Intro: okay so I noticed that I messed up big time, I completely messed up the timeline of the story where Ren and Aichi are supposed to meet and that is supposed to be after the regional tournament which I didn't include in the story since I forgot. So to do something about it, I decided to make a flashback story where Aichi will reminisce about the tournament where it was going so well for them as friends but now it turned to be what just happened in chapter 21.

I'm really sorry, I got so confused… So I edited some parts of the chapter I'm really sorry… If you have noticed something off in chapter 21 and 22 that doesn't connect well in next chapters please kindly inform me thru pm or review.

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 23: The betrayer's true intention

~Wednesday~

It was Wednesday morning at the citadel, Aichi woke up, prepared himself and hurried to go to school with yesterday's expedition in mind "I can't believe I was a burden again in the end" he sighed while slowly walking to the school.

But unbeknownst to Aichi Morikawa and Izaki were behind him all this time, these two people were planning to surprise him but heard him talking to himself and got curious about it and decided to ask "Aichi, what the heck are you talking about early in the morning?" Although they weren't supposed to surprise him now Aichi flinch at the fact that someone heard him and was surprised also.

Upon seeing the two behind him, Aichi thought that he, not even realizing their presence must be a bad sign that made him sigh even more than before making Morikawa and Izaki look at each other.

After school Aichi rummaged through his desk with haste like yesterday and like yesterday he was able to escape from Morikawa and Izaki, well to be honest they were actually planning to take him with them by force but Aichi was so slick that they weren't able to.

~At the Card Capital~

"That Aichi, I don't understand him anymore" Morikawa spoke a loud while entering the shop with Izaki following. Miwa who was already inside the shop hearing something about Aichi made him want to investigate.

"Why what happened?" As he knows something was up with Kamui and Misaki he thought maybe they were the key since they were with Aichi before the mood started to dry and got cold and that Morikawa and Izaki were his classmates.

Morikawa and Izaki were surprised but Morikawa seems to not want to tell but Izaki felt he needed to so he spoke "You see this Monday he was in utter doom like heaven fell on him, then on Tuesday he was so happy as if a child given a candy, then today it felt as if heaven fell on him once again" Izaki said remembering Aichi from Monday to Wednesday "It was weird. He was murmuring something about being a burden in the end when we saw him this morning"

"Oh ho, this has become very interesting!" Miwa's eyes sparkled and thought of a plan for a moment. After a while Miwa stepped forward and talked to Kamui then to Misaki and lastly to Kai, although it didn't end will with him, but it seems it was going alright with Misaki and Kamui.

~Back at the citadel~

Aichi was only ordered to stay and once again take a rest, something that Aichi is already used to but always felt guilty about, the toudans approached Aichi and ask for permission for another expedition since they were still in need of resources, they waited for Aichi to come back so they haven't left yet to which Aichi approved.

Aichi slumped on one of the table and sat at the garden thinking of how he missed playing Vanguard and to think the two people that reminded him were both his teammates, and although it was still weeks before the tournament Aichi thought it might be bad to be in bad terms but he just doesn't have enough courage to face them yet, he was too worried as a failure as a Saniwa and a failure as a card fighter and most importantly as a friend.

Aichi sighed once again and reminisced about the months that had passed.

~Flashback Start~

-Aichi's Point of View-

I don't understand what had happened this past months was as if it was nothing, I feel confused at what they said to me as if they still don't trust me, or is it because of me because I look so weak… no because I am weak.

I can never forget that first week after that celebration, my fifth week as a Saniwa, everyone in the Card Capital were all gearing up for the regional event, it was something I have waited too, something that I didn't imagine I would do, smiling to myself I thought to myself that being a Saniwa was something more that I never thought I would be, something that has a more heavy burden and responsibility.

That week I only waited and sat at the garden where I would only sew their clothes, trying to restore back my tired body and mind from all of the stress inside the citadel and stopped a while from my trainings as a Saniwa.

As my sixth week of being a Saniwa came the tournament has started, I woke up early in the morning to regroup with the Misaki-san, Kamui-kun, Kai-kun and Shin-san where Kiyomitsu and Yasusada brought me to the Card Capital, although a little annoyed and sad that they cannot come since Konnosuke forbid them as they will just wait for the good news and said that they are entrusting me to Shin-san.

Come to think of it, maybe I should get a television for them to watch and computer? And a phone maybe? But we have telephone, but I'm sure I should get a television for them.

