Akamatsuverse Contract Labor
- Thread starter GreydonCreed
- Start date
Meh... cell or mobile phones are not all that great... I have yet to have enough need to bother to go out and buy one... he should be fine without. Saves money also. Considering his situation... that is important.
I should note... you've created a continuity error here, or so I believe. When Keitaro and Haruka were talking w/Naru, it came out in Keitaros thoughts that the Urashima school was not a school of martial arts per se but a conglomerate bag of dirty tricks from around the world.
If she missed the call due to her being out shopping, how can he call her over to the phone to talk to him?
I should note... you've created a continuity error here, or so I believe. When Keitaro and Haruka were talking w/Naru, it came out in Keitaros thoughts that the Urashima school was not a school of martial arts per se but a conglomerate bag of dirty tricks from around the world.
If she missed the call due to her being out shopping, how can he call her over to the phone to talk to him?
I think you need a mobile phone in Japan more than you think.
The Urashima family techniques (UFT) are more along the lines of Krav Maga than a simple grab bag. You have to have a basic grounding in martial arts in order to be good at it, otherwise it is simply tricks that a trained martial artist can counter. UFT are taught only to family members, and the belts are not a pure indication of rank, but of real world usage. While Haruka is older and has more training than Keitaro, she is 'only' a black belt, while Granny and Keitaro are red belts.
I meant to say Kanako. Corrected.
The Urashima family techniques (UFT) are more along the lines of Krav Maga than a simple grab bag. You have to have a basic grounding in martial arts in order to be good at it, otherwise it is simply tricks that a trained martial artist can counter. UFT are taught only to family members, and the belts are not a pure indication of rank, but of real world usage. While Haruka is older and has more training than Keitaro, she is 'only' a black belt, while Granny and Keitaro are red belts.
I meant to say Kanako. Corrected.
The second preliminary part of Ch 10. Enjoy. ^_^
Ch 10.5
Keitaro was sitting on the back steps of the teahouse doing his dexterity exercises. For whatever reason, he was slightly more dexterous with his left hand even though he was right handed, although he was left eye dominant as well. So every once in a while he would practice pencil spinning with both hands, switching from one hand to the other. Haruka had done the same when she was younger, however she had done it with a balisong knife and had gotten very good at the trick methods of opening one. However, Keitaro did not want to look like some kind of delinquent loitering at the rear of the teahouse, therefore, the pencil spinning.
Keitaro had been sitting there for almost an hour when he heard the hum of a motorcycle approaching. Standing up, he saw a black and grey Honda sport motorcycle with a helmeted rider wearing matching black and grey armored jacket, pants, gloves and boots. He wondered who the rider was; Kanako was due any time now, but this looked to be a pro level cycle racer, not a schoolgirl.
The rider stopped the bike nearby and kicked down the stand. Swinging off the bike, the rider stretched their arms out before reaching up to remove the full helmet and shaking their head. KeitaroÆs eyes widened as long black hair trailed down the riderÆs back before she turned and he was able to see her face. ôKana-chan?ö
Kanako turned and saw that someone was looking at her. She was about to dismiss him as another perverted gawker, which was very common when she was wearing her tight fitting racing gear, when she focused on his face and recognized him. ôNii-chanàö
With a breathtaking slam that almost knocked him off his feet, Keitaro was abruptly being hugged tightly by his younger sister, her cheek rubbing against his as he could feel a purr vibrate through her. ôNii-chan, itÆs been so longàö Kanako whispered.
ôKana-chanàö Keitaro said breathlessly after a few moments. ôI need to breatheàö
Reluctantly, Kanako loosened her grip on her older brother and pulled her head back so she could look at him face to face, although it was still a little more closer than most people would be comfortable with, as he could feel her breath on her face. Her eyes were wide as they roamed his features, as though she was making sure he matched her memories.
ôLong time no see, little sister.ö Keitaro smiled fondly at her. ôYouÆre a lot more grown up than I remember.ö
Kanako blushed. To tell the truth, her big brother was the only one she was ever embarrassed around. She knew deep down in her heart that he would never hurt her, and even though he had left her behind when he left the country after graduation, she had been certain that he would return to her.
ôI found that I had time on my hands, even though I was studying and practicing martial arts. So I had Haruka teach me how to ride cycles and I do that when IÆm not preparing for tests and tournaments.ö Kanako was a borderline insomniac, needing only three to four hours of sleep a night. She could only study so much before she got twitchy, and it was not like she could practice the more vigorous aspects of her art at four in the morning. Racing cycles during the evening after school and practice calmed her down enough to study in the early hours at home.
ôHow could you afford all this though?ö Keitaro gestured at the high performance Honda CBR sport bike behind her and the leather and Kevlar racing gear she was wearing.
ôWe were studying economics and the stock market in school and I found out I was rather good at predicting trends. Oto-san let me take some of my savings and I made a little money, I used that to invest some more, and I made some more money, and then the next thing I know I had a sizable return on my investments.ö Short-selling was such a useful method of making money in a down market, plus she invested the profits in precious metals, which she definitely did *not* short-sell. It was to the point that her æinvestment councilorÆ at the brokerage house she dealt with would invest his own money in her picks, as she had never failed to turn at least a twenty percent profit in her dealings.
ôGood for you, Kana-chan. Planning on studying finance in school?ö Keitaro was still smiling, but he took a small step back from her, as he did not want anyone who came upon them to get the wrong idea. However, Kanako did not release her arms from his sides, so they were still relatively close.
ôPerhaps, although if I wanted to really go into the finance business I would have to go overseas, and I donÆt want to do that. I can still make money here while I do other things.ö Sexism was still the norm in Japanese business affairs, and Kanako did not want to be a glorified office lady serving tea while her male superiors took the credit for her work.
ôHave you decided where you want to go to school, Kana-chan? I heard about your GPA, youÆre beating my old scores, you know.ö Keitaro had studied to earn top marks in high school, but concentrated mostly on the Todai entrance exam. Kanako had overachiever tendencies however, and wanted to be the best, period.
ôTodai, of course. If itÆs good enough for you, I will follow behind you.ö Kanako had few interests beside racing and martial arts. Being a part of her nii-chanÆs life was certainly the top one.
ôWell, you will certainly do better than I did when you take the exam.ö Keitaro kept smiling, but Kanako could see the look in his eyes change at that statement.
ôIÆm so sorry nii-chan, itÆs my fault that you did not pass the exam. If I had not been so weak, you would not have had toàö Kanako trailed off as Keitaro suddenly leaned into her, almost literally nose to nose.
ôNever be sorry, Kanako. You were in a bad situation through no fault of your own, and I was able to save you from it. I defended my little sister, I will never be sorry to have done that. I can take the exam again, I canÆt replace you. Understand?ö KeitaroÆs voice had gone flat, but Kanako was in no way frightened by him.
ôNii-chanàö Kanako tightened her arms around him and hugged him again, although this time she was careful not to cut off his air again. Keitaro did not resist this time, feeling the emotion pouring off her for what had happened in the past.
ôBreak it up you two, people are starting to talk.ö Keitaro and Kanako both turned to see Haruka standing a short distance away, a lit cigarette dangling from her mouth. ôItÆs good to see you again, Kanako-chan.ö
Kanako stepped away from Keitaro and with a deft motion snagged the cigarette from HarukaÆs lips, dropped it, and ground it out with her boot. Before Haruka could complain, Kanako stepped up to her and gave her a brief hug. ôItÆs good to see you too, Haruka-oba-san.ö
Haruka gave a slight growl at losing her smoke and being called an old lady again, but with the matching slight smiles on KeitaroÆs and KanakoÆs faces, she gave up and started to smile as well. ôI get that crap from Kei-kun, I donÆt need it from you too.ö
ôYes, well, I only wanted to be polite.ö Kanako smiled for a bit longer before going back to her normal near-emotionless expression. ôWhat is it that you and nii-chan want to talk to me about?ö
ôItÆs something that will take a while to explain, so grab your bag and come inside. You can change and after you have some tea Kei-kun and I tell you everything.ö Kanako nodded at that, and stepped back to her parked cycle. Undoing a duffle bag that had been strapped down to the fairing behind her seat she shouldered it and followed Haruka and Keitaro as they walked back into the teahouse.
-----
Ch 10.5
Keitaro was sitting on the back steps of the teahouse doing his dexterity exercises. For whatever reason, he was slightly more dexterous with his left hand even though he was right handed, although he was left eye dominant as well. So every once in a while he would practice pencil spinning with both hands, switching from one hand to the other. Haruka had done the same when she was younger, however she had done it with a balisong knife and had gotten very good at the trick methods of opening one. However, Keitaro did not want to look like some kind of delinquent loitering at the rear of the teahouse, therefore, the pencil spinning.
Keitaro had been sitting there for almost an hour when he heard the hum of a motorcycle approaching. Standing up, he saw a black and grey Honda sport motorcycle with a helmeted rider wearing matching black and grey armored jacket, pants, gloves and boots. He wondered who the rider was; Kanako was due any time now, but this looked to be a pro level cycle racer, not a schoolgirl.
The rider stopped the bike nearby and kicked down the stand. Swinging off the bike, the rider stretched their arms out before reaching up to remove the full helmet and shaking their head. KeitaroÆs eyes widened as long black hair trailed down the riderÆs back before she turned and he was able to see her face. ôKana-chan?ö
Kanako turned and saw that someone was looking at her. She was about to dismiss him as another perverted gawker, which was very common when she was wearing her tight fitting racing gear, when she focused on his face and recognized him. ôNii-chanàö
With a breathtaking slam that almost knocked him off his feet, Keitaro was abruptly being hugged tightly by his younger sister, her cheek rubbing against his as he could feel a purr vibrate through her. ôNii-chan, itÆs been so longàö Kanako whispered.
