It took me several years to upgrade from Word 2007, hey UknownHero here and welcome to another effin' chapter of Senran Persona! So…I've been playing Digimon Cyber Sleuth and um…I like it better than Pokemon now. Only three hours in but I already love it. At the very least, they have voice acting. Japanese voice acting but voice acting. God, I hate Ash betrayal fics…
Anyways, to the reviews. To NonaryNathan999: One, working towards getting Instant Kill from Ryuji and two, the fortune teller isn't available in the story yet. But, we will include such a scene once Akira has achieved the appropriate rank. Also, my TV is a vivid and I can't do measurements but it's a flatscreen but not at all big really. I do think it's a wiring problem. I kinda want a new one since it doesn't have the highest quality, but it works fine as long as I keep it unplugged.
Anyways, that's it! Let's relax and drink Water of Rebirth.
Load Game… Start!
Chapter 38: Waiting Period
(5/29, Early Morning)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
Homura was woken up by the sounds of cooking and playful humming. She shuddered as the delicious smell practically lifted her out of bed. "Pancakes." She mumbled out as she rubbed the crust out of her eyes. "What do you want to do today Sis?" She then asked...only to see that her roommate wasn't there. "Ah...right." She awkwardly got out as she stretched her limbs.
"Hmm...Akira hasn't asked for training in a while. I should check on him." Homura muttered to herself. "Then again, he is quite the busy person, but he needs the skills of a shinobi...and I need the pay..." she then mumbled, somewhat conflicted.
Eventually, Homura found her resolve and quickly called the Leader.
"Hey, Akira. Are you busy?" Homura greeted and asked.
"Sorry, yes. I'll train with you tomorrow. Gotta go." Akira quickly apologised before hanging up.
And thus, once her resolve was killed in the back alley, Homura groaned and left the bedroom.
"Morning Sis." Homura yawned out as she walked into the living room.
"Good morning Homu-nee." Asuka greeted back. "How are you feeling? You were having a nightmare and were napping on my lap." She soon asked and informed, getting straight to the point while she kept making breakfast.
To learning this, Homura winced in an uncomfortable manner. "That...sorry about that Sis, I must have been dreaming about the past...the pain I endured from my former clan..." She explained.
"Hey hey hey, this is not the time to dwell on the past. We have a present and a future to look forward to." Asuka quickly reminded. "Take a deep breath and relax. It's our day off and moping around isn't good for you." She then suggested.
Homura silently nodded as she shook her head. "Come on, you can't let it control you. Your past isn't your future, dammit!" She thought as she slapped her cheeks as well before getting the television remote. "You're right Sis. Nothing like some mindless TV to take my mind off things." She soon decided as she pressed the power button on the remote.
She surfed through a few channels before stopping at a news report.
"Today, it was announced that Madarame's exhibition at Shibuya has been closed until further notice. Many speculate on its closure while others express disappointment or demanding refunds. Although there has been no word from the artist himself, a trusted source has told us that calling cards and red paint was found on the scene, similar to the act of vandalism performed on Shujin Academy last month. We'll keep you up-to-date as this story develops. In other news, one video game company claims to get off on player's tears..."
"It's still amazing what you, Akira-kun and Yusuke-kun did." Asuka admitted with a smile on her face as she placed the pancakes on the table.
"Akira just stood watch. Yusuke and I did most of the work." Homura clarified as she took some of the pancakes. "I should buy more red paint for our next target..." She then added in a mutter.
"Let's just not talk about the Phantom Thieves right now. We need a break." Asuka soon suggested.
"Yeah, you're probably right." Homura agreed as she turned off the TV.
"Well today is Sunday and we have nothing to do." Asuka got out as she served breakfast. "...So, what do you want to do?" She soon asked.
"Well, I tried to call Akira but he said he was busy." Homura replied.
"And Ann-chan told me she's busy with a shoot." Asuka revealed.
"And we know what Yumi and Yusuke are doing." Homura responded.
"So the only person available is-" Asuka started, however...
BZZT! BZZT!
"Speaking of the numbskull, Ryuji just texted me." Homura informed as she turned on her phone.
[Shut7heFUp: Yo. You free?]
[FireGirl20: Good morning Ryuji Sakamoto. Please think about your next text very carefully now.]
[Shut7heFUp: Huh?]
[FireGirl20: What do you want?]
[Shut7heFUp: Sorry, was just wonderin' if you mind if I come over?]
[FireGirl20: Why don't you ask-]
(...)
[FireGirl20: Okay, just thought about your options for people to hang out with and yeah, I can see why you asked me...]
[FireGirl20: Eh...sure, you can come over.]
[Shut7heFUp: Sweet! Be there soon.]
"Ok, so I'm hanging out with Ryuji today." Homura awkwardly informed her roommate.
"You better get dressed before he arrives." Asuka suggested.
Homura looked down and quickly blushed, before running back into the bedroom to get some clothes on.
"Well, I'm going out. I wanna be productive today. See ya later, Homu-nee." Asuka got out as she grabbed her bag and left.
"Remember to get more food and shampoo." Homura called back.
"Hai!" Asuka replied as she opened the door and closed it behind her.
Homura meanwhile stretched her limbs as she stood up. "Alright, a quick bath then get dressed before Ryuji gets here." She decided as she went off to do as such.
Several minutes and one depressingly lonely bath later, Homura was putting on her hoodie when...
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
"He's here." Homura got out as she zipped up her hoodie before opening the door. "Hey numbskull." She casually greeted the dyed blond with a small wave of her hand and a smirk on her face. "So what's up?" She then asked.
"Nothin' until I came here. You?" Ryuji replied followed by his own question.
"Also nothing until you came here." Homura replied.
"...We really need stuff to do." Ryuji bluntly stated.
"Well, there's always studying." Homura suggested.
"..." Ryuji however just gave a flat stare.
"Of course. Now stop standing in the hallway and come in." Homura decided as she offered the dyed blond in.
Ryuji nodded and did as such before relaxing himself on the couch. "So, you have any manga?" He soon asked.
"Nope, sorry." Homura replied.
"Oh. Okay, um...you have any snacks?" Ryuji soon asked.
"They're for the next meeting." Homura informed.
"Do you have any movies then?" Ryuji then asked, sounding a little more incredulous.
"We don't own a DVD player." Homura bluntly answered.
"...You really don't have anything to do here?" Ryuji pointed out and guessed.
"We do. Eat, sleep, bathe." Homura replied while listing off what she and her roommate did.
"Doesn't that get moto...m-mona..." Ryuji began to ask, but fumbled at trying to figure out the word.
"Monotonous?" Homura guessed.
"Yeah, that." Ryuji replied with a nod.
"Well, you don't have a roommate to make things like that fun." Homura quipped out with a smirk.
"Dude, I have my Mom y'know. It's what I do at home anyways." Ryuji stated. "N-Not that I take baths with her. I take showers. By myself." He then awkwardly added.
"Too much info." Homura bluntly informed him with a deadpan expression. "Maybe we should get something..." She meanwhile thought to herself.
Ryuji shook his head and sighed. "How about we head to my place to play some video games?" He soon suggested.
"Not the arcade?" Homura asked with a raised eyebrow.
"It's to save you the embarrassment when you suck and die." Ryuji bluntly admitted.
"You don't have money, do you." Homura soon guessed in a flat tone.
"Yep." Ryuji replied with no shame. "So, you ready to head out?" He soon asked.
"Let me get my bag." Homura replied as she did as such before she left the apartment, following the dyed blond to the station.
(Sakamoto Residence)
Instead of the overwhelming smell of sweat Homura was expecting, Ryuji's room actually smelled pretty nice. It was pretty simple. A single bed, a desk, a TV with several game consoles attached to it. It did have several water bottles laying around, but overall it wasn't the horror show she had been steeling herself to see.
"Huh, your room is way cleaner than I was expecting." Homura admitted as she looked around.
"Hey, I keep myself clean. Less work for my Mom to do." Ryuji countered. "Speaking of her, I wonder where is she? She doesn't have work today..." He then got out.
"Shopping?" Homura simply guessed before shrugging. "So Ryuji, what game do you have planned this time?" Homura asked in a curious manner.
"Well, there's Monster Hunter X, Arkham Knight, Mortal Kombat X, Xenoblade, Street Fighter, Outcast, Dying Light, Final Fantasy, Last of Us, Biohazard, Until Dawn, but that's just a few." Ryuji listed off.
"You have a lot of games from the west, huh." Homura got out.
"Eh, they make some good ones." Ryuji casually replied. "So, any that catch your interest?" He soon asked.
"You choose." Homura casually replied as she settled herself in.
Nodding to that, the dyed blond went to his shelf of game as he started looking through them before smirking. "Alright, this will do." Ryuji decided as he took the game out. "Mortal Kombat X." He revealed.
"Mortal Kombat X?" Homura repeated in confusion. "What kind of game is that?" She then asked.
"Basically a fighting game." Ryuji simply explained. "Are you squeamish?" He then asked.
"..." Homura however gave a deadpan expression to the question.
"...Right. Alright, let's play." Ryuji replied as he turned on the PS4 and got the controllers, giving one of them to the tan skinned girl as he turned on the system...and quickly saw his odd PS4 theme.
"Nice menu...thing." Homura giggled out in a witty manner.
"Home screen." Ryuji corrected with a slight blush on his face before starting up the game. After skipping through all the logos and waited through all the loading screens, he quickly set up a match. "Now, choose your fighter." He then instructed.
Simply shrugging to that, Homura began to look through the list of characters. "Hmm...who would be good...?" She muttered to herself.
"Well, people usually play Scorpion online so go with him." Ryuji suggested. "...He's not an actual scorpion, he's the yellow ninja." He then explained.
"Oh, him?" Homura got out as she picked the character before seeing another menu pop up. "Huh? Variations?" She read out.
"Yeah, characters have three fighting style things." Ryuji explained. "Just choose one." He then added.
Homura shrugged before looking at the three variations. "Uh...this one sounds good." She then got out.
"So, Ninjutsu variation huh?" Ryuji got out. "Makes sense for ya on so many levels." He then admitted in amusement.
"Should I be happy about that?" Homura however asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah." Ryuji replied. "Hehe, Sub-Zero with Cryomancer." He decided.
"An ice user like Yumi?" Homura got out.
"Well, you can't really do much to differentiate between people with ice powers." Ryuji pointed out. "Plus, he ain't a shinobi. He's Lin Kuei." He then informed.
"Ok?" Homura replied with a raised eyebrow as she looked at the screen.
FIGHT!
"What!?" Homura exclaimed, right before Ryuji performed an uppercut, getting some bonus meters. "Hey! That's cheating!" She exclaimed.
"All's fair in games and war." Ryuji laughed out as he did a quick combo on her character.
"I don't know what I'm doing!" Homura mentally cried out as her character kept jumping on screen before suddenly, her character appeared on the other side of the screen. "Ooh! My guy did a thing!" She added in her head in relief while ignoring the chuckling.
