Chapter 011

  Growth

  Everyone is sleeping in the middle of the night slight taps come from the window next to Kenji’s bed causing Riku to wake up in *shock* but a voice says

  “Don’t worry it’s just the rain” Riku wipes his eyes as he looks towards Kenji's hospital bed and sees Itsuki looking down at him and says

  “Have you been up all night?” Itsuki says

  “I have to make sure he’s ok” Riku says

  “I hope you don’t believe any of this is your fault” Itsuki says

  “We–” Suddenly the window flies open as Itsuki and Riku are both *shocked* and Riku walks over to close the window but he notices as a raindrop falls near Kenji’s chest it freezes in the air as Kenji's eye slightly twitches and Riku closes the wind down as Itsuki says

  “If he was attacked in the bamboo forest, that’s where I should be going right now!” Riku doesn’t respond as he grabs a pitcher of water next to Kenji's bed and he pulls Kenji's covers off and Itsuki is *shocked* as he stands up and says

  "What are you doing!?" Riku says

  "We can try something or we can wait, and I want to try this. If it doesn't work then I will leave him alone to recover, but I'm asking you to trust me" Riku steps closer to Kenji's bed as he tosses onto Kenji but it freezes in the air creating a giant ice shard that smashes into the ceiling as everyone wakes up in *shock* and Dai says

  "What the hell-" Suddenly Kenji slowly sits up as he *holds his head in pain* and opens his eyes as he looks over and is *shocked* as he sees Riku and he tries to punch him but Riku catches his fist as he says

  “Kenji, calm down your safe!” Itsuki says

  “Kenji, what happened to you? Who did this!?” Kenji *weakly* says

  “It…Was my mother” Everyone is *shocked* but Riku says

  “There’s no way, she wasn’t even here and…S-She wouldn’t do that” Kenji says

  “You don’t understand, whatever was in that bamboo said “it was everyone I loved” and it kept taking different forms, first it was My Mother, My Father, Uncle Kaito, then Hana! But then it surrounded me with all of your face but then Gyomei–” Gyomei steps up as he says

  “That was really me, I came out to check on the screams I heard from you!” Kenshin says

  “I don’t think he’s in the condition to make the journey with us, I can take him back to the village” Kenji says

  “Don’t you dare disrespect me…My Father told me he needs all of us too stop this war, so I'm not going anywhere!” Saigo says

  “You can barely move your body, you can’t even stand!” Kenji reaches up and grabs some of the ice as turns it into water and wraps around Kenji’s arm as it flows onto his chest and turns into ice as Kenji slowly pushes himself off the bed and stands up as he says

  “Let’s go, we have a war to stop!” Kenji walks past them and out of the room as Itsuki says

  “We don’t have time to waste, let’s go!” Itsuki,Riku,and Dai all walk out as Gyomei *laughs* and says

  “Damn! I have to admit that boy is resourceful, he's truly Kingsman's son!'' Kenshin says

  “Are we truly going to let him still travel!?” Gyomei says

  “Are you going to take him back and explain to Kingsman why he was not allowed to continue?” Kenshin is *stunned* as Gyomei says

  “I thought so, now lets go we only have a couple of days before they start moving!” Gyomei leaves the room as Kenshin looks at Saigo and says

  “I have a bad feeling about this, if Kenji gets hurt any worse there gonna try and blame us for it!” Saigo says

  “What are you so worried about? Lord Kaito is a very reasonable leader and doesn’t make decisions like that on impulse” Kenshin says

  “You really think I'm that worried about Lord Kaito, its Kingsman I'm truly worried about! He may always be smiling and laughing, but that goofy demeanor goes out the window when his family is hurt!” Saigo says

  “Don’t worry, they’ll be fine! Besides we have Gyomei here with us, so we have nothing to worry about. You,me,and Gyomei who could stop all of us! Hell even the children would be helpful, you saw what they did to the gate and the other guards didn’t you?” Kenshin says

  “Let’s hope your right” Kenshin walks out of the room with Saigo behind him and they both walk down the hallway back into the lobby but they realize Gyomei and the others are gone and Saigo is *confused* as he says

  “Where the hell did they go?” Kenshin says

  “They really left us!” They both run outside as The Nurse says

  “Have a good–” The door slams behind them as they both look around outside and still don't see any of them as Saigo says

  “Let’s split up and find those bastards, and if you find them yell for me!” Kenshin says

  “Fine!” They both run in opposite directions

  At the same time Gyomei,Riku,Dai,Itsuki and Kenji have all just finished some grilled fish and ramen as they all stand up and walk out of the restaurant but Riku grabs Kenji's shoulder as he pulls Kenji away from everyone and says

  “Are you ok?” Kenji says

  “Yeah I'm fine, my body will heal but after we stop the war that’s sparking in the Fujiwara region I fully intend on going back too that bamboo forest and stopping whatever demon or spirit possess the bamboo forest!” Riku is *shocked* as he says

  “You believe the thing that attacked you was a demon!?" Kenji says

  "I can't be sure, it spoke like it had met him before! But it's movement weren't human, I could feel nothing but evil emanating from it!" Riku says

  "Whatever it is, If you intend on going back then I'll be there to help!” Kenji says

