As ti passed, Himitsu moved from girl to girl, attempting to make an impression but experiencing little success. Frustration began to manifest on his face.
Ace: Uhhh, are you alright, Himitsu?
Himitsu: What, ? I'm doing fantastic!
Ace: But you haven't approached any girls so far?
Himitsu: Like I said before, these won just don't know what a true man is.
Ace: I suppose you might be right. After witnessing your demonstration, I think I'm ready to ask her out.
Himitsu: Great! I knew I'd put on a good performance!
Ace: You sure did! Now, if you follow , I'll show you where she is.
As Himitsu followed Ace for a minute or two, they arrived at the park where the girl was seated with her two friends. Ace pointed to her.
Ace: There she is!
Himitsu: Oh wow, she's pretty.
Ace: I know, right? But every ti I approach her, I freeze up.
Himitsu: Have you spoken to her before?
Ace: N-no! I lack the courage to initiate a conversation, so honestly, I don't believe I can do what you do...
Himitsu contemplated for a mont before responding.
Himitsu: I think there's sothing you don't understand, Ace.
Ace: Huh, what do you an?
Himitsu: It's not about imitating ; it's about being yourself and embracing who you are. So what if she rejects you? There are plenty of girls out there—you can always try again.
Ace's face brightened as he listened to Himitsu.
Ace: You're right! You are absolutely RIGHT!
Himitsu: So, are you going to keep sitting here doubting yourself, or are you going to go in there with full confidence and show them who's boss?
Ace: I'm going to go right in there and show them who's boss!
Himitsu: Then let's see it!
With his chest puffed out, Ace strode toward the girl, ready to engage her in conversation. As he neared, the girl and her two friends noticed him.
Girlfriend 1: Umm, who the heck are you?
Girlfriend 2: Do you need sothing, you twerp?
Ace's crush looked at him, and he began to tremble. Ace started to stutter.
Ace: I-I w-would l-like to, ummm...
The two girls erupted in laughter.
Girlfriend 1: (Laughing) Look, everyone, he's having a ntal breakdown!
Girlfriend 2: What a loser!
Ace lowered his head and began to walk away.
Ace: (Talking to myself) I should have left her alone! I look like a complete fool!
Ace's crush gets up and runs after him.
Crush: W-wait a mont!
Ace turns around.
Ace: W-what?
Crush: I'm so-sorry for not saying anything. The reason I've been avoiding you is that I... I like you.
Ace's heart sinks as he processes her words. Himitsu, overhearing, becos upset.
Himitsu: WHAT!? HOW?! You're telling he gets it on the first try!?
Ace: Wait, this isn't a joke, is it?
Crush: N-no, I'm serious. I'm just shy and not good at talking to people. But I'm telling you the truth.
Ace: W-well, I like you too! What's your na, by the way?
Crush: My na is Jess. And you?
Ace: It's Ace.
Jess: I think you have a cute na, Ace. (Smiling)
Ace starts to blush.
Ace: W-why, thank you. (Smiles back)
As they finish talking, Ace walks back to Himitsu, who is visibly frustrated.
Ace: Guess what, Himitsu? She said she likes !
Himitsu: (Sarcastically) Oh really? That's wonderful to hear, Ace! I knew I did a good job assisting you.
Ace: You really did! She wants to hang out next week, so thank you for your help. I wish I could repay you.
Himitsu: Oh no, don't worry about it. You don't have to give anything. Well, I have to go now!
Himitsu turns to leave, but Ace stops him.
Ace: Himitsu, wait!
Himitsu turns back.
Himitsu: What!? (Still annoyed)
Ace: We should talk again once you're finished. Are you okay with that?
Himitsu: Sure! I'll definitely talk again soon.
Ace: Great! See you later, Himitsu!
Himitsu turns around and walks back to Zodiac. While glancing back at Ace, he bumps into soone.
Gram: (Stumbles) Ouch!
