The following day, back at Hinata-Sou, Shinobo had woken up early to prepare breakfast for the soon to arrive Keitaro. Naru and Mutsumi had already gone to retrieve him from the hospital. The breakfast she prepared was possibly the grandest first meal the Inn has seen. After explaining things to Haruka, and Haruka with her own comments on the events of the previous day, everyone felt as if things were in part their fault. However, Su still felt no remorse, which didn't surprise anyone. On top of everyone feeling remorse, they also seemed a bit high-spirited. Rumor in Hinata-Sou was about the guy in the room Keitaro was staying with at the Hospital. Seemed he was quite attractive, in the eyes of Mutsumi and Naru. Talk about this had brought about the agreement that Mutsumi and Naru would try to get some more information on the guy through Keitaro, assuming that they spoke.

On the way over to the Hospital, talk between Naru and Mutsumi continued over the guy they were soon to see again.

"Hey, Naru, you really think that guy in the room was cute?" Mutsumi asked.

"Well, we only got a brief look at him. But from what I saw, he did look decent. But I couldn't really get a good look at him, with the casts and wrappings and all. Why do you ask?" Naru said with a slight grin on her face.

"Oh no it's nothing." Mutsumi released a quiet sigh, as her face exposed a little smile.

"Eh? Mutsumi…Ahah! You're interested in him aren't you! That's why you can't keep quiet! Admit it, you like him!"

"Ara, hehe. He is kinda cute, but I can't just like somebody that I don't know. Besides, it's not like you weren't talking about him either"

Naru, slightly taken back by Mutsumi's words, realized the truth in this. She too was attracted to the guy.

/Gah. I can't allow myself to think like this of someone else. I mean, I've got Keitaro right? I shouldn't be worrying over things like this. But, he is cute…/

"Naru, you look troubled, what's up?"

"Eh. I was just thinking of something, nothing to worry about. Hey, we're here."

"Yeah, let's go get Keitaro. Don't forget the plan alright?"

"Huh? What plan? Oh yeah! Right!"

The two of them looked in opposite directions, just to make sure the other didn't see the others face. They were both smiling a bit. Naru walked ahead a little, opening the door to the hospital.

"Mutsumi, c'mon lets go"

/Hmm, I wonder how things will go. I wonder of Keitaro has spoken with him?/

"Mutsumi?"

/Naru seemed to like the guy too, but she's got Keitaro…maybe? Ah this isn't like me at all!/

"Hey! Mutsumi! Let's go!"

"Huh? Oh, right. Yeah… Ok"

The two of them walked into the Hospital and made their way to the elevators.

"What room was it again Mutsumi? I um, seemed to have forgotten"

"That's easy, room 703. 7th floor"

/Why can she always remember these things? I can't even remember where my own boyfriend is, err I mean… Why am I correcting myself even in thoughts? Ahh just stop it Naru!/

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Meanwhile, in room 703, Keitaro had awoken. Sitting at the window, was Tsukio.

"Oh... g'morning Tsukio!"

"Huh? Oh you're awake. Good morning. You might want to go clean up a bit, the breakfast karts about to roll around. Bathrooms right there."

"Eh? Oh yeah… yeah, Ok. Arigato"

Keitaro headed over to the bathroom, then opened up the extra toothbrush on the sink and started to brush his teeth.

"Hey. Keitaro, about what you said the other day. About the Inn you stay at"

"Hmph?"

"What kind of inn was it again? And what's the rent like there?"

Keitaro spits into the sink
"Heh, it's a female dorm." Keitaro says casually, as he walks out of the bathroom.

"What!?"
/Wow, an all female dorm…then, why is he there?/

"Haha, yeah it's a female dorm."

"Well, if it's an all female dorm why the hell are you there? You're a guy right?"

Tsukio eyes Keitaro as he walks out from the bathroom doorway. Tsukio raises an eyebrow, with a new thought whirring through his head.

/Holy --! He's a transvestite! Oh my.../

"Don't look at me like that; you're freakin' me out Tsukio. You're not gay are you? Not that I have anything against it, just curious."

"What!? No way! I love women. Correction, REAL women"
/GAY!? Who the hell is that thing calling gay!?/

"Hahaha, don't get so offensive man. It's simple really. I'm the Kanrinin of Hinata-Sou.

