A/N: Once again, I must apologize for the inconvenience. As usual please enjoy the continuation...
Warning: Sakuno-centric fics, readers has been warned.
Plot: Tenipuri x Jubei-chan crossover (some sorts)
Pairing: RyoSaku, FujiSaku (maybe more pairings to come)
"…" Denotes speech
'…' Denotes thoughts
Italics denotes flashbacks
Standard Disclaimer: Would anyone believe this when I said I actually owned Tenipuri and Jubei-chan? Impossible right? But still just to secure ware-sama; I'll have to put up a Standard Disclaimer. Definitely no income is made out of this.
Chapter 10 PIII: Youkoso Kyoto: Breached Bond, Attack of Dark Angel 3
Right after they had their orders taken, all the players began a casual conversation while waiting for their food to be served. Each group gets a representative or two to tell their adventurous experience since they started their tour this morning, however; those topics were not as fascinated when compared to those of the Seigaku and the coach's granddaughter.
"It really shocks most of us here; to see the great Seigaku players dressing up in ancient costumes. I really thought that you guys were doing some performances or acts for the Studio Park" Kentarou joked.
"Actually we are…" Fuji replied casually with a broad smile "Hora, over there! There is hidden camera that keeps the action rolling…"
"Really!" Those who believed in what Fuji said quickly stood up and turn around to trace for the whereabouts of the said camera man.
"No, I'm just joking"
"Fuji!"
Right after the tiny prank, some players continue to chat with one another while some are still pretty curious of Sakuno's background, but; it would be too awkward to suddenly ask about people's background. To everyone's surprise, Yagyu happened to be one of the curious cats as he raises his hand before he speaks.
"Yes Yagyu-san?" Oishi blinked curiously while some cover their mouth to stop themselves laughing over the straight man's face.
"Please excuse my rudeness. I've got a very personal question to ask Ryuzaki-san"
"Me!" This time Sakuno heart almost jumps out of her ribcage.
"Yes! I heard that you had yourself another name? Your surname is Nanohana?"
"Yes…"
"So…You're Ryuzaki as well?"
"Er…Yes" She hesitated for a moment before replying him again.
"How is that so?"
"Many things happened…" Sakuno and the other nine players replied feebly in unison and this made Yagyu jumped to another topic. It really surprised the groups, typically the Rikkai Dai's members as what they know; Yagyu doesn't seem to be a man of many words and inquisitiveness.
"Nanohana? Do you have any connection with Nanohana Sai-sensei?"
"He's my father"
"What!" As soon as he heard Sakuno's reply, he sprang up from his seat. Hurriedly he walk over and held both her hands tightly, his glittering eyes stare at her like a man who had found the greatest treasures of all "Please let me meet your father, Ryuzaki-san!"
"Eh!" Sakuno squeaked "My father!"
"Wow…wow, Hiroshi…calm down…" this time Niou sprang up from his seat "Don't you think it a little too early for you to meet the parents?" Although Niou read Yagyu's intention well; however the jokester decided to take this opening to set up a prank. As partners, Yagyu has been very cautious when it comes to dealing with Niou, the well known prankster of Rikkai. He never gives Niou any chance to humiliate him with those merciless pranks.
This time Yagyu had already sensed danger ahead. He noted that he had already given his partner, the trickster an opening to attack him.
"Niou? What do you mean?" Marui also noted the trickster purpose and decided to give him a hand. He had never seen Yagyu losing his poise before. He wondered how the chivalrous player would defend himself. "Hiroshi, don't tell me…you're in it again"
"What are the two of you talking about?" Jackle scratched his bald head as he queried.
"Jackle, you don't understand. He's in LOVE" Marui faked adeadly serious tone.
"NANI!" This time Akaya, Sanada, Jackle and Yukimura stared at Yagyu with disbelieve.
"I…" Yagyu was not given a chance to defend himself as Niou immediately followed up with the continuation. "Hiroshi had once fallen in love with a second year student…"
"Because he was too impatience, he scared the pretty girl away. He suddenly approached the girl and confessed his love to her! The next thing he did was propose to her that he would go and meet her parents and even propose to her parents of his future planning…"
"Oh…" All of their lips formed into O-shape upon accepting as true of what Niou stated earlier.
