox woman said with her vixen like grin.

"Yeah. You got a point there." He said with a small chuckle. 'Though I do have Naru to thank for the assist earlier today.' He thought.

"Why don't we do some celebratin' later?" She asked with an impish gleam in her eye as she wrapped an arm around his shoulder while crossing her legs.

"You always like to celebrate." Keitaro replied in a playful tone.

"One of the benefits of the slacker life." Kitsune said with a chuckle, making them both laugh a minute later.

"Hey, where's Naru?" The young man questioned after they stopped laughing.

"Naru-sempai told me she was going to study at her high school library today." Motoko responded.

"Still, it's not like her to be out this late when it's nearly dinnertime. It's almost night time." Haruka thought out loud as she lowered her paper.

"Why don't we go pick her up Haruka-obasan?" Keitaro recommended.

"Good idea. We'll take my van." The café owner said as they both got up and started to head to the door.

"Shinobu-chan, keep our food warm for us." The young man requested of the cook.

"Yes Sempai!" The chef of the house replied as they headed on out.

Naru's High school-Twenty minutes later

As Haruka and Keitaro pulled up to her high school, they got out and noticed that most of the lights in the school were out.

"It looks like the school is closed. Maybe she's heading home already." Haruka said. Keitaro would have agreed with her, if he didn't see something familiar lying on the ground next to the entrance. He walked over to it and lifted it up, looking at the signature on the bag he picked up.

"This is Naru's school bag!" Keitaro exclaimed in a shocked voice.

"She wouldn't leave her bag out here like this. Something is wrong." The café owner said with a worried scowl.

"Let's split up and look around the school." The landlord suggested. Haruka nodded in agreement and they started to run around and see if the high school student was still there. Keitaro searched left and right for Naru, hoping that the fear he and his aunt felt was unwarranted. Unfortunately, that was not the case as Keitaro heard someone scream. "That was Naru!" He quickly deduced as he homed in on where the scream came from. He finally found the girl in the back parking lot.

Naru was on the ground holding her shoulder as a person wearing a black high school outfit for guys and a hat which covered the person's eyes and short blue hair, had a foot on her ribs.

"Hey! What are you doing to Naru?!" Keitaro shouted angrily. The person looks at him for a moment, the top half of their face still concealed, and then looks back at the fallen brunette. The person then presses their foot into her ribs, making her scream once more.

"Stop it!" He roars as he takes off his glasses and runs at the person. The assailant tries to kick him in the ribs, but he sidesteps it and counters with a roundhouse to the face, knocking the hat off and cutting the person's right cheek. The person, now revealed to be a young woman, shows no form of emotion as she wipes the blood off her cheek.

"You're the first person who's ever drawn blood on me." She said in an emotionless tone.

'It's a woman…' The young Urashima thought with a shocked look on her face.

"You. What's your name?" The young woman demanded.

"Urashima Keitaro." He replied.

"So you're Ryuousama (Dragon King) Keitaro. Then the rumors seem to be true." She said cryptically.

"What are you talking about? Who are you?!" Keitaro asked in a huffy voice.

"I'm Kandori Akira of Uroboros. I challenge you." She said in an authoritative voice.

"There's no reason for us to fight." The ronin said.

"You want to save Narusegawa, right?" Akira said as she kicked said girl in the head, making her groan and whimper in pain.

"Damn you!" Keitaro growled before getting into a battle stance.

"If you want to save her, you must accept my challenge." The Uroboros member told him as she moved in front of the girl and got into a strong battle stance.

'That stance…' He thought as he looked at her, seeing no weaknesses in her form. 'I can tell she's in a whole other league compared to Daigo. I better be careful.' He deduced in his mind. A moment later, Akira charges him, attacking with a combination of punches. Keitaro goes on the defensive and blocks them while ducking a roundhouse, but he gets caught with a powerful kick to the gut, which knocked him into a tree.

'Damn, what is this girl made of? She's as strong as an ox!' He groaned to himself as he got up and did a jumping spin kick. Akira ducks it and stands her ground as Keitaro tries to hit her with high punches and kicks when he lands. Like Keitaro, she blocks all of his attacks and tries to counter with a right punch. But he sidesteps it and grabs the side of her head. Sensing an opening, he jumps and does a high knee to her face, using the hand he was holding the side of her head with as momentum. But the attack doesn't connect as she grips his legs with her strong arms.

'A knee counter lock?!' He thought with wide eyes as she smirked at him. With little effort, she raises him up in the air, her arms still locking his legs and tosses him to the ground.

"Hmph. Is this the best the so called 'slayer of gods' can do?" Akira asked in a dissatisfying tone as the young man got up and growled at her slightly. "You must be a disappointment to your family." She added suddenly.

"What did you say?!" Keitaro asked in a choleric voice.

"Even though you've been trained by Urashima Hina, one of the greatest martial artists in the world, and have been said to have beaten some of the greatest young fighters in the world, you're a disgrace." The young woman replied as she walked up to him, backing him up to a wall. "I find it hard to believe that you nearly destroyed us. But she did say that you were a fool." She told him. As soon as he heard her say that, his mind flashed back to that day, making her hear that woman's laugh. Completely enflamed by her words, he charged ki to his fist, making the energy change to the shape of a dragon.

"Urashima-ryu Ougi: Ryugaken (Urashima Style Secret Technique: Dragon Fang Fist)!" He bellowed as he attempted to punch the young woman. But this time, it was not meant to be as Akira twists around and grabs his arm, lifting it up in the air and putting it in an arm lock.

"Yama boufuu (Mountain Storm)!" Akira shouted as she started to lift him up in the air and prepared to throw him.

'Damn!' Keitaro screamed in his head, knowing that he made a big mistake and that he was in serious trouble. With a few seconds left, he hops up on his remaining foot as she throws him on his head with a huge thud. After the devastating throw is completed, the Uroboros member's eyes widen as she realized what he did at the last second.

"Y-You jumped quickly to cut the damage in half." She said in complete shock and befuddlement as blood starts to come out of the Keitaro's head, indicating that he has been busted open. "The ability to hurt me, even with my steel defense. And his ability to adapt and counter unknown techniques truly makes him a threat to Uroboros." She thought to herself out loud as she leans down and grabs him by the collar. "I can't let you get away!" As she forms a hand to attempt a deathblow. Keitaro looks at her with his eyes barely open, with blood coming out his mouth and head. Even though he cut the damage of her move in half, it still caused him heavy damage, and he was unable to counter what she was about to do. But just as she pulls her hand back to finish him, she hears a calm, but intense voice.

"Urashima-ryu: Ryuhouka (Urashima Style: Dragon Gunfire)." A voice said strongly as a screaming red ki bullet in the shape of a dragon comes toward the young woman. Akira's eyes widen in shock and she jumps out of the way of the projectile, making it blast the wall, forming a noticeable hole in it. Akira turned to see an older woman looking at her with a death glare and a smoldering fist that was extended in a punching motion.

"I won't let you kill my nephew!" Haruka exclaimed with a deep growl at the young woman.

"Ryukouken (Dragon Guardian) Haruka!" Akira said with surprise.

