Chapter XVIII: Akuji Tooru… The Icy King of Video games
Meanwhile, Genzo was already back in Germany. Seemingly it was still quite early, so he decided to study a little. Due to his always-busy schedule, Genzo couldn't study a lot, but made his best effort when he studied. A while later…
-Breakfast is served, sir –said the live-in housekeeper who worked at the young man's apartment.
-Thank you, Ingrid.
The lad sat down to the kitchen table and took a cup of café latte and toasts, as he was used to have every morning. After what he had talked with Tsubasa and the slight dizziness he had because of his teleport to and from Shizuoka, Genzo had a slight premonition of things to come. After finishing his breakfast, he left to jog a while. It was his habit; no matter if it was snowing, raining or even falling thunderbolts, he always went out to run. That made him feel alive. Ever since he was about twelve years old, he was used to live without his parents and brothers, but he only began to live alone now that he was fifteen. Living that way didn't affect him much, but he sometimes wished to have some company, out of the attentive but silent Ingrid.
He kept on jogging through the city, breathing the still cold morning air. Each step he gave made him feel more and more alive, more aware that he was Wakabayashi Genzo, up to some days ago a teenager that trained very hard to be a pro soccer player and achieve his dream of being the best goalkeeper in the world. However, although he was still that, now he was something else. He was one of the few ones that had been chosen to decide the fate of the Earth, and in his case, his decision was in favor; he didn't want this world, neither his family, nor his friends, neither what he loved the most, soccer to be destroyed.
He continued jogging, but some dust got into his eyes. Because he was rubbing his eyes, he didn't notice that he had bumped with a short-haired small-eyed young man.
-I'm sorry, I'm sorry…! I couldn't see where I was going -Genzo said in German, at last his eyes free of the grit.
-Don't worry –answered the man with whom he had bumped. He seemed to be about eighteen or nineteen years old, seemed to be a college student… and was vaguely family.
-Excuse me … do I know you?
-I doubt it. You're not a college student.
-No… I'm not; I should be in Junior High, but I'm practicing to be a pro soccer player.
-Ah, I see -the man answered coolly.
-I'm sorry… Good-bye -and Genzo began to leave, but the young man stopped him.
-Before anything, what's your name? -he asked in Japanese.
-Ah, sorry for that… My name is Wakabayashi Genzo -the keeper answered, surprised.
-I understand. I'm Akuji Tooru… Good-bye -and the college student left without saying anything more.
-He made me stop just to tell him my name? -Genzo was really confused this time. –I reckon I'll go home.
He continued jogging toward his apartment, crossing several bridges and parks. He passed by the place where he met with Misaki, passed by Saint Michael's Church and arrived home. But when he got home, he met with a pleasant surprise.
-Hallo, Genzo. Were you running around the city as usual?
-Of course, Herman. I'm glad to see you.
-The housekeeper told me you got up very early, and that after breakfast you went to jog.
-Yeah. Bah, you already know what I do. I hate being locked inside.
-It's no surprise for me. Did you study for Monday's Biology exam?
The Japanese boy's face went pale. Biology wasn't his best class, and he had forgotten completely there was an exam.
-Herman, I swear I didn't remember it. I had forgotten completely we have a Biology exam on Monday.
-And remembering that you stink at it… Well, that's why I'm your friend. That's what friends are for.
-Correction: best friends. Please, help me…
Herman knew that Genzo wasn't used to ask for help; he usually gave it, so he didn't see what was wrong in helping his best friend. They went into the apartment, Genzo took his books to the dining room table (that was almost unused) and sat down to study.
-let's begin with the first topic: fossils -Herman explained patiently, which was strange for him. Genzo hadn't boasted when he said he knew how to listen; he rarely missed something important once he heard it … unless it was Biology. However, he made his biggest effort to avoid his mind flying to cloud nine.
At last they finished studying, and it wasn't still lunchtime.
-Aaaaah… I'm bored. It's not even midday and I'm itching to do something.
-Do you want go to play video games?
-Herman, you know I stink at them.
-At least give it a try, Genzo. I saw a new soccer videogame recently at the arcade.
-And why don't we play soccer in real life?
