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The ferry had arrived in the guaranteed 44 hours time, in which, he spent mostly meditating and fasting, even abandoning his coat, putting on a couple weighted items (Ex. wristbands, anklebands, etc), even going as far to be suspended underwater by the boat anchor. His desire to train was just too powerful, and he felt his techniques were unrefined…
But, then he had a bit of assurance…
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At some point, while practicing movements for his sword, it appeared a large fish would jump out of the water at a certain precise moment and height. It also seemed to be taunting him whenever it looked his way, (when he was watching from the front deck, the bloody thing would be smiling and doing tricks for the tourists that were also riding.) So, with much calculation, and careful counting, he devised a means of taking the fish out, and getting some seafood for dinner for his first night in Okinawa. At first, he meditated. Waited. Recited his technique…
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And then the fish was flopping around, making that supernatural laughing sound. Kenji's eyes flashed open, and he leaped up, kicking himself off the ship, and flying towards the edge of the ship, unsheathing his sword, as he was just inches from the safety railing, which he'd kick with his feet to keep himself on the boat, and as not to fly off.
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Shushinkyaku (Step Kick Lunge)
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The Fish had actually now came flying towards Kenji, laughing, and trying to disturb his footwork. With an unwavering look on his face, he flicked his wrist, and his sword disappeared, reappearing inches from the sea creature, which was cleanly split into two.
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Saishouha (Flying Cyclone Blade)
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Kenji used another Shushinkyaku, and backflipped his way back to his original area of meditation, his blade returning with the two halves of the fish in tow, pulling some stuff from his coat, and proceeding to pack the fish for later…
"This ought to give me fair amounts of protein. Then again, I could sell it for money and attend a much nicer restaurant…"
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Dominic looked up from his desk at the man who was peeking around his office door and nodded.
"Cheers, mate. I'll be on my way now," he replied, getting up from the chair and making his way towards the broadcasting room. A smile gradually spread across Dom's face, culminating in a grin by the time he reached the broadcasting room. Oh, how he loved this time of day, giving out information regarding the current movements of some of the larger gangs. Of course, the radio station nearly always had someone on air to spread such news. Dom's shifts were just lunchtimes on weekdays, as per the rota the crew had agreed upon.
And now, sitting in the broadcasting room, he patiently waited for the last few seconds before going on air. Three... Two... One...
"Good afternoon, Okinawa," Dominic said in the usual conversational tone he used to address the masses. "This is Radio Okinawa with me, Dominic Trent, current leader of the broadcasting team. We work round the clock to keep you updated on the goings-on in the city. Now without further ado, here's the news:
"The bishie warband commonly known as the Dark Crusaders has recently captured the central shopping mall to resupply and angst over their allegedly dark and troubled pasts before moving on. I would advise against travelling there until further notice. Next, we have received reports that a few more people are coming into Okinawa. No, these aren't any delinquents or naive tourists; we're probably gonna be seeing a fully-fledged badass or two before long, although whether they're here to bring order or chaos is still uncertain. Here's hoping they're on our side.
"Lastly, one of our scout patrols have brought back news that some idiots are planning to attack the ol' shrine." Dom chuckled at the thought. "Well, it's their funeral. They'll get the same treatment as the last bunch who tried pulling a stunt like that. Will they ever learn? No idea, but we'll be right back after some music, so stay tuned, folks." Putting on some light jazz, he sat back in his chair. Dominic didn't mention that he himself was the scout that went by the shrine. Why? Well, simply put, he liked it there even before the first of the delinquents showed up. Even when he stumbled upon it through getting hopelessly lost trying to find his apartment when he first arrived at Okinawa. Damn good times, for certain, and now it was one of the last bastions of order left on the city map, just like the radio station.
A candied voice muffled by it's placement in the sand rang out happily.
Amaya hadn't had any violence commissions today, but had an abundance of cash from her last one. As such, she was indulging in a lazy day. She had already been out shopping, picking up some new bikinis and lingerie. The most amusing part of the trip had actually been seeing the mall's new management. The Dark Crusaders were nice to look at at least. Made up for their lack of ferocity. And they had earned a positive spot in her book for letting her by with her purchases without too much trouble.
Currently clothed in one of her new purchases (the bikini, NOT the bra), Amaya was continuing her leisure. Baking in the abundant sun was definitely one of life's best and simple pleasures.
She gazed dreamily at the turquoise waters stretched out below her. They mirrored the hue of her eyes today, it made her feel beautiful.
