Sup Y'all it's Doggie here with another chapter. From here on this are gonna be moving fast and old mention or reference from previous chapters will make an appearance as I am a firm believer of the Chernov's Gun in which everything in a story has a purpose and must be used as this keeps things consistent. Anyways already almost finished with the second month of the new year and I hope you guys are doing well.
Anyways as always
DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING BUT THIS BOOK CALLED THE NECRONOMICON EX MORTIS... SURELY NOTHING BAD WILL HAPPEN IF I READ FROM IT. ALL CHARACTERS AND PROPERTIES BELONG TO LILITH SOFT AND OTHER CORPOS.
Taimanin Part-II
Chapter 19
The Viper of the Arena and the Return of the Mad Dog of Ruin.
***A Few Days later at the Fuma Clan's Mansion***
It was a relaxing morning at the Fuma Clan's home that was a large modern japanese style mansion. Kotaro Fuma was taking a bath in his family's home that was in a japanese with a nice window view which was strange to have in typical homes but since the Fuma Clan's Mansion was located on the outskirts of Gosha Village Kotaro had nothing to worry any peeping tom's... not that there were anyone interested in peeping on a young man like himself.
Kotaro let out a sigh of relief as the hot water ease the tensions in his body as the last few days was eventful as he remembered saving his friend's family's reputation as well as redeeming his standing with Gosha Village after everything was explained with the Yatsushiro Clan Head gave out a public apology to Kaiser and the Mizuki Clan for their heiress indiscretion towards them.
Kotaro was still thinking about his friend, Kaiser Warth, and his words. To think that he would not gain the respect and but loyalty of Kaiser Warth made Kotaro feel content and happy that he has a powerful ally by his side and even though the other boy was a complete asshole and rude to others, especially towards the elders, but Kotaro knew that when the chips were down that his friend, no, Brother-In-Arms would have his back and defend his honor.
This was a shock to Kotaro that someone like Kaiser would place such a high value and faith in him that a person that was viewed to be the strongest and most feared of all Taimanin gave his trust to him without question. He was not stupid and saw the hatred that the other students felt for his clan and the resentment and disgust they had toward him in their eyes after the rebellion, but this changed thanks to his new friendship with Yukikaze, Rinko, and now, the Mad Dog Of Ruin and the Strongest of Rookies, Kaiser Wrath. These three people have given him hope that his future will become brighter. As Kotaro was reminiscing a sudden rumbling noise alerted him as Sakura came barging into the bathroom.
"We're late! Hey, I said we're late!" The younger version of Sakura said as Kotaro quickly reached to grabbed a towel to cover himself.
"Sakura-san! Why they hell did you come barging in here!?" Kotaro as he tried to cover his lower half.
"Fuma-chin wouldn't come out so I came to get you! Let's go, quickly!" Sakura hurryingly as her eyes drifted downward. "...Hmm, nice."
"Sakura, get out!" Kotaro yelled out embarrassed that he was exposed.
Even though this was the young version of Sakura, she was from another universe that him and Kaiser had encountered under some unbelievable circumstances. When they had met her and was brought to their universe by accident after defeating the Brain Flayer. It wasn't shocking that she was lewd that it was no wonder that her other adult self is the way she is.
"Fuma-chin, you're gonna be late, you know! And why are you taking a bath now!" Sakura said as she gave Kotaro a lewd smile. " Oh...? Were you planning to peek on this super cute Sakura-chan naked body? You Pervert!" She declared teasingly with a hint of interest in her voice. This made the already red face of Kotaro even more crimson.
"(sigh) What are you talking about...?" Kotaro asked tiredly as he wish Kaiser was here to take the attention of this childish version of Sakura. "And are you really planning to attend Gosha Academy?"
Since the older version Sakura was also there, young Sakura attending the Academy would surely cause a ruckus.
"Yeeep, after all, I wanna see Kai-kun there and we can go on a after school date and them maybe we can..." Younger Sakura had started to have a one sided conversation with herself about Kotaro's second-in-command and brother-in-arms as the young Fuma heir toned her out as a thought came to him.
