[September 8, 2418 - Saturday, 5:20 PM]
Amon walked into the Burning Bulls hideout and groaned softly as he rubbed the back of his neck. He looked up to see Koshin, Ichi, Zack, and Eiko hanging around the lounge, the guys playing a video game on the TV while Eiko watched videos on her phone.
Amon scoffed softly at the four as he walked into the lounge, tossing multiple ziploc bags of satura upon the table. "Hey! I didn't know we were allowed to get lazy after Hideyoshi was arrested. You all giving up on this mission?"
Koshin paused the game and set his controller down on the table, chuckling softly and sat back against the couch while on the floor. "Giving up? Nah, we've still been pushing all over Hojin. What? The numbers aren't what you expected?"
"Yes, the numbers are getting low. So, get off your lazy asses and start pushing this satura. My father doesn't accept sloths in his business and neither will I. I don't care if the Izuna is being blessed by God personally, we still got work," Amon said, walking over to Eiko and snatching her phone out of her hand.
"Heeeyyy, give that back!" Eiko whined, reaching up toward Amon to grab her phone.
Amon scoffed at Eiko then walked off to the large white board, flipping it over then looked at all the cities they had successfully sold in. "All you've been doing is Hojin and Kabetori. What better are we to only sell to our kind? We are no better than the tax collectors."
"Twisting the words of the Gospels to fit your narrative? Huh, I didn't know you read the word. However, such noble words isn't gonna make us work any harder. We're chilling," Koshin said, standing up on his feet and placed his turban on his head.
Amon swiped his hand to the left, the ground shifting under Koshin's feet and forcing him to sit down in the couch. "'Chilling' doesn't get us the money we all want and need. If you want more stash for yourself, you have to sell the product we already have."
"I know the best place to go to make such sells also," Amon said, tapping on a picture of Hajima City. "Such a beautiful city has to know what such dust tastes like. Maybe, it'll give more flavor to that bland uptight city."
"Hajima City? Oh shit, you're going for the big wave huh? You do realize some of the most prestigious Valkyrias and Strijders live there right? No way you're gonna have this work," Zack said with an amused chuckle.
Amon scoffed at Zack then looked back at the white board. "If such tricks could even fool Nanako, I wouldn't underestimate how many people want an escape from reality. Such an escape...not even Tenshi can resist this drug."
Eiko groaned and sat up on the couch, resting her arm on the back of the couch as she shifted to look at Amon. "And what about that Detective Binah and his partner, Inuoe? What do you suggest should we run into either one?"
"We have friends and allies of our own. We have Truth Manipulation on our side, so if anything goes wrong..." Amon said, taking a black and lavender oval Ark out of his pocket. "We just rewrite the truth with this...Shinsosa."
"An Ark? Where did you get one of those from?" Ichi asked, his expression shifting into a surprised look.
"That doesn't matter. All that matters is our mission becoming complete. If we can get Hajima City hooked on satura, that's a major division fallen into our hands like Kabetori. My father captured Kabetori and their Big Three. Now, I will capture Hajima City and their Big Three," Amon laughed.
{Chapter 38: Friends}
[September 8, 2418 - Saturday, 5:30 PM]
Hanma, Naomi, and I finally made it back to Hajima City so Nanako could potentially reunite with Shokyo and White Ø, a moment Nanako never thought she would have again. As we drove through the evening city scenery, Naomi hung out the window with an excited squeal as her hair flew back from the wind.
I sat in the backseat and looked out the window, noticing the various Valkyrias and Strijders wandering around the city, some going to dinner dates while others hung out around the Hajima Square. The destruction from the battle with White Ø was partially fixed, the swift works of the Valkyrias and Strijders proved by their efficiency.
"Alright, we're here. Hajima Square," Hanma said, parking his car in the parking lot.
"You're coming with us?" I asked, tilting my head to look at Hanma.
"Why not? I used to work for the Suzuki and Hashi Clan here, plus my car came from the Suzuki Clan. Wouldn't hurt going down memory lane for once," Hanma said, stopping his car and stepping out.
I watched as Hanma got out then followed behind then walked around the car to open the door for Naomi. Naomi smiled at me as she stepped out then grabbed onto my arm once I closed the door. The three of us began to head into Hajima Square with plans to enjoy the city for a moment while we were here.
Naomi began looking around the square, her eyes sparkling as the memories of her time here as a little girl began playing in her head. She pointed at every store and establishment she shopped at, each store being a jewelry store, a restaurant, or a mall.
As I continued to let Naomi drag me around, I began to realize that Naomi was just as spoiled as Nanako was, with the difference of Naomi absolutely loved the money and gifts. Little differences as such kept my mind from thinking Nanako and Naomi were the same people, despite their vastly similar upbringings.