Upon hearing that, Fuji and Ryoma quickly pulled Sakuno away from Yagyu.
Though both Fuji and Ryoma stared at Yagyu casually; however their inner-selves were cursing the Megane-kun to death, not to mention Ryoma's visibly seen veins are popping all over his head.
"Niou, please give me a break. Even pranks has its limit" Yagyu stated solemnly, his statement sounds dangerously threatening, while his pair of killing orbs could be clearly seen through the thick lens.
"I thought so…" Yukimura broke into soft chuckles "How could Yagyu possibly be scaring girls off! He's a gentleman afterall, right? Genichirou…"
Sanada nodded his head to confirm Yukimura's statement "I believe that Mr Nanohana must be someone whom Yagyu highly respected"
"Ah…Sanada you've got me right…" Yagyu adjusted his lens with a satisfying smirk plastered on his face. He noted the slight irritation on both Niou and Bunta's face.
"Nanohana Sai, the most talented story writer that wrote many novels and some literatures about Feudal Japan. I always loved reading his books…" with that he pulled out a book from his backpack. "Here, let me show you one of his masterpieces"
Once again Yagyu had given others a big surprise when what he pulled out happens to be a copy of Shoujo Comic.
Seeing everyone becomes fidgeted, Yagyu backed a little. His stereotypical nature told him that their initial expressions are rather shock or petrified. Where did it go wrong? To his perspective, the groups were supposed to go into raptures over his astuteness and his high quality taste of choosing to read classical literature, the most difficult subject that almost everyone would pull their hair and quiver with fear and misery.
Even to a person who equips with more than three digits of IQ would hardly comprehend classical literatures accurately, but as for him, Yagyu Hiroshi who read almost every book from their school library, from fairy tales to novels and from novels to classical literatures, decoding the implication is like snapping his fingers.
"What's wrong?" he becomes devastated when some people from the groups started to laugh out loud while some were holding their breathe to control from laughing out loud as it would be too rude to do so.
"I don't think reading literature is funny" he continues disturbingly.
"Hiroshi…" Niou, the one would have the loudest laughter among the crowd; pressed both hands on his stomach to sooth the slight soreness caused the hard chortling "There's no literature…"
Sanada had cold sweat all over his face as he too had to suppress himself from not letting out a single laughter. "Hiroshi; the truth is; that is not a literature book which you're holding now"
"Not literature?" Immediately Yagyu's face paled. He should have checked his own bag before carelessly pulling out something which he's uncertain of. He should have realized that Niou is not someone whom could be lightly taken of. The trickster must have slipped the book into his backpack while he was busy reading the final chapter of one of his favorite book 'MY NII-SAMA IS A GANGSTER'
Even a gentleman's tolerance has a limit "NIOU! I'M GONNA KILL YOU!" While Yagyu furiously stomp around the restaurant looking for the trickster who immediately went hiding as soon as his prank was exposed; the rest of the members resume back to the earlier topic.
"You're such an interesting girl; Sakuno-chan" Ann complimented "I've always thought so…"
"Eh?" Sakuno felt a little awkward. Indeed her life is too abnormal. She never thought of her quirky past would be known by anyone when she decided to start anew. It seems like no matter how she tried to conceal them; to forget her past; she couldn't. It's always been there; it subsists within her.
No matter where she goes; the charisma of Yagyu Jubei would draw in enemies that still hold the resentment of being defeated. Maybe because of this; she was chosen to take over the responsibility; to end the grudges even though there is no blood relation between her and the Yagyu Clan.
"And I've always thought I wanted to be an ordinary girl…but…" She could felt a killing aura approaching them. 'But…I can't ignore the facts that I'm endangering the people around me…so' Unwillingly Sakuno stood up from her seat, came forth to prevent the sinister man from stepping closer to her friends.
"Yagyu Jubei…" the spiky haired man who wears a pair of sunglasses and a set of black yukata and had been observing the group for quite sometimes had finally came forth to greet the one whom he had been longing to meet. "I never expect that the second generation would turn out to be a woman"
"Sakuno/Ryuzaki!" All the Seigaku members almost sprung up from their seats, making the atmosphere slight panicky.