"Umm...Sakura-san, today is Sunday..." Kotaro told the oblivious girl who was still going on and on. It seems like that the younger version of Sakura was completely in love with the dark and mysterious Outsider of the Mizuki clan that was his best friend and partner.
Sakura laughed it off and then started staring at Kotaro.
"Huh...why are you looking at me like that? Go and take another nap already." Kotaro said annoyed and a little creeped out by the look of the young girl's eyes was giving him.
"Well...Fuma-kun... you have a surprisingly nice body..." Sakura said with a smile. "Though it's not a well develop as Kai-kun's body but still you come pretty close."
"Hey, don't say stuff like that!" Kotaro yelled embarrassed again. "And for god's sake, can't we have this conversation outside?!... And when did you see Kai naked that you know what he looks like!?"
"Ahahaha, sorry, sorry!" she apologized. "You're just fun to tease, Fuma-chin." The woman continued to giggle at the boy's expense. Then her expression turned serious. "I was kidding. I only saw him once during my first night here in this universe and I must say... his muscles are not overcompensating for anything. He's got the full package."
Sakura told him and made a cat whistle. She looked at him in a very strange way and that made him nervous. It was a hungry look. A predator looking at its prey kind of stare.
"GET OUT!" Kotaro yelled as he threw a bar of soap at Sakura as the young laughs as she dodges the flying object. "(Sigh) Now I know how Kai feels... it's too early for this shit."
As Kotaro tried to relax another voice made itself known.
"Ahem..."
The voice belong to not other than Tokiko Fuma, the steward of the fuma clan. "Sakura-seni... Sakura-chan, please don't use the young master as a plaything. Why don't you go and harrass that Mut...I mean the Mizuki Clan's adopted son, Kasy or whatever his name is."
It was no secret that Tokiko and Kaiser did not like each other but both have agreed for the sake of Kotaro to put their feud to rest when they were around Kotaro.
"A...Alright...sorry." Sakura apologise as she knew that her fun was over now.
"Tokiko? What are you doing here?" Kotaro asks as tries his best to cover himself and be decent.
"Asagi-sensei wants to meet with you and that mongr...Kaser or whatever. It's about an Urgent mission." Tokko told him in a stern tone.
As Kotaro heard the word 'urgent' he immediately got serious as this request came from the Leader of the Taskforce whom he admired so much. Kotaro quickly got out of the bath as he put his clothes on and headed out to the T.T.F Headquarters .
*** T.T.F Headquarters***
Kotaro arrived to the T.T.F soon after Tokiko took him there via a car ride.
As he got through the security check-ins and made his way to Asagi's office where his second-in-command Kaiser was waiting outside the doorway.
"Yo, waz sup, One-Eye. I assume you got the call as well..." Kaiser asked as he casually greeted Kotaro Fuma.
"Yeah...it must be something serious if Asagi-sama wanted us both here..." Kotaro confirmed as his second-in-command nodded his head as they both headed into Asagi's office.
***In an Unknown Location***
A corridor full of cells with metal bars filled the the area as it seemed to be a dungeons or prison of sorts. Torches offered what little of light they could offer as the dim glow of the orange and red flames danced on the brick walls of the damp and musky room that held prisoners within their grasp.
Hebiko lied on the dirty and musky floor as she was barely coming too as she shook her throbbing head with signs of a emminet headache coming on.
"Ow... My head hurts..." Hebiko whined as he eyes adjusted to the low light environment. She checked herself as her Taimanin battle suit outfit was still intact and her weapons on her back were there as they were before.
Suddenly a voice called out
"This way..."
Hebiko slowly moved towards the direction of the voice as it continued calling out to her as it was leading her down a long hall of the dungeon like area. The young girl was cautious of this unknown voice as she continued walking until she was at the end of the corridor. There waiting for her was a coliseum-like arena.