She closed the aformentioned and took a doze, only to be awoken by the rude chirp of her phone. A pout forming on her lips, Amaya searched for the device with her hand not her eyes. It was found amongst the other contents of her cluttered beach bag. 1 text from a contact labeled "big stupid yanki guy 2".
"Hey sweety. We're staging an attack on the shrine later. We could use your assistance. I've got ¥15,000 for you and a dinner at the new resturant that opened up for ya if you come."
She scrunched her thin brows and typed a quick reply.
"Hmmm todays kinda my day off (>人<;)
Ill think about it kk?
-Amaya (^_−)−☆"
Her reply sent, her face went back into the sand.
To relax or to kick some ass?
Ugh, such a hard decision...
A zephyr blew in from the coast, stirring the loose ends of her braid and easing the summer burn that reddened her fair cheeks. Ignoring the static buzz of the radio just inside near the sliding door, she rotated the staff, facing the tip toward the ground, and shifted fluidly into her next stance. Her movement was as graceful as a dancer's.
Step, lunge, step, step, twist, strike. "Kyah!" she yelled again, as much force in her tone as in her powerful downswing.
"...Good afternoon Okinawa... idiots planning attack... shrine..." the radio buzzed from behind the Shōji screen. but the words were lost to her as soon as they reached her ears.
She barely noticed the door slide open, her attention completely focused on each breath, every position she'd memorized. Lunge, step, step, turn, step-
"Hoshi-chan!" her grandfather's gravelly voice interrupted her thought-process.
Hoshiko froze in transition, not moving a muscle, except for the rise and fall of her chest, the only sounds that of the billowy white and red sleeves of her Miko uniform in the wind, and the inhalation through her nose. Never let the enemy see your weakness.
"Hoshi-chan!" he called again, stepping outside.
She merely lifted an eyebrow, the accentuation of that high arch the only indication she heard him.
"Hoshi-chan, they are planning another attack on the shrine!"
Wordlessly, at first, she twisted, tendrils of her black hair whirling round as she thrust the staff forward and shouted, "Kyah!"
"Hoshi?" he asked when she'd lowered her weapon.
"Yes, Obaa-san," she said, expressionless, no inflection in her response.
"Did you hear-"
"Yes, I heard."
"Those ruffians never learn," he grumbled, crossing the soft, wet grass to the center of the backyard where she stood. "What are you going to do?"
Lifting the staff again, she slid it with the slightest flick of a wrist into a red and gold fringed sheath slung across her back, and glanced back at her grandfather as she stepped into the shrine. "That, Obaa-san, is a question you should be asking them."
“You messed with the wrong group, American. You shouldn't have sought out a brawl with us.” The tall man spat on the ground, inches next to the American's position.
“At least I'm not the ass-hole who couldn't approach me without his herd of monkeys.” The man chuckled under his heavy breathing, rising up from the kneeling position he was first in. “Hell, where I come from, we settle bullshit one on one.”
The leader nodded at his minions, telling them to back down. “Fair enough, I can handle one little American egocentric ant.” And with that, the guy rushed at the American, raising the wooden sword as he did so.
The young man smirked, taking his stance to grab the opponents wrist. “I haven't got the time to play with a little kid.” At that moment, the large delinquent forcefully lowered his weapon, only for his wrist to be grabbed, and a heavy punch on the right side of his lower jaw.
Backenbrecher (German: Jaw Crusher)
In a flash, the leader was slammed onto the ground. He was now, the little insect squirming on the filthy street. “I'll assume you've learned the lesson. Now the next time you spot me, and I hope for you I don't see you, you'll just casually take another route, okay?” The American exclaimed, calmly. Walking away from the back alley as the leader's minions watched in awe, and fear.
“Don't just stare! Attack!” A sudden, three unarmed fellows launched themselves on the one who had beaten up their leader. Another chuckle left the American's mouth. “I told you dumb fucks, to leave me alone!”
With one slip, the man raised his left leg, and swept it to the sides, turning 360 degrees before allowing his limb to safely touch the ground. The three man simultaneously feel to the ground, reaching for air, while holding onto their ribs in fear of them turning to dust.
“Was nice doing business with y'all!” The man called out as he continued his way. “And that is number two for today... It's like every delinquent in this town wants me dead or something...”
This guy, was Nathan O'Myer. The American who has recently moved to Okinawa for no apparent reason. Parents thought it would be a good thing for him and his siblings I suppose. “And I thought you wanted me to become an American soldier, Dad.” He shrugged, making his way through the streets, no real goal, just wandering.