  “No! If I fail to beat whatever it is that lives in the forest I need somebody who I can trust to stop Itsuki and My Father from rushing over and getting themselves hurt because of me, and you’re the best one to do it! But also don’t tell Itsuki, if you do he’ll never leave my side this entire time” Riku says

  “You have my word I won’t tell Itsuki, but the day you go to fight that demon you have until the sun goes down because when it does I'm telling Sensei where you are! Deal?” Kenji *smiles* as he says

  “If it takes me that long then you can tell everyone where I am, thank you Riku” Riku says

  “Don’t worry about it” Kenji and Riku quickly catch up with everyone as Gyomei says

  “Now we need somewhere to stay for the night” Dai says

  “I'm pretty sure there–” Gyomei pushes Dai back as suddenly he catches punches from both sides and it sends out a giant shockwave kicking up dirt as everyone slightly blown back and Gyomei says

  “What the hell are you two doing!?” Dai looks up at Gyomei as he sees him holding Kenshin and Saigo's fist as Dai gets *angry* and says

  “So you bastards tried to sneak attack, ME!” Dai's fire violently surges across his body as his fire gauntlets burn hotter than ever before and he rushes them both as he tries to punch them but Gyomei throws them both into the air evading Dai's punch as the force of Dai's punch launches a fireball into shop completely destroying it as four builds next to it engulfs in flames and Kenshin and Saigo both land on the ground as they look at Dai *shocked* and Gyomei says

  “Dai, calm down!” Dai slowly looks at Gyomei as Gyomei sees nothing but *anger in his eyes* and Dai tries to punch Gyomei and Gyomei blocks it but he flies back as he slams into the ground and Dai rushes up and he stomps on Gyomei's chest as grabs him by the face and tosses him slightly into the air as he uppercuts him launching him into the air and Dai jumps into the air but suddenly he slams back into the ground as Riku steps up and puts his hand up creating wind gauntlets around Dai's hand and his gauntlets are being smothered and Gyomei slams into the ground as he slowly looks up and sees Dai and he slowly stands up as he rushes Dai but Dai *screams in anger* and his fire surges as it infuses with Riku wind and Gyomei is *shocked* and he thinks

  "I have to stop him before it's too late!" Gyomei takes a step forward but Dai's fires explodes of explodes everywhere wrapping all the nearest buildings in fire as Gyomei's pushed back and Dai looks at Gyomei and roars at him as he rushes him and puts both of his hands together slamming them down on top of Gyomei's head as he slams into the ground and Dai puts his hand into the air as he starts creating a enormous fireball but suddenly Dai's wrapped in lightning as he *screams in pain* and Itsuki puts his hand on Dai's chest as the back of his hand violently surges with lightning and Itsuki looks in Dai's eyes as he says

  "If you move, I'll put you down!" Suddenly Dai's left arm freezes it as Kenji appears behind him holding his arm and Riku grabs his right arm and a wind gauntlet wraps around Dai's right hand as wind chains bind his legs and neck as Saigo rushes over to Gyomei and Kenshin is *stunned as he stares at Dai in fear* and Dai's fire slowly disappears as Itsuki says

  “You damn idiot! What the hell is your problem!?” Dai slowly looks down at Itsuki as he says

  “Only cowards attack from behind, my father told me no real man strikes an enemy from behind! if they’d strike an enemies back then you shouldn't be allowed to call yourself a warriors, and if a warriors lives without honor then they are nothing!" Itsuki takes his hand off Dai's chest as he says

  “So all of you are just a bunch of prideful bastards!” Riku removes his wind chains as Kenji unfreezes his arm and Dai turns around as he closes his eyes and points his hand towards the buildings engulfed in flames and the fire slowly flows towards Dai as it wraps around his hands and Kenji *chuckles* as he says

  “Now that all that is done, we’ll need to sleep. We got a long way to go in the morning, so let's all just calm down and relax for the rest of the night. Ok, Dai?” Dai says

  “Fine, where are we sleeping for the night?” Itsuki says

  “We don’t know, because you basically CRIPPLED GYOMEI!” Gyomei slowly stands up as he says

  “No…I’m good, but that's a hell of a punch you’ve got there Dai!” Gyomei tries to *laugh* but he starts coughing as he drops to one knee and Kenshin is *shocked* as he says

  “Gyomei!” Kenshin rushes towards Gyomei but Gyomei puts his hand up and Kenshin stops as Gyomei slowly gets to his feet and says

  “Were going to a hotel!” Suddenly a voice from above them, says

  “Wrong, your sleeping in Lord Kaito’s second home!” They all look up and see Muto standing on a roof above them as he drops down next to them and Dai says

  “You again!” Gyomei says

  “No Muto, were fine! We don't need to bother you anymore than we already have” Muto says

  “Your my guests, while your in this village I’ll make sure you get the best” Dai *smiles* as he says

  “Huh, beside your poor excuse for guards you're not half bad old man. When I take over this region I'll make sure you keep your place” Itsuki punches Dai in the back of the head as he says

  “You idiot he’s the leader of this village! I apologize Lord Muto” Itsuki bows as Muto says

  “No please, do not call me Lord I still serve under Lord Kaito! He just needed eyes in every village to maintain peace, so I am no Lord here! I am simply Lord Kaito eyes, truly my mind could never match his!” Kenji *smiles* as he says

