Chapter 18
Official Part 2

    While the students of Soul Academy continue their daily regiment, Kushiro and Satasuke have a quick sparing match, to determine Kushiro’s strength and word that he is capable of destroying the Artifacts. Faced against Satasuke’s tsunagari, the Zetsumei-gai, Kushiro must display his might before him. But, does Kushiro have what it takes to take on the soul survivor of the Uchida family? Satasuke’s churning spirit energy slowly subdues itself of its wild activities, as he enters his battle stance with the scythe’s blade set behind him.

Hisako: Zetsumei-gai, a scythe that bares the mark of the Knot of Triquetra. The trefoil knot consists of three overlapping Pisces, representing mind, body, and spirit. Only then will the Uchida wield the Zetsumei-gai, but there’s more to it than that.
Kamisori: Hmm?
Satasuke: By that look on your face this must be your first time against a scythe?
Kushiro: Yeah, here I thought it was either swords or demon magic.
Satasuke: Well as you can see, I wield a scythe.
Kushiro: [thinking] Man, of all the things it had to be a scythe. I wonder if it has any special abilities like the others.
Satasuke: Oh and don’t worry about any spells or special attacks, I don’t know much about the Zetsumei-gai.
Kushiro: Same here, but unlike you, I don’t have a tsunagari.
Satasuke: No tsunagari?
Kushiro: Here I come!

    Kushiro draws his sword and charges towards Satasuke, as he awaits for Kushiro’s attack. He swings his blade, and collides with the scythe’s staff. Kushiro pushes with all his might to weaken Satasuke, but then he slides the blade down, with Kushiro’s blade screeching up to the joint of his scythe as the blade runs down to his neck. He quickly reacts and dives away, but Satasuke follows his movements and guides his scythe along Kushiro’s destined path. The scythe narrowly misses Kushiro, as he regains his balance and notices a rip in his kimono.

Satasuke: It’s not easy fighting a scythe wielder, is it?
Kushiro: You followed me and carried along the attack.
Hisako: Kushiro can’t just run in there like he always does. He has to get in where the blade won’t meet him.
Kamisori: [yawns]
Satasuke: [turns around] So why are you holding back?
Kushiro: This isn’t the time to be flaunting our powers.
Yukio: You’re right, so why aren’t you in class?
Kushiro: Eh, uncle!
Yukio: Don’t try coming up with some excuse either, I heard them all. If only your mother was here!
Kushiro: I don’t know why should I, I’m an official shinigami now.
Yukio: True, but apparently I stopped caring ever since. As long as you’re in this academy you’re to attend my class without question!
Kushiro: Okay, then why are you out here?
Yukio: I was tired of sitting in that chair of mine and decided to take a walk.
Kushiro: I bet.
Satasuke: Hmm, I guess I should be going.
Yukio: Wait a minute buddy, you may be an Uchida, but that doesn’t give you any jurisdiction to leave the premises.
Satasuke: Where I am heading requires all the time I need to fully understand my birthright. So if you’ll excuse, I must be off.
Yukio: Take another step further and you will be reported to the Juuyou.
Satasuke: Go ahead, Noah knows of my leave. [walks off]
Yukio: Steps into town and thinks he runs the place.
Kushiro: [yawns] Well that was boring sparing match, I’m heading back to the dorm to catch up on some sleep.
Yukio: Report to class or you’re dead.
Kushiro: Fine, fine, don’t have a fit.
Hisako: Awww, now what am I supposed to do for fun? [sighs] Might as well mess around with Choji.
Kamisori: [snickers]

    Hours pass as classes presume with their regular scheduled activities, as the gang wait for the bell to be dismissed from class. Wasting their time in class learning nothing while consulting with each other.

Suzuki: Miwa?
Miwa: You know not to bother me while I’m writing in my diary.
Suzuki: But.
Miwa: It better be important.
Suzuki: Where do you live?
Miwa: I live pretty far from here.
Suzuki: Where?
Miwa: None of your business.
Suzuki: Oh come on! I’m your friend! You know where I live!
Miwa: [sighs] Fine…..That way.
Suzuki: Where is that way?
Miwa: For the love of.

