Author's note: Well guys, I hope you are all ready for the chapter I created for today. Also I have a request to ask for all those who read and reread my fanfics a lot, specially my Adventure Time, Pokemon and Reality Collides...
I have a friend who has a TV Tropes and he did for all these 3, and I have been trying to help him to write down all the Tropes which those fanfics has for the chapters and characters of the show. But me and him sometimes had no idea on how to implement more on tropes and we left without updates, if you guys want to help, you can tell the tropes and the explanation of why such fanfic had that especific trope, and which scene was. It will help greatly both me and my friend. That's my request.
Now focusing on the review of the chapters.
Mr. E Guest. Yep, this chapter will have a lot of feelings, so you better prepare for everything that's going to happen. Have fun reading the chapter. Hopefully the mission will be a success at the time Rando, Kurama and Hiei return back. Good luck Yusuke
juhiko02 . I understand, and trust me, I also thought about the relationship of brother and sister when it comes about Botan and Yusuke, but Yusuke screwed up by saying Rando is Botan's brother, which makes it a very funny way to play around that.
Le Quack. Yep, the mission now is very serious, depending on how the trio will work, it can be a success or a disaster. Oh boy...
Just a wee guest . Yep, first day of class and she screwed up, and the mission now will be very hard, depending on the decisions the group will do. Hiei commanding on the mission what could go wrong?
HeavenlyMark. Thank you, to create a good teacher like that is rare, and having someone to teach how real life works, it's not for everyone.
coldblue2015 . I'm glad you liked the chapter I wrote, I have been thinking about it for so long.
Questions
1)Well I cannot promise anything since there's a reason on why I created the chapter, you will understand. This is the first day of the mission
2) A way to make Kurama stronger, that would be the right way to do it.
3) This would be discussed in the future as the arc progresses.
4) Yep, he will be more stronger than he ever was on canon, things will be way different with Rando teaching him. So you better prepare yourself for what's about to happen in this chapter.
Odd guest. It's an interesting plan, however it's Mukuro, and she's a S-Rank, neither of the trio would be able to approach her without dying. It was a suicide mission.
Crazy Mad Guest . Yeah, Koenma really pulled off Rando's leg with that, it's something that would be really difficult for everyone if things doesn't work well. They need to get stronger quickly.
Just guessing. I'm glad you liked the chapter. I hope you enjoy this one as well.
Hyper LOL Guest. I'm glad you liked the chapter, and I agreed with you. Rando and Murugu has the best poker faces, since they know there would be time they needed to keep their cool, specially on a BS mission like that. Have fun reading this chapter XD
Ghostly Guest. Well being honest I was thinking into trying to make Rando adopts Yukina as his sister, however Yukina would refuse, and Hiei would try to kill Rando as well, specially Keiko and the others says Rando has only one sister, and Botan was the girl who fits on that. So yeah, it would sucks into trying to explain that. So I decided to work with what I have, the mission is going to be interesting for you guys understand the situation.
Guesthouse. It's Kuwabara, he will go straightly at Keiko without watching the rest of the tape, Yukina is his type.
Sleepy Guest. I'm glad you liked the chapter, and while you suggested an idea for a fanfic, sorry but I have to refuse, it's not my style into creating stories with OCs, and from the way I dropped one idea I created others, that's why I created one fanfic focused in Adventure Time, and I returned with Reality Collides, I hope you understand.
Just Guest . Well I hope you like the chapter. However you better prepare yorself for what I have been planning, have fun reading it. XD
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(Monday- Path of Pride)
Path of Pride
9. Shobun Martial Arts
10. Katsumi Martial Arts
8. Hanayama Style
75. (Uvogin) Big Bang Impact
98. Sun and Moon
85. Scream
62. Whirlwind
63. Speed of Lightning
42. Earth Release: Double Suicide Decapitation Technique
36. Hado 91 (Senju Koten Taiho)
22. Bakudo 61 (Rikujokoro)
24. Bakudo 63 (Sajo Sabaku)
26. Bakudo 81 (Danku)
(+1) Prism of Seven
(+2 )All the 5 Forms of Nen
(+3) Hide and Seek
(+4) Change Appearance
(+5) Life Force Thread
When Hiei stepped out of his cell, a scowl was already etched onto his face. He wasn't particularly eager to hear whatever new task the infantile Koenma had in store for him. Yet, as much as he loathed the idea of being used as Spirit World's errand boy, he knew there was no avoiding it. His crimes—stealing the treasures of Spirit World—left him with no leverage to refuse. Still, the thought of bowing to Koenma's whims irritated him endlessly. If not for the endless headaches it would bring, Hiei would have gladly reduced the baby-faced boss's office to rubble.
"You'd better have a good reason for dragging me here again, Koenma," Hiei growled, his crimson eyes narrowing as he stepped into the office. His gaze flicked to the oversized chair turned away from him. With deliberate slowness, Koenma swiveled around, a stack of folders in his hands.
"Hiei, always a pleasure," Koenma greeted, his tone betraying no fear of the glowering yokai before him. In the corner of the room, Kurama leaned casually against the wall, his emerald eyes unreadable as he waited for his moment to speak. Koenma continued, undeterred, "As you can see, there's another matter of great urgency that requires your attention."
Hiei's lips curled into a sneer. "As if I'd involve myself in your latest triviality. Why not send Yusuke to clean up your messes? I'm tired of playing these games, Koenma."
Koenma leaned forward, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "Then I won't waste your time. This mission concerns something of personal interest to you." He tossed the folder onto the desk with a soft thud. "Take a look."
Hiei's glare didn't falter, though his curiosity piqued enough for him to step closer. "My interest?" he echoed, skepticism lacing his tone. Reluctantly, he flipped open the folder. His sharp eyes scanned the documents until they landed on a photograph that made his breath hitch. His energy spiked involuntarily, filling the room with a palpable intensity. There it was—a small, glimmering object he recognized immediately. The Crystal Tear.
"How did you come by this?" Hiei demanded, his voice low but laced with danger.
Koenma folded his hands on the desk, his demeanor calm. "I have my sources, Hiei. You should know by now that Spirit World keeps a close eye on everything. Your success in your previous mission made this information accessible, and I thought it only fair to bring it to your attention. After all, it belongs to you."
Kurama shifted slightly, his posture alert as Hiei's energy continued to radiate in waves. Though prepared to intervene if necessary, he remained silent, trusting Koenma's ability to defuse the situation.
Hiei ignored them both, his focus fixed on the report in front of him. The Crystal Tear was no ordinary jewel—it was the only item he had ever cared about, a relic from a past he had fought tooth and nail to preserve. Its loss had haunted him for years, stolen in the chaos of a battle he had barely survived.
As he flipped through the pages, the report detailed a potential lead in the Makai region of Alaric. His eyes narrowed further when he saw the rumored location: Mukuro's castle.
Hiei slammed the folder shut. "Is this a joke, Koenma? You expect me to infiltrate the domain of one of the Three Kings? No one dares approach Mukuro without inviting certain death."
Koenma met his gaze evenly. "It's no joke, Hiei. These are only rumors, but they are credible enough to warrant investigation. What you choose to do with this information is up to you. However, if you agree to take on this mission, Spirit World will provide the resources you need to ensure your success—and your survival."
Hiei's jaw tightened as he processed the implications. The idea of confronting Mukuro—or even stepping near her territory—was absurd. Yet the promise of recovering the Crystal Tear was too great to ignore. His fingers tightened around the folder, the weight of the decision pressing down on him.
