So, finals are finally OVER! I can finally throw myself into writing. To do a certain project I needed freedom to do a lot of research, and I finally have time to do that. Also, I can finally dedicate myself to this too.
If I say so myself, it is quite an original idea. It came to me reading the latest chapter of a certain manga. I wouldn't call it really a crossover, since what I took out of it is just a description, a certain set of powers, we could say, nothing else. Hope you like what you see here.
Without further ado, I leave you to the prologue of: Rumble.
ôHmmm... So he did it.ö Haruka stated stoically as the person on the other side of the phone kept on talking. She was probably the only person who managed to keep a level head and a calm behaviour when talking about their most 'interesting' family member, but that was just her character. That, and she was quite fond of him, even if she would never admit it out loud to anyone, lest of all any of her other relatives, for obvious reasons to anyone knowing about the 'delicate' situation.
ôYeah... And that's a big problem, as you know it.ö The voice declared from the other end of the phone, and Haruka 'hmm'-ed in agreement. Indeed, it was going to be troublesome.
Until high school, they had been able to mostly keep the situation under control. Homeschooling, special tutors bribed to never even speak of what they saw and when Kanako had left their household that had been a big help, even if it had to be done kicking and screaming all the way. She still didn't know what Hina had told the girl to persuade her to stay put for so many years.
But now there was Todai. There had been no doubt that he would succeed, and that was why they had deliberately sabotaged his first attempt. Though, there was no doubt that if they tried it a second time, he would notice. They had never managed to fool him with the same scheme twice when he was in that particular state.
Todai was the most prestigious university in Japan, and was as such a public place. Also, they could not shelter him forever. Sooner or later he would have to enter society on his own. They didn't have the heart to deny him his life, and that meant that simple sheltering wouldn't suffice any more. Fortunately, he had decided to take a 'sabbatical' year, so they still were had some time.
ôI guess it's time, huh?ö It was time for he to come out and learn to stand on his two feet. Try to learn to harness his situation and learn to live a semblance of normalcy with it. ôBut seriously, wouldn't it be better to... I don't know, I could keep him here with me at the tea-shop.ö
ôThe old bat says, the old bat gets.ö Haruka frowned, if more at the voice on the other end of the phone or at the thought of said 'old bat', she didn't know.
ôKeiichi, sending him to Hinata Sou would be like putting him through a very rusty meat-grinder, in his situation. I told you how some of the girls residing here are!ö Haruka retorted, raising her voice ever so slightly at the phone.
ôYeah, I know. I read the files you've sent me... I think they have a chance of keeping him in check.ö Haruka raised one eyebrow at the phone, and like the other end could see her, her brother continued. ôHe's been pampered and protected from the world for years, Haruka. I think that putting him in an overly-hostile environment is a harsh but necessary process he has to go through. He will be forced to learn to adapt. He will be too smart not to... Well, most of the time.ö
ôYou say so, huh?ö Haruka understood that her cousin was probably already packing judging by the firmness in her interlocutor's voice. She grunted. ôWell, let me give you my opinion while my cousin prepares to be shipped off. The way I see it, this can end three ways: first, what you want, alias Keitaro learning to integrate his problem into modern society; second, the most likely, Keitaro gets put into traction the moment he wakes up the second day in; third, not as likely, but still probable...ö She really needed a smoke. ôOne or more of those girls get scarred for life, and some already have problems as it is.ö
ôDuly noted. So, I suppose you will be ready for him to arrive on Monday?ö She narrowed her eyes. She didn't like it one bit, but if push came to shove, she could nothing but be supportive.
ô... Yeah. Fuck you too.ö She hang up the phone. She would deal with everything as it came on. She owed him that much. After all, it had been her fault Keitaro had turned out like that.
-Breakline-
ôOoooh... It's so nostalgic.ö
ôKeitaro, could you help me with this?ö The bespectacled young man nodded and turned around, helping his father get his luggage out of the trunk of their car. It wasn't that heavy, but its size and shape needed two people to safely get it out of its location. ôThanks. So... I suppose you remember.ö
ôOf course I do. I spent a lot of time here when I was young, didn't I? With Haruka-obasan, and...ö Keitaro stopped mid-sentence and then sighed, sadly, before kneeling on the ground, hugging his knees with one arm while he drew circles on the ground with the other's corresponding index finger. He sniffed. ôIt's not fair...ö
ôBlame your grandma, boy, not me.ö His father groaned, hoping he would snap out of it and that he wouldn't sulk like that most of the time. That wouldn't be a good first impression. ôCome on. Haruka is waiting for us. You haven't seen her in ages, do you want her to see you again like this?ö
ô... No, I guess not.ö Keitaro admitted and straightened himself up, taking a hold of his suitcase. ôI don't want Haruka-obasan to... To worr... Ryyyy!ö Only to find out that he would have problems pulling it all the way to the tea-house, if the fact that he wasn't able to even make it shift using all his strength was any indication. His father slowly exhaled deeply and pinched the bridge of his nose. Why, oh why, this one had to have his physical strength at almost zero?
-Breakline-
ô... They should be here any minute now.ö Haruka mused as she settled a now empty tray on the nearby stool. They had agreed to come during the tea-shop's closing hours so that they would have enough time to get him acquainted and introduced to the dorm's tenants. She glanced at the clock as she pulled a cigarette from her apron's front pocket along with a lighter.