"Oh! Look at that shop! Yaku-Tsuya! I remember coming here all the time! My father would give me a load of cash to just spend here! All the jewelry, accessories, the precious gemstones! They're just so...pikapika!" Naomi giggled, looking up at me with a bright smile.
"Pikapika. I've never heard anyone actually use that in real life until now. You want to go in there?" I asked, pointing at Yaku-Tsuya with my thumb.
"Mhm! Can we?" Naomi asked with jittering excitement.
I took my phone out of my pocket then checked how much money I had left in my bank account. I inhaled sharply then cleared my throat, closing my eyes. 'Have I really just been throwing money around like that..? Do I really want to be on the White Wolves bad side right now if I ask for money?'
"Well~? Can we?" Naomi asked, looking up at me for my answer.
"Hold on, let me make a quick phone call. It'll be quick," I said, giving Naomi a smile.
"Okay! Be fast though! The really good stuff will be bought up!" Naomi called out to me as I walked off to make a call.
Hanma watched as I walked off to make a call. "I don't ever charge him for rides and he's making money calls? Jesus, what are you spending your money on."
I held my phone to my ear as I waited for someone to pick up the phone, once they picked up, I began talking. "Heido, yo bro, you're awake?"
"As always, lil bro! Just hanging out with my big headed cousin," Heido replied, letting out a chuckle as Tsubami slapped him against his head.
"My head isn't as big as your ego!" Tsubami called out from the background.
Heido chuckled again and sighed softly. "So, what's up, Oto? Need something from yours truly?"
"Yeah, but only if it doesn't get on Uncle Nagai's bad side if I ask. I need some money because me and Naomi are kinda on a date, and I wasn't expecting Kajima to be this expensive. At the very least, the stores she wants to go to," I explained.
Heido let out a laugh over the phone. "Get on Ojisan Nagai's bad side? Yo, bro, I haven't told you this but because the Izunas are so close to the Nagagami, Ojisan Nagai just lets you borrow money without needing anything back. Ask and you shall receive, type of stuff."
"No, it was knock and the door will be opened! Or was it something else that God said? It's one of those, but hey, I got you! Check your account right..." Heido began, his voice growing quieter as he took his phone from his ear. "Now."
I felt my phone vibrate then glanced down at my phone screen, noticing a notification banner at the top of my screen then grunted in shock with soft coughs.
{Mune Kurejitto Bank: Heido has transferred ¥500,000 into your savings! Be sure to send thanks!}
"What the hell..? Did you recharge your account or something? Just a few days ago, I nearly bankrupt you at Tactile Dreams," I said, holding my phone back to my ear.
"Ojisan Nagai gives us a monthly allowance of ¥5,000,000 for us to use however we want and another million to steward. You know I can spare some good change for you, lil bro! If you need anything more, call me. I gotta catch up to Tsubami before she leaves me in the dust," Heido said before hanging up.
I looked at my phone screen again, seeing the call had ended then closed my eyes with a soft chuckle. "For a Yakuza that extorts people to get their loans back, Uncle Nagai is rather generous to the Izuna and Fugigami I suppose..."
-----------------------
Hanma picked up a ruby that was the size of his palm, grunting softly by its surprising weight. He looked back at me and Naomi, watching as Naomi stared at the various jewelry in their casings then rose an eyebrow as he noticed a faint sky blue silhouette lingering behind Naomi.
I looked at some of the gemstones in the store as well and hummed softly, thinking back to Nagini's comment about me not having an Ark. My eyes landed upon a silver asscher cut diamond sitting upon a white cushion.
Naomi scooted beside me, wondering what I was looking at then gasped. "Ooouuu~ That one looks so beautiful. It looks like...it looks like one of those Zodiac Crystals."
I glanced at Naomi then looked past her, noticing Nanako nodding in agreement then snickered softly, my gaze returning to the gemstone. "What Zodiac do you think this one inhabits then? Wait, how do you know about the Zodiac Crystals but not Valkyrias?"
"Come on, everyone should know about the Zodiacs. Especially the Zodiac Knights that once protected the mainlands? Look, I'll admit, I only read the Zodiac Chronicles because it was the most interesting one," Naomi admitted, looking at me as if I was judging her.
I shook my head with a chuckle then stood up straight as I glanced down at the price. "It's only ¥75,950? That's cheap as hell for a museum level artifact."
"We should get it! Oh, and there's something else I noticed over there," Naomi said excitedly, grabbing my hand and pulling me away from the asscher gemstone.
