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The Storyteller993 – Well just keep reading, you'll see how it ends… I promise.
The embodiment of weirdness – That's the whole point in a way for this story, while it's about change for Kazuko, for Toshirama it's almost in a way about commitment for him and finding himself just in a different way than how he did in the Momoyo route.
But I'm always glad you're enjoying this story. Though I do apologize if my chapters aren't always up to snuff.
Majikoi – Love Me Seriously - Kazuko Route
Daughter of Kawakami – Part 9
To Save A Dream – Part 1
July 26th, 2009, Sunday
(Shimazu Dorm)
Kazuko and I had just arrived at the dorm, as I'd called and informed Yamato quickly on a summary of the fight and its outcome.
He was more than willing to accommodate us during the month and was willing to give us room and board for how long we needed it.
"So starting today, both Nagamasa and Kazuko will be living here at the Shimazu Dorm." Yamato explained to the others.
"Hi, we'll be staying here for the month!" Kazuko said.
"Sorry for the intrusion. We'll be in your care." I added.
"I see. The match ended in your ignoble defeat, so you plan to train for the month to get your revenge at the end of the tournament?" Chris essentially repeated what Yamato had told them from me.
"Wow, and that means both of you are going to be living here now?" Kazama's voice showed interest.
"Choosing to leave home to become stronger takes a lot of determination." Yukie said impressed.
"Mayucchi left her own home on an adventure t'find some friends." Matsukaze butted in.
"I'm on a voyage searching for the greatest treasure of all – friendship." Yukie cutely reiterated.
"Watch out for storms. Can't have an adventure without one." Kazama reminded her.
"Awawa. I didn't expect to have to deal with threats or anything…" Well that is part of life, not even friendship is spared to harsh reality of life sometimes.
However, despite our move here Wanko didn't want to feel like a burden to anyone. Besides Yamato who we'd agreed to tell him about Wanko's dream and not the others, we left out the part about how this match would be the last chance Wanko had to save her dream.
We'd tell them that after everything was over. And I'd have to tell Momoyo that later as well… And now my stomach feels like a rock.
"But Wanko, wouldn't the best path to getting stronger be to undergo a Kawakami Temple training regimen?" Miyako asked.
"Yep. Assistant Master Lu said he'd make time for me." Wanko replied.
"Well, he and I are helping to make Wanko's training regimen." I told them.
"Eh, you are?" Wanko was confused.
"What do you mean by that Nagamasa?" Yamato inquired.
"Just before we left, I had a discussion with Lu-sensei about Wanko's potential training regimen and how I think it needed some changes. Don't worry yourself about it." I explained.
"Hmm… if you say so." Yamato replied, but didn't seem convinced.
"I see, but Lu-sensei really does like you, huh Wanko?" Miyako inquires.
"Well, it's not like you and Momo-senpai got into a fight or nothing." Kazama seemed happy that nothing dramatic was somehow splitting the family group apart.
"Of course not. So, me and Nagamasa will still go to Friday meetings. Though I'll probably be training on those days too." Kazuko explains awkwardly.
"So, will you be hanging out with any other classmates?" Miyako asked another question.
"Nope! This is summer's a summer for training!" Wanko proudly declared.
"That's a poor way for a young lady to use her time. And you're so cute too." Mrs. Reiko butted in. "What's wrong with having a little fun as you train? The boys were falling over each other trying to get me, back when I was your age."
Seeing as Mrs. Reiko and Yamato's mother, Saki seemed to either run in the same group somehow or at the very least knew of each other it's safe to assume both of them had some kind of martial arts prowess or at least street fighting stock to be feared.
That is until one them was downgraded to being her husband's lapdog… a beautiful, but still obvious lapdog.
"It's fine. This is what really matters to me!" Kazuko told her.
"So direct… I like your eyes. You're nothing like my sorry excuse for a son. You two are more than welcome to live in the dorm. You girls can work out which room you'll stay in." Reiko said.
"Oh yeah, that's right. You gotta settle on a room." Kazama thought.
"Maru-san occasionally stays in my room. So that would cause difficulties." Chris told us.
"Besides, if I stayed in your room, all I want to do is fight you anyways. Mmm, Miyako is it okay if I stay in your room?" Kazuko asked the resident archer.
"That's fine. There's not much to offer and my room has plenty of space." Miyako seemed fine with it.
Mayucchi was also fine with sharing, You're also welcome to use mine I guess, if you want?"
" 'Kay, thanks!" Kazuko replied.
"Do you have enough money?" Miyako inquired on her finances.
"I have some saved up from my job. Nagamasa will lend me the rest." Kazuko says without a care in the world.
"Huh? Do you really plan on leanding her money like that Nagamasa?" Kazama turned to ask me.
"Well I've got more than enough money saved up from my own jobs and what not; besides I can afford to help her with her finances if we need anything." I told him.
