A.N. Guys, I can't tell you how sorry I am that this chapter is late. This last month has been immensely difficult, but as of November my work schedule is now far more manageable, so I can guarantee that there won't be any more significant delays.
Anyway, I've had to split this chapter into two parts. It was almost 12,000 words before I made that choice. Hopefully you'll understand why when this section of the story is complete.
DCD Gojira/Starrat/Wolfs Child: :)
Ghost of Magic: It begins here.
ukitakeitalialover041757: I hate to say, but Haruki's just getting started :(
Lady Amazon: There are so many great lines in the YYH dub. It's just perfect in every way.
hw0134160: Sorry to tell you, but Haruki isn't anywhere near done with being a creep yet. That fact that he watched Sakura while she slept was just... nope! Thanks for pointing out that repeated line. I genuinely didn't realise. My anxiety over this chapter was just insane, but once I decided to split it up I felt a lot better.
As for the anti-vax troll, I don't have time for them. My Grandma had polio, which is almost unheard of in today's world thanks to vaccines. I just can't be polite to anti-vax nonsense, and bringing religious stuff into the mix pushed me too far. I'm sorry you lost someone dear to covid. It's a horrible condition that we all need to fight. And I know you weren't insulting my work. FanFiction is not the place for that kind of idiocy.
I haven't been taking very good care of myself this last month, but that's changing from now.
Sakura-chan: The next chapter will be crazy. And so will the cave sequence. Unless they figure out Haruki is alive, Sakura's in serious danger.
Princesskakashi287: I hope it was worth the wait.
I don't own YYH, just my OCs.
Chapter 18
Sakura immediately returned to her room, only to find it mostly empty. Kurama waited for her, but he wasn't alone.
"Kuwabara!" Sakura gasped. "You're up!"
He grinned and got to his feet. "Yeah, I'm all good," he chortled. "What about you?"
"I…" Sakura's throat was too tight to speak. Instead, she just crossed the room and hugged her giant friend.
She was lost in his arms as he hugged her back. That was it. Not a single word was spoken between the two. Nothing needed to be said.
At last, Kuwabara broke away and ruffled her hair. "So, Koenma's just arrived? I'll see you guys in a sec,"
He left without looking back, and Sakura was alone with Kurama. A moment of silence passed while Kurama cocked his head and smiled at his beautiful flower.
"What?" Sakura couldn't help but smile back. She knew that look. The smallest hint of mischief behind his eyes, something clutched in his hand… whatever her lover was about to do, it would make her melt.
Kurama got up from the bed and moved towards her. "There's something missing,"
Sakura opened her mouth to ask him what he meant, but his lips were already on her shoulder. She gasped while he trailed up her collarbone, around the back of her neck, her jawline, and finally settled on her own lips for the most passionate kiss of all. Amidst it all, she felt him fasten Yukina's hiruseki pendant around her throat.
"Yukina was right, you know," he said softly. "Your soul is far more beautiful than this jewel. Or any other treasure,"
Sakura fingered the pearl. "Well, you'd know, wouldn't you?"
He chuckled lightly and tilted her face upwards. "You are the kind of treasure that I would've scoured the universe to steal, my love,"
Sakura's legs began to tremble. Kurama's green eyes stared down at her. They were full of inexpressible love.
She couldn't get the words out. I love you.
"And I love you, my precious Kura," he whispered in her ear.
Another kiss, and she pulled back with a smile. "We should go join the others. Koenma is here,"
"One more thing," Kurama swept her hair aside. "My mother wanted to know if you're still coming around for dinner tomorrow night,"
Sakura's eyes widened. In the chaos of last night, she'd momentarily forgotten about Shiori's invitation. "Uh, yes. I think so, unless the end of the world decides to interrupt," she added with a slight grin.
Kurama smiled in amusement. "Good point. Well, if you do, you'll finally be able to meet her fiancé and his son,"
Sakura's stomach dropped. "What? They'll be there?"
"Yes, Kazuya is eager to meet you,"
"But…" Sakura hesitated. "What if they don't like me?"
Kurama shook his head. "I have no doubt that they will," he said in a reassuring tone. "But if they didn't, it would make no difference to me whatsoever. Or my mother,"
Sakura closed her eyes and sighed. "Ok. Look, I'm sure we can talk about this later. But we shouldn't keep the others waiting anymore,"
"Of course," Kurama wrapped his arm around Sakura's fragile shoulders and led her out to the kitchen.
Haruki closed the connection and nodded at Sensui. "He's at the Urameshi apartment, sir. We can begin,"
"So, Koenma has finally arrived. Good,"
Sensui looked over each of his minions in turn. "Thanks to Ghost's reconnaissance mission last night, we are at the perfect advantage to strike," he said calmly. "Game Master, Gourmet. Stay out of sight and wait for the signal. Sniper, come with me. And Ghost… "
Haruki stood up a little straighter. "Yes, Dark Angel. As discussed,"
"Do you have the necessary items with you?"
Haruki reached into his coat and withdrew something. "Of course,"
Sensui smirked. "Excellent. You all know your roles. Remember, we do not deviate from the plan under any circumstances. Ghost, we'll see you at the rendezvous point. Let's move,"
He turned on his heel and the others followed him out of the parking lot.
Now that he was finally alone, Haruki took a moment for himself.
I'm ready to know, Sakura. I'm done waiting. You'll tell me everything, even if you don't realise it yet.
Today was the day. He was going to get his answers. After months of training, planning and hoping, it was finally going to happen.
I'll be seeing you soon.
Haruki tucked the vital tools back inside his coat before getting into the black sedan and reversing out of the parking space.
He had everything he needed, both on his person and back in the cave. He just needed to play his part as Sensui instructed. The rest would follow.
Everyone was seated around the table. Yusuke, Genkai, Kurama and Kuwabara. Botan and Shizuru must've gone back to Yusuke's room to keep an eye on Mitari. And Keiko wouldn't be back from the drugstore for a while.
Koenma was there in his teen form. He looked over at Sakura with an expression of slight relief.
"Sakura. I'm glad to see that you're alright,"
"Ribs are still a bit tender, but I'm fine," Sakura shrugged while sitting down in the chair that Kurama had pulled out for her. But then she noticed something a little unusual.
Koenma looked past her, towards Kurama. The two exchanged an odd look. Kurama raised a brow as if asking a silent question, but Koenma shook his head as Kurama sat opposite Sakura, next to Yusuke.
"Not yet. They'll tell me soon," was all he said.
Before anybody could enquire further, Kuwabara piped up.
"Let's hear the down and dirty on this guy. Like, what circus of freaks was he raised by that let him grow up as a traitor?"
