Chapter 10 A new day and trouble
After that battle, the press has been rushing to the Origami HQ. They demanding to know just who is the male Toji that battle the Adarama. Thank to that, Sana got a headache and cursing Naruto for leaving her in such a mess. Speaking of Naruto, after that battle, he once again had disappeared to who know where. Sana tried to contact him to give him a piece of her mind but he was nowhere to be found. Right now, the Special Unit now Sana in charge of had just finished another Adarama. After that battle, Adarama start to appearing more and more frequently. The Akabane team also being back to hunting for Akabane sword again. Sana suspect that it had to do with the reason Naruto disappear since the brat never do that without a reason. But still "AT LEAST TELL ME WHERE ARE YOU BRAT?" Shout out Sana as she slams the table hard startling the operator around her.
At the Netherworld, Naruto then sneezed. "What's wrong Onii-chan?" Asked Yume
"I think Sana-baa is cursing me right now." Said Naruto. Why is Yume at the Netherworld with him, well…
(Flash back)
"Where are you going Onii-chan?" Asked Yume as she suddenly appears in Naruto room
"Whoa! Don't just suddenly appear in my room Yume." Said Naruto surprise.
"Hoh? Does Onii-chan had some pervert book in here?" Asked Yume smiling evilly
"No and where did you even learn that word?" Asked Naruto
"Hmm… From Suzuka. She said boys is a beast." Said Yume
"I'll have to talk to her later after this, but still what are you doing here?" Asked Naruto
"Well, I'm bored so I want to hang out with you. So where are you going?" Asked Yume
"Just a little trip to the Netherworld." Said Naruto
"Netherworld? Isn't that where Princess Tagitsu is from?" Asked Yume
"…Yes?" Said Naruto unknowingly regret it after.
"Wai~ Then take me with you." Said Yume happy
"Um no? It's too dangerous." Said Naruto unknowingly sealing his fate
"That's more reason I want to go. I get to fight strong Aradama after all." Said Yume
"NO and that's final." Said Naruto
"Cheh… Well I just had to stay at your room and search for something fun." Said Yume making Naruto do spit take.
"Wait don't go looking thing in my room." Said Naruto embarrass.
"Ah? I found something." Said Yume as she pulling out something making Naruto tried to stop her. But then she pulls out an old orange jumpsuit. It looks quite dirty and many holes in it as well. Yume then asked "Nee Onii-chan… What is this?"
Naruto just look away and said "… It just my past that's all."
Yume maybe childish but she's no fool. She knew it's more than just his past. As much as she wants to know more, but it might open an old wound. She then put it on his bed and said "Well then… Let's see is there anything left?"
"Okay. You can go, just don't look at my stuff anymore." Said Naruto snap out of his though
"Yay~. Let's go Onii-chan. But still~… It's mean you're a healthy boy right?" Asked Yume coyly
"Stop that and stop learning those word." Said Naruto. Naruto then sighed as he looks at Yume and said "Well at least you carry your Okatana with you."
"Of course. I never leave it out of my sight." Said Yume
"I guess it's a perfect time to teach you something that might be useful." Said Naruto as he opens the portal as he and Yume walk in it.
(End Flash back)
He and Yume after slaughtering the Snow Aradama as they move forward to the caster. They then charge inside to fight.
Meanwhile at the Minoseki Academy, The Minoseki Academy President Hashima now is in the meeting with Mai. Mai said "I've brought the list of those who will be temporarily transferred to Kamakura next week."
"Good work." Said Hashima. Then the news catches the two attentions. Mai then said
"Akane-sama's subpoena?"
Hashima then turn off the news and said "Right now the Sword Administrator is a fair game. Whether we call it a new regime or Mokusa it's still the same. The organization that leak out Noro and hurt the land." Said Hashima
"I believe that's the truth." Said Mai
"Perhaps, but it's still hard to watch them blaming you and Akane-sama when you risked your lives protecting people. Not to mention they are searching for Naruto as well. Where is he anyway?" Asked Hashima
"I asked Kanami but he just said that he leaves a message said he'll be gone for a while. After that, nothing. How did you know about Naruto miss President?" Asked Mai
"From Director Maniwa. At first, I was surprise that Naruto is Etou-san brother but after knowing Etou mother work from Maniwa, I guess it make sense. The part he being a Toji still surprise me though." Said Hashima as she looking at the list. She then said "Eh? Yanase-san? You're transferring next week too?"
