A Shirahama is you

As implied by the title thread you are the twin brother of one Kenichi Shirahama protagonist of Kenichi the Mightiest disciple, or will be as at the moment, he's recently signed up to join the Karate Club at the school.

But enough about your brother how about you:

Name:

Background:

A) You've acted much like your brother for years both of you are lousy at making friends and are fans of self help books, as a result the two of you often got the crap beaten out of you with a prompt run to mama... as a result the two of you are the tightest of bros NOT THAT KIND EITHER (sick yaoi baste.....)

B)If Kenichi is the one that was picked on you've always leaped in to his defense if need be, even if you get mauled just as badly as him every time, it's never really gotten to you...you're brothers and come hell or high water you'll watch out for him and hopefully he'll be able to do the same for you.

C) Kenichi was always the one to get picked on and while you'll be there to put the bandages on in private, out in public you keep your distance, your brother understands why you act like you do but he can't help but be a bit bummed out by it.

D) In every relationship there is always a superior and a subordinate, in this case the superior is you, although you aren't any bigger, stronger, or tougher than your brother, you've always gotten the better of him because of a more assertive and confrontational attitude, as a result he's become a bit resentful of you, he doesn't hate you, but he does wish things were different between the two of you, it's also your actions that made him realize that people just CAN'T ignore all the wrong doings in the world

Note: A and B mean that you're going to be in the club with your brother, C means you aren't though you do see him around, D you have a choice.

You start your day running like the hounds of hell are on your heels, you both overslept and now you're gonna be late for school, as you run you see a flash of blonde hair before an arm enters you're vision for a split second and the both of you get flipped ass over tea kettle.

In your daze you hear, "AH! SORRY my body reacted on its own!" from what sounds like a girl around your age.





ME:
Name: Daigo Shirahama
Background: B) Loudmouth defender


I shake the stars from my head and mutter, "Did someone get the license plate number from that mac truck?" Then I shake my head and try to see who or what flipped me and my bro like a card table.

Im in. No idea the setting, but what the hey...

post later

Oooooooh!

Okay, definitely in.

Name: Shirahama Katsu
Background: B - the non-loudmouth option. It wasn't really 'leap' to his defense as much as it was suddenly be in the area and look flatly and at whoever was bullying your brother. For some inexplicable reason this freaked people off by enough that they tended to focus on Katsu first ... (if that's okay, anyway. I kinda want to try playing someone with a creepy devil kid reputation ^^)

I lie there for a moment, dazed, before the confusion brought about by the sudden ... reorientation ... clears a bit.

"Ow. My everything,"

... who did I just get treated like an extra in a martial arts manga by?

Also ...

"... Ken, you alive?"

Since no one else seems to be ALIVE at this point I'll go on with yours.

Rieverre wrote:Oooooooh!

Okay, definitely in.

Name: Shirahama Katsu
Background: B - the non-loudmouth option. It wasn't really 'leap' to his defense as much as it was suddenly be in the area and look flatly and at whoever was bullying your brother. For some inexplicable reason this freaked people off by enough that they tended to focus on Katsu first ... (if that's okay, anyway. I kinda want to try playing someone with a creepy devil kid reputation ^^)

Since you were little you and your brother have become something of a story around the schools you go to, week-knees and devil-eyes, you look exactly alike until you look into your eyes. Kenichi's are guileless while yours makes bullies recoil, before you end up with a fight, you in a bruised mess, Ken dragging your ass back to momma crying, he knocked off with the crying a while back but the rest still stands. He hates that the two of you still can't get along with anyone and he joined up with the Karate club in the hope that bullies would be less inclined to pick on him and so you wouldn't get mauled for trying to step in later. That's worked about as well as you would imagine.

I lie there for a moment, dazed, before the confusion brought about by the sudden ... reorientation ... clears a bit.

"Ow. My everything,"

At hearing that the female voice sqaules again, "OOOH I'm so sorry, are you alright?"

... who did I just get treated like an extra in a martial arts manga by?

Also ...

"... Ken, you alive?"

You pick yourself up and you see your brother putting himself back together, gathering his self-help book collection from where it spilled from his bag. "I'm alright bro, how about you? AAGH! MY BOOKS!" He scrambles to pick them up and looks up to snap at a pretty bespectacled blonde squatting down to help. "Are you crazy! Were you trying to kill me?"

She seems embarrassed and says that it was a reflex of her's but she finishes with, "But isn't it normal to react to someone coming up from behind you?"

Kenichi kinda goggles at that.

Brian Boru wrote:Since you were little you and your brother have become something of a story around the schools you go to, week-knees and devil-eyes, you look exactly alike until you look into your eyes. Kenichi's are guileless while yours makes bullies recoil, before you end up with a fight, you in a bruised mess, Ken dragging your ass back to momma crying, he knocked off with the crying a while back but the rest still stands. He hates that the two of you still can't get along with anyone and he joined up with the Karate club in the hope that bullies would be less inclined to pick on him and so you wouldn't get mauled for trying to step in later. That's worked about as well as you would imagine.

... I'm bloody-minded enough to keep trying. At least your run-of-the-mill bullies usually run off if there's any actual effort or risk involved. The first groin-punch and/or headbutt probably got me beaten up more than usual, but it's worth it just because it's going to make them see there are easier targets. And we're not worth the pain.

At hearing that the female voice sqaules again, "OOOH I'm so sorry, are you alright?"

"My pride. Shattered."

You pick yourself up and you see your brother putting himself back together, gathering his self-help book collection from where it spilled from his bag. "I'm alright bro, how about you? AAGH! MY BOOKS!" He scrambles to pick them up and looks up to snap at a pretty bespectacled blonde squatting down to help. "Are you crazy! Were you trying to kill me?"

She seems embarrassed and says that it was a reflex of her's but she finishes with, "But isn't it normal to react to someone coming up from behind you?"

Kenichi kinda goggles at that.

"... so, you're the real-life, female and hot version of Golgo 13 ... okay, I can live with that," I reply, testing my range of motion before inspecting my ...

...

"Well, there goes my math book. And my lunch."

I sigh, looking down at the lunchbox that came down _just_ wrong enough for the hinges to break, spilling its contents over one of my schoolbooks. It is now hot-sauce flavored math. Also red all over.

On the other hand, it's not like I used it much, as I actually tend to take notes. Still annoying.

I turn to the blonde ...

... ah well, you only die twice ...

"Any chance we could share lunch? Between the three of us, it should be ... maybe not filling, but not _too_ bad."

... do not get distracted by the boobs. Do not get distracted by the boobs.

Rieverre wrote:... I'm bloody-minded enough to keep trying. At least your run-of-the-mill bullies usually run off if there's any actual effort or risk involved. The first groin-punch and/or headbutt probably got me beaten up more than usual, but it's worth it just because it's going to make them see there are easier targets. And we're not worth the pain.

It does for the take-advantage-of-the-sweet-tempered-dope variety that wouldn't normally bully anyway, but the ones who are regular hooligans, well it'll take a real butt whooping of their entire little band for them to get the message, one kicked in the goolies just asks for the rest to gang up. Though you HAVE gotten another nickname of 'ball-kicker' Shirahama, at least among the fighting hooligans.

"My pride. Shattered."

"SORRY!!!"

"... so, you're the real-life, female and hot version of Golgo 13 ... okay, I can live with that," I reply, testing my range of motion before inspecting my ...

Your brother gets the series reference and raises an eyebrow at "hot and female"

While Golgo goes right over her head and she flushes a bit at "hot"

...

"Well, there goes my math book. And my lunch."

I sigh, looking down at the lunchbox that came down _just_ wrong enough for the hinges to break, spilling its contents over one of my schoolbooks. It is now hot-sauce flavored math. Also red all over.

On the other hand, it's not like I used it much, as I actually tend to take notes. Still annoying.

I turn to the blonde ...

... ah well, you only die twice ...

"Any chance we could share lunch? Between the three of us, it should be ... maybe not filling, but not _too_ bad."

... do not get distracted by the boobs. Do not get distracted by the boobs.

She looks quite abashed that she messed up your lunch and nods, "Of course it's the least I could do to make up for that."

She then bows her head to introduce herself, "I'm Miu Furinji, and you are?" Kenichi was still in the middle of cleaning up his books but he's trying to get back up as quick as he can. Looks like you got introductions this time.

Brian Boru wrote:
B)If Kenichi is the one that was picked on you've always leaped in to his defense if need be, even if you get mauled just as badly as him every time, it's never really gotten to you...you're brothers and come hell or high water you'll watch out for him and hopefully he'll be able to do the same for you.

D) In every relationship there is always a superior and a subordinate, in this case the superior is you, although you aren't any bigger, stronger, or tougher than your brother, you've always gotten the better of him because of a more assertive and confrontational attitude, as a result he's become a bit resentful of you, he doesn't hate you, but he does wish things were different between the two of you, it's also your actions that made him realize that people just CAN'T ignore all the wrong doings in the world

I'd like to take a bit of a mix of the two, though mostly B...

