The preliminary second part to Ch 9. This part is twice as long as a regular chapter, so brace yourselves. ^_^
Ch 9.5
ôSo, how do you want to do this, Kei-kun?ö
Keitaro and Haruka stood at the head of the stairs on the second floor of the Sou. He could still see the scorch marks from SuÆs rockets launched from her MechaTama, and remembered that he had written it down as damages that need repairs, although not on an immediate basis. The hole in NaruÆs floor was the first repair on the immediate list, although he was going to wait for Kanako to show up first before going into *that* lionÆs den.
ôTell me who is in what room now?ö Keitaro asked, looking down the corridor.
ôOk, starting from the left next to us is KitsuneÆs room, then SuÆs double room. MotokoÆs room is at the far right, then ShinobuÆs room, then NaruÆs is next to us on the right. As you may have realized, that puts your room right below NaruÆs.ö Haruka grinned at Keitaro with the last statement.
ôOh ha ha.ö KeitaroÆs back was still sore from last nightÆs shenanigans. He remembered reading in NaruÆs tenant book entry that Granny had marked down that there was a hole in her room floor that needed repair, but that it was not an immediate concern. It had sounded like the hole was something like a mouse hole, not one big enough for someone to pass through. ôWeÆll do this by the numbers, and leave the best for last.ö
Haruka watched as Keitaro stepped in front but slightly to the side of KitsuneÆs door so that he was mostly standing in front of the wall next to the knob. Reaching over with his left hand, he knocked on the door then pulled it back. Looking over at Haruka, who had an eyebrow raised, Keitaro scratched the back of his head and said sheepishly, ôI once had a bad experience with a door and a full auto paintball gun.ö
Before Haruka could ask about that experience the door opened slowly, revealing Kitsune, her eyes blinking as though she had just woken up. Looking past her, Keitaro and Haruka could see the covers on the bed were rumpled, not that the bed or the room for that matter were anywhere near neat. ôGood morning Manager-san, Haruka-san.ö
ôGood morning, Konno-san. ItÆs that time.ö Opening the door wider, Kitsune watched as the two Urashima walked through the door and stopped in the middle of the room. Looking around, they could see that while the room was somewhat messy with strewn clothes and magazines, there did not seem to be much wrong with the room itself. There was a laptop computer sitting on a low table to the side, as well as some notebooks that seemed to be filled with scribbles, empty soda cans and coffee cups.
ôI take it housekeeping is not your strong suit, Konno-san?ö asked Keitaro as he started writing on his clipboard, even though he was eyeing the nervously shifting fox girl.
ôNot so much, I start writing a new article, next thing you know, stuff winds up all over the place.ö Kitsune was shifting from foot to foot.
ôWell, the good thing is that there isnÆt food trash up here, that kind of thing brings in bugs and vermin.ö Keitaro walked over to the sole window of the room and pushed the faded curtain aside. The glass on the other side was very dusty, almost to the point of being opaque. Tugging slightly on the sash, the window stuck for a moment then slide upwards, releasing a small puff of dust. Pushing the window back down, Keitaro let the curtain drop back into place.
ôThere is no problems or damages in the room that need to be worked on, Konno-san?ö Keitaro was scribbling on his clipboard as he walked away from the window and back to the center of the room.
ôNope, everything is pretty much fine the way it is.ö Kitsune was now clasping her hands in front of her.
ôEven the dust?ö Keitaro asked with a raised eyebrow.
ôWellà maybe not that.ö Kitsune smiled, but it came out a bit forced.
ôHn.ö Keitaro noised as he glanced at his aunt, who had been silently standing there. Looking back at Kitsune he asked, ôIs there a reason why you are so nervous, Konno-san?ö
Kitsune grimaced. ôI think we got off on the wrong foot, and IÆm worried if IÆm going to be able to stay here.ö
Keitaro nodded slightly. ôI can understand that. ThereÆs nothing here so far that would prevent you from staying if I decide to keep the dorm open. There are going to be some new rules however, and following them will be a condition of tenancy here at the Sou.ö
Kitsune nodded her head. ôI can follow the rules, donÆt have many options if I have to leave here.ö
Smiling slightly, Keitaro nodded toward his tenant. ôIÆm glad to hear that. That should be it, but there is just more thing, Konno-san.ö
ôWhatÆs that?ö The fox girl tensed slightly.
