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Chapter 9
Keitaro was rooted on spot while watching Motoko run straight for him with intention to kill. He was baffled at what he did wrong to provoke the scary woman. He should have cleaned the hot springs before he went to Kyoto. Oh well.
"Wait Aoyama-san!" Keitaro had his arms in front while trying to talk with the woman.
"I will not listen to any of your lies Urashima!" Motoko bellowed jumping to the air with her sword raised ready to cut the young man into tiny strips of ribbon.
Seeing the blade close in on him, Keitaro's hands shot up and caught the blade between his palms. Motoko growled and jumped back away from Keitaro.
"Aoyama-san what did I do now!" Keitaro asked eyeing the woman that tried to cleave him in half.
"You have clouded Naru-senpai's mind and had her elope with you. I will not forgive you for doing this Urashima!" Motoko replied.
"What are you talking about? Elope with who?!" Keitaro was very much confused by the situation.
"Enough, take your punishment Urashima!" She bellowed and lunged again for him with unmatched speed. Keitaro waited for her to come. Motoko shot him three consecutive ki attacks and Keitaro dodge them with ease.
When Motoko managed to close the distance between them, she swiped her sword horizontally and Keitaro ducked down and used his right leg to swipe Motoko out of her feet. Motoko momentarily lost her balance but somersaulted back to regain it. She gave a Keitaro a stony glare.
Motoko didn't expect Keitaro to put up a fight. She thought that with just a few attacks and she would have him in her mercy. But he proved her wrong. Keitaro stood his ground and matched her skills. She thought that the time when she fought him back in Hinata was just a fluke because she was sick back then, so she thought that the fever made her movements sluggish. Yet even though she's in top form Keitaro still manages to avoid her attacks.
All those grueling self defense class with Seta really paid off. Also with all groups of claim jumpers, head hunter tribes, and secret organizations that tried to kill them before gave Keitaro some experience in fighting. What else will be a good form of practice of self defense than fighting for your life?
"Aoyama-san! Stop this, I haven't done anything wrong….I think?" He said ducking again from another slash from Motoko.
"Tainting an innocent maiden's mind is a great crime Urashima and you shall pay. Naru-senpai I will save you from this beast!" Motoko exclaimed slashing again at Keitaro.
"Save me? From who?" Naru asked. "Motoko-chan what are you talking about and stop trying to kill Keitaro-san already!" Naru yelled out. Keitaro was about to side step to avoid another attack but clumsily step on a slippery stone and fell down.
Oh and Keitaro managed to trip forward and dragged Motoko down with him by instinctively grabbing into something as support that was Motoko's shorts. Both fell down on the sand and wound up in an awkward position.
"Ara, are they alright?" Mutsumi said putting a hand on her mouth.
The girls rushed to their fallen friends to take a look if they were alright. Motoko had swirls for eyes and Keitaro. Well Keitaro managed to land his head between Motoko's legs. He was facing Motoko's milky thighs, accidentally of course.
"Get off her you pervert!" Naru yelled and kicked Keitaro off the dazed raven haired woman. Keitaro went flying towards another tree and more coconuts had made contact with his head.
Naru helped the Motoko up and checked if she was alright.
"Motoko-chan why' did you attack Keitaro-san all of a sudden?" Naru asked dusting off the raven haired woman.
'You were being deceived by that man. Urashima had clouded your mind and you two had eloped. Good thing I was able to save you in time" Motoko said.
"Eloped, with Keitaro-san? Even he wouldn't stoop to a low like brainwash me. Where could you have possibly got that idea from?" Naru asked. But her questioned was answered by a small snicker from behind coming from an ash blond woman.
Motoko should known better to fall for Kitsune's stories. The woman had a bad habit of making things up for her entertainment. Even if Kitsune didn't intend to endanger or hurt someone but her little tales always had that result.
Namely Keitaro was always yelled at and beat up sometimes by Naru and Motoko back home when Kitsune pulled a prank on him every now and time however her little game backed fired and she just drew the short stick in the draw.
Motoko wouldn't take this laying down. She turned and faced the ashen haired woman. Her eyes taking a demonic shape even her smiled made Keitaro want to jump into the water and hide until it was over. Kitsune never thought that her little fun would turn this bad, she gulped; she thought maybe if she played dead Motoko won't hurt her. Then again Motoko might make SURE she's dead if she did, like poking her with her sword.
"Kitsuuuunnnneee…." Motoko stressed out her name while slowly stalking to her. Her hakama now back up to her waist.
"Now Motoko-chan, can't you take a little joke…" Kitsune chuckled hiding behind Kaolla.
