Intro: Hello I hope you like this chapter! Thank you for your continuous support! To the new people who read my story thank you! And to the long time readers thank you for continuing to read on and waiting! Love you all!
Disclaimer: I do not own Touken Ranbu and Cardfight! Vanguard and other material which came from the said Game/Anime, they are owned by its original creators. The making of this story and this story is made for the fans and the writer XD. Although the plot and some changes in the story are from me ^_^.
Chapter 81: Suspicion
~The next day~ -Saturday-
"Did we actually…" Mina started
"… picked this line up?" Konnosuke said
As Mina and Konnosuke stared at the 3 people that is coming along with Aichi today for school. The 3 of which are Tsurumaru, Nikkari and Imanotsurugi.
The others stares silently in question, these 3 would fit together if there are pranks to do. And they are not wrong on that part as they all remembered what had happened to Morikawa. The toudans mainly Hasebe, Horikawa, Kiyomitsu, Shokudaikiri, Yagen and even Yamanbagiri looked in question at Mina and Konnosuke who then turned their heads around to avoid eye contact from them.
Yagen sighs and proceeded to go back inside the citadel without a word which some understands the feeling. Hachisuka, Kasen and Souza went inside as well seeing as someone left already "Well… the three I can understand but Aichi-sama hasn't left yet." Shokudaikiri said looking at the entrance of the citadel with a hand on his nape as if worried at the atmosphere of Yagen leaving.
"Well, this team sure does look promising." Mikazuki stepped forward as the 5 toudans look at him with dismay "Well then Aichi-sama, please take care." Bowing his head Aichi waved good bye and said his thanks followed by the three toudan that will be his protector for the day.
"So Misaki this will be your last day right?" Mina immediately turned to Misaki to shift the gazes from the others and from asking her.
"Yes, it finished quite earlier, maybe because your influence helped with the renovation." Misaki answered as they walked inside the citadel.
~At School~
"Oh hey Aichi, morning! We haven't started yet. There are some others who are late though the class president hopes they will come because they are late." Izaki explained as soon as Aichi made it to the classroom as they have also exchanged their greetings.
While waiting for the others to come, their topic was about the culture festival about which class has decided to do what and which class have not. But something caught Aichi's attention, a horror both. A class wants to make a horror both, and they have already started about the props and such. What's worse is his companions today, surely if it catches their attention while looking around the area, same as the other teams, they will sure want to take a look. He just hopes of one thing, that they won't be too reckless.
~Lunch~
Izaki raises his hands stretching them while walking out of the classroom "Well that's that. We still haven't decided on anything and the class president seems to be losing hope for our class." Izaki said while staring at the class president who at this time with a Morikawa that is encouraging him.
"Do you want to look around the area?" Izaki asks, this offer has given Aichi a thought.
"Let's go visit the classes upstairs." Of course he couldn't say what he really wants to check upstairs, instead he had to be vague.
Seeing as the two were heading off to somewhere, Morikawa raised his hands waiving to the two to get their attention, but they were so focused on talking he wasn't noticed until he decided to follow the two and join them.
~Upstairs classrooms~
"Found it!" Aichi gulped at the sight of the horror booth, within an instant an urge to go inside welled up and this could only mean one thing, his hunch must be right and they must be already inside and this could also be a good test of his skills to locate their location.
"Hey! You three there!' a voice called out.
Not knowing if they were indeed the ones being called out to, Morikawa hastily responded to the guy and asked what it was to which earned him a sigh from Izaki. While waiting for the conversation to end with Izaki joining in, Aichi was waiting for them as he stares intently from the other side of the room "They said we can test run it." Izaki called back Aichi whose eyes were glued at the room.
"Oh have they finished it that fast?" Aichi asked, considering there is still weeks before the actual event, this was a pretty fast booth to finish.
"Oh about that…" before finishing up his sentence Morikawa went in with a different student most likely one from this class seeing him went inside in confusion and surprise Izaki decided to continue where he left off "You see they said that upon checking things today some strange things have been happening."
"Oh…" was the only response Aichi could give, he was speechless as he sighs at what the three must be doing in there now.
"So, would you like to try?" Izaki asked pointing at the horror both in front of him "It'll be fine it's not finished yet."
