Chapter 95 - Shape of Love
"Look everyone! We're here!"
"W-What is that?!" Ken asked
"It's enormous!" Assam reacted
"That everyone is the Japanese National Senshado Team Carrier! The very first one!"
"It's bigger than our Kiev!" Nonna said
"It's 20.4 km long and 4.2 km wide!"
"What's it called onii-sama?" Maho asked
"Its name is the JSS Hakugei. The White Whale!"
(The ospreys now approached the humongous ship in front of them and the view was amazing from the air. They could see various buildings and facilities all over the place as well as a big dome in the middle)
"Eiji-kun, what's that dome over there?" Kaede asked
"Do you remember the Joint Tournament 4 years ago? That's the D.O.M.E that hosted the semi-finals and finals. It was added to this carrier and enlarged enough to fit 80 tanks to have a competition!"
"Ohh! So this is where it went! I've always wondered what happened to it!" Anchovy said
"I'm so excited to try it out! It's going to be so fun!" Ken reacted
"Wait so after the tournament back then it was already transferred here?" Darjeeling asked
"Yeah. The production started during that time and finished about a month ago!"
"Now that I get a closer look at this ship it really is huge!" Alisa said
(After the aerial tour the ospreys now approached the airport where they'll be dropping off everyone. The airport was big enough for all of them to land at the same time. As Gero and the others got out of their osprey they were welcomed by Erika and Chouno)
"Tadaima! Erika!"
"Okaeri! How was the trip?" she asked
"It was great!"
"Great since you get to hug Kay right?" Naomi teased
"Oy!"
"Hmm..so you hugged Kay huh?" Erika reacted
"Y-yes..but..that was.."
"Very good.."
"Eh..?"
"I'm happy for you Kay!" Erika smiled
"Thanks?" Kay was confused
"You're not angry?"
"Would you want me to get angry?" Erika asked
"N-No! No..this is better than you getting angry.."
"Then I don't see the problem.."
(Everyone looked at Erika and they were both amazed by her beauty and how she became a cool and awesome woman. Normally she'd snap out of anger after hearing that Gero hugged Kay but she just laughed it off and was even happy for Kay. They noticed that something definitely has changed about her and a big part of the reason would be about her living together with Gero)
"Eririn!" Miho shouted as she hugged Erika
"Miho! Hisashiburi!" Erika returned the hug
"Are you alright? I was so worried about you!"
"I'm ok Miho. Sorry to worry you."
"It's great to see you again Erika.." Maho smiled
"You too Maho-san!"
"From now on just call me Maho. No need for those stiff formalities. Alright?"
"Then, it's great to see you as well Maho!"
(Edel the black cat suddenly jumped in front of them and gave Weiss the white cat a show of affection)
"Oh and who is this black feline?" Maho asked
"Edel is his name, we adopted him in. He and Weiss are a couple now!" Erika smiled
"Nice to meet you Edel!" Miho smiled
"Nyaaw~" he replied
(Jajka and Shizuka then approached Erika to greet her after a long time of not seeing each other. They have a relationship of dating way back when they fought in tankathalon so they were happy to see her again)
"Erika-dono!" Shizuka called out
"Shizuka-san! Jajka-san! Glad to see you two getting close!" she replied
"Spending three years with her in the same dorm is a nightmare!" Jajka said
"You say that but I know you enjoyed our shenanigans!" Shizuka teased
"You know what they say, spending a long time with someone under the same roof will show your true colors even if you don't want to!" Erika smiled
"Is that connected to spending three years with Gero-kun in the same house?" Jajka teased
"Yes definitely.."
"Well it is still great to be able to fight alongside you once again Erika-dono!" Shizuka wanted to shake her hand
"You too princess of tankathalon!"
