The Kengan Reaper Chapter 2: This Crappy Writer is Way Too Strong!
"Hahaha! What a truly incredible day it has been!" Jacque Schnee cheered, raising a bottle of sake in the air high above his head.
Ruby Rose has never felt more uncomfortable in her entire life.
Almost immediately after she had won her match against Neo, Jacque-in the best mood Ruby had ever seen him in-had excitedly dragged her and his daughters to a ridiculously upscale bar to celebrate. I knew that his company didn't have the best reputation in the Kengan association-it's the whole reason I came to him, after all-but it one win seriously such a big deal to him?
"Father, please try to restrain yourself. You're making a scene," Winter advises, somehow managing to maintain a straight face. Ruby isn't sure what she's worried about. As soon as Jacque had requested a table the owner had escorted them to a private booth guarded by two beefy men in suits. If there was any place Jacque Schnee could afford to let his guard down, it was here.
"You seem to be in a pretty good mood, mister Schnee," Ruby comments awkwardly.
Jacque laughs heartily and throws an arm around her shoulder. While Ruby is contemplating whether she should break it he speaks. "Why yes of course! This victory is a big step for the Schnee Spice company. A victory against someone with as much renown as Roman Torchwick is sure to make waves across the Kengan Association! And it's all thanks to you, my dear. After that display… well I can't believe I ever doubted my decision to make you our competitor!" He pauses, and an awkward silence ensues.
"Um… mister Schnee-?"
"Oh! Please excuse my boasting. I didn't mean to undermine your efforts in the Kengan matches, Winter," Jacque exclaims, completely ignoring Ruby.
"It's no trouble, father," Winter says, with the same no-nonsense expression she always has.
"Hold on a second. You fought in the Kengan matches too, Winter? I didn't know that," Ruby pipes up.
Unfortunately, this brings Jacque's attention back to her. "Ah, but it's the truth! You see, we were in a pretty bad spot with the Kengan association about a year ago. I didn't want to lose our membership, so I decided to have Winter be my representative competitor. It ended up being a great decision! But of course, I'm full of them," he says with the kind of confidence only a drunk can have. Even still, Ruby finds this intriguing. Is that why she could tell I know how to fight when we first met?
"My Kengan match record is nine wins, zero losses," Winter suddenly announces. When Ruby looks at her in surprise, she says, "I could tell you were about to ask."
Ruby chuckles. "Hehe… well, my mom always told me I was pretty easy to read." Before she can think to say anything else, Jacque pulls her into him. Ruby's eyes widened in alarm. Is this what he's like when his guard is down?! I almost prefer him when he's an ice cold businessman.
"But I'm truly quite grateful to you, Ruby," he slurs. "With your strength, the Schnee Spice company can rise to incredible new heights!" he cheered, raising his glass once more. "Let's ride this wave all the way to the top! Winter, find us another Kengan match ASAP! It's time we announce our strength to the world!" he cries. Throughout all of this, Ruby can only chuckle lowly and pray for it to end soon.
Winter sighs. "Of course, father. But I must ask you to restrain yourself again. You're scaring our competitor," she states matter of factly.
Jacque pays her no mind. "Bah! Please Winter, I can tell Miss Rose is just as ecstatic as I am! Hahaha!"
Ruby cringes as some sake splashes onto her shirt. What have I gotten myself into with these guys?
…
Winter was as good as her word, and six days later Ruby found herself in another Kengan match. The venue this time was a closed restaurant, and the Schnee family was going up against a different business mogul. Arthur Watts of the Watts electric company was a disciplined looking man who wore a blue suit. He had close cropped black hair and a mustache that made him look like a cartoon character when he smiled.
"I appreciate you agreeing to this on such short notice," Jacque said with a composed wave of his hand.
Watts smiles curtly at him. "It wasn't an issue. I'm the one who's been waiting for you challenge, after all," he remarks coyly.
"He sure bounced back fast," Ruby grumbled under her breath.