Aichi sweat drops at the comment "Yeah, lets…"
~Inside the Horror Booth~
'Alright time to put it into practice' Aichi thought to himself as he inhaled air he concentrated on the area ahead for familiar or enemy presence.
"I can see that they still haven't added much props though they already got the ambience here." Izaki started up a conversation to get his thoughts away from the strong atmosphere that there might be someone or something just ready to give them a scare.
True enough though there are only a few props but the area to go, the walls, the color are already set up, feels like they wanted to do this for a while and had made the props beforehand and just made a last patch up. While walking up ahead clattering and footsteps could be heard.
"AAHHH!" cries were heard.
"That's definitely Morikawa's voice" Izaki said as they both hurried up to the area and from that said area Aichi could feel four presence though not that close to each other, in an instant a thought came to him 'Four?'
"Uhm… please come here to exit!" A female called out in a haste when the screaming became quieter making Izaki and Aichi paused from their position.
"I think they might have damaged some… things…" Izaki understood letting out a deep sigh, the voice from the girl was in a panic, must be because of how worried they were they thrashed the area where they ram off to.
"I'm going to head up and see." Izaki said and left Aichi to confirm this suspicion.
To be honest he wanted to tell Izaki that he want to stay here though he just can't find the words how to say it but because of what happened it kind of become luck is on his side and he was left behind. Truthfully he was confused as to why he was left behind but at least with this after making sure that there was nobody other than him, he inhaled "Tsurumaru Kuninaga, Nikkari Aoe, Imanotsurugi…" he called out with a tone of authority in it.
He could feel the 3 presence that he is very familiar with but this one somehow this other one is also familiar. After being called out the three showed up from the location where they were hiding with a face full of guilt on them.
As the three were about to explain their end "You three odd presence inside here!" A voice reverberates all over the room. Trying to find out who the owner is Aichi felt that it was slowly walking towards them "I was really nice to let you have a scare for the people in here to help make our horror house extra scary… but… to scare them enough to damage our props is another thing!" unexpectedly a bow was shot on their way, in an instant Tsurumaru pulled put his sword and sliced the arrow. As the arrow passed them, Aichi instantly figured out who is the owner of the fourth unknown presence, it was…
"You know that could well damage your props if we dodged that arrow." Tsurumaru readies his sword forward waiting for the other person.
"Ha!" the voice said inching closer "I would know if there would be anyone and anything that could be damaged."
"Michiko-san?" Aichi muttered remembering the familiar presence, but this time her presence were something more menacing maybe because she thought of the three as a threat but still it would be really fishing as to how she was able to know that the 3 is in here.
"Eh? Uhm… uh…" the female owner of the voice stumbled on her words walking slowly to where the four of them are to figure out how come one of them knows who she is. Clearing her head she notices that the three presence that is playing around are around Aichi as if protecting him.
Aichi was actually surprised that in that they formed a pyramid with him in the middle since they don't know Michiko then they would of course tell that she is a threat as she also attacked them, the same goes for Michiko since they were playing around the room. Tsurumaru hides away his sword when Aichi called out the attackers name assuming that they might be an acquaintance of him
"It's somehow dark here so I cannot see much but…" without rummaging through her pockets slowly a paper flew out of her pocket "lit up" as she commanded the paper did lit up, Aichi was on the other hand surprised but for the 3 she was more likely a threat to their eyes "Who are you really Aichi Sendou?"
"I can already see that we are going to be heavily punished here…" Imanotsurugi said it as a joke but they will really be punished.
"I'm surprised you just thought of that with what we did." Tsurumaru whose about to call out his blade was tapped by Aichi's hand.
"Tsurumaru." He shook his head instructing him to stand down. Unsure of what's happening Tsurumaru complied but stands his ground, of course to not be shown as enemy is to not show fangs that's what Aichi thought. From Michiko's words it seems things are not turning into a good direction especially when she showed she could use talismans and is suspicious of his identity.
"Every day I've been reading three different presence pass by and then went missing, each day. With what I saw last Wednesday I could assume that they must have something to do with you. I've had hunches since that day I checked each day and found out you were accompanied to and from school with different men, I knew they were not dangerous or have ill intent knowing what kind of person you are I deduced that you might just have been protected by those men." Her eyes carefully examining them seeing as they are formed in a triangle with Aichi in the middle seems to have proved her suspicion.
