I admit, this is probably a weak chapter but enjoy nevertheless! But finally, the block has ended!
Enjoy!
Chapter 9: There's Gonna Be A Battle Tonight, So Grit Those Teeth! Reveals will be made!
(Our chapter begins as the deadline is nearly up, as Sachiko and her vast army stand in the middle of vast courtyard of the Ryuusei compound. With them, are Kyoko and Akari...With one of them having a major complaint)
Kyoko: (hugging herself for warmth as she shivers from the cold winter night) Damn, couldn't you just lend me a coat or something?
Sachiko: (wearing body armor over her kimono/hakama hybrid outfit, not really caring as she cleans her wooden naginata with a piece of cloth) You're not exactly a guest in my estate once this trade is made soon, so suck it up. (She then gives her polished weapon a few practice swings) Besides, you're wearing two sets of shirts and a vest.
Kyoko: (growls) It's freaking winter out here!
Akari: Just bear with it, Kyoko. We'll get out of this jam soon. Besides, it's not that bad.
Kyoko: W-Whose side are you on here?! (then notices something is amiss amongst the crowd) Where's the crazy one with the gun? Not much of an alliance if the second leader isn't here.
Sachiko: Ms. Azai is gathering her forces to come here.
Kyoko: (shocked, noticing that the Azai group is more or less equal in numbers as they stand behind besides the Ryuusei army) Really?! She has more?!
Nobita: (popping out from the crowd) Well, Ms. Hino, the Azai Conglomerative and Ryuusei Clan once had an alliance set up once Kachimushi and Matsu got together, but after he left...Well, let's just say many potential members from that alliance opt to serve Matsu than Sachi due to seniority…
Akari: But aren't you Kachimushi protege from what I heard? I'm surprised you're still keeping your head down to Azai.
Nobita: (shrugs) What can I say? ...I guess I was always more suited to be a subor-
Sachiko: (annoyed) Nobita! What's our status?
Nobita: (surprised at the outburst) Eh? Um, Crusher Lee and his guys finally came in, so that's everyone. Freddy is making sure we're all ready in case the Onimada Brothers are up to something.
Sachiko: Good, you know how it is. (sighs) I heard that many of Kenshin Onimada's allies somehow got away from us...Especially Mosuke Murakami. (frowns) Our highway squad said that he was cutting up cars like it was a hot knife through butter before he broke through our barricades…
Kyoko and Akari (thoughts) That's Mosuke alright... (sweat drop)
Sachiko: (grumbles) Shibata and Omiko are bad enough but to have Murakami in the picture is just making things worse. (looks even more annoyed than ever) I hate to admit it, but accepting Matsu's offer is our best choice after all… (then a roar of engine is heard from the distance)
Kyoko: (actually noticing something) Wait, I know only one engine that sounds like that… (then with a sudden crash, the Onimada's family pickup truck is seen in mid-air before slamming down on the other side of the courtyard, bodies of various guards flying through the air) ...I figure this was going to happen. (the doors to the truck are swung open as both brothers emerge from the vehicle)
Maxtaro: (looking rather bewildered as they walk away from the slightly battered truck, a 2 by 4 in his hand) Jeez...Last time we take a shortcut.
Kenshin: (holding the box, looking annoyed) Hey, it got us here, didn't it? (Sachiko then raises a hand)
Sachiko: Stop right there! (then nods to Kyoko and Akari, only to raise her weapon up to their necks) One single step forward, then these two with me will pay for it!
Kenshin: (growls) Already?! Why should I- (Akari then raises her voice)
Akari: Kenshin! Do as she says!
Maxtaro: (gawking) Are you really caving to her, Akari?! I thought you got like nerves of steel or something, yet you folded like a saltine cracker?!
Akari: (growls) What the-I am so not caving! (glares at Kenshin) Do you really have to bring him here?!
Kenshin: (shrugs) Like him or not, he and Kyoko are in pretty deep with us!
