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Review Shoutouts

The Storyteller993 – Yeah, me and typos still have a complicated relationship, yet we're still together. But now is the final buildup to the grand event.


The embodiment of weirdness – But now's the time for Kazuko's most important moment not just in her physical training, but her mental training as well… But I'll leave things there.


Dv880 – Well just like I told the others, the harem route will be a thing during the Agave route, but I will have a treat for you guys in this one. It's not a harem, but I hope it'll satiate you guys.


Majikoi – Love Me Seriously - Kazuko Route

Daughter of Kawakami – Part 11

To Save A Dream – Part 3

August 7th, 2009, Friday

(Secret Base)

We'd just finished out Friday meeting and we're all gathered up and ready to leave; Wanko like always is training away using a set of curls she brought with her.

"Next up, curls! Hoh, hoh, hoh, hoh…!" I could hear her rhythmic breathing.

"Wanko, you're really fired up." Momoyo pointed out.

"Yep! I'm coming for you, Onee-sama! I won't hold anything back, I will beat you!" Kazuko declared as she pointed at her older sister figure.

"Hoh… Her eyes are so honest… so brave and adorable… But I can't hug her, not right now. That's the pain of being a warrior." Momoyo was now squirming on the ground.

"Yo, what's up? Momo-senpai, what're you squirming around for?" Kazama asked at the display of his senior's weird behavior.

"It's the pain of a sister not able to hug her precious sibling, unable to do anything about it." I explain to him.

"Ah well… it is good this hasn't damage their relationship in any serious way." Chris pointed out.

"Obon seasons' coming up. Any of you guys got plans?" Kazama asked around. "Me personally, just like I said back in Spring. I plan on fishing in Amami Ooshima! I'll even go scuba diving and explore all those underwater caves!"

"Capt, did you get the license for that?" Moro asks him.

" 'Course I did. I'm planning on becoming an Adventurer, aren't I?"

"Then you're all prepared I suppose. For me, I'll be going to ComiFes and playing games at home." Moro replied.

"I will spend my days pickin' up chicks. And if that fails, I guess I'll hang at Moro's place and we can play games." Gakuto said.

"So you're saying you're never leaving Moro's place?" Yamato quips at the musclehead.

"Wah! That's too stifling even for summer." Moro's reaction got one out of Gakuto as he looks betrayed.

"Heh, talk all you want. Girls go wild over the summer, and I'm gonna snipe them down." Gakuto said still being defiant.

"I feel the same way. I'll spend half my time training, and the other half being up to no good." I merely roll my eyes at Momoyo's confession to merely good off. "Maybe I'll have some fun with some hot foreign chicks."

"If there's more than you can handle, ring me. I'll take some off your hands." Gakuto told her.

"Good lord… Tweedledee and Tweedledum here…" I very much kept that last part to myself. I like living you know?

"I will be traveling Japan with my father and Maru-san." Chris said excitedly.

"I'm going back home for Obon." Mayucchi simply said.

"I have to go home too. It doesn't sound like Dad's doing very well." Miyako informs us.

"Damn, everything okay? And I mean everything." Kazama checks on her.

"Mn-hm. I have here. I'm fine really." Miyako tries to play it off.

"Anything happens, gimme a call. I'll run straight from Amami." Kazama says.

"Gakuto and I should mostly be free, so we can help you, Miyako." Moro said on his behalf and Gakuto's.

"Same here. Don't hesitate to ask." Yamato tells her, making her smile grow even bigger.

"And even though I'll be away as well, you can call me or Kazuko anytime." I tell her.

Miyako's smile grows a bit mischievous, "Then maybe I will."

"I certainly won't mind." I tell her as I rub her head.

"Thanks everyone. That's more than enough. Wait, Wanko; Nagamasa said you two would be leaving. Where are you two going?" Miyako inquired.

"I'm going to train in the mountains, and Nagamasa is coming with me to be my support." Kazuko said.

"That sounds awesome! That sounds like something I wanna do!" Kazama said, a sudden fire in his eyes.

"Like she said, I'll be going with her to support her and help her in her training." I replied.

"Mmm… I don't like the idea of you being alone in the mountains and with another girl… it feels lonely, but I guess since Yamato's here, it won't be so bad." Miyako says with a small smile.

"Yeah, I don't have anywhere special to go so I'll probably just be doing my own thing." Yamato replied.

"But even so, the both of you are going into the mountains, alone?" Miyako really emphasized that last word.

"Of course not. Assistant Master Lu will be coming to check on us occasionally, and in a tracksuit to boot." Maybe that'll placate her.

Miyako breathed a sigh of relief, "Whew, I was worried for a second there that love was in the air."

"That is certainly overthinking things. I know that Nagamasa-san trains and lives with the Kawakami sisters, but I hardly imagine Dog sees Nagamasa as a love interest." Oh Chris, why do you do this!?

I look over to Wanko to see her blushing, "Huh…?"

Chris caught Wanko's off-guard reaction, "Hmm? What was that…?"

Still trying to find an answer, Wanko occasionally glanced over at me, "Uh… Umm…? Eheh… I don't know?"

