"Hmm… So where do we find these so-called Dragon Balls in this area?" questioned by a teenage male to his companions as he looked around the tall buildings in the city's Central Business District. The teenage male has a huge build for his age, wearing a black bonnet, that covers his mohawk, he wears a white shirt that is covered by a red vest that matches his black pants, but the most noticeable in his appearance is his nose ring that is pierced on the right hole of his nose. "According to the radar it should be around in this area." replied by another teenage boy who has a long gray ponytail and wearing a long sleeve moss green shirt that is matched by a navy-blue pants. His light blue eyes double check the coordinates of the Dragon Radar that they have and so far, it is correct. "We need pinpoint its location. Ynagi, can I have the Scouter please?" The ponytail boy asked the girl, who had a brown ponytail hair and wearing a white blouse and a long lavender skirt, "Okay, Tokiya, just give me a minute" Ynagi replied as her green eyes searched her bag for the device.
As Ynagi searched for the Scouter, the bonnet wearing male approached another female companion, she had a short red-violet hair with a shoulder length side bangs, she is wearing a sleeveless black shirt that is covered by a pink jumper that is matched with a denim shorts and white sneakers that gives her a sporty look, but what makes her standout to Ynagi is her sizeable busts and tomboyish attitude. "What is it Domon?" the female said to the bigger guy with her usual tone as she scans the area hoping that she can find the mystical orb with her own eyes. "Fuko, look at Recca, he is not himself the entire day" Domon replied gesturing to another male companion which prompts Fuko to look at Recca. "I guess he is still thinking about what his mother told to us regarding this trip" Fuko replied sighing "Anyway, you better approach him, I will just try to look around the area and might find something interesting." She added as Domon nodded and approached their friend.
Recca, who is wearing an orange cap in backwards and wearing an orange hoodie that has a yellow sleeve that is matched by a simple blue jeans and blue sneakers, is just staring one of the towers in the area as he tries to recall what his mother told them.
###
-Flashback-
Recca, along with Ynagi, Tokiya, Fuko and Domon are sitting at the living room of the Hanabishi's residence waiting for Recca's mother, who is now living with Recca after defeating Koran Mori, because she has something to tell them. They are aware that every time Kagero has something to tell them, it is always urgent. However, there are no constant threat to them as Koran Mori is already long gone and Kurei along with Koganei have gone living in the feudal era. And for now, it was only Recca who is more active on participating in martial arts tournament in hopes of finally regaining complete control of his flame abilities, which happened to resurface consistently in the last three tournaments when he is facing his new rivals.
Kagero arrived in the living room, carrying a black box which contains the Scouter and Dragon Radar, she sat in front of them as she looked at the puzzled looks of her son's friends especially Ynagi whom her son is fond with.
"You must be all wondering why I asked all of you today…" Kagero said as she looked each of them "Yes, Ms. Kagero, and we are starting to wonder if this is related with the sudden resurgence of Recca's abilities." Tokiya replied "Yes, it is related to Recca's abilities, and I needed all of you to accompany him on this journey." Kagero replied as the group gives another puzzling look to her.
"Journey? W-wait a second mother, where should I go? Is this some-kind-of-a training?" Recca asked to his mother "You can consider it as a training for all of you." Kagero responded to her son. "Okay, mother, but again, where should we go?" Recca repeated the question as his mother looked him in the eye and said "I think I should start telling all of you about the legend given by the Hokage elders back then…" "What legend?" Recca asked sharing a wondering look with his friends "The legend of the Dragon Balls…" Kagero answered "Dragon Balls?" wondered by Recca and his friends as Kagero give them a small smile and started to narrate everything to them about the Dragon Balls and her agreement with the others at the temple.
-End of Flashback-
###
"Oi, Recca, you alright?" Domon asked as he approach Recca finally getting the former's attention. "Yeah, I am alright…" Recca replied to the bigger guy "Just wondering on how this quest on finding and protecting the Dragon Balls can help me controlling my flames for good." He sighed while looking at his hands "Hey cheer up, at least you are aware that you got your abilities back, not like the rest of us that we need to rediscover it again." Domon said trying his best to cheer up the flame caster.