Kyoko: ...He has a point. (glares at Maxtaro) Meanwhile, I think you owe me an explanation!
Maxtaro: (rolling his eyes) Figure that was the first thing you would bring up-
Sachiko: Enough! Nobita, go with our hostages to exchange for that cake!
Nobita: No problem-Uh! (notices Maxtaro giving him a death glare) Damn, he's still pissed?
Kyoko: Are you that surprised- (notices the naginata inching even closer to her neck) Shutting up now! (sweat drop)
Sachiko: Trust me Nobita, I have a group of marksmen right behind me. If they hurt you…
Nobita: Sachi… (smiles) I guess you got my back as always.
Sachiko: (returns a small smile of her own) I should say that instead. (Nobita then walks with Kyoko and Akari in tow. It wasn't long for the group to be within arms reach of the brothers)
Maxtaro: Kyoko, you okay?
Kyoko: A little. (grumbles) Though I'm still mad at you for keeping this from me.
Maxtaro: (mumbles as well as avoiding eye contact) At least I did say the truth about a cake run...
Nobita: Alright, you got your girls back. Now hand me the box. (notices the brothers giving a glare to him, Kenshin's giving a near ghastly aura)
Kenshin: ...Why should I?
Nobita: (groans) Oh come on, it was a nice night until you two came in. Do we have to kick a dog just to get a freaking cake?
Akari: Kenshin please...Don't do anything rash. I know you're mad but this isn't a good time.
Kenshin: (growls, but relents) Fine, only because you said so… (then extends his hand that carries the metal box) Here, hope it gets messed up or something.
Nobita: (chuckles) So, you can order him around-
Kyoko: (annoyed) Shut up, the side of my head is still sore from that kick of yours.
Maxtaro: (growls) Wow, I really want to tear your head off now.
Nobita: (sighs) Never gonna live that down, huh? (he then takes the box from Kenshin) Still, you made the right choice.
Kenshin: (frowns) Please shut the Hell up before I change my mind. (Nobita only grins as he turns to leave) Trolling douche.
Maxtaro: Hell yeah.
Kyoko: Count me in.
Akari: (not really caring) Can we go now?
Kenshin: Oh yeah. (reach into his jacket pocket, and pulls out Akari's glasses) Akari, you need these.
Akari: (touched) Oh...Thank you, Kenshin.
Kenshin: (with a concerned look) Well, those did belong to your mother after all…
Akari: (with a warm smile as she puts them back on) Of course, you never forget that. (Maxtaro and Kyoko could only stare for a while)
Kyoko: Maxtaro...You have my jacket right? It's really cold out here.
Maxtaro: Uh! (twiddles his fingers) I left that at my house- (he quickly found himself in a headlock from a very annoyed Kyoko) Ow! it was an honest mistake!
Kyoko: (growls) You better hope I don't get sick because you'll be the first idiot I'll infect on purpose!
Maxtaro: Oh my god, you're biting me! (it wasn't long for Nobita to head back to Sachiko's side)
Nobita: (smirks) Whadda know? I came back in one piece after all.
Sachiko: (rolling her eyes) Don't be such a show-off. Fred? (Freddy then takes the box and with a key, unlocks it to find the cake...In one piece, not a single mess involved)
Freddy: (whistles) I'll be damn, it's still in one piece after all.
Nobita: Yeah...To think it would take such a beating similar to yours-
Freddy: (growls) Shut your mouth when it comes to your seniors
Nobita: (chuckles nervously) I-I didn't mean it like that, but alright then. (sweat drop)
Sachiko: (sighs) We dodged a bullet alright. (then shouts to the four on the other side) Then that is that! We got what we wanted, this is your last chance to back away! (the reveal shock all around her)
Nobita and Freddy: (surprised) Eh?!
Our heroes: (also surprised) Say wha?!
