Intro: Keep safe everyone…!

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 37: Secret

"Who would have thought that they would win in the end" Morikawa said as they just finished watching the final match from the television.

"Though I don't think it is something that you would be surprised, that guy is practically a monster." Miwa said as they have now seen how frightening Ren's ability is, much to Kai's displeasure seeing Ren.

"I don't think with Nee-chan and Aichi's ability they really won't have a chance at it right now." Miwa didn't want to say the harsh thing although what he just wants to say is the truth.

"I think I can be on par with them though" Kamui boasted although he did not take part in any, since he decided to leave it to the three.

"Somehow I kind of agree to that though, as Kamui has many experiences in battle than the two of you who just recently started" Miwa deducted.

"I can't believe that my disciple has lost, with my knowledge you could have been able to win there" Morikawa boasted his skills which is actually feeling great though he really is not.

"The only thing you guys can do is train for now, though we have too much to think about not just vanguard." Miwa sighed as he was referring to their practice in the citadel.

Morikawa who is thinking of what it could have been remembered what he was insisting on Aichi "Oi! Aichi Sendou I completely forgot! I still need answers here." he said as he stomped his way to Aichi who once again raised his hands in defense.

"You are still not finished?!" Miwa said as he once again intervened between the two.

"Oi, Make-mi!" Kamui did the same as he stood up from his seat.

Misaki sighed as she moves away from the two since she was standing up next to Aichi and Miwa.

Kai and Shin who silently watched what is happening in front of them while Izaki was again with Morikawa while Reiji and Eiji decided to watch in their seats.

As they continue much to their amusement the entrance door opened up "Didn't I place a closed sign outside?" Shin said who looked at the entrance to see who entered.

"Ah! Aichi-sama" It was Horikawa with Sayo beside him who opened up the door now all their attention turned to them especially Morikawa.

"See!" Morikawa said as he continued to pester Aichi with a matching hands both pointing at Horikawa and Sayo who were confused "I'm really curious at this people who keep on coming and saying Aichi-sama here and there! Tell me what you are really?!" Morikawa said as he pointed out a finger to Aichi with one of his eye closed and the other at Aichi.

"Are you some kind of big shot?!" Morikawa asked, though he wasn't wrong there.

"Big shot?" Sayo asked to Horikawa.

"It means someone powerful!" Horikawa explained.

Sayo has a face that says 'Ah!' "Then Aichi-sama is a big shot!" he wasn't exactly wrong on that part.

"S-Sayo… Horikawa…" Aichi knew it made it worse but it's not like he can do something about it though Aichi sighed as if like giving up with a nervous smile, while Misaki sighed though Kamui and Miwa both have a sweat drop and a nervous smile.

Morikawa made things complicated, since they don't know what is happening it's not like they can blame it to them. Morikawa as soon as he heard it looked back and forth confusing Horikawa and Sayo.

"C-calm down Morikawa-kun let me explain, it's not what you think okay!" Aichi said as he tries to calm Morikawa as he was almost at his limit break!

"They just really respect Aichi, Morikawa" Miwa stepped in to help which is he wasn't also wrong there.

"Yeah, like how I respect Aichi oniisan, it's normal!" Kamui helped in too.

"No, it's different! It's more than that, that Hasebe guy said something about forgetting their duty that was appointed to them by their Aichi-sama with a face like he just did something really really really wrong!" Morikawa pointed out, sometimes though you would really think why he is such a goofball, but if its times like this he will surprise you that he is somewhat also the perceptive type.

Somehow though Aichi, Miwa, Kamui, Misaki, and Kai can imagine that expression of Hasebe.

"Oh that…" Miwa was the one who gave in remembering that moment in the shopping district as he looked at Aichi with an 'I give up face'.

Seeing that Miwa doesn't know anymore what to do "Really Morikawa, it's not worth mentioning! They just have really high respect for me." Aichi said which what he said was the truth which Horikawa and Sayo highly agreed to making Shin realize that Aichi want something to be kept a secret and noticing Kamui, Miwa, Misaki, and Kai, they were the only ones who knew.

Morikawa somewhat buy it "What are you hiding from the great Morikawa! I won't forget the part that I think you live in a citadel with them though, one of those guys who came to get you said that." Really though why is Morikawa at this times really perceptive the five thought.

It spurred additional curiosity to the others as Morikawa still continues on "I demand to know as you are my disciple!" Morikawa didn't need to say that part.

"Aichi-sama… your disciple…" Sayo started.

"Impossible…" Horikawa ended with a smile as if mocking Morikawa.

As soon as Morikawa notice those expression from Horikawa as if belittling him he started picking a fight with Aichi.

As Morikawa lunged in to Aichi no one was fast enough to stop him even Kamui and Miwa who was in front nor Izaki who was behind Morikawa, fortunately though Horikawa and Sayo were there to save Aichi.