"You really are too generous you know that Nagamasa?" Yamato tells me.
"I'd like to think I'm frugal, but I don't see anything in just holding debts over people. They're already in trouble beforehand, no need to make an enemy out of them by just adding more is my philosophy." I explained.
"That sounds familiar…" Chris thought aloud.
"Throughout the summer though, the both of us we'll be going on paper runs to make some money over the summer.. But I'll be handing my paycheck over to Nagamasa from now on.." Kazuko said.
Kazama whistled, "She's got a lot of faith in you doesn't she?"
Yeah, and I'm gonna be here for her, no matter what…
"I know Wanko's safe with her money and knows to be suspicious of people and money scams. So I can trust lending her the money. It's still all in line with the contract that she signed earlier on with Yamato and Miyako." Yeah about that…
Apparently when they first started, "training" Kazuko and by a certain point at which she could follow commands they had her sign a contract that nearly controlled most of her decision-making but they made sure to make it flexible otherwise she would've been a pet and not a person.
"If you'll pay for board, then I'll food for you Wanko-chan, Naga-chan!" Mrs. Reiko offers.
"When we're cookin' for ourselves, I'll cook you up whatever batch I'm makin'. You don't gotta pay me nothin'." Gen offered.
"Seriously? Thanks!" But Kazama ever the one to 'save' money thanked Gen for the "free food."
"Ain't talkin' 'bout you, Naoe, or Azai either!" Hmm, staking some kind of claim there are we Gen?
No, Nagamasa… don't ever think like that, it's just petty and stupid. Even then, her feelings are her own. If she were to somehow like him or hell in some universe this was she could actually have feelings for Hideo.
I'll just do what I can and respect her wishes…
"And just why did you have to bring me and Nagamasa into this?" Yamato asked him.
"Thanks, Ta-chan." Kazuko replied.
"Ain't nothin' to worry about. We're both from the same place." Gen told her.
"I would be more than happy to be your training partner whenever you'd like." Chris offered her services.
"Same. Though I mean, I don't know if I'd be that useful…" Mayucchi, of course you would be. Out of everyone here, you'd be the most useful.
" 'Kay! Thanks! I'm glad to have you!" But even so, Kazuko seemed thankful for everything everyone was doing.
"And I hope you guys will be there to help cheer for her during the tournament. We can all watch while enjoying Mayucchi's delicious lunch boxes." That got a blush from the swordswoman.
Kazama was interested, "Whoa, that's gonna be sweet! I can't wait!"
Matsukaze tried to hype up Mayucchi, "They callin' yo name, Mayucchi! You gonna be number 1!"
"Thank you I'll do my best!" And there's the awkward smile.
"Heheh…" Miyako giggled at her silly antics.
Heading outside, Kazuko and I were greeted by Lu-sensei, "Oh, Kazuko. Found a place to live?
"Assistant Master! Yes, everyone was amazingly kind to me!" She replies.
"Good, good. Then let's start the training!" Lu-sensei declares as the both of us take off with him.
"Yes, sir!" The both of us say.
Back the dorm, the others watch us take off into the distance, "Wow, wow, wow, there they go. They're like balls of fire those two."
"Kazuko, good luck." Gen said.
"Hmm… I didn't know there would be a tournament." Chris said to herself. But this was just the natural course of things. No need to do anything to stop Chris.
So even while we ran, I knew what was to come, but I knew it was for the sake of making Kazuko a better person. No matter the outcome.
Back at the dorm…
"Hey, Yamato. I know this is probably not my business but, I think Nagamasa loves Wanko. And although I don't think he minds anyone of us joining in, I think though he expects Chris to join the contest as well." Miyako tells her crush.
"Yeah, I heard her talking about the tournament just as the two of them left for their training. Maybe I should give her a little push." Yamato thought.
"No, I don't think Nagamasa would want you to do that. I think he wants Wanko to surpass Chris in her own way. Doing that would just be overprotective. Right now, Nagamasa has full confidence in Wanko, and he genuinely loves her. If she just skates by with no real challenge she might not really go past her limits." Miyako continues her argument.
"Yeah… I guess in the long run, maybe that is for the best. As a warrior fighting to your heart's content is a pure joy. To interfere would do them a disservice. But… even if Nagamasa likes Wanko… I can refocus my efforts! ~"
"You changed your love interest that quick!? That's against the rules!" Yamato panics.
"Denied. The route tree has split and this is the fateful decision. I choose to pursue the 'Mistress' route. Even though it might feel like cheating, if it's you I can get behind it." Miyako begins to slowly move in on Yamato.
"Yamato, you're a man, you should see to a girl's needs… *Lick*…" Miyako licks Yamato's face. "Now then, set the mood and take your clothes off nice and slowly!"
"Wait, wait, wait! Okay, I'll tell you the truth, just back away demon!" Yamato cries for mercy.
