A/N: Sorry for the late post was out drinking with some friends to and doing some game tournaments but no worries here is the Next Arc and this one will dive more into Kaiser's past so there will be some exposition after that I have some filler arcs and some Character side stories before starting the next Arc. Anyways I hope you guys enjoy this chapter.
DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING BUT MY DIGNITY AND SELF RESPECT... ALL CHARACTERS' AND PROPERTIES BELONG TO LILITH SOFT AND OTHER CORPOS.
Part II
Chapter 7
I ain't afraid of no Ghost...or Demon Killer Ninjas
***Gosha Village, Gosha Academy***
In the cafeteria the lunch bell rings as student began to flock in.
Since Kotaro skipped morning class while Kaiser was playing hooky once more as the two young men enter the cafeteria to eat lunch.
"Fuck man, I am starving. It kinda sucks that I don't get home made bento's anymore from my mom." Kaiser said with a tired yawn as he was exhausted last night from making modifications to his weapons. He decided to cut some morning classes to go to the rooftop and take a nap.
Kotaro just smirked as he watched Kaiser basically inhale his lunch. "Well you have yourself to blame. You're the one who keeps missing morning classes." Kotaro said with a small chuckle as he took a bite out of his pork cutlet sandwich.
"Hey don't judge me! I have to modify my weapons if I want them to function properly in battle." Kaiser said with a small pout as he drank his energy drink. " Also, at least I show up to school unlike you, lazy ass."
"Hey! I'm not lazy!" Kotaro said as he defended himself. "I just have other things to take care of besides school. Like surfing the internet and beating Obscure Souls game."
Kaiser chuckled as he shook his head. "Alright whatever you say Kotaro." He said as he finished his food. "So where are we going today?"
"Well we haven't gotten a mission so I guess we got the day off." Kotaro said with a shrug.
"Good then maybe I can go visit my family. It's been a while since I last visited them." Kaiser said as he was currently focused on training and improving his gear since his last mission as he did not want to be weak ever again.
Kotaro was also busy with his own things as his thoughts about the Nisha Rebellion, the Assault on the U.S.F base, Asuka's involvement with the Madame, The Mystery of Kaiser's power and finally all the information he got from the data Hard Drive. Kotaro needed to make sense of it all.
As Koaro was thinking he heard a conversation between two girls passing by.
"Hey, you hear about the Haunted Castle Ruins?"
"Yeah, I heard it burned down along time ago but it reappears on stormy nights."
"I heard from Senpai that it was a western castle."
"No... it was an old school building."
Kotaro took another bite of his pork cutlet sandwich while eavesdropping on the conversation.
"(Sigh)... Girls aspiring to be Taimanin seem to like those kinds of rumors." Kotaro said as Kaiser was shovelling his food in his mouth.
"What do you expect. Women love to gossip and talk about that occult shit, even my little sister looks up that horoscope stuff every now and then...which is weird since stuff like magic and demons really do exist." Kaiser said with this mouth full. "I don't really care for that kinda shit though."
Kotaro shrugged as he took a sip of his drink. "Well I'm glad you don't really believe that stuff. But I guess even the haughtiest person can be susceptible to believing in myths and rumors."
Kaiser chuckled and patted Kotaro on the shoulder. "I'm not easily swayed by superstitions and fables since most it is all bullshit."
As the two boys continue to talk and eat they were suddenly interrupted by a loud greeting.
"Well if it isn't the two troublemaking duo. What are you boys doing eating lunch together?" The voice belong to a one, Sakura Igawa, Teacher and sister to the fame Asagi Igawa.
Sakura slapped both Kotaro and Kaiser on their backs as Kotaro nearly choked on his food while Kaiser remain unaffected since the young man's back was literal pure muscle.
"Ufft." Kotaro nearly coughed out his food.
"Huh? Oh... yo Sensei." Kaiser greeted as he went back to his food.
"Sensei! Please don't hit me while I'm eating!" Kotaro whined as he drank some water to help clear his throat.
"Nyahaha, sorry sorry." Sakura just laughs off Kotaro's protest as she sat next to Kaiser who was more interesting his food since the man has a one track mind when he is hungry.
"So what brings you to our table Sensei?" Kotaro asked after he finally caught his breath.
It had always baffled Kotaro how Sakura-Sensei and Lady Asagi were related since Lady Asagi was refine and proper lady while Sakura-Sensei was wild and acted like a Tomboy. If anything the only thing that the two sister shared was their breast size.
