Chapter 1

I, the nickname is Yu, also known as Ayashi Kichimaru, find myself in a situation where I cannot understand it.

A few minutes ago, I was enjoying the comfort of a King-size bed in my bedroom at Ayashi residence. After a blink of an eye, I found myself standing in the sports arena, surrounded by roars mixed with gazes from annoyance to humor of the people.

Well, speaking as a bastard, I have grown somewhat used to being the family insult. If Yoshitoki and I were not the heirs of the Ayashi family, I might never be allowed to enter the main house even for one step. That forced me to learn how to get used to furtive glances or cold, hateful stares of the relative. So, I easily regained my composure quickly, ignored the noises, and focused on observing my surroundings to find out the answer to the question where I am and how the hell am I here.

Perhaps this is just a dream, a limbo is almost real, but the constant vigilance habit that paranoid father drilled into my head with painful lessons is not something to be easily overlooked.

I took a quick look at the scenery and then stomped on the floor, creating a characteristic popping sound of Fumikomi steps in Kendo. The quality of the wooden floors was poor, hard, and old enough to expose wide gaps scattered throughout the yard. This place is not the academy or the dojo I'd been used to. The floor in those places is always maintained and upgraded regularly.

The throbbing sensation under my heel made me realize that I was in reality and not in the dream. That makes me extremely difficult to understand. With nine years of practicing Kendo, the soles of my feet had to harden enough to make me not feel.

The costume on the body and the judge holding the flag standing nearby also made me wonder. If I'm in a competition and preparing for a battle, where are my head armor and my Tenugui?

And how the hell is my opponent, the brunette boy, no wearing Kendogi and Hakama? No armor? There's also no sword?

Perhaps I was in the middle of a Kendo introduction session with new students?

My brain believes in this most reasonable answer. As to why I appear here, I would have to call Yoshitoki. Later the problem will be solved. After all, this is not the first time I have found myself having new memories. Except for this time, it looks more severe and more prolonged.

Although I wanted to leave immediately, the sense of responsibility of a swordsman and the status of a Kendo club member made me decide to stay until the session ended. A few minute's delays will not matter. Moreover, this is not the first time I participated in introductory activities. So I found myself smiling and said.

"Don't worry. Kendo is not difficult."

For some reason, the friendly smile I was always proud of didn't work. The boy's eyes are brimming with tears as if to cry. It was as if I was bullying him. Why did I choose a person who could not face me to set the example? That will affect the feelings of those who first learn Kendo, maybe even quenching their desire to participate.

I sighed softly and continued.

"If you don't want to get involved, don't be reluctant."

As I spoke, I took a glance at the right corner. An orange hair girl being held by the arms of her two friends, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm with chirp seemed to be "let me go," "I will fight with him myself." made me nod in satisfaction. I should have chosen such an enthusiastic person instead of this timid boy.

"No way!"

A harsh voice rang out, causing me to tear my eyes away from the girl and return to the source. The boy was trying to rise and look at me with high intensity, an aura of determination and aggression.

"I won't let you touch Kyoko-chan! I will fight with you to protect her! "

If without the mandatory ritual classes of the Ayashi family, I thought I would respond with the most vulgar swear words. What the hell is going on? I thought it was a kendo introduction.

Words like "scrambling for lovers," "fighting," "love triangle," whispered by Shimura Yuuko's voice, cause an alarm bell in my head. I frowned, deciding to end the farce I accidentally stepped on politely and as quickly as possible.

"Are you going to fight me? How? You have never practiced Kendo, have you? "

"I ..." The boy was about to say something, but I interrupted.

"I am not fighting against newbies. That is not fair. Go back when you reach my level or at least know how to hold a sword, kid."

Perhaps my way of speaking is quite offensive. But it is true. I can be happy fighting against people who are on an equal level or stronger than me. I can also kindly trained the lower ones. But draw my blade on the boy who has not yet stepped over Kendo's first threshold will be an insult to the rank I have.

Saying so, I turned on my heel and walked towards the door, ignoring the sudden silence and puzzling gazes from those around me. Now, I want to find a quiet place to call Yoshitoki and confirm the situation I encountered more comprehensively.

"Fight with me!"

The screams approaching me, startled me a bit. I took a step sideways reflexively while swinging my sword in a horizontal line. If I had a real sword, the one who charged at me would have sliced in half. Instead, the bamboo blade sent the attacker into a parabolic path and fell nearby.

I frowned at the wobbly body of the backstabbing piece. The boy earlier in full clothes was now only in his underwear, revealing his bare body without any muscle. I was sure my strike was strong enough to knock him unconscious or create a deep bruise. But his abdominal muscles didn't have a wound, and he could still stand up.

I pursed my lips and looked into the boy's immature face. At this moment, his brown eyes were wide white, accompanied by an orange flame on his forehead.