Horikawa sprinted to Morikawa as he swiftly placed Morikawa's hand behind as if to break it as one hand is positioned at Morikawa's chin positioning it upwards that show his neck "Assassination and sneak attacks are my specialty!" Horikawa said with darkness looming over him with an eerie smile.

"Aichi-sama who should I kill" Sayo said nonchalantly as he positioned himself in front of Morikawa who looks like he is aiming for his throat.

As soon as Aichi noticed that Horikawa and Sayo was going to release their sword going in for the kill "STOP!" Aichi shouted.

Morikawa who was petrified at what happened to him along with Izaki, Reiji, Eiji and Shin. On the other hand Miwa, Kamui, Misaki, and Kai thought that this has gotten out of hand.

"Hm? What's the matter Aichi-sama?" Horikawa said who still has a firm grip at Morikawa though he lost the ominous aura around him.

Same with Sayo "Aren't they bothering you Aichi-sama" who is still in his fighting position as if getting ready.

Everyone felt as if their breaths were taken hold by Horikawa and Sayo since at any moment they can feel that they can end him.

At this point hearing the two speak his name with formality over and over and how these two were this fast and adding to it Horikawa's line. "See that face, those looks, you can't be normal!" Morikawa said expressionless, Aichi on the other hand though felt like as if this world is about to shatter, just one more wrong move and it's over.

"Are you guys perhaps…" Aichi, Kamui, Miwa, and Misaki prepared for whatever will Morikawa will say "Are you guys Ninja?!" Morikawa was back to normal with additional sparkling stars around him matching his eyes, although his position still tells him that one wrong move and you are out and he is getting numb from his hands still he feels like he is the dream.

Somehow hearing and seeing Morikawa like that Aichi was able to breathe again as he slumped on the ground feeling relief Miwa, Kamui, Misaki, and even Kai exhaled, since they knew very well what they can do though they are somewhat thankful that he is still a goofball.

"Aichi-sama!" Both Sayo and Horikawa said in unison though they still won't move from their positions.

"We'll take care of him, you can let go" Miwa said positioning next to Morikawa who was helped by Kamui.

As soon as Horikawa and Sayo notice this they immediately went to Aichi's side, and seeing as things just went from amusing to deadly, Shin has decided to step in "I don't actually understand what is going on, but I can see that some of you have known about this" Shin was referring to the four basing on their expression and how they are usually at Aichi's "And from this incident I can already tell that it's a something that you don't want anyone to know, is that right Aichi-kun" Shin said as he noticed the recuperating from nervousness Aichi on the floor.

"Aichi-sama…" Sayo said as he sat next to Aichi on the other side of him is Horikawa kneeling.

Trying to ease Sayo Aichi reached for Sayo's head and caressed it "Sayo, I'm fine don't worry"

Though Aichi was unable to answer Shin and as he was unable to answer it means Yes and Shin understood it "So now Morikawa, there are things that we want to keep secret, if they want to tell or say it let us wait for the time." Shin scolds Morikawa "I wanted to say that as long as this hasn't hurt anyone, though it still hasn't… yet, so let's just keep it at that, for the better of both parties."

Aichi nodded in thanks to Shin for his kindness "Don't worry Aichi-kun just tell me if Morikawa kept insisting and I'll handle the rest" Shin smiled to reassure Aichi, to end this feud.

Morikawa who acted like nothing happened "I can see that you guys are Ninjas and Aichi is like your boss or something!" but then he had to say something unnecessary "I see so that's why you decided not to fight back and all."

Noticing Aichi's expression add to it that Horikawa is somewhat getting fed up on what's happening he decided to speak up "Aichi-sama, I and Sayo came here to inform you that Mina-nee was calling for you, along with the four guardians."

"Eh, Mina-nee is back?" Aichi said as he saw Horikawa standing up then offering up a hand to help him stand up.

Aichi accepted the hand as Horikawa helped him stand up "She said it was urgent. Something about Konnosuke's failure of teaching."

Misaki, Miwa, Kamui, and Kai's expression says that they have a knowledge regarding about this as they reacted when Horikawa mentioned about Konnosuke's failure.

Horikawa noticed the different expression that Aichi normally has and thought that something might have triggered within Aichi and Sayo who took notice of it too decided to hold Aichi's other hand.

"We will be heading off now" Horikawa did not forget his politeness as he bowed his head as he drags Aichi out of the shop this was the only way he can help him, and that is to get him out of this mess.

Misaki and Kai looked at Miwa who were at a loss for words at what had just happened, he added fuel to the fire by saying some things that are unnecessary, especially the part with the master and guardian, Kai and Misaki could only sigh that they were relieved that Morikawa didn't brought it up, brought up or insisted on asking them too.