ôHow many times did I tell you to drop those things? They will be the death of you.ö She stopped before the flame reached the tip. She turned around and found herself observing her brother in casual clothes instead of his usual baking suit and the meek figure of Keitaro right beside him. ôHi, Haruka.ö
ôKeiichi.ö She said and then slowly laid eyes on the black-haired student, her gaze softening ever so slightly. ô... Keitaro.ö
ôH-Hi, Haruka-obasan. Long time no... OW!ö It would be the first of a long series of thwacks, but he still didn't know that. What he learned that day was that harisen hurt.
ôHaruka-SAN.ö The older woman said putting emphasis on the suffix with a tone that promised further hurt in case he got it wrong again. ôI'm young and pretty. No reason to call me an old aunt.ö
ôHehehe... Sorry.ö Keitaro replied while laughing sheepishly. ôSo... You're going to accompany me to the dorms yourself, Haruka?ö
ôYes.ö She nodded in reply as she stuck the still not-burning stick in her mouth. She then pointed with one of her hands to a bunch of documents stacked on top of a nearby table. ôWhy don't you help yourself with those while I talk to your father? I prepared everything you asked for.ö
ôOh! Thanks a lot, Haruka-san!ö Keitaro turned around to the documents in a flash, pushing up his glasses with one hand in the process, and then made a beeline for the table, sitting at it and immediately starting to go through the documents.
Haruka observed him in silence for a few seconds. The impression when he had entered the tea-shop had been one of a meek boy out of his element, ready to apologize and maybe make a run at the first sign of hostility. Sitting at the table was someone completely focused on the task at hand, a hand to his chin in a thinking pose for good measure. ô... He hasn't changed on that record, hn? Still as intelligent as they come.ö
ôYeah... On Mondays, that is.ö His father admitted, crossing his arms over his chet.
ôEverything else?ö
ôAs was before, as well. It hasn't changed with distance nor time.ö The older man groaned before producing out of nowhere a glass jar. ôThis is for you to keep onto.ö
ô... Are these...ö Keiichi nodded as Haruka observed the content of the jar. It was filled to the brim with small orange coloured spherical shaped objects, as big as her thumb's fingernail.
ôYeah. He keeps just three with him, for emergencies. I'd like you to keep onto the bulk of it.ö He pressed the object into Haruka's hands which she slowly accepted. ôIn case something happens to diminish their quantity into emergency level, just send word and we will send more. Never, ever make him stay without at least one of these.ö
ôI know. Your sister didn't grow an idiot.ö
ô... Sometimes, I wonder about that.ö She glared at him for a brief second, before 'tsk'-ing and turning her head to the side. She couldn't really get angry at him for thinking at least in those lines. The past was the past. It couldn't be changed. ôWell... I guess this is it. Take care of him.ö
ô... I will. Have a safe trip back.ö Keiichi nodded and then threw a glance in his son's direction, observing how immersed he was in reading and memorizing all the information provided in those documents. He decided to just leave like that. He mentally wished him 'good luck' and walked out of the shop without uttering another word.
Haruka stared at him till he saw the figure disappear down the road that led outside of the Hinata complex. She then turned her attention to Keitaro again. ôKeitaro?ö
ôHmmm?ö He replied, not removing his gaze from the papers for one second.
ôIt's time to go. I told the girls I would pass by for tea with a guest.ö He nodded and then returned to the papers. Haruka's forehead twitched and her left hand latched on his right ear, earning a pained yelp from her target. ôThat means that you have to stand up from that damn chair and follow me! You can read on the way there!ö
-Breakline-
ô... I didn't mean that literally.ö
ôIt's more practical this way.ö It wasn't the practicality of the matter that made Haruka surprised, but the fact that he had been reading while walking to the dorms. She didn't mind carrying his luggage, knowing that she would have had to pull it out of his hands anyway, but the fact that he hadn't tripped once and was having no trouble at climbing step after step while still keeping his eyes plastered on the various papers. ôHmm... Alright. I think I memorized everything.ö
ôYou... You've been reading for fifteen minutes.ö Her comment only earned her a clueless stare from Keitaro. She flushed in embarrassment and returned her attention to the steps with a groan. ôNevermind.ö She had forgot just how far the extremes of his condition went, in both directions. One last step climbed and they stopped in front of the main complex of the Hinata. ôHere we are.ö
ôOhhh...ö Keitaro laid eyes for the first time in years on his fondest place in the world, fond because of the memories that came with it. ô... It's so, so nostalgic.ö
ôI bet.ö Haruka sighed, remembering her own memories that came with the place, some not as fond as Keitaro's ones. There was one memory in particular she hated with all her being, but she had no one but herself to blame for that. She walked in front of him again. ôCome on. The girls are probably waiting.ö
ôAh, yes.ö Keitaro nodded and walked behind Haruka, a spring in his step as he swallowed. He was going to meet his tenants. He had to make a good first impression.
