Street Fighter X Mai-HiME: Stage 6 – Somebody Call The Exterminator!
"Natsuki had finally enjoyed her second battle with Ryu. Although their previous match had never determined no winner when a swarm of creatures known as "Orphans" intervened on their fight. Natsuki will someday to live to fight the world warrior someday, while she has a lot more to learn in fighting. But where do these so-called Orphans come from and what are their motives?"
While Natsuki was again sparring with Ken, Sakura looks on the session with Ryu whilst writing her progress on her journal…
"I just heard from Ryu-san that she fought Kuga-san last night. More like me, she eventually learns his Hadoken and Shoryuken on her own. Ryu-san said that her Shoryuken is infused with her elemental attributes as a HiME – the power of ice. Whenever Kuga-san uses her own Shoryuken, it freezes anything that it touches! Isn't that great? Ryu-san's variation deals only one hard hit, Ken's bursts into flames upon attacking, while mine, uhh… I need more practice, though. Today, Ken is teaching Kuga-san the Tatsumaki, I wonder what kind of a fighting pace she'll experience..? And, by the way, I just asked Ryu-san about those these so-called Orphans who interrupted their match last night, and Kuga-san told us that they look like animal beings or something like that. I wonder what are those things are after."
After a brief sparring, Natsuki is being instructed on the use of the Tatsumaki Senpukyaku – translated as the Tornado Whirlwind Leg. Ken advises the latter to enhance her footwork before she could try performing the move. Before she could begin the routine, she asks herself regarding of the move, "Tatsumaki Senpukyaku… So the attack is a pirouette-like kick?" While Natsuki begins her training routine with Ken, a young boy with white hair appears before Gouken , Ryu, Sakura, Natsuki and Ken.
The boy introduces himself as Nagi Homura. Along with him is the Fuka Academy chairwoman Mashiro Kazahana and her secretary Fumi Himeno. Mashiro was surprised that Natsuki has managed to train with the man whom she fought the previous days. Nagi himself couldn't believe his eyes either! Nagi interacts with Ryu, Sakura, and Gouken privately, leaving Mashiro and Fumi observing Natsuki's training routine with Ken.
The young boy mentions that the Orphans; who interrupted Ryu and Natsuki's match the other night, are creatures (typically in monstrous forms) that are fought by HiMEs. Although Nagi himself implied that he occasionally summons them, much to the surprise of Ryu and Gouken. On the other hand, Nagi mentions that it is not only him who controls the Orphans; he mentions that there are other entities that can control them. "It's not my fault if I let these creatures interrupt your student's battle with Kuga. As far as I'm concerned, I have overheard that Shadowlaw are also capturing Orphans in this place, too. If you guys are not familiar of Bison, his "Psycho Power" thing may allow him to control Orphans for his fiendish whims." says Nagi, thinking that there is a possibility that Shadaloo will capture Orphans that dwell in the Fuka Academy in hopes for world domination; much to the shock of Ryu and company. Ryu asks Nagi, "What do you know about Bison!? And I thought Shadaloo was taken out by S.I.N. during the course of the tournament in which they hosted?" Nagi responds that it is a possible rumor; knowing when is Bison ready to strike with vengeance. He points to Ryu and Gouken, asking them about their theory of the power of the HiMEs and their possible connection to the Satsui no Hado. Though, Nagi has no knowledge of the Satsui no Hado, he'll have to keep it in mind. Nagi later leaves Ryu and company. While staying in the shadows, when Nagi recalls about the Satsui no Hado, he mentions that he had something in mind; find the man with the 'ten' kanji.
*BGM: Super Street Fighter IV Soundtrack – Theme of Ken*
Returning to the spot where Ken and Natsuki are training and Mashiro and Fumi observing. Ryu is greeted by Mashiro, convincing him to visit the Fuka Academy anytime when he is free.