While he's always been the shy and detached one, I've always been the one who's been better with people and I've used that to defend him.

I'm good at exploiting weaknesses in others, in this case I'm good at getting bullies to redirect their attention to one another. Between knowing how to placate their egos and simply using a hard earned talent for imitations and ventriloquism combined with well placed insults, I'm good at getting them off his back... and when it doesn't work, it tends to redirect their attentions away from him... and I normally get revenge by starting humiliating rumors or airing their personal laundry.

Sun Tzu, Nietzsche, Jomini, Machiavelli, Clausewitz, Musashi, Locke, and Rousseau these men and their writings are how I approach the world.

I might not be able to BEAT you but if you challenge me, I will DESTROY you.

I'm Shirahama Samanosuke!

I look up and glare, slowing pulling myself to my feet and looking at my things. My face twitches slightly but I crush down my burning outrage. "I take it you're a martial artist of some kind?"

After a confirmation.

"Oh awesome! Can I have the name of your Sensei then?"

If given, then the happy expression banishes from my face and is replaced with a cold burning outrage. I actually get up in her face, and in a voice that could cause frost to grow "Good, because I think he'd want to know how undisciplined his/her student is! While I'm not a fighter, I know with any skill, any talent comes a responsibility to use it properly, which means 'your body reacting on its own' is in no way an excuse for 'accidentally' assaulting strangers on the street!"

Brian Boru wrote:It does for the take-advantage-of-the-sweet-tempered-dope variety that wouldn't normally bully anyway, but the ones who are regular hooligans, well it'll take a real butt whooping of their entire little band for them to get the message, one kicked in the goolies just asks for the rest to gang up. Though you HAVE gotten another nickname of 'ball-kicker' Shirahama, at least among the fighting hooligans.

Good. At least the 'normal' assholes know there's easier prey out there.

And hanging around with Niijima, I probably have a good idea of who to not get in the way of if I can help it.

"SORRY!!!"

I give her a dry look.

"No broken bones. No bleeding. I'll live."

Pause.

"Your realize I was winding you up, right?"

Your brother gets the series reference and raises an eyebrow at "hot and female"

While Golgo goes right over her head and she flushes a bit at "hot"

Solemn nod.

"Henceforth, she shall be known to me as Duchess."

She looks quite abashed that she messed up your lunch and nods, "Of course it's the least I could do to make up for that."

She then bows her head to introduce herself, "I'm Miu Furinji, and you are?" Kenichi was still in the middle of cleaning up his books but he's trying to get back up as quick as he can. Looks like you got introductions this time.

"I'm Katsu. He's Kenichi. And together, we are DOUBLE K."

Crossed arms. Lowered head.

"We _laugh_ in the face of danger."

I raise my, so very serious, face to look up at her. And flash a wry grin before I go help Ken with his book recovery operation.

"Then we run and hide until it goes away. The Shirahama brothers, at your service."

Rieverre wrote:Good. At least the 'normal' assholes know there's easier prey out there.

And hanging around with Niijima, I probably have a good idea of who to not get in the way of if I can help it.

Cost half your lunch a couple of times as payment but yes you DO know the worst STUDENTS in the place.

I give her a dry look.

"No broken bones. No bleeding. I'll live."

Pause.

"Your realize I was winding you up, right?"

She looks a little confused for a moment, then she gets it and starts laughing.

Solemn nod.

"Henceforth, she shall be known to me as Duchess."

Confused looks and blushes abound

"I'm Katsu. He's Kenichi. And together, we are DOUBLE K."

Crossed arms. Lowered head.

"We _laugh_ in the face of danger."

I raise my, so very serious, face to look up at her. And flash a wry grin before I go help Ken with his book recovery operation.

"Then we run and hide until it goes away. The Shirahama brothers, at your service."

Kenichi, recognizing the theatrics, smiles weakly and tries to follow along with you, she starts laughing again, telling the two of you that you're funny.

Unfortunately the humor is cut short as Kenichi yelps that you all are going to be late, and tells you to get running and dashes on after saying good-bye to Miu.

Psyckosama wrote:I'd like to take a bit of a mix of the two, though mostly B...

While he's always been the shy and detached one, I've always been the one who's been better with people and I've used that to defend him.

I'm good at exploiting weaknesses in others, in this case I'm good at getting bullies to redirect their attention to one another. Between knowing how to placate their egos and simply using a hard earned talent for imitations and ventriloquism combined with well placed insults, I'm good at getting them off his back... and when it doesn't work, it tends to redirect their attentions away from him... and I normally get revenge by starting humiliating rumors or airing their personal laundry.

Sun Tzu, Nietzsche, Jomini, Machiavelli, Clausewitz, Musashi, Locke, and Rousseau these men and their writings are how I approach the world.

I might not be able to BEAT you but if you challenge me, I will DESTROY you.

I'm Shirahama Samanosuke!

Kenichi's never been really all that comfortable with how you operate, and he knows full and well what happens if for some reason your plans fail and they beat the both of you up anyway. But he also knows that you are the best defenses you got right now.

I look up and glare, slowing pulling myself to my feet and looking at my things. My face twitches slightly but I crush down my burning outrage.

Kenichi's eyes bug when he recognizes that look on your face, he knows what's coming.

"I take it you're a martial artist of some kind?"

"Um well yes I've lived around martial artists my whole life, I've picked up some things along the way..."

Her eyes look away when she says this like she wants to hide something though she isn't all that good at it.

"Oh awesome! Can I have the name of your Sensei then?"

"Well my Grandpa was the one who's the real good martial artist so I guess you could call him my sensei." More aside looks, seriously this girl should NEVER play cards.

If given, then the happy expression banishes from my face and is replaced with a cold burning outrage. I actually get up in her face, and in a voice that could cause frost to grow "Good, because I think he'd want to know how undisciplined his student is! While I'm not a fighter, I know with any skill, any talent comes a responsibility to use it properly, which means 'your body reacting on its own' is in no way an excuse for 'accidentally' assaulting strangers on the street!"

"But ...but I..." and with that she gets all teary-eyed,
this but with glasses and school uniform, and a bust...

Kenichi, in a surprising sign of protectiveness pushes you aside and tries to apologize for what you said to her, then he glances back at you, you realize this is old Kenny-boy's rarely applied chivalry coming to the foreground.

Brian Boru wrote:Cost half your lunch a couple of times as payment but yes you DO know the worst STUDENTS in the place.

Yeah, well, he still hasn't returned my Megami Tensei copies either. On the other hand, I still have his Oda Nobunaga's Ambition and intend to hold it hostage. It's a cold war.

But really, we get along fairly well most of the time.

Kenichi, recognizing the theatrics, smiles weakly and tries to follow along with you, she starts laughing again, telling the two of you that you're funny.

Unfortunately the humor is cut short as Kenichi yelps that you all are going to be late, and tells you to get running and dashes on after saying good-bye to Miu

I jog after him at a somewhat less frantic pace. Wheezing my lungs out when I do get to school is not high on my list of priorities.

... I do take out my phone after a few moments and type out a short text to Niijima, seeing as I don't remember seeing this 'Furinji Miu' around before meaning she's probably an exchange student or late transfer of some kind, and there's no way someone like that is going to not make waves. Giving my information broker a heads-up on things is only polite.

Brian Boru wrote:Kenichi's never been really all that comfortable with how you operate, and he knows full and well what happens if for some reason your plans fail and they beat the both of you up anyway. But he also knows that you are the best defenses you got right now.

That said, I do get even. I always get even...

Kenichi's eyes bug when he recognizes that look on your face, he knows what's coming.

He also knows not to give it away...

"Um well yes I've lived around martial artists my whole life, I've picked up some things along the way..."

Her eyes look away when she says this like she wants to hide something though she isn't all that good at it.

"I take that as a 'yes'."

"Well my Grandpa was the one who's the real good martial artist so I guess you could call him my sensei." More aside looks, seriously this girl should NEVER play cards.

What's his name?

"But ...but I..." and with that she gets all teary-eyed,
this but with glasses and school uniform, and a bust...

While my glare is so evil, if we were in low light conditions my eyes might just be glowing..

Kenichi, in a surprising sign of protectiveness pushes you aside and tries to apologize for what you said to her, then he glances back at you, you realize this is old Kenny-boy's rarely applied chivalry coming to the foreground.

"Kenichi. Don't. Look at our homework! It's a ruin! We might as well not go in today because we'll be stuck with the buckets either way." I look at her. "What if the next time her body reacts on its own it catches little old lady in the next? How would you like to look down at someones poor innocent grandma slowly choke to death of a crushed throat on the street because you couldn't control your reflexes?" My smile twists and my eyes take a letcherous cast, "Would you let some dirty old man get away with groaping you on the train.." my hands make a 'honking' motion, "Becuse he claimed his hands were working on their own?"