Remembering that Mina is also calling for them, they thought of ways to get away with this without being suspicious to Morikawa.

~Back at the Citadel~

Aichi once again tried to ease Sayo by patting his head before he headed upstairs to his room to get change.

Though it did not help as they saw that expression of fear from Aichi because a person for the first time, they were also surprised and worried "Revenge…" Sayo muttered when Aichi left the area.

Horikawa bitterly smiled hearing those words from Sayo "I don't think that is the best way to help Aichi-sama, Sayo." Horikawa talked it out with Sayo, as Sayo's life is about revenge, he knew well those feelings of pain, hatred, and fear the most "This master of ours is not someone like that." He continues to pat Sayo too to make him feel at ease.

Shokudaikiri and Tsurumaru who came from the training hall were walking together when they noticed Horikawa and Sayo at the entrance hall "Oh welcome back, where is Aichi-sama?" Shokudaikiri asked, though their faces tells them that something not good did happen.

Shokudaikiri and Tsurumaru exchanged glances as they asked Horikawa to tell them the details which Horikawa agreed to without second thoughts.

~Tatami Room~

The remaining toudans have arrived with Mina and Konnosuke already inside "Hm? Where is Aichi-kun?" Mina asked as she noticed that Horikawa came back with Sayo though the meeting can't be started without the four guardians and Aichi.

"Mina-nee" Horikawa called for Mina's attention with a somewhat graved expression.

Mina was worried as she knows exactly what that expression meant, something happened again to Aichi since she was the one who instructed them to call Aichi and the others back to the citadel "Tell me what happened."

A little while later the door to the room opened up and showed Aichi "I'm here…" he said as Mina hurried to embrace Aichi.

Surprised, Aichi was at a loss for words "eh? Uhm? Ah… M-Mina-nee?" Confused as to why Mina did not say anything other than the sudden embrace, somehow to him it feels comforting as he stops flailing around.

As soon as Mina felt that Aichi has calmed down she broke off the embrace "I will explain later, for now where are the guardians?" she asked.

Mina already knew the answer as Aichi's expression right now was the one thing she was waiting "Alright then, we are not in a hurry, we should wait for them." Mina said as soon as she said that Aichi has started to notice that no one was in the room other than Mina.

~Garden~

Thinking of a past time while waiting, Aichi was strolling around the area of the garden when he noticed a fluffy tail coming out of a bush "Come to think of it I didn't notice Konnosuke in the room?" without a moment's notice Aichi went to the bush with the fluffy tail coming out of it to say hello, to his surprise though the pipe fox came out on its own when it felt his presence.

"Oya… Are you Aichi Sendou?" the fox said as he wiggles around to take off the leaves if there is any.

"Konnosuke?" Aichi said as he crouched down to inspect the pipe fox in front of him.

The pipe fox in front of him smiled "I am Konnosuke but I am not your Konnosuke." He said as he too sat in front of Aichi.

"My Konnosuke?" confused Aichi inspected the Konnosuke in front of him, though looking at close inspection of this Konnosuke, Aichi noticed the big difference of the Konnosuke he knows to the Konnosuke in front of him, starting with the color, the Konnosuke Aichi knows has blue Malibu color while this is yellow, this Konnosuke's eyes is always open while the Konnosuke he knows always has his eyes closed, does not have a fang that is sticking out too, this one certainly doesn't have the unruly fluffy tail the one here has, also this has no bell tied around him unlike the one this citadel has.

"Ah…" when Aichi has noticed the huge differences of the two pipe fox, the pipe fox in front of him is amused and chuckled.

"I can see that the Konnosuke you have with you certainly did not inform you about so many things" This Konnosuke was indeed different even his tone of voice and speech is different. "I understood that the Konnosuke you have is very young and is new to his role, but I wasn't expecting something like this."

The Konnosuke in front of him has stood up as he wag his tail "Do not worry though, I and Mina will correct those mistakes to fully inform you." To Aichi the aura around this Konnosuke feels like he has attained many experience.

Though to Aichi this is just another fluffy animal as he starts to reach out his hand and place a hand on top of this Konnosuke "You can please refer to me as Kon as to not mistake us from each other"

Aichi smiled as he caresses the fur on Kon's head "I see you have a gentle hands, now I understand" Kon spoke.

"Hm?" Though Aichi didn't understand what it meant.

Kon shook his head to his left and right "Do not worry it is just my internal ramblings. I will see you later then." Kon left the left area leaving a puzzled Aichi.

Sitting at the bridge at the pond Aichi rambles to himself words such as will he ever be able to go back to Card Capital, how will he face them, will they even come and such, he was confused everything was messed up.

"You have a lot in your mind…" Aichi was surprised it was Kai, Kai decided to talk to him, which was really surprising since he isn't the type to have a talk except maybe with Miwa.