Eventually after a while, the tan skinned girl started getting used to the controls, getting better at fighting in game as she began executing some combos of her own.
"Yes! I'm getting better!" Homura mentally declared with a smirk.
"X-Ray." Ryuji simply announced as he pressed down both triggers.
Suddenly, Sub-Zero sucker-punched Scorpion before plunging his hand into his stomach, grabbing and ripping out his entrails. He freezes the guts into an icicle, which he then violently rams into the opponent's eye socket.
The tan skinned girl's eyes soon widened in shock to what she saw. "How the hell is he alive!?" Homura exclaimed in disbelief. "And how the hell did you do that!?" She then added.
"Video game logic." Ryuji simply replied while shrugging his shoulders. "Now come on, get ready for the next round." He then informed.
"Huh?" Homura got out before noticing that her health bar was refilled as her character got up. She also noticed that there was a dot under Sub-Zero's health bar. "Aw what!? Alright, time to get serious!" She then declared with a determined tone while narrowing her eyes.
"Think you can somehow replicate some of his techniques?" Ryuji jokingly suggested as their characters beat the shit out of each other.
This caused the tan skinned girl to blink a couple of times to the suggestion. "Well..." Homura started as she thought about it.
"Please don't." Ryuji responded.
"Fire warping would be totally badass though. " Homura pointed out.
"Oh yeah, that's true." Ryuji admitted in agreement with a chuckle. "And all you have to do is become a hell-spawned spectre." He then added.
"Hey, I'm not a psycho for fire...or a hell-spawn spectre." Homura countered in amusement as the fight continued on before...
Sub-Zero then threw the poor old lady at the tan skinned girl's character. "Hey! Why did you-!?" Homura began to shout as the old woman crashed into Scorpion...
And beat the shit out of him until his head exploded.
"Oh shit! Got the old lady brutality! Been wantin' to see that!" Ryuji cheered out with a grin.
"Why are you celebrating my defeat!?" Homura however asked in frustration. "Grrr...Rematch!" She soon demanded while tightly gripping the controller.
"O-Okay." Ryuji got out, slightly scared of the fierce look on her face before hitting rematch. "Just don't break the controller." He then requested.
"Eh? Oh right, sorry." Homura awkwardly replied, her frustration vanishing as she loosened her grip. "Soon, the match started, but after a while in game...
FINISH HIM!
Was quickly and utterly destroyed.
"...Huh?" Homura got out with a raised eyebrow to the sudden announcement as she then watched the grinning dyed blond input a complicated set of button commands.
Suddenly, Sub-Zero froze his opponent's chest before punching through it, leaving a gaping hole through their torso, with their spine intact. He then reaches in and grabs the spine with both hands, breaking it in half. Finally, he brought the victim over his head and ripped them completely in half.
While initially surprised at first, the tan skinned girl soon calmed herself down. "Meh." Homura got out. "I've seen worse." She casually thought to herself.
"Man, you got nerves of steel Homura." Ryuji got out in an impressed manner.
"Please. This is baby stuff compared to what a shinobi sees in their lifetime. Like, there was this one time that I-" Homura started.
"I really don't wanna hear." Ryuji immediately replied. "Rematch again?" He then asked.
"Yeah, sure." Homura sighed out...before seeing the dyed blond go to the character selection screen. "Wait, what?" She got out in confusion.
"I wanna choose someone else too." Ryuji stated as he quickly picked a new character.
Nodding to that, the tan skinned girl began going through the characters again. "...What kind of person wears something like that for fighting?" Homura asked in a deadpan tone as she chose the woman in blue.
"Really, really horny developers." Ryuji deadpanned in response. "You should see her in the last game." He then added.
Raising an eyebrow to that, Homura took out her phone as she began looking them up, only for her eyes to widen in disbelief. "Ok...what the hell?" She soon asked. "That four-armed one is just wearing strings!" She then added.
"Told ya." Ryuji replied in amusement as he started the match after choosing his character.
"Isn't it pronounced Rye-den, not Ray-den?" Homura pointed out.
"Americans." Ryuji scoffed out before getting ready.
"Huh, she uses fans like Yumi." Homura noticed.
"You really can't help mentionin' her, huh?" Ryuji noted. "You think Asuka will be jealous?" He then asked in a joking manner.
"Nah, she would be happy I'm making more friends." Homura replied.
"That's not what I meant." Ryuji stated.
"Then fu-" Homura started until...
"Oh, is that your girlfriend, Ryuji?" Ryuji's mother suddenly asked.
"AAAAAHHHHH!" Homura and Ryuji screamed out, jumping off the bed.
"Holy effin'- Mom...! At least knock!" Ryuji exclaimed.
"I wasn't aware you were bringing a girl home." Ryuji's mother however ignored her son as she stared directly at the tan skinned girlin her son's room. "Why don't you introduce yourself." She soon requested.
"Homura Shinkukage, Sakamoto-san. I'm Ryuji's friend. And nothing else." The tan skinned girl politely introduced herself with a respect filled bow.
"Aw, that's a shame." The Sakamoto mother replied with a sigh of disappointment. "And here I thought my little Ryu-kun found someone. You two look so cute together~" She then admitted.
"M-M-Mom...! Can you please leave? We're in the middle of somethin'!" Ryuji stammered out, his face as red as the blood Kitana was spilling as his character murdered her in cold blood.
"Okay, I'll leave you two alone. Don't get into too much fun. Or else." The Sakamoto mother got out before leaving the room.
This in turn the two to sigh in relief.
"Ryuji?" Homura soon started.
"Yeah?" Ryuji responded.
"Your mom is effin' scary." Homura confessed.
"I know." Ryuji replied with a sweatdrop before looking at the screen. "Also..." He awkwardly began.
"GRRRRRAAAAAAHHHHH...!" Kitana screamed as she was being brutally murdered.
"Oh, that...God, that has to be the worst Fatality in the game..." Ryuji muttered out.
"I'm just gonna stick to fire warping..." Homura winced out as she looked at the screen. "Rematch." She bluntly requested as she readied herself.
As such, the day went on.
(5/29, Morning)
(Shibuya, Underground Mall)
"Can't get my mind out of those memories...~" Asuka quietly sang to herself as she put food into her basket. "...Something, something, something Heaven..." She then got out upon realising she forgot the lyrics to the rest of the song.
"Hey Asuka-chan!" Ann happily greeted as she approached her friend seemingly out of nowhere.
"Ann-chan?" Asuka replied in confusion. "I thought you were busy with a shoot." She remembered.
"I was. Until they decided they didn't need me today halfway there." Ann sighed out as she explained what happened. "Ugh, I don't wake up this early..." She then admitted.
"'Cause Sunday's the day off from school?" Asuka jokingly guessed with a giggle.
"No...well yes, but because...Look, I don't really have anything to do on days like these." Ann replied with a groan. "God, I miss Shiho..." She mumbled to herself.
"Has she moved yet?" Asuka asked, her bubbly personality fading for a second.
Ann however shook her head in response. "No. She's taking a break from school until her family moves and they aren't letting her out of their sight. She did get into knitting though." She soon explained and revealed.
"Oh, that's-" Asuka began with a smile.
"And krav maga." Ann added with a smile of her own. "She's already an orange belt. Her instructor considers her a prodigy." She then revealed. She totally had to see her in action some day.
"That's great! It's good to know Shiho-chan is doing well." Asuka got out in relief.
"By the way Asuka-chan, what are you doing here? I thought you and Homura would be hanging out." Ann asked and pointed out in a curious tone.
"You know, just some shopping. More shampoo, some food, oh, also that face cream you gave Homu-nee." Asuka replied while listing everything off.
"Well, you better hurry. It's usually sold out most of the week but they always restock today." Ann informed.
"Thanks Ann-chan! After that I'm gonna go clothes shopping for some new clothes." Asuka replied.
"Oh, you want to get some more clothes for yourself?" Ann then asked.
"Ehehe, me and Homu-nee realized we're limited on our color choices, me being green and her being crimson." Asuka sheepishly explained while rubbing the back of her head.
"Again, that's been pretty obvious." Ann giggled out.
"That along with black and white." Asuka soon added.
"Well, let's go expand your choices. There's a clothing shop in Kichijoji, wanna try there?" Ann offered.
"Sure! I've never been there before!" Asuka replied with a nod. "It's not on the Shibuya line, right? So we have to pay for the fare there."
"Well we got a lot of money from our modeling jobs." Asuka reminded with a giggle before blinking. "Wait, I only have notes..." She then admitted.
"I'll give you change. Now come on!" Ann replied as the two headed out, first getting the prior stuff mentioned and quickly dropping it off before heading for the subway.
(Kichijoji, Shopping District)
One train ride later...
"So this is Kichijoji," Asuka got out as she looked around. "It feels different than home." She then admitted.
"Yeah, I just started coming here recently as well. They got some pretty good stores." Ann replied as the two began walking the streets.
Although, they didn't go very far before they arrived at their destination.
"Here we are; Vintage." Ann revealed.
"A...second hand clothes shop?" Asuka asked with a tilt of her head.
"Come on, you might find some real treasures in there. I found, like, an awesome dress in there for 2000 yen." Ann assured with a smile.
"That is a steal." Asuka admitted in an impressed tone and a nod of approval. "Let's head in." She soon decided.
Ann nodded as they went into the store. It wasn't all that big, and it had this rather old smell to it, but there were still a fair few people around that browsed through the racks.
"Huh. Looks like they have a reward points program." Asuka noticed, spotting a nearby sign..
"Yeah. If you sell old clothes here, you get points that you can trade for special stuff here. Mostly air fresheners and disinfectants. Though, there is that grab bag of random clothes..." Ann informed.
"Still, free clothes. There's nothing wrong with that." Asuka however pointed out with a smile and an excited gleam in her eyes. "Alright, where should we start...?" She then muttered to herself.
"How about over there? That's usually where they put the women's clothing..." Ann suggested as they made their way to that particular section and began looking.
"So Ann-chan, what other colors would look good on me?" Asuka soon asked in a curious manner as they browsed through the clothes.
"Hmm...I think blue would suit you." Ann replied. "A splash of yellow would really enhance that too." She then added.
"Blue and yellow, got it." Asuka replied with a nod before remembering something. "Yeah, you're right about yellow. My Shinobi Tenshin outfit is yellow. It's a cute school uniform I once saw." She then added in a whisper.
"...But then again, blue and yellow make green..." Ann remembered. "Ah, whatever. You look cute." She added while waving it off.
"Thank you. Then this is going into the buy pile." Asuka got out as she went back to browsing.
"What the..." Ann got out as she pulled a hanger from the racks. "Why would someone sell their cosplay costume here?" She suddenly asked.
"Hm?" Asuka hummed out as she went over to the blonde. "Aw~ How cute~!" She cooed out as she took hold of the outfit before heading into the nearby dressing room.