Kurama was solemn. "I know you must've taken great care to commission him as Spirit Detective, Koenma. How did he turn from humanity's protector into its greatest threat?"
"Exactly!" Kuwabara spluttered. "Or in other words, how did you manage to mess up so bad that the whole world's in danger?" He flinched and began rubbing his bandaged wrist. "Ow, it's hurting again…"
"Shut up and let him talk," Genkai sighed.
Koenma finally raised his head. "In all my reign, nothing has seemed more natural than choosing Shinobu Sensui," he began slowly. "He was a child prodigy. Like you, Kuwabara, he could sense apparitions from a young age. And they were drawn to him like magnets. But Sensui had something more. He could destroy them,"
Koenma summoned the Orakuru to the centre of the table. The group saw his memories of Sensui appear. First, a child no older than ten, taking down two apparitions who came for him in broad daylight. Then the scene morphed…
The teenager stood calmly under a bridge as a monstrous creature emerged from underground. Sensui merely had to raise a hand for the beast's head to fall off.
He picked up the severed head and spoke to it with disdain."You've come to me like countless before you, with selfish and spiteful souls. And just like them, you've been judged,"
Spirit energy incinerated the head, and Sensui crushed the remaining ashes in his hand.
Koenma paused the memory. "His universe was cut and dry. Black and white. Demons were evil, and he had to destroy them," He looked at the group with a sigh. "And that's when he saw what changed him,"
"What was it?" Sakura was almost afraid of the answer.
"Grey," Koenma said simply. "Truckloads of grey. I'd given him an urgent case. If only I'd known the results…I had ordered him to seal up the tunnel between the human and the demon world,"
Yusuke jumped. "What?! You mean it's the exact same thing we're doing now?"
Koenma paused before answering. "The circumstances were different. That opening was only ten metres wide. There was no threat of expansion, but it was stable, allowing lower class demons to pass,"
Sakura looked at the orb. Another memory began playing. Some kind of cave, where eight hooded figures in long robes sat around a kind of circle. They were chanting, and every few seconds a burst of strange fire erupted from the centre.
"It took eight psychics, the strongest they thought existed to maintain it," Koenma explained. "But it wasn't free passage for the demons. It was a trap, organised by the young Black Black Club. They captured demons as they squeezed through, and sold them at enormous profit,"
Sakura gasped. If the Black Black Club was involved, then someone else would almost certainly be featured in this story. The thought made her nauseous.
"Black Black Club…" Yusuke frowned. "Rings a few bells,"
Kuwabara growled. "Those are the dirtbags who watched us while we rescued Yukina!"
"That's right," Koenma muttered. He glanced at Sakura. "And one up-and-comer and just worked his way into the group by his talent at capturing demons. Sakyo,"
Right on cue, the crime lord appeared in the Orakuru. He was younger, maybe mid twenties, but that same cold arrogance on his face was there even then. Sakura started to shake at the sight.
Kurama immediately took her hand. Stay with me, love.
She nodded, and squeezed back. Remember what you learned in therapy, Sakura. He's dead. He can't hurt you anymore.
"Sakyo?" Yusuke yelped. "You mean he was already starting stuff while I was getting kicked out of kindergarten?!"
Koenma nodded. "One way to look at it, yeah. Today, there's an entire culture of demon bodyguards for corporate crooks. It's a multi-million black market industry. Sakyo began it all,"
Sakura's head whirled. Sakyo was the one who pioneered demon trafficking? Does that mean…?
She didn't want to entertain the thought. Besides, Koenma was talking again.
"My intelligence team picked up news of a giant transaction that night. All key members of the Black Black Club and the burgeoning demon trade would be present. If successful, it would propel them into every corner of the globe. If we intervened, we could bring the demon trade to its knees!"
The Orakuru swirled. Sakura didn't want to watch, but she couldn't look away...
Sixteen year old Sensui raced through the darkened woods. Behind him, his faithful teal-haired assistant was watching his back. The gigantic mountain villa loomed over them.
A single demon stood guard outside, and Sensui took care of him in a heartbeat. Without even changing facial expressions, the Spirit Detective leapt over the wall towards the building.
Glass shattered, and the pair entered. Sensui took off running down a darkened but empty corridor, ahead of his companion.
Sensui burst through the door, ready to end it. But he paused, and his eyes widened with horror…
Koenma quickly waved his hand to stop the memory. "The raid was successful. Sensui and his partner Itsuki were skilled, and the demons weak. They caught the club by surprise and cornered them. It was perhaps too much by surprise, as Sensui saw something he never should have seen,"
A few seconds of silence followed.
"Something he shouldn't have seen?" Kuwabara repeated nervously. "Like what?"
"Yeah, don't make me use the running vagueness joke," Yusuke said in a slightly shaky voice.
Koenma looked almost fearfully at Sakura. "You should probably step out for this,"
"I'm not going anywhere," Sakura said immediately.
Kurama took her other hand and held it firmly. "Kura…"
"I'm part of this team," Sakura shook her head stubbornly just as Yusuke opened his mouth. "I want to understand what happened. Go on, Koenma,"
The prince sighed. They didn't have time to argue. "Very well. It's a reckless show of indulgence, and humanity's darkest side. A ritualistic party they called the Feast of Human Vices…"
The sight was paralysing. Sadistic torture devices were everywhere Sensui looked.
Demons were strapped to tables while being carved up, shoved onto spikes, crammed inside iron maidens, and hanging from the ceiling with gaping holes stabbed all over their mutilated bodies.
Worst of all was the laughter coming from the gaggle of naked humans as they lounged in a swimming pool filled with demon blood…
"These privileged humans were toying with the demons they'd ensnared," Koenma said quietly. "Torturing them, with no motivation other than their own twisted pleasure. Sensui had sworn his life to protecting his race from demons, but here, humans were enacting cruelties a thousand times worse than anything he'd seen from a demon. Black and white blurred, flipped upside down. His mind wasn't big enough to hold the change,"
By this point, Sakura was reduced to watching through her fingers. It was more ghastly than any horror film in existence…
"Kura, don't look!" Kurama said sharply. But it was too late. She'd already seen what he'd noticed.
Sensui looked up at the sliver of light cutting through the darkness. On a landing too high for him to reach, Sakyo gazed over at the carnage while flanked by several other club members.
His gaze locked with Sensui, and he grinned before turning away.
At his side was a boy. A very young apparition with scruffy brown hair and a burn scar above his bright blue eyes.
The door swung shut behind Sakyo just as Sensui clutched his head and screamed in agony….
Kurama looked at Sakura. She had balled up her fists and was staring at the memory orb with a hardened expression. Her face was deathly pale, but she didn't seem to be having a panic attack.
