Chapter 32 – A sword for two

Almost a week had passed since the Kaisers unsolicited visit. The next day, Shirley and Francesca went on a shopping trip to Pescara, and brought in a whole truck of supplies, much to Toshiro's sorrow, because he had to fork out money for them.

Also, the press came to the base. Toshiro took it as a sign from the heavens that they were mostly interested in Minna, but he got a few questions himself. Minna put up a straight face when asked about how she shot down her 200th Neuroi, and told everyone a fib they both made up with Adolfine before dinner the other day.

The little Romagnan made progress with Yoshika. She had her ups and downs, but Francesca was a true talent to everything she put her back into. Toshiro was the volunteer to taste Francesca's culinary efforts, but thankfully, he didn't have indigestion, not even once.

Mio started to be a tad nicer towards Yoshika, but it was only by a tiny amount. But whenever Yoshika and Toshiro wanted to snuggle in the evening, she would just look the other way.

Shirley and Toshiro tinkered with the racecar each day, bringing it closer to completion with each hour they spent on it.

A beautiful sunset marked the beginning of May 22, a Tuesday.

During the morning jog, Toshiro got the idea to visit Mio during her morning training and tease her a bit. He was almost there, when he saw that Yoshika was standing on the beach, watching at Mio.

What is she doing here at this time? She really should be sleeping…

Mio stood on a column lurking out of the water. Her sword was glowing blue, her face concentrated. Suddenly she opened her eyes and yelled.

"REPPUZAN!"

The magic attack kicked split up the water before her at a distance yet unseen of Mio.

"She is pushing herself too hard. At this rate, I doubt her magic will last till August…"

"You think so?"

"I know it, Toshiro. I was right with that Liberian president…"

"Miss Sakamoto! That was awesome! Can you teach me the Reppuzan?" Yoshika asked.

"It's too early, Miyafuji. You're not ready."

"But my stamina and magic are on a life high right now, I know I could master it!"

"I said no."

"I'll tell on you to Toshiro…"

"And I will still say no. But since you are extorting me now, I will at least give you some reasoning… It took me almost four months to learn the Reppuzan, and I already knew a technique similar to it, the Cloud Spark. Do you even imagine how much time it would take for an amateur like you to learn it? A year maybe? And you would drop dead if I applied the training regime I underwent. Also, you don't have a magic blade, so scram."

"I'm still telling Toshiro…" Yoshika puffed her cheeks and went in his direction.

Toshiro cloaked himself and hid behind a building, and when Yoshika was passing by, he swiped her behind it.

"Toshiro? What are you doing here? Did you perhaps…"

"Yes, I eavesdropped your little conversation."

"Can't you tell something to Sakamoto? Seriously…"

"She is right in almost all aspects. You don't have a magic sword, and who knows how long you would have to train to even pull off a Cloud Spark…"

"Even you… What was it again? Tuus Brutus etus something…"

"Et tu Brute…" Toshiro sighed.

"Right. Hey, you could lend me your sword!"

"Nice try, Yoshika. I believe Aganaimaru is soul bound to me."

"So it won't work with me?"

"Nope."

"But at least let me try!"

"Oh okay…"

Toshiro summoned Aganaimaru and gave it to Yoshika. Contrary to his prediction, is stayed in its perfected form.

"Oh wow… See, Toshiro? It seems the swo…"

Yoshika froze half-sentence, with her eyes becoming glassy.

"Yoshika!"

"Don't touch her now!"

"Why?! What's going on?!"

"It seems the sword is trying her…"

"Trying her?"

"Yes. It tests Yoshika if she's worthy of being a second wielder."

"A second wielder?"

"Yes. A soul bound sword can be used by a second user, but only his or hers soul is compatible with that of the original user."

"…rd likes me… Toshiro… The things that I saw…"

"What did you see?"