ôKana-chanàö Keitaro said breathlessly after a few moments. ôI need to breatheàö
Reluctantly, Kanako loosened her grip on her older brother and pulled her head back so she could look at him face to face, although it was still a little more closer than most people would be comfortable with, as he could feel her breath on her face. Her eyes were wide as they roamed his features, as though she was making sure he matched her memories.
ôLong time no see, little sister.ö Keitaro smiled fondly at her. ôYouÆre a lot more grown up than I remember.ö
Kanako blushed. To tell the truth, her big brother was the only one she was ever embarrassed around. She knew deep down in her heart that he would never hurt her, and even though he had left her behind when he left the country after graduation, she had been certain that he would return to her.
ôI found that I had time on my hands, even though I was studying and practicing martial arts. So I had Haruka teach me how to ride cycles and I do that when IÆm not preparing for tests and tournaments.ö Kanako was a borderline insomniac, needing only three to four hours of sleep a night. She could only study so much before she got twitchy, and it was not like she could practice the more vigorous aspects of her art at four in the morning. Racing cycles during the evening after school and practice calmed her down enough to study in the early hours at home.
ôHow could you afford all this though?ö Keitaro gestured at the high performance Honda CBR sport bike behind her and the leather and Kevlar racing gear she was wearing.
ôWe were studying economics and the stock market in school and I found out I was rather good at predicting trends. Oto-san let me take some of my savings and I made a little money, I used that to invest some more, and I made some more money, and then the next thing I know I had a sizable return on my investments.ö Short-selling was such a useful method of making money in a down market, plus she invested the profits in precious metals, which she definitely did *not* short-sell. It was to the point that her æinvestment councilorÆ at the brokerage house she dealt with would invest his own money in her picks, as she had never failed to turn at least a twenty percent profit in her dealings.
ôGood for you, Kana-chan. Planning on studying finance in school?ö Keitaro was still smiling, but he took a small step back from her, as he did not want anyone who came upon them to get the wrong idea. However, Kanako did not release her arms from his sides, so they were still relatively close.
ôPerhaps, although if I wanted to really go into the finance business I would have to go overseas, and I donÆt want to do that. I can still make money here while I do other things.ö Sexism was still the norm in Japanese business affairs, and Kanako did not want to be a glorified office lady serving tea while her male superiors took the credit for her work.
ôHave you decided where you want to go to school, Kana-chan? I heard about your GPA, youÆre beating my old scores, you know.ö Keitaro had studied to earn top marks in high school, but concentrated mostly on the Todai entrance exam. Kanako had overachiever tendencies however, and wanted to be the best, period.
ôTodai, of course. If itÆs good enough for you, I will follow behind you.ö Kanako had few interests beside racing and martial arts. Being a part of her nii-chanÆs life was certainly the top one.
ôWell, you will certainly do better than I did when you take the exam.ö Keitaro kept smiling, but Kanako could see the look in his eyes change at that statement.
ôIÆm so sorry nii-chan, itÆs my fault that you did not pass the exam. If I had not been so weak, you would not have had toàö Kanako trailed off as Keitaro suddenly leaned into her, almost literally nose to nose.
ôNever be sorry, Kanako. You were in a bad situation through no fault of your own, and I was able to save you from it. I defended my little sister, I will never be sorry to have done that. I can take the exam again, I canÆt replace you. Understand?ö KeitaroÆs voice had gone flat, but Kanako was in no way frightened by him.
ôNii-chanàö Kanako tightened her arms around him and hugged him again, although this time she was careful not to cut off his air again. Keitaro did not resist this time, feeling the emotion pouring off her for what had happened in the past.
ôBreak it up you two, people are starting to talk.ö Keitaro and Kanako both turned to see Haruka standing a short distance away, a lit cigarette dangling from her mouth. ôItÆs good to see you again, Kanako-chan.ö
Kanako stepped away from Keitaro and with a deft motion snagged the cigarette from HarukaÆs lips, dropped it, and ground it out with her boot. Before Haruka could complain, Kanako stepped up to her and gave her a brief hug. ôItÆs good to see you too, Haruka-oba-san.ö
Haruka gave a slight growl at losing her smoke and being called an old lady again, but with the matching slight smiles on KeitaroÆs and KanakoÆs faces, she gave up and started to smile as well. ôI get that crap from Kei-kun, I donÆt need it from you too.ö
ôYes, well, I only wanted to be polite.ö Kanako smiled for a bit longer before going back to her normal near-emotionless expression. ôWhat is it that you and nii-chan want to talk to me about?ö
ôItÆs something that will take a while to explain, so grab your bag and come inside. You can change and after you have some tea Kei-kun and I tell you everything.ö Kanako nodded at that, and stepped back to her parked cycle. Undoing a duffle bag that had been strapped down to the fairing behind her seat she shouldered it and followed Haruka and Keitaro as they walked back into the teahouse.
-----
Um... I'm not a pratictioner of the martial arts, so forgive me my ignorance, but I thought Black Belts represented the highest rank of a Level of mastery. (Like, First Dan black belt, Second Dan black belct, etc.)
As I said, not a pratictioner of the arts, so if I'm wrong, I appologise.
Also: maybe it's due to the fact that I'm really tired, but the symbolism of the Red Belt with the Urashima family crest escapes me.
As I said, not a pratictioner of the arts, so if I'm wrong, I appologise.
Also: maybe it's due to the fact that I'm really tired, but the symbolism of the Red Belt with the Urashima family crest escapes me.
Note: Each martial art and it's ranking system is different. Please keep that in mind.
There are two different levels of rankings in the belt system in martial arts, kyu and dan.
Kyu http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyu' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>link</a>) are literally the beginning ranks, the white belts to the brown belts. Kyu merely signify the levels within the beginner ranks.
Dan (<a href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_%28rank%29' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>link</a>) ranks are what can be considered intermediate students and experts/masters. This means the person is trained in the basics and can now start serious study in their chosen art. There are eight dan ranks with two more theoretical dan ranks (9th and 10th) that are no longer given in Japan.
First dan is the plain black belt everyone is familiar with. Second dan is usally instructor level, third dan and above are master and grandmaster levels. Dan is determined by years in the previous rank, physical and written testing. The highest levels of dan are essentially honorary.
Red belts (<a href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_belt_%28martial_arts%29' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>link</a>) can be either a kyu belt or a dan belt, depending on the MA style.
In the Urashima family techniques system, white belts are equivalent to kyu rank, black belt is equivalent to low dan rank, and red belt is higher dan rank. Red belt with the family crest is a special circumstance high dan belt.
The UFT belts are worn to reflect real world usage and experience, not theoretical knowledge or testing. Like I said previously, Haruka has some real world experience, so she wears a black belt. I don't really want to say what it takes to get a UFT red belt at this point, but it will come up later.
There are two different levels of rankings in the belt system in martial arts, kyu and dan.
Kyu http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyu' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>link</a>) are literally the beginning ranks, the white belts to the brown belts. Kyu merely signify the levels within the beginner ranks.
Dan (<a href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_%28rank%29' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>link</a>) ranks are what can be considered intermediate students and experts/masters. This means the person is trained in the basics and can now start serious study in their chosen art. There are eight dan ranks with two more theoretical dan ranks (9th and 10th) that are no longer given in Japan.
First dan is the plain black belt everyone is familiar with. Second dan is usally instructor level, third dan and above are master and grandmaster levels. Dan is determined by years in the previous rank, physical and written testing. The highest levels of dan are essentially honorary.
Red belts (<a href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_belt_%28martial_arts%29' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>link</a>) can be either a kyu belt or a dan belt, depending on the MA style.
In the Urashima family techniques system, white belts are equivalent to kyu rank, black belt is equivalent to low dan rank, and red belt is higher dan rank. Red belt with the family crest is a special circumstance high dan belt.
The UFT belts are worn to reflect real world usage and experience, not theoretical knowledge or testing. Like I said previously, Haruka has some real world experience, so she wears a black belt. I don't really want to say what it takes to get a UFT red belt at this point, but it will come up later.
I'd comment more, but really did not see much in back half of chapter to warrant comment.
Not having to live in Japan, nor having ever actually been there, I'll have to conceed it is possible.
But to me... A cell phone is a unneeded luxury, a convienence item at best... certainly not something required for daily living unless the job you have requires it.
All the reasons someone wants a cell phone are the exact ones I specifically do *not* desire one. That being, it is a distraction from living my life, and a time and money consumer, and I specifically do *not* want people to be able to contact me where ever I happen to be.
Were my health poor, I'd be tempted to get one just for emergencies. But I am reasonably healthy.
I have everything I need in the form of a trusty notebook computer. Pictures, internet, email, media playback, the new one I've recently upgraded to has webcam built in (came standard, a worthless feature I'd never pay extra for). Potentially texting and phone were I ever to sign up for the services and get a cellar modem. So fail to see the point of a cell or mobile phone.
Besides... the world at large I believe has become too dependant upon such devices for simple daily living... I know people whom text and cell each other while in same room...
There was a study done not all that far back at a college campus in Pennsylvania, where they forced the campus to go without cells for a week... campus activities nearly ground to a halt, as supposedly students and professors could not do *anything* with out the devices for support. Morons. Best to ask how it was done less than 20 years ago...
Not having to live in Japan, nor having ever actually been there, I'll have to conceed it is possible.
But to me... A cell phone is a unneeded luxury, a convienence item at best... certainly not something required for daily living unless the job you have requires it.
All the reasons someone wants a cell phone are the exact ones I specifically do *not* desire one. That being, it is a distraction from living my life, and a time and money consumer, and I specifically do *not* want people to be able to contact me where ever I happen to be.