Kura…
She shook her head a fraction to each side, and Kurama stopped.
"Sensui lived his life on the straight and narrow," Koenma closed his eyes. "But what he saw that night went against everything he knew the world to be,"
Kuwabara nudged Yusuke. "A lot like we felt when we went to Tarukane's place and saw what they were doing to Yukina,"
"Yeah, you're right,"
"But there is a most important difference between your reaction and his," Koenma said. "There in that room, Sensui fell into a rage and murdered every human at that feast,"
Itsuki burst into the room with a gasp. Sensui stood serenely in a pool of blood, his hands and clothing already soaked with it.
"We're late, Itsuki," Sensui said with a slightly wistful smile. He turned his blood-splattered face towards his partner.
"There weren't any humans when I came through the door. Not a single soul,"
His words and tone were spine-chilling. He wasn't trying to hide what he'd done. He didn't believe the people he'd slain were truly human.
"Kura?" Yusuke looked at his sister with concern.
Sakura slapped a hand over her mouth. "Sorry everyone…"
She rushed to the bathroom just in time to be violently sick.
It's alright, my love. I'm here.
A gentle hand pulled her loose hair back away from her face as she crouched over the toilet. Her head was spinning, from the nausea and from what she'd just witnessed. She hadn't even heard him enter.
"Sorry," Sakura mumbled. "You don't have to do this. I know it's really gross,"
"I'm not going anywhere," Kurama said firmly. "Here…"
Sakura leaned up against the tiled wall while Kurama ran a washcloth under the cold tap. Some pieces of the puzzle were starting to shift in her mind in a very unsettling way.
That was Haruki. I'm absolutely positive. If Sakyo started the demon trade, then is that how Haruki ended up with him? If it's true, then he must've been among the first…
Even allowing for Toguro's involvement, it was the only explanation she could think of.
How horrifying. He was just a child.
"You saw it too, didn't you?" she whispered.
Kurama didn't reply. He simply brought the wet compress over and started wiping her flushed face with it.
"It was him, Kurama. I know it was him,"
Kurama locked his eyes with hers before kissing her forehead. "It's not your fault, sweetheart,"
A single tear ran down Sakura's face as she remembered Haruki's words at the Dark Tournament.
"Not that it's any of your concern, but you can't help but be loyal to one who saves you from a fate worse than death,"
Did she finally know what he'd meant? Had Sakyo actually saved him from that terrible Feast of Human Vices? It seemed hard to believe that a monster like Sakyo could ever be capable of mercy.
Either way, there's nothing I can do. He's gone.
Sakura gripped the edge of the sink and pulled herself upright. I can't afford to fall apart. We have to save the world…
Her legs were still a little wobbly, and Kurama reached out to steady her. "Are you alright?"
"Yes," Sakura muttered. She was slightly embarrassed at her reaction. "Sorry you had to see that. I'll be fine after I brush my teeth,"
Kurama moved some hair from her eyes. "Don't apologise," he whispered. "Responding in such a way shows me how very human and selfless you are, my hana,"
She smiled weakly and turned to get her toothbrush. Kurama stood quietly by, but his mind raced.
How much longer until Koenma can confirm whether Haruki is alive?
They needed to know one way or another before the attack on the remaining psychics. If the demon had survived, Kurama didn't want to imagine the danger Sakura might be in. He couldn't let that monster anywhere near his treasure.
When Kurama brought Sakura back to the kitchen, everyone was looking at her with concern.
"You ok, Kura?" Yusuke asked.
She nodded. "Sorry, everyone. I just…"
"It's fine," Koenma waved it off. "Anyway, as I was saying, something in Sensui fractured. He became obsessed with the Chapter Black tape. And then they both vanished,"
Sakura sipped the water that Yusuke handed her, but she couldn't help noticing that Koenma seemed to be avoiding her gaze directly.
"In hindsight, his sense of justice may have been too strong," Koenma stood up. "He couldn't let any perceived evil go unpunished. And now he wants the life of every human, as atonement for their collective sins,"
Genkai looked grim. "That's the reason he's opening the tunnel to the Demon World. To unleash the punishment,"
"See, that's why I've always half-assed, Grandma!" Yusuke folded his arms. "Never take yourself too seriously, and you won't turn into a freaking fanatic,"
Koenma nodded. "Precisely why I chose you after Sensui failed. I wanted someone who wouldn't think too much,"
"Yes, of course!" Kurama gasped.
Yusuke glared at him. "Don't be too quick to defend me, pal!"
"Sorry!" Kurama said sheepishly. Sakura couldn't help but giggle.
Koenma's face was painted with regret. "I don't know where Sensui's been these last ten years, or why he waited for now. I let myself believe he'd lost his mind, and was harmless. I should've tracked him better," He sighed again. "One thing I know about Sensui is that he'll never stop. Not til he's accomplished his goal,"
Sakura stared down at the water in her glass. They finally knew what they were up against, but so many questions remained unanswered…
A sharp intake of breath from Yusuke made Sakura look up. Her twin's whole body tensed, while Kurama looked merely curious. Her heart skipped a beat. She felt it too.
"We're not alone," Yusuke muttered, and they whipped around. Two people were standing on the roof of the building next door, staring into the kitchen. It was unmistakable. A tall figure with his hair slicked back, and a teenage boy in a bright red biker jacket.
Yusuke's face darkened. "It's him!"
Sakura's throat closed around a scream. "How did he find us?!"
"Stay back!" Genkai ordered.
Yusuke and Kurama stood up and rushed to the window. Even from this distance, Yusuke knew exactly what his predecessor was here for.
"He's listening,"
Sakura backed up against the wall. The younger boy had to be one of the eight, but who?
As if to answer her question, Sensui nodded to his minion. The boy in the red jacket stretched out his arm, ready to throw something. He slowly shifted his aim from the kitchen to the window next to it.
Kuwabara realised what was happening. "They're after Mitari!" He jumped up and made a mad dash for Yusuke's room.
"GET DOWN!" Kuwabara roared.
Just as the projectiles were launched, Kuwabara knocked Mitari out of the way. Five tiny dice smashed straight through the glass and embedded into the wall with way more force than anyone could ever imagine.
Botan froze, cookie halfway to her mouth. Shizuru pulled off her headphones.
"You mind telling me what that was, Kazuma?!" she snapped
"The bad guys found us!" Kuwabara yelled. "They're here!"
Sakura appeared in the doorway. "Is everyone ok?!"
"Hit the ground, Kura!" Kuwabara ordered. "They're attacking through the window, don't let them see you!"
