Lovable and Delicate Chāhan and Hibari

Near the end of Ikaruga’s turn when Chi-Chi was using the stethoscope

“Even though I definitely can revere your abilities as being the world strongest enhancer, and kunoichi Sonsaku-hakase, I can not help but question your capabilities as a trained physician.”

“Chi-Chi-sensei!!”

“Well it still does not consider the fact that you have tickled your three previous patients to exhaustion and played with them during their screenings. And also, you were rhapsodizing over one of them and one of them is currently naked.”

“But aren’t I giving you the ‘serious’ check-up Squid?”

“Squid?”

“Your name is a bit of a tongue twister, but since the first part of your name ‘Ika’ means squid, that’s what I’ve decided to call you.”

“But it does not really mean that.”

“I know but I find it just a cute thing to do for students you know, I find it at least helpful in creating relationships between the teacher and students.”

“Please refer to me as Ikaruga-san no matter what! And I will always refer to you as Sonsaku-hakase!”

“Cheez, calm down.”

“So back onto topic, I really do question your procedures because it does not exactly conform to the ways of either kunoichi, much less any doctor.”

“Mind if I can ask how come you’re always stressing about what it means to be a ‘kunoichi’?”

“Because I, Hōōzan Ikaruga, was raised to be the proper heir of the Hōō Conglomerate.”

“Yes I understand that you carry the honor and pride of the Hōō Conglomerate, but everyone else doesn’t.”

“That does not mean that as the representative and fourth year of Hanzō I should at least be concerned for them.”

“Did you ever think to try to talk to them personally?”

“Pardon…”

“Monkey or the one you call Katsuragi, was really gushing when I told that her artwork was rather pretty. What about what you said?”

“Her artwork? It is nothing more than an injustice that only in the end defiles public property and should be…”

“Now that’s the problem we’re dealing with, even though you’re leader you’re trying to suppress them over helping them.”

“I am only trying to be a disciplinary leader and example for my classmates.”

“Yes but you know, while your classmates are kunoichi, and well one shinobi; you still have to take into account that they’re also still children. I mean Chāhan and Hibari-tan are 14, Asuka is 15, and Katsuragi is 16. And since they are still young and should savor that as long as they can to have fun.”

“But they have yet to experience battle, they might end up getting scars. Did you ever hear the proverb ‘Play with fire, you get burned?’ When that’s what a lot of youth seem to do, I’m trying to not have that happen with my classmates.”

Suddenly there was a dead silence as Sonsaku-hakase’s expression became colder and more serious, I could feel it in the air.

“Sonsaku-hakase, is there something wrong?”

She then inhaled and exhaled, “Īe, it’s just that I’ve had experience with that proverb and I prefer not to look upon that.”

So you say? I guess that even the great Sonsaku-hakase had her troubles when she was young. Although throughout my time as the heir I have always tried to uphold the proverb to exercise caution in the face of battle and preforming my duties as a kunoichi.

“Well now all I need is a sample of your blood.”

Using my right canine, bite my thumb down hard and twist while aiming for the tiny bit of flesh at the center so that the penetration can focus on small area. Once I tasted blood, I held my thumb out to Sonsaku-hakase and she collected it in a small container and then bandaged my thumb.

“Well, even though I have yet to examine the blood sample, you’re healthy as a horse.”

“Arigatōgozaimasu,” I said as I bowed

“Īe, although by the way, after I’m done with Cha-Cha’s check-up, could we talk some more over a picnic? Even though we may have converging viewpoints, it’s at least interesting to discuss them. Unlike with the other students I feel like I’m able to have a mature conversation instead of acting like a parent to their kid. Although the next one up is my kid.”

I chuckle a little on that note, “That would me lovely.”

“You can do whatever you want till then, I’ll just be in my office, maybe we can go somewhere nice. Kitanomaru-en is nearby, why not there?”

“Hai!”

I then leave the curtain and put my kusari katabira and uniform on.

Later out in the Courtyard

“Kote!”

The sword’s tip paints a straight line of silver.

The sword I wield is a blade of superlative quality, an heirloom passed down in my family named Hien: the Flying Swallow. I bear the weight of its long history.

I return Hien to its sheath and let out a breath. I feel that my swing is turning lackluster. My endless training is beginning to tire me.

As a jōnin, I can’t afford to cut corners when dealing with enemies. However, pushing myself when I am not at my best will avail me nothing…

Indeed, it will only cause harm.

I return to the Ninja Room and check on Sonsaku-hakase’s progress on Chāhan-kun’s physical screening, I see that she is palpating Chāhan-kun’s abdomen.

“Almost done, just be patient.”

I close the curtain and quietly sit. I focus on settling my thoughts and breathing, then see to maintaining Hien.

I lay Hien down and bow before it, then undo the rivet on the hilt itself. I use paper and wipe the blade of oil and dirt a dozen times, from the metal collar at the hilt to the very tip. The proper care of a nodachi is an act of respect for one’s ancestors, as well as a means of sharpening the mind. It is a rhythmic form of repetition that must be done with exquisite care no matter how tired one may be.

As I finish, I see Chāhan-kun leave the from his screening and put his on kusari katabira and uniform on. He goes towards the shōji and opens up-FUU!!

