Akamatsuverse Idea Time!

[Lord Raa]

New idea I've been toying with.

I'm still working out certain details.

Keitaro is slightly older than Haruka's canon age, and Haruka is slightly older than Keitaro's canon age.

So basically, it's not Aunt Haruka, but Uncle Keitaro.

Now, instead of Keitaro managing the inn, he's taking care of the teahouse.

Haruka, having been left homeless for some reason after she graduated Toudai, needs a place to stay. She remembers that her Uncle Kei promised to help her if she needed.

Keitaro puts Haruka to work managing the Inn and he goes about his business running the teahouse and generally being casually awesome thanks to his experiences.

The girls at the Inn all have crushes on Keitaro for various reasons, but Keitaro's too much of a gentleman to take advantage of these fair maidens.


Motoko still needs someone to pretend to be her boyfriend/fiancé, so tries to convince Keitaro to help her out.

Keitaro refuses, but when Tsuruko shows up, finds himself the prize in some sort of Aoyama contest....


That's about all I have so far, but I might have more inspiration later on in the decade.

Thoughts? The idea is free if people feel that they can work with it.

 

[PCHeintz72]

I cannot reall a single instance of this type of role swapping having occured.

I would read it.

However... you create some problems with this scenario... namely, a loack of conflict within the series, since so much was dependant upon the rough interactions between residents and inn keeper/manager.

So you would need something to replace that conflict or tension and keep the story dynamics going.

 

[zeebee1]

You've given no reason why Haruka is important. She'd just be the manager, only the mothod that she manages would be important.

 

[PCHeintz72]

You've given no reason why Haruka is important. She'd just be the manager, only the mothod that she manages would be important.

Ehhh... you could apply that same logic to Keitaro in canon.

 

[Drawde]

Except Keitaro's the MALE manager of a FEMALE dorm, with conflict starting just from that and within the residents.

Haruka being female wouldn't have such an obvious reason to cause a problem. So you'd have to come up with something to make the story interesting.

Kanako for example has an easy conflict. All those girls chasing after her brother. But Haruka doesn't have anything. As it is for the base idea, she's just an observer.

So you'll have to come up with one.

 

[Lord Raa]

New idea.

Kaolla's a genius, right?

Well, what if she decides that it would be better for her to use her talents to fight for justice?

While she does have similar resources to Bruce Wayne, she's not got the time or inclination to become the next Batman.

She does, however, have a knack for technological toys that most armies would love to have.

Unfortunately, it's not appropriate for her to do the whole Iron Man Routine.

Keitaro, however, is a perfect test subject.....

 

[thezorch]

New idea.

Kaolla's a genius, right?

Well, what if she decides that it would be better for her to use her talents to fight for justice?

While she does have similar resources to Bruce Wayne, she's not got the time or inclination to become the next Batman.

She does, however, have a knack for technological toys that most armies would love to have.

Unfortunately, it's not appropriate for her to do the whole Iron Man Routine.

Keitaro, however, is a perfect test subject.....

Hmmm. Now this is a promising idea.

But what sort of superhero could she turn Keitaro into?

I don't think Turtleman sounds very threatening to criminals.

 

[Flamewolf]

the titanium turtle

 

[Shiakou]

She'll turn Keitarou into a Ninja Turtle! Ninja training from Kanako included as a bonus.

 

[Lord Raa]

I've decided that I'm going to put this idea up for adoption.

Here is the set up and title. Whether or not Keitaro adopts the moniker "Iron Man" is up to the writer, but I was inclined to go with something like "Steel Samurai" or something with a vague Japanese flavour.


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Irony Man

By Lord Raa


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Disclaim-me-do: Giant robots: Way more exciting than trout.


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ôBut Daddyàö Kaolla Su whined to her father over the phone.

