Comissioned by drake202.


"I swear to God, I'm not dying my hair. I don't even know how to dye it." I tell the asshole in front of me.

Kazuto Sana, the Student Council president and the only person I can consider a friend on the normal side of the world. He had blonde hair with grey eyes and was a few inches shorter than me.

"I don't believe it, you can't have a certain section of your hair a certain color and the rest of it another color." He said as the crowd that was watching us sighed at our antics.

Kazuto is a good guy. Sadly, he's not aware of the other side so I can't open up completely.

He'd needle me about my hair and I'd retaliate as we'd argue before it calmed down.

"Well, I'd never think I'd see a human-sized fly but the world's like that sometimes." I growl as Kazuto laughs.

"Truly, I never thought I'd meet a guy like you," He says as a shiver goes up my spine.

Yo, what the fuck? What was that feeling?

"Um, Kazuto, you think you can bring my homework to my house. Just leave it on the mailbox." I say as Kazuto walks forward.

His eyes narrow in worry, "Why? What's wrong?"

My instincts are going off, something is going on. I saw Hibari a little bit happy today, almost excited as well. She told me a friend of hers was returning but if that friend is like her then…

"I've got a bad feeling about today." I say as I sigh heavily.

"... If it's this bad I think I can help you a bit." Kazuto says with a serious face.

Over my time in Hanzo Academy I became pretty famous for my instincts and ability to read people. From stopping a girl from being scammed by a guy and accurately guessing whether there's going to be a surprise quiz and what's going to be on there.

"Thanks man. Sorry about this." I nod as I shoulder my bag. And run home to change.

I refuse to be caught flat-footed.


Before the shiver ran through his spine, the Shinobis were currently welcoming their friend who just came back from her test, "Ah~, Katsu-nee!"

What a poor soul.

The blonde only giggled perversely at the brunette wearing the Hanzo Academy uniform with her hair in a ponytail who was struggling against her grip, "Welcome back, ah~ I really missed this."

Though it was interrupted by another smoke bomb as all the students started coughing, "Oh, welcome back Asuka."

"I'm back Kiriya-sensei." Asuka managed after the smoke cleared up.

"Asuka," Kiriya started as Asuka straightened up, "Good work."

"Oh, thanks for the praise." Asuka responded bashfully.

"Let's see," Kiriya started as he opened up a ledger, "Used Molting Cicada seconds before scroll was taken," Asuka's expression became embarrassed as Kiriya continued, "damaged her shinobi costume in the process, used smoke bombs in an urban area, had almost no time left."

Asuka was embarrassed until Kiriyra exclaimed, "Now this is impressive."

Asuka jumped, "Huh?"

"Your score perfectly matches the passing mark. That's not something one can do on purpose." Kiriya said with an excited tone.

"Don't get excited about silly things!" Asuka exclaimed.

Kiriya closed the book as he smiled, "Well, you passed, and that's what counts. Continue to train hard."

"Of course!" Asuka exclaimed.

"We'll spend today's first period practicing hand-to-hand combat." Kiriya announces as Hibari straightens up with an excited glint in her eyes and a big smile, "Everyone, get changed and gather in the training hall." A smoke bomb exploded as Kiriya was gone and the girls coughed the smoke out of their lungs.


It's still there, why won't it go away!

I internally grumble as I walk around the town, wearing a white long-sleeved shirt under a black shirt with the album cover of twenty-one pilots' Blurryface and some grey baggy cargo pants with blue sneakers. I also still had the Rings of Force Armor on both hands along with my descendant's pendant, my own pendant, and the Badge of Svirfneblin. The brooch being hidden in one of the pockets of my pants.

The same type of music I'm listening to as I walk around the town and try to evade whatever's going to happen.

Groaning, I slump as I go home to pick up the journal and write for a bit, maybe sketch a few things or take a few pictures.

Or, I could try and hide. Nah. Well, I can but nah.

As I ponder on my conundrum, the shivers increased as I sighed and looked for a way higher up into the buildings but stopped when I placed a hand on the wall, prepared to perform the Dance of the Spider to scuttle my way up but something stopped me.

I looked around as I tried to find what was bothering me but couldn't as I growled and bit my lip as I entered the state that allows me to activate an ability called Hearing the Air. Usually, I have to take up a stance but the version I'm using takes concentration since I'm not in the stance nor am I in combat.

It took a bit but I closed my eyes and winced as it all came together in a clear picture. Thank God Asakusa is quiet, the migraines I had from doing this in New York were horrible.

Anyway, I couldn't find anything but everything still told me to be careful so I instead went up the stairs to the rooftop as I leaned on the railings.

"Don't be afraid son, it's fine to be scared but it's only a small jump."

I turned as I saw a woman with a streak of silver hair in her brown hair and blue eyes and a soft smile as I froze.

Looking down I saw the street change into a pool.

"We can't let fear control us. Much less the monsters in the dark. Because sometimes, those monsters can be the last thing we expect."