The Arena was packed and most importantly, Hebiko was at the center of attention of the audience. The audience were composed of various demons of all kinds. From the lesser and common foot soldier Demons to some of the high ranking and rare Noble Demon. It was almost like a sport's game arena of some kind and the crowd was ready to watch the show unfold.
"Introducing our next fighter! Taimanin Hebiko!" The voice of announcer shouted out as Hebiko was blinded by the lights and sounds of the coliseum. She look around at her surroundings confuse at the situation she currently was in.
"A fighter? Are they talking about Hebiko? What is happening?" Hebiko asks as her voice was drowned out by the roars and jeers of the crowd.
Just then the announcer's voices started up again to quiet down the boisterous crowd of spectators. "Tonight's opponents will be the wild beast known for being the meanest and nastiest creatures in the land..."
Suddenly a metal gate rose up and revealed a massive monster that stood nearly seven feet tall with its upper torso and lower half covered in thick black fur. Its arms were abnormally long, making it easier for the brute to move on all fours. It had three eyes, a large hulking jaw that showed rows of sharp fangs, and had a set of horns on the side of its head. A small stubby tail wiggled behind the giant of a demon as the audience was roaring at the sight of the challenger. The monstrous demon let loose a loud roar that echoed throughout the arena that shook the ground from its intensity.
"And the opponents in her debut exhibition match... The fearsome and terrifying Ogre Brothers!"
Then suddenly, a door opened up and two massive and muscular Ogre Brothers stepped into the ring. They were twice the size of Hebiko and their bulging muscles along with their exposed cocks were on full display for her to see. Their members were well above the length of her forearm and their girth were the sizes of her calves. As the brothers walked closer to her, their swinging cocks and balls would often slap each other between their thick legs.
"Umm...I am a bit confused but why do I need to fight these guys? Can't we just talk about our differences?" Hebikou asked as the Ogres ignored her pleas and kept advancing towards her. She started to slowly back away from the approaching giants until she reached the edge of the arena. "Hey, can anybody hear me?"
Hebiko voice was drowned out by the cheering crowd and jeering laughter from the demons in the audience. She was confused but the announcer didn't and continued with his words.
"Now everyone. Get ready for the next battle! Fight!" The Announcer said.
The first ogre suddenly charged at her and pulled his fist back. He then brought down his mighty hand, aiming to crush the small girl beneath his fist. But the blow never came, instead, a gust of wind blew past the monsters and a loud crash was heard from behind. Turning around, the creatures were met with the sight of the kunoichi standing over the crumpled body of the second giant while holding her twin ninjato in both hand. It was obvious to the onlookers that the woman had dodged the attack and used her speed to deliver a powerful strike to the skull of the fallen brute. With her attention no longer focused on the dead monster, she turned to face the remaining foe and readied herself for another assault. Her eyes narrowed and her lips curved upwards into a smirk as the opponent stared at her. After a few seconds passed, the ogre began to move once more. However, it was too late. By the time the creature realized what had transpired, the young ninja had already moved and cut off the head of the beast. In a matter of moments, the Taimanin had slain the two Ogres.
"And the winner is...Hebiko!" the commentator declared. The entire stadium erupted in applause and cheers at the spectacle they witnessed. As the audience roared in approval, Hebiko raised her sword in triumph before walking away from the lifeless corpses of the demons. Once outside the ring, she disappeared from the arena. While the crowd continued to cheer loudly, the announcer called out the next match. This was just the beginning of the show, there were still many matches ahead of them.
This was only the start of the Exhibition Match between the contestants to entertain the crowds of people watching. And after this event ended, the real tournament would commence.
***Meanwhile back in Gosha Village at the T.T.F Headquarters***
Kaiser and Kotaro entered Commander Asagi's office was they saw the women looking up from her all the scatter paper work on her desk with a look of relief as it seems that Asagi was looking stressed and annoyed but that changed when the two men came in. Both Asagi and a senior student were working nonstop and tirelessly to find the culprit or culprits responsible for the disappearance of one of their own.
