Chapter 23

"Dawn II"

Yokohama Chinatown

Honoka peered down grimly at the two bandaged men. Genson and Koan - two of Hakubi's men of the Phoenix Alliance - were the unfortunate victims. She had spent the night at Hakubi's restaurant (after having sent a half-lie to her mother via text that she would be staying at a friends). It had been some time in the middle of the night when she heard Renka stumbling in with the two in tow - both suffering from severe internal damage.

"What happened?" She whispered. While she wasn't close to them by any means, Honoka had thought of them as comrades in a way. They had ran quite a few tasks together.

Renka grimaced. "Chou Enshin, the disciple of Jisei Ro, defeated them. They almost died. He's...strong."

Honoka sat down on an empty stool. "If you couldn't beat him...he must be."

The blue haired teen shook her head.

"I didn't fight him. My opponent was a younger girl, around your age." Renka clenched her teeth. "She was even stronger then him - I could sense it."

"Are you serious?" Honoka asked in a hushed tone. "Somebody like that is in this country?"

"Kushinada Chikage of the Kushinada school of Jujitsu. The brat was just as annoying as you." Renka then elaborated on the fight. About her technique, skill and speed levels - at least from Renka's own perspective. She then told her about the others on the ship - and how the girl had been able to leave unscathed.

"I see." Honoka scratched her chin for a moment.

And then smirked - catching Renka off guard. "Finally. It's starting to get interesting." Honoka walked up to Koan and rolled up the cloth, revealing his midsection that was heavily bruised. "What did this...?"

"Kàng Lóng You Hui (The Proud Dragon Repents). It's one of the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms, used traditionally by the reigning leader of Beggar Sect. The Beggar Sect is a friend of the Phoenix Alliance so I have no idea how it could have fallen in the hands of Yomi."

Hakubi had confirmed it for her not too long after her return. Yomi was a sub-group of Yami - how they were connected, he was unsure. But it could be speculated that they were some sort of talent grooming group. Far more dangerous then Ragnarok could ever be.

"Hm." Honoka was not as enraptured by mythical skill as Renka was. As far as the brunette was concerned, it was just a move. "What do you think of my chances against them?"

"Honestly?" She sighed. "It would be close. The girl was comparable in speed to you in a way. I doubt she'll ever catch you early in a fight but don't ever count her out. Also, her technique is unique enough for you to have trouble against. And Chou Enshin is famous all over the southeast - he has won many Underworld tourneys."

Honoka scoffed. But Renka leveled a small glare at her to prevent anymore retort. She then explained.

"Underworld tournaments in China are more competitive then the ones here in Japan. The tournaments at Yokohama Battle Dome serve as a satellite for the primary ones held in the Underground Tokyo Fight Club."

"Is that right...?" Honoka desperately tried to hide her ignorance on the subject. "Sounds interesting."

"It's freaking amazing!" There were stars in her eyes. "I get shivers just thinking about it. Chou is a three time B-class champion. His last victory was two years ago."

"You sound like a big fan." The younger girl deadpanned. "But in all seriousness-"

Renka waved her down. Honoka quirked a brow in response. "Why do you suppose that Yomi is here in the first place?"

"I have a few guesses but it must be to show their strength. Yami wants to be acknowledged as the strongest, and to do that, they must achieve victory over Ryouzanpaku." Honoka remembered a meeting she had attended between Hakubi and Master Kensei not too long ago. It had been the same night Ma Kensei had fought his brother. They had discussed Yami in great detail.

"Having one of their own groups defeat Shirahama Kenichi would bolster their position in the world." Renka also acquired this knowledge from Hakubi. "But seriously, Kenichi is just by his lonesome. That's unfair. I say we give your brother some support."

"You don't even need to mention it." No way she would allow Ken' to get into this fight alone. She wondered if his friends would get involved. Perhaps that alien, Haruo, would be good for something after all. She would have to chat with him as Xinku one of these days - to garner his position. "I doubt Yomi is lacking in numbers. I'm willing to bet they have a whole farm system that they cycle through."

