#27 Loyalty Part III, "family"

 Sensei Yugana and the students are on roof tops moving over the village streets.

They stop finally over a secluded section of town.

Yugana, “just for the record, if I here of any of you ate-ting to fight a ranked Senshi you’ll have me to deal with.”

They look at each other then him, “yes Sensei”

Jiyu sits down with whiskers in his lap and his legs hanging over the edge. 

Kumo,”so where are we anyway?”

Shitoku walking up and kneeling beside Jiyu, “yeah, what is this part of the village?”

Yugana  standing near them, “the residential section, where the families are.”

Jiyu, “yeah, this is where the families of fallen Senshi live. Every Senshi village has a section for them to live without worrying how to take care of the kids left behind.”

Kumo sits down, “wow, are they having a party are something?”

On the streets we see many different people talking and laughing with each other. Some with food and drink standing and some sitting.

Shitoku,”so why here, why do you sneak out to come here?”

Jiyu looking down, “you see over there just to the side of the gathering?”

They look to see several people talking and hugging. 

Jiyu, “they both lost their husbands to a battle, and now they both have children at the school.”

Yugana, “so they have bonded over shared experiences, that is...”

Jiyu, “their husbands killed each other on the battlefield, they were on opposite sides.”

Shitoku, “how come they don’t hate each other?”

Jiyu, “well,Auntie Maxine says, hate took their husbands away.”

Kumo looking at Jiyu, {Auntie?}

Jiyu continues, “Auntie Racheal says love will keep their family together. So they told their kids how brave their fathers were. But to learn from their mistakes, not to repeat them.”

A small group notices Jiyu up on the roof, “hey Jiyu, how are you?”

He waves at them and loudly yells back, “hey uncle! I’m great, getting stronger everyday!”

Woman, “are those your friends with you?”

Jiyu, “of course they are my fiends, they are with me after all!”

Yugana, “okay, I think we should move on Jiyu.” 

They boys stand up.

Jiyu, “okay, I have to go now, see you later!”

Man, “okay, keep getting strong so you can keep us safe!”

Jiyu turns around while the others are walking, “of course, I promised to protect everyone I care about!”

Now they are darting across the rooftops following Kumo. 

They reach a building under construction, a lot of exposed beams and construction materials around.

They land on a high floor.

Jiyu,”cool what’s this gonna be?”

Yugana, “this is an off campus training area for Senshi in between missions. This is where you come Kumo?”

Kumo hanging on a beam effortlessly, “yes, it’s pretty nice huh? I can work on my agility while the walls are missing!”

Whiskers jumps off of Jiyu and plays wig  rope hanging down.

Shitoku, “well the cat likes it too, great.”

Sensei Yugana is quiet looking out into the distance, across the unfinished training grounds.

Whiskers walks over to his feet and looks up at him, ”meow.”

Yugana, “this training area goes to the border wall, doesn’t it?”

He notices something.  “Stay here”

He darts off quickly.

They all look.

Jiyu running to the edge beside Whiskers, “meet back at my dorm, I’m gonna have to go too fast for you to hold on.”

He darts off as well.

Shitoku, “oh man, come on Kumo!”

They both follow leaving Whiskers looking. He turns around and walks into the shadows.

Yugana is in moving fast, {Jiyu isn’t too far behind me, impressive. Even if I am hanging back a little so this one ahead feels confident ...}”now!”

Jiyu, “wait up Sensei!” {wow he’s fast, even if he is holding back I can’t catch until he stops}

Shitoku is a few steps behind with Kumo right behind him,{Kumo isn’t half bad, but I’m glad Jiyu is in front. No way I would be able to keep track of Sensei}

We stop near a huge wall that is too high to see over. It’s a another unfinished part of the training site.

Yugana is already there when Jiyu lands behind him, almost out of breathe.

“Good of you to join us Jiyu”

Jiyu walks up beside Yugana, “I almost couldn’t keep pace with you...”

He looks at who Yugana was tracking.

“I know you, you’re...”

Kumo from behind landing with Shitoku, “no...”

Yugana, “I see you’ve finally made it Shitoku, I need you to do better.”

Shitoku, “hey I was just trying not to lose this guy.”

Kumo walking up beside Yugana and Jiyu,”it can’t be you, you’re...”

We see Kishi standing facing them with his back to the wall.

“...the traitor?!”

Kishi is in a fighting stance.

Next: Loyalty Part 4

#28 Loyalty Part IV, "to get stronger"

 Kumo’s eyes are very emotional.

Kumo, “what is wrong with you? Are you a traitor?!”

Shitoku is holding Kumo back.

Jiyu, “calm down Kumo,maybe it’s not like that. Sensei could be wrong?”

Kumo, “well Kishi,is that it?”

Kishi With no emotion, “just shut up.”

Kumo no longer struggling, “what?”

