Chapter 18 - Fight Night - Round 3
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Boarding School Juliet
Author's Note:
Names convention
People from Touwa and Naruto:-
Lastname Firstname
Example:- Inuzuka Romio
People from the West Duchy:-
Firstname Lastname
Example:- Juliet Persia
Author's Note:
This chapter isn't the finale. I estimated wrong again.
But we're getting pretty close to the finale.
Dahlia Town Indoor Stadium
Naruto and Maramute stood in the locker room, with Maramute tightening his gloves on and testing them by punching the air a few times. Naruto meanwhile stared at the rest of the boxers who'd gathered in the room. Their ages ranged from a high-schooler's age to people who were in their forties. All the weight classes were gathered in the same locker room so it made it difficult for Naruto to identify who might be their potential opponents.
Maramute spoke up, "so where's Leon? Is she in the audience?" He said, putting his headguard on.
Naruto shook his head and gave Maramute a serious look, "it's better if she doesn't watch her father getting hurt. Let's leave her out of this." He smiled, "we'll celebrate together once we win."
Maramute pursed his lips, thinking about it. After a while he nodded with a confident smile, "guess you're right. We'll celebrate once we win."
A enthusiastic voice piped in, "well gosh! All the best, my opponent!" said a brown haired boy with tanned skin and an athletic build. He wore black headguard and gloves, and a green tanktop with brown shorts. He beamed at Naruto and Maramute. "I'm Dane Yamada! We're in the first match! And I'm here to wish you the best!"
Maramute and Naruto turned and looked the peppy boy with confused eyes.
Yamada went on, smiling happily, "I love boxing! This will be my first tournament!" He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "I kinda lucked my way into the quarterfinals to be honest! My previous opponent got a severe case of stomach cramps! Hahaha!" He then beamed at Naruto and Maramute, expectantly.
Naruto kicked Maramute's leg to say something.
Maramute kicked him back.
Naruto looked at Maramute, discretely pointing at Yamada with his eyes.
Maramute pretended there was a fly buzzing around his head.
Yamada happily carried the conversation, "my dream is to become a pro boxer one day! In-fighting is the best you know! Forcing your opponent to the corner and whamming him!" Yamada looked around warily and leaned in to whisper. "Don't tell anyone, but I've mastered the Dempsey roll." He rubbed his chin with a proud grin.
Maramute weakly chuckled and said, "umm, Dane-san-"
"Oh no! You can call me Yamada-kun! We're tournament buddies after all!" said Yamada with a full and friendly smile.
"R-Right, Yamada-kun." Maramute nodded with a smile. "We'll be fighting soon. Don't you think you should keep your style and techniques to yourself?"
Yamada's eyes widened. "Golly! I hadn't thought of that!" He slapped a fist into his glove. "I was still treating this as sparring!" He quickly bowed to Maramute. "Thank you for your guidance, Inugami-sensei!" He stood up straight and cheered, "I'll be rooting for you!" He then happily took off elsewhere, with long and excited steps.
Naruto scratched his cheek, "shouldn't he be rooting for himself?" He turned to Maramute, "he doesn't look that tough, maybe you could go easy on him?"
Maramute chuckled, "yeah, maybe I should. Seems like a good kid, rooting for his opponent."
A pompous and arrogant voice laughed. "Ha! At least someone is, Inugami. You can't even keep your wife, what in heaven's name is a sickly creature like you doing among men?"
Naruto's and Maramute's eyes widened. They turned and saw a blond haired man with a mullet for a hairstyle. His face wore a moustache with twirly ends, which currently enjoyed full twirly usage as the man twisted it between his fingers. He wore black shorts and a white tanktop, with his waist band a deep gold color, looking as if he'd already won the match and wore the tournament belt.
The blond man twirled his moustache and contemptuously let out, "what? Does the mere sight of me inspire awe?" He brought out a wallet from his shorts and took a picture out of it. "Well maybe this will clarify who I am."
Naruto took the picture with a frown and turned it around so that he and Maramute could see it.
Their eyes widened with shock.
On the picture was written in a huge banner, 'Sir Victor Birman weds Vermie Bobcat.' And under it was the blond pompous man, twirling his moustache, grinning like a jackass, and decked in a black tuxedo. And beside him was a sad and despondent red haired woman, wearing a wedding dress and staring at the floor bereft of all hope. It was Vermie.
"You bastard!" Maramute roared and immediately jumped at the blond man. Naruto caught his boxer in the nick of time and dragged him back, grabbing his arms from behind and making sure he didn't let any punches fly. Naruto glared at the blond man with fierce eyes, growling lightly.
The blond man smirked, stashing the picture away. "Sir Victor Birman at your service." He said with a mocking bow. "I must ask Inugami, was Vermie as errant a wife in your hands as she is in mine?" He shook his head with exasperation, "poor taste. Absolutely poor taste. Running away after being wed, and after all her mother did in convincing me to marry her." He sneered. "And for what? Because she loved a lout like you?"
Naruto growled out, "oi, bastard. Who the hell are you?"
Victor chuckled. "I'm the man who deigned to marry Inugami's used goods."
"Shut your mouth!" Maramute roared, trying to free himself from Naruto's grip and let loose.
Victor scowled. "Be sure to win your first bout, Inugami. I shall meet you in the semi-finals. And I will take a pound of your flesh for every insult that came my way, because of my contemptible wife."
"She's my wife! Not yours!" Maramute growled. "You say one more word insulting her and I'll take your head off!"
Victor scoffed and began walking away towards the ring.
"L-Let me go, Naruto," Maramute said, gritting his teeth and looking at the departing westerner with red eyes. "I-I'll teach him a thing or two about decency."
Before Naruto could reply-
Another voice piped in enthusiastically, "well! You can certainly do that and get disqualified!" Came from a tall blond boy, who was grinning fiercely at Maramute and Naruto. He continued with a chuckle as they turned their heads to him, "or you can wait till your match and give him a sporting chance! No one will stop you then!"