  “No matter of the titles, you helped us! so we will call you a friend!” Muto *smiles* as he says

  “I thank you for such an honor” Dai says

  “Ok enough talk, I'm ready to sleep!” Muto says

  “Oh of course, right this way!” Muto takes them to Kaito’s second house which overlooks the village and as they make it to the house and everyone is *shocked* by how beautiful the house is and Itsuki says

  “Wow this house is amazing!” Riku says

  “I’ve never seen one this nice before!” Muto says

  “Thank you very much, I’m sure Lord Kaito would be very proud” Dai says

  “Yeah yeah, where’s the bed?” Muto *nervously chuckles* as he says

  “Yes I'm sorry, right this way” Muto takes everyone to their separate rooms and everyone is *shocked* as they see how beautiful their rooms are and Kenji walks to his doorway as he screams

  “NIGHT!” Itsuki and Riku both scream

  “NIGHT!” As Dai screams

  “SHUT UP, IM TRYING TO SLEEP!” Kenji *chuckles* as he closes the door and walks over to the bed as he lays down and stares at the ceiling as he thinks over everything that happened yesterday until there's a knock on the door and he stands up as he opens the door and sees Itsuki as Itsuki says

  “Kenji, I wanna talk real quick” Kenji says

  “Come on” Kenji walks over to his bed as he lays down and Itsuki sits on Kenji's bed as he says

  “When we get back from this mission, me and you should go back too that bamboo forest and kill whatever demon haunts that place!" Kenji quickly sits up as he says

  “No!...Whatever is in that forest can’t be beat, its something completely different and extremely dangerous!” Itsuki says

  “What!? There’s nothing the two of us can’t beat and overcome together, not the forest demons, not the fujiwara warrior, hell together we could possibly even defeat Sensei! So I won’t accept that because we can defeat it!” Kenji says

  “Alright, if we’re gonna do this then we’ll need to train more because that thing is fast! So the first day we get back to the village we start training our speed and durability, alright?” Itsuki *smiles* as he says

  “Alright, the first day back we go back to training instantly!” Itsuki and Kenji high five each other as Itsuki says

  “You're right, you do need to train your speed!” Kenji is *confused* as he says

  “Huh?” Itsuki electrocutes Kenji as he quickly stands up and runs out of the room and Kenji says

  “Bastard!” But he starts *laughing* as he slowly takes off his shirt and looks at his stomach as he notices a small black dot under his ice and Kenji is *confused* as he thinks

  "What is that?" Kenji wipes the ice off of his chest turning it into water as he sees his wounds have somewhat healed but he notices the dot is gone as well and Kenji says

  "I guess it was something caught underneath my ice" Kenji tries touching his wounds but he *winches in pain* as he says

  “Almost ready!” Kenji slowly lays back down as he closes his eyes and slowly falls asleep until he suddenly wakes up and he looks around but doesn't see anything and he thinks

  "Why'd I suddenly wake up, was there-" Suddenly gentle humming flies the room as Kenji is *shocked* as he sits up and slowly looks at the slightly open window and he slowly stands up as he walks over to the window and the humming gets louder as he is *nervous* and he slowly looks out the window as he sees fog all over the streets and he notices the streets are empty as the humming stops and he suddenly starts hearing the sound of footsteps as the same singing emanates from all around and Kenji quickly looks all around until he notices a women walking through the streets with an umbrella as his heart quickly starts beating and he is *shocked* as he says

  “No, no that's not possible” The women stops walking as she moves the umbrella and slowly looks up at Kenji as she's stilling sing and Kenji looks into her eyes as he notices her eyes are a milky white and Kenji is *confused* as he says

  “Is she...blind!? But how could she-” Suddenly Kenji notices the women starts *malicious smiling* and she raises her hand as a black dagger forms in her hand and she throws it at Kenji but it crashes into the window and Kenji falls onto his back as he hits his wound on the ground and he *screams in pain* as he *holds his stomach in pain* and Itsuki burst through the door as he notices Kenji on the ground and Itsuki rushes over to him as he says

  “Kenji, what happened!?” Kenji * through his pain* says

  “She’s here...She’s outside!” Itsuki rushes over to the window as he looks out and says

  “Where is she? There’s no one I can see from here!” Kenji looks up at Itsuki but notices the window isn’t broken and Itsuki walks over as he helps Kenji up and puts him back on the bed as he says

  “I'll go check outside, don’t move!'' Itsuki rushes out of the room and out of the house as he runs through with his lightning blade and Gyomei walks into Kenji's room as he says

  “What the hell is going on!?” Kenji is *stunned* as he says

  “She was outside…Or I-I thought she was here!” Gyomei says

  “She? She who?” Kenji says

  “The person who attacked me!” Gyomei is *shocked* as he says

  “The person from the forest was a she! What else can you remember?” Kenji says

  “I saw her outside and we locked eyes! Her eyes were completely white, she's blind! She was walking through the streets as she singing and she woke me up with it, and she even threw a knife at me and it was stuck in the window but…Now it’s all gone!” Gyomei is *confused* as he says

  “What!? Kenji my window was open all night, I didn’t hear any singing” At that time Itsuki comes back into the room as he says