The curtain and exam table then disappear to Nījima and I only see Sonsaku-hakase standing in the depression before me.

“I guess I better start warming up the water.”

I follow Sonsaku-hakase to the kitchen area.

“Haha, could I please have my DS back?!”

Sonsaku-hakase poured filled the water, “What did I say?”

“Not for a week.”

“You know if you’re bored you can join us.”

I saw Chāhan-kun make a nervous face, “I’ll just read my Physic textbook here.”

“Come on!! Do you or do you not want to make friends? And Squid…”

“IKARUGA-SAN!”

“Okay fine! Ikaruga-san is only three years and five months older than you, and I should at least say is more mature than the other classmates.”

“But she’s an ojōsan, and we’re just farmers.”

“Pardon me, but he does not have to accompany us, so why are you pressuring him?”

“I did suggest to try to get to know your classmates better, why not start with Chāhan?”

“Well…”

“You like jasmine cha, right honey bunny? I also have fruit, daifuku, and dango with me. And anyway, I really that it would be good idea that you try to socialize over just reading those textbooks or playing on that DS?”

He then looked to the roof and groaned, “Alright, I guess I can take the textbook with me.”

Chāhan-kun then comes over to me, “It will be a pleasure to have cha with you Ikaruga-ojōsan

Kitanomaru-en

As we are getting settled down, I decide to observe how studious Chāhan-kun is. He is serious about his studies in advanced Physics with how he is not letting anything else distract him. And he is even studying it at 14 already? I only got around to studying Butsuri during my second year.

“Cha-Cha!”

-PAT!!

-PAT!!

Chāhan-kun then comes in accord to Sonsaku-hakase’s command. He lays the textbook on the mat.

She then lays out nashi, ume, daifuku, zakuro, ichigo, dango, yuzu, and ringo on the mat.

“Itadakimasu!”

As I drink my tea, I observe how Chāhan-kun eats. He probably has some of the best manners that I have ever seen as he takes his time eating while always being aware of where he bites. He does not stuff his face or mouth like either Katsuragi-san, or Hibari-chan but instead eats only as much as his mouth is able to hold and swallows it while always keeping his mouth closed. And between each bite he reads a part of his textbook, it really shows just how studious he is.

“Sonsaku-hakase, when did you teach Chāhan-kun to be so polite? He knows how to talk to women like me and he has excellent eating manners.”

“Kinda did it around the clock of his training, as a shinobi his would be meeting possibly many people. Although, as you’ve seen with Asuka-chan he struggles with more casual conversation.”

“And I dare say Chāhan is rather handsome, he takes the resemblance of his father.”

“Um… Īe!”

“Sweetie, please be more polite.”

“Uh…Dōmoarigatōgozaimasu?”

“Actually I personally think he looks more like me.”

Really you say? Well when you compare the two they have almost the same facial features and hands although Chāhan-kun’s hand appear to be more robust than Sonsaku-hakase’s. I have talked a lot to Sonsaku-hakase, I think I will attempt at talking or at least interacting to Chāhan-kun.

“Chāhan-kun…”

He squeaks.

“Could I look at your textbook please?”

“Um okay…”

He puts a bookmark on his current page and hands the Physics textbook to me. From flipping through the pages I could tell that the material is what I think New York-jin would consider AP Pysics B. I’m currently studying the subject too and I can not help but have a smile on my face of how much of a prodigy Chāhan-kun is. The usage of a kusari gama requires a tremendous amount of effort and skill, and reading textbooks like this one should help out in the understanding of how to operate it.

“Mind if I can ask, what made you decide on using a kusari gama over any other weapon? Sonsaku-hakase here has made me aware that you are also a proficient kendō practitioner like I am, and your father used wakizashi or tantō.”

He then stops for a Moment to put the dango he had in his hand and then holds his hand up to his face and stares at it with an almost grim expression.

“Chāhan-kun, is there something wrong?”

“No worries, it is just that your question is very personal to Cha-Cha. He just may need time to think.”

He continues staring at his left hand which then starts trembling, “It’s because…” he clenches his fist, “I’m an assassin.”

“Assassin you say,” I sip my cha, “You know among the ranks of shinobi assassins are considered to be some of the most formidable and respected. Although what is there to be ashamed about?”

“It’s because I don’t really like to kill, although my Dad was an assassin and from reading scrolls about shinobi history I only saw them as being the epitome of a shinobi. And therefore I read many of my Dad’s scrolls on assassination and such and attempted at applying the scrolls’ teachings to myself. I’ve experimented with dozens of weapons on my Haha’s puppets to see which one was best suited for me in terms of ansatsupō, but I ended up having to forge my own weapon to have it match my preferences.”

So he did not find how a normal kusari gama to be substantial, although…

“Mind if I can see your kusari gama?”

He then flicked his wrist into his shirt and pulled what appeared to be a large spike attached to a chain. He then pulled more of the chain out and handed it to me.

I felt the cool chains run between my fingers as it shone in the sunlight, it was noticeably heavy but not heavy enough to be unusable. There is not that much friction in the chain except when holding which should help the user control it. I then use Ten where I meditate until there is a tingle in my spinal column and allow it to flow to the rest of my body on then onto the chain. I tug it with both of my fingers, I can say that this chain is very durable indeed. If I were to caught in this chain by someone like Chāhan-kun, I possibly would not be able to free myself.

