Chapter 30
Asahi Sakurai vs. Russia
(桜井あさひ対ロシアの巻)

Asahi Sakurai confronted Russia, who badly injured The Gang, in order to take over. However, The Gang acted like it was all an act, but it wasn't.

Heather called, "Asahi! Get out of here!"

Asahi shouted, "NO! I refuse to see my friends hurt, any longer, even for a man like you!"

Russia asked, "Huh? Why do you think I hurt people? I wanted to become rock star."

Peter shouted, "DUDE! You can't go around with a pipe and a smile! That's wrong!"

Steven moaned, "The last thing we needed is someone taking over our gig. Ask Cecelia."

Russia smiled, "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you guys. However, my only wish was to perform in from of the fans. But it won't happen, since Asahi's here. And here I thought you were dealt with."

Percival said, "Asahi, I don't know what you're doing, but it's dangerous! Russia, or Ivan, is a frightening figure!"

Asahi cried, "No shit! I refuse to see him hurt Steven Cooke and Farra Stevens! Don't you know that she has a bad arm?"

Farra said, "I don't think I'll play for a while…"

She was crying, "Farra's hurt… Steven's bleeding… and you wanted everything. That's not what a popular idol wants! I wanted to be famous, not take it by force! And all you're doing is… is become Captain Russia?"

Russia laughed, "Oh, please. You really think I do that? Prussia wants everything, and he's gone. Plus, I wanted to become Soviet Bunch singer, again. Of course, beating you would be easy."

He held his pipe up and said, "That is why I wanted friends… other than fame. You had it lucky. No one, not even Germany and Italy wanted me as friends. I still had the Baltics and my fellow Allied Forces, but that's not enough. I want someone that can make me happy, other than China, Britain, Lithuania, Poland, and even the Nordics. But except through friendship, like you guys had."

Asahi huffed and heaved, "You're still a bad man. Why would you work for Lord Flash and not the KGB?"

Russia said, "No. Lord Flash is friend of mine. Now, Warsman, on the other hand… That's who I work for. He's my boss, and my friend. But I don't approve of his bear claws. He makes KGB look like SOB."

Percival said, "Bear claws?"

Peter asked, "Isn't that like some sort of donut?"

Mizuki held Steven up and said, "Forgot what it's like to be lonely, huh?"

Asahi glared, "You crooked…"

Russia added, "Of course, I chose to be in a band, and steal Lithuania's team, only for more. But so far, no luck. Our gigs were simply busts. We were banned from every European and Asian club, because we were unorthodox and lame. Who said that ballet dancing with rock music was retarded?"

Peter gasped, "WHAT? You mean that's what it was about?"

The crowd booed, as Russia smiled at them, "Aw, don't be with the booing. Allow me to send The Gang into Siberia. That's a friend of mine."

SOCK!
Asahi clubbed him with a fist to the face. She shouted, "NO! You'll have to go through me, first!"

Percival shouted, "NO! You're not fighting him! Let us do it!"

Heather pleaded, "I beg of you, don't fight him, alone!"
Mizuki said, "Do as she says, guys!"

The Gang asked, "Huh?"

Mizuki responded, "This is Asahi we're dealing with. She's multi-talented! I'll bet she can become a fighter, too!"

Asahi said, "Indeed, I am. Farra, would you help me, please?"

Farra grabbed his shoulders and restrained him. She said, "Even with a broken arm, I'm trying not to put pressure on it!"

Asahi said sarcastically, "Thank you, Ray Lewis."

She removed her dress and wore a white P.E. shirt with red shorts. She landed a gut punch on Russia's stomach, as Asahi started to brawl. She stomped him down and wringed his neck. She then shouted, "IVAN! You have failed!"

Russia grabbed his pipe and said, "No! Not while I am down!"

WHACK!
He struck Asahi with his faucet pipe. She stumbled down, but got up, feeling her jaw. She ran after him, and ducked his swing of his pipe. She grabbed him in a bearhug and squeezed him tightly.

"Ha, ha. My body is like bear in Mother Russia," he smiled.

She yelled, "SHUT UP!"

She tossed him down, onto the stage floor, nearly hurting himself. Russia was in pain, as Asahi tackled down onto his solar plexus, about to pummel him. The music began to grow fast, as the fans think it was for show. She grabbed his arm and twisted it. He broke free and threw her down. He grabbed his pipe and began to swing at her. She grabbed the pipe and struggled at him. She pushed the pipe away, as he was trying to swing forward. But they kept pushing and pushing in a lock-up. Asahi held the pipe up from his hand and threw it over her shoulder. She then glared, "NOW! You're unarmed!"

