[Opening: Project M Theme]

FusionFall Infinite

Season 7

Chapter 50: A Blackthorn's End, Kenji's Decisions


[Base, Vice, Outer Towns]

To say the reaction all over CN-Zen Kuro was a shock. Many assumed Kenji was the joke that kept on running. Joshinari thought so too, and now Kenji's bounty was past him. Ryker was rightly impressed. He had put faith in Kenji that he would pick himself up. And he did. The two were lightly sparring at the moment.

"Well well, it seems Kenji may just come back to fight you." Ryker teased dodging a kick from his cousin.

"Like hell he will. I'm climbing the Endurion super form ladder." Joshinari remarked confidently slapping away a punch of Ryker's.

"By the way, how does that work? I only heard of a Megavolt form." Ryker asked curiously as he flipped over Joshinari's next attack.

"To make it simple. Mega, Giga, Tera, and Petavolt are basically Super Saiyan 1-4. However, each form…mutates you. Supposedly, one can achieve a perfected form. A Zetavolt form." Joshinari said as they threw blows at each other. "I suppose you can compare it to Gohan's Mystic form."

Both jumped back.

"No doubt, Kasumi's researching this. And if I had to hedge a guess, she probably has Gigavolt down like me." He affirmed. "But you saw the news, you think that rumor is true?"

"If it is and Kenji accepts, it would get the Roundtable off our asses. But I don't like the idea of allying with people who just cause nigga moments for shits and giggles." Ryker said taking a breath. "But it's Kenji's choice…"

[-]

[The Time Nest, Universe 7, DBG-22]

"Thank you for hosting us, Chronoa." Kenji said humbly. "Apologies for interfering in your multiverse again."

"Please, it's no concern at all." Chronoa said pouring tea for herself and him. "It is an honor to have a famed warper in our area. I hope my help to speed your wife's pregnancy was useful to you."

The group were gathered at the Time Nest with the Outsiders having come to her for help and to recuperate after their battle. Stewie and Brian were watching the news with a bit of concern as was Lana.

"Shouldn't we be concerned about the Roundtable?" Lana asked.

"Not really. Per the rules of it, they can't go after us." Stewie said turning off the television.

Then they sensed a new presence. Being escorted by a pair of time patrollers was Dennis the Menace, which only got Kenji to raise an eyebrow.

"Kenji Blackthorn." Dennis said formally. "The Roundtable wishes to offer you membership as apart of the highest table."

"What's the catch?" Kenji asked sternly. "Don't bullshit me, kid."

"Only thing asked is for you to stay neutral in the blood feud between the leader and Naruto Uzumaki, the Geist Fox." Dennis mused. "In joining us, this would cancel the contract hits on the rest of your family."

That got Kenji's attention. He could protect his family, but in doing so…he'd possibly screw Ryker's group out of helping the Geist. Thoughts swirled in his head.

"I need time." He stated to Dennis.

"Of course, I'll be in Conton." Dennis said before escorted out.

"What are you going to do?" Brian asked.

"Do I really belong apart of the Roundtable?" Kenji asked.

"I mean, your whole clan can be considered a menace." Stewie said, making a point. "Plus, this has be a big deal. They didn't come to Ryo, Ryker, Ryder, or even Joshinari. No, they came to offer you membership."

Kenji slumped in his chair before looking to his BlackTab. He immediately left for the Black Warpspark for privacy in his bedroom before making a conference call. The BlackTab projected images, one by one showing his brothers and sister.

"Sibling pact of silence." Kenji said raising a hand. "Not a word to mother and father."

Ryker, Ryder, and Evie raised their hands.

"This is about the rumor, isn't it? It's true." Ryker remarked.

"Just now it is." Kenji admitted.

"Are you going to join?" Ryder asked.

"I'm thinking about it." Kenji mused. "It could give us protection."

"Protection?" Ryker asked.

"If I join them, the contracts on the whole clan are canceled." Kenji explained.

"Just the clan, not our allies and associates?" Ryker mused.

"Yes." Kenji said bowing his head. "The reason I'm considering is…Megan's about to give birth."

"That's great. You've wanted kids with her for so long and after the incident…you deserve it." Evie mused. "If joining the Roundtable can assure her safety…then join."

