Intro: Alright! Up chapter 36 hope you like it!
Disclaimer: I do not own Touken Ranbu and Cardfight! Vanguard and other material which came from the said Game/Anime, they are owned by its original creators. The making of this story and this story is made for the fans and the writer XD. Although the plot and some changes in the story are from me ^_^.
Chapter 36: Konnosuke's failure
~At the training hall~
While waiting for dinner, Kamui, Kai, and Miwa decided practice while Misaki watches "I guess we didn't need to worry that much…" Miwa said as the reason they went to the center was to see if they needed to support him in any way they can.
Though the group still kept silent and a little while later Mina came to the training hall "I see that you are working hard."
Everyone's attention turned to Mina "The group that went to the front lines will be going to an expedition." Mina clasped both her hands "What do you think of coming with the team that is going!" She suggested knowing her they kind of understand that they can't say no.
"Is it for training?" Kai asked who stopped on swinging his sword as did Kamui and Miwa to listens to Mina.
"Yes, Although you haven't started that long ago, I thought this will be a good experience, this is just an expedition though, meaning you won't be engaging battles, rather you are going to gather resources for the citadels needs." Mina explained "So who would like to volunteer?"
The four looked at each other trying to see who will make the first move, though as they are reluctant to speak up they just continued to stare at each other and as it seems impossible Miwa decided to speak up "Why don't we go Kamui?" Miwa stepped up "Since you are my partner in expeditions." He winked and raised a thumbs up for Kamui.
"Oh! Let's go, let's go, let's go!" Kamui was pumped up at the thought raising his hand up.
"Though keep in mind that you cannot come to the front lines Kamui-kun, the ones who are allowed is Miwa, Kai, and Misaki" Mina reminded "Although they won't be deported to those areas any time soon."
"Yeah! At least I get to experience some of it, when I get older I'll be sure to get back all those lost chances and become stronger than you guys!" Kamui raised a fist forward as if initiating a challenge "I won't just become strong in Cardfighting, I will also become stronger as a guardian, much stronger than all of you!"
"Ho… I will be waiting patiently for that!" Miwa accepted the challenge.
"When you turn 16 Kamui you can proceed to the battle field." Mina said smiling at the enthusiasm they have.
Noticing something Kamui asked "What about Onii-san! He is just in middle school. Why do I start in high school?" Kamui reasoned out since Aichi just only turned 15 which makes him only in middle school.
"Aichi is special, you should have understand that." Misaki intervened which the others understood but still.
"Come to think of it, we are high school students and almost turning 17." Miwa said trying to understand their situation "Aichi is a year early".
"To be honest you can go in the battlefield at the age of 18 since that is the allotted time that some develops their power though some may not, at the age of 16 you can show potential and when you show potential, you train until you turn 18 o enter the battlefield, in your case being involved in Aichi can open up your potential." Konnosuke lands as he was strolling the area and heard their conversation.
"We are the ones who looks for those with potential and train them and help us, but they don't always show up as they are not that many." Konnosuke explains further. "The guardians are a different case though if they have potential, they can borrow the ability of the Saniwa."
"Somehow I'm kind of curious what our real roles are." Miwa said confused at the sudden burst of information.
"We just only plan on training you and then when you are ready we would explain it to you…" Konnosuke felt that it was a wrong move.
"Wait, Aichi isn't in any of those brackets" Kai spoke out confused.
Konnosuke slightly opened his eyes "That is because this is a special case, maybe it's time you learn a little, though in Aichi and the toudans case, I don't think I need to tell them this as they understood their position and roles already without the need to ask."
Hearing the last part made Mina realized something "Wait… are you telling me you haven't explained this to Aichi?"
Konnosuke covered his mouth with his two front paws with as menacing aura filed Mina "I'm going to report this to the head Saniwa"
"N-no! Mina wait! Let me explain!" Konnosuke tried to plead as he tries to reason with her.
"Come to think of it though, you haven't even done your job, once I came here." Mina's aura became ominous as the four understood that something bad is going to happen "I can't believe you…"
But then Konnosuke remembered something at their first meeting "Come to think of it, I was so excited at that time that I didn't explain everything to Aichi, I just explained why I needed his help, and the just got on with him making another sword."
Mina slowly walked to where Konnosuke is as Miwa flinches still remembering their certain talk before "No wonder why it almost failed… now… I get why Aichi is like that" suddenly Mina realized something as she cooled down for a moment "Now I see, I see why Aichi is that frail, why his heart and mind is that weak…" And then back to the menacing aura "It's because you lacked guidance and discipline!"
Mina making sure that Konnosuke won't run away binds him with her talisman "I'll be leaving for a while" Mina's blank smile gave Goosebumps to the three as Mina headed outside with Konnosuke "Watch my pretty blue fur please!"