    Before Miwa could finish her vulgar sentence, the bell rings for the students’ to be dismissed from their classes. Outside, Suzuki continues to pester Miwa with questions concerning her homeland, which brings back the memory of the burning village she awoken to. Miwa then covers Suzuki’s mouth to cease her annoyance, as she calmly collects herself without bursting into complete rage.

Miwa: Suzuki…my past is none of your concern. So would you be so kindly then to shove it?
Suzuki: [muffle] I only want to know where you live.
Miwa: [growls]…Look, I’m going to the library to do a little research on the Underworld Tournaments, to prepare ourselves mentally for what we may come across. If you bump into Chiyoku, tell her to meet me there.
Suzuki: Okay.
Hitoshi: You can hang with us.
Momoko: Yeah, we can all hang out together, and possibly throw in some training.
Suzuki: Thanks, but I think I’ll check up on Ayame.
Ryota: Suit yourself. Let’s go.

    The gang soon leaves Suzuki and Kushiro by themselves, as fragments of loneliness begin to set in Suzuki. With Ayame still recovering from her match, along with Miwa’s spunky attitude and attention set on Chiyoku, today was going to be very different without her two best friends.

Suzuki:…Well, guess it’s just you and me Kushiro.
Kushiro: Actually, I was going to visit Kunoichi and spend some time with her. Then again, she can hardly see me.
Suzuki: Well she can hear you, and that’s better than nothing!
Kushiro: Guess you’re right, see you later.
Suzuki:……Kushi!
Kushiro: Yeah?
Suzuki: [blushes] If it’s not too much to ask….can I hang out with you?
Kushiro: What about Ayame?
Suzuki: I just don’t want to be a bothersome to her.
Kushiro: Okay.
Suzuki: I mean, if you want some alone time with Kunoichi I understand! You don’t have to drag me along or anything! It’s not like I have nothing to do while everyone’s busy! [nervous chuckle]
Kushiro: [laughs] Relax Suzuki, you can come with me.
Suzuki: Uh, thank you.
Kushiro: Seems like everyone is working hard to contribute to the mission.
Suzuki: Yeah. Miwa’s going to the library to do research, the others are training, but Ayame and Gina are still recovering though.
Kushiro: I’m sure when they feel better, they’ll work twice as hard.
Suzuki: Yeah, can’t wait.

    While Kushiro and Suzuki head to Yukio’s house in search of Kunoichi, Dash and Ayano already meet up with him at his house. Drinking sake as Yukio discusses with them the reason of the headmasters’ sudden recruitment.

Dash: So this is all Chieko’s idea?
Yukio: Pretty much, Kushiro’s gotten all the others involved in this little fiasco.
Ayano: The Underworld Tournament, it starts two months from now.
Dash: So who were the winners?
Yukio: If I’m correct, the winners are as followed: Ayame, Suzuki, Miwa, Hitoshi, Ryota, Satasuke, Satoshi, Ire, and Gina.
Ayano: Gina entered?
Dash: I’m not surprised, in our last mission, she did everything in her power to aid us, despite only knowing a barrier spell.
Ayano: But isn’t that dangerous? You know what happens to her when she fights?
Dash: Yeah I know, but I’m pretty sure she’ll try to control it over the two months.
Ayano: You wish.
Dash: So Yukio, you’re going to teach that brat of a nephew of yours anything?
Yukio: Huh?
Dash: You are planning to train the boy right? I mean, what can he learn in Wisconsin.
Ayano: You are teaching Nao-Kai, maybe he’s ready for the other stuff.
Yukio:….He’s not ready for any of that…and I don’t have the guts to do what my sensei put me through.
Dash: Please, it’s just sword training. It’s not like he’s a serial killer or something.
Yukio: Well, people have suspected him of being a serial killer.
Ayano: [chokes] Say what?
Yukio: My sensei was very strict when it came to our training….Not one day was to pass with our guard down; we couldn’t sleep regularly, eat peacefully, every passing hour, our swords were to never leave our side.
Dash: You’re sensei is a b****.
Yukio: But in the end it taught us something; that life is precious, and it can end at anytime, but try to enjoy life to the fullest. Because you’ll never know, when you will see your friends and loved ones again.
Dash: You sound like you’re ready to die.
Ayano: Either that or this sake is getting to you, I better finish the rest off for you boys.
Dash & Yukio: Oh no you don’t!
Kushiro: What are you guys fighting about?
Dash: darn it, can we get a break from you twerps?
Ayano: Dash!
Yukio: What’s up?
Kushiro: Where’s Kunoichi? I figure since I have two days left before this big mission, I could spend some time with her.
Yukio: Are you forgetting some people?
Kushiro: Don’t I see you enough during the day?
Yukio: Your brother you smart ass! Not to mention your own mother!
Kushiro: Oh yeah, where are they anyhow?
Yukio: Well I took your mother back to Wisconsin this morning, Hamaru and Kunoichi are back at my place in Tokyo, along with Hitoshi to make sure they‘re okay.
Suzuki: The old, smelly apartment?
Yukio: No, the chard remains of my precious home.
Ayano: Yukio be nice.
Yukio: I’m sorry, I’m a bit off my rocker today.
Dash: No more sake for you then.
Yukio: [unsheathes sword] Drink my portion and you die.
Dash: On second thought, I’m through for the evening.
Yukio: I think you should stay here.
Kushiro: Why?
Yukio: Remember what happened last time?
Kushiro: Oh yeah, those Rikotsu.
Dash: You can take a quick trip there. Just don’t stay long hear?
Kushiro: Thanks, let’s go Suzuki.
Suzuki: Right.