Inside the Card Capital I opened a booster pack where I thought of putting the new card I got in my deck which he told me to test it first, but thinking about it I was just supposed to be an alternate for the team so it doesn't matter. Then Shin-san told us that Misaki-san will be late and will meet us at the venue.

Shin-san safely drove us to the venue of the tournament where Kamui-kun helped me to build my deck and heard our team name, Team Quadrifoglio, Team Q4 for short where Shin-san said that it was the Italian word for the four-leaf clover.

Upon arriving I was in awe at the whole place something that as big as that place was going to held the tournament. I saw a side of Kourin-san and the people from Card Shop PSY being idols which I was really surprised and confused. I also saw Morikawa with Izaki and Team Handsome where it seems like Kai-kun made a short argument with.

After that the matching up has started and our first opponent was now determined. I was picked by the team to be fighting first since Misaki-san hasn't arrived yet, and before starting Shin-san handed to me a Vanguard fighting gloves that is required to use for the Motion Figure System. The deck I used was a trial one me and Kamui assembled before we came there so even I was surprised and happy that it successfully led me to victory earning us a point. Kai-kun was next giving us two point that ensured our victory while finding out that first two victories makes us advance to the next round.

At the next round Kamui insisted that he fights first because he wasn't able to. We were able to reach the finals because of Kai-kun and Kamui-kun, it was fun and exciting. Before the finals starts they issued a break, to which we were surprised that Shin-san accidentally mixed up human food with cat canned food.

Kamui thought we were going to be able to eat something delicious but to no avail, thankfully Emi came, and to my surprise Mina-nee, with Kiyomitsu and Yasusada came with more food and drinks.

Although I was surprised that they came, they said that they want to learn the news first hand so they couldn't help but come with everyone's feeling with them.

After we finish eating before the finals start Misaki-san finally came, I was actually happy that she came so that we change places, but she insisted that we have come so far so she said to finish what we have started instead.

Kiyomitsu, Yasusada, and Mina-nee joined the others atop watching us from above. I was actually happy with them coming but also nervous, our last hurdle to win was team handsome and a revelation came up, Nagisa was actually an official member of the group and the only different one as she uses the same deck as Kamui and not a Granblue deck.

-Normal POV-

Aichi slowly drifted into sleep while remembering everything that happened this past month, thinking where did it start, where did he do something wrong. As he continued to reminisce Aichi continued to remember happy, bitter moments.

They were all so heartbroken when they found out that Kamui lost to Nagisa, they were so sure that he could win but it seems Nagisa outdone him. Realizing this Aichi felt his heart and determination crumble as he thought of running away from the fight which displeased Kai greatly saying "I would never fight someone who would ran away even once."

Hearing his words Aichi's decision didn't change but decided to watch the whole match till the end. From above Mina and Yasusada could only smile at Kiyomitsu's annoyed reaction whereas Miwa can understand also very well. At the end of the battle Aichi's determination rose up once again after the battle because of Kai who won in the end.

In the end it was Aichi who fought against Gouki, the leader of Team Handsome. Everyone thought that Aichi would lose but with the help of Soul Saver Dragon and a mysterious feeling/force Aichi won in the end but of course with his own power and skills.

While watching the match slowly Kiyomitsu felt something different at the time that Aichi acquired Soul Saver but of course it didn't go past Mina and Kai. Aichi in his team won in the end giving them a ticket to enter the nationals.

"We were doing well, we were doing fine, Misaki-san and Kamui-kun gave full trust in me but something felt off, could it be they think that I really am lying in the end? Or maybe am I overthinking it" Aichi thought slowly finally drifted to sleep.

After the tournament, Aichi was given a week of full Spartan training using talisman and archery imbued with his divine power, Mina was training him to make full use of his powers and to open the lying dormant power that he hides within him, that was Mina's plan, but it seems something is blocking it and it appears something different is showing up.

Because of this Aichi cannot fully control his ability as if it is suppressing it making Aichi weak and not moving forward. As if two powers haven't found balance and harmony within the same vessel or space.

After the Spartan training Mina did she finally has come to a conclusion, she gave Aichi a one week interval and started once again and as the events of what happened with Aichi and his friends Mina finally has a final verdict for everything and decided to finish it.

-Present-

~Thursday at Card Capital~

"Hey did you notice?" Morikawa started while walking inside the Card shop, listening from the conversation Miwa heard something that piques his interest once again.

