( A new canon and more questions await Makoto Nanaya as she tries to help Jin Kisaragi in the process.)

Bold = English Conversations

Bold + Italics =Japanese Conversations

Canon 3

Ronin-Gai, A district populated by Ikarugans who fled after the Ikarugan war seeking shelter. Makoto was familiar with the story as she sat down at the living room of her and Jin's savior, Bang Shishigami. "I hope I wasn't away for too long Miss Nanaya." Bang said as he entered the room, sitting across her as Makoto simply shook her head. "Of course not Mister Shishigami... I'm just glad you decided to give Jin a doctor and everything." Makoto said as Bang smiled.

"Well, he was injured after all, and as a hero of justice, one does not simply abandon those in need." Bang replied as he reached out and pulled a bottle of Sake with a couple of small cups. "You must be thirsty. If Sake's not to your liking..." But before he could finish his sentence, Makoto reached out with her hand and pulled the bottle of sake closer to her. "It's alright, Sake's good enough for me." Makoto said as much to Bang's surprise, Makoto simply drank the Sake straight from the bottle, not even bothering to pour it into the cup in front of her.

"MY! You must have been that thirsty to drink like that!" Bang said in shock as Makoto felt the numbing release of alcohol rush through her as she smiled. "Yeah, I like my alcohol... also good sake you got there. Ikarugan made?" Makoto asked, covering her mouth as she burped a bit, making Bang laugh. "Ikarugan made, through and through. I am so glad you are enjoying it." Bang said as his subordinates brought a second bottle of sake into the room and a jug of water along with it.

"Now drink some water before you become too drunk. We do have some things to discuss." Bang said as Makoto knew that Bang wanted to speak some serious stuff as she took his suggestion and drank a glass of water. "Now first of all, do explain what happened to you and your friend. I don't believe that it was just a night out at the town gone wrong." Bang said as Makoto finished her glass of water while reaching out towards the jug and pouring herself another glass of water.

"Well... I was wondering around the ports when I found my friend injured by my boss. My boss then tried to kill him and if I wasn't there, he would have died for sure." Makoto explained as Bang nodded his head at her explanation. "I see... it would explain some of your injuries as well..." Bang said as Makoto nodded her head. "Can...Can we lay low here for a little while. Jin needs time to recover from his injuries and the NOL are looking for him." Makoto said as Bang simply nodded his head.

"Don't worry, I will make sure he's safe and taken care off..." Bang said as he stood up. "Thanks Mr Shishigami... for taking care of the Hero of Ikaruga and all..." Makoto thanked as Bang looked at her in confusion. "The Hero of Ikaruga? I'm sorry do you mean Mr Mutsuki?" Bang asked as Makoto looked at him confused as well. "No... I was talking about Jin." Makoto said as Bang scratched his head a bit before looking at her seriously.

"You may want to rest as well Miss Nanaya... I think you are more injured than you think." Bang suggested as Makoto looked at him more confused before deciding to ask him one more question. "So wait a minute... are you trying to say that Kagura Mutsuki was the one responsible for killing Lord Tenjo?" Makoto questioned as Bang nodded his head at that. "Why yes, that's why he's known as the Hero of Ikaruga." Bang replied as Makoto paused a bit hearing that.

"T-Thanks for letting me know... Maybe we can talk more about this later?" Makoto asked as Bang simply smiled at her. "Why of course Miss Nanaya, My subordinates have prepared a room for you to rest for the time being as well as a temporary change of clothes if you wish. I would also recommend you explore Ronin-gai for a while if you feel energized." Bang suggested as Makoto nodded her head at that.

"Maybe you can personally give me that tour around Ronin-Gai? A local would be more preferable than being by myself." Makoto said as Bang smiled. "I would be honored to do so." Bang simply said as he simply gestured Makoto towards his subordinates as she was led into her room where a simple dark blue Yukata was neatly laid on a futon with a specially made cut hole for her tail to go through. Inside her room was a small spring that she guessed was for her to relax in as she figured that would be a good idea to do so, stripping down and soaking in the hot natural springs onto her naked body.