(When Shizuka held Erika's hand she suddenly was able to see how Erika's aura had intensely changed. Just like how she was able to see Gero's true strength before it happened once again with Erika. She started to shake in fear as she saw the aura of a white wolf inside Erika's eyes)
"W-W-What was that..?" Shizuka said
"What's wrong?" Jajka asked
"Hmm..I knew you would be able to see her.." Erika smiled
"Her?" Jajka was confused
(Jajka looked straight into Erika's eyes and was able to see the shape of Erika's aura which was that of a great white wolf staring at them. She was referring to Shizuka being able to see Fenrir)
"Are you..still the Itsumi Erika that we know?" Shizuka asked
"Of course I am..I just got a little bit stronger..I can't fall behind you two right?"
"A little stronger!? Your aura is the same as Gero-kun's! What happened to you?!" Jajka asked
"Shhh..it's a secret for now..you'll know soon enough! Nice seeing you two again! Catch you later!"
(Erika then peacefully left with a smile on her face leaving the princess and queen of tankathalon still shaken up a bit)
"Are the preparations done Chouno-kun?" Shiho asked
"Yes! We're ready to transport everyone to their designated quarters!" she answered
"How are you going to transport everyone?" Hajime asked
"With that!"
(Gero pointed behind them as a big and long white mini bullet train arrived at a nearby station. It was brand new and had a design of a dragon with its front car being the head)
"What is that?!" Alice reacted
"Since this place is too big we designed it to have its own railway station as the main transportation system! Ladies and gentlemen, I'm pleased to present you the Hakuryu Shinkansen!"
"OOOOOOOOHHHHHHH!" everyone reacted
"White Dragon?" Asparagus asked
"Everything is white..the ship, the train, and then there's Gero-sama.." Marie said
"It has a capacity of 500 passengers per trip and it operates 24/7 at speeds of 130 km/h meaning from end to end it will take about 10 minutes!. We will be using this to get to our destinations all over the ship! Of course you can drive a car as well if trains are not your thing and walking from end to end will be about 4 hours!"
"This is so cool! A train on a ship!" Toshi said
"How many stations are there?" Shiori asked
"There are three! This station that we are standing on is the South station! Then the next is the Center Station where the big DOME is located, and finally the last would be the North Station!"
"What's in the north station?" Sakuraba asked
"You'll see soon enough since that's where we are headed next! After getting your luggage from the ospreys over there please board the train!"
(Gero and the rest were about to board the train when two individuals welcomed them by the door. It was Tsuneo and Kin who was waiting for them to arrive)
"Aniki!" Kin greeted
"Oh! My little brother! How was the train ride?"
"It's fantastic! It's the very first time I've ever ridden a bullet train!"
"I'm glad then!"
"Is this everyone my son?" Tsuneo asked
"Yeah this is all of them. Where's Kikuyo-neechan?"
"She's waiting for you all at the next station."
"Awesome!"
"Kin? Is that really you?" Naomi asked
"Yes! Naomi-nee chan!"
"Some of them still haven't recognized you so greet them!"
"Hajimemashite! My name is Nishizumi Kin! I'm 19 years old! Pleasure to meet you all!" Kin bowed
(Everyone just stared at him for a bit and was wondering if they heard him correctly saying he was a Nishizumi)
"NISHIZUMI?!" everyone reacted
"Ahaha! That's a nice reaction!"
"What is the meaning of this Matsu-kun?" Ken asked
"Long story short, Kin here has been adopted by the Nishizumi Family as Gero's little brother!" Erika said
"EEEEEEEHHHH?!" everyone reacted again
(All of them now boarded the Hakuryu and as they were waiting for the passengers to finish boarding they talked about this sudden news)
"It's hard to believe that little kid we saved 3 years ago turned out to be a handsome one!" Klara said
"Spasiba Klara-nee chan!"
"Wow! He knows Russian too!" Miho reacted
"Yes Miho-nee chan, some friends of mine taught me how to speak!"
"N-Nee chan?! So this is what it's like to be an older sister!" Miho got excited
"You've always been the youngest after all. Now Kin's is the youngest!" Kal said
"Have you been in Germany all this time?" Alisa asked
"Yes Alisa-nee chan! I've been studying there and practicing Senshado with aniki!" he answered
"Ohh! And what position have you chosen to be Kin-kun?" Takashi asked
"Gunner!"