His glare slowly subsiding, Naruto chuckled and nodded at the other blond boy. "Ya took the words right out of my mouth, Rex," he said, letting go of Maramute. Rex grinned at Naruto in return.
"H-He's Rex? T-The one we prepared for?" said Maramute with a gulp, looking at the well build prefect with wide eyes. Rex wore a white tanktop and black shorts, with dark red gloves. Compared to everyone else in the locker room, Rex's muscles seem to be in a class of their own with how tight and coiled they appeared, brimming with power. Just looking at them sent warning bells to Maramute's brain that even one hit to the head would be a brain rocker. "A-Are we the same weight class?" Maramute found himself asking, hoping that he wouldn't have to face the titan before him.
Rex smiled, "indeed we're in the same tournament bracket." He then sighed sadly, "unfortunately we can only meet in the finals." He smirked at Maramute, "do survive until then. I'll do you the honor of putting you out myself." He stepped forward and got in Maramute's face, making him lean back with a gulp at the intensity of Rex's gaze. Rex grinned in challenge, raising his fists and banging his gloves together, Maramute winced at the loud 'wham' that rang out.
Rex eyed Maramute for a few moments before he backed away with a disappointed sigh. He turned to Naruto with a frown, "is this your boxer, Naruto? I expected… more."
Naruto scoffed, "that's good, Rex." He chuckled and grabbed Maramute's face and bunched up his cheeks with a snicker, "this baby faced fighter will blow those expectations apart." Naruto smirked at Rex, "you'll never see it coming."
Rex's eyes widened slightly in interest, and he returned Naruto's smirk. "Very well." He turned to Maramute, who was trying to get Naruto's hand off his face, and smiled, "I shall reserve my judgment until we trade leather." He nodded at Naruto and Maramute, "till we meet again." He then walked away elsewhere in the locker room.
Naruto cheered as Rex left, turning to Maramute with a grin, "yo! Am I a great hypeman or what!" He grinned proudly to himself, "now you got Rex's full attention!"
Maramute shivered, finally managing to knock Naruto's hands off his face. "I-I'd rather be inconspicuous thank you."
Naruto slapped him on the back, "come on! You gotta show off, right!" Naruto put his shoulder around the man, "just imagine, Vermie's gonna see the recording of you knocking dudes out left and right and she'll go, 'oh, yeah! My hubby's such a man! He's got my back!' Hearts in her eyes and all that!" Naruto grinned at him, "sounds good, yeah?"
Maramute gave Naruto a flat look, "you flatter Vermie with your impression of her." He sighed and chuckled, "but I guess you're right." Maramute raised his fists and gazed at them. "My children, my wife, and our hopes for a bright future." He tightened his grip. "I will protect them. If they're the garden of my life, then I'm the fence that keeps out the weeds, pests, and villains who'd dare harm them."
Naruto smiled, "well said, champ." He chuckled, "you changed my opinion of you, man. I never thought you'd go so far in trying to prove you got your family's back." Naruto sighed wistfully and grinned lightly at Maramute, "they're lucky to have you."
Maramute turned to Naruto with a smile, "you're included too, Naruto." Naruto furrowed his brow in confusion. Maramute chuckled, "anyway, let's leave this talk for after the finale." He grinned, "do you think I'd look good with the tournament belt? I'm thinking of sending Vermie a picture surprising her."
Naruto chuckled and nodded.
The stadium's intercom rang out.
"Inugami Maramute and Dane Yamada. Please make your way to the ring."
Maramute and Naruto raised their heads to the intercom as they heard that.
They turned to each other with determined eyes.
Naruto put his fist out with a smile, "let's do it, champ!"
Maramute bumped his fist with a grin, "you got it, son!"
They then headed out of the locker room, and into the arena.
Quarterfinals, Inugami Marmute vs Dane Yamada
The stadium was a large circular dome, with a flat ceiling closing off the top. Bright stadium lights lit the ring in the middle of the dome, the audience seats and the advertisements that lined the walls and the barricades that separated the audience from the ringside.
Naruto and Maramute made their way to the red corner of the ring. They exchanged a look and nodded at each other. Maramute then made his way up the steps and got on the canvas. Bending under the ropes and heading inside the ring, he found a grinning Yamada waiting for him in the ring's center.
"Let's have a blast, Inugami-sensei!" said Yamada with a bright grin, bowing to Maramute as he approached the boy. "Please teach me what it means to be a boxer!"
"A-Ah, yes," Maramute bowed lightly in return. He smiled at the boy, "you shouldn't call me sensei, Yamada-kun. I'm as much a newbie as you are."
Yamada shook his head, "even so! You are my senior and must have a lot to teach me!" He grinned. "I am eager to learn!" His smile then turned determined, "instruct me with your punches, Inugami-sensei. Show me what kind of man you are."
Maramute nodded with resolve. "In that case I'll oblige you, Yamada-kun." He raised his gloves and put them before him. "I'm sorry, but I won't be going easy on you." Maramute glared. "I can't afford to lose."
The referee stepped into the ring and got into the center. He asked Yamada to put up his fists as well.
Yamada grinned, lifting his fists and touching gloves with Maramute. "I can't ask for anything better, sensei." He then nodded and stepped away, going back to the blue corner.
The announcer started speaking,
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! And a hearty welcome to the quarterfinal of this year's Amateur Boxing League Championship! Just a brief introduction to any new amateur boxing fans out there. Each match will be three rounds only, each round being three minutes. With one minute of interval between each round."
Maramute walked back to the red corner and turned around, placing his mouth-guard into his mouth and bouncing lightly on his feet, shaking his limbs to loosen them up. He then took his stance, with his left hand raised before his chin and his right hand slightly parallel to the ground covering his torso.
In the blue corner, Yamada stood with his arms close to his body, with his elbows near his stomach and his fists covering his chin. He bent forward slightly, looking ready to rush forwards at a moment's notice.
Standing in the ring's center, the referee observed the two boxers intently for a moment. The turned to the match officials sitting before a table on the ringside and nodded.
Ding Ding
The bell rang and started off the match!
The referee immediately backed away to the side of the ring, making room for the boxers.