"Haruka-obasan…" Keitaro called out weakly. Akira jumps back and gets into a battle stance as the lost of blood makes Keitaro pass out. Not taking her eyes off Akira, Haruka walks over to her nephew and picks him up carefully, carrying him over to Naru. The brunette, who watched everything, but was unable to do anything due to her injuries, looked at the unconscious young man as the café owner gently put him down and started to use her ki to heal his head wound.

"Haruka…Keitaro…is he…?" Naru questioned with a very hoarse, but concerned voice as she sat up with her good arm.

"Don't worry Naru; he's stronger than he looks. He'll be okay once we get back to the house." Haruka responded as she wiped off the blood from his face, stood up and directed her attention to the Uroboros member.

"I recognize you. You're Kandori Akira, aren't you? You've changed since the last time I saw you." The café owner observed.

"No. You're the one who's changed Haruka-sama." Akira retorted.

"Hmm?" The woman said with a raised eyebrow.

"When you were the international martial arts champion years ago, people used to say your fighting style was unparalleled. You could make anybody tremble with your technique and power." The young woman explained.

"What's your point?" Haruka's questioned bluntly as her face maintained its stoic look.

"Why did you retire and give up winning?" She asked her.

"To quote something my nephew once said, if you're a martial artist, and you don't know the answer, then there's no point in telling you. Besides, with the way you are now, you wouldn't understand." Haruka replied in a bored tone, making Akira growl in anger. "Now I suggest you leave, little girl. Or I'll show you just how I made people tremble back then." She warned as she cracked her knuckles and gave her another fiery glare.

"Tch, fine. But you'll soon see you made the wrong choice back then as you watch your nephew suffer." Akira said with a snarl.

"Oh please…" The café owner snorted.

"What did you say?!" The Uroboros member asked angrily.

"Don't let what happened tonight fool you. You may be strong, but Keitaro has real strength. And it'll be that strength that will defeat you." She predicted with a hint of pride.

"Say what you will Haruka-sama. My goal is to be the best of the best. And I'll crush anyone who gets in the way of that!" Akira said with fire in her eyes as she jumps back. "I'll withdraw for now. But the next time we meet, I'll finish what I started!" She vowed as she jumped away. Once she was gone, Haruka turns to Naru and her unconscious nephew.

"Can you walk Naru?" Haruka inquired in a calm voice.

"Y-Yeah…" Naru replied as she slowly rose to her feet, making sure not to put too much pressure on her ribs or injured shoulder.

"Good. Let's get your school bag and head home quickly. I need to treat you and Keitaro's wounds." She said. The brunette nodded and slowly started to walk to the front while Haruka carried Keitaro. Looking at her nephew, whose face was contorted in pain from his injuries, she frowned over how he looked.

'It's almost like déjà vu, though his wounds aren't too serious. Still, that young woman is going to be a pain in the ass to deal with.' The café owner thought as they closed in on the van.

Late night- About five hours later- Keitaro's room

Back at the house, the landlord starts to stir in his futon and wakes up an hour past midnight.

'Unhh…where am I?' He thought with a groan as he sat up and looked around, realizing that he was in his room wearing his sleeping clothes and a large gauze bandage on his head.

"Looks like you're awake…" A soft voice said from his table. He turned to see Haruka sitting at the table reading a book with a small lamp to give her enough light without disturbing him.

"Haruka-obasan…" Keitaro greeted in a sleepy voice as he let out a yawn. Getting up from the table, she walks over to him and sits next to his futon. Once she does that, she wraps his arms around him in a warm hug, which Keitaro gladly returns.

"How are you feeling?" She inquired after releasing him.

"I could use a couple of aspirin. But other than that, I'll be okay. Especially after what you did for me." The ronin replied with a light blush on his face.

"So you remember that?" She asks with a blush of her own.

"I wasn't conscious for long, but I'll never forget it." Keitaro said as his blush deepened and his mind went back to what she did.

Flashback- Four hours earlier

With a pained groan, Keitaro started to stir when he felt his body becoming warm suddenly. When he opened his eyes, he realized that he was in the hot springs and somebody was holding him from behind. Still disoriented, he tried to struggle from the person's grip until he heard a voice call to him from behind.

"Easy Keitaro. It's alright, you're safe." The voice said gently to ease his fears.

"Haruka-obasan…?" Keitaro called out weakly as he tried to turn his head, only to be stopped by the woman.

"Don't move Keitaro. You're still injured. Just relax. I already healed the majority of the injury to your head. Now I'm going to heal the rest of your body." She explained.

"But…why are we…in the hot springs?" He asked in confusion.

"You'll understand soon. Now close your eyes, relax and let my ki flow into you." The café owner requested. The landlord did as he was told and leaned back against Haruka, laying his head on her bikini covered chest as the woman's ki began to glow. It covered her and Keitaro, slowly healing his wounded body. Keitaro smiled as he felt his aunt's warm and caring aura cover him from head to toe in the springs, making him feel at peace.

"Haruka-obasan…?" Keitaro called out to her quietly.

"Yeah?" Haruka asked with a warm smile.

"I'm glad that you're here with me. Thanks for saving my life tonight." The landlord said in a gentle voice. The woman blushed at his statement, but her smile just widened.

"You're my nephew Keitaro. You know I'll always be here for you when you need me. And even when you don't. That's what family is for." She told him as she kissed him on the cheek.

"Thank you…" He said as he fell asleep in her arms, placing his hands on top of hers that was still wrapped around his waist.

"I told you. You don't ever have to thank me for that." She said softly as she continued to heal her dear relative, her rare and beautiful smile never leaving her face.

End flashback

"When an Urashima uses the hot springs here at the house, it greatly strengthens the power of our ki. That's why I was able to completely heal your wounds without getting exhausted after healing Naru. It's also a good thing your head wound was a minor one and nothing was broken. Otherwise, you'd be waking up in the hospital instead of your room." She explained to him.

"Thank you for that Haruka-obasan." Keitaro said with both of their faces still red.

"Enough already. My face is red enough as it is." Haruka said in embarrassment as she waved her hand, making them both chuckle lightly a minute later.

"How is Naru doing?" The ronin questioned.

"She's sleeping in her room peacefully. Fortunately, nothing was broken. Her shoulder and ribs are still a little sore, but she'll be just fine as long as she gets some rest." The café owner replied.

"Thank goodness." He said while letting out a sigh of relief.

"The other girls were worried about you. They'll be glad to hear you're okay when they wake up in the morning. Especially Shinobu and Kitsune." She said as she sat up. "I'll get you your food and some tea." She said as she left the room. Fifteen minutes later, as Keitaro ate his food, Haruka explained what happened after he passed out.

"I see. So you've heard of Akira before?" Keitaro asked after sipping some tea.

"Yeah. Akira was a two time All-Nippon Women's Judo champion. Her nickname was The Steel Wall due to never having been injured in a match." The Urashima woman explained as she took a drag of her cigarette while sitting at the balcony.

"That's right. I once heard a story about a fighting girl prodigy who became the school judo champion in the ninth grade. She then started entering tournaments when she started high school." Her nephew thought out loud, making his aunt nod.