"A whole bunch of priestesses'… And there was this beautiful lady with black hair in a kimono…"

"Amaterasu…"

"That was her? Wow…"

"Did she tell you anything?"

"She told me about "a perfect dream"."

All of a sudden, a blinding light came from Aganaimaru, blinding both Toshiro and Yoshika. When his vision came to normal, he saw that Yoshika wasn't wielding Aganaimaru. The sword in her hands had the length of a normal katana, but instead of Aganaimaru's deep red, it was emerald green.

"Toshiro, what is this blade… What happened…?"

"So this is the perfect dream… Yumemaru…"

"This is also something common to soul bound items – they form an appearance corresponding the user."

"But why a 'perfect dream'?"

"Yoshika's dream is to help many people with her power, right? Also, green is the color of hope."

"Now I understand… So Yoshika's dream enabled her to wield Aganaimaru, and transform it into Yumemaru."

"Actually, the base sword has a name. I forgot to tell you about it, heheh… It's 'Hompou Shishi', the Rampant Lion."

"So Hompou Shishi can transform into either Aganaimaru or Yumemaru, depending on the wielder?"

"Yes, both are the perfected versions of the base sword, that's why they have the '–maru' suffix in their names. Easy enough, huh?"

"Yeah… But wait, can Yoshika summon Yumemaru as she pleases?"

"No. You are the first wielder, and the perk of having the privilege to summon it lies only at your disposal. You can however remotely place the blade in Yoshika's hand, just think about it the same way as you do while summoning Aganaimaru."

"Convenient… Should I relay some of this to Yoshika?"

"Don't need to."

"Toshiro, did Yuki tell you something interesting right now? You spaced out…"

"She did, but it's just boring stuff… I…"

Toshiro saw as dust fell down from the roof of the building. He sighed and said, "Come down, Mio…"

As predicted, Mio jumped down between them.

"Wah! You eavesdropped on us, Miss Sakamoto!"

"I had to check out what was the meaning of that sudden flash."

"Now I have a magic sword, please teach me the Reppuzan!"

"I can't teach you the Reppuzan right now. But since you are so damn stubborn, I'll teach you the Cloud Spark… Or at least I'll try…"

"Yay! Did you hear that, Toshiro?"

"Yeah, yeah… That's the first step to learning the Reppuzan. Either that, or the Rending Gale."

"Oh, could you teach me that?"

"Sorry, Yoshika, but that technique is even more difficult than the Unyou. From what I could observe, the Cloud Spark simply uses magic to sharpen and charge the blade, but the Rending Gale compresses the air around the blade, infuses it with magic and propels it forward. At first, Yuki assisted me with doing it, but now I can do it on my own so… You're better off with Mio anyway, she's a better teacher." Toshiro said with a soft voice. "Oh, and Mio, it took you only about 30% longer than me to learn the Reppuzan, congrats."

"Thanks. Miyafuji, are you sure you want to do this? You WILL have additional training besides the usual drills."

"I can do it! I have a dream to realize!"

"Fine then. But for now, scatter back to your bed, you have to rest."

"Okay! Toshiro, how do I recall the blade back?"

"Just think about it."

"Just thin… oh, it disappeared!"

"See? Works like a charm. Take a nap now."

"See you at breakfast!" Yoshika cheered while running away.

"Damn it…" Toshiro muttered. "I would never, fucking, ever think that this would happen… I just pulled down Yoshika into a fine mess…"

"You can always forbid her."

"I don't have the heart to do so… And don't even think of enforcing it on your own manner."

"She'll crack sooner or later, don't worry. After my special training, she'll whimper, cower and beg to opt out."

"Just don't overdo it, okay? I don't want Yoshika to be a sack of coal in the bed, heheh…"

"Damn pervert… Well anyway, let's jog."

"Good idea."

After the jog, and chugging down a glass of water, Toshiro waited for Yoshika in the dining room, but instead of her, he saw Francesca and Shirley.

"Huh?"