Yamada dashed forward towards Maramute, intent of backing him into the corner while the man still stood there. Yamada slightly lowered his guard as he prepared to unleash punches.
Maramute walked a few steps towards the side of the ring and away from the corner, but made no attempts to get into the center. Content with waiting for Yamada to come to him.
Yamada got within striking distance and let loose a jab followed by a straight.
Tap!
Maramute tapped the jab away with his right hand.
Slip!
Maramute twisted his torso right and let the straight slip past him. Yamada's eyes widened, both his hands were away from his body and his forward momentum lay unabated. He saw the glint in Maramute's eyes and grit his teeth.
Maramute fired a right hook!
Bam!
Yamada's head rocked to the side as the hook landed square in his jaw! The punch was doubly effective due to his lack of defense and his own momentum being used against him.
The audience went wild as the first punch of the match connected. The announcer cheered,
"And a devastating hook by Inugami! Dane better put his guard up quick! Or he'll find himself in a bind soon!"
Yamada blinked hard and looked back at Maramute with a glare. He pushed on and pressed forward despite the danger of taking more punches. He saw Maramute telegraph an obvious right handed cross. He immediately ducked, rolling under the punch and letting it fly overhead. He gripped his left hand and just as he threw an uppercut as he rose up-
Bam!
Maramute's left hook bit Yamada's jaw!
Yamada grit his teeth as his face whipped to the side. He still threw his uppercut, aiming for Maramute's solar plexus.
Whoosh!
His punch met thin air as Maramute leaned back and dodged the punch. Yamada's eye's widened as he was now off balance and tipping to the side. His arms flailing as he sought to regain balance.
Maramute instantly capitalized on this and started hitting his face with combinations.
Jab! Right cross!
Jab! Jab! Right cross!
Jab! Right cross! Left hook!
The audience roared with delight as Yamada continued being assaulted by combination after combination.
The announcer went,
"Dane is just a puppet in Inugami's hands now! Eating punch after punch as Inugami positions him and lets loose with abandon!"
Yamada's face rocked left and right as he took clean shot after clean shot. He wildly threw back punches in a panic, but hit nothing but air. And only ate more punches from Maramute for all his troubles.
Ding Ding Ding
The bell rang and the round ended.
The referee immediately stepped in between and separated both the fighters.
Yamada blinked the spots out of his vision as he stood unsteadily. He grinned deliriously, "w-whoa! Sensei! You're a riot! Hahaha! S-Shit! I'm a total rookie!" He pouted, "I-I'm gonna get you, sensei! I'm throwing my Sunday Punch the next round!" He grinned and unsteadily wobbled his way back to his corner while laughing with anticipation.
Maramute looked on with bewilderment "Y-Yamada-kun. Don't tell me what you're going to do," he sighed, shaking his head. He then made his way back to his corner.
He found Naruto waiting for him in his corner, having placed a stool for him.
Naruto grinned as Maramute sat down, "hey you really let him have it! Keep it up and we'll probably win with a technical knockout!" Naruto scratched his chin, "well… unless the referee is a complete idiot."
Maramute sighed, "he's gonna use the Dempsey roll."
Naruto's eyes widened, "d-dude, I just taught you how to counter. D-Did you become so good you can see the future now?" he asked, blinking wide.
Maramute frowned, "what? He just told me."
"…that's no fun." Naruto frowned at the ground. He sulked for a moment before a gleam came in his eye. He looked at Maramute with an excited smile, "hey, hey… use the jolt-"
"No," said Maramute with a hard face.
Naruto pouted, "come on! It's like, destiny or something!"
Maramute shook his head, "I don't want to hurt him."
Naruto sighed, "ah fine. Be like that." He then frowned, "there are people you want to hurt right?"
Maramute stared at the canvas with a small glare, "only in self-defense."
Naruto sighed, "I'm… not making you violent right?" He scratched his head looking uncomfortable. "This whole tournament thing… I really don't think it suits a guy like you."
Maramute looked up at him, "mere existence is violence if you think about it." He shrugged, "what's the alternative? I only see two paths before me, Naruto. One, learn to defend myself and others, and prove it with this tournament. Hopefully scaring anyone from making any attempt to harm us."
Maramute frowned slightly, "two, keep away from all this and stay content with the status quo. And then be helpless when someone with bad intentions pops up in our life."
He then grinned up at the Uzumaki, "even if I don't get the job you're offering me, Naruto, I already have a backup job." Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. Maramute sighed, "doesn't have as many benefits, but it's workable."
Naruto rubbed the back of his head, "o-oh." He chuckled, "guess all my drama was for nothing, huh?" His eyes slowly widened as he realized what that meant, "h-holy shit, you don't have to accept my offer anymore," he whispered to himself with wide eyes.
"Uh, I actually met the recruiter in the gym and knocked his tooth off in a spar so…" Maramute shrugged with a grin. "The universe works in mysterious ways. So you already did get me a job, in a way."
Naruto was suddenly on his knees with frantic eyes, holding Maramute's hands with a panicked face. "O-Oi! Y-You can't accept it!" He grabbed his hair with terror. "I-I don't want to do anymore paperwork and management!"
Maramute put his hand on Naruto's shoulder, and smiled, a little vindictiveness in that smile, "hmm, I'll think about it."
Ding Ding
Maramute stood up as the bell rang, he put his mouthguard back in and nodded at Naruto. He moved towards the ring's center.
Naruto complained loudly, "aww come on! Don't leave me in suspense!" He pouted for a moment before he chuckled and jumped out the ring with the stool. "Loving the attitude, man," he said looking at Maramute's back with a smile.
The announcer said,
"And round two starts, ladies and gentlemen! And Dane rushes forward again taking the initiative!"
Yamada sprinted forward, Maramute put up his guard.
Yamada got right in front of Maramute and threw jabs at Maramute's face, making the man block with his arms and take the punches.
Yamada then leaped forward a step, closing the distance between the two of them. And threw a left hook, putting all his weight behind it.
Maramute grunted as the punch knocked his hands away, opening him up for attacks. He glanced at Yamada and his eyes widened.