"Ryouzanpaku is more casual." Renka muttered. "And Kenichi still isn't really-" She waved her hand with a back and forth gesture. Honoka understood it completely. He was tough but his level of skill was still quite raw. And he had yet to tap into his ki, or figure out if he was a Sei or Dou fighter.

That had been one of the first things her own Master had put her through. An evaluation of what kind of fighter she would be. To his surprise, she had found more of an inclination towards Sei - and thus began her Seikuken training.

It was a good ability to have. More often then not, she used it subconsciously.

"Hopefully, he returns from the mountains improved." She whispered. "What is your plan now?"

"Mama needs to know about the current situation so she can step up the training for the Phoenix Alliance disciples at home. If Yami is planning to make a move, we must all be ready." Renka tapped the table beside her. "They have designs on the world, not just Japan. As for me, I must train harder."

"Do you plan on seeking out your father?" Asked the brunette. "Make yourself an official disciple of Ryouzanpaku?"

"No. If it worked like that, many more could consider themselves 'disciples' of Ryouzanpaku." She shook her head. "But yes, asking my father for pointers would be a great idea. Hakubi is often too busy."

If Honoka was honest with herself, she desperately wanted a Master to show her how to use a Sansetsukon. But that was a thought for another day.

"Enough of this." Renka sighed. Thinking of the future was stressful. "What's going on with Ragnarok now? I heard Kenichi's friends have been doing well. They've even taken some of Ragnarok's people to their side, I heard."

Honoka shrugged. "That is Kenichi's problem now. I've washed my hands of Ragnarok." Renka narrowed her eyes but then nodded. The girl was above that sort of conflict anyway.

"Perhaps you have." She replied. "But what if they have yet to wash their hands of you?"

A dark look entered Honoka's eyes, and for a moment, Renka felt a sharp chill creep down her spine at the sight. It disappeared a moment later with a side-away look - and the blue haired girl really began to wonder just what she had missed.

"Whatever." Whispered Honoka. "I should get going. If Kushinada is using a style known to Yami, then Akisame-sensei should be knowledgeable about it. I will be going to see him." She had long changed into her school uniform. School was out - but the girl preferred the style.

"See you around." Honoka waved.

Renka stared at her retreating form with a speculative gaze.

Koryou

Freya was torn between pride and stubbornness. "You have improved tremendously, Kisara." She breathed tiredly, holding her staff in a defensive position. "I admit, you have me at a disadvantage."

Kisara, in conjunction with Thor's men and the Shimpaku Alliance, had sprung an early morning trap on the Valkyries. "Kisara knows my training regime for the Valkyries. And she used that against me. I'm impressed." They had been pushed off the open streets and into the alleyways where her girls would undoubtedly have trouble swinging their weapons. Clever.

Kisara herself was looking worse for wear. Despite having the advantage, Freya proved why she was Ragnarok's third fist by steam rolling many of the delinquent minions, along with Shiratori and Ukita without much trouble. Kisara wasn't foolish enough to send more fodder her way, have decided to isolate her in solo combat. While the rest took out her battalions.

"I couldn't even touch you before." The red-head smiled at her former boss. "The Valkyries are done for, Freya! Surrender, and this won't have to get any uglier."

The brown haired teen laughed startling her former subordinate. It was not a common reaction from the usually apathetic girl.

"Very well. The Valkyries surrender. We'll depart from Ragnarok." Kisara widened her eyes - surprised at how easy it was to convince her. "But don't think that means our fight has ended here. My pride will not allow it. My target is not you. I am targeting Xinku! On my pride, I will not lose here, Nanjo Kisara!" She spun her staff and slammed it to the ground beside her, forcing her knees up. And then she stood.

"I've always respected you." Kisara breathed. "Fighting you like this, as equals, I could have not asked for a better outcome!" She rushed Freya as soon as the words left her mouth. She feinted a low kick then dodged a very fast sweeping motion from Freya's weapon. From that position, Kisara launched an upward kick. "Rising Kick!" Freya caught the attack with a left elbow.