"Hey Fuma-kun, I wonder where you are looking at...?" Sakura said with a smug grin.
Kotaro blushes as Kaiser laughs at his friends current predicament.
"I told ya to stop with that whole 'Analyzing' people thing you always do, it's gonna get you in trouble someday." Kaiser laughed as chugged his canned espresso coffee.
"A...nothing! More importantly don't you have supplementary classes to teach?" Kotaro said as tried to change the subject.
"You Know Murasaki gonna grill you if she finds out you are skipping out your duties again... let alone if that Sister of yours finds out...I ain't gonna bail you this time, Sakura-Sensei." Kaiser added as he gulp down his miso soup.
"Hmph that is so mean you two. You make it seem like I'm the one taking those classes... And Tokiko-Sensei is the one in charge of supplementary lessons today." Sakura whined as she gave the two boys a cute pouty face.
"Makes sense since that Pig Bitch isn't here to lecture me or bust my balls about something or another..."Kaiser grumbled as he dreaded any interaction with the Older Caretaker of the Fuma Clan.
"Oi! Don't call her that. She is nice person despite her being a hard-ass. Besides, she is Kotaro's big sis, and you respect him." Sakura defended Tokiko as she knew Kaiser did not actually have ill will towards the woman but rather disliked being pushed around or judged by her.
"Yeah I respect Kotaro and only him so the rest of the Fuma Clan can all kiss my ass." Kaiser retorted as he continue to eat his lunch.
"Alright, enough about Tokiko-Sensei, Kai. So Sakura-Sensei what are you doing here on your day off." Kotaro asks as he finish his pork cutlet sandwich.
"Hmmm should I get the lunch special Hamburger... Hmm, maybe I should get daily special or yakisoba... or tempura set?" Sakura said as she was looking a the school's lunch menu.
"Umm... Sensei?" Kaiser interrupted Sakura as him and Kotaro were curious as to why she was here with them.
"Do you have business with us Sensei?" Kotaro asks again as Sakura had a thinking expression before remembering what she was here for.
"Oh yeah! Sis... I mean the headmistress was asking to see you and Kai-kun!" Sakura said with a little blush from forgetting her assignment.
"Ah Fuck... now what that slave driver want now." Kaiser groaned as he felt his day off was ruined.
"Come on now Kai. It's probably nothing bad...I think." Kotaro said with a unconvincing voice.
"Easy for you to say since she like your dumb ass. You're the only guy she that hasn't chewed out or be driven away by her bitchy personality." Kaiser complained as he got up from his seat.
"Don't be like that Kai. Asagi-sama isn't THAT bad..." Kotaro said as he gathered his stuff up.
"Speak for yourself, man." Kaiser replied as he and Kotaro left the cafeteria.
Sakura lead the two boys to the Principal's Office, as they made their way around the building Kaiser and Kotaro looked around the building that not to long ago was littered with the bodies of their comrades and suffer extensive damage from the Nisha Rebellion.
"Fuck... it feels weird walking down these halls after what happened." Kaiser commented as flashbacks of the Rebellion was still fresh in his mind.
"Yeah I know what you mean." Kotaro said as he too had memories of the Rebellion.
"But look at it now. Everything is back to normal and things will go on..." Kaiser said as he tried to change the melancholy mood but couldn't find it in him to forget the incident nor the lost comrades.
"That's true. But still..." Kotaro paused as he remembered what it was like during the rebellion with his childhood friend's betrayal and their classmates who lost their lives.
The two boys enter the Headmistress Office as the entire room looked like new as all the damages from Gaiza's Rebellion were fixed and gone.
"Hey Sis! I brought Fuma-kun and Kai-Kun just like you asked." Sakura cheerfully said as the HeadMistress of Gosha Academy and Commander of the Taimanin Task Force, Asagi Igawa was at her desk looking over some documents.
"Sakura... while at school, it's Headmistress!" Asagi lectured as she put down the documents and got up from her desk.
"Nyaaaah... Yeah, sure. So anyways didn't you have something you wanted to talk to Fuma-kun and Kai-kun about, right?" Sakura said as she ignored her older sister's lecture.
Asagi decided to let this matter go for now and turned her attention to Kotaro and Kaiser.
"Fuma-kun, Wrath-kun. I'm glad you two can make it." Asagi greeted.
"We didn't really have a choice, you practically demanded me to come." Kaiser bluntly replied.