"Wha-? Oh I see. So you're a guy right? And Naru was a girl right? Your both not trannies or nothing are yeah? Dressed in drag? Yes? No? I mean, it's cool if you are I guess, err…"

"What the hell!? What!? Tsukio, hahaha, you serious? No way man. Hahahaha. Where did you get that idea? Did that fight knock your brain up some too?" Keitaro said as he continued to laugh.

"Heh, I guess so. It was just a thought… being the only guy in a female dorm, ya know? But wow, the Kanrinin of one, I'm surprised you're still alive for that matter. They must all be on the same cycle if you know what I mean. Eesh"

"Well, it's not too bad; the only one who really gets out of hand at times is Motoko. And Kitsune is drunk almost every time you see her, and the other than that it's really easy going for the most part"

"Oh? Doesn't sound too bad. Who's Motoko?"

"Oh that's the Kendo girl I told you about. The one that uses Ki energy. She's the heir to the Shinmeiryu School. She trains really hard almost everyday. And on top of that, she's really protective over the younger girls. She's sent me flying a few blocks out of Hinata-Sou a few times with that Bokken of hers"

"Ah, I take it that's how you broke your arm? Something happened and she sent you flying? You weren't to clear last night exactly how it happened."

"Heh, no. It was a bit different. The Inns mad scientist foreigner decided to attack me with some miniature tanks and airplanes, after I had run up to the roof to avoid Motoko. And, as you can see, it didn't go to well, those tanks got the best of me that time. But I guess it's better than being sent flying from Motoko"

Keitaro laughed a little, followed by a smile from Tsukio and a single suppressed chortle.

"Lucky guy, Keitaro. Lucky guy…"

Tsukio trails off his sentence, and looks outside the window again.

"What do you mean? Cause I'm the only guy in a female dorm? I hear that a lot"

"Nah man not cause of that. I mean, yeah your lucky for that but, Jesus man are you freakin' immortal? To be sent flying a few blocks, and take no injury? Shot by tanks and falling off a roof, only to get a broken arm? Keitaro, I fought with a huge 275lb guy built like a tank, and look at me!"

"Yeah, I guess I am. I dunno, I think I'm just used to it. It happens a lot"

"USED TO IT!? HAPPENS A LOT!? Man, I'm beginning to think your UN lucky"

Just at that moment, someone walked into the room.

"Ah Tsukio, Keitaro, Good morning to you both! I take you got a good nights rest? Anyways, Keitaro, you can leave whenever you like, just sign the sign-out sheet before you go. As for you Tsukio, come with me; let's remove those casts and wrappings of yours. You should be healed by now right?"

"Eh? Oh Hey Doc. Good to see you again"

"Wait, again? I don't remember seeing you the other day; I had a different doctor… You are?"

"Ah Keitaro. I'm Doctor Kimizuka. Wait here Tsukio; I'll let you explain the 'again' part. I'll bring the cast saw and whatnot in here, I'll be just a minute"

With that, Dr. Kimizuka left the room, and Keitaro gave Tsukio a puzzled stare. Tsukio on the other hand had his head bowed down a bit, not really wanting to face Keitaro.

"So, what's the story of 'again'?"

Tsukio releases a deep sigh

"Well, I've been a street fighter for a few years now, since I left out on my own after high school. It's my only source of income and the only thing I'm really good at to be honest. I did wrestling in high school, but it wasn't much of a challenge. Coach said I had a natural talent and an innate ability to learn. So I tried Judo, same. I was trained heavily in Kendo myself in the past, but it wasn't really my style at the time. I've also tried quite a few other forms of fighting as well: Jiujitsu, Aikido, Muay Thai, Wing Chun, several forms of Kung Fu, and various other Japanese and Chinese martial arts, and combined them into my own form fighting. I did fairly well and advanced fast in all forms. I guess I'm a natural born fighter, just like that coach said. Anyways, after high school, I couldn't really find a job to support me. My family kicked me out of the house, for reasons I don't want to discuss now. So, I took up street fighting. It's all held in different locations, but bids are placed and the winner gets a large share of the money. Since then, I've had a few injuries, and Dr. Kimizuka was the one I always ended up seeing to have my casts put on and off."

"Hmm, so you're highly trained in martial arts. Motoko would like you, hehe. Definitely. And you say you heal fast? Is that also due to your training?"

