Time-- It is used to define a placement within a certain frame of a scene. Time is used as something to determine the approximate rise and declination of the sun. Time also is defined as the Past, Present and Future. Time is something of an anomaly, spanning infinitely within the grasps of the laws that govern the Universe. But, Time is something that everyone needs.

Kurogane Ichiro--[Surname first, Given name last]-- He is a military personnel with quite the background. He is of Japanese descent however his genes span far more adversely than the average asian. He is what you would call an Asian Mutt. A mix-breed of multiple bloodlines. His father is a pure Japanese man that runs a portion of the business world that exists in Japan. He is a profound businessman that deals with everything legally on the table but he also has his connections. His mother, however is the mix of everything that is Ichiro.

Kurogane Aina-- She is the mother of Ichiro. Her family spans nearly the entirety of the Asian continent. She has blood that hails from Thailand to the northern territories of Mongolia. She is the epitome of a mixed breed. Her family has roots that span from Singapore to the island countries that exist in the Pacific. Aina is the reason why Ichiro is mixed however she has a history. A history of control and empowerment. Not that she's in control of those multiple countries but her family is indeed the reason why she has that history. From the savagery of the Singaporean Black markets, to the Golden Triangle that hails within Southeast Asian and that's not even the gist of it all. She has cousins that run the Triad and even the illustrious Yakuza that prowl in the night cities of Japan. She is a descendant of untold histories that span through many decades and centuries that lead to the creation of the underground world. This is why she has that history of Empowerment. It seems funny that her husband is a honorable businessman that deals with everything through legal means while she, herself, is affiliated with the underground world.

Kurogane Kaguro-- Father of Ichiro. A lawful businessman that hails from many generations that govern Japan. The Kurogane Clan, once a proud clan that originated from the depths of the Sengoku Era, now governs the political world of Japan. They began with bloodshed and to this day, they spill blood through paper and words that can kill. Yes, this man is from the Kurogane clan. Kaguro has worked for nearly half of his life and while still in his prime, he has maintained his seat of Power within the business world. But, while he runs his business, he is also a political figure. He has power within the Prime Minister's cabinet and he can indirectly influence the Prime Minister's view and orders. He is a powerful yet lawful man but why is he married to such a woman that has a dark history? Well, that story is for another time but they had gotten together through love and matrimony thus gave birth to the boy named Ichiro.

Ichiro, he is a honest man that has dealt with many turmoils within his life. Although he has an unspeakable history known as his fate, he continues to smile and forcefully move forward. He always had been that perfect son in the eyes of his Parents. From his young age, he was quite the funny and popular kid. He laughs and jokes with his plethora of friends but he has never fallen in Love. Yes, Love is that one thing that every teenager seeks. But one day, love decides to visit him.

One day as 16 year-old Ichiro walks the halls with his best friend, Yanagi, he meets that girl. A girl that seems petite yet she had a growing charm. Her black, silky hair that stretches past her shoulders, her bewitching eyes that speak of a young girl's heart. Her white, milky skin that shines within the light and her small yet loveable lips that slightly move as she talks. This was the girl that Ichiro met.

Ichiro stared at the beauty that descended upon his view and his best friend grinned as he saw Ichiro staring blatantly at the new girl. Yanagi, grinning like the stupid fool he was, nudged onto Ichiro's side, causing Ichiro to break out of trance. Ichiro turned to his side and saw Yanagi as he was smiling with a shitfaced grin that plastered onto his face when he found something amusing.

Ichiro spoke, "What the hell Yanagi, why'd you hit me?"

Yanagi replied while his left eye was looking at the girl while switching back to Ichiro, "Heh, Ichi, seems like you've fallen for the new girl"

Ichiro, being his funny and humorous self that wasn't familiar to this type of situation, replied with hesitation in his voice, "Huh!? Wh-what do you mean by that!"

His voice being a higher octave, had attracted the attention of said new girl. She watched as Ichiro flinched from her gaze and Yanagi laughing with his shitfaced grin. She smiled at Ichiro, who at this point was being a total idiot. He began perspiring at an increased rate and his eyes darted around the hallway but she was looking at him as if he was the only person there.

While Ichiro was attempting to calm himself down, Yanagi took the charge and spoke to the both of them.

"Ahh, hey Hijime-san, this is Kurogane Ichiro, my best friend. He's a bit shy but he's fun to be with."

Ichiro turned to his best friend with a glare, only to be countered with Yanagi's shitfaced grin. Yanagi was laughing at Ichiro and then the new girl laughed a bit at the peculiar introduction, causing Ichiro to flush as his face turned into a tomato.

She, with her small lips, began to speak.