Kishi takes off a back pack, “you’re always talking to me, as if we’re close. Like you mean something to me..”

Kumo looking confused, “Kishi?”

He tries to get closer but Yugana holds his arm in front, blocking him.

Kishi,”you meaning nothing to me, we are not family. We are not even friends. You make me sick.”

Kumo, “you don’t mean that, it’s okay just tell Sensei ...”

Kishi, “I said shut your mouth! Everything is not okay, you’re just too weak to face it.”

Jiyu is looking on as well is Shitoku.

Kishi, “you know where we came from, you know what I have in front of me. But you just act so ,so...”

Jiyu, “you ...”

Yugana interrupts, “You have not answered the question young Kishi. Is this a mistake, am I wrong? Are you not trying to leave?”

Kishi focuses on Yugana, “Orange Class homeroom sensei...”

Yugana just looks at him.

Kishi, “...I owe you nothing, has been much less an explanation.”

Jiyu, “Is looking serious.”

Shitoku takes a step closer, “what did you say?”

Yugana, “students,no”

He stops silently.

Yugana,”go on, I think you were saying something?”

Kishi, “I came here with that loser, to get stronger alot stronger. I have a mission of my own that I can’t offered to waste anytime.”

Kumo. “I’m stronger than before and so are you. It takes time...”

Kishi ignores him, “I heard of the strong Senshi of this country. The teachers here that are capable of facing entire clans.”

He points at Yugana, “Lies, you’re a has been. All of you are, Sosuke,Shinjiro..”

Jiyu, {uncles, who does he think he is?!}

Shitoku has his fists balled up.

Kishi, “we can’t learn anything that will help me for another two years! I need Saino and weapons training. If I can’t get it here then I can get it somewhere else.”

Kishi gets into a stance.

Kumo, “Kishi, don’t do it...”

Kishi,”I can do whatever I want to it’s my life.”

Yugana is looking unphased anything he has said,until.

“I’m leaving and none of you is gonna stop me from getting stronger..”

Suddenly he is punched hard enough to send him against the wall.

Kishi is getting up, {fast, was that him?} “you?!”

Kumo, “you damn right me, you stand there acting as if I can’t see that you’re struggling.”

Kishi wiping his face, “struggling...what are?”

Kumo, “you’re lying...to yourself about ...”

Kishi, “that wa a lucky shot Kumo.”

Shitoku, “no it wasn’t, he was too fast for you. You two must be from the same village or maybe even clan. I’m willing to bet you are use to beating him. Well looks like he is now.”

Kishi, “So what?”

Jiyu, “so you jerk! That means you must be stronger now too!”

Jiyu is in his face, “ I should beat you senseless, for talking that way about my Sensei and...”

Yugana, “they promised you power, to be stronger than the Sensei here at Dragon’s Claw. Is that right?”

Kishi is silent, just looks at him.

Jiyu, “he can make you talk, you know that...”

Kumo, “that’s enough Jiyu, I got this.”

He looks at Kishi, “talk Kishi, who has made you turn traitor?”

He suddenly pulls something from his bag, a scroll unraveled.

Shitoku , {what is that?}

Kishi, “script release earth crush!”

Jiyu, “Kumo!”

Suddenly the earth around them moves forming walls, seemingly crushing them.

Kishi, “damn you Kumo, you should have come with me”

He turns to walk away.

Jiyu, “and you should stay in school!”

Kishi turning his head, “what?”

Kumo is standing behind Shitoku and Jiyu With Yugana I front hold his hands in a Saino position.

Yugana, “Jiyu is right, you’re in need of more lessons and training.”

Kishi reaches into his bag again, but suddenly...

He is up against the school wall, being held by Yugana’s hand.

Kishi, “ahhhh!”

Shitoku, “what is that coming from Sensei’s hand? It’s like it’s tearing him apart without hurting his body.}

Yugana, “what you’re feeling is me tearing your Zai network apart, if I keep goin you’ll never perform any kind of saino for the rest of your life.”

Kumo, “Kishi! Sensei please, stop!”

Jiyu standing behind Yugana, “Sensei Yugana, don’t do it.”

Yugana looks and stops, he;et’s Kishi fall.

Kishi, “why, why do you care?”

Jiyu , “I don’t, he does. He is willing to go against Sensei to save you, even after you said those things.”

Kishi holding himself up, “so what?”

Jiyu, “you’re important to him, you’re family.”

Shitoku and Kumo look at Jiyu. Yugana still stands close by.

Kishi looking at Kumo lowers his head.

Yugana, “family is important as well as loyalty.”

Kumo, “Sensei, If he talks will you let him live? I’ll take full responsibility for him.”

Yugana, “you do know what that means, don’t you?”

Jiyu,”what are y’all talking about?”

Shitoku “Taking full responsibility, if he commits any act against the Senshi code. He will be punished for him.”

Jiyu, “what do you mean?”