"I know you're playing me," Hiei said finally, his voice quiet but dangerous. "But I'll let it slide because this aligns with my own goals. I already know who to approach to verify these rumors. However, you'd better keep your end of the bargain, Koenma. If you don't..." His crimson eyes burned as he leaned forward, voice dropping to a lethal whisper. "Nothing will stop me from tearing this place apart."
Without waiting for a response, Hiei turned on his heel and strode out of the office. His mind was already calculating his next move as he headed toward his cell to retrieve his sword and prepare for the mission ahead.
"He took that far better than I expected," Kurama remarked, his tone tinged with genuine surprise as Koenma let out a sigh of relief.
"Yes, but it wasn't easy bluffing without spilling the beans," Koenma admitted, finally feeling the tension ease from his shoulders. "We needed to make it seem as though everything was meticulously planned for Hiei. That way, he'll believe he always has the upper hand."
Kurama gave a small nod of approval. "A clever approach, though risky. Manipulating Hiei's perception isn't exactly a task for the faint-hearted."
"Risky or not, it's our best option," Koenma replied, glancing at the stack of folders on his desk. "Jorge Saotome is bringing the spiritual camera soon. Once I record the mission briefing, we'll transmit it live to Yusuke through VHS. It's imperative to have Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Botan prepared while we focus on Hiei's task. Once everything is in place, I'll wait for you, Hiei, and Rando to gear up for the mission."
Kurama inclined his head slightly in agreement. "That seems like a reasonable plan."
The two fell silent, awaiting Hiei's return. It didn't take long before the sound of boots against the cold floor echoed through the room. Hiei emerged, his sword strapped securely at his side, his crimson eyes scanning the room with a calculating gaze.
"I'm ready," Hiei declared curtly, his tone as sharp as the blade he carried. "You mentioned backup, which I assume means Kurama and Rando will accompany me?"
Kurama nodded in confirmation, but before Hiei could inquire further, the room was enveloped in an eerie stillness. A swirling black void materialized against one of the walls, its edges shimmering like liquid shadow. Both Hiei and Kurama stiffened, instantly recognizing the source of the disturbance.
From the void stepped Rando, his appearance drastically altered. He wore a sleek black uniform and tunic with a backless and sleeveless design, clearly tailored for stealth and functionality. The long jika-tabi and tightly wrapped bands on his arms and legs hinted at his intent for silent movement.
The trio—Koenma, Kurama, and Hiei—blinked in unison as they took in Rando's unusual attire.
"Rando?" Koenma sputtered, his pacifier nearly dropping from his mouth in shock.
Rando smirked, brushing a hand through his disheveled hair, which in a second as his hand glow with spiritual energy and he placed on his hair it had grown slightly longer and messier. His once azure eyes now gleamed with a vibrant blue color, way clearer than the trio ever saw it before, as he needed to cover it with a pair of sunglasses.
"Hey guys, I'm trying to come up with a new appearance, how do I look?" The white haired Yokai said as he felt pleased into seeing their stares of how he simply changed his appearance in front of them.
Before Koenma could respond, a small fluttering sound interrupted the exchange. Murugu, a devil bird with sleek black feathers and gleaming crimson eyes, swooped into the room, perching lightly on Rando's shoulder.
"You're trying to impress Shizuru, aren't you? Don't even try to deny it," Murugu quipped, her tone dripping with playful mischief.
Rando rolled his eyes but smirked nonetheless. "I won't confirm or deny such accusations, Murugu. Anyway, introductions are in order." He gestured toward the bird. "Hiei, meet Murugu. She's a devil bird capable of crossing dimensional barriers. If we need to report back to Koenma or gather additional intel during the mission, Murugu will be our liaison."
Murugu flapped her wings cheerfully, her tone chipper as she chirped, "Hiya!"
Hiei glanced at the bird, his expression unreadable. "Wonderful," he muttered dryly before turning his attention back to Rando. "Now that we are all here. Let's get this over with."
Rando gave a small nod, his smirk fading as his demeanor grew more serious. "Fair enough. Time is of the essence."
As the trio prepared to set off, Koenma watched them with a mixture of relief and trepidation. The pieces were in place, but only time would tell if his gamble would pay off.
"Okay, it's time to make the video recording for Yusuke at the time of his mission to save Hiei's sister. The time is up to you Rando and Kurama, do your best." Koenma commented as he prepared himself for the hardous mission everyone is going to have.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Crossing the barrier into Demon World wasn't something Rando had anticipated doing so soon. He was aware of the events that would eventually unfold in the timeline of Yu Yu Hakusho—it would still be years before the Hell Tournament even began. But now, stalling Hiei for a few days was already proving to be a risky endeavor, especially given the possibility that one of the Three Kings might already possess Hiei's Crystal Tear.
The Demon World's landscape was unlike anything Rando had seen before. The sky glowed a perpetual crimson, marred by swirling dark clouds even in the daylight hours. Its vast terrain stretched endlessly, encompassing barren wastelands, dense forests, towering mountains, and vast deserts. Despite the world's raw, primitive nature, Rando couldn't ignore its advanced technology—healing chambers and artificial birth machines utilized by the Three Kings far outstripped anything seen in the Human World.
As Koenma had once described, Demon World was akin to an endless basement. The strongest demons resided deeper within its depths, while the surface levels were inhabited by creatures of moderate power and notoriety. Somewhere within this layered chaos lay Alaric, their target.
"Nice view, isn't it, Rando?" Murugu chirped, flapping her wings enthusiastically.
Rando glanced at the crimson sky, his lips twitching into a reluctant frown. .
"It's... surreal. It's even stranger than it looked in the anime." Rando thought as he couldn't help but sigh. Despite the uneasy atmosphere, Rando focused on the task at hand. Their mission was simple in theory: keep Hiei distracted and far from Mukuro while ensuring he didn't delve too deeply into Yukina's whereabouts. The challenge lay in executing it without drawing suspicion.
"Let's separate and gather information on that direction. The forest of fools is located on that direction, while Kurama and I will be going to the opposite side." Hiei said as Rando could identify what the black haired boy was doing... He wanted to get ride of him for him doing his own type of investigation. Which Rando could understand, since the duo had been working together as partners on the first arc, neither of them knew his true potential or a reason to trust him.
"Fair enoug," Rando said as he looked at Murugu who happily flew towards the nearest tree. And by grabbing 2 leaves, Rando showed to Hiei and Kurama. "Before we split, wouldn't you both like to assess your spiritual energy types? It'll help you better understand your potential and how to channel your power in the future."
That comment alone, made Hiei stop, as he could see Rando was always been smart, and even he gave his word that some our they would be doing the Water Divination or whatever the yokai would be naming as a way to identify their devil energy and how to improve it.
"You've got five minutes," Hiei muttered begrudgingly.
.
.
.
With the glasses of water ready and a leaf of each glass on the top, he placed both of them on the floor, while Kurama and Hiei were also sitting as they looked at the white haired man with a solenm look on his face.
With a swift setup, Rando placed two glasses of water on the ground, each with a leaf floating atop. Hiei and Kurama sat cross-legged, watching him with guarded expressions.
"All you need to do is channel your demonic energy into the water. Focus on merging your spiritual energy as well—it'll reveal your energy type and help you unlock your full potential in the future," Rando explained, his tone calm but firm.
Kurama and Hiei exchanged glances before following his instructions. As Kurama concentrated, the water in his glass began to glow faintly. The leaf swirled, moving in intricate circles and occasionally brushing the rim of the glass.
"Manipulation," Rando announced with a nod. "Kurama, your energy type allows you to exert precise control, which aligns perfectly with your abilities to command and enhance plants."