"One would assume so, it baffles the Dr. Kimizuka as to why, and I don't really understand it myself either. I do meditate sometimes, just to clear my thoughts, and I can block a lot of pain out. Comes in handy at the fights. Keeps me focused."

"So, how long have you been here for those injuries? Just the other day you were clenching your ribs in pain if you even laughed. You seem fine now, laughing some too."

Tsukio shrugs, and turns to face Keitaro

"I've been here almost a week, about 5 days."

"WHAT!? 5 DAYS!? Your telling me that in 5 days you managed to heal yourself of a broken rib, sprained ankle, and a fractured wrist!?" Keitaro exclaimed with a look of pure shock on his face.

"Yeah, seems like it" Tsukio said bluntly.

Just then Dr. Kimizuka came walking in with the equipment he needed to aide Tsukio. He then began to remove His casts and wrappings, and removed several splints in the process. Meanwhile Keitaro walked over to the window and had a look outside. Bellow, near a fence under an onramp, was a small group of people standing in a circle. Keitaro grabbed his glasses from the table next to him to get a better look at what was going on down bellow. What he saw, was a real street fight taking place. It came to Keitaro's mind that that's likely where Tsukio will go as soon as the casts are removed and he's signed out of the Hospital.

Dr. Kimizuka had just finished tending to Tsukio and was now standing at the door way.

"Tsukio, listen to me. I don't know how much longer I can have you staying in here overnight, the people are starting to question you. I dot necessarily accept your fighting, but have you saved enough money to get a place?"

Tsukio looked at Dr. Kimizuka and then back out the window.

"I'll take that as a no. You're going to have to get a place soon Tsukio, real soon. I don't want to lose my job because of me harboring you here. Just a heads up. When you're ready to leave, you know the drill. Oh and if you need to get back in tonight, just page me or something, I'll get you. Stay safe eh? And you Keitaro, take care, and don't put to much strain on your arm, or it won't heal right. Bye guys."

Dr. Kimizuka then left the room and walked down the hallway. Little did they know that Naru and Mutsumi had reached the door just as the Doctor was leaving.

"So…you gonna leave now Tsukio?" Keitaro inquired.

"Hmm, I think so…."

"I saw the fight going on out there. Back to the streets already?"

/Maybe I should just invite him to stay. But how would the girls react? God Motoko might go ballistic. But, this guys a fighter, she might take a liking to the guy…But Naru will probably think he's a pervert or something and detest it all the way…ahh what to do what to do!/

"Probably, though I won't fight tonight. I need to gather some info on the big money bouts and prepare myself a bit. Can't just go head first into that, otherwise I'll be back here and set back a few nights."

"I take it Dr. Kimizuka smuggles you in and out time to time?"

"Yeah, he's like a father to me" Tsukio released a long sigh. "I don't want him to lose his job either, so I don't think I'll be coming back tonight."

"So what then? You plan on living on the streets from now on?"

"Well, I guess, until I manage to win a few more fights and get the cash for a place. I don't think I'll ever be able to settle down and find a job at this rate. Doc already tried to get me a position here, but I'm so under qualified that even a janitorial job was out of my league. Pretty sad eh?"

It was at that moment Naru spoke out.

"Living on the streets!? Fights!? That's no way to live! Mutsumi what do you think?"

"Well I guess he could stay with us for a while, I don't see a problem there, not with me"

"Huh? OH! Narusegawa! Mutsumi! When did you girls get here?"

/Man, how long were they there? Did they hear everything? It would be less explanation at any rate if they did/ Keitaro thought.

"Oh, hey ladies. Nice to see you two again" Tsukio said with a wide smile.

/Good lord, she's hot. Ah but that's Keitaro's girl right there. That's not like me. And that other girl, WOW. Who's that again, Mutsumi? I'll have to remember that…what a killer body, cute face too. But, what's with that turtle?/

"Hello. Tsu…Tsu…what was it again? I'm dreadfully sorry" Naru said, with slight hint of shyness in her voice.

"Tsukio! Sakamoto, Tsukio, right?" Mutsumi said with a giggle.

/Bah! Why can she always remember these things! And to think she's so simple minded. Maybe that's just a mask or something…Argh! That makes me look bad too! Wait, what am I worrying about? I'm not trying to hitch with this guy am I?/

"Hai! You remembered? That's nice. Mutsumi right? What's with that turtle?"