"No…" was the flat out answer of the angered woman.
It was a fun to see Kitsune running as fast as she could while Motoko chased her around the beach. The chase didn't last long because Kitsune didn't have the advantage Motoko had of being physically fit. She had spent much time drinking and sleeping not bothering to work out which made her no match for Motoko in running.
Motoko cornered Kitsune at some rocks at a deep part of the beach. They didn't notice the big waved coming towards them that gave them an impromptu bath.
Grumbling to herself Motoko relented going after Kitsune after being drenched and having no more will to go on being humiliated enough.
She promised herself she'd get even with the fox. Oh she would get even; being the Shinmei-ryuu heiress, her honor and pride was on stake. Mostly her pride can't accept it.
Kitsune breathed a sigh of relief having Motoko stop stalking her. But she quickly stiffened again when the raven haired girl whispered at the fox's ear.
"I'll deal with you later." She said in a frightening sweet voice.
Kitsune was sure to sleep with one eye open for a few days.
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Everyone walked into Jiru's place after the little run around of Kitsune and Motoko. The two were currently drying off their heads with a towel. The others were seated around a table having a little snack. Keitaro was conversing with the establishment owner. The two had hit it off quite nicely.
"So Keitaro-san, you're telling me that you're a manager of an all girls dormitory but you're still looking for another place to stay at." Jiru said.
"Yeah."
"I don't know if you're right on the head there Keitaro-san. But any guy in your position would be jumping for joy right about now." Jiru said sipping from a can of beer.
"Yeah, if the girls didn't tried to kill me for every mistake I make that is." Keitaro replied also taking a sip for a beer can he had. "And they can too. Kill me I mean."
"Are they really that bad? They don't look that dangerous. Except Motoko-chan with her sword"
"They are dangerous let's leave it at that. Also me as a manager of a dormitory isn't going to work out. Especially an all girls one, it's inappropriate you know. Besides how can I take care of the place if I always need to go off somewhere?" He said. True being with Seta, Keitaro would be going off to different places around the globe for expeditions and such. It was a life of and archeologist, the life of an adventurous soul, and the kind of life he likes.
The girls heard a little of the conversation between Keitaro and Jiru. From what they heard they misunderstood and thought that Keitaro said he would be moving out soon.
Did he already found a place to stay at? Is he going away? Will he relinquish the job as manager if he went away? Will they be able to see him again?
Each girl had these thought on their head. Even if some didn't admit it to their selves Keitaro has earned a little place in their hearts.
Motoko said to herself that it was good news. She wouldn't have to worry about the pervert anymore. She wouldn't have to keep guarding the younger ones when Keitaro's gone. She might get some proper training after he leaves.
But a part of her screamed and told her to stop being so stuck up and come clean with her feelings. Whatever those feeling she has are. Maybe those pieces of paper she's been writing on under her suit of armor back home would give her an understanding of what those feelings are.
Naru also had the same sentiment as Motoko. Thinking it was good that the pervert will be leaving. She won't have any headaches anymore concerning the young man. But her inner child, the girl that was friends with Keitaro told her otherwise.
Even though she doesn't remember meeting him and Mutsumi when they were young that part of her was still alive deep inside herself. It questioned her if she really felt that bad towards Keitaro. That gave her something to think about that night.
"So when are you leaving?" Kisune asked and Keitaro looked at her like she had one too many of a drink. "Pardon?" he asked.
"You found a new placae to stay at right. You said it yourself when you became our manager that you were still moving out once you find one." She explained and Keitaro looked confused as to why she thought he was moving out now.
"Senpai, e-even though you'll be still running Hinata it won't be the same if you go." Shinobu said in a meek voice while looking at Keitaro.
"Wait a minute guys, I didn't say I was going yet." He said and looked at Kitsune thinking that it was her that made up the story and was planning something again. Kitsune looked genuinely embarrassed and blushed. "Oops. I thought you two were talking about you moving out Hinata. Sorry bout that." She said rubbing the back of her head.
"Keitaro-san!" Kaolla screamed out and jumped on Keitaro. "I really missed you!" Kaolla said rubbing her cheeks on his like a cat.
"Well I guess it isn't all bad being there." Keitaro muttered. Kaolla's playfulness was really an upside in his stay. If she didn't played with him using her inventions that is. Also Shinobu with her kind heart and amazing cooking always made Keitaro's day. The little blue haired cook really was a life line back at Hinata for Keitaro. He might have snapped and sold the place already if weren't for the little girl who he was entrusted to him by her parents.