Sachiko: Don't think that means I let you off the hook, Kenshin Onimada. But this night has only made things worst, beyond my control. Matsu Azai will be here soon and even you have to agree this is too much for you! If you are foolish enough to even consider fighting us, there will no pieces of you all remaining once the sun rises! So consider this mercy! (everyone is stunned at such a change in plans...But Kenshin is unfazed by such words)
Kenshin: (chuckles) Wait, so that's it? We all walk away and continue this shit some other time when Ms. Psycho Ex-Girlfriend of your brother doesn't get involved in your crap? (he then laughs) Wow, I guess after all that bullshit, we get off scot free!
Kyoko: (leaning to Maxtaro as she whispers) He's not serious, is he?
Maxtaro: How should I know? (then Kenshin finally stops laughing...Only to show a frown)
Kenshin: But yeah, I'm not gonna back down from this, not by a damn longshot.
Sachiko: (shocked) What?! But-
Kenshin: (with a shout) Listen good! (Sachiko could only stop as Kenshin raises his voice) This "mercy" of yours isn't gonna fly if this means we're gonna repeat this stupid night again one of these days! I can take a beating, but when you target people under my watch...That's a guarantee way I will never stop until I leave bodies lying around in masses! (points a finger at Sachiko as his rage builds up, baring his fangs) So why stop there tonight when I can just end it all here?! By the time I'm done you all, you'll be sick of ever thinking bout this revenge bullshit on me ever again!
Sachiko: (mutters) He's insane. (but at the same time, she notices a rather large crimson ghastly aura coming from Kenshin as his death glare seems to freeze up the entire Ryuusei/Azai army to fear) B-But can we really stop him? (shudders) So this is an aura of one of the Four Greats...No, it's more than that!
Akari: Kenshin… (looks at her scarred arm, covered by her sleeve, with unease over a seething rage not seen from Kenshin for years till now) It's just like that time… (then a laugh is heard from the distance as Matsu has shown her face at last)
Matsu: So you are this dumb, Kenshin Onimada! (the gang notices that behind her is even more men of the Azai Conglomerate, ready to do battle as they emerge so sudden on large semi-trucks) I don't mind really, since that means we can get this over with!
Sachiko: (shocked at Matsu's entrance) Matsu!
Maxtaro: (also shocked) Her again?! What the Hell is with this night?!
Kenshin: (with an evil smile) So, you finally show up after all! The more the merrier!
Maxtaro, Kyoko, and Akari (thoughts): (not looking forward of the stakes being raised against them) Why did he have to say that?
Matsu: Sachiko, I admit you had guts admitting your faults in taking on this bastard, maybe you're not such an awful sister after all! (but gives a warm smile, to Sachiko's shock) But let your big oath sister handle this.
Sachiko: M-Matsu…
Matsu: Kenshin Onimada, today's your day of judgement! You will pay for harming the potential power of this alliance! To see you as a happy man...It sickens me! Any last words?!
Kenshin: (scoffs) As if, since I'm gonna be alive anyway after tonight, unlike you morons! (grins) I should ask you all that question instead, every single one of ya! Most of all...Who said I'll be doing this alone?! (then with a roar, the Izumi Garage van crashes through the gates as it stops...And hits the Onimada's truck) ...Son of a bitch.
Maxtaro: (putting his palm on his face in disbelief) ...We just fix the damn thing…
Kyoko: (cringe as she notice the obvious dent on the side) Oh...that's rough. (the van doors slide open as Tatsu and Akira rush out to join with Kenshin)
Tatsu: (baseball bat in hand) Kenshin, we're here like you told us- (Kenshin quickly smacks both Tatsu and Akira in the head in annoyance)
Kenshin: (annoyed) What the Hell are you guys doing?! (shouts at Jun, still in the driver's seat) You almost totaled my Dad's truck, Jun! Do you want me to tell Maxtaro that time you and Tatsu-
Jun and Tatsu: (frantic) No! No more blackmail stories!
Akira: (blunt as ever) Tell it anyway.
Jun: (growls) Shut up, Akira! (notices Akari trying hard not to chuckle, subtle as it can be) Akari, tell Akira to shut his damn lid!