Yugana, “If you do this Kumo of the Assassins Village of the west, You will be killed in front of Kishi of the same Village.”

Kishi,”don’t do it Kumo, I’m  not...”

Kumo, “what worth it?”

He looks at Kishi, “let me be the judge of that.”

Yugana, “if you tell me everything I will be willing to spare you. The damage done to your Zai should be healed by the end of this school year”

Shitoku, “Sensei, “why?”

Yugana backs up and turns around towards Shitoku, “he isn’t the first to be impatient when it comes to power. He isn’t a traitor, he’s an over eager boy in a hurry to pay a debt.”

Jiyu, “a debt,what does that mean?”

Kumo helps Kishi up.

Kishi, “only thing I owe you is finishing school, don’t expect me to be nice to you.”

Kumo helping him walk, “yeah, I know you won’t let me down, Kishi.”

Kishi frustrates,”that’s not what I said, dammit Kumo.”

Yugana, Hey you two if you’re not in your respected rooms in 20 minutes, the deal is off.”

They begin to hurry.

Jiyu and Shitoku begin to follow Yugana back.

Shitoku, “ I see you held back Jiyu.”

Jiyu, “what me, well it wasn’t my place to talk sense into him.”

Shitoku, “yeah I guess not, that was Kumo’s”

Yugana, “think you two can make it from here without me?”

Shitoku, “of course we can, this better extra credit too. It was such a hassle.”

Yugana says nothing and blink steps away.

Jiyu, “Sensei held back, he could have killed Kishi before we got there or anytime after that.”

Shitoku “yeah, he brought us for a reason and it wasn’t to track Kishi down.”

                                              Loyalty, the end

       

#22 Homework Part II, “crushed”

Ushiku is running through the dorm halls passing students on the Black Class floor.

Ushiku, "move out of my way, I'm gonna kill him!"

Shitoku, {I guess he is still mad Jiyu beat him. I honestly didn't realize he had been holding back that much.}

Takaharu, "we'll find him Ushiku, I need to beat Osata's face in!"
Shitoku, "come on, you think these guys would actually come to the dorms?"
Ushiku,"whatever..."
Buredo is seen talking to Shinko as Ushiku comes around the corner,Shinko turns around and he's right there.
Shitoku, "well be careful,these guys are serious on this floor.
Ushiku,"get out of my way!" as he attempts to push her, Shinko grabs his arm and flips him.
Buredo stands over Ushiku, "what did you just say?!"
Shitoku," I warned him."
Takaharu, "shut up Shitoku."
Ushiku is getting up.
Buredo, "apologize to Shinko."
Ushiku, "what...?"
he gets in her face, "make me."
Shitoku appears directly beside the two, "Ushiku, back up and walk away. Trust me."
Ushiku looks at him then at Buredo, "whatever..." he turns away and walks towards stairs.
Takaharu is walking away with Ushiku,"I think it's time you start picking your fights better Ushiku."
Shitoku starts to follow behind when he turns his head towards Buredo, "see you later Buredo."
Buredo, "still keeping your agreement I see."
Shitoku says nothing just waves his hand.
Shinko, "agreement?"
Buredo, "it's nothing."
as the three are going up the stairs Takaharu looks out the window, "idiots"
He points an we see Jiyu and the others running across the campus.
Shitoku,"well look at that"
Takaharu, "let's go!" 
he jumps out the window, Ushiku follows, "wait for me, Jiyu is mine!"
Shitoku sees this, "this is getting to be too much."
he turns around walking back through Black Class dorms.
Sanjo is running with Osata with Jiyu, "Did they just jump out the window?"
Osata, "seems that way."
They are running through the court yard where familiar faces are scattered about. Then they past the corner and disappear.
Ushiku, "come on Takaharu, we can't lose them!"
Takaharu, {damn they are faster than I thought!} "Where is Shitoku?!"
Ushiku, "he'll catch up!"
as they turn the corner they see students from Red and Green Class. They are setting up chairs and tables, there are packages. Everyone has there jackets off and notice the three.
Ushiku, "Takaharu, you sure they came this way?"
Takaharu, "yeah I'm tracked them this way after we lost sight of them!"
Ushiku walking around, "okay then,that means their here somewhere! Hey losers come out,we know you're here!"
Sakura is standing with Obihiro near some huge boxes, "what is that clown yelling about?"
Obihiro, "when it comes to that guy,there is no telling."
Kansai, "you guys lost or something?"
Yuasa walks up beside him, "maybe they want to fight?"
Inuyama, "nah,relax guys that can't be it."
Takaharu, "you you losers hiding them from us?"
Kurayoshi, "what are you hot heads talking about,hiding who?"
Ushiku looks past her and sees the huge boxes.
"there!"
Him and Takaharu run towards them, Kurayoshi yells, "look out Sakura and Obihiro!"
They cannot react in time to stop the two from crashing into the boxes. 
Takaharu and Ushiku are laying on crushed boxes, covered in cakes and sweets.
Standing over him Nagahama, "you assholes, have ruined everything."
Ushiku, What the hell is this crap?!"
Shitoku comes around the corner seeing this sight, "what did you guys do now?"
Yuasa pounding her first in her hand, "they just signed their death warrant"
Takaharu getting up wiping himself off, "look we don't have time to kick your asses..."
Shitoku with hands behind his head,"Anyway we could come back and help you guys clean up or something? We kinda have something going on right now."
Sakura rolling up her sleeves, "Not a chance!"
Ushiku standing and ready, "Fine,bring it on!"
the students surround Team Ushiku.
Scene change to Jiyu and the others, standing on top of a building. The sun has now gone down.
Osato, "we placed false leads that should keep them busy. It should be enough to keep Takaharu busy,he's their tracker"
Sanjo,"yeah we've been all over Bartros campus."
Jiyu squatting looks out in the distance, "not everywhere"
Osata and Sanjo looks in the same direction.
Sanjo, "you sure kid?"
Osato,"If I may,why did you tell us the truth about your age?"
Sanjo,"yeah for the most part you just seem like a short student."
Jiyu, "if you let me lead,then you should know who i am. Because of secrecy that's the best I can do to tell you who I am."
Sanjo walks over and pats his head, "we knew who you were before you told us,right Osato?"
Osato, "indeed, now lead the way Mr. Nokemono."
Jiyu steps off the ledge, "follow me big brothers!"