Tokiya started to use the Scouter that Ynagi gave to him and starts scanning the area in which the Dragon Ball is generally located. The device started to beep as it picked up the energy that only the mystical orb can emit. Tokiya focuses the Scouter and try to zoom in the location that the Scouter had pinpointed and saw a building on the other side of the road "I already know where we can find the Dragon Ball." Tokiya said to others getting their attention "It is in that building." He continued staring at the building. "Alright Mi-chan! Now stop staring at the building and lead the way." Fuko enthusiastically complimented as she starts pushing the pony-tailed guy towards the building.
The group managed to go inside of the building and saw on its event board that reads: Annual Auction Event! Special Auction for the Mysterious Glowing Orange Sphere Artifact! Limited Entries Only! Register Now! The board also displays the picture of a One Star Dragon Ball "Ah Damn it! Now we need to attend an auction and outbid them just to get that Dragon Ball!" Domon complained "We don't have that amount of cash even if we combined all of our savings." Fuko added sighing on the predicament that they have.
Recca looking at the picture of the Dragon Balls starts to wonder "How about we devise a plan on how to obtain it without going to the bid?" he suggested. The group were surprised on his suggestion "You plan to mug it or steal it from someone who is going to win the bid?" Tokiya asked as Recca starts to survey the surroundings of the building "I am thinking of getting the Dragon Ball before the bidding starts." "You mean a heist?! Recca, are you aware that every item in an auction has a tight security? Our chances of stealing it here is very slim to none given that we no longer have our abilities." Tokiya reacted reminding the flame caster of the possible outcome. "Well, since this journey is also serves as our training, I am just thinking that we might as well use the situation as an opportunity to train some of our physical skills" Recca answered as he scratches his head and smiling awkwardly making his companions sighed.
As her companions are still arguing on how to obtain the mystical orb, Ynagi starts to observe the interior designs of the building, hoping that she might get an inspiration on her artwork that she will present to the kids in the kindergarten that she works as a part time. As she gazes around, she notices a familiar figure, a red head female who has a bob cut hairstyle and wears a pink mini turtleneck sleeveless dress which the lower part of the dress is ornated with white belt that has a round jade buckle while the upper portion is covered by a yellow short-sleeve bolero. Ynagi looks back at her companions who are still arguing on what to do and then she decided to leave them and approach the red head female.
###
Inaho Hitomibore looks at the details of the bidding regarding the special auction to the mysterious sphere, her green eyes are focused on the glowing sphere in the video. Hmm… A red star in the middle and that mysterious glow… Probably this artifact is worth more than a million bucks once I managed to obtain it as part of my collection and try to resell it. She thought to herself as she starts grinning and imagining the cash that she will earn. "I-Inaho? Hi-Hitomibore, Inaho?" a female voiced asked breaking the red head's trance of money and fortune. Inaho looked at the source of the voice and saw Ynagi who is looking at her smiling.
Why does she look remarkably familiar to me? Inaho asked herself while looking curiously at Ynagi, "Uhh yes, that's me, may I know who you are?" she asked, breaking the short awkward silence "Uhh… I guess you already forgotten me, since the last time we meet was way back when we are still in the elementary, hehehe" Ynagi chuckled "Elementary? Wait? You're… Y-Ynagi? Sakoshita, Ynagi?!" The red head replied with a happy-surprised reaction as Ynagi simply smiles and nods her head.
Inaho was amazed that she met one of her childhood friends that she gives Ynagi a hug, which the other girl also complied. "Long time no see. It's been 10 years since we last met." Ynagi said, "Yeah, I did not manage to say goodbye to you guys, since my parents suddenly decided to move to the neighboring town." Inaho replied "I see… Anyway, what are you doing here?" Ynagi curiously asked in which the red head smiled "I am here for the auction." Inaho answered "Hopefully I can outbid all of them and win that ancient artifact" she added as she and Ynagi looked at the screen that shows the 1-Star Dragon Ball glowing "How about you? Ynagi? What are you doing here?" Inaho questioned her childhood friend who is glaring at the screen.