Maxtaro: Oh god, this is gonna be a bloodbath-Awk! (is now caught in a rear naked choke hold as his own friends happen to sneak up on him)
Baku: (annoyed) Maxtaro, can you please explain to me what the Hell did you do today before I put you to sleep?!
Maxtaro: (choking out words) Dude, I-I have an explanation! How the Hell did you find out about-
Baku: (growls) Shut it! Thanks to you, I'm stuck in this bullshit too!
Nagase: Wow, off the bat too. (sweat drop)
Kyoko: I'll say...But still, it's good to have you guys with us now. (the other side couldn't believe the sudden turn of events)
Sachiko: (impressed) So...They all somehow made it to their side anyway…
Nobita: Yeah...I heard never to underestimate any of them, but I never expected this!
Kenshin: (shouts to his foes, his allies on his side) As if you can separate us! No matter what, these guys will always have my back! (looks at Maxtaro) Maxtaro, get your friends out of here, it's me they want after all.
Maxtaro: ...You know what? (growls) I'm doing this too. You're my brother after all so this is family business.
Kenshin: (impressed) Damn, Ami really toughened you up from that wimp when we were kids, huh?
Maxtaro: (annoyed) Shut up. Also… (then roars to Nobita) I'm in it so I can beat up that asshole over there for kicking me and Kyoko earlier tonight!
Nobita: (mumbles) Well, never gonna live that down it seems.
Maxtaro: (looks at his friends) Guys, I'm sorry things went like this, but I gotta stay. (Maxtaro's three childhood friends could only share looks before giving a frown to Maxtaro) The Hell's with that look?
Kyoko: (sighs) Maxtaro...you're an idiot, you know that? You honestly suck at asking for help.
Nagase: She's got a point. Just ask us already!
Baku: I don't really want to be here, but you're a moron to think I wouldn't help you out.
Maxtaro: (annoyed) ...I hate it when you guys do that "follow me to the gates of Hell" crap. (then grins) But okay then, follow me then!
Akira: (greatly annoyed) ...You 4 are idiots, too young for this crap-
Maxtaro and crew: (growls) Shut up Akira!
Nagase: (scoffs) I told you he's a dick.
Kyoko: (huffs) He never changes…
Kenshin: Haha! (gives a grin at the annoyed Sachiko and Matsu) Well, scaring the Hell out of me with your numbers isn't working so far! (then points at Matsu) You still wanna kill me...Then you're welcome to try!
Matsu: (shocked) Cocky son of a-
Sachiko: (annoyed) Matsu, this is clearly not working! He's not some thug who begs for mercy!
Matsu: (growls) That asshole… (then gives a grin) At least that'll give me this option! (then a large group of armed gangsters rush towards Kenshin)
Tatsu: (shocked, nearing dropping his cigarette) The Hell?! So fast!
Matsu: Nobody can take the sting of the Azai Melee Corp! Go and strike a death blow on Onimada! (Kenshin then gives a smile as he walks forward, to the the shock of half his group)
Maxtaro: (shocked) Aren't you gonna do something Kenshin?! They're too damn fast for you!
Kenshin: Fast huh? Too bad...He's here. (then as the men drive their weapons at him, a sudden blur zooms in front, stopping the attacks dead on with ease….With one wooden sword)
Matsu: Eh?!
Maxtaro and gang: Wha?!
Akari: (sighs) He finally shows up.
Kenshin: (chuckles) What took ya so long, Mosuke? (Mosuke, revealed to the defender, then gives a grin back at Kenshin, his sword arm holding the deadlocked gangsters in stunned awe)
Mosuke: Kenshin, you know how it is. (then with quick fluid movements of his wrist, his swift strikes of his bokken blew the attackers into the air) Tomo is a slow driver at times.
Kenshin: (scoffs) Made her cry and all again? Lemme guess, her car is wreck?