She started punching his face, screaming in anger, "AND THIS is for RUINING our SHOW!"

She kicked him down on his gut with her knee, "AND THIS is for attacking my friends!"

She then grabbed his legs and stretched his back in an Elevated Crab, "AND THIS is for MAKING ME MAD!"

She stretched back, as Russia said, "Ow! That tickles!"

He easily broke free and threw Asahi into the crowd, with his legs. She fell into a mosh pit, as the crowd escorted her to the stage.

Steven growled, "That does it! Mizuki! Let's get him!"

Mizuki said, "You can't! You're still injured!"

Steven said, "Steven Cooke knows one thing – I NEVER give up, especially since I am friends with Asahi Sakurai!"

He grabbed his hair and began to kick him down, dropping him on his back. He breathed deeply and said, "Yandere… Don't look at his yandere…"

Farra huffed, "Chicken."

Steven barked, "HEY! At least you're a tsundere."

Farra shouted, "SHUT UP AND KICK HIS EVER-LOVING ASS!"

Russia shoved his off, as he said, "Come on, now. Nobody hurts me, since I was tortured, long ago. I want to make sure I don't get humiliated, unlike Sweden, Teutonic Knights, Denmark, and even Germany."

Lithuania came out and pleaded, "Russia, sir! DON'T! It's not worth it!"

"Lithuania?" Russia asked, "Why are you here?"

Percival gasped, as Peter snuffed, "You said he was at AAW HQ!"

Percival confessed, "Well… There was no time, and the helicopter was running late."

Peter cried, "DUDE! We have a helicopter?"

Percival barked, "YES! And shut up! AND… Why the hell is Lithuania on-stage?"

Lithuania said, "Forgive me. But Russia didn't mean too well. He just wants more, since he is big country."

Farra said sarcastically, "Try removing the "-try", and you'll see what he is."

Percival huffed, "Seriously? The word you can't say?"

Farra asked, "Wait, what now?"

Russia pleaded, "Lithuania, I was only trying to help you, pal. Besides, I wanted to help you three, into singing and performing. But no one would accept it."

Steven said, "Maybe it's because you suck!"

Russia said, "No. My country liked my singing… but worldwide, they didn't like it. That is why I did invading of WoodChip… so, I can perform on BIG Stage."

Heather asked, "What does he do?"

Percival said, "He does ballet rock."

Heather snickered, "You're kidding? What a loser!"

She laughed, as the crowd laughed at him. Farra huffed, as she held her arm, "Well, it wasn't that funny."

Russia was dejected, as he held his pipe, "Nobody likes my kind of music… except for France and Britain."

He then pointed at Steven and said, "But you… You have no right to perform, since you are superhero. And superheroes don't do music!"

Steven said, "Oh, no? Tell it to Beastie Boys, when they did Intergalactic."

Percival remarked, "Sabotage."

Steven barked, "HE said it, not me!"

Russia ran towards him, as he had a scary face again.

Percival cried, "LOOK OUT!"

Steffi gasped, covering her eyes, "I can't watch!", but took a peek.

Steven gasped, as he was about to scream.

Farra shrieked, "STEVEN!"

Asahi shrieked, "NOOOOOOO!"

Asahi dove back onto the stage and shoved Steven out of the way. And…

WHAM!
She took the hit. Asahi fell out cold, as her head was bleeding a bit. Steven held her and said, "ASAHI! ASAHI! WAKE UP!"

The crowd was shocked, as Russia was a bit worried, "Sorry. I didn't mean to…"

Steven growled, "YOU DIDN'T MEAN TO?! HOW DARE YOU! YOU KILLED ASAHI!"

Russia smirked in happiness, "Oh, well."

Steven seethed, as everybody stepped back. He hollered, "You have made… the HUGEST and BIGGEST MISTAKE OF YOUR LIFE, ASSHOLE!"

He charged at him, in complete anger, as he grabbed Russia by the neck. He started punching his face and shouted, "You fucking murderer! HOW DARE YOU HURT ASAHI! You'll pay for this!"

Russia tried to defend, but he pleaded, "HEY! STOP IT! THAT HURTS!"

Lithuania cried, "STOP IT! It was an accident!"

Percival was scared, as he said, "She saved his life… Asahi risked her life to save her."

Heather asked, "What'll we do?"

Steven grabbed his neck and strangled him, "YOU GUYS DO NOTHING! THIS IS BETWEEN ME AND HIM!"

