Chapter 21: The Road to Gokudo
Nearly half an hour after Compa and the Hanzo girls had entered the bullet train and none of them spoke a word. At 8 in the morning, most of them wanted to sleep, but Katsuragi couldn't bring herself to get so much as a wink, staring out the window intently into what she felt was an endless void. A void that was draining her so much that she couldn't bring herself to perform her usual antics as she blankly looked over at Asuka, who was sleeping in the chair beside her.
Across from them, sat Yagyu, Hibari, and Compa from left to right. The latter now leaning against Hibari's shoulder like a pillow, slumping in her chair with her butt just hanging over the edge. A bump in the tracks and Yagyu awoke slightly, smiling down to see Hibari resting against her shoulder. Yagyu ran her fingers carefully through Hibari's hair as she used to so long ago with her sister Nozomi. With her groggy eye still half open, Yagyu then noticed Compa's head resting against Hibari's shoulder, and by extent, on Yagyu's hand.
Who does she think she is? Getting all cozy with my Hibari when she hardly knows us. Yagyu's hand trembled as she struggled to inch her hand out from under Compa's peach colored locks. Biting her lip slighty, Yagyu peeked a half-closed eye around to make sure nobody was looking. Closing her eye, she shoved Compa's head off of Hibari's shoulder before going back to her resting position.
Compa awoke to the feeling, her head knocking against the bottom of the seat as her butt hit the floor. "Ouch!" Compa looked up angrily, getting to her feet. "What did you do that for?!"
"Hm? I don't know what you're talking about." Yagyu yawned.
"Don't lie to me! I felt you shove my head off when I wasn't bothering you one bit." Compa glared, placing her hands on her hips.
"Hm. There's plenty about you that bothers me. Like bothering us when we're trying to sleep." Yagyu clutched Hibari's shoulder tighter as the pink-haired ninja began to open her eyes from the noise and shifting.
"You went bothering me first." Compa complained with a huff.
Yagyu now opened her eyes fully, leaning up from her seat, "I hope you know that the only reason we let you on this trip is because you might be a lead to what's been happening around here. That and we don't have time to interrogate you, so for right now, you watch your step."
"Yagyu. Why are you being so mean to Compa?" Hibari lightly groaned, opening her eyes up at Yagyu.
"I am merely taking precaution and protecting you, Hibari. We wanna watch out for any suspicious characters who could inject you with who knows what at any given notice." Yagyu replied.
"How rude! It's one thing not to trust new people, but you act like I pulled a needle on someone." Compa's voice grew a tone lower, a vein popping on her head.
"Watch it, 'nurse'. You're reminding me an awful lot of another medicine wielding whore I know." Yagyu now glared into Compa's eyes.
"YAGYU!" Hibari gasped.
"I normally try to get along with people, but you're makin' me mad, miss Yagyu." Compa raised her voice slightly.
"You guys mind keepin' it down? Some of us are trying to sleep here." Asuka groaned, turning and not opening her eyes.
"Then why don't you watch how close you're getting with people? Especially to Hibari. This is serious business we're on, not some pleasure cruise." Yagyu growled.
Suddenly Katsuragi stomped the ground hard prompting Hibari and Compa to cry an 'eep'. "Why don't you ALL shut the HELL UP! Or need I remind you that OUR class rep. Our FRIEND… has been captured by a bunch of scum bags and taken ALL the way to Kobe! And all you can think about… all you EVER think about is how can I baby Hibari?!"
"You watch your mouth, Katsu, I don't baby her, I care for her! Or do you not?" Yagyu growled.
"Oh, I've chosen my words VEEERY carefully, Yagyu. And I'm sick of seeing you fret over EVERY little germ that comes within 12 feet/3 and a half meters of her while the rest of YOUR team could be fucking dying out there, but you don't give a shit!" Katsuragi snapped.
"That's a lie and you know it!" Yagyu got up from her seat, facing Katsuragi
"Guys, stop fighting." Hibari had her hands folded against her chin, shuddering.
"Yeah, quit acting like a bunch of babies. You're needlessly upsetting Hibbi." Compa said, trying to comfort Hibari.
"Tch. Hibbi, hibbi, don't you dare call her that, you lecherous vixen." Yagyu growled.
Compa began to protest but Katsuragi interjected. "You see, Yagyu! This is exactly what I'm talking about! And you!" she turned to Compa, "We're in a very DELICATE situation, so you better watch just what you DO AROUND HERE!"
"Katsu-ne! Calm down, right now! Yelling isn't helping anything or anyone!" Asuka placed an arm on Katsuragi's shoulder but Katsu shrugged her off.