"Hehe, this is Tama-chan. He's a hot spring turtle" Mutsumi said a happy air about her voice.

Tama-chan decided to fly off of Mutsumi's shoulder and flew over to Tsukio sitting at the window. Gently gliding through the air currents from the open window, and landed lightly on Tsukio's head, giving a sigh of comfort and a subtle "Myu!" Tsukio gave a small laugh, and looked up in attempts to see the little turtle on his head.

"Awww! Kawaii!" Mitsumi said with sparkles in her eyes. "Seems he likes you Tsukio-san."

Mutsumi passed Tsukio a delicate smile, which was returned by a wide grin from Tsukio, causing Mutsumi's face to ever so slightly flush. She quickly turned to Naru to avoid Tsukio seeing this, but it was too late, he saw.

/Did she just blush? She's so cute! Naru seems at loss of words, maybe she wants to be alone with Keitaro?/

An uneasy air filled the room for a moment as Naru didn't respond to Mutsumi's silent plea for help. It seemed that their so called 'plan' has gone awry.

Keitaro then decided he would be the one to break the ice.

"Naru, you invited Tsukio to stay at Hinata-Sou?"

"I um, that is, unless you want him on the streets…" She responded. A slight glimmer of anger and frustration in her eye due to Keitaro's seemingly uncaring question.

"No way! I think that's great! Mutsumi you don't have a problem with it either?"

Mutsumi glanced at Keitaro, whose face was still a light shade of red. Keitaro had never seen her like this before, not even when she was with Keitaro on their date or after that for that matter. She's not one to get flustered.

Keitaro gave Tsukio a sideways glance. Tsukio had already been looking directly at Keitaro, awaiting his response. Keitaro's eyes quickly darted to Mutsumi, and then back to Tsukio. Tsukio, taking note of this, twitched both his eyebrows upwards for an instant in silent acknowledgement, while a small smile tugged at the sides of his lips. Keitaro gave an assuring nod and smiled as well, suppressing a light laugh, then spoke up.

"Since my arm is broken and Tsukio here has recovered fast, I'll definitely need help around the Inn with the common tasks. I have no problem with him coming to stay with us. In fact I planned on talking to you girls about it over breakfast when we got back. Looks like Tsukio will have an early arrival."

"Great! Let's get going! I'm sure Shinobu is almost done with Breakfast by now" Mutsumi said in a happy uplifted tune.

"Naru, what's the matter?" Keitaro asked.

"Oh, nothing. I'm just worried about what the other tenants will say about this."

"Oh, don't worry, I wont outlast my stay. I appreciate you guys helping me and all, but I'll only stay until Keitaro's arm has recovered, or less if I'm wanted out. It's really no problem, I'm used to it"

"Oh don't go talking that nonsense! I'm sure the other girls will come to like you in time."

Then Keitaro muttered something only Tsukio could have possibly heard.

"Some faster than others…"

Tsukio laughed silently and realized Mutsumi had been looking at him. Feeling brave, Tsukio returned her gaze. As their eyes locked, Mutsumi's legs began to wobble a bit and her face began to drain in color. If Naru had not been right beside her, Mutsumi would have fainted on the tile flooring and possibly caused herself injury. She fainted up against Naru, who looked slightly shocked. Keitaro rushed upwards from his seat by the window and ran over to assist Mutsumi. Tsukio then stood up, and walked over to help in anyway he could. He wasn't sure what just happened.

/What the hell? I look at her and she faints! Did I seem aggressive or something? Maybe I scared her? Oh god I hope not, I wouldn't want to ruin any chance with a girl like that!/

"Don't worry, she's a little weak, she faints time to time. Although it's not as bad as she used to be. She's had a few near-fatal instances when she's fainted at really bad times. If we hadn't been there for her, I don't think Mutsumi would be with us today" Keitaro said calmly.

"Naru, the bathroom is right there, get a cloth and wet it with cold water and bring it here, and well try to get her to come to." Tsukio said coolly, as if he's done this before.

Naru obeyed Tsukio's instructions and retrieved a cold damp cloth from the bathroom, and applied it to Mutsumi's forehead.