ô¼But nothing, Kaolla,¼ö the bearded man said firmly. ô¼IÆve indulged you enough as it is. IÆm not prepared to let you risk your life as a test subject. YouÆre too important to me to allow you to do silly things like that.¼ö

ôBut Daddy, I can use this for good,ö the blonde countered. ôBesides, you always taught me to fight for justice.ö

ô¼That doesnÆt mean that I want my daughters to get into actual fights with dangerous people.¼ö The grey-haired man sighed. ô¼Look, Kaolla, I know you have a gift for gadgets. It makes me feel like a caveman at times, but you have to understand just what your position is. IÆm not saying you canÆt help out on the side of justice, IÆm just forbidding you to be on the front line.¼ö

ôSo, you donÆt mind if Keitaro helps me out?ö

ô¼As long as youÆre not put in danger, I donÆt mind at all, Kaolla.¼ö

ôThanks, Daddy, youÆre the best!ö


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During dinner that evening, Kaolla was casting appraising looks at Keitaro.

ôYou see something you like in Keitaro, Su-chan?ö Kitsune teased. ôOr maybe youÆre working on your death-glare because he did something?ö

The ambient noise level dropped suddenly.

ôU. Ra. Shi. Maàö Motoko growled dangerously. ôWhat have you been doing?ö

ôI havenÆt done anything!ö the ronin insisted.

Naru, however, was just as sceptical as Motoko and she shot a look at the young man that threatened a great deal of pain in the very near future.

ôI havenÆt done anything,ö Keitaro repeated, shying away from the angry girls.

ôYet youÆre trying to climb into my lap,ö Kitsune said with a practiced air of innocence.

That was the final straw for Naru and she lashed out, knocking the hapless young man out of the room.

ôA bit harsh there, Naru-chan,ö the ash-blonde pouted.

ôHe was trying to climb into your lap!ö the auburn-haired girl protested.

Silently, Kaolla observed Keitaro get up and shake off the assault. æKeitaroÆs definitely the man I need for my latest project.Æ


@@@@@


That evening, Kaolla, at least in her mind, was in full ninja-mode. She had a mission to complete and the sooner it was finished, the sooner she could go back to her workshop and start working on the necessary details.

The blonde snuck into KeitaroÆs room, carrying a notebook and tape measure. She was so busy measuring the young manÆs every external dimension that she missed the door opening.

SheÆd nearly finished gathering her measurements when curiosity started to get the better of her. æItÆs important to keep your weak points protected. How much space do I need to allocate?Æ

After Kaolla had started to move KeitaroÆs underwear to one side, there was a theatrical cough from the doorway.

ôGood evening, Su. What are you doing here?ö Kitsune asked, her arms folded across her impressive chest.

ôIÆm measuring Keitaro,ö the genius answered.

ôWhy are you measuring Keitaro?ö the ash-blonde asked.

ôI need to know how big he is.ö

ôWhy do you need to know how big Keitaro is?ö

ôFor his armour, of course,ö Kaolla said, rousing Keitaro from his slumber.

ôWha? Who is that? WhatÆs up? Is something wrong?ö the ronin asked sleepily.

ôIÆm just measuring you, Keitaro.ö

ôWhat? Why? Am I dying?ö

ôThat depends on if Naru or Motoko see you like this, Keitaro,ö Kitsune smirked. She noticed the look of confusion on her neighbourÆs face and clarified things. ôSuÆs trying to measure you up for a codpiece.ö

Keitaro looked down and saw that his underwear had been moved and Kaolla had a tape measure in hand.

ôWhat is this? I donÆt even?ö

ôItÆs for your armour, Keitaro. I need your measurements or it wonÆt fit you properly. And if it doesnÆt fit you properly, it wonÆt be as good.ö

ôWhy do I need armour?ö Keitaro asked, as much for KitsuneÆs benefit as his own.

ôBecause youÆre going to be an ally of justice,ö the precocious blonde declared.