"Don't tell me to calm down when we got Hibari bringin in strange bitches we don't know we can trust and Yagyu not giving a damn about Ikaruga!" Like stepping on a landmine, Katsuragi's comment created an explosive uproar, which the others reacted similarly until Asuka yelled, physically coming between them and even causing some of the other passengers to stare their direction.
A moment of silence followed, Asuka felt her lungs pumping as she took deep breaths before lowering her voice. "Belittling each other does nothing! Let us move on so we can actually save Ikaruga."
"And who put you in charge, Asuka? Just cause you've got the Hanzo name, doesn't mean you're leader material! You're not Ikaruga, never will be!" Katsuragi flared up for a moment, but her expression quickly changed as Asuka dropped her head. "I… I'm sorry, Asuka. I… I didn't mean it, I'm just… I'm worried about her." Katsu's voice cracked, sounding close to tears.
"Let's all just… take a break, okay?" Asuka fell back into her chair.
Hibari got up, eyes filled with light tears as she held her head. "Yeah… I need a bathroom break too."
"Hibari. Let me walk you, it's too shaky on this tr-…" Yagyu reached for her, but Hibari slapped Yagyu's hand away saying she'd go herself. Katsuragi grunted before leaving her seat, Yagyu following suit shortly after. A foul, discomforting air was left with Asuka and Compa, who stayed in silence, uncertain of whether the other was trying to get back to sleep or if they simply wanted to be alone in their thoughts.
An hour or so later, Compa found Asuka near the back of the train. Asking her if she was doing alright, Asuka greeted her with a smile. "Oh. Compa is it? Yeah, I'm… fine I suppose."
But Compa noticed Asuka's eyes drifting away as the words floated from her mouth drearily. "Hey now. It's okay to have troubles. Everyone has them."
A caring warmth came from Compa's voice to which Asuka smiled again. "Well, see… my grandfather is… an important warrior. And it's my duty to carry on his legacy, but… I've just been thinking about what Katsu said. And she's probably right. I'm not exactly leader material."
"Oh, don't listen to her. She's just a big grumpy-pants. I'm certain you're-…"
"No Compa. She… had a point back there." Asuka's tone then lowered. "Grandfather said I should always be like the sword and shield. And that means protecting those I care about but… I don't know where to begin. How do I protect those I care about? I couldn't even protect Ikaruga."
As Asuka's voice trembled, Compa placed a hand on her shoulder. "Ikki sounds like a really special person."
"She's extraordinary. Our class representative and the heir to her family business. Well… She's the owner of it now. She's mature and knows how to bring people together. Some who used to hate her are now her closest friends. She's got a whole life ahead of her." Asuka continued after Compa wowed over it. "Even Katsu… she wants to… graduate so she can see her parents again. And Yagyu's always been quite skilled a shin-… warrior. So, it's only natural she'd fall in with our clll-an. But I… I'm not even sure how to proceed with my goal or even 100% sure of what it means."
Compa leaned against the railing of the car, looking out the window with Asuka. "You know, you remind me of my friend back on Planeptune. She doesn't always know what she wants to do either. Which can kinda get her in trouble with the oracle. But once she gets serious, nothing stops her. Well, except maybe a pudding shortage." Asuka shared a short laugh with Compa before the latter continued. "Sometimes, miss Asuka, ya just gotta go for it! My grandpa always said, if what you don't know is in the shitter, dive in headfirst anyways."
"I certainly hope he was only speaking metaphorically." Asuka sweatdropped. "Still, I think I get what you're saying. I kinda wish my grandpa worded things the way yours does. But what if we don't know how to jump in, headfirst?"
"You shouldn't worry. If it's your dream, something will come to you eventually." Compa smiled. Asuka watched the Japanese countrysides pass by her in a flash and in some sense, kind of felt like the very train she was riding. A train that had a sense of pride in the direction it was going of carrying on the legacy of what it had always done, and yet was bound to never be able to derail from it's trajectory and explore the vast and beautiful possibilities of the other side of the field.
"If I can be honest with you, Compa… Sometimes I… don't even know if it's my dream or not. My family is a long line of warriors and I'm kinda supposed to uphold the family name. After all, the school was named in honor of grandpa."
"Well… Do you have to be a great leader to continue his legacy?" Compa asked, Asuka looking up at her, "I may not know much about the Shin Warrior Clan, but I feel you can uphold it in your own way. Or better yet, make your own legacy."
Asuka looked out the window, My own legacy. Suddenly the voice of Hibari came from around the corner. "I know how you feel, Asuka. I never wanted to be a fighter either. But because of my eyes, the whole family was kinda routing for me to."