scene change to some where on campus.
Ushiku, "okay this isn't working and time is running out."
Takaharu, "dammit those nerds and that punk, i'm gonna smash them!"
Shitoku leaning against a wall, "time to switch up the strategy, something less strait forward."
Ushiku, "okay, "give it shot slacker, but this better be good"
Takaharu getting in his face, "okay Shitoku,lead us to victory. I mean you helped us get out of that mess with those losers."
Ushiku, "yeah, I'll admit you can fight and you always have something wise ass to say, but..."
Shitoku stands away from the wall faces them, "I get it, time to come out of the background."


NEXT: "Shitoku Steps Up"

#19. The Mystery of Jiyu Nokemono Part IV, "Fail Safe"

Jiyu and Sensei Moriyama are talking and walking with Sensei Shinjiro a few steps ahead.

Sensei Moriyama, "Just remember the gesture to reveal it to someone other than yourself."

Jiyu, "will this be going against the rules?"

Sensei Shinjiro from ahead, "Nah it's a script formula,like the ones they use in the Recon Division trust your Uncle kid."

Sensei Moriyama, "Shinjiro..." {you're loving this, I can tell} anyway, this is the basics on writing scripts. It should keep you occupied until next year,right?"
Jiyu with excitement, " I'll do my best to master this , you'll see!"
Sensei Shinjiro,"just stay out of trouble okay kid. you don't want me and Sosuke coming after you." he smiles as he says this.
Jiyu, "got it, thank you too Uncle."
Both men look at each then slight grin
Sensei Sosuke, {again with that...hmmm}"... try not to say that in front anyone okay?"
Sensei Shinjiro, "yeah don't want anyone to get the wrong idea."
scene changes this office belongs to the Dean of Bartros Hall, Dean Furui.
Dean is at his desk Sensei Yugana is standing directly in front him him.
Dean,"Are you sure about this Senko?"
Sensei Yugana, "I am. I will take full responsibility for Jiyu Nokemono"
Dean, "so if he endangers or even shows signs..."
Sensei Yugana, "I will be the one to kill him."
Dean Furui, "If that comes to be, only you and one other has the strength to stop him"
Sensei Yugana, "Oh I don't know about that, we have some promising students in Bartros hall."
he uses mabataki and leaves.
scene changes Jiyu is nearing the Bartros Dorms with the Sensei.
Jiyu, "you know Uncle Sosuke, what I really want...?"
Sensei Sosuke says nothing,waiting for Jiyu to continue.
"...to know who I am. why i'm so different..."
Sensei Sosuke stops and turns in front of Jiyu.
Sensei Shinjiro looks on, {...}
Sensei Sosuke kneels that Jiyu is slightly taller, "It's okay, I know you can't come out and say it, secrecy script is strong. The time will come that you will know."
Sensei Shinjiro turns around to walk,"come on Uncle Sosuke, we gotta get him to bed . He has class in the morning."
Sensei Sosuke stands and begins to walk, "coming and don’t call me that."
Jiyu {I trust him, he seems to want to tell me something, but just can’t .}"I can't wait to get back to class tomorrow. No more hiding, I have to grow. So I can become the one they depend on!"
Sensei Shinjiro, "the one they depend on huh?" {this kid}
Scene change, a few hours later, on an unfamiliar hall.

