Intro: Oh yeah I made it I thought I wasn't able to update today…
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 69: Mock Battle
~Dining Hall~
Yasusada with the others walks inside the dining hall completely surprising them at the large number of people in the citadel "T-they increased!" Kenji gapes at the sight in front of him but what he notices more is how Aichi is normally interacting with them.
"Aichi-sama!" Yasusada calls in his attention as the other toudans also shifted their gaze to where Yasusada is, trailing to the one person they all have in common feelings with, annoyance, to of course well…
"Why do I feel like it's so hot in here?" Morikawa moves his collar fanning it a little. As Yasusada walks towards an empty seat where Kiyomitsu is, probably saved a seat for him.
Miwa, Kamui and Kai knowing the reason "it's maybe because you didn't get a rest when you came so you are just probably tired."
Hasebe stands up "Please feel free to take a seat anywhere you wish to." He pointed at empty tables.
When they have chosen a place to be seated they notice the group of girls on the corner they decided to sit next to them, and then starts on with eating lunch.
"It's really hard to think that they are swords…" Kenji starts up a conversation with the others.
"If you think of that way it will really be hard." Mina raises a brow.
"What do you mean?" Gai strikes up the question.
"Despite the fact that they still think of themselves as swords Aichi think of them as someone special to him, like the cards he has, even though they are cards he thinks of them as comrades, in Aichi's case he thinks of them as his family." Kai answers surprising them.
"There are many kinds of personality, and it's amusing to tease them and such." Miwa snickered.
"If you want to see how cool they are try watching one of their sparring sessions!" Kamui stands up from his sit with a lot of enthusiasm.
"Do you sometimes play Vanguard here?" Kenji changes the topic.
"Yeah we do, usually at the garden and all of them will be watching our fight that is why they know that Aichi also loves Vanguard." Miwa added.
"I see…" Kenji stares at the Aichi that is far away from them.
"This place is fairly peaceful…" Miwa paused.
"That is only when there is no trouble…" Kamui sighs but it was a double meaning.
"Which is inevitable, that is why it is fun here, there are a lot of amusing stuff happening here." Misaki can't help but decide to join in the conversation they were having.
"Then what are you guys doing here?" Yuri asks the question this time.
"I think it might be better to just let you guys see…" Misaki motions at Mina which somehow is a little out of it "Mine-nee?"
Mina jumps in surprise "Oh, don't worry you can practice if you want, but Aichi-kun won't be for now…" Mina looks away.
Confusing the others from her actions "Oh yeah, he did say that…" Miwa just had an 'aha' moment remembering what Ren said.
Misaki and Kai recalls too "Eh? What happened?" Kenji asks in curiosity.
"It's best to tell you when Aichi's mom and Emi are not near." Miwa added as they stopped on further on that topic.
"Delicious!" Morikawa cries tears of joy at the food he is eating up in front of him.
"Morikawa! I understand that it is delicious it really is but do you have to stand up with your foot on the table while raising the food?!" Izaki covers his face from embarrassment.
"I see, I am glad you like it." Shokudaikiri although does not like him, the same level as the other toudans but, if it's a compliment from the dishes he make, he can make an exemption.
"Shokudaikiri always makes the best dishes, I hope you are enjoying it!" Aichi smiles in delight upon hearing Morikawa loved the food.
Kai grumbles at hearing the words best dishes which of course Miwa has noticed this snickering at the thought that he got triggered.
"Now I understand why you guys always wants to always be here! The food here is the best!" Izaki has successfully brought Morikawa down as Izaki continues to hide his face in shame, Morikawa on the other hands kept chomping down the food.
Again Kai looks like he isn't liking what he is hearing lightly tapping his fingers on the table.
~After lunch at the garden~
Tsurumaru gathers the others in front of him, mainly Nikkari, Hakata, Gokotai, Imanotsurugi, Midare, Mutsunokami, even Yasusada and Kiyomitsu are with him.
"I wonder what they are up to." Aichi asked in curiosity sitting beside Mikazuki with Kogitsunemaru on the other side is Shizuka, Misaki, Yuri and Mina enjoying their after lunch tea, not Aichi though as he is only sitting with them.