"!" I could feel my cheeks suddenly get hot and red, and I'm sure some of them say me!

"Out! That's plenty bad!" Miyako objected, "I guess I'll have to join you two in the mountains. Or so I'd like to say, but I'll hold myself back. I can withstand anything."

"Really? Be honest with yourself." I reply sarcastically. "And stop showing off."

But still… Wanko's reaction to Chris's innocent question still made me think about her. I like Wanko too, no… more like I do love her. But from her hesitancy, I can tell she's trying to figure things out for herself.

But I could tell from that as well she thought of me as more than a friend, so I guess I'm alright with that. At the end of the day who knows… maybe she doesn't? It's her life, I want her to live it her way.

And so we all went our separate ways, Moro and Momoyo going another saying something about how she wanted to borrow a game of his while Wanko and I headed back with the others for the dorm. We'd need to pack our essentials for the trip up the mountain.

But there was also something else I'd need to learn first…

We finally made it back to the dorm and we were in Mayucchi's room with Kazuko lying on her stomach.

"Bwah… I'm so tired…" She said a well… tired sigh.

"So next, you push up on her hips." Mayucchi said demonstrating what I should do. "Then thrust, like so…"

"Ahhh! That feels so good! ~" A moan of pain-relieving pleasure escaped Wanko's mouth.

"I see… next then is her legs?" I asked.

"Yes, then for her legs, take the thigh and…" As Mayucchi showed me, I could feel Wanko's body try to relax itself.

"Ahh… That hit the spot ~" Another relieving moan escaped once again.

"That seems good. A good forceful massage." Mayucchi seemed satisfied with my practice run.

"Hmm, I guess I can see why sports therapists go hard when massaging athletes; the more pressure, the better, I assume?" I inquire.

"Yes. Then the next is… like this!"

"This!?"

"Yes!"

"Aaahhh! ~" Yet another moan… And by now, I'm more than certain a few of the girls and even the guys down below could hear her being so loud… I love this girl. But this is embarrassing a little bit…

Just outside the room, a purple haired archer watches the scene with glinted eyes, "Mmm… if Nagamasa slips up just one bit, the arrow of love with pierce his heart."

I could've sworn I felt a presence nearby, but that was drowned out by the singing entrance of Chris and Margit as they headed downstairs for the bath.

I can see why this place is never a dull moment…


August 9th, 2009, Sunday

Today was out first day in the mountains.

Lu-sensei was there waiting for us at the site we'd chosen to make our camp, "Alright, it seems you've built up quite nicely these past few weeks."

Wanko had finally taken off her restraints for the first time since she'd first started, "Yeah! And I feel so free without my restraints, I just wanna jump!"

And doing so Kazuko launched herself into the air falling back down, and doing so again getting a rhythm going. It still wasn't as high as Tesshin or Momoyo's but it was something, it had to be…

"Amazing… the results are clearly obvious, but as always, a martial artist must always strive to better themselves then they are now. Still as I said, Nagamasa-san, thanks." Lu-sensei said as he bowed slightly to me. '

"No, all of it was from her hard work, but these next several weeks will be the most crucial. Her physical strength I believe can still be refined, but her spiritual strength is still not in complete balance. She will get here." I reply.

"You sound more and more like a martial arts teacher everyday, are you certain you do not want a future in martial arts?" Lu-sensei asks. He's like the third person I swear…

"No, I don't think a life of martial arts is for me, I feel it might be too late given my history and even if I were to dedicate myself to nothing but my studies and training I don't think I'll get to that level yet." I answered.

"I see, but still let us begin. Kazuko, look upriver, that is where your real training begins." He pointed towards the rushing waterfall.

"That waterfall? It looks so pretty." Kazuko admired the natural sight.

"Stand in front of it, and let your mind go blank, and practice the technique." Lu told her.

"You me to practice Agito here?" She inquired.

"Yes. Legends have it that the founder of Kawakami Temple himself trained in the way of the naginata here as well. Let your heart give thanks that you can wield the naginata, and wield it well." Lu-sensei explained.

"Giving thanks for the ability to learn martial arts? I suppose that makes sense, but only in a narrow way." I say.

"Give thanks to your ability to walk this path, the people who've supported you along the way, and the mountain that provides us this training ground. DO that, and one day your blade will surpass the limits of speed. 5,000 reps! The rest of your time will be spent training up here with me."

"Yes sir!" Looks like I'm going to literally be her "supporter" this time around.

"Twenty days remain. you'll be focusing strictly on the tenets of martial arts." Lu-sensei commented.

"Come to think of it… isn't that what I always do?" Wanko pointed out.

Lu chuckled, "You're right. This is largely a harder version of what you've been doing. Yes, and that means you are preparing for more than just one fight. You would not even be able to this training without the foundation built through your daily efforts."

"Okay, I'll do my best! That's what I'm good at!" Kazuko cheered.

"Yeah, go beyond your limits!" I cheered for her. "Tell me if there's anything I can do to help."

"Yeah, thanks!" She smiled at me.

"At this juncture, I believe you will only be supporting her and watching over her." Lu-sensei said.

"That's fine with me. I brought some material with me to pass the time." I replied.