"Do what you must. I'm not a fan of those douchebags, but we have a common enemy in Rendo Nexus." Ryder said. "I don't like them, but they can help us and not stab us in the back…go for it."

"I don't like this at all." Ryker admitted. "We barely know shit about the leader of the group. Let alone the fact that the group is literally made of hedonistic psychopaths and sociopaths. Unless you know your shit and have a plan, don't do it."

"Thanks guys." Kenji said. "By the way, there's something I need to bring up. That new warper in this multiverse may be a spawn from the mind of Alex Cephron."

"Cephron?" Ryker mused. "I have not heard of that name in some time. He was going through a rough patch like you. I heard he lost two of the worlds he tried to settle on. The second one was particularly bad. Unstable core. Only him, his girlfriend, and his 'son' escaped with two tag-alongs. Last I heard, they were warring with RN, but that's all rumor. You're saying this Spicer guy is another 'kid' of his?"

"Yes, I believe so." Kenji mused as a text buzzed on his BlackTab. "She's coming out of labor. I need to go. I love you all…"

The siblings nodded before hanging up as Kenji rushed down to see Meg come out of the chamber with the bundles of joy. Kenji blinked before seeing he was a father to twin boys. Mocha colored with black and brown locks. Their Saiyan tails coiled around them.

"They're beautiful." He said quietly as the team gathered around.

"What are you going to name them?" Brian asked.

"Akira Junior was an idea, but Ace had called dibs. I miss him so much…but you know you know. I'll call you Asahi, the sunlight that came into my life." Kenji said rubbing Asahi's cheek with his thumb. "Megan, you want to name the other twin?"

"Anything related to the moon?" Megan asked.

"Atsuki, also means nitrous and hope. Which is fitting." Kenji said before using his BlackTab to create a sun necklace and a moon necklace before putting one on each twin. "Welcome to the world, Asashi and Atsuki. And welcome to Blackthorn clan. And to the Outsiders."

A group photo was taken and as Kenji looked at it, a thought came.

"We need a change in our look. It's time." He said firmly.

"Speaking of that. I was about to go in an intensive time chamber. In three days, I'll come out 13 years of age." Stewie remarked. "Chronoa arranged it."

Chronoa cleared her throat to get their attention and called for Kenji.

"I got off the phone with the Zenos, and they have an offer for you to consider. We're a new multiverse and we're looking to get Gods of Destruction and Supreme Kais. Your family's reputation is something that may help us as well. To lessen the likelihood of warpers trying to raze this place for resources. Zeno wants to offer you a position as a Universe's GoD…and possible Supreme Kai assistant." Chronoa explained. "Near double duty."

"I…I'm honored to be considered." Kenji said with a bow.

"There are stipulations. They wished to have some of your warper energy…as do I. I was told that 10th warper energy is the purest kind. He wishes for some. Also, he'll want you to aid in the training of the current GoD for Universe 13, Jalapeño Spicer." Chronoa said as the team looked at each other.

Kenji thought it over and he realized that he'd be getting a universe to control. One that he could settle down in and call his own. One where his teammates did not have scrape by. One where his kids can grow up.

"What universes are available?" He asked.

"Universe 14's Fairy Tail." Chronoa said.

"No, not really familiar with it." Kenji remarked as Brian pouted.

"Universe 15 is Naru-"

"Hell no. Next." Kenji said.

"Universe 16 is RWBY." Chronoa offered.

"Sold." Kenji said with a grin.

"Why that one?" Brian complained.

"Easy. That show's world has logical holes that can be exploited. Plus, if we play our cards right, we can make Universe 16, a profitable spot." Kenji said with a cackle. "However, I'll need a week to prepare. Don't tell Spicer of this yet. I want to get some affairs in order. Firstly, with the Roundtable."

"What do you plan to do about them?" Megan asked.

"Play the game…" Kenji said darkly.

[-]

[Neo Bayview, Earth, CN-Zen Kuro]

Jade Company had gathered for a meeting at the Shadows' family home this time. The news was not so chipper as most of them were not in pleasant moods.

"So he accepted their offer…" Saki said glaring at Kenji.

"He cut a deal. And while I don't like it, I get why he did it." Ryker said looking at a picture of his new nephews. "Kenji, I hope you know what you're doing."

"This might be the last you'll see of him face to face for some time." Garnet said feeling her Future Vision briefly. "He's made another major decision."

