12/29/16 Hello~ I understand it's been a long time since I updated. I started this story because I wanted to a different perspective on the manga, and every time I read the manga, I feel like writing this story, but I feel that it's delving too closely in the "shoujo" genre which I somewhat dislike. I'm glad other people are enjoying this story. I just hope I can keep away from Ryoko becoming a typical "Shoujo" protagonist or else I may drop this story entirely. Technically, this chapter should be considered a part of ch.6, but I wasn't sure it'd be good to just continue adding the so many words to same doc, so here's "ch.7" or ch.6b.


Usaida was on the phone when he spots the flashy, long limousine pull up in front of the zoo. Passer-bys gather closer to take a look at the passengers. "Ahhh~ I think I see the kiddies now. I'll take them over to the new meeting place now. Yup, ok, bye Shizuka." Shoving the phone back into his pocket, he digs out a map from his side-pack. Mmm, I guess it would take 20 min. to get to the other entrance. Better head out now. When he looks back at where the car had been, the two were no longer there. Did I lose them? A familiar squeak (or maybe it'd be better to say grunt) echoes out. "Gah!" In the midst of of the crowd, a slim arm flails high above the crowd before being swarmed by bobbing heads. After placing the map securely back into his bag, Usaida slips in the ever-moving sea. It wasn't too difficult to reach Ryoko & Kotarou. "Ryo-" As he calls out to her, he spies a pack of young wolves converging on the poor were following the girl, conversing about…something. It seems these wolves are at least somewhat smart then. Pushing through a bit more harshly now, Usaida was now positioned behind Ryoko & Kotarou. He glances back at the boys. "Wait, wait, There's some guy, yeah, I don't-what-her brother-I" The low, irritated growls of the wolves as he block their view makes Usaida smirk. The group of boys/wolves shoot daggers at Usaida. Aw, I have fans. He turns to look directly at the them and winks before reaching for Ryoko's hand and tugging her away from the crowd. The wolves start to howl their frustrations.

Although Ryoko voiced some protest, she seemed to quiet again after ten minutes. Usaida felt a bit guilty for not responding, but also recognized the need to escape all these people if they were ever going to reach the others. Twenty minutes had already past, and going against the wave of people was becoming a considerable struggle. It's official. I'm dead once Shizuka sees me. Opting for a break, Usaida spies a fairly empty rest area and is able to shimmy the three of them over. "Whew~ Ok, Rii-chan, we can finally- Oof!" Ryoko had suddenly stopped, causing Usaida to stumble back. Just as he balances himself, he hears her yell "Don't Underestimate High School Girls!" and turns to ask what she meant. It's sort of impressive actually. Who'd have thought Ryoko could lift her leg so high?


I hold tight unto Kotarou as I stop walking. The mysterious hand jerks tightly on my wrist, most likely surprised by my resistance. I tense my body, getting ready. "Don't Underestimate High School Girls! GRAH!" As I turn to face him, I lift my right leg as high as possible.

I swing it forward sharply, but what I hadn't known was how much skill it actually took to stay balanced when doing a high-kick. My body was leaning too far to the left because of Kotarou clinging to me. CRUD-! We start to fall over, and I tighten my arms around Kotarou.

Our descent downward is interrupted by a sharp tug on my backpack, pulling us backwards while long arms wrap themselves around me. Once again we're falling, but not as roughly as before. I feel a slight bump as we hit the ground, but the person holding me helps to soften the impact. I let a split second pass to make sure it's over, then I do a quick check on Kotarou. "You're okay, right Kotarou? Any injuries? Did you hit your head? Did it hurt when I was holding you?" He seemed somewhat frightened by the fall, but otherwise fine. Comforted by the fact he was okay, my mind switches back to what had happened earlier. I realize the person from earlier must have helped us, but..why? A groaning noise comes from behind me, and I feel a rush of air pass by my ear. Bewildered, I shift my body around and see "U-Usaida?". We're in a crouching position, so I move his arms away to get up. I put Kotarou down next to me and reach for Usaida-san's hands to pull him up. Slowly and still groaning, he stands to his feet, letting go of my hands only to reach his arms around my body instead, and places his temple on my shoulder. Normally, I'd feel embarassed by this, but my gratitude and concern override that trivial emotion. "Usaida-san, are you okay? I'm so sorry! Did you hit your head? I-"

"Ryoko, stop talking for a second." M-my name? Not the..nickname?