Were my health poor, I'd be tempted to get one just for emergencies. But I am reasonably healthy.
I have everything I need in the form of a trusty notebook computer. Pictures, internet, email, media playback, the new one I've recently upgraded to has webcam built in (came standard, a worthless feature I'd never pay extra for). Potentially texting and phone were I ever to sign up for the services and get a cellar modem. So fail to see the point of a cell or mobile phone.
Besides... the world at large I believe has become too dependant upon such devices for simple daily living... I know people whom text and cell each other while in same room...
There was a study done not all that far back at a college campus in Pennsylvania, where they forced the campus to go without cells for a week... campus activities nearly ground to a halt, as supposedly students and professors could not do *anything* with out the devices for support. Morons. Best to ask how it was done less than 20 years ago...
Well... the tenative rules have already been made with Haruka, and Keitaro outright stated that the decision to evict will be threefold with him, Haruka, and Kanako, with him being the nicest of the three.
That still gives quite a bit of leeway, and she is coming in as deliberate subordinant to him, so they could complain to him of any excesses of hers. Considering he *knows* of Kanakos personality and feelings here, and his own changes, ot could work quite decent.
That still gives quite a bit of leeway, and she is coming in as deliberate subordinant to him, so they could complain to him of any excesses of hers. Considering he *knows* of Kanakos personality and feelings here, and his own changes, ot could work quite decent.
The preliminary first part of Ch 11. Enjoy. 
Ch 11
ôIÆll kill them all. Not Maehara, she sounds like a nice girl. The other ones are dead though. Is it OK if I make them scream first, nii-chan?ö
The three Urashima were sitting at the back table of the teahouse again, this time with Keitaro and Haruka on one side, and Kanako on the other. Keitaro was leaning forward and rubbing the bridge of his nose while Haruka was fiddling with an unlit cigarette. Kanako was sitting up straight with her hands folded on the table in front of her wearing a long sleeved and long skirted black frilly dress. She certainly did not look like she was discussing the violent death of a group of people.
All things considered, Kanako was taking the story of KeitaroÆs arrival and stay at the Hinata-sou rather well. They had been expecting her to lose her temper and maybe to start to storm off to the Sou, but instead, she sat the table listening to the story without interrupting. The only sign of distress were her knuckles whitening as she clenched her fists, but now she looked calmer, even with her bloodthirsty request.
ôKana-chanà the reason I asked for your help is to help me run the Sou, not to run off or kill the tenants. I could have dealt with them alone or with HaruÆs help.ö Keitaro pushed his glasses back into place. ôIf something were to happen, yes I would want you to help me stop it, but I didnÆt call you here to do a sweeper mission.ö
ôBut nii-chan, just from your story I can tell they are nothing but a group of selfish bad-tempered harpies. If you want to leave the dorm open thatÆs fine, but we can get other tenants to take their place.ö After Kanako ran a thorough background check and extensively interviewed them herself.
ôKana-chan, I decided to give them one more chance. With the new rules IÆm putting into place, they are going to know what happens if they slip up. If that happens, the person involved is going to have to deal with the consequences. What I want you to do is to assist me so I can study for the Todai exam and eventually reopen this place as an Inn again. But in order to do that, I need people to help me that I can trust implicitly. Haru is one, and you are the other person I can trust to watch my back. With the two of you I know we can get this done. Will you help me?ö
ôOf course, nii-chan. You donÆt even have to ask.ö Kanako sat up straighter with that statement.
ôGood, because you and I will have a more difficult road ahead than the tenants will. We are going to have to follow the dorm rules as well, and we are going to have to do so to a higher standard. That means we canÆt instigate or provoke them into violating the rules just so they can be evicted. Doing so would be a violation of trust, wouldnÆt you agree, Kana-chan?ö Keitaro was looking intently at her.
ôYes, nii-chan.ö Kanako deflated slightly at that question.
ôI canÆt have someone I canÆt trust to work with me at the Sou. That means if they did something that did not technically violate the rules but they knew would upset me if I were to find out about it, I would have to send them home. I donÆt need to be clearer than that, do I Kana-chan?ö
Kanako was quiet for a moment. ôNii-chan, I can promise you I will protect you, and that I wonÆt start anything. But if something were to happen to you, I also promise that I will finish it.ö
ôNot permanently or fatally unless there is no other way to stop it. Agreed?ö Keitaro kept his eyes on his sister.
ôAgreed.ö Kanako was relieved to see her big brother smile at her.
ôIÆm glad we got that out of the way, Kana-chan. I know I can trust you, I just wanted it to be clear.ö Keitaro reached across the table and took her hands into his. ôYou are family, and we always defend family.
ôAnd we always defend what is right.ö Kanako tightened her hands around his.
ôAnd we always defend those who cannot defend themselves.ö Haruka reached across the table with her hands and clasped theirs.
ôThis oath is what makes the Urashima strong, from the time of samurai, through war and peace, to these times. So long as the Urashima stand together we shall overcome any obstacle, any enemy, any misfortune. The Urashima will defend until there is no need to defend anymore.ö Keitaro repeated the words he had heard Granny Hina proclaim at every major family event, at every family training session, and at the birth and death of every family member. Normally the clan head would do the proclamation, but now that he was the clan heir it was his duty as well, even though Haruka was senior to him.
Releasing each otherÆs hands, Keitaro looked at his wristwatch and noted that it was now 4:30 PM. Dinner at the Sou was at 6:00 PM, so they still had an hour and a half to kill. ôYou going to be busy now, Haru-chan?ö
Haruka looked over at the counter where Yoko and a long-haired teen boy were working, then at the customers scattered throughout the teahouse. ôNot really, I asked Jun to work some extra hours to cover for me tonight. WhyÆre you asking?ö
ôI wanted to go over the dorm rules, both the new and the old ones with Kana-chan. I want to make sure we are all on the same page before we present them to the tenants. You know, now that everyone is here we can do the presentation tonight instead of tomorrow and cut back on the stress.ö Keitaro looked between Haruka and Kanako.
ôFine with me, Kei-kun. The sooner we get past this the better,ö agreed Haruka. Kanako nodded her assent as well.
ôWell, letÆs be about this then,ö Keitaro smiled at his two female relatives as they started going over the handwritten sheets.
-----
ôSempais, dinner is ready.ö Shinobu called out from the dining room doorway. As all the female tenants were sitting in the living room either reading a book (Naru), watching TV (Kitsune and Su) or meditating (guess who?), she did not have to go far to let everyone know, except for Keitaro.
ôWhere is Manager-san? He knows itÆs time to eat, right?ö Kitsune asked as she stood from the couch and slowly stretched, bringing about a display of her ample assents that would have caused any hetro male within visual range to nasally hemorrhage.
ôHaruka called earlier, she said that he was on his way and to please set two extra places for herself and his sister who just arrived.ö Shinobu stepped back as the other tenants filed into the dining room.
ôWhat do we know about this sister of the manager?ö Motoko asked as she walked over to her customary side of the table so that she would be facing the windows that lined one side of the room. She stopped at her customary place, then moved one place down so that the setting at the head of the table had an empty setting on either side.
ôJust that she is younger than he is and is still attending high school. Haruka-san mentioned once that she is really studious and takes after her brother.ö Kitsune replied as she sat down on the opposite side of the table next to Naru.
ôIndeed,ö Motoko responded as she watched Su bounce into the room and plop down next to her. ôPerhaps with her here it will help curb any lecherous tendencies he may have.ö
ôMy, my, Motoko-san, going off into one of those anti-male rants again?ö Kitsune was looking at the unmarked clear bottle she had brought with her from the living room, visible considering if the half-full bottle was enough to last her through dinner.
ôYou should know as well as I do that men are nothing more than beasts that barely have control of their baser instincts.ö While Motoko had problems with men almost as badly as Naru did, her æannoy me at your own perilÆ vibe she constantly gave off, plus the fact that she usually walked around in public with a barely wrapped sword or boken slung over her shoulder was enough to keep most men away from her. Those that did not take the hint would then be at the receiving end of a ki attack that had been known to crack boulders. It had only taken two of those for most men around the Sou and Hinata City itself to give the kendoist a wide berth.
ôYou know, except for the first day he really hasnÆt done anything wrong, and even that was explainable.ö Kitsune took a sip from her bottle before putting it down on the table in front of her.
ôAre you going to be an apologist for males now, Konno-san? That isnÆt like you.ö Motoko watched as Naru stiffened slightly at the harsh words directed at her friend, who just half-smiled.
ôMore like I want to have actual proof that something has actually happened before I go all avenger on them. You donÆt have any of that, am I right, Motoko-san?ö Kitsune smirked at the kendoist.
Motoko frowned. As much as she disliked admitting so, the fox girl had a point. The closest the manager had done something that might be considered improper was when he caught Shinobu from falling over the stepladder. While her temper had flared when the younger girl told her of the incident under her questioning that morning, even she would admit that grabbing someone by the shoulder was far better than letting them take a possible injurious fall.
Motoko merely gave a mumble that could have been agreement in response as she watched Shinobu bring out a tea kettle and start filling the cups that were before them. She wondered why the apron-wearing young tenant was doing so when she would normally be bringing out the food at this time when it occurred to her that she was stalling until the manager and his guests arrived. She kept her thought to herself but her companion alongside her had no reluctance about speaking her mind.
ôWhereÆs the food, Shinobu-chaaaan? IÆm hungry.ö Su was fidgeting in her seat, as it was almost physically impossible her to sit still if she was not engrossed in something.
ôJust a couple more minutes, Kaolla-chan.ö Shinobu was making her way around the table as she filled cups. Motoko was the only real tea drinker beside her in the group, as Naru was a coffee addict, Kitsune preferred beverages of an adult nature, and Su was kept away from anything that contained caffeine due to the not unreasonable fear of have to deal with an even more hyper mad genius.