"Hmm, I already had an idea. But even so, just whisper the words to me." But she already knew what was to come, her previous conversation with Nagamasa before the sister's fight all but confirmed the worst case scenario.
Hearing from Yamato this time, was just confirmation and what exactly was said between both sisters.
"I mean does Wanko, really have no talent for fighting?" Yamato asked Miyako.
"I wouldn't say that exactly, but the greater the dream, the higher and more demanding the challenge becomes. Like I said to Nagamasa, compared to a normal person, she's very good. But becoming Assistant Master of the Kawakami Temple? That's like being an Olympian in every category and getting a gold medal every time." Miyako made an example.
"Ah, I see…" And the fact that Wanko's still going on with her dream, despite all those barriers and that Nagamasa is right by her side. This time, she'd have to clear those barriers in front of her.
This time… it was do or die.
July 27th, 2009, Monday
Strategy meeting—
Originally before, Yamato in the original route was more of a supporter. Someone who merely helped Wanko through emotional and mental support.
This time however, I wanted to be more proactive, that's what I meant to Yamato when I told him that her training regimen was going to be different.
"Kazuko, do you remember what you need to achieve in order for Momoyo to pass you?" Lu-sensei asked Wanko.
"I have to hit her!" She answered.
"Correct but forcing her to block as well also counts as a win, in a way." I added on.
"Yes!" Kazuko replied.
"How are you going to make that happen?" Lu asks her once again.
"I'll make the battle quick and start out with my strongest attack!" She answered without a doubt in her mind.
"Hmm, while I would normally agree immediately, I think a change is in order. That is why I have asked for Nagamasa to join your training." Lu-sensei began.
"Hmm, Naga's gonna be apart of my training? What do you mean?" Wanko was confused.
"What he means Wanko is that unlike before with your usual training at the Temple, and we had a conversation about this before we left." I picked up where Lu left off. "In this case, you need to develop yourself, before you can truly master any kind of new technique."
"Master… myself?"
"Yes, because Wanko let us be honest here; when it comes to your ability to focus and to concentrate; you are top notch, even perhaps better than your sister even." That put a smile on Wanko's face.
"But when you get excited and lose yourself, you stink." She deflated, as I told her the truth.
"But perhaps that is our fault." Lu-sensei admitted. "Perhaps in our lack of foresight we set you on the wrong path from the beginning. A martial art where Momoyo in many ways was a prodigy nearly from when she was born. And you, someone who until that time hadn't even practiced martial arts as intense as the Kawakami-style."
"So, was it a mistake to learn the Kawakami-style?" Wanko was not only confused, but was now pouting, upset that she was hearing that she didn't seem to fit in.
"But it is not how it sounds Wanko, the mistake wasn't from you, but from how the training you were given truly wasn't meant for you, but and if you can truly put in the effort, you can master not only yourself and also your own finishing technique to help you fight Momoyo." I stated.
"Yes, as he says you must play to the strengths you have. As you said you must finish in one move even if in that moment you are defeated, you will have shown Momoyo the fruits of your training." Lu-sensei explained. "And that is what I am going to teach you."
Lu-sensei then unfurled a scroll, "Kawakami Naginata Ultimate: Agito. A powerful technique indeed."
"Agito… doesn't that mean ;jaw'?" Kazuko asked.
"It is an attack meant to resemble the jaws of a savage tiger. As if chomping down on it's foe." Lu then picked up the naginata. "At it's core is a quick rising strike then followed by an immediate downswing."
"Wow, so it comes down to mastering the basics?" Kazuko was mazed by Lu-sensei's refined movements.
"Yes. Truly powerful moves are always simple." Lu-sensei replies. "Your opponent will think they have been simultaneously attacked by two naginata at once; one from above and one from below."
He then demonstrated the technique. Even with the training I had been doing it was hard to follow his hands, but as he said for a move that sounded simple; in the right hands it could do major damage.
"Whoa… That's beautiful…" Kazuko was amazed.
"Best of all, Momoyo won't know that you have this technique. That gives you an advantage." Lu-sensei said.
"And if you learn this move, there's the chance even the tiniest you could force to her to guard, or even graze her slightly. Even if it's the slightest chance you might pass her test. It does sound reassuring." I stated.
"Well for now, by the time of August 10th and up til the match you will be training in the mountains then. For now you'll be training with these special restraints and practicing your form."
"Yes, sir!" Kazuko put them on, and almost immediately I could hear the pressure they were exerting on Kazuko.
"I would normally say this is dangerous, but in this scenario we must be just a tad bit reckless." I replied.
"Yes, even as a child I jumped through moving buses and smashed down through buildings after leaping from a top floor." Lu-sensei recalled his past.
"First, I have to get the strength to use the technique." Kazuko replied.