Ynagi's abilities might be dormant but that does not change the fact that the nearby presence of the mystical orb gives her a strange feeling. This strange feeling… Could it be that my abilities that became dormant reacts to this mystical orb? Does the story of Ms. Kagero really make sense? Ynagi questioned herselfas Inaho starts staring at her and waving her hand in front of Ynagi to get her attention "Hey, Ynagi, are you okay?" the red head said, "Y-Yes, I am alright…" Ynagi replied snapping out of her trance. "Seems you are interested with the artifact as well?" Inaho snickered, "Well, yes, to be honest, I am here with my friends, to find and collect the Dragon Balls" she answered to the red heard which piques the interest of the latter upon hearing on what the artifact is called.
"Dragon Balls? Is that how you called that artifact?" Inaho asked trying her best to get some answers to the other girl "Yes, and according to the legend, if you managed to collect the seven of them. You can summon a Mystical Dragon that can grant three wishes that you desire." Ynagi answered. "W-wait, when you say three wishes… Y-you mean literally any three wishes?" Inaho questioned as she tries to confirm what she heard from her childhood friend. "Yes, we even have a radar and another device to find and detect them." Inaho innocently answered as she looked at the gleaming eyes of her old red head friend.
Any wish! Any three wishes! Yahoo! It's my lucky day! This is much better than chasing the O-Parts back then! Inaho said to herself as she starts to daydream about fortune. "I-Inaho? Are you alright?" Ynagi worried as she waves her hand in front of Inaho's face, as for this time it is the red head who is in the state of trance. Snapping out of her trance, Inaho looked at Ynagi with determination "Come on Ynagi! No time to waste! Let us meet your friends and register to the auction and win that Dragon Ball!" She enthusiastically declared while dragging Ynagi towards Recca and the rest of the group.
###
Fuko finally noticed that Ynagi is missing as her other three friends are arguing on how to obtain the Dragon Ball without getting too much trouble. "Hey guys, have you noticed Ynagi?" She asked puzzling the other three, "She's just right besi-" Recca reply was cutoff when he look at his side and surprised that the other girl was missing. "Ynagi-chan?! Where did she go?!" He panicked "Maybe she just strolls around here in the building?" Domon reasoned as he tries to calm Recca in which the latter just simply sighed "I'll just go look for her" Recca replied and as he starts to walk away from the group to find Ynagi, he saw the missing girl who is accompanied by Inaho walking towards them.
"Finally, she returned." Tokiya commented as the group gives a sigh of relief especially Recca who runs towards Ynagi. "Who is that good looking girl with her?" Domon commented as they noticed a certain red head girl chatting with Ynagi. "Ohhh… So, you noticed her as well eh?" Fuuko teased the bigger guy as she pokes him with her elbows. "I think I've met that girl before." Tokiya commented "Really Mi-chan?" Fuko responded as she and Domon looked at him. "Yeah, during the inter-high math competition which she represents a prestigious all-girls school." He answered. "Do you have any idea who she is?" Domon asked to the long hair boy "She is Hitomebore, Inaho. And for what I know, she is the granddaughter and heiress of that school." His explanation of the red head's brief background left the other two in awe as they watched Recca being introduced to the Inaho by Ynagi. "Do you think she can help us?" Domon wondered as they saw Recca is jumping in joy "By the looks of it… I can say yes." Tokiya answered. "If that's the case, then let's join them!" Fuko cheerfully commented as she went ahead as the two other boys follow her and joined Recca, Ynagi and Inaho.
