Intro: hello everyone… I just wanted to say thank you that even tho I am a crappy writer you are sticking to see the story so thank you very much for waiting until I get better at writing this story

I noticed that the sortie battle took a while haha… sorry… so here is a long awaited sortie!

And so here is to hoping if I did good, I present chapter 16

Disclaimer: I do not own Touken Ranbu and Cardfight! Vanguard and other material which came from the said Game/Anime, they are owned by its original creators. The making of this story and this story is made for the fans and the writer XD. Although the plot and some changes in the story are from me ^_^.

Chapter 16: The two battles

~At the Sortie Unit - Citadel~

The five TouDans are now assembled in the center of the citadel ready for their departure. While getting ready for the departure the five TouDans were talking about the ones with their master.

While hoping to the center "I hope they were able to make Aichi-sama enter the tournament" Imanotsurugi said while getting ready.

Recalling a said plan "I'm sure they were able to." Yagen said having full trust on the four TouDans.

But then even though they were all assembled and ready it seems that someone is having cold feet at the last minute.

"What seems to be the problem, captain" it was Nikkari who asked seeing that it was their captain who is losing confidence.

"Is something the matter Horikawa-kun?" Mina went to Horikawa's side to check if ever something is wrong.

"I don't know if I can do this." Horikawa said, it seems he was having trouble believing in himself.

"But you looked so happy when Aichi-sama picked you as captain." Midare recalled what happened a while before. Horikawa made a much even more depressed expression and Konnosuke can't help it anymore.

"Horikawa!" Konnosuke called.

"Y-yes!" Horikawa said that made everyone turned to face Konnosuke.

"You were probably thinking that you won't be able to support everyone right?" Konnosuke said that made Horikawa flinched that made his eyes widens which makes it a bulls eye that he was right "Well then here is what Aichi told me."

"I know he will feel pressured but I know that Horikawa can do his best for this mission I know that he is a responsible person and is able to support the team not just the team but everyone, and I know he has the right judgment to think that the mission is not finishing the enemy but preventing anyone to die and do not think twice of coming back to save them." "That is what Aichi told me" Konnosuke said recalling the message that Aichi wants to give.

Horikawa straightened his body "Yes!" he answered firmly that ends the problem and got his confidence back and they were able to continue on to their mission.

~Toba~

Upon entering Toba Konnosuke and Mina felt a distortion closing in at the area but when the enemy came to greet them their doubts were no longer there at the sight of the enemy thinking that the uneasy feeling might just be from the unseen enemies.

The five TouDans in the premise quickly changed into their battle formation and saw three enemies in front of them. Konnosuke went into hiding with Mina, she was only support if anything that the TouDans cannot do anymore to prevent happens so she is unable to help in battle as to help with the personal growth of the TouDans to which she agrees to.

"I think this will be a piece of cake." Nikkari said looking down on the enemy, the three enemies in front which are two Tantou's and one Wakizashi looking down on the unmoving enemies Nikkari ran and tried to close up the gap to land a hit.

"Never underestimate an enemy Nikkari Aoe" Yagen said from behind to support Nikkari who is a little surprised that he was already behind him, Nikkari smiled at the thought then readied himself and then strike at the enemy, but to no avail, as what Yagen said never underestimate an enemy since looks can be deceiving those enemy he mocked were fast to be able dodge his fast attack, surprised, he can only stare at the place where the enemies used to be.

Embarrassed and annoyed at what happened Nikkari made a face that sent chills to the other TouDans that were awaiting for the enemies' attack, Nikkari chuckled giving a serious look "Let us kill or be killed…" he said not moving from his spot while chuckling.

At that moment the three enemies closed in on the three TouDans that were left behind, the three TouDans knew that they were the target and so to prevent it they kept their position and sense the area for the enemies whether they were around or they left.

But the last one was impossible, one of the TouDans sensed the enemies attack from behind Horikawa, it was Imanotsurugi who immediately was able to sense the enemies' dirty tricks "Got-cha~!" Imanotsurugi was able to prevent the sneak attack and successfully dealt a damage to one of the enemy Tantou making it hiss in pain.