-No… I don't want to think that tomorrow we'll have intensive training.
-Good point… OK. Let's go then.
-But change your clothes first. Your sweat suit is… sweated -Herman said, trying not to laugh.
-Uh, OK -and Genzo ran to his room to change his clothes. In the end a couple of dark jeans, a light blue shirt with rolled-up sleeves and a T-shirt under the shirt were the chosen attire for the keeper.
-Are you ready?
-Sure am.
Genzo and Herman were about to leave the apartment, but Ingrid asked Genzo where would he go.
-I'll go out with Herman for a while.
-But the lunch…
-Don't worry, Ingrid. I'll be back on time.
The lady that cleaned the Japanese keeper's apartment shrugged and continued preparing the fish she had bought while the guys had been studying.
They arrived at the video arcade and met with somebody very familiar for them.
-Hey, long time no see, guys. Nice to see you.
-Hallo, Karl -Herman said, shaking hands with Genzo's greatest rival, the 'Kaiser', Karl Heinz Schneider.
-Hi, Karl -Genzo said, uncomfortable. -How are you?
-Well, as you see, using my free time playing video games. We already know how our schedule is, so we got to use our free time as if were the last free moment.
-Hey, that was very thoughtful.
Karl laughed heartily thanks to Kaltz's funny comment. Genzo couldn't avoid getting the urge to laugh thanks to the 'Kaiser', and he began to laugh too.
-Ha, ha… And mind you, I'm terrible at Philosophy…
-Yeah, you're right. You barely scratched a pass in the last exam.
-Whatever… did you come to see the new video game?
-Yes. I bet you already know everything about it, Karl.
-How did you know? Well, at least I can play decently, but there's a college student that is still unbeatable and it seems he's Japanese, Genzo.
-Oh, really?
-His name is Akumi… Akuri… Ah, I give up. I only know his last name begins with Aku.
-Akuji… Akuji Tooru -said Genzo immediately.
-Do you know him? -Karl and Kaltz asked at the same time.
-Let's say I do.
-And talk of the devil… -Karl said, looking by the corner of his eye. -There he is, trying to break his own record.
-Can we go and see? -Herman said, curious.
The German and the Japanese boys accepted and went to see how Tooru played. He had scored fourteen goals already, and the first half of the match hadn't finished still. His face, already expressionless, showed the absolute concentration he had. His hands moved with an unexplainable speed. His opponent hadn't scored a single goal, and he was desperate.
-No doubt, he's awesome! -Herman said, astonished. Genzo whistled in astonishment.
-I told you. It seems he only lives to play video games.
-Then he'd be an otaku -Genzo said automatically, looking at the TV screen.
-Otaku? Isn't that what manga or anime fans are called? -Herman asked.
-In fact, otaku are people that are always in their house collecting manga, anime, playing role games or video games. It's something bad, if you think of it. It's here, and in other countries where the meaning is distorted.
-Genzo, you leave me more perplex every day -Herman said, confused.
-Kaltz, I'm afraid I agree with you -Karl said, with the same expression that the Japanese keeper's best friend had.
Genzo shrugged, and was about to leave of there, but a cold voice that said his name stopped him.
-Akuji-san… Konnichiha.
-Hello, Wakabayashi. I didn't think of seeing you again.
-Er, yeah… I came with a friend.
-I can see it clearly.
-Hey, wait a sec, wait a sec, would you mind introducing us to him? -Herman said. -Excuse Genzo. He's sometimes a bit of an idiot. I'm Herman Kaltz, his best friend. And he's Karl Heinz Schneider.
Karl had tried to leave too, but stayed where he was, paralyzed, when Kaltz said his name.
-Pleased to meet you.
-Er, yeah, ditto.
-I know you… You're players from the Hamburg's juvenile team.
-Yeah, you're right. Genzo is our best goalkeeper, I'm a midfielder, and Karl's our ace scorer and best forward.
-Uh-huh. Any of you wants to play?
-No thanks. We already saw you're the King of Video Games -Genzo said.
-You're not going to accept the challenge? Are you chickens or what?
That immediately angered Genzo and Karl.
-I'd accept the challenge if I knew how to play -the unpredictable Japanese keeper answered.