###
The auction is about to start when Recca's group managed to get their seat. Inaho who is holding a placard which is number 99 is sitting next to Ynagi, in which Ynagi is sitting next to Recca which is followed by Fuko, Tokiya and then finally Domon. Save for Inaho, who is used in attending an auction, Recca and the rest noticed that most of the participants are older men or women that are rich but kinda shady "Most of the folks here reminds me of Mori." Recca commented. "Because most of them are rich just like him." Ynagi answered "Alright everyone, the auction is about to start. So be quiet or else we might get ejected here." Inaho reminded everyone as the auctioneer appears on the stage along with his assistant carrying a black box that is ornated with oriental decorations.
The assistant places the box on a table and opened it revealing the One Star Dragon Ball that is glowing brilliantly in the room. Everyone in the auction was awed on the mystical orb, their eyes are focused on it as they watched how its pulses luring them. However, the lure of the orb is different for Inaho, Ynagi, Recca, Tokiya, Fuko and Domon, for them, something has awakened within them, a sensation that is similar to what Ynagi had felt when she met Inaho earlier in the building. Why I am feeling something odd when I saw that orb? Inaho thought. This orb is not like the O-Parts, it has something more on it. Probably, No! This is the one that can help me bring them back! She said to herself as a face of a particular white-haired vampire and her otherworldly friends died of saving her in their last adventure flashes to her mind. "Alright ladies and gentlemen! We will now start our auction!" The auctioneer announced snapping out Inaho's trance to the Dragon Ball as the auctioneer introduces and describe erroneously the origins of the orb.
The starting price given by the auctioneer started in 10000 Ryō and everyone in the auction started to bid on higher price "50000!" Shouted by one of the participants "60000!" shouted by the other while someone shouted "250000!" Recca and the others sweat hard as the price goes higher and higher, they look at Inaho who just closed her eyes like buying her time until someone reached the highest bid that she can beat and then someone made a bid of 1 million when no one is reacting to the bid the auctioneer started to close the bid saying "We got 1 Million! Going once?! Going twice?! So-" "2 Million!" Inaho shouted as she opened her eyes giving a small smile to the auctioneer. Recca, Ynagi, Tokiya, Fuko and Domon were shocked on how much Inaho had bid for the Dragon Ball "Uhh… We got that much of money, right?" Ynagi worries as she asked to her childhood friend who simply smiles at her giving an assurance "Are you sure about it? Because the way you smile says otherwise." Recca said giving the redhead a doubtful look "Of course, I do, and I got plenty to spare" Inaho replied as she looks back with a triumphant smile.
"2 Million! Number 99 bids for 2 Million! Any higher than 2 Million?! Do I hear 2.5 Million?!" The auctioneer asked as none from the participants replied, "If none, then so-" "5 Million!" answered by a female voice who raises her placard with a number 135 Inaho looks at the female sitting 5 rows in front of them who tries to outbid her. The female has a long blonde hair that is styled into ringlet, she was accompanied by another girl who had a short bob cut brown hair who is sitting next to her and a boy who had an eye-length black hair which is sitting next to the brown-haired girl and all of them are around the same age as Inaho's group. The blonde girl simply looks at her companions smiling, her brown eyes and smirk gave an idea to Inaho who she was.
Recca also saw the girl who bid for 5 Million, he is already familiar with the girl as well, but what really gets his attention is the black-haired boy. What is he doing here?! Is he and that rich spoiled-brat princess are working together to have the Dragon Ball for themselves?! Recca said to himself as he tries to contain himself and not to burst out his flames since he cannot even control it yet. Ynagi noticed that Recca is simply quiet and on the edge "Recca, are you alright?" She asked worried "Yes, I am good, don't worry… It's just that this bidding is kinda exciting…" He replied trying his best to hide what he really feels as he smiles to Ynagi who smiled back as she watches back to the bid. However, Tokiya, Fuko and Domon does not buy what Recca had told to the girl, since they also saw not just only the blonde girl but also the black-haired boy and that black-haired boy is the one that worries them most.
Wasting no time, Inaho raises her placard "7 Million!" she shouted. This gets the attention of the blonde and looks back which prompts her companions to do so as well. The blonde's brown eyes met the red head's green eyes. Inaho's suspicion was confirmed, her rival in this bid was none other than the Kanzuki heiress herself, Karin. The Kanzuki heiress gave the red head a smirk in which it was complied by returning a challenging smile.