Chāhan-kun of course is already a proficient fighter in his own right considering that he could out skill Katsuragi-kun and demolish one of Kiriya-sensei’s best automatons. I have seen Sonsaku-hakase fight and to compare speeds of Chāhan-kun and Sonsaku-hakase side by side Chāhan is about half as fast as her, not that is a bad thing. That is a speed that would give even me trouble, not that I would not be able to keep up though. I would say we are comparable, though that basically makes Chāhan-kun faster than the rest of his classmates.

I go down the chain to feel the spike of the kusari gama, it is heaviest part of the weapon. It fits right in the palm of my hand and yet it requires mid effort to hold. I scratch the point to the tip of my index finger, if was indeed very sharp as I could see a drop of my blood coming out. I think I can see now why Chāhan-kun would prefer this weight of the kusari gama, not only is it more decorative but it also can be an effective piercing and projectile weapon with Chāhan-kun’s speeds. And the length of the chain should give Chāhan-kun an excellent range advantage.

A kusari gama of this quality could only be rivaled by the quality of Hien. Although there was something, I needed to ask him, even though he is so young.

“You know, Chāhan. There is a question amongst all shinobi alike.”

He squeaks, “Nanda?”

“Are you prepared to kill?”

There was dead silence, as we stopped eating, the atmosphere around Chāhan-kun became grim and cold. I try to keep my composure.

“You have said that you do not like to kill, perhaps you can explain from that.”

He grabs his left upper arm with his right hand and squeezes it very hard. He is also making a rather grave face.

“In all honesty, I don’t know. The only people I’ve sparred with are Haha or her puppets, I know that when puppets break, they can be fixed, and with my Haha she’s very strong so my attacks would not affect her too much. But in truth with people, when they break…”

He starts whimpering, I also see tears coming out.

“THEY CAN’T REALLY BE FIXED!!”

He goes over to Sonsaku-hakase and nuzzles up to her while crying, the panicked Sonsaku-hakese though hugs him really tight while caressing him and saying, “It’s okay, it’s okay, Hahamy’s here…”

I felt guilt about this, I did not mean to make Chāhan-kun cry so profusely.

I bow to the two.

“Sumimasen Sonsaku-hakase!! I did not mean for Chāhan-kun to get upset.”

“Īe, it’s not your fault. It’s just that Cha-Cha still has bad memories of seeing my husband coughing up blood.”

Must be referring to when the Black Owl died 11 years ago when he contracted cardiac cancer. Something that not even Sonsaku-hakase’s medicine could treat.

He was my first trainer when I became the heiress of the Hōō Conglomerate.

You know when I think of my family, my thoughts invariably drift to my older brother. He is studying business management, following the footsteps of Otōsama. In truth, however, we wished to become shinobi like Chāhan-kun.

Although when I see how Sonsaku-hakase’s flesh and blood and herself are together as true loving mother and son, I can not help but let my eyes well up before them.

“Squid…”

Hmm?

“Is there something wrong?”

“Īe”

I notice that Chāhan-kun had calmed down, “You feel better?”

He whimpers, “Could I cuddle more?”

“You can cuddle with me!”

He squeaks and I just come over. Sonsaku-hakase hands him over to my arms and I gently place his head on my lap. I stroke my fingers through his head of beautiful fuchsia colored hair. It flowed nice and soft. It was a lot like my own hair but defied gravity like the Black Owl's. Hidden under his luscious crown of hair, I noticed he had a widow's peak. A pleasant and peaceful smile comes across his face as he starts to nestle against my muscular abdomen.

He seemed so, harmless…

It would be impossible to assume he was trained as an assassin or even a deadly shinobi at all.

To tell the truth on my answer of ‘Are you prepared to kill?’ well I will not answer if by now I have killed but I will say that I am like Chāhan-kun to an extent. Although I had been steeling myself in my training for if that Moment were to occur, I have read scrolls of ancient shinobi battles where immense amounts of gore were present. I would imagine that the Black Owl for having much subversive work have faced that scenario. Although at the end of the day, I always feel uncertain; but if I were come to the point where I had no choice but to kill, I hope that it would not be either someone who is innocent or someone like Chāhan-kun.-CHUU!!

I gently kiss his forehead. You know, I think it would be lovely if he were also my brother.

“AWW!! That’s so cute! I’ll get a picture, stay still…”

Sonsaku-hakase then took her iPhone out and went in front of us and took the picture.

“Mind if I can ask Ikaruga-san…”

Hmm?

“It’s just that from our conversation earlier you seem to dislike Monkey, if that’s the case, then why are you so willing to endure her so much?”

I think for a Moment to reflect, that question had not crossed my mind although there is one thing I could say.

“That is not the case at all!”

I will try recall the events where I met her and Asuka-san.

I met Katsuragi-kun at the back gate of the school, Kiriya-sensei had allowed me one week off from school so I can train while Asuka-san and Katsuragi-kun get used to attending Hanzō National Academy. I was just walking to the gate however…

“Eshishishishishishi!!! I bet you think you’re so on top of fucking everything, aren’t you?”