  “I couldn’t find anybody outside, not even footsteps but we’ll find them don’t worry!” Gyomei looks at Itsuki as he says

  “There’s no one too find, this was a dream Itsuki! Nothing more” Itsuki look at Gyomei as he says

  “If Kenji says there's someone out there then–” Kenji says

  “No Itsuki! He might be right...It was just a dream!” Gyomei says

  “Good, now both of you go back to sleep. We have a long journey ahead of us” Gyomei walks out of the room as Itsuki looks at Kenji and says

  “Are you sure!?” Kenji says

  “I don’t know at this point…Let’s just get some sleep and be ready for tomorrow!” Itsuki says

  “Alright...Night Kenji” Itsuki closes the door as Kenji slowly lays back down and thinks

  “It was only a dream, nothing more!” Kenji slowly closes his eyes as he slowly goes back to sleep.

  In the morning Kenji slowly opens his eye as he stands up and walks over to the window and he scans the crowd of people walking through the streets and doesn't see the women as he *sighs* and says

  "She wasn't real! I need to pull myself together!" Kenji slowly turns around as he walks out of the room and down the stairs as he notices Gyomei talking with Muto and Itsuki notices Kenji walking down stairs and says

  “Yo Kenji we were just about to leave, good timing!” Kenji walks over to Itsuki,Riku and Dai as he says

  “Why didn’t any of you wake me up if were leaving!?” Itsuki *smiles* as he says

  “You would have caught up!” Dai says

  “I tried but you wouldn’t move and I thought you were dead, so I left” Kenji says

  Stolen story; please report.

  “You would have left me in the bed if I was dead?” Dai says

  “Yeah, what do you want me to do? Carry your body around” Kenji is *shocked* as he says

  “You could have at least told people” Dai says

  “I did, I came down here and said Kenji’s dead! Now let's get back on the road” Kenji *laughs* as he says

  “Wow, thanks Dai!” Gyomei turns to them as he says

  “Alright, let's go!” They all walkout of the house and towards the front gate as Kenji notices someone holding the same umbrella and Kenji is *stunned* as he stops in place and his ice slowly starts covering his arm but the umbrella moves revealing a different women and Kenji grabs his wrist stopping his ice as he turns around and rushes back up to them as Gyomei pushes open the front gate and they all continue walking as Dai says

  “How much longer is this going to be?” Gyomei says

  “When we get to the next village we will get on a ship and we should be there by around noon tomorrow” Dai is *annoyed* as he says

  “This is going to take forever!” Kenshin says

  “With you complaining, yes it will!” Saigo *laughs* as Dai *sarcastically* says

  “Ha Ha Ha!” Gyomei says

  “The village is actually close, we should be there by noon” Dai says

  “So how would it take us until tomorrow after noon” Gyomei says

  “We do have to cross the ocean by ship” Dai says

  “I’ve never been on a ship before” Gyomei says

  “Well now your about to, so hopefully you enjoy your first time on one. Let’s hope your not scarred” Dai says

  “Scarred? Why would I be scared to be on a boat?” Gyomei says

  “Only truly strong warriors can be on ships because it makes people sick from the motion” Dai says

  “It won’t effect me in the slightest” Gyomei says

  “Good!” They continue walking until they make it to the village as Gyomei looks into the air and notices there slightly early and he looks at Dai as he says

  "Look at that, when you stopped complaining we got here faster!" Dai looks at Gyomei as he says

  "Shut up, we're still going to take all day on the ship!" Dai jumps into the air and raises his fist but Saigo grabs his leg and pulls him back down as he says

  “Not again, this time we talk. We use our words, not our fist” Gyomei knocks on the village gate but suddenly they are surrounded on all sides by guards as Gyomei looks at them and says

  “Wait, I am Gyomei of the–” Suddenly a giant lightning bolt flies down towards them from above but Gyomei jumps above them and blocks the lightning as he slams into the ground and he slowly stands up as he shakes off the lightning and he takes a step but suddenly he feels two fingers pressed against the back of his neck and Gyomei says

  “This isn’t what you think it is, we are warrior from–” A voice from behind him says

  “Shut up, I don’t allow people like you in my village!” Gyomei is *shocked* as he recognizes the voice and says

  “Is this–” The man from behind him says

  “Miura Ryota!” Gyomei *smiles* as he says

  “I thought so!” Miura punches Gyomei in his back with his lightning making him fall to his knees and Dai tries to rush him but Gyomei puts his hand up as Dai stops and Gyomei slowly stands up as he *laughs* and says

  “Its been a long time, little Miura” Miura says

  “It truly has been a long time Gyomei, but I am not little anymore!” Itsuki is *confused* as he says

  “What the hell is going on?” Gyomei says

  “Oh, this is Miura! We were both warriors in Lord Kaito’s army, but when I got my rank as general Miura also got a promotion. I never knew where he was until today” Miura says

  “When I spoke with Lord Kaito he gave me an opportunity to control and protect this village here, I'm sorry where are my manors. Welcome to the Yahoku village” Dai says

  “Hmm, cute story but that changes nothing!” Dai rushes Miura and Gyomei tries to grab him but Dai jumps over Gyomei's head as he tries to punch Miura but one of his guards appears in front of Dai as he blocks the punch and Miura *smiles* as he says