"Surprised? I took the cooking duties from Yoshika for today!" Francesca said proudly.

"Is it some sort of final exam from Yoshika?"

"Yup! If I can pull off three meals successfully, I can call myself a cook!"

"And I'm helping the squirt." Shirley said. "Oh, and I'll have some business with you after breakfast, okay?"

"Lemme guess, car related?"

"As if you're sitting in my head… But wait a bit, right?"

"Yeah, yeah… Anyways, what will you two be doing now?"

"Today is Romagnan day!" Francesca cheered. "I'll start with a Romagnan breakfast, follow with a Romagnan dinner and end with a Romagnan supper!"

"I just hope it will be delicious. I wish you luck, Francesca!"

"Thanks! Shirley, let's go get the ingredients!'

"Yus!"

The girls went out, and returned after a minute loaded like camels. They started preparing something immediately. Despite having their cooking duties ceded to Francesca, Lynne and Yoshika were the first to come.

"Hi girls." Toshiro said.

"Hello." Lynne answered.

"We've already met today…" Yoshika said and sat on Toshiro's lap.

"You've already met today, huh?" Shirley threw them a sly look.

"Yes. We fucked so hard I had trouble jogging."

All the girls looked at him, but Yoshika only giggled and said, "No, that's not true… I just ran into Toshiro because I wanted to look at the sunrise."

Oh you little liar…

"Meh, as if I care… This hand does all the work for me!" She said raising her right hand.

"I hope that you at least washed it…" Toshiro said with a wry smile. "Wait a moment, did you just publicly admit to getting your fingers wet?"

"Ahahah, well…" Shirley went all red on her face. "A woman has her needs you know…"

"Oh they do…" Toshiro sighed.

"Um, Toshiro, why is Shirley so red all of a sudden?" Lynne asked quietly.

"You really want to know?"

"Yes please."

"Yoshika, you tell her. It would fall under sexual harassment if I did it…"

"Okaaaay…" She sighed and approached Lynne.

While she was whispering in Lynne's ear, the latter started blushing so intensely she could serve as a reading lamp.

"Yoooooshikaaaaa…" Lynne cried. "Why are you all so lewd…?"

"Maybe you are too stuck up, Lynne." Shirley butted in. "Come on, go to your room and beat the beaver a bit. I assure you, its fun!"

"N-n-no! I won't be able to get married! No way! Nu-uh!"

"Suit yourself…" Shirley said and returned to chopping vegetables. "But don't blame us when you end up a sexually frustrated cat lady in a retirement home."

"I will find a husband!"

"Of course you will… But if you'll approach him on your honeymoon night with such reserve like to my idea right now, than I bet he'll catch the next flight to the Vatican to annul the marriage at the Pope."

"Oh come on, Shirley, don't scare her like that…" Toshiro said. "Topic closed, leave her alone…"

"Spoilsport…" Shirley mumbled.

"You are in no position to impose anything on Lynne, Shirley. Your viewpoint is already biased like hell by your experiences."

"I suppose so…"

"Thanks…" Lynne said silently.

"Huh? What were you all talking about?" Francesca said, raising her head.

"Nothing, go back to work." Shirley quickly answered.

"Thought so…"

"Mor…" Trude came into the room and stopped. "The Apocalypse has begun… Lucchini cooking our meals…"

"Trude, it's not that bad." Yoshika said. "I have been tutoring her personally for the past few days, and I can vouch for her culinary skills."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"I'm kind of relaxed… but I'm still keeping my guard up!" Trude said and sat down.

"Mornin!" Erica cheered. "Oh, Lucchini cooking? Hey, are you doing something sweet?"

"Maaaaaaaybe…" Francesca replied with an innocent smile.

"Then I'm in!"

The rest of the girls slowly came in, each expressing her doubts and surprise. Finally, Francesca and Shirley started handing out the food.