"I know mom." My grip tightens on the railing as tears fall, "I know."

I remember that day. My parents brought a pool and I was afraid because it looked so deep. In the end, I had fun when I jumped in.

Taking a deep breath to calm my emotions, I glared at the Bag of Holding hanging off my right shoulder that had the eight blades in them along with a few more objects. I always found it hard to believe when people told me that weapons didn't have souls.

"Well, no rest for the wicked." I mumble out loud as I push off the railings and walk down the stairs heading out to the streets.


"Kiriya-sensei, can I go against Katsu-nee." Hibari asks with a raised hand as everyone froze and Hibari was smiling. She was confident in her ability, especially after the speech Caleb gave her.

It's currently an hour before class ends and everyone's shocked.

Little does she know that Caleb paraphrased what Reshar wrote in his journal when his apprentices were ready to be masters.


"Hibari, listen," Caleb said with a serious face as he came upon a problem.

He forgot what the speeches themselves were. The silence stretched on as Caleb tried to piece together a speech since it'd be awkward if he brought out his journal to check, "You've done well. Have confidence in yourself. Even those that are stronger than you have a better in some way shape or form. Never dismiss this, every opponent you come in contact with has a chance to be the one to defeat you. Be confident in your ability but respect your opponent's strength as well. Hate them, despise them, but respect those that worked to get where they are."

Hibari's eyes widened, "B-but, what if I lose?"

Caleb smirked, "If the sun setting is an irrefutable fact, so is the fact that it will rise. If you lose, don't lose because you were too scared to move, lose because you made a mistake, because they were stronger than you, but never fear those that are stronger than you. Take every loss and learn from each one to become better."

Caleb stood up as he walked forward and stood in front of Hibari, "It's alright to be afraid, especially in sparring. But, learn to control that fear so it can drive you forward. Just like a car can't run smoothly on three wheels neither can a team when one of them is lagging behind. Be strong so your friends can take from that strength to become better."

Hibari stared with wonder in her eyes, "Alright Caleb-chan. I'll do it."

Caleb nods sagely, "Good. Well, that's all."


While she was remembering his speech, everyone else froze at that but Kiriya quickly regained his composure, "Hibari, are you sure?"

Hibari hesitated for a second but nodded with a resolute nod.

Before anyone could say anything Kiriya nodded, "Alright, Katsuragi, you're up."

Soon, both fighters were in front of each other, "Same as always Hibari, I won't go easy on you!"

Hibari nodded as she got into a stance that resembled a Judo stance as Kiriya became curious, "Are you ready?" Both fighters nodded, "Alright. Begin!"

From there, Katsuragi dashed forward as she went through with her promise and rushed to Hibari.

Hibari stumbled back out of surprise onto her butt as Katsuragi's kick sailed over her as her eyes found an opening. From there, she kicked the back of Katsuragi's knee as she lost her balance and Hibari was going to attack. That said, while Katsuragi was surprised she was still well-trained as she brought her leg in a sweep. Hibari jumped up high into the air as she landed on the pipes around the ceiling.

Hibari's eyes widen as she finds herself balanced, far better than before, unknowingly taking up the Step of the Wind stance.

"Good work Hibari!" Asuka cheers as her pride puffs up. Though Caleb's words quickly brought her down. While this may not be life or death, it's still important.

"Here I come!" Katsuragi was back up as she chased after Hibari who yelped in surprise and jumped back onto another pipe and her eyes went to the way Katsuragi was standing.

Coming up with a plan she quickly jumps back as Katsuragi calls, "Hey!"

She stops as she turns back to see Katsuragi jumping with ease. Caleb did say good kicks require amazing balance and flexibility.

Hibari's eyes widened as she came up with a plan.

Though she quickly bit her lip in worry, she nodded to herself. Only one person can do that.

A blush exploded in her face as the thought came before Katsuragi's voice shook her out of her stupor.

Jumping a few pipes back Hibari took a deep breath, "Katsu-nee!" Katsuragi turned to Hibari, "If you can land a hit, I'll let you grope my breast!"

Time seemed to freeze as silence reigned in the gym as Kiriya's eyes widened but stayed quiet. If he was right on what she was planning, this will end quickly.

"F-for how long?" Katsuragi asked before gulping audibly.

"As long as you want." Hibari confirmed.

Katsuragi's eyes widened further as they dilated, "H-however I want?"

Hibari only nodded as Katsuragi's eyes glinted dangerously.

Then she dashed forward as she drooled and her bangs shadowed her hair, painting a scary picture causing Hibari to falter but she grit her teeth as she waited for the right time.

"Yahooo~!" She landed about a meter away from Hibari and sent a high kick as time seemed to slow.

Yagyu was being held back by Ikaruga and Asuka who all had wide eyes along with Kiriya as the hit came closer.