ôSorry for the delay, there was a rush of customers I had to help with.ö HarukaÆs voice caused them all to turn toward the living room, as the manager and two females walked through the door. Keitaro was in the lead as he gave a smile and nod, Haruka was behind him as they split up and started toward the head of the table. The third person stood at the doorway, however. Shinobu noticed this and turned to face her.
ôGood evening, Urashima-san, please join us in our meal,ö Shinobu bowed deeply and held it until the guest replied in a deeper yet feminine voice.
ôThank you, Maehara-san. It is good to see someone remembers their manners on how to greet a guest. You may call me Kanako-san.ö The young woman returned the bow and stepped forward into the dining room, either not noticing or not caring that the other tenants winced at her remark. Coming to a stop at the setting at KeitaroÆs left hand and opposite Haruka on the right side of the manager, she waited until Keitaro gestured to sit down, which she did next to the kendoist.
Motoko, having watched the guest move in the graceful and silent manner of a trained martial artist, had alarm bells start to go off in her head. This was not an auspicious sign of things to come.
-----
Ch 11
ôIÆll kill them all. Not Maehara, she sounds like a nice girl. The other ones are dead though. Is it OK if I make them scream first, nii-chan?ö
The three Urashima were sitting at the back table of the teahouse again, this time with Keitaro and Haruka on one side, and Kanako on the other. Keitaro was leaning forward and rubbing the bridge of his nose while Haruka was fiddling with an unlit cigarette. Kanako was sitting up straight with her hands folded on the table in front of her wearing a long sleeved and long skirted black frilly dress. She certainly did not look like she was discussing the violent death of a group of people.
All things considered, Kanako was taking the story of KeitaroÆs arrival and stay at the Hinata-sou rather well. They had been expecting her to lose her temper and maybe to start to storm off to the Sou, but instead, she sat the table listening to the story without interrupting. The only sign of distress were her knuckles whitening as she clenched her fists, but now she looked calmer, even with her bloodthirsty request.
ôKana-chanà the reason I asked for your help is to help me run the Sou, not to run off or kill the tenants. I could have dealt with them alone or with HaruÆs help.ö Keitaro pushed his glasses back into place. ôIf something were to happen, yes I would want you to help me stop it, but I didnÆt call you here to do a sweeper mission.ö
ôBut nii-chan, just from your story I can tell they are nothing but a group of selfish bad-tempered harpies. If you want to leave the dorm open thatÆs fine, but we can get other tenants to take their place.ö After Kanako ran a thorough background check and extensively interviewed them herself.
ôKana-chan, I decided to give them one more chance. With the new rules IÆm putting into place, they are going to know what happens if they slip up. If that happens, the person involved is going to have to deal with the consequences. What I want you to do is to assist me so I can study for the Todai exam and eventually reopen this place as an Inn again. But in order to do that, I need people to help me that I can trust implicitly. Haru is one, and you are the other person I can trust to watch my back. With the two of you I know we can get this done. Will you help me?ö
ôOf course, nii-chan. You donÆt even have to ask.ö Kanako sat up straighter with that statement.
ôGood, because you and I will have a more difficult road ahead than the tenants will. We are going to have to follow the dorm rules as well, and we are going to have to do so to a higher standard. That means we canÆt instigate or provoke them into violating the rules just so they can be evicted. Doing so would be a violation of trust, wouldnÆt you agree, Kana-chan?ö Keitaro was looking intently at her.
ôYes, nii-chan.ö Kanako deflated slightly at that question.
ôI canÆt have someone I canÆt trust to work with me at the Sou. That means if they did something that did not technically violate the rules but they knew would upset me if I were to find out about it, I would have to send them home. I donÆt need to be clearer than that, do I Kana-chan?ö
Kanako was quiet for a moment. ôNii-chan, I can promise you I will protect you, and that I wonÆt start anything. But if something were to happen to you, I also promise that I will finish it.ö
ôNot permanently or fatally unless there is no other way to stop it. Agreed?ö Keitaro kept his eyes on his sister.
ôAgreed.ö Kanako was relieved to see her big brother smile at her.
ôIÆm glad we got that out of the way, Kana-chan. I know I can trust you, I just wanted it to be clear.ö Keitaro reached across the table and took her hands into his. ôYou are family, and we always defend family.
ôAnd we always defend what is right.ö Kanako tightened her hands around his.
ôAnd we always defend those who cannot defend themselves.ö Haruka reached across the table with her hands and clasped theirs.
ôThis oath is what makes the Urashima strong, from the time of samurai, through war and peace, to these times. So long as the Urashima stand together we shall overcome any obstacle, any enemy, any misfortune. The Urashima will defend until there is no need to defend anymore.ö Keitaro repeated the words he had heard Granny Hina proclaim at every major family event, at every family training session, and at the birth and death of every family member. Normally the clan head would do the proclamation, but now that he was the clan heir it was his duty as well, even though Haruka was senior to him.
Releasing each otherÆs hands, Keitaro looked at his wristwatch and noted that it was now 4:30 PM. Dinner at the Sou was at 6:00 PM, so they still had an hour and a half to kill. ôYou going to be busy now, Haru-chan?ö
Haruka looked over at the counter where Yoko and a long-haired teen boy were working, then at the customers scattered throughout the teahouse. ôNot really, I asked Jun to work some extra hours to cover for me tonight. WhyÆre you asking?ö
ôI wanted to go over the dorm rules, both the new and the old ones with Kana-chan. I want to make sure we are all on the same page before we present them to the tenants. You know, now that everyone is here we can do the presentation tonight instead of tomorrow and cut back on the stress.ö Keitaro looked between Haruka and Kanako.
ôFine with me, Kei-kun. The sooner we get past this the better,ö agreed Haruka. Kanako nodded her assent as well.
ôWell, letÆs be about this then,ö Keitaro smiled at his two female relatives as they started going over the handwritten sheets.
-----
ôSempais, dinner is ready.ö Shinobu called out from the dining room doorway. As all the female tenants were sitting in the living room either reading a book (Naru), watching TV (Kitsune and Su) or meditating (guess who?), she did not have to go far to let everyone know, except for Keitaro.
ôWhere is Manager-san? He knows itÆs time to eat, right?ö Kitsune asked as she stood from the couch and slowly stretched, bringing about a display of her ample assents that would have caused any hetro male within visual range to nasally hemorrhage.
ôHaruka called earlier, she said that he was on his way and to please set two extra places for herself and his sister who just arrived.ö Shinobu stepped back as the other tenants filed into the dining room.
ôWhat do we know about this sister of the manager?ö Motoko asked as she walked over to her customary side of the table so that she would be facing the windows that lined one side of the room. She stopped at her customary place, then moved one place down so that the setting at the head of the table had an empty setting on either side.
ôJust that she is younger than he is and is still attending high school. Haruka-san mentioned once that she is really studious and takes after her brother.ö Kitsune replied as she sat down on the opposite side of the table next to Naru.
ôIndeed,ö Motoko responded as she watched Su bounce into the room and plop down next to her. ôPerhaps with her here it will help curb any lecherous tendencies he may have.ö
ôMy, my, Motoko-san, going off into one of those anti-male rants again?ö Kitsune was looking at the unmarked clear bottle she had brought with her from the living room, visible considering if the half-full bottle was enough to last her through dinner.
ôYou should know as well as I do that men are nothing more than beasts that barely have control of their baser instincts.ö While Motoko had problems with men almost as badly as Naru did, her æannoy me at your own perilÆ vibe she constantly gave off, plus the fact that she usually walked around in public with a barely wrapped sword or boken slung over her shoulder was enough to keep most men away from her. Those that did not take the hint would then be at the receiving end of a ki attack that had been known to crack boulders. It had only taken two of those for most men around the Sou and Hinata City itself to give the kendoist a wide berth.
ôYou know, except for the first day he really hasnÆt done anything wrong, and even that was explainable.ö Kitsune took a sip from her bottle before putting it down on the table in front of her.
ôAre you going to be an apologist for males now, Konno-san? That isnÆt like you.ö Motoko watched as Naru stiffened slightly at the harsh words directed at her friend, who just half-smiled.
ôMore like I want to have actual proof that something has actually happened before I go all avenger on them. You donÆt have any of that, am I right, Motoko-san?ö Kitsune smirked at the kendoist.
Motoko frowned. As much as she disliked admitting so, the fox girl had a point. The closest the manager had done something that might be considered improper was when he caught Shinobu from falling over the stepladder. While her temper had flared when the younger girl told her of the incident under her questioning that morning, even she would admit that grabbing someone by the shoulder was far better than letting them take a possible injurious fall.
Motoko merely gave a mumble that could have been agreement in response as she watched Shinobu bring out a tea kettle and start filling the cups that were before them. She wondered why the apron-wearing young tenant was doing so when she would normally be bringing out the food at this time when it occurred to her that she was stalling until the manager and his guests arrived. She kept her thought to herself but her companion alongside her had no reluctance about speaking her mind.
ôWhereÆs the food, Shinobu-chaaaan? IÆm hungry.ö Su was fidgeting in her seat, as it was almost physically impossible her to sit still if she was not engrossed in something.
ôJust a couple more minutes, Kaolla-chan.ö Shinobu was making her way around the table as she filled cups. Motoko was the only real tea drinker beside her in the group, as Naru was a coffee addict, Kitsune preferred beverages of an adult nature, and Su was kept away from anything that contained caffeine due to the not unreasonable fear of have to deal with an even more hyper mad genius.