"Just like me! Looks like we're in the same boat then!"
"So this means Gero-kun has been teaching you?" Darjeeling asked
"That's right! He will also be joining our crew in this tournament."
"Our crew?!" Hajime asked
"Yup! Starting now he's the White Tiger Crew's gunner! Of course he's the newest member of the JNST needless to say!"
"Happy to have you along Kin-kun!" Kaede said
"Thank you Kaede-nee chan! I will do my best!"
"Onii-sama, does that mean you'll be taking the role of tank commander?" Maho asked
"Yes my little sister, just like you!"
"I'm so happy!" Maho blushed
"Nii-chan as a tank commander, now that's what I've been waiting to see for a long time!" Alice said
"I'm sure Ro-chan will fit the role perfectly.." Mika smiled
"Now that me and Aniki are fighting together, nobody can stop us now! Ha ha ha!" Kin proudly said
"Hey don't forget about us Kin-kun! We're in the same crew so let's work together!" Ono said
"We'll be counting on you to make those shots!" Hajime said
"If Matsu-kun taught you then I have nothing to worry about!" Ken smiled
"I won't let you down Ono-nii chan! Hajime-nii chan! Ken-nii chan!"
"That's the spirit Kin-chan! I just know you'll be a great gunner just like Gero!" Kay said
"Ohh Kay-san?! Since when did you start calling him Gero? Usually you'd call him darling?" Assam teased
"Ah..well..uhmm.." Kay blushed
"We're going to have a nice long talk about this later, right Bakatora?" Erika said
"Why did you have to say that Assam!?"
"Teehee~" Assam acted cute
(Everyone laughed as usual for Gero being bullied by the girls. On the V.I.P car was Shiho, Chiyo, Mai, Tsuneo and Chouno)
"Looks like you're having the time of your life Shiporin!" Chiyo said
"My son was able to do all of this with his own strength and did not rely on the family which shows how independent he can be. I also managed to have another son that's a genius and a gentle boy. Why wouldn't I be happy?"
"Nishizumi Kin huh..he looks a little like Gero-chan when he was younger!" Chiyo said
"I thought about that too! It's like seeing my son grow up again!"
(Shiho noticed that Yamato Mai was staring at the boy named Kin and it looked like something was on her mind)
"What's wrong?" she asked her
"That boy, he seems somehow familiar.." Mai said
"You've seen him in the reports that Gero gave us. Well he had longer hair and tattered clothes on those reports so I guess you wouldn't notice it was him right away." Shiho said
"He was one of the kids they saved in Germany three years ago. Right Tsu-chan?" Chiyo asked
"Yeah. He was the very first child to be experimented on by Pandora. He is also the sole survivor of all the experiments conducted all these years." Tsuneo said
"What are you talking about? There's a second survivor over there.." Chouno said
(They all looked and remembered that Erika as well survived after receiving Gero's blood. All passengers have now finished boarding and are now headed to the North Station. Gero stood up and grabbed a microphone which is connected to every car and made an announcement)
"Ladies and gentlemen please buckle up and be comfortable for this 10 minute ride to the next station! I know it's tempting to order some food but please hold in your hunger for we have a surprise with you when we arrive at the station! Sit back and relax! Thank you!"
[JNST Hakugei - North Train Station]
(After their comfy ride the Hakuryu slowly arrived at the station after ten minutes. As they got off the train they were welcomed by Kikuyo with a large crowd of people behind her)
"Okaerinasai Gero-sama!"
"Tadaima Kikuyo-nee chan! Is everything ready?"
"Yes! Just say when!"
"Alright everyone! Hurry up and line up here! A lot of people are waiting for you!"
(As ordered by Gero they all lined up and got a good look at the people waiting for them. They seemed to recognize the faces of the people waiting for them and couldn't believe their eyes. The crowd of people standing behind Kikuyo were none other than their families)
"Okaa-sama?!" Hana reacted
"Okaa-san!? Otou-san?!" Yukari reacted
"Obaa!" Mako reacted
"What took you so long?" her grandmother asked
"Yukari! We've been waiting for you!" her mother said
"Our families are here as well?!" Takashi asked
"Ok everyone! All together now! Se no.."