 A door reads, "Student Council"
This is where the student council meets. It is comprised of the best students of each hall, hand selected by each Hall's Dean.
they make decisions that effect the student body, both directly and indirectly.
It is modeled after the Politics that govern Senshi after graduation.
They answer directly to the Hall deans and of course the Taisa. Taisa is the head of the entire school.
dressed in hooded cloaks, are students seated at a table much like the School board. Dean Furui walks up standing behind the one seated at the head.
Dean Furui, "I won't keep you long, I have something I can only entrust you with."
Marcus,3rd year student, "your precious faculty fall short again"
Natasha, a 4th year is sitting yoga style in chair,"This wouldn't be the first time we get the busy work."
She has her head resting on her face holding a pencil in the other.
Second Year student,Sam, "come on guys,let's hear him out"
Dean Furui, "Thank you Sam, but I assure you this is not busy work. It is a Sajento Level long term assignment.
Kellogg,a 5th Year student is sitting quietly with a ball cap on his head with the hood over it.
4th year Natasha stops playing with her pencil, "now this is getting interesting."
Dean Furi continues, "a first year student may pose a safety concern in the future. Unfortunately I cannot get the seriousness of this across to the Bartros Hall faculty."
Marcus, "what do you want us to do about this guy?"
 2nd year Sam timidly, "we aren't allowed to go to the first Hall. They are not under our jurisdiction."
Dean Furui, "yes I know First years don't qualify for council positions because they are new to the system. It is a long term assignment due to that and the threat he may pose could be at anytime after his 2nd year classes start. I need you to observe him and those he is close to,his behaviors and moral alignment."
 2nd Year Sam, "won't that arouse suspicion if...?"
Leo a 6th year and Student Council President, "it will be fine..."
He places his elbows on the table and puts his hands together.
"...we will select two first years to contend for next years Student council rep for the 2nd years. That is standard practice and under the guidelines as well."
Sam,"yes President, sounds like that would work"
President Leo, "Kellogg, you've been quiet as usual, I want you to lead the day to day of this assignment. If this assignment lasts longer, make sure to properly pass this to Natasha."
5th year Kellogg, "Yea, I got it."{don't have to talk so much about it, I've got things to do}
Dean Furui putting a folder on his table in front of Leo, This is the result of the assessment on him thus far."
President Leo continues, "Marcus and Natasha you make sure to go over whatever you find in the assessment report. If we have to engage you two are our tactical experts."
3rd year Marcus, "sure thing."
President Leo, "Okay Dean Furui, leave it to us from here."
Dean before using mabataki,"very well, you all will be my fail safe"
President Leo, "it's been a while since the Student Council had to eliminate an internal threat."
4th year Natasha, "true, that's also a hidden duty in the bylaws. You're forbidden to know it until you are actually part of the Student council. Just like the other Halls, we are the student Shi unit of Bartros Hall."
Sam, "I'm still so new to this as a 2nd year student.” {Which is why only the 4th thru 6th are allowed to be part of that unit.}
Kellogg, "well hopefully,if we have to do this, the current President will give some pointers..."
2nd year Sam, "pointers?"
Kellogg, "yes,after all he is the only one of us that has killed a fellow student on purpose."
President Leo says nothing. He stands and everyone turns there head in his direction except 5th year Kellogg.

He uses mabataki and leaves

end

#18. Mystery Of Jiyu Nokemono: Part III, "Assessment"

Jiyu is laying on a table waking up, "what..happened,where am I?"

He tries to sit up but can't, "Why can't I move, what's wrong with me?"

Sensei Moriyama is sitting in a chair,"you're body couldn't handle the stress you put it under doing that saino."

Jiyu, "stress?"

Sensei Moriyama, "your body isn't ready for that level. Not too mention your zai is impaired as a student here. So that Saino almost killed you."

A voice, "Quite an original one too, I hear. It surprised Sosuke anyway."

Jiyu, "Sensei Shinjiro?!"

Sensei Shinjiro walking up closer,"Wish I could have been there to see it."

He walks up to Jiyu," gave us a scare, you've been out for a while."

Sensei Moriyama, "yes you really pushed yourself out there."

Sensei Shinjiro folding hims arms looking down at Jiyu, "so how did you learn that?"

Jiyu looks at both of them, {Sensei Shinjiro has a serious look on his face, {I'm not used to that}

Sensei Shinjiro unfolds his arms and scratches his head, "look you aren't in trouble. As you know first years aren't allowed to use Saino for a reason. The reason its impaired wirh your uniform,you aren ready to do them in a safe way. Especially something so complicated and taxing on the body."

Sensei Moriyama walking over, "remember we did all of that to see how strong you are. Someone taught you how to create Saino, it doesn't really matter who."

Jiyu slowly sitting up, "it doesn't?"

Sensei Shinjiro, "yeah kiddo,how long have you know how to do Saino and mabakata?"

Jiyu,"well i'm really not good at making Saino, I'm just piecing things together really. I don't really know the technical stuff, I just concentrate really hard  and feel my way through it."