"Kagura Mutsuki's the hero of Ikaruga..." Makoto muttered as she stared right at the sky, wondering what the hell was going on. Wasn't Jin Kisaragi the Hero of Ikaruga? If not... then that must mean she's in a different world from the world she came from. 'That would explain why I ended up on that ship and here in Kagutsuchi instead of Ibukido... but what brought me here in the first place...' Makoto wondered until something clicked in her mind.

'Wait a minute...I was exploring that cauldron in Ibukido...don't tell me...' As Makoto began to put the pieces together, she could hear rustling as she looked down and noticed that she was still wearing the necklace that she had brought with her on a whim. Lifting it closer to her so she can see it, she was about to remove it when she felt a sudden pulse come out from it as she clutched her head for a bit. "Just what is with this damn necklace... why...why do I feel such a reluctance to take it off even when I am trying to relax." Makoto wondered as she allowed the necklace to remain on her neck, now exposing it on her skin as she sunk deeper into the water.

'And More importantly... it's Kagura Mutsuki of all people who is the Hero of Ikaruga...' Makoto thought as she began to bubble up the hot spring, her mind thinking about what Bang said as her face turned red. Kagura Mutsuki, the head of the Mutsuki household, one of the 12 Duodecim... and also a person who has an infamous reputation as a shameless flirt and womanizer. 'How on earth did I end up in a world where that womanizing idiot ended up being the hero...' Makoto thought as her mind couldn't help but wonder off towards the past...

...A past she had hoped to forget so many times...

FLASHBACK

MAKOTO POV

It was the NOL new years party of 2199, I was at the NOL headquarters in Yabiko, enjoying the company of Noel and Tsubaki who were able to make it this year. "It's so good to see you again Makoto. How has things been for you?" Noel asked, wearing a simple light blue dress, her hair now growing past her neck as this was a formal affair and they didn't need to wear their uniforms for this day.

"I am good, work in Intelligence has been busy but I have been doing good." I said as I couldn't help but stroke the black dress I wore a little bit. I had to have this dress custom made since most people don't really make dresses for my size. "That's good to hear, when I first heard that you wanted to work in intelligence, I would have thought that you would not work as hard." Tsubaki said as she looked so good in her simple yet elegant white dress.

"What about you Tsubaki, How's work coming at your post lately?" I asked as Tsubaki scratched her head a little bit. "I guess you can say it's good. I have been working hard as lieutenant and if things go well, I might a promotion soon." Tsubaki said with honesty in her voice as Noel couldn't help but have her eyes shine at that. "That's great Tsubaki! You're as hardworking as always." Noel said as I couldn't help but smile as I drank my glass of champagne.

"And what about you Noel? Jin-Nii-sama hasn't been working you hard lately now?" Tsubaki asked as Noel paused for a bit, as if hesitant to answer as she shook her head. "Not really... he's been good to me." Noel replied as we noticed her look at her phone for a bit as we noticed her phone's wallpaper was that of Hunter. "You still really haven't been able to get over the loss of Hunter..." I said as Noel nodded her head.

Hunter Long... one of the few friends I had back in the academy. After the Black Lotus Rebellion, when we were recruited into the NOL, he was immediately given his own squadron which he had called the Vermillion Dragons. Unfortunately a series of incidents happened and well...Short story is that Hunter's no longer in this world with us... "Hunter's memorial day is coming soon... will you be able to make it?" I asked Noellie as she was clearly trying to hold back a tear as she shook her head.

"I have been working hard for Jin and I feel that this year is going to be no different... so I don't think I will be able to make it to the memorial this year..." Noel replied as Tsubaki kept quiet a bit before replying. "Unfortunately work has been piling up and this year is going to be especially busy... so I won't be able to go for the service as well." Tsubaki said as I couldn't help but feel saddened by that. I can understand Noel because it's quite painful for her to go to the memorial service of her first and closest boyfriend. She's probably not ready for that yet.

Tsubaki on the other hand...I can't help but worry that she's starting to work herself too hard. "In any case... Do you guys want to hang out after the party? It has been a while since we actually had the time for each other." I asked as Noel and Tsubaki looked at each other before looking at me. "I would like to... but Jin says that we are leaving as soon as the party is over. Saying that he doesn't want to stay for too long" Noel explained as Tsubaki nodded her head.