They have also discovered that someone was leaking information to the criminal underworld about their classified and top secret missions. That had left a bad taste in their mouths and a sour feeling in their guts, that a traitor was in their mist. However, thanks to a certain men...Kaiser who was able to download a hard drive the Red Dragons used to get into contact with certain individuals and Kotaro who was able to get tremendous amount of data during the Kiryu retrieval mission in the Tokyo Kingdom, the situation had improved slightly.
Kotaro looked at the senior student and remembers her name being Hotaru Kise who was slightly older than Kotaro by a year. She had a cheerful and caring personality together with a polite demeanor that naturally made people want to gather around her with ease.
She was standing beside commander Asagi as both of them had a serious look on their faces.
"So, did something happen?" Kotaro asked as for once Kaiser was quiet letting his leader do the talking.
"Yes... that's correct. As you are the team leader, I must inform you that...Hebiko was captured by the enemy yesterday." Asagi informed him, while giving him a folder on her desk. It contained all of the information that she had gathered from the investigation and the details on how the incident went down.
"How the fuck did this happen Asagi..." Kaiser said calmly but if one took a good look at his expression it was anything but calm.
"That's Commander Igawa to you, Wrath-san." Asaig corrected as she knew that Kaiser was not at all happy that one of his close friends was captured and in trouble but she did notice an improvement as the old Kaiser Wrath would have flown off the handle and gone off on his own creating a huge mess in the process. At now now he was listening and being patient... it was most likely the influence of a certain someone who Asagi had high expectations for... and perhaps some feelings but no was not the time to think of such things.
"Asagi-sama please in detail, tell us what happened?" Kotaro asks nervously as he was now fully invested in this mission. These types of things happened when one was a Taimanin as Kotaro had heard all the stories and even seen the aftermath of what happens to those that are captured, especially women. He has to stop thinking of the worse outcomes of the situation at hand and stay focus on the task at hand. Furthermore, the other members of the Independent Rangers are in the same boat that they care about their friend and comrade in arms and want her to be safe and sound in their home of Gosha.
They did not wish to lose anyone to their enemies as to many in the Taimanin Community has bred hate and resentment towards the demons and syndicates. That's not to say that others haven't contributed to the problem like the Kanda Brigade and the Rogue Nisha Ninja Troops. However, that does not matter at the moment because right now, Kotaro is going to get to the bottom of the issue and find his teammate and fellow classmate, Hebiko.
"Where was Hebiko's last location and how long has it been since we lost contact with her?" Kaiser asks as Kotaro was reassured that his brother-in-arms was just a focus as he was in wanting to save their friend.
"Please allow me to explain." Hotaru said as she began to relegate the events that happened.
***Yesterday in a mountain village near Gosha Village***
Hebiko and Hotaru were on a mission to investigate an incident which happened in a nearby village where the Nisha Clan lived. In other words, it was Gaiza's hometown. A number of villagers had gone missing. The two suspected that a demon was involved so they went there to check out the situation. They had expected some kind of trouble, but nothing came of it. It was a quiet day and they were able to finish their investigation safely.
"Some the Taimanin, acting independently, attack the Nisha Clan out of their own self-righteousness. However, I did not want any of this to happen." Asagi added as Kaiser click his tongue at her.
"It sounds like to me that you didn't want to get your hands dirty." Kaiser snapped. "If you knew the location of the Nisha Clan then why didn't you make a move to wipe them out or bring them to justice."
"Would you say the same thing applies to Kotaro or the rest of the surviving Fuma's?" Asagi countered as Kaiser bite back his tongue to hold his insult at bay. Asagi did have a point, after all, the Fuma clan were given a second chance when the Igawa Elders and the Japanese government decided to put a stop to the civil war before things got worse. "Attacking Gaiza's mother. who was powerless, is something I cannot forgive even if Gaiza is now considered an enemy."
Kaiser looked away as he couldn't argue against Asagi's points as he too would never stoop that low to defeat his enemy as he too can only imagine what he would to keep his mother and little sister safe.
