Hey readers! First, I would like to apologize for not updating last week, so... I'm sorry! (Deep bow). There's actually 2 reasons for my lateness. One of them is because I'm terribly busy this year with some stuff that I'm unable to spend much time on my story. I didn't even have time to watch the anime series I originally planned to watch so I'm sure you readers can understand how busy I am. The second reason why I'm late is because... well, I actually finished this chapter last week, but I ended up not liking the result. So I ended up rewriting this story twice (true story).
Even though I'm currently busy which will get busier next month, I will try to find time to work on this story. I already said this before, but I will say it again. I will never abandon this story unless I'm dead or dying which will not happen anytime soon. However, I hope that you readers would understand if I'm not updating for a week or two or more. Now enough talking, let's get on with the reviews.
[To Kotano,]
First of all, I'm sorryyyyyy! I know how it feels as a restless reader so I will try to update this story when I can. Now let's talk, first I'm glad you like my little story about your 'condition'. The inspiration came out of nowhere and that's the result, a totally random story. Next, thanks for realizing the pattern of my lemon chapters and yes, I did it on purpose. The reason? None. I just did it for no reason and I can't guarantee that the next lemon will follow the same pattern because I have a lot of lemon in mind so expect more lemons from me.
Now... 40 chapters!? Like I said above, I'm pretty busy this year, but... I like a good challenge so I will try my best to make 40 or more chapters by the end of this year. That's my promise to you all!
Okay... time to give a review, I'm sure you're really expecting for this so here it is. First of all, this quiz is longer than I expected don't worry, it's not a bad thing. Second of all, this quiz fanfic you made is... oh, how should I say it... It's... Oh god...
It's really amazing! I love it! Love it! Love it! S-sorry for my sudden outburst of joy, but man... I love what you did in this fanfic. Taking every little chance you get to tease those two, you're naughty, but I like it, especially how they react to it. The whole thing was really funny and fresh that I ended up reading 5 to 6 times before I was satisfied. My most favorite scene is when you explain what happened when Saito got excited, oh how funny that was. Hopefully, they never found out that I'm the one who has been telling their story to the whole world or they might kill me.
You mentioned hating Tiffa and Siesta. Well, seems like we are the same, but the one I hated the most is Henrietta because from the way I see it, she's the one who cause the most problems to Saito and Louise both in their relationship and their life. Also about your opinion of Julio, well, I didn't like him, nor do I hate him. I mean he's nice and seems like a good friend, but other than that he's... okay, I guess? He doesn't have much of a role in the series so it's hard to judge. And about he might be gay, I didn't have much comment on that, but I keep wondering till this day, why in the series no one had ever pointed out that Julio had kissed the Pope? I was expecting maybe Saito would point that out of the blue, but it never happens. Still, no comment about that.
That's all I have to say. I never write a review before so I'm not sure what to comment on, but like I said, I really love your work. I'm not a professional writer, but I think you have potential. I would really love to see a second quiz session, but don't worry, I'm not forcing you to make one.
[To Tsunderefan]
Okay, first of all, this question is random, but I don't mind. All of you readers can ask me anything, no matter how random it was and I will try to answer it. Now for that question, yes, I am a guy and if a girl says that to me I will be like WTF!? And then I will politely tell her to cool down while keeping my distance from her. Run away? Only if I think it's necessary. Seriously, I think saying that to someone who you're not in a relationship with, even if it was meant as a joke is considered very inappropriate especially if you only met.
If I'm dating the girl and have a serious relationship, then it's completely fine to hear the girl say that to me, but If I'm not then for me, the girl would seem obsessed with me or a stalker or maybe (in anime/manga terms) a yandere. At the same time, try to imagine a guy telling a girl whom he's not dating 'I want to make babies with you.' I bet 100 dollars that guy would either get slapped, splashed by a glass of water, kicked in the gut, being called a pervert or the worst case scenario, all the above. Like I said, saying that sentence to a guy/girl you only first met or not dating is inappropriate. However, if there is a reader here who find that attractive, please do not get offended because everything I said above is just my opinion.