"It's not as odd as you would think. Father has made it clear to me and my sister that we're always to present ourselves with splendor and authority in public, and he holds himself to the same standard," Weiss informs her in a whisper.
Ruby quirks an eyebrow at this. Why's she suddenly feeling so sociable? Knowing better than to voice those thoughts, she instead asks something else that'd been on her mind. "Is that why Winter doesn't fight as your representative competitor anymore?"
Weiss side eyes her sister. "...Yes. Father thought having his daughter 'fight with the street raval' set a bad image for the company, so he quickly suspended her as a competitor," she explained, and Ruby is surprised to hear the slightest hint of somberness to her tone.
"Hm…" She isn't sure how she's supposed to respond to that. She didn't know them well enough to but in on something like this. For all she knew, Winter was glad she didn't have to fight anymore. With nothing else to say between them, Ruby's attention is drawn back to Jacque and Watts.
"I see your victory over Torchwick has made you more confident. I can still remember a time when you went out of your way to avoid facing me in the Kengan matches," Watts remarks, his tone condescending. His gaze looks onto her. "And you must be the one who led them to such a victory. Ruby Rose, was it? You have an incredible aura, to say the least. I can see why Jacque would intrust his company's interest to you. Of course… I don't intend to lose this"
Jacque speaks up before Ruby can retort. "Many things can change with time, Watts. You'd do well to remember that," he tells her. And if looks could kill, hoo boy…
Watts seems just as taken aback by Jacques intensity. "...Of course," he says. After that he turns around and marches off, leaving the four of them alone. It's around this time that Ruby realizes she hasn't seen Watts competitor.
She voices these concerns, and Winter turns to regard her. "The name of the man you'll be fighting today is Tokuno'o Tokumichi, though he's typically referred to as Nitoku. He's an incredible fighter, and his style is sambo."
"Sambo? I've never heard of that style," Ruby comments, tilting her head to the side.
"It's a martial art that originated in Russia. It shares a lot in common with jiu-jitsu and judo. However, sambo is a 'hard' martial art, making it's execution much different to the 'soft' martial art of judo," Winter explains.
Ruby's eyes narrow. "So he's specialized in grapples, huh? That's kind of a pain," she lets out a sigh. "Hey Winter, what's this guys Kengan match record?"
"He currently has a record of six wins, zero losses."
"Really? I guess he must be pretty new."
"He's actually been an active competitor for about three years now," Jacque interjects, finally speaking up. Upon seeing Ruby's look of confusion, he elaborates. "He has long stretches of inactivity between his fights. He'll also suddenly announce his retirement, only to return to the Kengan matches a few months later," he explains.
"That's… weird," Ruby remarks, unsure how else to respond.
Weiss decides to take this moment to speak up. "That's because Nitoku doesn't consider fighting his 'true calling'. He's actually a published author with multiple novels, but he publishes under the alias Nitoku Onomichi."
Ruby brightens. "Oh, so that's where they got Nitoku from."
"Why is that what you focus on," Weiss grumbles before shaking her head. "Regardless of his oddities, he's an incredibly strong opponent. You'd better not take him lightly and lose this," she demands, sticking an accusatory finger at Ruby.
She just chuckles in response. "C'mon, have a little more faith in me than that. I don't plan on losing to anyone, y'know?" she says placatingly.
Jacque looks up from his watch with a critical eye. "The match will be starting soon. Ruby, you should go get prepared," he tells her.
She simply nods in return. "Right."
…
Tokuno'o Tokumichi certainly fits the 'struggling artist' persona he sells himself as.
His hair is messy and unkempt, and the grimy stubble that adorns his chin makes it clear he hasn't shaved in awhile. The plain black robe he wears looks more like what one would wear to sleep than fight, but despite all this he manages to cut an intimidating figure. His musculature is clear as day, and the confident way he carries himself shows how unafraid he is at the idea of fighting someone to the death.