"Huh— Wait—" I protested as I dropped my phone due to being yanked.
Hanma chuckled at the two of us then looked back at my phone, noticing it was hovering in the air then floated behind me quickly as if someone was running after us. He rose an eyebrow with increased curiosity, following behind us to watch the sky blue silhouette lingering behind Naomi.
Once we decided what we wanted to get, the three of us walked out of Yaku-Tsuya with a jewelry box in our hands. Hanma opened his box, revealing the massive sapphire he decided to buy then hummed as he noticed an Ł symbol embedded into the gemstone.
"Now that's what I call a successful hunt! U~fufufufu~! I can't wait to try on all of these accessories and show my father that I can still be spoiled without him~!" Naomi said, letting out another noblewoman laugh.
I looked at Naomi then glanced behind her, noticing Nanako giggling softly at Naomi and chuckled softly myself. I looked around the square to see what else we had to do before going to see Shokyo and White Ø. "Let's see..."
"Oh? If it isn't the Bunny Man," A familiar gruff voice sounded to our right.
Naomi and I looked to our right, noticing White Ø and Shokyo walking up yo us. Naomi gasped as she looked at White Ø and Shokyo, Nanako's memories of them playing in her head and causing her to grunt softly while holding her head.
"That lion...looks exactly like the one we won from the carnival..." Naomi said, opening one eye and looked at White Ø.
"You mean that pity gift from the carnival worker? Yeah, I noticed that...I wasn't expecting them to appear in the square, however," I replied, watching as the two approached us.
Shokyo walked up to the three of us and looked at Naomi, raising an eyebrow as she could see her sister in Naomi. "Hm, you must be Naomi Suzuki. Your father has told me a lot about you."
"I am, it is I, Princess Naomi Suzuki, born in Itakatsu and raised in the humbling Matsugaya!" Naomi said in the most theatrical way humanly possible.
I lowered my face into my hand, shaking my head slowly. "You're worse than the Great and Mighty Emma Chisaka... I nearly forgot how theatrical you can be."
White Ø hummed softly at Naomi then his eyes began to glow as he noticed a sky blue silhouette lingering behind Naomi. He squinted his eyes slightly and began looking closer at the blue silhouette. "Hm..? A spirit is with her..?"
Nanako looked at White Ø in complete shock, her figure staying still in her spot. She looked at Shokyo with a soft, ghostly gasp, finally noticing how much she had aged then looked at herself. She had began to truly realize how long she had been her condition for.
"What brings you back to Hajima City? Did you have more questions about Nanako you wanted to ask?" Shokyo asked then took a sip of her juice box.
I shook my head then looked over at Naomi, noticing Nanako hadn't made a move yet out of shock and disorientation. "Well, I wanted to come visit you so...we could reunite you with someone."
"Is it that spirit behind that Princess? Something about her seems so familiar... It feels like Nanako's presence," White Ø said, walking forward to Naomi then sniffed her clothes with a low grumble in his throat. "No...that is definitely Nanako's presence."
"Huh? What do you mean? I'm not Nanako. I wasn't even born when Nanako had passed, but apparently she's a Doppelgeist?" Naomi said, looking down at White Ø and crouched down in front of him.
White Ø looked into Naomi's rose gold eyes, staying still as Naomi reached for his head and placed her hand upon his head. As she began petting him, a sense of familiarity washed over her and she began to smile at White Ø, as if she knew who he was.
White Ø could also sense the familiarity within Naomi, his gaze constantly looking past Naomi to see the sky blue silhouette lingering behind. Naomi felt a wave of emotions hit her, tears forming in her eyes as Nanako's memories with White Ø began playing in her head.
Shokyo stared at Naomi and walked over to her, noticing how calm White Ø was around her. "Not even White Ø is this level of calm around me... Is that you...Nanako?"
As Shokyo said Nanako's name, Naomi looked up at Shokyo, her eyes flashing a magenta glow for a split second. Shokyo stared into her eyes then felt a presence coming over her, as if it were hugging her tightly, the touch cold to the skin.
Naomi didn't feel the influencing presence around her anymore and looked down at White Ø, gasping and standing up quickly before hiding behind me. "Whoa! Why is he so close to me?"
I chuckled softly at Naomi then looked ahead at Nanako and Shokyo, seeing Nanako holding onto Shokyo tightly yet Shokyo couldn't see nor touch her back. Shokyo could do nothing, but just feel Nanako's overbearing presence around her without knowing she's there.
While the Hashis were reuniting after 30 years of being apart, the Burning Bulls had entered Hajima City on their motorcycles and revved their loud engines through the streets. Amon drifted into a stop at the center of the square then took off his helmet with a soft exhale.