As he choked on his Adam's Apple, and Lithuania was about to say something…

"What will I do? I cannot save him, but he hurt Asahi Sakurai…" he thought, "Russia may be a weird man and a scary person, but… I am a fan of hers. Just… Just give me courage to say something…"

He was about to speak, when…

"That is enough, Comrade Braginski!" A voice called.

The crowd gasped, as The Gang saw a figure appear, with a black helmet and mask, with dark skin and tights. He was dressed in all black.

He spoke in a Russian accent, "Comrade, there is no need for this violence."

Mizuki cried, "Taishi?!"

Percival huffed, "Wrong!"

Russia gasped, "W-W-Warsman?!"

Kinnikuman's Warsman.

It was the Interim Prime Minister, Warsman. He said, "Mister Cooke, get off of him. This instant."

He got off and said, "Whatever you say, robo-homey."

Asahi started to move, as Warsman held her, "You okay, Comrade Asahi? I am glad you called me here to stop this disaster. But I see now that it has gotten worse."

Mizuki gasped, "No way! That's why she had it taken care of?"

Percival said, "But… How could she have known?"

He then realized, "Of course. It makes sense… Asahi can speak Russian."

Mizuki fell in a THUD, as she moaned, "I think it's something else…"

Asahi moaned, "I'm… glad you… came…"

She passed out, as the Robot Choujin gave her to the paramedics, "Take her to the first aid tent and revive her."

They left, as Warsman jumped up to the stage, with ease. Lithuania trembled, "Warsman, sir… Why did you come?"

He said, as he approached Russia, "For stopping an order I did not make. Seeing he wants to make things peaceful, against this superhero band, but Miss Sakurai told me that The Gang was for peace, as well. She also said that they helped out in Alternate Worlds, telling me that they work for Civilian Group. Comrade Ivan was simply trying to help, and he foolishly made a mistake."

Lithuania asked, "But that still doesn't explain why you came!"

Warsman held up his right fist and said, "I already said why I came… But… I came to give Ivan… his punishment."

His hand sprouted spikes, as he glared at Russia, "KO~ho~!"

Russia trembled in fear, "NO! Not again! Not the Bear Claw!"

Warsman said, "YES! THAT!"

STAB!
He stabbed Russia in the shoulder, as he was screaming in pain. The Gang was shocked, as Warsman removed the bear claw from his shoulder. He said, "Now, let that be a lesson to you, Comrade Ivan. You should know better than to make a huge mistake, all because your singing and choreography was dull as driftwood."

Steven said, "Now, now. There's no need for this punishment. He didn't mean well. He was just confused."

Warsman retorted, "True. But even through a weird guy like Ivan, he can sometimes act so… Warsman-like. I'm like that, when I strike fear in hearts of people, when I fight. But those days are over."

Steven said, "Sir, uh, Mister Warsman, don't you think you cannot be so extreme?"

Mizuki said, "He's right. He attacked Asahi Sakurai, when she rescued him. But that's out of bravery, much as it's out of despicable actions."

Steven remarked, "But, nonetheless, all for a huge mistake, like that? I mean, dude, he needs to chill out."

Russia sobbed, "Sorry… I forgot you were the good guys. I mean, I and my Allies in-."

Warsman halted him and said, "Speak, when it's your turn, comrade. And as for Lithuania…"

"Sir?" He saluted nervously.

Warsman said, "I'll see to it that your Baltic band is back to just you three. Comrade Braginski shall be punished, for disobeying me."

He glowed in his red eyes and said, "Six weeks… in Siberia."

Russia smiled, "Eh. No problem."

Warsman added, "With Belarus."

He dragged Russia away, as he was screaming, "NO! NO! NOT HER! NOT LITTLE SISTER BELARUS! SIX WEEKS WITH HER? NYET! NYET! NYEEEEEEEEEEET!"

Warsman then added, as he was leaving, "Give Miss Sakurai my apologies and thanks. Also, continue on with performance. I am no longer needed here."

He left, as Lithuania followed him. Steven then grabbed the microphone and said, "Well… Uh… That seemed a bit weird. But, since it took longer than I expected… How about one more song?"

The fans cheered, as they have forgotten about that dramatic moment. Steven said, "OKAY, KIDS! Let's continue!"

The Gang played one more song, as the fans continued to cheer.

Percival said, "Jesus… It's best to move on, but something about Warsman rubs me the wrong way."

Peter said, "Hey, at least Asahi's okay."

