Tanimoto stepped off the train, shuffling through Yokohama station. He'd been here quite a lot in recent days, hadn't he? Tch. He's not fond of the idea of visiting Gekirin again, knowing Renka is likely there, working the tables— and who knows what kind of twisted kitty schemes she'll throw at him. But he can at least visit the Chinatown district for clues. That doesn't necessarily mean he has to stop by and see the cat…

The Chinatown locals were great gossipers, especially within the tea shops; loads of valuable information can be extracted from older men sipping tea over a heated game of mahjong.

Tanimoto's wandering eyes glanced over the older men hunched over their game, ears open for any useful information.

And it felt as if a pair of wandering eyes burned through the back of his skull, emanating the familiar ki of the Ma family…

… Sougetsu?

"Hey—" he greeted as he turned around, hoping to see his burly master.

But alas, it was the wrong Ma. He was now face-to-face with the cat-like martial artist herself, staring him down with a curious gaze, paws curled around a steaming cup of oolong tea.

Ah, shit.

Tanimoto briskly brushed past her, making a beeline for the exit and back out into the chilly air. He didn't need to deal with this. He didn't need to deal with her weird flirtatious games and the stupid barrage of questions she's about to present!

Renka's genki grin suddenly dropped as she watched the prince take his leave. What the hell?

"H-hey!" she cried out, setting her tea down to chase him.

Instinctively, he sped up, but knew it was ultimately fruitless. She caught him, and the sooner he deals with the bodacious kitty, the faster he'll be able to get back to sniffing out his master.

"You again," he drolly grunted as he turned to her.
"What was that about?! Say hey and then run away— … are you out to drive me crazy, you stupid pretty boy?" she hissed, crossing her arms. That oversized bust of hers drew together, bouncing within her dress—

And Tanimoto gritted his teeth, making a point to promptly peel his eyes away from such abhorrent distractions.

"Not this time, kitten. I'm looking for your drunk uncle. Seen him around?" A smirk tugged on his lips.

"I don't keep tabs on him! Regardless, that was no way to greet someone! Someone needs to teach you some social skills!" Renka shrilly chides, vexed pigtails fluttering. The nerve of him, avoiding her like that.

"And someone should teach you a lesson in modesty. If you don't know, then I have nothing else to say to you." His voice was as cold as the winter's night, turning around to continue his stride down the street.

Renka stared on in disbelief. It's an insult, really. So frosty to her, even after the secrets he shared? The cookies she gave him? Really?

So of course, she followed him. Time to make him pay for his transgressions.

Jingling bells trailed the blonde.

"What the—? Is there something you want?!" Tanimoto exclaims, looking over his shoulder to glare at the feline pest.

"To be honest, it was getting rather boring, drinking tea all aloooone…~" chimed the kitten, a sing-song voice ringing through the chilly air. Her paws clamped together behind her back, mischief lining every playful step she took.

"So you decided to mess with me? How kind of you to think of me," he retorted with seething sarcasm. In truth, he wouldn't absolutely detest her company during this search for his master, despite being a mild annoyance. But why give her the satisfaction of knowing that?

"I don't have anything better to do right now, so I'm only using you as my entertainment monkey, nyah! Got that?" she clarified, her playful demeanor suddenly turning stern. He's not allowed to think that she might actually enjoy being with him.

"How about I make you my little slave?" A devious smirk grew on his lips, pressing forward down the street.

There's a quiet growl on Renka's end, trying to wave away whatever flustered emotions had stirred within her.

"What, and be my 'daddy'? Hmph! As if!"

"You know the drill," he cackled, eyes still wandering for any trace of his missing master.

Geez. Her face contorted with embarrassment, but she wouldn't let him get away with something like that.

"You wouldn't be able to please me anyhow. I bet you're terriiiible…" she bit back snootily, reflecting that same devious expression. There's much delight to be had in annoying this idiot.

"Oh, yeah?" he scoffed. Irritated, indeed— but he wasn't going to let her faze him. "I doubt you can please yourself."
"W-what?!" she yowled, cheeks turning bright red. He crossed a line! He SO crossed a line! "N-nyah… that's not—"

Damn it! Nothing's coming to mind! She bit her tongue, face boiling with shame. What a jerk!

Another win for the Hermit, celebrating his victory with a smug cackle. "You walked right into that one."

"Ugh! You disgust me! What kind of a girl do you think I am?!" She could barely look at him, pouting at the random storefront next to her, since it's better to stare at the windows instead of his cocky expression. Her reflection revealed just how scarlet her face is.

"I don't want to know. Just don't touch me now that I know what you do with your hands."

And her blush deepened even more, if that were somehow possible. Smoke practically blew out her ears, fists coiled—
"N-no! Stop that!"

And then she tripped him with a swift low kick.

The prince fell to his hands.

"You…"

And he retaliated with a leg sweep, interrupting the cat's celebratory chortle.

"Nyahahaha— AH!"

And there she is again.

Right on top of him.

In the middle of the sidewalk.

In crowded Yokohama Chinatown, where hundreds of residents and tourists alike bore witness to this debauchery.

"Get… off," Tanimoto grunted, his icy glower contrasting from the bright pink that had started to form on his face.

But instead of drowning in abject embarrassment, Renka saw her opportunity. A malicious simper grew across her lips, lighting up her eyes with mischief.