-Breakline-
ôHmm... I think Haruka-san prefers black tea.ö Making cute noises of overexertion as she stretched to grab onto the highest placed jar of tea, the resident cook of the hinata cursed her young age and her consequent deficit in height. ôAuu... Why did I put it so high on the shelf...ö
ôBecause Haruka-san is the only one who drinks western tea.ö Another hand slipped past her head, grabbed her target and handed it to the young girl, who turned around and got an eyeful of grin and big breasts. ôThere you go.ö
ôThanks, Kitsune-san.ö The resident fox of the dorms dismissed the matter with a wave of her hand.
ôFor so little. Can't have our little cook harm herself for something like this.ö She replied still grinning. ôNaru is going to come out of the bath soon and Motoko will be downstairs as well after she fetches Su.ö
ôGood.ö Shinobu turned off the stove once the familiar whistle of the kettle filled the air, and put it along with the jar of black tea over a tray, taking the whole thing to the living room. ôI wonder who's this... Guest she wanted us to meet.ö
ôHell if I know. Knowing old Haruka, it probably has something to do with the dorm... Ow!ö Kitsune moaned in pain as someone hit the back of her head, hard. Whining she turned around to find Haruka holding the slipper she had left in her right hand.
ôKitsune. Shinobu.ö She narrowed her eyes at the fox, who just laughed sheepishly before she noticed that Haruka wasn't alone and she laid eyes on the bespectacled youth at her side. Shinobu mimicked her action, instinctively positioning herself so that Kitsune was in the line of sight between her and the stranger. ôThis is our 'guest'. Meet Urashima Keitaro, Hina's grandson.ö
ôOh. The old bat actually reproduced?ö Kitsune commented with a snicker as Haruka lost the other slipper in another act of throwing. Shinobu in the meanwhile was focusing her attention on the new acquaintance she was about to make.
ôIt's nice to meet you... You must be Konno Mitsune and Maehara Shinobu, right?ö The calling of both their names by a stranger got the two girls attention while he adjusted his glasses yet again. ôYou're the oldest tenant and also an avid consumer of alcohol. That your liver still hasn't failed is remarkable.ö The three girls' eyes widened. Kitsune thought that maybe he was picking on her, but she saw it on his face: he didn't say it as a joke or to offend her, he was seriously complimenting her for that fact.
ôEhm... Thanks?ö She replied unsure of what else to say, before he turned in Shinobu's direction, startling the young girl a bit.
ôAh, and Maehara-san is one of youngest tenants but still takes care of all the cooking and the laundry on her own. That's very commendable.ö This was a more normal compliment, and it produced a normal effect. Shinobu blushed and a tiny smile found its way to her lips.
ôT-Thanks... Wah!ö But she was surprised as very few when suddenly she found the older man's face in front of her own one.
ôOhhh... A peculiar micro-circulation. The blood flow to your face incremented in such a rapid... WAH!ö It was his time to cry out as Haruka pinched his ear and pulled him away, giving a chance for Shinobu to settle down and try to make her heart do the same.
ôStop being a lab-rat for one second, damn it.ö Haruka admonished the male in the room and then released him so that he could massage the offended part just as footsteps coming from the stairs got louder and louder by the second, signalling the arrival of more people.
ôHaruka-san, hello. What...ö A kinda stern voice suddenly stopped as its owner laid eyes on Keitaro. The man turned around and flinched when he saw a kinda scary and very tall girl wearing hakama glare at him and lay eyes on what looked like a weapon. He yelped and hid behind Haruka. ôWhat is a man doing here?ö
ôOhh, is that the guest?ö Another, younger girl with blonde hair and a tan was staring at him, curiosity evident on her face. Then she pouted. ôBut it's a person. I can't eat people...ö
ô... Haruka-san, is this the person you want to introduce us to?ö The last girl, with long honey-coloured hair was staring at him inquisitively, not an open glare like the taller on, but it was in no way friendly.
ôYeah.ö Haruka turned her head to Keitaro. ôCome on. Introduce yourself officially.ö
ôE-Ehm... R-Right.ö He swallowed and then stood right up again. He remembered what he had been telling himself. He needed to make a good first impression. ôMy name... My name is Urashima Keitaro. I'm the grandson of Urashima Hina, nineteen years old, and I've been asked to take over as kanrinrin of the Hinata Dorms. Nice to meet you a...ö
ôWHAT?!ö Keitaro immediately fled and hid behind Haruka's back again. She sighed, having seen this coming a mile away.
-Breakline-
ôHaruka-san, I must oppose to this!ö After a few minutes and managing to calm Motoko enough to not let her attack Keitaro, the whole group had sat around the table.
ôIt's grandma Hina's decision. Also, aren't you getting a bit too upset about this?ö Haruka commented, as stoic as ever. Naru sighed, and stared hard at the only male in the room.