Kisara clenched her teeth and braced for the side-ways staff hit that knocked her on her back. "She's more experienced then me." She thought before rolling away from more mid-ranged strikes.

"Kugatachi Ryuu Gokui: O Ken (No Sight)!" Freya rapidly began spinning her staff - along with her body, dancing towards Kisara's location. The red-head took several back-steps, caught off-guard by the onslaught of hits the technique generated.

"That move's a pain in the ass!" Kisara mentally groused. "Let's see how she defends an attack from the air!" She then jumped high above Freya's position.

The elder of the two scoffed. "Reckless." She moved her staff to defend high, only to be shocked at seeing her come down head first. "What on earth?!"

"Take this!" Kisara then began spinning forward before launched a downward axe kick. "Sky Piercer!" The bottom of her heel connected right with Freya's staff. After a breathless moment, it snapped in two. The brown haired girl dodged the attack by kicking backwards just in time. She examined the sharp ends of her now broken weapon.

Freya grimaced, remember the teachings of her only Master. "This no longer a staff."

Kisara quirked a brow, still in a fighting stance.

And then, Kaname smiled. Kisara looked at her bemused.

"I acknowledge you, Nanjo Kisara. You've become a fine martial artist."

Even though the former fist did not understand the sudden surrender - she nonetheless breathed out a sigh of relief. Kisara fell to her back side, exhaustion now over taking. "Finally. I won."

Kaname placed both hands on her hips, eyes rolling.

"Merely out of principle." The girl whispered to herself. It was true - she simply had no wish to continue on with a staff that had broken into sharp ends. That was dangerous. Kaname had more then enough energy to fight on if she wished.

"Don't be so happy. Berserker and Odin are still out there."

"Not my problem." Kisara smiled widely. "The Shimpaku idiots can take care of that. I've done my part."

Kaname walked over and sat beside the downed girl.

"True. I've had enough of this idiocy."

xxx

Later On

"WE WOOOON!" Haruo roared in victory enticing a cheer from his minions. "The Valkyries have surrendered to the will of-" Somebody hit him beside the head. It was Takeda who was looking at Freya with an apologetic gaze.

"Sorry about him. Not a single tactful bone in his body!"

Kaname shrugged. Her companions were beaten - Reo was knocked unconscious by a random delinquent of the Shimpaku Alliance. The numbers advantage had been too great. And they were not experienced enough to fight in closed spaces.

"We lost." Kaname admitted. "I'm guessing you wish to know Odin's plans?"

"Of course! We must prepare accordingly." Niijima nodded vigorously.

"It's not as sophisticated as you think. He planned to have Berserker's division, led by Berserker personally, to take out Thor and the top fighters of the Shimpaku." Said Kaname. "Berserker is incredibly powerful. I suggest you unleash Shirahama on him. It may be the only way for you to take him down."

"Kenichi wants to fight Odin." Takeda explained with a smirk. "Guess it's up to us to take down Berserker."

Freya shook her head. They weren't listening to her but frankly, the girl didn't care. The Valkyries were done. They would no longer take part.

Kaname had meant everything she said the other night. She had withdrawn from Ragnarok then - but the ambush this morning had forced her into action. The Alliance didn't need to know that though.

"Well, good luck with that."

"You're not going to help us?" Asked Niijima, his eyes narrowed.

Kaname scoffed. "The Valkyries have suffered enough over the past few years. Xinku has hurt us more then any other faction of Ragnarok. I will not subject them to anymore meaningless violence."

"They've suffered enough from my foolishness." The desire to have another Master seemed to have justified many awful things she had done over the years. When she started the Valks, it had originally been to help neighborhood girls protect themselves from any aggressive street gangsters. Not to become a gang of her own. "When did I lose sight of that?"

Odin's promised had been great. It did not help that he himself was extremely powerful. She wanted that strength.

But at what cost? She sighed.

"Fine." Haruo muttered before turning to his people. "Today, we take down Ragnarok once and for all! WE MARCH ON ODIN'S BASE!" They cheered.