XXXXX

At the first-aid tent, Asahi was in bed, with a bandage on her head. She was hurt, but couldn't get the chance to sing at WoodChip.

Percival and Steven were by him, as Percival said, "After all that, Russia got his wish – One band cannot sing, as planned."

Steven barked, "HEY! Just because Asahi was attacked, it didn't mean that Russia won! You heard what the robot Ruskie said. It was a mistake! And, damn it, we didn't arrest him."

Asahi remarked, "Well… That's because he gave him Immunity. Only he decides on the punishment."

Steven asked, "Incidentally, how did you know you were going to call him?"

Asahi replied, "Well, I think there were similar ideal traits in both Warsman and Lord Flash."

She showed the pictures, and added, "You see? They both have the same build in their body, the same type of mask they wore, and even the same Bear Claw."

Percival said, as he smiled, "So, you figured it out."

Asahi declared, "That's right. Warsman and Lord Flash are one in the same."

Steven gasped, "They're the same person? But how can it be so? I thought Lord Flash sponsored the Baltics."

Warsman appeared and explained, "Perhaps I shall explain, Comrade. I wanted to be with Ivan, and still be Prime Minister, so I took the alias, Kuroe, and led the Russian Resistance. However, trusting Ivan Braginski was difficult, since he fears me. So, I went back to my costume, in which it was the one I helped Kevin Mask become a Choujin Champion, but it ended in disaster. In the end, Ivan will be in need of rejuvenation and rehabilitation."

He held up a green bean and said, "And Miss Asahi… This is for you, in case anything happens to you, or your friends. You are to sing in WoodChip, but I fear that Asahi took a blow from Comrade Ivan. So…"

He gave her a Senzu Bean. Steven gasped, "NO WAY! A real life Senzu Bean?"

Percival asked, "How did you get it?"

Warsman said, "It can quickly regenerate your body back to full health. I brought it with me, in case anything happens. However, this is the last one."

Asahi said, "Thank you. But…"

He said, "It is yours, Comrade. You deserve it, and thank you for calling me, in such short notice."

Asahi smiled, "Anytime, Comrade."

She ate the bean, as Percival asked Warsman, "But I still don't get it. Why would Russia attack any band, just to take over WoodChip?"

Warsman said, "It is because of the AU Syndrome. It has no name, but it feels like he just wants and wants and wants, much like his own Mother Russia. But deep down, he's still the same Russia, before the alternate worlds became mixed."

Steven asked, "And you?"

Warsman exclaimed, "Well, I wanted to control Russia, since law and crime are contorted and mixed-up. So, Choujins decided to man their respective countries, only to hand the situation. However, only I, Robin Mask, Terryman, and Ramenman have taken the countries Russia, England, America, and China. I mean, it worked for The Body. Kinnikuman and Buffaloman all lost their spots to Japan and Spain, respectively. And before you ask, there were elections. Brocken Jr., however, was banned from Germany, after he argued with Italy Veneciano."

"Wow." Steven said, "Steven Cooke is speechless, seeing that pro wrestlers have controlled the world, during the AU disaster."

Asahi sat up and smiled, "It makes it more fun, trying to fix these worlds. I guess some people, no matter who you are, can want these worlds to end corruption."

Steven C said, "I wonder where John Cena or Triple H is, in diplomat rule?"

She stood up and adjusted her dress. She said, "Warsman, I thank you for the Senzu Bean. My fans need me. Also…"

Asahi spoke in Russian: "YA proslezhu, chtoby vy poluchili moye avtografom CD."

Warsman bowed and said, "Da. And good luck."

He left, as Steven and Percival were speechless. Asahi then said, "OH! I better get ready!"

She ran off, as Percival asked, "Do you have any idea-?"

Steven shook his head and said, "No. I don't. Still, how did she do that?"

On-stage, the crowd went wild, as Asahi approached the stage.

The PA announced: And now, WoodChip proudly presents, Japan's super idol, Asahi Sakurai!

They cheered, as she waved. She called out, "HELLO~! I'm Asahi Sakurai! How are you doing?"

The fans cheered, as The Gang was completely in awe. Heather and Julie couldn't stop cheering.

Peter smiled, "Dude, she's okay!"

Farra said, holding her arm, "Yeah. I don't know how, but Asahi is a great girl… And a very energetic fighter."

Steffi remarked, "Still, she's so prissy. I bet you would welcome her to The Gang."

Mizuki smiled, "Oh, she's not into that. Besides, it could happen, but I doubt she'll join us."