Ruby stands opposite him, dressed in the same tank top, shorts and ever present cloak she'd worn during her fight with Neo. A neutral smile adorns her face, and she seems as nonchalant about the fight as Nitoku. Weiss watches them from a safe distance with her sister and father. The Kengan association employee's have already arrived ahead of time, and it isn't long before the referee steps between the two of them.
"Fighter's, at the ready!" he roars in a stern, commanding tone. Nitoku drops low and puts his hands forward, a stance typical of sambo. Ruby, surprisingly, takes a low stance as well. She raises one hand above her head and extends the other forward, her left foot in front and right poised to dash forward.
Winter's ever critical gaze analyzes this. "Ruby must be wary of Nitoku's holds. She'll try to overwhelm him with her speed," she tells them. Weiss 'hmms' in agreement and looks over at their representative competitor. Ruby… I can tell Nitoku is unlike those you've faced before. If you let your guard down for a second, it's likely to cost you the match. So please, be careful. And don't you dare lose this.
The referee looks between the two combatants before raising his arm high. "Begin!" he calls, swinging his arm down.
Surprisingly, it's not Ruby who takes the initiative.
Nitoku steps forward with an outside roundhouse kick, and Ruby swerves out of the way. Without stopping for a second, he transitions to a combination of punches that Ruby dances around with her masterful evasion. Nitoku keeps on the pressure, attacking restlessly and not giving Ruby a chance to retaliate.
Winter sighs abruptly. "I should've known…" she mumbles.
"Is something wrong, Winter?" Weiss asks, looking up at her sister.
"It's clear now that Ruby's victory over Neo made waves in the Kengan association. I don't doubt that those present for the fight spoke of it to others. That must be why Nitoku is so intent on keeping Ruby on the defensive. He must've heard about her insane speed from somebody else, and he's planning his strategy around that."
Returning her attention to the match, it's clear Winter's observation is spot on. Nitoku's rush doesn't let up for a second, but he's not just mindlessly swinging. His attacks are tight and centered, meant to limit Ruby's movement options as well as keeping her on the defensive. Ruby grits her teeth and 'tsks', having caught on to Nitoku's plan as well. Suddenly, Ruby steps forward. Her foot slaps on top of Nitoku's own, and the older man lets out a surprised "Hm?"
Nice move! Weiss cheers internally, a small smile working its way on her face. Ruby leans forward and lets loose an uppercut. Nitoku leans out of the way in a move Weiss can only describe as 'Ruby-like'. She's quick to remove her foot from Nitoku's when he reaches to grab it, and counters with a kick to the jaw. He stumbles back but catches Ruby's follow up on his forearm.
"Oh? Contrary to your appearance, your hits actually pack quite a punch," Nitoku observes, leaning out of the way of Ruby's punch and grabbing her wrist. He twists' it to the side and places his other hand on Ruby's elbow, putting her in the beginnings of a submission hold. "What's the matter? Can't you 'speed' out of this?" he asks, a playful lilt to his tone.
"You sure like to talk, Tokuno'o Tokumichi," Ruby observes, bringing her leg around and tripping her opponent. She spins and strikes with her free hand in a punch that likely fractures Nitoku's nose, if the blood is any indication. He has to let go of Ruby's arm to block her second punch. By the time she throws a third he's back on his feet and standing. "But that's okay, I like to talk too!" Ruby exclaims, a pleasant smile on her face. "When did you start practicing sambo? I gotta assume it's pretty young with how sharp your moves are."
"Is she… seriously trying to start a conversation in the middle of a fight?" Jacque exhales, exasperated. Weiss can't help but find herself agreeing as she continues to watch.
"No, I actually started my martial arts career rather late. I was twenty when I first discovered sambo," Nitoku replies, throwing out a kick that Ruby backs away from.
"And he's going along with it?!"