Himitsu: (Falls to the ground) Owww, what the heck!
Himitsu and Gram look at each other. Himitsu gets up, visibly angry.
Himitsu: You need to watch where you're going!
Gram: (Rises to his feet) What!? I need to watch where I'm going? You bumped into !
Himitsu: No, you bumped into first!
Gram: Are you serious? I was just walking, and you knocked down. That's your fault. I deserve an apology.
Himitsu: Apologize? I don't think so. Now, if you'll excuse , I need to leave.
Gram: No way! You're not going anywhere until I get my apology.
Himitsu: Look, I'm not in the mood. Either step aside, or I will make you.
As Gram and Himitsu argue, Daru notices Gram shouting at soone in the distance.
Daru: What's happening over there?
Gram: I'll punch you in the face if I have to, punk!
Himitsu draws his sword, pointing it at Gram.
Gram: What the—? Okay, I'm sorry, I was just joking.
Daru: (glaring at Himitsu) I'd put that down if I were you.
Himitsu: (turning to Daru) And who do you think you are? You want a piece
of this too?
Daru strides up to Himitsu's blade, seizes it, and breaks it with his bare hands.
Daru: (smiling) Actually, YES, I DO!
Himitsu begins to show signs of fear.
Himitsu: W-Whoa, alright, let's just calm down. No need to get serious. (his face starts to sweat)
Gram starts laughing.
Gram: Look who's the scaredy-cat now!
Daru: Shut up, Gram.
Gram, annoyed, crosses his arms and falls silent.
anwhile, Zodiac is searching for Himitsu.
Zodiac: This kid never learns. I told him not to be late, and look at him now. (shakes his head)
Daru: (smiling) So, what's it going to be? Will you run or stay and fight?
Gram: Yeah! Loser.
Himitsu: U-uhhhh...
As Himitsu struggles to find the right words, Zodiac uses Sudoshi to appear in front of him, slashing at Daru. Just as Zodiac is about to strike, Daru's vein reacts, guiding him to the anticipated blow's location. The impact resonates as Daru successfully blocks the attack. Their eyes lock while Zodiac's sword presses against Daru's arm.
Gram: What the—?
Zodiac: These guys causing you trouble?
Himitsu: Zodiac, it's you! Oh, you guys are screwed now! (smiling)
Daru pushes Zodiac off his arm, creating distance between them.
Gram: Okay, who is this guy?!?
Daru: (to himself) Gram's right, who the hell is he?
Daru glances at his arm, noticing a small spot of blood.
Daru: (to himself) He actually cut ?
Zodiac then observes a dent in his sword, surprised.
Zodiac: (to himself) My sword has a dent? Does this guy have tough skin or sothing?
Himitsu: Show them why they shouldn't ss with us!
Gram begins to feel anxious as the situation escalates.
Gram: Let's calm down before this spirals out of control.
Daru does not acknowledge Gram, his attention fixed solely on Zodiac.
Zodiac: Shut up and stop talking. (Looking at Daru) And you, the one looking at , better start walking away unless you want to see red.
Daru: Funny how a guy like you talks big but needs a sword to fight. If you don't want your face to look like clay, I suggest you leave.
Zodiac: Empty threats from a dumb brute like you. I'm not afraid to kill you.
Himitsu: Oh, that was a good one!
Daru: (smiling) I don't kill unless necessary, but for you, I'd make an exception!
Gram: OKAY!! CAN WE STOP!!
Daru and Zodiac turned to Gram, who was visibly agitated.
Daru: See? I told you, you have anger issues.
Gram: SHUT UP, DARU!
Zodiac: (sheathing his sword) Whatever. Himitsu, let's go.
Himitsu: Wait, that's it?
Zodiac: Do you want to get upset?
Himitsu: Okay, okay, fine, we'll go then.
Daru: Let's go, Gram.
Gram: Finally!
They all went their separate ways to the fighting arena. Soon, Zodiac and Himitsu arrived, where Zodiac turned to Himitsu.