"... Hmm? Aren't I supposed to be your 'slave'?"

This is it. This jerk cares so much about what people think of him. It's both his power, and his kryptonite. He can't stand an audience catching him in the middle of something naughty!
"Ugh…!" the Hermit spat in frustration, knowing she's managed to corner him at his own game. "D-damn you—!"

He could barely even look her in the eyes, feeling his luminescent blush grow visibly brighter by the second. This could arguably be the most awkward moment in his life, sensing the eyes of the judging observers around them. This is far different from having his dedicated fans watch him onstage with a scripted romantic scene. What a blow to his pride.

One woman gasped and covered her son's eyes.
"What're they doing, mama?"
"I'll tell you when you're older, son—"

Tanimoto's eyes receded behind flaxen locks.

"I'll get you for this…"

"Nyah!~ What are you going to do to me?" she took delight in his flushed rage, tracing her finger down his bloodshot cheek— specifically because he asked for her to not touch him. Obnoxious giggles echoed through the air as she made herself comfortable on his lap.

A nearby tourist snaps a picture, the camera flash bouncing off of Renka's glistening bells.

"You … you …" Tanimoto laid his head back on the near-frozen sidewalk, defeated.

Perhaps he should just enjoy the moment in this fruitless dilemma. He tapped his fingers on the curve of her waist.

"You're just bad luck to me. I hope you know that I'll take my time breaking every bone in your body."

"Like you would do that to me. Otherwise, you wouldn't have treated my wounds, silly boy." Her smirk widened, relishing in all his fury.

And the prince shut his eyes. He couldn't tell which part was worse: the people watching this, or the fact that she's reading him like a children's book.

"You're moments from pissing me off…"

"Oh, really? I couldn't tell by the color on your face!" she spoke in a high-pitched voice, as if she were speaking to a toddler. "Awww!" She pinched the wittle pwince's cheek. So cute.
An older woman walked past, telling them to go 'get a room.' Renka simply laughed harder, the sound of shrill glee and jingling bells dancing by Natsu's ear. Awful.

"You are pure evil. A demon in a catgirl's body."
There's nothing else he can do to benefit him— so he took it like a man, deciding to save his rage for Kenichi.

"Screw you," he sighed in defeat, moving his face away from her playful finger, and made an attempt to get up.

Finally, after a crowd of onlookers dispersed, Renka decided she had her fill, and let the blonde escape.
"You're no fun, nyaaaahh…" she whined, standing straight and then offering his hand to him.

"Do you want me to bend it, break it, snap it, or twist it?" he dryly asked, taking her hand with the intensity of a true Satsujinken. If she didn't know any better, she'd think his scowl would indicate that he'd kill her in her sleep.
… But she made the realization that he's had every opportunity to harm her, and yet he still hasn't. Ergo, he simply wouldn't. His threats are all empty.
"You can do whatever you like," she giggled. This was definitely a lot better than sitting in the tea shop all by herself, waiting for her papa who likely stood her up again. Messing with the illustrious prince was way more fun than she had bargained for.

"I'll make you bite those words." His hand squeezed hers with overt tightness as he rose from the ground, and couldn't help but note that her hand was oddly soft for a fighter.

"Your tough act won't work on me anymore!"

… It seemed he wouldn't let go of her hand now, his menacing stare boring straight into her eyes.

… A captivating look, really. If he didn't look so downright bloodthirsty, it'd be enough to spur any woman into instant marriage. Blue as the ocean, piercing like a wolf. Renka can't seem to look away…

The Prince of Kōryō took a step forward, lips slightly parted as he closed the gap between him…

… Is he…

Is … he…?!

Oh, no! He's going to take her lip virginity! She wasn't ready for this! Not like this—

Suddenly, he held her arm over his head, stepping forward to slam her into the ground backfirst.

"Nyah—!" she cried out in pain, onlookers gasping at the sight. How could such a charming young man commit this act of violence?

"And that's how you do it," he quickly followed through with a kind smile, as if he was trying to show her a move of some sort. Nothing bad, nothing malicious! He hadn't let go of her hand yet, promptly pulling her up from the sidewalk.

And suddenly, everyone dismissed his actions, showcasing his impressive crowd control— and dangerously manipulative ways.
Renka rose from the ground, rubbing her back. That'll bruise in the morning, despite her conditioning. His arms are built like high-powered whips.
"W-what was that for?!"

"Did you honestly believe that I was going to let you slide with what you've done to me?" he near-whispered, keeping his crabby demeanor between them.

. . .

And the devilish grin returned on Renka's face.

"Wow, Tanimoto! Most boys would enjoy being pinned under a girl! Unless you… swing the other way? Nyahahaha—"

"—!" He bit his tongue, almost saying something he'd regret. "I don't! Your 'entertainment monkey' is leaving!" he snapped, storming off towards the nearest exit out of Chinatown.

Renka debated following him some more, but figured she had pushed his buttons enough for the day. She'll take her victory with grace, and let him go before he comes up with another way to get back at her.
"Fine! Bye then!" she shouted out with catty disdain, walking off the other direction with that signature sway in her hips.

… And Tanimoto forced himself not to look back at her, no matter how tempting it may be. Damn her! Damn it all!

And why were her cookies actually delicious?!