"Some of the Taimanin also fought with someone, most likely Gaiza. In this case, I don't fault him considering it was in self-defense." Asagi finished saying her piece as she turned to see Hotaru continued explaining the situation to the others. "Therefore, I sent Hebiko and Hotaru to explain the situation to Gaiza's mother."
"That was as fucking stupid idea Asagi. Look I get what you mean with the Nisha clan and not wanting them wiped out there is big difference between Gaiza and Kotaro." Kaiser said in a harsh tone. "Gaiza has made his choice to work for Nomad and has no intentions of coming back, and the moment he crossed that line, the Nisha clan are no different from other Demons or Criminals we deal with in the Underworld. What the hell were you thinking sending a pair of students to negotiate?"
Kaiser yelled at the leader of the Taimanin. For the first time ever, everyone was silent and just watched the two interact, waiting to see who would make the next move. After a few seconds, Asagi sighed and ran a hand through her hair. She then put her hands on her hips and looked directly into his eyes.
"If the Igawa Elders could give the Fuma a second chance, why couldn't the same be done for the Nishia Clan?" she asked him.
"Because Kotaro actually gives a fuck about helping his clan, not out of some birthright or pride but because they were all that was left of his family and was willing to swallow his pride to ask an outsider like me for help." Kaiser told the headmaster. "Kotaro is nothing like Gaiza..."
"Then would you say that the surviving members of the Fuma clan are also enemies of the state, after what the Fuuma Danjo did? Even though, the Japanese government and the Igawa Elder Council gave them a second chance to redeem themselves, and have proven their loyalty to us." Asagi countered as it seems that she is trying to prove a point to her younger comrade.
"Don't be naive... everyone is an individual. We all make our own choices and set our own paths." Kaiser said as he knew that Asagi's idealism would only lead to more problems in the future and not just that it could even prove fatal. "The Nisha made their choice when they killed their own comrades and friends in their quest for power. If you want forgive and forget that's on you but I'll never forgive nor forget the lives that were lost on that day... I refuse to let it be in vain. Next time do your own damn work if your ideals mean so much to you because I refuse to see my friends and family get hurt because of them." He turned to leave the room and stopped to give one last remark. "...and before you think about giving me a lecture, don't bother. You're not in charge of me and I Ain't Nobody's Dog."
After that, he slammed the door behind him and left the room with Kotaro standing there sighing knowing that Kaiser was a bit riled up after the incident with Momoka and everyone turning their back on him.
"I'm sorry about that Asagi-sama... but I have to take Kaiser's side on this one. Even though there are some good Nisha Clan members who didn't go along with the rebellion the fact that you sent students into enemy territory was not a good move." Kotaro said to the older woman in front of him. "I understand what your trying to accomplish by helping the Fuma clan redeem themselves and become Taimanin again, and I'm grateful for that, but the truth of the matter is that the Nishi's have done things that are unforgivable and are considered enemies of the state. We should not be looking to make deals with the likes of criminals that threaten the safety of Japan and it's people."
Asagi stood there after listening to Kotaro as she understood the criticism that Kotaro was giving her as she knew that she had made mistakes in the past and was only doing was best to keep the peace between the clans of the Taimanin. However, she never thought of the consequences of her actions and now she is paying the price.
"It's like that saying goes, 'No Good Deed Goes Unpunished'." She muttered to herself in a sad tone of voice. "You're right...I should have known better than to trust the Nisha's, especially when we don't know what they are capable of, or who's side their on. It was foolish of me to even consider trusting them." Asagi sighed and looked down in defeat and disappointment. "...I'm sorry for causing trouble, and I hope you can forgive my mistake. I was just trying to do the right thing..."
Kotaro could see that his words had struck a cord with his commander and he felt bad about being so harsh on her but it needed to be said, and now that the damage has been done, all they could do is move forward and fix the mess that was created. "Asagi-sama, I didn't say that to hurt your feelings. All I'm saying is that next time, please think twice before making any rash decisions." Kotaro told her in a gentle and understanding manner.