Meanwhile, as Karin and Inaho gave each other a challenging look, Kyo and Recca are also giving each other's a mark which did not suit well to Tokiya, Fuko and Domon. Ynagi finally noticed this and holds Recca's hand in the hopes that he will calm down for moment upon seeing his rival. Yuki knowing her boyfriend, grabs Kyo's chin to look at her instead rather than his rival to calm him down and help Karin to win the bid. "Who would ever think that the heiress of one of the country's prestigious all-girls school will be my rival here in this bid." Karin sighed "We might as well get over it, so we can proceed in finding the other Dragon Balls." Yuki advised as she rolled her eyes giving the heiress a message regarding Kyo and Recca "Yep, I know, I know… Might as finish this quick." Karin agreed as she raises her placard to the auctioneer and shouts "15 Million!"
Inaho's determination and ambition is always gets the best of her and she doesn't care what will it takes as long as she has what she wants as long as it will give her more than what she will be losing I can't let her have it! I cannot let Karin have it! "30 Million!" she shouted; this prompts the Kanzaki heiress to shout "40!" in which the red head responded with "60!"
The other participants were shocked on how the two heiresses battle it all out, the auctioneer is already sweating hard since this is the first time that such auction reached such tense and neither participants will not back down. "100 Million and my shares to my grandfather's school!" Inaho offered which shocks everyone "H-Hey Inaho, Are you sure about that?!" Fuko stammered upon hearing what the red head did "Th-that's like your entire life savings?!" Domon added as he recovers himself from a moment of surprise "Yes, I am betting everything and that is a small price to pay just to have and collect the Dragon Balls." Inaho replied as her resolve made Ynagi and others realize that if the legend that Kagero mentioned to them is true then such losses can be regained in an instant with more than the amount of wealth that any person currently have.
After laying down all her bet just to have the One Star Dragon Ball, luck was not on Inaho's side as Karin raises her placard and said "150 Million and half of my shares in all of the businesses of the Kanzuki Zaibatsu." Inaho did not have anything to respond against Karin's offer in the bid, she managed to outbid her. "150 Million plus half the shares in the businesses of the Kanzuki Zaibatsu! Going Once?! Going Twice?! Sold to number 135! Ms. Karin Kanzuki!" The auctioneer declared as the other participants gave an applause and approached to congratulate Karin, Kyo and Yuki.
"We need to find the other six, before they do." Inaho sighed in defeat "You're planning to negotiate?" Tokiya asked as he is having a hunch of what the red head is thinking "If the legend is true that it can give three wishes then maybe..." Inaho replied looking at Tokiya and then noticed that someone is missing. "Hey, Ynagi, where did your boyfriend go?" Inaho bluntly asked making the other girl blushed "Boyfriend? Y-you mean Recca? He's just right-" Ynagi's response was cut short when she looked at her side and saw Recca is missing. "Oh Shit!" Domon remarked as he gave chase and then the others followed immediately when they realized what Recca is planning.
###
Karin, Kyo and Yuki received the mystical orb to the auctioning committee as the heiress made a bank transfer to the committee. The committee only accepted the 150 Million Ryō since they do not accept shares or bonds. The trio looked at the One Star Dragon Ball as it glows at them. "That's one Dragon Ball now." Kyo said as he hands over the mystical orb to Yuki "Yes. I hope the others managed to find the other one in downtown." Yuki replied as she placed the glowing orb inside her bag. "Karin is talking to them right now. Maybe she can give us an update" The Scion of the Flame replied to his girlfriend as they looked at Karin who is talking to someone from Yusuke's team thru the Scouter.