Weiss can't stop the blank look that appears on her face at this. The two are trading blows in what amounts to a 'strikers deadlock'. Ruby will throw some blows only for Nitoku to lash out with a counter and-albeit briefly-take control of the match. All the while they are commenting on each other's form, offense, and defense.
"This is… absurd," Weiss remarks, unable to find a better way to put it. "Can this even be called a fight…?"
"Don't be fooled, Weiss. They aren't just doing this out of amusement. No… it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say both of them are putting everything on the line right now," Winter declares, her eyes narrowed. "The 'talking' is being used as a strategy by the two of them."
"What on earth are you talking about, Winter?" Jacque asks demandingly.
"Haven't you noticed, father. Neither one's form is crumbling," she states, staring intently at the two combatants still trading blows. "During a fight, there is always bound to be a moment when your opponent slips up, overextends, or otherwise puts themselves in a state of disadvantage that another can capitalize on. But neither of them are 'giving that inch' right now. That's why they're trying to throw the other off by talking." Winter pauses, and narrows her eyes. "Though… I imagine Ruby is the one most desperate for the tactics' success."
Weiss is confused. "What do you mean?"
Winter is silent for a second. "I'm sure you've noticed it as well, but Ruby hasn't used her incredible speed yet. Why do you think that is?" she asks, but Weiss get's the feeling it isn't a question. "I think it's because she can't."
"She can't?"
Winter nods. "During her match with Neo, Ruby could only use her speed after gaining a certain amount of distance. Even when she did it at a relatively close range, it was only for a moment. Nitoku isn't giving her that distance. In fact, I wouldn't be remiss to say he's had control over the flow of the match since the very beginning," she concludes.
Weiss looks back to the arena, where Ruby and Nitoku are trading words and blows. If she looks closely at Ruby's face, she can see the slightest amount of concern in her eyes. Weiss' pulls a frown. Ruby… I know you can take back control of this match. Just hold out until you find that opening.
Ruby throws a front kick, and Nitoku springs into action.
He steps forward, past Ruby's kick, and hooks an arm around her neck. His other arm reaches under Ruby's and his hands meet in the middle, clasping together in an iron grip. He takes another step forward, past his opponent, and uses his strength and leverage to throw her off her feet. Ruby is midair now, eyes wide in shock as Nitoku makes to slam her into the tile floor. But before he can go any further, Ruby moves.
Her free hand jams into Nitoku's grip, tearing it open and freeing Ruby. Then, from her midair position, she brings one leg up to wrap around his head, his neck now squeezed between her calf and thigh. From that stranglehold, she swings onto Nitoku's back and grabs his right arm, pulling it back until his joints start to pop. All of this happens in the span of a second, and when they meet the floor, it is Tokuno'o Tokumichi who finds himself on the bottom instead of Ruby.
"Did you really think I was that unaware of my own weaknesses?" Ruby asks, a pleasant smile on her face. "For a fighter like me, who relies so much on their speed, grappling and submission holds are the bain of my existence. If I get caught in a single submission hold, I'd lose in an instant, but that's why I've done groundwork to death." She pauses to tighten her grip, and pulls Nitoku's arm back until the older man groans in pain. "Do you get it? Your techniques won't work on me. Any hold you try to put me in I can get out of!" she shouts confidently.
"Yes Ruby! That's the way!" Weiss cheers, unable to contain her excitement. For once, her father doesn't reprimand her, as invested in the match as she is.
She makes to pull his arm back even more, possibly enough to break it, but Nitoku's grunts of pain suddenly cease. "And to think you didn't assume the same was true for me." He slams his free hand down and pushes, shifting his body and kicking up in the same motion. Ruby's hold is broken in an instant, and she doesn't have time to block or dodge before she eats Nitoku's kick. Immediately she's thrown onto her back, but she quickly rolls to her feet and retreats.