There was a blonde girl with a monkey tail standing in the way with an arrogant smile on her face. Unlike my uniform, which was worn properly, she had her shirt only buttoned half-way up with the sleeves torn off and her skirt was cut sort that you could almost see her undergarment. She looked like a delinquent so I tried ignore her and get by, however…

“U-uh!”

I move to the other side, “Nope, no entry!”

“What is the meaning of this?”

“The school put in a new rule, you know what it is?” she flips her finger at me, “No princess bitches allowed!”

This person was possibly the most hubristic and indecent I have ever met, “I am sorry if you have a displeasure in me but I have to get to class. So if you could please…”

“Nu-uh!”

“You do know that your actions could lead to suspension.”

“Like I care!! That’s actually the fucking last thing on my mind! That means a vacay for me!”

This girl may or may not be a kunoichi if she knows of my status as ōjosama, although fighting her would be pointless. Hopefully, considering that we are both students of the same school, I could reason with her.

“Why are you blocking the way?”

“Because,” she then simpers in a supercilious manner while pointing her thumb at herself, “I’m at the top while you,” she turns her finger, “deserve to be at the bottom!”

“Can not quite understand what you are getting at here.”

“Well I’m only here to make it to the top and you’re in my way,” she got up to my face, “So I’m gonna kill you to make sure you know your place!”

She starts cackling.

It really seems that talking will do not good after all, I then take Hien by my side and knock the wind out of the delinquent with the end of the hilt.

She soon fell onto the pavement wheezing, “Sumimasen, but I really do need to get to class. This should help you understand the difference in level between us, I suggest you try to be more respectful towards me or we never meet again.” I walk by her, “Or else I kill be the one to kill you.”

After proving my point, I head towards the entrance, however half-way there…

“COME BACK HERE BITCH!!!!”-BATAN!!

The girl kicks me in the back of the head, “FUCK YES!!!.”

However, it was not me but my afterimage, while she was still airborne, I rush in to redirect her to the ground. She seems to have somehow recovered quickly from my attempt to stop her.

I notice that she was a kunoichi after all with how she now was wearing her shinobi combat outfit which was one of the most outlandish things I have ever seen!

My best guess would be that she copied Rainbow Mika, a character that I do not like because of her exposure. She was not just a delinquent but also a prostitute!

“I really do not wish to fight right now, allow me to go to class!”

“Noooo fucking way!”

She gets up with a defiant expression, “Bitch, you have to kill me to stop me. So if you don’t mind, I’m gonna turn ya down a couple notches to make sure that I’m number one and not you!”

This girl may actually be stronger than she initially seems, she was after all able to recover quickly from my attack and try to retaliate. Even though I did not wish to fight, I was curious and wanted to test her out.

“What is your name?”

“The streets call me Katsuragi.”

“Katsuragi-kun,” I draw Hien out of its sheath and hold it out to her, “you have proved yourself to be indeed strong, therefore I will allow you to test yourself against me in combat.”

She got excited at my words, “ALRIGHT!!!! Now we’re talking my language...”

(I wished that she would omit swearing more)

“I’m not going down easy so give me all you got!!!! Let’s get this party started!”

So we fought. It was rather one sided for me although I at least got to know Katsuragi-kun’s nen abilities as an enhancer. She indeed was physically stronger but I had the better advantage in both speed and skill. Hien of course is a weapon that has in the past crushed opponents’ bones when used correctly and gave me the range advantage too.

By the end of the fight I turned most of her outfit to shreds, broken her left clavicle, right femur, and several of her ribs. Against the gate wall she was bloody mess, “This is my win, but I dare say you have potential, you just need to apply it better. You just need to stop being so arrogant and indecent for a start. We shall end this for now.”

“Then…go ahead…slay me!”

Hmm? “Pardon?”

“Beachball and I swore to be strong or die, I should be dead in the state I’m in. And anyway, you’re an ojō and I’m some street monkey. Your kind should be loathing of the likes of me! Besides I’m better off dead anyway. And shinobi are supposed to be the masters of death and shadow, so grant me that!”

She was smiling at her words, as if she were accepting of death, like a true shinobi would!

Well, I did not wish to kill. But she is insisting.

“Wakatteimasu.”

I prepare my hatsu for a final attack, however…

“YAMERO!!!!”

Another girl suddenly jumped from one of the windows and came in front of Katsuragi-kun. She though was more properly dressed this time. She was shorter than Katsuragi-kun, had hazel eyes, and spiky brown hair tied in a ponytail by a bow. Was she this ‘Beachball’ that Katsuragi-kun was talking about?

“Please get out of the way”

“ĪEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!”

Hmm?

“Katsu-nē has been my blood sisters more so long!! I won’t let you kill her!”

“And what if I do not follow?”

Beachball-san then clenched her fists with a serious expression, “Then take me with her!”

So she also wishes to die.

“What the fuck are you doing Asuka? I’m not worth it! Just let this bitch die like she should!”

“Īe! I don’t want you to be alone!! We promise each other that either one of us would become the next Kagura, and if we aren’t able to do that then we’ll die together! So Ikaruga-senpai, DON’T KILL KATSU-NĒ!!!!!!!”