"Yes, it's my first time. Kanami-chan has basically there the entire time, but she had been worked hard like her mother the past four months." Said Mai
"Etou-san does have an impressive mission success rate. Director Maniwa insisted on keeping her close at hand. Another thing she's inherited from her mother I guess." Said Hashima
"That's right. You were a classmate of Kanami-chan mother, weren't you?" Asked Mai
"Yes, that's right. She truly is a strong Toji." Said Hashima and stand up look out the window. She continues "Honestly, I always admired her."
"Minato-san you mean?" Asked Mai
"Kind of like your feeling with Kanami but sometimes it shifts to Naruto I believe." Said Hashima smiling making Mai looks down embarrasses. She continues "That's why I was happy when the sword in Minoseki's care, chose Etou-san."
At Nara, Hiyori after praying for her mother, she then goes outside swiping the field. Then President Gorou came surprising Hiyori.
At sunset, Hiyori burning the leaf and said "It appears that someone took care of this house while I was away."
"A house has to be taken care of by people or it'll become run down. I'm sure Akane-sama take that into consideration." Said Gorou as Hiyori just look at her mother letters. Gorou then continues "Hiyori-chan, are you uncertain about your decision to quit being a Toji?"
"…Did you talk to Iwakara-san?" Asked Hiyori
"Sanae-chan seemed to be worried about something so I made her to tell me… Don't blame her okay?" Said Gorou
Hiyori hold up the letter and said "Twenty years ago, my mother failed to destroy Princess Tagitsu. It's probably a little late to telling you this now, but…" Said Hiyori
"Even so, I'm one of the parties involved." Said Gorou
"Princess Tagitsu who possessing Yukari Origami, used the Toji to gathered up Noro and increase her power. Aware of this, my mother agonized over it, she would have kept blaming herself if it weren't for Naruto. Until the day she left this world, she wrote this letter and give it to him so he can deliver to me when I was 13." Said Hiyori bringing the letter up. She then continues "I swore that I would finish what my mother left behind. That I would destroy Yukari Origami" Hiyori then smile as she burns the letter.
"I see. You really fought hard by yourself, didn't you?" Asked Gorou
"No I wasn't by myself. I had the help of many others. Especially him." Said Hiyori blushing at the last part. She then turns around and said "And I had help from your help too President."
"I wasn't supposed to, but I used a bit of my authority secretly. I just happy that Kagari-chan's daughter was chosen by Kogarasumaru. Not to mention having her first love too." Said Gorou smiling
"Eh? Ah… Nonononono! He… He just a friend brother that's all." Said Hiyori blushing
"Anyway thanks to all of you, Princess Tagitsu won't be reappearing in this world for the time being, at least. And this time, you all came out safe and sound. That is a remarkable achievement compared to twenty years ago. But you're right, your fight had come to an end. So you're thinking of retiring?" Said Gorou
"I though I would wait until I destroy Princess Tagitsu by myself. But…" Said Hiyori
"Your heart just isn't in it, is it?" Asked Gorou. Seeing Hiyori silence, she continues "I think that's all right, too. You've done more than your fair share of fighting." As Gorou was about to leave she then said "Think it over a bit more, and the answer will come to you."
"Understood." Said Hiyori
At the dorm, Kanami is now asking Sayaka for a quick match then Kaoru came back along with Nene as both of them had bag under their eye. Kaoru complains about civil servants don't have basic labor rights as she drops down from the chair as she keeps mumbling. She then sits up and shout "THAT POWER HUNGRY BOSS! EAST TO WEST, TOTALLY UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES! THAT INHUMAN MEATHEAD OF A BOSS"
She then being hit in the head by Sana who just arrive. Sana then said "And here I am, trying to be nice, you brat."
"If you truly nice then what about 'that' promise after that incident over?" Asked Kaoru holding her head
"Blame that brat. He just disappears to who know where… Anyway, this is the cake for you." Said Sana giving Sayaka the cake box. Sayaka was happy at that. Sana then grab Kaoru and said "You're going to the time out room."
"Lemme go, you tyrant!" As Kaoru and Nene tried useless struggle.
Ellen at the moment now is visiting her grandfather while Kanami and Sayaka enjoying the cake with two Kouhai they stumble upon.
"Eh? The recovery team was attacked?" Asked Kaoru
"Yeah and the Noro was stolen." Said Sana
"By Adarama?" Asked Kaoru
"No, by Toji." Said Sana
"Huh? What do you mean by that?" Asked Kaoru looking serious
"It's what it means, the guard weren't Toji so they were defeated and the Noro were stolen after that." Said Sana
"Can you just get some Toji to guard them?" Asked Kaoru
"We did. After that incident, we put Toji guard on it. But it was still stolen. Our opponent is incredibly skilled, apparently." Said Sana
"Okay? Then what are they gonna do about stolen Noro, anyway? It's not like they are the Origami family." Asked Kaoru. But seeing the look she then said "Wait are they…?"