During the routine, Ken eventually teaches Natsuki one of his Super Arts, the Shippu Jinrai-kyaku – translated as the Hurricane Thunderclap Leg. Allowing the latter to add more style and damage, plus the attacks connectivity upon finishing a hurricane kick. "My Shippu Jinrai-kyaku is faster than the wind! Now, I'm going to pass this to you. After working over with your footwork, looks like I'll be the ones returning the favor. Use it sparingly, kid!" says Ken. Natsuki attempts the Shippu Jinrai-kyaku as she destroys a training dummy – she lashes out a low roundhouse kick on the dummy's hip, two high ones on the head, and another low on the hip; then launches a knee on the gut sending it airborne, signifying the attack connected. Natsuki finishes the attack with the Tatsumaki. The attack was an absolute success! Ken was impressed, "You smashed it like a pro, little girl! Now you managed to get the hang of it. Anyways, let's train again sometime. "
After the routine, Natsuki hears applause from Mashiro. Surprised of the academy's chairwoman's appearance, Natsuki greets the latter; who in turn was impressed of her execution of her attack. Then, Shizuru eventually appears. She herself managed to watch her routine in the shadows, much to Natsuki's reaction. "Wow, Natsuki. I'm impressed; you managed to strike like lightning. No wonder you were so aspired to train and battle with Ryu.", says Shizuru. Natsuki made no, even a slight impression of Shizuru's remarks, only to respond with a smile.
The next day…
Sakura runs into Natsuki after school. "What did Nagi asked you about?", she asked. Sakura answers, "The guy in white hair had told us about the attackers who interrupted your fight with Ryu-san last night." Natsuki already knows that Orphans are lurking around the Fuka Academy, whether it'll be day or night. "Kuga-san, what you're about to hear could blow your mind. Nagi-san said that he is not the only one controlling the Orphans. He also overheard of a rumor that Shadaloo could take control those things.", says Sakura. Much to Natsuki's surprise what she heard about Shadaloo, "Shadaloo, never heard of them.", the latter replied. Sakura makes a minor briefing about Shadaloo to Natsuki, "Shadaloo, or Shadowlaw; regardless of how you pronounce, is a notorious criminal syndicate responsible of many criminal activities. M. Bison is their leader; he and his men were once trying to lure Ryu-san to some of his traps hopes ruling the world with an iron fist." Natsuki had finally learned about Shadaloo's possible motives thanks to Sakura's early warning.
And the following day…
*BGM: Super Street Fighter IV Soundtrack - Spunky -SSFIV Arranged- (Theme of Makoto)*
Sakura decides to bring Natsuki around town to find various opponents. Ryu advises the two to stay out of trouble at all costs; not knowing what possible incidents they will encounter. Sakura rides with Natsuki on her motorcycle as they traverse into the town looking for a challenge. They stop by a near village. "Sakura, I'm changing clothes. Cover me!", says Natsuki as she changes to her school uniform. Much to the latter's surprise, "Kuga-san, next time; don't change clothes in public. Whether if there are people are in front of us or two." While the two travel on the town, they come across into a dojo. And is said to be run by a girl who practices Rindokan Karate. They entered, but nobody home. However, on their way out someone calls them out. A girl in karate gi and a yellow haichimaki on her neck. She introduces herself as Makoto. Much to Natsuki's surprise, she mistakes the latter for a boy! "Hey, do I look like a boy to you!?" Makoto yelled. After a short argument, Makoto issues a challenge to Natsuki; and the latter accepts Makoto's request.
During the battle, Makoto learns the familiar impact from Natsuki's fist. The latter explains that she is currently training with Ryu. Makoto shows impression for Natsuki's abilities; she reveals to the Rindokan martial artist that she is also a HiME. "Wow, a HiME? I never heard about those kind of persons before.", says Makoto; thinking it was her first time to fight a HiME. Natsuki shows her Element and her Child in front of Makoto, who in turn was amazed that she had never seen one in her life.