The four were left in silence and questions as they watch Mina's back who is dragging Konnosuke. Thinking that they should just wait for it they decided to continue on to what they were doing before.
~A little while later~
Aichi came down in frantic as he hurries to the training hall as he was just informed by Yagen that Mina and Konnosuke urgently needs to report back regarding something and informs him of the detail.
As Aichi reaches his destination his lungs grasping for dear air as he rest for a while regulating his breathing "Aichi-sama you still lack stamina." Yagen spoke as he was with Aichi pointing out that running just that short made him like this.
As they noticed Aichi the four comes closer as to hear him out, although they decided to wait for him to recover it was unexpectedly taking a while so Yagen decided to speak up "Mina-nee and Konnosuke left for something urgent, and although Aichi asked for Mina-nee's assistance for traveling to expedition, they have informed us that Miwa and Kamui will be accompanying the team that will be heading for expedition."
As Aichi recovers he spoke out himself "I won't disagree if it's only going to the expedition so I will help you and instruct the four of you regarding expeditions." Aichi explained "Please follow me to the center of the citadel, Yagen please call out the other 5 at the center."
"Yes." As Yagen answered in affirmation he left the area in a hurry.
~Center~
As Aichi and the four made their way to the center the six toudans that was in the front lines before has arrived, seeing that everyone has arrived Aichi started his explanation "Alright, I will help you travel to your destination, but remember that there is a time limit to the expedition, the time here and there is different, you may be gone here for 20 minutes but it's more than hours there. Be aware of the talismans as they will glow in blue hue if you only have 5 minutes left, gather everyone near you by that time." Aichi readies the talismans needed for the travel.
"It's much easier here at expedition as you would only be gathering, the only thing you would be doing is helping them gather and alert them of the time. Although they can go by themselves, but they tend to get carried away in getting resources and looking around an area." Aichi pointed out the place where they should stand so they could start traveling.
"Alright, I leave everything to you Miwa-san and do your best Kamui-kun" a little nervous the two with the six toudans positions themselves to the designated area "Yagen, I leave them in your hands!"
"I'll be off. What do you want as souvenir?" Yagen asked before he leaves.
Aichi chuckles "Its fine for now, just take care." Yagen smiled at his words, as Aichi started placing the talismans and chanting the spell, they were immediately engulfed in the light "I wish you good luck"
~The Battle of Koshu Katsunuma~
As the light successfully transported them to their destination "Well Uhm…" Surprised that he didn't think he would be able to travel back in time Miwa can't think straight as he inspects the area.
Confused he noticed how the six were nonchalant as for Kamui he seemed thrilled though they can only see woods so he can't say yet until he noticed Yagen as he tries to calm himself "I'm looking forward to working with you." He positioned his hands for a handshake.
"So am I." He said as Yagen smiled and accepted the handshake not noticing that the talismans came to him instead which surprised them.
"Oh it went to you" Kiyomitsu said surprised as he noticed as to where the talismans went to.
"Maybe it's because you are the attendant." Shokudaikiri mentioned.
"Maybe because he has the crest were Aichi-sama imbued his powers." Nikkari pointed out.
"So it reacted to it." Yamanbagiri said ending the conversation as Yagen handed the talismans over to Miwa.
Miwa thanks as he received the talismans, though he noticed something peculiar the tiger cubs that are beside Gokotai's feet "Though I am more surprised that he still brought them with us."
"He brings them even on the front lines remember" Yagen said as he started to gather resources where the other did so too though Miwa was surprised as to what they even do in the front lines.
Miwa looks around as the others starts to gather while he doesn't seem to know what to do or where to start as he noticed Kamui who was the same "So what do you think we should do?"
Kamui who doesn't know the answer simply made his way to Gokotai and asked for help while Miwa decided to do the same and went to Yagen since Aichi did mention that they will leave it in his hands.
~Present day at the center of the citadel~
Misaki, Kai with Aichi was silently waiting with Mikazuki beside him as soon as he noticed the pillar of light he immediately stood up from the veranda, he waits for their return to welcome them "Welcome back" He said as the pillar of light disappears.
The six with Miwa and Kamui arrived successfully "It wasn't too bad." Yagen commented upon their successful expedition, Misaki and Kai decided to come forward and greet them.
"Ahahaha… Brilliant timing welcome back dinner is ready." Mikazuki said as he walked towards Aichi's side.
"Oh Mikazuki it fits you perfectly!" Shokudaikiri said as he noticed that he finally has his long awaited new clothes.
"Of course it was Aichi-sama who made it." Kiyomitsu proudly said but then he noticed the yellow bandana "Oh you made him a bandana"
Aichi looked at Mikazuki "Oh it just doesn't feels right to use his head piece always since it looked good to him so I made him a bandana."
A little annoyed and jealous from Aichi's word Kiyomitsu walks towards the entrance with the words "I'm going to change" as he left the area.