Kurama's expression shifted to one of quiet satisfaction. "It makes sense. My control over plants has always been precise, and this knowledge could help me refine my techniques further."
Hiei, however, was less impressed. He glared at the still water in his glass. "What kind of joke is this?" he growled. "I followed your instructions, but nothing happened."
"Taste the water," Rando suggested, unfazed by the glare.
Hiei's frown deepened, but he complied. He dipped a finger into the water, brought it to his lips, and paused as his crimson eyes widened.
"What flavor is that?" Rando asked with a smirk.
"Spice," Hiei muttered, his expression unreadable.
"Transmutation," Rando declared. "Your energy type allows you to alter and mimic properties, much like Kuwabara's ability to form a sword from spiritual energy. With training, you can replicate or transform your demonic energy into techniques that align with your personality and strengths."
Kurama nodded thoughtfully. "Manipulation suits my abilities perfectly. This will allow me to recover my former strength faster—or perhaps even surpass it."
Rando turned to Kurama, his tone serious. "You've memorized the hexagon of spiritual energy, haven't you?"
Kurama gave a small nod, already contemplating how to apply the knowledge. Rando had laid a solid foundation, and Kurama knew this could elevate his control over plants beyond anything other demons could imagine.
Hiei remained silent, his expression unreadable as he processed the information. Whatever his thoughts, Rando knew this brief exercise had planted the seeds for progress. With their spiritual energy types identified, the group's next steps in Demon World would undoubtedly be more strategic—and hopefully, a bit less perilous.
.
.
.
"Are you sure it's wise to leave those two alone, especially when it was clear they didn't want you involved in the mission?" Murugu asked, her wings fluttering as she eyed Rando skeptically.
Rando shrugged nonchalantly, striding down the path Hiei had indicated earlier. "It's Hiei's choice to investigate his mother's Crystal Tear on his own. He thinks he can avoid me delaying him, but what he doesn't realize is that Kurama has his own plans to keep Hiei from leaving Makai too easily."
Murugu tilted her head, intrigued but puzzled. Rando smirked, enjoying the opportunity to elaborate. "In simpler terms, Koenma sent us here with only one way back—my technique Hide and Seek. That means we're all stuck here for the next few days. Hiei has unwittingly made my job easier. If he wants to return to the Human World, he'll either have to ask me directly or attempt something even more complicated and reckless to get there himself."
Murugu's eyes widened as realization dawned. She burst out laughing, her high-pitched cackles echoing through the forest. "Ohhh, HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! So, not only does he want to handle the mission solo, but he also doesn't realize that you and Kurama are purposely keeping him here. That's priceless!"
Rando chuckled softly at her reaction. "It's not like we're setting him up to fail. Hiei is smart and cautious, and Kurama is a master strategist and an excellent thief. Together, they'll have a decent shot at finding a way to Mukuro's castle or uncovering the truth about the rumors. If anything, I'm giving Hiei the chance to prepare himself for what's ahead. Someday, he'll do whatever it takes to reach the strength necessary to challenge the Three Kings. Lending him a little help now isn't the worst idea."
Murugu shook her head, still amused by the situation. "And what about us? While they're off playing survival games, what's your plan?"
Rando gestured ahead toward the direction of the Forest of Fools. "We'll head into the city. It's one of the rare places in Makai where demons live together peacefully. It'll give us a chance to learn more about the culture here and scout the locations we'll need when the great tournament eventually unfolds in Hell."
The white-haired yokai and his avian companion continued their journey, the eerie crimson glow of the Makai sky casting long shadows along the path. The air was thick with uncertainty, and a lingering question hung between them:
Would Hiei and Kurama survive the next three days? Only time would tell.
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.
.
The Cocktail Bar in the Forest of Fools had an air of subdued chaos, a space where the Makai's rugged energy met a strange kind of order. The dimly lit establishment exuded a mix of rustic charm and eerie otherworldliness. Its walls were lined with twisted wooden beams that seemed to pulse faintly with demonic energy, while glowing fungi provided ambient light in shades of green and blue. The bar counter, carved from a single slab of dark obsidian, reflected the shimmering hues, creating an almost hypnotic effect.
Juri, a shy and somewhat timid yokai with her tan skin and mint-green hair while she wears blue lipstick and eyeshadow. She wears a tight black bodysuit with a hole in the front and back which exposes her belly, navel and back. She also wears a small pink top, a matching pink skirt, red arm and leg warmers, a small purple bow tie, and a pink bandana. A sea creature yokai, given the webbed tail and ears as well as the fin-tipped tail.
She worked quietly behind the counter. Her soft demeanor made her seem out of place among the hardened demons that frequented the bar, but she moved with a quiet efficiency. She carefully cleaned a few glasses, her delicate fingers working methodically as her fin-tipped tail waved around the balcony. The clinking of glass against glass was one of the few constant sounds in the room, blending with the low hum of murmured conversations and the occasional raspy laugh from patrons.
Though she kept her head down, Juri's eyes darted nervously toward the customers—an assortment of yokai of various shapes and sizes, some with jagged claws, others with glowing eyes or shifting shadows for bodies. Most were drinking a viscous, glowing liquid that reeked faintly of sulfur.
Suddenly, the bells above the door jingled sharply, cutting through the background noise. Juri froze, her grip on a glass tightening instinctively as her gaze snapped toward the entrance. The room fell momentarily silent as all eyes turned toward the newcomers.
A petite, pale figure with striking white hair and an air of quiet confidence stepped into the dimly lit bar. Sunglasses perched casually on his nose gave a slight shade to his azure eyes, which glinted faintly under the odd, shifting lighting. A tranquil smile tugged at his lips, an expression both unassuming and subtly self-assured.
Perched on his shoulder was a small, sharp-eyed demonic bird with vibrant yellow and green feathers, its gaze darting around the room with an unsettling intelligence.
The other patrons regarded the pair warily. Some demons cast them calculating glances, sizing up the newcomers as potential threats, while others dismissed them just as quickly, returning to their drinks. The tension in the room faded as murmurs resumed, though Juri couldn't shake the unease she felt.
From her place behind the counter, Juri's heart raced. She studied the white-haired man, her lavender eyes lingering on his features. A new client? she wondered, though the thought didn't entirely explain the odd flutter she felt. His features were oddly cute—perhaps even a bit handsome.
She fidgeted, unsure whether to greet him or wait for him to approach. Her fingers trembled slightly as she set down the glass she'd been cleaning, the faint clink lost in the growing hum of conversation.
The man's gaze swept the room with casual precision before locking onto the bar. He began to walk forward, his steps measured, the bird on his shoulder chirping softly, as though commenting on the bar's atmosphere.
"Hello, how can I help you?" Juri managed to ask, her voice soft but steady.
The man paused, seemingly contemplating his words before speaking. "I'm sorry," he began, his tone calm and apologetic. "It's been years since I last set foot in the Makai, and I seem to have forgotten how the currency works here. If it's too much trouble, perhaps just a glass of water?"
Juri blinked, caught off guard by the straightforward admission. "You don't have any money?" she asked hesitantly.
Her words drew a few chuckles and outright laughs from nearby patrons, their reactions ranging from mocking amusement to disdain. One particularly grating laugh came from the demonic bird perched on his shoulder.
"Pfft! HAHAHAHAHAHA! I told you this would happen when you forget your money, Rando!" Murugu cackled, her sharp voice cutting through the laughter of the others.
Rando rolled his eyes, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Yes, yes, you were right," he replied dryly. "But honestly, given where we were, do you think they'd have accepted our currency?"