Mutsumi now lay on the bed, Keitaro to the right, Naru on the left, and Tsukio at the foot of the bed slightly leaning over. When Mutsumi finally came to, roughly 5 minutes later, she sat straight up in the bed, meeting face to face with Tsukio, who bore a look of surprise on his face but didn't move an inch. Mutsumi gasped for air for an instant, while Naru and Keitaro looked in amazement. Partially because Mutsumi was awake, and partially because she was still staring at Tsukio.

Tsukio stood up fully, took the damp cloth stuck to Mutsumi's forehead off, and reached his hand out to Mutsumi.

"Come on, let's go. I'm hungry, and I'm sure the rest of you are as well. Besides, I'd like to meet the rest of the girls I've heard about over at the Inn. They all seem like interesting people" Tsukio said with a calm smile.

/Wow! She's really pretty. I think if that happens again I won't be able to refrain myself from grabbing this girl/

Mutsumi took hold of Tsukio's hand to help her get off the bed. Since Tsukio had finally stood up, both Naru and Mutsumi had been taking in what they saw before them and jotted mental notes.

Tsukio was wearing a white muscle shirt at the time, along with long baggy black cargo pants. He definitely looked like a guy off the streets, only minus the piercing and attitude. He was about 5'11", maybe 6". He looked like a monster standing next to Keitaro, and a giant compared to the girls. He was a very lean looking individual, possibly around 200 pounds. His many years in martial training no doubt gave him the physique he wore. His hair was thick and a really dark shade of brown, almost black, but the reflection of the sun brought the brown out a bit more. His hair was spiked back, making himself look a bit like a punk, but at least it wasn't one of those spiky Mohawk hairdos.

Mutsumi rose off the bed and to her feet, quickly releasing Tsukio's hand thereafter. As the group walked out of the room and down the hallway to the elevator, not a word was spoken. Once outside of the hospital, they began to walk back towards Hinata-Sou. Tsukio followed close behind; as he didn't know where to go. After about 15 minutes worth of walking, and talk about the details of Keitaro's injury, how Tsukio got his, and what was spoken at the hospital between him and Keitaro, a group of guys started following them. At first, they didn't take notice of it. There were too many people around to be able to pick anyone out the masses. But Tsukio noticed their presence.

"Hey, guys, don't look back but, were being followed." Tsukio said in a low tone.

Keitaro made as if he was looking at one the stores he was passing, and searched through the corner of his eye for the group. There were 3 of them, all bearing toothy grins on a face that spoke 'cruel intent' all over it.

"Hey, I'll deal with this. Just turn into that alley there, and once in, get behind me." Tsukio said, this time, in a steel like tone; implying how serious he was through his voice.

/These jerks think they can follow us? Two girls and a guy with a broken arm. I bet the figure its easy prey, and don't even assume I might be with them. I'll show them their mistake. Trying to get at these two ladies no doubt. Despicable./

They all followed Tsukio's orders and walked into the nearest Alley. Oddly enough, it was a dead end; all that was there were a few trashcans and a bunch of boxes. They guys following must have thought they were stupid or something, as they came walking right on into the alley not too long after they did. Naru stood behind Keitaro holding his right arm with a slight look of fear. Keitaro however, looked rather cool. This of course surprised Naru. Normally Keitaro, at a time like this, would have ran, or found some other means to get out of the situation, but definitely wouldn't fight. Mutsumi stood on the other side of Keitaro, also with a slight look of fear in her eyes.

Tsukio stood there, arms crossed, with all of his weight applied to one leg. The guys that just entered the alley looked a little shaken when they saw Tsukio standing there waiting. Tsukio then reached up to his head, and gave Tama a poke to wake him up. He had been sleeping ever since they left the hospital. Tama stirred a little, looked around, and flew over to Keitaro's head and continued his nap. The men at the mouth of the alley, confused by the turtle, bore puzzled expressions.

"I suggest you leave, and stop following us" Tsukio spoke out.

His eyes had a deadly gaze to them. He obviously meant business. The three guys at the alley stood there, whispered amongst themselves, and their look of puzzlement shifted to a look of cold brutality. They obviously meant business too, and Tsukio was the nearest client.

