Chapter name: Decisions!
Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Zetsu's apartment
"I am glad it worked." Zetsu said as he went over to the table in the middle of the room.
It had a note on it and said:
"There is miso soup in the fridge, warm it up when you are hungry, dad."
"Dad, how many times do you keep forgetting miso soup loses its nutritional value when you reheat it! Zetsu nagged out loud.
"Oh well, I am hungry and just need something in my belly."
Zetsu went over to the fridge to take the miso soup out of it, then went over to the kitchen, where he opened a kitchen cabinet and took a small pan out of it. After that he poured the soup into the pan, next he went over to the stove to light up the fire. He put the pan on the stove and walked back to the kitchen table, as he waited for his food to finish cooking.
"It should only take 5 minutes, might as well check my phone." Zetsu checked.
The time was 5:10 PM and he got 3 messages from Kuji and opened LINE and looked at the messages.
Kuji: Dude you there? 4:02 PM
Kuji: Hey! Are you ignoring me! 4:18 PM
Kuji: Don't tell me that you are having a long a** fa***** session over there! 4:36 PM
I laughed at the last message and responded back.
Zetsu: Sorry I had to do something real quick. 5:12 PM
Kuji: Do something real quick huh? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) 5:12 PM
Zetsu: Dude please stop. 5:13 PM
Kuji: XD 5:13 PM
Kuji: Anyway meet me tomorrow at 9:00 PM at Shibuya Station. 5:14 PM
Zetsu: Alright I'll be there at 9. 5:14 PM
Kuji: Good. OH! And did you read the new issue of Battle no Hikari? 5:15 PM
Zetsu: Wait a bit, my miso soup is done. 5:15 PM
Kuji: Okie. 5:15 PM
Zetsu left the phone on the kitchen table and went over to the kitchen cabinet to take out a bowl, then I picked up the pan and poured the soup into the bowl. After that, while he was holding the bowl, he took a spoon and went back to the kitchen table and started eating the soup.
"Ah it tastes good."
"My dad always works hard for me, that is why I get to live in such a cool apartment as this one. I wish I could see him more, but he is always busy with his work." Zetsu continued
"Mom if you are listening up there I hope you are proud of dad." Zetsu said with a slight smile.
After Zetsu ate the soup, he cleaned the kitchen, proceeded to talk with Kuji until late, went to take a shower and then went to his room to sleep.
Zetsu seemed to be having a dream.
He appeared in an empty white space as he landed on invisible solid ground.
“Hi!” A voice greeted
Zetsu turned around.
Wait, I can see another person, but it's not clear enough!
“Introduce yourself!” Zetsu shouted.
“Okay!” The male voice replied.
Wait, he looks exactly like me!
Another version of Zetsu created by his own subconscious
Dream Zetsu!
“But just call me Detsu.” He replied.
“Uh okay… I am confused here.” Zetsu said, clearly being lost.
“How so?” Detsu asked.
“I mean why are you here? What do you want?” Zetsu questioned.
“I am here because your brain wants me to I guess, but don’t worry I just want to have a small chat. Is that alright with you?” Detsu proposed.
“Sure there is not anything else to do anyways.” Zetsu agreed.
“You seem unsure what to do right?”
“What makes you say that?” Zetsu wondered.
“It's hard having to choose between 2 words.” Detsu answered.
“You know, since you are a different version of me, you must have realised that I always felt out of place.” Zetsu explained.
“Out of place?” Detsu asked, wanting to know more.
“You know that after my mom’s death my life just… changed. I don’t take school seriously anymore and always laze around. My best friend went to a lower middle school, even though he is way smarter than me and has a better future planned for him.” Zetsu added.
“He did that because he is your best friend and holds you dear, just like your dad.” Detsu replied.
“My dad is a very busy person and has to work extra hard because he also has to take care of me. Kuji could have gone to a better school therefore, I am holding them down. I am nothing more than a bother!” Zetsu shouted.