Sakura immediately got down low. "Mitari, is that Sniper out there with Sensui?"
Mitari nodded. His face was white.
Sakura's heart sank. "Damn it… I was afraid of that. Reflection Shield!"
Her barrier expanded over the window. "I don't know what good this will do against his power, but it's all I can manage,"
Mitari was groaning on the floor from the impact to his injury when he suddenly froze. "Hey… what is this?"
Something tiny had fallen out of his pocket. Something with a flashing light. Everyone stared at it.
"What?" Botan gasped. "I don't believe it! They bugged you!"
Sakura glared through the window at the enemy. Sensui must have set this whole thing up from the start!
"I was counting on your weakness, Sea Man. As well as your betrayal," Sensui was staring coldly down on Mitari. "I've heard every word you've spoken. And now that you've served your purpose, you can die with the humans you couldn't detach yourself from,"
Yusuke ground his teeth together. "What I wouldn't give to know what stupid bedazzled forehead was saying!"
"He's saying they let Sea Man go so they could follow him to us," Kurama translated.
Yusuke was stunned. "No kidding? You can hear him all the way up there?"
"Not exactly," Kurama muttered. "I read his lips,"
Sensui gazed back at the kitchen window with a satisfied smile. "I confess I was surprised when I sensed the one we needed among them,"
His eyes shone. "Call me childish, but I think it supports my view. We two detectives are destined to clash,"
Kurama paused. "He said… the one they need is among us…?"
"What?" Yusuke and Kurama exchanged a look. That didn't make any sense.
Kuwabara hauled himself up from the floor and shot an acid filled look at the former spirit detective.
"Maggots!" Kuwabara hissed. "Ready to kill your own man cause he lost his convenience,"
He seemed to be growing angrier with every second. Then he made up his mind.
"I'll teach you both!" Kuwabara jumped to his feet and bolted towards the front door before anyone could so much as blink.
Sakura kept down low and went after her friend. "Kuwabara, hold up!"
She heard Mitari calling after her. "No, you have to stop him!"
"Wait, you idiot!" Yusuke was already halfway out the door in pursuit. "Haven't you learned?! You're like an ugly singer with a good voice; best for backup!"
Sakura quickly slipped her shoes on, and raced out of the apartment. Kuwabara and Yusuke were already running down the stairs ahead of her. She could hear the two of them arguing loudly.
"Things are different now, Urameshi," Kuwabara panted. "I'm different!"
"What the hell does that mean?"
"I got a new power. It's how I beat Mitari!"
"What kind of power?"
"I don't know yet, it just feels really different," Kuwabara jumped down the final few steps and hurried onto the street. "I got all desperate, and it just leapt out of me, a new kind of sword. And I knocked away his powers with one shot! You can ask Kura, she saw it too!"
Sensui looked away from the apartment with a smile. He could sense the three teens coming for him, just as he'd planned.
"It's called a Jigen-Tou, also known as a Dimension Sword," he explained to Sniper. "It's just what we need to breach the Kekkai Barrier blocking the tunnel,"
Sensui imagined the glorious moment in his mind. Kuwabara, slicing through the net and unleashing terror on those vile humans…
He took a few steps towards the edge of the building. It was time to confront the new Spirit Detective. "Keep Kuwabara alive at all costs. Use your own judgement in killing the others,"
"What about Ghost?" Sniper asked. "He'll be here soon. And he might need backup when it comes to the Spirit Fox,"
"Worry about your own role, Sniper," Sensui didn't even turn around, but Sniper heard the smile in his voice. "Ghost is more than capable of handling the situation. Quickly,"
Yusuke and Kuwabara came to a stop in the middle of the street. Sensui and Sniper were already waiting for them.
"Well, that was fast," Yusuke muttered just as Sakura arrived at his side. He glanced at her sideways.
Kura, is there interference? Are we in someone's territory?
Sakura's heart sank. Yes. I can hear you ok like this, but if anything happens then communication will get trickier.
Yusuke's fists clenched slightly. "Don't do anything unless he does. Got it?"
Sakura nodded. "Promise,"
Sensui's bright blue eyes swept over each member of the trio in turn. The same fear that she'd felt when they first encountered Sensui in Mushiyori City began coursing through Sakura again as his gaze fell on her last of all.
For a moment, Sakura thought Sensui was going to say something, but instead he silently held up two fingers.
Yusuke blinked. "Love and peace?"
"No, you jerk!" Kuwabara snapped. "He's making a V for victory sign before we start,"
"Simple-minded boys," Sensui looked amused. "It means two days til the tunnel opens,"
The twins gasped simultaneously. "What?!"
Sakura's heart skipped several beats. How can we go from one week to only two days in twenty-four hours?!
"What's the matter, Detective Yusuke Urameshi?" Sensui lowered his hand. "Did you think you had more time?"
Yusuke took a single step forward. "A little bird from Spirit World said we still had a full week,"
"Come now," Sensui shook his head derisively. "We both know not to trust their intelligence. And we made some leaps forward last night,"
Sakura ground her teeth together. "What, did you get an industrial strength drill or something?"
Yusuke elbowed her in the ribs, but Sensui gave her a smugly appraising look.
"Very funny, Miss Urameshi," he said quietly.
Sakura never got the chance to respond. The others had finally arrived. First came Kurama, followed by Genkai and finally teen Koenma.
Kurama's hand went on Sakura's arm in warning. He scanned the vicinity for signs of more enemies. So far, nothing. But he wasn't about to take any chances.
The prince narrowed his eyes at the renegade detective. "Yo, Sensui,"
"Been a long time," Sensui replied coolly.
Koenma's scowl deepened. "I would hope you have more to say to me than that,"
From the corner of her eye, Sakura saw Keiko approaching with a shopping bag in hand and Puu tucked under her other arm. She froze, thankfully hidden from view behind the building on the corner.
Keiko looked from Yusuke to Sensui. "What is this, Yusuke?"
"Get back," Yusuke breathed. He didn't take his eyes off Sensui. "Against the wall, now!"
Keiko nodded, and took a few careful steps backwards. Sakura breathed an internal sigh of relief. At least Sensui didn't seem interested in anyone but Yusuke.
Kuwabara raised his fist. "Ok, I'm taking this one!"
Yusuke barely glanced at him. "Don't be a moron. You'll play it like I tell you,"
"Keep your distance, Yusuke," Koenma muttered. "Sensui can store up and fire energy blasts just like you. And who knows what he's learned in the last ten years?"
"Then any initial contact will be a gamble," Kurama pulled Sakura slightly closer while staring at Sensui. He couldn't let her out of sight as long as the enemy was around.