The announcer was flabbergasted,
"A-Are we really seeing this! Dane's weaving his body in a sideways eight!"
Yamada shifted his weight from side to side as he ducked and weaved before his opponent, building up momentum.
Maramute bent his legs.
Yamada's eyes flashed and he roared as he let loose a monstrous left hook!
Maramute leaped sideways and backward the direction the punch came from.
Whoosh!
"I-It completely missed!"
Yamada's face went flat as his Sunday Punch beat the stuffing out of thin air. He sure showed oxygen who was boss. He mentally groaned at what was gonna come next.
Yamada's body was leaning forward and tipping off balance after the missed hook, Maramute was to his left and Yamada's face made a very attractive target.
Maramute threw an overhand hook!
Bam!
"A devastating clean hit to the chin! Dane's flying through the air!"
Yamada saw stars as his head blasted back. He blinked in confusion wondering why his feet were in the air.
Thud!
He fell down on the canvas with a loud thud, landing on his back. Face throbbing and vision blurry, Yamada chuckled in pain. Mystery solved! Sensei had sent him flying!
The referee took one look at Yamada and waved his hands in a cross in the air, shaking his head. The ringside physicians immediately got into the ring and began examining the boy.
"Dane Yamada is out for the count! It's a TKO! The winner of the match is Inugami Maramute!"
The audience erupted into a blast of cheers! "Inugami! Inugami! Inugami!"
Yamada slowly sat up, wincing as he did so. He lightly pushed away the physicians and caught the ropes behind him, using them to stand up on his feet. He undid the straps of his gloves, and let them fall to the canvas. He lifted his headgear off and let it fall as well.
He ignored his corner-man yelling at him to sit back down and huddled his way to the center of the ring, where Naruto and Maramute high-fived each other with grins. With Naruto holding Maramute's hand and raising it in the air, to the cheers of the audience.
"I-Inugami-sensei," said Yamada, smiling through slightly swollen cheeks, catching the older man's attention. Maramute's face become subdued as he saw the boy. Yamada bowed deeply bending almost ninety degrees. "Please teach me how to box like you do!"
Maramute rubbed the back of his head and said, "Yamada-kun, I can't do that. I… don't know how I do it myself."
Yamada furrowed his brow and stood back straight with confusion. "Huh?"
Maramute frowned, "it's like… I just know what's going to happen, and I react." He shook his head in apology, "I'm not a trainer, just a boxer."
Yamada pursed his lips, "t-then how about I join your gym? We can spar right?" He smiled hesitantly.
Naruto interjected, shaking his head, "sorry man, but this guy's getting old. Only workouts for him from now on."
Yamada turned to Maramute for confirmation and saw the man give him a regretful nod. He scowled, "so, I can never again measure myself against sensei?" He gripped his fists and looked intensely at Maramute and Naruto. "But you just showed me the light! Counter punching rules!" His eyes shone with admiration as his face split into a grin, "the precision, the reflexes, the danger!" He shivered as thrills ran down his spine. Pouting he said, "now how will I ever know if I'm good enough if sensei will be retiring!"
Maramute looked to Naruto for help. The blond shrugged and putting his hands behind his head and clearly staying out of it.
So the man decided to throw Yamada a challenge. "Yamada-kun, you really want to box that much?"
Yamada rapidly nodded his head, "of course! Boxing is life! My dream job!"
Maramute gave the boy a smile, putting his gloved hand on his shoulder, "then go professional and conquer the ring on the world stage." He smirked, "you like my punches? I dare you to do better."
"Uooooh!" Yamada roared as the challenge filled him with burning determination. He beat his chest and grinned, "will you be watching me, sensei?" Maramute grinned back and nodded. Yamada laughed and cheered, jumping forward and clasping the man in a hug. "Look out everyone, here comes Counter Yamada! Hahaha! I want that to be my ring name!"
Maramute chuckled and patted the boy's back. "I'm sure it will be, Yamada-kun."
Naruto smiled, "hey, hit me up if you want. I don't know much about technique but I'll always be up for a spar, Dane-san."
Yamada parted from Maramute and smiled at Naruto, "awesome! But only if you call me Yamada!" Yamada and Naruto grinned at each other and fist bumped. Yamada then got his corner-man to note down Maramute's phone number and bid his opponents a farewell. "See you later, guys! I'll be watching your matches, sensei. So you better win!" The boy cheerfully left, heading away towards the locker rooms.
As he left, Yamada passed by a blond twirly moustached Westian, who'd been watching the whole match from the entrance of the locker rooms.
Sir Victor Birman twirled his moustache between his fingers, his face infuriated and pinched with worry. "Bloody Inugami actually packs a punch," he muttered to himself in frustration. He scowled at the prospect of being ridiculed by yet another Inugami.
Growling, Victor spat on the floor. First the wife and then the husband! The whole family seemed to be gunning for his reputation. Just what had he ever done to these Inugami reprobates? He'd only married Vermie because of her family's status. He scowled, the whole unsightly baggage she'd brought with her was most unwelcome.
He had to do something. His victory must be assured.
Victor eyed the referee as he stepped down from the ring and spoke with the officials.
A slow smile crawled out on Victor's face. He chuckled and headed towards the referee.
He had a business transaction to make.
His fingers went crazy as he rapidly twirled his moustache with malicious excitement.
Day before Semi-finals, Dahlia Academy, White Cats Dorm
It was the day before the semi-finals, and Naruto found himself popping into the White Cats dorm to find someone to solve a particular problem of his. Maramute was currently staying at a hotel in Dahlia Town, resting up and working out lightly in the town in preparation for his next bout.
Naruto frowned as he considered his particular problem.
Kurama Foundation was supposed to consider the issues plaguing the nations of Touwa and the West Duchy, both national and inter-national. But the problem was, he really didn't know much about the two countries and their past and present.
He didn't know the demographics, he didn't know the social issues, the hierarchies, the politics, the history. Nothing. He might know bits and pieces but that was nothing compared to the wealth of knowledge Airu seemed to posses regarding his own country.