"WELCOME HOME TO YOUR NEW HOMES! ATHLETES OF JNST!" every family member shouted
"I don't understand senpai..why are they here?!" Toshi asked
"Do you all remember what I told you all when we won the Joint Tournament long ago? Some of you may remember it but some of you may not. So I'm gonna repeat it here and only once so open your ears!"
(Everyone then recalled the events of that day when gero and his crew made their speech. Some remembered it because they were there and some remembered it because they watched it on the television. Gero took a deep breath and smiled at his team)
"No matter how far you have come or how much you have achieved! Never forget where you came from!"
"How could I forget?" Erika smiled
"Of course we remember!" Mauko shouted
"This is where you came from, from a warm and loving family! I invited all of them here to support us on our journey to becoming champions of the world! They will be here living with us as we travel all over different countries and fight for our country!"
"What do you mean they'll be living with us Whitey?" Anchovy asked
"See these houses behind me? These used to be empty houses! For me a house without a family inside it is not a house! Yesterday your families have chosen the homes they want to live in with you! Starting today these houses are yours now! You may do with them as you please! You can live here for as long as you want even after we become the champions! You can go home to your other homes and when you return here these will still be your homes!"
"SERIOUSLY?!" everyone reacted
"Yes seriously! I have never been more serious in all seriousness than I've been serious about something! So spend the day with your families! Explore the ship with them and share stories with them!"
"The malls and attractions on the ship are now open so I'm sure you all will have a fun family day! We also have a Boko Amusement park so please visit it!" Kikuyo said
"BOKO?!" Miho and Alice's eyes sparked in excitement
"That's right! For now go with your families to see your homes and then have a lovely lunch with them! We'll meet back at the huge DOME after dinner! HAVE FUN! THAT'S AN ORDER!"
"SIR YES SIR!" everyone saluted
(Everyone rushed off to hug their families and be united with them after a long time. One of the families was Kay's mother and her two siblings)
"Hi Mom! I missed you so much!" Kay said as she hugged her mom
"We missed you too!"
"I was worried you couldn't come..with you being busy and all.."
"Your secret admirer convinced me to come. He told me what a great job you have been doing as a tanker so I just had to come and support you!"
"Secret admirer? Mine?" Kay was confused
"That guy, Nishizumi Gero!" her little brother said
"Eh?! What.." Kay blushed
"When he invited us to come here he introduced himself as your darling and has a thing for you!" her little sister said
"Why would he say that?" Kay blushed even more
"I gotta ask nee-san, how did you bag that kind of hot guy?"
"I'm just as confused as you are.."
"Well anyways we can talk about that over lunch! I made your favorite Chicken Steak with gravy!" her mother said
"Really?! Thank you mom! I love you!" Kay smiled
(On the other side of the street Darjeeling was standing in front of their house with her mother and little sister)
"You seem to be doing great here nee-sama.." her sister said
"Well my mother always taught me that a real lady can fend for herself!" Darjeeling smiled
"Very true..we missed you very much!" her mother reacted
"I missed you both too!"
"You should've at least sent me a message that you'll be getting betrothed soon!" her mother said
"Pardon?" Darjeeling reacted
"The reason we're here is because your fiance-to-be visited us in our home to invite us here! You know that guy! The one that gave that wonderful speech to everyone!"
"Gero-kun?!"
"Yes, him! I'll be honest, when he came to our home I thought he was lying but then when he told me so much about you and how you've been an amazing role model to your team and your friends I was convinced that only someone that truly loves you would be able to give a very detailed report about you!" Darjeeling's mother said
"Nee-sama is so lucky! Being married to a guy like that! I've got to work harder!" Darjeeling's sister said
(Both her mother and sister were wondering why Darjeeling wasn't responding and when they looked at her she was blushing very hard at the thought of Gero introducing himself as her husband. Of course Darjeeling was smart enough to know that he wouldn't say that without a reason and he wouldn't lie to her mother just so he could get her to come here so she thought that Gero was serious which made her blush even more)
"Are you ok my daughter? Your face is getting hotter!"