Murugu fell silent, her beak snapping shut, conceding the point.
"So, you're outsiders?" Juri asked, curiosity overcoming her initial nervousness. Most travelers to the Forest of Fools came from Demon City or neighboring Makai territories, all of whom understood the currency. Yet these two seemed entirely disconnected.
She hesitated before adding, "I'm sorry, but even a glass of water costs five hellishyen."
To her surprise, the white-haired man nodded without complaint. "Fair," he said simply. His gaze shifted around the room before landing on an unoccupied corner where a dusty piano sat unused. He tilted his head slightly, as if pondering something.
"Do you have a pianist here?" he asked.
Juri's eyes followed his gaze. "We used to," she replied with a hint of sadness. "But… he had a disagreement with one of the gangs in town and, well…" She trailed off, shrugging. "Without him, it's been quieter. The bar's lost some of its charm, and the only thing on the television has been static for days."
Rando hummed thoughtfully before asking, "Would you mind if I played for a while? It's been months since I last touched a piano, and I could use the distraction."
Juri blinked, her brows lifting in surprise. "You… can play the piano?"
Murugu tilted her head, equally intrigued.
"I wouldn't say I'm orchestra-level," Rando admitted with a smirk, "but I know a few songs."
The suggestion caught Juri off guard, but she nodded after a moment. "I suppose it couldn't hurt. The bar could use a little music."
As Rando made his way to the piano, the sounds of laughter, drinking, and quiet conversations filled the air once more. He eyed the instrument, brushing a layer of dust off the keys with a flick of his hand. His intent wasn't just to pass the time—this was an opportunity. Playing could be his way to earn some currency and, perhaps, gather information.
"I hope you know what you're doing, Rando," Murugu muttered, flapping her wings and landing lightly on the piano's edge. Her sharp claws tapped idly against the surface as her piercing gaze lingered on him.
Rando glanced at her and rolled his eyes, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Relax, Murugu. It's just a piano, not a battlefield."
The bird demon cocked her head, her feathers ruffling slightly. "Okay then, maestro, got any requests lined up?" she teased. "How about something tragic? Or maybe a sad ballad to fit this dingy little bar?"
Rando chuckled softly, brushing his fingers over the keys in an experimental glide. "You're predictable, you know that? Always drawn to tragedy like a moth to a flame." He gave her a sidelong glance. "But sure, why not? I think you'll like this one."
He adjusted his posture slightly, his hands poised over the keys. "This song is called Never Meant to Belong."
Murugu tilted her head, intrigued, but said nothing. The faint hum of her approval was drowned out by the first soft notes of the melody as Rando began to play.
The sound of the piano filled the room, resonating with an almost haunting quality. The bar patrons, who had been absorbed in their conversations and drinks, fell silent. All eyes turned toward the white-haired yokai at the piano, their expressions ranging from curiosity to quiet awe.
Juri, still behind the counter, watched in fascination as Rando's fingers danced effortlessly over the keys. The tune was somber and melancholic, weaving a tale of loss and longing through its delicate chords. She felt a strange pull, as though the music reached deep into her soul, tugging at emotions she didn't realize were there.
Murugu remained perched on the piano, her sharp eyes softening as she listened. The piece carried a weight she hadn't expected, its mournful tone perfectly capturing the essence of tragedy she had requested.
As the melody swelled, the atmosphere in the bar shifted. The usual raucous energy faded, replaced by a quiet stillness. Even the rowdiest demons seemed entranced, their claws stilled over mugs of dark ale as they absorbed the unexpected performance.
Rando played with an ease that suggested years of practice, his expression calm and focused. Yet there was an unmistakable hint of emotion in his playing, a subtle vulnerability that added depth to the performance.
When the final notes rang out, fading into the stillness, the silence lingered for a moment longer. It was as if the room itself needed time to process what it had just heard. Then, slowly, a few murmurs of approval rippled through the crowd, followed by scattered applause.
Murugu let out a low whistle, her feathers fluffing up as she hopped closer to him. "Not bad, Rando. Not bad at all. So this was one of the things you were up to in the human world?"
Rando leaned back slightly, his fingers transitioning seamlessly to a lighter, more playful melody. His smirk deepened as he glanced at her. "One time, I had to teach a bunch of kids how to play the piano. Imagine a room full of brats who wanted nothing more than to bolt home and never touch an instrument again. If that doesn't sharpen your patience, nothing will."
Murugu tilted her head, her sharp eyes narrowing in curiosity. "So, what else can you play then?"
Without missing a beat, Rando shifted the melody effortlessly. "This one's called In the Palace ~ Lamentoso/Agiato. Thought I'd give it a shot here. Seems like the crowd might appreciate a bit of flair."
The mournful yet commanding notes filled the bar, drawing murmurs of approval from the demons and yokai scattered around. A few raised their mugs in an impromptu toast.
"HEY, WAITRESS! HIS DRINK'S ON ME!" one of the demons bellowed, raising his ale in Rando's direction.
Juri blinked in surprise, momentarily startled by the sudden generosity. Meanwhile, Rando smirked, his hands gliding faster over the keys as the piece swelled into a crescendo. The tempo quickened, each note striking with precision and intensity.
Murugu's beak dropped open in shock. "You're showing off," she accused, her voice drowned out by the music.
Rando's smirk only widened. With a dramatic flourish, he brought the song to its grand finale, his fingers flying across the keys before ending on a resounding chord that reverberated through the room.
Silence followed for a moment, punctuated by a few gasps and murmurs of awe. Juri stood frozen, her mouth opening and closing as though struggling to find the words.
Rando leaned back, stretching his arms lazily as if the performance had been no more taxing than tying his shoes. "Wow," he said, clicking his tongue. "This piano's been kept in amazing condition. Too bad the original pianist isn't around anymore—I would've liked to ask where they got it."
Juri finally managed to regain her composure, stepping closer with an uncertain smile. "Err… someone offered to pay for your drink. Is there anything you'd like?"
"I don't drink," Rando replied casually, his tone light but firm. "If you've got juice, water, or even coffee, I'm good with that."
Juri blinked, clearly taken aback. "You… do know you're in a bar, right?"
Rando nodded, unbothered. "Yep."
Her brow furrowed in mild annoyance, but she shrugged it off. "Okay, I'll bring you a glass of water with a slice of lemon."
"Sounds good. Thanks," he replied with a small nod, watching her retreat to the bar with a bemused smile.
Murugu fluttered closer, eyeing him suspiciously. "Okay, you were definitely showing off."
Rando grinned, feigning innocence. "Me? Showing off? Nooo, never…" He paused, then broke into a sarcastic chuckle. "Alright, yeah, maybe a little."
The bird yokai pouted, flapping her wings in irritation. "You're insufferable sometimes."
Rando chuckled again, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Want something to drink? Maybe they've got seed wine or nectar for high-maintenance birds like you."
Murugu huffed. "Nah, I'm good. Though, if they've got snacks, I wouldn't say no."
As the yokai resumed playing, Murugu's curiosity shifted. "So, what's the plan now?"
Rando's tone grew more serious, though his hands never left the keys. "We'll need to get some currency—Hellishyen—if we're sticking around for a few days. Doubt I can sell anything from my Hide and Seek collection for much here. So, for now, the plan is simple: grab a drink, waste some time, and figure out our next move."
Juri returned moments later, setting a glass of water with a neatly cut lemon slice in front of him. She flashed a nervous smile before heading off to deliver mugs of ale to the other demons, casting a curious glance back at Rando every so often.