Anyway, I guess that's all. If I missed something, please point that out. Now let's get on with the story.
[This chapter was a request from a reader called 'Storm'. If you are reading this tell me what you think about it.]
[MAY PEACE BE WITH YOU]
[READ, ENJOY, REVIEW]
CHAPTER 38: ARCHERY
"Saito, are you sure we're in the right place?"
"I'm not sure, I have never actually been there before."
Walking along the road under the heat of the sun, were Saito and Louise who were trying to find the Dojo where Asuna went for her archery training. The reason? Well, when Asuna left the house earlier this morning, she somehow forgot to bring the bento Yuno prepared for her. Thus Saito ended up being tasked with the job of sending the bento to Asuna and along the way, Louise decided to tag along.
That's how they end up with their current situation, being on the outskirt of town while searching for the Dojo with only an address given by Yuno as a guide.
"Haa... This is getting tiring." Louise sighed. She followed him because she was bored, but now she had started to regret it.
"Don't worry, I'm sure we're getting closer," Saito reassured her. "Mom said that we will find it once we saw the Dojo sign."
After another minute of walking, they eventually stopped in front of what seems like a traditional Japanese building, surrounded by wooden fences that covered the entire premise with the name of the Dojo clearly written in front of a wooden gate.
"I think this is the place."
They pushed the gate open, revealing a garden with flowers and bamboo trees decorating the place. There was even a small pond near the gate where koi fish can be seen swimming happily in the water. The scenery created a calm atmosphere that can ease a person's mind and body.
"Waa... this place is nice...," Louise stated as she walks in.
"It is. Whoever made this place must be pretty skilled."
Not letting himself being indulged too much with the scenery, Saito went to the front door and called for someone who might be inside, but he received no answer.
"That's weird, I'm sure this is the right place. Where is everyone?"
"Eh, wait Saito, can you hear that?
When the two focused their ears, they can hear sounds of people coming from the back of the building. Curious, they walk through the garden path to the back of the building in order to find the source of sound. Once in the back, they found another large Japanese style building separated from the main building. All around, they could see people dressed in hakama walking around with a bow in hand. It was clear that they were in the right place.
"Wow, there's a lot of people here," said Louise.
"Asuna did say that this Dojo have a lot of students, but I didn't expect them to be this many," said Saito. Feeling a little shocked by the amount of students.
"Err... But, how do we find her? She could be anywhere."
"Well, Asuna had been training here for years, somebody must know her."
Saito looked around attempting to find someone they could ask before spotting a student who are just passing by them.
"Um... excuse me?" he stopped the student.
"Yes, can I help you?"
"Well, do you know where my sis- I mean, do you know where Hiraga Asuna is?"
"Asuna-senpai? She's in the main hall."
"Main hall?"
"There," the student pointed towards a building at the side. "That's the main hall, Asuna-senpai should be in there. Remember to remove your shoes before going in."
"Ah, thank you. Come, Louise."
Saito leads Louise into the main hall, which they had been directed to. When they stepped in, they were greeted by rows of certificates decorating the walls and trophies from the Dojo's winnings displayed in a glass cupboard which represents the Dojo outstanding achievement. At the corner of the hall, they spotted a group of students along with the person they are looking for.
"Oi your stance is wrong! Widen your feet!"
"Y-yes Senpai!"
"And you, where the hell are you looking at!? Look straight forward!"
"S-s-sorry, Senpai!"
From afar, Saito and Louise watched as Asuna tutored the younger students who might be the new members of the Dojo. She was displaying a stern attitude towards the students, unlike her usual care free behavior. Even by standing from afar, they could feel the tension given by her strong voice as she yelled at the students.
"S-should we bother her? She seems busy." asked Louise as she felt scared to call her out.
"If it's you..., I don't think she would mind. Try calling her."
Louise raised her hand and waved towards Asuna while calling her name,
"Asuna! Asuna!"
Lost in her teaching and her own loud voice, Asuna didn't notice Louise's calling and continued working on the students. Louise tried calling her a lot louder and wave her hand faster, but it still didn't manage to get her attention. However, one of the students noticed her and tried to notify Asuna.