"Thanks Imanotsurugi!" Horikawa said inhaling and exhaling before landing a second hit on the Tantou that was closing back in successfully killing one of the enemy, it seems he was able to calm himself and was able to sense the enemies' whereabouts better.

Now there is only two enemies left, since the enemies are a Tantou and a Wakizashi they are good at hiding their presence to make a sneak attack so they have to be extra careful. While waiting for the next attack all the other TouDans were surprised that Nikkari went to move again and think that he was again moving without a plan but, what made them more surprised is Nikkari able to land a critical at the enemy successfully killing it while quoting "Laugh with Nikkari"

"Congrats on your revenge" Yagen said praising but sighed at the successfully but hasty act of Nikkari.

"We have only one more enemy left be vigilant everyone." Horikawa ordered, indeed the battle is not yet finished, there is still one more.

The last Tantou made a sneak attack it locked on Midare but he smiled unfazed awaiting the enemy's the sneak attack "Found you~" Midare tried to land a hit but it was unsuccessful "Tsk" but little did the Tantou enemy know that Imanotsurugi was waiting for it "Take that!" he was able to land a hit but it didn't damage it to the fullest, the enemy Tantou successfully got away but it didn't get past Yagen who successfully hit it but alas he wasn't able finish it.

"It's coming towards you!" Yagen shouted to Horikawa tracking the enemy Tantou's movement.

Horikawa nodded and readied his sword and ran after the enemy, the enemy Tantou deflected the attack that Horikawa gave but Horikawa still continued to attack while Yagen helped trying to confuse and distract the enemy after that the others closed in to close in the enemy, the Tantou felt like it has nowhere to run but that's where they were caught off guard when the enemy Tantou charged in to strike Horikawa.

"Horikawa!" Yagen and Nikkari shouted in unison while Imanotsurugi and Midare could only gasped at the situation in front of them.

~At the same time at Card Capital~

Aichi is now in front of the standing fight table while the four TouDans now standing at the back watching the fight unfold, while in front of them are the sitting Miwa and Kai. Before starting the game Aichi glanced at Kai and Miwa's direction which didn't go unnoticed by Kiyomitsu making him feel annoyed a bit annoyed that didn't go past the others.

While the battle of Aichi and Osamu are taking place the three TouDans noticed the look that Kiyomitsu gave from time to time to the sitting in front of them Kai whose back is faced to them and can't help but tease the said TouDan.

The first one to tease is Yasusada sighing heavily for Kiyomitsu to hear "W-what?" Kiyomitsu flinched surprised at the sighing Yasusada who seemed to be in deep thought when he was glaring at Kai.

"Nothing~" Yasusada said while his eyes closed and looked up opening them and is now watching the game, while the game continues Shokudaikiri sat at one of the chair and started a conversation with the others.

"What do you think happened to the first unit?" Shokudaikiri asked seemingly worried about the sortie team.

Tsurumaru who doesn't understand how vanguard works joined him and sat near him "I'm sure they are doing just fine."

"Horikawa can do it, Aichi-sama knows that also and we all know that he can do it." Yasusada said while not taking a seat and instead continued to watch the battle back and forth while listening at the same time.

Kiyomitsu was listening to the conversation but continued to support and watch Aichi silently and will sometime glance at Kai. Also while watching the battle Miwa was secretly listening to their conversation making him ever more curious.

At the climax of the battle both Kiyomitsu and Kai noticed that Aichi has already won the battle.

"Finally…" Kiyomitsu said out loud that was able to be heard by others making them confused and made Kai and Miwa who were surprised at his remark listened for him to finish.

"What do you mean Kiyomitsu?" Yasusada asked not understanding much about cardfight he was bewildered.

"Aichi-sama has been wanting to try and use that card and now it's finally time" Kiyomitsu continued while Kai and Miwa were surprised that he knows "Although it gave out hints and idea about his trump card" He finished while sighing, Miwa and Kai thought the same about the card but shrugs it.