Murugu eyed the glass of water and let out a low chuckle. "You really are a weirdo, Rando. A yokai in a bar, ordering water."
Rando took a sip and shrugged. "What can I say? Gotta keep things interesting."
.
.
.
"So, you came from the human world?" Juri asked, her tone carrying a hint of curiosity as she took a break from her work. Outside the bar, Rando leaned against the wall, casually puffing on a cigarette. He seemed so relaxed, almost out of place for a yokai, and Juri couldn't help but be surprised by how comfortable both he and Murugu were in Makai, especially given their lack of currency. For the first time, she saw someone who had willingly come from the human world to this realm.
Rando exhaled a slow puff of smoke and shrugged, his eyes glinting with a mix of indifference and amusement. "Yeah. Spent a lot of time there, got used to their customs. I even made enough money to live comfortably. I'm only here for a few days, though—doing a favor for someone."
"Oh." Juri blinked, clearly intrigued. But then her gaze flickered to his face, and her expression shifted. "Wait… Rando? The Rando? The yokai who believed humans had enough strength to kill demons, went to their world just to study them, and used their powers to get stronger?"
Rando blinked, his interest piqued. From the tone in her voice, it didn't sound like she was surprised to meet someone famous—it was more like she was… mocking him.
"Why does your voice sound like you're mocking him?" Murugu asked, arching a brow, her tone playful but tinged with surprise.
Juri immediately froze, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink as she gave an awkward giggle. "Ah… well, it's just that you're kind of infamous around here, Rando. Most of us think you sold yourself out to human culture to the point where we believe any demon or yokai could easily defeat you."
At this, Rando's smirk didn't falter, though his expression grew more amused. He casually took off his sunglasses and set them on the table. Juri's eyes widened, for the first time noticing his eyes—crystal blue, so light they almost shimmered like the ocean on a bright day. They were mesmerizing, beautiful even, and for a brief second, Juri thought she might need sunglasses just to look at them.
Rando caught her staring and chuckled. "It's just a popular belief, Juri. No need to apologize."
Murugu laughed loudly at the comment, the sound filling the air like a burst of energy. "HAHAHAHAHAHA, that's rich! Rando, the 100 techniques thief, reduced to Rando the human lover HAHAHAHAHA!"
Rando didn't miss a beat. He simply took out a cigar and placed it between his lips, lighting it with casual ease. "Yep. And people still wonder why the human world is better than Makai." His voice was full of dry humor. "Clear beaches, beautiful towns, technologies that entertain you, and food that doesn't have to grow under the harsh conditions of Makai… where a simple meal can be a luxury."
Juri's eyes widened at his boldness, clearly surprised by his lack of concern about Makai's reputation.
Murugu chirped happily. "He got you there."
Juri blinked, still processing. "So, you really prefer the human world?"
Rando shrugged, puffing smoke into the air, his posture relaxed as ever. "Doesn't really bother me. Besides, it's easy to come and go between the two worlds." He gave a small, knowing smile.
Juri stared at him in disbelief. "You can travel between the human world and here so easily?"
Rando's grin widened. Without a word, he raised a hand. In an instant, a small deep, regal red book, adorned with intricate gold accents that gleamed in the dim light appeared out of nowhere, pages flicking by as he casually scanned them. He nodded at something he read, then looked up at her.
"Yep. I'm here for a few days. But if Murugu gets hungry—or I feel like grabbing a drink—I'll pop over to the human world for some Thai food."
Murugu, who had been silent up until now, tilted her head. "How about Chinese?"
Rando rolled his eyes dramatically. "Only if it's from Chinatown in the United States."
Murugu pouted, her wings flapping in exaggerated disappointment. "Aw, come on! Why does it have to be so specific?"
Rando sighed, clearly humoring her. "Fine, fine. We'll get Chinese from Beijing. Happy now?"
Murugu's eyes sparkled as she let out an excited chirp. "Yay!"
Juri blinked again, still processing everything she had just witnessed. She couldn't believe her eyes. A yokai, casually traveling between worlds, ordering takeout like it was nothing, and shrugging off the idea that humans were superior. She had never met anyone like him before.
"So… you two can just go? Just like that?" Juri asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. She watched, wide-eyed, as Rando and Murugu acted so casually, as though traveling between Makai and the human world was an everyday occurrence. It was hard for her to grasp—how could they be so nonchalant about crossing realms like it was nothing?
"Just like that," Rando replied with a smirk, clearly amused by her reaction.
Juri blinked, still processing the information. "So, you can go whenever you want?" She pressed on, but Rando's shrug told her there was more to it than that.
"More or less," Rando said, tapping his finger thoughtfully against his chin. "It's a little more complicated than just hopping in and out. I can only travel to places I've been before." He raised an eyebrow at Juri, who was clearly processing this new tidbit of information. "Is there something specific you wanted to know?"
Juri hesitated for a moment, then sighed, looking both apologetic and slightly embarrassed. "Err… sorry, I know we've only just met, but… would you be willing to do me a favor?" Her request seemed hesitant, and both Rando and Murugu exchanged curious glances.
"What's this about?" Murugu chirped, tilting her head.
Juri cleared her throat. "There's a place called Demon City. It's a place far away from this part of Makai,it says it's from a part in another area which was separated from us. But it's where a supplier of ours keeps a stash of pure alcohol that we use to mix drinks here at the bar. The thing is, our supplier's been unresponsive lately, and we can't get in touch with him. I need someone to go there and see if he's alive or if something's happened to him."
Which Rando blinked as he recollected Demon City was the area where the 4 Saint Beasts where the demons who commanded there, and from seeing the castle was now useless without their 4 strongest demons, Rando never bothered to even think into visiting the city.
Rando studied her intently, his arms crossed, as he listened. "So you want me to go to Demon City to do that?"
Juri bowed slightly, her voice earnest. "Yes, please. If you can bring back the alcohol supply, we'll pay you the value of the order—2000 hellishyen." She seemed almost desperate as she finished, clearly needing this favor to be fulfilled.
Murugu let out a playful laugh. "Well, at least you'll get some money now, Rando. And Hiei will have no one to blame but himself for not keeping an eye on you. HAHAHAHAHA!"
Rando chuckled dryly, unfazed by Murugu's teasing. He reached into his coat pocket, pulling out his red book once again and flipping through the pages. "Hmm… I suppose I could do that. It'll take a few hours, but I'll be able to find my way to Demon City."
Juri's face lit up with surprise and gratitude. "Really? You'd do that for us?" She couldn't hide her excitement. "Thank you, thank you so much!"
"It's no problem," Rando replied with a wave of his hand, though his tone remained nonchalant. "Murugu, you wanna keep an eye on things here? Make sure Hiei doesn't show up looking for me?"
Murugu pouted, clearly less than thrilled about the idea. "I wanna eat first," she grumbled, crossing her wings over her chest.
Rando sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. In return, I'll bring you Chinese food. Happy now?"
Murugu's wings fluttered in excitement. "Okay! That works." She chirped gleefully, her earlier annoyance forgotten in an instant.
Rando raised an eyebrow. "Just don't provoke Hiei, alright? You might want to avoid getting your head cut off or your wings clipped."
Murugu froze, her eyes wide in a mix of surprise and sudden wariness. She quickly nodded. "Good idea. I won't mess with him. Promise."
Rando gave a satisfied nod and turned back to the portal he was about to create. "Good. Now, let's make sure this will be the location I will return." He mumbled, flicking through his book again. As one of the fingers made a blue circle of runes across the walls outside of the bar "Alright, this one… will be 16…Set...Open."