She definitely was serious as she definitely was refusing to move. In my life I had not never seen such determination to protect a friend, although it would be something to test.

I close my eyes and smile contently, “Call me Ikaruga-san, and do not worry, I will not kill either of you.”

“YOSHI!!!!” Asuka-san exclaimed with delight

“But…”

I make a more serious expression, “I would like to test your friendship…”

“Huh?”

“If you are definitely willing to protect your friend, then don’t move.”

Again, I prepare my hatsu and jump up into the air to a height around 46 meters. It should be enough to have my attack be powerful but not kill the two. I look down to Earth for a Moment, Asuka-san did not move. And her expression was not one of fear but one of determination and bravery, just like a shinobi.

I inhale and exhale, then make my attack, “Hien Hōō Kyaku!”

From that day on after the two were out of the hospital we trained together. Initially I had a definite distain for Katsuragi-kun but attempted to tolerate her antics. Although as time when on, I guess she and Asuka-san became more endearing to me.

Through the rigorous training that shortly follows, Asuka-san and Katsuragi-kun never once lose their bright and cheerful expressions. In all honesty, their strength of will surprises me. No matter the pain or difficulty they face, they greet it all with a smile.

Of course, they sometimes do ludicrous things from time to time, but as class representative I simply want be make sure they succeed no matter what.

I look up to Sonsaku-hakase, “Although it might seem like on the surface that I have a hate for Katsuragi-kun, in truth I have more of an endearment but concern towards both her and Asuka-san. To me, they are dependable allies and strong kunoichi in their own right. I just wish to push them to do better whether it with their training or behavior.”

Sonsaku-hakase smiles, “I’m glad to hear that. Although as we talk about earlier, you could also do better too.”

“Hai…”

I think I can definitely agree with Sonsaku-hakase, I should try to be a better leader. Maybe instead I should try talking more to get a sense of who they are.

“Oh, um…”

“Nanidesuka?”

“The kyūsu is empty.”

“I will go prepare more.”

I delicately grab the kyūsu by the handle, lay Chāhan-kun on the mat.

“I will be right back.”

I then walk back to the Ninja Room.

When I get there, I sense a presence.

“Dare?!” I take a shuriken in hand, and Moments later, a man carelessly appears before me.

“…Whoa, whoa, settle down.” It was my onīsama. His hair is unkempt and his skin sickly pale. In the short time since I last saw him, he has come to look very unhealthy.

“Long time no see, imōto.” He holds Hien in his hand.

“Onīsama… What are you doing with Hien?”

“What am I doing? Hahaha! What, indeed!” he says, wearing a cynical smile, “This belongs to me. I’ll do with it what I want.”

“You are mistaken. Otōsama and Okāsama gave that to…”

That was as far I as get, before I think better of it and close my mouth.

“Otōsama to Okāsama? How dare you be so impudent?” His eyes darken with hatred.

I find myself unable to meet his gaze.

“Yeah, that’s right. I can’t use Hien. But this nodachi is a family heirloom. It has no business in the hands of someone not of my blood!”

His scathing remark cuts to the bone. He is right. Of course, he is right. I am not Otōsama and Okāsama’s child by birth. I was adopted to succeed them in the Path of the Shinobi.

“Hien is mine…rightfully mine…!”

He glares at me, grinding his teeth in anger. On the surface, a wealthy family… beneath, shinobi. Otōsama had one child, and his future as a shinobi seemed assured. Indeed, my brother even wanted it. Unfortunately, he had no aptitude for being a shinobi, much less a nen user.

“Omae-sa… If only you weren’t around…!”

He held Hien in his hand. When Otōsama heard of a distant relative who was unusually fleet of foot, he was quick to begin adoption proceedings. Perhaps if I weren’t around, Otōsama would not have considered adoption, and Murasame would not be hurt. Thus, my sorrow when looking upon my family. It does not have my Onīsama’s name, as it ought. Instead there is my name. Which does not belong.

I am deeply sorry for the pain this had caused him. If it would help, I would prostrate myself before him and apologize any number of times.

But the passing down of Hien is another matter. Otōsama and Okāsama explicitly told me, “Do not give Hien to anyone else.”

“Sumimasen. Please give Hien to me.” I say, my voice lined with frost.

“If you want it, then take it!”

Hien is already in my hand before Murasame can finish his boastful command.

He shakes his head in confusion and gapes as he realized what just transpired.

“Shit! Shit!” His face is a bright crimson as he takes out a kusari gama from his breast pocket.

He begins swinging the chain and advances on me.

“Onīsama, please! Yametekuttesai!”

But then…

-PAP!!

A hand grabbed the wrist he was swinging the chain with. The chain clatters on the ground.

“DARE WA KISAMAKA?!” Onīsama exclaimed in confusion.

We both look to see that the hand’s owner is…

CHĀHAN-KUN!!!

Unlike at the cha picnic though, he face was not one of content and calmness but one of rage and seriousness. Like he was about to kill Murasame. I could not help but watch the 14-year-old continue to squeeze Onīsama’s wrist.

“KISAMA!!! You farm brat!! How dare you intrude upon family matters!!”

-GIRIGIRI!!