"Exactly! And with how hard you can focus on the fundamentals, I am certain you can succeed." Lu-sensei reassured her.
"She has always been tenacious…?" I then heard my phone go off as it looks like someone texted me?
It was from Momoyo. She wants me to come to Nakamise Way? Knowing her it's probably about Wanko. I suppose I'll entertain her…
Heading back into town and leaving Wanko and the Assistant Master, I meet up with Momoyo and bought her some shaved ice. I never was one for it, so I declined.
"So you two have adjusted to living at the dorm?" Momoyo asks.
"Yeah, we're getting along with everyone despite the change. Right now she's training even as we speak." I tell her.
"Okay then. I just can't help but worry about her. I'm so worried, I might just cry." Momoyo then makes an overdramatic sniffle.
"Stop with the exaggeration." I wouldn't say I don't think she could cry, I know this girl is human, she's not heartless.
"You know I don't think I've ever cried, except for probably when I was a baby." Momoyo says.
"Wanko's also going to be spending some of her time training in the mountains." I commented.
"Well, I'll be. She's pulling out all the stops. Nice." She seems to happy for the progress Wanko wants to make.
"And I know you'll go all-out, of course it's you, so that's to be expected." I reply.
"Of course I wouldn't. If I did – I'd be even sweeter than this peach-flavored shaved ice." Momoyo told me.
"The world of martial arts is a harsh one… For one to go down that road will always face hardships; it tests not only their body but their mind as well. Being an assistant master is just that… a profession. When it comes to such things in the middle of combat there is no family." I said the quiet part out loud.
"Mmm, it seems you get it Nagamasa. You know I'm surprised you still never though of it, would you like to be Assistant Master?" Momoyo inquires of me.
"Me? Assistant Master? No, I've never dreamed of anything like that, given I still have my own training to get through. No, I'm content supporting Wanko in her dream." I tell her.
"You really… care about Kazuko don't you? You two really have been getting closer lately. So… as her big sister, I'm asking you to look after her." Momoyo asks of me.
"Yeah, I'd do that even if you didn't ask me." I replied.
"Well, it's not like I won't see you two at the Friday Meetings." Momoyo said a bit relieved.
But even still there was something about this that didn't sit right with me…
"Momoyo, follow me." I ask her.
"Hmm, what's gotten into you right now?" Momoyo asks me now.
"Just come on." With that the both of us make it to the temple. Heading into my room, I went in to find what I was looking for, the bo-staff I had when Wanko and I were doing our mental tai chi just a few days ago.
Heading back out, I found Momoyo waiting for me patiently, "So, what's this about, huh?"
"Follow me." I simply told her. And so we found ourselves in the same garden as I had been training in for the last several days. And from there I found myself sitting and waiting.
But unlike me, Momoyo was still standing I always had a feeling she'd never been one for such things, even as a warrior. I knew her route had that theme to it that she never knew what to do other than fighting which would cloud her emotions.
"Naga… what's this all about? If you're trying to get me to meditate you can forget it." Momoyo said a bit annoyed.
My ears twitched as I then slowly inhaled and exhaled; then said, "Why?"
"Why what?" She asked back.
"After nearly a decade, why do you choose to do this now?" I asked the all-consuming question on both our minds.
"So… that's what this is about. It's like I said on Saturday, she's just not meant for martial arts. I'm not trying to be cruel; I was just telling her the honest truth." Momoyo defends herself, I can hear it in her voice. She's serious.
"Then why during all of that, if you and Tesshin knew that she was not meant for it did you let her continue to run herself into the ground. It didn't take ten years; you knew it from the beginning." I said back.
"That wasn't my decision to let her in or tell her to quit. I may be the heir to Kawakami Temple, but to kick someone out even before they've shown their best goes against everything we stand for." She defended her family's ways.
I then stood up and turned at her pointing my staff at her, "Then why didn't you just fail her on purpose if you knew then!? And despite all of that you let her stay!"
"Because she proved herself by passing the entry test!" Momoyo fired back.
"And yet despite all of it, even up to now you still think that everything she's done has been for absolutely nothing!" I fired back now.
"It hasn't it! I just want her to find her own path!"
"Maybe she did, and you just didn't see it!" At that Momoyo froze and her face looked shocked.
"What are you talking about?" She asks.
"Maybe for all those years you were there… side by side, you didn't see her. All you saw was a little girl trying to be like you. That girl adores you, in more ways then one. That's why… I'm scared for her." I confess.
"Scared? W-what do you…?" She asks as I put my hand up to stop her.
"That girl for so long has idolized you… I don't even think she knows who she is anymore. So much of what she's done has been in an attempt to copy you in her own way, but little does she know that's what holds her back."
"I've… held her back?" Momoyo thinks aloud.
"Kazuko has seen you as the person who made her into what she is today; every time she goes out running, every time I've trained with her; the one thing that she's always focused on is you. Haaah… and at the end of the day, I don't she even realizes it."