Kitsune took on a more relaxed posture. ôWhile Keitaro is hardly a criminal mastermind, what makes you think that heÆs an ally of justice?ö

ôIf he doesnÆt do it, IÆll have to pilot the armour and fight crime.ö

KeitaroÆs eyes widened. ôF-fight crime? This isnÆt some sort of magical girl manga! You canÆt fight crime on the streets of Tokyo!ö

ôKeitaro does have a point, Su-chan.ö

ôThe only way to stop me is to take my place,ö the princess said defiantly. ôItÆs either you or me, Keitaro. I need to know who itÆs going to be before I start making parts.ö

Everything was fuzzy to Keitaro. He couldnÆt see, his brain was alert enough to understand the whole situation and there was a girl trying to measure him up for a codpiece.

But one thing rang out as being clear to him: Kaolla Su was planning to don some suit of hi-tech armour and fight various injustices.

ôI canÆt let you risk your life like that, Su. IÆll do it.ö

ôYay! I knew youÆd help me, Keitaro. DonÆt worry, IÆll keep your identity a secret.ö

ôMy silence has yet to be bought,ö Kitsune smirked. ôI mean, IÆd need some compensation for the risk to my safety that this plan is going to be bringing to me.ö

ôDo you want some armour, too, Kitsune?ö asked the genius.

ôNo, thatÆs not what IÆm after, Su. IÆm thinking more along the lines of moneyàö

ôOh that, thatÆs no problem. Name your price,ö the blonde shrugged.

ôIÆll think about it. In the mean time, how about we get some sleep and talk about this in the morning?ö


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[EagleCeres]

I like this Iron Samurai (Ronin?) idea.

While Keitaro is probably never going to be another Tony Stark, it does make me think that his personality/attitude might be a bit more like Captain America's. So considering Su-tech + his already undeniable durability, makes for quite a durable hero (if clumsy/untrained).

I'm curious what kinds of villians can be planned out for the Ronin and any possibility to cameo/crossover with existing (DC/Marvel) heroes out there.

Other than that, I'm anxious to see what other shenanigans the Hina girls will partake of now that their beloved Ronin has taken a step toward heroics (and possibly positive manliness in their eyes).

Hope to read some more of this soon.

rating scale: FUND IT!

 

[alansg]

ôBecause youÆre going to be an ally of justiceö

So, a Kamen Rider? It is Kaolla's favorite TV show. And if there are copyright problems, she can just change it to Kame Rider, with all the unfortunate implications.

 

[thezorch]

I was also kinda expecting Su to go a little beyond just armor and also give Keitaro either a Super Soldier treatment or nano-machine enhancement. He4's already rather resilient, recovers quickly from injury, but he's not that strong.

 

[Crusader]

Idea: Keitaro's invulnerability is actually as power similar to some of the Talents from the Godlike/Wild Talents role playing game universe and that this invulnerability is powered by his willpower and can wane and weaken if plagued by extreme negative emotions or shock.

 

[David Alan Abramczyk]

Hey, I got the rulebook for that, Crusader! Maybe we should have a go at trying to stat him out.

 

[Crusader]

Hey, I got the rulebook for that, Crusader! Maybe we should have a go at trying to stat him out.

Eh, well the problem is that I don't own the core rulebook of Godlike :sweat2: :blue:.

But my guess is that his invulnerability either matchest that of the British Talent Bulldog or the American Talent Indestructible Man, while having average physical and mental stats while being proficient in mathematics or art depending on whether you're following the manga or anime.

Personally I always wanted to stat Keitaro and some of the others in the old Marvel Super-Heroes Role Playing Game, though.

 

[Lord Raa]

New idea. It combines Love Hina with Lovecraft and The Brightonomicon.

Seta, you see, is more than you think. In fact, he is a little like Hugo Rune: master of the occult, the sort of chessmaster that makes Gendo Ikari, Raito Yagami and Charles Prentiss look like the Three Stooges.

Seta, having divined that Keitaro is a man of phenomenal regenerative capabilities, has decided to recruit him in the battle against cosmic horrors.

And so, under the guise of an absent minded archaeology professor has inspired Keitaro to study in America, at Miskatonic University in Massachusetts.