Zodiac: Why didn't you kill them?
Himitsu: Kill!? Why would I do that?
Zodiac: They were clearly disrespecting you, were they not?
Himitsu: I had the situation under control until that guy stopped . Not to ntion, he broke my sword with his bare hands! (Holds up the broken blade for Zodiac to see.)
Zodiac: I have to admit, that guy was pretty strong—Daru, I believe he's called. He even made a dent in my sword. But I definitely felt sothing strange from him.
Himitsu: Wait, you did?
Zodiac: Yeah, but it was just for a split second; I can't really explain it.
Himitsu: Interesting. Do you think you could beat him in a fight?
Zodiac: What kind of stupid question is that? I wouldn't even try.
After their discussion, they returned to the fighting arena, only to find it crowded with contestants.
Himitsu: Woah, why are there so many people here?
Zodiac: The festival is about to start, which is why I told you to be here on ti, but you took your sweet ti.
Himitsu: I apologize for that. I was assisting soone earlier.
Zodiac: Who was it?
Himitsu: Just a guy who needed help with a girl. (Annoyed)
Zodiac: Really...
Himitsu: I know it sounds silly, but it's true.
A few seconds later, soone bumped into Himitsu's shoulder.
Himitsu: Hey!
The individual looks back at Himitsu.
Person 1: Oops, I didn't see you; you're so small. Haha.
Himitsu begins to feel frustrated.
Himitsu: Ugh! What is it with people bumping into ?
Zodiac: You should teach him a lesson.
Himitsu: No, it's alright, Zodiac. Let's just move on.
Zodiac: You're really going to let that slide?
Himitsu: There's no need to start another fight.
Zodiac approaches the person who bumped into Himitsu and taps him on the shoulder. The individual turns around.
Person 1: What do you want, punk?
Zodiac raises his hand and slaps him across the face as he turns to walk away. Himitsu is taken aback.
Person 1: Why, you little brat!
Himitsu: Zodiac, that was unnecessary!
Zodiac: Just watch; I'm not finished yet.
Himitsu: Huh?
The person strides toward Zodiac, visibly irritated.
Person 1: Do you have a death wish? You better apologize!
Zodiac locks eyes with him.
Zodiac: Death wish? I can show you what death really ans. Follow .
Person 1: Oh, you're going to regret this!
Zodiac walks out of the fighting arena, leading the individual to a dark alley where it is completely dark. Himitsu becos anxious about what Zodiac might do.
Himitsu: This isn't going to end well.
After so ti, Himitsu sees Zodiac returning, covered in blood.
Zodiac: That's how you handle business.
Himitsu: You didn't do what I was thinking, did you?
Zodiac: Do you have a cloth I could borrow?
Himitsu: Uh, yes. Just a mont.
Himitsu rummages through his bag and retrieves a cloth for Zodiac. Zodiac takes it and begins to clean himself and his sword.
Himitsu: Did you really kill him?
Zodiac: Yes.
Himitsu: Was that truly necessary?
Zodiac: No.
Himitsu: Then why did you do it?
Zodiac: Because I can. Do you have a problem with that?
Himitsu: Yes, I do. What if soone finds the body?
Zodiac: You don't need to worry about that. Nobody will find it.
Himitsu: Fine, but next ti, let's try to avoid killing those who don't need to be killed, alright, Zodiac?
Zodiac crosses his arms.
Zodiac: I can't guarantee that, but we'll see. Anyway, let's join the crowd and wait for the festival to start.
Himitsu: Absolutely. Do you think you'll use those blades in the fights?
Zodiac: As for my blades, I will use them if I choose to. I have no intention of wasting them on inferior opponents.
With that, Zodiac and Himitsu await the comncent of the fighting festival. The scene shifts to Daru and Gram discussing the recent encounter.
Gram: Who were those guys?
Daru: I don't know, but that one was strong.
Gram: Who? The guy I almost punched? (He raises a
fist.)