  “I like him!” Gyomei says

  “Dai enough!” Dai pulls his hand away as he quickly starts swinging towards the guard but he blocks all of Dai's punches until he stops and *laughs* as he says

  “Damn you're stronger than you look” The guard *smirks* as Miura waves his hand and all of his guards go back into the village as Miura says

  “Who are these children you're traveling with Gyomei?” Kenji steps up as he puts his hand out and says

  “Hello, my name is Kenji Matomi” Miura is *shocked* as he says

  “Matomi!?... I've heard that name before somewhere, but I don't know where” Gyomei says

  “Your right, because he’s Kingsman’s son” Miura is *stunned* as he looks at Kenji and says

  “Wow! Your father was…A man, but anyways how is your Father and Mother?” Kenji *smiles* as he says

  “There both well!” Dai steps up to Miura as he says

  “My name is Dai!” Miura is *curious* as he says

  “You don’t have a last name?” Dai says

  “You don’t need to know it, I don’t plan on taking anything from you” Miura *laughs* and Riku steps up as he says

  “My name is Riku, nice to meet you” Miura says

  “Nice to meet you as well!” Itsuki says

  “My names Itsuki Tatsumichi!” Miura says

  “Tatsumichi!? I haven’t heard that name before…No matter, all of you are welcome in my village but what brings all of you this far?” Gyomei says

  “We’re going to the Fujiwara region” Miura is *shocked* and says

  “What!? Why the hell are you going there?” Gyomei says

  “We have inside intel that they are building an army, but we need to see the full extent of the army there building” Miura says

  “If that's the plan then I can send a team with you as well just in case something happens” Gyomei says

  “You can’t do that because there’s still a peace treaty in effect and were the only ones who aren’t officially warriors of Tohoku, if anyone else was to even step foot inside the region it would be seen as an invasion!” Miura says

  “Alright then I'll give you my best ship, you still know how to sail a ship right?” Gyomei says

  “Could never forget something so important, we’ll be fine. Thank you Miura!” Miura says

  “When do you all have to leave?” Gyomei says

  “Later tonight” Miura says

  “Then let’s make up for lost time, come on Gyomei I know you don’t do this but one time for celebration! Just a few cups of Sake!” Gyomei *chuckles* as he says

  “Fine, just a few cups” Miura *cheers* as he says

  “Lets go!” All of them walk into the village as Gyomei and Miura start walking away from everyone else towards a bar and Gyomei turns around as he says

  “Kenshin, can you take them around the village?” Miura says

  “There's no need to do that, Hokama!” One of Miura guards walk over to him and bows as Dai notices it's the same warrior from before and Hokama says

  “Yes my lord?” Miura says

  “I need you to take the kids around the village and show them everything our village has to offer” Miura winks at Hokama as Hokama says

  “Yes my lord, I will show them what I can!” Miura says

  “Thank you, Hokama” Kenshin says

  "So with the children taken care of, does that mean me and Saigo can go with you two to the bar?" Saigo looks at Kenshin as he says

  "Kenshin, we have a job to do!" Kenshin says

  "So what we all need to take a break sometimes, and besides we're still in our region. We traveled far enough with the stress that we're carrying, and you may feel like you don't need time to relax but I do!" Gyomei says

  "For once, Kenshin's actually right. Both of you let's go, we need to have some fun before possibly the worst days of our lives" Dai *laughs* as he says

  "That's if you weak bastard can keep up and don't get yourselves killed" Kenshin says

  "I'll be shocked when you can actually do something useful except run your mouth" Everyone starts *laughing* and Dai gets *mad* but Itsuki says

  "You asked for that one!" Gyomei says

  "Enough, let's all just relax for the rest of the day. Kenshin, Saigo come on" Kenshin and Saigo walk up next to Gyomei and Miura as they all go inside a bar and Dai looks at Hokama as Dai says

  “So your name is Hokama, I am Dai! I guess you are a decent fighter” Hokama says

  “Your a horrible fighter” Dai is *shocked* and says

  “What!?” Hokama says

  “You fight like a blind man, you have horrible form and no technique. Actually that would be an insult to the blind warriors I know” Dai gets *angry* as he says

  “You want to see my techniques!” Dai walks in front of Hokama as his fire wraps around his hands forming his gauntlets and he says

  “Here's my technique!” Hokama says

  “If you would like to fight let’s go away from the villagers homes” Dai says

  “Fine, lets go” They all follow Hokama to a giant open space behind the village as Dai says

  “Let’s go!” Hokama says

  “Would any of you others like to join us in more of a team battle?” Itsuki says

  “Fine, it’ll be me and Dai” Riku says

  “Kenji, you wanna join them?” Kenji *smiles* as he says

  “I can't, my body still needs a little more time. Go ahead Riku, they need you!” Riku says

  “Fine, I guess its me and Hokama!” Riku walks over to them as Kenji sits down and watches as Hokama says

  “Hello, my name is Hokama!” Riku says

  “My name is Riku, nice to officially meet you!” Dai says

  “That’s enough talking, Itsuki let’s go!” Dai and Itsuki rushes Hokama as Dai tries to punch Hokama but Riku puts up a force field of wind around them as Dai violently punches the force field and Itsuki punches the opposite side of the force field and Hokama looks at them both as he says