Reference materials can be found in <a href='http://z14.invisionfree.com/The_Fanfiction_Forum/index.php?showtopic=14488' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>this thread</a>.

Working title: "Why Did It Have to Have Tentacles?"

 

[Lord Raa]

New idea type thing that I've been kicking around.



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It was a quiet evening at the Hinata Sou. Naru, Shinobu and Su were all visiting their respective families, leaving Keitaro, Kitsune and Motoko to amuse themselves for a few days.

It had been pleasant for those left behind, but now that the sun had gone down, Kitsune was beginning to get a little agitated.

ôWe should do something,ö the ash-blonde decided aloud.

ôWell, thereÆs a movie on this evening that looks good,ö Keitaro said looking around the TV guide.

ôItÆs entirely possible that Kitsune has seen enough television for one day,ö Motoko commented, not looking up from her book.

ôWell, I suppose we could go out for a movie.ö

ôNot sure I can be bothered with that,ö Kitsune countered. ôI donÆt know what I want to do, but I know IÆve got to do something that isnÆt getting drunk in front of the TV.ö

ôIs your liver finally rebelling?ö the kendoist teased.

ôNo, IÆm just saving some booze for tomorrow, when I plan to get you drunk enough to dance on the table in your underwear,ö the short-haired girl replied without missing a beat.

Motoko scowled at her friend. ôI know that youÆre teasing, but I wish you wouldnÆt say such things in front of Keitaro.ö

ôAre you worried that Keitaro might get excited?ö

The raven-haired girl inserted a bookmark and closed her book, a biography of kendo practitioners of the Meiji Restoration. ôIÆm concerned that you might say something that you will regret.ö

Kitsune leaned back in her seat, she let out a sigh. ôMaybe youÆre right, Motoko-chan. But didnÆt your sister say that itÆs better to regret doing something than to regret not doing it?ö

ôYes, Aneue did say that on her last visit.ö Motoko rubbed her forehead. ôBut are you aware that nothing will be the same again? I personally donÆt feel the need to learn about a sordid encounter of yours.ö

ôYou make it sound like I worked in a brothel, Motoko-chan!ö

Keitaro was completely surprised by this and blushed furiously at the implication.

ôThat is not what I meant,ö the kendoist insisted, her own cheeks filling with blood.

Kitsune was mollified by this. ôBe right back, IÆve got an idea.ö

Motoko shared a look with Keitaro as the ash-blonde quickly departed in the direction of her room.

ôIÆve got a bad feeling about this,ö Keitaro said after a momentÆs hesitation. ôMaybe I should goàö

ôWhat? And leave me alone with Kitsune?ö Motoko asked.

ôWhat if she insists on telling us embarrassing things about herself, or worse û tries to get us to tell her a secret?ö

ôDonÆt be like that, Keitaro,ö Kitsune chided from the doorway. ôItÆll be fun, I promise.ö

Motoko sighed. ôFine, weÆll play your little game. But weÆre not staying up all night.ö

The voluptuous girl just smiled as she walked to the coffee table and placed a bottle on wooden surface.

ôWhatÆs that?ö Keitaro asked. He leant in for a closer look. ôVodka? Are you trying to get us drunk?ö

ôItÆs empty,ö Kitsune said, rolling her eyes. ôBut if you want to get drunk, then IÆll get something from my stashàö

ôNo, we are fine,ö Motoko said, her tone warning her friend that she was in no mood for alcohol-based shenanigans.

ôKilljoyàö Kitsune muttered good-naturedly as she sat down at the table. ôNow, weÆre going to play a little game.ö

ôAre we going to regret playing this game?ö Keitaro asked.

ôYouÆll regret it more if I have to find something else to amuse me,ö the short-haired tenant warned.

ôOk, whatÆs the game, Kitsune?ö the bespectacled youth asked with a defeated sigh.

ôTruth or dare.ö

ôI dare you to let us spend the evening in peace,ö Motoko said.