Karin finished communicating with their friends in the Scouter, she approached Kyo and Yuki while still wearing the device. "They managed to find the Seven Star Dragon Ball." Karin informed the other two which gives Kyo and Yuki a sigh of relief "However, Yusuke had encountered Batsu and as ex-" Karin was cutoff when she noticed the Scouter is suddenly reading an energy which is not from the Dragon Ball. "Hmph, I guess Yusuke is not the only one who will have some fun." Kyo smirked as Karin keeps the Scouter to her bag after the device pinpointed the location of the energy source. "Oi, better get out from your hiding spot before I start burning it... Recca…" Kyo commented as he looked from one of the alleys of the building.
Recca emerged from the shadows of the alley looking at his rival. Upon seeing Recca, Yuki starts to intervene, but Karin held her and as she looks at the blonde, Karin shakes her head and gestured to keep a distance away from the two rivals, having no choice, Yuki complied as she follows Karin in a safer distance.
Recca and Kyo look at each other eye-to eye as an eerie silence fell upon them. "Kyo…" Recca started breaking the silence "I have questions that needed to be answered." "What?" Kyo simply replied "What do you want with the Dragon Ball?" Recca asked still not breaking his look at Kyo "Why do you want to know?" Kyo responded with an antagonizing question to the former Hokage heir in which starting to annoy the latter "Answer the question damn it!" Recca demanded to the other flame user "Hmph, and what if I don't want to, what would you do?" Kyo smirked as his flaming aura starts to materialize "Then I'll make you talk, Kyo!" Recca declared as his own flame aura starts to appear around his body as he charged towards Kyo "Bring it on, Recca!" Kyo answered as he also charged to his rival as both fist of crimson flames clashes on each other.
Tokiya, Fuko, Domon, Inaho and Ynagi run toward the alley where they heard a commotion as people starts to watch the brawl between Kyo and Recca. The people who are watching the fight did not bother to call the cops since they thought it is an exhibition match since the one is fighting is Kyo Kusanagi who is a former King of Fighters champion and Recca Hanabishi who just won the recent martial arts tournament by defeating his current opponent. "Damn it, of all the person that we will saw on that auction it was him!" Domon cursed as they arrived on the scene and saw Recca and Kyo are duking out in a street fight.
"Who is that guy anyway and why Recca is fighting him?!" Inaho asked having no idea who is Recca is fighting "And is that flames that coming out of their fists?!" She added as she gasped upon seeing the two flame caster's abilities. "The guy that Recca is having a brawl with is Kyo Kusanagi of the Kusanagi clan." Tokiya answered while watching the two fighters. "Kusanagi clan? You mean the famous Kusanagi clan?! As in the ones in the legend who uses flames to defeat and seal the Orochi?!" Inaho surprised on what she has heard "Yes, and just like the Kusanagi clan, Recca was once part of the Hokage clan." Tokiya added "Hokage clan?! You mean the extinct ninja clan that uses flames as well?!" Inaho gasped looking at the long-haired boy who simply nodded as a sign of confirmation. And I thought Honoo is the only one who can use flames Inaho said to herself as she looks back to the battle.
Ynagi worried on what is happening, tries to intervene and stop the fight but was held back by Fuko and Inaho "Let me go! I must stop them; Someone must stop this nonsense!" Ynagi protested to the other girls "Ynagi, calm down. You'll just get yourself hurt if you got caught with those flames." Inaho explained as she looks at Recca and Kyo "She's right Ynagi, we know this is a nonsense brawl, but there is nothing we can do to stop them. They had each other's neck since they have met in those tournaments." Fuko added as she looks at the fight and started to get frustrated as well Damn it! You guys should have just waited for your stupid rematch! Fuko said to herself cursing the two rivals.
Yuki is watching the fight was also being held down by Karin as the former urges to go there and stop them, but the Kanzuki heiress knows better as she cannot let someone like Yuki got hurt by those two, I made a mistake, damn it! I should have just tried to convince Kyo to find the other Dragon Balls rather than leaving him to deal with Recca! Karin cursed to herself as she watched helplessly as Kyo and Recca traded punches and kicks of flames as they battled around in the area, neither giving up.