I leave the question sit for a moment then dashingly flip back my hair, before I start fiddling with my smart phone "Of course not. Now, you have wronged us, and if you have any honor as a martial artists you will not make excuses, but will attempt to put right your transgression. Or I can inform your grandfather of his student's weakness..."

I pull out my cell phone, which after a quick couple searches has her address and phone number up. "Which I could do with a push of a button..."

Name: Daichi Shirahama

B) If Kenichi is the one that was picked on you've always leaped in to his defense if need be, even if you get mauled just as badly as him every time, it's never really gotten to you...you're brothers and come hell or high water you'll watch out for him and hopefully he'll be able to do the same for you.

Daichi hated to admit it, but he was used to getting his ass handed to him. You wouldn't know it from just observing the young man however. Polite, formal, some would even say uptight, he seemed to be the picture of average student....well, at least he might be had he been born a few decades earlier that is. As it stands however, there wasn't too much about him that one might expect to ostracize him from the rest of his peers. Possessed of a sharp wit at times, and lacking the weak will that made his sibling such a easy target, he rarely had as much trouble as Kenichi did fitting in.

The reason he was so prone to getting into conflicts with others stems from the behavior
of his twin brother. The boy had always been a easy target for the jeers and the contentment of others due to his poor skill at dealing with people, and making friends. While he almost always tried to defuse the various bad situations his brother found himself in or deflect the ire of his enemies, Daichi had little skill in diplomacy or manipulation. So, when the confrontation inevitably came to blows, his sense of duty to his family and perhaps his own morality compelled him fight on his brother's behalf. Unfortunately, Kenichi had a real knack for getting baddest motherfuckers around to hate his guts, and when he fought he was usually outmatched either due to the difference size and skill of his opponent or being outnumbered. Despite the odds always being stacked against us, the frequency of his losses was a great source of shame. The only solace came from the fact that his brother never really seemed all that pissed

Though he often felt burdened by what he felt was a obligation to protect his brother, he never really found it in him to begrudge his twin for being such a easy target and getting into these situations. His brother had his redeeming qualities to him is so much as the boy was far too loyal to ever abandon him, and he could trust him when the shit hit the fan, a rare quality in this day and age. Besides, the young man really did try his best to make himself less of a target, and always failing, he couldn't bring himself to fault Kenichi on something he couldn't help. It had came as a surprise even to him however when his brother had said he was joining the karate club so he could better learn to protect himself and stop himself from constantly getting beat up.

Somewhat proud of his brother for trying to better himself and his situation in a world where too many were content with there lot in life or ignored there problems, his happiness was tempered in the morning when he had uncharacteristically forgot top set there alarm clock. With his obsession with timing and honoring a commitment, the young man skipped breakfast to haul ass to school in a futile attempt to get to class in time, a action his twin brother mimicked. He didn't think they were doing to badly till he inexplicably found himself being flipped through the air like a coin in the space of a moment. Yes, Daichi Shirahama was used to getting his ass handed to him, but at the very least he usually knew it was coming. “Hey Ken, who the hell is pissed at you this time?” He asked as he gathered his wits about him, fully expecting to find some thug with a bone to pick with his twin towering of them.

"AH! SORRY my body reacted on its own!" Was not exactly the first thing he was expecting to hear. Bringing himself up from his oh so comfortable spot on the ground, the look of pain on his face turned to a smile as he noticed the girl in front of him. Blonde hair, blue eyes, a rather nice body with curves in the right place, not too skinny, rather considerable...assets. Combined with the school uniform and the glasses, she had a bit of a hot librarian look going on. A real ten, not something you saw everyday in this town. At the moment, he supposed he really had three different options. A), he could blow up and try his best to antagonize a girl who had managed to lay him out without even really trying and seemed honestly repentant over the ordeal with no conceivable gain other then the recovery of his pride, which sounded about as good a idea as it was to walk through a busy highway. B), he could forget about it for now and try his best to get to class, but to be honest even if this hadn't happened he knew he was going to be late. Or C), use this as a in with cute new girl that seemed to be going to his school. Well, he knew what the answer was. “Well, as long you didn't give my brother a concussion I suppose I can forgive you, but hell woman, relax a little. You could really hurt somebody like that. You're very lucky me and my brother are experts at taking a hit.” He said, being a little economical with the truth. He had to admit, it was a little scary thinking someone had done that straight out of muscle memory, but given they didn't really see her he supposed they would have probably ran over her had they been in slightly different places. “I guess me or and my brother nearly charged right over you, so if you help him with his books we can call it even. Besides...some people are too cute to hold a grudge with.”

Rieverre wrote:Yeah, well, he still hasn't returned my Megami Tensei copies either. On the other hand, I still have his Oda Nobunaga's Ambition and intend to hold it hostage. It's a cold war.

But really, we get along fairly well most of the time.

Well enough though he's a slimy bastard

I jog after him at a somewhat less frantic pace. Wheezing my lungs out when I do get to school is not high on my list of priorities.

... I do take out my phone after a few moments and type out a short text to Niijima, seeing as I don't remember seeing this 'Furinji Miu' around before meaning she's probably an exchange student or late transfer of some kind, and there's no way someone like that is going to not make waves. Giving my information broker a heads-up on things is only polite.

Well when you make it you are late but apparently Miu beat you there as she's being introduced. The two of you are sent outside but Miu actually follows you, when asked she says that it was her fault you were late so she felt responsible as well.

Kenichi also seemed to surprise Miu when he asked why she's wearing fake glasses. At the same time Nijima responds with the info, apparently she'd been going to a pretty high class all girl academy, why she left is unknown and to his obvious aggravation there isn't much info on the girl.

Psyckosama wrote:That said, I do get even. I always get even...

Kenny boy still has nightmares about it.

He also knows not to give it away...

He doesn't

"I take that as a 'yes'."

It is...

What's his name?

It's Hayato Furinji

While my glare is so evil, if we were in low light conditions my eyes might just be glowing..

She actually get's a little unnerved at the venom you seem to emit

"Kenichi. Don't. Look at our homework! It's a ruin! We might as well not go in today because we'll be stuck with the buckets either way." I look at her. "What if the next time her body reacts on its own it catches little old lady in the next? How would you like to look down at someones poor innocent grandma slowly choke to death of a crushed throat on the street because you couldn't control your reflexes?" My smile twists and my eyes take a letcherous cast, "Would you let some dirty old man get away with groaping you on the train.." my hands make a 'honking' motion, "Becuse he claimed his hands were working on their own?"

She looks somewhat horrified now at the implications

I leave the question sit for a moment then dashingly flip back my hair, before I start fiddling with my smart phone "Of course not. Now, you have wronged us, and if you have any honor as a martial artists you will not make excuses, but will attempt to put right your transgression. Or I can inform your grandfather of his student's weakness..."

I pull out my cell phone, which after a quick couple searches has her address and phone number up. "Which I could do with a push of a button..."

The look of blind panic on her face is priceless, if you find that funny, but she eventually says, "What do you have in mind...I didn't catch your name?"

Zeitgeist wrote:Name: Daichi Shirahama

B) If Kenichi is the one that was picked on you've always leaped in to his defense if need be, even if you get mauled just as badly as him every time, it's never really gotten to you...you're brothers and come hell or high water you'll watch out for him and hopefully he'll be able to do the same for you.

Daichi hated to admit it, but he was used to getting his ass handed to him. You wouldn't know it from just observing the young man however. Polite, formal, some would even say uptight, he seemed to be the picture of average student....well, at least he might be had he been born a few decades earlier that is. As it stands however, there wasn't too much about him that one might expect to ostracize him from the rest of his peers. Possessed of a sharp wit at times, and lacking the weak will that made his sibling such a easy target, he rarely had as much trouble as Kenichi did fitting in.

The reason he was so prone to getting into conflicts with others stems from the behavior
of his twin brother. The boy had always been a easy target for the jeers and the contentment of others due to his poor skill at dealing with people, and making friends. While he almost always tried to defuse the various bad situations his brother found himself in or deflect the ire of his enemies, Daichi had little skill in diplomacy or manipulation. So, when the confrontation inevitably came to blows, his sense of duty to his family and perhaps his own morality compelled him fight on his brother's behalf. Unfortunately, Kenichi had a real knack for getting baddest motherfuckers around to hate his guts, and when he fought he was usually outmatched either due to the difference size and skill of his opponent or being outnumbered. Despite the odds always being stacked against us, the frequency of his losses was a great source of shame. The only solace came from the fact that his brother never really seemed all that pissed

Though he often felt burdened by what he felt was a obligation to protect his brother, he never really found it in him to begrudge his twin for being such a easy target and getting into these situations. His brother had his redeeming qualities to him is so much as the boy was far too loyal to ever abandon him, and he could trust him when the shit hit the fan, a rare quality in this day and age. Besides, the young man really did try his best to make himself less of a target, and always failing, he couldn't bring himself to fault Kenichi on something he couldn't help. It had came as a surprise even to him however when his brother had said he was joining the karate club so he could better learn to protect himself and stop himself from constantly getting beat up.

....nice....very nice....

