Chapter 35: Relaxation! But An Untold Truth? (Part 1)

(As the bus was overlapped with noises, conversations and arguments, Sawano and Gaito hasn't made eye contact nor talked to one another for the past three hours which had Masunashi and Okisaki worried.)
"Okisaki: Sawano? How come you won't talk to Gaito?"
"Masunashi: Little brother. Please talk to him."
(Sawano says nothing as he zoned out into the skies again and Gaito scoffed as the others kept talking in the back.)
"Angel: Ok so... real talk! Who are you girls crushing on? It can be anyone in or out this bus!"
(The girls looked around at the men on the bus.)
"Velriot: Honestly.. I don't fall for either of them."
"Crystalline: Well..."
(She said nothing and blushed a bit.)
"Azumi: I.. do not understand. "Crushing on?" What does that mean?"
(They all looked at one another.)

"Onara: More like who do you have advanced feelings for."
"Azumi: Feelings for..?"
"Crystalline: Yeah...! Like, are you in love with anyone?"
"Azumi: I.. do not understand. Love with another being besides family?"
"All girls: Yup!"
"Azumi: Um... I.. don't know. I have never felt that way before nor do I know what it's like."
"Xiazress: I could teach you, if you're ok with it."
"Azumi: It is fine. I'll figure it out. (Thinking): Love..? With another being besides my own family..? I've just met everyone and I don't find myself close to anyone yet. Hopefully.. I'll be good friends with someone in the future and figure out what it really means..."
(Konnor, Lotus and Silvershot would play a challenging round of poker with all three going all in for one game.)

"Lotus: Hmm..."
"Konnor: Better make the right move.. Ready boys?"
"Silvershot: I'm first!"
(He slammed his cards on the table and smirked.)
"FOUR OF A KIND!"
(Lotus lowered his cards calmly and smiled.)
"Lotus: Full House. I win."
"Silvershot: BULLS-"
"Konnor: AH AH AH! Not so fast now!"
(He'd lower his cards which had the both of them shocked.)
"Royal. Flush."
"Silvershot: RAAAHHH!! A BUNCH OF BULL! NOTHING BUT SHIT!"
(The table was being shaken from Silvershot's anger which caused the poker chips to jump up and down but remain in place.)

"ONE MORE ROUND!"
"Konnor: I don't know.. Lotus, you're down?"
"Lotus: I'm down for another game."
"Konnor: Guess we're going again!"
(Gaito ignored all the noises in the back and started to remember the first time he touched Zanbato and took it as his sword.)
-Gaito's Backstory (Continued)-
(He looked at Zanbato inside the sheath as he didn't let go of Masunashi's hand.)
"Gaito: I.. I can't do this... she- they're gone.. and they want me to take Zanbato...?"
(Gaito slowly lets go of her hand and walked towards the sword and looked at it for a brief moment before grabbing it by the handle and pulling it out of the sheath. After so, Gaito gasped and felt his vision disappear which scared him a bit.)
"W-what happened...?! Why can't I see...??"
(He walked around with Zanbato tapping the walls and bumps into someone in the hallways of the quiet dojo.)
"Fighter: Hey! I found the kid, hurry up and get paramedics down there for him!"
(A while later, Gaito was treated by the fighters and was being checked up on by the paramedics but kept a strong grip on Zanbato.)

"Paramedic: Its no use, he somehow lost his eyesight. He's blind.."
"Fighter: Hold on."
(He removed his headband and wrapped it around Gaito's eyes which increased his directions and physical power.)
"Hey, we're going to get you some help alright? Just keep that on your eyes and remain here."
(As they walked off for a moment, Gaito sense a predator in the nearby forest and stealthily got out of their sights and ran into the forest. After walking around, Gaito was lost then started to hear low growling noises coming from a few inches away from him.)
"Gaito(Quietly): What is that growling sound..?"

(The bushes was rustling as he turned around multiple times to hear the noise getting closer to him. A hungry panther pounced out of the bushes and onto Gaito, trying to bite and claw past his skin to the flesh. He kicked the panther off of him and caught his breath and tried to sense where the panther was but was clawed in the back then bitten in the left arm which had him screaming in pain then Gaito balled his hand into a fist and started punching the panther which caused it to back up but he now pounced on the panther and attacked it with Zanbato's wooden blade. After a few minutes, the panther lied there deceased as Gaito was covered in scratches, cuts and wounds and finished patching up his reachable wounds with his tattered clothes then weakly limped away from the deceased panther with a pelt he created from its fur then collapsed on the cold grass with a tear shedding down his nose.)