"I once saw her fight in an exhibition match when I used to fight in tournaments. But then a couple of years ago, I heard she stopped entering tournaments and no one has heard much about her since." She told him.

"It seems that she was tempted by the specter of power and joined Uroboros." Keitaro said with a scowl.

"It seems so." Haruka agreed as she put her cigarette out. The landlord of Hinata house moved his empty plate and sat up. He joined his aunt at the balcony and looked out at the clear night sky, letting out a sad sigh. "What's wrong?" She asked with worry.

"It's been a long time since I fought a strong opponent like that. I was careless, and Akira took advantage of that. She knew the right buttons to push, and I let my anger get the best of me. That made me drop my guard, and because of it, she almost split my head open like a watermelon. If you didn't show up when you did, I probably would have been permanently injured, or worse." Keitaro said somberly as he clenched one of hands into a fist and lowered his head. "Even though me and my friends in high school defeated Uroboros and I beat people who were much stronger than her, I was still taken down so easily tonight. What does that say about me?" He finished in a melancholic tone.

"Keitaro…" Haruka said with a joyless expression on her face. She walks over to him and places a hand on his shoulder. "There are no lessons in victory, but a thousand in defeat. It may be cliché as hell, but it is true. This will only make you stronger." She tells him as she gives his shoulder a squeeze. "Besides, if you can kick my butt, then she won't stand a chance next time." She joked with a smirk.

"So says the one who won our last sparring match." He joked back. A minute later, they both let out a hearty chuckle.

"Keitaro, this is not the first time you've faced a difficult obstacle. But in all of those times, even after what happened on that fateful day, you've never given up, and it has helped you persevere in the end. I know that you can beat her, just like I know you'll get into Tokyo U, just like the rest of us did." Haruka said warmly.

"Haruka-obasan…" Keitaro said with a smile. With a friendly punch to his shoulder, she headed to the door.

"I need to get some sleep so I can open the café on time. We'll postpone our morning spar sessions until you fully recover." She told him.

"All right. Good night Haruka-obasan. I'll see you in the morning." The landlord said. She raised a hand at him before quietly closing his door. After closing the doors on his balcony, he put the empty plate on his table, drank the rest of his tea and laid down on his futon. 'Haruka-obasan is right. I know I can beat her. But how will I get past her steel defense? And more importantly, that move?' He thought to himself before falling asleep fifteen minutes later.

Uroboros HQ- Unknown location

Elsewhere, in a meeting room, Uroboros's inner circle was busy reprimanding a certain member.

"What were you thinking Akira?! How dare you stop dispensing punishment before it's fully carried out?!" One member said angrily.

"You're setting a bad example for your fellow members and Uroboros itself!" Another one said.

"My apologies. Someone interfered, though that is no excuse." Akira said as she gave an apologetic bow with her eyes closed.

"That isn't like you Akira-chan. Or was there something else on your mind?" A handsome young man with short silver gray hair and gold eyes who was sitting at the head of the table inquired in a gentle voice.

"Yes Himuro-sama." She replied in a simple voice as she opened her eyes sharply. The young man smiled at her calmly before turning his chair away from her and the others.

"I see. Do what you want." Himuro said.

"Himuro-sama?!" One of the council members said with his eyes widened in shock.

"But you only get one more chance. No more. Take as much time as you need to prepare yourself." He ordered, his voice still maintaining his calmness. Akira bows in understanding before leaving the meeting room.

"You're being very generous today, Himuro-sama." A young man with long grey hair over his eyes said in a humorous voice as the leader of Uroboros stood up and looked out the window.

"I agree. If anyone is not acting like themselves, it's you." The mystery woman with the sword strapped to her waist said with a chuckle.

"The Urashima family has long since been an eyesore to our organization, to the point of nearly destroying us in my absence, and making us lose the person I entrusted my plans to. This is an excellent opportunity to defeat the future heir of Urashima-ryu and render them powerless." Himuro explained.

"But she ignored our orders Himuro-sama! We need to be harsher with her!" A council member said.

"She has found a worthy opponent in Urashima Keitaro. And she has a right to pursue him." The Uroboros leader told him. "Isn't that right Satake-kun, Ame-chan?" He inquired as he looked at the two of them with a smile.

"As you wish." Satake replied with a shrug.

"If that's what you want. It will be fun to see if she can kill Kei-kun." She agreed with a sensuous giggle.

"Akira is our most valuable piece. We must treat her accordingly." He told them all with a smile and a still gentle voice. His members all bowed to him, signifying that they conceded to his will.

Saturday afternoon- Keitaro's room

The next day, which fortunately enough for Keitaro was a Saturday, the landlord rested in his room after informing the girls this morning that he was okay, putting them at ease. After eating a hearty breakfast, in which Shinobu made extra for him in order for him to get his strength back, he retired to his room, his battle with Akira replaying in his mind over and over.

'I need to be ready for her when she comes after me again. Every technique has a weak point. I have to find hers. But if I take her on in a power match, I will lose.' He deduced as he rubbed a finger under his chin. It was then he heard a soft knock on his door. "Come in." He called out. The door opened, showing the youngest member of the house.

"H-Hello Sempai." Shinobu said in soft voice.

"Hi Shinobu-chan. What can I do for you?" The young man inquired.

"Um, well I was hoping…we could talk for a little bit. But if you don't want to, I understand!" The head chef squeaked with a heavy blush, saying the last sentence very quickly.

"Calm down Shinobu-chan. I told you that you can come to me anytime you have something on your mind." He said with a small chuckle.

"Thanks Sempai! Come on!" She said as she grabbed his hand.

"Huh? Where are we going?" He asked as she started to pull him.

"You'll see. This way!" Shinobu replied as Keitaro closed his door and followed the young girl. A few minutes later, they went up to the roof, with Shinobu climbing up the side to a certain spot.

"This is my special place. I wanted you to see it." The young girl explained once he reached the spot she was standing on.

"What an incredible view. This really is special Shinobu-chan." Keitaro exclaimed, making her giggle happily. She started humming a tune, hopping from tile to tile on one foot. "Whoa! Be careful!" He told her with worry as he went to her quickly.

"Don't worry. I will." She said with a smile of appreciation for his concern. "Um, Sempai? Can I ask you something? Promise not to laugh?" She asked shyly with her hands wrapped behind her back and a blush on her face.

"I promise. What is it?" The landlord asked with a warm smile.

"I heard that you're trying to get into Tokyo U. Is that true?" Shinobu questioned back.

"Yes it is. My mother, father, aunt and grandma all graduated from Tokyo U. It's sort of a…family tradition. One of my dreams is to graduate there and make my family proud." He explained to her.

"Hmm…It must feel great, to have a goal like that. But I'm…just so terrible at studying. I'm sure I'd never get into Tokyo U, no matter how hard I tried." The head chef said depressingly as she lowered her head.

"Shinobu-chan…" Keitaro said cheerlessly. "You shouldn't talk like that. It's too soon to give up! I'm sure you can get in!" He told her as he walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"But you're so smart and strong, Sempai. It's so easy for you to say that." She told him with a sad smile as she sat down on the roof, the young Urashima joining her a moment later.