"…." My hands rest against Usaida's chest in order to separate us slightly. Kotarou has crawled over to grab his leg, and I see one of his hands sort of rub it. "Usa huwt?" Usaida-san is holding me even tighter, and I feel my palms start to sweat. He doesn't answer Kotarou, so I just nod my head to him. Kotarou looks back at Usaida's leg and continues to rub his hands against it. "Pain Pain go away. No ouwch." I hear a slight snort from Usaida-san at this, and I chuckle a little myself to relieve some of my inner tension. We sigh at the same time. What if he got really hurt when we fell? I feel his head shift, and when he speaks, his voice is low.

"Why are you dressed like this?"

"..huh?" I turn my face, and there must be only an inch between us, but that's not important right now. "You said, why am I..dressed like this?"

"Yes." His face is serious, but there's something about his eyes that lets me know he's being playful, and I feel a small smirk start to form. If he can joke around, then..

"Is that really important?" Kotarou has now moved to be in-between us, staring up at our faces to see if we're okay. I push my hands a little against Usaida to try and create more space, but he keeps a tight grip around me. Slightly exasperated and finally beginning to feel REALLY embarassed at how close our bodies were, I let out a big huff and hit his chest softly. "If you mean why I'm dressed like a girl, it's because I am one, and if you're able to joke, I'm sure you didn't fall too badly." When he nuzzles his temple on my shoulder, I feel my patience snap while my embarrassment goes into overload. My face feels like it's burning right now! "USAIDA-SAN, MOVE!" My wish was granted.

His arms harshly untangle themselves from me as I watch Shizuka Kamitani pick him up and send him flying. He falls into a bundle of bushes. Her back is towards me, and I see real spiked clubs in each of her fists as she looks at the area Usaida fell. Petrified, I watch the demonic aura surrounding Kamitani-sensei dissipate as she tosses the clubs aside to turn and fuss over me. "I'm sorry Ryoko, I can't believe that idiot actually tried to put the moves on a high schooler! I'll make sure to clobber him if he tries to come over here. Or is that not enough? Should I skin him and turn him to stew instead? Aw, Poor Ryoko, you seem terrified!" She gently pulls me into a hug to comfort me, and I hug her back slightly out of fear of the threats she makes so sweetly. Still frightened, I instinctively look for Kotarou and see him holding hands with Taka-chan. The kids are all shouting insults at Usaida-san. I vaguely remember feeling Kotarou moving away from us when Usaida-san-. I blush at the memory. Kamitani-sensei searches my face, checking for something. "It doesn't look like he pulled anything extreme, but the way your reddening.." I feel myself redden further when she's points it out. I jump when more hands start to grab me. The other mothers have surrounded me and begin to have a conversation.

"Despite the blush, she seems fine. Maybe she just feels embarassed that we caught them together."

"! I wasn't-"

"Sawatori-san..she was clearly..in distress…You heard her when..she yelled for him…to stop touching her."

"Actually, he-"

"Exactly Kumatsuka-san! My motherly instincts TOLD me that she HATED what he was doing. Why else would she shout like that? So demure and timid, he probably took advantage of her!"

"I don't-"

"Hmm….Maybe you're right Kamitani-sensei. But, really? Usaida-san?"

"What do you think Mamizuka-san?"

"Well..he is a man, and Ryoko-chan is ABSOLUTELY adorable, but-"

"That does it. I'm going to clobber him." I was getting dizzy from all the talking, so I slip out of the circle of mothers and head towards the kids instead. The mothers press together more tightly as they continue their intense conversation, and I bend into a crouching pose, hoping to catch my breath. Kotarou is still holding hands with Taka, and when they try to climb into my lap, I change to a more stable, sitting position.

"GUH" Once they were comfortably seated, Taka banged his head into my stomach. "Yes Taka-chan?" He grabs my arms and points to the animal statues near one of the zoo entrances.

"Rii-chan, over there! The tiger! Over there!" Kirin was holding Midori and looking at the statues too.

"Giwaffes! And Ewephants!"

"Let's goo~" Takuma was getting ready to run over there with Kazuma when Mamizuka-sensei grabs their collars.

"You two are always getting so excited. Hah~" She picks them up, and I see that the mothers have finally ended their conversation. The other mothers all come to get their children and walk towards the zoo entrance. Kamitani-sensei has pulled Usaida-san out of the bushes, and aside from a few cuts, he seems fine. They seem to chat for a bit and she laughs loudly before they walk towards me.

"Thank you for watching Taka Ryoko-chan. We should start to head in now or we'll be left behind. So move it Usaida!"

"Alright I got it. Shizuka, you're too violent."