It all happened fast from there, almost too fast to take in at once. The guy in the middle just came lunging out at Tsukio. The other two guys stood there. The man raised his fist into the air while charging directly at Tsukio, who hadn't moved an inch; he just stood there and waited for the right moment. Once the man was in range, he threw his fist at Tsukio's face. Or at least, where Tsukio's face would have been. Tsukio had moved behind the guy so fast he hadn't even noticed his movements. The man slowed down, regained his balance, and walked towards Tsukio. He gave off a slight laugh, and the two men behind him began to walk toward Tsukio as well. It was a setup.

/Jerks think their smart eh? Trying to surround me… these guys are punks…/

As they three men closed in on him, they began to taunt him.

"So Tsukio… Looks like you're out of the hospital. Fast as usual."

"Yeah, and were here to put you back, punk"

"Who do you think you are to just knock our leader out like that and walk away like it was nothing?"

"Yeah, He had you beat. And we want our rightfully deserved money back"

"Hey, I don't know who you guys are, nor do I care. And if you're referring to my last fight, as I recall, I won. Not him. The money belongs to me. Not you pawns."

Tsukio said in a tone of voice that Keitaro hadn't heard before. The hidden intent in Tsukio's voice made Keitaro shiver for a brief moment. All the while Naru was holding onto his arm so tight he feared he might break that one too.

The three guys rushed in on Tsukio, who quickly stepped up to his first attacker. Tsukio blocked the mans fist with one arm and elbowed him in the face with the other. At the same time all that occurred, Tsukio had wrapped his leg around to the back the mans calf. After being blasted in the face by Tsukio's elbow, the force had sent his body in movement backwards. However, since Tsukio had his leg locked to his, the man simply fell over and knocked the back of his skull on the concrete. It all happened so fast it seemed like the man just fell.

Quickly turning, Tsukio grabbed a hold of his next attackers fist and used his force against him; by following the trajectory of his punch and bringing his knee up to drive into his gut. Tsukio made solid contact with the man's stomach. The man was now bent over Tsukio's knee, and coughing up blood. Tsukio then delivered an elbow to the mans neck and lowered his leg. His attacker slumped onto the ground and didn't move.

The last guy had stopped in his tracks after his buddy was counter attacked so easily. Little did Tsukio know that the first man he took down was getting back up. He began to sneak up to Tsukio while the man in front of him approached slowly. Tsukio took a defensive stance and waited for the man in front of him to attack. The next thing Tsukio felt was a punch landing on his back, right on his kidneys. Tsukio winced in pain as he reeled around to face his new attacker. At this time the man that was in front of him began to run with intent to tackle Tsukio to the ground. Tsukio blocked the pain out fast and delivered an incredibly fast jumping spin kick to the mans face, at the exact same time the guy behind him dove to tackle. This effectively dodged the tackle, and in turn acted as a second impact on the kicked victim's body, causing him to be knocked out almost instantly. Tsukio stood there amazed that the man behind him was about to tackle him.

After his attacker got up from his buddies unconscious body, shocked at what had just happened, Tsukio took the offensive. He ran towards the last attacker while he was still shocked and jumped into the air to deliver a flying kick. In desperation, and shear reflexes, he caught Tsukio in mid air and slammed him into a wall. Tsukio, in pain, and in no state to escape the grip of his attacker, was repeatedly slammed into the wall.

Keitaro watched in awe at the event unfolding before him, not knowing what to do, he locked up. Naru's grip hadn't relaxed either, and Mutsumi watched on in total fear for their new friend.

Tsukio's attacker eventually became exhausted after 7 slams into the wall. His grip had weakened and he dropped Tsukio onto the concrete. Tsukio lay on the ground for a moment writhing in pain. Blocking it out of his mind again, noticing his attacker was rushing at him to finish off the job, he scrambled to his feet. His opponent was within striking range and began to throw a right hook. Tsukio stayed low and the punch went directly over his head. At that same instant Tsukio had thrust both of his hands making contact with the mans stomach. Tsukio let out a growl of words as a sudden wind picked up in the alley and rushed away from Tsukio and his attacker in opposite directions. His opponent shot forward and slammed against the alley wall, water gushing from his mouth with a large circular indentation formed on his abdomen. He then slid down from the wall and fell over, unconscious.
Tsukio remained in the same position he was in when he first unleashed his final attack. His stance was low and solid and his arms were fully extended with his hands cupped. His breathing was hard and heavy, and he slowly recovered to a full stand.

"Tsu…Tsu…Tsukio? Are you alright?" Keitaro managed to let out.

