Kamurocho, Japan
Kazuma Kiryu never got tired of this chaotic section of Tokyo that defined as well as damned his life. It's harrowing onslaught of vicious thugs, maniacs, and deadly Yakuza would break most. As the Fourth Chairman, the Dragon of Dojima, and arguably one of the most tenacious fighters in Japan, Kazuma worked to use his talents for fighting through what Kamurocho offered, especially when it came to helping others who lacked similar prowess survive. Beneath the neon lights, drunken revery and overall wickedly wild charm, Kazuma Kiryu's curious stance on helping others always put him in touch with the strangest souls around.
This strange foreigner looked to be another prime example.
The first think noticed was the curious phone booth found in a back alley behind the local drugstore. Its blue sheen even with no visible light around was curious enough. The English words 'POLICE USE ONLY' also caught his attention. Kazuma figured Date-San might be more familiar with Tokyo P.D.'s latest attraction. Unfortunately, Kiryu wasn't the first to notice.
"The Hell kind of crap is this?" One of the local thugs roared, his five friends leering both at the stranger and the box. "This is our turf, and you got a death wish being here without paying up first, old man."
"Now, young man," the foreigner said with surprisingly fluent Japanese. "There's no cause for rudeness. I simply needed a place few would bother being near. Once my business is done, I'll certainly leave you and your friends to this… locale."
Uh oh….
"The Hell you say!?" One of the thugs shouted. "You calling our turf a dump. Nobody disrespects us, NOBODY!" A switchblade popped in the wicked man's hand, sneering as he charged forward to stab.
Kazuma moved to intercept.
… But was not needed.
"Aikida!" The foreigner proclaimed as he swiftly slipped past the knife and struck the man's chest with several fingers. His attacker froze up, as if paralyzed, barely able to do more than stare in abject shock. The remaining four were equally perplexed. The strange moved his hand away before delivering a quick chop to the neck, his foe crumpled in seconds.
One of the remaining thugs found his voice.
"Y-You're de-" He froze as a strong hand gripped his shoulder.
"Four on one is still poor odds against an unarmed man," Kazuma said sternly. The others took in his rather impressive size and sheen of Kiryu's bright-grey jack, pants, and the deep-red shirt beneath. "Maybe I should help, or perhaps you can help your friend and leave; it's your call." The fire in Kazuma's eyes did the rest.
He released the thug only once it was clear the desire for violence had faded. Stumbling, the man moved to collect his fallen comrade. The group scrambled out of there, brief curses and promises of death to come… later, were all that bothered before shuffling away.
"Much appreciated, good Sir." The older man explained. "I was almost certain greater violence would be necessary, a tragedy for them and my nicely polished attire."
Kazuma took in the curious sight of the man before him. An older gentleman, wearing a cape and suit beneath. The stranger's puff of silvering white hair and whimsical eyes expressed a magician, perhaps found England. It was curious to be reminded of how different the world could be outside his native country. A small gleam in the stranger's eyes implied somehow that this sentiment carried a greater significance when applied to himself.
"That technique you used," Kazuma asked. "Did you call it 'Aikido'?"
"Yes, curtesy of the Venusians, granted it is a rather limited version. I lack the five limbs to make a proper go of it."
Kazuma had no idea what to make of such things, but it said a lot about his life that this wasn't the strangest thing he heard on the streets of Kamurocho. The stranger's eyes were curious, the man seemed to searched Kazuma's entire being in a matter of seconds.
"Fascinating," he murmured. "You look like a man accustomed to violence…"
"Kiryu," he said. "Kazuma Kiryu."
A knowing spark ignited in the man's eyes but dimmed quickly.
"I see," the man said while offering his hand. "Well then, Kiryu-San, I'm the Doctor, and I do believe you may be of some help to me, if you're interested in assisting an out-of-towner like myself."
Kazuma usually had a knowing itch that flared up. It occurred whenever a random request or offer eventually lead to hazardous peril that he'd, literally, have to punch his way out of. This offer burned up his danger radar to the point of mentally cracking. But… Kiryu made a bad habit choosing to help any who needed it. This was the drive that made him worthy of the dragon on his back.
"Alright, as long as it's not too serious. I'll do what I can to help, especially since you're new here."
