THUMP THUMP THUMP

The rhythmic beat of the drums reverberated through the air. Muscular men pounded the instruments, their beats intertwining with the fervent cries of the crowd. Amongst the onlookers, a vast majority wore tattered garments, their voices rising in unison to cheer on their favorite fighter.

"Ganbare(1), Yuuko!" their collective voices echoed, carrying both hope and encouragement.

Amidst this sea of ordinary folk, another group stood out, smaller but no less fervent. Their attire spoke of a higher status, and their voices carried a touch of privilege. "Kita-sama, ganbare kudasai!" they rallied, their support for their favored fighter clear and unwavering.

The scene unfolded on a grand courtyard, the culmination of an annual martial arts tournament hosted by the Nakamura family. Yuuko and Kita had proven their mettle, defeating numerous adversaries to secure their place in this final match. Each of them bore the esteemed Nakamura name, but only the victor would have the honor of earning the extraordinary privilege bestowed upon them by their clan.

The tournament had drawn a diverse gathering of spectators. People of all ages, occupations, and social ranks from the Edo period converged upon this spectacle. Feudal lords and court nobles occupied an elevated platform, observing the proceedings with an air of regal detachment. Meanwhile, the commoners sought solace beneath the shade of cherry blossom trees, thoughtfully planted along the periphery of the courtyard at equal intervals, adding to the scene a touch of natural beauty.

All eyes were fixed on the stage, unable to divert their gaze from the captivating battle unfolding before them. The anticipation hung thick in the air, as every movement, every strike, had the power to change the course of destiny.

Yuuko adorned herself in a pristine white Kosode and black Hakama(2) with an elegant Obi(2) securing her attire at the center. Her hair was meticulously tied up in a bun atop her head. She was consistently moving back while evading the attacks from her opponent, Kita. A man in his thirties with a square-shaped face exuding determination and strength. His piercing eyes mirrored his unwavering resolve. Kita wore a striking ensemble consisting of gray Hitatare Kamishimo(2), with an Obi cinched tightly at his waist. Each of his movements showcased exceptional agility and precision.

One of Kita's prominent attributes in his fighting style was his relentless persistence, consistently launching attacks with endless energy, leaving his opponent no room to rest or counter.

The situation grew dire for Yuuko as Kita gradually forced her closer to the edge of the battleground. According to the rules, if a fighter touched the outer boundary, it would result in an immediate loss. Yuuko was well aware of this, and she desperately sought to redirect their movement back to the center of the field. However, Kita seemed to anticipate her intentions. Every time Yuuko attempted to step to the side, Kita swiftly countered with a fast and forceful punch. Yuuko has no way to break out this relentless pressure.

So, she decided to bide her time, she must conserve her energy for a crucial moment.

As the battle reached the critical juncture, Yuuko's foot grazed the edge of the battleground, leaving her with no escape route. Sensing victory, Kita prepared to deliver the final, devastating blow — a punch that would be his swiftest and most powerful yet. The tension in the air was palpable as Kita unleashed his attack, aimed squarely at the center of Yuuko's body.

In a display of astonishing agility, Yuuko arched her back downward, a maneuver that required a body with supple and slender physicality. Kita's fist swung over Yuuko's head, narrowly missing its target, leaving him momentarily stunned. Seizing the opportunity, Yuuko swiftly raised her foot, executing a high kick aimed directly at Kita's chin. The impact of the blow sent Kita reeling, dazed and wounded. Although the kick did not possess enough force to bring him down, it forced him to immediately retreat, providing a brief pause for both the fighters and viewers to catch their breath.

The atmosphere erupted with trembling screams of excitement, accompanied by the hundreds of claps, even coming from the higher area where the nobles were seated. Amidst the deafening roar, not far away from Yuuko, was the voice of a little boy:

“Sugoi(3), Onee-chan!!”

Hearing her younger brother's enthusiastic support, filling Yuuko's heart with pride. She scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of her father and elder brother. Although they were not present, Yuuko believed that they too were sharing in her joy and happiness. She yearned for her family to witness her victorious moment, but it seemed like Yuuko was being too optimistic about her victory.

Kita regained his composure, spitting out a mouthful of blood from his injured lip. He exhaled deeply, preparing himself for the next phase of the battle.

"It's coming, the Arashi no Shūgeki(4)."

A woman from Kita's support group declared, her voice filled with anticipation. The gesture preparations for Kita's upcoming technique reinvigorated their spirits, heightening the atmosphere with an electrifying energy.