He does not answer but continues to squeeze Onīsama’s wrist and brings it down to his level. Onīsama drops his kusari gama.

“DID YOU NOT HEAR ME?! YOU MAY BE A COUSIN BUT YOU’RE TRULY NOT OF EITHER BLOOD OR CLASS!! SO BE A GOOD BOY AND LET GO OF MY WRIST!!!”

“ĪE!”

-CRUNCH-

Onīsama screams, “ĀĀĀĀĀĀĀĀĀĀĀĀAHHHHHHH!!! HOW DARE YOU, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!”

“Your wrist is not the only thing that will get broken.” He then flips his wrist and takes out… THE SPIKE!!

THIS HAS GONE TOO FAR!!

I drop Hien and rush up to Chāhan-kun and grab the hand with the end of the kusari gama in it. And with my other hand-BACHIN!!

“ENOUGH!! YOU HAVE ALREADY CAUSED A LOT OF HARM BY BREAKING MY BROTHER’S WRIST!!”

He then looks to me with teary eyes.

“If you do not wish for me to slap you across the face again, I suggest you let him go.”

He became even more teary and started breathing hard, he whimpered and slowly lets go of Onīsama’s wrist. Onīsama then goes into the far end of the Ninja Room writhing in pain. I see the bruise marks of where Chāhan-kun’s fingers were.

“I swear!! That boy will become nothing but a bakemono in his future!”

Chāhan-kun did not answer but instead hugged me very hard and started to cry profusely.

“Oh, go ahead and wet your cousin’s uniform with your tears. I’m going to make sure that you are expelled!! You hear me!!! E-X-P-E-L-L-E-D!!!”

“Do whatever you please. But this boy is not getting expelled, he just needs to mature as a shinobi.”

Onīsama just stares at us, holding his wrist.

“Take care.”

I pull a rope that hangs from the ceiling. The floorboards beneath Murasame drop open.

This very simple trap will lead him directly to the shops district. Even he should have no difficulty getting out.

I hear a voice, cursing and screaming, from the bottom of the hole.

I pull the rope a second time and the floorboards close, reverting to their normal pattern.

I clench on to Chāhan-kun in my arms, a weighty wetness come over me as I start tearing up a little also. I could feel my now cold soaking uniform and kusari katabira cling onto my body, I did not care. I just embraced Chāhan-kun as tight as I could as if he was my younger brother.

I gently caress his back, “It is okay, it is okay, it is okay, he is gone now,”

“BBUBUBUBUT…I…BRBRBRBROKE…HIM!!!!”

I still continue to enclasp and caress him, until he seemingly calmed his crying to an extent.

“Ogenki desu ka?”

He rubbed the tears in his eyes with a downtrodden expression, “I don’t know…”

“Do not listen to him.”

“BUT IT’S TRUE I AM A BAKEMONO!!!! You were arguing with him and I did not know what else to…”

“…but kill him?”

“Well…”

He was silent for a Moment and clasped onto me tighter, “…I was not really thinking at that Moment!! Am I in trouble!!”

“No, you are not, I will not tell Sonsaku-hakase, but I suggest you try to control yourself next time.”

“But what if I can’t?!”

“I will teach you…”

He made a slightly confused expression. I could not help but smile…

“You say you do not like to kill, right? Try to use that as a means to approach situations than simply crushing people’s wrists.”

He squeaks

“I can see that you can become a fine shinobi, it is just that there is a right place and time. The least I can do is help teach you to know that. Some better social skills could also help.”

He nods

“Sonsaku-hakase must be worried about you, let us prepare more cha and walk back. Okay?”

“Hai, Ikaruga-ojōsan!”

“Call me, Squiddy…”

15:00

I looked over my students in the Ninja pit, with Chāhan-san reading, Asuka-san, Hibari-chan, and Katsuragi-kun (now in her uniform) having a conversation about their screening experiences, and Ikaruga-san meditating, as I await patiently for Chifusa-san to arrive with the results of their screenings.

She was an acting teacher for 10 years and as far as I know her students have adopted a variety of successful careers as shinobi. Although I have heard that her methods of teaching are rather unconventional, it is already unusual to just suddenly give my students a screening, and even tickling them during the screenings, what else is she going to do?

She had taken the blood sample of the students she had tickled while they were sleeping and she is now performing the proper test for them.

-SHUD!!

She comes in, “So Chifusa-san…”

“Hmm?”

“What are the results from the blood test?”

“I can definitely say that Squid, Cha-Cha, and Beachball are all very healthy.”

She must be referring to Ikaruga-san, Chāhan-san, and Asuka-san.

“However, I’m a little concerned about Monkey and Bloomers.”

“You know, it is definitely not professional to be preforming a medical screening where you are gushing and doting on one of the students, are they okay?”

“Well I’ve did some tests on Monkey’s blood and just as I expected, she has a small but noticeable concentration of THC in there along with some rhonchi in her lungs. A pretty common sign that she is a frequent weed smoker, and I felt an aortic bruit when I felt up Bloomer’s abdomen. She also had a blood pressure of 135/75 and there was a noticeable amount of cholesterol in her blood. What does she eat?”

Hibari-chan?