"Not now though, I'm starved." Takeda rubbed his stomach. "I forgot to eat somethin' before coming."

They all laughed at the comment. Kaname smiled. Takeda had always seemed like a charmer.

xxx

Elsewhere

Honoka, who had watched the entire fight from a distance, retracted her spy glass. "Seems they followed my advice." The ambush had been good - better executed then she thought for a bunch of amateurs. "I'm surprised Freya surrendered so easily. She could have easily continued that fight."

"Not going to join in?"

Behind her was Miu. Really, the girl must have had a tracker on her or something. "I'm done with Ragnarok."

"You may be." The blond nodded. She then smirked. "But is Xinku?"

Honoka could not find it in herself to be shocked. Miu was very observant when she wished to be.

"I'm not sure." The brunette admitted. "But Ragnarok is close to falling anyway. Which is good - we don't want Koryou divided once Yomi comes."

"Yomi?" She seemed bemused.

"Ah, she doesn't know yet."

"The reason why I was headed to Ryouzanpaku. I'd like a word with the Masters."

Miu nodded and beckoned her to follow.

Koryou - Ryouzanpaku Dojo

Honoka met them in the primary building. She sat in front of Koetsuji Akisame and Ma Kensei - the acting leaders while the Elder was away. In her peripheral, she spotted Apachai hitting large sandbags (very hard) and Sakaki drinking (copiously) by the table. The Weapons Master however, she could not see.

"I'm sure you are all already aware." Honoka started, looking right at Ma Kensei. "But Yami has sent a branch of their own to Yokohama. This branch is called, 'Yomi'. Hakubi believes them to be some kind of...talent group, directly trained by Yami."

"You are better informed then most your age." Akisame quirked a brow. "Usually, kids focus on training. Not intel."

"Usually, I wouldn't care. But you must know why they're here."

"Of course!" Akisame chuckled alongside Kensei - both of them did not have a single inch of tension in their bodies. Their lackadaisical response was enough to take off her edge. She released a relieved sigh.

"Then Kenichi has to be prepared. These people-" She looked over to Miu, who did look slightly concerned. "-they've taken down some of Hakubi's personal subordinates. Genson and Koan are going to be out of commission for a long time. Renka was lucky to have escaped."

Kensei nodded. "That is very serious indeed. I'm sure that we will discuss this as soon as the Elder returns."

"I have a question for you, Koetsuji-sensei." Said man nodded. "Do you know the name, Kushinada?"

"Yes." He replied drolly. "An old school of Jujitsu. Although, it can hardly be called a school. There is only one Master and one student. Not that I can judge, I myself only have one student to dote upon. Why do you ask?"

"First, I wish to...say, something." Honoka took a deep breath before making her primary statement.

"I have...decided that I will fight Yomi. As the disciple of Uzumaki Naruto. I will stand beside my brother, and Katsujinken, to fight against them." She began, earning a look of happiness from Miu. "I will not hide anymore."

Akisame shared a look with Kensei, and even Sakaki was looking at her with some measure of scrutiny.

Kensei smiled. "You'd make him proud. Very well, what is on your mind?"

"Renka wishes to represent the Phoenix Alliance." That comment received a stern nod from the usually enthused Kensei. "I will be representing Uzumaki Naruto. I have come to terms with what the outcome of revealing myself as his disciple will be. I am prepared for it."

In truth, she didn't care what most people thought of her. Miu knew and she understood. But her brother, Honoka was unsure. He wouldn't understand at first, not until somebody told him of Naruto's reputed actions. But it would come out one day. Konoha had already learned of her identity. There was no point in hiding any longer.

"I'm not sure if you are." Akisame said. She almost made to retort but he continued. "But who am I to deny you this? Obviously, there is nothing more you'd like in the world."

"Damn right." She admitted.

"Oh, and one more thing - you're ploy is to attract the attention of Yami until your brother is strong enough to fight on that level, I'm sure." Akisame stated casually.

Honoka smirked. "He saw right through me."