"Eh? Ah..I'm..okay..better than ok!"
"Really? Come on in the house and let's eat! I made fish and chips!"
"Wonderful!" Darjeeling shield with a blush
(Of course Gero didn't forget about his crew. Hajime's parents were there also even though they were known to have neglected their child because of work they managed to come and support them)
"Mom? Dad?" Hajime was surprised
"Hello son.." his father answered
"Look how much you've grown up! You look so handsome! I'm so happy Hajime." his mother smiled
"You came.."
"Son..your mother and I know that we've been awful parents to you..we always prioritized work over you and left you all alone at times.."
"Don't you mean all the time? You were never home, not even for my birthday or any day.."
"We're so sorry Hajime..we only thought of you the whole time as we worked! We only worked that hard for you to live comfortably.." his mother said
"I know! But did it ever cross your mind that I would've rather lived a rough life with my family rather than a comfortable life alone?!" Hajime shouted
"I'm so sorry, we're so sorry son. Will you give us a chance to make it up to you?" his dad asked
"Make it up to me how?" Hajime asked
"We already quit our previous jobs and decided to work here!"
"What?! Why would you-"
"We failed to watch you grow into the man you are now, so please allow us to be with you from now on, living with you here on this ship, as a family." her mother pleaded
(Hajime just calmly stared at the house that was given to them by Gero. He was thinking that if Gero was in his position what would he do.)
"Did you make my favorite dumplings?" Hajime suddenly asked
"Eh? Y-Yes, I made lot's of them!" her mother said
"Come on, let's go in. The food's getting cold.."
"You mean..?" his father asked
"I'm hungry. This will be the first day we live like a real family." Hajime smiled
(After seeing their son smile at them for the first time in a very long time, Hajime's father and mother started crying tears of joy and were very thankful that they were given another chance. It was the same with Ken and his parents were able to put the past behind them and entered their own house to eat lunch together)
"Looks like Hajime and Ken managed to settle things between them and their families.." Ono said
"Yeah..I hope this will give them the extra strength they need to get stronger.."
"You know it will. Well then I'll see you later Gero! I'm off to try out some restaurants!" Ono said
"Ha? What are you talking about?"
"What? I don't have anyone else left, remember? Nobody's at the house you gave."
"But you do! She's over there looking for you!" Erika said
"She?"
(Ono then looked at the direction Gero pointed and saw Sheska who was with her parents. Eventually she was able to see Ono and waved at him)
"Ono-senpai! Come here quickly!" Sheska smiled
"Sheska?!" Ono reacted
"Go on now! Make this first impression on her parents a good one alright?"
"You just had to make me nervous huh? But thanks Gero, I really appreciate it!" Ono smiled
"You're welcome brother. Now hurry before her parents get the wrong idea!"
(Ono then rushed off to Sheska and her parents and introduced himself)
"Mama! Papa! This is Ono-senpai! My boyfriend!" Sheska said
"Hajimemshite! I'm Nakamura Ono! Pleasure to meet you both!"
"You too, Ono-kun! Sheska has told us a lot about you!" Sheska's mother said
"She has told me a lot about you too as well! I hope it wouldn't be bothersome to you if I could join you for lunch?" Ono asked
"Oh of course not! You are very welcome to join us!"
"Thank you very much!"
(Sheska's father then suddenly tried to tackle Ono but he was able to catch the tackle and fend off the attack with ease since Ono has a strong body and skilled in martial arts)
"Amazing job in accepting my tackle, you are quite strong.." Sheska's father said
"Papa! What's the big idea!" Sheska got angry
"I have to be strong sir, for I want to be able to protect Sheska and her smile." Ono said
"Ono-senpai.." Sheska blushed
"Oh my.." Sheska's mother was impressed
"Excellent answer Ono-kun!" the father praised
"Thank you sir!"
"Now tell me, do you drink?"
"Mildly sir."
"Do you smoke?"