And with one touch like a water drop sound, made without warning, a swirling black portal began to grow from the wall of the bar, expanding outward like a vortex. Juri stepped back, her eyes wide in awe as the space between dimensions slowly opened up before her.
Without a second glance, Rando walked toward the portal, his form disappearing into the black void. The portal snapped shut behind him, leaving Juri standing there in stunned silence.
"SHIGURE, I KNOW YOU'RE THERE!" Hiei's voice thundered through the silent halls of the laboratory, his rage resonating with the cold, metallic stillness of the Makai facility. He had pursued this path relentlessly, leaving Rando behind, unwilling to trust him with the delicate matter of his Jagan's origins. Kurama followed close behind, quiet but vigilant, his sharp gaze sweeping over the shadowed corners of the lab.
Reaching Alaric, a region deep within Mukuro's domain, had been grueling. Hours passed in what felt like an eternity, each second fueled by Hiei's simmering fury. The journey had brought them to this secluded place, nestled in the heart of Makai, where danger loomed with every breath.
The laboratory was unnervingly quiet. Its stillness, far from reassuring, only sharpened Hiei's agitation. Kurama hung back, his presence a calming counterpoint to Hiei's barely restrained energy.
Finally, the sound of measured footsteps echoed, breaking the silence. From the shadows emerged a figure, his presence as composed and deliberate as the steps he took.
"Well, well," Shigure greeted, his voice calm and detached, tinged with faint amusement. "It seems the boy with the Jagan eye has found his way back to me. To what do I owe the honor?"
Shigure's appearance was as unsettling as Kurama remembered. His face bore the jagged scar, his lip and jaw adorned with metallic piercings. His dull gray ponytail was tied with a bright blue ribbon, the contrast between his utilitarian attire and the oddly delicate accessory as jarring as the man himself.
Hiei's glare darkened, his voice a low growl. "Enough games, Shigure. Is it true? Does Mukuro have the Crystal Tear?"
Shigure raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Ah, so that's why you're here. I wondered how long it would take for you to piece it together."
"Answer me!" Hiei snapped, his hand instinctively moving toward the hilt of his sword.
Shigure's response was measured, his tone almost patronizing. "Yes, Hiei. Mukuro has it. The Crystal Tear has been in her possession for some time ago."
Kurama observed the exchange silently, his sharp mind piecing together the implications. Shigure's demeanor was as enigmatic as ever, his words carrying an undercurrent of something unsaid.
"You knew this," Hiei accused, his voice laced with anger and frustration. "You knew this all along, and yet you said nothing."
"I only knew recently, she discovered after one of her guards managed to find the jewel located by luck. Which at the time I saw the glimpse of what had been, I could see you were in the journey trying to find it on her hands." Shigure met Hiei's glare with an almost bored expression. "But it wasn't my place to tell you. Your path—your choices—are your own. And besides," he added, a faint smirk tugging at his lips, "you never returned to ask."
The air between them crackled with tension. Kurama stepped forward slightly, his tone calm but firm. "Shigure, you've always been a man of precision. Why would you withhold this information unless it served a purpose?"
"A purpose? Perhaps. Or perhaps I simply enjoy watching things unfold naturally. Life, after all, is nothing without its mysteries." Shigure's gaze shifted to Kurama, his expression unreadable.
Kurama narrowed his eyes, sensing the deliberate vagueness in Shigure's response. He was playing a game, as he always did—never offering more than what he deemed necessary, yet always holding all the cards.
"Enough riddles. If Mukuro has the Crystal Tear, then I'll take it from her myself." Hiei's voice broke the tension, sharp and cutting.
"You're welcome to try. But be warned, Hiei. Mukuro doesn't part with things easily. Not even for someone like you." Shigure chuckled softly, the sound devoid of malice but carrying a weight of understanding.
The tension in the room was palpable, the weight of unresolved histories and hidden motives hanging heavily in the air. Kurama placed a steadying hand on Hiei's shoulder, his voice calm.
"So, all of this was orchestrated for Mukuro to gain access to the Crystal Tear, giving her something she could use against Hiei in the future?" Kurama's voice cut through the tension like a blade, calm yet probing. His words drew Shigure's sharp gaze, the demonic surgeon studying the man standing beside Hiei with a calculating intensity.
Shigure's eyes narrowed slightly as if weighing the presence of this new figure. "A friend of yours?" he asked, his voice tinged with detached curiosity.
"Yes," Hiei replied curtly, glancing at Kurama from the corner of his eye. His tone carried a subtle warning, but Kurama remained steadfast.
Shigure's piercing gaze lingered on Kurama, his sharp mind already dissecting what he saw. "A yokai in a human body," he observed, his tone clinical and devoid of surprise. "Interesting. Your presence explains much." His eyes briefly flicked to Hiei's Jagan, glowing faintly with restrained energy. "And you've returned stronger than when we last met. Impressive, but... insufficient."
Kurama remained composed, his calm demeanor an impenetrable wall against Shigure's scrutiny. The demonic surgeon's voice dropped, a mix of warning and indifference. "You're not strong enough to challenge Mukuro. This pursuit of the Crystal Tear will only lead to your destruction. Give up. You stand no chance against one of the Three Kings."
Hiei's jaw tightened, his hand reflexively gripping the hilt of his sword. "Don't presume to lecture me, Shigure," he growled, his tone simmering with barely contained fury. "I didn't come here for your advice."
Shigure chuckled softly, the sound more a statement of amusement than genuine mirth. "You came here for answers, and I've given them to you. What you choose to do with them is your business. But heed my words: Mukuro's domain is not one you can enter lightly. If you're so eager to throw your life away, by all means, proceed. Just don't expect sympathy when you fail."
His voice shifted slightly, more measured and ominous. "But I'll give you this: A war is approaching, Hiei. In time, all yokai will have to pick a side. Mukuro knows this, and she knows your story. She wants warriors who can lend their strength, not out of loyalty, but necessity."
Hiei's crimson eyes narrowed, his voice calm but seething with anger. "That doesn't mean I'll fight for her—or anyone else. I will reclaim my jewel, even if I have to kill the Three Kings of Hell to do it."
For the first time, Shigure's expression turned grim. His gaze bore into Hiei with the weight of his words. "You don't understand. The moment you stand before Mukuro, you'll die. The power she wields as a King of Hell is enough to shatter the minds of weaker yokai. You are not strong enough to face her."
Hiei's fists tightened, his knuckles whitening as his restrained fury radiated through the room. The air grew heavier, charged with his barely contained energy. Shigure, noting the tension, exhaled and glanced at both Hiei and Kurama. For once, his tone softened, tinged with what might be mistaken for kindness.
"I'll offer you one mercy," Shigure said, his voice measured. "You may rest here tonight. Tomorrow, you can depart and continue on this reckless journey."
Hiei's voice broke the silence, low and resolute. "Two years..."
Both Shigure and Kurama turned to him, their attention sharpened.
"In two years," Hiei continued, his voice firm, "I'll be stronger than I've ever been. I will take back the Crystal Tear from Mukuro, even if it means killing her."
Shigure tilted his head slightly, his lips curling into a faint, unreadable smile. The memory of the boy who had once endured the excruciating pain of the Jagan surgery came to mind. He had seen Hiei's determination before, but now it burned brighter, fiercer.
"Very well," Shigure said at last. "If, in two years, you manage to grow strong enough to rival or surpass Mukuro, then you'll have my permission to tell your sister the truth—that you are her brother."
"I've told you before," Hiei replied coldly, "I'll never reveal the truth to her."