    As Kushiro and Suzuki head to Tokyo, Miwa makes it to the library to find Fawks re-alphabetizing the books in their place.

Miwa: Hello Fawks.
Fawks: Ah if it isn’t Miwa. So what brings you here?
Miwa: I was wondering if you have any documents on the Underworld Tournaments.
Fawks: I’m sorry dear, but only authorized shinigami can acquire those files.
Miwa: But I am, I just don’t have the certification on me.
Ire: I thought that was you.
Miwa: Ire.
Ire: Airi wanted me to give this to you and the others.

    Ire then flicks a small badge with three spirals to her. The official shinigami badge, the Triskele of Life, a symbol that represent the belief of life moving in an eternal cycle.

Miwa: Thanks, always in a pinch Ire.
Ire: Come on, I’ll show you what I found.

    They then proceed to the back of the library, where a stack of books awaits Miwa. Ire then searches through the books for a particular one, and passes it to Miwa.

Miwa: What’s this?
Ire: A record of those who participated in the Underworld tournaments.
Miwa: There are so many…That’s strange.
Ire: Starting to see a huge change? A year after the Great War, more than half of the demons that participated in the later tournaments, disappeared, or were killed by.
Miwa: Irimaru.
Ire: After the first tournament, demons were enraged, their pride lost to a renegade shinigami on their home turf. They started to form alliances to take down Irimaru, but after three tournaments he joined a group, and has never entered the ring since.
Miwa: The only person we know is Jun, and probably her accomplice from that kidnapping incident.
Ire: Probably.
Miwa: Are there any records on the others?
Ire: Yeah, the ones we know, but rumors say that Irimaru is using a new set of swords. So the only thing we know about him is, a successor of Nao-Kai.
Miwa: Maybe Mr. Yamanaka knows something.
Ire: If were lucky, I think he doesn’t like reminiscing about the past….What’s wrong?
Miwa: Oh nothing, I was just reading the files.
Ire: Something’s bothering you.
Miwa:…I’m afraid…that Kushiro may die, permanently. He already risked his life once, why risk it again?
Ire: He has loved ones to protect, and that alone, can be enough for a warrior’s determination.
Miwa: He’s determination is false…the only strength he’s gathering is of vengeance of his friend’s death. At first…that’s what I thought he wanted, but then again.
Ire: I’m sure during the two months of training, he will train himself to have a calm and rational mind. A powerhouse does not guarantee victory, I’m sure he knows that.
Miwa: I hope.
Ire: Let’s gather more info on the rules of the tournament, and I’m already sure of one of them.
Miwa: Yeah….death.

    Meanwhile, Kushiro and Suzuki arrive at Yukio’s new apartment, where Otis and the others finally finish cleaning up the place. With new furniture and a mold free environment, the place finally looked decent enough to live in.