Kita's ultimate skill, Arashi no Shūgeki, was something Yuuko had heard about but had never witnessed it firsthand. A nervous chill crept up her spine as she carefully observed and waited for any signs of movement from Kita. And with incredible speed, Kita charged towards Yuuko.

Although Kita raced towards her with remarkable velocity, the distance between them provided Yuuko with enough time to brace herself, planning for a counterattack. Kita's speed continued to escalate with no sign of abating, and when the gap between them closed to around five meters, Yuuko leaped to the side, executing a nimble evasive maneuver.

Normally, when a runner was in high speed, if they wanted to halt, they would need to gradually reduce their pace. However, with Arashi no Shūgeki, Kita defied that convention. In a split second, while Yuuko was suspended mid-air from her sidestep, Kita slammed his dominant foot on the ground, instanly bringing his velocity to zero. He pivoted his body to face Yuuko, who now found herself vulnerable with only half a meter separating them. With immense power, he launched a punch targeting the center of Yuuko's body, mirroring his previous devastating blow. Yuuko managed to raise her left hand just in time to partially block the blow before being thrust backward.

"Ahh!"

Yuuko cried out in pain, her left arm searing with agony as the sound of bones breaking echoed within her. Cradling her injured limb, tears welled up uncontrollably in her eyes.

The crowd once again reverberated with thunderous cheers.

"Sugoi, sugoi, Kita-sama, you're amazing!"

The words of praise mostly came from a group of middle-aged women. Their voice drowned out the sighs and disheartened whispers from those who had placed their faith in Yuuko.

The attention Yuuko garnered from the spectators was not without reason. She had achieved something unprecedented in the history of the tournament for being the first female fighter to even reach the finals. The Nakamura clan predominantly consisted of male fighters, and standing at the top of the rank were 7 individuals. These influential figures currently occupied the gallery above, observing the match and would act as a judges.

Yuuko's little brother, witnessing his sister's pain. He couldn't help but be overwhelmed with worry. He yearned to do something, anything, to alleviate her suffering. However, all he could do was muster his strength to continue supporting her, his tone carrying a tinge of sadness.

"Stay strong, Onee-chan!"

Kita approached Yuuko with deliberate and measured steps. His gaze fixed upon the young woman, who knelt on the floor, nursing her injuries. There was no immediate aggression in his demeanor; instead, with a surprising gentleness in his voice as he asked:

"Can you continue?"

Yuuko clenched her teeth, her lip quivering with the effort. The taste of blood filled her mouth as she bit down harder, hoping to divert her attention from the excruciating ache in her broken left arm. Without keeping Kita waiting, she looked up and responded succinctly.

"I can."

Taking in her response, Kita remained silent. He turned away from her and made his way back to the center of the field. Yuuko, too, stood up, readying herself for the final phase of their battle.

As Kita pivoted to face his opponent, he took a deep breath, his muscles visibly tensing. His arms and legs shifted in preparation for the execution of his signature move, Arashi no Shūgeki. Meanwhile, Yuuko received a long strip of cloth from a support member, she wrapping it around her broken arm, securing it tightly to her body. Her actions were swift, driven by her determination to face the forthcoming attack.

And Kita charged straight towards Yuuko with a terrifying speed, the ground quaking beneath his feet.

Arashi no Shūgeki, while it was an unbelievable skill, the previously encountered had given Yuuko some insight into its weaknesses. The first crucial drawback was its inability to alter direction while in motion. With this in mind, Yuuko decided not to wait for the attack but instead ran along the edge of the field.

In just a matter of seconds, since Kita started his maneuver, the distance between them had shrunk to half of the initial one, showing how astonishing his speed was.

But Yuuko's understanding of Arashi no Shūgeki was only partially correct. In a display of consecutive acceleration, Kita forcefully stomped his dominant foot into the ground, instantly changing his vector direction.

Kita was now only a few meters behind Yuuko. The speed disparity between them was too great for her to escape. With no other option, Yuuko decided to lauch a counterattack against Kita with all her remaining power and focus. She came to a sudden stop, lowered her body, then leaped into the air, executing three swift aerial rotations before aiming a powerful kick at Kita's head.

Both Yuuko and Kita, propelled by their high speeds, were hurtling towards each other, and the impact seemed inevitable. However, Kita, being a master of his skill, was in complete control of the situation. With another decisive stomp, he quickly shifted his body to the side, narrowly evading Yuuko's attack. Yuuko's body glided through the air within Kita's line of sight, and he did not waste time in preparing for the final punch. The spectators had already pictured a victory for Kita, but no one could imagine what Yuuko was about to do.

It came - the second weakness of Arashi no Shūgeki, as Kita's body experienced a momentary delay after his abruptly halting. Seizing the opportunity, Yuuko removed her Kosode and threw it directly at Kita's face, instantly obstructing his vision.