"Yeah, you came super prepared. You even carried the most between the two of us." And off she went, "Okay, time to get started!"

Putting on the braces again and taking up her naginata; she swung at the waterfall, "One…!"

And so began her intense training session. And just that night—

"Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow…!" Wanko was in pain, but now I was massaging her.

"Grit your teeth and bear with it. I have to massage you down all over..." I can feel how tense she was even as I put as much pressure as I could, at least making sure not to hurt her.

"Ooh… it even hurts too much to sleep." Wanko whined again.

"That's why you need this." I told her.

"Hmm, I see you're better at massages than I am." With that I continued to knead at her sore muscles.

When I moved onto her arms, "H-Hey! Y-You just bulldozed my arm! I felt that!"

"You're fine, you're fine… Just let me get on top now, okay?" With that I moved onto her hips.

"Ah, hey, that feels—wah! ~" This just feels wrong, yet it's somehow the right thing to do.

"See? Doesn't it feel good to have your hips massaged?" I ask her.

"Awah… Sheesh… Suit yourself…" With that listless sigh her whole body seem to go soft as if the massage was finally taking effect.

"Then it's my turn. I use acupuncture. I'll use these needles to stimulate your vital points." With a needle in his hand he poked at a place on Kazuko's body.

"Oof!" She must've felt that…

"With that all of this exhaustion will feel like a thing of the past. Between Nagamasa's massages and my acupuncture treatment, your body is in good hands." Lu-sensei said.

"Okay…" Kazuko seemed to accept it. "Zzz…"

And promptly fell asleep… we left her like that after putting a blanket over her in the tent.

"Then I'll be heading home. The rest is up to you." Lu-sensei says as he heads down the mountain path.

"Yes, I'll look after her. I know everyone will probably be worrying over us despite us telling everyone. And tell the Principal and Momoyo we said 'Hello.'" I told him.

"Haha, of course. I will see you in a few days to see her progress as well as administer he acupuncture treatment. Goodbye." And with that he jogged down the path.

Heading back to the I spotted Kazuko sleeping peacefully, "At least she's got me watching over her. I know she won't have issues with the training regimen, but nature's annoyances could get in the way. Guess I should be glad I packed plenty of bug spray for two weeks.

"Zzz… Zzz…" She was softly snoring.

"But at the same time, I need to make sure she doesn't break down in the process." And with that watching over Kazuko became the main task I had during the rest of out time up here.

I just hope leeches don't travel this far up…

"Zzz… Nagamasa… Zzz…" Hmm? Was she… dreaming about me? "I'm hungry… Zzz…"

"Yes, yes, there'll be breakfast when you wake up." Though mostly canned food, I can probably find some natural herbs and plants up here. I bought a herbology book with me so I'm sure I won't just pick some poisonous plant out of nowhere.


August 15th, 2009, Saturday

Nearly a week had passed by since the start of her mountain training. As for Wanko…

"Seyah!" She was swinging her naginata with as much furor as ever. When her blade sliced through the waterfall, the droplets sparkled in the sun.

"Hmm, so earnest and dedicated." I could feel her raw intensity she poured into her training which left me in awe. But I could tell it was different there, there was a crispness to her strikes. They were more straight, narrow and on target. But even so, there was still this one thing that pulled on her…

"Seeiigh!" She swung her polearm again. Her physical technique was superb, as sharp as could be. But the mental hole in her heart was still there.

"Huff, huff, huff…" That now was probably the most prominent question on her own mind. But that was her journey, not mine. "Seigh!"

I was her supporter. Her second. If no one else was in her corner to believe in her dream, who else?

"Hah!" And even as the water soaked her face, she didn't blink or flinch. All she did was swing and focus on the waterfall. And still she'd clear her quota, and then some more. "To defeat Onee-sama… No, Momoyo! Seyah!"

I could hear her shout echo through the mountainside. And so after 5, 500 swings later…

"Ah… I can't move anymore…" She whined again for the umpteenth time this week.

"You've been like this every night since we started." We were in the tent, with Wanko dead tired.

"Your muscles are always so tense afterwards, I'll massage them out for you…" I say that as I do just that.

"Mmmn? But you're always so mean with your hands." She whined again.

"Just surrender. You can't resist, right?" And with that I started massaging her.

"Waaahhh! It always feels so good…" She moaned out as my hands kneaded her tense muscles.

"You like it here, right?!" I went at her hips, which seemed to be her favorite place strangely.

"Gah…! It tingles…! ~"

"Why do we do this same routine every night? Besides making sure you don't wake up in pain?" But I can start to feel her body loosen as she seems to pick up normal conversation.

"You've started adding things to the food in the mornings right? Is it stuff from the mountain?" She asked.

"Yep. I might be a city boy from America, but that's not to say I don't know my way around a nature book or the great outdoors. I can find a few fruits, herbs and nuts." I replied.

"I want to eat fish too." She asked for, more like begged.

"Well we don't have any rods, but the idea of fishing au natural does sound invigorating for some reason." I tell her. "I'll see what I can do."

"Normally you or Yamato would get mad at me for acting spoiled." She points out.