When she came out, she was wearing the outfit. A white, opened button up shirt with blue circles on the shoulder blades and black lining, a red ribbon around her neck, matching cuffs on her wrists, and black, pleated skirt with a gray jacket wrapped around her waist along with two swords on the side. She had also swapped out her shoes for ones that also matched the shirt in terms of design, having a white base with black lining.
"How does it look, Ann-chan?" Asuka soon asked as she posed for her friend.
The blonde's eyes meanwhile were wide to the sight. "...Why does that fit you so well?" Ann wondered out loud.
"U-Um...should I get this?" Asuka whispered to herself.
"If you want Asuka-chan." Ann replied while shrugging her shoulders.
Asuka nodded before heading back into the dressing room to change back into her regular clothes.
Eventually, they decided to just pick out all the clothes they liked in one go and have the Vice Leader model for each of them.
Asuka soon came out of the dressing room in a sailor fuku, thigh high blue-striped socks...but there was something missing.
"W-Where's the skirt?" Ann exclaimed in a whisper.
"I-I couldn't find one!" Asuka replied with a blush as she quickly went back into the dressing room. "Come on, it was here a moment ago..." She then muttered. "Ah, here it is." She soon got out in relief.
"Are you sure sailor fuku would be a good idea? One, only middle-schoolers wear those and two, people might get the wrong idea..." Ann pointed out. "Though it does look cute." She then admitted.
"Well, maybe not in public..." Asuka mumbled out as she began putting on a new set of clothes.
Eventually they felt as though they bought enough as the two paid for the stuff they chose (at a reasonable price) before heading out.
"So how come you got that one outfit?" Ann asked with a raised eyebrow, referring to a specific one in general.
"Oh, I just wanted to get myself an appropriate uniform for my other job I work at with Akira-kun." Asuka explained.
"I really gotta visit this place if it ruined your taste for other coffee..." Ann got out.
"Maybe in the future." Asuka replied with a giggle as they began heading for the subway station.
"Well in any case, I had fun." Ann replied with a giggle of her own.
"Same here." Asuka replied before a thought came to mind. "Hey, do you think you can go out with Homu-nee to get her some clothes, Ann-chan, if she's free?" She soon asked.
"Well, I don't have much to do nowadays so I don't see why not." Ann answered with a shrug.
"Hey, isn't that the Dart Queen!?" A random passerby exclaimed.
"Eh?" Ann got out in confusion.
"Oh...right. I think I did come here before actually." Asuka remembered in realization. "Yeah, when I got lost. Huh, so I ended up in Kichijoji." She then muttered before gasping. "Oh, and there's a pretty nice coffee shop here. Wanna go there?" She soon offered.
"Sure, why not?" Ann answered with a shrug as they left the store.
(5/29, Evening)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
Homura had returned to the apartment first, her eyes feeling a little tired from staring at the screen too long.
"Coffee other than Boss' still tastes like dirt..." Asuka mumbled out in a depressed tone as soon as she entered the apartment.
"Hey, Sis. Bad day?" Homura greeted and asked in concern.
"What? No no no, it was great! It's just the coffee I had earlier with Ann-chan after we went shopping in Kichijoji." Aska replied. "How about you? How was Ryuji-kun?" She then asked.
"Just played some games. Nothing much, really." Homura casually informed. "Though it did give me an idea for a new shinobi technique." She then revealed.
"Really? What is it Homu-nee?" Asuka asked in a curious manner.
"Using fire to warp a short distance." Homura replied.
This in turn caused the brunette to blink a couple of times. "...How would that work?" Asuka questioned.
"Sis, we're shinobis, we just gotta train to figure it out." Homura replied.
"I-I know but...that sounds like magic, not..." Asuka began to explain before stopping herself to think about it. "...Mmm...I don't know how to describe it honestly." She then admitted in an awkward manner. "Maybe it would be like using the substitution jutsu but replacing the smoke with fire. Though, I think you're talking about actual teleportation rather than just faking it, aren't you?" She then muttered.
"Nope, I actually mean warping. Look up the game Mortal Kombat and the character named Scorpion Sis." Homura replied and informed.
Nodding to that, the brunette took out her phone and began doing as such. "It says he's a ninja...but it also says he's a spectre." Asuka read out on her phone.
"It also says he was alive in that timeline and was still able to use it." Homura pointed out. "Played some of the story mode with Ryuji." She then added
"Yeah, but that's in a video game." Asuka reminded. "You can break reality however you want. If we think about this logically with our abilities-" She then added, however...
"Sis, we're shinobis that go through clothes transformations that easily rip to pieces after enough damage." Homura countered. "Come on, why aren't you on board with this?" She then asked.
"Because in order to teleport, you'd have to break down your molecules and reassemble them in the exact same manner somewhere else. You'd kill yourself every single time you use such a technique even if it was possible!" Asuka exclaimed and explained in concern. "I don't want you dying!" She then added.
This in turn caused the tan skinned girl to blink as she looked at her roommate. "...I...How do you know that Sis?" Homura soon asked.
"...Jii-chan once told me an old friend of his tried to make a teleportation jutsu where they tried warping and it failed...badly." Asuka replied in a nervous manner. "Lost both of his arms and legs as a result..." She then added.
"...Is he alive?" Homura had to ask.
"Homu-nee!" Asuka called out.
"Ack! Sorry, sorry..." Homura quickly apologized. "Okay, fine. I won't try warping. Substitution at best." She then added.
"Deal." Asuka replied with a nod of approval. "I mean, only an immortal god or something can perform such a feat and live after all." She then added.
Meanwhile, a little girl with a long white and red overcoat sneezed.
"Yeah, you're probably right." Homura replied in agreement. "So, going out tonight to hang out?" She soon suggested.
"I was thinking of going out again tonight." Asuka replied. "How about you?" She then asked.
"Yeah, I'm gonna get a lottery ticket to see if I can win some free money." Homura replied.
"Sure thing, good luck." Asuka replied in an encouraging manner.
The tan skinned girl nodded to that as she watched her roommate going to the door. "Thanks, and remember, return by midnight. Preferably earlier." Homura instructed and reminded.
"I promise, Homu-nee." Asuka replied as she went out the door.
(Station Square)
Akira's day was going pretty well. He spent some time with Takemi and got to know her a little better today and had gone to the Underground Walkway to drink more of that special health drink since he almost forgot today. And now, he was making his way to one of his other Confidants to improve his speech.
Akira coughed into his fist, the effects of the aojiru still running through his body. "Ugh...how does that crap make me smarter...?" He groaned out.
"Hey, you're the one who keeps drinking it." Morgana reminded as he popped his head out of the Leader's bag. "Oh hey! Look over there."
The Leader's eyes widened as he saw a familiar face standing by the Bachiko statue, listening to Toranosuke's speech from a distance.
"That man on the soapbox is pretty interesting. He keeps talking about preparing for the future and helping the next generation, rather than deal with the present." Asuka muttered to herself. "I wish people would stop calling him Failnosuke, though. He always seems to end his speeches then and there..." She then added.
"Hey, Asuka." Akira greeted the girl as he approached her.
"Ah, Akira-kun! Sorry, I was just mumbling to myself. It's a lovely night, isn't it." Asuka greeted back with a smile.
"It is, isn't it?" Akira replied while adjusting his glasses. "So, you took my advice to heart."
Asuka in response nodded. "Yep. Anyways, do you need something? Do you want me to make more sushi?" She eventually asked.
"I was thinking we could hang out tonight if you're free." Akira soon suggested.
"Really? Well, I'm not busy at the moment so yeah. Let's hang out."
"Are you willing to commit your time to hanging out with Lady Asuka?" Morgana asked.
"I'm sure." Akira answered with a nod, feeling Franken in his mind nod as well. "Come on, Asuka. Let's go to Leblanc tonight." He soon suggested.
"Sure! I just gotta get something from my apartment first, Akira." Asuka replied. "I'll meet you at Leblanc." She then added before dashing off.
"Well, if you need me, I'll be out in the city. Don't stay up too late, okay?" Morgana got out as he glared at the statue. "Come on, I'm sure there's a ton of cats that do the same thing but they don't get statues..." He soon grumbled to himself as he jumped out of his bag. "See you later, Joker." He then added.
(Yongen-Jaya, Leblanc)
"Ah, you're back." Sojiro greeted. "And Asuka. You do realise it's close to closing hours, right?" He informed.
"It wouldn't hurt to get some training in." Asuka replied.
"Alright. You're not getting paid for this though." Sojiro informed. "Too late for customers." He then added.
"That's fine. I don't need the money right now." Asuka got out as she hefted her bag over her shoulder.
"What do you have there?" Sojiro soon asked, pointing to the paper bag in the girl's hands.
"My work clothes." Asuka revealed. "I didn't change into them before coming because it's a little too embarrassing for me to walk around in public in it." She then explained.
"You don't need an outfit like that..." Sojiro however pointed out. "You only have to wear an apron." He then added.
"Oh no sir, this was my idea." Asuka however replied. "I thought as though I would need an appropriate uniform for working." She then explained.
"Well, as long as you don't wear anything that clashes with the atmosphere. You can use the bathroom or the space in the back to , you better get changed too." Sojiro replied and ordered.
"Hai, Boss." Akira and Asuka answered with a nod before walking off to change.
Akira came back first, already getting himself an apron and tying it around his back. Though, before he could wonder how long Asuka would take putting on a simple work uniform, she came out the back like a model on the runway.
"So...how does it look?" Asuka meekly asked in the waitress outfit that consisted of a black dress with white frills at the end along with leggings, a white apron and black short heels, all the while she was blushing. "Is it...alright for work?" She then added in concern.
The cafe owner meanwhile rubbed his chin in a curious manner as he examined the girl's uniform. "Hmm..." Sojiro hummed out. "That's um...where exactly did you get that?" He soon asked.
"I-I bought it on a shopping trip today with Ann-chan." Asuka revealed. "She told me this was one of the more reasonable waitresses outfits they had since the other ones were...skimpy." She then awkwardly explained. "Is it...alright?" She soon asked in a more meek tone as she slightly shifted her body in a nervous manner.
Sojiro in response to hearing the question once more along with the girl's actions sighed. "Well, it isn't too revealing like you said, so it might work Asuka-chan." He admitted with a nod of approval.
Smiling softly, Asuka gave a respect filled bow in response. "Thank you Boss." She replied, bringing herself before turning to her friend. "So Akira-kun, how does it look?" She then asked the glasses wearing boy.
To that question, three choices came to mind for Akira.
You look incredibly sexy!
That will definitely attract some customers.
It surprisingly suits you.
"You look incredibly sexy!" Akira answered with no shame.
"A-A-Akira-kun..." Asuka muttered out as a hot red blush appeared on her face.
"Hey, don't bully the girl." Sojiro playfully chided. "Now come on and start making some sushi. I need to check the quality of your food before it can be served."
"Hai!" Asuka responded with a salute before quickly getting to work.