"Now that's no way to speak to a superior, Kai." Kotaro chastise Kaiser who ignored both Kotaro and Asagi as the young man decided that picking at his ear was more interesting than the matter at hand. " I'm sorry about that Commander. So was there something that you needed from us?
"As a matter of fact yes. I have a request for the Independent Ranger Squad." Asagi said as she approached the group with a mission folder in her hand.
"Oh yeah? And what kind of request would that be?" Kaiser asked as he finally began to pay attention.
"The government has received some intel about a ghost castle appearing in the rain near Gosha Academy." Asagi said as she handed Kotaro the folder.
"I guess those rumors weren't just rumors after all..." Kotaro said as he look through the folder. Kotaro saw grainy and poor quality photos of what appears to be a Old Western Castle but he could not be sure due to the pictures low quality.
"It's a shame we can't get any better quality photos. But there was also eyewitness reports claiming they saw a white figure coming from the castle. No one has gone into the castle yet but that could change very soon." Asagi said.
"So let me get this straight, we're supposed to find out what's going on in this ghost castle that could just be an illusion or just a hoax?" Kaiser inquired as he was skeptical about this mission.
"Hmm...I see now the castle's location is at an impasse between Gosha and the outside. An important vantage point in defending the village from outsiders."
"Exactly, correct as always Fuma-kun." Asagi said as she always praised Kotaro's tactical and strategic mind.
Kotaro blushed at being praise by his secret crush as Kaiser rolled his eyes at the interaction.
"Hmph... you two should just fuck and get it over already." Kaiser mumbled under his breath as Asagi had look of indignation on her face as she blushes over Kaiser's word while Sakura giggled at the implication. Kotaro elbowed Kaiser's side hard as he shot Kaiser a dirty look.
"Kai for once in your life, shut the fuck up!" Kotaro growled out.
"Oh Yeah! How about ya make me, One-Eye Pussy!" Kaiser challenged as the two boys butted heads with one another.
"(Ahem)," Asagi cleared her throat as she once again got the two boy's attention once more, "As I was saying, we just want you to check to make sure this rumored castle is not a threat to Gosha Village or the Taimanin." Asagi said as Kotaro nodded in understanding.
"We'll handle it.." Kotaro said with confidence as Sakura and Asagi were just smiling at the young Fuma.
"Good because this mission is only available for my top-notch Taimanin like yourselves. We can't have anyone else getting involved." Asagi said as Kotaro and Kaiser knew they were given an important task that no other Taimanin could handle.
Kotaro bowed as him and Kaiser left the office with Sakura right behind them before Asagi grabbed her arm.
"Sakura where do you think you are going?" Asagi asked as her voice was thinly veiled with a tone of agitation. "Why are you acting like you were going with them?"
Sakura gave her older sister a sheepish smile as she tried to laugh her way out of this predicament.
"Hehehehe..."
"(Sigh) I seriously can't let my guard down with you." Asagi scowled.
"Awww... Come on,Sis! Let me go. Pretty Please..." Sakura whined as she tried to give her older sister puppy dog eyes.
Kaiser and Kotaro watch the two sisters argue with each other.
"Whelp that is our que to leave. See ya Sakura-sensei and good luck." Kaiser said as turned around and left while waving back at Sakura.
"Erm.. right I should... probably go now. If you ladies will excuse me." Kotaro awkwardly said as he followed behind Kaiser.
"Fuma-Kun! Kai-Kun! Don't leave me!" Sakura cried out as she was left to content with her older sister's lecture.
As the two boys left the office they were greeted by a affectionate and excited voice.
"ONIICHAN!" Kaiser turn to looked at the source of the voice as he was tackled by none other than his adoptive sister, Yukikaze Mizuki. "Oniichan! what are you doing here? Your not in trouble again are you?"
Kaiser smiled and gently patted his little sister's head as he softly spoke to her, "Hey Lil' Lighting Bolt and no, I'm not in trouble or anything bad. The Headmistress just wanted me to do a...quick, yeah that's right, A quick recon mission for her."
Yukikaze pouted as her precious time with her big brother was once again ruined with his duties of working with the Independent Rangers.
"B-But Oniichan you promise to spend time with me after your last mission!" Yukikaze whined as her lower lip began to quiver.
Kaiser could tell that his sister was on the verge of tears as he sighed as he picked her up and held her in his arms like a princess. "Hey, Hey now, Yuki-chan, don't worry. I promise this just a quick investigation mission and I'll be done with it super fast. After I finish this we can spend all day together."