Koshin stopped his motorcycle beside him then looked around the prestigious city and scoffed lightly. "Smells like high class in this holier than thou city. How do you know these people aren't too goodie two shoes here?"
"Like I said before, even my dad's old ex-girlfriend fell for these narcotics. No one here is above using drugs of this caliber...and with this new formula that my dad made, I was given the chance to sell the first batch. Why not start big?" Amon asked, getting off his motorcycle then looked down at his phone.
"Our first client should be here soon. He's only ten away from here," Amon continued, slipping his hands into his pockets.
Koshin leaned against his motorcycle with his arms crossed then looked around, noticing a few people giving them strange looks because of their Burning Bulls logo upon their jackets. "Let's just make this quick before I burn this city to the ground."
Eiko sighed as she held onto Ichi and rested the side of her face against her boyfriend's back. "Yeah, I don't wanna stick around here for too much longer..."
White Ø hummed with curiosity as he began smelling a strong scent in the air then began looking around, the smell of satura entering his nose then he let out a powerful roar. "A Mato! They are here!"
"What?" Shokyo asked, her body shuddering as Nanako got off her.
I immediately got on high alert after White Ø's warning and looked around for the supposed Mato Clansman in the city. "Why would they be in this specific city? Don't they know this is the second most guarded city after Fujitori?"
Naomi looked at me nervously and began searching around as well. "Are you going to go find them? What if it's Jeht?"
"If it is him, we can't allow any of us to fall for his schemes. However, I don't think Jeht would be this stupid and arrogant to make a move like this one," I said, looking back at Naomi with reassurance.
As we began looking for the Mato Clansman, a Sovereign Butterfly fluttered behind a Strijder who was headed toward the main hub of Hajima Square. I immediately noticed the Sovereign Butterfly then glanced at the ground to see Nachah hopping after the man.
'Nachah and the Sovereign Butterfly..? No doubt about it, he's someone worth following,' I thought to myself, following behind the Strijder cautiously.
Naomi and the others watched as I wandered off behind the Strijder then followed after me, each of us ending up at the center of Hajima Square. Taking a hiding spot, we began watching as the Strijder walked forward to the Burning Bulls and took money out of his pocket.
I looked closer, my eyes widening as I noticed Amon holding a small bag of satura in his hand. As much as I wanted to jump out and stop it, I took a moment to pause and search my surroundings, noticing Nachah with a golden camera symbol on his fur.
'Another Save point...how dangerous will this one be..?' I asked myself as I took out my phone, snapping a picture just as Amon and the Strijder made their deal.
Koshin noticed my camera flash and stood up straight. "Hold on, there's someone there..."
'We are so screwed...' I said, rapidly tapping the flash button on my camera app to turn it off.
"We?"
"It shouldn't take My Wisdom to know to turn your flash off on a camera before snapping a Save Point..."
'Thanks, Lord... Genuinely helpful words in this moment,' I replied mentally, closing my eyes with a long sigh as I knew we couldn't turn back now.
Hanma held his hat upon his head and stepped out of his hiding spot, the Burning Bulls looking at him with confusion. He looked up at the Burning Bulls and hummed softly. "Selling drugs in Hajima City? Don't you kids have parents to be running home to?"
Zack looked at his friends then back at Hanma with a laugh, pointing at him with his thumb. "Oh man, here comes the righteous people to stop us. Wow, he must be part of the Hajima Patrol."
"I am not part of any patrol, but it is my duty as a citizen to keep this city from becoming a syndicate city like Kabetori. Now, if you don't want anymore issues, let this be your only sell and be on your way," Hanma said, his coat flowing behind him as white feathers began forming around him.
Zack scoffed at Hanma and began walking forward, cracking his knuckles with a smirk. "Or what, old man? You think you can stop us at your age?"
Hanma hummed softly at Zack then snapped his fingers, a white feather flying past his head like a bullet, stunning Zack for a moment. "That was a warning shot. If you wish to act like adults, you will be treated as such. Now, stand down."
Koshin chuckled softly and walked forward, using his flames to form his nail bat then twirled it around. "Man, and I was hoping for easy sells!"
As Koshin rushed forward with a swing of his bat, Hanma evaded his attack then grabbed Koshin's arm, flipping him over onto his back then stepped on his stomach. Koshin groaned and coughed, his left hand holding Hanma's ankle as he groaned for him to get off his stomach.
"Whoa...Your taxi driver is kinda crazy," Naomi said, glancing over at me from behind her cover.
"Yeah, I didn't know he could fight like this..." I said in awe as I witnessed Hanma's talents.