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Well, Not as long as this swordsman has a say in the matter. As soon as the Ferry stopped, Fuwakawa was already using a dozen Shushinkyaku to get himself to the shrine as quickly as he could, zipping across buildings, and appearing as a blur to the naked eye. He attempted to try and find the way towards the shrine slated for an assault, having to stop every now and then to check maps, and ask for directions.
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Eventually, luck was on Kenji's side, and he was given some information, by a seemingly stray dog of all things. At first it barked, but with a sniff, and some kindness on Kenji's part, handing the dog a piece of beef jerky he had with him, and patting it on the head. From there, Kenji's aura did the rest, the illumination of a hope inspiring glow colored dark blue. The first means he'd learned to manifest his ki. From there, he lowered his spirit, and found his way in, keeping his sword sheathed at his waist rather than his back, which he especially set that way for such major trips as this. As he entered the domain of the gods, he began to relax his body, putting his hands together as if in prayer, and closing his eyes, as he walked forward…
…And then he raised his leg high…
…and dropped the heel of his foot on a nearby bush.
"HURK!"
And out the bush fell a delinquent armed with a lead pipe…
…And Kenji continued his walk, now opening his eyes. He simply needed to focus to find the fellow who had been prepared to attack. Funny though, he mentioned something about a maiden, and her 'sweet ass.' Whatever he was talking about was of little concern.
"Hello?" Called out Kenji. "I've found a sinner in your house of saints…you may want to keep an eye out for others."
"Konnichiwa. Can I help you?" she asked, her tone polite, but cold, and though she held his gaze, it was clear by the way she did not further approach she remained wary of the newcomer.
Speaking of a news flash. Okinawa had probably the most, odd, and out of the ordinary news. “Probably an 'Asian' thing.” He muttered under his breath. Ah, Okinawa was most likely living of these delinquent group attack things. Nathan couldn't complain, as it gave the man something to ponder about.
After having paid the owner for the can of soda, Nathan stepped outside and began to plan his day. Though choices to make... “Can't be bothered to return to the family.” He said, as he opened his soda and took a sip from it.
And thus, the majority of his time was spend wandering the city. Occasionally stopping for a blank stare at something interesting. Sometimes even glare with that 'serious business' look, at the local delinquents. All small fries of course.
“I could always try to entertain myself with some more delinquent-beat-em-up. I've been on a spree since morning anyway...” The man stopped in his tracks, trying to find that supposed shrine he heard about.
[~-----~
The American found his way,
Nathan just stared at blank space for a moment, before actually stepping inside and just pretend to admire the construction.
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That was the simple introduction of the mysterious swordsman, who removed his weapon from his belt, and had set it down, kicking it away incase anyone in the area could tell he had it on him. He studied the appearance of the shrine maiden, noting her appearance over her staff (And its considerable size) as well as her socks. In his own, unsaid opinion, Kenji considered this to be a fine young lady. Her aura, at least at the moment, while not in combat, felt calm, and reserved. It put him at ease, as he began to speak about his new temporary objective to provide support to the girl's shrine.
"I was in the area for personal business when I heard some fools under the title of 'Yanki' attempted to vandalize this sacred place. I am bound by…certain beliefs to assist if possible, our enemy being one and the same. They know me by a couple names, most notably the solo banchou. Rest assured though, I have no intentions of bringing harm to anyone but the terrorizing scum who prey on the innocent. I shall leave if you do not desire the help of a man labeled 'delinquent.' I can say though, I'm far from such a title, and the work I have done with my fists has proven to speak louder than my words."
Kenji slipped his hands into his pockets, relaxing himself slightly. Behind him, he could feel the presence of the
"I'd rather not ask your business…but better yet, its' nature, foreigner: do you wish to do anything malevolent to this shrine?"
The man who had been conversing with the shrine maiden, approached Nathan. A weird question, for someone who is a stranger. Plus the fact that a more proper conversation starter would be 'Hi, my name is ….' But that'd probably be too much to ask.
The American was curious though. 'Anything malevolent', meant he'd suspected Nathan from doing something bad, or there was something going on, for realzies!
“Eh... Hello. Hi! No, I am not planning on breaking anything in this shrine. I could, but unlike my fellow, generic Americans, I do not tend to enter a shrine, just to rob it from all its worth, nor destroy it.” Nathan answered, rather dryly to be exact.