"Dig in! Rolls, bread, butter, rose jam, cookies and macedonia fruit salad!" Francesca cheered, proud of herself.

"Almost like a Gallian breakfast… A nice sidetrack from the usual sandwiches or fried stuff." Perrine said.

"This is a really light breakfast, Lucchini." Mio said. "You think that will be enough for us, hard training soldiers?"

"Meh, you can always make some sandwiches yourself if you think this won't be enough. I made all of this to please your tongues, not your stomachs…" Francesca explained.

"No time for jabbering!" Erica said and took a big loaf of bread.

She spread a thick layer of rose jam on it and took a bite.

"Dewishuuuuush!" Erica shouted.

"How about tasting the salad then?" Minna asked Erica.

"You have to be kidding… Perrine should taste it; she looks like somebody who eats salads."

"Indeed." Perrine answered proudly, and took a portion of the salad on a plate.

Everyone looked carefully as she took a bite, awaiting for a verdict.

"Hmmm… I can't lie, this is very good."

Francesca gave a wide grin and said, "What are you all waiting for? Dig in!"

They all gladly started filling their plates with goodies. Everything was eaten to the last crumb, and there was not a single complaint.

Yoshika stood up, approached Francesca and said, "One down, two to go. You really put your back into this, Francesca."

"Heehee, thanks! Dinner will be a masterpiece!"

"I just hope it will be more satiating…" Mio mumbled. "Especially for Miyafuji's sake…"

Yoshika whispered something into Francesca's ear, to which she nodded.

"Oi, Toshiro, come on with me." Shirley waved him in.

"Okay."

"Aaaaw, Toshiro, where are you going?" Yoshika moaned.

"Wherever he goes, Miyafuji. You, my damsel, have training now. Toshiro, if you'd please…"

"Now?"

"No point in hiding it."

"Whatever…"

Toshiro looked at Yoshika's right hand, and thought about Aganaimaru appearing, and out of thin air, Yumemaru appeared in her hand. Everyone around except from Mio twitched nervously.

"Woah, what the hell?!" Trude shouted deeply surprised.

"The short version is that this is my sword, but transformed to Yoshika's will. Yoshika, watch out with that sword, because if it's even as half as sharp as mine, than you WILL hurt somebody seriously by even grazing them. Keep the blade far away from your body, and from anyone around."

"Okay!" Yoshika said confidently.

"Miyafuji, throw it to me for now."

"But…"

"Now."

"Kay…" Yoshika mumbled and threw the sword to Mio.

It immediately changed back into the rusty and blood stained Hompou Shishi.

"I'll simply keep it handy for you until we get to the training place, so you won't cut down anybody."

"Thank you…" Yoshika muttered with red cheeks.

"Follow me. Lynne, Perrine – you do ten laps around the base and return to me afterwards."

"Yes ma'am." The two answered calmly and ran out of the room.

Mio and Yoshika followed suit, leaving Toshiro alone with the confused girls.

"Toshiro, since when can Yoshika use your sword?" Minna asked.

"Since… 0550 or something."

"Uh… what?"

"Well I just gave my sword to her and poof, she can use it. I won't dive deeper into details, you don't have to know them. So, Shirley, you had something to do with me?"

'Ah, yeah, come on! I need some muscle!"

"Then why don't take Trudy?"

"And put up with her hissy fits? No way!"

"Pfuh!" Trude huffed. "As if I would help you…"

"Oh shut up you two, I'm going already…" Toshiro sighed before following Shirley to her room.

"Toshiro, I worked on the car a bit in the evening and… well… I think we can take it for a test ride now… And paint it later!"

"Good job, Shirley. But I didn't hear you run it, how do you know the engine works?"

"Because it was the middle of the night…"

"Okaaaay… Why don't you run it now, huh?"

"Can I?"

"Just open the window so we won't die from carbon monoxide poisoning."

"I would open the window anyway, but… ah, whatever, testing time!"