Despite the small size of the kitchen, Akira and Sojiro stared in awe as Asuka practically danced behind the counter, each move flowing into another, leaving nothing but sushi, sparkles (if Akira was seeing right) and the sweet smell of...old men.
"Did she forget to wash her uniform?" Akira thought to himself.
Soon enough, the sushi was done and she slid the small platter in front of the cafe owner. "Okay, I hope you like it." Asuka happily informed as she offered the food.
Sojiro nodded, picked one of the super thick sushi rolls and took a bite...
SHATTER!
Akira couldn't help but feel super uncomfortable as he and the Vice Leader saw that the cafe owner's reaction to the sushi was worthy to be put on Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma.
"Sojiro's O-face. Great, another thing I'll have nightmares about." Akira thought.
"Hehehehe...Do I take that as a good thing?" Asuka innocently asked with a giggle escaping her lips.
"Well, I can say it can be served when you're here. I'm expecting you to create sushi of the same quality of this." Sojiro informed in approval.
"Hai, Boss!" Asuka replied with a salute.
The cafe owner then took one of the pieces of sushi as he examined it. "Asuka-chan, I've been meaning to ask, but why are your futomaki rolls so...long?" Sojiro asked.
"Hm?" Asuka got out in a curious tone. "Oh, it's just how Jii-chan taught me how to make them. Big, long, moist and thick." She then explained in an innocent manner.
To that, the cafe owner looked on at the girl in disbelief over how she worded the food. "Asuka-chan...you do know that sounds inappropriate right?" Sojiro soon asked.
To that, Asuka tilted her head in a confused manner. "Eh? Really?" She replied. "I don't see it. Oh, you should really try Jii-chan's sushi. They're so much longer, thicker and juicier..." She began listing off.
This in turn caused the cafe owner to sweatdrop. "Welp, I can't deal with this right now. She's all yours." Sojiro got out as he left the shop to do something other than this.
"Eh? W-Wait, you haven't tasted...all the...sushi..." Asuka got out in confusion as she looked at her fellow employee. "...Was it something I said Akira-kun?" She soon asked.
Akira in turn chuckled awkwardly in response to the question. "Honestly Asuka, yes." He replied as he took a bite. "Damn, that's really good." He meanwhile thought.
The brunette in turn blinked to that. "Huh? But I don't see it! All I was talking about was Jii-chan's long, thick, juicy, moist sushi!" Asuka soon exclaimed in confusion.
"That right there." Akira interrupted. "It kinda sounds like you're talking about...well..." He started before trailing off.
Asuka in turn blinked once more to that. "About what?" She soon asked.
"You know...the...Do I really have to point this out?" Akira groaned out.
"If I don't know the problem, I won't grow. Come on, you should know that." Asuka replied as she soon pouted. "Come on...tell me...!" She began in a slightly begging tone.
"You won't like it." Akira however stated.
"Oh please, it can't be that bad!" Asuka replied as she put her hands on her hips.
Akira then sighed as he went to the girl's ear. "Well, it kinda is when you're implying you're eating...well...a penis." He whispered in an uncomfortable tone.
Suddenly, Akira could swear he could hear shattering glass as the brunette froze on the spot. "Well that was to be expected." He thought to himself.
"...What?" Asuka got out in a flat tone.
"Asuka, every time you talk about your Jii-chan's sushi, you use words that would describe someone's penis." Akira slowly told her, making sure she got it.
"...What?" Asuka got out. "R-Really?" She soon asked.
Akira in response nodded to that. "Yes. Every time." Akira answered. "Three, two, one..." He mentally counted down.
SHATTER!
After the explanation, Asuka's gained a dark red blush as steam came out of her head before she began flailing her arms in a panicked manner. "W-W-W-WHAT!? W-W-W-W-WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME THIS SOONER!?" She exclaimed before dropping her head in shame. "Moooh...Jii-chan..." She mumbled out in embarrassment.
"Well, you just seem so happy talking about it and...I was just waiting to see until you realized it by yourself." Akira awkwardly replied.
"That was before I knew..." Asuka then mumbled out. "I am gonna scold Jii-chan the next time I see him..." She soon declared.
"I'm actually surprised Homura hasn't talked to you about it." Akira admitted. "Must be the protective big sister in her." He then added.
"Moh...she doesn't have to protect me from that! How long have I been saying stuff like that without even knowing!?" Asuka got out in even more embarrassment.
"Quite a while." Akira awkwardly replied. "Just apologize to Boss when he gets back." He then added.
"I'll do that." Asuka responded. "Thanks for telling me Akira-kun." She soon added in a grateful manner.
"Hey, you're talking to someone who already thinks through every response." Akira countered.
"Ahem. You look super sexy, Asuka-chan~" Asuka however reminded with a playful wink.
"Oh shut it." Akira got out as they both laughed.
"In any case, I think I got some new sushi ideas Akira-kun!" Asuka soon declared in an excited manner.
"Is it going to be like your Jii-chan's sushi?" Akira asked in a joking manner.
"Well, of course not. I can't replicate Jii-chan's sushi and-" Asuka started before pausing. "Wait, is it about...?" She began to ask.
Akira simply nodded in response.
"Oh, that's gonna haunt me isn't it." Asuka soon guessed.
"Yup." Akira replied. "Guess you need some training to not do that kind of phrasing huh?" He then guessed.
"Hai..." Asuka awkwardly replied. "How about we get to work?" She soon suggested as she calmed herself down.
It was at that moment that the cafe owner returned and looked at his two employees. "So, everything has been quiet?" Sojiro soon asked.
"Y-Yes sir..." Asuka meekly replied before rapidly bowing. "I'm sorry for what I said! I honestly had no idea!" She soon declared. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" She then apologized some more.
Sojiro meanwhile chuckled in amusement to the display. "It's not a problem Shirokage, you didn't know so I won't hold it against you." He replied as he watched the girl still bowing rapidly to him before taking his own piece of sushi and began eating it. "Huh, this is really good." He soon admitted.
"Boss, please wash my mouth of such phrases!" Asuka however began begging in a shame filled manner.
"H-Hey, don't do anything rash!" Sojiro responded in concern.
Akira meanwhile just chuckled as he watched the girl frantically begging and bowing, feeling as though his friendship with her was growing.
SHATTER!
Rank 5
Unlocked Kind Reasoning
Chance to force enemies to ask for less during negotiations.
Asuka eventually did calm down after a cup or two of Leblanc coffee, though she didn't seem all that happy.
"Moh...This feels like the worst day of my life..." Asuka admitted with a sigh as the cafe owner left for the night.
"Then it's all uphill from here on out." Akira comforted the Vice Leader, patting her on the back.
"How about I get to work on some new futomaki rolls to make for it?" Asuka soon suggested. "And don't worry, they'll be normal size." She then added.
"Nah, I like it big and soft...and pliable..." Akira replied in a somewhat dazed tone before shaking his head and regaining composure. "I'm in your care and ready to learn." He then added.
"Then let's begin!" Asuka happily replied as they began getting to work for the rest of the night.
(Shibuya, Diner)
Yumi couldn't help but frown a little as she finished her food. Today had been rather quiet, nothing too exciting. Yusuke had informed her of Madarame's state, and he was physically and mentally fine, it's just that he hasn't left his bed. But for some reason she felt...frustrated. Like she should be doing something more than hanging out at a diner and waiting for her informat who was late.
"I need to return to Shinjuku soon." Yumi muttered to herself as she checked her phone. "It's ten already. Maybe I should..." She soon started, however...
Suddenly, her very late informant burst into the restaurant, frantically looked around before sitting down in the seat across from her, raising a hand up to stop the girl from glaring at her as she caught her breath.
"Sorry...late...daughter...meet...Oh God..." She breathed out in an exhausted manner.
"Hello, Haruno-san." Yumi greeted. "You are thirty minutes late. Please at least inform me if you are going to be late." She soon requested.
"Battery died..." Haruno panted out before wiping the sweat off her forehead. "Whew!" She got out in exhaustion.
"I see." Yumi responded with a nod while holding back her irritation. "Please relay the information you have for me." She then requested.
"Y-Yes ma'am." Haruno replied in a nervous manner as she gulped. "Well, I heard around town that there's this guy who sells these special items. Thing is, you have to know a special phrase or else they'll just cut it and run. I heard they operate a back alley in Yongen-Jaya." She soon revealed.
Yumi quickly frowned at that. "Is that right? It's not anything dangerous, is it?" She then questioned.
"Not sure. But I do know they regularly interact with college students." Haruno responded.
"Hrm...I don't like this at all. I'll look into it, Haruno-san. Your payment should be in your account by tomorrow." Yumi replied and informed.
"Thank you. I can buy my hubby a gift now." Haruno responded in relief before getting up to leave.
"I should bring this to Akira-kun's attention the next time we meet up." Yumi thought in a serious tone after making the note in her phone. "He does live in Yongen after all. This definitely concerns him."
"Y-Yumi?" A familiar got out in surprise, causing Yumi to look up and see the tan skinned girl walk towards her table. "Huh, Sis did mention you hung around here." She then added.
"Oh, good evening Homura-san." Yumi politely greeted with a well-mannered bow as she brought her hand up to offer the tan skinned girl to sit down across from her.
"Good evening to you as well." Homura replied. "So what's going on, I just saw someone leave from your table. A friend of yours?" She then added in a curious manner.
"Oh no, she was one of my network contacts." Yumi replied.
"Shouldn't you be a bit more secretive about that?" Homura pointed out in concern. "Especially out in public?" She then added in a whisper.
"There is no need to keep secrets among friends." Yumi responded with a smile. "And the noise here is quite the decent cover. I can say penis popsicles and no one would even blink in my direction." She then explained.
Homura however sweatdropped in response. "Did you really have to say that as an example?" She however asked.
"I apologize for my vulgar language, but it's simply my go-to phrase to test if the common person can hear me in a public space." Yumi soon explained. "But let us change the subject, shall we Homura-san?" She then suggested in an innocent manner.
"Sure." Homura replied. "So, what do you want to talk about?" She then asked.
"Hmm...well, what are you doing out here tonight Homura-san? I mean we do have school tomorrow." Yumi questioned and reminded in a curious manner.
"The apartment is like a couple minutes away from here." Homura pointed out. " . .that and I was getting a lottery ticket before I got hungry." She then added.
"Oh, did you win Homura-san?"Yumi soon asked.
"Pfft...! Yes." Homura revealed. "I won 500 yen...on a lottery that costs 5000 yen." She then added.
Yumi in turn giggled to that. "Well, it is something." She then pointed out. "And something is better than nothing." She soon added.
"True." Homura replied with a nod of agreement. "I was also playing some video games today with Ryuji, thought up of some new fire techniques. She soon revealed.
"Interesting, you got some ideas from a video game?" Yumi replied in a curious manner.