-I accept the challenge -Schneider said, his cold blue eyes twinkling.
Of course, immediately the rumor that Akuji Tooru, the feared King of Video Games had challenged somebody, more specifically the soccer fans' idol: the 'Kaiser' Karl Heinz Schneider, ran around the video arcade. Once the rumor had circulated, everyone in the video arcade stood around Tooru and Karl.
-Make your bets! Make your bets! Who roots for the champion defender, Akuji Tooru? I already received here five Euros… That's a lot, kid -Herman couldn't help take the chance.
-Herman! -Genzo exclaimed, between annoyed and amused.
-Somebody bet for the great Karl Heinz Schneider? Nobody bets?
-Herman! -Genzo and Karl exclaimed harder, already angry.
-Hey, hey, it was a joke -the guy responded, returning the five Euros he had received.
-It was a terrible joke -Genzo blurted, annoyed.
And the match began. Karl was really having a very hard time to avoid Tooru scoring a goal. He, on the other hand, was as concentrated as before, without wasting a single movement, Unfortunately, Tooru's first goal arrived too soon, and in fact he was playing with the weakest team in the game. Karl was totally helpless before the college student's unique ability.
-I won -Tooru said at the end of the first half. Twenty goals, and Karl couldn't do a single thing.
Genzo and Kaltz were more than amazed. Was somebody able to beat that ice-cold young man?
-I already see Iceman destroyed a beginner again. No one will ever be able to beat him, ever –they heard a university student say. Immediately they took a shocked Karl out of there. Once out of the establishment, Karl found his voice again.
-That man's the devil -he said finally.
-Why do you say it?
-It can't be that even with the weakest team he scored so many goals. I couldn't do absolutely anything.
-You see, you said it. Akuji is unbeatable -Genzo said, between considerate and resigned. He checked the time out of sheer curiosity, and immediately began to run home: it was already lunchtime already.
-What got into him? -Schneider said, surprised.
-Lunchtime got him -Kaltz said. -Well, see you later, and don't let this get the best of you.
-Hey! I'm not a bad loser.
-Yeah, sure -and Kaltz left, knowing what could happen to him if he stayed just once more instant.
-I don't know what makes me madder: not being able to beat Genzo yet, or Kaltz's jokes -and Karl went to his house, hands in his pockets.
On the other hand, in Paris, Taro was in his room, drawing without worries, when Ichiro told him to go downstairs.
-Something the matter, Dad?
-Yes; it's lunchtime.
Taro went downstairs peacefully, and sat down to have lunch with his father. Both of them ate in silence, without a doubt thinking of several things each one, but Ichiro was the one who broke the silence.
-Son, you've been acting strange for some days.
-It's just exhaustion, Dad. Don't worry.
-It's not that. Last time you arrived with Azumi, I noticed you were in a bad mood.
-Ah, we simply had an argument. It's not important; we already talked of it and we're on good terms.
-You don't trick me. Ever since you met that boy you spoke to me about you've been sulky.
-Then you should remember I said I had a bad premonition about that boy, Dad -Taro said, looking at his dish.
-But, why?
-I don't know. I've had a bad feeling about him from the first moment I saw him, and my instinct tells me to stay away from him. However, Azumi's always telling me I'm being unfair with him.
-I doubt that.
-Thanks for believing in me, Dad, but I'm afraid of something else. I'm afraid Azumi fell in love with him, and something tells me I can't let that happen.
Ichiro began to laugh when Taro said that.
-And that something is that you like her, Taro?
-No, dad -and Taro's face showed his seriousness. –Azumi is my friend and nothing else.
A while later, Taro decided to take a walk, to relieve the after-lunch drowsiness and the conversation's tension. He met with some of his soccer team partners, but later, near the park's fountain he saw Azumi, who seemed to be waiting for somebody.
"Will my powers work at a distance?" -the boy wondered, worried by his friend. However, he wasn't able to read Azumi's mind. He decided to run to a dark alley and turned into a fly. He flew around, approaching Azumi without bothering her. He landed on the fountain, avoiding the falling water, and saw with fear that Wataru was around.
-Hi, Wataru! -Azumi said, greeting him.