Somewhat proud of his brother for trying to better himself and his situation in a world where too many were content with there lot in life or ignored there problems, his happiness was tempered in the morning when he had uncharacteristically forgot top set there alarm clock. With his obsession with timing and honoring a commitment, the young man skipped breakfast to haul ass to school in a futile attempt to get to class in time, a action his twin brother mimicked. He didn't think they were doing to badly till he inexplicably found himself being flipped through the air like a coin in the space of a moment. Yes, Daichi Shirahama was used to getting his ass handed to him, but at the very least he usually knew it was coming. “Hey Ken, who the hell is pissed at you this time?” He asked as he gathered his wits about him, fully expecting to find some thug with a bone to pick with his twin towering of them.

"Ow....I don't know bro....I don't think anyone is...AAAGH! My Books!" He scrambles to pick his collection of Self-help books up.

"AH! SORRY my body reacted on its own!" Was not exactly the first thing he was expecting to hear. Bringing himself up from his oh so comfortable spot on the ground, the look of pain on his face turned to a smile as he noticed the girl in front of him. Blonde hair, blue eyes, a rather nice body with curves in the right place, not too skinny, rather considerable...assets. Combined with the school uniform and the glasses, she had a bit of a hot librarian look going on. A real ten, not something you saw everyday in this town. At the moment, he supposed he really had three different options. A), he could blow up and try his best to antagonize a girl who had managed to lay him out without even really trying and seemed honestly repentant over the ordeal with no conceivable gain other then the recovery of his pride, which sounded about as good a idea as it was to walk through a busy highway. B), he could forget about it for now and try his best to get to class, but to be honest even if this hadn't happened he knew he was going to be late. Or C), use this as a in with cute new girl that seemed to be going to his school. Well, he knew what the answer was. “Well, as long you didn't give my brother a concussion I suppose I can forgive you, but hell woman, relax a little. You could really hurt somebody like that. You're very lucky me and my brother are experts at taking a hit.” He said, being a little economical with the truth. He had to admit, it was a little scary thinking someone had done that straight out of muscle memory, but given they didn't really see her he supposed they would have probably ran over her had they been in slightly different places. “I guess me or and my brother nearly charged right over you, so if you help him with his books we can call it even. Besides...some people are too cute to hold a grudge with.”

"Oh of course..." She immediately bends down to help Kenny out, while they work she introduces herself as Miu Furinji.

The moment they're done Kenichi looks at his watch and he yelps, "AAGH! We're gonna be late Daichi!" And he tears off giving Miu a quick good-bye.

Brian Boru wrote:
Kenny boy still has nightmares about it.

His stomach is weak!

He doesn't

It is...

Heh.

It's Hayato Furinji

I know who to web-search now!

She actually get's a little unnerved at the venom you seem to emit

Its doing its job then!

She looks somewhat horrified now at the implications

"Now you understand why sorry doesn't cut it.

The look of blind panic on her face is priceless, if you find that funny, but she eventually says, "What do you have in mind...I didn't catch your name?"

"I'm Samanosuke and this is my kid brother, Kenichi..."

"As for what I have in mind, I need to know how many yen you have on you. And its not because I want your money, but rather your training must be paid for..."

If she asks what training I outline it...

First, we are going to the local arcade.

Then we will go to one of the shooting games, one of the ones where you're given a lineup of targets, some friendly and some not, and must shoot them all.

She will play that game until either she runs out of yen or I am satisfied with her progress.

As she has awesome martial artist reflexes she must play while dizzy. And as she's used to facing physical adversity, she must do so under adverse conditions. In otherwords, she must shoot perfect while dizzy standing in buckets of ice water...

And if she fails beat a level or shoots an innocent she must consume a couple drops of my favorite hot sauce which I remove from my jacket and hold out with a smile.

The bottle is jet black with a with a strange screw in glass stopper on the top. That wouldn't be so bad if the stopper's top wasn't in the shape of a skull.

Also disheartening was the image on the label, a leering demonic skull that seemed to be on fire.

Of course, that was nothing compared to the label...

Satan's Own Blazing Demonic Inferno Hellfire XXX Death Sauce
Guaranteed to make you feel like the prettiest boy in prison the next morning!
WARNING: Please consult your physician: You literally might Die.
Made In George, USA

"This sauce is made from special pepper that only grows in a secret location deep in the jungles of South America that can only be safely harvested while wearing full hazmat gear and a gas mask. This sauce is illegal in seven countries. Its manufacture is a war crime according to the Geneva convention," I smile and take a deep swig of the bottle, "It is my favorite thing in the world."

A single drop falls from the corner of my mouth and hits the pavement. The stone immediately starts to discolor as the substance literally dissolves a pockmark into the stone.

"So, let's begin the training..."

Of course, like a gentleman, I'll escort her home once we're finished.

Brian Boru wrote: ...nice....very nice.....

Thank you. I live to entertain.

"Ow....I don't know bro....I don't think anyone is...AAAGH! My Books!" He scrambles to pick his collection of Self-help books up.

Daichi shook his head, sighing. Must his brother really bring all this self-help books with him? It's not like he could possibly read all of them in one day.

"Oh of course..." She immediately bends down to help Kenny out, while they work she introduces herself as Miu Furinji.

The moment they're done Kenichi looks at his watch and he yelps, "AAGH! We're gonna be late Daichi!" And he tears off giving Miu a quick good-bye.

As they collect his brothers books, he gives there name to her in return. "I'm Daichi, and this is my twin Kenichi. Nice to meet you. So, are you new around here?" He asked, trying to get to know her a little better. "I don't think that I've seen you around here before." It was true he and his brother had only been going to high school for a month, but even in that short amount of time he doubted that he would have overlooked somebody like her, and the school uniform denoted her as a fellow student. With her features, he may have mistaken her for a European or American exchange student if not for her perfect Japanese or her name. “Did you just move into town or something like that?”

Once they had finished there task and had nothing to left distract them, his brother had finally noticed how much time had passed, and consequently how deep in the hole they both were. Watching Kenichi run off at full speed, he had to wonder even if he thought there was a chance of getting there on time. “I'll catch up to you later bro! Go on without me!” He shouted as he waved back at him, wondering when the guy had started to run that fast. Then again he couldn't really blame his sibling's false hope, knowing what the teacher probably had in store for him. Turning to the young woman next to him, he supposed he might as well make some use of his time. “Well, looks like all three of us are going to be late for class. Serves me right I suppose for sleeping in.” He lamented, rubbing the back of his head where it had hit the ground. “Say, if your new here, would you like to have lunch together after class? I promise, I'm much funner guy when I haven't just been tossed onto the pavement.”

Psyckosama wrote:His stomach is weak!

Heh

I know who to web-search now!

Heh

Its doing its job then!

heh

"Now you understand why sorry doesn't cut it.

She nods, a bit subdued.

"I'm Samanosuke and this is my kid brother, Kenichi..."

"Miu Furinji"

"As for what I have in mind, I need to know how many yen you have on you. And its not because I want your money, but rather your training must be paid for..."

If she asks what training I outline it...

First, we are going to the local arcade.

Then we will go to one of the shooting games, one of the ones where you're given a lineup of targets, some friendly and some not, and must shoot them all.

She will play that game until either she runs out of yen or I am satisfied with her progress.

As she has awesome martial artist reflexes she must play while dizzy. And as she's used to facing physical adversity, she must do so under adverse conditions. In otherwords, she must shoot perfect while dizzy standing in buckets of ice water...

And if she fails beat a level or shoots an innocent she must consume a couple drops of my favorite hot sauce which I remove from my jacket and hold out with a smile.

The bottle is jet black with a with a strange screw in glass stopper on the top. That wouldn't be so bad if the stopper's top wasn't in the shape of a skull.

Also disheartening was the image on the label, a leering demonic skull that seemed to be on fire.

Of course, that was nothing compared to the label...

Satan's Own Blazing Demonic Inferno Hellfire XXX Death Sauce
Guaranteed to make you feel like the prettiest boy in prison the next morning!
WARNING: Please consult your physician: You literally might Die.
Made In George, USA

"This sauce is made from special pepper that only grows in a secret location deep in the jungles of South America that can only be safely harvested while wearing full hazmat gear and a gas mask. This sauce is illegal in seven countries. Its manufacture is a war crime according to the Geneva convention," I smile and take a deep swig of the bottle, "It is my favorite thing in the world."

A single drop falls from the corner of my mouth and hits the pavement. The stone immediately starts to discolor as the substance literally dissolves a pockmark into the stone.

"So, let's begin the training..."

Of course, like a gentleman, I'll escort her home once we're finished.

Kenichi stares in horror at the implications of what you're going to do to her but doesn't comment, other than a look of sympathy.

Miu on the other hand is goggling at the evil black...stuff sitting in that bottle, and when you open it later at the arcade the smell clears the building and half the block. Now she REALLY is worried, and she looks back over to you looking for some sort of succor.