"Sis-con much, Kai..." Kotaro quietly mumbled.
As Kaiser tried to reassure Yukikaze, the young cute Taimanin shot Kotaro a dirty look as ever since Kaiser joined the Taimanin Task Force as apart of the Special Operation Division or known as the Independent Rangers, He spent more time with Kotaro than with her. This was jealousy and pettiness on Yukikaze's part but she couldn't help but feel like her big brother was being taken away from her.
Kaiser put down Yukikaze as the young girl made her way to Kotaro as she spoke to him in an angry and haughty tone.
"Hmph... You better get done with this mission quick. You may have gotten into favor with the Commander and Headmistress but that's all due to my Oniichan, so you better be thankful to him!" Yukikaze stated as Kotaro was completely dumbfounded by her words.
Kotaro scratched his head as he responded, "You're kidding right? I mean I'm just his team mate and nothing more. I didn't do anything to make Kaiser look better."
Yukikaze huffed as she put her hands on her hips, "You got some guts trying to take my Oniichan away from me, even if you are just a Fuma."
"What do you mean 'Just A Fuma'?! Also I'm not trying to take your brother away from you. We've just been busy as of late and that is beyond our control." Kotaro said as he tried to reason with Yukikaze but this only seemed to make things worse.
Yukikaze pointed her finger at Kotaro, "Well If you want to continue working with Oniichan than you have to earn my approval first! You may have somehow impressed Headmistress and my Oniichan but I am his cute and adorable little sister and he loves me the most!"
Kotaro blinked in complete confusion as Kaiser facepalmed at his sister's immaturity.
"Yuki-chan, it's alright I'll make it up to you after the mission. I'll have some sweets with you and then we can play video games. How about that?" Kaiser asked as he tried to defuse the situation.
"Hmm...okay and Oniichan... About Rinko-Senpai." Yukikaze said quietly as her attitude did a complete 180. This got Kaiser's attention as he had a serious look on his face.
"Hey One-Eye, go on without me. I'll meet you back at the T.T.F base, you can debrief Shika-chan and Shorty on the mission." Kaiser waved off Kotaro as he grabbed his little sister's hand and gently led her down the hall. The two siblings walked until Kaiser found an empty broom closet that was locked. Kaiser, with his strength, broke the door knob and led Yukikaze inside.
Kaiser flip on the light as he had a indiscernible look on his face, "So, Yuki about Rinko...what happened?"
Kaiser decided to cut straight to the point as he did not fool around when it came to those who he cared for.
"Oniichan...Rinko-Senpai...she's...she's missing." Yukikaze said in a shy voice.
Kaiser's eyes widened at Yukikaze's words as he tried to keep himself calm.
"What do you mean missing? What happened exactly? Tell me everything Yuki-chan." Kaiser said as he kneeled down to his sister's level and patted her head.
Yukikaze began to sniffle as her eyes were already filling up with tears, "Well Rinko-Senpai was sent out on a solo investigation mission a few days ago but...she hasn't reported in since yesterday."
Kaiser felt a cold grip of fear in his heart as he tried to remain calm for his sister.
"Alright, I've heard enough... after I'm finished with this quick mission you, me, and Tatsuro will go out and look for her." Kaiser said in a calm and comforting voice.
Yukikaze nodded as she wiped away her tears with her sleeve. Kaiser stood up as he ruffled Yukikaze's hair.
"No one messes with our friends or family...don't worry, Yuki... I'll find her...I promise." Kaiser said with completely and total confidence that left no more for doubt.
Yukikaze hugged her brother tightly as she buried her face in his chest. Yukikaze knew that when her big brother made a promise he kept it as she always imagined her big brother being her hero, who always fixed everything that threatened to hurt her. Kaiser gave a soft smile as he returned the hug. The two siblings stayed like that for a few moments before they broke apart and exited the broom closet.
*** In the Mountain Range that Surround Gosha Village***
2 Hours later
Near the Impasse, Kotaro and his squad were hiking up the mountain path until they finally reached the impasse.
"Hmm... so this is the ruins... this might be troublesome." Kotaro said as he wiped the sweat from his brow.
"Yeah well regardless... we got to push through." Kaiser said in a focused tone.
When Kaiser returned to the Taimanin Task Force Base, he was calm and quite which was rare since the Wild Taimanin was always boisterous and loud. Kaiser went to his room almost immediately as he didn't even greet his squad mates who were preparing for their next mission, they wondered what had happened to their Delinquent teammate. Kaiser got all of his equipment in his room laid out in front of him as for about an hour he prepping things as he was sure that he was ready for anything before he left with Kotaro. He didn't say much on the way there but Kotaro could tell that Kaiser mind was focus on something important.