"Ooooh. So, your eyes are like some kind of inheritance thing? That's so cool, Hibbi!" Compa exclaimed.
"I thought it was a curse for a while. And sometimes, I still don't know if I wanna be here, ya know? But then, seeing everyone's smiles… Yagyu, Kat, Ikaruga, Asuka, and now you Compa. It makes me wanna go on to become a full-fledged shinobi." Hibari said, but then Asuka elbowed her.
"Hm? What's a shinobi?" Compa tilted her head.
"It's a… slang term… f-for the Shin Clan, hehe… heh." Asuka rubbed the back of her head.
"Welp. I'm gonna head back to the others. I'll meet ya guys there." Hibari smiled as she waved back at them.
"And one more thing, Compa. Don't take what Yagyu said to heart. She's just over-protective of Hibari." Asuka then told Compa the story of how Yagyu lost her sister and what it did to her before meeting Hibari.
"I see. That's why she's so over-protective. She doesn't wanna lose anyone else." Compa replied.
"Yes. But I fear that if she keeps it up too much, she may end up losing Hibari in another way. I just wish she'd realize it." Asuka said.
"She'll have to sooner or later. Come, on, let's head back to the others." Compa finished, the two walking back to their seats.
The girls returned to a very remorseful Katsuragi, who hugged Asuka while crying, even apologizing to Compa, the latter taking back her seat beside Hibari, but looked over a chair. "Miss Yagyu. I know you're suspicious of me, but I never wanna bring harm to any of my friends. So I'm sorry if I gave the wrong impression. I'm not trying to take Hibbi away from you."
"Uh?!..." Yagyu's eyes dropped to the ground. "No, you're… alright I just… I don't trust people easily."
"It's okay. I hope we can all get along one day." Compa said, placing a hand on Yagyu's, who looked over in surprise.
Hibari giggled, "Oh, I know we will. And we'd all like to get to know you better, Compa." Hibari then placed her hand on both Compa and Yagyu's. Hibari was right, as the remainder of the train trip was spent talking with Compa about the mysterious creatures which had attacked Shibuya that day. Katsu still said that the idea of a dogoo made her conflicted as to whether she wanted to kill it, snuggle it, or eat it.
"And just… where did you say you were from again?" Yagyu raised an eyebrow.
"Planeptune. In Gamindustri." Compa replied. Hibari then asked where Gamindustri was. "I'm not entirely sure. At least from here. My only guess is that where we are now is in another dimension."
"Game Industry? Another dimension? Are we seriously gonna believe her?" Yagyu folded her arms.
"Well, I'm not too certain about another dimension myself." Katsuragi scratched her chin, "But we do know that the Yoma come from a world not of our own. I heard that their's is a dimension of hell."
"Wh-what's a yoma?" Compa felt chills run up her spine as Katsuragi explained.
"The yoma often give off a specific aura that we can detect. However, during that fight, some of the creatures you described, Compa, had a Yoma-like aura… but others didn't." Katsu leaned back in her seat, looking towards Compa.
"Well, in my world, there's no such thing as yoma. However, the monsters we fought last were much stronger and more vicious than usual. They had red skin and glowing, yellow eyes which they don't usually have. It was scary." Compa rubbed her forearms as she shuddered, thinking about it.
"Hm. It certainly sounds like a yoma." Asuka said.
"That is awful suspicious indeed. Which is all the more reason for us to stay on our guard." Yagyu added.
Compa then noticed Asuka inspecting a box below her seat. When asked, Asuka gave a grin. "Oh. This is how we're going to get into Gokudo. Supposedly they're disguised as a psychotherapy department, so they're gonna need special deliveries from time to time."
Eventually the train reached its destination at Kobe-Sannomiya Station. Getting off their ride, the girls found a bathroom, changing into their fake delivery uniforms before continuing through Kobe, taking a taxi towards the area where Kiriya had initially informed them that Gokudo would be.
The streets of Kobe burst to life with its vibrant colors of red, orange, and gold, which popped out from the many tall buildings, overhanging banners, and succulent food stands, the latter of which flooded the streets with smells of Yakisoba, Takoyaki, and Yakitori among others. While not too crowded, Compa made sure to watch out for any passerbys as she took in the heat of Kobe, which stimulated her senses.
"Wooowww. So, this is Kobe! It's so bright and colorful!" Compa grinned.
"Uh huh. It's my first time here too!" Hibari smiled back.
"Let's try to stay on task. We're not here for a picnic, after all." Yagyu bluntly spoke.
"Mmm. But I wanted to try something." Hibari whined slightly.
"W-well, I…" Yagyu looked around at the various shops. "I suppose we could stop and get something."