  “Well there definitely fast, thanks for the assist” Dai slams his hands into the force field as he is *angry* and says

  "Enough hiding! Come out here and face us!" Riku and Hokama look at each other as they share a nod and Riku puts his hand up as the force field starts violently spinning faster pushing Dai and Itsuki back as Riku drops the force field and Hokama rushes Dai as he tries to punch him and Dai punches towards Hokama as they clash fist pushing each other back and Dai *smiles* as he rushes Hokama and they start repeatedly clashing punches as they both look in each other eyes and they both *smile*

  At the same time Itsuki looks at Riku as he points his hand towards him and his sword forms in his hand as he rushes Riku and tries to slash him but Riku leans out of the way of Itsuki's slash as he shoots compressed wind shoots out of his mouth hitting him in the stomach as Itsuki flies back and slams into the ground and Itsuki looks up at Riku as he *holds his stomach in pain* and says

  “So you’ve got a new move, good lets see how fast it is” Itsuki stabs his sword into the ground as his lightning surges from his hands and he claps his hands as suddenly the entire sky starts shaking and Riku looks up as he sees a lightning bolt flying down towards them and Riku puts his hands up as he redirects the lightning and destroying the trees next to them as Itsuki rushes him and tries to punch him but Riku grabs both of his wrist and Itsuki *smiles* as he says

  “Not going to work!” Suddenly lightning strikes Itsuki allowing him to travels through the lightning as Riku wrapped in his lightning and Itsuki appears next to his sword as he grabs it and rushes Riku as he punches him in the stomach causing his lightning to surge through Riku's body as Riku *screams in pain* and Itsuki clenches his fist tightly around his sword crushing it as Itsuki's lightning starts wildly surging around his hands but Itsuki blast his lightning into the sky as he picks Riku up and holds him over his shoulders as he calls down a giant bolt of lightning and it hits Riku in the chest as Riku's knocked out and Itsuki throws him to the side as he says

  “Sorry Riku, but you can’t win!” Itsuki rushes Hokama as Hokama and Dai are still clashing punches and he tries to punch Hokama in the back but Hokama jumps over Itsuki sending him slamming into Dai as they both fall onto the ground and Hokama jumps back next to Riku as he kneels down next to him and says

  “Thank you for the help!” Hokama stands up as he sees Dai and Itsuki stand up and he's *shocked* as both of their elements violently surge off of them and Hokama thinks

  "Now this is getting really dangerous" They both rushes him as he quickly starts dodging there attacks until Dai punches him in the stomach dragging him backwards as Itsuki kicks him in the back launching him forward and Dai tries to grab Hokama's face but Hokama leans out of the way as he tries to punch Dai but Itsuki appears in front of him as he catches his wrist and punches Hokama in the stomach as he's pushed back against a tree and they both rush Hokama as they start quickly punching him all over his body and Hokama tries blocking the punches but the more Itsuki hits him the more Itsuki's lightning wraps around Hokama's body until Hokama ducks Dai's punch snapping the tree in half as Itsuki and Dai both slide back from the falling tree separating them as Hokama rushes Itsuki and Itsuki tries to punch Hokama but Hokama catches his wrist as Itsuki *smiles* and says

  "You don't learn do you!" Itsuki surges with lightning across his arm as Hokama *screams in pain* but Hokama looks Itsuki in his eyes as he punches Itsuki in the stomach with such force he drops to one knee clutching his stomach and Hokama grabs Itsuki by his neck and lifts him into the air as he slams him into the ground and Hokama lifts his hand into the air but suddenly the fall tree erupts into flames and Hokama looks at the tree as suddenly Itsuki violently surges with his lightning and Hokama *screams in pain* as Itsuki's lightning doesn't allow him to move and Dai walks through the fire around the tree as he punches Hokama in the face launching him back and Hokama lands on his feet as he looks at Dai and Itsuki slowly stands up as Hokama says

  "You two are truly surprising me" Itsuki says

  "What did you expect? We were trained by the best Sensei in the world!" Dai says

  "Remember you picked this fight with Fire Lord Dai!" Hokama *chuckles* as he says

  "And who might that be?" Itsuki says

  "The greatest warrior who has ever graced this planet, Kingsman!" Hokama is *shocked* and says

  "I didn't know he took in students, can I ask you a question?" Itsuki says

  "Which is?" Hokama says

  "How is Kingsman? Is he truly as kind as most say? Or is he as heartless as other say? A demon with no remorse but a man full of hatred!" Itsuki says

  "My Sensei is a calm and caring man, but firm and scary when he needs to be. He is truly an amazing and caring man though" Hokama *smiles* and thinks

  "I knew it, now I just need to have a moment to speak with him alone" Hokama says

  "Hmm, interesting" Dai is *confused* as he says

  "Hello! Can we get back to fighting? I'm getting bored!" Itsuki *chuckles* as he says

  "You really can't read a room, fine let's go!" Itsuki starts surging with his lightning with such force it starts coming falling from the sky as Dai's fire surges around him with such heat the ground around him is scorched and Hokama puts both of his hands up as he *smiles* and they both take a step towards him as they both simultaneously disappear and Hokama is *shocked* as he looks around and sees trails of fire and lightning all around him and Hokama is *amazed* as he says