Hanma got off Koshin's stomach then glanced at Amon then fixed his hat. "So, you all still want to do this?"
Amon scoffed softly at Hanma then stood up from his motorcycle, rubbing the back of his neck. He began walking forward then swiped his hand, a rock wall rising up and sliding toward Hanma at high speeds. Hanma looked at the rock wall then formed multiple of his feathers into a protective winged barrier, blocking the rock wall from slamming into him.
While Hanma was distracted with Amon's attack, Zack rushed behind him with a leaping side kick. Before his foot could reach Hanma, his feathers automatically formed into a small shield to block his attack then Hanma tensed his muscles, shooting the shield at Zack's stomach and launched him backwards.
"Is this guy a Strijder? How is he keeping up with us like this?" Ichi asked, looking over at Amon with slight concern.
Amon studied Hanma and stared at the white feathers circling around his body. He hummed softly as he plotted then snapped his fingers, a small pebble flying toward him like a missile but Hanma dodged it with no wasted steps and felt a finger gun at Amon.
"Hold on!" I called out, rushing out of my cover to stop Hanma. "We can't kill them!"
Eiko's eyes widened as she noticed me then pointed at me. "It's you! The Izuna! How are you here as well!?"
Hanma looked back at me then lowered his hand, slipping them back into his pockets and his feathers vanished. "I wasn't intending on killing them, but...we should stop them before they get any more bright ideas."
Amon looked at me with a wide grin upon his face then let out a laugh. "Well, I suppose God does bless the good and the bad because here you are in front of me. Come to make more baseless claims against me?"
I looked at Amon then swiped my hand under my chin and scoffed. "Baseless? No, this time I'm stopping you from making another deal here in Hajima City. I'm not gonna have another Jeht running around here."
Amon sneered at me and took out his pistol from his waistband, catching me by surprise. "Well, unfortunately for you, you don't have a choice other than to stand down. This ain't a nail gun like at the cat alley on Matsugaya Campus. This is the real thing..."
I took a moment to scan my surroundings and use my Insight, noticing a few onlookers watching the situation go down from the distance. I stood up straight then tapped my forehead, letting out a thoughtful hum as I began planning.
"If I strike you, you would try to claim self defense under the pretense of Stand Your Ground... however, you were caught selling drugs and brandishing a firearm in public. I don't have to fight you, Amon..." I said, opening my eyes and pointed at the bystanders.
"Just like Hideyoshi, you could get arrested for this, but unlike him and laws regarding people our age, you wouldn't be in jail for longer than a week...unless you were tried as an adult," I continued, a smirk forming on my lips.
"Invoking the law? I suppose the Hajima PD would be on your side, but what if what you said isn't the full truth?" Amon said, holding other his hand in his pocket while grasping Shinsosa. "After all, that man attacked us first."
I tapped my forehead once again, closing my eyes and hummed softly. "Hm, that is true...but you're missing one important factor."
"Hey, let me go!" The Strijder protested as he was being dragged back to the scene by Shokyo and White Ø.
"No criminal leaves behind a traceless step," I said, looking over at the Strijder.
Amon glanced at the buyer then scoffed at the fact that he got caught then looked at Shokyo, seeing her magenta eyes then grunted softly. 'What the heck..? She looks similar to Nanako...'
"Now that we have everything here, the real show can begin. So, let's make all of this simple and just put your hands behind your back. I would hate to embarrass you all again like when I saved Natsuki from you all," I said, shrugging my shoulders with a smug expression.
"What? You know you only won that because the SPA helped you! It's just you and whatever small fry you have with you! This time, we have Amon here, a Turf War Champion! You're not beating him in a fight!" Koshin scoffed, standing up on his feet and pointed his bat at me.
I chuckled at Koshin's statement then held my hands up sarcastically. "I don't even know why you all follow this guy. I can tell he doesn't even respect you all, and only uses you for money. Well, let me give you a proposition..."
Zack rose an eyebrow at me then looked at Ichi and his friends. "Proposition?"
Amon rose an eyebrow as well, lowering his gun and decided to entertain my proposition. "Hm. So you think you have a deal that's better than what the Womato-gumi are offering?"
Hanma looked at me with curiosity. "You have a deal for these kids?"
I nodded then took my White Wolves Badge out of my pocket, flashing it to them with a grin. "Why make commission based chump change when you could potentially be on Captain Nagai's good side? After all, the Nagai Clan grants money to anyone in need right?"
"Why stick with a man that will betray you when things don't go his way? It's much safer with a pack than to follow a cattle off a cliff. Even the cattle needs their herding dogs," I added, my gaze shifting between Koshin, Zack, Ichi, and Eiko.