ôSorry for the delay, there was a rush of customers I had to help with.ö HarukaÆs voice caused them all to turn toward the living room, as the manager and two females walked through the door. Keitaro was in the lead as he gave a smile and nod, Haruka was behind him as they split up and started toward the head of the table. The third person stood at the doorway, however. Shinobu noticed this and turned to face her.
ôGood evening, Urashima-san, please join us in our meal,ö Shinobu bowed deeply and held it until the guest replied in a deeper yet feminine voice.
ôThank you, Maehara-san. It is good to see someone remembers their manners on how to greet a guest. You may call me Kanako-san.ö The young woman returned the bow and stepped forward into the dining room, either not noticing or not caring that the other tenants winced at her remark. Coming to a stop at the setting at KeitaroÆs left hand and opposite Haruka on the right side of the manager, she waited until Keitaro gestured to sit down, which she did next to the kendoist.
Motoko, having watched the guest move in the graceful and silent manner of a trained martial artist, had alarm bells start to go off in her head. This was not an auspicious sign of things to come.
-----
The samurai oath and following exposition of it was completely pointless, and it needlessly ruined the flow of a scene. You could have ended it by having your Buckaroo Banzai tell Kanako (who oddly seems the only in character person there), "You're family, and we always stand by family." Simple and to the point. No flow broken for exposition or uncomfortable oaths, and you can still continue most of the scene without much change.
Using parenthesis in the middle of sentences is not exactly something to recommend unless unavoidable. Pointing out who is doing what in a room does not necessitate that, especially when the last instance was a poor attempt at humor. Most readers of this have an idea who would do what, so doing that can make them feel like you are being condescending.
Using parenthesis in the middle of sentences is not exactly something to recommend unless unavoidable. Pointing out who is doing what in a room does not necessitate that, especially when the last instance was a poor attempt at humor. Most readers of this have an idea who would do what, so doing that can make them feel like you are being condescending.
PCHeintz - With Granny Hina, what happened is that she knew she had put Keitaro in a tense situation, but not one where she knew that it was very possible for Motoko and Naru to react the way they did. She probably thought that at most they would yell at Keitaro, not attack him the way they did.
The bokken and visibly thing is corrected, thanks for pointing it out.
FinalMax - What I wanted to show by the Urashima oath is how it could be that Keitaro's sense of duty and honor developed. In the anime/manga, Keitaro is so dedicated to his promise to enter Todai that he leaves his home and family and moved to the Hinata-sou rather than give up on it, which his parents were insisting he do so that he would join the family bakery business. A promise he made when he was five years old. To someone who's name or face he can't even remember. That's CANON. And there is NO explanation for why he stuck to it besides "I made a promise."
In my story, Keitaro has the same level of dedication if not even more so. His leaving the country is tied to his next attempt to pass the Todai exam, which I will explain later in the story.
As for the parenthesis thing... it's part of the writing style, an attempt to be amusing as well. YMMV. *shrug*
The bokken and visibly thing is corrected, thanks for pointing it out.
FinalMax - What I wanted to show by the Urashima oath is how it could be that Keitaro's sense of duty and honor developed. In the anime/manga, Keitaro is so dedicated to his promise to enter Todai that he leaves his home and family and moved to the Hinata-sou rather than give up on it, which his parents were insisting he do so that he would join the family bakery business. A promise he made when he was five years old. To someone who's name or face he can't even remember. That's CANON. And there is NO explanation for why he stuck to it besides "I made a promise."
In my story, Keitaro has the same level of dedication if not even more so. His leaving the country is tied to his next attempt to pass the Todai exam, which I will explain later in the story.
As for the parenthesis thing... it's part of the writing style, an attempt to be amusing as well. YMMV. *shrug*
Need an " at the end there, otherwise it seems like Keitaro is the one spouting the next line.
Ah, Motoko. The one who would rather die than admit that some (most?) males aren't the lecherous, perverted jackasses she believes them to be. Seriously, the girl needs therapy. I wonder how she'll react to the 'no sword' rule; should be interesting.
Nice start to the chapter. Looking forward to more.
Ah, Motoko. The one who would rather die than admit that some (most?) males aren't the lecherous, perverted jackasses she believes them to be. Seriously, the girl needs therapy. I wonder how she'll react to the 'no sword' rule; should be interesting.
Nice start to the chapter. Looking forward to more.
I was on Yahoo IM with Alpha-Zulu the other day, and he started wisecracking about the chapter I was working on. Since I found the segments he wrote so amusing, I got his permission to post them as omake to the story. Enjoy, everyone. ^_^
By Alpha-Zulu Mark II
Omake #1
ôSorry for the delay, there was a mad rush of customers I had to...deal with,ö said Haru, entering the dining room. The tenants looked over at her, seeing her removing a bloodied apron. ôThat smells good, Shinobu,ö she smiled at the chef.
Behind her came a smaller, younger girl, decked out in black and red. Upon closer inspection, she was wearing black and the red was splattered on her. ôBut nii-chan, they insulted HaruÆs tea!ö the girl was protesting.
ôThat is no excuse for killing the entire group, Kana-chan,ö lectured the landlord. The girl - Kana apparently - pouted even as she wiggled out of her dress. MotokoÆs eyebrow began to twitch. ôDo you know how much work it will be to get rid of the bodies? Especially with how many pieces you and Haru tore them into?ö Keitaro continued.
ôDidnÆt I see you break the neck of that guy who tried to stab Kanako as she was disemboweling his friend with a tea spoon?ö grinned Haru, helping Kanako take off her stained dress, leaving the girl in a pair of spandex bike shorts and a matching top.
ôThat is entirely different,ö insisted Keitaro. With Haru and Kana seated, he took the seat at the head of the table, eyeing the girls, who were all staring at the three like they had suddenly grown a few extra heads, wings, eye-teeth and claws. ôAh, good. You are all here. Before we being, we need to discuss the new rules that will be in place from here on or until further notice. Any concerns you might have will be...dealt with,ö he smiled thinly.
Omake #2
ôGood evening, Urashima-san. Will you join us for our meal?ö Shinobu asked, bowing. The youngest Urashima gave her a pleasant - if oddly disturbing - smile.
ôOf course, Maehara,ö agreed the woman. ôBut donÆt call me æUrashimaÆ. My name is Kanako. You may call me Kana-chan, Shinobu. But the rest of you bitches will call me MISTRESS-SAMA!ö
Omake #3
Motoko, having watched Kanako smoothly and gracefully take her seat, glanced at Naru, and after seeing a familiar look on her face, KitsuneÆs face. The stacked fox looked back and forth between the Kendoist and the Volcano.
Kanako turned to fix Motoko with a distant smile. ôAoyama,ö greeted the girl politely, ôI look forward to getting to know you better; the same for Narusegawa and Konno.ö
Silence greeted that remark as Kanako turned her attention back to the other two Urashima, both of who were silently shaking their heads.
ôYou know that creek, sugar?ö asked Kitsune, catching both NaruÆs and MotokoÆs eye, ôwell, I think we are up it. And I get the feeling that paddles arenÆt all weÆre lacking...ö
By Alpha-Zulu Mark II
Omake #1
ôSorry for the delay, there was a mad rush of customers I had to...deal with,ö said Haru, entering the dining room. The tenants looked over at her, seeing her removing a bloodied apron. ôThat smells good, Shinobu,ö she smiled at the chef.
Behind her came a smaller, younger girl, decked out in black and red. Upon closer inspection, she was wearing black and the red was splattered on her. ôBut nii-chan, they insulted HaruÆs tea!ö the girl was protesting.
ôThat is no excuse for killing the entire group, Kana-chan,ö lectured the landlord. The girl - Kana apparently - pouted even as she wiggled out of her dress. MotokoÆs eyebrow began to twitch. ôDo you know how much work it will be to get rid of the bodies? Especially with how many pieces you and Haru tore them into?ö Keitaro continued.
ôDidnÆt I see you break the neck of that guy who tried to stab Kanako as she was disemboweling his friend with a tea spoon?ö grinned Haru, helping Kanako take off her stained dress, leaving the girl in a pair of spandex bike shorts and a matching top.
ôThat is entirely different,ö insisted Keitaro. With Haru and Kana seated, he took the seat at the head of the table, eyeing the girls, who were all staring at the three like they had suddenly grown a few extra heads, wings, eye-teeth and claws. ôAh, good. You are all here. Before we being, we need to discuss the new rules that will be in place from here on or until further notice. Any concerns you might have will be...dealt with,ö he smiled thinly.
Omake #2
ôGood evening, Urashima-san. Will you join us for our meal?ö Shinobu asked, bowing. The youngest Urashima gave her a pleasant - if oddly disturbing - smile.
ôOf course, Maehara,ö agreed the woman. ôBut donÆt call me æUrashimaÆ. My name is Kanako. You may call me Kana-chan, Shinobu. But the rest of you bitches will call me MISTRESS-SAMA!ö
Omake #3
Motoko, having watched Kanako smoothly and gracefully take her seat, glanced at Naru, and after seeing a familiar look on her face, KitsuneÆs face. The stacked fox looked back and forth between the Kendoist and the Volcano.
Kanako turned to fix Motoko with a distant smile. ôAoyama,ö greeted the girl politely, ôI look forward to getting to know you better; the same for Narusegawa and Konno.ö
Silence greeted that remark as Kanako turned her attention back to the other two Urashima, both of who were silently shaking their heads.
ôYou know that creek, sugar?ö asked Kitsune, catching both NaruÆs and MotokoÆs eye, ôwell, I think we are up it. And I get the feeling that paddles arenÆt all weÆre lacking...ö
The preliminary second part of Ch 11. Enjoy! ^_^
It would have been difficult to think that a dinner could be awkward after the first one that Keitaro shared with the tenants of the Hinata-sou. However, this one was coming close to matching it, Haruka reflected to herself.