I blink.

And blink.

The fire is still there. It was unnatural and even more strange that no one here was paying attention to it. No one seemed to complain about the boy suddenly being naked. And yet I still think the red sclera of Ayashi family is strange enough. Or maybe I'm just encountering another wrong side of the world filled with this madness.

I sighed, dodging an attack with a spinning movement.

The boy did not give up even if his instinctive punches and kicks action was utterly unable to reach me.

About 5 minutes later, bored with dodging and knowing my health was gradually reaching my limit, I directed the tip of the sword to the throat of the boy, deciding to create a little pressure that would cause the attacker to faint. At the same time, Yuuko was singing in my ears the scolding and punishment that I would face after this incident.

But the tip of the sword was off its trajectory. The song was silent as I jumped back, away from the window. My hand was still shaking while holding the sword destroyed by the bullet.

Although not an official heir, I still faced quite a lot of assassinations. That made me could not help but be alert.

An assassin is the first thought. But I quickly dismissed it.

It was a warning shot.

It shot when I made a move to endanger the boy.

Not earlier, not later than even a second.

I wouldn't be surprised if someone told me that this pervert boy was the son of a politician or a financial tycoon. My friend, Koko, had a bodyguard team around her, in which there was no shortage of former CIA, mercenaries, landmine experts ... Even Yoshitoki's security team too.

My new opponent was a professional sniper who was able to read situations remotely and react quickly.

In other words, I need to handle this boy first and get out of here, before everything goes out of control.

When I stepped back into an appropriate angle of death, I tossed the broken sword aside, grabbed the shoulder blades of the boy and threw him to the ground before jumping away to guard against any danger.

After all, life is not a shounen manga, and I can't slash bullets like King Bradley.

This pitch was strong enough to knock him unconscious.

Or I am wrong.

Again.

He still stood up, like a cockroach could not beat death. No matter how many times I pinned him down, he refused to give up, continuing to charge in and shouting meaningless words like: "I will protect Kyoko-chan with my life."

Who did I offend to receive this punishment?

If I rush out the door, the battlefield will expand. I don't want to jump into an ambiguous and unclear situation about the opponent. At least here, in the eyes of countless watchers, the boy's guards team would not arbitrarily take action.

But the cheers of the audience on the pitch for the boy only made the situation worse. It was as if I was an evil dragon who had just kidnapped the princess and tried to destroy the hero.

I gritted my teeth. The feeling of blood began to boil. My ears ring with buzzing sounds, obscuring Yuuko's reassurance.

When my patience reached the limit, my anger started swallowing me, I tightened my muscles, ready to do a neck-lock.

Once I held him hostage and the meat shield, the threat from the boy's guards team will minimize. Although I could then create an eternal enemy, now I don't care.

If I lose, I might face severe punishment when I go home.

Between the two sides is a deep pool, I choose the shallower and more familiar.

At least I won't fall dead.

That's it.

Instead of continuing to attack, to give me a chance to carry out my plan, the boy froze.

Then fell to the ground like a puppet whose strings cut.

I froze for a second. All sounds are off. It seems the others are as shocked as I am.

Cautiously approaching the boy and watch out for any surprise attacks, I put my hand on the boy's nose and pulse. When I determined he was still alive, I looked up, looking at the two boys nearby.

"Katsura, Souta." Although I've never met them, their name still naturally rolls off my tongue. "Bring the stretcher, take him to the infirmary."

After the two of them started acting on demand, I turned back to the flagman.

"Daisuke, go and report to the teacher about this matter."

"But…"

"Right away!"

My voice was rougher than usual, filled with anger and adrenaline. That startled the boy, nodding quickly before rushing away.

I swept my eyes through the dumbfounded crowd, then turned to grab the broken sword and walked to the door.

A boy with white hair blocked my way.

I tried to keep the threatening growl in my throat. Angry or not, I have the perfect image of Ayashi Kichimaru to hold. And Kichimaru never angry.

I made my typical smile when I spoke polite words.

"May I help you?"

"I will EXTREMELY not let you offend my sister. Fight with me!"

A straight punch accompanies it.

I say again, who did I offend to receive this punishment?

My head tilted to one side as my leg automatically responded with a kick to his hip, sending the white-haired boy to the wall.

My foot ached, signaling the possibility of a broken bone.

Ah. Another mystery that I need to find out. Despite my feminine physique, I pushed myself so far, breaking and regenerating to the point that the joints were healthy enough for a strong kick.

In a real battle, a surprise blow is always an opportunity to help me win.

Of course, I'm sure my opponent is no better. The boy was vomiting with painful moans.

Part of me felt sorry for him. Most of the rest, I thought it was the right punishment. I hate the insolent brutes. Sitting down, listening to an explanation, shake hands, and make peace is it not better? Why must we resort to violence?

