Anime Avenue
Episode 1: Let's Start The Game
Brother! Brother, wake up!
The calling of someones voice had awaken someone. It was a young boy with wavy unkempt black hair and dark gray eyes. He was also wearing a set of black glasses. On his left side, there was a young boy standing beside him. It was a boy with spiky unkept hair. He appeared to resemble the older boy...but his eyes were a derk red color.
We're almost at our destination.
The older boy said nothing, as he grabbed his bag. When the two finally made it to their destination, they walked off the train and headed out.
Any idea where we're supposed to be going?
Again, the older boy said nothing, as he pulled out his phone, looking for wherever they were supposed to go.
Starting today, a man named Sojiro Sakura will be taking care of us. I wonder where we're supposed to find him.
Together, the two continued looking for the man named "Sojiro Sakura" and his location. They started walking around, asking people where to find him. They gathered intel that his home was in an alley a bit further back from their location. They retraced their steps and took a right after an apartment with the stairs. When they found his house, the older boy rang the doorbell...but no one answered.
Something I can help you two with?
Yes. We're looking for Sojiro Sakura. Is he here?
Oh, yeah...Sakura-san's usually at his cafe around this time.
A cafe...?
Well, Leblanc's in the back alley so I should make my other deliveries first...
A cafe called Leblanc. Gotcha. Thanks. Come on, brother.
Together, the two boys made their way down the streets and eventually came across the cafe. They walked inside and could smell the scent of fresh coffee. Inside, they saw an elder man and woman, sitting at one of the tables, watching the TV and someone else, sitting on one of the stools, writing something down.
A public transit bus was driven down an opposing lane with its customers still in it! The citizens can't live in peace if this keeps up.
How frightening.
What could be going on? Didn't something similar happen just the other day?
What do you think's going on, bro?
The older brother said nothing, as he looked over to the other man, sitting on one of the stools.
Vertical is...the name of a shellfish used for farming pearls...
Uhm...excuse me, sir.
The man looked up and noticed the two brothers.
...Oh, right. They did say that was today.
We'll be going now. The payment's on the table.
Thanks for coming.
This place is in the back alley, so there's no worries of a car crashing in here.
A what now?
You talking about what we just saw on the news?
There's been a string of those rampage accidents, you know. I just hope that none happen around here.
It's none of my concern.
Haha, we'll see you next time.
The two brothers stepped aside, as the elder man and woman exited the store. There was now a feeling of unase, in the cafe.
...Four hours for just a single cup of joe.
The managers attention finally turned to the boys, as they waited for something to happen.
So, you're Ren?
Is Sakura-san here?
...Uh-huh.
The manager looked and saw the young brother, standing beside the older boy (now revealed as "Ren").
Hm? Who's the kid?
My name is Kazuki Amamiya. I'm his little brother.
What? They didn't tell me you were coming too!
Kasuki: Nope, I came of my own will. Wherever my brother goes, I go.
Is that right? Well then...I'm Sojiro Sakura. You'll be in my custody over the next year. And...I guess the same goes for you too.
Kazuki: Nice to meet you.
Sojiro: I was wondering what kind of unruly kid would show up, but you're the one, huh?
Kazuki: ...?
Sojiro: Have you been told? A customer of mine and your parents know each other and-
Kasumi: Huh?
Kazuki and Ren looked at each other, with confusion.
Sojiro: Well, not that that matters...Follow me.
Sojiro began walking up the stairs, next to the bathroom sign. Ren and Kazuki followed him, as they were led to an attic.
Sojiro: This is your room. I'll at least give you sheets for your bed.
The Amamiya brothers looked around, examining the area.
Sojiro: You look like you wanna say something.
Kazuki: Well...
Ren: It's cluttered.
Sojiro: It's on you to clean up the rest.
Kazuki: Huh!?
Sojiro: I'll be leaving, after I lock up each day. You'll be alone at night, but don't do anything stupid. I'll throw you out if you cause any trouble.
Kazuki: ...!?
Although Kazuki was in shock, Ren simply nodded, in agreement.