“Then what do you want to do?” Detsu questioned.
“Listen I am a dimension hopper right? I can decide the fate of the world according to Kettei, if in my modern life I am destined to become a failure, then I can learn magic and be of some use in that world instead, which is better for all 3 of us!” Zetsu answered.
“If that is your answer then so be it, however I am not supportive of that decision, since leaving the people that care about you the most is pretty selfish.” Detsu said with a serious tone.
“I know it is… but what else can I do?” Zetsu asked.
“Start putting in some effort again and try to make your own life a bit better.” Detsu suggested.
“You know that doesn’t happen from one day to another. I won’t change.. I simply can’t change with all that has happened in my life!” Zetsu denied the suggestion.
“I guess there is no changing your mind then, so I guess I can share my thoughts with you now.” Detsu said.
“Hm?” Zetsu reacted.
“Remember what Kettei said about Sokyo being destroyed by Ishakai 5 years ago?” Detsu recalled.
“What about it?” Zetsu waited for an answer.
“It can't be a coincidence that the Shibuya Incident also happened 5 years ago.” Detsu said.
“Wait… could it really be connected? *tsk* If only I stopped mom from heading to the groceries store, then she wouldn’t have…” Zetsu said as he got interrupted.
“None of us could have ever known that such a thing would happen, don’t blame yourself!” Detsu shouted.
Zetsu looked down on the ground and sighed as Detsu said:
“It could be possible that Ishakai caused that explosion in Shibuya too.” Detsu theorised.
Zetsu clenched his fists and looked at Detsu.
“I know what to do now, I will look for answers for what truly happened 5 years ago!” Zetsu said filled with determination.
“Alright I think we are done here, time to end the conversation.”
“Hey! Wait!”
End Dream!
Next day
Zetsu woke up gasping for air. "What a weird dream."
His alarm on my phone went off. It was 7:30 PM. Zetsu turned off the alarm of his phone then, walked over to his closet and picked the most cool looking clothes he could find, which sadly is just a simple blue polo and some decent black jeans, after he took my shower, he did his usual procedures and put on the clothes, as he walked over to the huge mirror in his room.
He inspected himself. His black hair was bushy with a few spikes, had brown eyes that seemed a bit tired and pale skin, which in his opinion goes well with the hair.
"I am pretty slim huh? Anyway the clothes look decent on me, time to head out!"
Zetsu almost forgot his wallet and went back to pick it up, finally leaving the apartment as the morning sun was greeting him.
Zetsu arrived at the station after walking for 20 minutes when a person called out to him.
“Yo Zetsu!” A male voice shouted.
The person walked over to Zetsu
“Kuji, aren’t you a little early?” Zetsu questioned.
“Yes, but so are you.” He answered.
After walking for another 10 minutes through the streets of Shibuya they finally arrived at the Tsumeawase Mall, it was a big white building with multiple floors, surrounded with sakura trees.
“The view always amazes me.” Kuji said as Zetsu nodded.
The both of them entered the mall. It was a very open space with all kinds of stores around the sides and had a moving staircase, as well as an elevator at the back of the first floor.
“So what should we do first?” Kuji asked.
Zetsu's stomach growled.
“Uhh how about we get something to eat, because I am starving.” Zetsu suggested.
“Okies, let me look at the map for a second.” Kuji said, pulling out his phone.
“Darn the Wifi is not working with me today.” Kuji added.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
“Just just go to the food court and just look around.” Zetsu gave another idea.
“Oh yeah, but I didn’t want to waste too much time on picking food, since I wan’t to do a lot of fun stuff together with you.” Kuji replied.
Zetsu gave a slight smile.
“Anyways let's move!” Kuji yelled.
They walked over to the elevator and pressed the button to open the door.
“Ladies first!” Kuji joked around.
“When did you find out that I am a trap?!” Zetsu said with a surprised face.
“Wait.. wha? My brain.exe is not working.” Kuji said confused.
“Haha Never mind, just go inside the elevator already.” Zetsu said as he shoved Kuji in there.