As Yuuko landed on the ground, she immediately launched herself back towards Kita for the final assault. Recognizing the imminent danger, Kita opted to defend himself. Where would Yuuko's strike land? His face? Chest? Stomach? Or...

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A punch from Yuuko, with her right hand, found its mark right at Kita's groin, eliciting a collective gasp from the onlookers.

Yuuko was currently dressed in a juban, a traditional Japanese undergarment. Seeing her disheveled state, a supporter swiftly approached Yuuko, offering a cloth to cover herself.

Kita knelt on the ground, his body trembling as he clutched his groin area with both hands. He made no attempt to remove the garment on his face, and those watching, particularly the male spectators, couldn't help but sympathize with his plight.

After a brief period of enduring the pain, Kita finally raised both hands in a gesture of surrender.

A wave of exuberant cheers erupted from all corners of the field, blending with the rhythmic beats of drums, celebrating Yuuko's hard-fought victory. Amidst the jubilation, Yuuko's gaze fell upon her younger brother, who was watching with teary eyes. Without hesitation, she rushed towards him, embracing him tightly, sharing this triumphant moment together. Tears of happiness streamed down their faces as they reveled in the realization of their victory.

"You did it, Onee-chan," her brother sobbed, his voice filled with pride and admiration.

Yuuko nodded, her heart brimming with a mixture of emotions. This victory meant so much more than personal triumph; it symbolized a new future for her family and their dojo. No longer would they have to endure a life of poverty or suffer the disdainful glances of others. The fame garnered from this momentous win would reverberate far and wide, cementing their place within the esteemed Nakamura clan.

However, the joyous and vibrant atmosphere of the celebration was abruptly shattered, as if a pot of black ink had been spilled across the scene. A loud bang echoed through the air, causing everyone to freeze in their tracks. The source of the commotion emanated from the gallery above, where the seven highest-ranking members of the Nakamura family were seated. A man with a mane-like hairstyle and a fierce countenance had forcefully slammed his fist onto the table, his voice dripping with wrath and anger.

"Foolishness! Unacceptable!" Nakamura Kuma's booming voice sent a chill down the spines of everyone present. Seated right beside him was a young man who appeared to be in his early twenties, noticeably shorter and smaller in stature compared to Kuma.

"Indeed, we cannot allow this unorthodox style to infiltrate our clan. Who in their right mind would waste their time on such a feeble technique? Seriously, who would pay a fortune for that? We'd probably end up losing more money just trying to keep it afloat," Nakamura Riku interjected, attempting to sound serious and angry, though his true motivation was solely focused on financial gain.

The third person to speak was a tall, enormous man clad in samurai attire. Among the seven individuals, he stood out as the most imposing figure. His mouth rarely ceased chewing as a servant continually brought him new dishes, stacking the plates high beside him.

"*Munch*...I also... *munch*...don't agree...*munch*...Father in heaven...*munch*...wouldn't agree either," Nakamura Koji's words intermittently punctuated by bites of rice, fish, and meat.

The fourth person, a man with a lethargic demeanor. He was the only one who chose to speak while lying lazily on the floor.

"..................winning is all that matters...*yawn*.........The sky looks nice today, doesn't it?" Nakamura Kenji mumbled as he gazed upward, his smile gradually fading as he succumbed to sleep.

"Kenji, you should take this more seriously," admonished Nakamura Aki, the sole woman among the group. Her face adorned with layers of makeup, making it difficult to discern her true age, but her tone exuded a sense of maturity.

"I must say, it was an amazing match," she commented, her words reflecting a sense of seasoned wisdom and insight.

"I agree, Aki," the sixth person chimed in. He was a strikingly handsome young man, accompanied by two equally beautiful girls — one fanning him, the other pouring sake into his cup.

"Yuuko, isn't it? Should you fail, remember, you can always find solace in serving me," Nakamura Yuto's voice dripped with a seductive blend of desire and flirtation, eliciting a chorus of ecstatic screams from adoring girls below. "Oh, Yuto-sama, I love you!" they cried out in unison.

Finally, the last person, a man in his thirties, sat with impeccable posture, his clothes neatly arranged. He exuded an aura of silence, gravity, and composure.

"I'm afraid, young lady, that I cannot endorse your entry into our esteemed lineage. The Nakamura family upholds an unwavering principle of pride. Strength is paramount. Power reigns supreme." Nakamura Daichi stated firmly, his words leaving no room for compromise.

THUMP

THUMP

THUMP

The resonant beats of the drums filled the air, signaling the momentous announcement of the match's outcome.