"No sir."
"Me neither. Welcome to the family Ono-kun!" the father smiled
"Thank you for having me sir!"
(Ono now joined Sheska and her family for lunch just like everyone else with their family.)
"Well then Bakatora, see you later?" Erika asked
"Yes my love, enjoy your day with your family..say hi for me!"
"You too.."
(Gero and Erika gave each other a kiss on the lips and then went to their families to have lunch. The Nishizumi family was once again complete in a single house namely Tsuneo, Shiho, Miho, Maho, Gero, and their newest little brother, Kin)
[JNST War Room - Evening]
(After a day well spent with the family it was now back to work for Erika. She went on ahead to the war room earlier than everyone to prepare the documents needed for the meeting. As she was doing her job a knock on the door was heard then four young and beautiful ladies came in. It was Darjeeling, Kay, Mika, and Kaede)
"Hi there, how was your day?" Erika asked
"It was great! It's been a long time since I've had so much fun with my mother and siblings!" Kay said
"Me too..this definitely gave me a lot of strength for the upcoming tournament.." Darjeeling said
"This day with our families, we all have to work hard and thank Eiji-kun for it.." Kaede said
"Maybe I should visit him at night later..and thank him properly.." Mika teased
"That sounds like a great idea.." Erika suddenly approved
"Okay this has gone on for too long! Why are you like this?!" Darjeeling reacted
"Like what?" Erika asked
"This! Being fine when your boyfriend hugs another girl and now agreeing to another girl that she should visit your boyfriend at night! It's outrageous!"
"Hey Darjeeling don't get so angry..I'm sure Erika-san has a reason why she's like this.." Kaede said
"As usual you are a very sharp person Kaede-san..that's what bakatora likes about you so much.." Erika said
"I'm sure Eiji-kun likes you more than me..you're the one he chose after all.."
"If he likes me more then why would he introduce himself to your mothers the way he did? Or why do you think bakatora told Mai-sama and Chiyo-sama that he'll make sure both Mika-san and Kaede-san will have a happy future with him?" she asked
"Y-You knew?" Kay asked
"That's why you're here right? To ask me that?"
"I'm sure Gero-kun wouldn't tell those to our mothers if he was lying. I'm just so confused.." Darjeeling said
"Let me ask you this then, what is love for you? Is it when a man tells a woman he loves her? Or is it when he gives her gifts to express his love?" Erika asked again
"Love has many forms..it can be expressed in any way you want. As long as you are sincere about it then it will reach the person you desire." Kaede said
"If what you say is true then here's another question. Why do men and women cheat on their significant other?"
(All four girls were surprised at Erika's question to them and took a very long time to answer)
"There are a lot of reasons like stress issues, trust issues, financial issues, and mental health issues. But the most common reason would be that some people just fall out of love or they don't feel loved by their partner.." Kaede answered
"Why are such issues occurring in the first place? What is the root cause of all of it?" Erika asked once more
"Well, if I were to sum it all up in one word, it would be fear.." Kay said
"Correct! People are afraid of getting hurt, afraid of being left by the one they love, afraid of hurting others, afraid of the consequences, afraid of what could possibly happen, afraid of being betrayed by the person they love and ultimately they FEAR being left ALONE."
"You're damn right I'm afraid! Even though I'm not Gero-kun's lover right now, the mere thought of other women stealing him scares me so much!" Darjeeling shouted
"I understand what you're saying, how the hell do you think I felt when the four of you confessed all at the same time three years ago? I was so scared that one of you would be able to steal Gero from me but at the same time I was relieved that there were others that loved him like I do." Erika smiled
"But you're the one he loves, Erika-san. We don't have the right to suddenly join in your relationship with him." Kaede said
"If he doesn't like the four of you then why didn't he reject every single one of your confessions three years ago? Yes, he is my boyfriend and I'm his girlfriend but those are just titles that make people feel better when they are in a relationship." Erika said
"Get to the point already!" Darjeeling said
"All four of you waited three years for him to return. Even though you knew I was with him you still waited and hung on to your feelings for him. You all have my sincere respect for that."