"You're confident. That could get you killed." Sakaki said out loud. "You sure you wanna put yourself out there like that?"

"If I die, then I'll die." She tilted her head to the side. She had resolved this long before Yomi came into her life.

Long before Ragnarok.

"Hm." Akisame scratched his chin in contemplative thought. "Well, I've had worst ideas." He looked over to the older of the two girls. "Miu! Suit up. I'd like you to fight Honoka-san here. We must determine where she stands."

The other Masters smirked widely in anticipation, their eyes glowing brightly (literally shining). Miu quirked a brow at Honoka who stood up and nodded to her.

"A spar?" She asked the Jujitsu Master. It was the Karate Master however, who answered in his place.

"No." Sakaki scoffed before downing an entire can of beer. "A fight."

The difference in wording is clear to the both of them.

Blue eyes met brown before Miu closed her's. "I see."

"..." Honoka acknowledged with a tilt of the head. "I'd like a moment to prepare myself. Please excuse me." Honoka then walked out of the room and upstairs towards Kenichi's empty quarters.

"Me too." Miu also chipped in. "Give me ten minutes. I'll meet you all in front of the gates." She then headed towards here own room.

A murmur of excitement lashed across the room. The Ryouzanpaku Masters (Shigure having long revealed herself to the room) quickly huddled in the room's centre once the two girls left. "Finally!"

"The Elder isn't here to stop this one!" Sakaki smirked, "Who do you think takes it?"

"Miu is far more experienced and has almost every physical advantage." Koetsuji pointed out first. "But Honoka cannot be underestimated."

"Honoka is faster then Miu by two levels. Nearly three." Kensei observed. He was talking in a general sense - and his measurement of levels was vague speculation at best. "That is an overwhelming advantage. I cannot imagine the torture Uzumaki Naruto put the girl through to achieve that level of speed at such a young age."

"Speed is overrated." Sakaki chortled and made a wave of his hand, as if dismissing the idea. "If Miu can catch her even one time, the speed 'advantage' will all but disappear."

Koetsuji agreed with his comrade in that regard. Speed was a matter of perception, a mind game of sorts, especially at the level disciples fought at. "I don't think she will make it easy for Miu to catch her."

"Kenichi's sister is crafty." Sakaki remembered the day at the church. She had impressed him with her ability to adjust mid-fight. If anything, the girl had probably improved since then. "Her Seikuken will be hard to smash. Even if it is Miu."

"Miu is a more well rounded fighter - better overall." Kensei summarized. "Honoka has yet to gain the ripe advantages that age offers a warrior. Experience, wisdom, muscles mostly. I predict that Miu ends the fight with a solid take-down and submission."

"Perhaps." Sakaki and Koetsuji replied at the same time - they both shared a glance and then looked away. "The exciting part will be to see how she catches Honoka." Sakaki followed up quickly.

"Attrition?" Shigure finally decided pitch in.

Kensei shook his head. "Possible. But I'd be disappointed in Miu if she simply waited for Honoka to tire. And believe me, she will not tire so quickly. She is conditioned for speed and stamina."

"We cannot just assume that Honoka will be on the defensive the whole fight!" Koetsuji reminded them. He then pulled aside a chalk board and began listing random equations that simply had nothing to do with the conversation. "She is a counter fighter, yes, but not strictly defensive in nature. Uzumaki Naruto is no fool. He did not raise such a one-dimensional disciple. Look at this pythagore-"

"Miu hits harder!" Apachai said, cutting off the Jiujitsu Master. "One clean hit, and Honoka will lose."

"It's not that simple." Sakaki was skeptical of Apachai's observation. "Although, it wouldn't be surprising. With that kind of speed, it's possible she's never had her chin tested. One good one may knock her out for the count."

"There's no equation for that!" Akisame sighed. "We don't have enough information. Doesn't anyone have fight footage to go on?!"

"No! I'm far too busy to do that stuff!" Kensei vigorously shook his head. "It's a classic Dou fighter vs. a Sei fighter. Who'll keep count of clean hits?"