"Yeah. At the very least gave me a few ideas." Homura got out with a smile. "Though, Sis also told me actual teleportation as a jutsu is dangerous." She awkwardly revealed. "Thought I could remake the fire warping technique from the Mortal Kombat game." She soon explained.
Yumi however narrowed her eyes to that. "Mortal Kombat is an extremely violent game Homura-san." She pointed out with clear disapproval in her voice.
"I really never played them before today." Homura admitted.
"Well, I would not put it past the Japanese government to ban the next possible installment given how technology has been improving." Yumi stated with a frown. "I swear, either the developers are sick people or are getting PTSD from the reference material." She then muttered in disapproval.
"Who knows." Homura replied while shrugging her shoulders. "I admit, I compared two of the characters to you cause one of them was a cryomancer and the other used bladed fans." She then admitted.
"There are plenty of cryomancers in media, as well as those who wield fans as weapons." Yumi pointed out.
"Even so, it's ironic, I use fire and you use ice, opposites. Yet we're getting along so well." Homura quipped out in amusement.
"Indeed it is." Yumi replied, also amused to this remark. "I believe a battle between the two of us may indeed be a fascinating one." She then admitted.
"Yeah, me using my take on an improved Niten Ichi-ryū style with six blades while you use your fans." Homura soon revealed.
Hearing that however surprised the light grey haired girl. "Oh. So you based your sword style off the Niten Ichi-ryū style of the legendary samurai, Miyamoto Musashi, however extending it to using six swords at once." Yumi stated, amazed and fascinated by the reasoning. "I must say, I feel ashamed now thinking your fighting style was just a savage act." She soon admitted.
"It...kinda is. I dunno, I just get...really excited every time I get into a fight. Like, I can lose myself in my dance of blades, my opponent being my partner and helping me feel...alive." Homura admitted. "Actually, after I was disowned and went down the Evil Shinobi path, I felt as though my path as a shinobi was my only way to feel as though I was alive...as my proof of being alive..." She then informed.
"That is not a path worth walking down." Yumi however stated while narrowing her eyes in disapproval. "To walk a path with no end, simply living day by day...it's quite sad in reality." She then admitted.
"I know that now...Sis helped me realize it." Homura soon confessed with a solemn smile. "There is that part of me that wants to keep fighting, but...there is more to life than simply survival. This world is full of so many experiences, so many paths I can walk down. It's just finding what I want is my problem." She then admitted with a sigh escaping her lips
"You'll find it. I'm sure." Yumi soon encouraged her with a smile as it then started getting louder in the diner. "Come with me. I can barely hear you over all this noise." She soon requested.
"Isn't that why you're here?" Homura however reminded in amusement.
Yumi giggled at that as they stood up from their seats and left.
(Central Street)
The two soon exited the diner and began walking the streets as people passed them by.
"That was a pleasant discussion we had, Homura-san." Yumi informed the other girl with a smile.
"Yeah, I was surprised you didn't wish to spar with me like you did with Sis." Homura replied.
"I simply don't have the time as of right now." Yumi stated. "We may plan to spar in the near future though, when I'm not still tired from the Palace." She soon informed. "Honestly, I'm surprised you're not as tired, Homura-san." She then added.
"Ehehe, well me and Sis had a celebration bath involving carbonated bath bombs after we succeeded." Homura revealed with a giggle.
"Hm, that sounds rather pleasant Homura-san." Yumi replied in a fascinated tone. "I wish I had the time for such a thing..." She then added with a sigh.
"You're really busy, aren't you?" Homura awkwardly guessed. "With being the Student Council President and practically Yusuke's babysitter right?" She then added.
"And the info network. And preparing for graduation." Yumi listed off. "Then, hopefully, it's back to Gessen to finish up my shinobi training." She then added before pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Man, and to think me and Sis recently realized that we could go out at night..." Homura awkwardly informed.
"Time is a precious resource in the world, like money and sanity. So you have to learn how to spend it." Yumi muttered out.
"True." Homura replied with a nod as she looked at and examined the grey haired girl in further detail. "Yumi's fighting style...it is so graceful and elegant..." She soon muttered to herself as her eyes widened in realization. "...I could learn from her..." She then added in a mutter.
"Homura-san?" Yumi called out as she saw the distracted expression on the tan skinned girl's face.
The tan skinned girl soon took in a deep breath to calm herself. "Yumi Tsukikaze," Homura suddenly began. "I formally request to be trained to be elegant and graceful under you." She then got out.
Gasping to that, Yumi studied the tan skinned girl's expression. "...E-Eh? She got out in confusion.
Homura soon took in a deep breath as she looked at the other girl. "Yumi. I am...I am rough, rude and a total screw up who can't control herself to save their life." She admitted in shame. "I want to be better than who I currently am, someone everyone can look up to and say that they're proud to know me, not shiver in fear or yell in hate." She soon added. "Yumi, you are someone who is well respected at your school, so please...teach me..." She then praised and requested.
"I-I see..." Yumi got out as she looked at the tan skinned girl. "She...wants me to train her?" She thought to herself. The genuine look of someone who thought they were nothing more than trash, who wanted to learn about the world and become a more socially accepted person.
However, there was a problem...
"Sorry, but I cannot at the moment." Yumi soon answered in a saddened tone.
"W-What!?" Homura got out in shock, feeling her mental glass shattering.
"I'm sorry Homura-san, but as I mentioned, I am currently too busy to help you as of now." Yumi explained with a sad sigh. "Though I do wish to help you out if you need it. Honestly, I would be honored to teach you." She then confessed.
That in turn calmed the tan skinned girl down for knowing the reason. "Yes, thank you, but when will you be free?" Homura soon asked in a curious manner.
"That, I am unsure of at the moment Homura-san." Yumi replied as she took the tan skinned girl's hands into her own. "However when I am free, I will contact you. I can see it in you Homura-san, you have the capabilities to be elegant and graceful on par with myself with the right training. A true yamato nadeshiko." She then revealed with a gleam of amazement in her eyes.
"...A what?" Homura however asked with an awkward tilt of her head.
Yumi in response giggled to the response. "A flower of Nipponese womanhood Homura-san. A woman with attributes that are considered desirable in the neo-Confucian Japan of the 19th century and beyond, they embody the virtues of loyalty, wisdom, maturity, humility and...domestic ability." She began explaining.
"Interesting." Homura responded in a fascinated manner. "And do you consider yourself one Yumi?" She soon asked.
"Ahem, please let me finish, Homura-san." Yumi however requested.
This in turn caused the tan skinned girl to blush in embarrassment. "My apologies, please continue Yumi." Homura responded.
Yumi in response smiled to the apology. "However, a true nadeshiko is a wildflower at heart. A proper one will show subtle, but definitely present, touches of iron, in that she is unwilling to let circumstances hurt the ones she loves or distract her from her mission and goals. To accomplish them so subtly that no one knows what they even did. They are also really good at taking advantage of simple courtesies to get one's way." She then continued.
"...So it isn't just being polite." Homura soon stated in a more serious tone.
"That is correct Homura-san," Yumi responded with a nod. "Social interaction can be a battle, and I will help refine the art of that craft once I have the chance." She then continued. "Do you still wish to partake in the training to be one when I am free?" She soon asked.
Homura in turn nodded. "Yes Yumi. I wish to train under you to become more elegant and graceful." She informed with a determined expression on her face.
"Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go home and sleep." Yumi replied. "I will contact you when I am free so we can begin your training." She then stated.
"Thank you at least for hearing me out." Homura got out with respect. "Though...for my eventual future training, should I call you..." She then started before blushing in embarrassment. "Y-Yumi-senpai?" She soon enough asked
"...Eh?" Yumi slowly got out as she blinked to hearing that request. "S-Senpai?" She soon repeated.
But Homura suddenly began shaking her head in denial. "N-Nevermind, f-forget I asked Yumi-senpai! GAH! H-How frustrating!" She then requested in a flustered manner before yelping the second part out in embarrassment to her blunder as she looked away.
Suddenly, the light grey haired girl's eyes widened. Why did the tan skinned girl look so...so...
"Cute." Yumi suddenly muttered.
"Wha?" Homura responded with clear confusion in her voice.
However...
CLAP!
Suddenly, the light grey haired girl took the confused and now surprised tan skinned girl's hands into her own. "Homura-san, we shall begin your training right away." Yumi suddenly declared in a demanding and determined tone with sparkles in her eyes as she literally began dragging the other girl in a forceful manner.
"Wait what!?" Homura exclaimed in even more confusion as she was being dragged off. "I thought you said you didn't have time!" She got out.
"I will make time." Yumi simply replied.
"Seriously!?" Homura got out in shock at the sudden decision change. "O-Okay then but why...?" She soon asked only for the light grey haired girl to put a finger on her lips.
"Please do not question it." Yumi however responded. "Just keep calling me senpai." She soon requested.
"THAT'S ALL IT TAKES!?" Homura exclaimed in disbelief.
"Come along now, the beginning of your training must start immediately." Yumi however replied with the same excited and sparkling gleam in her eyes.
"H-Hold on, where are we even going!?" Homura soon asked as she was still being dragged off.
(Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
"Homu-nee! I'm home!" Asuka called out as she entered the apartment, only to see her room mate's shoes missing. She frowned before checking her phone.
No texts. No missed calls.
"Hm, is she still out? I wonder where Homu-nee is?" Asuka questioned.
BZZT! BZZT!
"Perfect timing." Asuka got out as she opened the IM.
[Negative8Degrees: Good evening Asuka-san.]
[SushiRoll23: Hi Yumi-chan! Have you seen Homu-nee anywhere?]
[Negative8Degrees: Oh, she is with me. She will be home later tonight. Midnight at the latest.]
[SushiRoll23: Oh okay. Don't stay out too long.]
[SushiRoll23: By the way, is there anything about Madarame from Yusuke-kun?]
[Negative8Degrees: Yes. Madarame has been bedridden since this morning. He keeps mumbling apologies to Yusuke-san. I'm planning to see for myself tomorrow. Is this the change of heart?]
[SushiRoll23: That sounds about right. Kamo-shithead placed himself under suspension after we stole his Treasure.]
[Negative8Degrees: Yes. That did happen according to my Shujin informant. I'll make sure to inform the Thieves of Madarame's condition.]
[SushiRoll23: Thank you, Yumi-chan. Have a good night.]
[Negative8Degrees: To you as well.]
"At least Homu-nee's fine." Asuka breathed out in relief as she charged her phone and got herself changed into her pajamas.
Although, for some reason she felt like she was forgetting something...before it hit her...
"...Don't we have homework?" Asuka suddenly remembered before sighing. "Might as well do it." She soon decided as she went to her bag and quickly noticed a card within it. "Eh?" She then got out in confusion as she read the card.
Dear Sis
Ushimaru gave us homework on 5/28. I hid this note in your bag in case you forgot and I'm not around. I did it at school, so I'm good and I'll help you next time I'm around.
Love, your sisterly roommate, Homu-nee.