  "Kingsman-" Suddenly both of them appear in front of Hokama and they punch him in the stomach sending him flying back as he slams extremely hard into the ground and Hokama slowly starts closing as he thinks

  "I can't move...It feels like they caved my entire chest in! I shouldn't have let my guard down!" Hokama slowly opens his eyes as they are blurry but he notices Dai and Itsuki standing over him as they are still surging with their elements and Itsuki looks at Dai as he says

  "I don't think he's done just yet, should we end it?" Dai looks at Itsuki as he *smiles* and says

  "Yes we should!" Itsuki points his hand into the air as the clouds above them combine together creating a giant cloud above them as Dai puts his hand up and blast a giant wave of fire into the center of the giant cloud and Itsuki pushes his hand down as a giant lightning bolt wrapped in fire flies down towards Hokama and Hokama slowly puts his hand into the air as he thinks

  "I...Can't stop this attack, they've done too much damage to my body!" Suddenly the giant lightning bolt wrapped in fire starts clashing with wind stopping it in place and Itsuki is *shocked* as he says

  "Riku!" Itsuki and Dai quickly turn around as they see Riku with both of his hands in the air and Dai rushes Riku and tries to punch him but his fist clashes with the wind in front of Riku and Dai's fist surge with flames even hotter as Dai screams

  "THIS WON'T HOLD FOREVER, I'LL BURN IT ALL AWAY!" Dai's fire violently surges all around him as Riku slightly starts being pushed back until Riku points both of his hand at Dai as he launches him back and Dai *laughs* but suddenly the giant lightning bolt wrapped in fire slams into his back as he slams into the ground and Riku looks at Itsuki as Itsuki *chuckles* and says

  “Maybe you're better than I thought Riku!” Riku says

  "Neither of us can go on for much longer Itsuki, let's call the fight here!" Itsuki *laughs* as he says

  "We're warriors, stopping here would be an insult to everything we've worked for!" Itsuki summons his sword as Riku notices Itsuki's sword flicker until Itsuki tightly grips the sword and Riku puts both of his hands together and he closes his eyes as wind blades form around them and he opens his eyes as he sees Itsuki put his sword into a low stance and Itsuki rushes Riku as he quickly tries slashing Riku and Riku's able to dodge all of Ituski slashes until Itsuki raises his sword above his head and slashes down towards Riku but Riku opens his hand as his wind blades morph into wind gauntlets as Riku catches Itsuki's sword between them and Itsuki presses against his sword as he slowly pushes it closer to Riku's chest and Itsuki *laughs* as he says

  "Your smart Riku, but there are times when strength overpowers the mind!" Riku says

  "Thinking like that, is the reason you won't beat me!" Riku stomps the ground as his foot wraps in wind and Itsuki notices Riku foot as he thinks

  "No you don't!" Itsuki slides his foot forward as suddenly Riku shoots him in the chest with a compressed wind shot and Itsuki slightly slides back as he's still holding his sword and Itsuki takes a step forward but Riku kicks him in the stomach sending him flying into the air as suddenly Hokama kicks Itsuki in the side of the neck sending him slamming into the ground and Riku is breathing heavy as his wind gauntlets disappear and Riku looks up at Hokama as he says

  “Even though your injured you still have fight in you, your really starting to impress me!” Hokama *holds his stomach in pain* as he *smiles* and says

  “I'm a warrior, I must always have fight in me. But you are a completely different story, I don't see any techniques, forms or even stances. Do you even know how to fight properly?" Riku says

  "Never learned, but not all warriors need to fight to be great" Hokama says

  "Obviously, you didn't even throw a punch yet you were still able to take both of them down. You are a completely different beast!” Itsuki starts *coughs* as he slowly stands up and says

  “Took both of who down!? Because if you think that's enough to stop me you're sadly mistaken!” Riku looks at Hokama as he says

  “You ready?” Hokama says

  “Yeah!” They both rush Itsuki and Riku dashes all around Itsuki as Hokama starts punching Itsuki all over his body and Itsuki blocks all of his punches as he's being pushed back until Itsuki catches Hokama's hands as he tries to knee him in the stomach but Itsuki knee is stopped in the air and he's *shocked* as he looks over and sees Riku with his hand up as he's *smiling* and Hokama uppercuts Itsuki launching him back as he slams into the ground and Hokama *laughs* as he says

  "Is that all you have left? This was a good battle, but an unchangeable outcome!" Itsuki slowly pushes him self up on one of his knees as he looks at Hokama and says

  "Are you...Laughing at me!?" Hokama is *shocked* as he notices the look in Itsuki eyes but suddenly a giant bolt of lightning slams into the ground next to Itsuki and Hokama and Riku both look over and notice Itsuki's sword surging with lightning as it sticks out of the ground next to Itsuki and Riku is *shocked* as he thinks

  "Itsuki body is too strained to be able to maintain control over his sword!" Riku screams

  "ITSUKI, DON'T!" Itsuki grabs his sword as he *screams in pain* but Itsuki doesn't let go as he slowly stands up and stumbles towards Hokama and Riku says

