Hopefully everyone stays safe on these really hard times

Other than that, enjoy the chapter

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Chapter 18: A Family Fight

With the silence on the room while Shina and Genzo were waiting, Mai and her father looked to each other, waiting for what the other will do

-I hope you will be proud of me, father.

-There's only one way to know about it, daughter- Makoto said

Then the attack -Kacho-sen!

Mai launched her fan into Makoto's direction as he just punched the weapon to block it, while doing it, Mai launched as fast as she could to kick her father, but he blocked it again with his arms, then he punched again for Mai to block it, and then an exchange of blows and punches, the man noticed his daughter's right arm

-It seems like someone is still practicing.

-It will heal, but is a testament of how far I've come to arrive here- launched a punch to her father's face, but again he blocked it with one hand -You know, even if we are fighting, at least I want to know a little more about you.

-Fine, but with one condition, land a good hit to me and I will tell you something.

-Very well!- With that, Mai spinned herself in order to land a tremendous kick on Makoto's chest -First one.

-Ok…- But Makoto answered with a kick of his own to his daughter legs, even if she recovered fast from that attack -I hate spiders and I love eating nigiris and sushi, my favorite American band is Metallica.

-Ok, now I know form who I have those preferences- Mai launched a fire ball that her father counterattacked with one of his own, then she used the jet to attack with all her speed, this time Makoto was able to avoid it, and catch her daughter's arm -Oh no.

-Oh yes!- and then he threw Mai onto the ground and applied an arm lock, trying to weaken her -I'm curious now, why is your arm burned?

-Is just a mark that tells me how much I need to improve- Mai then rolled into Makoto's direction and took her hand, using all her strength, she started to recover with one purpose, to slam her father on the ground -I want to comprehend all the aspects of the Shiranui Ryu style!

-And because of that you need to know…- Makoto put his feet on the ground and started to kick Mai on the chest, three times were enough for her to let him go -Speed is our biggest strength, not only as fighters, but also as ninjas, Shiranui bushin!

5 copies of Makoto surrounded Mai rapidly, without any options, she went on guard

-The bushin, not one of the techniques that I use the most… because I know how to get rid of it- Her father then prepared a Ryu Eirian, trying to catch her with the flames -Fukuaku Ougi!

The little explosion made Makoto to step back and his clones were destroyed, taking that opportunity, Mai envolved her punch into the nature energy

-Boxing Day!

And she caught him on the face, sending him once more to the ground, because of that he had to tell one more thing but looking to all of that, Shina was looking worried, Genzo was just analyzing it all

-Makoto is fighting pretty well, even if he is just a ghost- Genzo said -But this has to be stranger for you, Shina.

-It is so strange… did you know about it, Genzo?

-I just wanted both of you to have the opportunity to know a little more about the Shiranui, I wouldn't have ever the idea that a ghost could materialize to have a proper fight, but as he is saying, his time is limited, how much? - The she looked to Shina's face -Maybe that's why you're like this.

She nodded, while tears started to appear -I just want to appreciate this moment, I haven't seen him in 24 years so, I just want to have this image as lively as I can, because this is the only time than Makoto and Mai will spend some time together.

Back on the battle, Makoto said something -Ok, I suppose that you've learned the nature manipulation, who taught you? - Mai rapidly pointed to her mother -I see, so Shina survived some time on the Amazonas.

-So… Are you going to tell me something?

-Right, you landed a big hit… I wanted to call you Lien, but Shina insisted on calling you Mai, I had to step back.

-Lien? Sounds nice to me- Mai smiled, then she had to block one kick coming from her father -But those details, are just little of what I want to know about you.

-Then beat me and let's see if I have enough time to tell you.

A clash of punches in which Makoto took advantage to kick Mai again in the stomach, and then another one on the face, sending in direction of the roof

-Mai!

Then Makoto started to spin and on one moment, he put his hands on the floor, Shina recognized what her husband would do

-His best technique, Will he really do it?

When the fire on his hands appeared is when the woman's question as answered

-Ryukeru Phoenix!

Mai had to use her arms in order to resist the spinning fire kick that her father tried to land to her body, even with that, the damage was tremendous

-Aaaahhhhh, it hurts!

The little upcoming explosion sent Mai to the floor and of course, the fire started to burn the roof, so Genzo controlled it immediately, Shina then yelled

-Mai…, Makoto you overreacted!

The man was smiling, then looked to Shina -As I told all of you, I want to test my daughter…- And for his satisfaction, Mai was standing up, both of her arms were right now a little injured, but her entire body was hurting -I was not wrong.

-Damn, that was close… If I had no concentration over the fire control like the moment that I burned my arm, that would have been my doom- Then she returned to her fighting pose

-You're surprising, I've won lots of fights with that technique.

-Like your fight against Guerreiro? - Makoto was surprised -Yeah, I fought against him recently, but I lost.