"(Thinking): Is this...? Is this how I'm... going to die...? Blind.. cold.. and alone..?"
(He closed his eyes with regrets for not being stronger then faintly heard voices.)
"???: Hey! Stay with me, kid...!"
(Three days then passed by as the injured Gaito awoken from his coma and looked around to see his vision was still blinded.)
"???: Glad to see you're still up."
"Gaito: Huh..? W-ho are you..?"
(He looked at the fire.)
"???: Over here on your left."
(Gaito looked over again to see him.)

"Gaito: Who are you..?"
"Aimiya: I'm Aimiya Ryuzane. I found you in the forest horribly wounded so I took you in."
(Aimiya took a bite of his hoagie and Gaito looked over then at his bandages.)
"(Mouthful): Want some?"
"Gaito: W-what is it?"
"Aimiya: A hoagie, picked it up on the way home before I ran into you."
"Gaito: Hoa..gie..?"
"Aimiya: Never had it before?"
"Gaito: Yeah..."
(Aimiya walked over to Gaito and broke the hoagie in twos so they'd both could enjoy it. Gaito tried grabbing the hoagie but felt around until he touched the broken part of it and took a bite.)
"Aimiya: Well?"
"Gaito: Its... delicious..!"
"Aimiya: I knew you'd like it!"
(A few minutes passes as they sat and talked to one another to know each other better.)

"Oh.. I see. So a powerful mage managed to curse your parents and your big sister into demon which could only be broken.. by killing them?"
(Gaito wiped his tear away as he nodded.)
"Gaito: Mhm..."
"Aimiya: Damn.. that does suck."
(He'd tighten Gaito's headband a bit.)
"How did you even become blind and at such a young age?"
"Gaito: My.. sister. Wanted me to grab this sword here and take it with me. After I remove it from the sheath, I felt a very strange chill up my spine then.. I lost my vision."
"Aimiya: Ah. Mind if I see it?"
(Gaito handed Aimiya Zanbato and he examined it for a few seconds.)

"Ah.. I see what this is. This is Zanbato, The Netherbane Blade. It appears as a wooden form now, but its actually one of the most forbidden weapons in Japan."
"Gaito: How so?"
(Aimiya got up and looked outside at the rain in front of the window.)

"Aimiya: Zanbato has one overpowered ability. After it choses its master, it can actually shift into any sword blade the master wants. Many villains has tried their hardest on getting that blade and now since the family was killed, they'll be tracking you down to take the sword."
"Gaito: I- I don't wanna lose this sword! Its the family's sacred weapon!"
"Aimiya: Then I will train you."
"Gaito: Huh..?"
(He turned around to look at Gaito with a smile.)
"Aimiya: When you're feeling better, I will help you get over your blindness and help you become strong enough to take care and protect Zanbato."
"Gaito: A-are you sure...?"
"Aimiya: Whenever I train a someone in need, I don't halt for a second until they've reached enough strength and power to land a mark on me."
"Gaito: ....Ok..! Then.. I'll do whatever I can to get stronger, I trust you mister!"
(Aimiya chuckled and looked at Gaito's clothes.)

"Aimiya: Starting tomorrow, we're going to get you some new clothing. You can't go around Hakodate with just the tattered remains of your clothes."
"Gaito: Oh! Yeah.. you're right."
(Gaito looked down with a worried expression.)
"Aimiya: Hey. Don't feel bad, ok? It hurts to admit that they're gone and this happened to you. But don't you worry, I will make sure you're strong enough to protect all in need!"
(The next day, Aimiya covered Gaito up with a cloak of his as they entered an alley and knocked on the backdoor.)
"Owner: Who is it?!"
"Aimiya: Its Aimiya, I brought the kid here for the clothes?"
"Owner: OH! OH YEAH YEAH! COME ON IN!"
(The door opens as they both went inside and the owner grabbed his measuring kit and other tools to make the clothes.)