"I… I had no…" Momoyo seems to soften up.
"I never expected you to. You had your own journey to do and she her own. I wanted to say my piece that was all. At the end of the day, we're all our own people. You, me… and Kazuko." And there I finished.
The both of us just staring at each other as if we'd finally realized something and after a while we finally let it go.
"Sorry for… all that intensity. I had to get that off my chest, if I didn't I don't know what I would've done." I tell her, as both Momoyo and I are rest on the steps of Kawakami Temple.
"It's alright, like before I want you to be brutally honest. After what I told Kazuko before, I'd be a hypocrite if I'd have thrown a tantrum about what you said. You really do care about her don't you?" She asked again.
"This again Momoyo? Yes, I care for her, but most of all I want her to herself on her own terms just as much as you do. But before she can do that…"
"She has to know who she is deep down. I may not look like it, but I do know what it means to find yourself. I'm fine who I am, I know I can always better myself, but the person I am; the one who loves a good fight; the one who loves when her blood boils. But even still… Wanko's my little sister, I can't help but worry…"
Then a familiar voice appears behind us, "Then it would seem until young Kazuko has found her way whatever it may be and wherever it would take her, then you two will finally know peace." It was Master Tesshin.
"Old man, who said you could eavesdrop on our conversation?" Momoyo was clearly annoyed.
Tesshin innocently smiled, "I was not listening, I just happened to be passing by as you two were talking. Nagamasa, is Wanko doing okay?"
"Yes Master. She's probably still training as we speak." I told him.
"Hmm, it is quite odd without Kazuko at the Temple. Then just as Momoyo has told you, please look after her." He asks me.
"I will sir, I will." And with that I head out with the both of them watching me.
"Wait, Nagamasa." I then hear Tesshin call out to me.
"There is something I've been wanting to give you and I believe you are ready to receive it." Tesshin then reached into his hakama and pulled out a green sash of some kind and handed it to me.
"What is this, Master?" I asked him confused.
"This sash was once worn by my father, the grandmaster of Kawakami Temple before me and by his before him. It has been worn by those who have mastered our ways and by those who have learned them. I wish for you to take it." He told me.
"But why…?" I was so confused.
"Why? Because Nagamasa, it is not only you who will help Kazuko find her way, but in helping her you will find yourself once more as I said. Now go, and believe." Tesshin left off with that as he slowly made his way back up the steps of the temple.
Holding the sash in my hands, I can see my face reflected in the green hue of the sash. I decide to carry it back to the dorm with me as I meet up with Kazuko and the others. Stashing it away in my own bag, I don't tell them about it.
Find myself once more… huh?
August 3rd, 2009, Monday
Today was yet another scorcher. Yamato and I were already in the kitchen enjoying a cup of cold tea as Chris made her way in after making a big yawn, "Good morning… Mayucchi."
"Good morning, Chris-san." Mayucchi greets her back as she gives her some tea as well.
"Haha. I must say Chris, it's quite cute to see you so tired in the morning." Teasing her really is easy.
"I didn't think it was possible." Yamato said with a similar smirk as mine.
"I-In my defense, I only just awoke! Is this not rather early for you two?" She asks us getting out of her stupor.
"I'm used to getting up this early to help support Wanko." I respond.
"And since he's rooming with me, I just woke up naturally." Yamato replied.
"She's practicing her swings outside in the yard again today?" Chris inquired.
"It's impressive how she can keep training day after day in that heat." Mayucchi said impressed.
"She is indeed a master of hard work." Chris said.
"I hope she doesn't get heatstroke." Mayucchi a little concerned.
"That's why I'm here to watch over her." I tell them.
"I'll watch over her as well." Mayucchi said wanting to help any little way she can.
While we were talking the buzzing of the cicadas grew louder, "Why must those cicadas endlessly buzz?"
"What happened to the old Chris, the one who thought they had a certain charm?" Oh, Yamato… never change.
"I prefer the calming cries of the evening Higurashi." Chris said.
"You don't hear those very often." Mayucchi replied.
"Well those cicadas outside are bear cicadas. Mayucchi, mind if we have some more iced tea please?" I asked her.
"Here you are." As she gets me some more and comes back with another cup, "Here's some for Kazuko-san."
"Hmm, a bear cicada must be quite large." After Yamato did some silly display of "talking" to the cicadas, once again Chris was easily fooled into believing him.
"Oh, you can talk to the cicadas? That truly does sound like something of the samurai spirit." Chris said impressed.
Oh lord above, help this girl…
"Try it out next time you're on the road." Yamato, stop it…
"I will. Thank you, Yamato." I merely looked at him with a blank face.
"You really are something, you know that?" I whisper to him.
"Not my fault." He replies.
With that done I head outside to check on Kazuko, "Five hundred twenty-two! Five hundred twenty-three!"