"Who are you?" She no longer holds the look of a sweet innocent girl. Although she doesn't look that fearsome either; however, the opponent could feel a bizarre vibe she releases.
"Yagyu Kitafuro, leader of the Siberia Yagyu of the North" The man had definitely proven to be a threat to Sakuno when he pulls out his katana and pointed at her. He could clearly see the aura surrounding her petite frame.
Upon seeing such threatening scene; the Seigaku regulars stood up from their seat and eyed furiously at the unwelcome man while the others thought that this was some kind of live performance which they assumed.
"Having heard of your return, we decided to come back to Japan to seek revenge!" Sakuno eyes widen. Though earlier she had thought of pulling the guy out and persuades him to leave her alone, however, she never thought that this man is not those who would conceal their real identities in public. He is totally different from those opponents whom she used to defeat in the past.
"Now, Yagyu Jubei! Show your real self!" he ordered haughtily "You wouldn't want to upset me, don't you"
"I refuse!" Sakuno retaliates "Like I said earlier…I'm not Yagyu Jubei! My papa calls me Jubei! My friends call me Jubei, but, that's not the Jubei they are calling. It's Jiyuubei! Strange isn't it; though it sounded like Jubei but it's actually Jiyuubei! Just for convenience they shorten the names and make it sounds like Jubei!" In one breathe; Sakuno managed to utter those odd explanations. "So…I'm afraid that you've picked the wrong person and please leave us alone!"
"Sugoi…Sakuno-chan…" Almost every one of them couldn't help but have to give her round of applause for the weird but brave speech she made earlier, but soon the applause died when they witness the furious man swings his sword towards Sakuno. "Stop fooling me!"
Sakuno caught the blade without any intricacy and this has once again surprised those who didn't know her real identity. As for the Seigaku members, their hearts almost jump out of their ribcages when the man attacked her and she did unveil her skills in public too.
"Sakuno/Ryuzaki!"
"Shinkage-Ryu Mutodori?" Sanada who had been practicing kendo at home had also been told by his mentor about such techniques. Mutodori is a well known technique to all swordsmen.
(Mutodori - the technique of disarming one's attacker unarmed)
Although Yagyu has no interest in becoming a bugeisha but under strict obligation, he was told to read and respect his ancestor's accomplishments. 'Yagyu Munetoshi was trained under Kami-Izumi-Ise-no-Kami from 1563 and perfected Muto-dori, following his master's principle of avoiding the needless taking of life. He consolidated the techniques of Shinkage-Ryu and continued to spread the art. I never thought that such techniques wouldn't be seen in present…?'
(AN: Sorry minna-san! I've made Yagyu Hiroshi a descendant of the Yagyu Clan :P I thought the story would be a little interesting to add some historical people into it. Bugeisha – Martial Artist. Not sure; however 'kami-izumi' means 'spring/fountain of god' and 'ise no kami' – eternally god)
"Sakuno-chan…" Ann was totally shocked of what she witnessed now.
"What's…what's going on here?" Sengoku blinked with astonishment "Is this some kind of live performance?"
"Yeah…must be" Shishido nodded "Didn't Fuji Shusuke mentioned that the camera are still rolling" In fact Shishido had taken Fuji's word seriously.
"Sakuno-chan is so cool! Kakkoi" Oohtori exclaimed with excitement.
"It's quite a pretty stunt they had put up there, na, Kabaji…" Atobe commented with a less egotistical tone. Indeed he had meant to praise the girl who could synchronize with the stuntman so perfectly that the scene seems so realistic. She must be very good in acting.
"Usu…"
"I'm impressed, Yagyu Jubei…haha…now, let me see how strong you are!" Kitafuro provoked and increase the force of his attack on Sakuno.
Just when some Seigaku players wanted to go and help Sakuno, Fuji impeded them.
"FUJI! What do you think you're doing!" Eiji and Momo jumped and Ryoma looks like he is ready to kill the senior at any time for stopping them to save Sakuno.
"Fuji senpai! I thought you vowed that you'll protect her with your life!" Momo added furiously.
"Heedlessly dashing over to interrupt the fight would mean committing suicide and would only be a distraction for Sakuno-chan. She would get worry if anyone of you gets hurt because of her"
"You want us to stand here and watch…" this time Oishi also could not hold his anxiety over their coach's granddaughter.