So, if the foundation was to even begin tackling anything, he'd need to appoint someone to who had a good breadth of knowledge of the two countries.
He'd already picked Leon to handle Touwa. She was pretty smart and really knew her stuff, and she'd jumped at the chance when he told her he could give her a load of cash and she could go nuts with trying to do some good with it. She was so happy she even agreed not to pet him for an entire week.
…she did hug him and demand him to call her big sis though.
He really didn't get why she got to be the elder one. He was taller than her by a few inches, shouldn't he be the big bro?
When he'd voiced this to her, Leon immediately threatened to pet him if he didn't listen to big sis, so he'd kept his mouth shut and acquiesced.
Anyway.
Now he needed a minion to run the West Duchy side of things. Someone who knew its ins and outs, and had first hand experience of its problems. And he knew the perfect guy for the job.
The guy who had enough ambition to do good that he'd make others do bad.
…well yeah, you couldn't make an omelet without cracking a few eggs, but the fact that the dumbass didn't realize that he and Persia were on the same team was kinda concerning.
Naruto grinned.
But, that worked to his advantage. He could use energy like that and make it work in his favor. All he had to do was empower him enough that he didn't feel impotent and then let him lose on the world with a clear direction to effect change in a positive way.
How he did that would be entirely up to him.
The guy was devious enough that he could do anything if he put his mind to it.
Naruto stepped into the common room and found just the man he was looking for.
"Yo, Aby! Become my minion!" he demanded happily as he walked over to the boy in question.
Sitting in a chair by the window and reading the newspaper, Aby's eyes widened as he heard Naruto's voice. He lowered the paper which had his vision obstructed, and saw standing before him with a grin.
Aby blinked slowly as he saw the Uzumaki. "…we're on speaking terms?" he asked with a frown. He shook his head, "anyway, get lost. I don't want to see your face." He waved him away disinterestedly.
Naruto furrowed his brow, confused. He sat down on the chair beside the boy. "The hell're you talking about? Of course we're on speaking terms!"
Aby glared at Naruto, "oh really? Are you sure my hurting Persia didn't make you avoid me until now?" He scowled and looked away, "what do you want? An apology? I already said my sorrys. If that wasn't enough for your highness, then too bad."
Naruto scratched his cheek in confusion, "uhh, dude I don't get what's your problem." Naruto dug out some folded papers from his pant pockets and waved them before Aby. "I came here with an offer, at least read it?" He grinned, "you'll be jumping at the opportunity, trust me."
Aby tried to ignore the blond for a few seconds, but Naruto kept pushing the papers in his face. "Alright, fine! Give me the damn thing!" said Aby, barking with anger and snatching the papers. He read the contents with narrowed eyes, his eyes rapidly moving from line to line, not really caring to dig into the details.
Then his eyes popped out as he read a particular line.
"…head of West Duchy operations. Treasurer and lead advisor… j-just what is this?" said Aby with wide eyes. His then began reading the whole thing again, this time in much more detail.
He looked up at Naruto with disbelief, "a-are you serious? Giving me so much authority."
Naruto raised a brow, and said with a grin, "what? Scared? Tell me the truth, you already got plans churning in your head right?"
Aby smirked, "but of course." He chuckled, "I can think of a thing or three." He then frowned, "what infrastructure do you already have?" His eyes glanced at the papers again, "hey wait. The heck? You aren't paying me for this?"
Naruto snickered, "hey you're a student. You can do voluntary work, I can't pay you it's against academy rules."
Aby glared, "jackass." He then smirked, "you're learning, Naruto. Where's that oblivious blond idiot from months before?"
Naruto smirked, "well, a red headed asshole forced him to learn by throwing him in a ditch of grand surprises." Naruto smiled, "you never told me though, how'd you like the sports fest."
Aby scowled, "you blew my plans straight out of the water."
Naruto narrowed his eyes, "you do know that Persia will be more than happy to help you if you told her what you're fighting for right."
Aby glared at the floor, "I realize that now." His scowl became nasty, "but that doesn't change that she's still part of the privileged class. She wouldn't really understand."
Naruto crossed his arms, "then you fill in the gaps where she lacks."
Aby raised a brow at Naruto. He snarked, "thanks. You have no idea how long I was waiting for you to say that. I see the light now."
Naruto hummed, "hmm, then should we make her a joint head along with you? That'd cover all bases."
Aby shrugged, "maybe." He pursed his lips, staying silent for a few moments. He then sighed and pushed the papers back into Naruto's hands. "Take them. I'm not interested."
Naruto stared at papers shoved into his hands with surprise and then stared at Aby.
He sputtered, "w-what the hell? Why!"
Aby grumbled something under his breath, not looking at Naruto. He went back to reading his newspaper.
Naruto tried again, "hey-"
"I paid more attention to my ambitions than to my… friend. I made her do something deplorable for me," Aby glared at the newspaper. "I'm not going to disregard her again. Considering how you continue to upset her."
"…you can just say girlfriend you know. You haven't confessed to her yet?"
Aby looked at Naruto as if he was mad, "are you serious? She'll be so happy she'll crush my ribs with her hug!" He shuddered, "I'll think of it after I've built enough muscle to withstand her joy."
Naruto chuckled. His smile then dimmed and he asked, "I've been making Somali upset?"
"Where is Kitty? Why did Kitty move out? Did he go away because I hurt Persia? I miss Kitty, Aby." said Aby, glaring at Naruto. He continued, "does he hate me, Aby? Am I a bad friend for hurting his friend? Haha, Kitty would like this won't he, this is called ramen right? What do you think Kitty's doing now, hah, probably pranking someone right?"
Naruto's eyes widened with each thing Aby said.
Aby looked at Naruto with narrowed eyes, "she's been trying to catch your attention for a long time. But you're always running off somewhere or the other."
"I-I was busy! I had a lot of things to do!" Naruto said with wide eyes, "a-a company thing! Some work in Touwa! A-And we stay in different dorms! How would I-"
"You know she likes you a lot right? She wanted to spend the vacation with you," said Aby with a scowl. He shook his head, "you've been an absent friend, Naruto."