Amon listened to my words then scoffed, clutching Shinsosa even tighter. "That's a lie. The Nagai Clan are a bunch of extort—"
"Oh? Which is the worse of the two evils? Extortion because someone spit in your face after loaning them money, or killing an innocent girl for selfish gain? After all, all of Nagai's targets live even if they don't pay them back," I said, my gaze becoming sharper as I glanced at Koshin.
"Hey, did you pay off the ¥6,000,000 you owe to Nagai? I doubt it...so why not just join the White Wolves and have those charges absolved by allying?" I asked, slipping my badge back into my pocket.
Koshin scoffed at me then lowered his bat slightly. "Shit...I hate when people like you start making sense."
"Yeah, we couldn't possibly pay off our debts with the small change we get from all the profit we make. We barely even get paid anyway," Eiko scoffed, turning her gaze away from me.
Amon grinned with annoyance then held his gun up at me once again. "Trying to trick my friends into joining another Yakuza? What game do you think you're running here?"
I took out my jewelry box containing my asscher gemstone, my sharp gaze glowing golden with a smirk. "This isn't a game, Amon... This will be justice."
Amon noticed a glow coming from inside the box then a spiritual pressure fell upon each of us, yet nothing particular happened. He noticed his hand was shaking, as if he didn't know how to use a gun anymore then grunted softly. As he fired his gun, his hand flew upward from recoil, surprising him.
The bullet flew past my head, missing by a mile and struck a cherry blossom tree in the distance. The onlookers jolted and gasped, their bodies freezing in place as they watched.
"What's wrong? Lost your talent..?" I asked, placing the box back into my pocket. "I can't explain what happened myself, but I can tell you aren't as skilled anymore."
"What is going on..? Did I just lose experience..?" Amon asked, looking at his gun.
Naomi watched in awe as my gemstone had worked like she had suspected. 'Wow...that gemstone actually works. Could it be the Mozanaim..? That's the only asscher gemstone described in the Zodiac Chronicles...'
"Hm, from what I can tell...it just seems like the playing field is now even. Now, let's see how much of a turf champion you really are!" I challeneged, rushing forward toward Amon.
Amon grunted as holstered his gun, but moved too slowly to dodge my liver strike then grunted heavily as I landed a devastating uppercut. Amon stumbled backwards then thrusted his hand forward, pink and green dust flying toward my face sloppily, allowing me time to evade the attack.
'What is wrong with me..?! First my gun, now this?!' Amon thought to himself while dodging my roundhouse kick.
"You were so tough coming here and ruining a reunion! Continue showing me that energy, Amon!" I called out, launching a swift southpaw three-two-three combination.
Amon slipped through my first punch, but was caught my my two then my left. Finally, he blocked my high kick and palmed my stomach to push me back then stomped his foot down to rise a rock wall in front of him. He palmed the wall and sent it sliding toward me at high speeds.
I tapped my pocket and the spiritual pressure was released from each of us, my body immediately becoming a light blue silhouette. Amon felt the pressure release from his body then grinned, forming multiple balls of stone around him.
"You fool! That spiritual pressure was your lifeline!" Amon called out, looking around for me then grunted as two strikes struck his chest and stomach within a second.
I appeared in front of him, entering a Flow State while hopping up and down like a boxer then smirked at him. I rushed forward, two light blue silhouettes forming in front of me then I struck Amon with three jabs within a second, catching him off guard.
"What the— How is he moving this quickly? Screw this! I can't let this clown lose like this!" Koshin groaned, charging toward me with his bat and swung at the back of my head.
Nachah puffed up his fur and created a cotton helmet over my head to absorb and return the force back to Koshin. Koshin groaned as he was thrown away by recoil, but landed on his feet then groaned as an invisible attack landed upon his liver, causing him to fall on one knee.
I shook my hand and hissed lightly from the heat coming off my hand. 'Jesus, how the heck can Nagini's body handle such an attack like that. That pressure strike nearly incinerated my hand...'
Amon stared at me with genuine shock, wondering how my skill level suddenly became so high. 'What is going on..? One moment our skill level is vastly low, now it's surging high..?'
Naomi hummed softly and looked up, noticing the faint image of a scale hovering above us. She noticed one scale was tipped over to the right with immense spiritual energy surging within it. 'Whose spiritual energy is that..? It's crazy high...Is that how that gemstone is working?'
Shokyo looked up at the faint scales in the sky with White Ø then looked down at Hanma, recognizing it as his spiritual energy. She looked back up at the other scale, noticing a tiny amount of energy within it then looked at Naomi. "White Ø, you notice it too right..?"