"Good job, you're still swinging." I say impressed.
Kazama then came out, "Wanko, the sun's out."
"Five hundred twenty-four! Five-hundred twenty-five!" She still continued her swings ingnoring him as she focused on her training.
"Go get in the shade!" He calls to her again.
"Five hundred twenty-six! Five hundred twenty seven!" Still Kazuko ignored him.
"That's some determination. She's deaf to everything around her, focused so hard on what she's doing." I said praising her.
"Sure that shows passion, but is she gonna keep doing that until the end of August?" Kazama wondered.
"Huff, huff. Five hundred thirty-one!" She still kept going.
"She's wasting away her whole summer break. Just swing that naginata away…" Kazama made nock noises simulating a naginata, "Mmm… it seems like a big waste."
"To you maybe, but it's her decision, not ours." I tell him.
"Fine! Then I'm gonna make sure she has a blast during mealtime!" Kazama still seems supportive at least. "First, I'm gonna need some bamboo. Time to get ready!"
And Capt was off like the wind. As usual…
In the meantime, I caught up on my meditation. After my encounter a few days ago with Momoyo it wasn't like we were constantly arguing over things, but meditating like this helped to clam me down.
"Seven… hundred!" And with that Wanko was finally done as she dropped to the ground, "Aaah… I did it."
She collapsed on the spot.
"Come on dummy, get into the shade at least." I take her over to the shadow of a tree. At that I rested her arms in bowls of ice water.
"Wah… Brr… That feels so nice." I then handed her the cup of col tea.
"Here drink this." As I brough it to her lips she gulped away. But she drank it freely even as some of t dripped on the floor. "Ah, no worries on spilling it huh? Now to wipe off your sweat."
"Okay…" I wiped off her sweat.
"Geez if I didn't know it you're sweating buckets worth right now." And she'd popped several blisters on her hands, they were bleeding right now. "Geez, and now you've got all these now… those look painful. There, there."
I gently disinfected her wounds.
"Ten minutes rest… then 500 more." Kazuko said to me.
"Yet you keep doing 600 or 700, why do that if the goal already is 500?" I ask her a bit concerned.
"I have to… overcome my limits." For so long this young girl watched as another no more than a few years older annihilate foes with ease; that girl was a goddess both in form and beauty. Kawakami Momoyo… and if she wanted even a chance to be like her, "I have to practice!"
"But your hands hurt now don't they?" I point out the obvious.
"Like crazy!" She whined. "But even so… I won't run away! I've made up my mind! I won't come up with excuses and run away!"
"Haah, it almost hurts just to hear that." I playfully remark.
"But seriously, thanks for staying with me Nagamasa. Really." Wanko says gratefully.
"Well it's not just me but Gen-san, Miyako and the others are helping in their own ways right?" I remind her.
"Well yeah… but you're the one whose been with me the most." Kazuko says with a smile.
"While the world's told you to move, you've been like a tree planted firmly in it's place telling the world instead, 'No, you move.' I want to help you see that through." All this I say while sitting patiently on the porch meditating.
"So what're you doing?" She asks.
"Just meditating. Don't worry about me." While Wanko had been making so much progress, I found myself stuck now in my own martial arts training. Master Tesshin had said I had come far, but there is always a limit one can overcome, never to be satisfied where they are.
"You know, we don't take kindly to uninvited guests, Shakadou-sensei." The last part I said with sarcasm.
"Oooh, nice one kid, and I see you're still going at it, Kazuko." Shakadou, the disgraced Assistant Master of Kawakami Temple.
"Assistant Master Shakadou?" Wanko was surprised at the now delinquent martial artist.
"I ain't no Assistant Master anymore since the Temple banished me. But now I'm just an old man bumblin' his way 'round town. Though I do play the part when I see a punk's got talent." Shakadou said.
"If you've been banished, why are you here?" I said lightly pointing my staff at him.
"Me? I heard from Yi what's goin' on with ya, Kazuko. They finally told you y'got no talent'n tried t'read you ya last rites." Damn that Drunk Style master, sometimes!
"!" Kazuko seemed surprised he'd known about it despite how long he'd been gone.
"That bastard Lu's prayin' y'got the chops'n is gonna go through Hell t'see y'get strong." Shakadou told her.
"Assistant Master Lu said that?" Kazuko said with a small gasp.
"But me, I think he's doomed. Go find yourself a new life." Kazuko seemed to lose her confidence a bit as she hung her head. "Change that dream now and y'got infinite choices. A cutie like you could be an idol! World's yours for'tha takin'! But don't tryin' be a lawyer! Haha!" Damn him…!
"I think you've overstayed your welcome old man…" My anger began to rise as I could feel my hand go to my sword now.
Shakadou put his hands up defensively, "Whoa, hey, no need to be rude or nothin'. I'm just tryin' t'warn Kazuko outta tha' goodness of my heart."