"Can you keep a secret?" The ronin asked.

"Sure Sempai." Shinobu replied quickly.

"Even though my family all graduated from Tokyo U, they didn't get in on their first try." He revealed to her truthfully.

"Really?!" The young girl asked with wide eyes.

"It's true. All of them were originally ronins like me. But they never gave up; despite all the ridicule they got from people, including their friends. And eventually, they all passed and went on to graduate, which I know I'll do someday." Keitaro replied with a wide smile.

"Sempai…" Shinobu said with a blush, her admiration for him going up a couple of notches.

"Shinobu-chan, it's not all about how smart or strong you are. It's about believing in yourself. You can't give up before you start. If you give it your best shot, you really could get into Tokyo U. And even if you don't make it the first time, then you keep trying and know that you gave it everything you got, and that you'll do better next time. Look at me. I may be a two year ronin, but I haven't given up. And neither should you." The young man said as he gave her the thumbs up, making the cute girl beam.

"Wow! Thank you very much! The truth is my grades have been pretty bad since I got into junior high. It really worried me. But I feel so much better now!" The head chef said happily.

"I'm glad." He said returning her pretty smile as they both got up and started to head towards the stairs. Before they went down, Shinobu pulled out a handkerchief with something inside it.

"This is for you, Sempai. Please take it." She said with in a coy voice as she handed it to him.

"What is this?" Keitaro questioned as he opened the handkerchief.

"I made you some cookies. I hope you like them." Shinobu replied with a heavy blush. The young Urashima took one from inside the handkerchief and tried it. The young girl watched with bated breath, hoping that her treats to him didn't taste terrible. Her fears were unnecessary as she saw a pleased smile cross his visage.

"Wow Shinobu-chan, these are delicious!" The landlord exclaimed truthfully.

"Really?! I'm so glad! I'm still learning how to make them. Thank you!" The young girl said with her voice full of joy.

"No Shinobu-chan, thank you. I hope I can try these again." He said. Shinobu lowered her head for a moment, her face red as a beet, before running up to Keitaro and hugging him tightly, surprising the young man. "Shinobu-chan?" He said in a stunned voice.

"I'm glad that you're here Sempai. Thank you for today." She said softly as she looked up at him.

"Shinobu-chan…" Keitaro said warmly as he ruffled her hair a bit. Half a minute later, she released him and started to run down the stairs.

"See you later Sempai! Thanks again!" She called out before she left. 'I hugged Sempai! And he ruffled my hair!' She thought as she let out a cute little squeal. When she left, he looked at the cookies in the handkerchief and smiled as he took another one.

'I'm glad Shinobu-chan's feeling better. Her birthday is coming up soon. I have to get her a really nice present.' He thought as he went downstairs. 'I'm just glad Kitsune-chan or the others didn't see that. Or I'd never hear the end of it.' He added as he laughed to himself as he went back to his room.

Once he went inside, he turned his head to a picture on his desk that had a simple silver chain with a beautiful ring on the side of the frame. Sitting up, he went to his desk and picked up the picture with one hand, and the silver chain with the other.

In the picture was him in the center with a heavy blush on his face while wearing a high school outfit along with the chain and ring around his neck making a peace sign. In addition, there were five other students who were smiling, along with twin junior high school girls with red hair hugging the young Urashima on both sides while grinning. One of the high school students was a beautiful and tall young woman with gorgeous eyes, a warm smile and long green hair reaching all the way down her back. Like Keitaro, she was also wearing a chain with a beautiful ring around her neck. She had her arms wrapped around Keitaro's neck affectionately.

'I wonder what the others are doing now. Especially…' Keitaro thought nostalgically with a distant smile on his face as he looked at the green haired young woman. It was then that his eyes widened. 'Of course! Why didn't I think of this sooner?' He said in his mind as he put the chain with the ring around his neck and grabbed his jacket, locking his room door and heading out the house.

Hinata City Restaurant District- A couple hours later

Keitaro parked his motorcycle, thanking his lucky stars that he was able to park near the place he wanted to go to. He started to walk down the street, passing by various restaurants until he came up to a café restaurant called De Gozaru's. When he saw it, he beamed.

'I hope she's here today.' Keitaro thought as he felt a wave of anticipation inside him. When he came inside, he was greeted by the staff as if they had known him for a long time. After making small talk with them, he asked if the person he was looking for was here. They told him that the person was at the bar serving drinks to the customers. He went over to the bar and sat down as he saw that the person was mixing a drink behind the counter with their back turned to him.

"What are you ordering, sir?" The person questioned in a polite tone without turning.

"I would like some Karaage (Japanese style fried chicken) and two cups of mint jasmine tea for me and a certain tall drink of water." Keitaro flirted and joked in a deep voice as he took off his glasses. The person suddenly stopped mixing the drink and turned around. The woman, who was wearing a chain with a beautiful ring on it, stared at him with wide eyes.

"K-Kei-dono…" She said once she found her voice.

"It's been a while, Nagase Kaede-sama, the future leader and heiress of the twenty-one families of the legendary Koga clan of ninja." The landlord greeted formally with a warm smile as he gave her a gentlemanly bow, showing his respect. Placing the mixture down, she came out of the bar and embraced the young man gently, but firmly. An embrace he gladly returned.

"Your sessha has missed you." Kaede said as she looked down at him with a smile.

"I've missed you too Kaede-chan." He said as he returned the smile.

Thirty minutes later- Private Booth

After taking care of the rest of her customers, Kaede came to the curtain covered private booth with the order he asked for while wearing a Chinese dress with a butterfly and flower designs (The same outfit she wore in Negima volume six). When Keitaro saw her wearing it, his face became as red as an apple and he covered his nose to prevent the coming nosebleed, making the young woman laugh. After a great meal, they started to catch up on 'old times'.

"So you're a two time ronin like me Kaede-chan?" Keitaro chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Yep. I guess some things never change." Kaede said with a grin.

"I know. Martial arts is easy for us. But our academics suck." The young Urashima laughed.

"Ha ha ha! How true." The kunoichi agreed. As their laughter died down, the mood took a serious turn. "I know about what happened to you. Are you alright Kei-dono?" She asked with worry etched in her voice as she moved closer to him.

"H-How did you…? Oh, right. I forgot who I was speaking to." He said with a light chuckle. "Yes, I'm alright. Haruka-obasan healed my wounds. Though I wouldn't have been in that mess if I didn't let her bait me." He told her shamefully.

"To lose one's self in the heat of battle and forget one's purpose. That's not like you Kei-dono." Kaede said in a gentle voice, still keeping her affectionate smile.

"I know. But whenever someone brings up that old wound, I…" Keitaro said somberly as he looked away from her and placed a hand over the scar on his heart. The young woman frowned as she looked at him silently, remembering the pain he went through back then. A pain he still feels to this day. Without a second thought, she pulled him to her and gently placed a hand over the one that was covering his heart. "Sorry…" He said to her as he closed his eyes and laid the back of his head on her exceptionally large chest. He moved closer to her and relaxed, enjoying the warmth she was exuding.