"Well, at least to this era, but the sentiment is noted, thank you." The Doctor said as they shook hands. He had a deceptively firm grip for his age. Kazuma still couldn't get around the strange way the Doctor spoke, and something told him it wouldn't get any easier.
"Right then," the Doctor explained. "Let's take a walk, I do enjoy a nice stroll when working to stop all-out annihilation."
The two men walked out of the alleyway, Kazuma giving the strange police box a curious glance. While not an engineer, there was no physical way that such a contraption could have been placed so neatly by any crane, at least not without drawing attention. Yet… he was certain it hadn't been there a few hours ago.
They rounded the Millennium Tower, heading Northwest along the dazzling entertainment of Theater Square as Kazuma heard a rather disturbing story.
"I am here because, a warrior clan of sorts has decided to test… for strength. Their information has highlighted how over the course of nearly a decade, Kamurocho has featured skilled fighters who seem capable of decimating armadas with wild ease. However, not everyone has such prowess as I believe you possess, Kiryu-san, and I do fear… retaliation might occur should they feel deceived. The city itself would suffer horribly, unless this clan of warriors if greeted by a worthy opponent."
"So, you want me to fight someone." For Kazuma Kiryu, too often it seemed that most of these interactions demanded some form of violence.
"Quite right," the Doctor explained. "I have had… dealings with this specific group many times, hence why I am permitted the chance to pick a champion to represent… this city. I do apologize, but I was hoping to find you specifically for this task."
"Your reputation and impact has been noted… worldwide, Kiryu-san. I myself have believed you to be more burdened than most should but have respect for a man that stands true in the face of horrific odds."
The words made him remember so much of what had become his life. Going to jail for ten years, covering for a murder his dearest friend, a brother, had committed in the act of protecting a woman he loved. Now he lived in Okinawa, raising eight kids, among them the girl of his first love, Haruka. While he could never truly be her father, for Haruka and the other children, 'Uncle Kaz' would make sure they were raised right. Yet, seeking a peaceful life had been a goal always unfulfilled by his own stubbornness to fight for those he loved. Any one of these cruel tasks could be the reason he never returned home, but that meant so many others would suffer should he fail. For his children, for his friends, and the city that became blessing and curse so many times, Kazuma would not start now.
The Doctor was a curious man, he seemed older at times. His stare also expressed some rather curious ability to almost act like he knew Kazuma's life without ever having met him, perhaps even what was to come. A ridiculous thought, Kazuma assumed as they approached the North end of Kamurocho.
"Curious," the Doctor said while he stealthily hid a small glowing device. "Tell me, Kiryu-san, are there any places up ahead where one may find… dangerous individuals."
"Well… it's been a while, but I suppose the man in charge of Majima Constructions?"
The Doctor's face paled.
"Oh dear," he said. "If he is… that Majima, I do fear they intend to kill him."
Nani!? (WHAT!)
With no time to waste, the two charged up to Majima Constructions. Several thugs tried to intercept them, assuming they were frightened of a city after dark. Both men quickly corrected that instilling shock one the attackers via brutal strikes and swift flips. Ten foolish muggers sent limping away later, and they arrived at a nearly vacant space once they broke through the secret entrance behind a public bathroom in West Park.
Kazuma was confused by what he found.
There were twenty men in shining silver suits of armor. In their arms were strange rifles he had never seen outside of cosplays. To complete this alien look, all of the men had… brown potato heads.
"Halt," one of them shouted while aiming his rifle at them, Kazuma noticed they had three fingers. "Identify yourselves, for the glory of the Sontaran Empire!"
The Doctor stepped forward.
"I represent the Earth, the retainer who has brought forth a champion to this contest of survival through trial by combat."
Kazuma's kids sometimes watched episodes on their television that expressed slightly less ridiculous outfits and dialogue. Yet it seemed strange, their tones and attitudes made this far more complex than most cosplay scenarios… but not by much.
"This Earthman is your champion? We have already chosen our combatant, he is being executed in our own trial."
Okay, that definitely didn't sound like some act, Majma might actually be in trouble. What in the Hell happened in his life that would make Majima-san one whose health he worried over. Granted, some things never changed, like the steady rhythm of exchange where stepping forward drew rageful stares in his direction.
"I may not understand a lot of what's going on here, but I won't allow you to endanger my friends or anyone in this city."
The rifle hummed as a red light started to radiate. Its beam flew faster than most bullets. A scorch mark sizzled inches from where the blast skimmed past his head. Kazuma didn't even blink.