Sensei Moriyama turning around, "hmm I see..."

He walks over to his books and starts looking into one.

Sensei Shinjiro, "so you just been trying to put together an original Saino huh?"

Jiyu,"well I saw someone do something like that with fake copies of themselves. The ones that cant touch you."

Shinjiro,{sounds like Dreamtairu: self reflection}

"They said it'll be years before i could even get close."

Sensei Sosuke walks over, "I see, so you been trying to prove them wrong."

Jiyu, "I've been trying to make my own special Saino, since I found out what they were while walking to Queen City."

Sensei Shinjiro,"Well I think you might need to wait until it's safe before you try any Saino again."

Sensei Moriyama, "how old were you when you started walking from..."

Jiyu, "White Oak Village, i was 8 years old actually. Took me two years to get to the entry trials."

Sensei Shinjiro, "wait, so you passed the trials at 10 years old, then went into advanced education until you were old enough to enter Dragon's Claw? I'm impressed kid, you're only 12 you should be at least 15 to get in here."

Sensei Moriyama, {If it was any average person they would've died trying to make something on this level.} "What do you call it?"

Jiyu, "jeongsin bogsa:Orange Class...." he laughs

Sensei Moriyama,  "what is it?'

"well actually I'm not sure, I that was rhe first tine i named it or tried it. Its not finished but naming it, is that really important?"

Sensei Shinjiro, "well actually the name of a technique that uses Zai establishes the mental connection. There is a body and mind link you have to establish.It balances the whole thing, which is another reason it wiped you out."

Jiyu, {wow, so the name is really important. I'll remember that}"Thank you Sensei!}

Sensei Moriyama, "why your classmates and not your teachers?"

Jiyu, "well,I don't know much about you, I've seen the moves of my classmates"

Sensei Moriyama, {just like I thought, the 'Jeongsin Bogsa' only does what the user knows to be true for the original.}

Jiyu looks at Sensei Shinjiro, "Sensei, where is the real you?"

with a slight smile Sensei Shinjiro," well, now..."

A voice from behind him, "seems like the jig is up."

Sensei Shinjiro walks up and the other one disappears after he makes a hand gesture.

Sensei Moriyama, "How did you know?"

Jiyu scratching his head, "well it's hard to say but he looked kinda funny."

Sensei Moriyama, "indeed.."

Sensei Shinjiro looking at Moriyama, {what are you thinking Sosuke...?}

Jiyu continues, "a little blurry,like not in focus."

Sensei Moriyama, {like Taisa Yugana suspected, low level Dreamtairu doesn't work with him.}"back to your health, your body almost failed you."

Jiyu seeming a be alarmed,"Failed me?"

Sensei Shinjiro,"yeah kid you have a Zai blocking script on you everyone at Dragon Claw does,even the teachers have a version of it."

Sensei Moriyama, "Saino can only safely be done by someone with precise control."

Jiyu, "is that why on the first day Takaharu got hurt, when doing that shadow thing?"

Sensei Shinjiro, "well that and it isn't a Saino from his clan, from what I heard he was just trying something."

Sensei Moriyama,"Your Jeongsin Bogsa  isnt like any othee Saino used."

Jiyu confused,"teally?"

Sensei Moriyama,"You created solid constructs of zai,drawn from your exact memories. The strain was on your mind and body along with the absolute drain of zai.

Jiyu, " I had to beat you some how Sensei"

He holds his head down

Sensei Moriyama, "A bit of deception on my end ...i played my part so you would think you had the upper hand.I didn't want you to attempt anything more using your Zai."

Sensei Shinjiro, "yeah he wanted to see what you could do. Nut your safety is important too, Right Sosuke?"

{I just hope Sosuke isn't following any other purpose}

Jiyu, "yeah, ok" {I almost killed myself and Senseiwas u phased by my attacks!}

Suddenly Sensei Moriyama holds his hand out and a scroll speeds to his hand from the table. He unrolls it and turns it around,it has a diagram of a person.

Sensei Moriyama,"a quick advanced lesson, Sensei Shinjiro..."

Sensei Shinjiro walks up beside the diagram, "sure thing, okay now kid listen up."

Jiyu sits up looking at the two Sensei.

Sensei Shinjiro,"every person is born with zai which is the life energy, that is separate from your stamina and endurance. It is naturally accessed after your body has used all that up. The strength and amount is affected by your zai trainings,any direct injury to it you may suffer and your sheer will."

Jiyu, "So my body doesnt use Zai for energy unless i run out of stamina and i can make it stronger and have more by training it."

Sensei continues," Now the standard saino can be learned by anyone with the proper teaching and training.

There is a linit to how much you can increase your Zai ,whichvis different for each person."

Jiyu, "so its not unlimited...."