"Why would you say these things? You're going to make us think that we still have a chance with him." Kay said
"Would I say these things if you didn't have a chance?"
"What do you mean?" Mika asked
"I'm saying that all five of us can love him equally with all our mind, body and soul which in return he will also love us equally as well. I have no plan on monopolizing him to myself. I'm not the only person that can make him happy. The four of you can also give him strength, happiness, and love in your own way. A wise woman once said that a man's greatness is measured by the amount of their love.." Erika smiled
"Amount of their love?" the girls asked
"That's right, there are other men that have small amounts of love and others have large amounts. Even if that love is shared among many women it is still a lot bigger than any ordinary man's love. This type of love, Gero's love, will satisfy your body and soul down to your cores."
"That sounds amazing and all but may I ask who is the wise woman that said this?" Darjeeling asked
"My mother!" Erika smiled once more
"Do you know how crazy the words you're saying right now are?" Kaede reacted
"That's the same reaction when I told bakatora this the first time. You should've seen the look on his face when he blushed as he thought of his own harem."
"I still don't believe this. Three years ago, even just the thought of Gero-kun getting close to us would piss you off! After three years you're talking about a harem for Gero-kun and all five of us will marry him?!" Darjeeling reacted
"Something made you change your mind. This is not something you'd come up out of the blue. What happened?" Mika asked
(After Mika asked this Erika suddenly stopped what she was doing and went into a deep thought)
"There were two events that made me change my mind.."
"What were they?" Kaede asked
"The first was the day we left for Germany, the day the four of you kissed Gero in front of me and everyone. It made me realize that the four of you really love him for who he is and not just because he was the heir of the Nishizumi Family or else you wouldn't kiss him in front of everyone if your love wasn't real.." Erika said
"Of course we loved him for real! What do you take us for?!" Kay reacted
"Sorry, if I have offended you I apologize..but that was what I was honestly thinking at that time until you all kissed him. You all loved him, wanting to make him happy and not the other way around."
"And the second?" Darjeeling asked
"The second was when both me and Gero almost died in Korea. He told you already about it, right?"
"Yeah..he told us on the way here.." Mika said
"Gero trained me for one year. I thought I was strong enough to protect him..but I wasn't. Because of my mistake I let the enemy get behind him. You know the rest.." Erika said
"You did your best Erika..don't beat up yourself too much.." Kay said
"My best wasn't enough..that's when I was completely convinced. If only somebody else was there to help him, if only you all were there. Then maybe we wouldn't have ended in that situation. He needs more people he can trust and rely on. Gero needs someone to be there so that he doesn't have to worry anymore about what's behind him. I'm not enough. He needs you all too to be there for him. He needs your strength. Please! Please be by his side together with me!" Erika bowed
"Do you think we're strong enough? To stand side by side with him?" Darjeeling asked
"Yes! I do and I know he does too!"
"I don't have Nishizumi Blood like you, or Yamato Blood like Kaede-san, or Shimada Blood like Mika-san..do you still think I'm worthy to be by his side?" Kay asked
"Darjeeling, you may have forgotten that I didn't have Nishizumi Blood when I fought alongside him in Korea. It was only after that I received his blood. You can do it. You all trained under the guidance of the Nishizumi, Shimada, and Yamato Families." Erika said
"Will that be enough? Will I be of use to him?" Darjeeling asked
"Then let me ask you all this. If you were the one with him in Korea. If you were in my shoes and were about to see the man you love was about to die. Would you do the same and risk your life to save him?"
(Erika didn't even have to wait for even a second for an answer. They all answered confidently with a serious and sincere voice)
"YES!" they all said
"That's all I needed to hear. All four of you are worthy to become the wives of the White Tiger!" Erika smiled
"Well..I'm happy that we managed to agree on this and all of that bonding..but what about Gero?" Kay asked
"What about him?" Erika asked back
"You know, how are we supposed to interact with him now?" Darjeeling asked
"Honestly I didn't expect the part where he introduced himself to your mothers and about the future husband thing, but I think that's his own way of showing you girls his feelings bit by bit.."