ôFine, no dares. You wouldnÆt have the guts to do them anyway,ö Kitsune said. ôRight, I spin this bottle, to see who goes first, ok?ö

The ash-blonde used her experience and spun the bottle so it would land on her first. ôRight, IÆm going first, after that, itÆll be MotokoÆs turn, then Keitaro. I have a question forà Motoko-chan!ö

The kendoist gulped nervously when she saw the glint in KitsuneÆs eye.

ôMotoko-chan, do you ever have naughty thoughts about men?ö

ôThatÆs none of your business!ö Motoko snapped.

ôIÆll take that as a æyesÆ then. Your turn to ask a question, Motoko-chan,ö Kitsune smirked.

ôWhy are you doing this?ö

ôBecause IÆm bored and itÆs cheap entertainment. Your turn, Keitaro.ö

ôWhat do I have to do to escape with my dignity intact?ö Keitaro asked, looking at possible escape routes.

ôYou canÆt. My turn,ö the ash-blonde smirked. ôKeitaro, would you like to see me take my shirt off?ö

ôIà what?ö

ôStop that!ö Motoko screamed. ôI know youÆre looking for something to do, but that doesnÆt mean that you have toàö

ôWhat? Start an orgy? You canÆt have an orgy with three people, Motoko,ö Kitsune chided. ôYou need at least five people before it even comes close to an orgy.ö

ôAnd how do you know this?ö the kendoist demanded.

ôI see youÆre getting into the swing of things,ö the short-haired girl beamed. ôIn answer to your question, I havenÆt taken part in an orgy. IÆve had a couple of boyfriends, but at different times. Your turn, Keitaro.ö

ôJust how much have you had to drink today?ö

ôIÆm perfectly sober,ö Kitsune insisted. ôMy turn; Motoko, have you ever seen a manÆs penis?ö

ôThis game is over,ö Motoko replied through gritted teeth. She rose to her feet and as soon as she stepped out of the room, the front door opened to reveal two familiar women.

ôGood evening, Motoko-han,ö Tsuruko greeted cheerfully.

ôA-Aneueà What are you d-doing here?ö

ôIÆm here to see my favourite sister,ö the elder Aoyama smiled.

ôIÆm your only sister!ö Motoko whined.

ôThat just means IÆm not lying to you. Do you remember what itÆs like to be lied to by your sister?ö

ôDonÆt be like that,ö Haruka warned as she pocketed her key. ôWeÆre here for some fun.ö

Motoko noticed that the two older women had some shopping bags with them. ôErr, is that alcohol?ö

ôIndeed it is, Motoko-han,ö Tsuruko confirmed.

Kitsune walked up to the open door and greeted Haruka and Tsuruko. ôSo, what brings you here?ö

ôI was in town on business and I thought that itÆd be nice to see my sister,ö Tsuruko explained. ôI wanted to make sure that she still knows how to have fun.ö

ôAs luck would have it, we were playing a game inside, would you like to join us for a spot of Truth or Dare?ö the ash-blonde asked.

ôAre you drunk, Kitsune?ö Haruka asked. ôBecause weÆre not teenagers on a sleepover, you know the other reason for Truth or Dare.ö

ôWell, there was no way we were going to get Motoko to play strip poker,ö Kitsune countered. ôLetÆs get sat down before Keitaro escapeà I mean gets bored and goes to his room.ö

ôYes, weÆd hate for Keitaro-san to miss out on the eveningÆs fun,ö Tsuruko smiled before slipping out of her shoes.

ôKeitaro? What about him?ö Motoko asked in confusion.

Kitsune smiled. She thought that the way Motoko was completely drawing a blank on what it was that her sister appeared to have planned for the evening was cute. ôWellàö she drawled. ôKeitaroÆs a man; your sisterÆs a womanàö

ôWell, yes, but whatÆs that gotàtoàö the younger Aoyama trailed off as realisation hit home.

Haruka sighed. ôI havenÆt seen anyone this clueless since I watched Ranma ¢.ö

ôBut KeitaroÆs a man!ö Motoko blurted out.

