Juna threw swift strikes at Setsuna's guard. She was bruised everywhere.
I never thought sensei was this strong.
Setsuna retaliated back by throwing a kick to her jaw. She caught her kick and elbowed her in the stomach.
"Ahhhhh!"
Juna opened her palm and struck Setsuna in the chest. She flew halfway across the room.
"Get up. You wanted this right? I won't be taking it easy on you. If Asuka was able to keep up, then you should too."
"But she's your daughter. Of course she's able to keep up," Setsuna said under her breath.
Setsuna slowly got up. Juna gotten close to her and palm strikes right in her chest. Setsuna hits the ground, holding her chest.
"I don't want any talk like that! You can be just as strong as her. Get up!"
She's ruthless, but this is what I wanted. I want to be stronger than all 3 of them. I'm glad Ms. Kazama took me on as her apprentice that night...
"Sensei!"
"Yes?"
"I want you to train me. Train me so I can beat your daughter!"
Juna was surprised to hear this.
"Beat my daughter? What brought this on?"
"I want to get stronger, so that she can see me as her equal, or better."
"Your already strong enough. Your one of the best in the class. Me and Han have been teaching and-"
"No, I want just a one on one. She must've got her teachings from you. I want you to train me the same way you trained her."
"She's learned the Kazama style ever since she was little. Experience wise, she has the upper hand."
"Is there any way, Sensei? I'm begging you..."
Setsuna approaches her on all fours and bowed her head.
"Take me on as your apprentice and train me in the Kazama style of fighting. I'll become strong, I promise."
"What would Asuka think of this?"
Setsuna was caught off guard. She never thought what Asuka would say if she knew about this.
"She's my best friend, almost like a sister to me. When it comes to fighting, I don't really care what she thinks. I want to prove to her that there is somebody that can stand toe to toe with her. I wanna be that person! To prove to myself that I can push past my limits. Please take me on as your student!"
After a long silence, Juna finally spoke.
"Alright, I'll take you on."
"You will?!"
"But only if your able to handle my level of training."
"Don't worry, I won't quit or complain. I'll keep fighting! I'll never give up!"
"Do you want to keep this training a secret?"
"Ummm well, I guess. I want to showcase my training at the inter high tournament. I don't want anyone else to notice yet."
"Alright. Just be ready."
"I will. Thank you Sensei."
That's what I promised myself. I will defeat them, and prove that I am just as good as them!
Setsuna got up and got into her fighting stance.
"Are you ready Sensei?"
"Anytime."
"I'm disappointed everyone else couldn't come with us to the mall," Izuna said.
"Well Dawn has her book club and Ayame is trying out for the basketball team. Gohan is getting homework done so, it just leaves you and me," Asuka said.
The girls were walking through the Tokyo mall, filled with bustling people.
"I'm fine with that. I wanted to talk to you anyway so I guess that's good."
"Talk to me? About what?"
"Setsuna. Lets grab a bite from the food court."
Asuka and Izuna grabbed some lunch and sat by a nearby window.
"You know a lot about Setsuna, even though I knew her longer," Izuna said drinking her milkshake.
"Jealous?"
"Oh no, I just feel like...a stranger to her. She just seemed a little uncomfortable to see me. I thought she would be happy."
"Don't get the wrong idea, she's glad to see you. At the same time, she wants to prove herself to you."
"She doesn't have anything to prove to me."
"Maybe not, but she wants to prove to herself that she can stand up to you. Along with me and Rosa."
Izuna thought about it for a sec. She does surpass Setsuna in fighting but she never thought that Setsuna wanted to make a point to her or herself. Izuna sighed.
"You know, she got me to start fighting."
"She did?"
"Setsuna was fighting before I was. She got me into it. I only did it because it was a good workout. Soon after, some people thought I should enter tournaments. I was against the idea, but soon after I enjoyed it. Me and Setsuna had a great time together. After 2 years, my dad had to move due to his job. I haven't spoke to Setsuna since. My first time seeing her back was in the national tournament."