"Yes, just watch!" Fuji dropped his head as he replied imperceptibly "She knows how to deal with situation like this. In order to avoid unnecessary conflict; She will try to persuade the attacker"
Despite being pushed further by Kitafuro; Sakuno did not challenge him forcefully. Instead she took a step backward and gently pushed his blade away causing her opponent slightly losing his balance. Taking this chance Sakuno quickly get hold of his armed wrist and slam him over with his back hitting against the hard ground. Everyone watched in awe upon seeing the petite beauty flip over a man who is twice her body size.
'Never judge a book by its cover' almost everyone noted mentally.
Without giving a chance for the attacker to make another move; Sakuno towed him out of the coffee house "Hey! Why you! Let go of me! What do you think you're doing?"
"Sanada…" Hiroshi approached his vice captain to clarify some facts "…could it be?"
"Ah, without doubt; those are Shinkage-Ryu's techniques…" Sanada responded while his eyes focused on the girl who went outside a while ago. He decided to go over to get some details from the Seigaku; whom he suggested that they are the ones who knows about the facts.
Just when Sanada was about to approach them; the anxious group have already gathered their backpack and gathered around the window panel to observe Sakuno and the weirdo. It seems like she is trying to convince him not to fight. They had got all their gears (tennis rackets) ready with them; if persuasion won't work; they would not think twice of assaulting the stranger in order to protect their princess. Whether he is a sword man or a mad man, they have more people and would definitely win against him.
(AN: And because I write the story, so I say so :P)
"I'm sorry for hurting you just now, but, you should have listened to me first. I've already told you that I'm not Yagyu Jubei" this time Sakuno let out a long and upsetting sigh as she let go of her grip; her hazel orbs soften when she stares at Kitafuro. "As you can see, I'm just an ordinary high school girl"
It also seems like she was able to kick some sense into him when he finally loosen a bit to study the girl in front of him. He finally realized that the girl's feature is rather cute. He blushed furiously upon hearing his own thoughts.
"So…please stop bothering me…" Sakuno assumed that she had finally made him understand her purpose, thus heaving a heavy sigh, she took her leave.
Upon seeing Sakuno leaving, he shook his head again. It seems like his inner self is not that convinced; cute or not, she would always be his enemy. She is second generation of Yagyu Jubei.
"STOP FOOLING AROUND, WOMAN!" Kitafuro bellowed furiously and once again he leaps high into the air and launched his attack on Sakuno.
Knowing that the negotiation had failed; all the nine Seigaku regulars dashed out of the coffee house and impeded Kitafuro from attacking Sakuno. The players from other schools assumed that this could also be part of the performance, thus they sit quietly on their respected seats and watch the show, except for two people, Sanada and Yagyu Hiroshi who feel the sinister vibe they felt from the man earlier.
He immediately stops his attack and skipped a few steps backward. "What are you bunch of foolish people doing here?"
"Protect Ryuzaki-san" Oishi replied sternly. It seems like the motherly vice-captain is now mad and furious.
"Abare ja ne na, abare ja ne yo" Momo rake up his spiky hair as he hissed dangerously.
(Abareru – to act violently/to struggle. As usual I've use Momo-chan's trademark libretto)
"What happened? Why are all of you out here!" She asked frantically, pushing them away from shielding her from Kitafuro.
"Mou, Sakuno-chan, the negotiation is over…" Fuji explained "he won't listen to you…" with that he took Sakuno's hand and drag her away from the crowd.
"Senpai! Let go of me! Please, stay away from this! He would not hesitate to kill all of you" It seems like she is stronger than Fuji could have imagine. It took himself, Eiji and Ryoma to hold her to stay apart from the attacker.
"Yeah, she's right! You fools would be a good subject in order for me to meet the real Yagyu Jubei" with that he swings his sword and points it at Oishi, the nearest target among all the nine people. "Now, Yagyu Jubei, transform; if you wanted to save your friends"
His words were not meant to scare her; it's an implication of hostilities. He had provoked her, pushing her towards dead end. She has no choice but to oblige in order to save all her friends. However she also understands that she is not in the condition to promise him anything since the love-shaped eye patch is no longer with her. She also assumed that even if Ayunosuke is here right now, he would definitely not give the eye patch to her as she has once attempted to give it away to save her friend, Tomoka.