"The same for me, I need to head back to my post soon so I can start writing up the latest batch of reports. Sorry Makoto." Tsubaki explained as I couldn't help but nod my head at that. I understand why they can't stay but at the same time...I cannot help but feel sad at their response. "It's alright you two... Things have been busy ever since we joined the NOL officially. Let's try to meet up one of these days okay." I said as seeing Noel and Tsubaki smile was one of the best things that could happen to me that night as they soon took off, both to be with their respective superiors.

"Now where is that green-haired bastard..." I muttered, drinking my refilled glass of champagne as I soon felt my phone vibrate, making me groan as I could guess as to who it could be. 'Dear Lieutenant, I'm sorry for dropping this all of the sudden but something urgent came up and thus I cannot be at the New Years party tonight. I'm also sorry if I kept you waiting for my response. See you at work tomorrow lieutenant.' Hazama messaged as I could help but groan before finishing my glass quickly. How dare that bitch just decide to up and leave me on my own like that. Now who am I going to spend time in this party with?

"Why hello there Miss Nanaya. You sure look bored being all alone." A voice said as I turned around and saw the Black haired man of House Mutsuki, Kagura Mutsuki himself. "Hello Kagura, congrats on your recent promotion and position to Yabiko." I said politely, trying to keep things professional as he looked at me up and down for a bit before grinning. "Why thanks Makoto, I am just wondering though, do you happen to be busy after the party?" Kagura asked as I placed my finger at my chin.

"Well... Not really... why?" I asked as she could feel Kagura's eyes look at me, not that I minded as I continued to drink her glass of champagne. "Well... I am not doing anything in particular after the party... Why don't we head back to my place and get to know each other better?" Kagura asked as I reached out for another glass. "And why does a member of House Mutsuki want with someone like me?" I questioned as I looked at him in the eyes intently.

"Well... Hibiki says that I have been overworking him lately and I have been contemplating on getting myself a female secretary. Then I remembered you and the contributions you made during the Black Lotus Rebellion and the medal of valor you got for said contributions." Kagura explained as I couldn't help but close my eyes as I drank more champagne, starting to feel the alcohol kick in. "Really now... That sounds awfully convenient though. I don't think I can ever take Hibiki's place as your personal assistant." I replied as Kagura chuckled.

"I don't expect you to replace him Miss Nanaya. You offer a different set of skills from Hibiki such as your fighting capabilities. You would make a great secretary and information gatherer for me." Kagura said as I could tell this man was trying to butter me up, woo me into his dick. Yet at the same time I don't really mind the flirting he was giving me. I'm not taken at the moment, Got to live life to the fullest.

"So in that case, Since I am so compatible, How much are you going to pay me once you get me away from Intelligence and are you going to be paying me consistently?" I asked, moving my fingers in a money motion as Kagura laughed, "Well for you, I am willing to pay you more than your current pay with Intelligence." Kagura replied as I couldn't help but grin at that. "Then I don't mind meeting with you later on to discuss details... Though I won't be able to answer you quickly because of work." I said as Kagura grinned

"Then let's not waste time and discuss business after the party. I have to get going right now." Kagura said as he kissed my hand before leaving, finally allowing me to slightly choke on my drink because of how much he was trying to woo me. It's a good idea to build up my contacts in the NOL and Hibiki himself is not a bad person to become friends with... It's just with Kagura I get this weird feeling that I am going to be sleeping with him soon... Oh well...

...Not like I am seeing anybody right now...

As soon as Makoto finished relieving that small memory from the past year, her face couldn't help but have an epiphany. Something about her memory doesn't alight right with her dreams lately. If she did have a boyfriend back in the academy, then why in the NOL New Years Party she instead decided to go with Kagura? When she tried to think about it reasonably, the conclusions she drew clashed with the dreams that she have been having.

'If I really got dumped by this academy boyfriend that I had... Then why do I still remember him fondly? I mean I even still remembered the food he cooked for me and he's a really nice guy too...' Makoto thought as she rubbed her forehead greatly before standing up in the springs, having soaked enough of the water as she walked back to her room and began to slowly dress herself in the Yukata Bang provided her.