Shigure chuckled again, this time a deeper, knowing sound. "Minds can change, Hiei."
Turning away from the duo, Shigure began walking into the shadows. Just before vanishing completely into the dim recesses of the lab, he cast a final glance over his shoulder, his sharp eyes landing on Kurama.
"You have interesting eyes, Kurama Yoko. It's... satisfying to see the legend still alive after all these years."
Kurama's usually composed demeanor faltered slightly, his eyes widening. Being recognized by one of the most infamous yokai was unexpected, but Kurama quickly regained his composure, shifting his gaze to Hiei.
Hiei had seated himself against the wall, his posture relaxed but his mind clearly restless. Kurama knew what this encounter had stirred in his friend.
As the night loomed, the encounter left them both with much to consider. For Hiei, the path to reclaiming the Crystal Tear was now more fraught with peril than ever. For Kurama, Shigure's sharp observation was a reminder of the fragility of disguises in a world teeming with predators.
Still, the night had served its purpose. Tomorrow, Hiei would resume his hunt for Rando, while Yusuke's mission pressed ever closer to success. Will Rando be able to stall 2 more days for Hiei finally find his way back to the human world? Somehow in a weird way, Kurama could see it happening.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Juri blinked, confused by the abrupt change in her surroundings. One moment, she had been leaning against the bar counter, trying to process Rando's casual acceptance of her favor. The next, she found herself seated at a round table cluttered with food, drinks, and chaos. Most of the demons in the bar had scattered, unwilling to deal with the crazy demon who had suddenly appeared with a boy dragging barrels of alcohol at her request.
Across the table, Rando sat sipping water with a slice of lemon floating in the glass. He seemed entirely at ease, flipping through his red book as though nothing unusual had happened. Beside him, Chu was laughing uproariously, his loud, boisterous voice carrying over the din of bickering nearby.
"Oi, Rinku, you little brat! Quit trying to pick the bird's food!" Chu roared, slamming a tankard of dark brown liquid onto the table. The strong smell of alcohol wafted toward Juri as Chu tilted his head back and drained the remainder of what she could only assume was whiskey. "Now this—" Chu grinned, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "This is my new favorite drink, no contest!"
Juri turned her head to the commotion. Murugu, the small yellow, green, and purple bird, was flapping her wings furiously as she jabbed her sharp beak at Rinku's fingers. "Get away from my fried rice, you little pest!" Murugu squawked, her voice sharp and indignant.
Rinku, undeterred, held his hands up defensively. "Hey, I just wanted to see what it tastes like! Relax, birdbrain!" He reached out again, but Murugu lunged, pecking at his knuckles. "Ow! Okay, okay, geez!" He yanked his hand back and cradled it, glaring at the bird. "What's in that rice anyway? It smells weird."
"It's better than whatever garbage you're eating, I can tell you that!" Murugu shot back, her feathers puffing up in irritation.
"It's from the Human World, one of its countries," Rando commented without looking up from his book.
Juri stared at the scene in disbelief. "What the hell just happened?" she blurted out, looking around the room. "How did we end up here? What's going on?"
Rando finally looked up from his book, as calm as ever. "Trust me, it's a long story. It all happened while I was in Demon City and met Chu and Rinku." The white-haired yokai's explanation earned a few blinks of surprise from Juri. "I brought back the barrels for you, Chinese food for Murugu… and for Chu..." He gestured toward the towering blue-haired demon.
"Whiskey!" Chu declared with a grin, holding his now-empty tankard in the air. "This stuff is fantastic! I dunno how humans make it, but it's strong enough to keep me happy and a good flavor as well, so cheers to that!"
Juri groaned, rubbing her temples as the headache brewing in her head intensified. "Okay, okay, okay. I know I said I was thankful for all the help, and I am, but now I'm more confused than ever. I need the whole story behind this…" She gestured to the two yokai who had seemingly come out of nowhere.
"Well, everything started when I came through the portal," Rando began, his tone matter-of-fact as he prepared to recount the chaotic series of events.
Juri let out a sigh, bracing herself for whatever ridiculous explanation was about to follow.
(A few hours ago)
As once Rando got into the abandoned basement, where he had placed the portal number 22, the white-haired yokai felt pleased to know that having such a place to use as a direct portal to another region of hell made his trip even easier for him. Which, as he recalled, he went on where the secret passage to the city would be enough for him to pass. And from finding the same portal of green color, it made him smirk with an easy way to find a portal that would take a few minutes. Possibly an hour to end.
It wouldn't be that difficult, right?"
.
.
.
"DAMMIT, the city is way far away from the castle. It will take hours to reach the Demon City." Rando commented that he had never felt so annoyed for forgetting about such an obvious fact. As he saw some weak demons to even dare to glare at him, all Rando had to do was to use Hatsu and swear he was going to kill allf them, and he was able to be left alone. "I need to improve my 4 basics of nen and improve even further to the point I can use Shu, Ko, Ken, and Ryu. It's still a long path for me."
As the time progressed, Rando could see on how terrible the Demon City was, the structures crumbling an made of pure concrete, fissures and cracks across the walls, as the place looked deserted across the floor.
"Wow, this place sucks." Rando mumbled as he never imagined he would see such a terrible place. "Well, maybe that is that what happens when the demns who were subordinates of the 4 Saint Beasts would live the rest of their lives."
As he kept walking, the place was getting even worse, since the terrible smell of urine could be smelled across the floor, but nothing Rando couldn't ignore; he had already met terrible places on Earth, so that wasn't new to him. But then the sound of something strange was happening. The sound of a fight happening.
As he looked, he saw a demon holding what would resemble a child, which slowly Rando had his eyes wide open.
A kid who has brown hair, parted down the middle, with each section spiked at an angle. He has three pink stars tattooed just below his left eye. He wears a long-sleeve yellow shirt with a red sleeveless one over it. He also wears jeans, sneakers, and occasionally a large, red and yellow striped cap on his head, with a blue puffball on the top. He wears the hat to the side and also carries a pouch containing his unique weapons. And he resembled most of a human more than any other demon or yokai.
"Better get off me, ugly." The boy said as the group of demons simply was amused, especially the leader of the group.
"Shut up. A bastard like you should be living among those horrid humans, never appearing in front of us." The leader of the gang said as the boy stood up and glared at the demon.
"You will see; I will take you all, Ahh." The boy tried to attack, but suddenly he got a kick in the face, and then the leader of the gang started to beat him up, with the other demons as the boy was being overwhelmed by them.
Rando took his red book, and he couldn't see the group beating up a yokai who would be known as being a member of the Dark Tournament. By to their direction, suddenly he saw another person coming with him. Rando blinked as he recognized the person who was… A person who has a well-built, muscular body and an excellent posture when he is sober. He is very tall, towering over most of the people he meets with at least four inches to spare. Has a long, electric blue punk-like mohawk with two ponytails in the back, whose ends are both wrapped up with a red ribbon. He has a messy and rather short goatee and mustache, as well as a green stripe tattoo under his eyes and above the bridge of his nos. He wears fur-lined black boots and a tank top. He also has olive green pants and a red sash belt.
"They aren't going to bother you anymore." The drunk yokai stated, as the whole gang stopped just to see he duo who resembled like humans appearing in the city.
"Alright, guys, I think that's enough. Making a whole group of demons to hold aboy and beat him up like that isn't honorable; have some dignity." Rando decided to approach in the easiest way, but suddenly he could see the gang sneering at him.
"Great, another bunch of disgusting yokai with human looks." The leader said, clearly unfazed, as he couldn't help but sneer at the duo. "Keep it up shorty, or you are going to be next."