"Just go ahead and fight us all, you moron!" Eiji let go of Sakuno as he provoked the man "Don't always pick on girls! Get someone who is at your level"
"Senpai..." This time Sakuno would surely die of heart attack. Ordinary human could not exactly feel the enemies killing vibes like she does. She could instantly tell that the man is ready to kill them all at this moment.
"Ryuzaki! Calm down…" Ryoma increased the strength of his grip when Sakuno struggled to break free once again. He never thought that the girl could be so strong. He barely could get hold of her.
While the Seigaku groups are busy settling their problem outside the coffee house; the innocent groups who were inside the coffee house; had taken the factual situation as some sort of show and were enjoying it as much as they enjoyed their food.
"Ne…ne…Tachibana no imouto-san?" Annoyed by Sengoku's sudden interruption; Ann replied him with a monotone "What is it that you want from me; Sengoku-san?"
"Just wondering who you think would win this fight; the Seigakugumi or the man with black yukata"
Ann pondered for a moment and was ready to reply Sengoku again but was interjected by Kentarou who also heard their conversation.
"This would be a great topic to discuss about. I bet the Seigakugumi will definitely win. 'Righteous' ones always win, but I wondered who is responsible for the heroic act?" Since Kentarou is the renowned loudspeaker of Rokakkou; everything would eventually goes publicize.
"How about making the topic more interesting? Winner gets free lunch and losers get to pay" this time Atobe stood out and announced. "Then I'll go for Tezuka…he's my rival afterall, na Kabaji…"
"Usu! And I'll bet for Kawamura-san" This is the first time the Hyoutei team hears Kabaji completing a sentence.
"Ah? How could you guys do something like this! We're still high schoolers; no betting is allowed…" Bunta chipped in "But…I'll go for Kikumaru…"
"HEY!"
"Echizen Ryoma" Ibu Shinji said with his monotone "He's short so he has all the advantage. He could attack the man from the underside. Isn't it unfair, but the world is full of unfair…" His continuous mumbling had somehow freaked many people. He's definitely an unpredictable freak of Fudomine.
"I go for Kawamura-san! Look at his swing! Those invincible power!" Oohtori exclaimed excitingly.
"Fuji Shuusuke…" Although Yuuta had responded faintly but his reply had gained everyone's attention, especially his own teammates who know about the sibling conflict.
"So, you're not angry with your brother anymore?" Nomura asked out of curiosity and earned another smack from the younger Fuji. "SHUT UP!"
"Hm…hm….hm…then I'll bet for man with black yukata" Mizuki added and soon many players divert their attention towards the St. Rudolph captain.
"Why?" Almost everyone asked in unison.
"Because in old movies the main character often dies…"
"Oh…"
"Let's see who else who have not submit their voting…"
"Hey! I'm not done yet!" Mizuki shouted furiously when the guys turn away and ignored him before he could finish off what he wanted to say.
As the voting goes on smoothly some players were also observing the scene where Ryoma and Fuji are still having hard time to keep the girls away from the attacker.
"How long do we have to wait to get to see the main event? No wonder many says free service is no good after all…"
"Ryoma-kun, Fuji-senpai!" Let me go, please"
"That I won't allow! Without the eye patch; you're just an ordinary girl. That is why we must protect you" In fact that is not the case. Fuji could clearly sense the existing power of Yagyu that still lives within her surfacing little by little, thus there's no doubt she would win against the guy; however, due to the fact that she is Sakuno; the girl who is too kind to hurt anyone, such factor would definitely cause her life.
"Ryuzaki! Stop being so stubborn! Just listen to us and stay still…" Ryoma ordered stubbornly. Now that really doubted the others of who is real stubborn head here.
Instead of fighting, Eiji and Kitafuro engaged themselves in a heated argument. They never expect the two to be an expert when it comes to verbal assaults.
"Yeah, only moron would pick on the weak one!"
"Hn, attacking the weakest first is natural! Beside, what makes you think that she's weak, you idiot"
"What! No one calls me idiot! That's it! I had enough of this moron!"