Zetsu followed and pressed the 3F button, as the elevator took them up to 3F and automatically opened the door.
“Yes!” Kuji said.
“Finally food!” Zetsu added as they both left the elevator.
They walked in a very spacious area where in the corner areas, the restaurants and food stands were located and in the middle the eating area.
“So what are you getting?” Kuji asked.
“I’m scanning real quick!”
Zetsu looked around the area.
American fast food, nah! Udon, No! Street food? Yes Street food!
Zetsu went over to the direction of the street food stand.
“Hey Zetsu it's like 8:15 AM! Why don’t you eat something decent?!” Kuji shouted.
“Nope!” Zetsu shouted back.
“Welp I should get some Udon then.” Kuji said with a dry face as he walked to the Udon’s service counter.
Zetsu arrived at the stand and said:
“Hello!”
“Hi! Welcome to Yatai, what would you like to order? The vendor asked.
Zetsu looked up at the menu displayed above the vendor and after thinking for a while, he made a decision.
“Alright Uh… give me some takoyaki please!” Zetsu replied.
“Okay that is 1500 Yen!” The vendor said.
“Keep the change.” Zetsu said after giving the vendor 1600 yen.
The vendor went to make the takoyaki and served it on a tray.
"Here you go!" The vendor said.
"Thanks." Zetsu replied as he took the tray.
Zetsu was looking for a place to sit when Kuji shouted at him. He was already sitting at a table with his food. Zetsu went to take a seat in front of him and asked:
"What did you get?"
"Beef udon and I see you got takoyaki seriously?" Kuji replied as he looked at Zetsu's tray.
"Hey it tastes good, don't judge!" Zetsu replied.
As Kuji starts to talk about all the manga he read yesterday, Zetsu seemed to stare at his food.
Detsu…
"Earth to Zetsu, hello!" Kuji shouted.
Zetsu snapped out of his trance.
"Huh?"
"Does something bother you, if so I am here to listen." Kuji offered.
"Well, not really but… tell me Kuji. What would you do if I suddenly disappeared?" Zetsu asked.
"What are you switching schools or something? Of course that wouldn't be a problem. I would come and visit you regularly. We are best friends. I'll never leave your side, even if you wanted to haha." Kuji answered.
Zetsu looked at the ground.
"Zetsu?"
Suddenly a girl passed by and looked at Kuji.
"Kuji?" The female voice said surprised.
"Hey Ria! What's up?" Kuji asked.
Sometimes I seem to forget that we are in different classes.
"Good thank you and who is that?" Ria asked as she looked at Zetsu.
"This is my best mate Zetsu." Kuji introduced.
"Haha you're flattering me over here." Zetsu said.
"Well, nice to meet you." Ria said.
"Likewise." Zetsu replied.
Someone was running towards Zetsu and the rest.
"Ria why are you always moving so fast?!" A male voice said.
"Oops sorry Taka! I thought you were walking behind me." Ria answered.
"Maybe you should look behind you one in a while Ria…. Hey Kuju what up my man!" Taka greeted him with a smile.
"Nothing crazy, as you can see I am eating with a friend." Kuji responded.
Taka walked close to Zetsu.
"Yo I am Taka and who are you my bro?"
"I am Zetsu, nice to meet you."
Taka held out his fist and Zetsu bumped it.
"So.... What are you guys planning to do?" Kuji questioned.
"Oh we just finished eating and are going to hit the arcade downstairs." Ria answered.
"Hey, if you guys want, you can join us!" Taka suggested.
"Are you up for it?" Kuji asked Zetsu.
"Sure, but I want to eat my food first, so wait a little bit."
"No worries we'll meet you downstairs at the arcade." Taka said.
"Alright let's go!" Ria shouted.
Taka and Ria left to go to the arcade 1 floor below.
After Zetsu and Kuji finished eating and returned their trays, they went down a floor, joining Ria and Taka*
"Well that took long enough!" Taka commented
All of them were standing before the arcade.