"Yeah... It's some kind of Mazzaroth Ability. It's something to do with scaling, balance, and equality. It seems to balance the battlefield based on one or both scales. It's dangerous if the opponent figures this out..." White Ø said quietly and hummed lowly.
Amon watched me closely and began studying the faint glow in my pocket, wondering if the object inside it was activating a particular ability. He glanced up at the sky, noticing a faint scale hovering above us then hummed softly as he noticed the spiritual energy in the tipped right scale.
'Are we receiving the same amount of energy from that side? Is that why he suddenly increased in talent and skill? No, that wouldn't be right...it's just spiritual energy,' Amon said mentally, his gaze shifting back to me with curiosity.
"Listen up, Burning Bulls! You continue following a guy who will just have you locked behind bars! I understand you have nothing to do with Nanako, but I guarantee you that if you remain with him, you will be deemed accomplices," I said, looking around at Koshin and the others.
"Accomplices to what exactly?" Ichi asked, keeping a close eye upon me and rose an eyebrow.
"You will be accomplices to this murder mystery that Jeht is desperately trying to hide behind. And don't even try to make up a story...You all know as well as the rest of us that you can't trust Jeht. Imagine if Nanako was your older sister, or your friend, your mother!" I answered, turning around to face Koshin behind me.
"Or do you all not possess a working soul inside those empty husks you call a human body? After all, you all extorted Natsuki already. Have you no shame? Now, you come to Hajima City to continue this cycle!" I called out, turning back around to look at Zack, Ichi, and Eiko.
"Chivalrous words won't be enough to change these hearts. They're too deep into this mess to get out! They work for the Womato-gumi, they have no choice but to stay!" Amon retorted, his grin widening then faltered as he noticed my golden eyes.
"Really? Too deep in? They aren't too deep in to turn around. They aren't too far gone, after all they admitted they barely get paid. Besides, why help a syndicate grow in power when they're allowing yours to fall?" I asked, outstretching my arms and hummed softly at Amon.
"I mean...you talk about God blessing the good and bad. Earlier, you brought God into this...so let me spit some gospel for you. Jesus appeared to Saul, who was persecuting Christians, and changed his heart. Now, he's Paul. God can do the things that I can't, and I can't touch their hearts," I began then pointed at the sky.
"Yet, He can. Who's to say that He isn't working right now?" I asked, meeting Amon's gaze with conviction.
Amon's grin widened and he let out a laugh while looking at the Burning Bulls. "Right, your God is working on these lousy goons? Yeah right. It's time you wake up to reality, Motosaki! You're the last of your clan, the clan your God was supposedly working through. What happened to Mommy and Daddy? Oh right...they died!"
Shokyo, Hanma, and Naomi glared at Amon's taunt, their bloods boiling as he disrespected my late parents. However, no one's blood boiled hotter than mine, my gaze shifting into a righteous anger while my fists balled up tightly.
"Try all you want to stop the Womato-gumi, Izuna! For 30 years, you've been met with failure now you're delusional enough to believe God is helping you?! Even before we were born, you've been fighting a downstream battle! It's over for you!" Amon laughed then groaned as an invisible strike slammed against his stomach.
I stared at Amon, my hair shadowing my left eye while my Holy Fire began erupting from my chest with pure righteousness. I grit my teeth as the memories I kept locked behind began pouring into my mind, my dead parents appearing vividly in my mind.
I gripped my chest and exhaled heavily, my right eye flashing a pure golden energy. It took everything within me to calm myself, my arm shaking as it increasingly grew harder to control the anger I kept behind.
Amon coughed and laughed softly, looking up at me as my aura began spiralling around my body. "Oh? Did I finally strike a nerve, Detective?"
"I will kill you..." I threatened, gritting my teeth and summoned my sword into my hand and took a step forward, but Hanma grabbed my arm to stop me.
"Motosaki, you just told me to not kill them. Follow your own advice," Hanma corrected then grunted as I pushed him off me.
"You didn't have to see your father with countless stab wounds and your mother hanging from the ceiling! You didn't have to bury your parents at 16! Don't you tell me to calm down!" I yelled, looking back at Hanma with pure pain on my face.
"What..? They brutalized them if that's what he's saying..." Eiko said softly to Ichi, her voice filled with shock.
"What the hell..? So that's what happened to the Izunas..?" Koshin said in disbelief, his gaze shifting over to Amon skeptically.
"No amount of Truth Manipulation will ever change what I saw! What I had to do! What I had to clean up! I'm through with this bullshit! I'm ending this now!" I yelled, turning toward Amon and charged toward him with the intent to kill him for his words.