Mosuke: (frowns) Well….Let's not get into that and focus on the issue here. (then points his blade at Matsu) Sachiko Ryuusei and Matsu Azai! I'm giving you a chance to leave us all alone for good! (then gives a regretful look at Sachiko herself) ...You knew the consequences telling me where to find your brother all those years ago…
Matsu: Uh? (notices Sachiko clutching her naginata in a tight grip of barely restrained emotions)
Sachiko: I do...A part of me feared he was letting his title of bancho turn him into something else, that he was no longer the brother I idolized. (then growls) That part of me was naive and foolish to trust you!
Kenshin: (frowns) So what? You think a cake might get him to forgive ya? (a cold dead silence kicks in)
Sachiko: ...Either that, or your head.
Kenshin: (with a grim tone) And like I said...You're welcome to try, but it ain't easy. It just gets tougher when it comes to facing me...
(meanwhile, not too long ago, at the Ryuusei compound gates…)
Guard: (looks at the mess both the Onimada truck and Izumi van left behind) Damn, I can't believe that happened… (then notices a lone figure heading up to the group) What the-Hold it right there! (the stout bespectacled figure, Akagi Shindo, smiles as he gives a wave)
Akagi: Hello there! Is this the Ryuusei household?
Guard: Wait...Oh Hell, it's Shindo, Onimada's spymaster! (the large group of guards pull out their weapons)
Akagi: (shocked) Whoa, let's not be hasty! I'm just a part time worker at a pachinko parlor these days! (he then couldn't help but chuckles) Wait, they call me spymaster? That's actually kinda cool.
Guard: Shut it! They say everyone under Kenshin Onimada is a major threat to us, no exceptions!
Akagi: Wow...Okay then, you got me. But care if I make a speech?
Guard: ...Wha? (looks at the other guards) Ummm...Okay…
Akagi: (bows) Thank you. Now, where was I? (clears his throat) Oh yes, it seems tonight might be a day I would probably end up in a hospital bed. I mean the nurses are hot and I wouldn't mind a week stay or two, but maybe not with a broken limb...They probably don't like that stuff. (then a sudden shaking of the ground becomes somewhat noticeable) But you know what? I got some friends beyond those gates that need me. Sure I'm just one guy and I might get my ass kicked, but friends comes first I say, so I'm ready to enter the jaws of Hell! (at that very moment, the guards eyes widen in terror as a large group of former gang members are slowly flooding in their view)
Guard: Oh shit…. (sweat drop)
Akagi: But thing is...I'm so glad I'm not doing this alone, I kinda suck at a fight!
(back to Kenshin at the present time, as the infamous group known as the Kaimon Frontline explodes as they wrecked their way past the gates, shocking both Sachiko and Matsu)
Sachiko: W-What?! How did he get so many people?!
Kenshin: Like I said, the moment you try to screw with me, you're just making a big mistake. It's too late to back away from this. You want a battle, you got one!
Matsu: (growls) Then so be it! We will crush you, for Kachi! (then a laugh is heard from the distance, revealing the figure who has caused a ruckus himself most of the night, as he stands at the roof of the Ryuusei complex)
Mystery Man: Well, I can see that the name of Kachimushi Ryuusei is still important after all!
Matsu: (shocked) T-That voice! (Sachiko, however trembles in fear)
Sachiko: ...B-Brother? (gasps and murmurs are heard all around, as the man then removes his cloak, revealing a gruff looking man in his early 20s, eyes narrowing down at Kenshin with hatred. Kachimushi Ryuusei, former bancho of Kaimon, and the long lost heir of the Ryuusei clan has returned!)
Kachimushi: Kenshin Onimada...I will destroy you and regain all that I have lost! (what do our merry gang has to say to that?!)
Kyoko: … (looks at Maxtaro) All this because you two needed a cake?!
Maxtaro: I know...
(Well, as one movie infamous meme-tastic line said, shit just got real! The final set of battles for this damn strawberry cake and revenge begins!)
To be continued.
Till Next Time!