“Why'd you ask? Is someone planning on attempting a 'malevolent' deed on this shrine?” Talking fancy wasn't at all Nate's strong point. But hell, he might as well do it for the sake of keeping this guy as a potential friend/ally. Everyone else in town seemed to be after his arse already, and one slip could mean this guy would attempt to do the same.
“If so, I'd be willing to... lend assistance if need be. I'm here to peacefully kill time, but if someone wants to wreck some shit, I'll gladly shove my boot up their ugly faces for even attempting it.” The American glared with his regular blank stare at the man. “Introductions? The name's Nathan.”
He found it awkward enough that someone had to approach him, might as well make it more so by getting some introduction thing, going.
Her gaze shifted slightly from the boy who had introduced himself as 'Kenji', to the lighter-skinned, clearly American, his indistinguishable features denoting the mixed blood of generations of interbreeding.
"Yuu Hoshiko," she offered another light bow to each of them, her staff, at a diagonal across her back, tilting with the lean of her body.
The Yuu surname wasn't common knowledge in Okinawa, but the family ties to the family line of Mikos and Shinto warrior ancestry was no large secret, either.
Hoshiko, still keeping a wary eye, alert to her surroundings, said, "There is change on the wind. I felt it arrive with the dawn, even as I awoke. Omoikane has led you both here for a reason."
...
Through the partially open Shōji screen, they could see an elderly man outside, diminutive in stature, his shoulder-length white hair pulled up high, squinting in the afternoon sun as he trimmed hedges with a pair of gardening shears.
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"Today's actually been pretty quiet today, hasn't it? Maybe the bulk of those delinquents are taking a break or something, I dunno. There's really nothing much else for me to report right now..."
Dominic's mind suddenly went back to the attack on the shrine. Of course! Any heroes fresh off the boat were certain to get there and act all... um... heroic and such. And if he hurried, then not only would he be able to help out, but he'd also get a chance to interview them! Now that would definitely make the news!
"...so without further ado, we must part ways for now, Okinawa. I leave you with these words: 'All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.' This is Dominic Trent signing off. Have a good day, ladies and gents." And with that, he cued another ad-and-music break so the next shift could take over. It didn't take long for him to collect his staff and a pencil and notepad, and in the interest of getting there in time he ran the whole way to the shrine. Although Dom did arrive well before the attack started, he was gasping for breath as he came to a stop. Looking up, he saw a couple of people, Hoshiko included.
"Hi... there," he panted. "Thought I'd... drop by and... help you guys out." After regaining his breath, Dominic stood up properly and nodded to the shrine maiden. "Lucky thing I made it in time, huh?" He smiled and offered a hand to the swordsman standing next to the girl. "The name's Dom. I don't believe we've met before, stranger. I'm guessing you're new here, right?"
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"Very Well: We Four shall stand together for now. First person to betray this new, temporary truce will end up in the hospital for three months at minimum. A year if I'm angry."
Kenji turned towards the entrance, and took a moment to inspect it, attempting to determine the best plan of action…
"You."
The Wanderer gestured to Dominic.
"Do you have any martial arts training, or some ability that seems useful enough? I need someone to hide nearby while I stand in the open as bait, and first defense. I'll also accept Hoshiko or the other fellow, but I'd rather those two stay back and guard this area ahead. Are you up to it?"
And then, another bloke showed up. Although this guy was quite different then the swordsman. “... help you guys out.” He had said, sure. If by helping out, he meant taking hits until those attackers were exhausted, be his guess. Nonetheless, you don't judge pissing books by their cover.
“Very Well: We Four shall stand together for now. First person to betray this new, temporary truce will end up in the hospital for three months at minimum. A year if I'm angry.”
“I can live with that.” Nathan retorted, waving the threat off like the many he had heard today. “Just make sure that if you're the one breaking the truce; These boots leave a serious mark, thought you'd care to know.” The American gestured to his plated boots, his expression as bland as ever.
Anyway, he was fine with anything, Nathan did not need to be either defence. Just, a defence. Or, more or less offensive defence. Any weak-minded mongrel trying to rip something while he's nearby, would go ahead with broken limbs, concussions, and must likely months worth of coughing up blood.
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If the shrine maiden noticed Kenji staring, she gave no hint. Her left hand was already closing around her staff though she made no move to draw it, yet. Whatever happened, if they so much as nicked one of the antique statues or injured one of the many flowers she had raised from seedlings, she just might second the swordsman's notion.
Outwardly, she offered the same gesture to Kenji, already taking up a defensive stance, briefly closing her eyes. She knew the layout better than the back of her hand, and even as she motioned with her right hand, slender digit poking through a finger hole in her glove, she was drawing from memory every vulnerable area in the temple blocked from their immediate view.