"Of course, and thank you. For listening to me." Asagi smiled at him as she turned around and left the room, feeling a little lighter and more confident that her decision was the right one and that things would turn out alright in the end.
"So Hotaru-senpai continue with your report." Kotaro asks as he needed as much information as he needed to formulate a plan to fix this mess.
"Oh right..." Hotaru said as she was surprised at the maturity and wisdom of Kotaro Fuma who was 1 year her junior but acted like a veteran. She was also amused that her classmate was able to get the stubborn and prideful Igawa Asagi to open up to him and apologize for her mistakes. " Following orders. Hebiko and I went to the Nisha Mansion."
***At the Nisha Village***
"So this place got attacked by Taimanin... Disobeying Asagi-sensei and acting out on their own... It's unforgivable." Hotaru angrily stated, gripping her axe tightly in her hand.
"Hotaru-senpai, you really respect Asagi-sensei, don't you?" Hebiko commented as the two girls approach the Nisha Mansion.
"That's a given! She's admire by all the students of Gosha Academy. but... for me Murasaski-sensei is..." Hotaru said as she was fangirling over the most powerful of the Taimanin. "She is just amazing. So cool, so strong, and always fighting with a smile. I aspire to be like her, and one day, I hope to surpass her!"
The girl spoke, full of enthusiasm and passion. Her eyes sparkled with admiration and excitement, her voice filled with determination and fire. She was a young woman who was completely in love with the idea of becoming a powerful ninja. Despite her inexperience, she had an unwavering spirit that drove her forward and a deep desire to become a great fighter. While her skills were still developing, her attitude and dedication were unmatched. Her words were a reminder that anyone can make their dreams come true if they put in the effort and remain determined.
"Murasaki-sensei?" Hebiko gave her upperclassmen a questioning look.
"I...it's nothing! More importantly, let's keep going!" Hotaru exclaimed, embarrassed at her sudden burst of enthusiasm.
"Hold on. Murasaki-sensei uses a big axe as a weapon too, right?" Hebiko implies as Hotaru blushes at the insinuation.
"Eh? What? Never mind what I said! Stay focused! Get Ready!" Hotaru rushes forward leaving a confused Hebiko.
"Ah. Okay!" Hebiko calls out as she chases behind her upperclassmen.
Hebiko started transforming. she used her octopus tentacles to sense her surroundings but there was nothing. No presence of any humans in the vicinity. Still, something smelled a little off. Cautiously, the two advanced. However, Hebiko was still wondering about the smell... it was somehow familiar.
Suddenly, Hebiko finally remembered.
"Hotaru-senpai, we have to run!" Hebiko shouted as Hotaru stopped in her tracks.
It was the smell of a demon, similar to the one that attacked that attack the academy and as expected, the culprit appeared behind them.
It was the NOMAD executive...Fulst.
Hotaru immediately struck Fulst with with her axe and his body fell down to the ground. However, it didn't feel right as it felt like the axe was cutting through liquid. Fulst's body melted, congealed, and then transformed into his shape once more.
I came to capu..." Fulst stopped himself before he reconsidered his words, " protect Gaiza's mother but look what I found... Hohoh! Two cute little an unexpected harvest!"
As Fulst was talking he then summoned his harpy minions as Hotaru and Hebiko had no choice but to fight. The harpies made an assault from the skies and the two had to defend themselves from all sides. Fulst laughed at their struggles. He was enjoying the sight of the two being overwhelmed by his harpies, and his laughter only added to their frustration and helplessness. The scene was chaotic and tense as the harpies continued their relentless attacks, making the situation dire for the two fighters.
"Two versus many. This should be fun," Fulst said mockingly, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Let's see how long you can last."