After a brief show and tell, Makoto also tells the story of her business of running her father's dojo. Since her father's death, Makoto's dojo has been floundering and her older brother decided to become a businessman, leaving Makoto to elevate her dojo back to its former glory. In order for her to rebuild the dojo to the way it was, she had participated in a International Fighting Tournament hosted by S.I.N.; referring to the events of Super Street Fighter IV. Unfortunately for Makoto, somebody had won the tournament, she decides to rebuild her father's dojo by hand, and make money the old-fashioned way.
Makoto then mentions her first encounter with Ryu a year later – referring to the events of Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike. She challenges the latter to enhance her dojo's reputation. After her fight with Ryu, the publicity attracts a swarm of potential students to her dojo.
After hearing Makoto's story, Natsuki couldn't believe how can a mere teenager run a dojo without any guidance from her (Makoto) family relatives. Sakura was even more touched in Makoto's career as a dojo master and a fighter. "Running a dojo alone could be a difficult task for a young being. Could anyone like him (Ryu) or his master have that in common?". says Natsuki; her remarks to Makoto's multitasking, she even finds the latter about being her young age and less experience in fighting. However, Natsuki was impressed of Makoto's skill and power, though the latter mentions that she needs a long way to go to reach her potential.
"By the way, miss. Your name?", Makoto asks. "Kuga, Natsuki Kuga.", the latter responds. Makoto continues, "Kuga-san. I think you are worth remembering. The next time you come back here; I'm sure I won't hold back!" vowing that Natsuki will return to battle Makoto someday.
Just then...
A schoolgirl with long fringes appeared before Makoto, Natsuki, and Sakura. She introduces herself as Ibuki, a kunochi residing in the shinobi village south of Makoto's dojo. Ibuki was sent by her clan to ask for help because their village was attack by 'monsters'. Natsuki learns that they were Orphans who were attacking Ibuki's village. Before they could go to the Village of Ninjas, Nagi stalls them momentarily. Since Natsuki mentioned that Nagi has been occasionally summoning Orphans that encourages HiMEs to fight them; when Makoto hears this, she snaps turning herself in bright red in a flash of rage and relentlessly punches Nagi on the face knocking him down. Sakura breaks up the fight; resulting in Makoto returning to her senses. "Hey! No need to beat the hell out of me, man. I tried to control the Orphans, I think what you're about to be up against may have a mind of their own!", says Nagi; as he warns Ibuki, Makoto, Natsuki, and Sakura that the Orphans Nagi summoned are being controlled by another entity. Makoto reluctantly decides to spare the latter, saying "This time I'll spare you. But, the next time you show your face again; don't you ever expect any mercy from me!"
Nagi left the four girls as they leave the Rindokan dojo and head for the Village of Ninjas.
*BGM: Super Street Fighter IV Soundtrack – Theme of Sakura*
Upon arriving to the village, they see most of the properties of the village being ransacked by Orphans!
"Oh, no! Those creatures are destroying everything in their sight! We got to stop them!", says Ibuki. As Orphans continue to destroy everything on what they see in the latter's village. "Duran!", Natsuki yells as she calls out her Child. "Alright, then! It's on now!", yelled Makoto; who is now fuming in rage, ready to fight! All of the four girls engage the Orphans in a mortal combat. On Makoto's side, she decimates every ounce of Orphans on her sight, while in a state of rage; she soundly thrashes all the Orphans one by one. And she relentlessly punches one in the groin, then punches them in the head and torso three more times, and finishes with an upward punch that sends them flying into the air; yelling out the attack's name, "Seichusen Godanzuki!".
On Sakura's side, she nails three to five Orphans with the Shinku Hadoken. As another one attempts to ambush her; Ibuki eventually makes the save, giving Sakura time to fight back. Sakura eventually destroyed the Orphan attempting to ambush her with the Haru Ranman.
On Ibuki's side, she continues to fend off many Orphans as she can, from shuriken and kunai throwings, she eventually destroys one by channeling a massive amount of energy and nails the creature with a Raida that discharges the energy out from the Orphan, killing it.