The 'Sontaran' lowered his weapon; cosplay or not, the games of power always stayed the same.
"It appears this one is fearless as well as strong," the potato headed man said, the other men had the same face. "Doctor, you vouch for this man to be worthy of Sontaran trials by combat?"
"There are none alive greater," the Doctor said, stepping forward place himself between the two. "We would wish to agree to an exchange, Kazuma Kiryu, Fourth Chairman of the Tojo Clan, will face the finest of your regimen in unarmed combat. The release of Goro Majima and the lack of weapons are necessary in this, for the sake of Sontaran honor and the laws of the Shadow Proclamation."
The other potato heads shared a similar look of consistent contempt as their leader. After a moment, he lowered the rifle and tossed it to his comrades.
"SONTAR-HA!"
The battlecry was shouted by all of the warriors. Kiryu assumed this meant things were about to get violent. The Doctor leaned in to, it was clear they were allowed a small opening to discuss things.
"This doesn't feel like a compromise." Kiryu said.
"It's not," the Doctor agreed. "We challenged their honor. The only way we can ensure they'll accept a victory at your hands if they are spoiled from their real prize."
"So, I'm a distraction." Kiryu gave off a bittersweet grin.
"I'm afraid so," he at least seemed regretful. "Kiryu-san, I was honest with you when I said Kamurocho requires your strength. While you're fighting their leader, the one who shot at you, I will do my best to sneak into their locale and assist in rescuing Majima-san. But, I do stress, Sontarans are dangerous even when unarmed, I would not hold back."
"Anything else I should know?"
"Try bopping them in the back of the neck, good luck."
Kazuma nodded as the Doctor bowed out. The other Sontarans encircled them, enough space to give off a proper fight. This he could understand, fight and survive.
"Earthman, prepare to die in the glory of the Sontaran Empire!"
Kazuma shook off the strange effect of feeling like these strange men weren't actually speaking Japanese and charged in.
Needing to buy time, Kiryu took it slow. Sending a quick punch, he tried testing just how strong this threat would be. Three fingers latched onto his wrist, spinning him through the air and crash onto the pavement. That…. Hurt…
His vision blurred and barely cleared as a gloved hand slammed down. He rolled aside as it punched a small crater in the ground. This was more intense than cosplay…
No Holding Back
Kiryu stood, wiping a trail of blood he coughed up from his chin, and gripped the lapel of his shirt. With one swift toss, both jacket as well as his shirt away, revealing with chiseled upper body. The golden-red dragon blazed in fury on the back. Kazuma wondered if the Sontaran would take off his 'shirt' but the potato man simply charged. A deafening collision boomed as their shoulders collided. The Sontaran growled, sending a quick uppercut that Kiryu dodged and stabbed his knee into the armored gut. Seeing a strange circle bump on the back of the collar, Kiryu swung for it. The Sontaran's elbow knocked Kiryu backwards, gasping, the punch missing its mark.
Ribs were screaming, darkness clawing near his vision, Kiryu was having a hard time even seeing out of both eyes. The Sontaran stagged but it was clear this fight wouldn't go on much longer. This strange warrior expressed as this fact.
"Impressive, Earthman," he was breathing hard between words but stepped forward easily. "Your death will be noted for lasting longer than most unarmed combatants in our Empire's glorious records. Yet even so, YOUR STRENGTH PALES TO MINE!"
The Sontaran charged forward, already coming with greater power than before. In those agonizingly crushing steps forward, Kazuma saw the graves and faces of those he treasured. The faces of every friend, lover, Aniki, the children came to mind.
…Haruka
Uncle Kaz, Look Out!
A sudden strength flowed through him. His mind imagined blue flames of fury radiating off himself. Both eyes opened as he roared with anger. Even the Sontaran seemed confused by the display. Inches away from a fatal strike, Kiryu moved.
Kazuma planted a foot forward, bringing the full force of his bodily mass crashing into the Sontaran; the Tiger Drop. His opponent howled in shock, flying backwards and tumbling several feet. The Sontaran gasped but quickly, Kiryu right above him. Knocking aside the three-fingered punch, he gripped the opponents armored collar with one hand and the belt with his other. The other warriors gasped as their leader was lifted three feet off the ground.
"W-What are you!?" The Sontaran was now over his head.