"Ha ha, Takashiro-kun, don't be mean like that. It's a pleasure to meet you, Kurogane-san. My name is Hijime Aoi and I am a transfer student at Kataguro High, please take care of me."

Aoi, being graceful as she was, bowed slightly at the bewitched Ichiro.

Taking the chance to reply, Ichiro stuttered at his attempt.

"Aa-ah! L-likewise! P-please take care of me also!"

Ichiro, being his polite self, bowed even lower than her, making sure that she is inadvertently above him as if he were paying his respects.

Aoi dismissed herself from the duo and Ichiro stood stiffly in the hallway as he was stunned at the new arrival of his first love. Yanagi broke and his face was laughing so hard. His nostrils flared as he watched Ichiro staring blankly at the spot where Aoi stood at.

Yanagi returned back to reality and smacked Ichiro on the back of his head and spoke to him.

"Haha! Dumbass! Stop staring into the air and lets go! I still can't believe you fell for the new girl at our school hahaha! Looks like our popular-kun is finally growing a pair!"

Ichiro, after being smacked, returned his favor with utmost vigor and smacked Yanagi's head with twice the force and replied, " Fuckin' hell Yanagi, you shithead. I grew my pair a long time ago while you were still in your mother!"

Yanagi, being unperturbed by the insult yet he twitched, replied with his response, " Like hell you did, when I was born, you were still suckin' on your mother!"

"You Ass!"

"Shithead!"

The two laughed as the hallway grew thinner and thinner as the students were hauling their asses to their classes. They looked at each other and spoke, "Oh shit!"

Thus the duo, with the situation being familiar, they ran with ferocity that put their school's track team to shame towards their classroom. This was the beginning of Ichiro's sad fate.

The days in High school were relentless as Ichiro, Yanagi and the new addition to the team, Aoi, continued. Ichiro, being his comedic yet popular self, tried countless of times to gain the favor of Aoi. From being popular to eventually learning newfound skills. In one of his attempt to gain her favor, he had learned how to cook.

At first, his cooking ability caused Yanagi to nearly die of food poisoning but he continued. His skills in Home economics gradually increased which also made him popular with the ladies but he aimed only at Aoi. He cooked excellent dishes that rivaled various chefs. The one thing about Ichiro is that his dedication and willpower to achieve his goals is what made him what he was. He wanted to please her with a dish that was unique and thus he gained a powerful skillset known as Cooking. Unfortunately for him, Aoi was somewhat avoiding his dishes and he came to the conclusion that it was probably her diet.

Next, he attempted to gain her favor through academics. His willpower initiated a pulsation of knowledge within his brain and thus he strove to Academic excellence. First of all, he wasn't smart at all. He was barely above average but he never strove for high grades because he felt it would be boring to constantly stick his head within a book. However, his dedication in the form of Love, gave sprout to his new ability. His mind has the ability to process things at a much faster rate than majority of the people. If you take a scientist or a doctor, they are smart due to their fields and obviously they had to study a lot and memorize information but they had a certain processing pace that gave them an edge. This is why some of them have sloppy handwriting. Their minds process information at a faster rate than their bodily functions and thus when writing or doing something, they always rush through everything. Although, some of them do miss a lot of important stuff due to their paces but Ichiro was different. His dexterity from his training, allows him to accelerate his body thus keeping up with his innate processing speed. Therefore, it gave him an excessive speed of writing notes and memorizing information. His memory continued to expand as he strived for academic excellence and even had his mother teach him the multitude of languages that she knew. His mother was a multilinguist, therefore she knew a lot of languages and she found it interesting that her son wanted to learn.

She was shocked at this point because she found out that her son was absorbing the languages at an accelerated pace. It was as if his brain was in the infant stage and he was absorbing the information like a sponge. As a kid, your brain has to develop and the information you receive will be absorbed faster which is why it is much easier to learn a language when you are young.

Now, Ichiro knows more than 10 languages, from the prominent language of Korea, to the slangs of Thai, he was proficient in multiple languages that even puts his mother to shame. His mind was learning at a faster rate and she was proud of her son. She even took the liberty of teaching him etiquette and his father taught him about business and economics and even the political world. He continued to learn much faster that he was even smarter than his Physics teacher where he had corrected the Theory of Quantum placement and inadvertently inventing a new theory which deals with M-theory and the M-dimension. However, Aoi did not do anything for Ichiro's success. She was as neutral as a rock as she hung out with him and Yanagi but unfortunately for him he didn't understand. Even when he could see that Yanagi and Aoi had that vibe but he continued nonetheless.