"Well, as of now, me helping you is my job. Alright, stick your leg out next." I tell her.

"Okay. Do whatever you want." She freely gives me her left leg.

Going to work, "Hmph! I'll get your circulation going!"

Looking back at her, Wanko's eyelids began to droop, "My mind's… going faint…"

"Well if you're tired, go to bed. That's what you've done the last few days anyhow." But I start to see Wanko's look grow a bit unsure.

"Hey, Naga? Can I do this?" She asks me.

"Hmm? What do you mean?" I ask her, the question quite obvious.

"I'm doing all this training, but… Can I hit her?" Hearing her self-doubt like this is really… something hearing it in person. From her unsure rant after school that one day to creeping self-doubt was just… something.

"I mean… I'm getting worried." I finally said to her…

"I do believe in you. But at the end of the day, the naginata will be in your hands. Not mine. This battle will be between you and her if and when it happens." I tell her.

"Nagamasa…"

"There's only two weeks left before the tournament begins." I remind her.

"Yeah… I don't want to leave anything on the table." She tells me.

"Yeah. Give it everything, and even then… give more than your limit." I say trying to encourage her.

"Thanks!" That seemed to get her spirits back up.


August 18th, 2009, Tuesday

"Another day of training awaits!" I say greeting the morning sky.

"Okay…" Kazuko however, is not as energetic as she has been.

"Hey, are you alright? Did you recover fully from yesterday?" I ask her with a bit of concern.

"I-I'm fine, really. Is this really going to work? But I have to try!" It seems her self-doubt from before is still creeping inside, yet she's trying to keep going. Her morale is falling, little by little.

With all of that pressure, the though of not being able to complete her technique began to weigh on her mind and heart.

"Hm, but what can I… Hm! Who's there!?" I threw a pebble in one direction and heard it clang against steel.

"Hey! You throw rocks at people now for fun or something!?" There's only one person with a lovely voice like that. "So this is where you two were, huh?"

Azumi Oshitari, the head maid of the junior group and Hideo's personal maid. Which means the man himself is not far behind.

"Why are you here?" I asked her, my brow furrowed.

"Guhh, there's no reception up here… Set up this simple antenna and… here." Azumi quickly sets out a receiver and antenna set as she pulls out what seems to be a radio of some kind. "I found them, Hideo-sama! ~"

Oh god, that voice!

"Yes, they're at Point Zelda. We're awaiting your arrival." With that she hung up.

"Answer me. Why're you two up here?" I asked again, my hand traveling to my hilt.

"Get ahold of your britches. You think I want to be up here?! Just seeing all these damn mountains… reminds me of those hellholes in Afghanistan…" Oh yeah, forgot sometimes nearly all of the maids and butlers in Kuki are either veterans, mercenaries, or martial artists in their own rights.

Ruling the business world is one thing, but having your own private army is just… I'm going to get into that. Save it for another route…

Kazuko then comes over, "Don't tell me Kuki-kun's coming here too?!"

"Sure is! Wouldn't take no for an answer. So just stick around for a few." Azumi told us.

"How'd you even know we were up here? Who told you?" I asked her again, her ignoring me was pissing me off.

"Well, I don't have time for that. I'm going to start doing push-ups. One, two…" And so Kazuko began doing push-ups.

"It's like you don't know what sitting still even is." Azumi commented.

"After seeing her, do you really think she even knows what sitting still even is? Now tell me, what are you doing out here?"

"You can keep asking as much as you like." Azumi smirks. "But Hideo-sama will explain the rest."

Hideo…

And so after a few more minutes, the man himself finally arrived, "Goodness, to find you here training in the mountains! But that is a standard thing for a martial artist. I shouldn't be surprised by your choice, Kazuko-dono."

"Uh… So what's going on, Kuki-kun?" Kazuko was still quite obviously uncomfortable around him.

"Grant me the honor of supporting you, Kazuko-dono!" Hideo suddenly asked. What the fu-?!

"Bwuh!?" Kazuko was shocked.

"I heard about your tale and wish to provide you with the best world-class training facility to assist you in your training! With the best doctors, chefs and coaches available!" Hideo offered.

But this sudden offer was a lot to Kazuko, "Umm… W-wait…"

"Which is to say, I have already done so." Hideo replied.

"Huh? You have?" Dude, you did all that before you ask the girl?! What are you doing trying to guilt her or suffocate her? Hell, it might be both.

"Yes, unlike here, you will have the chance to bring out your utmost strength! Come, Kazuko-dono!" Alright, that's it!

"Oi, Kuki! Quit forcing everything on her at once! You don't even know what she wants to do! Let her think for a second!" I argue back with him.

"Nagamasa. I can tell you are a man of logic, are you not? Even you must see that I can provide her with the best!"

So what? Even then, it's her decision to make… that's final.

"Do you not doubt, Kazuko-dono, that your current method of training may be flawed?" Kuki asks her.

"I-I…" Kazuko struggles to find her voice.

"Then let me support you! I insist!" Hideo continued to ask her.

"Umm…" Kazuko seemed to finally have a breather to herself.

"What is it?" Hideo asks her.

"Kuki-kun, why would you do all of this for me?" She asks him.