The brunette boy and the white-haired boy are the same.

The reason why I feel guilty is because of their age. After all, everyone in life goes through rebellious days of teenagers when we believe the quickest way to the problem is a fist.

An orange hair girl just now escaped from her friend's arms and stood in front of me, stretching my arms out of my sight with the white-haired boy.

I tilted my head curiously. The question answered in her high voice.

"I won't let you harm my brother."

Brother? Are they siblings?

She doesn't look anything like him, different cheekbones, different eyes. Hell, even the hair color is not the same.

Seeming offended or misunderstanding my comparative gaze, the boy tried to stand up, despite the sharp pain in his face as he was protecting an orange hair girl behind.

"I will EXTREMELY not let you touch my sister."

What is it? What role do I play in this situation? Does an evil lord want to rob the commoner daughter as a concubine?

Perhaps I would be sarcastic or teasing a few sentences if Yuuko's laughter wasn't too harsh, and I didn't get tired of the current uncomfortable situation.

"I have nothing to do with your sister. Get out my way!"

"You EXTREMELY offend my sister!" The white hair boy said.

His extreme screams shook my sensitive eardrums. If it weren't for me to get used to the sound of Kiai in Kendo, I would be bothered by a lot of ringing in my hear.

"What have I said?" I asked again.

"You insist that Kyoko-chan will be the reward for the winner. It is an EXTREME insult!"

Kyoko-chan, winner, protect.

I felt my blood was cold.

Really?

Really?

This time, I wonder, what the hell did I do?

That's a dangerous situation! Extremely dangerous!

Whether I have no memory of what happened, there has never been a time when I was beyond my positioning character.

Take someone as a reward and declare it in public. I, the second heir of Ayashi noble family, will never utter such childish and condescending words.

But it seems like everything was me wrong.

I swept through the small body of an orange girl named Kyoko. That face was still immature, but there were beautiful strokes, promising an excellent Nadeshiko flower to bloom in the future.

But I dare swear I have no interest in those under the age of 17. And my type was Chiquita. Thank you!

My head went through all the theories, from the other personality to the possessive soul, but now I need to solve the immediate problem.

"I'm very sorry."

I said, gathering all the sincerity I could when I noticed that the other two's pupils opened up ridiculously.

"I'm extremely sorry and sorry for any stupid statements I made. As you say, it's an insult. I'm willing to take any punishment. Please forgive me."

Stinging sensations and whispers reappeared behind me. Perhaps the audience does not understand why I bowed my head after that robust performance just now, or maybe they were laughing at me. But I don't care.

Yoshitoki once remarked that one of my strengths was knowing how to identify myself. If I know, I am wrong, and I am willing to accept the error and correct it. That is also helping me perfect my mask.

Bang!

I felt my cheeks burning.

The blonde girl's hand still raised in a threatening manner. Her gaze contained anger and distrust. I can understand why you're angry, but don't trust? Perhaps she thought I would dodging.

Of course, I can, and I didn't want masochism. But it's only an acceptable small cost.

"This ..." Her voice shook, "Because you hurt my brother."

Brothers, huh? I looked at the white hair boy gaping behind her. How interesting. My 3-year-old cousin threw the toys at me just because she thought I was bullying Yoshitoki even though she scared of me like scared the ghosts in the closet. A 14-year-old girl will, of course, take stronger actions to protect her brother. Does he not believe that his sister will stand up to defend him?

Ah, I suddenly understood why "I" likes an orange hair girl, although his actions are still unacceptable.

"So, do I have your forgiveness?"

I asked in a patient voice when I saw her continue to stand frozen. She was startled, looked at me for a moment, then nodded and held to the side. I mumbled thanks, then strode out of the room, leaving loud noises and screaming behind closed doors.

"This phone number cannot be reached. Please call back later..."

"Damn it, Yoshitoki! What the hell are you doing?"

I roared in frustration. After leaving the sports area, I immediately headed to the changing room in my memory, took an old phone that I would never use in a blue bag that wasn't mine, but because of some reason, I know it belongs to me. But all attempts to call Yoshitoki failed. From personal numbers to company numbers is offline, it was as if he had disappeared from this world.

To: Stranger Number

"Emergency! Contact me as soon as you read this message! "- Kichimaru

Ignoring Yuuko's comforting effort, I gulped as I dialed the next numbers. If there were anything in this world that I feared, one of them would be my father.

Harsh, robust, and without mercy.

That was what best describes Ayashi Tsunayoshi. Because of me and Yoshitoki being his son, we have higher expectations for each mission and are punished more severely than anyone for failing.

If he knows I was in trouble, well, I'll bet I'll stay in the hospital for a few days. But now, contacting him was the only way. Moreover, I was worried about Yoshitoki. He never turned off the phone, even though it was midnight. If anyone knew about Yoshitoki's location, only my father could answer this.