There was a loud clang as Katsuragi broke the pipe holding them up as the action caused the pipe they were standing on to loosen and sway as Hibari ducked, balanced as Katsuragi was swaying. Hibari swept Katsuragi's foot from behind her as she started to fall.

But Hibari was looking to land a clean hit. So she tackled as she waited for the right time to perform the Mighty Throw. The floor came quickly as Katsuragi gained awareness and Hibari was already in motion, switching it so she held Katsuragi's arm. She noticed she had nothing for footing, literally in this case so she kicked her leg up and kicked down as she spun once and then the timing was right as she threw her over her shoulder and into the floor as the floorboards cracked and Katsurgi twitched.

Hibari landed with a stumble as her eyes were wide and she was confused.

Kiriya paused for a second as he brought his hand down, "Hibari wins!"

As the others went forward to congratulate Hibari, Kiriya was internally conflicted. He's proud and happy that she's grown, but it's too much. Yesterday she was having trouble. This leap is too much. Especially with the physically weakest student here. Besides, the stance she used resembles that of Judo, when did she learn that?

The only answer is that she's been training in secret, she has been skipping a few lessons and leaving almost instantly. Usually, this would hamper a Shinobi's skills but instead she improved. He could only wonder if he was paranoid but shook the thoughts away since Shinobi didn't live this long without being paranoid.

So, once she left early, Kiriya called the other four to him, "Girls, I need you to do me a favor."

"Follow Hibari, right?" Yagyu accurately guesses as Kiriya reluctantly nods.

"Hibari's progress is too sporadic to be random. I'll leave the judgement to you." The other girls nod as they begin worrying.


Caleb knows none of this, he's actually training in the clearing and has been for the past hours.

He twirls the Desert Wind as he gets into his stance once more and breathes in as he takes in the slender and graceful scimitar, crafted of shining steel, lustrous ivory, and polished gold with brilliant blue sapphires and fiery red rubies. The same weapons he used incorrectly until someone corrected him. It's not his fault scimitars are like the Egyptian's khopesh.

Regardless, he cuts forward as a soft warm breeze surrounds him as he follows with the second one then the third as he spins into another before throwing his fist forward into a cartwheel as his right fist lands on the ground before continuing into a slash before jumping into a spinning side kick and returning.

Following the Desert Wind discipline, he uses quick and mobile strikes while spinning fluidly as he continues to practice, unbeknownst of the people watching him practice.


Hibari rushed to their training area in her excitement, forgetting that they weren't training today as she skipped her way to the clearing as she found it and was about to call for Caleb when she noticed what he was doing and what he had in his hand. It was a beautiful blade as he spun with it as if he was dancing, entrancing her by the beauty of the blade and the movements.

This went on for a while as Hibari stood there entranced at the spectacle happening before her. Finally, Caleb sighed as he turned to Hibari and she yelped, "Hey Hibari, what's up, we agreed we weren't training today?"

Hibari remembered why she was here and she quickly left her hiding spot and headed to Caleb with a large smile, "Caleb-chan! I did it?"

Caleb places Desert Wind back in the Bag of Holding as he jogs to Hibari with an amused grin, "Well, what is it? That's not a very specific sentence you know?"

"I won in hand-to-hand combat, it felt amazing to finally win!" She says, jumping around as Caleb chuckles before surprising him as she tackles him with a hug.

Caleb found his balance before he could fall as the shorter girl mumbled, "Thank you so much Caleb-chan!"

"Um, yeah, no problem." Was what Caleb could only say as he tried to understand what was happening.

Caleb's not used to such innocent shows of affection much less from someone as attractive as Hibari. It's quite nice.

Hibari on the other hand never had this type of interaction with a guy and she's quite enjoying it as she snuggles into his chest as Caleb starts reciprocating the hug.

Unbeknownst to either, as they were too embroiled in their little moment, four other people barely arrived as three of them gasped in shock at what they're seeing and the fourth's mental faculties stopped working.

"Wait," Ikaruga asked as she got a closer look, "isn't that the new foreign student?"

Asuka turned to Ikaruga in surprise, "We have a foreign student?"

"Oh, come on! How come she gets to hang out with a cute guy?" Katsuragi whined as it finally snapped Yagyu out of her stupor.

Before anyone could stop her she left her hiding spot and stood in the clearing before yelling, "Get away from her!"


I was about to bring out Desert Wind when I heard the voice but Hibari quickly spoke, "Yagyu?"

She quickly let go (to my disappointment) as I snapped out of it and raised my hands in a gesture of giving up as I started, "Wait! I think we're having a misunderstanding here."

I try to stay rational but the twin-tailed girl isn't really helping me here, "Hibari, get away from him!"

"Look she was just thanking me, that's all, right?" I turn to Hibari who quickly gets the message and nods frantically.

"Yeah Yagyu-chan, it was just a hug." Hibari jumps in as it seems to calm down the white-haired demon a bit but her grip on her umbrella doesn't change and neither does my stance. There are also four more people spectating.