Sojiro: Now then...I got the gist of your situation. You protected some woman from a man forcing himself on her, he got injured, then sued you. Right?
Kazuki: That's right.
Sojiro: That's what you get for sticking your nose in a matter between two adults. You did injure him, yeah?
Kazuki: What!? No, of course not! My brother didn't do anything-
Sojiro: ...And now that you've got a criminal record, you were expelled from your high school. The courts ordered you to transfer and move out here, which your parents also approved.
The look on Kazuki's face was one of frustration. He began to think back on how the court mistreated him. And the worst part was their parents did not act in defending Ren.
Sojiro: In other words, they got rid of you for being a pain in the ass.
Kazuki: HEY! Don't you dare talk like that towards my...
Kazuki wanted to tell Sojiro off but he was stopped by Ren, who placed his arm, in front of his little brother.
Sojiro: It's best you not talk about anything uncessary. I am in the restaraunt business, you know. behave yourself for the year. If nothing happens, your probation will be lifted.
Kazuki: Tch...probation...?
Sojiro: Really now...It's the word that applies to you. Or, at least your older brother. His sentence lasts until next spring, right? That's why he's gonna be here for the coming year.
Kazuki: Yeah...as will I.
Sojiro: Cause any problems, and you'll be sent straight to juvie.
Kazuki: ...
Sojiro: We'll be going to Shujin tomorrow.
Ren: Shujin?
Sojiro: Shujin Academy-the school you'll be attending.
Sojiro looked down at Kazuki, wondering about something.
Sojiro: As for you, I'm not sure where you'll be going.
Kazuki: I don't need you to worry about me. I already applied for a school out here.
Sojiro: Works for me. We'll introduce ourselves properly to the rest of the staff there. There's rarely a place that'll accept someone like you, you know?
Sojiro had an annoyed look upon his face, while Kazuki had an irriated look upon his.
Sojiro: What a waste of my Sunday...
Kazuki: Grr...
Sojiro: Your "luggage" arrived earlier; I left them over there.
And with that, Sojiro just walked downstairs.
Kazuki: This is so messed up. I can't believe with how you're being treated!
Ren: ...
Kazuki: I just can't believe that this had to happen.
Ren: ...
Kazuki: I know what you're probably thinking...I didn't need to come all the way out here, is that right? Well, I chose to do so, in order to watch out for you.
Ren said nothing, as he just figited with his glasses, slightly smiling at his little brother.
Kazuki: So...while you'll be going to Shujin Academy, I'll be attending a school called Misaki High. It's not to far from yours. Just a simple walk.
Ren nodded, as the two of them looked at the large box that was called their "luggage."
Ren: We'll be living here starting today...We should check out what's in here.
Kazuki: Welcome to the rotten world that we call "home." For a whole year...
Ren: ...
Kazuki: Huh, check out this sofa.
Kazuki walked over to it and saw that it was filthy.
Kazuki: It looks like we can still use the sofa, but we'll have to clean it first. Alright then, I'll sleep on the sofa and you take the bed, alright?
Ren nodded, as the brothers started cleaning up the attic. It took them the entire aftertoon to tidy up the entire place. They didn't finish until the evening.
Ren: It's late...It seems like we've been cleaning for a while.
Kazuki: Yeah, no kidding.
Suddenly, the brothers heard footsteps coming their way. To their gaze, Sojiro had come back.
Sojiro: What the heck? I heard you making all sorts of noise up here but I didn't think you were cleaning.
Kazuki: You're the one who said we had to clean this place up.
Sojiro couldn't argue, since the younger brother was right. He looked around...and it seemed as though he was impressed by their work.
Sojiro: Actually, the place doesn't look too bad. Though it's only natural you'd want to keep your room tidy. Why don't you go to bed for tonight? You don't have anything better to be doing, right?
Kazuki: Hmph, for once, he makeas a good point.
Sojiro: I'm going to close up shop and get out of here myself. I won't be the one looking after you if you get sick from staying up too late, you got that?
Kazuki: Gee, thanks for your concern. You can leave now.
Sojiro just gave an annoyed glare, at Kazuki, as he began walking off.
TO BE CONTINUED...