"Eh!? Homu-nee's done already!? When!?" Asuka exclaimed in shock before blinking. "Hmm..." She hummed out as she glanced at her roommate's bag before noticing something else on the card. "Wait, there's writing on the back..." She muttered as she flipped the card around.
Dear Asuka Shirokage,
I will know if you peek at my homework. And so will Ushimaru. I will be disappointed if you do as such.
From, the Disciplinary Committee Head of Shujin Academy, Homura Shinkukage.
P.S. Good luck.
"I-I would..." Asuka stammered out before blinking. "I was about to indignantly explain to Homu-nee's note-Okay, no messing around!" She soon declared as she rolled up her sleeves. "Here. . .I. . .GOOOOOO! PERSONAAAAA!" She then got out as she dived into her school work.
(Rooftop)
"PERSONAAAAA!" Homura screamed into the sky.
"...What was that Homura-san?" Yumi however questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"I dunno. It just came to me. I feel pumped up now." Homura admitted. "Though it might also be due to the current position I'm in." She added in her head.
The light grey haired girl in response raised an eyebrow to that statement before shrugging it off. "Now then, we shall begin with elegance training Homura-san." Yumi soon began with the same excited gleam in her eyes.
The tan skinned girl meanwhile was kneeling down in front of the light grey haired girl in seiza position. "Uh no offense Yumi, but what's with this sudden change?" Homura however asked.
"Yumi-senpai, Homura-san." Yumi however corrected in a chiding manner.
"R-Right...Y-Yumi-senpai..." Homura responded in a flustered manner. "S-So why the sudden decision change?" She once more asked. "I mean, didn't you just say you were too busy at the moment?" She soon reminded the light grey haired girl in confusion.
"Well, seeing your determination and attitude towards improving yourself, I decided that I can shift my schedule around a little to-" Yumi began, however...
"You're lying Yumi-senpai." Homura deadpanned in an accusing manner. "You reacted to me asking if I could call you Yumi-senpai, why is that?" She then stated and questioned.
"...Mumble mumble...cute...mumble mumble..." Yumi quietly mumbled out.
"What?" Homura questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"I thought you were cute, okay!" Yumi confessed in a flustered manner with a blush on her face. "I-I don't know what compelled me to do so, but...your expression, your body...it entranced me and I couldn't say no!" She soon explained. "And...you calling me senpai felt good." She then concluded.
"...Besides Yusuke, did any of your friends back home ever called you senpai before?" Homura however asked.
Yumi in response shook her head to that as she calmed herself. "No, my friends back home were like sisters to me, so they never called me senpai." She explained.
"I see." Homura replied with a nod of understanding. "S-So where do we start?" She eventually asked, feeling as though there was no way out of this situation now.
"Well, first would be your form of speech Homura-san, honestly, it can be slightly...rude." Yumi replied.
"Y-You mean even with me trying to swear less?" Homura asked in concern.
"I'm afraid so." Yumi replied. "Which is why the lesson for tonight will be proper lady-like speech." She soon revealed. "As mentioned before, you must avoid swearing." She instructed. "I admit I myself swore back within the Palace, but that was for an understandable reason." She then added.
"So in any case, sound more like you Yumi-senpai?" Homura guessed.
"Correct Homura-san," Yumi responded with a nod. "Now then, try to repeat the way I speak." She then requested.
"Uh...what do you mean exactly?" Homura awkwardly asked. "What's the difference between talking like you and the way I normally talk?" She then added in confusion.
"I don't- I mean, I am unsure about this Yumi-senpai. Will speaking in a proper way really makeme more elegant, or making me sound elegant?" Homura got out in concern.
"Sounding elegant is one of the first steps to being elegant Homura-san. You would have to be willing to commit to doing so." Yumi informed in a more lecturing tone. "So then Homura-san, are you?" She then asked.
"I am! I definitely am!" Homura loudly declared before realizing her mistake. "I mean- dammit- I...I mean...I am sure, Yumi-senpai." She corrected herself in a more calm yet forced manner.
"Language." Yumi informed once more in a chiding manner. "Also, try and relax yourself. You were sounding as though you were forcing yourself." She then instructed.
"Sure thi- I-I mean, of course Yumi-senpai." Homura replied before correcting herself. "Shoot, this is difficult." She soon admitted in a mutter.
"Even saying shoot isn't appropriate, Homura-san. It's informal." Yumi revealed in the same chiding manner.
This caused the tan skinned girl's eyes to widen in disbelief. "R-Really? Then what is?" Homura asked in a curious manner.
"Remember, be polite. Excuse yourself, apologize and then correct yourself. Be humble. Take a deep breath and try it for yourself." Yumi instructed.
Homura in response did the last part as requested. "I-I apologize for before Yumi-senpai." She responded with a stutter in her voice.
"You are still learning, so it is fine." Yumi replied with a smile. "Now then, there are levels of appropriate politeness you must take into account. Is the person you are talking to an adult or a child. It is okay to speak informally when you are speaking to someone of the same age or status, but you must speak formally if you are on different levels." She began explaining.
"I-I see..." Homura responded. "So...I have to read the room." She soon simplified.
"That is correct. Being formal all the time would make you more like a robot than a polite human being." Yumi stated. "People will be put off by it. It will not garner respect." She then revealed.
Meanwhile, somewhere in Tokyo, Makoto sneezed in her sleep.
"And judging by your expression, you've seen first hand." Yumi added as the tan skinned girl grimaced.
"Akira and Ryuji did give me crap about that..." Homura thought. "Okay, I will...I will try to be more aware of the atmosphere." She eventually replied. "Honestly, I want to become a respectable figure at Shujin, like you are at Kosei." She soon confessed.
"And you will be...just do not be completely like me." Yumi replied followed by the request.
"Hm?" Homura hummed out in confusion.
"I have my faults, Homura-san. I am not the epitome of elegance." Yumi confessed. "To try and be like me is to also copy my failings. These lessons aren't meant to make you like me, but to give you a jump off point to make yourself a better person." She soon explained. "After all, you never will grow if you simply take aspects of other people around you and simply force yourself to be better. You are simply creating a mask, not strengthening your heart itself." She then concluded.
Homura in response nodded. "Of course Yumi-senpai." She replied. "I will take every lesson you give me to heart and make the elegance you teach me my own." She soon informed the light grey haired girl in a determined manner. "In any case, what is the next step?" She then asked with a curious and eager tone.
"Well, what else have you been doing?" Yumi questioned.
"Well, I am already getting lessons from Ann on how to be more feminine, so my posture and walk has been improved, be it only slightly." Homura revealed before something came to her mind. "Wait, should I add san to the end of everyone's name like you do Yumi-senpai? She soon asked in concern.
Yumi however sighed to that question. "Homura-san, I had just instructed that you shouldn't fully try to become like me." She soon reminded the tan skinned girl. "I only add san because I do not know you well. Once I am more comfortable, I may use your name without honorifics." She soon informed with a smile on her face.
"Really? Thanks Yumi!" Homura replied in response with a smirk on her face, slipping back into her original mannerism to hearing that.
Yumi in response however narrowed her eyes. "I have a lot of work to do." She thought to herself while bringing one of her closed fans out.
SMACK!
"Your tone is still too rough." Yumi stated as she brought her fan back to her side. "Repeat after me again in a more soft spoken tone." She soon ordered in a strict manner.
"OW!" Homura yelped out. "Ah, jeez, do you have to use the fan?" She soon asked while rubbing the sore spot on her head.
SMACK!
"I said repeat." Yumi however ordered. "Please do not disobey your senpai Homura-san." She soon requested.
"You're really milking that for all its worth..." Homura thought as she rubbed the swore spot again. "Uh...sorry?" She awkwardly got out in response in an unsure manner.
SMACK!
"Again." Yumi once more ordered.
"I request that you please stop!" Homura however got out. "I don't even know what to say!" She then admitted.
SMACK!
"Again." Yumi continued ordering.
"Y-Yes Yumi-senpai!' Homura stammered out. "O-Ok, y-you are starting to scare me now..." She then admitted.
"Cease with the stutter as you talk." Yumi however ordered.
This caused the tan skinned girl to wince, feeling the instant difference in the training compared to her femininity training with the ash blonde.
(Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
Meanwhile, the brunette was looking through her notes as she continued working on her homework, getting closer and closer to finishing it.
"Alright, what was Ushimaru-sensei's subject...?" Asuka asked herself as she twirled her pencil using her fingers. "Oh right, Social Studies..." She then muttered with a nod as she began looking through her textbook. "All we have to do is Questions 1-4. Let's go!" She soon declared with determination.
Question 1 was easy, especially with her level of Knowledge. However, Question 2 gave her some trouble.
When it got to Questions 3 and 4, it gave her quite the amount of trouble as she had to look back at her textbook for reference.
"Moh...why did each question require two paragraphs..." Asuka whined out, her lack of Diligence not allowing her to go through the questions in a more efficient manner.
But even still, she soon finished her homework the best she could.
"I wanna die..." Asuka tiredly mumbled out, her face firmly planted on the table. "Too...sleepy to...Zzzzz..." She snored out as instinctively began walking towards the futon before getting under the covers.
(Rooftop)
An hour later...
The training had been intense for the tan skinned girl as the constant cycle of instructions, getting smacked in the head and correcting the girl, but eventually...
"Why, Yumi-senpai, I have been enjoying the nightlife, so far. The calming cold air, the sounds of the city. It is such a nice time to simply forget my troubles and let the night sky take them away." Homura replied in a polite and clear voice. "...Is that good?" She soon questioned in concern her tone of voice being surprisingly similar to the Kosei Student Council President's, soft and gentle.
"My my Homura-san, you are picking up on my lessons rather well." Yumi praised in an impressed and proud manner with a smile.
"Why thank you Yumi-senpai. I am most glad you are satisfied so far towards my progress" Homura replied with a pleasant smile on her face, feeling as though her Elegance went up greatly as a result.
This in response amazed and delighted the light grey haired girl to the progress. "Well then, I am proud of you Homura-san, you have really shown that you are indeed dedicated to changing yourself." Yumi informed with a gentle smile on her face. "She still has some work to do but with her cuteness and determination, anything is possible." She meanwhile thought.
"Thank you, Yumi-senpai." Homura thanked her sensei with a curtsy...or at least tried to. "I am someone who is currently determined to change myself for the better." She then added in a more dedicated manner.
"Honestly, if you keep up with this training, you would indeed make an excellent Gessen Academy student." Yumi soon confessed as she already began imagining it with a dreamy expression on her face.
(Yumi's Imagination)
It was an average day at the snow covered Gessen Academy.
FWOOSH!
Correction: It was an average day at the wet and cold Gessen Academy.
"Ah, good day to you Homura-san." Yumi pleasantly greeted with a smile.
"As to you Yumi-senpai." A familiar tan skinned girl replied with a smile of her own, though her appearance was slightly different as her hair was straightened in a similar manner to the light grey haired girl's and had a black bow in her hair. "How is your grandfather?" Homura then asked.