"Err... Um... S-Senpai?"
"What!? I told you to concentrate! That's mean, no talking!"
"B-b-but S-Senpai... someone is calling for you," the student pointed towards the door showing Louise, who was rapidly waving her hand. Only then that Asuna realized her siblings were there.
'Louise? Saito? What are they doing here?' thought Asuna while waving back to them before turning back to her students.
"You guys, keep holding the stance. If you move before I come back, you will get 100 hundred push ups each, understand?!"
"Yes, Senpai!"
"Oh, and you... Er... Ken right?" Asuna gestured the student earlier. "Thanks for notifying me. You can sit down and relax till I get back."
"Thank you, Senpai!"
Leaving the group of students, Asuna went to approach Saito and Louise who were still waiting for her by the entrance.
"You two, what are you two doing here? How do you even find this place?" she asked as soon as she was near to them.
"We are looking for you. Here, you forgot to bring it," Louise handed the bento box to her.
"Eh, my bento? Did I forget it? Ahaha... silly me, sorry for the trouble. Can you please put it in my bag for me? I need to keep my eyes on those guys."
"Say, I didn't know you have students of your own," Saito stated as he looks back at the group of students his sister was teaching earlier.
"Yeah... the master is out-of-town for a few days, so he told me to whip them in shape while he was gone, but it's harder than I thought," she sighed. "They lack discipline and they all thought that archery can be learned in a few hours, total newbies."
"If the master allows you to teach your own pupil, you must be pretty amazing, sis." praised Louise.
"Well, don't want to brag, but you can say that I'm the best archer here. Just look at that shelf over there and you can see trophies with my name of it. Everyone who are involved in archery knows my name." she proudly stated.
"You're bragging right now," Saito pointed out
"Cause it's true," she smirked. "Ah, I love to stay and chat, but if I left those guys, they might try to slack off. My bag is on the bench over there, black color. See ya." Asuna rushed to her students before looking back over her shoulder.
"Oh, go ahead and look around the Dojo if you want. If someone asks, just say that I'm your sister." She turned again and head towards the students who were literally shivering due to having to hold the position for too long.
"Well, on the bench, black color. Let's find it."
Heading to the bench Asuna pointed them to, they found her bag which was confirmed by her name which was written on the bag. They properly put the bento box into her bag, finishing the task they were given. From afar, they could still see Asuna coaching her students with such sternness and they could even hear her voice even though they were far from them.
"Seems like our job is done here. Wanna head home?" asked Saito.
"But, we just got here. It's a pity if we had to leave so soon."
"Well, she said we can look around if we want to. So how about it, a little sightseeing?"
"Agreed!" she nodded.
They went around the hall for a while, taking a look at the certificates and the shiny trophies being displayed. As they were afraid that they might interrupt Asuna's lessons, they went out of the hall and took a stroll around the Dojo. Similar to the entrance, the Dojo surroundings create a relaxing atmosphere with everyone indulging themselves in relaxation. Compared to the place outside, the Dojo was like an entirely different place cut off from the rest of the world.
"Ne, Saito. Why is this place so... odd?"
"Odd? What do you mean?"
"Well, I thought that the place where people learn archery would be noisy, but it's so calm in here."
"That's because this is Japanese archery or also known as Kyudo. Different from the archery learned in other places, Kyudo stresses more on spiritual development. That's why this place is on the outskirt of town so that it will be isolated from the rest of the world so people can work on enriching their soul."
After the small chat, they went on to an archery range not far from the main hall, where students can be seen taking their shots on the target with perfect discipline and respect to the way of the bow. The two found a seat nearby and stayed to see the archers routine. Louise starts asking question after question about Kyudo especially about what she found odd in it compared to the archery she saw in her world. Saito somehow managed to answer her question, thanks to Asuna, who keep talking about archery at home when she first got herself into archery.
As they continued watching the archers, someone suddenly pat their shoulders startling them in the process. They turn around and found Asuna grinning at them.
"Jeez, you startled us. Finished with your students already?" said Saito.
"Yeah, I don't want to torture them too much. Anyway, thought you two already left."