"Shut it you." While sensei took Taka to the other moms, Usaida-san took Kotarou and waited for me to get up. I brushed off some dirt from my skirt and looked to Usaida-san.

"Thank you for holding Kotarou. I can take him now." I was still slightly unnerved from earlier, so I couldn't meet his eyes.

"Nya, just let me~Your arms will get all buff and beefy like Shizuka if you keep carrying him~" Nya?

"Usaida-san"

"Come on, come on, we're falling behind." He puts one hand underneath my backpack to touch the small of my back and starts to walk. I shouldn't let him get to me…He's just joking around anyways. I slip off one of the bag's shoulderstraps and focus on looking for my wallet instead.


I was used to Shizuka's violent tendencies, so I wasn't completely surprised when she threw me off of Ryoko. I felt a little relieved actually. When Shizuka had helped me up, I explained to her what had happened earlier with the boys, Ryoko's karate kick, our fall. She laughed at it all, and after dusting off some of the dirt on me, smacked my face playfully. "This is what you get for having impure thoughts toward that young maiden, hahaha~"

"No I don't."

"Sure Usaida. We know each other enough that I understand you. Sure."

While we wait in line to buy tickets for the zoo, I glance at Ryoko. It was true that I hadn't thought of Ryoko as any more than a kid. She was on the same level as Kirin or Midori in my mind. And yet today, she was different. It was strange seeing her without her school uniform, yet also refreshing. I hadn't been able to look carefully at her since we were in a hurry to meet with the group. She seemed…mature. I could kind of tell what her preferences were based on her outfit. She seemed to favor darker colors, and when we hugged earlier, I could smell something like mint from her skin.

"Usa-cha?" Kotarou watched me curiously. I give him a small smile. Once we reach the front, I let Ryoko go to the counter to buy her tickets first while I wait in line for mine. When she finishes, I start to head up to buy it until she tugs me to the side.

"Here. I didn't properly apologize for my misunderstanding or thank you for your help."

"Rii-chan, the old hag may think I put you up to this."

"It's fine, I used my allowance, so she won't care." I ruffle her hair a little which she grumbles at, and she tries to hide her smile. I'm about to point it out when out of the corner of my eye, I see a group of boys staring at her again. Honestly, she's too vulnerable. I put my arm around her shoulders.

"Well, now I have enough money to eat cup noodles for the rest of this month. You're my lifesaver Rii-chan." This earns a stern look from her.

"You have a problem Usaida-san. Stop being childish and joking around." She pouts slightly. Before, this would have reminded me of Kirin. Now... Despite her words, she doesn't move away, and it gives the desired effect on the boys. They grumble as they walk away.

"You're right Rii-chan. I do have a problem." It's you.


The rest of the day goes by relatively quickly. Kamitani-sensei told me that Kamitani-kun didn't come since he didn't need to watch Taka. I tried asking Yuki-chan and Inomata-san to come, but they both thought it'd be strange if they came. They were also nervous about how the kids would react. They were considerate to think about the kids, but I feel a bit lonely being the only high-schooler here. The group was currently indoors to see the "Antartica" area, and the kids were hung up on watching the penguins.

"Look at that one! It's eyes are huuugeee!"

"Mommy! That one, it's like Aniki!"

"BWAHAHA, you think that looks like Hayato?!"

"IT DOES! IT'S HUGE!"

"You'we wight!" Kiwin thinks it's just wike Taka-chan's bwother!"

The moms were watching over the kids and Usaida-san was still carrying Kotarou, so I could enjoy myself. At least, I was trying to. Sawatori-sensei must have noticed. She walks over to me while pushing Midori in her stroller.

"Ryoko-chan, why don't you look at some of the nearby exhibits? I know you're always watching the kids, but we're here and Usaida is taking care of Kotarou, so you can relax."

"A-Boo!" Even Midori seemed to be trying to cheer me up.

"Thank you sensei. I'll think I will do that then."

"Sounds good. We'll meet you by the beluga whales then, ok?"

"Ok. Thank you again."

I glance towards Usaida-san. His back is towards me so I can't see Kotarou well. It looks like he was pointing out one of the penguins, and despite the crowd, I catch a glimpse of the side of Kotarou's face as he places it against the glass wall. Heehee..He's so attentive towards the penguins. I'm glad we could come here. I leave the penguin area and wander over to the artic seals and sea lions. Lots of tourists are in this area because of how adorably pudgy the seals look. They mostly sleep or float in the water, but sometimes they roll around on the ice, and a collective "aaaww~" sounds out amongst the crowd. I let out a small snort at this, earning a few pointed stares from the tourists. After snapping a few pictures to send to Yuki-chan and show to Saikawa-san later, I move away from the enclosure to the benches on the other side. Scrolling through the pictures, I remember my own school excursion during pre-school.