Daru: No, not him, you idiot. The one who tried to kill .
Gram: Oh... I almost forgot he tried to slice your head off.
Daru: Yes, he referred to himself as Zodiac; I assu that is his na.
Gram: Right... he seed really scary and like a complete jerk.
Daru: Well, I am eager to challenge him. (He smiles.)
Gram: (Annoyed) You want to fight everyone.
Daru: And you don't?
Gram: (Makes a silly face) No, because I do not wish to die.
Daru: (Chuckles) You're simply weak.
Gram: Wh- No, I'm not! I was going to beat that other guy up.
Daru: Gram, you weren't going to do anything. You beca frightened until I arrived.
Gram: Nooo! You didn't hear what I said to him before you showed up.
Daru: Huh... Okay, what did you say then?
Gram: Ugh... Umm, I said, "Bro, if you don't apologize, I will lay you out. Don't test , man; the only way to beat is with a weapon."
Daru is incredulous at what he just heard.
Daru: This is what you said, huh?
Gram: Yeah... Then he pulled out a sword, and that's when you arrived.
Daru: Okay, but why would you disclose your weakness?
Gram reflects on his earlier statent.
Gram: Oh, I ntioned that because I enjoy a challenge, you know.
Daru: Mhmm.
Daru begins to walk away from Gram.
Gram: Wh- Where are you going?
Daru: To find out when this stupid fighting thing starts.
Gram: Oh, okay.
Gram and Daru proceed to the registration area to check the schedule for the fighting festival. A few minutes later, they reach the girl who registered them. They approach the supervisor to inquire about the start ti.
Gram: (Waves) Hello.
Female Assistant: Hi there! How's it going?
Daru: When does it start?
The assistant appears confused.
Gram glares at Daru.
Gram: You don't ask like that.
Daru: What? I just asked a question.
Gram: That's not how you ask.
Daru: How am I supposed to know?
Gram: Oh, you're asking for it.
Daru: Go ahead, I dare you!
Female Assistant: Excuse ?
Daru and Gram both turn to the supervisor, ready for confrontation.
Gram: Sorry about my friend. He ant to ask when the fighting festival starts.
Female Assistant: It starts in ten minutes.
Daru: Cool.
Daru begins to walk away, and Gram calls after him.
Gram: YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO SAY THANK YOU!
Gram turns back to the assistant.
Gram: I'm really sorry.
Female Assistant: (smiling) It's quite alright, no need to worry.
Gram: Thank you! Have a good day.
Gram starts running to catch up with Daru. As he runs, he collides with a girl, causing them both to fall. In the process, Gram notices she dropped a gun from her coat and realizes she is the sa girl from the lineup.
Gram: What the—
Girl: Watch where you're going—
Gram: Of course!
Girl: Wait, you're that person who started a fight with .
Gram: I didn't start a fight! You initiated it.
Girl: No.
Gram: Yes.
Girl: No.
Gram: Yes!
Girl: NO!
Gram: YES!
Girl: Listen, I'm not doing this again. I need to go.
Gram: Fine, go then.
As the girl walks away, Gram notices the gun on the ground as she retrieves it.
Girl: What are you staring at, you creep?
Gram is taken aback and struggles to respond.
Gram: Sorry, no, sorry.
As the girl departs, Gram rushes to find Daru and explain what happened. He searches fervently for him.
Daru: (waving) Gram, over here! It's about to start.
Gram reaches Daru.
Daru: What's wrong with you?
Gram: Daru, I don't think we should get involved in this fighting. I have a bad feeling.
Daru: What do you an?
Gram: Rember that girl I fought in the lineup?
Daru: (thinking) Oh, right.
Gram: I bumped into her and—
Daru: Why do you always bump into people?
Gram, now frustrated, interrupts.
Gram: LISTEN!!
Daru: Okay, there's no need to yell.
Gram: She had a gun, and I believe she's planning sothing.
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