"Eiji, calm down…" Oishi sighed for the eighth times. A while ago he had been having hard time to calm Kawamura down who attempted to confront Kitafuro all by himself. Although Kawamura possessed great strength it would be too dangerous to fight the opponent who is armed. The same goes to Eiji. He really doubted that the two hot blooded young men understand his destitution for being a motherly vice captain who tried so hard to stop them from being killed.
"Na, Mamushi! You'll go behind and lock his arms while I'll attack from the front" Momo ordered.
"Who do you think you are, ordering people around" Kaidoh retorted "besides, I don't do dirty tricks like this"
"What did you say, Mamushi?"
"That what I said; didn't you hear me?" And so that is what would be expected from the two eternal rival of Seigaku.
"You guys go ahead and fight. I'll be the one to record down the events from here" Inui muttered while scribbling more notes into his book.
"Ryuzaki, please don't give Fuji, Echizen and the rest of us hard times. We are trying to keep you safe" Tezuka added sternly at last "Right now there's nothing you can do"
"I can…because…because, Ayunosuke…he's here…" with that Sakuno look up where she sensed Ayunosuke's presence. Although she has always reject the power of Yagyu Jubei; but, this time; in order to protect her precious friends; she is deem to attain such power once again.
"Jubei…sama!"
"AH? RABURI GANTAI!" Eiji and Momo exclaimed in unison.
"AYUNOSUKE!" Sakuno's hand stretch out to get hold of the eye patch that Ayunosuke is about to pass to her. As soon as she grabbed the eye patch, she covers her right eye with it and ties the string around her head.
"Impossible! How could the things happened to be here!" Yagyu eyes widen upon seeing Sakuno wearing the eye patch. His sudden outburst had earned the whole groups' attention.
"What's wrong, Hiroshi?" Both Yukimura and Sanada asked anxiously in accordance.
"Hey, are you alright?" Niou asked casually, however he had never seen Yagyu losing his poise before.
"Raburi Gantai, Yagyu Jubei's possession and it was meant to pass down to the successor of Shinkage-Ryu, the second generation of the Yagyu Jubei. So that means, the girl, she's the real Yagyu Jubei…" While Yagyu continues articulating in a nonstop mode; the others continues to listen although none of them seems to get his point, except Sanada.
"Are you sure?" Sanada continue his query and this time he sounded more somber than usual.
"Affirmative" Yagyu answered with an equally serious tone "Well, guess there's no need for me to speak further. Very soon, everything will be self explanatory"
As Yagyu divert his attention back to the Seigaku group, the others too did the same.
They watched in awe when they saw a visibly pink glow engulfing the girl's body. Hot steam disperses from her body. Her body changes its form and so is her attire. Her black ninja gear reveals all the perfect contour of her developed body. She is now in her cool, mature and yet enchanting feature that would deeply captivated the hearts of men.
The enormous power that escaped from her body form into a whirlwind that fends off anyone who was close to her, sending them a few meters away from her.
Witnessing the transformation; the other seven teams could no longer believe that this is just what they had implicated earlier as some sort of special performances arranged by the management of the Studio Park.
"The legendary swordsman, Yagyu Jubei….revived" Sanada is now filled with excitement.
"So the rumor is true. Yagyu Jubei is back…to end the grudges" Yagyu added.
"Yagyu Jubei, finally…" Kitafuro had all the excitement flowing all over his body as he laughed hysterically "I will kill you now for keeping me waiting for so long! Three Hundred Years of Grudges!" Kitafuro immediately launch his attack upon seeing the whirlwind disappearing.
Instantly Jubei pull out a sword and counter the assault with an equally full force.
"That was quite impressive, Yagyu Jubei! You're able to pull out your sword in such a short time and counter my attack!" with that Kitafuro leap backward and distance himself from Jubei. The two stood still; their eyes challenging each other; studying the slightest movement that one would have made.
Finally; Kitafuro made another attempt to attack Jubei when another force interjected his attack.
Their eyes widen when they saw a young lady, in pure black ninja gear, with eyes of gold coins. She stood in between them, still as a statue carved from onyx as her sword stuck in between theirs. Watching her, Jubei could do no more than stare while their pulse beat like fury. It's not from the legendary swordsman; but it's the conscious perception of Sakuno, the girl whom his will lived in.