"Do you think Setsuna has gotten stronger?"
"Oh defiantley. I don't want to rub it in or anything, but I picked up on the fighting faster than Setsuna. I would win most of my spars and matches. She would always work so hard for a match, only to lose in the end. It would really upset me and frustrate her. I really didn't know what to do."
"Umm excuse me. Are you possibly Izuna Riu?"
A guy with glasses walked up to the girls.
"Yes?"
"Oh it really is you! Could you please sign this magazine?"
The guy gave Izuna the magazine and a pen. On the cover was Izuna in a maid's outfit serving two glasses of wine on a silver plate. Asuka snatched the magazine away.
"No way! You never said you modeled!"
"Ha ha, well people would try to get me to model, but it really wasn't my thing. Maybe if I was modeling first, I might've. They would always look surprised when I tell them Im'a fighter. I just did a little here and there but I never thought I'd get to see myself on the front cover."
"Excuse me, my magazine," the boy said.
"Oh sorry."
Asuka handed the magazine to Izuna and she signed it.
"There you are."
"Oh thank you thank you THANK YOU!"
The guy ran off excitedly.
"Is that why you don't tell others?"
"It gets pretty embarrassing lemme tell ya."
The girls finish their food and left the food court.
"Hey, lets go in here."
Izuna pointed to a massage clinic.
"What's so special about it," Asuka asked.
"Just come inside, I have a friend here."
They walk inside. The clinic was nicely furnished with a marble ceiling. There was a door that went into a long hallway, a slight orange lamp lit the hall. A radiant, soothing vibe. There were also rooms that had massage beds, lotions, and other accessories. A man with round rimmed glasses with partly long gray hair was running the receptionist desk, reading a book. He had on a grayish shirt and a pin on his left bosom.
"Hey Toguro."
Izuna and Asuka approached him. Toguro looked up and closed his book. He smiled at the two.
"Oh Ms. Riu, it's nice to see you again. Who is your friend?"
"Asuka Kazama. It's her first time here."
Asuka looked around the clinic.
"You must not get a lot of customers. A guy working in a massage clinic doesn't sound all that pleasing."
"What if the guy working in a massage clinic was dashingly handsome," Toguro said smiling.
Asuka looked away. Izuna smiled at him.
"We would like a massage, the-"
"Kimochi special I presume," Toguro cut off.
Izuna looked flattered.
"You know me so well."
"I've known you for awhile, of course the kimochi would be your favorite. These hands were made for that."
Asuka couldn't help but look at him funny.
"Did I say something wrong," Toguro asked.
"I don't think I want you touching my body."
"Do not fret please. I know my boundaries and am a man of honor. If I do cross the line however, you have permission to rip my face open. By the way, congratulations on your lightweight championship win Izuna. This massage will be free of charge as an award. Your friend also."
"Oh I just love this guy," Izuna squealed.
Izuna grabbed Asuka's hand.
"C'mon, I know where the changing room and towels are."
"Don't rushed me! Geez, so pushy."
They went through the hallway and found a room with robes and hangers to take your clothes. They changed and Izuna led her into a room lit with candles and incense burners, and comfy plush massage beds. There was an intercom in the upper left hand corner of the room.
"I come by here sometimes before a match so I can get relaxed. The tension and muscle strains all melt away and I feel so rejuvenated. Toguro really has that magic touch," Izuna trailed off.
"You really have a thing for this guy huh," Asuka asked suspiciously.
"He's just my personal masseuse, a darn good one at that. Lets take our towels off and lay on the beds. He'll be here shortly."
They removed their towels and laid face down on the beds. Shortly after, music started playing from the intercom. The sound of ocean waves and seagulls went around the room.
"I'll give him credit, he knows how to set the mood," Asuka said impressed.
Izuna was silent, laying on the bed. She had her eyes closed while having herself being immersed by the ocean waves.
"Ready ladies?"