ôI have to support Motoko on this matter, Haruka-san.ö She commented, shaking her head from side to side. ôI mean, a man being the manager of an all-girls dormitory? That's unheard of and unethical...ö
ôActually, that's false.ö Haruka was maybe the most surprised of the whole table that Keitaro was again talking normally and no longer trembling, then she realized that Naru had been talking about statistics, in some kind of way. ôI did research when grandma offered me the job. Nowadays, it's not unheard of to have single-sex dormitories to have managers of the opposite sex. It's not like there's an infinite supply of same sex managers as the tenants. In universities and colleges, they're usually teachers, but ones like Hinata Sou have to make do with what they have at disposal.ö
ô... Wow.ö Kitsune was the first one to recover, then she laughed. ôHey, Naru. It seems we have a competitor for the title of brainiest of the dorms, now!ö
ôW-What...ö Said girl shook her head from side to side, trying to clear her head. ôYou did... Research?ö
ôOf course. Once grandma offered me this job, I properly prepared myself. I researched the duties, the social state, statistics. Also you will forgive me if I also did some research on my future tenants. I must say I was quite impressed with what I found out about yourselves. You are quite... Interesting.ö Haruka rolled her eyes. He seemed to have gone into mad scientist mode again, but that was for the better, since the girls were all silent. ôNarusegawa-san has quite the scholastic background, Aoyama-san is a member of the main branch of the Shinmei school of swordsmanship, and Su-san...ö
ôAhahah! I like you!ö Keitaro was cut off when the latter mentioned person jumped out of her seat and landed on him, knocking him and his chair on the ground. ôNice to meet you, manager-san.ö
ô... Air...ö He muttered, the wind having been knocked out of his lungs. The gesture seemed to break the other girls out of their reverie.
ôHe's... He's smart, I see.ö Naru admitted, then frowned. ôStill, digging into our past.ö
ôNah. He just went through the files grandma keeps on all of you.ö That earned everyone but Su's attention. ôHe can explain. Returning to the matter at hand, the problem is that I'm too busy to occupy myself with both the inn and the tea-house. Also, I'm sure you can benefit from his presence. He will take out maintenance of your hands and he can also help you with your studies. You Naru could especially benefit from his presence.ö At the girl's inquiring gaze, Haruka elaborated. ôKeitaro has passed the last Toudai entrance exam.ö
ôHe what?!ö That earned a reaction indeed and everyone in the room turned their attention to the young man who was currently struggling and trying to get the exotic girl off his chest. ôHe's a Toudai student?!ö
ôYes. He is. So, we can all assume he's not a worthless male? Hmm?ö Haruka moved her gaze to Motoko, who blushed and sat down again, still stoic. It seemed like they were mostly convinced. Motoko would go with what the other girls had decided, even if she would still be on her guard. Still, there was another thing. She couldn't really hid something like that from them. They had a right to know, and that was going to be the hardest part of the conversation. ôThough, there's one more thing you need to know about him. Keitaro...ö
ôAhhh, candy!ö That single word from Su made Haruka jump in her skin and turn around, and see that Keitaro was indeed struggling even more than before. Moving her hands in his pockets, Su had found a small glass case containing three small orange balls. ôAhh, what taste are they?! Are they banana-flavoured?!ö
ôS-Su-san, please give those back! They're not candy!ö Keitaro was flailing his arms around trying to get back the case, but Su just kept on moving it out of his grasp. She then grinned and held it high as she hopened it.
ôDon't be stingy! Just one!ö With the force of desperation, Keitaro summoned all the strength in his body just as Haruka stood back up and managed to get in a standing position and even more, since he ended up throwing Su on her back and himself on top of him, panting for the fatigue. Su pouted. ôMeanie... Then, I don't want it anymore! You can have it!ö
ôSu-san, I...!ö He next found himself with a hand in his mouth, and he nearly gagged as the small ball almost threatened to go down the wrong canal.
ôY-You letch! I knew you were up to no good!ö Just as his vision and aerial pathways cleared, he found himself shrieking as he stared up at a quite angry and red faced kendoka. ôPrepare to die! Shinmei-Ryu!ö
ôAhhh, wait please!ö
ôZankanken!ö Haruka winced as Keitaro was hit by the ki-fueled attack and then sent flying through a wall and then pinballed till he travelled through the entrance door. Now, one could wonder why the elder Urashima hadn't stopped the fact from happening.
... Three, four, five. That would make it Friday, and that means... Oh. Because even if it had been an unexpected turn of events, it was probably best for everyone to have a crash course in what life with Keitaro could be like. This should be interesting.
ôJust as expected.ö Motoko commented as she sheathed back her sword, while the other girls, including a pretty clueless Su were left staring at the human shaped holes in the wall and the door. ôYou can't trust men. That's why I...ö
Motoko's musing were interrupted when the front door of the sou exploded. Literally exploded. It was turned to cinders by what looked like a burst of blue flames, much to everyone, mostly Motoko's shock. She recognized Ki when she saw it, but for it to be actually visible, it meant that there was quite a fair amount.
The door's arc was still burning in blue as a figure stepped through the hole thus created. ô... You attack an innocent person with such a fine blade.ö Haruka raised an eyebrow. That was curious. She didn't remember the changes to be also physical. The Keitaro in front of her was still wearing the same clothes, a bit ripped off because of Motoko's attack, but he had dropped the glasses revealing now electrical blue eyes and his hair were now dark brown, longer and spiked at the end.
What was impressive was what was happening in his right hand. He was holding a piece of wood, which was enveloped in ki and burning up, cinders detaching themselves and flying away by the second, as the blunt piece of wood shaped itself cinder after cinder into a bokken. At that point, the chi enveloping it stopped flaming and settled into a peaceful, compact aura. ôYou're not worthy of wielding such a weapon.ö Keitaro stopped walking and trusted his wooden sword forward, pointing it at Motoko. ôAoyama Motoko, I challenge you to a duel with your katana on the line.ö
ô... Heh?ö Quite the intelligent reply, but she didn't blame her. She would have done the same.