"D-Dude, I really had no idea," said Naruto, his face troubled. He shot up to his feet, "w-where is she? I'll go to her right now-"
A happy voice chirped as it entered the common room, "Aby! Let's play badminton!" said Somali, skipping into the room with a racket. "I'm bored and… hey who's that Black Dog- Kitty!" She gasped, her hands covering her mouth in shock. The racket fell on the ground. She gulped and began looking choked up. She looked like she wanted to run towards Naruto but held herself back. She smiled hesitantly, "h-how are you, Kitty?"
Naruto smiled sadly at her. "Hey, Somali. Sorry I haven't been around."
Somali shook her head, "n-no, it's okay." She frowned sadly. "I-I understand."
Naruto pursed his lips in thought, he then stepped closer to Somali. He winced as she began fidgeting in place as he got nearer and nearer. Naruto said, "I… missed you calling me Kitty." He chuckled, while Somali gasped lightly and looked at him with big eyes.
Naruto continued, "let's hang out today yeah?" He grinned, "I got some kickass gadgets to show you!" He hummed as he thought of something, he then grinned and looked at Somali with bright eyes, "hey! You said badminton right? Do you wanna play it while walking on water?"
Somali began smiling, giggling lightly.
Naruto went on, "or or wait! It'd be more fun with skating right!" He beamed at Somali, "we can skate on water and pass the cock! I got just the water skates for that!" He grinned smugly, "I created them myself."
Aby dryly added, having gone back to reading the newspaper, "I do hope you mean shuttlecock." His face was more relaxed now however, as he observed Somali.
Somali openly smiled at Naruto, grinning ear to ear.
Naruto beamed at her, "come on! Let's go! You're the only one who can keep up with me and give me a good challenge!" He held his hand out, "what'dya say? Best two out of three?"
Somali grabbed Naruto's palm with a smile, clasping it tight. "Kitty?" she said with ecstatic eyes.
"Yeah?" said Naruto, wondering why warning bells started blaring in his head.
Somali squealed and leaped at him, "I missed you too, Kitty!" Naruto squawked as she glomped him and crashed the two of them to the floor. Naruto grunted as he fell on his back with Somali on top of him. She beamed down at him as she lay propped on her elbows.
Aby took that as his cue. He smirked evilly at the Uzumaki.
Naruto paled, realizing what his intentions were, "o-oi, Aby-"
Aby gave Somali an appalled face, "Somali! What are you doing!"
Somali blinked and looked up at him, "w-what?"
Aby gave Naruto a sad frown, "the poor boy hasn't seen you in months. Do you have any idea how much he must've missed you?"
Naruto became white as a sheet as Somali's face became determined.
Aby chuckled at Naruto's panicked face. "Why don't you hug it out?" he said.
Naruto opened his mouth, "o-oi Aby, y-you-" He then stopped, considering that. He found himself nodding, "you're absolutely right, Aby." He smiled up at Somali, "gimme a hug, detention buddy?" He spread his arms wide.
Somali laughed and immediately dove forwards and grabbed him in a hug. "You got it, detention buddy!" She giggled as she crushed his insides and started turning them to mush.
Naruto's eyes popped out and he wheezed, "o-oh god, i-it's all going white."
Somali's eyes widened, "n-not again! C-Come on Kitty, stop being on the brink of death every time!" She tightened her hug, "don't worry, I'll save you! Hang on!"
Naruto chuckled, "s-so this is how I g-go? H-Haha." Even as he winced, he hugged the girl back with a smile.
Aby bent down and snatched the papers back from Naruto. "Hm, I guess I can spare my time and help you after all."
Naruto grinned, "n-nice." He then prodded Somali's head. "H-Hey, Somali. Aby's feeling lonely! H-How about a group hug!"
Aby's eyes widened. Before he could leap away-
"Okay!" Somali chirped happily and dragged Aby down by his collar.
"G-Gah!" Aby choked as Somali wrapped her hand around him back and began squeezing him, adding him to her collection of wheezing boys.
Naruto grinned at Aby as he joined the hug, "f-feel the love, Aby! Feel the freaking love!"
"Y-You bastard!" Aby said while trying out breathing techniques to strengthen himself.
"Yay! Let's do this everyday from now on!" cheered Somali. "I like this!"
"O-Oh god," Naruto and Aby paled together.
Somali laughed happily.
Delighted beyond measure as she hugged her two favorite boys.
Semifinals, Inugami Maramute vs Victor Birman
Maramute and Naruto stood on the ring, glaring at their opponent. Victor smirked as he stood in his corner.
Naruto said with a grin, "beat the crap outta him, will ya?" He patted Maramute on the back and hopped out of the ring.
Maramute growled, nodding, "I intend to." He put his mouthguard in.
The announcer said,
"Welcome to the first match of the semi-finals, ladies and gentlemen! In the blue corner we have Sir Victor Birman! In the red corner stands Inugami Maramute!"
The referee beckoned both the fighters to the center of the ring. Victor smirked at the referee as he got closer, getting an imperceptible nod from the referee.
Maramute held his gloved fists up and said with a glare, "I will make you eat-"
The referee immediately nodded to the officials down the ring.
Ding Ding
Grinning, Victor let his punches fly!
Maramute's eyes widened and he tried to put his guard up-
Bam! Bam! Bam!
Maramute's face rocked back as a jab, right cross and a left hook slammed into him!
The announcer sounded surprised,
"Hey did they touch gloves! Victor with a devastating start! Maramute's in trouble! Those punches caught him completely by surprise!"
Naruto started yelling at the referee from ringside, "Oi! What the hell!"
Back on the ring, Victor pressed forward, not letting Maramute regain his bearings. He threw another flurry at his opponent, forcing him towards the ropes.
Maramute took the first jab cleanly to the chin, but then rolled with the next two hooks that tried to bite him. Glaring, he tried to throw jabs to force Victor back-
Maramute's eyes widened as Victor instead leaped closer and pushed him back against the ropes, clearly using his hands and not his punches.