"I was only gone for two days Kaolla-chan." Keitaro said detaching the blond girl off him and set her on the floor.
"I know but it really felt longer. Keitaro-san let's play come on pwease." Kaolla asked sweetly with puppy dog eyes. Keitaro almost faltered. Almost. He knew playing with her would be a world of hurt and he rather go home one both feet than in a wheelchair. He tried to turn her down without hurting her feelings, he was tired not a jerk. He couldn't possibly hurt her or any of the girls for that matter, even if they hurt him a lot because of his little accidents. Alright maybe walking in on them while bathing three times that week would have been too much. Hell they forgot to put up the sign he made how should have he known they were in there.
"Kaolla-chan, it's already late and I'm quite tired. I'm sorry I can't play with you." He said patting the girls head.
"But…"
"Now Kaolla-chan aren't you tired from working all day. It's not good to exert yourself too much; you are a growing girl after all. You can play with Keitaro-san tomorrow." Jiru cut in saving Keitaro
"Okay." Kaolla pouted a bit.
"I'll play with you tomorrow Kaolla-chan. Okay." Keitaro said facing the girl.
She nodded in excitement, agreeing with them and dashed off to the other girls table.
"She's really sweet if you get pass the destructive inventions she has. I wonder why she acts like a child though." Keitaro muttered to himself.
"I mean she's a thirteen year old yet she acts like a nine year old. I still don't get it. Acting mature at times then next thing you know she's like a little girl high on sugar." Keitaro sighed again.
"Like you said before they each got their own problem they have to face. It's either you can help them or be one of the problem." Jiru said gulping down his beer.
"Yeah I guess you're right." He replied and downed his alcohol in one straight go.
Mutsumi was with the other girls happily conversing with them. The bubbly ronin fit in quite nicely with the group. She had made friends with them easily.
"So Mutsumi-san, how do you know our manger and Naru-chan?" Kitsune asked now dried off but still her article of clothing dripping a bit.
"Ara, we were childhood friends. I only met him again at Toudai when he helped me find my room when I took the entrance exam. Unfortunately I failed again." She answered.
"Again? How many times have you taken the exam?" Kitsune asked.
"This would have been my third time. I failed the other tests attempts because I forgot to write my name and I fainted because of my anemia the other time." She said a smile still on her lips.
"Why do you keep taking the exam there?" Kitsune asked again.
"I made a promise I would go there. With someone very special." She answered.
Keitaro heard this and got him thinking. Is Mutsumi the promised girl? If she is his promised one should he ask her to confirm it? But what if she made a promise to someone else, it was fifteen years ago. She could have met someone else at that time.
Naru did with her tutor a Toudai teacher in fact. Maybe Mutsumi had also made that promise with someone else. But Natsumi did mention they did made a promise back then. So there is still a chance it's either Naru or Mutsumi.
Thinking too hard Keitaro gave up and just opted to wait till the right time to ask. He'd find out sooner or later. Either way he would be able to say he did it and he kept his promise to get into Tokyo-U.
But he forgot about a special part of the promise that they would live happily ever after with each other.
"Really? Childhood friends huh?" Kitsune repeated putting a hand on her chin.
"Na-chan is also my childhood friend. I just remembered earlier when my mother told me." Mutsumi followed up on her answer.
"Na-chan?" Kitsune raised her eye brow and looked at Naru who was quietly sipping her juice.
"I didn't know you had any childhood friends? I thought I was your oldest friend Naru-chan." Kitsune said.
"Well I only found out just earlier also. It seems that Mutsumi-san's mother worked at Hinata when it was still an inn and knew about me. She said I was taken there by my parents thinking that the fresh air would do me good. She mentioned, Mutsumi-san and Keitaro-san were friends back then." She replied.
"But I still can't remember any of it except the part I was sick and my parents did indeed bring me to Hinata. I was two or three so I don't really know what to say." She finished off sipping again her juice.
"Oh, so your childhood friends with the manager and you only remembered about it earlier." She said rubbing her chin. This was a big opportunity for her; she could tease Naru with this for some time. Yes life was good for the little fox. Teasing her best friend was just one of her little happiness in life.
It also made her realize that Naru had an advantage if she wanted to have a relationship with the cute manager. Naru was always the popular one when they were in school. The ones Kitsune liked, liked Naru and they would go to her for advice. How it hurt her to step aside for her friend.
The worst part of it was that she was the one Naru asked to turn them down. It was hard enough she stepped aside for her. Then she would ask her to break their hearts that's just too much.