"Gaito: Who is that?? I still can't see but I sense someone I don't know...!"
"Aimiya: Relax! He's not a threat. This is Dosaki Nayuki, one of the best clothing makers known to man and my cousin."
"Dosaki: Nah, I'm not all that great..."
(He'd reveal a rack of five-star rated clothing.)
"I just make it with extra detail. Alright, shall we get started?"
"Aimiya: Of course."
(Dosaki began to create Gaito's clothing which took a while. After measuring and creating clothes from Gaito's design, it was finished and he stood in front of the both of them to try it on.)

"Dosaki: Well?"
"Gaito: If only I could see it, its very comfy!"
"Dosaki: What do you mean-"
"Aimiya: He lost his sight, he's blind."
"Dosaki: Oh... I am SO sorry!"
"Gaito: Its fine really, it feels very warm and comfortable it reminds me of... my sister."
"Dosaki: I'm glad I was able to help you kid.. Aimiya, how did you find him?"
"Aimiya: He was going through the hallways, trying to find his way around until I found him and gave him my headband. I took him in after I found him nearly mauled to death by a panther."
"Dosaki: WHOA WHAT?! HE SURVIVED?"
"Aimiya: Yup. This kid here has potential but what really took my attention was this."
(He'd show Dosaki the pelt Gaito made from the panther's fur which made him kneel and hold Gaito's shoulder with a smile.)

"Dosaki: Hey.. what's your name kid..?"
"Gaito: G-Gaito..?"
"Dosaki: Gaito.. That's a name I won't be forgetting for a long time. You're going to become the strongest human in the entire universe with Aimiya at your side! Keep fighting and don't quit!"
(Gaito smiled even though he couldn't see him.)
"Gaito: I won't!"
(Four years went by as Gaito became stronger and dramatically increased his senses without his sight and kept the blindfold on his eyes. After another swing with their swords, they took a break to eat their hoagies.)
"Aimiya: Another fantastic training, you've improved a lot since last time Gaito!"
"Gaito(Mouthful): Its all thanks to you, Aimiya!"
"Aimiya: Nah, you've been getting so much stronger and now look at ya! No doubt in my mind are you going to do amazing things."
"Gaito: So what now?"
"Aimiya: Well, I suppose since you've gotten a lot stronger. Its time for one last test before I make my final decision."
(He got up and grabbed his sword as Gaito placed his hoagie down on the wrapper and picked up Zanbato to meet him.)

"We fight one last time, first to land a strike wins."
"Gaito: I'm ready!"
(They both stood in their positions and slid one foot out then ran at one another with their wooden swords colliding. Aimiya hopped on Zanbato and cartwheeled with no hands to Gaito's blind spot on the leg which was stopped thanks to Gaito's reaction speed.)
"Aimiya(Thinking): His reaction speed, faster than ever!"

(Gaito released a strong swing with his right arm which released a strong gust of wind to the trees nearby. Gaito quickly got back up and clashed with Aimiya again but was tripped by a leg sweep then caught himself with his hands and flipped back up to feet then nearly struck Aimiya with a slash on the side but he'd dodge in time and Aimiya vanished with the wind around them and appeared above Gaito for overhead strike then at the final moment, a blinding light was shown where an actual steel blade was formed from Gaito's mind and Aimiya was not surprised in the least as the tips of their swords connected.)

"(Aloud): You are ready."
(Aimiya places his blade back in his sheath as Gaito did the same but saw Aimiya's cut on his cheek then he kneeled and patted his head.)
"Gaito.. Go make me proud and come back anytime. You made so much progress for such a young one. Let me give you a piece of advice..."
(Gaito remembered those words in his head as he opened his eyes from his nap.)

-Present-

"When a foe is against you, hesitation means a loss. Good or evil, always strike first. That is the Ryuzane sworn vow."
"Gaito(Thinking): Master. If I am able to see you right now... I'd thank you truly for helping me get this far..."
(Gaito looked around to see that the bus was quiet and Masunashi was sleeping next to him which left him to a smile.)
"(Aloud): Hey..! Where are we?"
"Bus Driver: About four hours away from Tokyo. Right now, everyone's outside the bus."
"Gaito: Oh ok, thanks."
(Masunashi woke up after hearing Gaito's voice and rubbed her eyes.)
"Masunashi: Gaito..? Hey, little bro.."
"Gaito: Oh.. Hey Masunashi. What happened while I was sleep?"
"Masunashi: A lot. Right now, we're at a rest stop for everyone to stretch their legs. Also.. can I tell you something? You won't like it.."
"Gaito: Hm?"
(Noises was heard outside as Noah and Sawano fought off in an arm-wrestling contest. The party cheered for them as Noah's hand was slammed down to the table and half the party cheered for him.)