The nine nods to each other as they hastily splits up after, confusing the others more than ever at what they are planning, hearing Shokudaikiri sigh while watching them "Do you know?" Aichi asks him which Shokudaikiri only looks away, meaning he has an idea of what they were planning. Pulling away his curious thoughts from them and decides to let them be…
"So Kai, which do you want to start first." Miwa smiles at him with Team Caesar and the people from Card Capital became curious of what he meant about starting up.
Kai moves his head to the direction of the training hall "Well if you are here you got to stretch your body." Miwa turns his head to Misaki.
"I see then I too should start, since Sunday is the day of the rest so I'll do that tomorrow." Misaki stands up and invited Yuri to their certain activity or body stretching in Miwa's case.
"I'll join too!" Kamui jumps from the veranda "How about you Aichi-oniisan?!" all their attention moves toward him even the other toudans.
Truthfully he himself doesn't know what he should be doing next, he finished his homework already, he can't move his arms because of his shoulder so he can't practice yet, though he can practice his talisman but it's not advisable with this many people, so the only thing he could think of is "I'll just watch you practice." He plainly answers smiling to them.
"Well, if Aichi-sama wants to watch why don't you try a mock battle?" Shokudaikiri suggested.
After looking at Kai with curiosity in their faces he shifted his gaze to Shokudaikiri to answer it "Then our opponent will be?"
Shokudaikiri smiles "You guessed it right, it depends on who you want to choose as your opponent from the ones remaining here." He then looked to Miwa "For now I know that you want to change class from us Katana's to Spears." He motioned to Tonbokiri.
"I'll be glad to help in any way I can." Tonbokiri stands up.
"But for now, it might be best to practice us as your primary weapon, then to spear's." Shokudaikiri finished.
"So for now I'm going to exert my skill as a sword user first before becoming a spear user." Miwa pumps his fist up.
"Hey! I want to join too!" Izuminokami runs forward to Aichi.
"I would also like to show what being a true Kotetsu is!" And so does Hachisuka.
"If possible" He clear his throat "Aichi-sama I would like to move about my new body and would like to join in the selection." Kogitsunemaru raises his interest.
After Izuminokami showing interest in joining, the other remaining toudans showed interest in joining up too, but Aichi noticed power difference if the others who are experienced joins in, and would like to prioritize the new ones so that they can get accustomed to fighting.
Raising his arms in defense from the toudans that surrounded him "Then how about like a player versus player?"
"Player versus Player?" Izuminokami and Hachisuka repeated.
"Like a guardian to a guardian with six toudans in party, but in our case only three toudans in each party, Misaki-san, Kamui-kun would guys like to join too?" Aichi looked at only Misaki since he knew that Kamui won't decline the offer.
Surprised at the invitation she is unsure of what to say but looking at Yuri it seems she has her answer, she has the look of curiosity on her face "I've always wanted to put my trainings to use." Misaki stood up then walked to Mina.
Understanding why she walked towards her she nodded to her but before they start on their conversation "Alright! I thought of something, if you look at it, there are 15 toudans remaining here, Aichi-kun wanted only 3 toudans for each guardian which if you all participated you all will be a total of four, so how about, Aichi-kun as final boss with the three remaining toudans?"
Miwa looked a little taken a back at the thought "So does that mean, he will be using talismans?" Aichi too curious as to what he could do since he can't move too much with his injury aside from using talismans looked at Mina.
"Of course final boss has to be OP, but Aichi-kun will of course limit his usage depending on him." Aichi sweat drops on the word limit "So what do you suggest? You chose the team or he chooses the team for you?" Mina looks at the guardian.
"Aichi can choose for us, I want a balanced team rather than choosing them without knowing their full abilities." Kai mentions.
"I too, although I am mostly here Aichi knows them very well." Miwa looks like he was defeated when Misaki spoke about him choosing "Why? Were you hoping you would choose?"
"S-somehow…" Miwa stuttered.
"Who would you be choosing if ever?" Kamui asked.
"Of course, Aichi's powerful ones most especially" Miwa smirks "Mikazuki Munechika!" then pointed to Mikazuki.
Mikazuki had a blank look on his face "Oh look at that I have no more tea, Horikawa might I ask for another batch?" He smiles to Horikawa.