Sensei Shinjiro, "everyone is born with natural zai walls, most organized clans and tribes can remove a few.  Only way to get them all removed is by training to be a Senshi at an official Gakku”

Jiyu, "so zai walls keep me from going big, but going to school to become a Senshi will get them removed. I get it."

Sensei Shinjiro, "smart kid.{unfortunately that part doesnt apply to you, you are a unique case}"

Sensei Moriyama, "you explained it simply enough for a child to understand. After all you weren't that good a student yourself."

Sensei Shinjiro, "well that wasn't nice Sosuke."

Scene change

In the Student Council hallway Sensei Moriyama watches Yugana walk away. The Dean walks up to Sensei Moriyama, "If your assessment finds that he is capable of anything close to what his kind is known for..."

Sensei Moriyama, "walks over to Jiyu as Sensei Shinjiro watches closely. 

Sensei Moriyama is reaching for Jiyu...

Deans voice, "kill him"

Sensei Shinjiro,{Sosuke...} he takes a slight step towards them.

Sensei Moriyama puts his hand on his head, "you can't do anything like this again. It's too dangerous for yourself or to use on another student. when you make it to next year I will personally allow access to your zai,deal?"

Jiyu, "you will? Thank you"

Sensei Shinjiro,"yeah,Ill be there to runt"{your'e trying to save him, you big ole softy} He smiles.

Sensei Moriyama, "I know you're smiling behind me, Shinjiro"

Sensei Shinjiro, "good."

Sensei Moriyama, "well i'm pleased you're enjoying yourself. Jiyu are you feeling well enough to walk?"

Jiyu slowly gets to his feet, "I can do it..Uncle."

Sensei Moriyama looks at him and so does Shinjiro.

"Uncle?"

Shinjiro, {uh,oh no way Sosuke goes for that. You went too far kid}

to be continued...

#24. Smart Kids

Osata and Sanjo are walking together down a hallway. Osata is reading a book and Sanjo is writing in one. They both seem to be focused on those things as the maneuver through the Dorm.

Osata catches a ball flying towards Sanjo's head, then tosses it back over his shoulder, "careful Ushiku and Takaharu"

Ushiku is standing with Takaharu catches it,"whatever"

We see them on Red floor now passing through.

Sanjo says,"duck", as Osata ducks a kick swings over his head.

 As they keep walking Osata says, "good form Yuasa, excuse us Kurayoshi."

Yuasa and Kurayoshi looking at the two walk on. 

Yuasa, "uhm, thanks."

Kurayoshi puts her in a headlock, "focus girl!

Are you boy crazy?"

Yuasa trying to get free,"no, of course not!"

Osata takes his book away from his face, "Sanjo, what in the world are you writing, isn't that more my thing?"

Sanjo stops writing, "well, i had a crazy idea to make like a first year stat book."

Osata, "Stats book?"

Sanjo, "well yeah, an account of everyone's abilities and progress until we graduate"

They are passing Kishi resting against a wall on the green class floor of the dorm.

Sanjo, "yeah I'm gonna gather all the intel from interactive classes and on down down. Like when people are sparring or whatever."

Kumo notices the two pass him by.

Osata, "interesting but to what end?"

Sanjo, "well, not quite sure.I am going to calculate their offense,defense,over all intellect and fighting intellect as well as when we start learning Saino. Now that's when it'll get interesting"

Kumo then approaches from behind and wraps his arms around them,"When what will get interesting? You guys doing a year book or something?"

Osata,"no we aren't doing a year book"

Sanjo removing Kumo's arm, "well if we do one we'll be sure to label you as the class clown."

Kumo does a back flip and bows, at your service."

They keep walking leaving him behind.

Sanjo, "well what do you think?"

They are now outside as Osata answers, "I think it is a good idea, you've always been good at assessing abilities. Yore the on your feet thinker, I myself have to plane things out before hand."

voice from in front of them, "hello friend Osata and friend Sanjo."

Sanjo, "i swear Shinko, you are one of the only three students that can sneak up on us."

Shinko, "bows, I am sorry. How are you doing?"

Osata, "it is not a bother,just a testament to your skill. We're fine to answer your question."

Shinko is about to speak when she is interrupted by a voice from behind Osata and Sanjo, "She is gonna train with me, what are you guys doing?"

Sanjo, "Jiyu, here's one of the other few rare three. Train huh?"

Osata hands the book to Sanjo, "we're busy, don't let us hold you from training."

Jiyu, "what's that book, You writing something Sanjo?"

Sanjo, "you'r not gonna leave us alone til you find out huh?"

Jiyu giving a thumbs up. "nope"

a few moments later they are near a bench with Sanjo sitting on the back,Shinko on the seat and Jiyu standing looking on the book and Osata waiting.

Sanjo, "well?"

Jiyu stops looks up , "i'll be right back"

he uses mabakata and leaves

Sanjo still sitting, "you know him being the only first year that can do that is pretty annoying."