Steffi pouted, "Boo."

Farra thought, "Yeah, she's right. Maybe…"

That night, Asahi came to Farra, who was in bed, holding her arm. She signed her cast and said, "Here. Now you have another signature of me. And I hope your arm feels better. I felt bad about you, shot in the arm by a psychotic woman, who used to work for Narue Nanase."

Farra said, "Meh. Don't worry. It'll take time. My arm will heal soon, and then, I'm back to playing lead guitar."

Asahi smiled and bowed, "Well… See ya."

She grabbed her arm and said, "Just a minute. I was wondering if you'd do me a favor."

"Name it. You want me to sing to you?"

"NO. I mean… well… How would you like to work for us? We work for an organization called Alliance Across the World."

"You mean you're the same AAW that helped fix the worlds? I thought it was a new band name!"

"It's not. But it's a very helpful team. And right now, B-Class, that's us, is one woman short. I could explain to you further, but… You wouldn't understand me."

"NO! No, I do. But… OH! It's so sudden."

"No, I'm saying… Well, Percival is forcing me to take time off, since I was shot. And with that kind of power, I figured that you'd be perfect, not as much perfect as you are, right now. So, what I propose is…"

"But… But I have lots to do."

"Don't worry. Your fans will miss you, for the moment. This is only for a temporary basis, until my arm heals."

Asahi thought about it, as she held her arm, completely upset. She then said, "I'm not special… I don't even have powers. Percival told me, but the point is… It won't be the same, without you."

"I'll only be in the Broken Shades, resting myself, while you guys are on a mission," Farra remarked, "But once you go through training, and once Kanaka approves of you, you'll get used to it. Think of it as one of your movies or animes that you starred in."

Asahi pouted, as she said, "Yeah, but those were… Well… I'm not into violence or your swearing… But it felt like I do, since I cared for Steven Cooke, when he was moping. But I wish I knew what and why."

Farra said, as she sat up, "You'll know, eventually. He chose not to talk about it, since he's forgotten about it. But… He'll find the one for him."

Asahi then said, as she held her cast, "I'll do it. But promise me… Once I finish a BIG mission, I want to go back to being a singer in Japan. Besides, if I stay with you, I'll never finish my next single. In any case, I have to be blunt. The fans will love me, if I stay with The Gang, during performances, but I prefer to be single. In fact, you were the one that helped me find my inner demon, after the situation with Russia and Lithuania. Plus, I can teach Mizuki some Russian."

Farra said, "And you wanted to be an idol, still?"

"Always."

She shook her hand and said, "Welcome to The Gang, Asahi Sakurai."

Asahi giggled, "Thank you…"

XXXXX

The next day, Julie and Steffi left The Gang, as they departed to their van.

Steffi said, "Well, it's been real. If you ever wanted to see me again, stop by at Steffi's."

Steven C smiled, "Yes. Steven Cooke will visit you… (Not)."

Percival said, "Just remember to find a proper food order."

Steffi said, "Promise. OOH! Maybe Butter and toast! Or… Butter and milk? Uh…"

Julie sighed, "Keep trying. You don't mind if I work at your place."

Steffi smiled, "Sure. I needed new employees, since my diner has been selling well."

Julie glared, "PLUS, I'll work it off, for you destroying my guitar!"

Steffi tittered, "Uh… You're hired…"

Percival said, "You two be careful."

Steffi waved goodbye, "Goodbye, you guys! Thanks for seeing me!"

They all went their separate ways, as Asahi stepped in the van. She sat in shotgun, as the others were scrunched in.

Mizuki said, "You ready, Asahi?"

Asahi said, "I am. But I don't know how we'll get there…"

Mizuki said, as she smirked, "You will."

She held up a cloth and covered Asahi's mouth. Asahi started to pass out and faint from the ether. She was out cold, as Percival said, "Don't you think that was… necessary?"

Mizuki replied, "Please. She mustn't know about the HQ. Besides, civilians that helped us cannot see this place."

Percival barked, "AND WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU FIVE LOSERS ARE?"

Mizuki said, "My point."

Peter said, "Shouldn't she sit with us?"

The van drove off, as Percival responded, "No. She called Shotgun."

Peter growled, "Shit."

Percival continued, "But at least she'll be happy to join AAW, for the moment."

Farra said, "Well, let's hope so."

And so, we end our summer trip to WoodChip, moving on to the NEXT arc of our story. But first, we shall see if Asahi Sakurai is worthy of being in…

The Gang
-(Now IN-COLOR)-