"Hibari," she started, far more calmly, "how did you meet this bas-I mean guy."

"You know, I've got this feeling that you don't really like me." She glared at me as I shrugged before continuing, "Also I was the one who approached her, she seemed sad so I decided to ask what's wrong, long story short, I was the one teaching her martial arts."

There was silence as Yagyu turned to Hibari, "Is this true?"

Hibari nodded as Yagyu relaxed before lowering her umbrella, "Alright, I'll let it slide."

We stood there as I sighed and relaxed as Hibari smiled before jumping up with a yell, "Yay!"

I finally noticed the other three watching in surprise as I tilted my head, "Was that so weird?"

"Uh, no. Just surprising." The girl with black hair and blue eyes responded.

I was confused as the dots connected, "Wait, she's that Yagyu?"

Hibari nods as I hum, "So I'm guessing she's Ikaruga, the blonde's Katsu-nee or Katsuragi?"

The blonde gives me a wink and a coy grin, "I'll be anything for a cutie like you~."

I stared at her and ignored her before turning to the brown-haired girl, "And she's Asuka."

"They're my friends~." She says with a large grin as the others smile before Ikatuga turns to Hibari.

"Hibari, you haven't really introduced your new friend to us." Hibari's eyes widen in realization as I sigh.

"Name's Caleb Aridam, I prefer Caleb so no honorifics please, I was born in America but had a Japanese mother." I say as the others seem to be confused.

Yeah, I look like my dad a lot more than my mom.

"I don't think silver hair is a part of either of those ethnicities." Katsuragi points out at the braided silver bang of hair on the right side of my face, framing it to chin length.

"Ah this? Yeah, I dunno." I admit as I shrug and Hibari giggles.

"What's it like in America?" Asuka asks with curiosity in her voice.

"I can't walk down a block without feeling like I'm going to be shot." I say as a dark joke but they seem to take it seriously if their shocked faces are anything to go by.

"Sorry, bad joke. Hey!" I exclaim as Hibari pouts while pinching my side.

"You shouldn't joke about that Caleb-chan." She growls while glaring at me with the intensity of a puppy.

"Alright, please let go, it's starting to hurt." I plead as she does as asked as I sigh.

"Anyway, it depends, sometimes it's calming forests with enough space to see the world or long mountain ranges that take months to go through in its entirety, or urban cities with businesses and people of all races and ethnicities. It's very varying honestly but also has its downs." I say as I shrug but it seems to be enough for Asuka.

There is silence as we all just turned around to look at each other, "So, what now?"

They all looked at each other and shrugged, "Well, where does your loyalty lie? Are you an ally or an enemy?" Ikaruga said as the atmosphere became tense.

I tilted my head and ignored Ikaruga's stern look, Asuka's, Hibari's and Katsuragi's worried looks and Yagyu's blank look as I said, "I am who I am. There's not much to it. If you hurt me I'll fight back, if you hurt someone I care for I'll help them."

"That's not very specific now, is it?" Katsuragi asks as I shrug.

"It is what it is. I like being a grey-area subject. Gives me a certain amount of freedom that's quite liberating, right?" I say with a mischievous smile as their expressions become complicated.

"I don't want to be your enemy so you won't have to worry about that." I say as this seems enough for them.

"Anyway, are you going to be coming here or do you want me to go with you?" I ask Hibari as she blinks and thinks for a bit.

"You can come to us tomorrow." Asuka says.

"Asuka! We don't even know what his allegiances are, how can you trust him?" Ikaruga scolds as Asuka puffs out her chest.

"I believe he's a good person." Asuka says as silence overtakes the clearing as I couldn't wrap my head around how naive someone can be. Hibari is included in that since I'm still having trouble believing it.

Turning to Ikaruga, I give her a pleading look, "Please tell me she's joking?"

Ikaruga slumps while sighing, "I wish she was."

My instincts go off as I notice the blonde is missing as I turn and grab the hand heading for my rear as we stare at each other. My unimpressed face must be intense if she's sweating, "Ahaha, hi?"

"Bye." Without giving it much thought, I perform a Devastating Throw as the other girls' jaws fall while the blonde yells in mid-air before falling into the trees as I clean my hands and walk away.

"I'll see you girls tomorrow." I say as I remember something.

A forge. As the girls leave I wait for them and shift to the Diamond Mind and activate Hearing the Air and wait.

Nothing, they left. I grin as I bring out the Unfettered, the heavy greatsword looks unfinished, the lack of sheen or polish on the blade undermining the sharpness of it with a leather-wrapped pommel with seemingly crude and blocky handguard. The weapon lacking ornaments and gems that would usually be present on a weapon with a past like the one the sword has.

To others, it's unreliable, probably not worth the steel it was made from. Which is true.

No amount of currency would even begin to be able to describe just how much this blade is worth, not only as a blade but the history behind it.