"Yeah I saw it is becoming more and more weirder" Izaki said a sweat on his face can be seen as if thinking that something is not right with the subject of their topic.

Hearing this Miwa already understood who the two were talking about, He stood up from his seat smiling at Kai thinking that it was very weird and shrugged it. Miwa thought it's almost the for his plan to be executed and so he did

~Back at the Citadel~

Aichi was slowly walking back at the citadel with a smile on his lips, once again today will be a good day he thought as Mina is supposed to be teaching him the archery skills plus divine powers.

"Alright Aichi after school I am going to teach you something new! So I hope you can go home early and let's start practicing, today we are going to enhance your bow skills with focusing your divine energy unto it."

But Aichi frowned afterwards thinking of the look that Mina gave her as he find it odd for her voice and face to have different emotions within. Shrugging the thought Aichi was now finally at the citadel and changed his clothing to be able for them to start.

At the training hall and at the end of the front of the citadel which is to the garden, five differently placed shooting target, every set it becomes farther and farther one near the training hall, a little near the entrance, a little farther from the entrance, to the end of the corner of the citadel, and lastly at the garden that is alternatively placed from each other.

Mina stepped near Aichi "Alright Aichi-kun this is what you need to do as you know how to imbue divine powers to talisman it's the same as this but using a bow and arrow and with this your range and power can grow stronger and farther."

Mina pointed to the shooting targets "Now first of all from one and two try using normal shots, from third you can try if you can make it reach using normal shots but at four and five you need to use your divine ability, we already tried this before right?" Mina waited for Aichi's response to which he nodded in the process "Now, your main objective is not to hit the bulls eye but to make it reach and by controlling the amount of power you put on it did you get it?" Aichi nodded once more "Alright you can start with one and two."

What got Aichi more nervous was why everyone was here, as in every TouDans and Konnosuke were watching, although Konnosuke would be understandable but why everyone is here?

Mina stepped away behind Aichi so she can see his movements and posture. After that Aichi heaved a sigh and postured his stance looking at the shooting targets he examines and released the bow, although it didn't hit bullseye, it was still successful he was able to hit it. Aichi postured himself stretched the bow, he focuses and then releases the arrow and it was another successful hit.

All the toudans were watching silently at what is happening Aichi, curious and at the same time anxious of what is happening, he decided to wait for the time everything is told to him. First he stance himself trying to make it reach the third shooting range but alas it did not, the second it was almost a hit, upon noticing that nothing will happen Mina has suggested to use very minimal amount to make it hit.

Aichi did what was suggested and used minimal amount, when he released the bow it was a hit but it seems he used too much and the tip of the arrow almost passed through the shooting target with this everyone was surprised but he still has no control, now for the next challenge he tried to use the right amount to the fourth shooting range.

Shokudaikiri, Yagen, Imanotsurugi, and Kiyomitsu can faintly feel that Aichi used too much of what is the right amount needed to be for the fourth one and it almost shattered the whole shooting target when Aichi released. Surprised at the sensation the four could only watch and wait for the last one.

Then the last attempt Aichi readies himself but something or someone made him loose his focus and the four immediately got worried, before Aichi released the bow everyone noticed the shocked and scared expression from his face that made him put an immense amount on the arrow making it shine bright with blue and white hue, something as if like a rocket that blasted, it damage the whole place destroyed everything in its path.

Everyone was worried but what got them more surprised are voices from outside that squealed of surprise, Yamanbagiri and Mutsunokami opened the gates of the citadel and saw four people outside. "Let them in." Konnosuke spoke that surprised the four visitors more, they were Misaki, Kamui, Miwa, and Kai but what they were doing there is one of the question needed to be answered.

Upon the door being opened and closed for the four visitors to come in, from the training hall to the garden and furthermore ahead it was as if a meteor hit the place, looking at the center of it there a surprised looking Aichi standing although he almost lost his balance he was able to stand back up raising his arms in the process to stop those who wants to aid him, not understanding what is happening the four visitors could only watch in awe and confusion even the toudans.

"M… Mi… Mina-nee!" Aichi shouted with all his might everyone looked at the direction of Mina who looked emotionless at the matter in hand how could she look like that "What do you mean by taking the citadel." Aichi stood up and face Mina with confusion and sorrow.

All the sword warriors were confused what did Mina say and what is she planning?