Garnet was wearing her shades, but Ryker could see her eyes gleam. Gwen and Kevin looked at Ryker who looked lost before calling Kenji. He was hoping Garnet's future vision was wrong…but he knew better.

"Hey little brother, what's up?" Ryker asked.

[Cues: Cowboy Bebop OST – The Real Folks Blues (Instrumental)]

"Hey, Ryker. Remember that offer you made to me? About getting a house here. I don't really think I'll take you on it." Kenji said gently as Ryker looked downcast. "Something came up. I was given the offer of a lifetime. A real opportunity. One that if I take, we'll be going down different roads. This isn't about joining the Roundtable, it's something else. And honestly, I need a fresh start. Something that can let me stand on my own two feet. I got kids now, and I need to be responsible. I know you want to help your little brother, but I need to do this. I'll repay your kindness someday, Ryker. I promise." Kenji said hopefully. "I'll leave what I'll be doing a secret for now. See you soon, space warrior."

Kenji hung up leaving the room silent. Ryker got up and left the room, no one wanting to follow. He had strong hopes for Kenji to stand around, but there he was…leaving like the rest. He walked alongside the sand of the beach silent only to sense Garnet coming up. She hugged him and he squeezed back.

"I always figured he and I would team against Joshinari on some big clash of the titans. I guess over time that was looking more and more like a fantasy. Back in the old days." Ryker said quietly. "Man, those days look so far away."

"But at how far you've come. And I'd rather your cousin as a fair-weather friend than an enemy." Garnet affirmed. "And with Kenji's decisions, you don't have to live with a target over your shoulder."

They were walking back.

"But while I trust Kenji, I don't trust the Roundtable to not want to knife us in the back. So I'll keep training." Ryker said.

[-]

[Hidden Ghetto Village, Earth, CN-Zen Kuro]

With the Kage Tower, Deandra sat in her father's lap as he sat on his Kage's chair letting her wear the Kage hat.

"One day, my child. You will step onto the multiverse stage to make a name for yourself." Joshinari said gently as she got off him.

A knock came on the door with the voice on the other side saying that it was Rei.

"Enter." He said as his secondary spy came in. "Deandra, go on to your mother."

He took his hat as she left the room leaving Joshinari and Rei alone. They took their seats and he looked at her.

"Kenji has apparently joined up with the Roundtable. Thus, contracts against the clan have ceased. However, considering the Roundtable being a bunch of shifty bastards, I need a person on the inside." Joshinari sternly remarked. "Rei, I believe you know what I need of you."

"I do. Infiltrate the Roundtable, but not to join them." Joshinari said showing a device. "Find one of their base, find a computer connected to their network, and plant this device for it download something. Once you do, get out and return to base. Be careful."

Rei took the device before saluting her Kage, and he handed her half of the mission pay upfront. She dropped her stoicism to smile at him.

"Thank you, sir." Rei said before they got up to bow to the other. "And I will."

She took her payment before leaving.

[-]

[Herkleston, Outer Town, Earth, CN-Zen Kuro]

Steven skidded across the street before catching Connie.

"I didn't think the Roundtable would come after us first…"

"That doesn't matter. I came for a fight. I felt nothing…but weakness."

"Akuma, don't be so harsh." A sarcastic voice said walking up with a familiar sound for footsteps. "They're a product of a generation that has been partly neutered. They couldn't handle you, nor perfection like me."

Connie got to her feet readying for a fight.


(A/N: Yes, this is probably going to be the last chapter Kenji Blackthorn will have a major role in. It's funny, I had a Kenji/Ryker/Joshinari clash always planned not, but as the story went on…the chance of it was becoming less of an issue. With Joshinari sliding to be an anti-villain at worst and being a parent, it simply made it more unlikely. But what will happen to Kenji? He'll finally get his own promise tale getting away from his family to make his own mark with his own family. And yes, this will be made to cross with The Spice of Destruction. And yes, the new The Geist Within chapter (Chapter 46) will complete the part with the Roundtable.)

April 14 – Asashi and Atsuki Blackthorn

(A/N2: 50 chapters of this story. Where I struggled, I pulled through. It's an honor to be making madcap adventures with this cast, even if it's not easy to do at time. Here's to 50 chapters, and hopes to 50 more!)