“Well, to be honest… she is sometimes a picky eater, although she can eat futomaki and ramen but that’s about it. Anything else she eats is like anything under the Mr. Bunny or Black Forest insignia, Kit Kats, Pocky Sticks, Popin Cotton Candy, dango, or mochi.”

“So she’s that much of a sweet tooth… No wonder.”

“Well what do you suggest I do for my students?”

“I’m the child phycologist here so let me take care of that, although I have a present for you…”

She then took a scroll out of her chīpao and when she unraveled it-PWOOF!!

In the smoke I notice the silhouette of a large book. When I grab the book to read the title cover…

“HOLY FUCK!!!!! You’re getting homework too jīsan!!”

“Katsuragi-san, it is not nice to look over other’s shoulders.”

“FUCK THAT!!!”

She then pulls the textbook from my hands…

“Say Dr. Boobs, what fucking kinda textbook did you give him?!”

Chifusa-san smiles, “The cover is in hiragana, read it out loud to everyone.”

“Alright!!”

She cleared her throat, “The title says, ‘Children, Adolescents, and Students with Autism, ADHD, Asperger's, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities and how to…” wait, WHAT?!”

The other students, besides maybe Chāhan-san, were confused too.

“Give me that…”

I look at the title again after snatching it from Katsuragi-san to see that the title was correct.

It read ‘Jiheishō, to ADHD, to Asuperugā, to hoka ni tokutei sa rete inai kōhanseihattatsushōgai, oyobi sonohoka no shinkei hattatsu shōgai oyobi sorera o dono you ni tekiō sa seru ka o yūsuru kodomo, seinen oyobi gakusei’

Which means ‘Children, Adolescents, and Students with Autism, ADHD, Asperger's, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, and other neurodevelopmental disorders and how to accommodate them’

Is she trying to make a mockery out of my class?!

“Are you implying that my students have neuro-disabilities like Chāhan-san?”

“Two of them actually…”

She points to Katsuragi-san, “that student has Chūikekkantadōseishōgai/Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder…”

“HEY!!” She then stomps over to Chifusa-san, “ARE FUCKING SAYING THAT I’M SICK OR SOMETHING?!”

“No, it’s just that you have not been correctly accommodated for and it’s effecting your performance as a kunoichi.”

“I’m only a kunoichi to become number one…”

She again ripped the textbook out of my hands…

“WHERE’S THE PAGE FOR THAT CHUUKEK…KA….WHATTHEFUCKAMACALLIT?!”

Chifusa-san then snatched the textbook from Katsuragi-san and handed it back to me but it was this time opened to a page on ADHD symptoms for a teenager, they were:

· Has trouble getting organized and setting priorities.

· Has a tough time getting started on homework and other assigned tasks.

· “Spaces out” when listening to someone or doing assigned reading.

· Often needs to re-read information or ask people to repeat what they’ve said because it doesn’t “stick” the first time.

· Has trouble staying focused.

· Often gets sidetracked from tasks unless she’s doing something that’s especially interesting to her.

· Often rushes through assignments or produces messy work with lots of errors.

· Often seems to be working well below her potential in school or on homework.

· Has trouble remembering information when it’s needed.

· Struggles during tests to recall facts she studied and seemed to know the night before.

· Has trouble remembering day-to-day things.

· Often forgets to write down assignments or keep track of her stuff.

· Often acts impulsively.

· Says or does things without considering what might happen as a result.

· Often works too slowly.

· Has trouble meeting deadlines for assignments or finishing tests within the allotted time.

· Is frequently restless or fidgety.

· Often seems as though she can’t stop talking or fiddling with things in her hand.

Personally, I am feeling regretful, I wish I had read this book sooner. Katsuragi-san, although she does not always do her classwork, has 15 of the symptoms, I had tried giving her remedial lessons and such, but I was not really instructed on teaching students with ADHD.

“You’re saying I have that?” She pokes her finger on the page.

“Medical Screenings don’t lie.”

Katsuragi-san then shrugged and when off to the side, “And for the second case, Bloomers has a Tei kinō jiheishō spectrum shōgai/ Low Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder…”

“Boobie lady, what’s that?”

I notice that Hibari-chan was listening, as she was behind Chifusa-san tapping her shoulder.

“Why Bloomers, it’s like saying that you’re similar to Cha-Cha.”

“Boobie lady, Why does Cha-Cha-Cha have Hibari’s hair?!”

“He doesn’t have your hair, he just simply randomly got it. He is not really related to you.”

“Boobie lay, Does Cha-Cha-Cha have Hibari’s Kagan?”

“I thought we said that he’s not related to you.”

You know, comparing Chāhan-san to Hibari-chan in behaviors, she may be right.

When no one else is around, they keep more to their own devices. They both have some communication issues, Hibari-chan more so than Chāhan-san as she speaks in third person for one thing. And they mostly have expertise in one thing, for Hibari-chan it is espionage, for Chāhan-san it is assassination. But Chāhan-san’s mind seems to be more pliable considering his prodigal knowledge in Bisekibun, Butsuri, and Kusari gama usage. (I will say, he is a fresh breath of air compared to the others.)

“Hibari touch Boobie lady’s boobs?”

Chifusa-san than thinks for a Moment and makes a reluctant sigh.