I huff as my grip tightens in anger as I glared at the ground, remembering how I came in possession of the blade.

If I remember the time right, it was the second blade I got. It was sitting in the case of a museum. I recognized the blade and felt bothered. A blade at the level that Unfettered was shouldn't be in the museum being shown as a nameless greatsword.

That emotion became outrage when I learnt of its origins.

So I don't regret punching the guy who told me to take it and called it useless.

Chuckling as I remember the memories I spin it as I mumble, "Let's go find that forge."

So, I went on a little journey involving a lot of walking as I looked for a forge. And I did.

Done, right?

Weirdly enough, yup.

As I went home I placed Unfettered back in my Bag of Holding as I returned to get a good night's sleep.

Or, if I'm lucky, something resembling it.


Yay, insomnia induced by trauma. What a fun combination when you can't even feel safe in your own home.

Groaning, I pick up the ringing phone and groan as I mumble, "Hello?"

"Morning, Caleb-chan, it's Hibari." Hibari's upbeat voice perks up from the other side.

"Yeah. What's up? Doesn't school start in like," turning to the phone I see I still had an hour left before I had to wake up, "an hour and a half?"

"Well…"


"No, you can't and won't make me." I say as I'm being dragged by three girls. A blonde, a pinkette, and a white-haired hag.

I feel something tap my head as I lose my traction as I'm pushed a little too hard as I exclaim before finding myself deep in something soft and warm as I quickly back off, "Sorry!"

I was able to see Ikaruga glare at me before a second tap hit my head as I glared at Yagyu as she hefted her umbrella, "You're thinking rude things about me."

"With that attitude, anyone would." I glared back as she huffed and looked away.

"C'mon guys, don't fight." Hibari got in between me and Yagyu as we both looked at her then at each other.

"Fine." She said.

"No promises." I say.

Any more than that is too much. Both for our pride and opinion of each other.

"Well aren't you a lucky guy~?" Katsuragi nudges me as I sigh and stare at Ikaruga who covers her chest and glares at me with a red face.

"If I was, I'd be at home. Asleep." I say as I point to the bags under my eyes and her grin twitches.

"We're really sorry about this Caleb-kun, but our Sensei wanted to meet you." Asuka claps her hand together before bowing with a sheepish smile.

"I'm not sure how I feel about that." I whisper before sighing.

"So, what else can you do, aside from Judo?" Katsuragi asks.

"Oh, Caleb-chan can use a sword!" Hibari says as I sigh but widen as she continues, "He also has a s-."

I interrupt by covering her mouth and laughing sheepishly, "Ah, sorry, I have to tell Hibari something. You girls go ahead."

They give me confused looks as I pull Hibari behind a corner as I whisper, "Please don't tell anyone about the sword, please."

"Why? Ikaruga-chan would be able to help you." Hibari asks as she notices how close they are and starts flushing as she takes in his handsome features behind the tiredness in his eyes.

"Because it's a secret. You can tell them that I have a sword, just don't describe it. Please." She nods quickly with a blush as I sigh in relief.

I finally notice how close we are and jump back, "Ah, sorry. Do you need a moment?"

She nods as I sigh and walk out to the group as Yagyu is glaring at me and Ikaruga is giving me a suspicious look, "What was that?"

"Nothing important. Don't worry." I say, being completely unconvincing as Hibari quickly follows.

"What were you going to say Hibari?" Yagyu asks as her glare doesn't move from my general area.

"Oh, that Caleb-chan has a sword." Hibari finishes as Ikaruga starts paying more attention.

"Really?" Katsurai asks, also interested.

"Yeah, just a greatsword. Nothing interesting." I added.

"But I thought you were a martial artist?" Asuka asks.

"I am. I just know how to use a sword and my fist." I respond as we continue walking.

"Alright, I've decided. Hey, pretty boy!" Katsuragi says as I hum while turning back and walking backwards.

"Fight me."

"No."

Pride in my abilities aside. I am stronger. There is no question about that. Not only with my inactive Silverbrow blood granting me unnatural strength, speed, stamina, experience and training.

"Why?" She whines as the others seem shocked at the speed of my reply.

"You wouldn't fight a poor boy like me who's this tired?" I point at the bags under my eyes and the other four turn to Katsuragi with a glare.

"Katsuragi." Ikaruga starts sternly as Katsuragi opens her mouth incredulously and points at me.

"He literally threw me a dozen feet away yesterday looking exactly the same yesterday." Katsuragi exclaimed.

"I'm so tired~. I'm just going to rest here." I lay on a bench and close my eyes as she goes to check on me.

"Oi~. Stop pretending."

"Snore."

"See! He's not tired!" Katsuragi exclaims as the others take note and continue our little gag.

"For shame Katsuragi." Ikaruga says as the others start giggling.

She seems shocked as she pouts and I chuckle as well before straightening up, "So, I'm going to meet this 'Sensei' you're talking about."