"Just who is this guy that I remembered yet at the same time I don't..." Makoto said out loud as she sat down on her futon before hearing the door knock. "Miss Nanaya, It's me Bang. I brought some green tea if you want some." Bang said as Makoto decided to go to the door. "That sounds like a good thing to have right now." Makoto replied as soon, Bang was pouring green tea for both himself and her as he decided to start a small conversation with her.

Bang: So Miss Nanaya... What brought you and your friend here to Kagutsuchi?

Makoto: I can't really say for Jin... I didn't ask him myself. As for me... I don't really remember myself.

Bang: Remember? You mean like Amnesia?

Makoto:... No not really. It's more like...I remember what happened but when I woke up, I don't really remember what I did to end up there... like a hangover you know.

Bang: Hmmm that is concerning... and you asking me who the Hero of Ikaruga also had me a bit worried. So I am going to ask you a crucial detail that may help shed some light on your current predicament.

"Go on, I'm all ears." Makoto said as Bang took a sip of green tea to rejuvenate himself. "You are familiar with the Black Lotus war? Am I correct?" Bang said as Makoto nodded her head. "Yeah, I took part in it. Won a medal of valor in it too." Makoto said as that raised Bang's eyes a bit. "I also remember that was the event that caused the first free city of Otsu to be formally established, marking the first city to be free from NOL control." Makoto continued as Bang's face told her everything she needed to know.

"I apologize for doubting you... but what is this first free city of Otsu you speak about?" Bang questioned as Makoto simply shook her head before placing her hand on her forehead. "I'm sorry... I must be feeling tired and began dreaming that up..." Makoto replied as Bang showed concern on his face as a result. "Oh my, then you must rest as soon as possible Miss Nanaya! I will make sure nobody disturbs you if you wish to do so." Bang said as he stood up and took his leave. "If you are still interested in that tour of Ronin-Gai, I am still available." Bang suggested as Makoto smiled at the Ikarugan ninja's kindness as he soon left her alone again.

"So I am in a different timeline... a timeline that doesn't match up with mine..." Makoto muttered as the way Bang looked when she talked about Otsu in particular answered every single doubt she had in her mind. Somehow...in some way, she is currently in a timeline where Jin is not considered the Hero of Ikaruga but instead it's Kagura Mutsuki, and there is no first free city of Otsu. That meant that something or someone was trying to get rid of her or bring her to this particular timeline...

"Just what is going on with me?.." Makoto muttered as her hand reached out and began to touch the necklace slowly. Doing so unconsciously as her mind began to wonder what is even going on in the first place. Soon she remembered the mysterious disk that was placed in her jacket as she decided to pull it out once again, looking at it intently. "This disk... just what is this about..." Makoto muttered as she looked around it for a bit before opening it up so she could see the contents inside as the paper flew out of it.

"What's this?" Makoto said as she picked up the piece of paper and quickly deduced that it was a code word as it contained a piece of paper ripped off the notebook you can get from the Kagutsuchi museum. 'Gnuuu... This must be a code word I need to speak to someone at the Kagutsuchi museum.' Makoto thought as she knew that she might be reading too much into this, she cannot scratch out the possibility that she needs to be heading towards the Kagutsuchi Museum to meet up with somebody there.

"Was this timeline version of me supposed to meet up with somebody in the Kagutsuchi Museum?.. I guess it might be an NOL contact if that's the case." Makoto thought as that was the only possibility in her mind as she looked out to see the sun slowly rising at that moment. 'It's getting brighter and I am wondering if I should even go out right now... I mean what if I am screwing the timeline with what I am doing right now?' Makoto wondered as that was not all that was in her mind.

There was also the fact that Hazama is probably looking for her and Jin and he was not trying to hide his hostility for her. Could it be that this Hazama is different from the bastard she knows? And he had mentioned Colonel Relius Clover, someone famed in the NOL for being a loner and as a result, not many people knowing about him. Hell even information him is scarce as a result. And he's showing interest in her, she cannot but feel creeped out by that.