If I say so myself, it is quite an original idea. It came to me reading the latest chapter of a certain manga. I wouldn't call it really a crossover, since what I took out of it is just a description, a certain set of powers, we could say, nothing else. Hope you like what you see here.
Without further ado, I leave you to the prologue of: Rumble.
ôHmmm... So he did it.ö Haruka stated stoically as the person on the other side of the phone kept on talking. She was probably the only person who managed to keep a level head and a calm behaviour when talking about their most 'interesting' family member, but that was just her character. That, and she was quite fond of him, even if she would never admit it out loud to anyone, lest of all any of her other relatives, for obvious reasons to anyone knowing about the 'delicate' situation.
ôYeah... And that's a big problem, as you know it.ö The voice declared from the other end of the phone, and Haruka 'hmm'-ed in agreement. Indeed, it was going to be troublesome.
Until high school, they had been able to mostly keep the situation under control. Homeschooling, special tutors bribed to never even speak of what they saw and when Kanako had left their household that had been a big help, even if it had to be done kicking and screaming all the way. She still didn't know what Hina had told the girl to persuade her to stay put for so many years.
But now there was Todai. There had been no doubt that he would succeed, and that was why they had deliberately sabotaged his first attempt. Though, there was no doubt that if they tried it a second time, he would notice. They had never managed to fool him with the same scheme twice when he was in that particular state.
Todai was the most prestigious university in Japan, and was as such a public place. Also, they could not shelter him forever. Sooner or later he would have to enter society on his own. They didn't have the heart to deny him his life, and that meant that simple sheltering wouldn't suffice any more. Fortunately, he had decided to take a 'sabbatical' year, so they still were had some time.
ôI guess it's time, huh?ö It was time for he to come out and learn to stand on his two feet. Try to learn to harness his situation and learn to live a semblance of normalcy with it. ôBut seriously, wouldn't it be better to... I don't know, I could keep him here with me at the tea-shop.ö
ôThe old bat says, the old bat gets.ö Haruka frowned, if more at the voice on the other end of the phone or at the thought of said 'old bat', she didn't know.
ôKeiichi, sending him to Hinata Sou would be like putting him through a very rusty meat-grinder, in his situation. I told you how some of the girls residing here are!ö Haruka retorted, raising her voice ever so slightly at the phone.
ôYeah, I know. I read the files you've sent me... I think they have a chance of keeping him in check.ö Haruka raised one eyebrow at the phone, and like the other end could see her, her brother continued. ôHe's been pampered and protected from the world for years, Haruka. I think that putting him in an overly-hostile environment is a harsh but necessary process he has to go through. He will be forced to learn to adapt. He will be too smart not to... Well, most of the time.ö
ôYou say so, huh?ö Haruka understood that her cousin was probably already packing judging by the firmness in her interlocutor's voice. She grunted. ôWell, let me give you my opinion while my cousin prepares to be shipped off. The way I see it, this can end three ways: first, what you want, alias Keitaro learning to integrate his problem into modern society; second, the most likely, Keitaro gets put into traction the moment he wakes up the second day in; third, not as likely, but still probable...ö She really needed a smoke. ôOne or more of those girls get scarred for life, and some already have problems as it is.ö
ôDuly noted. So, I suppose you will be ready for him to arrive on Monday?ö She narrowed her eyes. She didn't like it one bit, but if push came to shove, she could nothing but be supportive.
ô... Yeah. Fuck you too.ö She hang up the phone. She would deal with everything as it came on. She owed him that much. After all, it had been her fault Keitaro had turned out like that.
-Breakline-
ôOoooh... It's so nostalgic.ö
ôKeitaro, could you help me with this?ö The bespectacled young man nodded and turned around, helping his father get his luggage out of the trunk of their car. It wasn't that heavy, but its size and shape needed two people to safely get it out of its location. ôThanks. So... I suppose you remember.ö
ôOf course I do. I spent a lot of time here when I was young, didn't I? With Haruka-obasan, and...ö Keitaro stopped mid-sentence and then sighed, sadly, before kneeling on the ground, hugging his knees with one arm while he drew circles on the ground with the other's corresponding index finger. He sniffed. ôIt's not fair...ö
ôBlame your grandma, boy, not me.ö His father groaned, hoping he would snap out of it and that he wouldn't sulk like that most of the time. That wouldn't be a good first impression. ôCome on. Haruka is waiting for us. You haven't seen her in ages, do you want her to see you again like this?ö
ô... No, I guess not.ö Keitaro admitted and straightened himself up, taking a hold of his suitcase. ôI don't want Haruka-obasan to... To worr... Ryyyy!ö Only to find out that he would have problems pulling it all the way to the tea-house, if the fact that he wasn't able to even make it shift using all his strength was any indication. His father slowly exhaled deeply and pinched the bridge of his nose. Why, oh why, this one had to have his physical strength at almost zero?
-Breakline-
ô... They should be here any minute now.ö Haruka mused as she settled a now empty tray on the nearby stool. They had agreed to come during the tea-shop's closing hours so that they would have enough time to get him acquainted and introduced to the dorm's tenants. She glanced at the clock as she pulled a cigarette from her apron's front pocket along with a lighter.