"We planned to, but Louise here wanted to know more about Kyudo so we thought we stay for a while."
"Want to know more huh?" Asuna suddenly got a plan. "Ne, Louise want to give it a try?
"A try? On what?" Louise asked, oblivious to what Asuna had in mind.
"Archery, what else? You're in an archery Dojo, it would be a waste if you didn't try firing a shot, Asuna suddenly held Louise's hand and dragged her to the archery range.
"E-eh? A-Asuna? Wait! I don't know how to fire an arrow!"
"That's easy... I can teach you. Come on little sis."
"Eh!? S-Saito!" Louise called for help as she was dragged away by Asuna.
Saito stood there and watch as Louise was forced to learn archery. He wanted to help, but he knew he couldn't stop his sister so he decided to left Louise to her fate.
"Okay, now Louise, make sure your feet are wide apart at all times when you are taking a shot."
"Like this?"
"A bit wider, okay, just like that."
Asuna was teaching Louise the proper stance of an archer like she did to the students earlier. However, instead of the stern attitude she used earlier, Asuna was being very soft with Louise as she spoke with a soft tone while patiently explaining everything to her. Saito can see looks of jealousy from some of the students who were watching them since they received such a different treatment compared to Louise.
"Now, take this arrow and pulled it along with the string."
Taking the arrow, Louise did as she was instructed. However, she had difficulty pulling the string, mainly due to the lack of strength in her shoulder. Seeing this, Asuna put a hand to Louise's waist to fix her position while her other hand held Louise's right hand to pull the string.
"Okay, now release!"
Following Asuna's que, Louise fired the arrow with Asuna's help. The arrow then makes it's way to the target in front of her, hitting it spot on.
"Asuna, I did it. I really did it!" Louise joyfully said.
"Haha, I told you, didn't I? You can do it if you try."
"Uu... But my shoulder is aching," she rubs her shoulders as she said that.
"Ah, sorry about that. It seems like we need to work on strengthening your shoulder a little and then you can join the Dojo."
"J-join the Dojo? I think I will pass, archery is not for me."
"Haa... at least it's worth a try. But since you manage to hit the target on the first try, let me show you something special," Asuna takes the bow from Louise before lining up 3 arrows at her bow.
"TRI SHOOT!" Asuna fired the 3 arrows at the same time as she shouted. The arrows gracefully make its way to the target before hitting the center of the target. What makes it more impressive was that the arrow was lined up perfectly creating a triangular like shape.
"Wa-wa..." Louise was amazed with Asuna's feat. "What is that? I never saw something like that before."
"It's a technique I invented. Even the master had a hard time doing it." she proudly stated.
From afar, Saito watch with disinterest and began to yawn. When Asuna noticed this, she went up to him.
"Oi Saito, what about you? Wanna give it a try?"
"Nah... I pass, he lazily said."
"Come on, get your lazy butt up. Even Louise can do it, surely you can do it too."
"I don't want to try, because I'm sure I can do better than you. And when your juniors saw that, they might lose their respect for you, Saito casually said that as if to provoke her."
"Oh... are you challenging me?" asked Asuna, feeling provoked.
"What if I am?" he smirked.
"Then, I say prove it my little brother. Duel of archery, you and me. Up for that?"
"Fine," he stood up. "What's the rules?"
"Simple, we both take turns firing 3 shots. Whoever get's the most hit wins. But still, it would be boring if it was just a regular, friendly duel," she said with a sly smile.
"Same thought here, so the usual bet?"
"The usual then."
The two sibling went their separate way to prepare for the duel. To make it fair, they are free to choose any bow or arrows that they want and one of the other senior students will act as the referee. The news of the duel quickly spread among the students like wildfire resulting in the place being crowded by student's who were expecting the greatest duel in the history of the Dojo.
"Um... Saito what is the usual bet?" Louise asked as she went to Saito's side.
"Ah, it means the winner can do whatever they want to the loser. We always did it from time to time."
"Are you sure that's... okay?" she said worriedly.