"My love is infinite!" Was his immediate confession.

Kazuko then followed up with, "Why do you like me?"

"The sight of your training is beauty itself?" Was his reply.

"When I was covered in sweat from running around?" Kazuko seemed to reply in a way that seemed… expectant?

"Yes, precisely! I felt compelled to support you! Though, that alone does not make it clear I suppose. Then let me convey to you a story from my childhood.

"Your childhood?" Kazuko asked.

I remembered this. It really did show me that deep down, his feelings while genuine I think we're still shadowed by an overbearing portrait he'd made of Kazuko.

His story of how he'd survived a terrorist attack changed his life, but it didn't destroy everything.

As a child, despite being the heir to one of Japan's largest companies, Mikado was willing to let his son put his heart and soul into achieving his own dream of being a professional baseball player. Of one day taking the sport by storm as it's number 1 player.

But all of that hard work, probably years he put into it, ended when one day an explosion rocked a conference center and the injury he sustained, while not fatal made it so that he could never be able to play professionally ever.

And even after so many years of physical therapy at best he could only throw a few pitches before his right shoulder would begin to flare again in pain, the sign that his past dream was gone.

But he didn't let that stop him. If he couldn't achieve his old dream, he could find a new one and still reach the top with his own hands. And so he made the decision to make Kuki Corp., the number 1 company in the world of business.

It might not be what he had dreamed of as a child, but it was something that gave him a new purpose and he was able to pick himself back up again.

It was also this incident that Azumi first met Hideo and was inspired by his tenacity and bravery in the face of a deadly situation he'd gotten caught up in.

And perhaps in some way was what started her down her unrequited path of love with him. But after that miracle, she'd begun to serve him as his maid; climbing the ranks of the Kuki Corp's Butler and Maid unit becoming one it's best among the youths.

But Kazuko and I listened to his story as he finally ended it with Kazuko asking, "And so that's why you've supported me?"

"Seeing you train so fervently reminds me of my past self's old memories. My dream ended unfulfilled, I would like to see yours succeed! Hence once more, I offer my assistance, Kazuko-dono!"

"So that's why, thanks." Kazuko replied, but it seemed more like she was understanding him, and not… accepting his offer? "I appreciate it… I guess."

"Yes, that smile! That too bewitched my heart!" Yes, yes we know that…

"But… I'm sorry. I can't, Kuki-kun." Kazuko rejected his offer, but it seems that went in one ear and out the other.

"Aye Kant? Is that some great man? Surely he can't be my equal."

Oh great god… are you deaf!? "I'm fairly certain we both just heard her say no."

"I won't be going to your facility." She made it more clear this time.

Hideo was shook, "Wh-whyever not?! I shall not move from this pot until I have herd your reason!"

"Assistant Master Lu's the best coach I could ask for. And Nagamasa's supporting me too. So I'm going to keep training here!" Hideo noticed the resoluteness in her eyes.

"Kazuko-dono…" Hmm?!

Azumi had drawn her blades, but my sword had collided with them, "Tch… tell me you're not blowing off Hideo-sama's generosity off."

"I'd never do that!" Kazuko declared.

Azumi and I put away our steel as she replied, "Hmm?"

"Kuki-kun, your support really did move me! That will give me the strength to keep going!" Kazuko replied.

"Hold up. That's no reason to—" But Hideo stopped her, raising his hand.

"Restrain yourself, Azumi. That is… reason enough. I am glad I was able to provide even the smallest amount of assistance, Kazuko-dono." Hideo's voice strained, but he accepted Kazuko's decision.

"Thank you!" And Kazuko was happy about it.

"Time grows short! I shall make way from here majestically! It shall be a king's homecoming! Farewell!" And with that he was gone with Azumi on his tail.

"Leaves just as suddenly as he appears, that's Kuki Hideo for you I guess." I pointed out.

"Heheh… But I feel so much better now. Yeah, I can do this…" Just then both our phones blew up as we received notifications about new messages and missed calls.

"Oh, look with that antenna they left we now have cell reception. Geez, I can't believe how many I've got. Even though I told them I was going to be in the mountains for a whole month." Kazuko picked up her phone too.

"Really? Let's see… I got a bunch here too!" Seems everyone else was blowing up Kazuko's phone too. We even got texts from everyone in the Kazama family.

Momoyo was… herself.

Mayucchi was with her family for Obon in Ishikawa.

Chris was with her dad.

Takuya was at a local shrine.

Gakuto, Kazama Miyako and Yamato all gave us their own encouraging messages, many of which were ones directed at Kazuko to keep going.

"Everyone's cheering me on… Yeah, I'm so lucky just to have fiends like you, and to have this chance. I can't waste time complaining and panicking! I finally understand what the Assistant Master said before…" With that Kazuko took up her naginata and faced the waterfall.

"The point isn't just to swing it X number of times a day… I have to let my thanks for everyone flow through every swing, to make each one count…! Seigh!"

With one cut, the waterfall looked like for a brief moment there was nothing but a hole in it?!

"Whoa, that was a lot cleaner than before, you rock Wanko!" I cheered her on.