ôHow many times did I tell you to drop those things? They will be the death of you.ö She stopped before the flame reached the tip. She turned around and found herself observing her brother in casual clothes instead of his usual baking suit and the meek figure of Keitaro right beside him. ôHi, Haruka.ö
ôKeiichi.ö She said and then slowly laid eyes on the black-haired student, her gaze softening ever so slightly. ô... Keitaro.ö
ôH-Hi, Haruka-obasan. Long time no... OW!ö It would be the first of a long series of thwacks, but he still didn't know that. What he learned that day was that harisen hurt.
ôHaruka-SAN.ö The older woman said putting emphasis on the suffix with a tone that promised further hurt in case he got it wrong again. ôI'm young and pretty. No reason to call me an old aunt.ö
ôHehehe... Sorry.ö Keitaro replied while laughing sheepishly. ôSo... You're going to accompany me to the dorms yourself, Haruka?ö
ôYes.ö She nodded in reply as she stuck the still not-burning stick in her mouth. She then pointed with one of her hands to a bunch of documents stacked on top of a nearby table. ôWhy don't you help yourself with those while I talk to your father? I prepared everything you asked for.ö
ôOh! Thanks a lot, Haruka-san!ö Keitaro turned around to the documents in a flash, pushing up his glasses with one hand in the process, and then made a beeline for the table, sitting at it and immediately starting to go through the documents.
Haruka observed him in silence for a few seconds. The impression when he had entered the tea-shop had been one of a meek boy out of his element, ready to apologize and maybe make a run at the first sign of hostility. Sitting at the table was someone completely focused on the task at hand, a hand to his chin in a thinking pose for good measure. ô... He hasn't changed on that record, hn? Still as intelligent as they come.ö
ôYeah... On Mondays, that is.ö His father admitted, crossing his arms over his chet.
ôEverything else?ö
ôAs was before, as well. It hasn't changed with distance nor time.ö The older man groaned before producing out of nowhere a glass jar. ôThis is for you to keep onto.ö
ô... Are these...ö Keiichi nodded as Haruka observed the content of the jar. It was filled to the brim with small orange coloured spherical shaped objects, as big as her thumb's fingernail.
ôYeah. He keeps just three with him, for emergencies. I'd like you to keep onto the bulk of it.ö He pressed the object into Haruka's hands which she slowly accepted. ôIn case something happens to diminish their quantity into emergency level, just send word and we will send more. Never, ever make him stay without at least one of these.ö
ôI know. Your sister didn't grow an idiot.ö
ô... Sometimes, I wonder about that.ö She glared at him for a brief second, before 'tsk'-ing and turning her head to the side. She couldn't really get angry at him for thinking at least in those lines. The past was the past. It couldn't be changed. ôWell... I guess this is it. Take care of him.ö
ô... I will. Have a safe trip back.ö Keiichi nodded and then threw a glance in his son's direction, observing how immersed he was in reading and memorizing all the information provided in those documents. He decided to just leave like that. He mentally wished him 'good luck' and walked out of the shop without uttering another word.
Haruka stared at him till he saw the figure disappear down the road that led outside of the Hinata complex. She then turned her attention to Keitaro again. ôKeitaro?ö
ôHmmm?ö He replied, not removing his gaze from the papers for one second.
ôIt's time to go. I told the girls I would pass by for tea with a guest.ö He nodded and then returned to the papers. Haruka's forehead twitched and her left hand latched on his right ear, earning a pained yelp from her target. ôThat means that you have to stand up from that damn chair and follow me! You can read on the way there!ö
-Breakline-
ô... I didn't mean that literally.ö
ôIt's more practical this way.ö It wasn't the practicality of the matter that made Haruka surprised, but the fact that he had been reading while walking to the dorms. She didn't mind carrying his luggage, knowing that she would have had to pull it out of his hands anyway, but the fact that he hadn't tripped once and was having no trouble at climbing step after step while still keeping his eyes plastered on the various papers. ôHmm... Alright. I think I memorized everything.ö
ôYou... You've been reading for fifteen minutes.ö Her comment only earned her a clueless stare from Keitaro. She flushed in embarrassment and returned her attention to the steps with a groan. ôNevermind.ö She had forgot just how far the extremes of his condition went, in both directions. One last step climbed and they stopped in front of the main complex of the Hinata. ôHere we are.ö
ôOhhh...ö Keitaro laid eyes for the first time in years on his fondest place in the world, fond because of the memories that came with it. ô... It's so, so nostalgic.ö
ôI bet.ö Haruka sighed, remembering her own memories that came with the place, some not as fond as Keitaro's ones. There was one memory in particular she hated with all her being, but she had no one but herself to blame for that. She walked in front of him again. ôCome on. The girls are probably waiting.ö
ôAh, yes.ö Keitaro nodded and walked behind Haruka, a spring in his step as he swallowed. He was going to meet his tenants. He had to make a good first impression.
-Breakline-
ôHmm... I think Haruka-san prefers black tea.ö Making cute noises of overexertion as she stretched to grab onto the highest placed jar of tea, the resident cook of the hinata cursed her young age and her consequent deficit in height. ôAuu... Why did I put it so high on the shelf...ö
ôBecause Haruka-san is the only one who drinks western tea.ö Another hand slipped past her head, grabbed her target and handed it to the young girl, who turned around and got an eyeful of grin and big breasts. ôThere you go.ö
ôThanks, Kitsune-san.ö The resident fox of the dorms dismissed the matter with a wave of her hand.