"It's alright Kei-dono. I'm here." The kunoichi told him quietly with a tinge of pink on her cheeks as she ruffled his hair gently, making the young man blush.

"I know. Thanks Kaede-chan…" The ronin said as a smile appeared on his face.

"As long as I can bring out your smiling face, I am content." She told him as her smile reappeared as well.

"It's funny. You're one of the few people outside of my family who I can relax with like this." He said with a sense of nostalgia.

"I know…" She said tenderly. They stayed like that for a few more minutes until they separated and looked at each other. "So what can your sessha do for you, Kei-dono?" She inquired as they sat back up properly.

"Well, I've been thinking of a combination attack to use against Akira when I fight her again. But in order for me to do it, I want to learn the special technique you created." Keitaro explained.

"You mean…?" Kaede started to say.

"Yeah. Kaede Ninpo: Bakuhasho (Kaede Ninja art: Blast Palm)." The young man replied.

"Is that all?" The kunoichi questioned in a cheerful laid back tone.

"Huh? What do you mean 'Is that all?'? I know how seriously you take your training. I didn't want to impose on you." He replied nervously, completely shocked by her response to his request.

"Ha ha ha! After all we've been through together; you should know better Kei-dono." She said with a laugh as she left the booth. Ten minutes later, she returned with a scroll in her hand and handed it to him. "This scroll will teach you everything you need to know about learning the technique. I have no doubt you'll learn it quickly." She said with her trademark grin.

"Thanks a lot. I'll use it well." Keitaro said as he put the scroll in his jacket's inner pockets. They both sat up from the booth and were about to leave when Keitaro stopped and lowered his head. "Kaede-chan…" He said softly.

"Hmm?" Kaede said as she opened her eye.

"About…well, you know…" He started to say as he clutched the ring on the chain he was wearing. "I'm sorry Kaede-chan…" He said in a melancholic voice that was laced with guilt. Kaede said nothing and embraced him from behind once more, pressing herself closer to him than last time, making his eyes pop out, his face completely red and blood trickle down his nose as he felt the softness of her breasts on the back of his head.

"You still think about that, even now?" She asked in a quiet voice.

"How can I not? It wasn't fair to you...to any of you...and especially to..." He didn't finish as he replied softly in a melancholic voice.

"We were young back then, Kei-dono. And none of us were ready for that in our lives yet, especially after what you went through. If anything, we weren't fair to you. Regardless, you are my best friend and the closest person to my heart. You know that me and my family, which you're still a part of, don't hold any ill will towards you. And I know the others feel the same way too." The kunoichi told him in a tender voice.

"I know that. But…" He started to say, before she turned him around and shook her head.

"Don't apologize, please. When Uroboros targeted my clan, you saved my life, along with the twins, forever placing our family in your debt. On that day, I swore a lifelong oath to you. As your sessha, I will be there to protect you and give my life for you if you ever need me. Even if we just remain close friends, I, Nagase Kaede of Koga, will forever honor and cherish the unbreakable bond we have between us Urashima Keitaro." She vowed without a hint of hesitation with her eyes completely opened.

"Kaede-chan…" Keitaro said as his flushed face became even more heated. They stared into each other's eyes silently, as if time had stopped. There eyes slowly started to close as the young man's head rose up while Kaede's head came down, their faces getting closer. But just as their faces became close enough to feel each other's breath, they both stopped and opened their eyes, the blushes evident on their face as they looked away from each other in embarrassment half a minute later. "I…I have to get going. I don't want to worry the girls." He said in a slightly weak voice.

"Y-Yes. The evening rush will be starting soon and I need to greet the customers." She reluctantly agreed as they left the booth together and walked to the entrance, but not before stopping into the kitchen first.

"Thank you for everything Kaede-chan. And thanks for the free dinner for the house." Keitaro said with his trademark smile while rubbing the back of his head and carrying a large take out box.

"It's my honor Kei-dono. Remember, if things get difficult, you can call on your sessha anytime." Kaede said, happily returning his smile.

"Thanks. Give my best to your father and the twins." The landlord said.

"I'll do that. May fortune favor you until the next time we see each other." The kunoichi said as she bowed to him lightly. After returning it, he left the restaurant, both of them going their separate ways once more. When she looked out the entrance and saw him drive away, she clutched the ring on her chain, a warm and comforting feeling swelling up inside of her, before she looked out once more with an expression of deep concern.

'He's up against a pro in Kandori Akira. Please be careful, Kei-dono.' She thought as she held the ring even tighter.

Uroboros HQ- Fighting area- A week later

While Keitaro gets himself ready with some assistance from Haruka, Akira is doing the same as the members of her team lay strewn on the ground, soundly defeated by the powerful woman.

"I see. So that's what he's been doing." Akira said in realization as she stretched her body in her pink and yellow physical fitness outfit.

"That's right. Rumor has it that he has been training with that aunt of his since his wounds have healed." The sword carrying mystery woman told her, making the young woman laugh.

"He must be trying to find a way to overcome my Mountain Storm technique. But it is useless since I don't have any weak points." The Uroboros member said confidently.

"Is that right? Why don't we put that to the test?" Satake challenged as he walked over to them wearing a karate gi. "I can break five baseball bats with one kick. And when I have these on…" He went on to say as he pointed down to his metal leg guards.

"Stop talking and come on." Akira cut him off in annoyance.

"Humph. I'm the reigning undefeated Karate champion in Japan two years running." He boasted as he effortlessly kicks a sandbag, busting it open. "Don't underestimate me." He added.

"Okay, fine. Now come on quick." She said impatiently. Agitated by the woman's blatant disrespect, Satake gets into a battle stance.

"I won't take responsibility for what might happen!" Satake warned as he attempted to hit her with a powerful kick to her torso. But Akira begins to focus her ki and takes the blow at full force, receiving no damage, and knocking the Karate expert to the ground. When he lands on the ground, Satake looks at the metal leg guard he kicked the young woman with, and his eyes widen, seeing that it is now partially destroyed.

"Im…Impossible! My metal leg guard…" Satake said in a stunned voice, making the young woman chuckle.

"With muscle training and breathing techniques combined with my ki, my body can become as strong as steel, making even the strongest attacks ineffective." Akira explained to the man as she walks to the window a minute later. "Prepare yourself Urashima Keitaro. This time, I'm gonna send you to hell!" She vowed.

"Hmm…I wonder…" The swordswoman whispered to herself. 'She does have a very strong defense. But it is not perfect. I wonder if you can figure out it's weakness Kei-kun. I look forward to seeing you try.' She thought with a dark smirk. She was indeed looking forward to it.

Outside Hinata House- A week later

Another week passed, and ironically enough, they both felt they were ready for the rematch. Not wanting to waste time with another ambush, Akira decided to head straight into the lion's den. With her team, who were all dressed in green high school outfits and green hats covering the upper parts of their faces, they started to climb the stairs to Hinata House. While they are climbing up, a fancy Mercedes limo stops in front of the stairs.

"Are you two getting out?" The driver of the car asked its passengers.

"No. We're fine here. Ame-chan, you know what to do." Himuro said as he turned to his fellow passenger. She simply nodded and disappeared. While that was happening, Akira reached the top.