From the eyes that seems to be examining them turns to an annoyed one "… and now exactly three days later I found out someone is enjoying themselves on our booth, and since it was helping my classmates to REALLY make it feel like it is haunted I chose a blind eye again, but then…" Michiko moved as if to release an arrow "… our hard work on our props are all destroyed!"
Aichi, Tsurumaru, and Nikkari in an instant knew that she wasn't pointing out about their suspiciousness but instead about their props, it seems despite her tough exterior she has a soft side too is what Aichi thought.
"Technically speaking it wasn't us that broke it." Nikkari spoke either trying to intimidate or mediate "If it was indeed broken."
"Yeah, it was that guy who's always full on energy!" Imanotsurugi added.
"He was in a panic, maybe it was too scary for him, I can only say your class did a great job even though it's not finished yet." Tsurumaru smiled as did Imanotsurugi while Nikkari was looking around the whole place. Deep inside Aichi understood what they wanted to do.
"Oh yea, good point, I'll go scold out those two, I mean they were really not careful on where they are going…" Michiko continued to speak out her mind as she left the area looking out for the two culprit.
"I'm kind of still confused at what had happened here." Aichi said while his eyes following where Michiko went out 'Alright with authority as Mina-nee said.' "Please continue your initial purpose on coming here, and as much as possible don't get in contact with people here, or do something that will catch other's attention. We are lucky enough that Michiko-san seems to have let this past and you were able to lead her away." Aichi became wary of Michiko and Kaede's identity, it could be that it was only Michiko but how Kaede treats her there must be something.
"As leader of this team I apolo-" Tsurumaru spoke but Aichi raised his hands signaling that he should not continue on whatever he wanted to say.
'Alright you can do this.' Aichi simply smiled "If you were going to apologize in the end then why do it in the first place?" Aichi sighed "You may leave."
After leaving the area, the three were surprised about their master showing up authority but something doesn't click or maybe it was just because they are not used to it. Looking at one another they continued on with their assigned mission.
'Was that good? Was that authority enough? Mina-nee said to show them authority and not always be nice to them… yes this is for good! Do not be too soft on them!' Aichi puffed as he walked towards outside of the horror booth and searched the area where Morikawa and Izaki would be.
To which is was not a hard find "For the damage you have caused I demand you repair them!" as he heard Michiko's voice it seems it's already settled. With a sitting Morikawa and the other student that is with him when they entered the horror house head hung low and still fear etched on their face. A thought crossed his mind that maybe because it was Morikawa they especially made it scary, unfortunately there was another poor soul that got caught up.
"Yes!" Both Morikawa and the other student both exclaimed. Izaki and Aichi let out a sigh of relief and sweat dropped at the scene in front of them.
After a little while of conversation or well agreement regarding the damaged props and a little help since well for Aichi its partly his fault because of the 3 "We will be going back to the classroom and inform the class president about this Morikawa so we will be leaving you here." Izaki said as him and Aichi proceeded on leaving.
Michiko noticing that Aichi is leaving calls out for his attention "Ah wait a minute Aichi Sendou!"
Surprised at the call of his full name turns around for Michiko only to be pulled over to whisper on his ear "Say can I ask those 3 to help scare the visitors of our booth for the festival?"
A tough question has risen, although he wanted to say yes to her request, adding to the fact that they kind of were at fault that Morikawa and the other student acted like that, he is having a hard time to think for himself with this "I… uh…." Michiko notices this hesitation "I'll inform you if they can be of help."
"Hmmm… Okay. Promise you will tell me right away!" Michiko let's go Aichi's shirt and lets them leave the room without of course batting an eye at the now turned back Aichi.
~Back at the Classroom~
After coming back to the room Izaki looks for the class president to inform them the reason why they were late on coming back. Although looking at the classroom it seems that nobody even thinks of coming back yet also since the classroom is half empty.
Going back to his seat while waiting for a meeting, or it might be that it has already ended that's why not everyone here is present yet, he thought to himself about what to do with what he should do about Michiko's request. In the end the only thing he could think of was to ask for Mina's opinion about this.