"Just a civilian passing through Kamurocho, helping those in need."
With a vicious roar, Kazuma slammed the Sontaran into the pavement, back first. He guessed from the cry of debilitating shock that the weakness on the back had indeed been hit. Standing tall over his moaning opponent, Kiryu looked about at the others.
"Who's next?"
The remaining Sontarans raised their rifles. His injuries were flaring up, but Kiryu prepared for the worst. Before anyone could continue the chaos an astute buzzing suddenly shut down all the weapons.
"Reversing the polarity," the Doctor said stepping forward, "Gets them every time."
"You have no right to interfere in Sontaran trials of combat, Doctor." One of the strangers shouted, failing to utilize their weapons.
"Well, I do believe said 'trials' are more than complete, wouldn't you? By the way, Kiryu-san, what happened to your shirt? Aren't you cold?"
"…A little," Kazuma admitted as he quickly rebuttoned his attire with ease.
The Sontaran slowly stood, relatively undamaged but incredibly winded.
"Well done," the Doctor said. "General, I do believe these trials are complete, the world is spared."
Nani!?
"Nonsense," the Sontaran snarled. "T-This was an exhibition, Sontarans do not negotiate. Are we to break with the Empire's creeds all because of… a significant fighter?"
The Doctor crossed his arms as if scolding some petulant child. Then he smiled.
"Perhaps not, but the man behind you might have a problem, if you persist."
Before the General could retort, he froze up. Leering next to his head, as if rising out of the shadows, was a pale man with bowl cut, eyepatch over the left eye, and a ghastly grin wider than any human's shoulder be.
"Did you try hurting my Kiryu-chan?"
The General had no time to answer before a steel-tipped shoe slammed him into the ground with a wicked giggle. None of the other Sontarans even seemed to pick up on the stranger, despite his attire of tight-leather pants, a yellow-leopard-print jacket and no shirt so the first hints of his infamous tattoo were on display. The lack of injuries implied the darker possibilities that must have occurred. Especially when the man pulled out a knife.
"Enough, Majima-san." Kiryu said. Goro Majima did as commanded, mostly because Kazuma was one of the few who could actually get his friend/rival to pause.
"W-What is the meaning of this?" The General tried and failed to get up while Majima's foot was on his back.
"It's quite simple, General," the Doctor explained. "I entered your ship to rescue Majima-san, only to then seek to prevent him from killing all sixty crewmen aboard. You may need to seek an infirmary, off world. Otherwise, I fear between these two alone, the Empire will suffer the disgrace of outright slaughter."
"Sontarans would rather die than surrender!"
"A fact that Majima-san is more than willing to facilitate, I assure you." The Doctor said. "Perhaps a different phrasing will be effective. Consider instead… a 'strategic retreat'."
With a nod from Kiryu, Majima lifted up his leg, slowly, so the promise of it coming down with bone-breaking force was implied should he misbehave. The General got up, looking at both Kamurocho men and the Time Lord. His remaining trooper's typically unreadable faces expressed, concern.
"Sontarans," his troops looked they were preparing for the firing squad. "Commence… a strategic retreat." They then vanished in bursts of light. A faint star seemed to streak across the sky.
"I think that about settles things, Gentlemen." The Doctor gestured for them to leave the construction site. Nothing more to be done. Both warriors agreed, Majima's grin made Kiryu ask what happened.
"I kicked Martian Ass." was all Goro said, with the brightest grin Kazuma had ever seen.
A quick meal and some healing medicine helped ease Kiryu's injuries. They all then shared a quick meal of ramen. Most of them knew better than to question Majima's attire. Besides, the three were celebrating something that felt distinct even if Kazuma had only the faintest idea. That strange man had hit harder than most opponents he had ever fought, and once again the quiet peace of his life in Okinawa would soon be his to know again. Even the chaotic energy of Majima was more subdued than usual.
"Do you ever think about the fight you won't come back from, Kiryu-chan?"
It was curious sometimes, that despite his manic nature a more melancholy side surfaced at times from the Mad Dog of Shimano.
"I mean, screw phasers and crap, just a well-placed shot or knife and that's it."
"I don't usually think about it." Kiryu admitted.