"I've been given my trial!" Kazuko still stands defiant. "And I won't accept that I've failed! Not until my bet fails to get me past that trial! That's the only thing I want to think about right now."
"That so, huh? Well, g'luck t'you.. Momoyo's like me. Battles are where we feel alive. You don't need me tellin' y'this, but gamble everything and that move'a yours. If you doin' this, y'make that Agito perfect." Huh, I thought he was here to drag her down, yet now he's encouraging her?
"Yes, sir!" And now Kazuko's fired up again.
Some of the others realize something's going on as Chris comes out, "What's the ruckus?"
Then Mayucchi, "Is there a guest?"
"Whoa-wee, it's one hot chick after another. What's a guy t'do? Kinbda want to pit my students against y'all, I think." Well you did… in another route.
"Shakadou-san, are you going to stay in Kawakami?" Kazuko asked.
"I'm mostly in Takatsu, so we ain't likely to run into each other much." He replied.
"What about Onee-sama?" Kazuko asks again.
"That damn Yi won't let me near her. Thinks I'd be a bad influence on her." Well he's right, besides she's already like him in many ways.
"I see…" Kazuko replied.
"Well, forget her. We're talkin' about you right now, Kazuko. Just like how most folks don't spend their whole life with their first lovem don' go bindin' yourself to y'first dream. Let yourself change. Well, y'just take care of yourself , y'hear? Can't do nothin' without your health." I don't understand this man.
"You too, Shakadou-san." But with that he stumbles off.
"He's a master." Mayucchi comments.
"Yeah, even though he was just talking you can just feel raw power radiate from him, it's like looking at Momoyo but with way more experience under his belt." I add-on.
"Yes. He feels as strong as Mr. Lu." Chris agrees. "Yet like you said Nagamasa, there was something very dark and ominous about him."
"So many of Onee-sama's techniques… they were moves that Shakadou-san taught her. I've mostly learned from Assistant Master Lu." Kazuko said.
"Hmm, different masters looking to different students who just happen to be sisters? Hm, seems like fate doing it's own thing." But I had an idea that even within Kawakami Temple there were factions and internal politics among it's students and monks.
"Whoops! Practice, practice…" Kazuko was all ready to get back to her routine.
"At least do so in the shade." Chris tells her.
"I will, I will! Now then… One! Two!" Kazuko once again begins swinging her naginata. "Three! Four! Five!"
"Hmm… watching her makes me want to go." Chris seems drawn into Kazuko's relentless training efforts.
"If you want to train beside her I'm sure it's no trouble. She's not one to be distracted by others." Kazuko always did have a way of influencing others whether she knew it or not.
"I feel like I'm wilting in this heat." Mayucchi said.
"Then would you like to join me in meditating again? I find it's actually quite relaxing despite the heat." I offer the swordswoman.
"Very well, I will take you up on that offer." And so the both of us take up the time to peacefully meditate as the sounds of the summer weather flow around us.
Until it's lunchtime…
"It's time for a break you two!" Mayucchi calls out to both Chris and Kazuko who were both training with their respective weapons.
"Huff, huff, huff, huff…" Chris was panting, seems like she was trying to match Kazuko.
"Huff, huff, huff… I don't have time to spend just eating. But I won't have any strength if I don't eat… so I'll eat!" Makes sense.
"Well given all that moving you did I'm sure you used up a lot of energy." I said.
"Yes, I will take a short break as well." Chris replied.
"When I first started training, I needed to have a bucket right next to me, but it's nothing new now! It's amazing what you can get used to!" And just as she finished out intrepid leader had returned with a bamboo noodle lunch combo of his own creation.
"I didn't know we had the ingredients to make that! Wow!" Kazuko was impressed, to say the least as she took the bento.
"I ran off to pick some bamboo, just for you." Kazama said.
"And Mayucchi cut up the bamboo nice and evenly, so the noodles came out looking wonderful." I made sure to thank our resident chef.
"Oh, no,no,no. I'm sorry I couldn't do more to help." Mayucchi said.
"Welp! Cookie, pour us some noodles!" Kazama told the Kuki robot.
"You want me to do it? You work me to the bone." The robot whined.
"I wanna eat some of those flowing noodles too!" Kazama whined next.
"Fine, fine… Just let me transform first." And so Kuki did into her second form, "Never did I think you'd make me transform just to pour noodles."
"Get us started! It's Super Flowing Bamboo Noodles Time!" Kazama said like it was a game show.
"Please don't forget that I am a super fighting robot." Then Kuki took her place, "Noe, let's go! She! Hah! Toh!"
"This is exciting!" Chris was giddy for joy.
"Aww yeah! First one's mine!" Kazama cheered.
"I love noodles as well, so I'll be happy to have some." Mayucchi was next.