"It doesn't matter! Now that I've gained some distance, this fight is mine!" she cries. And now, Ruby moves like usual. Uninhibited by Nitoku's pressure, she can move like she means to. Just like the fight with Neo, Ruby becomes a blur dashing about the arena. "This is the simplest kata of the Rose style, Rose style: Petal Dance!" she cries, for once sounding like the warrior she never presents herself as.
"Rose Style: Petal Dance is the basis for all techniques in the Rose style. Ruby uses her specialize running technique, to reach speeds humans could never hope to achieve normally! Once this insane speed is achieved, Ruby uses her own specialized method of foot shuffling-where a compact ball of oxygen is captured between the toes and heel of the foot, then explodes when she takes another stride!-to change her trajectory at a moment's notice without any loss in speed or stamina! After this, Ruby strikes her opponent's at impossible angles, until they are brought down. Due to the unpredictability of her attacks, they are incredibly hard to defend against! This is what makes the Rose Style: Petal Dance so deadly! And Ruby Rose has mastered this technique of the Rose style!"
As Weiss continues to watch Ruby dart around the arena, she has a curious thought. "I've… never seen Ruby like this. Even during her match with Neo, she didn't seem very invested. To see her howling like an animal now… well, it's strange," she voices.
"Miss Rose has likely realized the strength of her opponent by now," Jacque said. "Tokuno'o Tokumichi… in spite of all his oddities, and barbaric nature of career, his strength cannot be questioned. I wouldn't be lying to say his abilities are enough to challenge the Fang of Metsudo."
Winter nods, her face frozen in stoic observation. "Indeed. This fight will be the biggest amalgamation of Ruby's abilities as a fighter. If she can't win here, then… well, it'll look bad for the company either way," she postures, fidgeting oddly.
Ruby strikes at Nitoku from every angle imaginable. Scoring blows on his back, shoulders and legs. However, she is unable to break through his guard to strike at his face. Nitoku weathers it all, keeping his hands in front of his head and neck to keep those arena's safe from assault. Ruby, realizing her strategy isn't effective, drops in front of Nitoku and charges forward at full speed. Her frontal assault is led with a right straight.
Ruby's solar plexus is struck with an elbow.
In the instant before Ruby struck him, Nitoku had sprung into action. Stepping forward to meet his rushing opponent, he'd grabbed Ruby's wrist and threw his elbow out, sending her crashing into it at full speed. Ruby hacks up a frightening amount of blood, but Nitoku isn't done yet. Using Ruby's wrist as an anchorpoint, he jumps and throws himself forward. He holds her right arm between his, and his legs are constricted around Ruby's waist and neck. They crash to the ground, and Ruby finds herself in a brutal looking cross arm breaker.
"Foresight is a nifty little tool, isn't it? I could tell you were going to attack from the front based on your movements. After that, it was just a matter of predicting how you would attack me and, well… you can see the results for yourself," he explained, the same playful lilt to her voice.
"Foresight is the fighting phenomenon where one can anticipate and predict their opponents moves based on small indicators like hip movement and shoulder rolls. Tokuno'o Tokumichi, being an experienced fighter, has of course become adept with using foresight himself!"
Winter sighs in defeat. "This match is over. I've never seen a single person who can match Nitoku in hard submissions. Ruby put up a good fight, and no one can doubt she's incredibly strong, but it's over now."
Weiss looks up at her sister, her eyes full of disbelief. C-can it really be over that quickly? Ruby's really going to lose because of one attack?
In a move that surprises Weiss, Winter, Jacque, and likely much of the audience, Ruby grunts in effort and places both her legs against Nitoku's. The formers eyes widen as she begins to pry them apart. "I told you… ngh… that won't work on me!" she roars, breaking Nitoku's hold and tearing her arm free. She tries to back away, but he's not giving her any ground, sweeping her leg and sending her onto her back with a palm-hand strike to the sternum. Not wasting a second, he climbs on top of his younger opponent and sits across her waist, pinning her.