'What should I even do?... I need to get back to my timeline if this isn't where I am supposed to be... but that will definitely require me to mess with this timeline in the process... god what should I even do?' Makoto wondered as this was what she considered to be a part of a problem in her current series of problems that are piling up. "Maybe if I at least take a small rest then I can reset my mind and hopefully come up with something..."

Soon, she felt the exhaustion from fighting her life and trying to comprehend with her mind that she somehow time traveled into a different timeline altogether pile up all of the sudden as she settled herself into the Futon provided into her. As she closed her eyes, she finally felt the exhaustion take over her completely. The warm futon surrounding her body and the effects of the hot spring water aided in her rest as she only had one thing in her mind...

...What should she be doing...

As soon as slumber came to her, Makoto found herself relieving yet another dream. This time however, instead of trying to fight against it, she decides that the best thing she should do is actually accept what is happening to her and pay attention to what is going on in this dream. Maybe if she did so, she can figure out a solution to her current predicament and maybe move one step closer to her inconsistent memories.

The first thing she saw was a marble counter top as she was resting her head, sighing in defeat as she felt a massive wave of relief hit her. "AHHH...Finals are finally over..." Makoto mumbled as she sighed in defeat. Clearly this was the final exam she would ever take and she was simply glad the torture given to her is finally over. "Yup... they sure are." A voice, belonging to the mystery man, said as he soon took a seat next to her. His face was starting to become a bit more clear, this time allowing her to see that one of his eyes was blind with the completely blank Iris on the right.

"How do you even take an exam with half your vision... you should be classified legally as half blind with your condition." The dream Makoto mumbled as the man chuckled hearing that sentence. "Just close the blind eye while taking the exam and you are all good. Besides I still have one good eye so by that definition, it also means that I am can half see as well... so would that mean I have perfect 10/20 vision?" The man said as Makoto scratched her head at that comment.

"You need to work on your humor sir." Makoto said as she bonked the man in the head. "And you need to hope that your results are enough for you to get into intelligence." The man retorted as Makoto scratched her head at that comment. "Easy enough for you to say, You're not going to be joining the NOL after this." Makoto commented as the man sat down on his chair and sighed a little. "I guess you are still feeling a little bit down about me not joining the NOL huh..." The man replied as Makoto thought about her next choice of words before speaking them.

"Do you think we can even maintain a long distance relationship once we graduate?" Makoto questioned as the man rested his head on top of hers. "You worried we can't do so?" The man questioned as Makoto shuffled on her seat a little bit. "It's just... when we graduate, everyone's going to be doing their own thing and we won't be able to meet each other as often as we do now. As much as I complain about studies... this is probably going to be the last time we can spend time like this, just relaxing and being ourselves you know." Makoto said, her hand gently holding onto the man's own hand

"Once we separate... The NOL and it's vast systems will take over. Noel will probably get that desk job she's looking for but she's going to be swamped with work. Tsubaki's going to try and enlist to work as Jin's secretary and I am going to be working with intelligence under a man called Hazama who I heard is a troll. I don't even know what Mai's planning to do in all of this and Hunter is a wild card at this point." Makoto said, trying to express her worries to this one person she trusted as this all played deep in her subconscious, the words she spoke that day coming true in some ways.

"Then what about our current relationship? Are you worried that we won't be able to find the time to spend with each other because we would be busy with life?" The man asked as Makoto simply nodded her head. "I want to to keep our relationship going... but I have to be realistic about our relationship and I am just worried that we won't last..." Makoto finished, her hand holding onto the man's with pure worry plastered on her face.

"If that's the case... we should break up if we are being realistic." The man said as Makoto simply nodded her head at his sentence. But without warning, the man suddenly hugged her from behind, spooning her in the process. "But I don't ever want to break up with you. Even if it would become difficult to meet up with your job and my lack of technology... I believe we can still find a way for us to stay together regardless of distance." The man said as Makoto smiled warmly at his words, feeling hopeful in the process.

"You know... when you say stuff like that, you've got to uphold them you know." Makoto said as the man simply patted her in the head as the fog continued to dissipate on the man, revealing more of his white hair to her as a name was beginning to throb in her mind. A name that she should know in the first place yet at the same time doesn't know. "Let's find a way to do that alright Makoto? Together." The man said as Makoto smiled warmly at his words.