"I'm sorry about the nationals" Aichi remembers his lose streak all of a sudden.

"You are weak, that is not surprising" Kai was blunt this is something natural though it does hit hard and because of this Aichi was reluctant to continue to speak "That is the case right now, but if you keep at it, you will get stronger."

"You can't defeat them in your current, not yet" Kai said trying to ease Aichi's feelings "But aren't you the type that doesn't give up" though it was not that noticeable, but Kai was smiling and Aichi can't help but feel thankful that someone who once gave him strength when he was a child would still continue on to do the same.

Aichi knew that Kai is kind since even though he looks like the type who doesn't want to get along, he is the most caring of them, one obvious proof is that Kai joined to be one of his guardian. Aichi knew that Kai still looks out for him.

Kai started to leave as Aichi was able to pass on his gratitude "Thank you Kai, I will become stronger!"

Aichi felt his cheeks got hotter than normal, as there is now a visible flush on his cheek, trying to hide this he hid his face between his legs until he realized something, Kai is here on the citadel.

As realization hits him Aichi hastily stood up as he noticed that Kamui and Misaki are now walking towards the tatami room, meaning they must have done something so that they can be able come here.

Vanguard is the very first thing he has known because of Kai who helped him in his childhood, but right now somehow the one thing that gives him strength is the people here at the citadel, somehow Aichi has just realized something he didn't cross his mind until today.

~Tatami Room~

Aichi opened up the room only to find out that everyone is already there, including, Misaki, Kamui, Miwa, and Kai, and then at front Mina with a still tied up Konnosuke, the Konnosuke he knows "Konnosuke?" Aichi was supposed to walk towards him but then the Konnosuke he met earlier showed up in front of him.

"I see that everyone is now here, why don't we begin?" the toudans were surprised even the four guardians at seeing this Konnosuke.

"Kon… san?" Aichi said as he crouched down and was about to pat Kon's head but stopped himself midway as he stood up and took a seat.

Kon jumped at the table as Aichi proceeded to seat at the front "You hesitated" Aichi was flushing.

The ones who can see his expression especially the Tantous, adding to it Yagen was next to him, thought of what happened between them, though overall they wanted to ask the question of why is there another Konnosuke and where did this Konnosuke come from.

"Okay everyone is here and are seated." Mina started "The reason why I called you here is because of a certain pipe fox who is negligent and hasty." As if they could see a fire around her Konnosuke jumped from fear because of Mina while the others sweat dropped.

Seeing as everyone is intently listening to her she proceeded "Okay I'll start. The only ones that are really just involved in this conversation is the guardians only and Aichi." Aichi remembered the time when Horikawa mentioned that it was regarding Konnosuke's failure.

"To be honest the reason why I had called all the toudans here is so that you can also be informed and also because of my mistakes, especially Konnosuke" She glared at Konnosuke "Konnosuke wasn't able to explain so many things that I don't know if there are others more, though I fear that it is a lot" She sighed.

"First of all I am back here from the Head Saniwa's place to inform them of this issue, which helped clear a lot of things, as in a lot of things." Mina heavily sighed "With me is someone who will help me explain and clear things up is the Pipe fox of the Head Saniwa, Kon-san"

All the toudans, the four guardians and Aichi were surprised with the formality from the pipe fox, being the Head's guide maybe have influenced his standing.

"Hello Everyone, I am glad to be able to meet this era's Saniwa and new Heroes, I am grateful thank you for your service" Kon bowed his head as soon as they noticed his tone and speech they immediately had the looks of comparing Kon to Konnosuke which made him form tears "I am also called Konnosuke, most of us are called that depending on what the Saniwa will call us, like a nickname." Kon smiled.

"There are many of us, each taking up roles to help and guide them, which I am deeply sorry for the lack of guidance and inconveniences this Konnosuke has made to you. Although we did understand his reason and we have pardoned him for that, but what we can't forgive is that he lacked information." The look on dismay can be seen on Kon.

"Your expression tells me that you are surprised which means he really did lack information I can also see signs of glancing to Mina that asks the question if Mina has her own." Kon looked to Mina. Everyone in the room were amaze at Kon, for his perceptiveness and politeness.

"Yeah I have my own guide, which is a better teacher." Mina proudly said "She is a female though, so I call her Kon-chan"

"Well your expression already tells a lot about Konnosuke's failure, fret not I am here to fill you up with necessary information. Starting with the reason of Aichi's first failure." Aichi and Kiyomitsu trembled at his words, which everyone did not know except for Konnosuke and Mina, all eyes were now focused towards them.

Outro:

I'm very sorry for my lack of vocabulary and wrong grammars and wrong spellings, but I hope you like the story nonetheless, and thank you for everyone's continuous support!

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