"I'll do it." Akisame sighed and pulled out a notepad. "Reluctantly. Because I know the rest of you will forget to do it, too entranced with the fight. You're welcome."

"Thanks!" All the other Master's said in unison.

xxx

Fuurinji Miu vs. Shirahama Honoka

They had taken the time to 'suit up', so to speak.

Miu wore her standard mission attire - the purple spandex suit beneath an orange jacket, and fingerless gloves.

Honoka wore the garbs she frequented as Xinku, excluding the black cloak with red clouds. It composed of a gunmetal gray flak-jacket, a black full-body spandex suit underneath (sleeveless), and light custom greaves. Unlike Miu, she wore bandages wrapped around her hand, rather then wear gloves.

"More light armor then I thought." Miu commented with a smile. "I feel a bit under-dressed."

Honoka shrugged. "It's the bare minimum." The armor she wore was light in nature. Haku's father had gifted them to her on behalf of her Master.

"Are you two ready?" Akisame asked.

They stood in the yard in the back of the dojo. Both girls no longer exchanged pleasantries. They both understood the need of this fight. If Honoka wanted to put her life on the line with them, she'd have to prove herself here and now. This was no friendly spar.

Honoka nodded, mirroring Miu who assumed a fighting stance. "Neutral stance." Honoka observed. She assumed her own and watched as Miu blitzed her from the front - dodging an array of punches without so much as a word. Honoka clenched her teeth, "A frontal assault? Let's nip that in the bud." The brunette easily weaved into her punches and landed a clean palm strike on Miu's stomach.

The older girl did not even show as much as a wince. Honoka dipped down and moved for a sweep kick only for Miu to jump - and as she elevated, Honoka took a mili-second to admire the sheer beauty of her movements. "I always knew she was amazing but to fight with such grace - it's breathtaking."

The younger girl took a quick breath and began sliding backwards, using Kakei to deflect punches that came too close, dodged kicks just as they arrived at their landing points, assessing Miu's patterns until she could fully match it.

"Something is wrong." Honoka felt a tingle enter her spine. "Miu's up to something."

Miu smiled.

"Your backwards gliding technique." She observed, "What is it called?"

"She Jiao Dian (The Serpent Glides)."

"It's elegant. The way your feet slide perfectly into place allowing for maximum lateral movement - it suits you perfectly."

"Does it...?" Honoka released a breath. "You know, you don't fight like anyone I've ever met."

"What do you mean?"

"Most people have a recognizable style." She assessed. "Even though Cloud Dragon Fist is fairly unique, it is still based heavily on Shaolin Kung Fu, Bokator and the Konoha Ryuu. Your style however..."

"It is sort of a family style." Miu confessed. "But-"

"But?"

"My Grandfather is the most prominent Martial Artist in the World. In History. Unmatched in tens of thousands of battles since he first stepped onto the battlefield as a boy of eight." She pointed out. Honoka took this moment to feint a strike, but Miu did not bite on it even a little bit, and proceeded her relentless frontal assault. "He taught me well. This style is completely original - it has no name. It cannot be immediately countered."

"She's not falling for any of my feints." Honoka clenched her teeth. "Why?" Miu seemed to perceive this frustration on her face.

"It's simple." Miu's sly smile seemed to grate at Honoka. "It's because you don't hit hard."

And Miu's attack only continued. She didn't speed up, slow down, show any signs of changing of pace - nothing.

"I don't mean this as an insult." Miu quickly followed up. "If given time, I'm sure you could set me up for a bone shattering attack. But the moves in between? Not so scary. At least, not to me."

Honoka absorbed her words and easily dodged more of her punches.

"You'll get tired of throwing punches soon."

"Then I'll throw kicks until my arms feel better." Miu giggled. "I admit, it's been a long time since I've fought anybody as skilled as you. You are easily better then Kenichi."

Honoka tilted down one of her punches and kicked backwards, creating a wider cache of distance. "You're not showing me your rhythm. This dance is pointless."