"We too shall go to place these and get change Aichi-sama, we will head to the dining hall once finished so we can start to eat" Yagen said as all the toudans once by one exited the area without forgetting to greeting him.
~Morning -Sunday-~
When morning came the sound of chirping birds fills the area as Aichi feels the warm sunlight hitting his face he couldn't help but open his eyes, wanting to sleep more since it's a Sunday Aichi sat up to his bed slowly as he looked at the area of where the window is to close it.
Much to his surprise though Mikazuki was there sitting next to his bed to greet him "Good morning Aichi-sama." Mikazuki smiled.
Aichi thought that this might be a dream since he still feels groggy as he just woke up, slowly rubbing both his eyes, he once again looked at the silhouette to make sure, but alas he was not mistaken nor he was dreaming as the person who is in front of him is really "M-Mikazuki?!"
Surprised and confused of the reason why he is already inside his room, Mikazuki decided to say the reason as to why he was there "I was checking up on you." Mikazuki stood up from his seat as he head to sit on top of Aichi's bed.
Mikazuki caresses Aichi's head to ease him though Aichi was surprised he did not dislike this from Mikazuki "You were having a nightmare the other night so I got worried if ever you would have another nightmare, my presence helped to keep you at ease that time, and I was glad to be of help". he smiled.
"Those…" Aichi hesitated a little but with Mikazuki reassuring him he decided to continue on "Those nightmares are about the battlefield, it was from the first one though it's not always that I dream about it."
"Does anyone know about this?" Mikazuki asked.
Aichi nodded "Yes, Kiyomitsu, Yagen knows about this too as I was always at the infirmary." He chuckled, though his expression says otherwise.
Mikazuki now understands why those two were acting up that way in the infirmary "Do you frequently dream about those nightmare?"
"On my first time in the battlefield I frequently dream about it, but then when Mina-nee came, it seems to have lessened, I don't wake up from having those nightmares anymore, when Mina-nee came here I know deep inside that I still had those nightmares but then I would ease up and sometimes I even forgot I have dreamt about it" Aichi said realizing something he was surprised and confused of the reason why.
"Maybe someone is there to help you be at ease, that person might just not want to show itself." Mikazuki smiled as he stood up from Aichi's bed realizing that everything is fine now. Realizing that it must be it Aichi smiled, this time his expression is now matching his smile.
As Aichi was about to stand up from his bed footsteps were heard from the other side of the door while Mikazuki supports Aichi from standing up as he just woke up, they heard a voice.
"Aichi-sama! I'm coming in." it was Kiyomitsu's voice on the other side of the door as he said it though he did immediately opened the door with a face palming Yagen following behind.
"Ah! You are here again!" Kiyomitsu was once again enraged first thing in the morning pointing out at the sword beside Aichi.
Mikazuki has his normal carefree smiling face while holding onto one of Aichi's hand while the other on his waist on the other hand Kiyomitsu trembles in anger at the scene in front of him "Ah, Kiyomitsu, Yagen, Good morning." Aichi greeted when he saw the two enter the room, though unfortunately for Kiyomitsu though, Aichi is dense although they already knew that.
Which Yagen knows as he closed of the door "Good morning Aichi-sama" Yagen greeted thankfully though Kiyomitsu calmed down a little from the greeting from Aichi.
Unbeknownst to Aichi why Kiyomitsu was acting like that "Is something wrong Kiyomitsu?" he asked moving forward towards where Yagen and Kiyomitsu are with Mikazuki following behind him.
"Nothing" Kiyomitsu said as he gave in.
"Breakfast is ready." Yagen informed one of the reason why they came "Oh yeah, they haven't come back home yet." He added.
"I wonder why" Aichi asked curious and worried as to why they left without telling him themselves, though Yagen himself think that it's better not to tell Aichi especially what the two looked like when Mina informed him that they will be leaving for a while, remembering it Yagen had a slight nervous smile.
~After Breakfast~
"Hhmmm.. I wonder what we should do…" Miwa asked as this is a Sunday they don't have practice because today is a day of rest.
"It's nice having day off like this here, since every day it always looks busy here" Misaki pointed out as they the toudans spending their day lazily and leisurely.
"Let's go to Card Capital then!" Kamui suggested.
"Hmmm… honestly we could just do that here, Cardfighting I mean" Miwa said reluctant to leave as he lazily lay at the veranda in the garden "Though I guess it might be nice to visit there once in a while, since most of our afternoon is coming here."
"Let's ask Aichi oniisan if he wants to go too." Kamui said.
With perfect timing though Aichi was walking with Yagen "Tell me what?" Kai, Miwa, Kamui and Misaki shifted their gaze to where he is.
"Oh, perfect timing, we were just talking about to going to Card Capital" Miwa said as he stood up telling Aichi what Kamui was referring to.