Yusuke pondered Kurama's words, then flashed his signature cocky grin. "Sounds like fun,"
Sakura swallowed hard as her twin slowly made his way over to Sensui. "Yusuke, please be careful!"
"Why does he get to do all the cool stuff?" Kuwabara whined.
Sakura would've pointed out that facing down a genocidal maniac wasn't exactly what she'd term cool, but there was no point. Yusuke was approaching the enemy like he was in some kind of old Western film.
"Afternoon, Detective Sensui," he said lazily.
Sensui smiled, but remained silent.
"Rumour is you snapped," Yusuke continued. "You could only deal with the baby stuff,"
Sensui looked back at him without a care in the world. "Far to the contrary, Urameshi. I came to lead you along the path of truth,"
"I'll stop you, freak,"
"You will fail,"
Yusuke's ki exploded around him. Sensui's did the same.
Kuwabara gasped. "They both just flared up without any warning!"
Sakura felt a stab of fear. She'd seen her twin destroy countless enemies, even the unstoppable force that had been Toguro, but for some reason she had this horrible feeling about Sensui. Everything about him made her blood turn to ice.
Yusuke…
In the commotion, nobody noticed Sniper slipping out of sight. The spirit detectives of past and present were about to match wits, and fists.
Botan pressed her face against the glass. She could just make out the assembled teams, and the energy spike from the two fighters. She looked fearfully back at Shizuru. "It's begun,"
Mitari clutched at his bandaged torso. Kuwabara was the only reason he'd survived last night. Even after everything he'd done…
"When men do what they're supposed to do, it's not always about what they want!"
Mitari made up his mind. Despite the pain and confusion, he couldn't stay quiet any longer. He was the only one who knew why Sensui had really come.
"Safety!" Mitari gasped out. "Bring him to safety, they'll take him!"
Botan had no idea why the boy was so frantic all of a sudden. "You have to tell me what you're talking about!"
"Who's in danger?" Shizuru asked quickly. "Do you mean Yusuke?"
"No, Kuwabara!"
"My brother may be accident prone, but with the others he's safe," Shizuru said firmly.
"You're not understanding me," Mitari's voice trembled. "Mr Sensui desperately wants to recruit him to his side,"
Botan and Shizuru exchanged a quizzical look.
"You've got the wrong guy," Shizuru replied blankly. "Nobody wants Kazuma on their side; they get stuck with him,"
Mitari shook his head. "No, I'm sure Kuwabara is the psychic. Mr Sensui needs his power to cut down the barrier,"
Botan jumped up. "We've got to warn them!"
"Botan, get down!"
Sakura's energy shield was shredded like tissue paper. More projectiles smashed through the windows, forcing the three of them to dive for cover.
Botan groaned when she realised what was going on. "Oh, not this guy again!"
Sniper was back on the roof overlooking the Urameshi apartment, poised to strike if the girls so much as blinked. They weren't going anywhere.
Both detective's auras flashed around them while they stared each other down.
Like I told Genkai before, there's something fake about his power. The only way to know his strength for sure is to meet him head on.
Despite the minor interference, Sakura still heard Yusuke's communication.
I've got your back, Yusuke.
His energy vanished, and Yusuke charged head-first at Sensui. Sakura crouched slightly, ready to strike if needed.
A second before connecting, Yusuke darted to the left. Sensui's visible surprise bolstered him.
This is it, I've caught him off-guard!
Yusuke leapt towards his opponent for a strong right hook, but it never connected. Sensui calmly raised his own arm to block, and before Yusuke had time to regain his balance, a swift kick sent him flying.
Sakura slapped her hands over her mouth to keep from crying out.
What kind of move was that? I've never seen anything like it!
Yusuke managed to stay on his feet, sliding backwards until he finally came to a halt. But to everyone's surprise, he grinned.
"Try that again!"
Yusuke sprang forward for more and the fight resumed. Fists flew, but not a single one landed. Sensui was fending off everything. There was a sickening crack, and Sakura watched helplessly as Yusuke went crashing into a nearby streetlight.
Sakura gasped. "Yusuke!"
"Get yourself off the ground, Urameshi!" Kuwabara yelled. "You won't defeat him lying down!"
Yusuke got to his feet and wiped a trickle of blood from his mouth.
What the hell was that? All my punches were solid, but he brushed them aside like broccoli he didn't order. Didn't even give me a chance to kick his ass!
Sakura made a move to step in, but Kurama's grip tightened around her arm.
"As I thought," he muttered. "With their similar background, it's akin to fighting your own reflection in the mirror. A futile war that cannot be won. Sensui anticipates Yusuke's every move. It's what he would do. Only, he's one step ahead,"
Sakura looked at him in horror. "How is it that Sensui can deflect and counter while maintaining his stance?"
"It's called the Resshuuken style, Missy," Genkai said darkly. "It's a special brand of martial arts that relies on fast footwork. The fighter maintains his position while diverting attacks from his arms, then retaliates with powerful kicks. One may only learn its way when they have every other technique under their belt, so many consider it the strongest and most elegant maneuver in all martial arts,"
"Yes, old woman," Sensui looked impressed. "You recognise the Resshuuken art form, but I've adapted it by adding the element of Spirit energy. I like to call it the Reiku-Resshuuken,"
So saying, Sensui created a crackling ki orb and flashed a devious smile. He flung it into the air before jumping up to meet it.
"NO!" Sakura shrieked. "REFLECTION SHIELD!"
In the blink of an eye, the energy barrier wedged itself between her brother and the enemy. But Sensui wasn't aiming for Yusuke.
"It's time to judge your allies!" he called, and kicked it in the opposite direction. Towards Sakura, Kurama, Kuwabara…
"GET DOWN NOW!" Yusuke screamed.
Sensui's attack soared straight past the group, towards the true target.
Shizuru flattened herself against the wall. Her mind was racing.
I have to do something, or else Kazuma's toast.
She locked eyes with Botan across the room. "I have an idea,"
Shizuru slid along the bookshelf in an attempt to reach the bedroom door without being shot.
"Shizuru, what are you doing?" Botan whispered loudly.
"My duty as a sister!" Inch by inch, Shizuru eased her way over. "He may piss me off sometimes, but he's my little bro. And I'm the only one who gets to pick on him!"
She'd made it to the door. Without a backwards glance, Shizuru raced out of the apartment and down the stairs. All she had to do was get outside long enough to warn them…
A colossal explosion rocked the building. Shizuru stumbled and flung out her arms for protection. A huge chunk of falling concrete knocked her down several flights of stairs.