Osata, "agreed."

A little while later Jiyu returns approaching with Kohoku of Red Class, Kiryu of Green Class,and Otaru from Black Class.

Sanjo, "what's up with these guys Jiyu?"

Jiyu walking up to them with the book in hand, "I let them take a look and they want to help."

Osata, "help?"

Kiryu, "yes, Jiyu thinks we should collect intel on our respected classmates to contribute more accurate information."

Kohoku, "yeah this a good beginning you have here Sanjo, you might be on to something."

Sanjo, "well thanks,but I don't know if..."

Jiyu, "This way, they can give reports on people they have the mot contact with, which is their classmates. We can all come together to compare notes about anything we have trouble with."

Osata, "hmmm,okay so everyone conducts interviews...?"

Otaru, "no,we would gather information secretly."

Sanjo,"secretly?"

Shinko, "excuse me,please. That makes sense, because most students will give you an inaccurate account of their abilities."

Sanjo, "inaccurate?"

Shinko continues, "yes whether they are being modest or embellishing, you can't rely on them if you want to make this as accurate as possible."

Osata, "that's very insightful, I think you should go for it Sanjo."

Sanjo he turns to Osata, "What? Me, you mean we should go for it."

Otaru,"yes this will also help us prepare to be Senshi, gathering intel is a part of the duties."

Kohoku, "which means if we get found out, we shouldn't really get in trouble right?"

Jiyu. "Oh I got that covered, we'll do this in secret with only one person knowing about this besides us!"

Sanjo, "I'm scarfed to ask and what do you mean us?"

Walking up unnoticed, "I think it would be a wise decision that everyone present should be apart of this information gathering and documenting."

All the students except Jiyu, "Sensei Moriyama?!"

Jiyu, "yeah i talked to him about it and he thinks it's a good idea. Right Uncle?" 

Sensei Moriyama ignores Jiyu, "I will approve this, but only I will know about this. If you need any assistance come to me, no one else."

Sanjo,"Yes,Sensei"

Osata walking over to Sensei Moriyama, "Sensei what did you mean about everyone here?"

Sensei Moriyama, "everyone here is of an excelled skill set that would be prime for this project. As you know Sanjo is good at assessing ones abilities and you are a very tactical student as well. so are the rest of these students, especially little Shinko, Though she is quiet, I know for a fact she is constantly assessing everyone around her. If she had to she would have a counter for every person around her at all times."

They all look at Shinko.

Kiryu, "really,Shinko?"

Jiyu standing beside Shinko, "Shinko is awesome! I bet if you were to defeat her, you won't be able to do it the same way again!"

Sanjo, {he's gotta be exaggerating,but still}

Sensei Moriyama,{he is absolutely right, once she reaches her potential her style wouldn't allow someone to be able to defeat her the same way twice.Once she starts learning Saino she will be deadly}" well anyway. I have taught Jiyu a recon writing technique that allows secret communication. While is process you will only have access to the information about your classmates and whatever information that would be deemed general."

Otaru, "hmmm, is that so we won't ave the upper hand on other classes?"

Sensei Moriyama, "indeed, but once you all have graduated you will be given the cipher for the other entries. Also, there will be no entries about anyone's weaknesses. No defensive assessments in the slightest, am I clear?"

All students, "yes Sensei."

Sensei Moriyama, "Good, well I do believe once you start learning Saino and developing your own techniques, things will get interesting. But, there is one more stipulation."

Jiyu, "uh oh, what is it?"

Sensei, "once it is complete, the original book must become part of my protected library. Only one copy of the entire book is allowed out of my possession. Also if it isn't complete once you all graduate, the same rule applies."

They are quiet for a moment.

Osata, {makes sense I guess}

Kiryu, {of course having unlimited copies of detailed reports of Senshi out in the world could be troublesome}

Sanjo, "sounds good to me Sensei,deal"

Sensei begins to walk away, "good, now I leave you to it. Jiyu teach them the technique. I don't want to hear about this , so keep this to yourselves at all costs."

He uses mabakata and vanishes.

Jiyu, "okay everyone gather around", he pulls out some paper from his bag. He hands everyone a small sheet and begins writing on his.

Jiyu, "okay, look at the yours."

Shinko, "friend Jiyu, I don't see..."

Jiyu makes a gesture, "All eyes, open."

Kiryu, "hey i got something on mind now."

Sanjo, "now this is cool, you keep on surprising me Jiyu."

Kohoku, "yes, it seems that one sheet can be used as the sender or main. the others will receive whatever is written on it."

Kiryu, "so I assume, once you teach us we can make it where only the certain people can read it correct?"

Jiyu "yeah, I figure we make a main book and we all have single chapters that write in.What do you guys think?" 

Some distance away on the roof of a building Sensei Sosuke Moriyama is watching,{this will be nice project for all of them.}

The beginning of a Legendary Book

end