The game continues but after Aichi's turn it turned for the worst and he almost lost the battle but when he was able to survive the turn on his turn he was able to make a comeback and was able to finish off the opponent and is declared the winner claiming the final spot to the tournament.

Osamu congratulates Aichi and bids him good luck on tomorrows tournament then shakes his hands and hastily went to the four TouDans after with the four each congratulating Aichi on winning.

"Congratulations, Aichi-sama!" the four TouDans said in unison surprising the others even Osamu making Aichi smiled with glee and a little embarrassed.

"Thanks everyone." Aichi paused for a moment, seeing the excited faces from them Aichi can't help but drop a sweat from those twinkling eyes he knew that they are eager to buy a Sake and what is needed to make Sake "L-let's go shopping?" Aichi asked.

But before the four TouDans could answer back the bell from Aichi's bracelet rang loud enough for all the people in the shop to be able to hear it making the four TouDans uneasy and worry but what Aichi felt from the bell was not from a TouDan that is injured but worry and uneasiness. What Aichi felt from the bell was the four TouDans worry for their captain from the first unit, it seems the bell can really help them communicate their feelings.

He thought maybe if he can master using this bell with the use of his Divine power maybe he can communicate to them directly and connect with all of them at once thinking about it made him a little excited to learn using his ability.

The four TouDans in front were waiting for his reply but what Aichi did is what made them confused, he raised his arms showing the bell and whispered to it, praying that this can give them even the slightest strength and that it will reach them "Do your best everyone" He paused for a moment "Horikawa-kun I know you can do it."

~Back at the Sortie~

The four TouDans in the sortie unit, Yagen, Midare, Imanotsurugi, and Nikkari all felt the warm feeling emanating from the bell that rang softly calming and reassuring that gave them energy and support 'Do your best' they heard their masters voice, as the message got successfully sent to them, they composed themselves and waited for the attack, while Horikawa received his message 'Horikawa-kun I know you can do it' as he hears the message he prepares for the impact while hastily looking at the four giving a message.

The enemy Tantou successfully hits Horikawa with great speed that the impact almost made Horikawa lose his balance, when he took the impact he hastily pushed back the enemy Tantou and then the four TouDans on each sides strikes the defenseless enemy and successfully finished the first node.

They rejoiced having regained confidence in themselves and continued on with their journey.

~Back at the shop~

The bell rang once more but this time it was a soft sound after that Aichi heard a message 'Thank you Aichi-sama' it was Horikawa's voice that echoed in his head thinking of happy thoughts that he was of help, it made him think to himself that maybe it's time to face his fears and try to go into the battlefield once more while smiling that made the TouDans with Aichi confused and couldn't wait any longer "S-so Aichi-sama what happened?" it was Shokudaikiri who asked first.

Aichi shook his head left and right "Hm-hm, everything is fine, I know they will do fine." He finished then smiled at the four to assure them.

The four TouDans sigh in relief thinking that everything is going to be fine "So… Let's go shopping! Then when we get home I hope to make a new sword!" He said making him all fired up while the four smiled in delight at the sight of their master's enthusiasm.

When they started to leave they were stopped by Miwa with him patting Aichi's shoulder "Hey Aichi-kun" he started while holding Kai's shoulder "You going to shop? Mind if we tag along, we were going there too anyways?" Miwa said but inside the truth is he was really curious about Aichi and the people with him, making him even more curious and thinking that tagging along will be able to answer some of his curiosity.

To Aichi's surprise he glanced at Kai for a moment thinking that he will be able to find out more about him, it was a win-win for Miwa, he thought with Kai with him Aichi will surely accept but on the other hand Kiyomitsu didn't like the idea one bit. Before Aichi even giving an answer, Kiyomitsu stormed outside the shop leaving the others in confusion.

"Kiyomitsu?!" Yasusada said following Kiyomitsu outside the shop

"I'll go follow them" Shokudaikiri said "Don't leave Aichi-sama's side Tsuru-san" he said before going out.