Kotaro looked over at Kaiser as he gave him a quick nod before approaching the entrance of the ruins.
"Looks like there's nothing here."
A Voice behind them suddenly surprises Kaiser quickly took out his shotgun and aims it with killing intent.
"Kai, wait!" Kotaro shouted as he put a hand on Kaiser's shotgun to stop him.
"Huh?" Kaiser stopped just in time to see a familiar face.
From the shadows appeared Sakura with a sheepish and embarrassed look.
"SENSEI! Jesus! I nearly shot your face off! Seriously don't you know it's bad karma to sneak up behind someone!" Kaiser lectured Sakura as he holstered his shotgun and left out a sigh of relief.
"Hehehe~ Sorry Kai-kun. Didn't mean to scare ya but Sensei was so worry about you kids going on this dangerous mission that she decided to join you guys to make sure nothing bad happens." Sakura said with a smile as she felt proud of herself with the excuse she made.
"... Are you sure your not just here to check out the Haunted Castle which is why you followed us here?" Kotaro inquired as the answer was obvious on Sakura's face.
"Whaaa! No honest, your Sensei is here because she knew that a veteran and skill Taimanin might be needed on this important mission." Sakura said trying to defend herself.
"(Sigh)... It's fine so long as you don't interfere with the mission." Kotaro said as he simply accepted the fact that Sakura would be joining them.
"Nyahaha, Don't worry Fuma-kun. Sensei here is an expert in this kind of stuff." Sakura proudly announced as she opened up her manual on Spiritual exorcism and how to use the prayer beads.
As the team walked towards the ruins, Kotaro sensed something strange from Kaiser but he couldn't explain it.
"Hey Kaiser, you alright? Your... a bit on edge?" Kotaro
"Yeah. My body feels restless like my heart is pounding and blood is rushing through me. Feels like... I don't know what it but it's definitely something we need to keep our eyes out for." Kaiser said as he tightens his grip on his Shotgun.
As they approached the ruins, Kotaro noticed a single tombstone and sign. Kotaro moved closer to the sign as he read what was on it out loud.
"Lord of the castle, accompanied by oni's and apparitions, tortured and oppressed people..."
It was then that Kaiser had intense and debilitating flashbacks from deep recess of his past memories. He couldn't describe them as everything was happening too fast. Images of him being tortured and the screams of others rang in his ears as he was physically unable to move. Kotaro was able to bring Kaiser back to reality by snapping his fingers in front of his face.
"Kaiser are you ok? What happened?" Kotaro asked out of concern.
Kaiser was broken out of his reverie as he had a cold sweat running down his back and felt the urge to vomit, "Yeah I'm fine... Let's keep going."
The area was covered in trees and even had a waterfall but there was no signs of a Castle of Western design.
"Well it just like I thought, It was nothing but just a rumor. I guess we should head back and report to Commander Asagi." Kotaro said as he was a bit disappointed that they went all the way out here for nothing.
As Kotaro was ruminating on what to say to Asagi, Kaiser on the other hand was trying to make sense of the flashbacks he had suddenly received when he look upon this area. He had never been here before but something within his soul remembers the scars that remain here on these ancient lands.
'What was that... what were those images... could this place... could it have some connection to my past.' Kaiser thought to himself as he tried to clear his mind of all the disturbing images that he saw.
As the group was preparing to pull out while Kaiser was trying to find out what connection this had place had to him, Sakura began to chant out some strange nonsensical incantations when a voice suddenly made itself known.
"Whoa! This is a surprise! Didn't expect to see the head family's kid and the Stray Mutt here..."
It was Gonza, who had a look of confusion and surprise on his face as he stumbled upon Kotaro and his Independent Rangers. He wasn't expecting to encounter anyone up here in the mountains but this made matters more complicated as now he would have to contend with Kotaro Fuma, Sakura Igawa, and finally... the Rabid Mad Dog Of Ruin, Kaiser Wrath.
"GONZA!" Kotaro yelled out as he took out his sword and enter a guard stance.
"Gonza... I guess we'll be getting that rematch sooner than I expected... fine but this time I will kick your ass, you traitorous fuck." Kaiser growled as he could feel the anger building up inside him.
"I guess you and your feral hound are here for the same thing as well, huh? What bunch of Prevented Kids." Gonza snickers as he readied his spear.