"Don't worry, I'm 100% confident," he boasted before leaning to her ear. "Besides, I have Gandalfr power. Even Asuna couldn't possibly beat me."
At that moment, the referee summoned both Saito and Asuna so they may begin the duel. Saito picks up a bow and left Louise, but not before giving her his signature grin as he had no doubt that he will win the match. Saito and Asuna then took their place in front of the target, but since Saito doesn't know much about the tradition of Kyudo, they decided to skip the tradition and went on with firing the bow.
"Ne Saito, I suggest you forfeit right now. If you did, I will forget all of this ever happened and I will forget the bet as well," said Asuna as they stood next to each other.
"Hehe... Why? You scared?" he challenged.
"No, I'm just showing you a little concern cause I don't plan on showing mercy when you lose."
"Heh, keep that concern for yourself."
"Suit yourself. Ah, one more thing. To make it fair, you can't ask for Louise's help when you receive what's coming to you."
"Fine," he turns to Louise. "Louise! Whatever happens to me next, don't help me no matter what I said!"
"E-eh? O-okay..." nodded Louise from the back.
"There, satisfied." Saito turns back to his sister.
"Very," she smiled. "I hope you kept your word. Now go ahead, take a shot. The newcomers must fire first before the seniors."
Taking a stance with the bow in hand, Saito picked up an arrow and steady his aim while Asuna watched him from the side. She was smiling confidently with not even a slight tinge of worry on her face. However, Saito intends to change that.
"Asuna, prepare to accept your defeat"! Using all his strength, Saito pulled the strings, preparing to release the arrow. He then confidently released the arrow full force as he was absolutely sure that he will win. However, after being fired, the arrow fall directly in front of him only a few metres away from his feet.
"Eh? Eh? Eh?"
Everyone was silent, as if they were confused with what they had seen.
...
...
...
"Aha... Ahahaha!"
The silence was broken by Asuna's laughter as she burst out laughing at his failure. The student's gathering around were also laughing to the unexpected scene.
"Seriously? T-that's your best shot!? Ahaha!" Asuna was clutching her stomach from her laughter.
"Wait, wait I'm not ready yet! Th-that's just a practice one!" he reasoned with her.
"Ahaha... ahaha... Okay, okay. I be generous, that one is not counted. Go ahead, t-take another shot ahaha..., said Asuna as she tried restraining her laughter.
Saito pulled out another arrow and steady his aim. This time he put more strength to his shoulder and released the arrow full force. However, the arrow still landed the same way as his first one with only centimetres apart. In the background, Asuna was literally dying out of laughter along with the students. Even Louise herself was struggling to held her laughter.
'Wait, what's going on? I'm supposed to become a master archer already,' Saito look towards his rune and realised that it was not glowing which means Gandalfr power hasn't been activated.
'Come on, come on! Why doesn't it- Eh, wait a minute?' Saito looks towards his bow and his brain start processing his thought and he came up to one conclusion.
"This is not a weapon."
In the current world, bows and arrows are made for recreational purposes or sports and not for battles. This means that the bow he's holding was not intended to be used as a weapon. Since the bow was not made as a weapon, that means Gandalfr power won't work. At that point, Saito realized that he had messed up, real bad.
"C-crap... What have I done..." he muttered as he might have made the biggest mistake in his life. He can activate his Gandalfr powers passively, but using it that way would only give a small boost to his physical and mental capabilities while his weapon proficiency will remain unchanged.
PAK!
"Bullseye," Asuna boasted from the side with a smirk as she fired her first shot and easily hit the target.
"Oh, god... What have I done?"
[After the match]
"Look... Asuna, I know the bet means that the winner can do anything to the loser... but this is too much!"
Saito was currently tied to a tree with his hands tied in the back. He can only move his head around since the movements of his body was restricted by the ropes that binds him to the tree.
"Don't you understand what anything means? It means ANYTHING," Asuna casually said as she pulled something out of a bag.
"Wait, no, no... not that! Anything, but that!" Saito struggled with the ropes as he realized what Asuna actually intends to do to him.
"It's been a while, hasn't it," Asuna said with an evil tone as she held an apple in her hand.