Hotaru and Hebiko were determined to defeat the horde of harpies that surrounded them. They were outnumbered, but they knew that their skills and teamwork could make a difference. Hotaru used her Ninja Art: "Telekinetic", able to change the weight of anything she touches as can make self or objects fly or increase the weight of objects for more impact power. Hotaru used her Ninja art on her self to be able to take to the skies and fight the Harpies on their own turf as she threw her heavy axe like a boomerang to kill multiple Harpies. When her Axe was returned to her, Hotaru's telekinetic ability gave her the advantage of being able to control the direction and speed of her weapon, allowing her to strike with deadly accuracy.
Hebiko uses her Ninja Art: ""Beast Art - Transformation Octopus", Devil Fish which allows Hebiko is able to create tentacles from her body, which can be extended and moved freely, almost like new limbs, this enables her to use multiple weapons simultaneously or entangle opponents. A Harpy tried swooping down to tear into Hebiko with it's sharp talons only to be wrapped up in a deadly embrace by the slimy black tentacles. The tentacles constricted around the Harpy, squeezing the air out of its lungs. Its wings were pinned against its body, rendering it unable to fly or even struggle effectively. The Harpy's eyes bulged in panic, and its mouth opened in a silent scream of terror. It was a horrifying sight to behold, as the creature thrashed and writhed in the powerful grip of the tentacles, helpless to escape its fate. Soon the harpy's lifeless corpse fell to the ground from the sky. Fulst's army of Harpies was formidable, but Hebiko's tentacles were proving to be a match for their ferocity. The battle raged on, with each side fighting tooth and nail, determined to emerge victorious. As the fight continued, more and more Harpies fell to the powerful grip of the tentacles, their bodies crushed and broken, their cries of agony echoing through the air.
The harpies swooped down, attacking from all sides, but Hotaru and Hebiko remained focused. They dodged, parried, and countered the attacks with precision and agility. Hotaru's quick reflexes allowed her to deflect the harpies' sharp talons, while Hebiko's agile movements made her a difficult target to catch.
As the battle raged on, the two Taimanin gradually wore down the numbers of the harpies. Their coordination and strategic thinking paid off as they managed to outmaneuver and overpower their foes. The remaining harpies grew desperate and reckless in their attacks, leaving themselves vulnerable to the Taimanin's counterattacks. With a final, coordinated effort, Hotaru took down the last of the harpies, ending the intense skirmish. As the last harpy fell, Hotaru breathed a sigh of relief, their determination and skill having prevailed in the face of overwhelming odds. The victory strengthened their bond, and they knew that their teamwork and trust in each other would carry them through future challenges.
As Hotaru looked around though to congratulate Hebiko she was nowhere to be found as the NOMAD Executive Fulst had disappeared as well.
"While I was desperately fighting with the harpies, Hebiko and Fulst had already vanished." Hotaru finishes her recount of the battled as Kotaro nodded his head and listened intently to the details of the situation, his mind racing at the thought of the challenge ahead of him and his team, and the dangers that awaited them.
"Kai is not gonna like this...not one bit." Kotaru mumbled. "We need to form a rescue team immediately!"
"Unfortunately, all the other teams are already on missions, which means the only one that can take on this is your team." Asagi spoke up, causing Kotaro's eyes to widen in surprise. He quickly composed himself and nodded in understanding, acknowledging the importance of the task before him. The urgency of the situation was clear, and he knew that time was of the essence.
"Then we shall leave immediately, but I feel that our current team isn't enough. We will need additional members for a mission like this." Kotaro suddenly interrupted.
"Please let me join you." Hotaru's voice was filled with determination as she stepped forward, ready to volunteer her services. "I would like to join the rescue mission too, if that is okay?"
Her eyes meeting Kotaro's, and her expression resolute. Kotaro considered the request for a moment before nodding his head in agreement. He could see the passion and commitment in her eyes, and he knew that her presence would be invaluable to their cause.
"I'd be glad to have your help. However, as the leader I would like to say something first." Kotaro stated.
"What is it, Fuma-kun?" Hotaru asked. She was curious about what the leader of her new team had to say. She had just met him a few minutes ago, but she had heard so many great things from others. Hotaru could tell that he was someone who took his job seriously and cared deeply about the people under his command.