"The fuck you on about Mud Flinger?" Kaiser said as he was confused by Gonza's words.
"C'mon, Why you making a serious face? I mean that 'Thing', you know? The Beautiful Ghost Lady that was rumored to appear?" Gonza said as the man was leaking sexual frustration at this point.
" You can't be fucking serious..." Kaiser said with disbelief.
"Beautiful Ghost Lady?" Kotaro asked, unsure of what Gonza was talking about.
"Huh... this is a surprise. Isn't that Asagi Igawa's sister?" Gonza ask as his eye were taking in the curves and figure on Sakura, who was disgusted by Gonza's gaze.
Gonza got into a battle stance after seeing Sakura, Kotaro, and Kaiser prepare themselves for battle, his subordinates came out of hiding ready to fight the Gosha Ninja's.
"Tch, Typical punk ass bitch move. Kotaro let's kick these losers asses and finish this mission, pronto." Kaiser said as he was now focus on the fight at hand.
"We just came to check out the ghost lady rumor, but it looks like we caught a big fish." Gonza laughs as take out his spear.
"Hey Old Man! Put down the spear and tell us more about the ghost!" Sakura demanded as the once tense atmosphere was now gone thanks to Sakura's hairbrain demands.
"Uhh... Sensei...uhh are you still on about that?" Kaiser asks with a look of disbelief on his face replacing his once battle bloodlust gaze.
Even Gonza was affected by this as his once intense eyes were now shifting between Kaiser and Kotaro with an awkward expression as Sakura spoke without consideration for situation they were currently in. Kotaro expected this lack of sense in the face danger from a season and experience Taimanin who had experience hundreds of battles... or Sakura-Sensei is just the type of person who goes at her own pace.
Gonza stared at the group until he shook his head as his killing intent once again resurface as he had a angry look on his face.
"Alright! That's enough! Why don't you ask the ghost yourself in the afterlife!" Gonza yells out as his subordinates charged at Kotaro's group.
Kaiser stepped forward with a serious look on his face as he dash towards Gonza with lighting speed. Kaiser began to barrage Gonza with a series of swift punches and kicks that Gonza was able to block before counter attacking. Kaiser being now on the defensive block most of Gonza's Strikes with his with short sword but knew it was only a matter of time before he made a mistake or Gonza got lucky as he was getting nicks and cuts all over his non-vital areas of his body.
"How long can you keep this up? It's only a matter of time before your luck run out." Gonza smirks as he had manage to grab Kaiser's blade and twist it out of his hand as Kaiser looked shocked as Gonza threw it aside. "Now that you're unarmed, I'll show you who the real boss is! So just stay still and let me skewer you with my spear!"
In that split second Gonza thrusted his spear at Kaiser who had nothing to defend himself with...or at least that is how it appeared to be.
Within Kaiser's right gauntlet a hidden blade retracted out as it parries Gonza's spear before Kaiser threw a strong Haymaker punch completely catching the Spear-user off guard. The blow landed on the right side of Gonza's face as he was sent flying backwards.
"With my level of skill, I don't need luck ya Old Man." Kaiser Taunted as he retrieved his short sword from the ground. "I've improved my gear and added some new toys along the way."
Kaiser smirked as he was glad that all the modifications and tinkering had become useful in this mission as he felt his body surge with adrenaline. However, Gonza was not down for the count as he got back up with his spear still in hand.
"You think a fancy toy or trick is going to save you punk." Gonza was pissed as he charged at Kaiser who remained calm as he dashed forward himself. The two met in a clash of steel as Kaiser's hidden blade and short sword clashed against Gonza's spear as the rest of the Independent Rangers were fighting against Gonza's subordinates.
Kotaro and Sakura were fighting off Gonza's ninjas as they were skilled but in the past few months Kotaro had visibly improved his skills as he was now holding his own against Gonza's underlings. Kotaro was even able to counter the attacks of multiple ninjas using his martial arts alone with his Ninjato sword. Kotaro was determined to prove himself in this mission as he wanted to show everyone that he was more than capable of being a great Taimanin.
Kaiser's sword clashed against Gonza's spear repeatedly but no matter how hard Kaiser pressed his attacks, Gonza was able to redirect his blows. Kaiser could feel his rage build up as he began to lose patience with every blocked attack.