"Mm? Nothing is coming?" Chris hadn't gotten any yet. A bit impatient aren't we?
"Hwatah! Soiyah! Soi! Duunn!" More noodles came flowing out.
"Seyah! Tryah! Hmph! Got it!" Kazama was getting all he could.
"Mm, this is so good." Mayucchi was enjoying herself.
"You're right, I love ramen as much as the next guy, but these flowing noodles are in a whole other league." I say enjoying my own bowl.
"What is going on? Where's my noodles?!" Chris was now throwing a fit.
"Chris, calm down. You'll get your chance, there's plenty for everyone." But it certainly didn't help her she was sitting at the end of the table.
"You must utterly lack for aggression, to wait until the end to eat. For Nagamasa-san to sit in the middle was the cleverer move." Kuki said.
"Mngh. I never thought you'd resort to such sly tricks, Nagamasa!" Don't take it out on me.
"Come on, things just turned out this way that's all." But Mayucchi was feeling lenient.
"H-Here Chris-san. I won't get any this time, so you should get some!" Mayucchi let her share flow down the water.
"Ah! Here it comes!" Chris stood by ready and waiting…
"Yoink!" I took it!
"Wah?! Ahh! Nagamasa… you little…" Haha, this was fun!
"Do not fight. How about this? I'll put rainbow coloring on Chris's noodles. Those will be reserved for her only." Kuki tried to keep the peace.
"I do not want colorful noodles!" Chris protested.
"That's a shame. The coloring is beautiful, even if it's made in China." Kuki said.
"Yep, you really are a super fighting robot alright…" But with that Kuki continued the flowing noodles.
"I will kick you if I don't get any noodles! And I mean you, Nagamasa!" So this is how Yamato feels, it's quite annoying, yet cathartic at the same time.
"Chris, it's just noodles, stop getting worked up over the smallest of things." I try to peacefully calm her down.
"Mmm… W-Well, fine then. I have noodles to eat now." I sent a signal to Wanko then…
"Wanko, take all of her noodles that come."
Wanko signaled back, "Haha, that sounds like fun."
"Time to—huh?" Wanko then went in to take her own noodles, but failed. Damn it, I forgot her hands were covered in blisters just a few minutes ago. Shit!
I could see her hand shaking from where I was.
Chris finally got her noodles, "Ohm here they come. Hmm… Mmn… these are delicious!"
"Ahaha, I screwed up… One more try!" She went in to grab some more noodles, but this time dropped her chopsticks.
"Wanko, are you…?" I then watched as chopsticks found their wa into the flowing water.
"Huh, now chopsticks have flown down to me?" Chris saw Wanko's chopsticks.
"Nahaha. This is kinda hard, since my hands are shaking so much. Eigh… Eigh…" She got some, but failed more often than not. "Naga, can you get me some?"
"Don't worry, I'm already ahead of you." I gave her a spare plate of some noodles I'd already had collected.
"Thanks." And so Kazuko munched away. "Mn, these are so good. I'm feeling stronger now, so I can get them myself now. I'm wearing these restraints right now. I can't slack off now."
"Geez, Wanko…" Tenacious indeed.
"This flowing noodles thing is pretty fun." Capt said. "We gotta bring Gakuto and the others in on this next time."
"Provided Momoyo doesn't strongarm every bundle of noodles." I pointed out.
"Even so, I agree! That sounds wonderful, by all means!" Chris was all aboard. "And next time I will not err in my positioning!"
"You're really fixated on that, huh?"
A while later—
Wanko had decided to take an hour-long nap. After that it was back to work, until the sun went down.
"Zzz…" And she'd fallen asleep in a wink. She must've tuckered herself out.
But as I watch over her, I then realize something…
"That's a perfect idea!" Why hadn't I thought about that in the first place! Get ready Kazuko, it's time to implement that "special training" I had in store for you.
AN#1 – Well here's the ninth part of the Kazuko Route – "The Daughter of Kawakami" to my Majikoi story, I'm NOT a Samurai, Seriously.
And so Wanko's harsh summer training begins and the clock is counting down to August 31st!
Hope you guys are enjoying the continued Kung Fu Panda references, I based Momoyo and Nagamasa's argument on the scene where Po is running away in the first movie.
If you haven't noticed, I'm really basing Kazuko's route off of the theme of Kung Fu Panda which if you think about is just as much about change and development in the grand scheme of things.
But still I hope you'll be back for more! So…
Stay tuned for more!
What's up next for our heroes, Nagamasa and Kazuko? Stay tuned for Kazuko Route – Part 10 – To Save A Dream – Part 2
AN#2 – I hope you guys are enjoying this rewrite. So please don't forget to leave reviews and also follow and favorite as well too!
AN#3 – Remember I wouldn't be here without you guys! Remember to Favorite, Follow and Review! :) Despite the current issues with the Stats on FF.