ôàö Keitaro was torn. Part of him felt that he should protest and defend his manliness against the slurs of his tenant, but another told him that he should escape to his room before things got out of hand.

ôWell, of course KeitaroÆs a man,ö Tsuruko said, rolling her eyes. ôHopefully a fully functional one, too.ö

ôWell, I donÆt know,ö the ash-blonde said. ôI mean, even with all the pretty girls here, weÆve never seen him wielding æpink steelÆ, if you know what I mean.ö

ôNo, I donÆt know whatàyouàmean.ö MotokoÆs cheeks turned scarlet as the wheels in her head finished turning. ôK-Kitsune!ö

ôFu-fu-fu,ö Tsuruko chuckled. ôHaruka-san is right, you are clueless, Motoko-han.ö

Keitaro had nearly reached the door to his room, but felt uneasy about the way Motoko was being teased.

ôStop that,ö he said, finally giving up all attempts to avoid whatever had been planned.

ôStop what?ö Haruka asked.

ôPicking on Motoko-chan,ö the former ronin answered. ôLook, I donÆt know what youÆre planning, but I donÆt like it when my friends are being picked on. This has gone beyond playful teasing and itÆs starting to turn mean spirited.ö

Keitaro swallowed. ôIf you promise to stop being mean to Motoko-chan, IÆll take part in whatever it is you have planned.ö

ôDeal,ö the elder Urashima said, quickly cutting off any comment from Kitsune. ôNow, whoÆs hungry?ö

ôYes, we should have something to eat before we all have our soak in the outdoor bath,ö Tsuruko nodded.


After Keitaro left to see what there was to eat, Kitsune turned to the older swordswoman. ôSo, when you say æall have our soakÆ, do you mean that KeitaroÆll be joining us?ö

ôOh yes,ö Tsuruko nodded.

ôBut we canÆt take a bath with Keitaro!ö Motoko spluttered in protest. ôItÆs not proper to get into hot bath with a naked man.ö

ôMotoko does have a point,ö Haruka mused. ôPerhaps if were in bathing suits?ö

ôIt would be like being in a public pool,ö Tsuruko agreed. ôAnd thereÆs nothing improper about that.ö

ôIà I suppose that would be ok,ö the younger Aoyama conceded.

ôI told you that weÆd have fun tonight,ö Kitsune beamed as she ruffled the hair on MotokoÆs head.


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Any thoughts?

 

[PCHeintz72]

The first part with just the three of them is unbalanced... meaning that while you are going in circles, there is no variation,, like Keitaro asking Motoko, or Motoko asking Keitaro. Of course, they were not exactly willing, so it is understandable...

The part with Haruka and Tsuruko entering together seemed too well timed.

 

[Prince Charon]

The first part with just the three of them is unbalanced... meaning that while you are going in circles, there is no variation,, like Keitaro asking Motoko, or Motoko asking Keitaro. Of course, they were not exactly willing, so it is understandable...

The part with Haruka and Tsuruko entering together seemed too well timed.

It could be good with some more work, though. Fixing the bits PCHeintz72 pointed out is the only needed improvement I can think of.

 

[Lord Raa]

Let us all see what you make of this new thing.

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Haruka handed Kanako a cup of coffee and waited for the last customer to leave before asking her questions.

ôCome on, Kanko-chan, why are you here? I thought Grandmother had decided that you needed to be kept away from here.ö

ôI managed to negotiate a little time away,ö Kanako answered. ôTook some effort, but sheÆs given me the chance to see if I can get along with the rest of my family.ö

ôHmm,ö the smoker replied, somewhat sceptical of the girlÆs true motives. ôOk, so youÆre here to build bridges. I have to say that a little notice would have been nice.ö

ôIt was a last minute get away. IÆm sorry for appearing out of the blue like this, Haruka-san,ö the visiting Urashima bowed respectfully. ôIf I could have, I would have arranged a visit with suitable notice.ö

ôI forgive you.ö There was a pause before Haruka spoke again. ôKeitaroÆs not here at the moment.ö

ôOh,ö Kanako said, disappoint evident in her voice.