Kuwabara watched the energy blast sailing over their heads. "Guess all the training in the world can't make up for bad aim,"
Sakura heard the tremendous explosion and pulled her hands away from her eyes to see the damage for herself. Her heart dropped to the centre of the earth at the sight. Thick black smoke was billowing out from around the corner. Exactly the right height and position to be coming from…
"Oh no!" Kurama gasped. "Kura, isn't that your apartment?!"
He… he blew it up… Sakura was frozen.
Yusuke's face went white. But why…?
"Damn Sensui…" Koenma said through gritted teeth. "This muscle flexing was just a diversion all along!"
Kuwabara clenched his fists. "A diversion!?" he snarled. "That dingbat's diversion could've killed Botan and… my sister!"
Without hesitation, Kuwabara began making a mad dash for the apartment. "Hold on, help is on the way!"
"Kuwabara!" Yusuke yelled. "HEADS UP!"
Sensui was descending on Kuwabara, who jumped out of the way. Sensui's attempted hit left a giant hole in the street, but Kuwabara was spared even though the shockwave sent him head over heels..
Yusuke raced up to the rest of the group and stepped in front of Sakura. "Alright. Koenma, Genkai, you go take care of the girls,"
Koenma nodded. "Meanwhile you'll be…?"
Yusuke glared at Sensui with pure loathing. "Permanently retiring his ass,"
The hate on his face reflected Sakura's own anger. Sensui had gone out of his way to destroy their home, hurt their friends, and for what? To get to Mitari?
Either way, Sensui was also shooting death stares in Yusuke's direction. "For such a dumb kid, you've got a pretty smart mouth, Urameshi,"
That was the last straw. "Oh, you like smarts?" Sakura yelled. "Wait til you meet me!"
"Kura, stay there!" Yusuke shoved past everyone and raced back for the second round.
Sensui saw Yusuke's fist swinging towards him, and raised his hand to block it. But at the last second, he stopped. A look of surprise flickered across Sensui's face. Yusuke put on an extra burst of speed and started zig-zagging around his adversary.
Interesting. Sensui looked mildly impressed at this tactic. Not a bad fake. Not that it'll do him much good.
Yusuke kept switching positions as fast as possible. It was the only thing that might work. Sakura understood even before she heard her brother's thoughts through the interference.
That's right. Just try and anticipate my next move!
He struck, but Sensui was ready. Another block, another kick, and Yusuke was propelled through the window of a nearby building while his sister screamed his name.
"Now I'm getting pissed…" Yusuke hauled himself up amidst the shattered glass.
Sensui's shadow fell across him. "It's a shame Junior couldn't find a better replacement. I just can't decide if I should be disappointed or flattered,"
"Get away from him!" Sakura's furious voice screeched. "SPIRIT BLAST!"
Her energy attack aimed directly at Sensui's smug face, but he didn't even bother to look properly as he flicked it away.
Sakura's jaw dropped. He… he stopped it with his bare hands!
Sensui flashed a derisive smile at Sakura. Everything was going exactly as he'd planned. And now, it was time to lure his prey into a more appropriate setting.
He turned and ran in the opposite direction. Yusuke led the chase after him without thinking or hesitation.
Gourmet leaned up against the window of the arcade. Sirens were starting to wail. All around him, people were pointing and muttering at the column of black smoke billowing from the Urameshi apartment.
"There's the signal," Amanuma grinned. He looked excited.
Gourmet popped the last bit of pastry into his mouth. "Yeah. It's a full-scale war now, brat. No turning back,"
From the corner of his eye, Gourmet spotted the black car driving off towards the explosion site and smiled to himself.
Ghost was on the move.
Shizuru clutched at her bleeding arm and staggered down the stairs. All she could think about was saving her little brother. She was the only one with a chance to warn Yusuke…
"Shizuru!" Keiko raced into the stairwell. She was still holding Puu and her eyes were wide. "Shizuru, are you alright?"
"I'm ok," Shizuru's head whirled, but she pushed through. "But unfortunately I can't say the same for my kid brother, who once again has gotten himself in serious danger. Those freaks want to kidnap him, which isn't such a bad deal for me, but they're going to use him to open the plastic wrap to hell, so you might want to tell Yusuke and the others to keep him out of sight,"
Keiko only looked stunned for a split second before her expression hardened. "I'll do whatever I can," she promised.
"Hurry, please!" Shizuru mumbled. "I'll be right behind you,"
The second Keiko ran off, Shizuru crumpled to the ground. Blood was pouring from her injuries at an alarming rate. She couldn't stay conscious much longer.
I'm counting on you, Keiko.
Yusuke burst out of the shadows and pointed. "There! Get him!"
Sakura couldn't work out what Sensui was up to. He'd led the four remaining fighters down a darkened alleyway, through a crowded street, and now they were headed into a building that was under construction.
"Yusuke, wait!" Sakura called. "We need to fight him together!"
It was no use. Yusuke dashed inside the building ahead of them all and didn't even look back. By the time the others caught up to him, Yusuke had skidded to a halt in the centre of the room and was darting his eyes around.
The empty lobby was quiet. Too quiet.
"Where the hell is that son of a bitch?" he growled.
Sensui stepped out from behind the support column on the landing. "They just don't make Spirit Detectives like they used to," he sneered.
"You mean crazy and evil?" Sakura snapped while Kurama's body tensed slightly. "No, they sure don't thank you!"
Sensui looked the twins up and down for a long moment. "You really have no idea, do you Miss Urameshi?"
"What is that supposed to mean?!" Sakura went to lunge at him even as Kurama held her back.
Sensui laughed, as if enjoying some private joke at her expense. "You'll see,"
His smile of contempt made Yusuke spring into action. "Shut up!" he shouted, and sprang at Sensui.
Sensui had already jumped out of the way before Yusuke had reached the top of the stairs.
"BITE ME!" Yusuke roared. Sensui wasn't running away this time.
They reached each other at the same time and the battle resumed. Yusuke traded punches while Sensui blocked with ease.
"No, Yusuke!" Sakura cried out as Yusuke was kicked down the corridor. He was trying to get up even as Sensui rushed at him again.
She couldn't watch this any longer, and neither could Kurama or Kuwabara. The three of them raced up the stairs to help. Sensui and Yusuke were weaving around each other in an endless dance, with Yusuke trying to get a solid punch in and Sensui's feet moving so fast they were a blur. Every attempt at getting close enough to connect was futile. It was infuriating to watch, and worse to experience.
"Geez, Urameshi!" Kuwabara called out. "Stop playing chicken with his feet and use your spirit gun to deep fry his skinny little rear!"
Kurama's face darkened. "Unless Yusuke prevents those feet from turning, any attempt at a counter attack will be like tilting at a windmill,"
"That's it!" Sakura whispered. She wrenched away from Kurama and raced forward. "Hey, Sensui!"