"You don't need to tell me Mitsubou!" Tsurumaru said raising his right arm to salute to Shokudaikiri who is now out to follow the two.

Everyone was surprised at the sudden commotion but ignored it after and continued to what they were doing but Misaki was secretly listening to the conversation.

"Kiyomitsu…" Aichi said with sadness in his tone and his expression.

Miwa thinking that maybe he was the one to blamed raised his free arms up "D-did I do something wrong?" he said asking if he were the one at fault. Kai who seem to look like he doesn't care was listening.

"N-no" Aichi started while looking at the shop door hoping Kiyomitsu would come back "It's alright if you tag along" he said then glanced at Tsurumaru to say that it is alright to go outside hoping they didn't go too far or left then followed by Miwa and Kai outside.

When the shop door opens he saw Kiyomitsu with Yasusada and Shokudaikiri who looks annoyed sitting on the handrails.

"Kiyomitsu!" Aichi smiled hastily running towards Kiyomitsu "Is something the matter?" he asked worried.

The question caught him off guard a little, Kiyomitsu looked straight at Aichi, he thought that he himself doesn't understand either the reason of why he hated the idea but he knows for sure that he doesn't like Kai. His nerves of how he treats Aichi it ticks him off thinking that why would Aichi want to impress and be strong to fight this kind of person.

Kiyomitsu sighs "Let's go shopping." he said while walking off ahead on his own, the three TouDans behind looked at each other and sighed.

~Supermarket~

Upon entering the supermarket, Tsurumaru and Yasusada's eyes widened at the sight of foods, merchandise, appliances and other more in the supermarket, they were fascinated and at the same time looked like kids looking around making the others sweat drop at the scene excluding Kai though.

"Hey hey, Aichi-sama! What is this?!" Yasusada said bringing a box of cookie with him.

"Ah those are cookies…" Aichi took the cookie Yasusada handed out "See here" he points at the image of the cookie, with this you will be able to see what is inside and what it looks like and what flavor it is.

Yasusada's eyes sparkled then left to look around for more, Aichi turned to face Shokudaikiri with a little worried look "Sh-Shokudaikiri…" he called and based on what he looked like Shokudaikiri understood what is was and handed a letter, Miwa who was beside Aichi saw him open the paper and saw a huge sum of money inside to both their surprise, Miwa thought that this mysterious kid just made his curiosity maxed up but thought twice about that fact that were both surprised.

Aichi was taken aback looking at the sum of money while shaking he turned to Shokudaikiri saying "T-this is too much…" he said.

"Oh! Konnosuke said to buy all that we needed especially for Saturday and sake!" Shokudaikiri chimed that made Aichi confused but understandable since there was something that caught his attention "this Saturday?" Aichi said curious of what he meant about this coming Saturday is it that special.

Shokudaikiri flinched "N-no i-it's nothing" he took out a notebook with a pen "Okay I'm going to start you can do whatever you want Aichi-sama."

"Eh? But!" Aichi said.

"It's alright Aichi-sama leave it to me." Shokudaikiri said looking around "Tsuru-san!" Shokudaikiri called. At the call of his name Tsurumaru went to Shokudaikiri "Is there something you need?" he asked.

Shokudaikiri smiled and showed the list in the notebook that made him flinch "Yes!" from that he could already tell and joined him without question "If I ever needed help I'll come look for you Aichi-sama" Shokudaikiri said and bowed his head and took off with Tsurumaru.

But before that "Aichi-sama, do you have a request for tonight's dinner?" Shokudaikiri asked.

Aichi flinched "N-no it's alright I'll leave it up to you!" Aichi sighed while Kai thought that there was a cook in the group he got a little curious

Aichi turned to Kiyomitsu "Kiyo-" but before he could continue what he wanted to say Kiyomitsu left before saying "I'll go look for Yasusada and help Shokudaikiri and Tsurumaru"

Miwa thought to himself that maybe he really did something but Miwa is sharp he already has an idea of the reason why Kiyomitsu was acting like that but he can't be too sure so he thought of something.