ôIf I were to ask Haru-chan to look in your closet, what would she find there?ö Keitaro dropped the smile from his face and looked squarely at the younger woman.
Kitsune swallowed the lump in her throat. After a moment she answered , ôA giant pile of dirty laundry and a box full of empty sake bottles.ö
Looking in her eyes for a long moment, Keitaro smiled slightly again. ôIÆll take your word for it. Please donÆt ever make me regret that, Kitsune-san.ö
Letting out a breath she did not know she was holding, Kitsune smiled as well. ôThank you Manager-san.ö
ôThereÆs going to be a meeting after breakfast tomorrow regarding the final decisions about the dorm. WeÆll see you around till then.ö Nodding his head to Kitsune, Keitaro turned and left the room, Haruka following behind him.
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Stopping in the hallway, Keitaro was writing again when he felt his auntÆs presence next to him. Looking up, he could see that her head was cocked slightly to the side as she looked at him.
ôYou know you were really psyching her out, right?ö Haruka was surprised to see Keitaro smile at the remark.
ôThat was the point, Haru-chan. Konno has to realize that IÆm in charge of the Sou now, and that playing games would really be a bad idea. I didnÆt want to scare her though.ö
ôWell, you were on the ragged edge there, Kei-kun.ö Haruka reached over and lightly bopped Keitaro on the head. ôBut you got the job done.ö
ôSo next up is SuÆs room?ö Keitaro started walking toward the end of the hall.
ôYep, and it would be a good idea to stand to the side of this door as well.ö The two Urashima stopped in front of the door with a placard attached marked with an odd insignia, which resembled three eyes in a triangle formation. There was some odd script below the eyes, but it was not recognizable as either Japanese or English.
ôOh?ö Keitaro did as his aunt suggested, only this time his entire body was to one side as he reached over to knock.
ôYeah, IÆve heard from Granny what happens when SuÆs door is opened. It getsà interesting.ö Haruka stood behind Keitaro as he knocked.
For some reason, the force of his knuckles on the door panel pushed the door open, as though the door had not been properly secured.
The door had only reached the half-way mark as it opened before there was a barrage of loud pops, and what looked to a volley of suction cup arrows launched through the half open door and hit the wall opposite it. Looking at the wall, Keitaro could see at least fifty arrows quivering in place, reaching from floor to ceiling.
ôInteresting, huh?ö Keitaro looked over at Haruka, who merely shrugged in response.
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ôLast one.ö Keitaro and Haruka stopped in front of NarusegawaÆs door.
Inspecting the previously tenant rooms had proved interesting. SuÆs rooms had literally been the most exotic, as she had fake jungle trees and bushes set up in the first room instead of regular furniture, with a hammock strung between two of the trees. Dressers that resembled hollowed out tree trunks were against the back wall, and the smell of bananas filled the air. What sounded like recorded jungle birdcalls could be heard in the background; at least Keitaro hoped they were recorded.
The second room turned out to be a miniature yet fully stocked engineering lab, complete with full safety gear, reinforced Plexiglas work boxesà and forced air vents and blowout panels on the outside wall. Su had cheerfully stated that sometimes her experiments went a littleà criticalà at the wrong times, but with the safety gear there was little if any damage to the building.
Apparently, all of this had been paid for by SuÆs family, as well as the installation. Granny had approved of all of it at the cost of triple the normal rent, plus SuÆs family paying for an extensive insurance policy. Keitaro resolved to closely look over SuÆs rental agreement to see what was involved, and to maybe glean what Granny was thinking in making this kind of agreement with a 14 year old girl.