Before I could make it to him, a bolt of lightning crashed down upon me, shocking me lightly and knocking me out. Everyone looked surprised and watched me fall to the ground then glanced up at the sky, noticing a massive King piece sitting above us then vanished.
Amon grunted softly as he looked down at me, his body growing goosebumps as he felt my killing intent, the level of bloodlust something he hadn't felt before. 'What...just happened...'
[September 8, 2418 - Saturday, 9:30 PM]
I opened my eyes slowly, noticing I was back at my old home then quickly sat up. Looking around, I noticed Nachah resting on my lap. Hearing my room door opening, I glanced at the door a man walking inside the room with a glass of water in his hand.
"Finally awake? Good to see you're still okay, Motosaki," The man said, walking toward my bed with a smile then sat the glass of water on the nightstand beside my bed.
I looked at the man and studied his appearance, noticing his clothing first as he wore fine white robes with a red sash. I stared at him for a moment in disbelief, watching as he sat on the edge of my bed and looked around the room.
"Are you really..." I began, pausing for a moment as I questioned if this was really The Messiah, the Son of Man.
The man looked at me with a smile, letting out a soft chuckle. "Thomas also doubted when I approached My disciples. Do you not believe?"
I couldn't lie and say I didn't doubt, but as the man showed his right hand to me, I noticed the wound on his hand. Instinctively, I reached out and touched his hand. "That wound...You are The Lord...Jesus...but, how can I be surely sure?"
Jesus let out another soft chuckle then looked at the glass of water upon the nightstand. "I can tell you're still doubting after professing I am LORD, but if you want another sign, I shall do."
I looked at the glass of water then back at Jesus, raising an eyebrow. "Do what?"
"There is a large stone water jug in the backyard of this house. Go grab it, and fill it with water, but only enough so that glass can be the last bit of water to fill it to the brim," Jesus commanded, His gaze meeting mine with an assuring smile.
I was still a bit confused, but I still got up and hurried out of the room and downstairs to go to the backyard. Entering the backyard, I looked at the old well my mom and I sat at to read books and look at the stars. I looked to the left of the well, seeing the water jug and walked toward it.
Grabbing hold of the stone jug, I dragged it toward the well then began putting in labor to fill the jug with water until it nearly reached the rim. I looked down at the jug then exhaled softly, realizing the struggle it was going to be to drag it back up the stairs.
As I began dragging the heavy stone jug of water across the ground, I heard the back door open and close then looked back, seeing Jesus walking out of the house with the glass of water. "My Lord, I was going to bring this back to You."
"I only told you to fill it up, you don't have to waste your remaining strength bringing the jug upstairs," Jesus replied with a smile then handed me the glass of water.
I took the glass of water and stared at it before meeting His gaze again. I looked down at the jug and poured the glass of water into the jug, the water now reaching the brim of the jug.
"Now, use the same glass to grab some of the wine inside the jug," Jesus said, watching me with a smile on His face.
I looked at the glass in my hand then scooped up some of the liquids inside, my eyes widening slightly as I noticed the glass was now filled with red wine. "Whoa..."
"This was the first of My miracles at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. Truly I tell you, take every thought of yours captive and submit them to Me... You have no reason to doubt, Motosaki. You are one of my sheep...you hear my voice," Jesus said.
I faintly smiled at the glass of wine in my hand then let out a soft sigh, lowering my head slightly. "Can I ask you something? Why did you stop me? You heard what Amon said about my parents."
"Truly I tell you, be angry, and do not sin. You have already committed murder in your heart, I do not wish for one of Mine to get out of character. If someone slaps your cheek, turn the other cheek," Jesus replied then walked toward me and placed his hand upon my shoulder.
"I do not call My Sheep to be weak, but to be righteous. Be Holy as My Father is Holy. Amon did backhand you, but I do not wish for you to repay evil with evil, but repay evil with good. Bless your enemies, pray for them so they may turn from their wickedness," Jesus continued, giving me a smile as I met His gaze again.
I bit my lip and exhaled softly, closing my eyes with a heavy heart. "How do I do that..? In this age, we have to fight. Words can only go so far with people like the Womato-gumi."
"Remember, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against powers and principalities in high places. If you do have to ball your fist, remember to keep your faith, redirect the conflict into a positive, peaceful pursuit. No battle should end in murder," Jesus reminded, grabbing my hand and unballed my fist.
I stared at Jesus with tears in my eyes, the memories of my parents overflowing in my mind constantly. I felt my knees grow weak and I fell upon my knees while gripping his robes, my head lowering as I felt unworthy to look at Him.
Jesus crouched down to my level and held me in His arms while I quietly sobbed in The Border, no one to see my aching tears except for my one True Friend.