ôFor so little. Can't have our little cook harm herself for something like this.ö She replied still grinning. ôNaru is going to come out of the bath soon and Motoko will be downstairs as well after she fetches Su.ö
ôGood.ö Shinobu turned off the stove once the familiar whistle of the kettle filled the air, and put it along with the jar of black tea over a tray, taking the whole thing to the living room. ôI wonder who's this... Guest she wanted us to meet.ö
ôHell if I know. Knowing old Haruka, it probably has something to do with the dorm... Ow!ö Kitsune moaned in pain as someone hit the back of her head, hard. Whining she turned around to find Haruka holding the slipper she had left in her right hand.
ôKitsune. Shinobu.ö She narrowed her eyes at the fox, who just laughed sheepishly before she noticed that Haruka wasn't alone and she laid eyes on the bespectacled youth at her side. Shinobu mimicked her action, instinctively positioning herself so that Kitsune was in the line of sight between her and the stranger. ôThis is our 'guest'. Meet Urashima Keitaro, Hina's grandson.ö
ôOh. The old bat actually reproduced?ö Kitsune commented with a snicker as Haruka lost the other slipper in another act of throwing. Shinobu in the meanwhile was focusing her attention on the new acquaintance she was about to make.
ôIt's nice to meet you... You must be Konno Mitsune and Maehara Shinobu, right?ö The calling of both their names by a stranger got the two girls attention while he adjusted his glasses yet again. ôYou're the oldest tenant and also an avid consumer of alcohol. That your liver still hasn't failed is remarkable.ö The three girls' eyes widened. Kitsune thought that maybe he was picking on her, but she saw it on his face: he didn't say it as a joke or to offend her, he was seriously complimenting her for that fact.
ôEhm... Thanks?ö She replied unsure of what else to say, before he turned in Shinobu's direction, startling the young girl a bit.
ôAh, and Maehara-san is one of youngest tenants but still takes care of all the cooking and the laundry on her own. That's very commendable.ö This was a more normal compliment, and it produced a normal effect. Shinobu blushed and a tiny smile found its way to her lips.
ôT-Thanks... Wah!ö But she was surprised as very few when suddenly she found the older man's face in front of her own one.
ôOhhh... A peculiar micro-circulation. The blood flow to your face incremented in such a rapid... WAH!ö It was his time to cry out as Haruka pinched his ear and pulled him away, giving a chance for Shinobu to settle down and try to make her heart do the same.
ôStop being a lab-rat for one second, damn it.ö Haruka admonished the male in the room and then released him so that he could massage the offended part just as footsteps coming from the stairs got louder and louder by the second, signalling the arrival of more people.
ôHaruka-san, hello. What...ö A kinda stern voice suddenly stopped as its owner laid eyes on Keitaro. The man turned around and flinched when he saw a kinda scary and very tall girl wearing hakama glare at him and lay eyes on what looked like a weapon. He yelped and hid behind Haruka. ôWhat is a man doing here?ö
ôOhh, is that the guest?ö Another, younger girl with blonde hair and a tan was staring at him, curiosity evident on her face. Then she pouted. ôBut it's a person. I can't eat people...ö
ô... Haruka-san, is this the person you want to introduce us to?ö The last girl, with long honey-coloured hair was staring at him inquisitively, not an open glare like the taller on, but it was in no way friendly.
ôYeah.ö Haruka turned her head to Keitaro. ôCome on. Introduce yourself officially.ö
ôE-Ehm... R-Right.ö He swallowed and then stood right up again. He remembered what he had been telling himself. He needed to make a good first impression. ôMy name... My name is Urashima Keitaro. I'm the grandson of Urashima Hina, nineteen years old, and I've been asked to take over as kanrinrin of the Hinata Dorms. Nice to meet you a...ö
ôWHAT?!ö Keitaro immediately fled and hid behind Haruka's back again. She sighed, having seen this coming a mile away.
-Breakline-
ôHaruka-san, I must oppose to this!ö After a few minutes and managing to calm Motoko enough to not let her attack Keitaro, the whole group had sat around the table.
ôIt's grandma Hina's decision. Also, aren't you getting a bit too upset about this?ö Haruka commented, as stoic as ever. Naru sighed, and stared hard at the only male in the room.