"Yes. He was quite worried since Hibari has been skipping some classes to see you." Yagyu says as I turn to Hibari and give her a disappointed look.

She refuses to look me in the eye and I sigh as I nod in understanding.

"Well. I'm guessing she has to take remedial lessons?" I ask as her eyes widen in realization but Ikaruga shakes her head.

"I don't believe so, usually they would but she has been training with you and improved quite well." Ikaruga says with some respect in her voice.

"What did you teach her?" Katsuragi asks with an excited grin.

"Just one of the disciplines I was taught in my travels. It's called the 'Setting Sun'." I say as the others nod.

"So, what does this discipline entail?" Ikaruga asks, trying to look uninterested but failing.

"Yeah, I'm curious too." Asuka jumps in.

"To summarize what my own master," I had to grit my teeth and had to fight the disgust and horror at the thought of that man as anything other than a monster that has to be put down, "told me, 'Strength is an illusion. We cannot hope to be stronger, quicker and more skilled than all of our opponents, so we use their power and speed against them.'"

Katsuragi holds a finger to her chin and hums, "Isn't that basically Judo?"

I nod as we continue talking, Katsuragi out of curiosity asks, "So, that's only one of them?"

"Yup." I leave it at that since I'm still not too comfortable revealing everything.

They decided to drop it but Asuka, Katsuragi and Ikaruga tried to pry deeper into it but I refused them and we went to more mundane subjects. By the end of it I got to know quite a bit about the girls and we seperated.

Though I didn't mention that their teacher was looking to meet me and we went our separate ways as I heard Hibari exclaim, "Ah!"

Not looking to stay around them longer than needed, I ran away.


Though now I'm staring at a group of five girls, Hibari and Asuka pouting, Yagyu glaring, Katsuragi smirking, and Ikaruga with her hands on her hips as she's tapping her foot impatiently.

We stared at each other as I inhaled slowly, "This… is…" For once my mind blanked as I decided to not say anything and dashed the other way and I heard them exclaim as I ran into the school and they followed in the halls as I used my superior footwork to stop myself from colliding with students.

Finally, I slid under a girl's skirt as I apologized as I got up and looked down the stairs and see Yagyu waiting for me as I click my tongue and enter a random classroom and close the door behind me as I open a window and looked back to see four of them staring at me with wide eyes as I wink, "Sorry, but I'm kinda busy."

Jumping out from the second story windows as I land on a tree as I use a thick branch to slow my descent and continue running as I wave them away, forgetting the fifth member.


Grinning, I lean on the rooftop as I see four girls look around as I hide in the shadows and grin.

"They sure have trouble finding their target." I mumble as I see Ikaruga look up as I lean back and look up to see Asuka's face as she gives me a curious look.

"Wow, I didn't know you were a Shinobi too Caleb-kun." Asuka said with wide eyes.

"I'm not." I retort with as much honesty I could muster as I try to hide my surprise.

Which is true. I was trained in the art of assassination but focus on all the disciples of the Sublime Way.

"But, you hid your presence so well." Asuka explains as she straightens up.

"I've learnt a few skills here and there." I explain vaguely as neither of us move.

FInally, I sigh, "Fine, let's go."

"Yay!" Asuka cheers.

Once we were walking to the school, there was silence as she tried to have conversation with me and I proceeded to shut down any conversation.

"Where are you from?"

"Texas."

"Is it hot over there?"

"Yes."

"Can't you at least try to keep the conversation going?"

"No."

Finally, an interruption was found in the form of two kids scaring Asuka, who jumped onto my arm as her breasts pushed up against my arm and I found my opening.

"You know, you're kind of a scaredy cat." I tease as she turns to me and pouts.

"I'm not, I was just caught off-guard." She tries to argue.

"By kids?" I add with an amused grin as she looks away.

"For a shinobi you really have no awareness of your surroundings." I continue as she starts blushing.

Soon, after a bit of teasing, she's blushing up a storm and has had enough, "Mou~, that's enough. I'll show you I'm not a scaredy-cat!"

"Hoh~," I hum with amusement, "and how are you gonna do that?"

"Um, we'll… watch a horror movie." Fuck.

No, we aren't.

"Nah, not scary enough." I wave it away as I spot a poster.

Grinning, I point at it, "What about the carnival that's here? They have a haunted house based off of the Five Nights at Freddy's franchise and a few roller coasters."

I could see her pale as I smirked. Bingo.


I hate horror movies. Plain and simple.

Everything else I can do. Gory games and movies are nothing. Hell, compared to real life it's nothing.

There's just something about horror movies that I hate.

But that's another thing entirely.

I felt someone grab my hand as I turned to see Asuka with a blush as she didn't look me in the eye as we went up a roller coaster.

That said, I pull my hand back as I look her in the eye as they widen in horror as I smugly grin when we're at the top.

Then the screams begin as I laugh while on the roller coaster.