The announcer said,
"O-Oi, is he pushing him?!"
Maramute's footing slipped and he fell back against the ropes. He gripped them and tried to get off-
Victor a leapt forward with a left hook, putting all his body weight into it!
Bam!
Maramute's face burst with pain! As the shot landed square on his temple! The man's knees buckled as he blinked blearily with his vision swimming. His knee hit the canvas.
Victor smirked and didn't let up. He threw a right uppercut!
Bam!
Maramute's face blasted back as the punched whacked him square in the chin. His head started spinning.
Victor threw a left hook!
Bam!
Maramute's cheek flared as the hook hit him. The punch sending him crashing to the canvas.
The announcer was getting frantic,
"Hey! Is the referee blind! Inugami was already down! Why didn't he separate the fighters!"
The referee finally caught Victor and pushed him away from Maramute, who was trying to get back to his feet.
The referee started the ten count.
Victor laughed uproariously as he went away, beating his chest in victory.
The referee went, "10!"
Maramute's arms shook as he grasped the ropes.
Victor gloated contemptuously at Maramute, "you have no idea how satisfying that was, Inugami."
"9!"
Maramute's strength failed him and he fell back down on the canvas, panting and blinking spots out.
Victor glared at the fallen man, "you pathetic worm, stay on the ground where you belong. You deserve worse for all the trouble you caused me."
"8!"
Naruto slammed the canvas with his hand, yelling at Maramute, "hey! Get up!"
Maramute's eyes regained some clarity, before they lost it again.
"7!"
Naruto slammed the canvas again, shouting with panic, "you can do it! Get up, pops!"
Maramute's eyes shot open. He turned towards Naruto and smiled lightly. He grabbed the ropes again.
"6!"
Victor taunted, leaning back on the ring post in his corner. He said, raising his voice, "what do you think, Inugami? Maybe a similar remedy will work to bring my wife in line?"
Maramute turned furious eyes towards Victor. Gnashing his teeth in volcanic anger.
"5!"
Maramute quickly bunched up his knees, put his feet on the ground and started pulling himself up.
"4!"
"Gaaah!" Maramute yelled with effort as he shot up to his feet. Panting with anger, he quickly turned around and put his fists up.
The referee took a close look at his condition and then nodded. He waved at the fighter to continue and got out of the way.
"Inugami manages to get up and continue the bout! I don't know about you, folks! But I'm definitely rooting for this guy!"
Victor smirked, "offering me more punches? Why I'll happily oblige." He immediately dashed towards Maramute.
Maramute shuffled closer to the ring's center and waited for the blond man to come to him.
Victor came within striking range. He threw a jab!
Maramute leaped into the punch, shifting his head at the last second and throwing a right straight.
The harmlessly jab sailed past Maramute's head.
Maramute's straight looped over Victor's jab and flew unabated towards Victor's face.
Victor's eyes widened. W-Why was a punch headed right for his-!
Bam!
Spittle flew as Victor's face snapped to the side.
The announcer went nuts,
"C-Cross counter! It's a cross counter!"
The audience roared with approval.
Maramute pressed on, he twisted his torso and threw a right uppercut!
Victor saw it coming and turned his waist, rolling with the punch as it flew.
Whoosh!
The punch missed.
His body already coiled for a full body powered blow, Victor gritted his teeth and threw a left hook with all his power.
Maramute ducked.
Whoosh!
Victor's punch missed!
Maramute sprinted forward.
Victor gnashed his teeth and cursed.
Maramute threw an overhand punch, weaving his hand over Victor's outstretched arm, his full body weight behind the punch!
Victor's eyes widened and then-
BAM!
The punch blasted his jaw! Snapping his head back!
Victor fainted on the spot!
His body flew back and limply fell to the ground.
The referee immediately crossed his hands in the air, declaring a knockout!
The announcer cheered,
"What a finish! What a counter! Completely outclassing Birman in the final seconds of the round, Inugami wins with a devastating finish!"
The audience roared in support, "Inugami! Inugami! Inugami!"
Maramute raised his hand in the air to the audience, giving them a pain filled smile.
They roared once again, even more ecstatic, "Inugami! Inugami! Inugami!"
Maramute chuckled and walked unsteadily on his feet. He immediately felt a pair of hands catch him and pat him reassuringly.
He lifted his head and saw Naruto grinning at him, full of approval.
Naruto said, "that was amazing! You overcame the odds!" He then growled, "I'm gonna have a little chat with the referee-"
Maramute put his hand over Naruto's shoulder and pulled him into a light hug, cutting him off. Maramute whispered, his breath shuddering, "t-thank you." He blinked hard and let out, "f-for showing me I-I'm not p-powerless."
Naruto sputtered with wide eyes, "D-Dick, what's wrong-"
Maramute chuckled and interrupted him again, "c-call me pops. I-I like that better."
"O-Okay?" said Naruto, confused. "Sure, pops." Maramute's smile widened as the boy said that.
"U-Uuurgh…" Naruto and Maramute heard a pained groan from the canvas. They turned and saw Victor regaining his consciousness.
Naruto and Maramute growled together and headed towards the downed man as one.
Victor's cornerman, who sat crouching before his downed fighter, scowled as they approached. He barked, "hey! Get lost! Match is over-"
Naruto grinned and put his arm around the cornerman's shoulder, whispering threateningly, "heey, did you guys slip the referee some cash?" The cornerman went rigid with fright as his eyes widened. Naruto laughed happily as he began dragging the protesting cornerman away with him towards the ringside officials.
Victor slowly opened his eyes, blinking with agony. His entire face throbbed as it lay badly swollen. He light shook his head and fully opened his eyes.
A glaring Maramute met his eyes, as lay crouching before him.
"Gaaaah!" Victor shrieked with terror and surprise, trying to back away on his hands and feet. Maramute slammed his gloved fist on Victor, preventing him from escaping. Victor gulped and tried to sneer, "w-what the hell do you want-" Maramute threw a feint, "aaah!" Victor shrieked again and leaned away in fright, as the fake punch harmlessly hit the air.