ôI have to support Motoko on this matter, Haruka-san.ö She commented, shaking her head from side to side. ôI mean, a man being the manager of an all-girls dormitory? That's unheard of and unethical...ö
ôActually, that's false.ö Haruka was maybe the most surprised of the whole table that Keitaro was again talking normally and no longer trembling, then she realized that Naru had been talking about statistics, in some kind of way. ôI did research when grandma offered me the job. Nowadays, it's not unheard of to have single-sex dormitories to have managers of the opposite sex. It's not like there's an infinite supply of same sex managers as the tenants. In universities and colleges, they're usually teachers, but ones like Hinata Sou have to make do with what they have at disposal.ö
ô... Wow.ö Kitsune was the first one to recover, then she laughed. ôHey, Naru. It seems we have a competitor for the title of brainiest of the dorms, now!ö
ôW-What...ö Said girl shook her head from side to side, trying to clear her head. ôYou did... Research?ö
ôOf course. Once grandma offered me this job, I properly prepared myself. I researched the duties, the social state, statistics. Also you will forgive me if I also did some research on my future tenants. I must say I was quite impressed with what I found out about yourselves. You are quite... Interesting.ö Haruka rolled her eyes. He seemed to have gone into mad scientist mode again, but that was for the better, since the girls were all silent. ôNarusegawa-san has quite the scholastic background, Aoyama-san is a member of the main branch of the Shinmei school of swordsmanship, and Su-san...ö
ôAhahah! I like you!ö Keitaro was cut off when the latter mentioned person jumped out of her seat and landed on him, knocking him and his chair on the ground. ôNice to meet you, manager-san.ö
ô... Air...ö He muttered, the wind having been knocked out of his lungs. The gesture seemed to break the other girls out of their reverie.
ôHe's... He's smart, I see.ö Naru admitted, then frowned. ôStill, digging into our past.ö
ôNah. He just went through the files grandma keeps on all of you.ö That earned everyone but Su's attention. ôHe can explain. Returning to the matter at hand, the problem is that I'm too busy to occupy myself with both the inn and the tea-house. Also, I'm sure you can benefit from his presence. He will take out maintenance of your hands and he can also help you with your studies. You Naru could especially benefit from his presence.ö At the girl's inquiring gaze, Haruka elaborated. ôKeitaro has passed the last Toudai entrance exam.ö
ôHe what?!ö That earned a reaction indeed and everyone in the room turned their attention to the young man who was currently struggling and trying to get the exotic girl off his chest. ôHe's a Toudai student?!ö
ôYes. He is. So, we can all assume he's not a worthless male? Hmm?ö Haruka moved her gaze to Motoko, who blushed and sat down again, still stoic. It seemed like they were mostly convinced. Motoko would go with what the other girls had decided, even if she would still be on her guard. Still, there was another thing. She couldn't really hid something like that from them. They had a right to know, and that was going to be the hardest part of the conversation. ôThough, there's one more thing you need to know about him. Keitaro...ö
ôAhhh, candy!ö That single word from Su made Haruka jump in her skin and turn around, and see that Keitaro was indeed struggling even more than before. Moving her hands in his pockets, Su had found a small glass case containing three small orange balls. ôAhh, what taste are they?! Are they banana-flavoured?!ö
ôS-Su-san, please give those back! They're not candy!ö Keitaro was flailing his arms around trying to get back the case, but Su just kept on moving it out of his grasp. She then grinned and held it high as she hopened it.
ôDon't be stingy! Just one!ö With the force of desperation, Keitaro summoned all the strength in his body just as Haruka stood back up and managed to get in a standing position and even more, since he ended up throwing Su on her back and himself on top of him, panting for the fatigue. Su pouted. ôMeanie... Then, I don't want it anymore! You can have it!ö
ôSu-san, I...!ö He next found himself with a hand in his mouth, and he nearly gagged as the small ball almost threatened to go down the wrong canal.
ôY-You letch! I knew you were up to no good!ö Just as his vision and aerial pathways cleared, he found himself shrieking as he stared up at a quite angry and red faced kendoka. ôPrepare to die! Shinmei-Ryu!ö
ôAhhh, wait please!ö
ôZankanken!ö Haruka winced as Keitaro was hit by the ki-fueled attack and then sent flying through a wall and then pinballed till he travelled through the entrance door. Now, one could wonder why the elder Urashima hadn't stopped the fact from happening.
... Three, four, five. That would make it Friday, and that means... Oh. Because even if it had been an unexpected turn of events, it was probably best for everyone to have a crash course in what life with Keitaro could be like. This should be interesting.
ôJust as expected.ö Motoko commented as she sheathed back her sword, while the other girls, including a pretty clueless Su were left staring at the human shaped holes in the wall and the door. ôYou can't trust men. That's why I...ö
Motoko's musing were interrupted when the front door of the sou exploded. Literally exploded. It was turned to cinders by what looked like a burst of blue flames, much to everyone, mostly Motoko's shock. She recognized Ki when she saw it, but for it to be actually visible, it meant that there was quite a fair amount.
The door's arc was still burning in blue as a figure stepped through the hole thus created. ô... You attack an innocent person with such a fine blade.ö Haruka raised an eyebrow. That was curious. She didn't remember the changes to be also physical. The Keitaro in front of her was still wearing the same clothes, a bit ripped off because of Motoko's attack, but he had dropped the glasses revealing now electrical blue eyes and his hair were now dark brown, longer and spiked at the end.
What was impressive was what was happening in his right hand. He was holding a piece of wood, which was enveloped in ki and burning up, cinders detaching themselves and flying away by the second, as the blunt piece of wood shaped itself cinder after cinder into a bokken. At that point, the chi enveloping it stopped flaming and settled into a peaceful, compact aura. ôYou're not worthy of wielding such a weapon.ö Keitaro stopped walking and trusted his wooden sword forward, pointing it at Motoko. ôAoyama Motoko, I challenge you to a duel with your katana on the line.ö
ô... Heh?ö Quite the intelligent reply, but she didn't blame her. She would have done the same.