"C'mon scaredy-cat." I continue goading as I have Asuka's arm around my shoulders as her legs shake.

"I-I'm not a s-scaredy-c-cat." She stutters out as I laugh, though inwardly, I feel respect bloom.

It may have been for pride, but facing your fears no matter for what reason it may be, is still very admirable.

"C'mon, let's go sit down for a bit." I say as we move to a bench as people pass us.

"I'm going to get a few drinks, want something?" I ask as she nods.

After she tells me what she wants, I walk away as I activate Hearing the Air and listen.

There, the sound of candy in people's pockets.

Now, listen into conversations around those people.

Found them.

"What is Asuka doing, she should be bringing him in." I hear Ikaruga say as I use reflective surfaces to look for them.

Nothing, they're well-hidden.

Shrugging, I got the drink that Asuka asked for and I got myself a Sprite.


As for the other four Shinobis, they were spectating the young man as Katsuragi looked on in interest, Ikaruga at Katsuragi in frustration, Hibari was feeling jealous, not that she herself knew it, and Yagyu alternated between worrying over Hibari and discreetly glaring at Caleb.

"That's enough of this farce, I'm going to get them." Ikaruga grumbles but is stopped by Katsuragi.

"C'mon, let's leave them alone for a bit, we may find out something surprising." Katsuragi whispers as she holds Ikaruga back.

"But we already know enough." Yagyu speaks up as she remembers his record.

"Yeah but it's too vague. There's nothing concrete on him. Besides, maybe we can see something he doesn't show anyone else." Katsuragi explains in a rare moment of planning.

Ikaruga paused her struggling as Katsuragi let her go only for Ikaruga to turn with a suspicious glare, "Who are you and what have you done to my partner?"

The only response she got was an amused glare as they continued tailing Caleb and Asuka.


Though now Asuka is being hit on by a group of boys.

Shrugging, I purposely bump my shoulder into one of them as I ignore the others and present her a water bottle, "Here."

"Ah, thanks?" She asks with uncertainty.

"Hey, who the hell are you?" one of the punks asks as I turn to them.

While the glare I gave them was far from the Iron Guard's Glare but it was good enough for a bunch of punks, "None of your business." I say calmly as they step back from the intensity of my glare

"W-whatever." The leader mumbles as he walks away and his lackeys follow. Clicking my tongue, I couldn't help but compare the thugs in the places I've been through and find one constant, show a little bit of backbone and they're gone. Unless you're in America, then they usually have guns.

Sighing as I sit down next to her, I mumble an apology as she shakes her head, "No, it's fine."

We sat there for a bit while drinking from our drinks before I released a heavy sigh as I got up and extended a hand, "C'mon. We've still got to go to a few more places."

Her face pales and mine only gains a grin as she sighs heavily.


"I'm not scared, I'm not scared." Asuka mumbles to herself again and again.

We're currently inside a haunted house as we're walking around and Asuka's trying to convince herself that she's not afraid.

Grinning, I lean over her and whisper, "Boo."

"Kya!" She jumps as she pauses for a second and glares at me with a pout, "Mou, Caleb-kun."

"Only Caleb, I already told you this." I retort as she returns to her place, holding my arm and pressing it against her chest as we walk in the haunted house as we wait for the jumpscares to begin.

I inhale through my nose as I blank out for a second.

The Tiger Claw discipline goes off as my ki starts becoming unstable in anger as I bit my lip and activated Hunter's Sense.

So I was right. The girls still are following us.

I clamped down on my arousal as I took in their scents. They all smell awesome in their own ways.

A loud sound happened as I jumped and Asuka screamed as she held on harder and I clamped down on my instincts to attack as I briefly fought for control with myself and came out victorious.

Deactivating my Hunter's Sense, I hear Asuka say, "That was scary~."

I sigh as I look around, "We can always leave you know?"

There are doors that lead to the ending without going through the main area.

"N-no. I sa-said I was g-going to go through with this. And that's what I'm going to do." She manages to stutter out with a deep breath.

"You know, that'd sound better if your legs weren't shaking and you weren't holding on to me." I said, hiding the respect in my eyes.

"H-hey! Don't leave me!" She called as we went deeper into the haunted house.

As we continued, Asuka kept getting scared with me only having small jumps usually. Finally, we passed the final scare to come with a problem.

"I can't get up." Asuka admits as she refuses to look me in the eyes.

"We could have quit whenever. What is it with you girls and injuring yourselves proving something?" I grumble as I crouch down, "Hold on."

"Wait, wh-ah!" She exclaims as I carry her into a princess carry to her embarrassment, "What are you doing!?"

"Carrying you out. It's already pretty late so your friends are probably worried about you." I say as I ignore the ominous aura coming from behind me.

"C-can't you do it some other way?" Asuka mumbles with a flushed face as I continue walking.

"Yeah, not happening." I say since I'm already devoted to what I'm doing.