Eight hours, and half the bottle latter Miu is guiding the two boys back home, her cheeks and lips swollen from the fires of the hell sauce, her eyes boring into you, Kenichi keeps a sympathizing hand on her shoulder, and he didn't get thrown for his troubles, so despite the insanity of Samanosuke's methods, they worked. As you walk you happen to walk past what look like a bunch of street toughs, unfortunately kenny boy bumbs into one of them and the jackass snaps at him. How to deal with possible Yakuza.

Zeitgeist wrote:Thank you. I live to entertain.

heh

[quote]Daichi shook his head, sighing. Must his brother really bring all this self-help books with him? It's not like he could possibly read all of them in one day.

It's Kenichi, what can you do?

As they collect his brothers books, he gives there name to her in return. "I'm Daichi, and this is my twin Kenichi. Nice to meet you. So, are you new around here?" He asked, trying to get to know her a little better. "I don't think that I've seen you around here before." It was true he and his brother had only been going to high school for a month, but even in that short amount of time he doubted that he would have overlooked somebody like her, and the school uniform denoted her as a fellow student. With her features, he may have mistaken her for a European or American exchange student if not for her perfect Japanese or her name. “Did you just move into town or something like that?”

Oh well her grandfather has actually owned their home for a while, she'd actually been going to a different school, the name being one of an extremely high end all girls school, making both of you wondering why she transferred to your school.

Once they had finished there task and had nothing to left distract them, his brother had finally noticed how much time had passed, and consequently how deep in the hole they both were. Watching Kenichi run off at full speed, he had to wonder even if he thought there was a chance of getting there on time. “I'll catch up to you later bro! Go on without me!” He shouted as he waved back at him, wondering when the guy had started to run that fast. Then again he couldn't really blame his sibling's false hope, knowing what the teacher probably had in store for him. Turning to the young woman next to him, he supposed he might as well make some use of his time. “Well, looks like all three of us are going to be late for class. Serves me right I suppose for sleeping in.” He lamented, rubbing the back of his head where it had hit the ground. “Say, if your new here, would you like to have lunch together after class? I promise, I'm much funner guy when I haven't just been tossed onto the pavement.”

She laughs with you and then mentions that you need to hurry to get to class and that she knows a shortcut.

Brian Boru wrote:Kenichi stares in horror at the implications of what you're going to do to her but doesn't comment, other than a look of sympathy.

"It must be done, little brother..."

Miu on the other hand is goggling at the evil black...stuff sitting in that bottle, and when you open it later at the arcade the smell clears the building and half the block. Now she REALLY is worried, and she looks back over to you looking for some sort of succor.

I slowly shake my head. "I'm sorry but the best training is often the harshest training."

Eight hours, and half the bottle latter Miu is guiding the two boys back home, her cheeks and lips swollen from the fires of the hell sauce, her eyes boring into you, Kenichi keeps a sympathizing hand on her shoulder, and he didn't get thrown for his troubles, so despite the insanity of Samanosuke's methods, they worked.

First place we stop is actually the closest 7-11 and noodle shop.

First, to buy her some nice, heavy cream milk to neutralize the... evil.

The second to get a hot drink and hot noodles to warm her up. I pay.

"I apologize for the harshness of my technique but as you can see, it worked and now you no longer have to worry about your body acting on its own in such a manner. I hope that we can put this nasty business behind us and restore ourselves to a neutral state and begin anew. So then..." I hold out my hand, "I'm Shirahama Samanosuke. Lets be friends!"

I give her the warmest, most kindly smile. The exact antithesis of the one I had before.

As you walk you happen to walk past what look like a bunch of street toughs, unfortunately kenny boy bumbs into one of them and the jackass snaps at him. How to deal with possible Yakuza.

Apologize gently for my brother and explain that he's horribly nearsighted and forgot his glasses and that we mean no disrespect.

In general placate them as much as possible and pad their egos to encourage them to let us go.

If it doesn't work, open the sauce bottle, fill my mouth, and SPIT IN HIS EYES!

Psyckosama wrote:"It must be done, little brother..."

Heh

I slowly shake my head. "I'm sorry but the best training is often the harshest training."

The howls of agony rip through the air for quite a while.

First place we stop is actually the closest 7-11 and noodle shop.

First, to buy her some nice, heavy cream milk to neutralize the... evil.

The second to get a hot drink and hot noodles to warm her up. I pay.

"I apologize for the harshness of my technique but as you can see, it worked and now you no longer have to worry about your body acting on its own in such a manner. I hope that we can put this nasty business behind us and restore ourselves to a neutral state and begin anew. So then..." I hold out my hand, "I'm Shirahama Samanosuke. Lets be friends!"

I give her the warmest, most kindly smile. The exact antithesis of the one I had before.

She seems to be mollified by the soothing effects of the cream and the hot food and drink and being reminded of what he was trying to do, along with helping her with that...problem she seems to be eager to accept that offer of friendship, which she also promptly offers to Kenichi as well, who's quick to accept as well.

Apologize gently for my brother and explain that he's horribly nearsighted and forgot his glasses and that we mean no disrespect.

In general placate them as much as possible and pad their egos to encourage them to let us go.

If it doesn't work, open the sauce bottle, fill my mouth, and SPIT IN HIS EYES!

Unfortunately...it doesn't and you have to fight. The first thug goes down, howling in such agony you wonder if there actually might be something to the hell bit of the sauce's name. Unfortunately the other two thugs pull knives, Kenichi, in a spate of courage you don't normally see in the kid, actually tries to get between them and you and Miu who hadn't moved yet. At this point there's not a damn thing you could do to prevent the kid from being stabbed or cut, but you don't need to worry, as Miu suddenly leaps into action, her swelling gone and without her glasses is lovely in the moonlight, but is utterly focused on the task at hand. Which is kicking the unholy crap out of the remaining two thugs. Who are moaning and twitching on the ground in a minute.

With Miu little worse for wear and Kenichi unscathed.

Brian Boru wrote:The howls of agony rip through the air for quite a while.

I must steel my soul against sympathy.

She seems to be mollified by the soothing effects of the cream and the hot food and drink and being reminded of what he was trying to do, along with helping her with that...problem she seems to be eager to accept that offer of friendship, which she also promptly offers to Kenichi as well, who's quick to accept as well.

I'm well pleased and throw in some friendly compliments.

Unfortunately...it doesn't and you have to fight. The first thug goes down, howling in such agony you wonder if there actually might be something to the hell bit of the sauce's name.

I hope he goes blind.

Unfortunately the other two thugs pull knives, Kenichi, in a spate of courage you don't normally see in the kid, actually tries to get between them and you and Miu who hadn't moved yet.

Damn idiot! I still have most of a bottle left!

At this point there's not a damn thing you could do to prevent the kid from being stabbed or cut, but you don't need to worry, as Miu suddenly leaps into action, her swelling gone and without her glasses is lovely in the moonlight, but is utterly focused on the task at hand. Which is kicking the unholy crap out of the remaining two thugs. Who are moaning and twitching on the ground in a minute.

With Miu little worse for wear and Kenichi unscathed.

I bow to her deeply and thank her for her aid.

Then I cold clock my brother and ask him if he was trying to get himself killed! Never scare me again like that!

Next I steal their wallets and cut their clothes off leaving them naked on the street, which are then thrown into the canal...

And call the cops about 3 nude thugs found in the middle of the street and snaps some pics with my cell camera... as blackmail material just in case.

I offer the contents of their wallets to Miu.

Brian Boru wrote:Well enough though he's a slimy bastard

The pre-release game copies he's sometimes able to get ... somehow ... are worth dealing with that. Not to mention his info is good.

Well when you make it you are late but apparently Miu beat you there as she's being introduced. The two of you are sent outside but Miu actually follows you, when asked she says that it was her fault you were late so she felt responsible as well.

Kenichi also seemed to surprise Miu when he asked why she's wearing fake glasses. At the same time Nijima responds with the info, apparently she'd been going to a pretty high class all girl academy, why she left is unknown and to his obvious aggravation there isn't much info on the girl.

"Maybe she just likes how she looks in them," I shrug, then deadpan, "or she's secretly a vigilante superhero by night, altering her appearance to keep her loved ones safe from the wrath of the yakuza."

... aaand I can't resist it. I give Ken a faintly amused look and open fire.

"Of course, he might have asked because he's just discovered he has a meganekko fetish."

With the inevitable denial and distraction of Kenichi and Miu that follows, I text Niijima back a single line: Martial artist. High class.

That throw was literally out of freaking nowhere, and while I might get beaten up a lot in between trying to give as well as I got, I'd like to think I can judge these things with a certain degree of accuracy by virtue of that practical experience.

Look up at the Miu and Kenichi show after texting that.

"Winding you up again. Duchess."

I might use Ken as a social distraction sometimes, but I try to bail him out whenever I can. We might rib one-another ... me more often than him, granted ... but we have each-other's backs.

Psyckosama wrote:I must steel my soul against sympathy.

Heh

I'm well pleased and throw in some friendly compliments.