"R-Remember this," said Maramute, glaring down at Victor. "T-This fear. Remember it b-before you dare think of harming my family." Maramute narrowed his eyes, "w-will you remember? O-Or do I need to teach you again-"
Victor rapidly nodded his head and said with servility, "n-no! I-I will remember!" He grimaced at Maramute, "j-just get the hell away from m-m-me!"
Maramute glowered, "y-you will not harm them-"
Victor shook his head, "n-no! P-Perish the thought!" He tried to smile genially, "i-in fact I'll get an annulment! H-Haha! I-I'm pretty influential! It'll be done in a jiffy!" He gulped, "V-Vermie's all yours!"
Maramute nodded, "good." He smiled and patted Victor's shoulder, making him flinch with fright. "Good man." Maramute then stood up and began walking away.
He met Naruto by ringside, grinning with satisfaction.
Naruto saw Maramute and beamed, "yo, pops! I got the referee sacked!"
Maramute chuckled and put his shoulder around Naruto, both for support and just to hold the boy close, "t-thanks, son." His heart warmed as he regarded the boy with a smile.
Naruto chuckled, "no problem, pops." He held the man upright, supporting him as they made their way back to the locker rooms.
Maramute felt his smile widen as the boy called him that again. He chuckled to himself. He might be getting attached to the mischievous boy.
Haha, it was just as well, wasn't it?
Maramute chuckled with exhaustion.
Having more mischief in the house wouldn't be so bad.
Later that evening, West Duchy, Bobcat Mansion
Vermie's mother, or Madam Bobcat as she's known to her attendants and acquaintances, sat in a reclining chair in the balcony of her mansion, looking out into the streets of the Duchy with a dour face. She was an old woman with red and mostly graying hair. She looked like the strict matron you would hate to ever encounter in a dorm. She dressed like a governess, wearing a long skirt which reached until her ankles and with a buttoned up blouse.
Her eyes idly scanning the roads, with some far off hope that they'd find that self-indulgent daughter of hers. She scowled, she would find Vermie again. And she would set her right. No daughter of hers had any right to gallivant among less than dignified society.
Madam Bobcat's face became twisted with disgust. Vermie couldn't have brought anymore disgrace to the Bobcat name than by marrying that worthless Touwan. And to have a daughter with him? Absolutely scandalous. It sickened her to think there was a girl out there with Bobcat blood mixed with an eastern dog's. Madam Bobcat clicked her tongue. She should have taken away that girl when she had the chance. The girl could still be raised to be a proper Bobcat.
Madam Bobcat chuckled with contempt. Nature versus nurture. It be interesting to see what won out. Even the most disobedient of dogs could be tamed if instructed long enough.
An attendant in a butler's garb then entered the balcony and bowed lightly to her, holding a tablet computer in his hands. "Madam Bobcat, you have a call. Are you well enough to take it?" he asked.
"Regarding?" said Madam Bobcat, turning a scornful eye to the sky.
"It's Sir Victor, madam. He wants to talk about lady Vermie."
Madam Bobcat snorted. "Lady?" she said shaking her head, and putting her hand out for the tablet. "Give it here."
The attendant nodded, "of course, madam." He then handed over the tablet and walked away, giving the woman privacy.
Madam Bobcat held the tablet before herself and saw that a video call was underway. She saw a blond man with swollen cheeks on the other end. His hairstyle a mullet. The man nervously twirled the air, realized that he was twirling air, and then become despondent as he set his hand down. His clean shaven face frowned back at Madam Bobcat.
Madam Bobcat raised a brow in confusion, "who the blazes are you?"
Victor furrowed his brow, "I'm Sir Victor Birman?" He trailed his clean shaven stash with his fingers, "I see, you were unable to recognize me." He smiled with relief, "this bodes well for my health."
Madam Bobcat pursed her lips, "…then what bodes ill for it?"
Victor gulped with fear, his eyes flitting around with terror, "I-Inugami."
Madam Bobcat snarled, "don't utter that dog's name in my presence!"
Victor glared back, "I will very well utter what I want, Bobcat!"
Madam Bobcat's eyes narrowed, "you dare speak to your mother-in-law in such a tone."
Victor scoffed, barking a relieved laugh, "I do dare. For we will be relations no longer in a week's time." Victor glared, "I'm getting the marriage annulled."
Madam Bobcat's jerked back as if struck, her eyes wide. "Y-You louse!" She growled out, "you would bring my name down even further?! What foolishness has possessed you!" She glared, "you forget the favors you enjoy with my blessings."
Victor looked like a frightened chicken as he twirled the air, "blast your favors! I'd be happier without them!" He shook his head, "you, woman, didn't give me your daughter, you gave me a dynamite!" Victor sneered, "Inugami is off his rocker! I don't want to sleep knowing he's out for my blood!"
Madam Bobcat snapped out, "what's with this sudden fear of that dog?"
Victor scowled, "you speak without knowledge. You'd do well to educate yourself." He looked away from the camera, shivering, "go spectate his finals fight in Dahlia island's boxing tournament. You'll see what I mean."
"Victor-"
Victor smirked, "oppose my wish for an annulment and we'll see each other in court." He smiled evilly, "I was deceived into wedding a married woman after all."
Madam Bobcat's eyes widened, "y-you fool! You do that and you'll set a precedent of recognizing marriages in Touwa as legal in the Duchy!"
Victor laughed with relief, "I don't care! I value my life more!" He smirked, "good day, Madam Bobcat."
Click!
Victor cut the call and his video disappeared.
"Graaaah!" Madam Bobcat roared and flung the tablet to the ground.
Shatter!
The tablet's screen shattered and cracked.
The attendants immediately ran into the balcony when heard the shatter of the tablet's glass.
One of then asked in worry, "m-madam, are you alright-"
Madam Bobcat stood up with an infuriated face, "alert our men! We set off immediately!" She walked briskly into the mansion.
"W-Where do we set off, madam?"
Madam Bobcat snarled,
"Dahlia Island!"