Next, he strived for martial excellence. Just kidding, he was already proficient in martial arts. His shishou which was also an Elder of the Kurogane clan had taught him the arts of subjugation and hand-to-hand combat. He even taught him how to wield a weapon and make a weapon from scratch. His shishou was strict with Ichiro but he had the discipline of a martial expert. He was already adept at hidden skills that even his Shishou would cry blood in praise. Of course, his shishou never said that but before he passed away, he made sure to pass his martial skills onto Ichiro and with his dying breath, he told Ichiro that he was his best disciple. Now, as Ichiro, strong as he was, he never shown that side of his at school but he thought Aoi would be impressed but unfortunately something happened before he even got the chance to do so.

One day, Ichiro was heading towards to school, he decided to take another route, thus deviating from his usual path. He wanted to get to school faster so he could sign up for the Judo club. He was an expert at Judo techniques but this would show a new side of him to Aoi without scaring anyone. He headed towards an alleyway so he could leap onto the roofs but what he saw in that alleyway shocked him beyond anything.

Yanagi and Aoi were making out as they spurted out words.

"Hey, Ya-kun...that Ichiro keeps trying to impress me but I clearly don't like him....I love you only....can you tell him?"

"Aoi-chan...you know he's my best friend...but I am getting tired of this though. I only impressed you and stole you from him just so I could get payback. You know...I've always been treated as the second person within this school. Everyone always recognizes Ichiro first and then me. That irritated me to the point where I stole you from him but now...I love you so I won't let you go. I really hated the fact that everyone talked about Ichiro even though we acted the same....it just irritates me..."

"Ya-kun...don't be mad...I'm always right by your si---"

Then she saw him as he stared dumbfoundedly at the two as they were making out. Yanagi, feeling that something was wrong, turned around and saw his best friend that was eerily silent.

Ichiro was absolutely stunned that his eyes bore holes onto them. He wanted an answer. Why does it happen like this? Why me? What did I do wrong? All I ever wanted was your recognition, your love but why? Why didn't you tell me earlier? Why did you do this Yanagi? Why did you do this also Aoi? Why keep leading me when you should've told me sooner?

These questions appeared but his mouth was silent. He stared at the two and he eventually muttered a single word...

"...Why...?"

The two, especially Yanagi was startled. He gulped with anxiety and his brain was accelerating on figuring out a way to come out of this unscathed. He knew something about Ichiro was different. It began when Yanagi knew that Ichiro was being targeted by the delinquents that came from Kijima High. Yanagi tried to warn Ichiro but it was too late when Ichiro disappeared but the peculiar thing was that Ichiro returned the next day without a scratch on him. Yanagi found it absolutely weird and then he found out an interesting piece of information. The delinquent group has unofficially disbanded due to severe injuries. They had broken arms and even the boss of their group was in critical condition. However, Ichiro was absolutely fine. It seems so peculiar to Yanagi that it was etched into the back of his mind but over time, he forgot it. Now, it began to resurface in his mind and he began to sweat as if he were in a race.

Yanagi looked at Ichiro, who stared back at him with his stilled eyes that seemed eerily calm but his eyes spoke of sadness. He felt guilt encroaching his entire body and before he could speak, Aoi spoke.

"Ichiro-kun....Yes, this is how it looks. Sorry, I didn't explain it earlier but me and Ya-kun are going out. Of course, I should've explained it to you earlier but Ya-kun wanted me to wai---"

Before she could continue, Yanagi interrupted, "AH! Ichiro don't mind her! Yes, I am sorry but please understand me when I say this....I didn't mean to hurt you like this...I just wanted you to suf--"

But before he could explain things, Ichiro left the scene without hearing his excuses. Ichiro had already heard everything thus his mind was in a state of disarray. His heart ached with sadness but his body continued to function. Although his mind was in disarray, he had to continue forward. Forcefully continue or else he will get hurt. His shishou told him about weaknesses and this was his first one that he ever encountered. Ichiro knew that if he continued to dwell on the past, he will suffer even more. He cannot help it that his own best friend betrayed him. His first love was actually taken and he never even got the chance to experience romance but he had to continue. Thus, he left.

As he walked away from the alleyway, Aoi and Yanagi were in confusion. Yanagi forcefully pried himself away from his girl and ran towards the corner so he could explain to Ichiro but when he came at that corner, Ichiro was gone. If he had looked upwards, he would've seen the cracks in the wall and the fleeing Ichiro.

Ichiro eventually made it to school but he continued forward without his usual smile on his face. It was simply a face devoid of emotion and the usual people that met with Ichiro could tell that something was wrong. Even the girls that would greet him, knew that Ichiro was sad about something but they didn't know.