She takes them well enough and asks you and your brother a bit about yourself, Kenny speaks up first and talks about how he likes self help books because he's not the most socially adept person out there. His bro on the other hand is a bit better though he sometimes thinks that you could be a Manga villian sometimes but he still loves ya. Your a bit surprise, Kenichi actually tried to make a joke there.

I hope he goes blind.

Stunningly no but he's going to be hurting for a looooooong! time.

Damn idiot! I still have most of a bottle left!

What can you say he's sick of being the damsel here.

I bow to her deeply and thank her for her aid.

Then I cold clock my brother and ask him if he was trying to get himself killed! Never scare me again like that!

Kenichi stares up at you, then tears form in his eyes as utter frustration starts to bubble up, "DAMMIT! I'M SICK OF IT! I've been kicked around my entire life, I'm no good in school, sports, with friends NOTHING! I attract bullies like a outhouse does flies and no matter WHAT I've done nothing ever has changed that and the only thing that's ever kept me from being one big bruise or bag of broken bones was you bro. But I don't want to have to depend on you the rest of my life, I want to be able to stand for myself that's why I joined the Karate club, but once again it's exactly the FUCKING SAME as before and the only reason I'm not tied up to the ceiling for a kicking bag is because you've likely got blackmail on half of them and threats for the other. And I'm SICK OF IT! SICK OF IT! SICK! SICK! SIIICK!!!"

You and Miu can only stare for a moment, this is the most fire you've ever seen out of your brother, and the first time you've really seen how utterly frustrated and angry with himself and his situation he really is.

Next I steal their wallets and cut their clothes off leaving them naked on the street, which are then thrown into the canal...

About 50000 yen, seem like they were ready for a night on the town.

And call the cops about 3 nude thugs found in the middle of the street and snaps some pics with my cell camera... as blackmail material just in case.

Done

I offer the contents of their wallets to Miu.

She goggles a bit but takes it anyway, her pride of not being a thief being overrulled by the needs of Ryozanpaku, "Thank-you! This will help alot."

She's silent for a moment, then she turns to Kenichi and puts a comforting hand on his shoulder, then says, "You know, if you really want to be strong, I think I know a place where you can learn."

Kenichi perks up, "REALLY! Then of course I'll take it! Please lead me there!"

"Alright, but I have to warn you though, it's really, really harsh and you might not make it." And her eyes take on a unnerving though suprisingly sexy look to them.

Kenichi flinches for a moment then steels himself, "I don't mind, like I said...earlier, I'm sick of being a punching bag and being protected, I want to be able to stand on my own two feet!" There's more conviction in just his eyes now than you've ever seen him display in his entire life, you're starting to wonder if that flip from this morning did something to his head.

Rieverre wrote:The pre-release game copies he's sometimes able to get ... somehow ... are worth dealing with that. Not to mention his info is good.

Heh, true

"Maybe she just likes how she looks in them," I shrug, then deadpan, "or she's secretly a vigilante superhero by night, altering her appearance to keep her loved ones safe from the wrath of the yakuza."

... aaand I can't resist it. I give Ken a faintly amused look and open fire.

"Of course, he might have asked because he's just discovered he has a meganekko fetish."

With the inevitable denial and distraction of Kenichi and Miu that follows, I text Niijima back a single line: Martial artist. High class.

That throw was literally out of freaking nowhere, and while I might get beaten up a lot in between trying to give as well as I got, I'd like to think I can judge these things with a certain degree of accuracy by virtue of that practical experience.

Look up at the Miu and Kenichi show after texting that.

"Winding you up again. Duchess."

I might use Ken as a social distraction sometimes, but I try to bail him out whenever I can. We might rib one-another ... me more often than him, granted ... but we have each-other's backs.

Laughs and slight blushes abound, then Miu explains that the reason she wears them is because she stands out too much without them and the thing she wants the most is to fit in with other people her age.

You eventually get a text from Nijima but there still isn't much information about her other than the bare essentials, you can tell it is REALLY frustrating him.

She smiles at the brotherly camaraderie the two of you have and mentions she wished she had something like that, she mentions that it has only been her and her grandfather for family for as long as she could remember and a slightly wistful look gets on her face.

The rest of the day goes with the regular fanfare until Karate club after school where once again the two of you are mauled like a side of beef by starving dogs. You put up a bit more of a fight but it isn't anything spectacular.

The two of you are left to cleaning the dojo afterwards, and Kenichi, in a display of spirit not usually becoming him suddenly decides to punch one of the punching bags thinking none of the others are in the room, even though freshmen aren't allowed to use them like that. He's almost immediately accosted by Daimonji, that giant freshman neanderthal who gets special privileges because of his size and physique.

He immediately berates the poor guy, and mentions that neither of you belong in the Karate club as they don't need weak little runts polluting the art. In fact he makes it fairly clear he wants the both of you to quit.

Brian Boru wrote:She takes them well enough and asks you and your brother a bit about yourself, Kenny speaks up first and talks about how he likes self help books because he's not the most socially adept person out there.

I admit I read the books too, after all, we have WALLS of them thanks to Kenshin here (my smartass nickname for him), though I seem to get more out of them...

And I have maybe a bit more eclectic taste in 'self-help'... Ever read Sun-Tzu or Machiavelli?

His bro on the other hand is a bit better though he sometimes thinks that you could be a Manga villian sometimes but he still loves ya.

Your a bit surprise, Kenichi actually tried to make a joke there.

I grab him in a head lock and ruffle his hair a bit laughing.

Then I state that I don't have nearly good enough hair for that...

I just tried to make a joke there too!

Stunningly no but he's going to be hurting for a looooooong! time.

Should I pour more in this eyes?

What can you say he's sick of being the damsel here.

There's not being the damsel an then there's jumping infront of knives...

Kenichi stares up at you, then tears form in his eyes as utter frustration starts to bubble up, "DAMMIT! I'M SICK OF IT! I've been kicked around my entire life, I'm no good in school, sports, with friends NOTHING! I attract bullies like a outhouse does flies and no matter WHAT I've done nothing ever has changed that and the only thing that's ever kept me from being one big bruise or bag of broken bones was you bro. But I don't want to have to depend on you the rest of my life, I want to be able to stand for myself that's why I joined the Karate club, but once again it's exactly the FUCKING SAME as before and the only reason I'm not tied up to the ceiling for a kicking bag is because you've likely got blackmail on half of them and threats for the other. And I'm SICK OF IT! SICK OF IT! SICK! SICK! SIIICK!!!"

You and Miu can only stare for a moment, this is the most fire you've ever seen out of your brother, and the first time you've really seen how utterly frustrated and angry with himself and his situation he really is.

I go quiet. "Why didn't you tell me..."

About 50000 yen, seem like they were ready for a night on the town.

Please note, I also take any and all credit cards...

She goggles a bit but takes it anyway, her pride of not being a thief being overrulled by the needs of Ryozanpaku, "Thank-you! This will help alot."

I tisk at her. It's not thevery if you're not the one to instigate the violence. Besides, it's traditional! It's the natural right and privilege of the traveling adventurer to loot the bodies of the monsters which he slays!

She's silent for a moment, then she turns to Kenichi and puts a comforting hand on his shoulder, then says, "You know, if you really want to be strong, I think I know a place where you can learn."

Kenichi perks up, "REALLY! Then of course I'll take it! Please lead me there!"

"Alright, but I have to warn you though, it's really, really harsh and you might not make it." And her eyes take on a unnerving though suprisingly sexy look to them.

Kenichi flinches for a moment then steels himself, "I don't mind, like I said...earlier, I'm sick of being a punching bag and being protected, I want to be able to stand on my own two feet!" There's more conviction in just his eyes now than you've ever seen him display in his entire life, you're starting to wonder if that flip from this morning did something to his head.

"And if idiot here is going to try it, then I guess I'm stuck with it too..." I smile, "So I take it you're going to make a human offering of us to one of the strange and esoteric masters at your dojo?"

Brian Boru wrote:Laughs and slight blushes abound, then Miu explains that the reason she wears them is because she stands out too much without them and the thing she wants the most is to fit in with other people her age.

You eventually get a text from Nijima but there still isn't much information about her other than the bare essentials, you can tell it is REALLY frustrating him.

Heh. Looks like he'll owe me if I find out more. ^^

She smiles at the brotherly camaraderie the two of you have and mentions she wished she had something like that, she mentions that it has only been her and her grandfather for family for as long as she could remember and a slightly wistful look gets on her face.

I incline my head in Ken's general direction. "His fault. If it weren't for Ken there I'd probably have ended up a social recluse with a list of acquaintances consisting solely of my cat."

Granted, the furball is probably still the only one of those acquaintances fit for mixed company, considering the premiere on the list is a guy who regularly gets mistaken for an alien, but I'll just not mention that.

The rest of the day goes with the regular fanfare until Karate club after school where once again the two of you are mauled like a side of beef by starving dogs. You put up a bit more of a fight but it isn't anything spectacular.

