I woke up in Mikey's house's guest room. There was an ice pack on my head and a bandage on my forearm for some reason. I looked around to get a feel of my surroundings. There was a small table, with a thermos of hot water, two cups of ramen, a fork, and a few cans of soda.There was a note.
'I left something for you to eat when u wake up. I patched you up, rest as long as you want. There are a couple more ice packs in the fridge, more ramen and food, tho we are out of soda. Rest well.
-Emma <3
P.S. Ask Mikey about your arm.
P.P.S. Ask Kenchin, too.'
I shook my head fondly. Emma would never change. She was one of the only people who could control Mikey. She was his light. The others, Baji, Draken, the rest of Toman. They were supportive, but not like Emma. She was his light. She has to be protected at all costs. She was nice.
I finished eating the ramen and went downstairs. When a voice bellowed at me, "Who the hell are you, brat?"
I turned around to see someone whom I have heard about many times over my leaps, I have never met him even once.
Grandpa Sano, master of the four styles of karate. Former special operations Major.
One of my teacher's unit mate.
I have yet to learn the full power of CQC, and Grandpa Sano knows CQC. It would take a while but unnecessary for now.
I replied politely, "I am Takemichi Hanagaki, one of Mikey's friends. I got hurt a while ago, so he allowed me to stay for a while."
He let out a bellowing laugh, "That boy has been sleeping for the past hours. If anyone did help you, it would be Emma."
That makes sense.
I nodded politely. He walked away. If there was a time to ask him to teach me, it would definitely not now, when I just met him. The questions would be annoying.
I walked into the kitchen and put the ice pack back in along with the extra cup of ramen. Then I walked out and went into Mikey's room from past habit. (Not that way.) I saw him still sleeping in his blankie. Blankie is his workout wash towel he uses as a blanket for the past - not sure how many, probably since he could remember.
I tapped him with my foot. He didn't budge, so I kicked him on his ribs.
He jolted awake with a tear in his eyes, shouting, "HEY! WHAT THE HELL!?"
When he saw it was me, he tilted his head and deadpanned me, "When did you get so strong?"
I matched his deadpan with my own, "I'm a future captain in Toman. This is my bare minimum."
He closed his eyes and lay back down, turning the other side.
I was about to kick him when he said, "I heard what you did. With Yotsuya Kaidan and Ryusei, I mean. That takes serious balls."
I replied, "I did it because it felt important. This is my way of showing that I will bring him back."
He shifted a little, "Hmm. I see. Well, I'll leave you to it. Also, I'm placing you and Yotsyuya under Mitsuya."
Takemichi asked confusedly, "I thought I was in 3rd, under Peh-Yan?"
He turned to me with a raised eyebrow, "You wanna be under Peh-Yan?"
I shook my head, "Nope, I'm good."
He turned the other way, "Also, don't worry. I won't kill you. But remember our deal. Bring him back. You get what you want."
I stood up, slowly, "Alright."
I kicked him one last time before bolting. I could hear the curses flowing out like a river.
Once I was downstairs, I saw Grandpa Sano run up with a staff, screaming more profanities than even a sailor would know, I ran out giggling.
I was home in a while after a long walk, and I walked into my backyard. I propped up the dummy and worked on perfecting my CQC.
Valhalla was not as hard as it was before. They were two times our number last time. Tomans powerhouse were enough, Hanma and Kazutora were their only powerhouses. Chome, Chonbo, and Choji were little more than fodder.
Valhalla never had a chance before. They definitely didn't have one now.
Now all I need is a Captains position, and booting Kiskai would be easier.
My life was less complicated than before. I like it.