AoyamaÆs room was more calming, even if there was literally a certainà edgeà to it. She had no bed or chairs, instead having tatami mats and a futon on the floor along with a low table to work at. There was a couple of dressers along one wall, but what really drew a personÆs attention was along the opposite wall.
A full set of what looked to be custom fitted samurai armor was displayed on a upright rack. The armor was lacquered in gloss black and crimson, and a fearsome demonÆs mask was the faceguard to the iron helmet.
Beside the armor was something that was just as impressive, even if it did not have the literal flash that the armor did. Two swords sat upon a horizontal rack on a low table, the longer curved katana blade on top, with the shorter and straighter wakizashi blade set below it, both with natural colored wooden mounts and in plain wooden sheaths. A vertical rack was on the floor next to the table held wooden training swords, including light bamboo shinai and heavier solid wooden boken.
Knowing how touchy kendoists were about people handling their swords, Keitaro politely asked Motoko to draw her sword from its sheath and hold it so he could look at it. Motoko did not looked greatly enthused by the request but did as she was asked. Keitaro and Haruka had been greatly impressed by the blade of the katana, which Motoko had informed them was named Shishu. The grain of the steel was clearly visible, and the hamon, the line where the difference in tempering showed between the hardened razor sharp steel of the edge merged with the softer spine of the sword that allowed the sword to flex instead of shatter, undulated in a near perfect wavy pattern.
ShinobuÆs room was everything that one would expect from a teenage girlÆs room, although one that maybe had not reached adolescence. The western style bed looked like it would pass the most hardened drill sergeantÆs inspection, although he would not be impressed with the trio of plushy bears sitting on top of the pillows along with other plushies sitting on top of the dresser and a couple of shelves. A sole picture in a frame sat on the western style desk; a smiling couple and what looked to be a much younger Shinobu, presumably in happier times. The carpet was freshly vacuumed, and if there was dust in the room, it was hiding in a deep dark corner.
Finally coming up to the last room to be inspected, Keitaro took a deep breath. Looking over his shoulder to see that Haruka was once again behind him and giving him an encouraging thumbs up, he reached over and knocked on the door.
After a few moments, the door opened and Naru was standing there, a frown not quite on her face. A moment passed before she could bring herself to speak. ôGood Morning Manager-san, Haruka-san.ö
ôMorning, Narusegawa-san. ItÆs time for the room inspection.ö Keitaro said in a semi-cheerful voice. One corner of NaruÆs mouth ticked before she stepped back and opened the door fully.
Stepping inside the room, Keitaro and Haruka saw that NaruÆs room was a weird combination of what they had seen in KitsuneÆs and ShinobuÆs rooms. Furnished western style, the room was similar to ShinobuÆs but it was certainly more of like KitsuneÆs in that instead of a desk a low table was off to the side with text books, prep guides and notebooks stacked on top, along with a laptop computer. Other books and study materials were spread throughout the room, and on top of the dresser was a framed picture of a younger Naru and Kitsune, both in high school uniform and flashing æVÆ signs and wide smiles at the camera. Another picture was alongside of Naru with an older couple and a younger girl, presumably her family.
ôThis should not take very long, Narusegawa-san, we just have to ask some routine questions.ö Keitaro winced at what he had just said; he sounded more like a police investigator than a dorm manager.
ôFine, go ahead.ö Naru crossed her arms in front of herself, her hands holding her elbows. Given what he knew of body signals, Keitaro knew this was a defensive posture.
ôHow long has that hole been in the floor, Narusegawa-san?ö Keitaro gestured to the section of the floor covered with a piece of plywood, a large plushy sitting on top of it.
ôAbout six months now. It was when I had first started at prep school.ö Naru tightened her arms and looked away from the hole.
ôWhat did Granny Hina have to say about the hole?ö Keitaro was more than a little curious to HinaÆs reaction, as the notation in the tenant book had literally been two lines - æHole in NaruÆs floor, covered. No rush to repairÆ.