-Oh, hi, Azumi-chan. How are you? –asked the handicapped lad kindly.
-Well… -and both of them sat down near the fountain. They talked normal things in the beginning, but Taro could notice that both of them were quite nervous. However, he couldn't continue observing, since a dragonfly began to chase him. Quite afraid, he became one too and returned to his place. He probably missed something important, because he noticed that Azumi was red.
-… well, me too, Wataru… To be honest, I don't know what to say.
-Then, what do you say?
Taro feared that moment. He didn't want to read Azumi's mind, he didn't want to find out what they had talked while he had tried to save his hide, but he didn't want his friend to be in danger.
-Yes, Wataru. I'd like to -the girl said, smiling.
However, in spite of all his hunches, Taro couldn't help but feel happiness, since his friend was quite glad. Wataru could be somebody full with bitterness, and even dangerous, but Azumi didn't want to think of it.
With mixed feelings, the dragonfly flew to the alley where he had hidden and took his original shape, probably scaring some alley cat.
He passed by the fountain where Azumi and Wataru were talking, already hand in hand. It was the girl who noticed Taro walking around and she greeted him with a smile.
-Ah, hi Azumi-san, hello, Osorezan-san -he said, trying to look surprised. -How are you?
-Fine, thank you -the young handicapped lad answered kindly. –What a coincidence that you were passing by.
-Well, yes. Although I guess it's not a sin to walk around the park and meet a couple of my friends.
-Well… -Azumi said, looking everywhere but at her friend's eyes. -We want you to be the first one to know.
-What do you want me to know?
-Wataru and I aren't friends anymore.
-You mean…
-He asked me to be his girlfriend.
It wasn't a splash of cold water for Taro, but he tried to look surprised.
-Congrats -he said with a lot of effort. It didn't hurt him, and he wasn't at all jealous, but his instinct was blaring red alert. –I hope you're happy together.
And he left, leaving Azumi confused and Wataru in seventh heaven.
When he arrived home, Taro didn't feel bothered or angry. A strange calmness had taken possession of him. Better said, it was the sort of bleak tolerance we love to call resignation. Although he had tried to protect his friend, he could no longer do anything, and it wasn't because he was in love. He had always protected every friendship he had made along his almost sixteen years in this world.
-Well, I tried to protect Azumi as much as I could, but it's out of my hands now. I hope she's happy with Wataru, if that's what she wants.
His father asked him what happened when Taro arrived, and he explained it in a few words, obviously omitting certain parts. He went to his room immediately and turned on his stereo system. Before leaving to Europe, he had gotten CD had gotten with several J-POP songs, his stereo was on Random. Just in that moment a quite romantic song which Taro hadn't paid much attention began to play: Love You by Hiro.
-Gee, it seems that today everything is agreeing Azumi. And now that I think of it, maybe I'm a bit envious of her, since now she haves someone…
And maybe inspired by the moment, or by the music, he took out his drawing tools, and for some strange reason, he began to draw a manga sketch. However, he only was the author, because when he finished the sketch, he realized he had drawn Tsubasa and Sanae's story.
-More romantic… At this rate I'll end up being author of a shojo manga.
While all this happened in Europe, in Japan things hadn't happened as one could think. Tsubasa, in spite of the advice his friends gave him and his good intentions, didn't dare to look for Sanae to confess his feelings. The punch Genzo had given him had left his face a little swollen, and Natsuko asked him what had happened. However, Tsubasa didn't tell her the truth this time.
-I hit myself accidentally, mom. Don't worry.
-It seems to hurt you a lot.
-It did before. Now it's only a bit swollen.
Natsuko acted as if she believed him. She knew that lately he had trouble –lots of trouble, she didn't want to cause any more troubles for her son.
-By the way, thanks for washing dishes, Tsubasa.
-It's nothing, mom. After all, I have to help one way or another.
-Well, I'm glad to agree with you on that one.
Tsubasa and Natsuko laughed thanks to that comment.
-Son, answer me something… What are you going to do about Sanae? -Natsuko asked, more concerned than innocent.
-Mom, that's something that I know what to do, but I can't do it.
-Why?
-'Cause I don't feel I'm able to tell Sanae I'm head over heels for her.