Toguro came into the room with a bucket of hot coals and some lotion.
"Your not seriously gonna put those on my back are you," Asuka said sharply.
"Indeed I am. Don't worry, there not too hot. It's to release the strain on your lower back muscles. You'll feel completely different afterwards, I promise."
Toguro used a tong to place the coals onto Izuna and Asuka's back.
"That's hot," Asuka screamed.
"Shhhhh. It's hot, but the heat will drain into your body, and soon you won't feel it. Take a look at Izuna."
Izuna was quietly humming to herself with her eyes still closed.
"She must be use to them," Asuka said.
"You will too. I'll place them on your back one at a time."
Asuka felt the heat seeping through her back. It was hot, but relaxing. Soon the coals lost their heat. Toguro took them off their backs and grabbed the lotion.
"Next, I'll dig into your neck and back area, rubbing and making your muscles loose. Try not to think of anything else but the calm waves and inhale the aroma. Please, refrain from making any erotic noises," Toguro said looking at Izuna.
She smiled but still had her eyes closed. Asuka was silent, almost sleeping like.
"Here we go."
"Wow, that was the greatest massage I ever gotten. Now I know why they call it the Kimochi special," Asuka said as they put their clothes back on.
"I told you, he's really good. I just wish the others were here with us."
"Did you enjoy yourself Asuka," Toguro said as he picked up his book from the reception desk.
Asuka blushed but still kept her demeanor.
"It was, it was impressive I'll admit. What, you wanna award or something?"
"That wouldn't be so bad actually," he said flipping through his book.
"Thank you again Toguro," Izuna said waving at him.
"Please come again."
They left the clinic and walked around some more.
"Somebody please help me!"
A guy took a gold necklace from a jewelry store and was making a run for it.
"Oh no you don't!"
Asuka sprinted after the man. Izuna followed after. He ran inside the elevator calmly. Asuka slid down the handrail of the escalator.
He's planning to leave the mall. I got a good look at what he was wearing, but not his face. I'll just have to wing it.
She beat the elevator before it came down. People started filing out. Asuka didn't see any suspicious person.
I could've sworn I saw him get on this elevator.
Asuka seen a guy holding a bag with the exact same clothes on as the thief. Asuka tackled him.
"Hey, what the!"
"Gotcha! You can't get away from me and my hawk eyes! Return what you stole!"
"What are you talking about? I paid for this!"
Asuka looked into the bag to find a box that had a watch in it and a receipt.
"Oh well, I guess you did pay for this..."
"Get off of me!"
A guy clutching the necklace slowly started to walk outta the mall.
"Another successful theft. I'm too much."
"Excuse me sir?"
The guy turned around to get knocked out by Izuna's kick.
"Your a fast one. I'm glad I stayed on the second floor, otherwise I wouldn't have seen you. I wonder where Asuka went."
Izuna drags the guy to the cops.
"Thank you little lady."
"It was no problem at all."
"Excuse me miss?"
A woman in her 30s came to greet Izuna.
"I'm the owner of that jewelry store. For saving such a precious piece of gold, I would like for you to have it."
"Oh wow thank you very much. Are you sure this is okay?"
"Don't worry about it. I'd rather it being in the hands of a reliable woman than a crook."
"I'll treasure this for the rest of my life."
After the commotion was over, Asuka was able to find Izuna.
"I'm sorry, I let the guy get away."
"I already turned him in to the police."
"You what?! How did you find him?"
"The only thing that matters is that he'll be behind bars."
"I see you wanted to celebrate by buying a necklace huh?"
"It's only fair that I get a reward. Shall we head back?"
"Yeah."
"Asuka, I enjoyed our chat. I think I understand Setsuna a little bit better. I'll talk to her about this."
"That's good to hear."
Suddenly Asuka sensed a faint spark of energy. She turned towards a sports store. There was a girl sweeping the entrance of the store.
Did that come from her?
"Asuka, c'mon."
"Right."