Squirt, don't -!
Yusuke, I can hear you! We must be out of the territory. Come on!
Sensui hardly even looked at her as he aimed a kick in her direction. Like lightning, Sakura flipped over his head and aimed a punch of her own. Naturally, he blocked it, but that was what Sakura had been hoping for. She used the momentum of Sensui's defense to evade to the right, and dodged his swinging foot by diving to the ground and sliding into position.
"Spirit Snare!" Sakura yelled.
Yusuke understood. She's creating an opening for me!
Her magenta ring had Sensui distracted, and as he kicked it away, Yusuke managed to grab hold of his enemy's leg.
Sensui's eyes widened slightly. Yusuke flashed his cocky smile. His fist was already glowing.
"Well, now that I finally got a leg up on you… let's see how you play kickball with this!"
BAM! Sensui's other leg slammed into Yusuke's neck and the boy went flying.
"Lucky for me, I have a spare!" Sensui smirked. He turned away from where Yusuke was trying to get up and pressed his foot into Sakura's chest.
Panic shot through Kurama. "No, Kura!"
Sensui grinned at Sakura while she glared at him with hate-filled eyes. "Your tactics are so predictable, Miss Urameshi," he pressed down harder. "Even more so than your brother,"
"I'm not afraid of you," Sakura choked, but Sensui knew it was a lie. She was terrified, and very bad at hiding it.
Kuwabara's furious voice rang out. "Leave her alone, you yellow bellied bully!"
"You aren't even worth my time," Sensui sniffed, and kicked the girl aside towards Kurama.
The fox demon rushed to her, and Sensui began striding towards Yusuke. Sakura was no match for him, and he had other plans for her anyway.
"Oh, now you're just gonna kick a man while he's down?" Kuwabara was furiously charging over. "Why not fight me, the Warrior of Love, defender of the defenseless!"
Sakura had gotten back on her feet, but was still out of breath. "Kuwabara, wait!"
"He'll kill you!" Yusuke roared.
Kuwabara wasn't listening. He was too busy summoning his weapon. "For I am Kazuma Kuwabara, and now prepare to feel my shiny new sword!"
Sensui hung back and waited to see what would happen.
At last. The moment of truth I've been waiting for. We'll see if he really is the one.
But to Kuwabara's shock, that surge of power he'd felt last night didn't reappear. "Wait a sec, this is just my plain old everyday Spirit Sword!"
Sensui's eyes narrowed. That blade could barely slice through butter, let alone dimensions. He must need stimulus to power up.
Either way, Kuwabara shrugged it off and began slashing at Sensui with wild abandon. Just like with Yusuke and Sakura, Sensui easily blocked Kuwabara and followed immediately with another monstrous kick. Sakura stared in utter disbelief. His defence was superb.
"Kura, stay with Yusuke," Kurama muttered before jumping into the fray himself. "Rose Whip!"
Kurama, what -?
He was already swinging the weapon.
He may be able to elude direct attacks, but my Rose Whip can hit several points of contact at once!
A second before the whip reached him, Sensui jumped back and straight through the glass window, falling several feet to the ground. The boys quickly leapt out after him.
Sakura raced to the hole and surveyed the scene before making her move. Sensui had landed amidst a crowd of stunned onlookers who were muttering something about this being a movie stunt.
He slipped his hands in his pockets and flashed a sickening smile at Kurama.
"So, dare you risk that erratic weapon among civilians?"
Kurama gritted his teeth. Merciless coward. No wonder he moved the fight to the centre of town!
The three boys were frozen, not wanting to attack and risk hitting a bystander.
"I'm hurt, Kurama," Sensui mocked. "Isn't my death worth a few lives? They'll be dead soon enough,"
Yusuke! Sakura knew there was only one chance to get this right. I'll cut off his escape route!
She surged spirit energy to her feet and flung herself through the air as far as she could go, landing behind Sensui's back.
Kurama gasped. Kura, what are you doing?
Just try to get away now, Sensui. Sakura was already preparing to fight. Just try!
Sensui knew what Sakura was planning, but he wasn't worried. The sound of a motorcycle was heading towards them.
Ah, Sniper. Perfect timing.
He turned, only to find Sakura making her move. Instead of blocking the punch coming for him, Sensui changed tactics. Grabbing hold of Sakura's tiny wrist, he punched her in the torso and hurled her around towards Yusuke and Kuwabara. As Sensui hoped, it slowed them down enough for him to make a break for it.
"Kura!" Yusuke caught his twin. "You ok?"
"Yes," she said quickly. "Come on Kurama!"
Yusuke seized Sakura's hand and pulled her along behind him and Kuwabara. But even as Kurama went to follow, the motorcycle driven by Sniper arrived.
It landed in front of Kurama to prevent him from going anywhere. Sniper held out his hand to reveal it was full of ammunition.
"You can't do that with these innocents standing around!" Kurama said fiercely.
Sniper shrugged. "Fine. Not that I ever miss my target, but if it's a change of venue you're after I'm game,"
Finally, Kurama understood what was going on.
Obviously they're trying to split us up. But why? To isolate Yusuke? We should stay together. They leave me no choice…
"Kurama!" Keiko ran over with breathless relief. "It's Kuwabara, we have to find Yusuke and -"
Kurama turned around in alarm. "Stay back!"
Sniper shifted his aim towards the newcomer and fired. Keiko saw the projectiles coming for her and cried out. But the little soul beast in her arms acted swiftly. He bravely met the makeshift bullet head-on, and fell to the ground.
Sniper revved the engine and fled even as Kurama swung the Rose Whip. Amidst the chaos and screams, he drove straight off the overpass and out of sight. Kurama glared after him, but there was no time to follow. He had to get back to Sakura.
"Oh Puu!" Keiko was tearful. "Puu, please wake up. Please!"
He cracked an eye open. "Puu…"
Keiko pressed him to her cheek. "You're alright!"
"Keiko, are you injured?" Kurama knelt beside her.
"No, but we absolutely have to get to Kuwabara before they do!"
Kurama paused. "Why?"
Without slowing down once, Sensui led them down a quiet road to a multi-storey car park. Yusuke raced ahead of Sakura and Kuwabara, following Sensui up to the top floor.
"I don't know what his deal is," Sakura said to Kuwabara. "Where can he go from the roof?"
"I mean seriously?" Kuwabara panted as they reached the fourth level. "Why can't we ever have a chase on an elevator?!"
Sakura glanced over her shoulder at him. "Yusuke can't fight Sensui alone. I need to get up there now!"