Kushiro: Are we in the right room?
Hamaru: Brother!
Otis: Kushiro!!
Kushiro: Otis?!
Suzuki: Hi Otis!!
Otis: How’s it going my little shinigami angel? I heard the news about the tournament.
Suzuki: I’m sorry for leaving you like this.
Otis: Hey it’s okay, just promise to visit me every once in awhile, k?
Suzuki: You got it!!
Kunoichi: Tournament?
Kushiro: Yeah, the academy had a tournament to see who will accompany me on that promise I made…we’re leaving two days from now.
Kunoichi: Oh…well, how’s does the place look?
Kushiro: Not too bad.
Suzuki: Mr. Yamanaka will really love it!
Otis: Don’t mention it. There’s only one way to celebrate a room this clean.
Suzuki: Party!!
Otis: Exactly!!
Hamaru: Wow, they’re almost alike.
Kushiro: Yeah, scary.
Kunoichi: Oh come on guys, these two know how to have fun.

    But with their party commencing with rumbling laughter, it disturbs their next door neighbor from his connection to the afterlife. A geeky young man around the age of sixteen; pudgy cheeks with glasses that can barely stay on his face, over weighted teenager who has a dedicated interest in the field of magic and anime. Madoka Hadaka spends his time working at a noodle shop while his parents beg him to pursue a college education to make something of himself in the future. Instead, would rather live the life as a ‘normal’ human being, living off of ramen and reading his manga.

Madoka:…..[growls] Hey!! I can’t concentrate with all the racket over there!!….[growls] darn it, I’m coming over there!


    He then blows out the candles around the alchemy circle and storms next door to the others, fiercely knocking on the door disturbing their party. Kunoichi then walks to the door to answer it, and soon, Madoka’s rage is silenced by Kunoichi’s beauty when she opens the door.

Kunoichi: Hi, can I help you?
Madoka: Uh…[thinking] Such, beauty…A true completion of God’s creation!
Kunoichi: Can I, help you?
Madoka: Oh, I was…just in the neighborhood and heard some party music. I’m your next door neighbor, Madoka Hadaka at your service.
Kunoichi: Oh, nice to meet you, I’m Kunoichi…our uncle, isn’t here right now so.
Madoka: Mind if I come in?!
Kunoichi: Uh, I’m not sure.
Suzuki: He’s a nerdy looking pervert!! Shove him out the door!!
Madoka: [blushes] Who said that?! I am not a pervert!
Suzuki: Whoops.
Otis: [whispers] He has a heightened spiritual sense, keep your voices down yo.
Kunoichi: I’m sorry, but my uncle doesn’t allow visitors while he’s away.
Madoka: It’s okay, maybe you can come over to my place? Hmm?
Kunoichi: I don’t know, I’m not supposed to leave either.
Madoka: It’ll only take a second, just to know each other better.
Kushiro: The answer is no you perverted piece of ass!!

    Kushiro somehow slams the door in Madoka’s face, breaking his nose as he holds it to keep the blood from spilling on his school uniform shirt.

Madoka: Who was that?!
Kunoichi: Kushiro!
Kushiro: You have to be careful Kunoichi, that creep wasn’t here for a simple hello.
Hamaru: Oooh, brother’s jealous.
Kushiro: I’ll show you jealous!
Madoka: There are voices in there…but there were only her and that kid…Then, what was those voices I heard?

    With the perverted teenager out of the way, the gang resumes their quality time with each other. Enjoying the time Kushiro has left, before he sets out on his journey to fulfill his promise. Back in the Reikai World, Ayame and the others were free to go after having a physical exam, and were soon released to join the others. Ayame says farewell to the others, and finds Chiyoku sitting by herself, drawing the campus grounds with the evening sun set over the horizon.

Ayame: Amazing.
Chiyoku: Oh, it’s you. You’re feeling better now.
Ayame: Yeah, that’s an amazing drawing Chiyoku.
Chiyoku: Thanks, you wouldn’t happen to know where Miwa is do you?
Ayame: No, I was going to see if she and the others were at the dorm. Can I see your drawings?
Chiyoku: Sure.