"...Fine." She mumbles as I ignore the stares as we come out of the haunted house and she explodes into a bigger blushing mess.

"Hey Caleb, what did you mean about us injuring ourselves to prove something?" She asked once we were outside as I quirked a brow.

"You heard that? Well, Hibari was doing the same thing as you. Trying to prove something and getting herself hurt because of it." I explain as I continue walking out of the carnival before letting her on her feet as she finds her balance.

"Well, I guess now you think I'm a coward." Asuka says as I pause and stare at her face as amusement wells in me.

Finally, I hold a hand to my mouth as I snicker, "Sorry. Not what you think."

"Then why are you laughing?" She glares as I calm down.

I pat her head as I smile, "You're not a coward. A coward, Asuka, would have run while it was happening, but you stayed. You saw it through to the best of your abilities. There's nothing wrong with being afraid, but letting those fears control you is something you should never let happen."

Retracting my hand I place them in my pockets and walk away. I call back, "Courage is something any warrior needs Asuka. You'll do fine."

I missed the blush on her face as I walked back home, ignorant of the circumstance I left Asuka in.


Right now, Asuka is developing a crush on our resident morally questionable knight, Hibari is pouting in jealousy, and Yagyu is glaring at Caleb's back in jealousy while Ikaruga scolded Asuka for letting him go while Katsuragi only stared at his back.

"Honestly, flirting with the target Asuka." Ikaruga shakes her head in disappointment while Hibari fidgets at that.

"It's not like that! He challenged me and called me a scaredy-cat. I couldn't just let that go! And we weren't flirting!" Asuka exclaimed into the night in denial.


A falchion cut into the air as Caleb spun and parried an imaginary opponent before retaliating as the Faithful Avenger, a cold iron falchion with a dull steel blade and its hilt inlaid with ivory and onyx.

Caleb jumps into a spinning hook kick that follows with the falchion as I slice the air. Caleb clicks his tongue as he lands and slices the air. He continues the attacks as he grits his teeth and his eyes are covered by his bangs. Finally, he stops mid-swing and gets out of his fighting stance as his grip on the handle tightens, "Why?"

He starts shaking as the anger in his eyes becomes obvious as he yells and throws the sword as it cuts into the tree trunks before stopping at a rock and digging itself deep into it.

Caleb's anger turns to sadness as he falls to his knees, "Why? Why won't it activate?"

His stare turns from the ground to the moon as he mumbles, "Is my devotion to my survival not enough?"

Caleb's entire figure conflicts with the previous image of a confident warrior he was showing previously, now seeming like a vulnerable child as he fought back tears.

"Don't cry," a harsh voice said, "crying invites opportunity. It helps no one and wastes time you could be training."

Snarling, Caleb whispers to himself, "I'll say it as many times as needed. I will kill you. Even if you become a god, I'll drag you to the pits of Hell and rip you limb by limb if I have to."


I open my eyes as I manage to get some shut-eye after tiring myself out last night. Getting up, I groan as I hear incessant knocking on the door as I groan.

"Wait! Lemme take a shower." I manage to growl out as the knocking stops and I grumble.

A few minutes later and I'm wearing a black long-sleeved undershirt with the short-sleeved button-up shirt over it, slacks, and sneakers.

"Yea-ah!?" I exclaim as I'm tackled by a blonde bombshell but don't fall as she hangs on.

"Gotcha, now you can't escape~." Katsuragi says as her hands start roaming a little bit too much.

A sheath hits her head as she freezes before falling as Ikaruga scolds her, "Katsuragi! We're trying to bring him to Sensei, not push him away."

"Aww~, but it's not like he didn't enjoy it~?" She gives me a sly smirk.

"Do that again and I'm throwing you outside." I say as she trips up when she follows.

"What? I thought guys liked it when cute girls hug them?" Katsuragi asked as I sighed.

"I don't like being hugged by people. Much less people I don't know." I explain as Katsuragi eyes widen and she chuckles awkwardly.

"Ah. Sorry 'bout that." Katsuragi apologizes with a sheepish grin.

"That said, Hibari could you stop pinching my side?" I asked as Hibari's pout only intensified as I flinched.

"What are you even angry about?" I ask Hibari as her glare turns to me before her pout returns and she turns away while crossing her arms.

"Nothing." She pouts as I sigh.

I tried to turn to Ikaruga who gave me a stern glare like I was the one at fault.

Okay, maybe, just maybe, I am the one at fault. But I don't know why!

Though Katsuragi's look makes me wish it stays like that.

I ignore it as I jump over the railing as I land and quirk a brow at the girl's surprised reactions, "What? You know I'm not normal, so why hide it?" I ask as I walk with Asuka who was at the bottom of the stairs

Well, time to face the music.


A/N: I'm here! With what I believe is a sub-par chapter. Hope you enjoyed the fight scene and the interactions that are fine. Next chapter, those interactions should go deeper so I hope you enjoyed!