The two of you are left to cleaning the dojo afterwards, and Kenichi, in a display of spirit not usually becoming him suddenly decides to punch one of the punching bags thinking none of the others are in the room, even though freshmen aren't allowed to use them like that. He's almost immediately accosted by Daimonji, that giant freshman neanderthal who gets special privileges because of his size and physique.

He immediately berates the poor guy, and mentions that neither of you belong in the Karate club as they don't need weak little runts polluting the art. In fact he makes it fairly clear he wants the both of you to quit.

It's cute that he thinks he's intimidating, since at this point we'd been beaten up by people scarier than Daimonji. For years. Granted, my tendency to glare instead of genuflecting probably got us into as many of those as Kenichi's accident prone nature ...

... aw, crap, I'm glaring again.

"Karate is only for the strong? Isn't that disrespecting the origin and formative years of the art? If it were true, then the early practitioners wouldn't have struggled with devising an unarmed fighting method when Sho Shin and later the Satsuma introduced the weapon ban. They certainly wouldn't have taught it."

I note the location of every obstruction, piece of equipment and loose mat in the place, just in case this turns into another mauling.

Psyckosama wrote:I admit I read the books too, after all, we have WALLS of them thanks to Kenshin here (my smartass nickname for him), though I seem to get more out of them...

And I have maybe a bit more eclectic taste in 'self-help'... Ever read Sun-Tzu or Machiavelli?

Her no but she knows someone who might have.

I grab him in a head lock and ruffle his hair a bit laughing.

Then I state that I don't have nearly good enough hair for that...

I just tried to make a joke there too!

You all get a laugh out of that.

Should I pour more in this eyes?

Why waste good sauce?

There's not being the damsel an then there's jumping infront of knives...

True but this is a Manga trope there.

[quote]I go quiet. "Why didn't you tell me..."[quote]

"Because I didn't want to drive you away or worse make you turn on me. You're the only friend I've got and the only friend I've had for a long time and I didn't want to lose you either."

Please note, I also take any and all credit cards...

No cards they seemed to be on a cash only policy

I tisk at her. It's not thevery if you're not the one to instigate the violence. Besides, it's traditional! It's the natural right and privilege of the traveling adventurer to loot the bodies of the monsters which he slays!

She giggles at that a bit.

"And if idiot here is going to try it, then I guess I'm stuck with it too..." I smile, "So I take it you're going to make a human offering of us to one of the strange and esoteric masters at your dojo?"

"Thanks bro, I'm...glad you're sticking by me here to."

"No nothing like that," is Miu's response, and she leads the two of you to her home, which consists of a massive pair of red doors set in a high traditional wall with the words, Ryozanpaku written above the gates. Some attempts at shoving them open seem to result in no movement from the gates.

Rieverre wrote:Heh. Looks like he'll owe me if I find out more. ^^

Heh

I incline my head in Ken's general direction. "His fault. If it weren't for Ken there I'd probably have ended up a social recluse with a list of acquaintances consisting solely of my cat."

Granted, the furball is probably still the only one of those acquaintances fit for mixed company, considering the premiere on the list is a guy who regularly gets mistaken for an alien, but I'll just not mention that.

She seems to get excited at the mention of a cat, shining Moe eyes and everything.

It's cute that he thinks he's intimidating, since at this point we'd been beaten up by people scarier than Daimonji. For years. Granted, my tendency to glare instead of genuflecting probably got us into as many of those as Kenichi's accident prone nature ...

... aw, crap, I'm glaring again.

"Karate is only for the strong? Isn't that disrespecting the origin and formative years of the art? If it were true, then the early practitioners wouldn't have struggled with devising an unarmed fighting method when Sho Shin and later the Satsuma introduced the weapon ban. They certainly wouldn't have taught it."

I note the location of every obstruction, piece of equipment and loose mat in the place, just in case this turns into another mauling.

The big dolt looks at you in incomprehension, history not being his strong suit. Kenichi happens to speak up, "What if we were strong?"

"Whu?"

"If you say that only the strong deserve to be in the club then why don't we prove that we're strong, then you can't say anything against us."

That only gets Daimonji laughing, "Alright squirt, I'll make a deal with you, I'll fight you while I get one of my buddies to take your angry looking runt of a brother over there. If both of you win then I'll quit the club, but if even one of you loses then you have to leave or I do this to ya." He takes a steel bucket and promptly punches the bottom out of it.

"Do we have a deal?" A death glare a moment later ends Kenichi's apprehensions to it and they shake on it.

After your response you leave and run across Miu, your angry scowl and Kenichi's lost look makes her worried and a bit worried that you don't want to be friends anymore.

Brian Boru wrote:She seems to get excited at the mention of a cat, shining Moe eyes and everything.

I tell her the story of how I was clearing out storage space last winter and found one of the boards in the corner of dad's few attempts at carpentry had apparently come loose. I checked it out to see how many nails we'd have to buy (it ended up being an even dozen. For one board. Yeah. Dad likes to think he can do this kind of stuff, and it's less stressful to let him bang his thumb up once a year than it is to argue with him about it.) and found out that sometime during the last few days a cat had apparently given birth in there.

And while the mother wasn't in evidence, she'd apparently left one of her kittens behind. It was a tiny, scrawny thing, all skin and bones and barely able to eat on its own but it just hung in there. We started off just giving it some warm milk, then meat paste ...

"It sort of ended up with her thinking I was her mother. Or something."

It's cute that he thinks he's intimidating, since at this point we'd been beaten up by people scarier than Daimonji. For years. Granted, my tendency to glare instead of genuflecting probably got us into as many of those as Kenichi's accident prone nature ...

... aw, crap, I'm glaring again.

The big dolt looks at you in incomprehension, history not being his strong suit. Kenichi happens to speak up, "What if we were strong?"

"Whu?"

"If you say that only the strong deserve to be in the club then why don't we prove that we're strong, then you can't say anything against us."

That only gets Daimonji laughing, "Alright squirt, I'll make a deal with you, I'll fight you while I get one of my buddies to take your angry looking runt of a brother over there. If both of you win then I'll quit the club, but if even one of you loses then you have to leave or I do this to ya." He takes a steel bucket and promptly punches the bottom out of it.

"Do we have a deal?" A death glare a moment later ends Kenichi's apprehensions to it and they shake on it.

I wait until Daimonji is no longer in earshot.

"You know, Ken ... I agree with the sentiment and standing up for yourself, but if they scouted someone like _that_ I'm thinking that even should we by some quirk of fate win, the karate club is likely not the place for us."

After your response you leave and run across Miu, your angry scowl and Kenichi's lost look makes her worried and a bit worried that you don't want to be friends anymore.

It's less of a scowl, more of a flat, emotionless look.

"No, Ken just talked us into a paired one on one against two karate club members. One of whom has the stature of a small car and I'm pretty sure will toss the club out of any competition the moment someone calls for a drug test. We had what you could call ... philosophical differences about the nature of martial arts."

Brian Boru wrote:Her no but she knows someone who might have.

"Really?"

True but this is a Manga trope there.

"Because I didn't want to drive you away or worse make you turn on me. You're the only friend I've got and the only friend I've had for a long time and I didn't want to lose you either."

I thump him on the head again. "I'm your twin brother, moron. You really think I wanted to join the Karate club? No, I joined it because I wanted to watch your back! I'm the last person who's ever going to turn on you."

[quote]
No cards they seemed to be on a cash only policy [quote]

Drat.

She giggles at that a bit.

I smile back

"Thanks bro, I'm...glad you're sticking by me here to."

"It's kinda what I do."

"No nothing like that," is Miu's response, and she leads the two of you to her home, which consists of a massive pair of red doors set in a high traditional wall with the words, Ryozanpaku written above the gates. Some attempts at shoving them open seem to result in no movement from the gates.

"Ah, the standard super-doors that may only be opened by super martial artists. Bro, I'm sensing much pain and suffering in our future and I just want you to know right now... its all your fault." I smile to Miu, "Now my dear, would you care to do the honors?"

Rieverre wrote:I tell her the story of how I was clearing out storage space last winter and found one of the boards in the corner of dad's few attempts at carpentry had apparently come loose. I checked it out to see how many nails we'd have to buy (it ended up being an even dozen. For one board. Yeah. Dad likes to think he can do this kind of stuff, and it's less stressful to let him bang his thumb up once a year than it is to argue with him about it.) and found out that sometime during the last few days a cat had apparently given birth in there.

And while the mother wasn't in evidence, she'd apparently left one of her kittens behind. It was a tiny, scrawny thing, all skin and bones and barely able to eat on its own but it just hung in there. We started off just giving it some warm milk, then meat paste ...

"It sort of ended up with her thinking I was her mother. Or something."

She gets all gushy about that one.

I wait until Daimonji is no longer in earshot.

"You know, Ken ... I agree with the sentiment and standing up for yourself, but if they scouted someone like _that_ I'm thinking that even should we by some quirk of fate win, the karate club is likely not the place for us."