"Yagyu. You just said we're not here for that. Besides, we can't carry all that food and these boxes at the same time." Asuka frowned a flat look of disapproval.
Katsuragi glared at them both. "You're doing it again, Yagyu! Quit coddling her. And now's not an appropriate time to be thinking about snacks, Hibari!" Katsuragi then turned to Asuka, "and Asuka, no offense, but you need to put some more stern in your voice if you wanna be a leader."
Hibari sighed, "Oh, Yagyu. You're just the same as ever. You always get that way every time I want something."
"You mean you just asked to see my reaction?! I care about you, Hibari. I love you." Yagyu bit her lip, her eyes shaking slightly.
"I know that." Hibari looked into Yagyu's eye, "But sometimes it feels like I hold you back when you do that. I want you to be free without burden, Yagyu."
"Hibari, you're not a burden at all!" Yagyu grabbed her arm, exchanging an eye glancing look which rode on a sea of conflicted and confused emotions. Silence followed, as eventually Hibari said nothing, as she slowly pulled away from Yagyu, who's grip on her weakened before her arm dropped back at her side.
Asuka began looking around more cautiously, "I believe we're getting close."
"What makes you so sure?" Compa asked.
Asuka nodded as they passed a few men in suits who stood outside shops, some even seemingly selling something. "See those businessmen? If you look close, you can make out the tattoo markings. Kiriya says that Gokudo members usually wear tattoos."
The girls passed by a casino, Asuka simply smiling and waving at a boy in a black suit who simply smiled back and bowed slightly, to which the others noticed the beginning of a teal-scaled tattoo design which his collar would have normally hid had he not bowed.
Once out of earshot, Compa put her finger on her chin. "Don't you think it's weird that for a secret organization, Mister Kiriya seems to know a whole lot about them?"
"Weird?" Katsuragi looked back, "He's a teacher. They're allowed to have higher knowledge of these things."
"But he did get kinda quiet when we tried to ask him about the details. Even I notice when something's up with Kiriya Sensei." Hibari chimed in.
"Huh. Good point. If it was just teacher knowledge, perhaps he might have said so more nonchalantly." Katsuragi began to think.
"Ya know what it sounds like? That Mister Kiriya is keeping secrets." Compa blurted.
"Um… Compa… are you… always this blunt?" Hibari sweatdropped.
"I'd suggest you watch it, miss Compa. We've known Kiriya much longer than you. He'd never lead us astray." Yagyu interjected, her eyes glancing from the side suspiciously at Compa.
"Maybe you're right, but I've seen how traitors and tricksters work before."
"You calling Master Kiriya a traitor?" Yagyu glanced over Compa's direction.
"Knock it off you guys. We're almost there." Asuka said. The girls reached a square building, which looked like an average municipal building, with it's common, off-tan color and unmarked entry way. Asuka pulled out a map, to which Hibari asked what that was for. "If we linger too long, it'll look suspicious. We'll be in less danger if they think we're lost."
"Ha! Now that's usin' your ramen noodle Asuka! And here I thought you were all jugs and no brains." Katsuragi chuckled, groping Asuka from behind.
"K-k-kat! S-stop it! Now's not the time or place." Asuka squirmed.
"Your friend, Katsu, is a shameless perv. Isn't anyone gonna stop her?" Compa frowned.
"Uum… If I try that… she'll just grope me instead." Hibari pouted.
"Don't worry, I won't let anyone touch you, Hibari. But… she has a point." Yagyu added.
Compa eyes furrowed as her frown grew more aggressive. "HEY! knock it off, Katsuragi!" without warning, Compa then bonked Katsu on the head, making her let go of Asuka. "Don't be such a bully to poor Asuka. You alright, dear?" Compa turned to Asuka putting an arm around her shoulder.
"Compa… Thank you." Asuka smiled towards her.
"Ow. You're stronger than you look." Katsuragi rubbed her head before speaking in a more hushed tone, "But hey. mission accomplished." The others looked confused. "Ya see, if we add a little bit of antics into our subterfuge, it makes it look more legitimate." Katsu nodded with her eyes over to a few more suited men, one whom was passing by, another, lifting his newspaper to cover his eyes.
Just then another suited young man approached them. "Good morning. Might I help you girls with something?"
"Mhm!" Asuka nodded. "Is this the Awaji Psychotherapy Center? We have a delivery of paper, printer ink, and coffee."
"Ah, you folks are earlier than expected. This is great… please, follow me." Following the young man through the gate, the girls gulped as the impending building of what they knew to be Gokudo Academy was growing ever so closer, a great unknown looming over them.
Asuka, however, looked forward. Hang on, Ikaruga. We're coming.