"Urashima Keitaro, come on out!" Akira roared. A minute later, all of the girls, including Haruka came out to see what the ruckus is all about.

"Akira!" Haruka said with a scowl.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Naru said as she stepped up to her.

"Narusegawa, don't be in such a hurry. I'll fight you after I defeat Keitaro." The Uroboros member told her in a dismissive voice.

"What did you say?!" The brunette growled as she pulled her sleeves back and cracked her knuckles.

"Stop it Naru. You know that you're match for her." Haruka said bluntly.

"No way! This mannish bitch over here humiliated me at my school. I'll stop her right here and now!" She said as she got into a fighting stance with her temper at full blast.

"Fine. It'll make a good warm up." Akira said as she snapped her fingers, making her men surround them, forming a circle ring. "See? There will be no interference. Come on." She said as she took her strong stance.

'Damn it Naru! I better get Keitaro quick!' Kitsune thought as she ran inside of the house.

"Time to settle what I owe you from our last fight!" Naru said as she charged at the woman, her friends unable to do anything but watch. Inside the house, Keitaro is cleaning the far back of the house while wearing listening to his music on his CD player. He was trying to dance to the beat when he saw the fox woman run up to him starting to shout.

"Keitaro!" The woman huffed as she tried to catch her breath.

"What's wrong Kitsune-chan? One of Su's inventions went out of control again?" Keitaro asked with a smile as he took off his headphones.

"It's not that. Naru is fighting some strong girl in front of the house! I think her name is Akira!" She explained hastily.

"Akira!? Oh Kami! We have to hurry!" He said as he put his CD player, cleaning stuff and glasses on the ground, and started to run to the front of the house with Kitsune. 'Naru! Don't be reckless!' He thought, fearing for the worse. Outside, Naru is able to put a strong headlock on Akira as her friends cheer her on.

"I know this hurts, you bitch!" Naru said, her face still contorted with rage as she put more pressure on the hold.

"You have some skill Narusegawa. But you're still just an angry little child." Akira told her calmly.

"What?!" The fiery brunette shouted. Akira says nothing as she uses her strength and grabs Naru's arm, forcefully breaking the hold and then tossing her away with a judo throw. Taking a big amount of damage from the throw, Naru gets up slowly, her face still contorted with anger. With a heavy breath and a fierce roar, she charged her, attempting to do a Naru punch.

"The game ends here." The Uroboros member said as she grabs Naru's arm the same way she did Keitaro's. Just as she does that, Keitaro and Kitsune make it to the entrance.

"Yama boufuu!" Akira shouts as she starts the move.

"Naru!" All the girls shouted in horror.

'If Naru's head falls on that concrete, she'll die!' Keitaro bellowed in his head as he ran towards them. Breaking through the ring of men, the landlord of Hinata House does a baseball slide, using as much speed as he can. Just before the young woman's head reaches the ground, he catches her in his arms with only a minute to spare. Naru, who had her eyes closed during the move, slowly opened them to see Keitaro holding her in his arms.

"K-Keitaro…" Naru said quietly, all of the anger she had in her before, completely drained out after the near death experience. Akira stood there in complete shock after Keitaro stopped her throw.

"Safe!" Su shouted as she made the hand gesture, making all of the girls glare at her. "What Su say?" She asked as she cringed. With a sigh, the young man stood up while still carrying Naru, putting her down a moment later. Once he did that, he turned to her with a look mixed with anger and worry.

"What were you thinking?!" Keitaro yelled at her angrily, surprising everyone there. Naru turns her head away in shame, unable to respond. With a shake of his head in disappointment, he turns to face Akira. "That temper of yours will kill you one day…" He said harshly. The brunette gasped at his brutal, but honest words. Under normal circumstances, she would become enraged once more. But all she felt was shame, knowing that her volatile hair trigger of a temper nearly cost her her life. "Haruka-obasan, you know what to do. Kitsune-chan, stay with Naru and the others." He requested to the two older woman. Haruka nodded and ran past the men down to the café.

"Alright Keitaro. Be careful!" Kitsune said as she grabbed Naru and pulled her back with the others.

"Don't worry Kitsune-chan. I have no intention of losing." Keitaro said as he looked back at her and smiled.

"This will be a good chance to test my techniques on these slime." Motoko said as she unsheathed her sword.

"And they will make good target practice for my tanks." Su agreed happily as she pulled out a console.

"Wait you two! This is my fight. Please don't interfere." The young Urashima requested.

"But Urashima…!" The kendo girl started.

"We want to have some fun too!" The foreign girl whined.

"Please…I don't want anyone else getting hurt like last time. Please do as I say." He asked in a softer tone.

"Keitaro…" Kitsune said with a sad smile. After a minute of hesitation, Motoko nodded and sheathed her sword while Su sadly put her console back in her pocket.

"Thank you…" He told them both before he glared at his opponent.

"I've been waiting for you, Urashima Keitaro. I've finished my warm up. Now come on and fight." Akira said with a confident voice.

"How could you do that to Naru?!" Keitaro growled in a deep voice.

"Being despised is symbolic of my strength. And anger is the source of my power. You witnessed it firsthand." The young woman replied with a smirk.

'Just as I thought. Then I do have a chance.' The landlord thought to himself. "I see. That's how you got me last time. But I won't underestimate you again." He said as he got into his battle stance.

"Now show me your real skill before I take you down!" She said as she got back in her strong stance.

"If anyone is going to be taken down, it's you!" He shouted as she he dashed towards her. Akira attempts a punch, but he quickly ducks it. She then tries a powerful kick to the gut like last time, but Keitaro jumps in the air and attacks with an ax kick to the head, which she blocks. Using the momentum of her block, he flips back and lands on his feet. With a small smirk, he rushes her swiftly and kicks her on her side, which makes her fly back into the wall. The girls start to cheer for Keitaro, until the Uroboros member gets up, seemingly unfazed by the attack.

'Looks like that training with Haruka-obasan paid off.' Keitaro thought with a smile to himself. "You may have power, but I have more speed." He said confidently.

"Good move Keitaro. You've gotten stronger in these two weeks. This is getting more interesting." Akira said as she got back into fighting form.

"I agree. Despite your tactics, you're a worthy opponent. Too bad you're just a lap dog of Uroboros." The young Urashima said a light chuckle.

"Shut up!" She roared as they charged each other. Once more, Keitaro tries to kick her on her side in the same spot, but Akira is ready for him this time as she focuses her ki and takes the hit, not moving an inch.

'Damn! She's activated her steel defense!' He screamed in his head as she grabbed the leg he kicked her with. Showing off her great strength, she swings Keitaro three times before tossing him into a window. Curling his body into a ball while covering his eyes, he crashes through the window, falling to the floor on his back, but take less damage than originally intended. As he slowly started to get up, the woman demolishes a small portion of the wall of the house with a powerful kick, looking down at her opponent.