"Maybe bro, but I'm sick of being chased away, for once, I'm standing my ground...oh god I'm gonna DIEE!!!" Ah there's the Kenichi you know and love.

It's less of a scowl, more of a flat, emotionless look.

Ah

"No, Ken just talked us into a paired one on one against two karate club members. One of whom has the stature of a small car and I'm pretty sure will toss the club out of any competition the moment someone calls for a drug test. We had what you could call ... philosophical differences about the nature of martial arts."

When she asks what you meant by that, Kenichi speaks up about Daimonji's claim about only the strong deserving to practice martial arts, and she said that her sensei said that the martial arts was so a smaller person could defend themselves from a bigger, brawnier person. Or something like that.

With that you split off and you and Kenichi head on home with dashing past Honoka head for your room to get that Karate self help book he got on a whim.

Honoka looks up at you and asks, "What's the matter with Kenichi? Is he getting bullied again?"

Psyckosama wrote:"Really?"

Yes a...house guest of her family.

I thump him on the head again. "I'm your twin brother, moron. You really think I wanted to join the Karate club? No, I joined it because I wanted to watch your back! I'm the last person who's ever going to turn on you."

He puts his hand on his head, then looks up at you and says, "You're right bro, sorry for thinking that."

I smile back

Kool

"It's kinda what I do."

heh

"Ah, the standard super-doors that may only be opened by super martial artists. Bro, I'm sensing much pain and suffering in our future and I just want you to know right now... its all your fault." I smile to Miu, "Now my dear, would you care to do the honors?"

"If you're trying to help with my confidence, you aren't helping." He mutters.

He laughs at you and Kenichi's antics and moves to open a side door neither of you notice, only for the gates to open and the biggest man you've ever seen suddenly standing before you.



"Well this is a surprise, I don't think my grandaughter's ever brought friends home before. Tell me what are your names." He sounds friendly enough but even braindeads in the martial arts like you and your brother can tell that this guy is something terrifying if he want's to be.

Brian Boru wrote:Yes a...house guest of her family.

"Considering we're headed there you can probably dispose with the euphemisms.

He puts his hand on his head, then looks up at you and says, "You're right bro, sorry for thinking that."

"Good. Now I don't have to thump you again!"

"If you're trying to help with my confidence, you aren't helping." He mutters.

"Would you rather I lie?

He laughs at you and Kenichi's antics and moves to open a side door neither of you notice, only for the gates to open and the biggest man you've ever seen suddenly standing before you.

I just kinda stand there and smirk. "Wow."

"Well this is a surprise, I don't think my grandaughter's ever brought friends home before. Tell me what are your names." He sounds friendly enough but even braindeads in the martial arts like you and your brother can tell that this guy is something terrifying if he want's to be.

"I'm Shirahama Samanosuke and this is my brother, Kenichi!" I smile and gently place a hand Miu's shoulder. "We met Miu-chan earlier today! I'll admit things were a bit rough at first but now we're good friends!" I smile and stage whisper, "Your granddaughter is pretty awesome. We took down some thugs on the way here. She was great."

If she asked if we did anything I say Kenichi heroically, though maybe inadvisable moved to protect us with his body, while I took one of them out with... THE SAUCE!

If he asks about the sauce, I offer the bottle to him.

Brian Boru wrote:"Maybe bro, but I'm sick of being chased away, for once, I'm standing my ground...oh god I'm gonna DIEE!!!" Ah there's the Kenichi you know and love.

"We, Ken. We," I pinch the bridge of my nose. "Knowing our luck, his 'buddy' is going to be cast from the same mold."

It's still going to be one on one, and Daimonji at least is still a freshman. Chances are that, while it is a considerable advantage, that brawn is all he has going for him. So, possibly not insurmountable ... if I waited for him in a dark alley with a half-brick in a sock.

Sadly, that would rather defeat the whole purpose of the exercise and open things up for some rather nasty escalation.

I can still dream, dammit.

When she asks what you meant by that, Kenichi speaks up about Daimonji's claim about only the strong deserving to practice martial arts, and she said that her sensei said that the martial arts was so a smaller person could defend themselves from a bigger, brawnier person. Or something like that.

"Or something like that," I nod. "Not sure about whoever he wants to have beat me up, but Daimonji himself is just getting started. I've heard he was pretty obsessive about body-building, which is how he got that ridiculous stature of his. So his punches are going to hurt, if they land."

Then I give Miu a considering look.

"I don't suppose life is ridiculously convenient enough for you to know any sort of really basic and easy to learn evasive technique?"

With that you split off and you and Kenichi head on home with dashing past Honoka head for your room to get that Karate self help book he got on a whim.

Honoka looks up at you and asks, "What's the matter with Kenichi? Is he getting bullied again?"

I frown, then raise a hand and waggle the palm, indicating 'so-so'.

"He's actually standing up for himself. I kind of want to see where this goes, even if it inevitably ends in pain for both of us."

Then I probably get pounced on by Snowy. Short of Snow White. Because she's all black. Hey, dad can name his freaking shotgun Sebastian and not get too many weird looks. This is just par for the course. By the time I notice she's there she's likely clambered onto my shoulder, still being small enough to manage this without horrifically shredding my clothes or drawing too much blood.

Cat acquired, I text Niijima a query on Daimonji and whether or not he has any idea who the big lug went and made my dance partner. Because I seriously don't doubt for a moment Niijima doesn't already know this is happening and hasn't already ferreted out the relevant details.

Psyckosama wrote:"Considering we're headed there you can probably dispose with the euphemisms.

Well she didn't want them to scare you off.

"Good. Now I don't have to thump you again!"

"Right..."

"Would you rather I lie?

"Well when you put it that way...no."

I just kinda stand there and smirk. "Wow."

Yup he's a biggun

"I'm Shirahama Samanosuke and this is my brother, Kenichi!" I smile and gently place a hand Miu's shoulder. "We met Miu-chan earlier today! I'll admit things were a bit rough at first but now we're good friends!" I smile and stage whisper, "Your granddaughter is pretty awesome. We took down some thugs on the way here. She was great."

If he asked if we did anything I say Kenichi heroically, though maybe inadvisable moved to protect us with his body, while I took one of them out with... THE SAUCE!

If he asks about the sauce, I offer the bottle to him.

He seems vaguely amused about the entire story though he does think that while brave, it probably wasn't the smartest thing to do to pick a fight with an armed thug like that, at least for you.

He does take the bottle, muttering the name of the thing in English, when he opens the bottle you swear you can hear his nose hairs sizzling. He coughs a bit then screws the bottle back on, "Well that would certainly work. So tell me, what brings the two of you to my little Dojo?

Rieverre wrote:"We, Ken. We," I pinch the bridge of my nose. "Knowing our luck, his 'buddy' is going to be cast from the same mold."

Way to calm the poor guy down there

It's still going to be one on one, and Daimonji at least is still a freshman. Chances are that, while it is a considerable advantage, that brawn is all he has going for him. So, possibly not insurmountable ... if I waited for him in a dark alley with a half-brick in a sock.

Sadly, that would rather defeat the whole purpose of the exercise and open things up for some rather nasty escalation.

I can still dream, dammit.

Yes that WOULD defeat the purpose of the little venture, so might want to prepare.

"Or something like that," I nod. "Not sure about whoever he wants to have beat me up, but Daimonji himself is just getting started. I've heard he was pretty obsessive about body-building, which is how he got that ridiculous stature of his. So his punches are going to hurt, if they land."

Then I give Miu a considering look.

"I don't suppose life is ridiculously convenient enough for you to know any sort of really basic and easy to learn evasive technique?"

"...well I might, but I got to go home right now, I'll see you later."

I frown, then raise a hand and waggle the palm, indicating 'so-so'.

"He's actually standing up for himself. I kind of want to see where this goes, even if it inevitably ends in pain for both of us."

Then I probably get pounced on by Snowy. Short of Snow White. Because she's all black. Hey, dad can name his freaking shotgun Sebastian and not get too many weird looks. This is just par for the course. By the time I notice she's there she's likely clambered onto my shoulder, still being small enough to manage this without horrifically shredding my clothes or drawing too much blood.

Cat acquired, I text Niijima a query on Daimonji and whether or not he has any idea who the big lug went and made my dance partner. Because I seriously don't doubt for a moment Niijima doesn't already know this is happening and hasn't already ferreted out the relevant details.

Honoka runs into the kitchen shouting about how Kenichi's gonna get pummeled again to mom.

Nijima soon responds and gives you a muscle head by the name of Raimonji, he quickly responds with a yes that is his name I am not yanking your chain. He's not REALLY a Karate club member but he's on the roster and while he doesn't have much...skill, he just about as strong as Neanderthal.

Snowy purrs and you head up to your room you share with Kenichi, where he's just found that Karate self-help book. He runs into you and tells you that he's going to use the thing starting tommorrow on Sunday out in the local park and he suggests you come with him, whatever caveman Daimonji finds is going to be likely just as bad as him.