"It's as I said, I'm taking the citadel" Mina said emotionless, her voice, her expression, her aura, it was void, it was dark and cold that sent chills on their spine. Why is this happening? Is what everyone's question.

"So it's finally time to tell your true intention of staying here, Mina" Konnosuke said, his voice full of sadness and disappointment, confusing them even more even the four visitors.

Mina nodded "There is two very important reason for me coming here, the first one is yes to really train you and second is to replace you." The news shocked everyone, Mina slowly walked outside the training hall and going straight to the direction of the garden "There is a condition for me in coming down here and it wasn't easy right Konnosuke" Konnosuke nodded feeling a little ashamed but still waited for her to continue and at the entrance Mina looked back at Aichi and stopped.

"The condition is, if you can be deemed worthy of being this citadel's Saniwa then I will continue training you and letting you do everything you want here" Mina clapped her hands "Since you are the rightful master of this citadel" Mina glared at Misaki and Kamui "But then… you were so incompetent, slow, naïve, and weak" Aichi flinched at her words it was as if he was drowning in needles "Although I commend that you are very kind" she smiles but her expression says otherwise "Although being too kind hinders in making them go to sortie and you spoil them too much. And because of that they haven't grown that much"

Mina turned to the second floor of the citadel where the room of whom the master is will stay while raising her arms "And so, since I deemed you unworthy for even just such a short time" Mina looked back at Aichi and smiled "I will claim the citadel as promised."

"How dare you deceive Aichi-sama" Kiyomitsu was seethed in rage at Mina almost attacking her but her talismans were ready and as a pro she was able to do something about it "Bind" Mina said nonchalantly "Kiyomitsu!" Every toudans shouted his name including Aichi.

"Come to think of it everyone here is loyal to you…" Mina counted every Touken Danshi "fourteen successful summon, not bad in two months" Mina turned her back and continued her way to the garden.

"I won't give up the citadel so easily!" Aichi shouted for Mina to hear.

"You don't need to shout, since you will soon loose energy with this much power you used do you think you still have anything left?" Mina smiled taunting Aichi.

"Well this might be fun, how about this" Mina bowed a little "How about all of you fight for it, just try to scratch any part of me even my clothes and I will gladly give back the citadel to you." Slowly raising her head they could feel her vast amount of power.

"So you weren't true in your part yourself, funning coming you." Misaki recalled the time when they visited Aichi, Kamui, Miwa, and Kai could only glance at her from what she said.

Mina chuckled "Aren't we the same now" when Mina stopped Aichi already had a feeling and used talismans that he always carry inside his pocket and deflected the attack using protection to protect Misaki, Kamui, Miwa, and Kai. With this the four are now enveloped of a dome with the five talismans as a pillar.

"They have nothing to do about this." Aichi said readying himself for another attack "Nikkari, Hasebe, Gokotai" Aichi called

"Yes!" The three responded

"Make sure you protect them" After the order was given the three proceeded to protect them, the three summoned their swords, sparkling blue light like fireflies gathered in front of them forming a horizontal line, after it was formed the three reached for the light in front of them respectively and the blue sparkling light scattered away showing a sword, their original form the sword that were that they now wield "Imanotsurugi, Horikawa" The two responded and Aichi continued "Defend Kiyomitsu until the binding spell is gone" the two nodded and proceeded as ordered.

Mina chuckled "I didn't think you would use the talismans for those things, you have a different way of doing things" Mina shook her head left and right slowly "But Aichi you are mistaken, the time that Misaki and Kamui entered the citadel with Miwa and Kai they already have something to do about this." Mina held her hands up as many talisman showed up "Since they since they set foot here… because of you!"

Mina clearly wants to boost Aichi's morale from everything that is happening here, but because the lives of his friends and his beloved family here in the citadel on the line, he doesn't care about anything anymore than to fight back their rights and to show who really is the master of this citadel. With this in thought Aichi stood proud and mighty with resolve to face Mina.

"Those who aren't called Yasusada, Midare, Tsurumaru, Yagen, Shokudaikiri, Yamanbagiri, Sayo, and Mutsunokami. Help me fight for the citadel." Aichi shouted.

"Yes!" all the eight people Aichi called said in unison.

Outro: I hope I did great in this chapter, I hope I didn't mess anything up. I hope you like this chapter some twist I say XD, it's up to you to think of what will happen beyond this, thank you for reading!

Hope you like it, thank you for your continuous support everyone!

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