It was not because of a lack of conversation. Keitaro and Kanako had used the meal to catch up with each otherÆs lives in the year that they had been apart. Granted, most of the subjects were of a fairly innocuous nature, like KanakoÆs schooling and her motorcycling. KeitaroÆs stories had been mostly about the various humorous situations he had found himself in while traveling, such as trying to explain to a decidedly humorless Thai customs inspector that the suitcase before him filled with sexy lingerie and high heeled shoes was not actually his, or shopping in a market square where all negotiations took place with only sign language.
Shinobu and Su smiled and giggled at most of the humorous stories. Kitsune smiled as well but otherwise keep quiet. Naru was almost glum as she sat there and drank her tea after finishing her meal, but it was Motoko who was bringing the heavy atmosphere about. Sitting straight and sipping her tea, it was almost like she was ignoring the Urashima sitting on the side of her, if it was not for the fact that Haruka could see that the kendoist was keeping watch on the youngest Urashima out of the corner of her eye.
For their part, the younger Urashima were enjoying each otherÆs company regardless of the mood of certain of their guests. Keitaro did not exactly have a gloomy personality, but he had laughed and smiled more in this half hour than Haruka had seen since he had first arrived at the Hinata-sou.
The only thing that had put a damper on the conversation between the siblings was when Kanako had asked about what had happened at the end of KeitaroÆs trip that had required his early return to Japan. The happy look that had been on KeitaroÆs face had slipped off, and after a moment a sad half-smile replaced it. Nodding toward the younger residents of the Sou, Keitaro had only said that it was not something that should be heard by young ears and changed the subject.
It was at the end of the dinner that the surprise had been presented; Keitaro had asked the assembled tenants that since his sister had arrived early and all the tenants were there, if instead of doing the talk he had been planning to do tomorrow he could do it right after dinner. Everyone had agreed, with varying levels of lack of enthusiasm. This time however, when everyone stood to leave the table after the dinner, every tenant picked up their dishes, cups, and utensils and carried them to the kitchen sink, with only Su needing prompting from Motoko. This brought a surprised look to HarukaÆs face and a smile to KeitaroÆs.
Once everyone assembled in the living room, the tenants all sat on the various chairs and sofas while the Urashimas stood in front of them, with Keitaro front and center and Kanako and Haruka standing behind him slightly. Kanako was standing with her hands clasped together in front, her head tilted slightly to one side, her eyes moving from Motoko to Naru and back again. Haruka stood with her arms crossed and a unlit cigarette dangling from her lips.
ôFirst off, IÆm sure you will be all be happy to hear,ö Keitaro started off the presentation with a smile on his face, ôthat I decided to leave the Hinata-sou open as a student dorm, and with the current tenants.ö Relief showed on the face of every tenant, even Naru, who already knew this was coming. ôGiven what I have seen of all of you, I am sure that we can all get along and live in a safe and supportive manner here at the Sou.ö Here was where one of KanakoÆs eyebrows twitched, but no one noticed.
ôHowever, as I told you all before, there are going to be some changes in the house rules, especially since I am going to be living in the Hinata-sou as well, so these changes are mostly so everyoneÆs privacy and safety is maintained as much as possible.
ôAs you know, I was appointed manager of the Hinata-sou by the current owner of the Sou, Hina Urashima. She gave me full authority to enforce the rules of the dorm, which you all received a copy of when you first became tenants here. Those rules are still in effect, however due to the unusual circumstances I have come across since I first came here, some new rules will added to the dorm rules. I have gone through these rules with both my aunt Haruka,ö here the aforementioned relative took a half-hearted swipe at her nephewÆs head, which he dodged without even looking, ôand my sister and now newly appointed assistant manager Kanako. They are familiar with these rules and agree fully with the necessity to have them put in place.
ôAs assistant manager, Kanako speaks with my authority and my full confidence. If she tells you something, it is as though I am the one who told you. If you have a problem with what she has told you, you can come to me, but you better have a good reason for doing so, as coming to just complain to me about her is very unlikely to get me to change what decision she has made, plus it will probably really annoy Kanako as well.ö Here Kanako gave a smile that looked more like the baring of teeth by a predator. Most of the tenants gave a slight shiver at the sight.
ôViolations of the dorm rules will result disciplinary measures being decided by, for lack of a better term, the executive committee of the Hinata-sou. This committee is made up of myself, Kanako, and Haruka. We have to agree that the rules were violated and also decide on the punishment, up to and including evictions. Minor violations and punishments will be decided by myself alone, however. You will be given a chance to speak in your defense, but it better be good.ö
Keitaro looked down at the sheath of papers he was holding. ôThe rent is still due on the first of the month in full. Rent will only be given to myself or Kanako, and a receipt will be given at that time. Rent is payable by cash, money order, or electronic draft into the Hinata-sou bank account by the due date. Extensions on the rent will rarely be given, and will have to be on the order of a day or two maximum. Either myself or Kanako have to be told why the rent hasnÆt been paid and when it will be. Being more than two days late on the rent will result in the eviction process beginning. Being constantly late in paying the rent can result in the tenant being asked to leave the Sou. You know when the rent it due, make arrangements so it can be paid on time. Oh, and Kitsune-san, we have to talk about your arrears after this meeting.ö Kitsune turned a little pale, but nodded anyway.
ôAnother new rule is that while the drinking of alcoholic beverages are allowed in moderation to those of legal age, tenants are not allowed to be visibly intoxicated outside their room, and in their room is discouraged as well. Depending on the circumstances, being visibly drunk in the Sou can be a disciplinary offense, of which repeat offenses can be grounds for eviction.ö Kitsune turned even paler but kept quiet. ôOvernight guests must be cleared by the managers, especially one of the opposite sex staying in one of your rooms. IÆm going to tell you right now, we are probably not going to allow an opposite sex guest in your room if they are not blood related to you.
ôThe hot spring of the Sou had been only mixed gender bathing before, when it was a resort inn. As this is no longer the case, and due to the requests of some of the tenants, there will be female only hours set up for the spring for both the morning and evening. These hours are from 6 to 8 AM in the morning and from 4 to 6 PM in the afternoon. All other hours are mixed gender bathing, and bathing suits will be required during those times. You can decide if you want to wear a suit during the female only hours, since obviously IÆm not going to be there.ö Here Motoko gave the eyebrow twitch. ôThe hot spring will be cleaned twice a week and a sign will be hung on the door announcing that fact. In any case, it is a good idea to call out when you enter the spring, both to announce yourself and to give me fair warning if for some reason IÆm in there. IÆm probably going to hang a warning bell on the door anyway.
ôNext up, cooking and laundry. It has come to my attention that Shinobu-chan has been doing both, even though it is specified in her rental agreement that she only has cooking and kitchen duties. I noticed that everyone helped with the table cleanup this evening, and that is a good start. What I would like is for some of you to find it in the goodness of your hearts to help with the dishwashing as well, with everyone trading off days. This is something I have to think about, so keep it in mind.
ôShinobu has enough things to do with school and kitchen duties to be doing full loads of other peoples laundry, for free.ö Here everyone looked a little guilty, even Su. ôSince I doubt that anyone here has the same high school and work load of Shinobu-chan, you are expected to do your own laundry. If you ask to throw an item or two in a load that Shinobu-chan is running already, thatÆs fine. Having three loads of laundry being done before Shinobu-chan even starts on her own clothes is *not* acceptable.ö Here Keitaro looked over the tenants, who were all having trouble looking at him in the face. Even Shinobu was looking a little flushed. ôStarting now, if you want Shinobu to do your laundry, you are going to have to pay her a thousand yen per laundry load.ö The older tenants looked up at him with wide eyes and protests on their lips, Shinobu looking like she wanted to object as well. Holding up a finger to quiet the younger tenant, he continued regardless. ôThatÆs a bargain, especially if you consider what you would be charged if you took that many clothes to a dry cleaner/launderer.ö The protests visibly faded away before they were spoken. ôAnd I highly suggest that if you do pay her to do your laundry, you wait for the weekend so she has time to do her homework and her kitchen duties during the week.ö Here the guilt slammed back full force.
ôThese last three rules are tenant specific, due to the special circumstances involved. I am not picking on you, I am giving you a chance to work things out. If you think you canÆt follow these rules, chances are you would not be able to live here at the Sou anyway.ö
Keitaro turned and focused his attention on Kaolla Su. ôI donÆt know what the heck Granny Hina was thinking when she wrote up your rental agreement, but she gave permission for you to do your tech research as long as it did not endanger the other tenants or the Sou. What she should have put down is that it should not endanger you either.ö Su grinned unrepentantly at that. ôSince your family is willing to pay for your lab equipment, insurance and damages, I have to allow it to go on. What I donÆt want to happen is for someone to be hurt or worse.ö Here SuÆs smile slipped. ôSo what I am going to do is mandate that you cannot do inherently dangerous research here at the Sou, especially in your room. That means if there is a chance it goes æboomÆ, you canÆt do it here.ö Su pouted at that. ôWhat I can do is let you have one of the sheds outside for your bigger works, like your MechaTama.ö Keitaro had seen the giant mechanical turtle partially disassembled in SuÆs lab earlier that day. ôAnd weapons on any of your projects will not be ready to be used unless you are on a outside testing range.ö Keitaro still had memories of MechaTama firing those rockets at him. Su gave a nod of agreement, looking slightly depressed at the new rules but happy she could still continue with her research.