Stepping towards the center of courtyard was an elderly man with silver-gray hair clad in a traditional Montsuki suit. His every step exuded a sense of grace and nobility, capturing the attention of the hundreds gathered around.

Kita and Yuuko reluctantly disengaged from their loved ones’ embrace, advancing to face the revered figure. With profound respect, both fighters bowed in unison, before standing in solemn anticipation for the verdict.

"I stand here as the representative of the Nakamura family to announce the results of this martial arts tournament," the old man proclaimed, his voice rang out with clarity and authority.

"First and foremost, the family extends their gratitude to both fighters for delivering an incredibly entertaining match,” he paused, offering a bow of appreciation to Kita and Yuuko.

"And now, regarding the result of the match..." The word “result” hung in air, causing a collective nervousness to grip the spectators.

"After careful consideration, the council has reached a decision. The winner of this year tournament is... no one.”

No miracle materialized. Tears rolled down on Yuuko's cheeks and fell onto the cold, unforgiving stone floor.

“Father, why? Why do you want to sell our dojo? Please reconsider," pleaded Yuuko. She rushed over and knelt down on the worn wooden floor, desperately clutching her father's arm. But instead of a compassionate response, she received a heartless push.

"Why, you ask? You know the answer well enough. Besides, Riku-sama offered us a generous amount of money. We need it more than this old building." her father replied, unmoved by her emotional appeal.

"But father, you understand how much this dojo means to us, to our family," Yuuko persisted. Behind her, her younger brother watched silently. His face showed a sorrowful expression, he was too young to join this family conversation.

"Money is our only hope, Yuuko. Have you forgotten your older brother? His injury requires expensive treatment. Have you thought of the cost of keeping this dojo running? Have you thought of how we will feed ourselves? Do you have any idea of the burden I carry?" Her father snapped.

“I will find a job, father. I am willing to give up my path in martial arts." Yuuko proposed, her words carrying the weight of her determination.

The father could feel the serious in his daughter’s words. More than anyone else, he understood the significance of martial arts in Yuuko's life. His shoulders slumped, and he sank to the floor, shaking his head with a profound sadness etched upon his face.

"It's too late, Yuuko. I've already sealed the deal and completed all the paperwork with Riku-sama before your match," he confessed.

Yuuko was stunned. She struggled to process what her father had just disclosed. The words struck Yuuko like a thunderbolt, exacerbating the turmoil within her already overwhelmed heart. Tears streamed uncontrollably from her already teary eyes. She was at a loss for words.

“Even if you were to win that match, I could not bring myself to acknowledge it. I think you understand, Yuuko. The technique you performed was not a part of our martial arts. Where did you learn it?"

Yuuko wandered aimlessly through the dense forest, her steps heavy and devoid of purpose. The world before her eyes seemed trapped in shades of black and white, a desolate void devoid of hope.

Where was she headed? What was she searching for? Who was she?

Yuuko couldn't answer those fundamental questions. She could only continue walking, resembling a lifeless corpse stripped of its soul.

In this state of daze and disorientation, Yuuko began to perceive peculiar whispers in her ears.

“Painful.”

“Pitiful."

the voices murmured, sometimes soft and mournful, other times growing into a crescendo, entwined with the rustling of leaves under her feet.

Unaware of her surroundings, Yuuko suddenly stumbled over an rock, crashing to the ground. Her head struck the earthen soil, leaving her palms and knees smeared with grime. Yet, she lay there motionless, devoid of any desire to rise.

“What a tragic fate to become another victim of the Nakamura family's crimes.”

“Anger, arrogance, greed, lust, gluttony, laziness, jealousy.”

“They have ruined countless lives with their sins.”

“When will this cycle end?”

The voice beckoned to her.

"Yuuko," it called.

"Yuuko," it whispered.

"Come closer."

As if controlled by invisible strings, Yuuko gradually lifted herself from the ground, moving with a puppet's grace toward the origin of the voice. It led her to a colossal, ancient tree. A vine descended slowly, swaying before her face, while the voice resurfaced.

"Death is not the end, but the beginning."

Die

"Embrace the power and seek vengeance."

Revenge

"Inflict torment, not death."

Don't kill

"Let their lives be consumed by disgrace and shame."

Humiliate

"Deny them liberation, withhold compassion."

No mercy

Yuuko reached out the rope...

As her vision blurred and faded, the voice echoed once more, taking on the timbre of a woman's voice, a hint of amusement coloring her words.

"Yuuko, there is no greater thrill than transforming dominant males into beautiful, delicate dolls. It is the most exhilarating form of revenge."