"No, we can't draw that conclusion just yet. Anyway, according to the testimony of those attacked, it was done by one person." Said Sana
"Only one?" Asked Kaoru
"She covers her face with a hood so they couldn't see her face. They are said the same thing." Said Sana
"Do we have a picture of her?" Asked Kaoru
"Good call. Here." Said Sana as the image appear on the screen.
"… Hmm? If she had an Okatana then can you just identify that?" Asked Kaoru
"We couldn't. Her Okatana is not on our record… Like Naruto." Said Sana
"So it's from the Netherworld as well? What about her Kenjutsu?" Asked Kaoru
"Too many styles so we can't." Said Sana
"Shouldn't you show this to Kanami? Since that sword maniac can figure it out in no time." Said Kaoru smirking.
"Right. I'll get her help soon, too, but for now, only few people know about this." Said Sana
"Does Naruto know?" Asked Kaoru
"Unfortunately, I still can't contact with him at all." Said Sana
"Where is that idiot at the time like this?" Asked Kaoru scratching her head annoyed.
At night, after taking a bath and talking with Sayaka and the two Kouhai, Kanami now meeting her mother inside her dream. Minato then said "Eh? Distain place? Did your friend say that?"
"Yeah." Said Kanami
"Well of course since you were able to defeat Yukari after all." Said Minato
"Eh? Yukari-sama? But I don't remember that at all." Said Kanami
"Eh? You didn't remember?" Asked Minato
"Eh? But I though I switch with you at that time." Said Kanami
"That's weird. I don't remember I can even do that at all." Said Minato
"But at time, I only haft-conscious. Besides, Naruto-nii is the one defeat her after all." Said Kanami
"That where you're wrong. You defeated her while Naruto fight the Aradama inside her." Said Minato
"At that time, I thought that if it is you, then you can defeat her." Said Kanami
"That just because everyday you coping her that you were able to mimic mom every movement Kanami." Said Naruto appearing
"Nii-san? You're here? Where did you go and what do you mean by that?" Asked Kanami
"I have a little business that's all. You'll know when you meet Sana-baa. And for your question, it because of you practicing with her every night that your body move subconsciously. This is basically your dream after all. So, you might not think so but your brain already knows and remember all of mom move already. When she teaches you, she just makes you remember that's all." Explained Naruto pointing at his head
"I… I see." Said Kanami
"But don't celebrate just yet. You still not at her level yet. Believe me, I know." Said Naruto shivers as he remembers the Spartan training from his mother from before.
"It seems like you have some bad memory from that training huh? I'm quite curious what kind of training is it?" Asked Minato
"Don't worry mom, it's you after all. I'm sure you'll figure it out… Now then I guess I have to go then." Said Naruto
"Wait… When will you come back Nii-san?" Asked Kanami
"Might be awhile. Since this is quite a challenge. Tell Sana-baa for me okay?" Said Naruto as he disappears
"… He doing this a lot of time huh?" Asked Minato. Kanami could only nodded at that. Minato then bring her sword up and said "All right. Let's begin the lesson Kanami."
"Okay." Said Kanami as she starts
At that time, Kaoru and Sana are visiting Suzuka. Suzuka then said "What bring you here today?"
"We like to ask you something." Said Sana
"Hey Elite Guard." Said Kaoru
"My, you're quite a rare guest." Said Suzuka as Nene growl at her.
"I heard that a lot of it had left you, but you still have a way to go. Meaning you still smell like an Adarama." Said Kaoru
"Are you sure you're not one of us since you can talk to an Aradama?" Asked Suzuka
"I'm human, and Nene here is not an impure Aradama. Sorry but I'm not one of you." Said Kaoru
"Stop baiting each other… Suzuka, do you know this person?" Asked Sana as she brings out the image.
"I don't know, I can't even see her face at the begin with." Said Suzuka
"Anyone you think it might be?" Asked Sana
"Not really." Said Suzuka
"I'll be blunt. Is this Maki Shidou?" Asked Kaoru
"Eh? Maki-san?" Surprise Suzuka
At morning, when Kanami and Hiyori meeting up, Mai was leaving the office after received the transfer paper from Hashima then she had a phone call from her father. Mai goes back home and was welcome by her youngest sister Shiori. The little girl said "You are not at the dorm today?"