Not good! He's mounted her! Weiss shrieks internally. Nitoku isn't playing around, unleashing a flurry of punches on his pinned adversary. Ruby stills manages to evade most of them, but the ones that do land connect hard, and Weiss can't even begin to imagine how dizzying that must be for Ruby. She winces with even punch thrown, and Ruby's teeth are grit as she does her best to defend.
"Do you still plan to continue?" he asks. At Ruby's silence, he 'hmphs', "Alright then, this'll make a good story…" He brings his hand up once more, and Ruby's expression tightens.
"Haah!" she cries desperately, striking forward.
Blood spurts from Nitoku's chest.
His eyes widen and he abruptly leaps back, resting a hand on the new cut on his chest. Th-that looks like a wound from a blade! How the hell did Ruby make such a wound with a punch?! Weiss looks over to Ruby, still flat on her back. Her elbow is extended above her, Nitoku's blood dripping down her arm.
Ruby leaps to her feet, her face schooled into an expression of indifference. Her stance now is unlike anything she'd presented before. Her leg is brought up before her, poised to strike. Both her hands are open, and she holds one low and to the front of her, the other above and behind. "I'm sorry," she exhales, and Weiss cringes at how weak her voice sounds. "I don't like to use this technique, because it's cruel, but I can't let myself lose to anyone before I find her," she explains, and Weiss gets the strangest feeling Ruby has forgotten there's an audience around her. Her eyes narrow and her expression hardens. "Rose style lethal offensive technique: Crescent Rose."
Nitoku removes his hand from his wound and settles into his stance from the beginning of the match. "Lethal? Then you're coming at me with the intent to kill? If that's the case, I don't intend to show any mercy," Nitoku replies. Ruby frowns but otherwise doesn't respond.
Weiss suddenly finds it impossible to move. T-this pressure. I feel like I'm watching two Oni clash with each other. I-I can hardly breath. This is insane! Does Ruby really plan on… killing him? There's no way. Ruby isn't a killer, right? The fact that she didn't know bothered Weiss immensility. Before she has any more time to consider it, Nitoku acts.
He steps forward and fires out a right straight. Ruby, in a surprising move, steps into her opponents guard while dodging the strike. Her elbow arcs up, grazing past Nitoku's joint. A line of blood is drawn where Ruby's elbow touched as a cut is formed. The crimson fluid stains her hair, but her face is set in stone. Nitoku pulls his right hand back and unleashes a flurry of blows with his left. Ruby swerves out of the way of each before swinging her elbow, tearing the flesh of her opponents forearm. Nitoku makes to retreat, but Ruby throws out a sidekick to stop him. He catches her foot, and-!
Blood erupts from his hand.
Nitoku releases Ruby's foot with a grunt of pain and jumps back. "So you can use that move with your feet as well? Interesting…" he comments. Ruby, again, doesn't say anything back. Nitoku frowns and drops back into his stance. Ruby waste no time in attacking, kicking forward with blistering speed.
Nitoku, taking a note from Ruby's book, dodges the strike instead of blocking it. Her foot still grazes his cheek, drawing a line of blood. He counters with a low kick, and Ruby is brought to one knee. Nitoku makes to grab her wrists, but she moves. All of the sudden, Ruby is midair and using her legs to break Nitoku's guard open. Blood spills from his wrists, but the sight of it has long grown numb to Weiss. Ruby… do you really plan on killing him? The thought pervades her mind like an awful sickness.
Ruby catches herself on her hands and flips to her feet. She dashes forward, and Nitoku throws out a panicked punch. She evades it, and in an acrobatic display, handlessly cartwheels over the sweeping sidekick that follows. Ruby hits the ground low and immediately springs into action. Her elbow cuts a line across this inside of Nitoku's knee. "Shit-!"
"She got the tendon!" Winter cries over Nitoku as the older man falls to one knee. He breathes heavily, and now no longer bothers to bring his guard up. "I can't believe it… Nitoku's wordlessly conceded this match to Ruby…" she murmurs. Ruby, covered in blood that-mostly-doesn't belong to her, stands over Nitoku with an impassive expression on her face. She draws a fist back, poised to strike, and Weiss fears the worst.