The two fighters made a fair distance, both got burns and bruises, but they have a lot to give. Kyo determined to defeat his opponent so he will not be obliged on indulging what his rival wants while Recca on the other hand is determined to get some answers from his rival. "You know, I am kinda hurry… So, I'll just finish this!" Kyo remarked as he raises his hands charging the flame that was materialized. "Hmph! I am also thinking the same thing!" Recca replied lowering his hand as the flame materializes and starts charging it "This time… This time… It will be my victory!" Kyo cried as he charges his rival "Then this time I will show you the true power of the Hokage clan!" Recca roared also charging towards Kyo. Everyone who watches the fight are on the edge as both fighters raced toward with all their might, when two figures suddenly appeared and managed to counter the two boys that are attacking each other and putting them both off balance making them fall on their back.
Kagero and Saisyou stands in between a downed Recca and Kyo, their intervention is a surprise and a sigh of relief for the rest of Recca and Kyo's team, but not for the bystanders who watches a free fight. "Hey what're you two doing?!" "Yeah! This is a free rematch between those two!" commented by some of the bystanders who enjoys the fight Kagero and Saisyou are already in the bad mood for seeing their sons in an all-out brawl stares at the bystanders "Would you like us to beat each of you instead?" Saisyou smirked to the bystanders as he clenches his fists while a flame appears on it striking fear to them "Now, if all of you don't want to go straight to the hospital, then mind your own business and scram!" roared by the head of the Kusanagi clan as the bystanders run away from the scene out of fear.
Recca and Kyo managed to stand up and surprised when they saw their respective parent who had a disapproving looks on their faces. "M-Mother?!" Recca stammered in surprise upon seeing Kagero. Likewise, Kyo also had the same reaction when he saw his father standing next to the kunoichi "What the heck old man?!" Kyo protested to his father upon interfering his duel with Recca "You idiot! You should know better that finding those Dragon Balls are more important than having a duel with your rival!" Saisyou angrily scolded his son "Well, he started it!" Kyo angrily protested pointing at Recca "Me?! I just want some answers! But you want some beating instead!" Recca defended as he also pointed to Kyo "Enough! Both of you!" Kagero angrily shouted making the two rivals quiet.
Seeing that Kagero and Saisyou together gives questions to both Recca and Kyo's teams, which has noticed by the two adults "What answers do you want from him?" Kagero inquired to her son "I just want to know what they want from the Dragon Ball." Recca answered "Especially when the two of them started working together." he added looking at Karin, who along with Yuki approached them "Haven't I informed you about these? Or you're not just paying attention to the details on what I have discussed to you and your friends previously?" Kagero interrogated her son who gave her a puzzled look.
Tokiya having recalled on what Kagero had told them before, finally understood what she meant, "I finally understand it now," He interjected getting the attention of the two groups save for the two adults who intervene. "Ms. Kagero told us back then that she had met the heads of the other clans regarding about the Dragon Balls and made a pledge on retrieving and protecting it." "Ah yeah, I remember that part, but when she says heads of the other clans, that means…" Domon agreed as he looked at Saisyou who is wearing his traditional kimono. "Yes, it's not only the Kusanagi and the Kanzuki clans are involved with it but the Imawano clan might as well." Tokiya concluded "Hmm… Come to think of it, Karin's family was a minor ninja clan before they become a known business entity. Then I overheard Recca his clan's name earlier…" Inaho chimed in as she holds her chin trying to recall some lessons in history "And if I am right, that symbol on his kimono is the crest of the Kusanagi clan." she added as she points to the family crest of the kimono that Saisyou is wearing "Then we can assume that the Imawano clan is involved as well." Inaho deduced supporting the long-haired boy's answer.
"How can you two be sure about that?" Fuko questioned the red head "If you can recall your history lesson, the Kusanagi clan is one of the three main clans who sealed the Orochi. However, the ninja clans of Hokage, Imawano and Kanzuki helped them as well on defeating the serpent. But during the height of the Kusanagi-Yagami incident, these ninja clans sided and made a pact of an alliance to the Kusanagi clan in case of a clan war due to the betrayal of the other clan." Inaho explained making everyone awe of her expertise in history except for Tokiya who is also aware of that part of the history.