"Rii-ya, Are you sure you don't want to go to the zoo? I'm sure your parents wouldn't mind if I signed the form and took you instead." Katsu-san was making lunch for me. I enjoyed listening to the sizzle of the fried rice when it glided on the skillet.

"That's ok Katsu-chan. I don't wanna go without mummy. My fiwst zoo visit will be with mummy and daddy. But you can come too Katsu-chan. I won't mind."

"Haha, well, Thank you Rii-ya, but I'm sure you'll want to be alone with just your parents when you go to the zoo. It's a special bonding moment!"


It was pretty special. Dad messed up and bought six tickets instead of three, the disposable camera we bought fell into the lion's den, and when we went to our rented car to go home finally, Mum had lost the keys. It may not have been perfect, but I loved how Dad showed how to take pictures with that disposable camera, or the smile on the face of those two kids when Mum gave their mother the extra tickets. And I loved going home and how we collapsed on the floor, not wanting to lay out futons, so we took out the sleeping bags they used on their travels. I loved it.

I loved them.

I still do.

My cheeks were now moist, and I rub my eyelashes to discourage any more tears. Settling down more comfortably on the benches, I search through my texts. There's a few new voicemails, but I know who they're all from and what they're about without having to listen to them anyways.

"Uncle Saburo - DD/XX/YY 11:55 p.m.- Sub. House Sale ":

Ryoko. I had heard you were living in an apartment for the past couple years anyways, but your parents were stubborn and refused to sell that house, even when they didn't always have the money. It's a nuisance and I'd like it off my hands. I've found some buyers. I need you and your guardian to legally sign the deed over to me.Call me so we can finish this.

Your Uncle, Saburo.


I met Uncle Saburo for the first time after the funeral. He was my mother's older brother by ten years, and most of his children were already married. He came by the apartment right after the ceremony. He gave our apartment to his eldest daughter and her husband to live.

"Excuse me, who are you?" I had been shaking since the man and the couple arrived. He refused to acknowledge me or Kotarou, just continuing to stand at the entrance and stare past my shoulders into the rooms. He was tall in stature. Despite him walking with a cane, his posture was rigid and straight. His face had few visible wrinkles. The most obvious one was a slight crinkle in between his eyes from his constant frowning. His hair was trimmed so short it looked like silver fuzz from a peach, except the peach was a sickly pale color. I'd later learn he had been in the military, but was dishonorably discaharged for intense aggression.

He finally made eye-contact with me. In a raspy yet gravelly voice, he said "I'm your uncle. My name is Saburo, and I was your mother's older brother. I now own everything your parents did, including you. However, I have no need for any more children." Seemingly content with this statement, he concluded the conversation and brushed past me to look around the apartment.

Kotarou and I weren't even being treated as people, just objects to be kept or thrown away. As Uncle Saburo continued to look through the house, he walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge. Chuckling lightly, I heard him murmur "..this is sad…" My fury and sadness explode.

"You bastard!" I start walking over to him while raising my hand high into the air.

I didn't hit Uncle Saburo. Instead, in-between the two of us was a stranger I vaguely remembered seeing at the funeral. His face was downturned, his cheek blazing from where I had just hit it. I knew from how my palm burned that it would start to swell soon. In his hands, he gripped Uncle Saburo's cane, who was visibly struggling to release it from his grip in order to "discipline" me. Despite all this, the man spoke to us calm and coolly.

"Hello. My name is Saikawa. I apologize for the intrusion, but I believed there might have been trouble when I heard shouting. Shall we go sit down in the living room for tea?"


It was an embarassing and shameful moment in my life. Uncle Saburo had been prepared to strike back, and I hadn't fully appreciated Saikawa-san for his actions that day. Ignoring me, I don't want to consider what could have happened to Kotarou if Uncle had had his ways. That man's still a bastard. I tap the bench with one hand while flipping my phone around in the other. I still feel horrible for smacking Saikawa-san though… Afterwards, Saikawa-san encouraged me to accept Obaa-san's offer, and once I gave verbal consent, placed Kotarou and I into a hotel to stay in, away from Uncle Saburo. All we had were a few possessions I scrambled to shove into bags. Clearing my thoughts of those memories, I think more about Obaa-san instead. Dinner the previous night had been…eventful. It began simple enough. I had read Uncle Saburo's text the previous day and just finished listening to a new voicemail from him. After remembering my first encounter with him I began to consider all that Saikawa-san did for us. It'd be nice to let him relax and enjoy himself a bit. He never ate or rested in front of us and was always standing at attention, so I'd hoped that Obaa-san would allow him to dine with us at least once. I mean, I could somewhat understand her position. As chairwoman, she needs to enforce her authority on the staff. Ok, but-

AHHHHH! Whatever.