"Did someone say test?!" Francesca suddenly appeared in the room. "Shirley! Lemme see!"

"Patience! I have to fill it up first…"

"Oh, lemme do it!"

"Will you be careful?"

"Yes!"

"Okay then! Be right back!"

Shirley opened the window and jumped out. After a few seconds, she reappeared, with two jerry cans and jumped back inside.

"Prepared for every occasion, huh?" Toshiro asked.

"Yup! I stored it outside under some canvas."

"Shirley, gimme!" Francesca shouted.

"Kay, kay, here… If you only channeled that energy you have for some better purposes…"

Francesca took a jerry can from Shirley, and ran to the Bentley 4 ½ Liter based race car, which now looked almost like its racing cousin – the Blower. She looked around every nook and cranny, and said, "Shiiiirleeey..."

"In the boot…" Shirley sighed.

Francesca opened up the boot in the rear and started unscrewing the fuel cap. She then started pouring the gas in. Both Shirley and Toshiro tensely watched the progress, but nothing happened.

"One more!" Francesca cheered and threw the empty canister on the ground.

Shirley gave her the second one, and Francesca repeated the procedure, screwing the cap back on and closing the boot.

"Let's ride!" She cheered.

"I see a problem…" Toshiro said.

"What problem?" Shirley asked. "I have you here, so I see no problems."

"What, should I cut a hole in the wall to get the car out of here?"

"There's already a quite big hole, Toshiro. It's called a window."

"Wait, what? You want me to get the car out of the room through the damn window?"

"Yup."

"You sure have some nerve…"

"You are a real powerhouse, Toshiro. You lifted a tank, remember?"

"I only lifted it to the height of my hips, Shirley. Whatever, I think I won't escape this task… Just fire the engine up already, so I can see if we actually can take the car out."

"On it!" She shouted and jumped into the open top cabin of the car.

Judging by the moves she was doing, she pumped the fuel manually.

"Okay, ready?"

"Ready." Both Toshiro and Francesca said.

"Firing up!"

She turned the ignition, and the engine sputtered. Shirley's cheeks reddened a bit, and she turned the engine over once more. This time it started without a hitch, roaring and rumbling in the narrow space like a furious monster from Hades. Toshiro would see that the mortar between the bricks in the wall would start to slowly fall down in powder form. He gave Shirley a 'kill it' sign with his hands, and she engine was shut down.

"How was it?!" Shirley shouted with her eyes aflame.

"Good, but we really should run it outside or…"

"What the fuck is going on here?!" Trude shouted from behind Toshiro.

"Engine testing." Shirley said calmly.

"Eng… Wha… OH!"

Trude ran up to the window and opened it wide. Then she swiftly ran up to the car, in which Shirley was still sitting in, and after a swift power up, she threw them both out of the window. Toshiro's jaw would probably be scraping the floor right now, but he quickly ran up to the window and asked, "Shirley, everything okay?"

"I'm a bit shaken but… yeah, at least we got the car outside, heheheh…" Her face turned to a venomous smile and she said, "Thanks, Trudy!"

"You! You used me!"

"I didn't plan on it actually, but nice of you to help."

"Whatever… No more tests inside, or near the dorm, understood?"

"Yes mom…"

"Toshiro, hold me or I'll…"

"Easy, Trude… Easy… Thanks to you, I didn't have to do it. Want a ride?"

"I'd rather sit on the hearth with my pants pulled down…"

"I can arrange that you know… And you two came such close together back then when she saved you…"

"Come with me, Toshiro, I'll tell you something…" Trude said quietly and dragged him out to the corridor. "Believe me, I like her. I like Shirley… But… But… I can't do it publicly… She is just the opposite of what a True Soldier of Karlsland is! I can't affiliate with her like that as a soldier… Maybe after the war, maybe, just maybe, when we're both on leave… Maybe then we can be true friends…"

Toshiro sighed, placed his hand on Trude's shoulder and said, "That's all I wanted to know, Trude. I'm glad you're not antagonizing Shirley out of malicious intents."