"Eheh… that's because I'm putting all my spirit into it. I thought that, if I suffered enough, my hard work would pay off. But that was silly of me. You can't accomplish anything being that gloomy!" She swing her naginata again, and just like before the waterfall for a moment was cleaved in two.

"This is what it means to be thankful. I might not be able to go as fast, but that's fine. I have to make sure, every swing matters!"

"Yeah!" Her attacks proved she'd shaken off any of the doubts she'd had before. Her self-doubt of her strength was gone, but I knew there was one thing still holding her back…

"Ahaha! I love training!" Well, that's a declaration. But she's having the time of her life, and for the first time during her new training session, there wasn't a drop of sweat on her forehead, nor lining her brow.

You can pull this off Kazuko… I know you can…

There was now twelve days before the tournament—


August 22nd, 2009, Saturday

The both of us were cooking some fish I'd caught on the campfire we'd made, "The fish from the river are so good. We were right to bright salt."

"Yeah, living outdoors really does feel normal now." Kazuko seemed to finish her fish skewer already.

"Okay, now I'm strong again!" But she'd also started foraging for her own food herself. She'd become one with the mountain and honed her senses even further. "My naginata is one with heaven and earth! So thank you, Mother Nature, for providing me a place to train and food!"

"Swing! Swing!" Unlike before when she'd swing I could hear the water being batted aside, but now her blade was like paper, a flash and nothing else. She was a completely different person from when we started this journey.

A rainbow glistened where her naginata cut through the waterfall.

"Hah!" And the speed of her swings were now becoming somewhat hard to follow even for me. A cut upwards, with a sudden downswing. A two-part attack. With a move like that even if one were to guard, the second attack would come for them.

And then if one decided to meet it head on, the reach of the naginata gave her options. Even if she doesn't black this and it grazes her even a little bit…

There was just another week and that was it. I knew she could elevate to that level of technique.

"Seyah! Fmmph!" Huh? That was a rather… interesting practice noise to make. But even so, there was a beauty in Kazuko pouring her life into her art; that being the art form of martial arts itself.

I just couldn't look away…

"Raaahhh!" To have fallen in love with Wanko of all people like this… but to be completely honest maybe this made the most sense. From the very start we'd interacted from our school duel to now. It was almost like fate had made it for us to meet.

But I didn't believe in fate, just what humans could accomplish. To feel so much well… love. It truly was a heartwarming feeling. And all her sillier parts were just as charming now.

"Huff… huff… huff..."

"You're a terror!" I suddenly screamed. Why did I say that!?

"Hmm?" Wanko was just as confused as I was.

Later that night—

"Bleyah…" Wanko yawned as I finished the massage.

"Well, massage complete. Good work today." I told her.

"You can get into the hot springs first today, Nagamasa. If I went in now, I'd definitely fall asleep…" She said.

"Then I'd have to come drag you out." I teased.

She blushed as her ears laid down, "No… I'd be naked… "

"Well today's just a bit special. There's an event going on." I told her.

"What's happening?" She asked me.

"Remember? There's a fireworks festival in Kawakami now to celebrate Obon." I informed her.

"Oh yeah! It's August 22nd!" She realized.

"So let's set off a few fireworks of our won." I told her as I reached into a box pulling out some sparklers and a lighter.

"Oh, you actually brought some?" Wanko was excited.

"Well given how tired you've been at night like before, so I just brought some sparklers." I said pulling some out.

"That's more than plenty! Let's go, let's go!" She replied as I handed her one.

"Alright, alright; let me light them, and there!" I lit one of them, the sight bringing a smile to her face.

"Wow… So cool…" You really are a kid sometimes.

"But it's relaxing right? Here's yours." I lit hers for her.

"Thanks. If it keeps going for a full minute I'll pass the test." Haha, that's just precious.

"Then let's hope there's no wind here in the mountains." Don't jinx us now, me.

"Out here… even the sparklers look so pretty." Kazuko said as she relaxed watching the mini-fireworks.

"The others told me you like bottle rockets, but these have their own charm." I reply.

"Yeah… You're really considerate, Nagamasa." She says thanking me.

"I know there's not much in the way of entertainment up here, so… I wanted to do something to give you a change of pace." I say lightly.

"Wow, that's so kind…" But just then her sparkler and mine both went out. "Ah, there it goes…"

"I have more. Here." I gave her another one and lit it.

She happily takes it, "Hm."

"I'm sure Hideo would've put on some kind of display for you."

"This is more than fine." Then Kazuko started to shift around nervously, "So if I pass the test… how should I thank you?"

"You don't need to do that." I shake my head.

"Ooh, but then I'd feel guilty after everything you've done for me. What if I carried your bags for you every day?" She then started listing off things.

"No, what're you planning to be my servant?" I waved her off with chuckle.

"Or I could wake you up every morning?" I already kind of do that…

"I wake up at the same time as you guys."

But Kazuko seemed stubborn, "Come on, come on… Then what should I do?"

"Just be yourself. That's it, do that and you'd make me happy." I patted her head. "I'm doing this because I like you. So you don't need to do anything special."