"Sawano: Good game Noah!"
"Noah: Ha! That was fun man, good game!"
(They'd both shake hands in sportsmanship as Gaito stepped up and slammed his hand on the table, getting Sawano's attention.)
"Gaito: One round, one match. Lets go Sawano..!"
"Sawano: Alright.. lets go!"
(Gaito sat down across from Sawano and their hands was tied together as Silvershot held on to both of their hands.)
"Silvershot: Ready..?"
(Everyone backed up a bit and was ready to witness the match.)
"Go!"
(Gaito slammed Sawano's hand through the table, which everyone was shocked and made sure Sawano's hand was ok after the slam.)

"Silvershot: Gaito wins!"
"Gaito: Who's the strongest now..? Bitch..."
"Sawano: What the hell.. IS YOUR PROBLEM GAITO..?"
(Masunashi was frightened at Sawano's risen voice.)
"YOU ALWAYS ACT PISSED AT ME FOR WHAT? WHAT EXACTLY IS GOING ON THAT YOU OR YOUR SISTER CAN'T TELL ME? YOU CALLED ME A HALF-BREED AND PRETENDED I DIDN'T EXIST? Gaito, you better tell me what is-"
"Gaito: Shut up."
(Sawano looked at him with a pissed expression.)
"I know everything about you... Your past. Your future. EVEN YOUR PREVIOUS LIFE.."
(They all stood there with mixed confused and surprised looks.)
"Sawano: What are you talking about...?"
"Gaito: Masunashi.. her ability lets her look at one person's past, future... EVEN THEIR PREVIOUS OR NEXT LIVES!"
"Sawano: What..?"
"Okisaki: This is enough Gaito..! Please, just answer the question! For what reason are you mad at Sawano for..?!"
"Gaito: SAWANO WAS THE CAUSE FOR THE ELEMENTAL WARS TO EVEN EXIST!"
(Everyone had expressions of dishonest and fear. Even Xiazress and Okisaki.)
"Okisaki: Brother...?"
(Sawano stood there with no words to say.)
"Masunashi: Sawano... I'm so sorry... I had to tell him...!"
"Sawano: What previous life...?"
"Gaito: The life where-"
(The bus's horn was honked as the driver was ready to go.)
"Bus Driver: Hey! I'm departing in ten minutes everyone!"
(Sawano continued to say nothing as he got back on the bus in silence.)

"Okisaki: S-Sawano..! Where are you-"
"Gaito: You're just running from the truth, YOU BASTARD!"
(Sawano continued to say nothing and sat down in his seat as Okisaki stood there and felt the need to break down in sadness as everyone then goes back onto the bus and sat in the same seats as they did before.)
"Bus Driver: What happened to him?"
"Xiazress: I don't know..."

(The bus driver had a look of worry for him as he drove off in the night to continue the trip. Four hours later, it was five fifteen in the morning as the bus docked and parked in the reserved spot for buses carrying the spectators, tournament participants and special guests. After everyone got their stuff and unpacked, the hotel staff held the doors open for everyone as the entire party gasped inside the luxury of the hotel.)

"Baisho: Greetings everyone! I am Japan's prime minister and I'd like to personally welcome each and everyone one of you to Tokyo! Now, as you all know. Most of you are from different countries across the world and we personally welcome you all as our esteemed guests so please, make yourselves at home and good luck in the tournament!"

(As Baisho began to leave with the hotel management, the employees and staff helped the fighters unpack in their separate rooms and floors. A while later as everyone else unpacked, the tournament didn't begin for another eight days so they all had time to rest and relax and Gaito relaxed on his bed as Masunashi sat on her bed across from her.)