Well she couldn't blame Naru entirely. If she only had the courage to confess to the ones she liked maybe she wouldn't have been hurt. She wasn't really obligated to step aside for Naru even if she were her friend. All was fair in love and war.
Also she should have known better. Naru never showed much interest with boys until that time she had a handsome tutor which made her promise herself to get into Toudai. That was when Naru started pouring all her time to studying.
Kitsune sighed. Would she step aside again if her friend decides to have a relationship with the manager?
Kitsune caught herself about this thought. Why was she worrying about it? Has she developed feelings for the manager? She was thinking about him more often lately not just on how to get some money out of him. It was fun battling wits with Keitaro for some money.
Keitaro had his fair share of flirting with girls in college so he was somewhat used to frisky girls. But that didn't mean he wouldn't be caught off guard. Kitsune sometimes hit the jackpot but sometimes the tables are turned on her making her needing a cold shower.
Se did she liked Keitaro? If she did would she still step aside again for Naru or have the courage to tell him her feelings. At least after she sorted what those feelings are. She was still unsure if it was love or just fondness towards the Toudai student.
She shrugged the thought off for later. She'd cross that bridge when she gets three. She had other more pressing matters to remedy. Kitsune has to cut back on some alcohol so she would be able to wake up if Motoko decides to give her a late night visit accompanied by her sword Shisui.
"So Naru-sempai and Mutsumi-san are childhood friends with Keitaro-sempai?" Shinobu asked. "Uhm do you like Keitaro-sempai? Shinobu asked using all her will power not to faint from embarrassment asking that question.
"Yes… I like Kei-kun very much, enjoy being with him very much." Mutsumi replied. Honestly she was very much thrilled to have met her childhood friends again.
"Oh…"
Shinobu was worried about that answer from the Okinawan beauty. Mutsumi was very beautiful Shinobu knew that. Her personality is very lovely as what Shinobu could tell from talking with the bubbly woman. A bright smile and having curves in the right places Mutsumi could have Keitaro if she wanted. Also being a childhood friend is a big bonus for her.
Shinobu couldn't compete with that. She was just a little sister to him. Being too young and not having grown in the right places yet she still couldn't catch her beloved sempai's eyes. The bluenetted gave out a sigh, she liked Keitaro, she knew that, and she will try harder to make him notice her.
She made a mental note of asking Kitsune on how to make one's feminine assets more noticeable seeing that Kitsune's was very much noticeable. Those men earlier were leering at her all the time, if they had heat vision they would have burned her top off!
"Well guys it's late, let's get things cleaned up and go home." Jiru announced to the group.
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Jiru and the girls had closed the restaurant. The girls were supposed to sleep in the restaurant but Mutsumi offered they spend the night at her house. At first they thought they might be intruding but Mutsumi waved it off and made sure they were welcome. Any friend of Keitaro was welcome in their house.
Besides Mutsumi's house was large enough and she was sure that her siblings won't mind sharing their rooms.
So the girls, after huddling decided to take Mutsumi up on the offer. The Okinawan was very much please having guest in her house. Keitaro apologized for the trouble but Mutsumi again waved it off.
" Is it really alright Mutsumi san?" Keitaro asked.
"Yes I'm sure it would be nice to have some guest in the house. My brothers and sisters would love to have some company and mother also." Mutsumi replied smiling brightly.
"If you say so…' The beach was quite and the moon was beautiful. The soft light reflected from the sea waters was dazzling. The smell of the sea was quite relaxing for Keitaro as he looked out the dark waters.
Keitaro had planned to check the girls in a hotel along with him and there would they would spend the night and go home tomorrow, even though the cost of the hotel would hurt his bank account very much. But Mutsumi's generosity had saved him from emptying his bank account. Now he only needed to worry about Kitsune doing that for him.
Keitaro sighed; he had brought Mutsumi home safely. He didn't have to worry anymore about the girl fainting and falling over board or that she might board a life raft and jumped in the middle of the ocean because she thinks that the island she lives in is not too far away. Keitaro had no idea as why he thought Mutsumi would do such a thing? She's ditzy not crazy!
He also remembered the reason he was on a trip. He forgot about the important documents in need of delivery to his mentor back at Tokyo. So he needs to get back to Tokyo as soon as possible. He'll also have to face a very upset Sara about a little date he had forgotten later.
So tomorrow he was going to thank Mutsumi for her generosity in accommodating them and then head back home. But something in the night breeze told Keitaro that it wasn't going to be over by tomorrow. A feeling of forthcoming trouble crawled in his skin.
"Kami-sama, please tell me it's just my imagination." He prayed as he watched the group walking towards Mutsumi's house.