Though ever since he came back to the class room he can't shake off the feeling of being stared at, checking around the whole room it doesn't feel like someone from inside is staring at him, it might have been someone from outside though all he could think about was Michiko. Since they have caught her attention about finding out about what they do though they could say the same thing for her. Now thinking about Michiko, Aichi thought that Kaede is also plausible to be someone suspicious too, thinking it's not out of possibility he thought it might be a good idea to report this to Mina.
~Back at the Citadel~
Still thinking about how to open up what happened at school to Mina upon entering the citadel gates "Aichi! Aichi!" A voice called out in a panic.
Looking to his left and his right he found a frantic fox sprinting towards their group "Oh, Konnosuke. What is it?"
"Aichi! This is bad enemies are once again targeting Toba!" Konnosuke reported. But with the emergency Aichi is worried about the report regarding the incident at school but maybe because of this he could have additional time to think more. Also this comes first so he best be prepared.
"Alright Konnosuke, please help gather up everyone. You three also!" Aichi and Konnosuke then sprinted inside the citadel leaving the three behind.
"I guess with this our punishment will have to wait until later." Tsurumaru said scratching his head, a little worried at the punishment they would be given.
"I'm worried for what would our punishment will be." Imanotsurugi added worried that it might be severe one.
"For now what we could think of is get ready." Nikkari stopped the trails of thought about their so called punishment.
"I agree, though I doubt we will be chosen to go on front lines." Tsurumaru slumped his shoulders at the thought.
"Very highly likely we won't." Nikkari only bitterly smiled at the thought.
"For now let's follow our orders and inform others while heading back in." - Tsurumaru
"Agreed." – Nikkari
"Roger!" Imanotsurugi bounced as they all went their separate ways.
~At the center of the citadel~
Staring at all the toudans in front of him Aichi's mind cannot concentrate much because of the incident at school and what is happening in front of him but he can't be like this since they will be going to the front lines. After a short moment he exhales and clears up his mind. "Alright, let's balance out the team and give chance to the new comers." He looks around for the new toudans that had just manifested to give them experience in fighting the Retrograde Army with that he chooses"Hakata!"
"Just leave it up to me!" Hakata waved his hands to his brothers showing how elated he is of being chosen to go to the front lines.
"Tonbokiri!"
"Understood. I, Tonbokiri, will be here." Tonbokiri bowed his head with a serious determination in his eyes to Aichi.
Hiseyes wanders off to the Date Gumi group 'Ookurikara would be a bad choice right now without Shokudaikiri and Tsurumaru to the team so let's go with…' "Kasen."
"Please group me with people who understand grace and elegance, alright?" Kasen said bowing his head a little then shortly gave a glimpse to a certain sword.
"Hachisuka!"
"Leave it to me." Hachisuka smiled thinking finally that it's time to go to the battle field.
'Hmmm… might be a better choice to bring someone with experience but a little new.' "Taroutachi!"
"Ha! Understood." Taroutachi understood his role to the team from the look Aichi gave him.
"And lastly the captain of the team." The part that always tenses up the toudans because it is one of the vital role in a sortie "Kogitsunemaru!"
"Since I'm a small fox, I guess that makes me a junior captain..." Kogitsunemaru lets out a small chuckle as if to break the tense atmosphere which were joined by Imanotsurugi and Mikazuki.
"With the 6 chosen toudans please prepare and regroup within 30 minutes!" 'Maybe this will give me time to report this to Mina-nee.' With this he hurried over to his room.
~Inside Aichi's room~
"Yosh!" Mina said as she finishes up helping Aichi with wearing his attire.
This time it is a black yukata with fish pattern and waves on his hakama with a blue cape and white lining with ocean pattern at the end "You don't have to always make new outfits for me…" Aichi said a little flustered seeing his new attire.
"Nonsense!" Mina puffed proudly with a little grin on her end since she makes them.
"Don't worry leave the punishment to me and other stuff, for now focus on the battlefield." Mina places a hand on Aichi's shoulder "It's a good thing you got this out because if not, I am sure it will bother you up until the front line and it will be bad." Aichi nodded getting back his A game.