ôI donÆt think she minded it, actually. I would push the cover to the side and we would talk to each other at night though the hole.ö NaruÆs hands slipped from her elbows and down, to where her hands were clasped in front of her.
ôDid she ever tell you what she was going to charge you for the repairs?ö This was something of a trick question, as Keitaro knew that Granny Hina could be forgiving of someone if she though they were not truly at fault. If she thought that you had screwed up on your own however, gods above help you.
ôShe gave me the choice of either paying the equivalent of half my safety deposit at once or pay it off over several months. I paid extra on the rent for three months.ö
Keitaro nodded as he wrote something down on his clipboard before looking up and at her directly. ôIs there any other damage in the room that I should know about?ö
ôNo, everything else is fine here.ö Narusegawa looked at him for a moment before looking away.
Keitaro walked over to the board on the floor and looked down at it. There was a large crack running through it, directly under where the plushy sat. ôYou know that even with the hole covered it is still a safety hazard? IÆll have to repair it, and as soon as possible.ö
Naru nodded. ôI understand. When are you going to do it?ö
Keitaro shrugged. ôI have to wait for my sister to arrive, that will be in a day or so. IÆll give you fair warning, and sheÆs going to be assisting me.ö He dropped down to one knee beside the board and gestured towards the plushy. ôYou want to pick up Lido-kun for a minute?ö
Naru nodded jerkily and stepped over in front of him, picking up the plushy and hugging him to her chest. Keitaro moved the board to one side and started inspecting the hole in the floor, looking closely at the edges and the structural supports that ran through alongside them. After a minute of looking and writing notes, he pushed the board back and looked over at Naru. ôYou can put Lido-kun back now.ö
Standing up as Naru put the plushy back on the board, Keitaro waited for a moment before Naru was looking at him again. ôThere is one more thing we have to talk about. Your temper.ö NaruÆs face had a combination of worry and anger on it as she nodded her head but did not say anything.
ôI know we got off on the wrong foot,ö here Haruka had to suppress a snort at the understatement, ôand weÆve had some misunderstandings,ö Haruka was barely able to control the cough that would have escaped at that one, ôbut you do realize that you did overreact to what were essentially accidents?ö
Naru did not look happy as she responded. ôLook, I know I have a temper problem. ItÆs just that so much crap happens that the only way to stop it is to punch the perverts that are doing it. ItÆs one of the reasons I moved here, to be closer to my prep school and Todai, and not have to take so many trains and trolleys.ö
KeitaroÆs eyes widened. ôThe problem is getting that bad?ö The answer to that came from behind him.
ôYeah, it gets bad, Kei-kun,ö Haruka replied. ôThe train lines had to set up female-only cars to cut back on the gropings. Even so, there is a lot that goes on, and even with the transit police on the lookout, with the trains as packed as they are, a lot of stuff happens. I try not to take the trains myself, and if I do, one time out of three someone will try something.ö
ôWhat do you do about it, Haru?ö His aunt was not the type to take that kind of thing very well.
ôI break fingers, wrists, or knee them in the balls, usually.ö Haruka stated calmly. ôIf they really get out of hand, or there are more than one of them, I start using the family techniques.ö
Keitaro winced at that. The Urashima family techniques were not a martial arts system per se, as much as they were a collection of almost every underhanded maneuver and dirty trick the various family members had come across, both Eastern and Western. While most Urashimas trained in some formal martial arts system, the family techniques were only used in situations where they were in serious danger.
ôYou said that you were shown how to protect yourself in school, Naru? What did that training consist of?ö Keitaro turned back to the tenant.
ôHow to punch and hit correctly, so I wonÆt be hurt by it and to make sure the target goes down. That was pretty much it.ö Naru replied.
Keitaro sighed at that. That was probably the most irresponsible way to teach someone to fight. When a person only had one or two ways to fight, they would have to responds to all threats the same way, regardless of the actual level of danger. It was a literal physical example of the old axiom that when the only tool you have is a hammer, then all problems begin to look like nails.