"And that's freckin' stupid if you ask me!" Majima snarled. "I mean, when Hell finally bothers to stop messing around and bring me home, few to none will miss me. Some will even breathe easier I bet, knowing I'm gone. But you, with those kids out in Okinawa, the Hell you still doing putting yourself out here in Kamurocho!? Every damn time you get out here, some psycho almost puts you down. Ain't you tired of breaking that one girl's heart, what was it again, Harikoi or somethin'."
"Haruka…"
"Right, yeah, you mean to say the idea of hurting her with worry if worth saving my sorry butt?"
The Mad Dog sighed as he finished his meal.
"…I ain't ungrateful, Kiryu-chan, but the life you got is only worth it if you make sure you're there for it. Don't go sacrificing too damn much. Because someday, you won't be able to come back."
The Doctor was quiet, but the way he didn't say anything made it seem like he knew things that would shatter all mystery of what lay ahead. It was a common fear that dragged on any action Kiryu made. Many times, in his chaotic journeys, dear friends and loved fell only to be comforted by him in the end. Soon will come a day if things did not change where someone would do the same with him in their arms. Whatever thoughts of the afterlife aside, his time in this world would be done.
To see Haruka standing before his grave, alone.
But then something curious crossed his mind. She wouldn't be on her own, all his kids from Sunflower Orphanage, all those he called friend or comrade and maybe even a few rivals would visit to look after what he considered more precious than his own life. And they would find people of their own, to live and love with.
The funerals never stop, no matter how you live your life.
But the ones you know will continue on in some way or form.
"I have no control over how I'll die or when," Kiryu said. "All I can hope for is the same as anyone in the end, to be pleasant memory for as many as possible. My way of doing that is helping others, until I truly drop, that's what I'll do, always."
Majima sighed.
"Yeah, you would," he said. "I love ya for it, no doubt, but it truly sucks to consider that crap day when it really does stick."
He stood after moment, leaving a generous tip.
Turning, he spoke without looking at Kiryu.
"If you go before me, I'll make sure those kids of yours have more days to smile afterwards."
"Thanks, Majima-san."
"Don't be too grateful," Kiryu could almost imagine the wicked grin without seeing it. "'Cause when I croak, I'm chasing your ass down in the afterlife for dying first. Can't have you getting lazy on me, no matter the plane. Until next time, Kiryu-chan." The Mad Dog left with a wicked chuckle echoing down the streets of Kamurocho.
Later on, the Doctor and Kiryu returned to the strange police box he had seen earlier.
"I must say, Kiryu-san, you are indeed as impressive as I've heard. Thank you for your assistance."
"No problem," Kiryu said with a shrug. "I just hope those cosplayers don't threaten more people."
"Oh, rest assured, I'll be making sure they keep away. I do believe Japan as a whole will be safer, thanks to fearing what Majima may do if they dare tread here."
Kazuma grinned at the idea, but was also confused by the Doctor's words. Was that… real? He shook it off, no possible way he actually beat down on an actual alien… I mean… right? The Doctor appeared to continue to be aloof on the subject, and Kauzma wasn't that eager to find out.
"Before I go," the Doctor said with a sudden calmness. "I couldn't help overhearing your lively chatter over ramen before with Majima-san. Now mind you, I've often been in trouble for these kinds of things… but a taste seems more than fair… considering what was achieved tonight."
Kazuma barely had a moment to process what was said before the Doctor latched on his hand. A surge of energy entered, coming up the arm and entering his mind. Images came to Kiryu's mind. He sensed more heartache in the future, as well as more wild journeys for him. But he also so the silhouette of a grave… where eight older individuals would stand with their families. And they were joined by those who knew him in life on the battlefield and just as a helping hand in any town he visited. Ribbons of life, connected by love and memories, cherishing his tale while continuing their own. The man who started out alone, an orphan, forging a family greater than any he hoped for.
A tear came down Kazuma's face. The images faded and suddenly he found himself stand in a back alley with no real recollection of how he got there. He vaguely remembered a strange foreigner, and sharing some meal of ramen with Majima-san. The specifics were becoming harder to remember, but he felt… good. There was also the groaning echo in his mind, but that too became harder to remember. Whatever had happened, Kazuma Kiryu felt like he got a taste of knowing that those he loved would… be all right in the end. And he would do whatever it took to make sure the could.
With a calm sigh, the Dragon of Dojima returned to the streets of Kamurocho, ready for his next grand situation but always keeping what was important in his heart no matter what.