"Haah!" she roars as she swings down.
"Ruby, don't!" Weiss shrieks.
Her fist impacts the back of Nitoku's head and sends him face first into the ground. He remains there, unconscious but alive. Ruby looks up, and the bright smile Weiss has come to expect of her is plastered on her face. "I'm… not… a killer," she pants out between breaths. She knows it's entirely inpromper for a Schnee, but Weiss smiles. Ruby Rose… you're not at all what I'd expected from a Kengan fighter. In fact, I've never met anyone like you in my entire life, but I'm certain now that there isn't a single person better suited to be the Schnee Spice company's representative competitor.
And then Ruby falls to one knee, hacking up blood.
"Ruby!" Weiss cries, briefly forgetting every single lesson her father had tried to teach her about proper behavior and rushing to her side. She makes to help Ruby up, but the girl holds out a hand to stop her.
"D-don't worry, Weiss. I'm fine. I just… need a second," she doesn't do her words any justice when she coughs up another spurt of blood. "Goddamn, that guy hits like a truck," Ruby groans, pulling herself to a stand. Weiss is still concerned, but she can't help if Ruby won't let her. The referee announces Ruby's victory, and Weiss is surprised to see her father and Watts step into the arena. They meet each other in the middle, and Weiss is left in total confusion when they shake hands.
"Congratulations, Jacque. I'll admit, I didn't expect to lose, but the Kengan match results are absolute. This victory goes to you."
"That's all well and good. Regarding your proposition, however…" Jacque led off, but Weiss was familiar with the look in his eyes. Her father was hungry for something, and he wasn't about to be denied by Watts.
Watts himselfs chuckles. "You needn't be worried; I am a man of my word, after all. As per your request, in the event of a Kengan annihilation tournament, the Watts electric company will join in earnest," he declares, shocking Weiss to a standstill. "And, should we win… we will name you, Jacque Schnee, the Kengan association president!"
P-president!? What is he talking about? Weiss wonders. Was the whole point of this match just to ensure Watts' loyalty to the Schnee family?! That's insane! B-but there's no reason to take such a risk right now! I don't have any doubts that if we had lost this match, it would be us swearing our loyalty to Watts. So why!? Unless…
Jacque and Watts share a devilish smirk. "If all goes accordingly, that will be rather soon," Jacque postures.
"Yes. Including his recent victory over Yoshitake, that's forty nine in a row now. Nogi is almost certain to make a move soon," Watts agrees. Weiss looks to Winter, but her sister's expression is impassive as ever.
Something big is going to happen soon, isn't it? And it seems father fully intends to have the Schnee Spice company enter… but what'll that mean for Ruby? she can't help but wonder. She would be lying if she said Ruby hadn't grown on her, but right now that same woman was struggling to stay standing. Even though she had won, it was clear her victory hadn't been easy on her body. If she had to go against even stronger fighters, then… I just don't know.
And that scared her.
That's when Ruby places a hand on her shoulder. Weiss turns to face her, and Ruby is smiling… completely carefree. "Hey Weiss, I've never been to a ramen bar before. Why don't we go to one as a celebration?"
Weiss is taken aback, but then she laughs. She laughs long and loud, surprising everyone present and likely earning her a scolding from father in the future, but she can't help it. How else is she supposed to react to such a bizarre request. Ruby, even injured and caked in the blood of the man you just beat, you're asking me to treat you.
When she's finally able to bring herself under control, she smiles at the woman she's quickly coming to think of as a friend. "Sure, Ruby, Let's go."
A.N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I had a lot of fun writing it, especially the fight. I used to be in wrestling so I have a little experience with grappling, even though I've never done something like Judo. The Annihilation Tournament is coming up, though! I can't tell you how excited I am to start that.