"Gaito: FINALLY... Now I can RE-F***ING-LAX!"
"Masunashi: Gaito, its not right to swear that far."
"Gaito: I'm just irritated, sis. That's all."
"Masunashi: Irritated at what..? Sawano? I told you precisely to not tell him the truth..!"
"Gaito: I just... can't stand him right now. I don't want to see him, I don't want to talk to him. Knowing it was him all this time... makes me want to rip his spine out!"
(Gaito's hand conducted lightning shocks as he clenched it tightly then Masunashi gently held his hand to calm him down.)

"Masunashi: Sawano has went through a lot worse then you Gaito. We know that but listen to me... Can we please, go one whole day- no. Can we go the WHOLE tournament without you hating Sawano..?"
(Gaito sat there and said nothing for a full twenty seconds after thinking about it.)
"Gaito: I'll try. For you, Masunashi."
(She smiled with joy.)
"Masunashi: I'm glad to hear it! Now come on, lets go check the hotel out!"
(They'd both leave their room and explore the rest of the hotel but then got separated as Gaito went to the food hall and grabbed a whole basket of hoagies then placed the basket on the counter which surprised the cashier.)
"Cashier: Uhh..."
"Gaito: No need."
(He slammed a large pouch of yen on the counter in front of the cashier which surprised him and Gaito instantly left with the basket of hoagies then went back to Masunashi with them.)

"Masunashi: H-How did you get those hoagies?!"
"Gaito: Paid for them, wanna eat them?"
(In the back of the hotel near a swimming pool, Gaito and Masunashi sat together and ate hoagies together till Masunashi stopped eating for a moment and realized something.)
"Masunashi: You met Aimiya, didn't you?"
(Gaito paused for a moment and froze.)
"Gaito: Yeah. He saved me when he was young and he helped me get past my blind life."
"Masunashi: I see.. so he took you in, trained you and made you into this?"
"Gaito: Mhm. Because of him, I came so far. I used to be a feared assassin, now I'm a fighter for Japan. All thanks to Aimiya, I kept getting stronger."
"Masunashi: I see..."
"Gaito: No need to get all sad. You used your trick on me so I know you saw everything."
"Masunashi: Brother. Promise me, you'll be safe."
(She had a tight grip on his hand which she meant it.)

"Please..."
"Gaito: I will.. Don't worry Masunashi."
(He hugged Masunashi as she hugged him back.)
"Masunashi: Thank you.. little brother."
(Back inside the hotel, Lotus and Silvershot was looking around as most people feared but cheered him at the same time then came running a child with running towards them and checking out their attires.)
"Child: Wow!! Are you guys Japan's representors?"
"Lotus: Yes we are."
"Child: So cool! I want to be a fighter someday!"
(Lotus kneeled and patted her head.)
"Lotus: Just keep climbing greater and greater heights with your mind, soul and body. With all three of those things, your dream will become a reality."

"???: I'm terribly sorry, my own daughter is likely to be easily off-guarded by such fighters like yourselves."
"Lotus: Its no worries. You have risen such a beautiful daughter indeed."
(As Lotus looked up at the father, they both quickly noticed one another.)
"Master..?"
"Aimiya: Kenhiro..?"
"Silvershot: Uh... you two know each other..?"
"Lotus: Actually.. Aimiya here is, the one who created the assassin's guild and is my master."
"Silvershot: WHAT?! THE AIMIYA RYUZANE, THE ONE WHO'S NAME SHALL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN CREATED THE ASSASSIN'S GUILD?!"
"Aimiya: Shhh..! I know I told you guys about my secret, but its wise to not let anyone else know..!"
"Lotus: It has been a long time, Aimiya."
(They both shook hands as respect to one another.)

"Aimiya: How has the guild been?"
"Lotus: We've been receiving normal assassination requests. No major missions as of right now, excepting winning this tournament."
"Aimiya: Ah yes. Japan verses five other countries."
"Lotus: A difficult battle, knowing who we're up against. Five strong competitors."
"???: Except, we of Russia shall CRUSH JAPANESE WARRIORS AND ALL WHO THREATS US!"
(Lotus turned around to see Trample Horn out of all fighters.)
"Lotus(Thinking): Trample Horn... One of Russia's most dangerous criminals and a serial killer in regular combat... I didn't expect him out of all people. (Aloud): Trample Horn. I see you're bigger than the photo showed."
"Trample Horn: So. You must be famous Yamaguchi assassin, Lotus. Pleasure to make your acquittance. We may be cool as ice cubes now but the moment tournament begins, I won't hold back against anyone. Including Japan if Russia fights you first!"
"Lotus: You seem like a confident fellow. We'll see at the beginning of the tournament what happens."
"Silvershot: Just know, Japan doesn't back down either."
(The three of them stared down one another meanwhile, the prime minister returned with forgotten news.)