"No something came up. Where is Mio?" Asked Mai
"Mio-oneechan would be…" Said Shiori as she looks back to the living room
"Welcome back Mai-nee." Said Mio as the second oldest
"Don't 'welcome back' me. You're lazing around with your uniform again." Said Mai
"I'll change after I'm done." Said Mio
"You'll get it all wrinkled. C'mon, take it off." Said Mai. Mio sits up and said
"Jeez, such a pain…" Said Mio as Mai helps her change her clothes
"Father and Mother will be home soon, so behave properly." Said Mai
"Eh? Mom and Dad will be back?" Asked Shiori
"He was actually in Japan? This is quite unusual. When was the last time we were all together?" Asked Mio
"Let's see… Not since Shiori birthday, I think. They are pretty busy after all." Said Mai. When she sees Mio eating the chip she said "Hey! Don't eat standing up!" As she takes away the bag.
"Yes yes." Said Mio
"Say 'yes' only once." Said Mai. Seeing Mio looks at her she asked "W-What?"
"Fussing over details like that is why you don't have a boyfriend." Said Mio
"That's none of your concern!" Said Mai. Their parent then back as Mai said "Welcome back Dad, Mom."
"Welcome home." "Welcome back." Said Shiori and Mio
"We are home" Said Mai's mother Touko
"Mai, we need to speak to with you." Said Mai's father Takanori
"Yes." Said Mai as her sisters look confuse
After they sit, Takanori said "Mai we want you to leave Minoseki Academy." Said Takanori. Mai shocked at that as he continues "Your mother and I have decided on a new school for you. You can transfer there immediately."
"That's not what you said before. You said I could do what I wanted until I graduated from high school." Said Mai
"Surely you understand that the circumstances have changed. The number of Toji getting hurt during missions has been increasing, hasn't it? Even you've been in a fair amount of danger." Said Takanori
"That's true, but…" Mai looks at her Okatana and said "Magorokukanemoto here chose me, and I chose to become a Toji. I'm prepare for what that means."
"Don't say such frivolous things!... Mai don't forget you're a member of this family, too." Said Takanori
"Is it that bad for the reputation of the Yanase family to have a Toji in it?" Asked Mai
"Mai…" Said Touko
"I'm sorry, that was too far." Said Mai
"You too dear." Said Touko looks at Takanori
"Okay, then. We'll give you some time. Think it over well." Said Takanori
"Yes." Said Mai
At the next morning, Mai makes breakfast for her two sisters. Shiori said "You make the most delicious breakfasts, Mai-oneechan."
"I rather have toast, though." Said Mio
"Stop complaining and eat." Said Mai
"Yes yes." Said Mio
"Say 'yes…" "Only once, right?" Said Mio cut off.
Takanori then come in the kitchen. Shiori said "Good morning dad."
"Morning." Said Takanori
"Is Mom still asleep?" Asked Shiori
"Yes, we were quite busy for a while." Said Takanori. He looks at Mai and said "Mai you should get ready."
The two then goes to the Special Rare Metals Research and Development Organization. Takanori then explained Mai about the place as they go inside. As they go inside, Mai was surprise that she was able to meet Ellen Parent and Mr. Friedman. After explanation about this place, Mai looks down at the Noro case then she heard "Mai-Mai"
Mai turns back and she was hugged by Ellen now in a pink dress. Ellen then said "It's been a long time."
"E-Ellen-chan?" Said Mai
The two then sit down at the tea table then Mai asked "So Ellen-chan is on a mission?"
"Yes, since there have been consecutive incidents where Noro have been stolen recently, we are on high alert." Said Ellen
"But Minoseki is closer to this station." Said Mai
"Well, when Grandpa heard about the security issue, he thought we could get the family together again after so long. So he nominated me. He tends to mix his business and his personal life." Said Ellen
"That phrase doesn't really have a good meaning in Japanese… Anyway, what are you wearing?" Asked Mai looks at Ellen
Ellen stands up spinning around as she said "This is a present from my dad. It's not really suitable for a mission, but I figured I would wear it where he could see me."
"So that's the reason. It looks nice on you." Said Mai
"Thank you… Don't get me wrong but I rather heard Naruto say that." Said Ellen
"ahahaha…" Said Mai
Ellen turns to where their parent is and said "Your father is wonderful too. Mai-Mai."