Kuwabara's jaw dropped. "Hey, wait a minute! You can't just -!"
Just like before, Sakura used the force of her spirit energy to speed up. In the blink of an eye, she was on the next landing and had run inside after Yusuke.
Kuwabara gritted his teeth. His injuries from the fight with Mitari were slowing him down, but before he could do anything to speed up his own journey, something caused him to fall. A little boy with sandy hair and his eyes glued to the game console in his hands had walked out in front of him.
"Why aren't you inside watching cartoons like a normal kid?" Kuwabara growled while rubbing his head. "Anyways, there's a lot of weirdos out there today. So go on, run home to your Mom,"
Kuwabara hurried inside the parking lot only to freeze at what he felt. That slight chill, the flash of ultraviolet light for a microsecond…
My spirit awareness is working again! I must be caught up in one of those mutant's territories. But who's?
Kuwabara glared at the little boy. "You little punk, is this yours?"
The boy smiled as someone else stepped out of the shadows. Kuwabara gasped. The larger man raised his hand and aimed…
Sakura burst through the exit, blinking slightly in the sunlight. Yusuke had finally cornered their enemy, and he was ready to end this for good.
"No more running away from you, Sensui," he snarled as Sakura ran up behind him. "This is the place where I end your damn life!"
Sensui's smile widened. Three, two, one…
The twins heard Kuwabara yell from inside the building.
"Kuwabara?!" Sakura started running for him. He'd never sounded so frightened before. "Hang on, I'm coming!"
Yusuke made a grab for her. "Kura, don't -!"
Sakura burst into the car park. "Kuwabara?!"
A car engine roared to life. "Coming through!"
Sakura found herself blinded by the headlights of a truck barrelling towards her. She threw herself out of the way just in time. The truck ripped past her at breakneck speed.
Sakura's heart stopped when she realised what was really happening.
"Kuwabara, NO!"
Outside, Sensui took advantage of Yusuke's distraction to jump over the fence surrounding the roof.
"Gotta run!"
"Damn!" Yusuke threw himself against the chain link just as Sakura screamed out from the parking lot.
"Yusuke, they've got him!"
Yusuke saw Sensui landing in the back of a pickup truck as it drove out of the car park, but the sight of who else was in there almost gave him a heart attack.
"Double damn!" Yusuke yelled. It was Kuwabara, tied up and struggling to free himself.
Sakura landed Spiderman-style on the ground and went to start running after the vehicle, screaming for Kuwabara.
"Kura!" A strong hand closed around her upper arm and she found herself staring at the concerned faces of Keiko and Kurama.
Keiko's heart sank. "Oh no, we're too late!" she gasped.
"They got him!" Sakura cried. "Hurry, we have to -!"
"Look out below!" Yusuke leapt from the upper floor, and aimed for the truck.
"Your car's about to be impounded! SPIRIT GUN!"
He fired off a colossal blast, clearly full strength.
Sakura almost lost it. "Yusuke, NO! You'll kill him!"
At the sound of her cry, Yusuke realised what he'd done and started to panic. "Oh CRAP, I forgot about Kuwabara!"
"Really Yusuke!" Kurama said with horror. "How could you shoot a blast that big without thinking it would kill everyone on board, including him?"
Yusuke clutched his head. "I was mad!" he wailed.
"Urameshi!" Kuwabara roared from the back of the truck. "IF YOU KILL ME YOU ARE SO DEAD!"
The truck started swerving in an attempt to avoid the attack, but Sensui simply fired back with another of his Reiku-Resshuuken orbs and Yusuke's blast was blown to pieces.
Kurama pulled Sakura closer to shield her from the fallout.
Yusuke's jaw dropped. That jerk popped my spirit gun like a party balloon at a stupid kid's birthday! In case anyone's taking notes, that's not a good sign!
The truck was getting further and further away, and so was Kuwabara.
"No!" Sakura whimpered. "No, you can't do this!"
In a final act of malice, Sensui waved to the remaining team members.
"Later!" he called as they slipped out of sight.
It was over. They'd escaped.
Kurama took a breath and finally relaxed his grip on Sakura. He was relieved that she was safe.
"On the bright side, at least Kuwabara survived,"
Yusuke sprinted over to the nearby bicycle rack and wrenched one free. "Yeah, and they got away!" he shouted angrily.
"Yusuke, what are you doing?" Keiko hurried over. "That's not even yours!"
"It is now!" Yusuke snapped while climbing onto it. He looked almost mad with desperation. "Keiko, you know I can't let them hurt Kuwabara… stupid bike lock…! And don't tell me not to save him. It's what he would do!"
Sakura seized the handlebars. "Yusuke, wait for me -"
"YOU'RE STAYING HERE, YOU DAMN BRAT!"
Yusuke shoved Sakura away. She fell backwards onto the concrete.
"Kurama?" Yusuke shot him a warning look. "You know what to do!" And with that, the Spirit Detective sped off in pursuit of his captured friend.
Sakura stayed on the ground, staring after her brother as he vanished. She pounded the ground with her fists while breaking into sobs.
"DAMN IT!"
Keiko and Kurama knelt beside her, but Sakura barely heard anything they were saying. Sensui had succeeded, and now Kuwabara was gone.
A.N. This week marked one year since I published the very first chapter of Sakura's story. This is the first time I've ever put my writing out like this, and I never thought people would respond to it the way they have. I'm beyond grateful, and to thank you all, I'd like to share with you how I came to meet Sakura in the first place.
In July 2020, I had the great fortune of taking a 4-week online voice acting class with the voice of Hiei himself, Chuck Huber. Yes, really. I was the only international student, and I ended up in the class by a total stroke of luck. It's a funny story that I might share another time if you're interested.
Anyway, one of the most encouraging things he said to the ten participants was that we were all perfect artists the way we are, and we shouldn't be afraid to be creative and see ourselves as worthy. That we had stories to tell and we had every right to show what we can do.
So, I decided that I wanted to try my hand at something like this. I started off by writing a few paragraphs from the first episode of YYH, where Keiko goes up to the roof to find Yusuke and she's joined by his twin sister. I was getting some idea of who Sakura might be at that point, but I needed more.
I changed tactics. I went to the moment Yusuke woke up that morning, and had this image of a dark haired girl splashing him with water to get him up while not being intimidated by Yusuke's anger. That's how Sakura came into my life, and I'm so glad she did.
Chapter 19 will be released by November 10th. Please take a minute to follow/favourite and review. We'll see you in the next chapter, which will be crazy!
Next Chapter: Yusuke chases after Kuwabara while the rest of the team is left reeling from the fallout. But little do they know that more shocking surprises are in store...