Keitaro willed his body to move faster than intended and hits her with strong punches to her midsection. But they have no effect as Akira counters and kicks him into a wall near the stairs. Like a tiger stalking her prey, she walks to Keitaro slowly as he recovers from the attack. As soon as he does, he quickly moves out of the way of a punch aimed at his face, which made a hole in the wall. He then starts to run upstairs, dodging her attempts to smash him to bits with her fists.

When Keitaro makes it to the top, he reaches an area of the roof and closes the door behind him to buy himself some time. Thirty seconds later, Akira kicks down the door and looks around for her prey. She finds that he is nowhere to be found, until Keitaro jumps off a panel from the top of the door and kicks her in the back of her head, knocking her to the ground. He tries to take advantage of that, but she quickly recovers and gives him an uppercut for his troubles, knocking him to the floor. She jumps in the air and tries to knee him in the ribs, but he rolls out of the way. Keitaro tries to attack again, but she punches him in his chest, tossing him on his back.

"It's about time I finished you." Akira said in her emotionless tone. Keitaro remains silent and wipes some blood dripping from his mouth. As he slowly started to get up, the girls came up the steps, along with a missing in action Haruka.

"What happened?" Keitaro asked as he turned his head slightly to his aunt.

"Sorry about that. Her little boys got antsy and we had to take care of them. The police will be here to deal with them shortly." Haruka explained sheepishly. She then took something out of her pocket and tossed it at Keitaro, which he easily caught.

"What's this?! Are you going to interfere Haruka-sama?!" Akira growled.

"Not at all. I told you he would defeat you. And he will." The café owner said as she took out a cigarette and lit it up. Akira just grunts as she turns to the young man.

"No matter. Whatever it is you've got there, it won't save you Keitaro!" The Uroboros member said as she got back into her stance.

'It's time. I hope I'm right about this…' Keitaro said in his mind. "Akira, why did you join Uroboros?" He asked her suddenly, making her eyes widen slightly.

"Because I wanted to be the best of the best. Though I was undefeated in the world of Judo, I wanted more. When I joined them, they taught me that martial arts are meant to destroy your opponents. That's what all moves are for, no matter what style you use." She explained.

"You're wrong! Martial arts are to be used to save yourself and others. It's pathetic to use them for killing!" The landlord told her strongly.

"Humph. What utter nonsense. I don't listen to losers." Akira said. Keitaro shakes his head sadly as he lifts the item he has in his hand and shows it to her. Akira gasps in surprise as she sees that it's an old photo of her when she was in junior high school. She was wearing a white gi and an award in her hands. A beautiful smile adorning her features.

"You were once a great champion, Akira. Now you're nothing but a bitter pawn." He said somberly, making her gasp once more and lower her guard. "Despite what you did to me, and what you nearly did to Naru, I don't hate you. In fact, I pity you. In a way, you're just like I was long ago. A person filled with anger. A victim of Uroboros…" He told her, his voice full of compassion.

"You're lying…" Akira said as her eyes soften for a moment like in the picture, before becoming hard again. Keitaro says nothing, continuing to look at her in sadness. "I'm stronger than you. Stronger than anyone!" She shouted as if she was trying to convince herself. The young woman's eyes then turned to Haruka, seeing her take a drag from her cigarette and shaking her head with a frown.

"How can you be, when you're no longer yourself?" Keitaro asks her as he throws the picture away, making it land softly on the ground. Completely infuriated at the landlord, Akira screams at him and charges him, grabbing his arm.

"How dare you! I won't forgive you Keitaro!" Take this! YAMA BOUFUU!" She roared at the top of her lungs as she attempted her finishing throw. All the girls gasp in horror, hoping it wouldn't connect. Their prayers were answered as Keitaro shifts his body and lands on his feet. "What the…?" She starts to say until Keitaro places his palm, now covered with ki, under her chest in an upward motion.

"You lose…" Keitaro says as he activates Kaede's original move, Bakuhasho, sending her flying into the air. He jumps up and follows her hitting her with a strong left punch and right elbow smash to her face and a thrust kick to her torso. Concentrating his ki into his fist, it changes into the shape of a dragon, but the color of the ki changes to red. With Akira looking at him with widened eyes, he punches her with all his might while shouting "Urashima-ryu: Keitaro reijutsu: Tengoku Kagai (Urashima Style: Keitaro Custom Technique: Heaven and Hell Assault)!" slamming her down into the ground, knocking her unconscious, and finally ending the long fight. As Keitaro landed, he fell to the ground, completely exhausted from the battle.

"He did it…KEITARO WON!" Kitsune shouted making all the other girls cheer as they ran to him. The fox girl immediately ran to him, and slowly lifted him up, wrapping an arm around his shoulder to keep him stable.

"That was amazing, Sempai!" Shinobu said as she ran up and hugged him. Keitaro smiled and wrapped his free arm around the young girl.

"Thanks Shinobu-chan." Keitaro said with a weak smile. It was then he turned his head suddenly towards a tree, an angry scowl across his face.

"What is it, Urashima?" Motoko asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I sense someone watching us. Someone…familiar…" Keitaro responded cryptically.

"Who? I don't sense anyone." Haruka said in her laid back tone.

"Hmm…Never mind." He said as he relaxed as he no longer sensed anything.

"How did you beat such a strong opponent, Urashima?" The kendo girl asked with curiosity.

"I actually have Naru to thank for that." The young man replied as he turned to the girl.

"What?! Me?!" Naru said while pointing a finger to herself.

"Yeah. You remember what she said? Being despised is symbolic of her strength. And anger is the source of her power. When she said that, it reminded of my confrontation with you. When you tried to punch me back then, you used all of your strength in order to do it, but when I countered you, you couldn't defend yourself. Akira is the same way. The reason why her Mountain Storm throwing technique is so powerful is because she puts all of her strength into the throw, which I learned the hard way when she did it to me. I realized that if she does that move, it would make her vulnerable since she has to use her strength to keep up her steel defense. That's why I trained with Haruka-obasan not only to increase my speed and stamina, but to be able to counter her throw. Once I was able to do that, all I needed was to bide my time, and wait for my moment to strike. Anger may give you strength in a fight. But ultimately, it's a warrior's greatest weakness since it can turn against you so easily. Especially if you let it control you." Keitaro explained as if he was wise beyond his years. He turned to Naru and looked at her, as if he were silently saying 'Do you understand?'. She remained silent and just turned her head away in embarrassment.

"So all of those things you said to her…?" Motoko started to say.

"I sincerely meant that. Once upon a time, I could've easily taken the path she took, and I almost did. But thanks to my family and my old friends, I took the better path. Still, in some ways, I can relate to her." The young man said with a voice full of pity as he looked at the unconscious woman.

"What do you mean, Sempai?" Shinobu asked with concern.

"It's nothing Shinobu-chan. Don't worry about it." He replied softly with a weary smile just as the police came up the stairs. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the Hinata House, Himuro's car door opened and the mystery swordswoman came in and closed it, crossing her legs as she sat down.

"Well?" Himuro asked in a calm voice.

"Kei-kun won, as expected. The police are gathering Akira and her men as we speak." She reported. 'And I almost joined them. It's a good thing Kei-kun and that aunt of his didn't spot me after the fight.' She thought, omitting that part out.