Her father smiled -I suppose that right now he became the leader of his tribe, I had a chance against him when he was just preparing for that position.

-So, is my turn…- the fire on Mai's feet started to appear -I don't know how much time do you have, so I need to finish this as fast as I can.

Makoto felt it, looking to one of his hands that started to fade -Even if my time is short, I don't want to lose- and posed his hands, preparing a fire attack -Come on.

With the place on silence, only with the sound of the fire there, with the kunoichi eyes looking with determination, it was the same sensation that she felt while fighting against Guerreiro, and then against Yamazaki, why she was like that? She was able to feel it, that power, that energy, could she use it?

Speed, her strength aside of her pyrokinesis, she used it at gull thanks to her new technique, and with that, covering her body on fire, it would mean just one thing

-Chou Shinobi Bachi!

-Fukuaku Ougi!

But something went wrong, as Mai landed on the floor, after realizing that her father was starting to fade away, she turned her head into his direction

-No way, is the time running out?

-Makoto!- Shina screamed

-It seems like that, my spiritual connection is fading, I will return to be a ghost and nothing more…- Mai then looked very anxious with that -But worry not my dear daughter, you've grown to be an amazing Shiranui fighter.

-Dad… I always wanted to meet you, to know you…- tears appeared not only on her face, but of her mother's also -I'm so grateful that this opportunity appeared…

-Yes, I'm just curious, why you didn't use the classic Shiranui kunoichi suit? Your grandmother used it also.

-Wait, did she used for fights? - Genzo was visibly ashamed -I never realized it as I have never seen her on that suit.

-Mr Genzo come on, you know that the Shiranui kunoichis are always aware of using their beauty in advantage, well nothing that I can do, you were always that reserved- Makoto sighed, but then realized something -Unless… Mai, you're training to become a Shiranui Ryu master, Right?

She nodded -And I'm giving all my efforts to achieve that…-Mai turned her head on Genzo's direction -He's doing a really good job on it.

It only meant that finally Mai has forgiven him, it was a great relief for his heart

-But then, there is one more thing that I always wanted to see- and then Mai asked Makoto -Can you show some love to my mother?

After hearing that, Shina hugged her husband so strong that he almost felt like dying again

-My Makoto, I missed you so much! - and tears were all over her face

-Shina, your beauty didn't disappear even after so much time- his body started to fade away, slowly of course -I want to tell you something, no matter what, you need to be happy, you deserve it after what you have suffered.

Even with those words, Shina couldn't help but feel very bad -But you're the only one that I love, even after 24 years I didn't let other men to touch me.

He hugged her back after hearing that, Mai realized something -It was like my relationship with Andy…- and of course she had to feel bad for it, as the two broke up just 2 days ago -Sometimes love is so difficult.

Makoto then said -I know that you love me, and of course I do, I just say that you deserve to be happy, can you do it for me and for Mai?

She nodded -Yes, I will.

Both of them kissed with passion each other but then Makoto was fading even more, he then remembered something

-Mai, before I go away, the Shiranui Magatama, the treasure of our family is hidden on the floor of this temple… feel proud of yourself, there were not only 3, but 8 main families in Japan, use it and keep it with you, you're the heiress and the guardian of the Shiranui…I'm really proud of you.

-Thanks father…- then Makoto was almost disappearing, on that moment Mai wanted to know something -Before you leave, how did you… how did you exactly died?

-On the Amazonas I fought and lost against a monster called Goenitz, he told me he was part of the Hakkeshu… that's all that I can tell you now.

Goenitz, one of the biggest threats during the times when Orochi was returning, somehow history just repeats itself

-Thanks for all dad…and goodbye.

-Goodbye…

Shina was crying a little after her husband finally disappeared, Genzo was thinking for himself

-Probably this was for the best, this haunted place gave the chance of one of his new members to give a last and proper goodbye.

Moments later, the three persons were leaving the place, on one of her hands, Mai had a little magatama on one of her hands

-So, they had this on a little chest down the temple, it is beautiful.

Shina then talked with Genzo -Thanks for bringing us here.

-You're welcome, and Mai, Do you feel better now?

Taking some seconds to answer, she smiled and nodded -Yes, thanks for this, sensei.

Because of her smiling once more, Genzo felt much better, then Shina asked something

-Now, how do we return to Kyoto?

Mai looked to her sensei direction, once they arrived once more to the road, it was obvious, because knowing Genzo, he wouldn't mind the idea on walking back to the city

-Let's wait until someone carry us back here- he said

Shina then added something -I have no problem walking back to Kyoto.

Something that made Mai to feel bad -Oh please…

-Then is done, we will walk back to Kyoto, probably we will return before the night.

Mai just sighed, it had no use if her mother was used to live on the jungle

….

Right at night, both Shina and Genzo were talking on the roof of the apartment building, then Mai appeared

-It is really important?