    Ayame takes a look at Chiyoku’s portfolio, stunned by the magnificent bravura of her drawings of nature itself. Ayame soon comes across a cycle of pictures of Miwa, each identical than the last.

Ayame: You really missed her.
Chiyoku:…That’s only some of them…When I heard the orphanage blew up, she was the only person I could draw. I couldn’t get her out of my mind, and now….she’s going to leave me again.
Ayame: I promise she’ll be okay, she’s strong and stubborn, but sometime that stubbornness helps sometimes.
Chiyoku:…Ayame…Promise me she’ll make it back okay. [sobs]….she’s my best friend and…I.
Ayame:…I’ll try my best Chiyoku.

    Soon nightfall cloaks the skies, Kushiro and Suzuki say their farewells to Kunoichi and Hamaru at Yukio‘s house. Farewells that could be their last words to their beloved friends. Although Hamaru is in a cheerful mood, Kunoichi cannot shake the feeling that this will be the last time she will see Kushiro.

Yukio: Well, I hope you guys had a great time together.
Otis: Oh we did man.
Yukio: Otis, I was wondering if you could look after Kunoichi and the others till we get back.
Otis: Don’t worry Yukio, I’ll watch after the little ones.
Suzuki: You take care now Hamaru.
Hamaru: I will Suzuki. Brother?
Kushiro: Yeah?
Hamaru: Be careful out there.
Kushiro: I will you runt, you just keep that nerd away from Kunoichi. [chuckles]
Hamaru: I’ll do my best brother.
Kunoichi: [silent]
Kushiro: Kunoichi, you haven’t said a word since we got here. You okay?
Kunoichi:….Kushiro, take this with you.
Kushiro: The necklace I gave you.
Kunoichi: Please?
Kushiro: Why?
Kunoichi:…It’ll make me feel closer to you.
Kushiro:….Kunoichi.
Kunoichi: Goodbye, Kushiro.

    Kunoichi quickly wraps her arms around his neck, and gives him one final kiss before leaving him. She lets go of him and runs off crying into the portal, leaving Kushiro behind speechless and nervous of them breaking up with the necklace dangling in his hand. Hamaru and Otis follow behind her as the portal closes, while Kushiro and Suzuki head back to the dorm. Suzuki hangs behind him feeling sorry for Kushiro, as she tries to cheer him up.

Suzuki: Sooo, want to hang out some more?
Kushiro: [silent]
Suzuki: We can play some checkers…you can be red! Or we can watch a movie! Something with some action, comedy, a little romance won’t hurt!
Kushiro: Suzuki…stop it please.
Suzuki:…But she may have not meant that. Maybe she meant goodbye as in, “goodbye and see you later.”
Kushiro:….I wish she was.
Suzuki:….Kushi.

    Later at night, after greeting Ayame back from recovering, Suzuki shares the horrible news to Miwa and Ayame.

Ayame: Really?
Chiyoku: Poor guy.
Miwa: I don’t blame her.
Suzuki: Look, I know you think Kushi is ugly, but this is important! That skank dumped Kushi, again!!
Ayame: Suzuki, sometimes letting someone go is what’s best.
Suzuki: Huh?
Miwa: Their relationship was at a dead end. What would they benefit from it?
Suzuki: Well, they would be together and happy and kissing.
Ayame: Besides that.
Suzuki:…I don’t see what else.
Chiyoku: You don’t know?
Suzuki: Know what?
Miwa: Clueless.
Chiyoku: [giggles] I think Suzuki’s kind of cute when she’s clueless.
Suzuki: Thank you.

    From morning dusk to the night’s shade, slumber falls upon the students’ of the academy, all except for one. For Kushiro’s broken heart keeps him awake, dangling the necklace his once beloved Kunoichi, kept close to her heart for so long over his face. Sadness fuels a heart of lost love, and is burned with the fiery embers of uncertainty and anger towards one’s self. Kushiro must now fight his broken heart, and focus on the matters at hand. For protecting Kunoichi and his mother from the goddesses is not the only difficult task he must triumph over, but he must also be the one to save the world and the afterlife, from eternal damnation in the ruthless hands of Chaos.