"Eh? Wonderful?" Asked Mai as she chokes on her tea
"If this place closed down, my parent would've been out on the streets. My grandpa is rich, so he could have helped them if it came to that, but it's not good to mix business and personal matters." Said Ellen
"That's a bit different from what I heard earlier." Said Mai
"Why do you think your dad funded this place?" Asked Ellen
"Because he thought Tamahagane steel research would be profitable?" Asked Mai
"Not quite… If it had been profitable research, then it wouldn't have almost gone under in the first place." Said Ellen
"Then…" "If we can clear away the impurities of Noro with Tamahagane steel, then Toji might not be necessary anymore." Said Ellen making Mai realizes it. "And you won't have to be in danger, either. That's why he'll do whatever it takes. At least, that's what he's thinking." Continues Ellen
"You're overthinking things." Said Mai
"You think so?" Asked Ellen as she looks back to her family and said "My family is unique. My mom, dad, even grandpa are people who have dedicated their live on research. We maybe together like this for a moment, but that's a rare occurrence."
"Just like my family." Said Mai
"But Dad gives me presents on my birthday. Even if he can't be there in person but every year, without fail, I get new clothes." Said Ellen
"Then that dress…?" Asked Mai
"Yes! It's Kohagura Ellen 16th birthday present. It's pretty childish, huh? Honestly, it's not my style. He doesn't really get it. But even still… This dress is full of Dad's love. That much I can be sure of. What about you Mai-Mai?" Said Ellen
"I…" Then the alarm rang out. They ran back to where the Noro stored seeing a hood figure walk out holding an Okatana.
"Okatana? Then the Noro thief is…" Said Mai
"Yes, a Toji." Said Ellen as she draws her sword.
"Ellen what are you doing?" Asked Ellen father Kimitaka
"I'm sorry Dad. I'll sew it back later." Said Ellen as she cuts her dress making her move easier. She then said "Mom, Dad, Grandpa… I'm off."
"Wait I'm coming too." Said Mai. As she heard her father calling her she said "I'm sorry, Father. I'm still a Toji after all!"
"Mai." "Yanase-san." Said Richard as he cut Takanori off
"Even if we were to go, we would only be in the way." Said Richard
At the gate, the two now blocking the hood person. Seeing the hood person smiles Ellen said "Mai-Mai. It seems we don't need to hold back."
"Indeed." Said Mai.
The three engage in the sword fight as they start to speed up. But the hooded person was faster as she taken down Ellen. By the time Mai goes after her, she already gone.
"I see so Nemo was lost then." Said Richard
"We're sorry." Said Ellen
"No it's good that both of you are not hurt." Said Richard
"Ellen." Call out Kimitaka
"…I'm sorry. I ruined your dress." Said Ellen but then Kimitaka just hugging her then Ellen mother Jacqueline said "Your father isn't upset about the dress. All that matters is that you're safe." As she hugged Ellen as well
"Now Mai-kun as well…" Said Richard
"Father…" Said Mai
"I'm sorry what I said yesterday. It doesn't have to do with the family. You're our precious daughter. I don't want you to forget that." Said Katanori
"Father…" Said Mai. Katanori start to walk away then Ellen said
"Mai-Mai… It's fine but it's okay to act spoiled once a while."
"Ellen-chan…" Said Mai as she runs off and embrace her face from behind.
"Good now then you can ask him about letting you date Naru-" "WAWAWAWA… Ellen-chan please don't." Mai suddenly dash off covering her mouth.
"Date?" Asked Katanori as he turns around slowly
"Oh you didn't know that Mai-kun is-" "AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! Richard-san." Said Mai covering Richard mouth
"Who?! Who is it Mai?!" Said Katanori as he losing control
At the following morning, Mio said "Another Japanese meal?"
"Why don't you like it? Mai-oneechan cooking is so delicious." Said Shiori
"Like I said, I prefer toast." Said Mio
"Stop complaining and eat." Said Mai
"Yes yes." Said Mio
"Say 'yes' only one, right?" Said Touko
"Mom? You're up early." Said Shiori
"Yes I want to eat breakfast that Mai made." Said Touko
"You too, Dad?" Asked Shiori
"Yes."
"Not coffee?" Asked Mio
"Yes."
"Is it okay Mai?" Asked Touko
"Of course." Said Mai. As they sit on the table, Katanori then said
"Mai… while I approve of you being a Toji but dating is…"
"Ara… It's okay right? That boy is good looking and his personality is not bad." Said Touko
"Eh?! Mai-oneechan had a boyfriend." Said Mio shocked
"Can we meet him Mai-oneechan?" Asked Shiori
"Um…" Said Mai as she low her head blushing and embarrasses
"But Touko…" "Mai… You need to get aggressive if you want to beat your competition. Show off your cooking skill, that will score a point." Said Touko cut off Katanori
"To think Ojou-sama had someone in your heart already. I'm truly happy." Said Shibata as he wipes his tear with his napkin. Mai just sink lower and lower wishing she could dive in a hole
Done the longest chapter. Since I was missing for a long time so I made this chapter. Please PM or review.