"Ye...Yeah. I'll be fine. They were a little tougher than I had expected them to be. But, I'll be fine." Tsukio said through heavy breathing.

/Argh! The 5 days I was in the hospital severely impacted my fighting abilities. I've got to focus the next few days and give myself a few moments to meditate and think about what happened and how I can improve. I also did that attack again…I've got to learn how to do that on my own free will./

"Tsukio? Ummm, can we go now? I'm afraid more might come" Mutsumi said softly, with a slight tremor in her voice.

"Yeah, I think we should get going, Shinobu is probably getting worried…" Naru managed to say, finally releasing her grip on Keitaro's arm.

As they walked out of they alley, Keitaro was pondering about that last attack Tsukio had done to that man.

"Hey, Tsukio, was that your 'desperation' move you did on that guy back there?"

/If he could learn how to do that at any time, and possibly take his skills farther, he'd be one dangerous guy/

"Uh, yeah. That was what some people call 'Air Blast' I don't really like the name myself, but that's what they call it. I guess they derived it from the persons body getting launched."

"What was with all the wind then? That from the technique as well?"

"Yeah I think so. Happens every time I perform it. I also feel pretty drained right after doing it though, like all my strength has been sapped from me and placed into one blow, ya know?"

"Uhh, heh, not really, but I understand what you're saying."

"Umm, Tsukio? Why were they after you?" Mutsumi said cautiously, as if she was now afraid of him.

"I guess they wanted revenge for the fight I had with their boss. He was the leader of their 'gang' The stakes were high but the price was right so I challenged him. I don't think they liked the fact I took their prize money and beat their boss up."

"Oh…" Mustumi said weakly.

"Don't be scared, I'm really sorry you guys got mixed up in that. I thought they were targeting Keitaro to get at you two girls, guess I was wrong. But don't worry, I won't be fighting for a while until I collect myself and improve a bit. So, I shouldn't have any people following me, or you for that matter. And if there are for some reason, I'll take care of them. You can count on me to be your shield" Tsukio said with a wide smile at Mutsumi, who immediately smiled at his words and looked down clasping her hands together.

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Naru and Keitaro walked ahead, while Mutsumi walked alongside Tsukio, but not close enough to be questionable.

A breeze picked up and Naru took hold of Keitaro's left arm. A little shocked, Keitaro glanced at Naru.

"What's that for?"

"Don't get any ideas! It's just… cold out…"

"Oh…want my jacket? Haha"

"Ah! You think I'm doing this because it's cold!?"

"I knew you'd say that, you've done this before." Keitaro said with laughter in his voice.

Naru gave Keitaro a cold stare, and he immediately backed off the joke.

"Don't push your luck, Keitaro" Naru said sternly.

"Well they certainly have a good relationship going don't they" Tsukio whispered sarcastically to Mutsumi.

/Man she can be so cute sometimes. So far things seem to be going well…/

"Ara Ara, Hai, they do. They're so cute together, they make a great couple" Mustumi laughingly whispered back at Tsukio

/What a guy…A bit tough looking but a real softy inside. Hehehe/

In the last few blocks walking to Hinata-Sou, nothing more was spoken besides idle chat. Mustumi and Naru seemed to both want to know more about Tsukio's past and how he learned how to fight, which he gladly told them, up until the point they started prodding at his family problems. He drew the line there, for now.

As they rounded the last block, there it stood. A large 3 story complex completely renovated and in all its glory. Tsukio looked on in awe at the size of the building.

"Wow, so this is Hinata-Sou?" Tsukio said in a voice full of surprise. "This place is huge. Where's the hot springs? Man I could use a nice bath right now."

Keitaro laughed a little

"Don't worry about that now, were late for breakfast! Shinobu's cooking is the greatest! C'mon!"

With that, they all walked up the steps leading into Hinata-Sou. Keitaro, Naru and Mutsumi all filed into the Inn and waited at the common room for Tsukio. Tsukio took a step in, took off his shoes, and walked into the Inn. His eyes widened as they took in the beautiful living area around him. Tsukio could hear Keitaro's voice coming from the common room, he figured he'd better go and meet the Tenants. Cautiously he walked in staying a ways behind Keitaro.

"HEY! EVERYONE! Sorry were late! There's someone I'd like you all to meet!"