And at that time, Rando's pacific smile froze, as his eyes twitched furiously. As he slowly took a crimson ribbon and placed it in one of the pages...
"Excuse me, what did you just say?" Rando slowly took out his sunglasses, as Rinku could see the brilliant azure eyes of the yokai with white hair.
"I said midget, you shouldn't be minding the business of people stronger than you; little fishes like you are easy to kill." The leader once again said the words, which slowly made the eyes of the white-haired yokai become nothing more than murderous.
Rando simply remained quiet as he placed another crimson ribbon in another page, and by closing the book, suddenly the book disappeared in thin air.
Chu looked at the scene in amusement as he was about to drink the alcohol in the bottle, but then he gave a disgusted look at the drink.
"WHAT A BORING DRINK." The blue-mohawk yokai shouted as he threw the bottle at the leader of the gang, who simply used his own hand to parry away the bottle.
"WHAT'S THE MEANING OF THIS?" The demon said, as Rando walked slowly at them.
"The meaning… is that you are all going to die." Rando simply stated the facts, and from the tone of his voice and from the look of his eyes, he already came with something in mind; the leader committed 3 strikes.
Which, to that point, the other demons looked at each other, but next they started to laugh at him.
"This place sucks, isn't that right?" Rando commented as the drunk yokai had to agree as well.
"I'm also not liking this place; they just have terrible booze." The Mohawk drunk said as he broke one of the barrels and started to drink.
"You two want to challenge us?" The leader said as the group stopped laughing, which Rando and the drunk looked at each other.
"Yes, that's right." Rando said in a serious tone while the drunk said with a good smirk on his face
"Hey, half is mine." Rando commented as the drunk started drinking from the barrel. Which some of the demons appeared around them. As he relaxed, he placed both his hands in his pockets. Which, as soon as the drunk yokai used to avoid being hit. Which, when there was the demon going after the white-haired boy.
Suddenly the leader had his eyes wide open when he saw that in a blink of an eye. 3 demons went to the ground.
"What just happened?" The leader commented as the boy under his feet had his eyes wide open from seeing the movement.
The boy watched as Rando took his hands from his pockets and, with one hand, like a lightning bolt, with speed and precision. He gave one swift open-hand blow to one of the demon's ears, destroying the eardrum. While with the same hand gave a spear hand to one of the throats of the other demon, and with the other hand he used a spear hand horizontally in such speed that cut the throat of the third demon who jumped on him.
Attacking the trachea with a direct blow made 2 of them incapacitated to fight, while the other, who had his eardrum blown from the air compression, was confused on why he was on the ground. While Rando remained with his hands in his pocket again.
"Hmmm… this is what happens without me using Ratso? Let's see if I combine this with Ratso and make a use on Enhancement. Rando mumbled as he looked at the demons who were angry at seeing him.
Which other group of demons went to jump on Rando, but once he was with his hands out of the pocket again. Which, at the next time the group went to attack the boy, just for the next second, in one blink of an eye… Heads flew in the air while some were crashed from the impact of such terrific force.
As Rando's body had a glow, he gave a stomp on the feet of one demon, which splashed the flesh in blood, while he use raised his other leg to the sky, reaching the chin of the demon, which destroyed the jaw and the head, which went away from the body. And by placing the hands on the pocket again, he used spear hand, which was now piercing the throat of another demon, and whenever he used his punches to attack, he destroyed the face beyond recognition.
The boy watched the white-haired yokai terrified but also in awe as he then looked at the drunk who was also playing with the demons and also ripping out their heads like a child playing.
As the more drunk he was, the stronger he would become.
"HAHAHAHA, THIS IS GETTING FUN." The man laughed, as it was the time to destroy everything. And with his spiritual energy, he created a blast of force that eliminated half of the demons while leaving the rest for the white-haired yokai.
"Yo, you, who are you?" The leader of the gang took a few steps back, but suddenly he saw the white-haired boy in front of him.
But this time, the red book was in his hands again, and by flipping a few pages, he took a few crimson ribbons and placed it in two different pages. And the book disappeared again.
"Vice Grip." The boy watched the words said by the person seeing the demon going to punch him. Which on the next second the yokai with his two hands grabbed one of the arms, and by helding tight it made the blood pressure unite and explode to the arm releasing the blood on the floor.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH," The leader of the gang shouted as he felt part of his arm destroyed, which on the next second the boy did the same thing again with the other arm, incapacitating the demon while he scretched in pain. But the yokai wasn't done, which the brown haired boy gulped into seeing the blue eyes as he simply touched with his hand, simply became scarlett and with a blood shot look.
"A dead person shouldn't know the name of a person who's going to kill him. Sun and Moon." The white-haired boy said as suddenly two symbols appeared on the back of the boy's hands, a sun with a plus on his left and a waxing/waning moon with a minus on his right hand.
Which one of the hands, by touching and holding the shoulder of the demon with his left hand, strongly pulled the demon who tried to attack him, but in exchange received a headbutt that made the leader of the gang drowsy? As he had touched the demon, he felt the mark of the sun appearing on the shoulder, which meant bad news for him. As Rando carried the demon until one of the buildings made of concrete.
"I told you we were going to kill you all… Do you want to know why your death is going to be the most painful?" Rando commented as the boy far away and the drunk man stared at the scene, which will be forever marked on their heads. Which, before the demon would even say anything, Rando gave another headbutt. "Because you mocked my height. If you had shut your mouth, your death would have been painless."
Rando simply touched the wall of the building with the right hand, which then created a moon shape symbol on the wall.
"Goodbye." Rando said as he simply jumped away, and by dismissing the symbol of his hands, he crouched his bodythe maximun he could..."Grip strength X Body weight X Speed = Destructive Force"
Those were the words Rando had said as on the next second the boy punched with everything he got, without using his nen, but enough to give a painful punch to the demon and push him towards the wall as suddenly Mark on the shoulder of the demon simply touched the symbol on the wall… Which, on the next second, Rando jumped and ran away as quickly as possible.
And on the next second, the boy and the drunk watched the body of the demon explode with the wall on the building, which immediately created the flames and tremors across the entire area.
As soon as the man deactivated the spiritual energy he had, his hands returned back, and he slowly approached the door.
"Yo, I have an order to take a few barrels of alcohol around; do either of you two know the place where a few barrels of pure alcohol would be? It's for a bar in the Forest of Fools," Rando greeted as the boy blinked a few seconds while the drunk smirked and couldn't help but laugh.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA, I LIKED THIS ONE. My name is Chu. The drunk laughed as he gave a slap on the back of the white-haired yokai while he laughed happily. "I found a few of those non-taste barrels, but just from a friend to another, what will I gain?"
Rando blinked a few times as he passed a few seconds to think.
"I think I have a bottle of whiskey from my trip to Scotland." The white-haired boy said those weird names, which made the mohawk man tilt his head.
"WHAT THE HELL IS WHISKEY?"Chu asked loudly. Which Rando isn't sure on what to say?
"And that's what happened." Rando summarized as he was eating one box containing fried rice, while Rinku was also eating a bit of it.
"Hmmm, this stuff is really good." Rinku chewed the food while Chu was on the floor sleeping happily from drinking too much.
Juri blinked a few times, as she was unable to find the words on what to say. But she then looked at the barrels of alcohol, and she had already paid the boy…
"I shouldn't have asked. But at least he's cute." Juri mumbled to herself, as she had no idea why, but if she thought too much about that, she was going to have a headache. Which was good advice she should be following by herself.