"This phone number cannot be reached. Please call back later..."

Failure.

If Yoshitoki did not answer, I could understand it. After all, he's a piece of work. But why can't even my father get in touch? What did the hell happen? I paced up and down in the changing room before putting my hand through the hair. It was always my bad habit when I was stressed out. But,

The straight, smooth hair that I still take pride in is now hard and ragged like never been taken care of properly.

I looked at a few strands of hair hanging on my finger.

Black

Not grey.

I trembled, opening the cupboard door. When I took the bag earlier, I was in a hurry, so I didn't look at the mirror hanging on the wing.

And when I looked at it, I felt my blood freeze.

Since I step on Ayashi's family, the peaceful life I had hoped had smashed. The only thing that kept me alive up to now is not only because of my efforts but also because I was not the prime target. Later on, I was just a fellow second son, while Yoshitoki carried the title of official inheritance.

You may call me a son of a bitch or an asshole, but I was relieved that the person who was responsible for it wasn't me.

I,

I was just merely afraid of death.

After my painful death for the first time, I was afraid of it just like people bitten by a snake and afraid of ropes. Ten years have passed, but I still cannot forget the feeling of suffocation as life gradually recedes from my body little by little.

Because of the fear of death, despite the defects of my new body, I pushed myself, pushed myself even more with lessons and intense training until I was able to defend and protect Yoshitoki when needed.

I know I can die again.

But he was not.

Not because of the responsibility and duty to protect the true heir of Ayashi noble family, not because of the ranking lessons that Ayashi's patriarch drilled into my head, not because of the material and opportunities that the Ayashi family brought for me at Yoshitoki's request.

Just Yoshitoki is my brother.

The half brother to accept me.

He always comforted me whenever I was startled awake by nightmares late at night. He shared his food to keep me from starving every time I punished. He still held my hand when we ran away from danger. He was also the only one who didn't laugh at my dream to live to lead such an unremarkable life past the age of 25.

He was the one who helped me overcome my fear of death and was the only person I was willing to die for him.

And yet, it seems like I'm in a world where Ayashi Yoshitoki does not exist. Ayashi Kichimaru does not exist.

I looked into the mirror again, the face of the strange boy looked back. The feminine face, the mole under the corners of her lips, the smooth, shoulder-length grey hair was replaced by a masculine square jaw, slightly brown skin, and spiky black hair defying gravity.

There was no sign of a boy named Ayashi Kichimaru, nor a bit of a girl once called Shimura Yuuko.

Bang!

The sound of glass breaking sounded as my fist slammed into the mirror.

Debris falls to the floor. Blood seeped through my hand. The pain reminded me once again that I am not in a dream.

Dream.

For a moment of despair, I thought about cutting myself. Like what Dominick "Dom" Cobb did in the famous movie Inception, put himself in the middle of the train tracks, dying to escape the dream.

An idea flashed. If I'm in the depths of limbo, the only thing I need to do is kill myself to wake up.

I gulped, groping for the fragment of the broken mirror piece as I pointed the pointed area to the neck, trying to resist the feeling of a hangover in my stomach.

My hands trembled as I pressed the fragments under my bare skin, making red gems appear one after another.

Just only simple move, a one bet easy and fast.

And I will escape the current nightmare, wake up in the warm bed, hear Yoshitoki's deeper voice and my father's harsh complaints but familiar.

Just press down.

Yuuko suddenly howled in my mind, like an alarm. It made me dumbfounded and startled as if I had just escaped from a bad dream. Pain returned. The white shirt has now turned a deep red. I quickly threw the mirror piece away and grabbed a clean towel from my pocket and pressed it against my throat.

When I finished this movement, the door to the changing room opened and closed. A short, dark-haired boy stood in front of the door, his eyes tilted at me coldly, like a predator looking at its prey.

But when he saw my tragedy, he just raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Herbivores, what happened?"

I signaled to him the location of my wound to show that I could not speak and hoped he could help me get medical attention. But the boy just stood watching for a moment, then bent low when raising the tonfa.

"Disruptive in school. Dirty dressing room. Contemplated suicide in the school. Affect other students. Kamikorosu!"

I will bite you to death. Why not beat or kill to death?

Wait! Wait! That's not the point!

I am injured! Look! Doesn't my wound look serious? Your armband wrote School Discipline Committee. Why don't you have helped me get a medical call? I am a student in distress and need immediate medical assistance!

"Wait...!"

It seems that due to excessive blood loss, my vision started to become hazy. The last thing I saw was a tonfa facing me before everything turned black.

Any gods or demons that exist in this world tell me who I offended to receive this punishment?

To be continued

Update: 12/20/2019