"Alive and well and not dying of a horrible disease/old age. And you?" Yumi replied followed by her own question.
"My day has simply been wonderful, other than those ruffians that keep yelling such obscenities as cunt and I'm going to use your intestines as a necklace and your boobs as a pillow." Homura scoffed out.
"My word, how vulgar." Yumi responded in disgust. "Are these ruffians behind you now?" She soon asked as she looked behind the tan skinned girl to see a bunch of tied up people.
"Yes." Homura calmly answered.
"CUNT!"
"I'M GOING TO USE YOUR INTESTINES AS A NECKLACE AND YOUR BOOBS AS A PILLOW!"
"I had incapcitated them." Homura simply replied while not even being phased by the insults or declarations. "Honestly, they should have their mouths wash out with soap." She then admitted in a chiding manner before turning to the light grey hair girl's sisters. "Ah, good morning Murakumo-san, Yozakura-san, Shiki-san, Minori-chan." She soon greeted with a smile.
"Hi...~!" Minori happily and innocently greeted back.
Yozakura meanwhile giggled as she looked at the light grey haired girl. "You really trained Homura-san well Yumi." She pointed out.
"I know..." Yumi replied as she wiped away a tear. "I am so proud of Homura-san." She soon confessed.
"...Why does Requiem Mass in D minor play whenever these two are around?" Murakumo however questioned in concern.
"I'm just wondering where it's coming from..." Shiki got out as she looked around.
"What nonsense are you speaking about?" Yumi and Homura however questioned in perfect unison.
"J-Just...Yumi-chii, you have a weird imagination." Shiki sighed out before just...walking off-screen.
SHATTER!
"Die traitor!" Generic Evil Shinobi #1 declared.
The tan skinned girl however narrowed her eyes to that accusation. "I am not a traitor. Evil had deceived me first." Homura however got out as she glared at the Generic Evil Shinobi. "However now...I. Am. Righteous! Shinobi Tenshin!" She called out as she changed into her shinobi outfit, it being a black kimono with red linings.
"I will not allow you to ruin the world further! Shinobi Tenshin!" Yumi called out as she also changed into her kimono. "Yumi, sink into the dreams of the sleeping soul." She soon declared.
"Homura, sink into the dreams of sleeping souls." Homura announced as she readied herself.
"Yes! Let us destroy these Evil Shinobi! For my grandfather's ideal world!" Yumi declared.
"In a moment Yumi-senpai. I need to go to the bathroom first." Homura suddenly got out before walking into the girls' bathroom.
"Wait, what?" Yumi dumbly responded as she and the Generic Evil Shinobi watched her leave...
...Before quickly ruining the atmosphere.
"Why didn't I go to Hanzō to be with Sis...!? WAAAAAHHHHH...!" Homura cried out in despair.
(Rooftop)
"Eh?" Yumi got out as she snapped back into reality.
"I am saying I thank you for the offer Yumi-senpai, but I am thinking of attending Hanzō Academy once all of this is over so I can be with Sis." Homura repeated her answer.
"W-Well, the offer is always open if you change your mind, I would welcome you with open arms and put in a good word for you." Yumi assured before checking her phone. "Oh my, it is midnight, you should go home for now." She then informed. "Oh, and remember Homura-san, be prepared to talk and act this way anytime you come for your training." She soon instructed.
Homura in response gave a bow to that. "I will, thank you Yumi-senpai. Have a safe journey home." She politely replied.
"...Thank yo-" Yumi started before blinking.
The last train to Shinjuku left at 11 PM.
"...Actually, would you mind if I stay over at your place...?" Yumi suddenly requested.
"Of course, I would be delighted..." Homura giggled out as she took the other girl's hand to lead her to the apartment, vanishing from the rooftop.
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
The two soon arrived at around 12:30 and quickly went into the apartment.
"Good evening Sis, I apologize for being out so late." Homura calmly greeted.
"Good Homura-san, you truly are taking those lessons to heart." Yumi praised while closing the door behind her.
"Zzzzz..." Was her only response.
"Oh my, Sis is asleep." Homura quietly muttered as the two entered further into the apartment. "Though it is to be expected." She then added in amusement.
"It is not a problem, I will sleep on the couch." Yumi soon offered.
"Oh no Yumi-senpai. We have a spare futon." Homura informed. "Well, technically it is my futon but we just do not use it." She then explained.
"Why thank you Homura-san." Yumi replied with a smile. "I need to leave early so do not be surprised if I'm not here by morning." She soon informed.
"A shame, the three of us could enjoy a bath together Yumi-senpai, but I understand." Homura replied and offered as she took out the spar futon.
"It is, but I have duties to Kosei." Yumi replied and reminded. "Hm, I wonder what would happen if I transferred to Shujin instead..." She then added in a curious manner.
"Do not think so much about it. You cannot change the past, so make the best out of your future." Homura replied. "Besides, you have your duties now as the Kosei Student Council President." She then reminded.
"...You're right." Yumi breathed out with a smile.
BZZT! BZZT!
"Excuse me for a moment Homura-san." Yumi politely requested.
"Go ahead." Homura replied as the light grey haired girl took out her phone.
"7 5 19 19 5 14..." Yumi muttered herself before...
"YYYYYYUUUUUUMMMMMMIIIIIIIIII-CCCCCHHHHHHHHHIIIIIII...!" A girly, childish voice called out.
"Eh?" Homura got out as she heard that. "Yumi-chi?" She repeated in a whisper.
"AH!" Yumi yelped out as she pulled the phone away from her face. "Sh-Shiki-san!?" She then asked.
"Why haven't you called us in soooo long...!?" The now named Shiki soon asked over the phone.
"P-Please quiet down! Why are you calling at this time!?" Yumi meanwhile whispered.
"Well duh! Everyone misses you and you haven't even...Hold on, I'll put you on speaker and get everyone here..." Shiki replied.
"Here you go Yumi-senpai, I hope you would not mind white do you?" Homura offered as she handed the light grey haired girl some pajamas.
"Oh no, not at all Homura-san." Yumi replied as she took the pajamas. "May I use the bathroom to change?" She then requested.
"Of course," Homura responded with a nod before giggling as a thought came to mind. "Ironically if you hadn't been teaching me, I may have just suggested you just shamelessly change right here in front of me since we are both girls." She then admitted in amusement.
"Well, do you still secretly think that way?" Yumi however asked in a curious manner.
"...Honestly I am unsure, Yumi-senpai." Homura hesitantly admitted in an uneasy tone. "I mean, I do understand now that it can be vulgar, but there are times where I can understand the part involving girls changing together, such as in physical education classes being in the changing rooms." She then explained. "Is that bad Yumi-senpai?" She soon asked in concern.
The light grey haired girl in response shook her head as she began gently caressing the tan skinned girl's cheek. "Not at all Homura-san, the logic you are thinking of is reasonable and completely makes sense." She replied.
Homura in response blushed to the action but smiled softly. "T-Thank you Yumi-senpai." She mumbled out with a stutter in her voice. "I-I am glad that you approve." She then added.
"Cute~!" Yumi mentally gushed in delight to hearing that with a sparkle in her eyes. "I must make sure Homura-san becomes the epitome of elegance!" She then added in her head, now even more determined to do so.
"Yumi-senpai, you have a certain gleam in your eye." Homura meanwhile pointed out. "W-What is wrong with me...this is a different feeling then Sis." She however thought in a concerned manner, though felt entranced in the light grey haired girl's gaze. "B-But Yumi-senpai...she is so cool..." She then added to her thoughts in admiration as her eyes became slightly glazed.
"Do I now?" Yumi meanwhile asked in a curious and innocent manner while continuing to caress the other girl's cheek.
"H-Hai...Yumi-senpai..." Homura mumbled out her response, admiration clear in her voice. "You are so cool...Y-Yumi-senpai..." She soon confessed.
The two then continued looking at each other as if they were in a trance, however...
"Who are you talking to?" Another voice, which Yumi recognised as Minori, asked in confusion, interrupting and snapping the two girls in the apartment out of their trance like states.
"Ah, my apologies Minori-san, I was talking with a friend of mine I made here in Tokyo." Yumi replied over the phone.
"...It's almost 1 AM. On a school night." Yozakura however reminded."Yumi, what have you been doing since you arrived?" She soon asked in concern.
"Quite a lot actually Yozakura-san." Yumi informed with a sigh. "I apologize for it being so late, I shamelessly lost track of time while maintaining my information network I had created here in Tokyo to gather information for my mission." She then explained.
"So she's an informant then?" Yozakura soon deducted.
"N..." Yumi started before pausing. "Yes. Yes she is." She soon replied. "Also Minori-san, it is way past your usual bedtime." She then chided in disapproval.
"What!? But-" Minori began in disappointment.
"No buts Minori-san." Yumi interrupted. "Go to bed." Yumi interrupted in a motherly tone. "Yozakura-san, please get Minori-san to bed." She then requested.
"Aw..." Minori whined out as Yumi then heard two sets of footsteps quickly growing quieter.
"You should really call more often. We really do miss you. Do you even know when you're coming back?" Shiki soon asked in a sad tone.
"I'm...I'm sorry, but my mission is far from over." Yumi answered as she glanced at the tan skinned girl, who nodded in response. "I will call more often, but I request you stay away from Tokyo." She then added.
"Huh? Why?" Shiki soon asked.
"...I can't say just yet, but know that these incidents are...unnatural." Yumi vaguely answered before gasping. "Oh, how is Ojii-sama? Is he up too?" She soon asked in concern.
"U-Uh...he's..." Shiki stammered out. Okay, that was odd.
"Fine. He is in good health. He is just asleep." A deeper female voice, which Yumi knew was Murakumo, informed. "Which we should be doing right now." She then added.
"Oh, yeah! Yeah, I was about to check real quick. Thanks, Murakumo." Shiki replied.
"Ah, thank you. Well, I should prepare for bed. Good night." Yumi informed.
"Good night, Yumi-chi~" Shiki replied before hanging up.
Soon, both girls sighed in relief as they relaxed themselves.
"Yumi-senpai, how old is this Minori?" Homura questioned in a curious manner. "She sounded quite a bit like Sis's friend Hibari." She then added.
"15, but she acts as though she is ten years old." Yumi informed with a sigh. "She could be a great shinobi if she just grew up..." She then admitted.
"Why are there always these types of people who shouldn't even be able to hurt a fly be shinobi..." Homura sighed out.
"Well, Minori-san's family was murdered by Evil Shinobis before Ojii-sama found and took her in." Yumi explained in a saddened manner as she went to the bathroom.
"So it is revenge." Homura deducted. "I know the feeling all too well...I had wanted revenge for the one that caused me to go down the Evil Shinobi path...but I can not since he committed suicide..." She soon confessed.
"Then maybe that's why you feel alive when fighting. You feel empty because you could not exact your own revenge." Yumi replied as she changed into the pajamas.