Keitaro turned to look at both Naru and Motoko, who were looking at him tensely. Sighing, he continued. ôThis next new rules applies to everyone, but specifically to both of you. These are the rules governing fighting and the use of force in the Hinata-sou. And I am not talking about martial arts sparing here.ö Here Naru winced slightly, while MotokoÆs eyes narrowed. ôSimply put, force is not to be used against another resident of the Sou unless there is no other reasonable way to stop what is happening. To use the example of what happened when I first came to the Sou, unless I were physically assaulting you or someone else, you are *not* allowed to attack me just because you are upset. If you have the opportunity to get away, do so and call for help. Force is a last resort, and the minimum is to be used to stop the attack. If someone were to grab you, for example, pushing them away is OK; punching them so hard you shatter their jaw is too much. If they keep coming at you or the initial assault is serious, you can use more force, like a punch or kick that will knock them away, or hurt them enough to get them to run off.ö
Focusing on Motoko, Keitaro kept speaking. ôThere are certainly levels of force that are too dangerous to be used unless the user or another person is in danger of being killed, being gravely physically injured, or being raped.ö Here all the tenants winced. ôIÆm sorry to say that mere groping does not fall under that exception under Japanese criminal law. Use of certain weapons or attacks in situations where it is not permissible is considered unlawful use of force and can be charged under criminal law as assault with a deadly weapon or even attempted murder.ö
ôWhere are you going with this, Manager-san?ö MotokoÆs voice sounded like it had been cooled by liquid nitrogen.
ôWhere I am going with this is that possession and carrying of purpose-made weapons is to be restricted in the Hinata-sou. Weapons are to be declared to the manager of the dorm, properly secured on the tenantÆs person or in the tenantÆs room, and only visible when used for training purposes, when being transported in or out of the Sou, or being used in a self-defense situation.ö
ôSo you are trying to ban me from carrying my swords then?ö There was an almost physically felt *thrum* of anger in the kendoistÆs voice as she stood, her right hand unconsciously moving toward the hilt of the sheathed sword she held in her left hand.
ôYou didnÆt listen very closely, did you, Motoko-san?ö Haruka spoke up from beside Keitaro, where she had stepped once Motoko started to stand up. Her hands were loosely at her sides, and one of her feet were slightly in front of the other. ô*Purpose-made* weapons are to be properly secured *on the tenantÆs person* or in the tenantÆs room, and only *visible* in certain situations. Think about that for a minute.ö
Motoko stopped, her hand close to her sword hilt, as she considered what Haruka had said, especially had she had emphasized. After a few moments she looked to Keitaro, who had shifted to the balls of his feet as well when Motoko stood. ôMy swords are purpose-made, obviously, what about my bokken?ö
The corner of KeitaroÆs mouth twitched upwards. ôIn your hands, they would be considered deadly weapons, but we could bend that rule a little. I would rather not have people *visibly*carrying weapons, so having a training tool stashed here and there around the Sou would not really be a big deal, if you are worried about a rampaging horde attacking the Sou.
Her hand slipping back to her side, Motoko was visibly considering her options. After a long moment, Kanako finally spoke up from beside Keitaro as well. ôAoyama, when a samurai was a guest at another samuraiÆs house, what is the first thing he did at the door?ö
ôThe visiting samurai would give his katana over for safekeepingàö Motoko ceased speaking and winced. She then continued in a more subdued voice, ôàand keep his wakizashi or tanto for personal defense.ö
ôDo you feel you need to keep your katana with out at all times to defend yourself, Motoko-san?ö Haruka asked.
ôNo, but it is force of habit, ever since I first moved to Tokyo.ö The hand holding the sheathed sword swung back close to her side. ôI almost always carry my katana or my bokken.ö
ôAnd at home in Kyoto? Did you always carry your sword there?ö Haruka continued her questioning.
ôNo, training weapons were always kept in the dojoàö Motoko winced again before continuing, ôàand I did not receive Shisui from my sister until just before her wedding, when I was made clan heir. I left shortly thereafter.ö
No one spoke for a long moment after that. Motoko was lost in past memories. The Urashimas looked at one another then at the other tenants, who had sat very still at the start of the possible blow-up, but now relaxed slightly.
Keitaro took in a deep breath, then let it out slowly. Seeing that the kendoist was still thinking to herself, he decided to cut his losses for the night. ôOK, that about covers all the new rules for now. Since we are all a little tired, weÆll call it a night. Kitsune-san, do you want to talk about your arrears tonight or tomorrow?ö
The fox girl gave a start. Smiling weakly, she said, ôTonight, Manager-san. Might as well get it over with.ö
Keitaro nodded. ôVery well, come with me, Kana-chan and Haru-chan to my room, this wonÆt take too long. Everyone else, have a good night, weÆll talk to you tomorrow.ö Turning, the Urashimas and Kitsune filed out toward his room, while Shinobu and Su left for the kitchen, leaving a thoughtful Motoko and a worried looking Naru in the living room.
-----
It would have been difficult to think that a dinner could be awkward after the first one that Keitaro shared with the tenants of the Hinata-sou. However, this one was coming close to matching it, Haruka reflected to herself.
It was not because of a lack of conversation. Keitaro and Kanako had used the meal to catch up with each otherÆs lives in the year that they had been apart. Granted, most of the subjects were of a fairly innocuous nature, like KanakoÆs schooling and her motorcycling. KeitaroÆs stories had been mostly about the various humorous situations he had found himself in while traveling, such as trying to explain to a decidedly humorless Thai customs inspector that the suitcase before him filled with sexy lingerie and high heeled shoes was not actually his, or shopping in a market square where all negotiations took place with only sign language.
Shinobu and Su smiled and giggled at most of the humorous stories. Kitsune smiled as well but otherwise keep quiet. Naru was almost glum as she sat there and drank her tea after finishing her meal, but it was Motoko who was bringing the heavy atmosphere about. Sitting straight and sipping her tea, it was almost like she was ignoring the Urashima sitting on the side of her, if it was not for the fact that Haruka could see that the kendoist was keeping watch on the youngest Urashima out of the corner of her eye.
For their part, the younger Urashima were enjoying each otherÆs company regardless of the mood of certain of their guests. Keitaro did not exactly have a gloomy personality, but he had laughed and smiled more in this half hour than Haruka had seen since he had first arrived at the Hinata-sou.
The only thing that had put a damper on the conversation between the siblings was when Kanako had asked about what had happened at the end of KeitaroÆs trip that had required his early return to Japan. The happy look that had been on KeitaroÆs face had slipped off, and after a moment a sad half-smile replaced it. Nodding toward the younger residents of the Sou, Keitaro had only said that it was not something that should be heard by young ears and changed the subject.
It was at the end of the dinner that the surprise had been presented; Keitaro had asked the assembled tenants that since his sister had arrived early and all the tenants were there, if instead of doing the talk he had been planning to do tomorrow he could do it right after dinner. Everyone had agreed, with varying levels of lack of enthusiasm. This time however, when everyone stood to leave the table after the dinner, every tenant picked up their dishes, cups, and utensils and carried them to the kitchen sink, with only Su needing prompting from Motoko. This brought a surprised look to HarukaÆs face and a smile to KeitaroÆs.
Once everyone assembled in the living room, the tenants all sat on the various chairs and sofas while the Urashimas stood in front of them, with Keitaro front and center and Kanako and Haruka standing behind him slightly. Kanako was standing with her hands clasped together in front, her head tilted slightly to one side, her eyes moving from Motoko to Naru and back again. Haruka stood with her arms crossed and a unlit cigarette dangling from her lips.
ôFirst off, IÆm sure you will be all be happy to hear,ö Keitaro started off the presentation with a smile on his face, ôthat I decided to leave the Hinata-sou open as a student dorm, and with the current tenants.ö Relief showed on the face of every tenant, even Naru, who already knew this was coming. ôGiven what I have seen of all of you, I am sure that we can all get along and live in a safe and supportive manner here at the Sou.ö Here was where one of KanakoÆs eyebrows twitched, but no one noticed.
ôHowever, as I told you all before, there are going to be some changes in the house rules, especially since I am going to be living in the Hinata-sou as well, so these changes are mostly so everyoneÆs privacy and safety is maintained as much as possible.
ôAs you know, I was appointed manager of the Hinata-sou by the current owner of the Sou, Hina Urashima. She gave me full authority to enforce the rules of the dorm, which you all received a copy of when you first became tenants here. Those rules are still in effect, however due to the unusual circumstances I have come across since I first came here, some new rules will added to the dorm rules. I have gone through these rules with both my aunt Haruka,ö here the aforementioned relative took a half-hearted swipe at her nephewÆs head, which he dodged without even looking, ôand my sister and now newly appointed assistant manager Kanako. They are familiar with these rules and agree fully with the necessity to have them put in place.
ôAs assistant manager, Kanako speaks with my authority and my full confidence. If she tells you something, it is as though I am the one who told you. If you have a problem with what she has told you, you can come to me, but you better have a good reason for doing so, as coming to just complain to me about her is very unlikely to get me to change what decision she has made, plus it will probably really annoy Kanako as well.ö Here Kanako gave a smile that looked more like the baring of teeth by a predator. Most of the tenants gave a slight shiver at the sight.
ôViolations of the dorm rules will result disciplinary measures being decided by, for lack of a better term, the executive committee of the Hinata-sou. This committee is made up of myself, Kanako, and Haruka. We have to agree that the rules were violated and also decide on the punishment, up to and including evictions. Minor violations and punishments will be decided by myself alone, however. You will be given a chance to speak in your defense, but it better be good.ö
Keitaro looked down at the sheath of papers he was holding. ôThe rent is still due on the first of the month in full. Rent will only be given to myself or Kanako, and a receipt will be given at that time. Rent is payable by cash, money order, or electronic draft into the Hinata-sou bank account by the due date. Extensions on the rent will rarely be given, and will have to be on the order of a day or two maximum. Either myself or Kanako have to be told why the rent hasnÆt been paid and when it will be. Being more than two days late on the rent will result in the eviction process beginning. Being constantly late in paying the rent can result in the tenant being asked to leave the Sou. You know when the rent it due, make arrangements so it can be paid on time. Oh, and Kitsune-san, we have to talk about your arrears after this meeting.ö Kitsune turned a little pale, but nodded anyway.