When Asuna got herself into archery, she occasionally makes Saito as her personal practice dummy. Sometimes she would tell him to hold a board in front of him while she fires an arrow at the board. Sometimes she would make him hold something in his hand like a ball or something and fires at it. However, the worst one of all and the one that was the most traumatizing for Saito, was Asuna firing on an apple on top of his head which is precisely what she intends to do right now. Saito had once faced against a barrage of arrows, but for him, that was nothing compared to this.
"This is for my pocky..." said Asuna as she glared at him.
"Woah, woah what? Wait a minute!" Saito spoke. "You're still mad about that? That was like a month ago and I already apologized about that! I even bought you a whole crate of pocky as apology!"
"Oh no, you didn't get it," Asuna shook her head. "I was really looking forward to that pocky you ate, but you snatched it away from me... The feeling of losing something you're expecting is extremely frustrating, you couldn't understand that."
Deep down, Saito actually knows how it feels like. He could name a hundred situation where he felt that way and all of them was caused by the very women who's pointing the bow at him. However, he knows arguing about that would only lead to more trouble so he went for his wife's help.
"L-Louise! Help me out here!"
"Um... you're the one made the bet so... you have to accept it. Sorry, she timidly apologised"
"W-what? How could you do this to me? You said you love me!"
"I do... but you said earlier that whatever happen, I shouldn't help you no matter what you say. Remember?"
Now Saito greatly regrets saying that earlier. He can't do anything since she already promised not to interfere. Desperate for help, he turned towards the students of the Dojo, hoping they could stop Asuna.
"Someone, help me out here! Stop this woman!"
He tried calling for them, but all of them were looking at the ground, the sky, the Dojo, pretty much everywhere else they could set their eyes on except at him. They all pretended as if they couldn't hear his cry for mercy.
"You, put this apple on his head and tied his head as well, I don't want to have him move around," Asuna instructed a young student as she was ready to carry out the punishment.
"W-w-w-w-wait wait! Asuna have mercy on me! I will buy another crate, no, a lorry of pocky!" Saito begged.
"Tied his mouth too, it's getting annoying."
"No! No! I- mmph!" Before he could say anything more, a student puts a cloth around his mouth, preventing him from speaking. He later tied Saito's head and place an apple on top.
"MMPH! MPH! MMHH...," Saito looks straight towards the student's eye pleading for mercy. The student sighed and pat his shoulder before whispering to his ear.
"Bro, I didn't really know you, but we all wanted to tell you this. We pity you, but we can't help you. Sorry," giving him another pat, the student turned around and slowly walked away from him. At that time, it was clear to Saito that everyone had forsaken him to his fate.
"S-sis are you really going on with this?" Louise started to worry even though she said she wouldn't help him.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to turn you into a widow. Besides, it's no fun if that idiot is not around."
Saying that, Asuna readied her bow and fixed her aim, "Saito don't move okay? That is if you want to stay alive."
"MMM! MPHH!" Saito was shaking out of fear as he felt like he was a criminal being led to a death sentence.
"Alright... TAKE THIS!"
As the arrow was getting closer, Saito struggled to escape, but the rope that binds him was too strong that even by activating his powers hardly helps.
"MMMM! MPHH! MPHH!"
Knowing he couldn't break the rope, all he could do was to scream out of terror as he felt like his life was going to end.
"MMM! MPMHH! MPHHHHHH!"
PAK!
[Later that day...]
"Haa... that was really fun. But I never thought that archery would be that hard."
"Ahaha... It's normal when you get used to it""
The two girls were talking about their experience earlier, while behind them, Saito was wobbling like a zombie as he felt like half of his soul was taken away from him along with a few years of his life.
"I thought... I'm going to die..." he muttered as he followed the girls.
"If you want, you can come again sometime and I will try teaching you," said Asuna.
"Err... I think not. Archery is too hard for me," replied Louise.
"Haa... thought it would work this time. No matter." she turned around. "Oi Saito, what about you, wanna come for another archery duel?"
Saito raised his eyes and glared at her and yelled with all the strength that was left in his body.
"Absolutely not!"