"Maybe." Homura sighed out. "Yumi-senpai, about before...when you began caressing my cheek..." She started before blushing pink. "Can you explain...what that was about exactly?" She soon asked.
"I have a crush on you, and I am slowly manipulating you into having a crush on me Homura-san." Yumi answered in a flat tone with a dead serious expression on her face as she came out of the bathroom.
"W-What!?" Homura yelped out in a flustered manner.
"Snrk! I apologize! Just wanted to brighten the mood." Yumi giggled out.
"Ugh, that is not funny, Yumi." Homura got out with a frown.
"Yumi-senpai." Yumi quickly corrected.
"I know what I said." Homura deadpanned before calming herself down. "Please...what was that exactly? I mean...I can't help but admire you." She soon asked and confessed.
"I simply felt like it." Yumi informed.
"Eh?" Homura responded in confusion.
"Not everything in life needs a detailed explanation. Sometimes it's best to let silence do the talking." Yumi stated. "Though...you admire me now?" She then asked with a gentle smile.
"Well...yes. I just said so." Homura replied with a grin. "I mean, it is unusual, but there's something about you now...it feels different. It is not like how I am like an older sister like figure towards Sis...it's-" She began explaining before the light grey haired girl placed a finger to her lips, silencing her immediately.
"Let the silence do the talking Homura-san." Yumi interrupted and requested. "I know what you mean. Do not waste your words, especially this late." She then added as she removed her finger.
This in response caused the tan skinned girl to nod in understanding. "Hai, Yumi-senpai." Homura calmly replied as she went to the bathroom and quickly changed into her pajamas, which were identical to the light grey haired girl's as they then headed for the bedroom. "Here you are Yumi-senpai, your futon is right next to mine and Sis's." She soon informed.
"Thank yo-" Yumi started...before noticing a very naked brunette, her clothes scattered around the room.
"My, Sis has not done that in a while..." Homura got out as she spread the futon out.
"Eh?" Yumi meanwhile questioned in confusion.
"For some unknown reason, Sis has a habit where she strips when she sleeps. This including anyone nearby." Homura explained.
"Um...remind me to wake Asuka-san up if she sleeps in public." Yumi meanwhile requested in concern.
Homura however giggled to that. "Oh no Yumi-senpai, this only seems to happen in our apartment." She then corrected. "It is also a reason why I hug her while sleeping, so she does not have much of a chance to strip the both of us." She soon revealed.
"Didn't Ryuji-san mention that you also sleep naked?" Yumi pointed out with a sly smile on her face.
"What the- Goddammit, Ryuji!" Homura growled before slapping her cheeks. "I apologize for that Yumi-senpai, I mean, I dislike my life and friends sometimes..." She mumbled out in shame.
Yumi however giggled in response to that as she began patting the tan skinned girl's head. "It is alright, you corrected yourself from that moment of weakness. I am proud of you." She praised. "Also, I do not mind cursing Ryuji-san's name at times. He seems to be kind of a moron." She then admitted.
"You and me both." Homura sighed out before yawns escaped their lips. "...If he ever give us the reason to beat him up, I request that I get first dibs." She then got out.
"Of course." Yumi replied in approval.
"Thank you. Now, let us head to sleep. If we stay up this late, we will wake up tired or late for school." Homura replied as the two leaned down.
"Mmm...Why are you in our apartment, Yumi-chan?" Asuka suddenly and tiredly mumbled out.
Homura merely giggled to that as she crawled into the futon. "Oh no Sis, it is me, Homura." She soon informed while rubbing the girl's head. "But Yumi is sleeping over tonight." She then added.
"Mmm..." Asuka sleepily moaned out as she nuzzled her head. "So cool...Homu-nee..." She mumbled.
Homura in response smiled in response to the compliment. "Why thank you. Good night." She calmly replied as she gently hugged the other girl before drifting off to sleep.
Yumi meanwhile looked on at the sight with a gentle smile as she got into the spare futon. "How adorable~ Asuka-san and Homura-san really are like sisters~" She quietly cooed out as she closed her eyes.
Today couldn't get any better, could it?
(Hebijo Academy)
"You wished to see us Suzune-sensei?" Haruka started as she and the other four looked at the Hebijo instructor.
They had been called while they were preparing to go to sleep after some late night training, and from the sounds of it, it was quite serious. Though then again, in a school like Hebijo, what wasn't?
"Haruka, Hikage, Yomi, Mirai. You are aware of Homura's mission, correct?" Suzune questioned, getting silent nods of response back from them. "Well, Homura's reports have been...lacking as of late." She soon stated in a dead serious tone as she showed the reports to them.
Haruka frowned as she took and began to read through them. From what she can tell from a quick skim through them, it was simply saying no progress since she arrived. However, Haruka noticed that the reports were rather sparse with details.
This wasn't to Hebijo standards, and certainly not to Homura's own.
"They smell kinda like...lavender..." Yomi mentally noted.
"Why are you talking about this now rather than earlier?" Haruka however questioned.
"Shinobi across the country have been looking into these mental shutdowns and psychotic breakdown cases and such since they suddenly began two years ago. And all of them came back with nothing to show for it. That's why we gave Homura an entire year to look into this." Suzune explained as she narrowed her eyes.
"Just like the Tohru Adachi mystery poison?" Yomi soon asked.
Suzune frowned underneath her mask at that. "It wasn't poison. He was...It was determined that he was able to kill his victims with a special technique that cannot be replicated by anyone other than him." She vaguely revealed. "That is not what we're discussing tonight though. Tonight, we are discussing Homura's actions since April." She soon remembered.
"Hai, hai." Hikage replied in the usual emotionless tone. "So why do you find Homura's reports so strange then?" She then asked.
"Because a student has just informed me that she is not performing her duties." Suzune revealed as she narrowed her eyes. "They say she has been spotted doing nothing but...shopping and studying." She then informed as she revealed some photos of the tan skinned girl doing said activities.
"Huh, Homura-san's doing something other than fighting." Hikage got out as she then looked at a photo of the tan skinned girl eating a massive burger. "Huh, big." She then added.
"Huh, she seems to hang out with that big boobed one a lot..." Mirai noticed, her eye twitching in envy.
"That's not too out of the ordinary though. She's obviously keeping up her cover." Haruka however pointed out with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, you are correct. However..." Suzune responded before pulling out some more photos and placed them down. "This is not keeping up her cover." She then stated.
On the photos were Homura with her six swords out and some guy with glasses holding a dagger training in the middle of the forest.
"...Eh?" Mirai got out in confusion to the sight of the pictures.
"Is he a shinobi?" Haruka asked as she examined the photo.
"No." Suzune answered as she showed them another photo of the mysterious boy getting attacked and chased by geese and crying while the tan skinned girl laughed and watched in the background.
This meanwhile caused the girls minus the greenette to sweatdrop. "That...is something Homura-chan would do." Yomi admitted in a mutter.
"Still, this is worrying Yomi-oneechan..." Mirai got out. "Why is she training this guy?" She then asked in a mutter.
"That is for you to find out yourself." Suzune stated.
"Is that the mission?" Hikage then asked.
"Yes. I need you four to observe Homura and report back any more suspicious behavior to me." Suzune revealed. "From there, we'll determine what to do with her." She then stated.
"Not to Dōgen-sama?" Mirai however asked.
Suzune in response shook her head. "No. I want to give Homura the benefit of doubt. If you were to report to Dōgen, he would activate the Yoke Technique and kill her instantly and without mercy." Suzune answered as the students all touched their marks. "However, be prepared to kill Homura yourselves. On the chance she has sided with Good Shinobi, or has gone renegade, we cannot allow her to be a threat to us." She soon ordered.
This in turn caused the four's eyes to widen to that order.
"WHAT!? Y-You can't be serious!" Mirai exclaimed.
"That is the way of shinobi." Suzune however reminded the Elites. "You cannot allow your personal feelings interfere with what's important. Besides, if it all goes well, you will not have to spill her blood." She then stated. "Dismissed. Go and prepare. You have three days." She soon ordered as she vanished with the shadows.
Soon, the four girls stood up as they began heading back to the Elite's Ninja Room.
"...We're not really going to..." Yomi began in an uneasy manner.
"It depends." Haruka interrupted with a serious look on her face. "Homura-chan is our ally, our friend. She would not betray Hebijo so easily and in such a short time." She then reminded.
"Are you sure about that?" Hikage however asked.
"I know that. Only an act of a demon would make her leave Hebijo." Haruka soon answered in a confident tone.
"You think something happened though?" Mirai meanwhile asked. "I mean...what if she's brainwashed or blackmailed!?" She then added in a panic.
"Mirai-chan, what blackmail would anyone have on her?" Yomi however pointed out. "If they knew she was a shinobi, she would take them out before they even tried to make her do something." She then reminded.
"Or it could all be nothing and Suzune-sensei is just super paranoid." Hikage bluntly suggested. "...We could just ask her straight out." She then added.
"Well, let's at least gather some information on what Homura-chan has been doing since she left." Yomi soon suggested. "Worst case scenario, she has betrayed the school. Best case scenario...she's been entranced by the lifestyle of a peaceful civilian and has gotten lazy. Or she fell in love." She then listed off.
"...Nah." Haruka and Mirai replied in unison while waving it off after trying to imagine it.
This in turn caused Yomi to giggle in amusement. "Right, like Homura-chan would fall in love!" She got out in agreement.
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
Asuka sneezed.
"Ngh...It's...sisterly...dammit..." Homura mumbled in her sleep while hugging her roommate.
"Mmm...language..." Yumi instinctively responded in her sleep as she unintentionally began wiggling herself over and hugged the tan skinned girl from behind, breasts pressing against the girl's back.
Neither of them noticing that the brunette's hands had begun twitching.
(Yongen-Jaya, Leblanc)
Meanwhile, Akira let out a weird half-sneeze.
"Guh...that sounded like a fish choking..." Morgana tiredly mumbled out before falling back asleep. "Ooh~ You're pretty naughty, Lady Ann...~ Meow~" He purred out.
(Hebijo Academy, Elite's Ninja Room)
"We'll just have to see when we get to Tokyo." Hikage decided.
"Well, regardless, we need to start preparing to leave." Haruka got out. "I really hope you're not hiding something, Homura-chan. Because we're coming to evaluate you now." She then added as she licked her lips in amusement.
Save Game…Quit!
Asuka/Yin's Social Stats:
Leadership- Outspoken (Level 2)
Knowledge- Informed (Level 2)
Proficiency- Decent (Level 2)
Diligence- Persistent (Level 2)
Courage- Reliable (Level 2)
Homura/Yang's Development Stats:
Maturity- Adolescence (Level 2)
Knowledge- Learned (Level 2)
Femininity- Effeminate (Level 2)
Elegance- Nonexistent (Level 1)- Skillful (Level 2)
Understanding- Kindly (Level 2)
Alright so… things are about to get super complicated super fast.
UknownHero signing off, my friends!