"Uhhh why are we waiting?" Kuji asked.
"Uh I don't know." Ria answered.
"Then how about we start moving then?" Zetsu suggested.
They entered the arcade. It was decent in size and was well organised, at the left side there are crane games and a photo booth and at the left side of the arcade had different types of games like, fighting, racing, rhythm and shooting.
"Okay we should first buy some coins. Everyone got enough change?" Taka asked.
The rest nodded.
After they bought some coins. They played many games together, which made the time go faster as they had a lot of fun.
After a while they decided to have a small break.
"My eyes are burning!" Ria complained.
"Same here." Kuji added.
"I think we went a bit overboard." Zetsu commented.
Taka seemed to be focusing on something else.
"Hey!" Taka shouted
Everyone looked at Taka.
"Yeah?" Ria responded.
"Why don't we take some pictures together? That would be fun!" Taka suggested as he pointed to a photo booth in the distance.
"I am not against that idea." Zetsu accepted.
"Then let's do it!" Kuji shouted.
Everyone headed to the photo booth as they took various pictures together. After they were done, they went to take a look at the pictures.
As Ria took the pictures out of the booth, she took a peak and started laughing.
"Hey, pass some photos over here!" Taka asked.
Taka received the pictures and commented:
"Haha we look so stupid!"
Zetsu and Kuji went to Taka to check some of the photos.
"These photos are a work of art." Zetsu commented.
"I agree." Kuji replied.
"I agree with you agreeing haha." Taka added.
"Yo Zetsu?" Kuji called.
"Yeah"
"Do you want to take a picture with just the 2 of us?" Kuji asked.
"Sure."
"What about me?" Taka asked.
"Don't you see that we are having a best bros moment! Just wait, okay?" Kuji answered with an annoyed face.
"I am going over to Ria then sniff sniff." Taka left.
.They went back to the photo booth taking one more picture. Kuji took the photos out of the booth and gave 1 to Zetsu.
"I made 2 so…"
"Thanks." Zetsu replied with a smile.
Taka went to Zetsu and Kuji to give the rest of the pictures the group made together.
"Okay I want to play some more! I haven't touched that racing game yet!" Ria yelled.
Wait, I got to check the time!
Zetsu pulled out his phone from his pocket and checked the time.
1:30 PM which means I have 2 hours until the appointment.
"Guys!"
Everyone looked at Zetsu.
"Something urgent came up so I have to leave." Zetsu explained.
"Oh okay. Wait dude! Let's exchange LINE contacts." Taka proposed.
"Hey don't forget about me!" Ria added.
Zetsu exchanged LINE contacts with Taka and Ria.
"So what are you guys going to do now?" Zetsu asked
"Continue playing some games." Kuji answered.
"Yeah!" Ria added
"Okay I am leaving now." Zetsu said goodbye
"Take care!" Taka yelled.
"I'll text you when I get home!" Kuji added.
"Bye!" Ria shouted.
Zetsu started walking out of the arcade, but stopped one final time to look at Kuji. Zetsu saw Kuji laughing with Taka and Ria, which made him relieved.
Even if I would never come back to this world. I am sure Kuji will be fine with great friends like them.
After a walk of 30 minutes Zetsu reached home and went inside as he took out his wallet from his pocket.
"Darn it, I wasted too much money!"
Zetsu moved to the kitchen where he drank some water then, heading to the living room to look out of the window, watching a busy street.
Suddenly a portal appeared behind Zetsu.
"Wait, I can feel something behind me....." Zetsu turned around.
What a portal?!
Someone came out of the portal.
"Who are you?!
"We will get to that." The man wearing a brown cloak answered.
"If you can't answer my question then leave!" Zetsu yelled.
I am a dimension hopper right? There must be something special I can do! I need to get this man out of here, because I won't let him ruin the peaceful life of dad!
"Well, I'm sorry but I won't." The man replied.