"That really doesn't answer my question.."
"All I can say is be aggressive from now on! Push him and hold him down for all I care!"
"You really have changed, but I don't know if it's for the best or the worst.." Kaede said with a sweat drop on her head
"Would you rather challenge me and have a bloody fight with me for his love?" Erika asked
(The other four girls shook their heads in disagreement)
"Listen, we all love him and he definitely likes you all too. All that's left is for him to fall madly in love with you all then all of us will have a happily ever after together!" Erika said
"But what do we do about polygamy being illegal in Japan?" Mika asked
"Right now it is, but next year it will be legalized so don't worry about that!"
"How do you know this Erika-chan?" Kay asked
"Gero had a talk with our government in Japan two years ago and negotiated to have it legalized with certain conditions!"
"Negotiated? Are you sure that he didn't threaten or bribe them?" Darjeeling said
"Of course not! Why would he do such a thing? Right?" Erika said with a devilish smile
"He definitely did something.." the other four girls reacted
"You know how devilish bakatora can be sometimes..anyways don't worry about that anymore and set your sights on your target and pull the trigger! And your target is Gero's heart!"
"Right!" the girls answered
"Alright then! I'm glad we had this girl talk! Looking forward to working hard together with you all, Mika, Darjeeling, Kay, and Kaede. " Erika smiled
"So are we Erika!" Kaede smiled
"I'm getting a lot more excited now!" Kay cheered
"Me too, I never thought I'd be saying this but Gero-kun, prepare yourself!" Darjeeling shouted
"Prepare myself for what?" a sudden voice came from the door
(All five girls were so shocked that their bodies froze for a bit as they looked at the source of the voice and saw Gero standing beside it)
"G-G-Gero-kun! H-H-How long have you been standing there?" Darjeeling nervously asked
"Relax, you fool!" Erika whispered
"Oh I just got here! I thought I heard voices inside so I decided to take a look. Then I heard I have to prepare myself. For what exactly?"
"O-Oh! W-We were just talking about strategies! On winning your hea-" Kay was suddenly hit in her stomach by Kaede's elbow
"Kay?! Are you alright?!"
"Don't mind her Eiji-kun! She'll be fine, we were just talking about how to win the tournament that's all!" Kaede smiled
"Yes! And that we all have to be prepared and so do you Ro-chan!" Mika said with an awkward smile
"Y-Yeah..what they s-said.." Kay agreed in pain
"I see..I guess you're right! Don't worry I'm always prepared! Thanks!"
"You're welcome my love.." Erika smiled
"You know seeing the five of you together and getting along all together makes me feel all fuzzy.."
"Eh..?" the girls reacted
"I don't know how to explain it properly but, I'm just so happy seeing the five of you girls like this!"
(The girls suddenly blushed very hard after hearing that and couldn't contain their happiness. Gero noticed this but before he could react the rest of the team arrived and entered the war room to get ready for the meeting.)
"What do you have in store for us Taichou?" Hajime asked
"A month from now the 18th International Tournament will begin!"
"Will it be the usual single elimination rounds?" Akane asked
"Or will it be a round robin type of elimination?" Barley asked
"One of you got it right! And the winner is Akane! The International Tournament will start with Sudden Death Elimination Rounds!"
Coming Up Next : Chapter 96 - Last Will
Author's Note:
Hi everyone! HAPPY NEW YEAR AND MAY ALL OF US HAVE A GREAT 2024!
Just like I promised, here is the next chapter! I know some of you hate Harem, and I understand how you feel that way but please bear with me. But I can assure you that this won't be your typical MC that can't decide who he loves so he ends up hurting and breaking the hearts of the other girls. This is Gero we're talking about here so I'm sure all of you know what kind of man he is and he'll make things work out between them!
Comment Replies:
Lorenzo Ferrari: Here's the next chapter! Hope you enjoy! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Konmek43: I'm very happy that it made your Christmas a lot better! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
G-Matt: This arc is going to be one hell of a ride so stay tuned for more! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