"Heheh… Okay, I have to go now. Somebody has to be the moral spine of this unit!"

"Go! Sail through the seas and… oh wait a second, wrong formula... Could you tell Minna we're going out?"

"Sure. Keep an eye on that redhead!"

"I will!"

Trude went her way, and Toshiro returned to Shirley, who now had Francesca as her passenger.

"Heeeey, I wanted to drive with Shirley…" Toshiro pouted falsely.

"Really? Sorry… Oh, I can sit on your lap, can I?"

"Yes, you can."

"Yay! Shirley, let's go!"

"Hold on, squirt… Damn, I forgot about another issue…"

"What now…" Toshiro sighed.

"We have to get this down to the hangar…"

"Damn it to hell… Yes, you're right. There's no other access to the outside…" Toshiro looked around and saw the canvas that was covering the jerry cans. "I'll take that." He said and pulled it over his back.

"Why are you doing that?" Francesca asked innocently.

"The underside of the car could be dirty, just a precaution mind you."

"Oh."

Toshiro climbed on the back of the car and said, "Slowly drive up to the edge of the base, Shirley. No lollygagging, drifting, wheel spin et cetera."

"You make me sad…"

Shirley turned the engine, and slowly drove up to where the stair down to the runway were beginning. She killed the ignition, and asked; "Now you'll drag it down?"

"Yes. Get out of the car, you'll ruin the balance with your squirming."

The two obediently jumped out, and Toshiro crawled under the car. He concentrated his magic, and used the Sacred Flame. Slowly, he rose up, with the car on his back, grabbing it by the sides from underneath.

"Wooooah! So strong!" Francesca admired him.

Toshiro slightly leaned forward, and started walking down the stairs. Step by step, he was descending with an almost two ton heavy car on his upper back.

"Toshiro, faster!" Shirley coerced him.

"I'd like to see you lugging this car. Come on, let's swap places."

"Nope!"

"Then shut that lovely trap of yours."

Toshiro finally stepped down on the runway. He crouched, as low as he could, and slid back from under the car with the use of Yuki's nifty magic. The car landed on its wheels with a thud, swaying a bit afterwards. He quickly jumped down on the passengers' seat, which was on the left side, since the car was of Britannian origin. Francesca didn't need an invitation, and she jumped on his lap.

"Woohooo, we're going on a ride!"

Shirley jumped onto the driver's seat, and immediately started the car. She slowly drove up to the tunnel door and said, "Lucchini, hop to it!"

She immediately jumped out, pressed the button on the control panel and returned on her soft and warm spot. The door opened, and Shirley floored it. Once they exited the base, she turned left and pulled out a piece of paper out of a strategic place of her body.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" She asked.

"Really? You have pockets you know…"

"Clothes can rip, boobs don't!" She said proudly and gave him the piece of paper.

"Is this a circuit map?" Toshiro asked.

"Yup. I got it from the race organizers. I almost have it memorized, but you should also do it."

Toshiro looked at the circuit map, with Francesca also eyeing it. It had a somewhat triangular shaped, and ten settlements, including Pescara were marked on it.

"I hope you won't charge like an idiot through the villages, right?"

"Not today, Toshiro. We have to do a few laps so the engine can settle in."

"A proper way of dealing with it, Shirley. Let's go!"

Shirley was driving unexpectedly calmly. They passed through the villages of Montani, Villa Raspa, Spoltore, Pomace, Villa Santa Maria, Capelle, Mullino, Monte Silvano, Madonna and finally drove into Pescara. Toshiro noted the track setting had two very longs straights, and already pictured what Shirley will be doing with them. They took two more laps, and then, Francesca started squirming on Toshiro's lap.

"What is it, Francesca?"