"Isn't that enough for you Mikazuki-san?" Horikawa sweats at the sight of the new produce of tea beside him that he himself brought for him and the others.
Some of the toudans but most importantly Misaki, Kamui, and Yuri looks at him with pity, the others has sweat drops reaction at the sight.
"I guess with Aichi-kun choosing there will be no qualms, then…" Mina said as the others nodded.
"WAIT A MINUTE!" Morikawa made a scene, the loud voice made the others close their ears, running to the center.
"I the great Katsumi Morikawa would also like to join and show off my Ninja skills!" Morikawa positions himself as a mighty ninja crossing his arms after, then making hand signs as if he is a ninja.
Horikawa somewhat annoyed throws the tray he is holding to Morikawa, and it successfully hits him on his forehead "Sorry, my hand slipped…" although he is smiling, all of them can feel the hostility from him.
Surprising Izuminokami who is beside him especially the new ones, the Card Capital gang, and Team Caesar even Emi and Shizuka were very dumbfounded. Seeing Morikawa land on the ground and almost at the pond they look at Horikawa chuckling which they find scarier, but the other toudans kind of agreed and liked what he did as if giving him a thumbs up in their mind, Kon was just really surprised, while Konnosuke and Mina were also on the side of the ones thumbing up.
"H-Horikawa?!" Even Aichi was surprised "You shouldn't do that!" he then ran after Morikawa to check after him with Izaki following.
"M-Morikawa?!" Izaki called out to Morikawa but what they noticed when the two reaches him are two swirling eyes.
Aichi took the tray looking at the toudans they all either looked away or moved their eyes to not meet with his, sighing in the process, but confusing the new ones, Kasen moves forward "I'll take that tray Aichi-sama." Still confused he took it from his hands.
"So is it like guardian to guardian then toudan to toudan?" Miwa thought.
Making Mina sigh "Have you forgotten what I taught you guys when I and Kon-san mentioned your roles?"
"Oh that part, I see so it's like thinking the same as 'that'." Miwa smiled taking out the part about the battle field.
"Yes, exactly, since you have sparred with them, you can take them on if you want." Mina smiles.
"Alright I am ready!" Miwa pumps his hands upward.
"Well for now let's wait for Aichi-kun to finish the selection of teams while you guys warm up, and while I and Misaki-chan prepare her bow." Mina motioned to Misaki to follow her, while Tonbokiri and Kogitsunemaru help Izaki take Morikawa to the veranda.
"Aichi-sama are we allowed to use our -" Izuminokami was immediately cut off.
"No." Was Aichi's answer.
"But-" Izuminokami tries again "But you haven't let me finish what I wanted to say?!"
"Knowing you would definitely ask that, but if this was only us, it would be fine but, it could still cause injury so even with the use of swords if it's just us is still a no." Aichi firmly said to Izuminokami which he slumps down a little "Don't worry if there is a need to if I know you can defeat the enemy I will dispatch you to the front lines, just be patient." Aichi assures smiling to him as he walks towards the veranda.
Horikawa walks to where Izuminokami is as the toudans start to practice and so does the guardians while the Card Capital gang and team Caesar are enthusiastic to see what will unfold, while Emi and Shizuka feels like a show display for them.
~After a little while~
Aichi stands up "Alright everyone I've finished the selection, once I've called your name go to the respective guardians whom I will call first." The guardians and the toudans nodded.
"First, Kamui-kun!" Aichi called out as Kamui lets out a Yosh! Then moved to the place Aichi pointed to "The Touken Danshi with you will be, Uchigatana Kasen Kanesada, Tachi Shokudaikiri Mitsutada, and Yari Tonbokiri." The three answers with them their wooden swords for battle positioning to the area where Kamui is.
"Second Misaki-san!" Aichi called out as she walks towards the area Aichi mentions, with Misaki is a modified arrows that wouldn't hurt when hit "The Touken Danshi with you are Tantou Sayo Samonji, Uchigatana Ookurikara, and Ootachi Taroutachi."
"I don't intend on getting friendly." Ookurikara walks away.
"Don't you think it will be a good chance facing off with others?" Shokudaikiri places a hand on Ookurikara's shoulder to stop him.