ôYes, you can see why it would have been a good idea to let us know you were coming.ö

ôTrue. But that does give me an opportunity to find out whatÆs really going on here.ö

ôWhat are you planning, Kanako-chan? Be honest with me, or IÆll have you sent back to Grandmother before your feet have the chance to touch the floor.ö

ôIà I found out that Grandmother has been acting like some kind of chess-master,ö Kanako answered. ôSheÆs got a plan for Onii-chan and IÆm not sure I like it.ö

Haruka pulled out a cigarette and lit it up. Exhaling a plume of smoke, she looked at the way Kanako had wrapped her fingers around the outside of the cup. ôOk, IÆll buy that Grandmother could have a plan for Keitaro, what with him being the only male Urashima heir and all that. WhatÆs wrong with that?ö

ôA lack of communication, for one,ö the younger Urashima replied. ôDid she tell you about her planned trip around the world?ö

ôSheÆd talked about taking a vacation, but I didnÆt know she was going to go when she did.ö

ôI didnÆt know she was going until Mother and Father told me that I was going with her. They didnÆt think it was necessary, but I overheard Grandmother threaten them into sending me with her.ö

ôThreaten?ö

ôOnii-chan was going to be cut out of the inheritance if I didnÆt go,ö Kanako explained. ôThey may have kicked him out for failing to get into Toudai, but they still love him.ö

ôYou do realise that this is sounding rather far-fetched, donÆt you?ö Haruka asked, rolling her eyes. ôI doubt she threatened to cut Keitaro out of the inheritance; itÆs clear that she just wanted company on her trip. IÆm sorry, but you drew the short straw.ö

ôIÆll say,ö Kanako replied with a shudder. She took a sip of coffee before continuing. ôYou do know that she knows who Onii-chanÆs promise girl is, donÆt you?ö

ôWhat?ö

ôShe knows who it was that Onii-chan promised to go to Toudai with. The problem is that sheÆs not telling.ö

ôI find that hard to believe, Kanako-chan.ö

ôI thought you might say that,ö Kanako admitted. She reached into her handbag and pulled out a photograph of a young boy and a girl. ôThis is Onii-chan. But I donÆt know whoÆs in the photo with him.ö

HarukaÆs expression turned quizzical as she read the note on the back. ôæKeitaro with the girl he promised to go to Toudai with.Æ ThatÆs her handwriting, alright. But that still doesnÆt prove that she knows who the girl is.ö

ôHereÆs another photo of them together. This one had something written on the back, but it was scribbled out.ö

Haruka took this second photograph and recognised the four year-old Keitaro and saw that it was the same girl. She flipped the photo over and looked at the pen marks on the back.

The black marker pen did obscure something, but there was no telling what that was.

ôYouÆve given me two photos of Keitaro with a girl, Kanako. ItÆs hardly compelling evidence of an elaborate plan.ö

ôWell, itÆs hardly likely I will find a document 'How I plan to run KeitaroÆs Life' on her computer, now is it?ö Kanako shrugged. ôBut even so, if you had some idea who it was that Keitaro had promised to go to Toudai with, then you should have at least mentioned it to someone.ö

The smoker sighed. ôFor what itÆs worth, I agree with you, Kanako. Look, if you can get me a family name and a rough date, I can search through the records and get some clue as to who it was that made the promise to Keitaro.ö

Kanako nodded. ôI might be able get something.ö

Haruka poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down opposite Kanako. ôOk, Kanako-chan, letÆs put aside any bad feelings towards family members for now. Why are you here visiting me first?ö

ôWhat makes you think that I havenÆt seen Mother and Father already?ö

ôHave you?ö

ôàNo, but I will visit them as soon as weÆre done here,ö Kanako insisted. She took a deep breath before continuing. ôI found out that because IÆm adopted, I canÆt marry Onii-chan.ö

ôThereÆs a reason for that, Kanako-chan. People were grooming vulnerable young women for marriage.ö

ôOnii-chan wasnÆt going to exploit me,ö the younger Urashima sighed.