Aichi looked at Yagen "its fine if you want to go, it's a Sunday so you don't have to worry." Yagen assured Aichi that it's alright for him to leave "If it's regarding Mina nee and Konnosuke, just leave it to me."
"Come to think of it, isn't today the end of the national tournament?" Miwa remembered as they have completely forgotten about it.
"Oh yeah, Shin-san said he was going to bring a television out to watch the finals" Misaki hurried to leave the area when she remembered about going to help.
"I guess we should change to." Miwa said as he left the area with Kamui, lastly Kai stood up and left too.
~Card Capital~
When Aichi entered the shop he was instantly noticed by Morikawa and Izaki "Oi Aichi! You have some explaining to do!" Morikawa said while moving close in to Aichi which made him raise his two hands in defense to Morikawa.
"W-what do you mean, Morikawa-kun?" Aichi was confused as to what he could have meant though somehow he had an idea of what and that is remembering the nationals because of Yagen and Hasebe coming with them.
"Oi oi oi oi… give him a break Morikawa" Miwa said as Kai and Miwa enters the shop "Yo Aichi you are early".
"I don't have that much things left to do, add to it that it is a Sunday so it was easy for me to leave early." Aichi said though he was still trying to defend himself from Morikawa.
Thankfully though Miwa finally stepped in "I guess I have to protect the master right, as I am a guardian" Miwa snickered.
"You are doing this on purpose right…" Misaki sighed as she came in from the entrance though she can't come in completely because they were clogging the entrance "Stop loitering at the entrance!" Misaki shouted scaring them away from the entrance.
Aichi, Miwa and Kai left the entrance door Kai hurried to a chair and sat while Morikawa continued to bother Aichi who was still with Miwa, unfortunately though Izaki can't do anything as he too is curious.
"Yo!" Kamui said as he enters the shop with Reiji and Eiji following behind as he saw Morikawa pestering Aichi "Oi! Make-mi, what are you doing pestering Aichi oniisan early in the morning!" he said as he stumps his way to intervene while Reiji and Eiji decided to take a seat.
"I see that everyone is lively early in the morning huh" Shin said as he enters the shop with him carrying a television though he looked like he is struggling sadly nobody even cared on trying to help "A little help here please" even when he asked for anyone to help him nobody noticed him as the focus was Aichi instead.
Though Aichi noticed him "Manager, do you need help?" seeing that he really does need some help unfortunately for him though Morikawa just won't leave him as he cannot help he sighed.
"I need answers here Aichi Sendou!" Morikawa said as Aichi was not focusing at him at all unfortunately though no one wants to notice Shin thankfully though Reiji and Eiji gave a helping hand, Kai who thinks that it may be better to just help Shin decided to stand up instead of watching what's happening.
While the three help Shin install the television Morikawa decided to ask some question "Tell me Aichi Sendou, who were the two that went with us to the national tournament, that kid with a masculine voice than you and that brown haired guy that I think the only words he can say is Aichi-sama, Aichi-sama, Aichi-sama!" Morikawa said as Aichi just nervously laughed at his description at the two.
Miwa can't help but laugh while Kai and Misaki glanced at Aichi to them those description were perfect "You got to hand it to Yagen though Aichi, he really does feels more masculine than you, especially Hasebe" Miwa said completely forgetting about last time with Mina.
"Did you seriously just forget about last Friday…" Misaki sighs as she tries to make Miwa remember their certain talk before things get out of hand again.
Miwa flinching as he remembers that time "P-please if you don't tell her I get to live!" Miwa tries to plead to Misaki since he knows very well that Mina trusts and believe her.
"That depends on the situation though" Misaki said as she noticed that Aichi was not that hurt at what Miwa said while Kai once again took a glance at their direction in worry of Aichi.
"Oh, thank goodness." Miwa said as he was able to breathe.
"You do know that if you continue to talk like that it will just fuel Morikawa's curiosity, right…" Izaki said as he scratches his cheeks seeing that Morikawa is now at burst mode.
Fortunately it was just in time for the ultra-rare to make their performance as Morikawa hastily turned to the television while shouting "KOURIN~!" and then sat in front of the television "I haven't forgotten that if it wasn't for Aichi loosing we would have been still here"
"Aichi has got nothing to do with this" Miwa had sweat drops on his head as Morikawa was that fast at forgetting things.
"We are still not finished Aichi Sendou!" Morikawa pointed to Aichi for a second as he turns his attention back to the screen to watch Kourin.
As the show of the ultra-rare finished they all watch in silence that it was true after all that if they did not lose the fight they would be still there fighting for the position of champion.
Outro: this chapter is surprisingly leisure…
I'm very sorry for my lack of vocabulary and wrong grammars and wrong spellings, but I hope you like the story nonetheless, and thank you for everyone's continuous support!
Thank you for reading! Please review or pm for any suggestions or problems on the story.