Wanko's cheeks were dusted pink as I looked at her, "N-Nagamasa… Nagamasa!" Just then she tackled me, with a sparkler in her hand, still lit!

"Hey, whoa! Not when you've got fireworks in your hands!" she had jumped into my arms.

"I'm going to do my best on the test! So don't look away for a second!" Seeing those large, honest eyes of hers I couldn't help but be captivated for a moment.

But as she stared at me, I could see what looked like… passion in her eyes for a second? I know I didn't just woo her somehow, but… what's brought this on?

"So uh… let's get back to the fireworks." Wanko and I returned to the campsite as we sat down next to each other. Her arm then brushed mine.

"Heheheh…" And the mood feels just right too! "Heheheh ~" I know this helped her sure. It's taken her mind off all the pressure. And even then it doesn't change how I feel about her.

No matter what happens I'll tell her then. Right now, she needs to focus on the here and now.

I could then feel Wanko staring at me, "What is it?"

She smiled, "The way you look so deep in thought is always so cool."

Damn it… I wish I could be as pure as you…


August 26th, 2009, Wednesday

Today, Assistant Master Lu came to visit us. Wanko was training at the waterfall.

"Look! I'm able to do even this with the training restraints on!" She was now able to do the same cut as before even while held back by the restraints, cutting through the water cleanly.

"Amazing! Well done for coming so far! You have three days left to train, but the last day you will spend resting."

"Yes, sir!" Wanko replied.

"Then let's go for a jog." Lu-sensei offered.

"I don't know if you'll be able to keep up with me, Assistant Master." And off she went…

"You wouldn't be able to joke like that weeks ago, but with the progress she's made. Ver nice progress indeed." Lu-sensei watched as she ran off.

"Then I'll have something ready for you guys when you return." I began to set up the cooking pot.

"Oh yes, Nagamasa there was something I wanted to give you." Lu-sensei then reached into his pockets. For me?

He then pulled out… a photo?

And it was… Kazuko?! I'd recognize that red hair from anywhere. But the thing is… she's a baby in this photograph. Just a few months or a year old or two.

On the back it said, Kazuko – 2 years old

Where did he get this?

He'd already taken off, and I didn't want to distract Kazuko with it on the off chance she found it, so I put it in my bag.

About an hour or so later… "Huff, huff, huff… I didn't know you could run that fast Assistant Master."

"As have you young Kazuko, you have truly become one with the mountain. With this, I'm sure you will pass the test!" Lu cheered for her.

"Thank you very much!" Wanko appreciated it.

"While I could have taught you my Drunken Fist style, that would've been riskier. I'm glad this way worked out just as well."

"But isn't the Drunken Fist your most powerful Ultimate?" Wanko asked. "I want to know more about it."

"Well, we can save that for later. Personally, I like you as a martial artist." Oh, this is when Lu starts saying how he honestly feels about Momoyo…

"Th-Thank you." Kazuko replies.

"But to be honest, I don't like Momoyo." That immediately got rid of Wanko's smile.

"Huh?" She said.

"She's like Shakadou. She thinks strength is everything. But that is not what a martial artist should think. It's a killer's mindset. A mindset that leaves nothing but emptiness behind." Wanko was nearly speechless listening to Lu-sensei speak.

"Assistant Master Lu…"

"I do not believe a martial artist can afford to ignore their heart. Yet Momoyo's style is callously cold." But now Wanko was starting to get angry.

"Assistant Master!"

"As if she were only born to fight. But doesn't that seem strange to you. I can't accept that's the only path for her." But now Wanko was angry.

"Assistant Master, please! Stop!"

"Kazuko…"

"Please don't say anymore. I want to be an assistant master so I can support Onee-sama. So I don't want to hear mean things about her." Wanko told him.

"Kazuko… I think, as an assistant master, you can bring balance to Momoyo's spirit." Lu-sensei replied.

"Yes. I know Onee-sama struggles without having a rival. So I want to soothe that pain! And this is one step along that path!" Wanko…

"Yes. Good luck on the test." Lu-sensei replied.

"Thank you! I'm going to train at the waterfall! Take care!" And off she went.

"I truly am a fool of a master, to need to be taught something by my own pupil. She will be the light that shines on Kawakami Temple."

"Yes, I hope so as well…" And with that, the day went by all the same…


August 30th, 2009, Sunday

Today was the last day we'd be in the mountains. But this day was strictly for resting and recuperating for Wanko.

As of right now, I'm trying to massage out any more tension and pain in her muscles in order to have her body fully relaxed.

It was night time finally—

"How does that feel?" I asked massaging her body.

"Mmmm… amazing…" Her joyful moans were always something to enjoy. "Thanks again… Naga…"

Kazuko seems to drift off to sleep, leaving her for a while I head for my bag and take out the photo from before that Lu-sense had given me.

Where did he get this from? And why would the Temple have it?

But just as I was lost in my thoughts I felt the picture snatched from my hands, it was Kazuko. What?!

"What're you looking at?!" Kazuko said as she took the picture.

"No, Kazuko…" Then she stared at it intently realizing what it was.

"Naga… where did you get this? This is me… as a baby?" She even looked on the back. "2 years old? Then wouldn't this be… Aagh…!"