"Come on. Give me a little credit." Miu replied. "I've learned plenty on how to fight you from that 'dance'."

The two stared one another down. It had only just begun.

xxx

The Masters watched the fight from the roof of the building. They all shared an amused look.

"Miu has become much better then I last remember." Sakaki admitted with slight shame. "Maybe this won't be a close fight at all."

"Neither have shown anything yet." Kensei shook his head. "Don't be too quick to judge. But even I have underestimated Miu-chan! It seems chasing me around the house has increased her speed levels!"

They watched as Honoka drew her sansetsukon (tri-section staff).

Shigure perked in immediate interest. "Hm."

xxx

"She's in a completely different league." Honoka held her staff in a single hand, pointing it down at Miu who merely looked on with narrowed, amused eyes. "Faster then Renka by far. Strength, speed, intelligence - she has it all."

They stalked one another in a circle.

"Using a weapon to increase your attacking power? How quaint." Miu said. "Show me what you've got."

Honoka declined a verbal response - opting to charge instead. She dipped left, feinted and entered Miu's left guard using a crossover step - her weapon shooting forward aimed at the girl's upper shoulder. The blond saw right through the maneuver and dodged just as it came an inch from her body, grabbed the end of staff and held it tightly with a single hand.

"Reckless!" Honoka then pressed a button on her end releasing the staff's sections. Miu could barely react as her opponent pulled the weapon sharply downwards causing her to stumble.

The girl had disappeared from a view. And suddenly, Miu felt a familiar tingle on her neck. "Fast!"

Honoka, still holding her staff, spun around and kicked down the back of Miu's knee. But whatever combo she had in mind was cut off as soon as Miu released the staff and whirled around with a flying kick - forcing Honoka to dodge and trail back violently.

Miu stepped once again into her guard. Honoka began spinning her un-attached staff making for a dance between the two disciples. The fight went on as so until Miu once again proved her metal by absorbing simultaneous attacks - sacrificing some damage to disarm Honoka using a double chopping strike and then kicking the weapon far away behind the walls of Ryouzanpaku.

"Are you going to take me seriously yet?" Miu asked from the distance returning to a neutral fighting stance.

Honoka merely nodded. "I have since the beginning."

"Then show me your flying technique!"

And then she charged again. "Unreal stamina." Honoka acknowledged and jumped over her, flinging a downwards kick that was brushed aside. They exchanged more close-combat moves, Miu easily gaining the upper-hand forcing Honoka gliding backwards.

It was a small thing, but Miu's punch had caught Honoka's ear. The younger girl gave a look of slight shock. Miu simply continued her forward onslaught, catching more bits and pieces of her fast opponent. "I'm going to land a hit soon. I can feel it!" Miu thought, her confidence surging as the seconds of the fight ticked by. She did not realize her mistake until it was too late.

Honoka watched, with bated breath, as Miu overstretched on whirling kick. "There!" The opening was slight but it was there. And faster then she had at any point of the fight, Honoka kicked from the side and disappeared from Miu's vision completely.

"Wha-"

The brunette, now outside Miu's line of sight, launched a devastating kick to the side of her head. "Lóng Zuàntóu (Dragon Drill)!" Her head snapped back violently, blond hair whipping to the side from the blow, her body shaking as it stood.

For a moment, Miu stood still as a statue and Honoka honestly believed it was over.

But she didn't get her hopes too high in that split second.

It was never that easy.

And she was proven right as Miu shook her head and whirled around once more to face her. The older blonde spat out some blood from her mouth and wiped away the red from her lips with a small grin on her face.

xxx

Kensei looked on with an impressed visage. "Almost. Very close. She almost pulled it off."

Sakaki let out a loud bellowing laugh at the sight. "Damn close."

"But that was it." Akisame shook his head. "Honoka waited for that moment the entire fight. It's not going to get any better for her from here on out."

"Apa?" The Muay Thai Master looked at his friends in bemusement.

Shigure decided to relieve the large man of his curiosity.

"She...tried to...strike Miu from outside her consciousness." The Weapon's Master tried to explain but it served only to confuse Apachai even more. "It's...advanced. Even some...Masters...cannot do it."