"They can flank us from the east and west, but if they leave a gap in their defense, we may have an advantage from there." she pointed toward the small koi pond. "They sometimes arrive in numbers, but their attacks are predictable."
...
Hoshi's grandfather stopped trimming long enough to look up and see what was going on inside. He shrugged and clipped another branch, continuing with his task.
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A group of twenty or so was defined by the dangling afternoon sun as they neared the shrine. The heat had starte to accumulate. With heat adding to the one that already resided ibn their veins, a spectacular battle was iminent. Armed with lean builds, perfectly silky gorgeous hair, and various weapons, most were male. However, some had brought arm candy along. They figured an easy victory was impnding and wanted to show off their skills/masculinity to impress their mates. Well, as much masculiinty as a bishounen could have...
The leader juxtaposed his underlings with a decent amount of muscle. True, his features were skill feminine, but he looked as if he could offer more of a fight. They trailed a few steps behind him in some semblance of hierarchy. When they reached the torii leading to the shrine, they stopped. Upon an initial survey, no one was found by any of them. The leader took a few steps forward to announce their presence.
"Alright, to whoever is here, I'm warning you, get out now so we don't have to kick your asses before aking your property. My name is Akira Suzuki, Golden Boy and I'm here to acquire some new turf," he called, placing a cockily hand upon his hip.
His underlings, smirks on every last pair of seductive lips, began forming into an attack postion. Weapons and minds ready, they took stance still behind their leader.
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Hoshiko wasted no time in laying out a plan for defending the shrine. Naturally, Dominic was quick to agree with her. However, any comment that he had been about to make was abruptly cut off by the sound of death threats being carried on the wind. The enemy was here at last.
"Alright, sword guy, you take point. I'll cover you and provide fire support as and when needed. Hoshiko, other guy, you... um..." Dom's tone of voice had been notably crisp and clear, right up until the point when giving the others a task, when he faltered a little. "I'll just let you decide, if that's fine with you," he said to the shrine maiden before following the swordsman.
Woah. Bishies. And quite a few of them, actually. These weren't any Dark Crusaders he knew of; they were obviously a new bunch. As if their eagerness to attack the shrine wasn't a good enough clue in the first place, right? In any case, a retort was called for.
"I'd suggest that you consider eating your words. You never know; they might actually be good for you," he said affably.
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"...Don't you young ladies have a crossdressing convention or something?" Taunted Kenji calmly, awaiting the answer of the pretty boys while he let out a series of loud 'CRRRACKS!!', knuckles prepared to start laying the smack down on some helpless goons. Heck, they were probably far more helpless than they appeared, seeing as the majority of bishie gangs tended to be at the lowest part of the hierarchy of things, and it would have had to have been pure luck for them to gain any power whatsoever…
"…Well?" Spoke Kenji again. "Shall I break your faces? Or would you like to take the high road and apologize to the owner of this shrine?"
"What For?!" Barked a blushing bishie. "No Seriously. And even then, we have to-"
"For your blood, nothing special."
"Wut-"
And Kenji's fist waisted no time with a right handed chambered punch to the chest.
"Little girls shouldn't play with sticks," he said, briefly eying her staff, and canted his head toward the floor. "Drop it. You might hurt someone with that."
"Only you, coward," Hoshiko answered, raising her weapon.
The Bishie openly rushed her, and she feigned a strike which, when he tried to dodge. She whirled away from him, letting his forward momentum propel him into the pond with a loud splash. Struggling to get up, the bishie spouted off obscenities that would have made any sailor blush. His face and hair were soaking wet, and the colorful goldfish that had swam away now returned to investigate.
“I guess cracking a few bones here and there will suffice as much.” The American quickly cocked his head from left to right, loudly cracking it as the first group of man-ladies rushed up towards their technically 'outnumbered' team.
Hmm, Nathan wouldn't be having one bit of trouble apparently. Only one of those make-up wearing monkeys came running towards him. He probably had taken the wrong spot to guard.
Probably thought Nathan was the easiest target, seeing as he appears unarmed. And no muscle to back up a fearsome soldier status. Without a single comment, or taunting exclaimed towards his approaching victim, the soldier assumed a steady yet calm stance.
A strong hand stretched out, and attempted to cling itself onto the bishounen's head. Hoping to pull the poor man-lady near Nathan who had already raised his right leg to shove a knee into the victim's ribs...
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