"I have to tinkle…" She said with red cheeks.

"Shirley…."

"I hear her, Toshiro. We can stop here, the bushes on the roadside are thick enough."

Shirley pulled over, and Francesca quickly jumped out.

"Say, Shirley… You are always having issues with Trude. Any reasons?"

"Well… I hate that she's such a stickler to rules. She is always 'rules this' and 'regulations that'. The girl needs to learn to relax... I know she has a soft core, you saw it yourself. Maybe I could drink a beer with her one day… Or two… If she makes the first step, I'll gladly accept it."

"Good to hear that you aren't prejudiced to her or something."

"I was at first, but I'm a good observer. I have to be at the speeds I'm reaching... Why are you even asking me this, huh? Did she ask you to?"

"No. I'm just gathering intel on my subordinates to be a better supervisor. Or if you wish, I'm trying to know you better, so I can help you in a more efficient way."

"The caring Toshiro apparently didn't change his ways…" Shirley said giving him a manly embrace. "But seriously, don't pry in between me and Trude; I think we both want to play this game on our own field, using our own rules and at our own discretion."

"Don't worry, Shirley, I won't be nosy. I just have these idealistic tendencies sometimes…"

"Wer sich liebt, der streitet…"

"Who likes each other, has to quarrel?"

"Yes, Yuki, precisely."

"Fitting… I always sensed that the two are just like two big children, sharing a bond of rough male friendship."

"Only they are girls. Which I can attest on account of Shirley, heheh…"

"Damn fucker… Maybe I should erase that little part of your life from your memory? You know I can…"

"If you do that, I'll erase you out of my body. You know I can…"

"Truce…"

"Kay…"

"Well anyway, you know what I mean – the more boys fight each other, the harder their bond. But they won't admit it to nobody, oh no! Male pride at its best!"

"How would I know… I was always a loner…"

"Oh, sorry…"

"You don't need to be, that was my choice."

"What were you two talking this whole time?" Francesca said while suddenly jumping on Toshiro's lap.

"This and that…" Toshiro said. "Come on, Shirley. Last lap for today. Don't overdo it; we will make another run either later today or tomorrow. We still have a lot of time, no need to bust the engine."

"Yeah, yeah… I'm more worried about the gas…"

"What about it?"

"I'm still broke…" She said with her head hung low.

"Ooooh… So you are still siphoning my wallet?"

"Yes…"

"I already told Shirley I could support her, but noooo…"

"And I answered you to send that money to your parents, you numbskull."

"Humpf…" Francesca pouted. "My parents are already getting three quarters of my pay; I wanted to give you the little money I leave for myself…"

"Precisely why I refused. Don't be a second Barkhorn and live on by the proverbial bread and water the army gives you, although in our case we are VERY well supplied… Toshiro can support me here because he's stinking rich, right?"

"Maybe not stinking rich, but yeah, I have a lot of money to burn. Thank my parents for dying."

The two shuddered at his words.

"Kidding. But seriously, I don't have anything to spend my monies onto, since I don't smoke, don't drink, I'm not a glutton and Yoshika fulfils my carnal desires, so I don't have to go and visit Pescara's bordello's."

"Not saving anything?" Shirley asked.

"I have a metric assload of money saved, but it seems that even you can't put a dent on my current pay, even if it's halved for the good of unit, heheheh…"

"Huh? Halved?" Francesca asked.

"Half of my gargantuan pay and pocket money from my uncle goes to our unit's budget, and if my math's not off, I still have most of what I got last time despite your spending spree."

"I see that money didn't corrupt you… Oh well, it seems its okay I sent you off, Lucchini."

"I wanted to give you my widow's mite…" Francesca still had a pouty face.

"And thank you for the thought!" Shirley grinned and ruffled Francesca's hair.

And if you want to praise/rant about my story, please leave a signed review, so we can continue via PM's. Seriously, I don't bite. Unless provoked :]