The sweet scent of Tamagoyaki(5) eggs permeated Shou's small apartment, a comforting aroma that had become a familiar part of his daily routine. As someone who had been living alone for quite some time, waking up early and cooking for himself had become second nature. Typically, he would start his day with a short jog outside, returning home to prepare a quick meal before heading off to school. However, for the past two days, he had been unable to maintain his usual routine. A special guest had unexpectedly arrived at his doorstep in the middle of the night and requested to spend the night. That visitor was his friend, Kaito. Concerned about leaving his friends wondering where he had gone, Shou had chosen to remain at home and prepare a meal instead.

Emerging from a deep slumber on the couch, Kaito stretched and yawned as he ambled toward the dining table. He now dressed in a white tank top and pants borrowed from Shou. Visible on his hand were several healed scratches from yesterday's collision with the glass window.

"Ohaiyo, Shou," Kaito greeted with a tired voice.

"Ohaiyo, Kaito," Shou responded, setting a plate of delicately sliced Tamagoyaki eggs on the table. Kaito, having been to Shou's place on numerous occasions, was not surprised by the sight. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but admire Shou's culinary skills each time he witnessed them.

"Are you okay? You look exhausted." Shou inquired, concern lacing his words.

"I'm fine, I just had a strange dream that I can't quite recall," Kaito replied, his voice tinged with a sense of unease.

"It's normal to forget our dreams. It happens to all of us," Shou nonchalantly reassured him before diverting his attention to his own meal. Their conversation was abruptly stopped.

"...Aren't you going to ask about earlier today?" Kaito asked worriedly. He was aware of how peculiar his look had been when he met Shou.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. We've been friends for so long, and I know you're not the type to be interested in such things. There must be a special reason," Shou reassured him.

"Thank you," Kaito replied gratefully. "Your composure always surprises me, Shou."

Upon hearing those words, Shou involuntarily paused, chopsticks suspended in mid-air.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Oh, it's nothing," Shou muttered. "Are you planning to head back home?"

Frustration welled up inside Kaito as he contemplated his situation. He placed his hands on his head, tousling his hair in distress.

"I guess I'll have to return home. My school bag is still there, and I have no idea how the old man will react. He actually saw..." Kaito trailed off, unable to divulge the full story to Shou. Observing his friend's visible frustration, Shou stared at him, puzzled, unsure of what to say.

Suddenly, the sound of the doorbell echoed through the apartment. Shou hurriedly made his way to the entrance and found three policemen in uniform standing on the other side.

“Can I help you, officers?” Shou asked, there was no emotion change in his face.

A middle-aged policeman stepped forward, his hand diving into his pocket to retrieve a piece of paper.

"Yamamoto Shou, we suspect your involvement in a murder case. This is your arrest warrant. Please stay calm and cooperate. You have the right to seek legal counsel. Anything you say can and will be used as evidence in court."

Confusion and disbelief filled the air as Kaito rushed out.

"What's happening, Shou? Why are you officers arresting him?" Kaito demanded, his voice brimming with anger.

The officer remained silent, his gaze fixated on Kaito, prepared for any potential altercation. To prevent the situation from escalating further, Shou spoke up, maintaining his composed demeanor.

"I will cooperate with you. This is a misunderstanding."

"Thank you. We will now proceed with a search of your residence. Those uninvolved, please vacate the premises," the policeman sternly declared.

Note:

(1): "Ganbare" is a Japanese term that conveys encouragement, support, and a sense of resilience. It is often translated as "do your best" or "keep going" in English.

(2): “Kosode and Hakama”, Kosode is a traditional Japanese garment that resembles a kimono. It is a simple, unisex robe with straight sleeves and a V-shaped collar. It is a simple, unisex robe with straight sleeves and a V-shaped collar.

“Hitatare Kamishimo” is a traditional Japanese clothing ensemble that combines the top garment of Hitatare, a historical samurai attire featuring a crossed-collar jacket, with the hakama, a divided skirt-like bottom worn in the Kamishimo formal outfit.

“Obi” Obi is a wide belt or sash commonly worn with traditional Japanese clothing, such as kimono or yukata. It is made of a long, thick fabric and is wrapped around the waist and tied in a decorative knot at the back.

(3): “Sugoi” is a Japanese term that is commonly translated as "amazing," "great," or "awesome" in English.

(4): “Arashi no Shūgeki” is translated as "Storm Attack" or "Storm Assault" in English.

(5): “Tamagoyaki” is a rolled Japanese omelette with a sweet and savory flavor. It is made by layering cooked egg in a rectangular pan and rolling it into a cylindrical shape.