"Baisho: May I have your attention please..?"
(Everyone in the lobby gave Baisho their attention.)
"Ok so, I'm terribly sorry for not announcing this sooner but... There is actually a major tournament update. Instead of six countries..? Four more countries has just entered by the final call for openings."
"Everyone: WHAT?!"
(They all murmured about the situation.)
"Baisho: I understand your thoughts but... Here they are."
(As the door opened for the incoming four countries, the leaders walked in with their competitors for the tournament.)
"Luo Zhong: Greetings all. I am China's president, Luo Zhong and we do all wish you luck in the tournament as we plan to win."
"Eduardo Ávila: The Chinese will fall to us. I am Eduardo Avila, Brazil's president and with me is Brazil's best of the best. The elites of elites!"
"Zaira Vargas: "Tontos inferiores!" Mexico has all the power and with our Mexican blood roaring through our veins, we shall we win for we are both the strength and pride of Mexico!! My name is Zaria Var-"

(A cocky president came in knocking down Zaria during her introduction.)

"Lucas Torrente: None of these idiots will understand Spanish so we'd have to use their tongue."
(They all mocked the Japanese language as they came in.)
"Baisho: Ok ok ok! That's enough!"
(Baisho turned to everyone who was still here with stun of shock.)
"Everyone.. Our final entries. China, Brazil, Mexico and Spain. Tournament begins in eight days so everyone.. good luck and possibly see you then..!"
(Meanwhile, Azumi was found sitting in the shade, meditating to maintain her cool and her mental state as Velriot and Noah was arguing outside again which slowly interrupted Azumi's meditation.)
"Noah: I TOLD YOU TO NOT TOUCH MY HEADPHONES!"
"Velriot: WELL SORRY! I WANTED TO TOUCH THEM."
"Noah: YOU ALWAYS DO THIS! WHY DO YOU THINK I'M YOUR PLAYTHING?"
"Velriot: WHERE THE HELL DID THAT COME FROM? A PLAYTHING? JUST BECAUSE I CAN'T DIE AND I CAN INTERACT WITH THE DEAD, DOESN'T MEAN I MAKE YOU A PLAYTHING!"
"Noah: THEN WHAT AM I TO YOU!?"
"Velriot: WE'RE ALLY'S IN THIS TOURNAMENT NOAH!"
"Noah: OUTSIDE OF THE DAMN TOURNAMENT VELRIOT! WHAT AM I?"
(She stood there and clenched her hand then blushed a bit but looked down at herself.)

"Velriot: I... I CAN'T SAY OK..?"
(Noah stood there for a second.)
"But... all I can say is... UGHH!!"
(She ran away quickly as Noah looked back at her and regretted yelling.)
"Azumi: So she's in love?"
"Noah: GAH! AZUMI! HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE...?"
"Azumi: I was here ever since we arrived and I overheard your argument."
"Noah: Augh... I hate this.."
"Azumi: Hm?"
"Noah: Me and Velriot argued ever since I carried her back to Sawano's dojo. We kept arguing even when we hang out. To be honest.. maybe I'm just blind to her emotions. Maybe I'm hurting her every time we argue. Azumi, what should I do?"
"Azumi: I.. uh... I.. don't know what I'd do in this situation..!"
"Noah: Well.. don't stress it. Its not your fault.."
"Azumi: Well.. um.. I heard that if a female human is upset, they um.. buy one another gifts of.. kindness of appreciation..?"
"Noah: Ah. Like an apology by gift? I could do that."
(They both sat quietly for a moment and thought about the same thing.)

"Both: Do you know what- Oh my I'm sorry! No after you!"
(Silence filled the air again as Noah allowed Azumi to speak first.)
"Azumi: Do you know what happened to Sawano?"
"Noah: If I knew, I'd tell everyone else."
(Azumi looked up to the sky with worry.)
"Azumi: Sawano.. where are you..?"
(Meanwhile in Hell, Hades and Sawano met once again as they both was displeased with each other after last time.)