"Hey Aichi" Miwa started making Aichi to turn to him from the call "Why don't we help them? Then along the way I will get what I needed." He said giving a suggestion thinking that he cannot let this chance slide.

"Sure" Aichi said and searched for the others while there is nowhere to look for Aichi thought of a better way to look for them and walked slower 'They all look unique in their own way right' Aichi listened to the rumors hearing were there are most people whispering is the right place for them to search since they tend to always get attention.

Miwa was surprised at the rumors thinking that it was sure that it was the four 'that one in the white look so elegant' 'I see the one with eye patch looks like a bad boy' 'he looks so cute' 'I wonder if she is free'

At that last part he heard and thought to himself that the person meant was Kiyomitsu, Miwa hearing those same comment is a little astound at Kiyomitsu's bewitching beauty, as Aichi hears it he eventually found the four and immediately clasped Kiyomitsu's hand which surprised the others.

"Kiyomitsu…" Aichi started that made all of them looked at him with a sad look he said "I'm sorry if I ever did anything so please-" but before Aichi could finish what he was about to say Kiyomitsu patted his head sighing and said "I'm sorry too…" after that it sent smile to the three TouDans with them but Miwa was a little worried with Kai looking unamused.

After a while they were at their final stop from their shopping, the buying of rice and Sake and to their luck there was a free taste test of the Sake. Tsurumaru and Shokudaikiri went to taste all of the sake that is free to test and eventually found one "Th-Thi-his is…!" the three TouDans waited for his answer "This is delicious" the four TouDans rejoiced then Aichi too a look at the price with Miwa "No wonder it tasted great." Miwa commented.

Shokudaikiri and the others can't seem to understand what he meant and looked at Aichi "Eh? Uhm… It's too pricey" he said.

"But it's alright right? You said we have enough?" Shokudaikiri reasoned which Aichi can't seem to find an answer.

"If you only look at the taste and not think about the price then all I can say is you don't have the real skills of a cook." Kai commented not batting an eye and staring at Shokudaikiri.

"I suppose real skills depends on how you can make anything delicious depending on the ingredients laid before you…" Shokudaikiri said smiling understanding what he meant "Still…!" he went to Aichi's side "Aichi-sama it won't hurt right? Since we will be brewing ourselves."

Aichi sweat dropped at the begging face that Shokudaikiri gave him "S-sure…" he agreed making all the four TouDans rejoice and bought a dozen of the said Sake. After the sake they all readied to buy the rice and sent all of the shopping by delivery and then after they got ready to go home.

"I'm sure the first unit will be very hungry and for Aichi-sama's first steps…" Shokudaikiri paused while walking "I'll make a little feast tonight, Tsuru-san can you help me?"

"Eh?!" Tsurumaru said looking quite surprised.

"Well Horikawa-kun will probably be tired." Shokudaikiri explained a little worried "How about Kashuu-kun and Yamatonokami-kun?"

Kiyomitsu glanced at Aichi for a moment and it didn't get pass Miwa "Sure…" Kiyomitsu said making the three smile at his comment.

"Okay since it's for Aichi-sama I'll join in!" Yasusada said all fired up and excited.

"Hmp, there can't be no feast without surprises" Tsurumaru puffed making Kiyomitsu and Yasusada squint their eyes at him "W-what?"

"Well I guess this is where we part ways" Miwa said stopping with Kai "Thanks for today"

"Yeah… take care." Aichi said his farewells with the others and left the place moving on to go home.

After Aichi and the others were already far away "This made me more curious about that kid, I hope we can have other more opportunities!"

"You are not a detective anymore…" Kai said remarking Miwa's childish acts.

"Awww c'mon I know you want to know too!" Miwa grinned hitting a nail on his head.

"Hmp…" was all Kai could say. After that the two both went to their separate ways.

Outro: The Standing Fight Table will be called SFT in the future chapters.

Because of the action in this chapter I remember my other cross over which I'm very sorry to say that I forgot the plot huhuhuhuhu... but I didn't say I will neglect this and that.

Thank you for reading! Please review or pm for any suggestions or problems on the story.