"Hotaru, Hebiko is a Taimanin like you. She was captured because she wasn't strong enough. So it's not entirely your fault." Kotaro declared. His voice was firm and unwavering, leaving no room for doubt or argument. "You can't take all the blame upon yourself."
"... You're right. Hebiko is also a respectable Taimanin," Hotaru admitted. "But I can't shake the feeling that my lack of strength played a part in her capture, and I can't stop thinking that there's more that I could have done. As the leader of the group, I was responsible for everyone's safety, and yet, despite having that power, I couldn't protect her. It weighs heavily on me."
"Hotaru-san, don't beat yourself up too much. You did everything you could in that situation. The most important thing now is to focus on rescuing Hebiko. She needs our help, and we can't afford to let emotions get in the way. Let's work together and bring them home safely," Kotaro spoke calmly and reassuringly to Hotaru.
Asagi As though reading Kotaru's mind interrupted the conversation, her voice authoritative and commanding. "Kotaro-kun, we actually have a lead."
"Really that's great then we can..." Kotaru said excitingly but Asagi's expression said otherwise.
"The contact was from someone who went by the name "User of Snakes." This person requested that you go to meet them at a given location if you wanted to save Hebiko."
'was I the main target all along? Was Hebiko taken as a hostage to lure me out? I don't know... but we have no other leads.' Kotaro thought to himself but his thoughts were interrupted by Asagi.
"And there is one final thing that the requested... they wanted you to surrender Kaiser Warth to them as a part of an exchange." Asagi finished. Kotaro's eyes widen in shock and anger, and before he could respond, a familiar voice called out to him from across the room. Kaiser was standing at the door of the briefing room with a smirk on his face as it seems that he had some time to cool down his head after his outburst.
"I'm not surprised... I had a feeling that they would want me. Well, let's get ready to move, we need to rescue Hebiko. Don't worry about the other stuff, we have to act fast, we can't just sit here waiting, ." Kaiser spoke in a calm and confident manner that belied the seriousness of the situation. He was willing to do whatever it took to make sure that his comrades were safe.
"But Kai... this could be a trap..." Kotaro warned his friend, not wanting to put him in harm's way. "I'm not willing to risk your life for the sake of a negotiation. We can find another way to save Hebiko and bring her..."
"I don't care... I don't care if this is a trap or if I am putting myself in harms way... I won't lose anything and I won't abandon my friends or family if they need me... This my way... The Kaiser Wrath way of doing things." Kaiser interjected, his words filled with determination and resolve. "It's my choice, and I won't back down from it."
His gaze was unwavering, and his tone brooked no argument.
Kotaro looked at his closest friend as he knew was the type of man who was always prepared and never hesitated when the moment of truth arrived. His determination and self-confidence were contagious, and his words filled the room with a sense of hope. Everyone in the room felt their spirits lifted by the reassurance that came from this brave warrior. It was clear to everyone in the room that they could rely on him for guidance and support. Together, they would succeed in their mission and bring their lost comrade home safely.
"It's settled then. Let's move out." Kotaro declared, his tone filled with conviction. With their plan in place, the group turned to leave the briefing room, their hearts set on rescuing Hebiko from the clutches of NOMAD and their leader Edwin Black. The mission was critical, and failure would be a disaster as he knew that the task was not easy, but he was confident that the Taimanin would rise to the occasion and save the day.
A/N: And that's a wrap. Well now things are getting dicey and it seems that Kaiser and the gang are gonna find themselves in for a fight. Anyways I'll try to update the Kangoku Senkan sometime next week and maybe some time in the year I'll maybe and that's a big maybe do another story in which I'll do another poll for it as well.
Will the Team be able to rescue Hebiko? What evil lay hidden in the Chaos Arena? What Plans does NOMAD have in store for Kaiser? Find out in the next Chapter
Taimanin Part II
Chapter 20
The Scars of Grief and the Memories of Regret