~Toba~
As the pillar of light dissipates Aichi started to use the dice and when it stopped "Enemies are at northeast of our area let's move forward with haste but be careful to not get their attention." Aichi started off as he gazes upon the area they are going to head out and thought that it's been awhile and then gives off the signal "Move out!"
"Ha!" everyone answered.
When they arrived at the location Kogitsunemaru started the scouting "Alright time for scouting!" of course the other toudans helps out too with Aichi and Konnosuke backing up.
In just minutes "2 enemy Wakizashi and 4 enemy Tantou." Kogitsunemaru reported upon finding out enemies and their location.
"Understood." Taroutachi spoke as he readies his blade.
"Aichi-sama leave this to us!" Hachisuka moves forward slowly drawing out his sword.
Noticing the delight on their faces "Alright, I'll be a backup from here." Aichi nodded and gives them permission to fight on their own. Of course they wait for his signal to move.
And when he finally gives it "Well now... Would you like to dance?" Kogitsunemaru was the first to move in an instant he successfully slices up an enemy Tantou that is near their hiding spot.
"Well they sure are on fire." Konnosuke wags his tail as he watches the toudans fight off with the enemies.
"I guess maybe it's because they will be able to move their own body and fight on the battle field." Aichi smiles as the toudans finish off their enemies, checking if everything is clear he moves forward to meet up with them to head out to the next location.
While heading out to their destination a chilling feeling crept up to Aichi's body with haste he turns behind to check if they were being followed or targeted but there was no one behind them and he can't feel any presence other than theirs. Thinking for the worst because of the feeling he decided to put up protection talisman charm on all of them.
At the next area Tonbokiri notices resources that can be brought back and after taking a few they continued up to the next area where the enemies are with the help of the dice.
Upon arrival on the next location the group started scouting the area "There are a large amount of Tantou." Kasen said upon inspecting the area. "Aichi-sama-" Kasen was stopped on what he was about to say.
"Understood, I will provide backup here." Aichi nodded with a smile on his lips as he signals them that they can start to move.
Kasen smiles "I am Kasen Kanesada, a sword of Nosada!" slashing forward with elegance he finishes off an enemy.
Behind him an enemy Tantou creeps hastily moving closer "There!" Hachisuka backs up Kasen's blind spot and slices the enemy.
But the enemy Tantou was able to escape Hachisuka and was not able to deal the final blow but of course Kasen does not accept this "Present your neck." With that the fleeing enemy was dealt with.
At where Aichi's location is an enemy noticed his location 3 enemy Tantou incoming thankfully "You shall not come near!" Taroutachi protecting his location and with a slash he kills off 2 while the other 1 has enough mobility to avoid the attack.
"I'm a Japanese businessman." Of course their own Tantou won't be beaten when it comes to mobility Hakata jumps and pushes forward his sword to strike the enemy.
Because of this the enemies found out Aichi's location with haste they started to move to his location one by one "I will not let you come any closer!" Tonbokiri after noticing this swings his Yari, with this one of the enemies was struck and is defeated.
The others then chase of the remaining enemies and after dealing with the last of the enemies Aichi uses the dice again and this time "Aichi." Konnosuke called out.
Aichi nods understanding what Konnosuke mean "Yes, the final battle with the boss of the enemy is up ahead." Aichi gazes to all the toudans.
Understanding the gaze "Worry not Aichi-sama, we won't let our guard down." Kogitsunemaru spoke.
"I will also join in this time. Let's move out!" Aichi said as all toudans nodded in affirmation and continued on to the last area.
Once again the chilling feeling crept up, it seems the one watching them is waiting for them at the final location. He can't help but be troubled and worried but he puts his trust in everyone and thought that what he should be doing instead is be vigilant and give his full support.
After a while they have finally reached their destination scouting out the area full of enemies Aichi's eyes widen, from the distance he could very well tell that the familiar red hair and black clothing that is standing behind the Retrograde Army is someone he clearly knew "Ren… san…?"
Outro: I actually don't know what to put cause in my place we call them booths. Thanks for the support! I will do my best!
I'm very sorry for my lack of vocabulary, wrong grammars and wrong spellings, but I hope you like the story nonetheless, and thank you for everyone's continuous support! Thank you for reading!