“Alright, but you should stop if I say so.”

Hibari-chan simply starts patting and petting Chifusa-san’s bosoms, I could definitely tell though that she is touching Chifusa-san out of curiosity rather than perversion.

“Why are you so interested in my boobs? I’m sure that your Haha has big ones too…”

“Never knew Haha.”

“Really?”

“Was always in cubby, Dad only cared who get Kagan…”

“MINE!!!!”

-PLAP!!

Do you really have to grope Chifusa-san?

“You have no right to these tits Pimples!! FUCK OFF IF YOU REALLY THINK YOU CAN TOUCH THEM!!!!!!”

She starts to roughly squeeze Chifusa-san’s bosoms, I could see Chifusa-san getting flush.

I could see that Hibari-chan had her brows furrowed, her lips were frowning, and her body was trembling. She then makes a raspberry.

“T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-THPT!” she pulled Chifusa-san by the arm, “No, Chi-Chi-Chi mine!”

Katsuragi-san does the same with the other arm, “T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-THPT! MINE!!!”

“MINE!!”

“MINE!!”

They then start having a tug-o-war over Chifusa-san with Katsuragi-san actually having the advantage.

This actually could end badly.

I rush over and pull Hibari-chan by her wrists and stop her while I notice Asuka-san do the same with Katsuragi-san around her waist.

I could feel Hibari-chan struggling to run back to Chifua-san and getting upset.

“Hasuwa Hibari, I know that you have autism and need some proper accommodations, but the potential heir of the Hasuwa clan should act more ma…”

“RWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!! WWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!”

I let go of Hibari-chan and she falls on the floor continuing her tantrum now pounding the floor, writhing, kicking, and screaming. Katsuragi-san was having her own tantrum too but instead was taking it out on Asuka-san.

I see Chifusa in front of me making an exasperated groan.

“This is the problem, you don’t have shinobi, you have babies!! If this were to happen on a mission right now, they would get killed.”

She walks over to Hibari-chan and picks her up in an infantile position in a tight embrace, “I really wonder what sort of Dad would not care about his own daughter.”

Hibari-chan still writhed around and was now punching and kicking Chifusa-san.

“I want you to do me a favor and deliver this…”

She hands me a bright scarlet letter, I look at it closely to see…

IT IS A HOWLER ADRESSED TO HASUWA KARASU?!

“Chotto matte Chifusa-san, this feels unnecessary!! Why are you giving Hibari-chan’s Otōsama, Wicked eye Karasu of everyone, a howler!?”

I feel a tap on my shoulder, “What’s a howler?”

I turn to Asuka-san dragging Katsuragi-san with her.

“You know about nen writing, right?”

“Isn’t it that special writing that instead of ink shinobi use their nen to write important things that should be kept hidden down? I think it’s how our Turnover Scrolls and the Super-Secret Ninpō Scroll were made.”

“You definitely have the basic idea Asuka-san, although the process of creating any turnover scroll is much more complicated than that. And nen writing has other applications of usage too, with howlers for example the writer can express their fury towards the desired recipient in an ear-piercing manner with they open it. And it’s best if they open it, it will otherwise explode. To tell you the truth, I have received a couple of howlers myself when I was your age.”

I could see that she and Katsuragi-san were shocked at this notion, howlers are after all not something to be receiving.

“So, will you be my delivery boy?” She said playfully (I noticed that Hibari-chan calmed down but was still clinging on to Chifusa-san.)

“Do you really want to aggravate Wicked Eye Karasu?!”

“I’m definitely sure that the World’s Strongest Kunoichi can handle an angry Karasu. I also have an announcement for the class!”

Everyone else looks up.

Just what is she going to say?

Chifusa-san clears her throat, “I’M TAKING KATSURAGI AND HIBARI HOME WITH ME!!!”

WHAT?!!

“Chifusa-san, you can just simply take students with you, wont their families worry.”

“Akira can understand my intentions and besides Monkey is more of her own person than anything. As for Bloomers, I gave you the howler, didn’t I? Would you like one yourself or be punched to Hokkaidō?”

There is no arguing with her, I could see that everyone else was confused at her words, Chāhan-san looked rather embarrassed.

“Chotto sumimasen Chifusa-hakase. Are you sure about this decision?”

“Well I know my baby to these two sweet cheeks and I’m sure he will be okay under your care. Although it’s better if these two are with me.”

She goes over to Chāhan-san and kisses him on the cheek, “Behave yourself, okay?”

She then grabbed Katsuragi-san and started to head out, “I wish everyone a farewell! We’ll be coming back every two to three days or so! I might come by myself a couple of times!”

“Two to three days? BULLSHIT!! I DON’T WANT TO FUCKING MOVE OUT!!! LET ME AT LEAST GET MY LAIR JUNK!!! WHY CAN’T YOU TAKE BEACHBALL TOO!!? COME ON BITCH!!!!...”

But no matter her struggles and protests Chifusa-san just continued to drag Katsuragi-san out of the Ninja room and towards the gate.

Asuka-san was panicking, “Chotto!...CHOTTO!!!...”

She then started to chase after them still saying ‘chotto’.

Well, I have a howler to deliver. Hopefully Karasu-san will not get too furious.