ôYou didnÆt answer my question though, Narusegawa-san. You do realize that the altercations we had were the result of accidents, and not deliberate action on my part?ö Keitaro was looking steadily at Naru, who was trying not to squirm.
ôYeah, I know that now.ö Naru did not look happy at the admission.
ôAnd that if you had let me explain myself in either case, it would not have gone as far as it did?ö Keitaro continued with his line of thought.
ôYes.ö NaruÆs face flushed and she looked down at the plushy and away from the eyes of the two Urashima.
ôIf you are to continue living here Narusegawa-san, you have to get a much better grip on that temper. I can defend myself normally, but last time I couldnÆt, and my aunt had to protect me. I donÆt want that to happen again, because itÆs not just you and I living here, itÆs other people, some of whom canÆt defend themselves at all. Remember what Haruka said earlier about battle rage? YouÆre almost a textbox example of it.ö
Naru did not say anything to that, only nodding her head in a jerky manner. Keitaro and Haruka could see that the anger was pretty much gone from her expression, leaving only the worry.
ôIÆm going to let you in on a little secret, Narusegawa-san. Will you be able to keep quiet about it? ItÆs not a bad thing.ö Naru considered for a moment then nodded. ôIÆm going to leave the dorm open and let the current tenants stay.ö NaruÆs head jerked up as she looked at him wide-eyed as Keitaro continued. ôHowever, there are going to be some new rules put in place that are as a result of specific tenants, and youÆre going to know who they are. One of them is going to be you.ö
Keitaro paused for a moment, and as Naru did not say anything, continued talking. ôThe rule is going to be that tenants are not allowed to use force against each other unless they sincerely think they are in danger or that someone else is in danger. The force to be used in that case will be proportional and necessary. For example, if someone were to fall on you, you should only push them away. If they continue to assault you, or they are deliberately attempting to hurt you, then you can use greater force to stop them. Even then, it has to be reasonable. Punching someone to stop them is one thing; punching someone hard enough to blast a hole though them probably isnÆt.ö Naru flinched but after a moment nodded.
ôAnd I have to tell you one more thing. You already had two strikes with what happened in the hot spring, and what happened in my room last night. This is your last chance, if you come at someone without good reason, and with unnecessary levels of force, I will evict you. Understand?ö Naru nodded. ôI have to hear you say it, Narusegawa-san.ö
ôI understand.ö Naru said quietly
ôIf a decision to evict someone is needed, itÆs going to be determined by myself, my sister, and Haruka together. I have to tell you, IÆm probably the nicest one of the lot.ö Haruka fake-scowled at Keitaro, but he just smiled at her before continuing. ôIÆm sorry it came to this, but I have people to protect here, with me being the least of them. If I have to defend myself or someone else here at the Sou because you are in a rage, youÆre probably going to sustain a lot of damage before you finally stop. So I will help you with some basic training that will help you control your temper. That training will also be a condition of you staying here. Are you going to be able to live with that, Narusegawa-san?ö
ôYes, yes I can.ö Naru looked back at the two of them, determination starting to rise in her face.
ôGood then. I would have hated to throw a fellow Lido-kun fan out of the Sou.ö Naru got a quizzical look on her face as Keitaro nodded down at the plushy on the floor next to them. ôI used to watch æLido-kun and FriendsÆ on TV when I was a boy with my friends. ItÆs one of my happier memories.ö Keitaro smiled at the tenant, who cautiously returned the smile.
ôWeÆre all done here, Narusegawa-san. Haru-chan and I are going down to the teahouse to talk some things over, we are going to tell everyone the decision and the new rules tomorrow after breakfast, my sister should be here by then. Remember to keep that secret under your hat for now. If Kitsune-san starts worrying too much though, just tell her you have a feeling everything will be fine.ö
Walking to the door, Keitaro waited for Haruka to catch up with him before opening it. ôHave a good night, Narusegawa-san,ö he said as the two left the room.
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