Genzo nodded -It is, as in your two fights you were able to use the Nature manipulation, energy condensed to hit like a weapon.

Shina then added -Me and Genzo decided, to share our knowledge to each other, and of course to you.

-That would mean, my training will be even more difficult now.

Genzo then pointed to the street down to them, the 3 were able to witness how a thief was trying to steal a bag from a woman, but then a black car appeared, the gangster ran away but the woman was also afraid, one of the men that was inside the car asked the lady for something, as she was scared the men in black suit hit her on the face before taking the bag and getting some money out of it

-And be grateful that I decided not to take it all.

Then the men left on the car, Genzo then said after looking all of this -This city needed order and peace, but peace is not a synonym of fear, this city needs to be free as soon as possible of the Lightning Crows.

-As soon as we can take back the dojo, it would mean that also on that moment I have to fight against Ryoma, the only real chance- Mai said and then sighed -Is not going to be easy.

-But there is hope- Shina added -Daughter, your fight with Makoto, I believe in you, to use the Final Connection.

-Did you know about it? - Mai then remembered -Right, that you were also with the Zuzocks before being caught.

-Makoto and me were potential users, but I will probably not know if I'm really able, you on the other hand are young, strong and of course has the purpose on achieving whatever you want, you can do it.

-Do you think that, whatever it is the Final Connection, will be enough to take Ryoma down.

Mai said -There's only one way to find it out, while the legal things are solved, I will do whatever it takes to achieve that power.

-Fine… but tomorrow, as today me and miss Kana are going to prepare a delicious dinner- Shina smiled before returning to the inside -Come, is going to be delicious.

While following her, Mai asked her sensei -Hey, why do you think that Kana is helping us so much?

-Reasons she has- he was smiling -But I'm grateful with her, even with all that was happening, she was there to help me out.

-I think she likes you- Mai joked a little

-Ja, come on, we are too old for thing like love.

-You know, love is something so strange, sometimes it can be that fragile, but sometimes it is that strong that stands even after death, my parents showed it to me.

Genzo noticed that Mai was a little sad about it -If I can say something, Andy is afraid, once time passes, he would want to return to you and ask you for forgiveness.

Mai was thinking about it -You see, before coming here, I was the one who wanted to be with him so much, that I have to admit that it was like an obsession, but I felt that he was like my only family when my grandfather died, now that all of this just happened… I don't know what to do, but I still love him.

-Then, have faith, if he feels the same for you, you both will come back.

With those ideas in mind, this special day ended for Mai, well, of course with the dinner coming soon

Starting from the upcoming day, Mai returned to her normal routine, training really hard to become stronger and better not only now on the Shiranui Ryu style, but also with the nature manipulation, as she had to continue her early daily marathons, now alongside her mother, the community of the downtown paid a lot of attention on her training, some laughing of course

-Come on Shiranui lady, don't give up- someone yelled at her on a laughable way

She didn't pay attention to it, to any jokes

On some days

She had to concentrate more on controlling the fire techniques proper of the Shiranui style, on other days to continue with the nature manipulation, while she was training the fire techniques, Shina was her training partner

-Come on ladies, concentrate the fire between your two hands.

-The Ryoko Bakuhatsu is really hard to master- Shina had to give up but Mai continued -Were you practicing this technique before?

Her daughter nodded -Yes… but it is still hard, even with that I don't want to give up.

On other days it was Genzo her training partner, as both had to relax to create the natural energy, meditating while Shina was monitoring the entire process

-Be careful with how you create this type of energy, is not like the fire that appears with emotions, this one goes with determination only.

The energy on Genzo hands was erratic, but Mai was a little more successful as she had a bit more practice with that energy

All of that had a purpose for Mai, the combination of those two styles had to result into that strange power that Diane told about her, one day, she decided to test her own strength, both Genzo and Shina were looking at her

-Do you think that it is a good idea Mai? - Genzo asked

-There is only one way to find out, as far as I know, the only way to maintain and activate the final connection is to concentrate on my objectives and to liberate both the fire and the natural energy at the same time.

Shina sighed -Ok daughter, go and try.

And it started, for some seconds she tried to liberate something, on one hand the fire appeared, on another the blue energy, and then, both energies started to cover her body, on the very moment that something started to go wrong, as the two energies were clashing and were hurting her

Shina had to advise her -Stop right now! - Mai did it and was gasping a lot -Is that true, the power of the final connection?

She nodded -It is possible that it could be my best option against Ryoma.

-And was hurting you, are you sure about it? - Genzo asked

-Yes… even if it was some seconds, I was able to feel an immense amount of energy inside me, so with some practice...

-So that will be, you have to practice a lot if you want to master that power ¿Understood?- Shina asked

As her daughter nodded once more, was the start of her path to dominate that new power, hopefully to help her against the ruler of Kyoto