In that moment, Kazuko brought her other hand to her head, as if a splitting headache racked her in pain.

"Kazuko… do you remember anything about your childhood?" I asked her.

"N-No… I only remember when I was in foster… Nnngh…" She does remember something….

"Maybe you do… Kazuko… try and remember, anything." Kazuko then seemed to remember something as she looked at the flowing waterfall and her mind wandered.

(This will flash between Flashbacks and Present. Any dialogue in Italics is a flashback. Normal is present time dialogue.)

"Ooooh…" A toddler Kazuko coos as her mother picks her up and begins rocking her. Her mother Nanami looks at her with loving eyes. A young man behind her admires his daughter, Takakage.

"You had a family Kazuko, a mother who cared for who and a father who did just the same. Despite whatever situation you found yourselves in you were their first priority." I told her. "But sometimes… things aren't always sunny."

"Life is not without hardship, whether or not it is of our own actions or something outside our control. And make decisions, that we have to live with.

Kazuko then remembered one moment… it was raining that day. Unlike the usual smiles she could remember her parents were… sad?

"Honey, what're we gonna do? We barely have enough money for the apartment and things are tight at work for you. We can't just leave her here while we both try to provide for her. We just…"

Takakage was just as hesitant, "I… don't know. But she can't live like this. There's got to be something better for her… Someone… better than us."

The memory then jumped as she could now hear the rain, and she could see… her mother… leaving her in a baby hatch?

"Hah… hah, hah, hah…" Her breathing started to labor as the memory seemed to overwhelm her.

"Kazuko… stop fighting it… let it flow, remember?" I told her as I handed her her naginata.

Kazuko stopped for a moment as she took the polearm from me as she left the picture against a rock that was next to a flower that had been remarkably standing in stark contrast to the endless green leaves of the mountain forest.

Looking up at the waterfall, she relaxed herself as she began to move in the same sequence that we'd done before match with Momoyo. The blade of the naginata caught one drop that had fallen and with that she began to dance…

And as she guided it the memory became more clear…

It had been a rainy night, and Kazuko's parents without some method of transportation had to walk in the pouring rain to the nearest baby hatch they'd remembered seeing near a local hospital in the middle of the city.

As they made their way they could feel their hearts breaking, this choice was the hardest they ever decided on. It wasn't easy, they'd wanted a child. Kazuko to them was a miracle. A bright light that brought them joy.

But what did that matter, if they couldn't bring her the same feeling?

And so after braving the rainstorm, they finally made it to the hospital… The two shared one last look as they placed a wrapped Kazuko in the baby hatch.

Kazuko began to sob as she reached out for her parents, her mother comforting her took her small hands in hers and shushed her all the while smiling yet tears filled her eyes.

Her husband came to comfort her as he too said goodbye to Kazuko, "Goodbye, my angel. I'm sorry… I hope one day… you'll understand…"

"We love you Kazuko… always… don't ever forget that…" Her mother said.

"Mmmm… Mama, Papa…" Kazuko said in her baby speak as she began to calm down from her parent's last comfort of her.

But then, the two stepped back all the while still crying as they made the hardest decision in the world. But it was for her sake…

Eventually Kazuko lost sight of her parents as they disappeared in the fog and rain, her sobs starting once again. Eventually a nurse who had been working inside heard Kazuko's cries and brought her inside.

Back in the present, Kazuko finally brought the drop to the plant as it dripped in peace…

"Huff… huff… huff… hah..." Her breathing was even harder then before, the emotions much more intense then she'd imagined. She then looked away in sadness.

I walked closer to her to comfort her, "Kazuko… your story may not have such a happy beginning. But it hasn't made you who you are now… it's the rest of your story… it's who you choose to be…"

Kazuko then began to realize as she remember all the other moments of her life up to this point…

[Play Po Learns the Truth OST.]

Being adopted by her adoptive grandmother…

Meeting both Yamato and Kazama, her first friends…

Then meeting the other members of the original Kazama family…

Being formally adopted by the Kawakami Temple…

All the other fun memories; all the festivals, all the laughter, all the hard work and training she'd done alongside her sister…

Even to now, meeting Chris, Mayucchi and…

And her duel with Nagamasa on his first day as well as him joining the temple…

Along with everything they'd done together…

It was then Kazuko seemed to realize as she stood up more resolute as I could tell, "Now then… who are you, young Dragon?"

"I'm Kawakami Kazuko… and I'm a warrior! Seyah!" She swung her naginata at the waterfall and unlike all the other times before then as she swung, a large gap of where the water fell had a large hole in it as it had been cut in half and splashed to the ground alone.

Kazuko… you're ready.


AN#1 – Well here's the eleventh part of the Kazuko Route – "The Daughter of Kawakami" to my Majikoi story, I'm NOT a Samurai, Seriously.

Hope you guys enjoyed that Kung Fu Panda-inspired references (Again!) and I hope you enjoyed the "Kazuko Learns the Truth" part even though it might be the shortest part on here.

But now begins tomorrow is the day of the tournament itself and now comes Kazuko's greatest challenge to her dream…

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 12 – A Young Warrior – Part 1


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.