The girl sighed. She took of her hat. Her black hair was wrapped in a ponytail.
"That was close. That girl can sense energy too it seems. Is she apart of the spirit world?"
"Yo, Xion."
"What do you want Ento?"
"Woah, what's with the attitude?"
"That tall girl caught a robber and she gets a gold necklace for it. That's outrageous! I seen him first!
"Tall girl...tall girl..."
Ento grabs a magazine from the shelf of a nearby store.
"You mean this tall girl?"
"What?! She's a model?! People have no taste these days..."
"I don't know, she is pretty cute heh heh heh."
Xion rolls up the magazine and slaps him over the head.
"Your not suppose to hit your fellow coworker," Ento said rubbing his head.
"Screw that! She's nothing special. At least my breasts are bigger than hers."
"Can't argue with that."
Xion takes the broom and slaps him across the face.
"I was agreeing with you!"
The owner came by to seen them messing around.
"You two, quit monkeying around! Have you guys decided who's gonna pose as the baseball star?"
"Same as before," Ento asked Xion.
"Same as before," she responded.
They both got into a fighting stance.
"Ready," Ento asked
"I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that hideous outfit. Ready," Xion yelled out.
"Rock! Paper! Scissors!"
"I don't know about you, but you look great in a baseball uniform."
"Shut up."
Xion sported a baseball cap with cleats, gloves, and a bat to go with it.
"Say the lines. C'mon, we need this place packed with customers," Ento urged.
"...Come to Cubby's Sporting Center, where our prices hit outta the park. You can't find a better team than Cubby's."
"AHAHAHAHAHAHAH! Hey, are you entering the inter high tournament?"
"Of course."
I gotta good feeling those two will enter as well. I will take care of the little model personally.
"Well keep up the good work, and remember..."
Ento flashed her a good looking smile, showing his perfect white teeth.
"Service with a smile, okay Xion-San?"
A sudden vain popped out of her head. She took the baseball bat and smashed it into his teeth.
"AHHHHHHHHH! MY PERFECT TEETH!"
"Don't mess with me..."
Setsuna didn't stop attacking. She was badly hurt, but still hanging in there. Juna used a palm strike. Setsuna dodged and struck Juna in the solar plexus.
"Oh ugh, very good," Juna said.
Setsuna tried to knee her in the chin but her hand stopped her attack. Setsuna punched and Juna palmed at the same time. Their attacks blew each other back. They were both breathing hard.
"Your starting to catch up. That's good. Phew that's enough for today. I'm getting a little old."
"Don't say that. Your still tough for your age. Ha ha, ughh."
Setsuna held her stomach.
"That palm strike really got to me."
"As did your solar plexus. I never taught you that."
"After getting hit by it so many times, I sorta learned where to hit."
"Rest up. I'll give you training every week. Get ready for another fight."
"Thank you Sensei!"
"Slash Wave!"
Gohan unleashed slash wave after slash wave at Lightning.
"Not bad."
She was able to dodge all of the waves but one she couldn't dodge. She focused her power and cut right through the wave.
"No way! She cut right though it."
"Don't let your guard down Gohan."
Danzo blew wind onto his hand making a wind type sword. Gohan spun around to see Danzo jump in the air and slash down on Gohan. He deflected with his sword just in time. Danzo kicked Gohan and sent him flying but was able to regain balance. Lightning came behind Gohan and tried to kick him in the face. He held up his sword. She kicked the sword, sending him back.
There both equally strong, but together it's ridiculous.
"Your very brave but very foolish to challenge the both of us," Lightning said.
"Your week isn't up Gohan. Shouldn't you be in the human world," Danzo asked.
"I need to get stronger in order to get that first orb. I can't lag behind on my training, even if I can receive it with Asuka. This type of training is important too. Please, don't go easy on me!"
Gohan readied his sword.
"Very well. Danzo!"
"Right!"
Lightning moved to the right and Danzo moved to the left, their swords ready. They were headed straight for Gohan.