Recca and Kyo were surprised on this and then looks at Kagero and Saisyou who simply nodded their heads. "Oh goodness, no wonder." Karin sighed as she turned to the two adults and asked, "Does my parents aware of this meeting?" "No, they are not aware of it." Kagero answered as she looks at the teens "What Tokiya and your other friend had explained are all true. Us, heads of what is remaining of the Hokage, Imawanao and Kusanagi clans have agreed on pledging you all to find the Dragon Balls" she addressed to them "You might think of us as selfish. But we all believe that all of you can find and protect it… Especially if you set aside your rivalries and all work together as a team…" Kagero finished as she looked at the two rivals. "I hope that will suffice as an answer to your questions" Saisyou added as he looks at the two flame casters.
Kyo smirked at his father and said "Hmph, even if you didn't pledge me on finding the Dragon Balls, old man, I will still go and find it." "Same for me, Ms. Kagero and Mr. Kusanagi, I need to accompany Kyo on this responsibility." Yuki added as she stands next to Kyo. "I have some questions that is needed to be answered that's why I need to find the seven of them." Karin commented to the two adults. "I dunno what are the answers you are seeking, but for me, I had a wish that is needed to be granted once I saw that Dragon" Inaho said steeling her resolve to join the hunt for the mystical orb. "Same goes for me, this will help me on finding how to restore my abilities." Fuko chimed in "I have the same reason as Fuko so I will join." Tokiya said agreeing with the female. "If Fuko and Tokiya will join, then I will join too." Domon energetically volunteered as Ynagi steps forward and said, "I will join if Recca agrees into it." Her comment made everyone looked at Recca whose flames right now becomes dormant again.
Recca approached his rival and without a word, he offers his hand "Truce?" he asked in which Kyo complied and accepted it and shakes his rival's hands "Truce…" everyone in the group cheered and gave a sigh as the rivals made truce "Better collect more of that Dragon Balls than I am…" Kyo smirked to his rival "Heh, you wish, I'll be collecting them all." Recca commented as he accepted the challenge.
"Speaking of the Dragon Balls, I believe you need to surrender it to us for safe keeping." Kagero chimed in "You will be journeying to another world and who knows what will happened to you there along with the Dragon Ball" Saisyou added which prompts Yuki to take out the One Star Dragon Ball that is glowing and gave it to Kagero.
Kagero, Saisyou and everyone was amazed on the glowing mystical orb "So this how it looks like up close" Recca commented as they were allured on the pulsing glow of the sphere "Yes, it is… Now, time is short, you need to find the other Dragon Balls as soon as possible." Kagero ordered as Recca's team whose Inaho has joined and Kyo's team made their separate ways and bid farewell to Kagero and Saisyou as they search for the remaining Dragon Balls.
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After Recca and Kyo's team left, Kagero and Saisyou also made their way back to their homes, in which Kagero will safely keep the mystical orb while Saisyou will go back to the Kusanagi residence. Not too far away from the area where they left, there is a coffee shop, where some of the onlookers watch the fight earlier in which some uses their smart phones to record it. However, when the fight is over, the onlookers stop recording it, save from one man who uses a special eyeglass while watching the entire event. He made a zoom on Kagero who kept the Dragon Ball to her purse and captured an image of the sphere along with the Hokage matriarch.
The man dialed a special number in his mobile phone, "I have some good news… I will send my findings there right now…" The man said as he closes his phone and opened his laptop. He removed his glasses and plugin a usb port into it. He types in the password and starts to upload the recordings and the images. Once the upload is done, he closes his laptop that has a small DC insignia on it and left the coffee shop
-End of Chapter 9-
Author's Notes: [1] To view this chapter with pictures, kindly visit the wordpress version: dragonballnb(period)wordpress(period)com/2020/12/19/chapter-09-bidding-war/ (please replace (period) with the actual dot symbol)