As for Natsuki's case, she orders Duran to freeze them solid by firing Silver Cartridges. However, most Orphans defrost themselves as fast as possible. Leading to Natsuki to let her guard down. On the other hand, she rises up and unleashes a Shinku Hadoken; destroying one of them. Two remaining; Makoto and Ibuki double-teamed and obliterated the second one. Leaving Natsuki to destroy the last one; she unleashes three roundhouse kicks at the latter, whilst yelling "Shippu Jinraikyaku!" She then finishes with an ascending Tatsumaki Senpukyaku. A job well-done!
The villagers praised Natsuki and Sakura's actions of saving the village from Orphans. Natsuki, Sakura, and Makoto left the village; Makoto then left the duo as they return to Gouken's dojo.
As the two returned to the dojo, Sakura recalls to Ryu and company their experience with Makoto and Ibuki. Sakura was enjoying traveling with Natsuki, saying they had a blast. Later, Shizuru appears before Ryu and company. Asking them to explore the academy's campus. Ryu says that he'll explore the area whatever he wants. Leaving Ryu, Natsuki, and Sakura to come along.
The chapter pans in an unknown stronghold in Thailand was revealed, inside its command center; a man in military uniform with silver plates on his shoulders – Bison, asking about the potential about the Orphans that he ordered to capture; when one of his underlings mentioned that a HiME destroyed them in one strike. The dictator gloats in a jubilant way, "Yes! Yes..! For me, it was Tuesday... All must bow and grovel at my feet, for I represent power you cannot dream of! Now, you will soon realize the true power of the mighty Bison!" Bison laughs evilly as this chapter ends.
Characters:
-Ryu
-Ken Masters
-Sakura Kasugano
-Gouken
-Natsuki Kuga
-Shizuru Fujino
-Mashiro Kazahana
-Fumi Himeno (debut)
-Nagi Homura (debut)
-Makoto (debut)
-Ibuki (debut)
-M. Bison (debut; only heard)
Trivia:
-As said in Makoto's official profile in Super Street Fighter IV and Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, she is always being mistaken for a boy; much to her dismay.
-The Shippu Jinrai-kyaku used by Natsuki now acts as an EX Tatsumaki. A similar theory for Ryu's Shinku Tatsumaki Senpukyaku which was once a Super Combo back from the Street Fighter Alpha series and crossover games. From Street Fighter III series to Street Fighter X Tekken, it acts as an EX Tatsumaki.
-"Spunky" is the title of Makoto's stage theme in Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike.
Special Skill Acquired!
"You've learned Tatsumaki Senpukyaku!" - [via Ryu]
Descrpition: Natsuki performs a pirouette kick attack in a horizontal direction that deals three times the damage. This attack can be also done in the air.
NOTE: Natsuki's version of the Tatsumaki is derived from Ken's version. The difference between Ryu and Ken's Tatsumaki is Ryu's version usually deals one damage, or three. While the latter's version appeared to be a fast one, dealing 3 to 5 hits.
EX-Special Acquired!
"You've learned Shippu Jinrai-kyaku!" [EX Tatsumaki]
Description: Natsuki moves forward and delivers a low roundhouse kick, two high ones, and another low one, and follows up with a knee hit. Should the knee hit connect, she finishes with a vertical Tatsumaki Senpukyaku to finish the attack.
"You've learned Yoroitoshi!" – [from Ibuki]
Description: Natsuki performs an extra-powerful, unblockable Raida attack on the opponent's torso. Or when the Raida still connects, she can still push the energy forward to her elbow which then passes through the enemy and creates a more powerful spherical energy-ball.
Author's Note:
To make Natsuki more badass in the story, making her EX Tatsumaki to look like Ken's Shippu Jinrai-kyaku could be a better idea.
Until then, stay tuned for more Street Fighter X Mai-HiME.