"Die Demon!" yelled Gonza as he used his full strength to push Kaiser back as the latter stumbled back a few feet from the force. Kaiser recovered as took out his double barrel shotgun "Chaosbringer" as he shot out a grappling under barrel hook/bayonet as it latches on to Gonza's spear.
"That's funny coming from you Old Man," said Kaiser as he reels in Gonza with his blade ready to strike. However, Gonza used his Nina Art: "Earth Art" or "Earth Seclusion" which allows him master various techniques such as moving freely through the earth and manipulating clods of earth to create copies of himself. He quickly digs into the ground disappearing into it as Kaiser missed his target.
"Where did he go?," asked Kaiser as he scans the area trying to pinpoint Gonza's position. Before Kaiser could react, Gonza strikes him from behind with a hit with his spear, which causes Kaiser to stumble back as he turns to face Gonza.
"You've gotten Stronger... Mad Dog of Ruin." Gonza mocked as he charges at Kaiser once more. Kaiser blocks the attack with his sword as they engage in a power struggle pushing back and forth, both trying to gain an advantage. Gonza uses his earth art once more to escape from Kaiser's blade as he vanishes underground.
As Kaiser tries to find Gonza, his danger sense alerted him just below his feet. Kaiser immediately did a backflip as a spear erupted from the ground threatening to skwer him into a shish kabob.
"That Old Trick won't work twice on me old man. Kaiser taunted as his hand shot into the ground reaching out for something as he pulls out Gonza from the ground. Gonza's eyes widen in shock as Kaiser gripped his throat with ease, despite his size.
"This time I'm ready for you," Kaiser smirked as he tightens his grip on Gonza's neck. Kaiser then pressed his shotgun against Gonza's abdomen as the man struggled to break free from Kaiser's grip. " It's over Old Man... now perish."
Kaiser pulls the trigger as Chaosbringer roar out a mighty blast that engulfs Gonza's midsection. Gonza gritted his teeth in pain as Kaiser held on to Gonza. The ground beneath them trembled as Gonza's body was torn apart by the powerful blast.
"What a show~," Kaiser remarked with a satisfied smirk on his face. However, his expression changed when he saw a giant rock headed straight for him. The stone hit Kaiser head on as it almost crushes him as it cause his head to bleed, " Son of a... fuck, I knew it was too easy to kill ya...Old Man."
Kaiser saw that the 'Gonza' he had shot at started to disintegrate into dirt as it turn out to be a earth clone.
" Almost had me there, Wrath. I must say you have improved since we last met but not enough to kill to me you Rabib Stray Mutt." Gonza taunted as Kaiser wiped the blood from his forehead.
"Well it's a good thing I'm not here alone." Kaiser mention as he had a smirk on his face.
From the Shadows a blade shout out towards Gonza who was barely able to block in time.
"Damnit! Where the hell did that attack come from?!" Gonza yelled out as one again the figure disappeared into the Shadows again.
In the Shadows, Sakura was shifting in and out of shadows using herNinja Arts: "Shadow Art" Her main ability to travel between shadows, create shadow creatures or blades, and to remain hidden within the shadows if needed. It is considered a unique ninja art. The Forest was the perfect setting for her as the shadows from the trees meant she could strike from anywhere.
"You guys! Get away from there!" Gonza yelled out but it was too late as the two hapless ninja were instant;y cut down with blades of shadows.
"Using Shadow Traps!? That's Cheap!?" Gonza growled as he glared at Sakura.
"Ha! That's rich coming from you, Mud Flinger." Kaiser countered as Sakura came out of the Shadow of a tree.
"Ushishishi... So you want to talk about the ghost now?" Sakura snickered as the tables have turned on Gonza after his subordinates were taken out.
"Wait! Alright! To think the no-good sister of Asagi could be this strong...!" Gonza exclaimed in frustration.
"Who are you calling a no-good sister?!" Sakura whined. "C'mon, tell about the ghost!"
Kaiser shook his head as everyone else gave Sakura a disappointing look. "Well you gotta hand it to Sakura-Sensei, She can be driven once she has her mind set."
Gonza felt himself get backed into a corner as he knew that while Kaiser himself was a moderate threat, the younger Igawa sister would make things even more difficult.
"Oh... about that! Who the hell going to tell you about that!?" Gonza protested as he glared at Kaiser.
"Does it matter? Just tell me what you know, Mud Flinger!" Kaiser said bluntly as he folded his arms.
"Damnit... This isn't over Wrath! Next time I will kill you!" Gonza shouted as he dove back into the earth to escape.
