Might as well look around, Kusaka thought as he strolled down the streets of modern Tokyo. Everything was strange. It was like England took over everything. It was like one of those sci-fi novels. It must be a dream. Yeah, that's it. A dream from reading too many sci-fi novels.

Kusaka scanned the buildings. The roads were everywhere, even built up in the sky. The buildings towered up as if they never ended. It was incredible. There were stores for clothes, perfumes, food, and technology that is so strange and new. As Kusaka pressed on, he saw one small building with open windows and inside were a bunch of children... dressed in traditional clothes. Kusaka stopped to peer inside. They were practicing martial arts. Kasuka thought back to his child hood, learning various martial arts...

"Wait, wait, waaaait," Kusaka said as he watched. "That move is all wrong!"

Without helping himself, Kusaka barged in. "Heeey, you're defending and attacking all the wrong way!"

Everyone turned simultaneously to stare at him oddly.

"Then how about you demonstrate how to use jujutsu properly," the sensei said, a middle aged looking man. "I will be your opponent."

Kusaka narrowed his brows, and gave a firm nod. He approached him, and all the kids jeered, shouting things like "whooo!" and "Kick his ass, sensei!"

Kusaka took off his jacket and flung it in the corner, rolling up his sleeves.

"All right, children, now watch very carefully," the sensei said, staring Kusaka down. "Remember the techniques I just demonstrated, and watch them being used here."

Kusaka made the first move, immediately tackling his opponent to the ground. But he kicked Kusaka off, who managed to recover quickly enough to avoid being pinned down. They distanced themselves about a meter away, staring each other down again. This time the sensei made the first move, which Kusaka defended and mirrored.

"Your footing is all wrong," Kusaka said, and threw him.

"Is that so," the sensei smirked. "Then how about this!"

Before he knew it, Kusaka was knocked on the ground with the man standing over him. All the students were cheering the sensei on. Kusaka frowned, and whipped his leg out to trip him. "Now we're even," he muttered.

Kusaka dusted himself off, putting his jacket back on, and ran a hand through his hair.

"Dismissed!" the sensei said, hands pressed together. He bowed, and all the kids bowed back. They all ran outside, putting on their shoes quickly with their martial arts clothing in their back packs. Kusaka watched them leave, and started to go through the door himself.

"Hey," the sensei called after him. "You're not bad. You know, I was actually prepared to tell the kids unfortunate news. I was going to quit, but after grappling with you I think I will continue. I quit my other job for this since it takes all my time, but I just can't afford it. I think I can get my job back if you step in and teach half of the classes for me."

Kusaka looked at him, slightly surprised.

"I am Masashi Koji," the man said. "Do we have a deal?"

"Um..." Kusaka paused, and bowed quickly. "Toume Kusaka," he stammered. "I am in need of work, so yes."

"Excellent! You are a life saver."

"Uh. I don't have a place to stay though..." Kusaka said, eyes on the floor. He rubbed his neck awkwardly.

"That's fine. There is a room back here. I don't use it anymore, so you can stay there. What happened?"

"I uh... fell into financial troubles recently," Kusaka lied. "I've been homeless since."

"It seems like that's been happening to a lot of people lately," Masashi nodded. "With the recession."

Kusaka nodded. "But let's not talk about such grave things," Masashi sighed. "What martial arts do you know?"

"Kendo, jujutsu, judo, ninjutsu, and some karate," Kusaka nodded. "Kendo is my specialty."

"I see. I don't know judo or kendo, but those would be excellent new courses to offer. We also teach taekwondo, kempo, and wrestling. Have you ever taught martial arts before?"

"Not really, not in classes," Kusaka said.

"No problem. I'll help you teach. But for now, let's clean the floors. The next class is in two hours."

Morning rose and poured through the windows. It was sort of nice to be in a room that seemed so traditional, in a world that otherwise was so unusual. Kusaka sat up. The sound of Masashi instructing students echoed through the building. Kusaka headed for the bathroom.

After Masashi finished his early morning class, he entered Kusaka's room. He was in a robe, reading a book found in the room.

"Oh," Kusaka turned to face him. "Sorry... I'm afraid I don't have any other clothes."

"That's fine. There are a few kimonos in there, but I must apologize for I have no modern clothing for you."

"This is alright for now," Kusaka said with a brief nod. "I'll save up some money to buy my own things soon. Thanks again."

"Good. The ninjutsu class is in forty minutes. How about you help instruct it?"

"Sure."

"I'll go get you some breakfast while you change, okay?"

"Yeah..." Kusaka rose. Masashi left.

Kusaka sank back in his chair with a heavy sigh. "Akizuki... I wonder where you ran off to."