"You've grown weak, Jubei-sama…" she snarled devilishly.
"Who the hell are you? How dare you interrupt my fight with Yagyu Jubei?" Kitafuro is totally irritated by another interjection.
"Shut up, you useless man! Yagyu Jubei is my prey!" with one strike she is able to send Kitafuro fly off their sight.
"WHAT THE HELL!" While being pushed backward by an enormous force, he was able to utter unnecessary complains and cursing until his head hit hard again a tree; sending him unconscious.
"Now, Yagyu Jubei; it only left you and me…let's enjoy this fight till the end and when I finish you off; I'll seize the power that store in your precious eye patch"
Sakuno whose consciousness had not fully died out could well recognize the colorful friendship band which is knotted on the armed wrist of his opponent.
"Sakuno…" Jubei felt the sudden deterioration of energy when the perception of Sakuno became unstable.
Taking this opportunity, Tomoka give a full swing of her attack against Jubei; sending the legendary swordsman rolling all the way across thestreet, withhis back hitting hard against the wall of one recreated ancient building. An amount of blood spitted out from his mouth.
"Jubei!" upon regaining their consciousness, the next thing the Seigaku regulars witnessed was Jubei had taken the assaults directly without countering it. They watched anxiously as Jubei struggle to get up after receiving such heavy blow.
At that time, Jubei could have countered the attack or at least he could have avoided himself from being hit. Although it'shim whoreceived the attack; but, the body still belongs to Sakuno. That means Sakuno is also suffering from the attack.
"What is wrong with Jubei?"
"No, Jubei-sama wouldn't have hesitated; but if it is for Sakuno-chan…" Suddenly a fearsome supposition came to Fuji. He immediately dashed over to where Jubei is. Although he knew the risk of interrupting the fight, however; he must make clear that his perception is not wrong. 'Sakuno-chan…I hope that I am being over sensitive. Please let me know that it wasn't you who is trying to stop Jubei from the fight…please'
"Fuji/Senpai!" his teammates watched Fuji's unsteady movements and could tell that he is injured. Must be due to the earlier impact from Jubei; as, Ryoma and Tezuka who received the same impact are still having hard time to recover. He must have pushed himself to sustain such pain so that he could get to the girl in no time.
"What is he doing right? Is he out of his mind? It's dangerous to interrupt the two people. Look what happened to the other guy! Yuuta, do something to stop your brother!" Over exited by the panicked scene; Mizuki grabbed Yuuta on his collar and shook him vigorously, ordering him to stop his brother.
"Mizuki-san! Let go! Yuuta-kun is suffocating!"
While struggling hard to stand up after receiving a severed blow, Jubei could heard footsteps approaching her; one steady and slow along with the clattering sound of the sword sliding against the rough ground as its owner moved; the others is heavy and fast.
"Yagyu Jubei; everything is over! I shall acquire your power and continue your will…" Tomoka who is just a few steps away from Jubei; lift her sword up, preparing to execute the injured swordsman "DIE!"
The sword stopped halfway before it could contact Jubei. The tip of the blade barely touches Fuji's shoulder.
"What is the meaning of this?" Tomoka asked coldly "You're getting into my way; you fool"
"Shusuke?" Jubei eyes widen upon seeing Fuji shielding him.
"I know…she must be Osakada-san, am I right?" Fuji said weakly "That is why you controlled Jubei-sama's will and not letting him to hurt her right? Sakuno-chan..."
"That's right! I have this girl as my shield to hold against Jubei and his successor's soul! Didn't the philosophies of Yagyu Shinkage-Ryu said so 'Attack the weak point of your enemy', so get out of my way; before I change my mind and have your blood to clean my sword"
"I'm afraid I cannot comply your wish; Osakada-san. She is someone whom I've vowed to protect with my life; even back then or now"
"Go away…I don't need you to protect me…" with that Jubei grab onto Fuji's shoulder and gently push him away while the other hand move closer to the eye patch "I won't let anything happens to Sakuno…even if it means…"
"This…" as soon as the eye patch detached from Jubei's right eyes; steams escaped blurring their visions.