ôNo, I canÆt help but feel that youÆd be doing the exploitation.ö

ôWell, maybe a littleàö

Haruka shook her head before drinking some of her coffee. ôSo you found out that you canÆt marry Keitaro. Seems a bit odd for you to pick now to come for a visit.ö

ôWhen I found out that Onii-chan might be living with his æpromise girlÆ, I thought I should find out more about her. Unfortunately, I donÆt know which girl it is,ö Kanako said.

ôWe can rule out the younger girls because of the promise, so that narrows it down to Naru and Kitsune.ö

The two women pondered the situation as they finished their coffee.

Kanako was the first to speak. ôOk, so itÆs either Naru or Kitsune. How do they feel about him?ö

ôWell, NaruÆs a complicated young woman,ö Haruka said diplomatically.

ôæComplicated,Æö Kanako repeated. ôIn what way?ö

ôIn that sheÆsà I mean, itÆsà itÆs complicated, ok?ö

The younger Urashima shook her head in disbelief. ôWhat about Kitsune? WhatÆs she like?ö

ôWell, KitsuneÆs a fun, friendly person,ö the smoker answered.

Kanako pinched the bridge of her nose. ôYou do realise that your descriptions of Naru and Kitsune could be interpreted as a bipolar maniac and ægood-time girlÆ. So you know, do you want to try again?ö

ôYou always seem to find the worst case scenario, donÆt you, Kanako-chan? TheyÆre my friends; I donÆt spend time thinking about how best to pimp them out.ö

ôOk, then letÆs look at this differently. Who do you think would be best for Onii-chan?ö

Haruka paused as she pondered that one. ôI honestly hadnÆt given it much thought.ö

ôBut, letÆs say you were in Onii-chanÆs position, who would you go for?ö Kanako asked.

ôWell, Keitaro seems to like Naru the best.ö

ôWho likes Onii-chan more? Kitsune or Naru?ö

ôWell, I suppose Kitsune gets on better with Keitaro,ö Haruka shrugged. ôWhat are you planning now, Kanako-chan?ö

ôWell, we both want Onii-chan to be happy, donÆt we?ö Kanako asked rhetorically. ôWell, how happy do you think heÆll be if he doesnÆt pick the right person?ö

Haruka couldnÆt fault her adopted cousinÆs logic, but that didnÆt mean that she couldnÆt sense an ulterior motive. ôCan I keep one of these photos?ö

ôYes.ö There was a silence before Kanako decided that it was time to leave. ôWell, IÆm off to visit Mother and Father; IÆll see you tomorrow, Haruka-san.ö

ôYeah, see you tomorrow, Kanako-chan.ö


@@@@@

 

[FinalMax]

This one could be interesting. Possibly a mystery/comedy or mystery/drama piece. Perhaps a study on how one might become that which they wish to thwart. But, it already seems to have a more tolerable Kanako.

I'm intrigued.

 

[Lord Raa]

This one could be interesting. Possibly a mystery/comedy or mystery/drama piece. Perhaps a study on how one might become that which they wish to thwart. But, it already seems to have a more tolerable Kanako.

I'm intrigued.

So you think it's got legs?

I have a title for it, and another couple of scenes if people think it's work exploring.

 

[DhampyrX2]

I think it has a lot of potential. It's nice to see a version of Kanako that's in Keitaro's corner regardless of her own feelings on who he should be with. Although I would think that if she got to know them, she might push more for Shinobu or Mutsumi at some point.

 

[Prince Charon]

I think it has a lot of potential. It's nice to see a version of Kanako that's in Keitaro's corner regardless of her own feelings on who he should be with. Although I would think that if she got to know them, she might push more for Shinobu or Mutsumi at some point.

Yeah, probably, especially if she realizes that Mutsumi is the Promise Girl, and/or that Mutsumi is open to sharing.