Darn it, that means I got no other option but to bluff until I figure something out!
"Then I have no other option but punch you the face!" Zetsu said.
"Go ahead and try kid." The man sneered.
Seems like I have to fight now!
Zets ran up to the man and tried to give a left and right hook, but the man dodged it with no effort, then Zetsu gave him a kick, but got dodged by the man dashing back.
The man countered by giving Zetsu a strong kick in the stomach which sent flying against the kitchen counter!
"Gah!" Saliva came out of Zetsu's mouth.
"You little runt!" The man shouted.
He pulled Zetsu by the collar and trew against the huge window in the living room, causing a huge crack in the window. Zetsu spat out blood.
The man walked over to Zetsu and said:
"Kid who the hell do you think you are? I don't even sense any magic power coming from you. Pfft you taught because you are a dimension hopper that you might have some hidden power or something. Ha don't make me laugh. The only ability we have as a DH is hopping between dimensions, nothing more." The man explained.
"How… did you even… find me?" Zetsu asked as he wiped the blood of mouth.
"Listen kid! I have no time to laze around. The reason I am here is to give you general information every hopper has to know." The man took Zetsu and threw him on the living room couch.
"Now listen to me for a while and after that do whatever you want."
The man started to explain.
"We hoppers have the ability to sense the amount of dimensional cores I found you because a new core suddenly appeared. We can only sense the amount of hoppers but to whom the cores are connected to is unknown until when we are close, then we are able to sense the core from the persons themselves. It's something that you have to master though!
"So that…. is how you found me?" Zetsu questioned.
"Yes, now it's time for the history lesson."
"A 100 years ago a meteor came down hitting Tokyo and in another part of the world Sokyo. Out of the meteors came large crystals known as the Dimensionite. For some reason only Japan and Shapan have dimension hoppers, which is probably because of those crystals. The crystals are held at the location that I don't even know off. Both governments kept dimension hoppers a secret, Japan succeeding and Shapan failing although the citizens of Shapan have no idea who holds the power, but they know it exists." The man continued.
Shapan huh?
"The amount of dimension hoppers in these 100 years were never more than 50 and surprisingly, you are the youngest dimension hopper I have seen. We are with 15 hoppers and the other dimension was with 15, but now you have 16 hoppers, which puts us at an advantage when something bad like a war happens."
"Do you know the identity of the hoppers here?" Zetsu asked.
"Yes I do. 10 work with the Japanese government and 5 are lone wolves, but I know them personally so they are no threat."
"So you work with the government?" Zetsu followed up.
"Yes and one last thing, I do not care what you choose to do, as long you don't interfere with me, because then expect to get badly hurt again."
The man pulled a green potion from under his rope and threw it at Zetsu.
"Drink that up it will heal you." The man instructed.
Zetsu drank the potion and indeed felt reborn as he then asked something.
"Do you know some named Kettei by any chance?"
"Ah that moron, he is a hopper from Shapan. He is too nice for his own good which irritates me as also tends to get a bit cocky from time to time." The man answered.
"Any more questions and keep it short, because I really want to go. The portal is still open and I am too lazy to close it." The man said.
"Who are you?" Zetsu asked again.
"Oh yeah I forgot about introducing myself, I am…..
The mysterious dimension hopper who has gone rogue.
Shin Hato!
"I will have to go back to patrolling and you know the drill, do not mess with me." Shin warned as he entered his portal and disappeared.
"What a butthole! At least he gave me some useful info, but he still is a butthole." Zetsu cursed.
What's the time?
Zetsu pulled his phone out of his pocket and checked the time.
3:00 PM huh? I still got 30 minutes, but I guess I'll look around in that destroyed city for a bit.
Zetsu suddenly remembered something. He pulled the pictures out of his right pocket, went to his room and left them on his study table as he gave a slight smile.
Zetsu made a portal.
"time to get a mana core, which will be the first step into what exactly happened 5 years ago."
Zetsu went inside the portal as it closed behind him.