"I don't need this anymore…" Tomoka watched as Jubei tossed the eye patch up into the air and towards her. "Raburi…Gantai…"
Slowly she raised both hands preparing herself to take the eye patch that she had always desired. Before the eye patch could safely land on her open palms; Ayunosuke immediately seize the eye patch. In process, the child was able to dodge a few attacks from Tomoka before fleeing off with it.
Furious by the unexpected intervention; Tomoka redirect her plans and began pursuing Ayunosuke.
Fuji heaved a sigh as they are finally safe for time being. He could felt hot skin contacted his back, noting that it must be Sakuno who has finally collapsed.
The rest the groups immediately came out of the coffee house to help the Seigaku members, especially Ryoma, Tezuka and Fuji who had severe injuries.
"Nii-san! Are you alright?" Yuuta immediately dash over to check out his brother's condition.
"I'm not dead yet…" Fuji joked as he holds the girl firmly into his arm.
"Nii-san…" Yuuta heaved a sigh. He knew that his brother is a tough man despite of his delicate frame.
"Are the rest of them alright?" Fuji asked with concern.
"I guess so. The others are there to help them up; so you can rest assure" Yuuta reply feebly while his gaze diverted from his brother to the girl who look totally worn out.
"Is she alright?"
"Not at all" Fuji replied with an unusually somber tone "We need to find a place to treat her wounds…"
"And yours too..." Before the brothers could go on with their conversation, the group of the players approached them, leaving some others behind to take care of Ryoma and Tezuka.
Yagyu stood out from the group, his eyes scanned the Fuji and then at the girl.
"What do you want?" Fuji gazed back at Yagyu, cold and unwelcoming.
"Please calm down, Fuji Shusuke-kun. I'm not here to cause trouble; but, I'm here to help, as an acquaintance of Yagyu Jubei…"
"Acquaintance? How would you convince me to believe you or even anyone in this group after what you all had saw"
"Based on the facts that he's also the descendent of the Yagyu Clan…" Sanada added.
TBC…
Special Note: As minna-san would have find it curious when I addressed Sakuno-chan, who transformed into Yagyu Jubei as 'HE'.InJubei-chan 2, the author finally reveals that Yagyu Jubei is actually a male whose soulinhabited Jiyuu's body, so,I guess using 'HE' to address him is more appropriate. Please let me knowif I'm causing confusion again.
AN: Kyah! Finally, I managed to keep this fics alive! It's been quite sometimes right? Really, I always like that, dragging the updates, if only I was born to have stamina to endure staying late at night.
I'm so happy that I've seen many people encouraging me and had like this story. I can't promise if I could get this updated as soon as possible, as mi-chan is still very mada mada dane, but, I promise that the wait won't be long either, so, please support me till the end.
Thanks for all the encouraging reviews! I greatly appreciated everyone for their constant encouragement and patience as well as your time to read this.
I would like to dedicate this story specially to:
Magy-chan, Tsubame-chan, whitelilies, Raiy & forever silverwing angel, angel
Other dedications:
angel yuna X-2,Jomai, White Alchemist Taya,Tenipuri, Triangel, Eri-chan, yepp, fan-fic fan, Valu, Niji-san, Doggythumper, LadyLight, Ginaorgasoline, StarFreak, Koori no tenshi, hannah-chan, zazabeans-chan, anime-obsession260, zhu-zhu, glitterfairy, Sourapplegreen, Kiralacus, the Eiji Cat, abc and Sakuya-chan
Thank you for always being her for me and encourage me to continue this fics. I'll alwz remembers your patience and kindness. Eto, incase mi-chan had overlook and had left out anyone's name, please forgive me, ne
I also dunno what came into me. Plotting Yagyu to be part of Yagyu clan is one of the unexpected outcome. Lately I've been reading articles on the real Yagyu Jubei. He also has connection with Sanada and Yukimura and even participated in the Battle of Seikigahara. Sugoi desu ne...
Till date, many people across the world are still practicing Shikage-ryu Sword techniques.I'm serious!Many dojo are carrying task to continue such unique teachings of Yagyu Jubei-sama.
Lastly, mi-chan will work harder to improve myself! Please stay by my side and see if I am improving?
Goukigen yo
mi-chan yori