I scratch my head frantically, mussing my hair before letting out a deep breath. Regardless of what I think, Obaa-san's still in charge. Picking up my phone again, I stare down at it as I contemplate what to do. …Screw it. I unlock the phone, look through my contacts, then press "call".

"..What Ryoko. This is my private line. Call Saikawa if you need a ride back."

"Hello Obaa-san. That's not it. I'm still at the zoo with Kotarou, I just…needed help."

"Are you hurt?"

"No! No.. I've been getting calls and messages. From Uncle Saburo."


Everything that happened after our conversation came to me in a blur. Once Saikawa-san picked us up from the zoo, we headed straight to Obaa-san's office. She had requested Usaida-san to tag along (in exchange for a bonus) to watch Kotarou in the Daycare Room while we got down to business. Saikawa-san retrieved the necessary documents from Uncle Saburo's home and brought it back for Obaa-san and I to stamp. Once that was done, Obaa-san gave Saikawa-san the forms to be taken back. I didn't have to meet him face-to-face at all during the affair. Everything else was irrelevant, and we soon left to go home to the manor. Dinner was pleasant that night, and with some of my stress gone, I was in a cheerful mood. There were many moments through-out the evening I felt like I'd die from laughter at Kotarou's innocent, yet hillarious actions. The next morning, I can't remember clearly what happened. Except for one moment.


It was after we'd finished eating the main course. Saikawa-san was clearing the table still, so I headed into the kitchen to grab the dessert.

"Ryoko-sama, you do not have to do that."

"I just wanted to help you out a little. That's okay with you, right?"

"..I'm touched by your consideration. Please allow me to embrace you affectionately with the accompanying maternal warmth of the chairman."

"E-eh?"

"A joke."

"oh…ok." Unsure of how to react to Saikawa-san's "joke", I decide to ignore it and finish my task instead.

Just as I settle back into my seat, Obaa-san pleasantly surprises me.

"Saikawa."

"Yes chairman?"

"Sit down."

I was just about to take a bite of mochi when she said those words. I put my spoon back down slowly and look at her.

"Yes chairman."

He never seems to be caught off-guard. Saikawa sits down in the seat next to me swiftly, stiffly, but elegantly.

"Obaa-san?"

"What Ryoko"

I can't help but think "why" and "Yesterday you..", but I realize those aren't the right words.

"Thank you."

She glances at my face.

"Hmph"


Extra Side-Story

"Mum…MUM~~~…MUM!"

"What! Who wazzat..huh? Whaz's going on…"

"Wake up. I need to ask you something."

"Ok, give me a second." She scrubbed at her face with her hands, but didn't sit up. Although she might have been able to due to her tummy. Dad was out buying groceries, but since Mum was pregnant, he thought she should rest. Alright, what is it Ryoko?" I lie down next to her, then reach for the object and lift it over our heads.

"I found this in the back of the closet while I was cleaning awhile ago." It was a photo album, a memento from my late grandfather. I had been looking over the photos before earmarking one of the pages, a reminder to ask my parents the next time they were home.

"I forgot to ask you earlier, but who is this guy standing next to you? He looks like he's a lot older than you were at the time." She was silent for a bit, drinking in the picture.

"Well, he's..someone important to me." It was an unexpectedly cryptic answer for my mum.

"Does Dad know him?"

"He knows about him, but no. They never met."

"Oh…then is he a bad guy?" she laughed a bit nervously before placing one arm across her face, covering her eyes.

"When I knew him, no..ugh..Later on though, my parents,gk, told me..we'd never, sniff, meet again..so I d-don't know Ryoko…U-um, sniff, let's, hah, not talk about him, kh, anymore, ok?" She was nearly sobbing at this point, and I didn't see the point in asking more when she obviously didn't want to talk about it.

It was my Uncle Saburo.


12/29/16: You all are probably going to hate me for this but...to be continued.

(Sorry, but I wanted to give at least SOME kind of update on here). Also, has Usaida's name been changed in the manga now?

12/30/16: TA-DA! I FINISHED THIS CHAPTER! FINALLY! It's been written a bit haphazardly since I'm putting the finishing touches on it at 3 am, but that's ok because the chapter is done! \(^o^)/