ôAnother new rule is that while the drinking of alcoholic beverages are allowed in moderation to those of legal age, tenants are not allowed to be visibly intoxicated outside their room, and in their room is discouraged as well. Depending on the circumstances, being visibly drunk in the Sou can be a disciplinary offense, of which repeat offenses can be grounds for eviction.ö Kitsune turned even paler but kept quiet. ôOvernight guests must be cleared by the managers, especially one of the opposite sex staying in one of your rooms. IÆm going to tell you right now, we are probably not going to allow an opposite sex guest in your room if they are not blood related to you.
ôThe hot spring of the Sou had been only mixed gender bathing before, when it was a resort inn. As this is no longer the case, and due to the requests of some of the tenants, there will be female only hours set up for the spring for both the morning and evening. These hours are from 6 to 8 AM in the morning and from 4 to 6 PM in the afternoon. All other hours are mixed gender bathing, and bathing suits will be required during those times. You can decide if you want to wear a suit during the female only hours, since obviously IÆm not going to be there.ö Here Motoko gave the eyebrow twitch. ôThe hot spring will be cleaned twice a week and a sign will be hung on the door announcing that fact. In any case, it is a good idea to call out when you enter the spring, both to announce yourself and to give me fair warning if for some reason IÆm in there. IÆm probably going to hang a warning bell on the door anyway.
ôNext up, cooking and laundry. It has come to my attention that Shinobu-chan has been doing both, even though it is specified in her rental agreement that she only has cooking and kitchen duties. I noticed that everyone helped with the table cleanup this evening, and that is a good start. What I would like is for some of you to find it in the goodness of your hearts to help with the dishwashing as well, with everyone trading off days. This is something I have to think about, so keep it in mind.
ôShinobu has enough things to do with school and kitchen duties to be doing full loads of other peoples laundry, for free.ö Here everyone looked a little guilty, even Su. ôSince I doubt that anyone here has the same high school and work load of Shinobu-chan, you are expected to do your own laundry. If you ask to throw an item or two in a load that Shinobu-chan is running already, thatÆs fine. Having three loads of laundry being done before Shinobu-chan even starts on her own clothes is *not* acceptable.ö Here Keitaro looked over the tenants, who were all having trouble looking at him in the face. Even Shinobu was looking a little flushed. ôStarting now, if you want Shinobu to do your laundry, you are going to have to pay her a thousand yen per laundry load.ö The older tenants looked up at him with wide eyes and protests on their lips, Shinobu looking like she wanted to object as well. Holding up a finger to quiet the younger tenant, he continued regardless. ôThatÆs a bargain, especially if you consider what you would be charged if you took that many clothes to a dry cleaner/launderer.ö The protests visibly faded away before they were spoken. ôAnd I highly suggest that if you do pay her to do your laundry, you wait for the weekend so she has time to do her homework and her kitchen duties during the week.ö Here the guilt slammed back full force.
ôThese last three rules are tenant specific, due to the special circumstances involved. I am not picking on you, I am giving you a chance to work things out. If you think you canÆt follow these rules, chances are you would not be able to live here at the Sou anyway.ö
Keitaro turned and focused his attention on Kaolla Su. ôI donÆt know what the heck Granny Hina was thinking when she wrote up your rental agreement, but she gave permission for you to do your tech research as long as it did not endanger the other tenants or the Sou. What she should have put down is that it should not endanger you either.ö Su grinned unrepentantly at that. ôSince your family is willing to pay for your lab equipment, insurance and damages, I have to allow it to go on. What I donÆt want to happen is for someone to be hurt or worse.ö Here SuÆs smile slipped. ôSo what I am going to do is mandate that you cannot do inherently dangerous research here at the Sou, especially in your room. That means if there is a chance it goes æboomÆ, you canÆt do it here.ö Su pouted at that. ôWhat I can do is let you have one of the sheds outside for your bigger works, like your MechaTama.ö Keitaro had seen the giant mechanical turtle partially disassembled in SuÆs lab earlier that day. ôAnd weapons on any of your projects will not be ready to be used unless you are on a outside testing range.ö Keitaro still had memories of MechaTama firing those rockets at him. Su gave a nod of agreement, looking slightly depressed at the new rules but happy she could still continue with her research.
Keitaro turned to look at both Naru and Motoko, who were looking at him tensely. Sighing, he continued. ôThis next new rules applies to everyone, but specifically to both of you. These are the rules governing fighting and the use of force in the Hinata-sou. And I am not talking about martial arts sparing here.ö Here Naru winced slightly, while MotokoÆs eyes narrowed. ôSimply put, force is not to be used against another resident of the Sou unless there is no other reasonable way to stop what is happening. To use the example of what happened when I first came to the Sou, unless I were physically assaulting you or someone else, you are *not* allowed to attack me just because you are upset. If you have the opportunity to get away, do so and call for help. Force is a last resort, and the minimum is to be used to stop the attack. If someone were to grab you, for example, pushing them away is OK; punching them so hard you shatter their jaw is too much. If they keep coming at you or the initial assault is serious, you can use more force, like a punch or kick that will knock them away, or hurt them enough to get them to run off.ö
Focusing on Motoko, Keitaro kept speaking. ôThere are certainly levels of force that are too dangerous to be used unless the user or another person is in danger of being killed, being gravely physically injured, or being raped.ö Here all the tenants winced. ôIÆm sorry to say that mere groping does not fall under that exception under Japanese criminal law. Use of certain weapons or attacks in situations where it is not permissible is considered unlawful use of force and can be charged under criminal law as assault with a deadly weapon or even attempted murder.ö
ôWhere are you going with this, Manager-san?ö MotokoÆs voice sounded like it had been cooled by liquid nitrogen.
ôWhere I am going with this is that possession and carrying of purpose-made weapons is to be restricted in the Hinata-sou. Weapons are to be declared to the manager of the dorm, properly secured on the tenantÆs person or in the tenantÆs room, and only visible when used for training purposes, when being transported in or out of the Sou, or being used in a self-defense situation.ö
ôSo you are trying to ban me from carrying my swords then?ö There was an almost physically felt *thrum* of anger in the kendoistÆs voice as she stood, her right hand unconsciously moving toward the hilt of the sheathed sword she held in her left hand.
ôYou didnÆt listen very closely, did you, Motoko-san?ö Haruka spoke up from beside Keitaro, where she had stepped once Motoko started to stand up. Her hands were loosely at her sides, and one of her feet were slightly in front of the other. ô*Purpose-made* weapons are to be properly secured *on the tenantÆs person* or in the tenantÆs room, and only *visible* in certain situations. Think about that for a minute.ö
Motoko stopped, her hand close to her sword hilt, as she considered what Haruka had said, especially had she had emphasized. After a few moments she looked to Keitaro, who had shifted to the balls of his feet as well when Motoko stood. ôMy swords are purpose-made, obviously, what about my bokken?ö
The corner of KeitaroÆs mouth twitched upwards. ôIn your hands, they would be considered deadly weapons, but we could bend that rule a little. I would rather not have people *visibly*carrying weapons, so having a training tool stashed here and there around the Sou would not really be a big deal, if you are worried about a rampaging horde attacking the Sou.
Her hand slipping back to her side, Motoko was visibly considering her options. After a long moment, Kanako finally spoke up from beside Keitaro as well. ôAoyama, when a samurai was a guest at another samuraiÆs house, what is the first thing he did at the door?ö
ôThe visiting samurai would give his katana over for safekeepingàö Motoko ceased speaking and winced. She then continued in a more subdued voice, ôàand keep his wakizashi or tanto for personal defense.ö
ôDo you feel you need to keep your katana with out at all times to defend yourself, Motoko-san?ö Haruka asked.
ôNo, but it is force of habit, ever since I first moved to Tokyo.ö The hand holding the sheathed sword swung back close to her side. ôI almost always carry my katana or my bokken.ö
ôAnd at home in Kyoto? Did you always carry your sword there?ö Haruka continued her questioning.
ôNo, training weapons were always kept in the dojoàö Motoko winced again before continuing, ôàand I did not receive Shisui from my sister until just before her wedding, when I was made clan heir. I left shortly thereafter.ö
No one spoke for a long moment after that. Motoko was lost in past memories. The Urashimas looked at one another then at the other tenants, who had sat very still at the start of the possible blow-up, but now relaxed slightly.
Keitaro took in a deep breath, then let it out slowly. Seeing that the kendoist was still thinking to herself, he decided to cut his losses for the night. ôOK, that about covers all the new rules for now. Since we are all a little tired, weÆll call it a night. Kitsune-san, do you want to talk about your arrears tonight or tomorrow?ö
The fox girl gave a start. Smiling weakly, she said, ôTonight, Manager-san. Might as well get it over with.ö
Keitaro nodded. ôVery well, come with me, Kana-chan and Haru-chan to my room, this wonÆt take too long. Everyone else, have a good night, weÆll talk to you tomorrow.ö Turning, the Urashimas and Kitsune filed out toward his room, while Shinobu and Su left for the kitchen, leaving a thoughtful Motoko and a worried looking Naru in the living room.
-----
Ok, you just had a substantial portion of a chapter uploaded without even preliminary proofreading. This is because you put only six hours difference, and quite possibly at a time where most of us who would try to do some quality control were/are asleep.
I personally have a rule of thumb that any story chapter to be looked at be given a minimum of five days to ensure at least basic quality control.
I personally have a rule of thumb that any story chapter to be looked at be given a minimum of five days to ensure at least basic quality control.