  “Stop Itsuki! Just let go” Itsuki *while still in intense pain* screams

  “NEVER!” Itsuki rushes towards Hokama with his sword in a low stance as he slashes towards Hokama but Riku uses his wind to pull Hokama back as he uses his wind to force Itsuki's hands open causing his sword to flying into the trees and Hokama rushes up as he knees Itsuki in the chin sending him flying back and he slams extremely hard into the ground as Itsuki passes out and Riku drops to one knee as he's *breathing heavily* and he says

  "We'll-" Suddenly Riku uses his wind to stop lightning shooting out from the trees and Hokama is *shocked* as he says

  "Where the hell did that come from!?" Riku slowly stands up as he says

  "It's his sword, and with him being knocked out now it's uncontrollably surging! But I have some good news, bad news and possibly worse news, which one do you want first?" Hokama says

  "...Good news first!" Riku *chuckles* as he says

  "I can stop it, but bad news...It's going to take a lot of energy! Possible worse news, I don't know if I have enough energy!" Hokama is *stunned* as he says

  "Why is that funny!?" Riku *laughs* as he says

  "My Sensei believes that if you can laugh through situations that are tragic...Then you can make it through them! Let's hope he's right" Riku puts his hand up and Itsuki's sword floats out of the trees as it's still violently surging with lightning and Riku points his hand into the air as Itsuki's swords launched extremely high into the air and Riku slowly presses his hand together and suddenly everything starts violently shaking as giant bolts of lightning start falling from the sky and Riku dodges them as he struggles to push his hands together and he thinks

  "I don't know...If I can do this, but I can't give up!" Suddenly Riku's wind starts bending his fingers back as he *screams in pain* and Hokama is *shocked* as he thinks

  "If he does this, he'll break his hands!" Riku *screams in intense pain* as he's able to close his hands together and Riku falls back as he slams into the ground and Hokama rushes over to Riku but suddenly a giant explosion of lightning separates the clouds as Hokama notices it's rushing down towards them and Riku puts a hand on his shoulder as he says

  "The explosion hasn't fully dispersed...It's going to hit us! You have to run!" Hokama is *shocked* as he says

  "What!? You can barely move, yet you want me to run away!" Riku *smiles* as he says

  "We're strong enough to take it, but you might get hurt!" Hokama says

  "I won't abandon all of you like this!" Riku says

  "Ok then...Kenji, it's your turn!" Suddenly a giant ice dome surrounds all of them as the lightning slams against the top of it and a voice from behind them says

  "I was wondering when you were going to ask for my help!" Riku says

  "Don't...Start!" Riku passes out as Kenji crouches down next to him and *chuckles* as he looks at Riku and Hokama opens his mouth but suddenly he falls back as he *clutches his stomach in pain* and Kenji looks at him as he *smiles* and says

  "It's alright, just the adrenaline from the fight were off. It'll get worse the more your muscles start to relax, but be happy because all of you truly had an amazing fight!" Kenji helps Hokama up as Hokama accidentally elbows Kenji in his stomach making him fall to the ground as he *holds his stomach in pain* and Hokama is *shocked* as he says

  “I’m sorry, I didn't mean to–” Kenji *through his pain* says

  “I’m fine...Let’s just get them back to the village!” Hokama helps Kenji up as Hokama walks over and picks up Riku and Dai as Kenji lifts his shirt up and notices the ice on his stomach is shattered and he is *shocked* as he thinks

  "He shattered my ice!" Kenji refreezes his wound as he walks over to Itsuki and puts him over his shoulder as they both walk back into the village but as they make it back to the front gate Kenji notices Gyomei, Saigo, Kenshin, and Miura stumble out of the bar drunk as Miura *drunkenly* says

  “Oka-Okada take th-them to the Fuji-Fujiwara region” Okada walks over to Miura as he says

  “Yes, my lord” Kenji is *confused* as he says

  “Who is that?” Hokama says

  “He’s the best fisher in the village, and he has some of the best maneuvering the village has seen on the water. He should be able to take you all too the Fujiwara region quickly” Kenji says

  "What ship are we taking?" Hokama says

  "The one right up against the docks" Hokama and Kenji walk onto the ship as Kenji says

  "Wow, this is an amazing ship!" Hokama says

  "It is Okada's ship, he said it's is his prize possession" Kenji and Hokama go underneath the ship and puts Dai, Riku, and Itsuki into beds as Gyomei, Saigo, and Kenshin all stumble onto the ship as well and Okada walks onto the ship and sits at the wheel as Kenji and Hokama come back to the top of the ship and Kenji *smiles* as he looks at Hokama and says

  “Thanks for all the help, we really appreciate it” Hokama thinks

  "I cannot do this to the son of Kingsman...To children!" Hokama looks *concerned* as he says

  “Kenji do–” Suddenly a hand grabs his shoulder as Miura stands in front of him and looks at Okada and says

  “Okada, make sure they get to the Fujiwara region safe. Let's go Hokama, I have things that need to be done!” Hokama says

  "Yes my lord" Miura looks at Kenji as he *smiles* and says

  "All of you will be there in no time Kenji, be safe when you all are on land" Kenji *smiles* as he says

  "We will, and I truly appreciate your hospitality!" Miura and Hokama walks off the ship as Okada sails away and Kenji sits on the edge of the ship watching as they get farther and farther away from shore but he notices two shadowy figures walk up next to Miura and Hokama by the docks as they all disappear in the distance