...Of course...together ****...

As soon as her dream ended, Makoto slowly rose from her bed, wiping away a couple of tears that have emerged from her eyes. Why was she crying in bed? That is so not like her to do so. "Why...Why do I feel so sad right now?... I feel like... I really have forgotten something...Something truly important." Makoto said out loud to herself as she began to think about what has happened to her life based on that memory.

This person... This person that said was going to be with her, not only doesn't show up for most of her life after the academy but also doesn't even try to contact her in some way. She wanted to be so pissed, to be angry with this person who said that they loved her... yet at the same time she couldn't even find it in her heart to do so. As if the thought of saying those things hurt more than anything. Just who is this person and why can't she even remember their name in the first place?

From accidentally ending up in a timeline that is not hers based on the fact that events don't match up with the events she knows happened. To her friends either becoming too busy to meet up and feeling her bonds with them stretching in the process. To a mystery man she cannot seem to remember the name of... that brought her a sense of warmth she had longed for the longest time. Just what is going on and why is she being given this whole mess to deal with?..

Her hand soon reached out for the necklace that was dangling on her neck. Just why does wearing this necklace bring her so much calm in the first place? Was it a gift from the man in her dreams? If so when did she even receive such a gift in the first place? She never remembered the day that she was given such a necklace nor does she recall for how long she's had it for. But all she knew was that she didn't want to part with this necklace at all, not in this world that she is not familiar with even though she doesn't even understand the significance of the necklace she is wearing.

"I must find a way back home... back to my own timeline." Makoto said to herself as she heard a knock on the door. "Miss Nanaya! I am planning to show Mr Jin around Ronin-Gai for a while, Do you want to come along with us?" Bang asked as Makoto thought about his request before shaking her head, picking up the disc in her possession. "I can't right now Mr Bang, I've got a sudden request that I need to take right now. I promise to meet up with you and Jin a few hours later." Makoto said as she waited for Bang's response.

"If that's the case, you can use the yukata provided. We're still mending your outfit and will only be ready for you when you get back." Bang said as Makoto knew it would be dangerous to wear her normal outfit in the first place, for fear that the NOL would recognize her immediately since they would be looking for both her and Jin with the stunt they pulled. "Thank you so much Bang. I hope you don't mind if it comes back a bit torn." Makoto apologized ahead as Bang gave a hearty laugh behind the door.

"Do not worry about such trivial things, Just leave things to me to worry about, I promise to do my best to take care of Jin while you are gone." Bang said as Makoto soon heard the footsteps of the ninja go distant as she took a deep breath and picked up the note and the disc, realizing that her yukata had no pockets as she looked at her tail. Reluctantly she shoved the disc into her tail, moaning in discomfort as shoving things into her tail was not the best idea at all.

'I guess I better remember to brush my tail later on. Besides making sure to get a drink on the way out.' Makoto thought as she stretched her arms a bit before grabbing her cross tonfas and dangling them by the side of her hips and wearing a pair of tabi. At least the Yukata was loose enough for her to toss a few punches with as she tapped her feet on the floor before jabbing the air a few times. She then carefully kept the necklace in between her breasts as there was only one thing in her mind at that moment...

...Time to get to work...

GREETINGS LOST SHEEP OF FANFICTION!? HOW IS EVERYONE DOING!? Man, half a year has passed and I didn't think we would expect that at all. Honestly I feel that sometimes 12 months is way too short in a year. Regardless, I don't mind it, it just means if we have terrible year, it doesn't take too long for it to end. Just don't mind this random thought I have. Classes are winding down for the semester and I wish to take a break for a while. Thus why I am posting this chapter earlier for you guys to see.

SO WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT!? WHAT WILL MAKOTO DISCOVER WHEN SHE HEADS TOWARDS THE KAGUTSUCHI MUSUEM!? WHAT OTHER SECRETS AWAIT HER IN THIS TIMELINE THAT IS NOT HERS AND JUST WHAT KIND OF FATE AWAITS MAKOTO NANAYA AT THIS POINT!? Well tune in and find out what happens next.