"Ookurikara?" Aichi was about to move towards them and seeing this Ookurikara clicks his tongue as he walks to where the others are.
Confused Aichi looks at Shokudaikiri "If you so wishes it he won't say no as it is your order and will." Shokudaikiri walks back to his team after as Aichi was left dumbfounded.
"Third Miwa-kun!" Aichi called out a smirking Miwa walking towards the designated area "The Touken Danshi that will be joining you are Uchigatana, Yamanbagiri Kunihiro, Uchigatana Izuminokami Kanesada, and Tachi Kogitsunemaru."
"Lastly Kai-kun!" Aichi calls out pointing him to his area "The Touken Danshi fighting with you are all Uchigatana." Upon hearing that it will be all Uchigatana they already had an idea since the remaining Uchigatana's are "Heshikiri Hasebe, Hachisuka Kotetsu, and Souza Samonji."
"I didn't think Aichi-sama would put us together in the same team." Hasebe mentions seeing Souza with him.
"If I was included then-" Yagen was cut off.
"The swords of Oda Nobunaga." Shin continues.
"You sure know about that deep in history." Yagen smiles at him.
"Of course, I mostly know all of the swords but not that far or deep." Shin smiles back.
"Then Izuminokami Kanesada and Horikawa Kunihiro!" Kenji stands up "You are swords of Hijikata!" Gai hastily got hold of his coat preventing him to charge to where they are.
"Does this mean that the remaining three that hasn't been called…" Mikazuki paused.
"Yes, you three will be on my team." Aichi nodded to him.
"So then when you mentioned OP." Yamanbagiri looked at Mina.
"Yes! I meant over powered!" Mina looks like she was enjoying everything.
"So how would we proceed with the battle?" Kai asked.
"Oh I made a red and blue colored straw, those who both got the same color will be the opponent of the same color" Mina showed the colored straws "Who will start if red or blue you will decided to that." Mina holds out the straws for them to draw.
The four walks forward as they all placed their hands to the straw they will be taking "Alright, go!" The four pulled the straws.
"Red!" Both Misaki and Kamui said.
"Blue!" Both Kai and Miwa said.
Miwa immediately looked at Misaki "Knowing that gaze I could already tell you wanted to go last?" Misaki hands the straw back to Mina.
"Of course!" Miwa thumbs up making Misaki sigh.
"What do you say?" she asks Kamui.
"You know I like going second but I wanted to try this so I don't have any problems going first!" Kamui raised both his hands.
"I will give you 10 minutes to plan things out with your team." Mina instructs.
"I don't plan on getting along…" Ookurikara walks away again making Misaki sigh.
"Well as long as he does everything to fight that should be fine." He looks at Taroutachi and Sayo "I'm counting on you two." Misaki smiles as the two nodded in response.
After the 10 minutes "Alright, places!" Mina instructed as the others waits at the veranda while the starting team moves to the corner where the area is wide and spacey to be able to move comfortably "Alright the objective of this mock battle is to not let the guardian to take a hit at any part of their body, meaning including their hair and their clothes."
"Somehow a weird memory comes…" Hasebe muttered making Mina flinch a little.
"So that's how it will be then." Shokudaikiri said positioning himself.
"This mock battle serves as your training for that time. Are you guys ready?" Mina asks.
"Yes!" Both parties shouted.
"Start!" Mina raises her hands to start.
~Misaki versus Kamui~
First to make a move was Sayo running with such speed he hastily heads off to where Kamui is, noticing his movements Kasen hastily moves to hide Kamui and deflects the attack "I won't let you that easily O-Sayo." Kasen commented as Sayo takes a step back.
With Sayo taking the first steps it was Ookurikara who stepped up next as he faces with Shokudaikiri "Oh so you are my opponent then Kara-chan." Shokudaikiri readies himself as Ookurikara strikes first with Shokudaikiri accepting his strike.
Misaki silently watches for an opportunity while Kamui watches out for Sayo "Misaki has an advantage here, being long ranged." Shin mentions noticing the weapon difference.
"That's true but…" Aichi smiles.