"It's a matter of patience and style preferences, if I were honest." Kensei shrugged. "To even attempt it is brave and shows how much courage Honoka has. She switched speeds from fast to medium to slow in an attempt to make Miu believe that she 'caught' up to her in speed, unconsciously. It's a mental trap. In the last moment when Miu believed that she caught up in speed-" He slammed his left fist into his right palm. "-bang! Honoka goes full speed and attacks her from a blind spot."

"To Miu, it must have been a shock." Sakaki gulped down a drink. "As if in the same breath, your opponent disappears and then darkness. Fortunately for her-"

"-Honoka slipped. She was a hair too slow."

"Apa..." He seemed to understand the severity of the moment. "So..."

"Yes Apachai. Had the strategy been executed better, the match would be over. And Honoka would have defeated Fuurinji Miu."

xxx

Miu's eyes were on fire. Honoka could tell that she had been caught off guard, now she fought with a heightened sense of urgency. The younger girl doubted she would be able to pull off the maneuver again. It had been her strategy for defeating Miu - and it had failed. Now, she was back to square one.

Mid-fight.

The blond had become sharper then before. Her punches were now more crisp - her form had tightened up defensively. But at the same time, Miu had seemed to loosened up on offense. After a few more minutes, Miu had landed a clean knee strike on Honoka's left shoulder. And that seemed to add to her momentum. As for Honoka, she was tiring quickly.

The brunette dodged another hit and rolled to Miu's blind-spot again. "Long-"

Miu's eyes lit with a laser-focus. She caught Honoka's elbow with her left palm and grabbed the girl's wrist with her right. In mere seconds, Miu had the girl's arm twisted down, wrapped around her own neck, and body pinned to the ground. "Fuurinji Cobra Clutch!" The girl's arm slithered around her own neck, held tightly by Miu's stronger arms. The blonde sat on Honoka's body not allowing her any chance to escape.

Honoka clenched her teeth and breathed, struggling with the hold internally.

"Just tap!" Miu hissed. But Honoka did not respond. "There is no shame in surrender!"

"Surrender!?" Honoka thought angrily. "Defeat? No. Never. I'll...I'll never-"

And those were her last thoughts before fainting from suffocation.

END

Fuurinji Miu vs. Shirahama Honoka. A marquee match up many chapters in the making. It was probably disappointing but like I said in a previous chapter, I respect my power-scaling. I am very, very aware of who is stronger then who. I'm not perfect, no - but I do my best to give character's their due. I respect Fuurinji Miu. I think I might respect her more then the original author.

In my opinion, she always gets the short-end of the stick. It's as if Miu went from fighting Kisara to fighting Shou - that's a large power gap. I always knew Miu could wipe the floor with ALL of Ragnarok, Asamiya included. I haven't read the manga in a while so I don't remember her opponents too much. So I don't think she gets any quality shining, in a sense.

I don't know if that makes any sense.

Anyway, I will make this very, very clear. Shou Kanou and Fuurinji Miu are strong - stronger then Honoka, Renka and most of Yomi. Honoka's fight with Miu here was close by design. But if they fought again, you better believe Miu WILL have the situation in hand. You have to remember, Honoka is three years younger. And Miu has been training since she could walk.

There's a difference.

Why didn't Honoka use Sky Dragon's Steps often against Miu? I may have that explained next chapter. But if I don't, I'll say it plainly. It would be ineffective against Miu who has seen the technique used before. She had the move scouted out. Honoka knew that - she had to use other means to fight. To win.

Honoka is around Renka's level. She might beat her (Renka) three or four times out of ten. They are dead even. To relieve any confusion, Honoka is far more powerful then any Ragnarok Member. She would smoke Odin and Berserker. She might be able to defeat both at the same time (with some hardships).

The Masters speculating Miu vs. Honoka is mostly amusement. They knew the outcome. Sorry that there is no Naruto this chapter.

Anyway, have a nice Holidays.

- EnP