The diner is dead, devoid of any chatter, and has a peaceful atmosphere after today. “The rain is keeping everyone today. It seems… good. This will make for a better meal, I hate when people are rowdy,” says Kubo.

“You seem to hate a whole lot. You’re, like, a grumpy old man, Mr. Grumpy Kubo.” Keiko snickers.

“As I said before, and I’ll say many times, everyone gets old. Besides, I’m not that old either way. I’m only thirty-four.”

“Only thirty-four!?” they all say in unison.

“Don’t make me feel older then I am! God, I swear the younger generation acts like your thirties are the third stage in the four stages of life. We’re not damn ants!” He scoffs.

“Whatever you say, Grandpa Kubo.” Keiko snickers again.

“You have a death wish?” he bites out. Angel herself lets out a slight giggle.

“Let’s order, guys, I’m beat after being beaten,” Okazaki says.

“Beaten? You weren’t beaten, Okazaki; it was a draw. We were both unable to continue,” says Usagi.

“Man, I don’t know. I was practically out there all beaten to a pulp, like a B-grade orange, and felt as if my lungs were gonna snap right off like twigs. I considered that beaten to hell and back.” He chuckles.

She can’t help but smile as their waiter approaches. A petite girl, her hair in an updo and her hair seeding black, her maid-like outfit extended high and low, a tight collared flow near her chin, and a reaching frill down to her ankles.

“Hello, hello, you all. I’ll be your server, uh, waiter, waiter for tonight! I’ll make all your foodie dreams come true, oh, and drinks, too, so don’t be shy and take whatever you need! Now, may I take your orders?” Her voice is sweet, yet loud.

“I don’t know about you guys, but I’m feeling udon tonight. Man, remember when Usagi’s mom used to make some for us all? Especially on those winter nights. So warm and good. I’m going to need some of that with extra vegetables and soy, if you don’t mind,” Shoji says.

“What a wonderful yummy choice!” She writes it down. “And can I say what a lovely set of eyes you have, pretty boy!”

The sudden compliment makes Shoji blush. “Pretty boy...?”

“Yes! The kind of pretty boy who everyone thinks is pretty! Boys and girls, for example!”

“H-hey, please, you’re making me blush!” His entire face is a shade of pink.

“You sure do get pink in the face whenever y—wait a minute, why are you pink in the face!? That’s not even the right color!” Usagi complains.

“What? You didn’t know Shoji always turns that shade whenever he’s all embarrassed!? Just look at him. He’s like a little peach.” Keiko chuckles, grabbing at his cheek.

“I didn’t know he did that either, actually. That’s pretty neat,” says Takei, giggling.

“My and aren’t you girls dolls! And look at him, my so muscular, such a bad boy type vibe too, yes, yes, so good! Even the older gentleman over here got a mysterious vibe. I love that.” She smiles.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

“Do I truly give off doll features?” Angel asks.

“I’d rather be seen as something other than a doll; dolls just sit on shelves. Maybe an action figure,” Usagi humors.

“Thank you, thanks!” Keiko exclaims.

“Right, I’ll return back with your orders!” she says, finishing their requests.

“Huh? Wait, wait… I just realized you didn’t say anything to Ishi!” Ishimoto doesn’t pay any attention, his gaze fixated on his notebook, writing down the information he saw out there today.

“Oh!? He is… very attentive in his notebook. He must be a smart guy, yes, smart, smart!” she says, smiling. “Now I’ll be back with your orders, stay tuned!” she says, skipping off.

“That didn’t seem like the same type of compliment she gave all of us…” Keiko confirms.

“It most certainly didn’t. I do wonder why that was the case,” Angel questions.

Ishimoto says nothing, paying no mind to continue to write down the battle between Okazaki and Usagi. He notes every detail, including their fighting style, their reactions, and the words used in it. He is as thorough as usual.

“Ishi, Ishi, hey.” Keiko lightly shoves him.

“Yes, Keiko, is there something you need?” He raises his head.

“Did you know that you’re a cutie patootie!?” she says.

“A what?” He looks at her, confused. “I’m not entirely sure what that means.”

“Oh, I believe she’s saying you’re cute with emphasis,” says Takei.

“Super cute!” Keiko confirms.

“Oh, I see. I appreciate the compliment, Keiko.” He smiles before returning back to his notebook, drowning out everyone again.

Keiko gives him a discerning glance. He doesn’t move an inch that isn’t from his paper. She then gives a small frown.

“Y’know, I think I learned something out there today, Okazaki,” Usagi says, catching his attention.

“Yeah, and what’s that? That you’re a total ass-kicking machine?”

“No. It’s that I have a lot to learn. There were so many points where I didn’t know what to do. Like when you shot those two daggers at me as the tree was falling. It felt as if I only had three ways of escape, and each one was put into a perilous path, so I had to take the one that would give me the least amount of damage. That isn’t ideal when dealing with the enemy. For all we know, all three routes could have held a deathly blow. I’ll have to think harder, faster, and better when it comes to that.”

“Well, I can’t argue with you there, ain’t no doubt in my mind those evildoers will use underhand tactics either, no playing fair when it comes to villains on TV and the works, no doubt they gonna be the same way.”

“I will infer and agree with his statement. Hence why I’ve drawn this up.” Ishimoto shows his notebook. “Every weakness, decision, opening, mistake, and blunder made from my perspective. Of course, that is limited in itself. One person can only think with one mind but with the addition of this.” He points at bullet points organized beneath his own interpretation. “We can all chip in what we think is the best, sort of a mending of all our points of view to understand our own tactics and to learn from one another.”

“Ishi, I’m going to be completely honest with you. That’s so cool! Smart and cute!” Keiko says.

“Hey, I don’t mean to be a bummer, but that sounds a little like homework if you ask me, and I don’t know about you all, but I hate homework. Robs from sleeping time.” Shoji yawns.

“That it may seem, you do have to take into account that we can’t be slacking off even when it comes to honing our minds. Body and mind are vital to get on the same page.”

“Yes, he’s right,” Takei says. “There was something I myself noticed out there today. Okazaki, Usagi. You both weren’t instantly healed by me, even though I tried my hardest to heal you both fast. There was something. I felt. It almost felt as if my head was pushing up slightly against a brick wall. I couldn’t explain it.”

“Oh, that’s easy. You reached your limit,” Kubo says.

“Do you mean there was a chance I couldn’t have healed them?” she asks.

“Nah, nothing like that. You likely could have after a while since your healing technique works as an overtime Remnant. More instant, however… for example, behind Ishimoto’s telekinetic grab wouldn’t have. More active than passive.”

“My healing is more passive? How can you be so sure?”

“You’re not the only one who can heal others. They also have healers among their ranks, albeit more unorthodox.”

“Aww, you think I’m unorthodox, Kubo?” A chilling voice comes from behind. Kubo’s body perks and stiffens. “Kids… don’t do anything, you understand? Just let her speak…”

Everyone is alerted. The one they were all training for was in front of them. Ill-prepared, the woman Miss Bones stands before them, a soft smile drawn on her lips.