"I see. Go." The Uroboros leader said as he turned his head to the limo driver.

"Already?" The driver asked.

"Kandori isn't our only option. And Urashima Keitaro is not our biggest priority at this time. He has earned his victory and a nice long respite. We'll deal with him and his family, someday." He replied in a serene voice. The driver nodded and drove off without another word.

Several hours later-Nighttime

After giving the police their report, Haruka tended to Keitaro's wounds while the girls pitched in to clean up the mess caused by Akira and her men. After that was done, at Kitsune's request and insistence, they decide to throw a huge party in the landlord's honor for his victory over the strong woman. After having a great meal, a few drinks and a ton of laughs with everyone, Keitaro went to the hot springs to relax after the ladies had their soak.

"Ahhh…this feels so good. Though Haruka-obasan healed me, I'm still going to be very sore for a while. And I gotta call a contractor tomorrow to fix all the damage Akira caused." He groaned to himself as he rubbed his still aching shoulder. "Well, at least with this victory over one their most powerful members, Uroboros will leave us alone. And everyone else is safe. I can't ask for anything more." He said as he smiled wearily and lowered himself in the bath a little more.

"Would you mind some company?" A female voice said quietly from behind as he heard some clothing fall to the ground.

"Huh?" Keitaro said as he turned around. As soon as he did, blood spurted from his nose as the female was completely nude, looking at him with a smile and without any shame.

"Kaede-chan!" The young man whispered while wiping his bloody nose, making sure not to raise his voice, for fear that the girls would hear.

"Heh heh. Some things never change." The kunoichi chuckled as she went into the bath. It took about ten quiet filled minutes for the landlord to compose himself and relax next to his sessha. "Sorry about surprising you like that." She apologized, still keeping her voice down.

"It's a good thing the girls are in the living room watching a show." He said as he relaxed a little more.

"I won't be here long. I just wanted to congratulate you on your victory. It's been my good fortune to see how far you've come since that time." She said with pride.

"Thanks. But I couldn't have done it without you Kaede-chan." Keitaro said honestly.

"Not true Kei-dono. I'm sure you would've figured out a way, even without my help. After all, you have true strength Kei-dono, and that's one of the things your sessha admires about you." Kaede countered truthfully.

"You flatter me. You're very strong too, even though you're the most laid back person I know." The young man said with a blush as he looked at her.

"Ha ha. I'll take that as a compliment." The tall young woman chuckled.

"S-Sorry. I didn't mean…" He apologized as he lowered his head.

"Rest easy, Kei-dono." She said as she pulled him close to her and started to stroke his hair while looking at the night sky. "You fought a hard battle today while protecting the people in this house. You deserve to take a load off tonight. You can think about the other things in life later. Tomorrow is another day…" She said gently in a sage like voice.

"How do you always know the right things to say?" Keitaro inquired as the feeling of her fingers through his hair made him close his eyes.

"Who knows? But perhaps you simply say that because of our closeness to one another." Kaede replied with a smile.

"Yeah…maybe you're right…" The ronin yawned as he moved closer to the young woman, making her smile even more. They didn't say anything afterwards. They just enjoyed the peace and quiet.

Fifteen minutes later

After the quiet time with Kaede, they bid each other good night as she disappeared into the shadows as if she was never there. After he dried himself thoroughly, he put on a towel and walked to his room with his glasses on and his clothes in his hand. However, once he reached the front door of his room, who should he see but a certain brunette.

"Naru?" Keitaro said confusedly.

"There you are Keitaro! With the time you took in the hot spring, I thought you drowned." Naru grumbled with a vein pulsing on her forehead.

"Huh? You were waiting for me? Why?" The ronin asked with raised eyebrows. She said nothing and turned away from him.

"Stop being stupid! You said you wanted to study together sometime, right?" She mumbled in a softer tone.

"Naru…" He said, completely flabbergasted at the young woman.

"I may…say and do things I'm not proud of. And I can be a…bitch when I want to be. But I'm not so heartless that I wouldn't be grateful to our landlord. Especially after he saved my life so many times." The brunette said softly as she turned to him with a smile and a blush on her face. She reached her hand out, making Keitaro gasp. "Friends?" She asked.

"Friends." Keitaro said with a nod as he shook her hand. "Let me put some clothes on and I'll be right up." He told her.

"Alright. Just don't keep me waiting." Naru said as she started to walk upstairs.

"A gentleman never keeps a lady waiting." He said in a deep voice as he lowered his glasses.

"Whatever baka." She said with a red face as she walked upstairs. Keitaro couldn't help but let out a chuckle at her like he did in the Old Axel playground. Fixing his glasses, he went into his room. Putting on a pants and shirt, he grabbed his books and was about to leave when he noticed a card on his table.

'Hmm? What's this?' He thought as he picked up the card. When he did, his eyes widened in shock as he saw a picture of a Shinto goddess in the front. He took off his glasses as a hateful scowl appeared on his face, making him clench his open hand into a hard fist. He flipped the card and saw that it had a message on it.

My dear Kei-kun,

I enjoyed watching your fight with Akira. You looked so strong out there. It's a pity I didn't get a chance to see the one once known as the 'slayer of gods', but I guess that can't be helped, with you being 'retired' and all, right my dear Kei-kun? Hmm hmm hmm.

In any case, you don't need to worry about us. We'll leave you to your life. But there will come a day in the future when you will come face to face with the one you once called your sun. I look forward to that day. Keep getting stronger until then, and give my best to your family. Who knows, maybe your 'soverign soul' will come out to play when we face each other. That way, I can slay the 'slayer of gods'. Hahaha...

Keitaro's teeth began to grind as a look of pure anger appeared on his face. Grabbing his sword from the corner, he tossed the card in the air, and sliced it in half, sheathing his sword a second later. As the card laid on the ground, his body shook as one name played in his head. A name that was known and feared in the organization that is Uroboros. A nickname of his first love, the one who betrayed him and nearly took everything from him. A name he growled out of his lips with spite and loathing.

"Amaterasu…!"

Author's notes 2: Well, chapter 3 has come to a close. I hoped that you enjoyed it as much as I liked writing it. I also hoped you liked the interaction between Keitaro and Kaede. Didn't expect her, did you? At this point, I was just going to use her for this chapter. But we'll see what happens depending on your responses to her appearance in this story. Also, that flashback in the beginning has huge implications for future chapters, so don't forget it. In any case, you fans of mine know the drill. Read, Enjoy and Review.

In the next chapter, now that Uroboros is backing off of Keitaro and company for now, it'll be Motoko's turn to get to know Keitaro as I'll be doing my version of Hinata 6 of the manga/Love Hina episode 3 in the anime: Kendo challenge. It won't be as long as this chapter, but I will do my best to make it entertaining as always. As for the pairing, I'll be putting up a poll for all of you shortly, so check my profile for it. But you can still vote via your reviews, so don't be shy about asking who you want our landlord to end up with.

Well, that's all from me. I need to focus on my Naruto stuff now, so I'll take my leave. Thanks again to those who reviewed and/or simply enjoyed this story so far. I'll do what I can when I have the time. Until next time. Later for now :).