Then at the right timing Misaki finally notices a chance while watching the other toudans fight memorizing their movements she finally fires her bow as she aims for Kamui's hair, as the others anticipate an easy win for Misaki Tonbokiri was guarding him, using his spear he easily deflect the arrow sending it flying.
"But they won't be that easily be tricked." Aichi shows support to both parties, knowing and trusting them well.
As Sayo readies for another strike, Kasen slashes through Sayo but he was able to jump and runs again towards Kamui, Kasen was about to run towards him but Misaki released an arrow as it almost touches him, while heading to Kamui Tonbokiri waits for his arrival but Taroutachi was already beside him, giving out a heavy strike Tonbokiri was able to deflect it.
Sadly Sayo was able to reach Kamui, Sayo slashes forward though Tonbokiri tries to deflect the attack but Taroutachi was guarding him well, unfortunately Kasen was free so he was able to distract Taroutachi, with Sayo giving force when he reaches Kamui, Kamui was able to deflect but Sayo's force and impact is something that he cannot take, thankfully Tonbokiri was again free and was able to make Sayo jump away before his spear reaches him.
"Both parties are not giving up, their movements are like as if they are in a real battle field." Gai mentions watching the two parties struggle.
"So this is how a Sword Warrior fights." Kenji muttered "But are they really swords?" Still confused and unsure Kenji watches in anticipation of what will unfold.
It seems Ookurikara and Shokudaikiri are not budging from their position, as it looks like they have their own world fighting each other "Are you sure about this Kara-chan?" Shokudaikiri asks as it is only them fighting while the other four toudans face off each other.
"Your teams looks like on the losing." Ookurikara retaliated.
"I see, it might be the opposite huh." Shokudaikiri flicks his sword as a wide opening for Shokudaikiri was given to strike Ookurikara, noticing this Misaki uses her bow to release an arrow and headed straight to where Shokudaikiri is to prevent him from striking Ookurikara.
"Kamui is definitely on the losing side." Emi worries.
"Don't worry Emi, they won't let him be." Aichi smiles to her assuring her that it is not the end.
"I won't be thanking for that." Ookurikara continues on to strike to Shokudaikiri.
"So stubborn." Misaki said as she waits again for another chance.
"Neither are backing down." Izaki watches while fanning Morikawa who is still asleep.
"O-Sayo has an advantage in mobility that is why they are having a hard time." Souza mentions.
"Tantous have advantages in speed but doesn't have that much impact, but with Kamui as their opponent, he can definitely and easily face off with him." Miwa theorize.
"And with Misaki's long range attack as a support they are having a hard time." Yuri watches in awe and in silence at the scene in front of her.
With Taroutachi facing off with Kasen but tries his best to steer clear Tonbokiri from Sayo, he is having a hard time than he thought, but Misaki has his back and trusts in her plan.
Ookurikara strikes Shokudaikiri again with Misaki firing another arrow towards him "Now!" Misaki shouts.
Taroutachi swings his swords "Haaah!" With Kasen deflecting the strike Sayo jumps in once again to Kamui with Tonbokiri deflecting the attack sending Sayo back as he deflects the attack, but it was too late as Ookurikara has successfully slices on Kamui's hair, since what they are using is a wooden sword it didn't actually slice his hair but he was able to touch a part of his body and it counts as a loss.
Surprising everyone from Ookurikara's sudden move of heading towards Kamui forgetting Shokudaikiri "O-… Ookurikara!" Aichi shouts smiling at him, surprising Ookurikara from the smile and sudden call of his name his eyes widens and mouth agapes a little.
"That was a good fight Kara-chan." Shokudaikiri pats his shoulder as he instantly moves his head and turns to him, groaning he flicks the hands on his shoulder and walks towards the veranda.
Aichi runs towards the two parties congratulating them and was thrilled at the sudden turn of events "Everyone you did great! Congratulations on Misaki-san's party, and to Tonbokiri and Sayo." Patting Sayo's head after.
"Good job, Kamui-kun." The two High fives "You three did well, Kasen, Tonbokiri, and Shokudaikiri."
"I guess it's our turn then, huh Kai?" Miwa smiles to him with Kai smiling back the two walks to the fight area as they ready themselves for their turn.
Outro: Made it! Before the day ends at my country that is….
I'm very sorry for my lack of vocabulary, 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!