"Oh come on! Can't you just tell us!" Sakura shouted as Gonza escaped deeper into the ruins.
"Tch' Fucking Pussy..." Kaiser growled out as he put away his weapons." Get in line ya Mud Flinger, you and the rest of shit heads out there that want my head can eat shit and die."
Gonza escaped knowing he was outmatched but the fact that he escape did show that the rouge ninja was not a typical brawn-over-brains type.
'He's probably regrouping and thinking of a way to counter Sakura-Sensei's ability.' Kotaro thought to himself as he needed a plan the next time they face off against Gonza.
"I see you added in some new toys this time Kai." Sakura commented as Kaiser's retracted the wrist blade back into his gauntlet.
"Well after the last mission, I thought it was time for an upgrade." Kaiser replied as he looked at Kotaro.
"So what are we gonna do? Fuma-kun want to continue our search for the ghost?" Sakura asked as she was hoping to find something supernatural.
"Let's regroup back and discuss what we should do next." Kotaro added as Kaiser was standing behind them with his arms folded.
" You Guys go...I'll stay here and do some solo recon..." Kaiser said as he started walking deeper into the ruins.
"Are you sure?" Kotaro asked as he wanted to stay and help Kaiser as he had a hunch that Kaiser was hiding something from them.
"Yeah...Don't worry about me...I can handle myself just fine." Kaiser replied as he looked around with his blade drawn.
Sakura gave Kotaro a worried look as they knew that Kaiser was very unpredictable and prone to doing reckless actions.
"Fine...but call us if you need anything." Kotaro said as he and Sakura headed back to Gosha Academy.
Kaiser continued walking deeper into the ruins and came across a large stone altar was placed. As he approached the altar, a misty fog appeared out of nowhere and a voice spoke to him.
"Welcome, young one..."
Kaiser had his short sword out as he looked around for the source of the voice. "Who are you? Where are you hiding?" He demanded.
"I am everywhere and nowhere at the same time..." The voice responded.
"I'm not in the mood for some fucking riddles. Show yourself and I'm won't kick your ass...too hard." Kaiser threaten as he didn't feel his danger instinct flare up.
"I am the wind that flows through the air." The voice spoke as a mist appeared out of nowhere, enveloping Kaiser. "I am the sun that shines down on this planet, I am the rain that waters the Earth."
Kaiser had his short sword out as he looked around for the source of the voice. "Who are you? Where are you hiding?" He demanded.
"You are mortal, yet you wield a power beyond understanding." The voice continued. "The power of Kremesanima."
Kaiser looked around for the source of the voice.
"It is said that one with the power of Kremesanima can control the very fabric of reality."
"Kremes...anima? The fuck are you on about?" Kaiser asked, confused. "And who the hell are you anyway?"
The voice answered. "But I see that you possess an incredible potential."
Kaiser became slightly annoyed by the riddles.
"Look, are you going to give me a straight answer or are you going to keep talking in circles?" Kaiser demanded. "Or is this some sort of trap? Cause if it is, then I'm gonna get real pissed."
Kaiser looked around for any potential threats, but nothing was forthcoming.
"What do you want from me?" Kaiser asked. "What exactly are you talking about?"
"I am speaking of the power that you wield inside you." The voice continued. "That immense energy that lies dormant within your soul."
Kaiser was dumbfounded by the statement. "What energy? What are you talking about?"
The voice spoke again, this time with more urgency. "Do you not remember? The power that you have hidden away for so long? The power that lies within you has been hidden away for so long. But it is time to awaken it once again... for the time of awakening is coming."
Kaiser stared at the altar before him, wondering what the voice meant. Suddenly, the ground began to shake, and the air grew thick with energy. A bright light emanated from the altar, forcing Kaiser to shield his eyes. He could feel the power coursing through him, but he didn't understand what was happening. The voice spoke one last time.
"The power of Kremesanima lives within you, and you must wield it wisely... only then can you finally fulfill The Pact." The voice faded away, leaving Kaiser alone in the darkness once more.
Kaiser was dumbfounded by what was happening around him. "Pact?... What Pact? What the fuck... who am I?"
A/N: That's a rap. This Arc will finally devele into Kaiser's past and the more finer details that were hinted from previous chapters as it discuss what or at least who he is.
What is the history behind the Phantom Castle? What happened to Rinko? Connection does Kaiser have with ruins? And What is this power that lies dormant within Kaiser? Find out in the Chapter
Part II
Chapter 7
Bust'n Makes Me Feel...Post Bust Clarity.