The day in school continued but the students knew that something was wrong. Ichiro, Yanagi and Aoi weren't seated together and they knew something happened between them. Ichiro sat at the back of the class, farthest to the left where he was nearest to the window and he continued to look at the blue sky. The blue sky....it reminded him of her so he literally broke the window at the end of the day. The students were shocked at this turn of events and even the teacher was surprised at Ichiro's conduct. Yanagi and Aoi were scared stiffless as Yanagi told Aoi about his assumptions about Ichiro.

The glass broke and shards were implanted onto his fist but he didn't feel anything. His blood dripped slowly from his wounds as he stared at the nonexistent window and he eventually stood up before the bell rang for dismissal. The teacher looked worried at his number one student as he walked forward and the students were equally as worried. Only Yanagi and Aoi were scared at what might happen.

Ichiro approached the classroom door and left a note at the table nearest to the exit. Then, he opened the door and gently left the classroom as if the previous action never occurred. The bell rang as he stepped out and the classroom he came from was silent as the bell continued to ring forcefully in their ears. Ichiro made his way to the entrance and prior to arrival, he had called his father to send someone to pick him up and pay for the window he had broken.

The students watched as Ichiro exited the building and they saw an influential car pulling up at the parking area. Soon, they began to murmur at what was happening and why Ichiro-san was heading towards the black vehicle that spoke of high reputation. The black tinted window rolled down and the images of Kurogane Kaguro and Kurogane Aina appeared. To the students, they immediately recognized the male as he was an important figure in the business world that appeared on many Commercials and News coverages. He was someone that directly enhances the Japanese Economy and if it weren't for this man, they also wouldn't have developed this country to where it was. They saw that man in the flesh and he was speaking to Ichiro. Fortunately for them, they couldn't hear what they spoke about because if they did, they would be saddened and frightened at the words that came out of that man.

Ichiro spoke to his father, "Chichiue, I would like to leave this school. I do not want to stay in this school anymore. I've learned one of the weaknesses that Shishou, Elder Ryou, spoke about. I do not want to stay here or else I will suffer. Please Chichiue, remove me from this school, I really do not want to go crazy."

Kaguro was stunned as his son spoke these words. He knew that his son was quite studious and he heard about how his son was funny and quite popular but why this?

"Son, what's wrong? What weakness?"

"Chichiue....I really hate my weakness...I hate that I've fallen in love with the wrong person....and I hate that my friendship was a lie...please father....no more...no more...why does this happen to me father...? I did nothing wrong father....tell me why?"

As Ichiro spoke in front of his parents, his sadness erupted in the form of a single tear that unhesitantly shed itself from his eyelids. As it trailed down, Kaguro and his wife saw the intense sadness that lurked behind those eyes. Only in front of his parents shall he shed tears of his weakness. Only in front of his parents where he is allowed to be weak for a moment. He cannot show this face to another or else they will know that he is weak.

His father was stunned and his eye twitched as he glared behind him.

"My son....who did this to you...I WILL MAKE THEM PAY!? I DO NOT CARE WHAT FAMILY THEY ARE FROM, I WILL MAKE THEM SUFFER!"

Before Kaguro could speak even louder, his wife stroked his hand to calm him down and then she spoke.

"Hun, don't get mad here at his school. Now, Ichiro dear...this is something we should talk about later when we get home. For now, I've contacted the principal while on the way here so we will send the money to them for the repair on the window and you no longer have to come to this school. I will make sure that you don't suffer anymore my son. If anyone dares to, I will show them that they will pay the consequences of making my son suffer. Now...come in my son and I will take care of you, no, we will take care of you. You no longer have to go to school, I will teach you my son. Come come...don't cry while we're here..."

Ichiro slowly stopped his dribbling as his mother spoke. Soon, he arrived at the other side of the car where his mother sat at and opened the door. His tears continued to fall but he looked back at the school where some of the students were watching from afar. Yanagi and Aoi and the rest of his class had arrived outside and they, too watched as Ichiro entered the vehicle. A silver spectacle shined on the afternoon light as Ichiro disappeared from their view. Ichiro closed the door and laid his head onto his mother's lap and closed his eyes as his heart and mind was in turmoil.

The students were in constantly murmurs as they spoke about how Kurogane Kaguro was in the vehicle and the teachers even recognized Kurogane Aina, a previous model and actress and now Multilinguist that works for an International Agency [International Agency of Foreign Affairs --IAFA--]. Yanagi and Aoi were stunned at what had happened and they didn't know what to do. Eventually, Yanagi broke down as his mind and heart was crushed. He never wanted to do this to his best friend. Sure, he wanted to be just as popular but what kind of sick joke was this? He did this only during the spur of the moment and now...He lost his best friend because of it. He knew that Ichiro was just an easygoing guy that liked to laugh and enjoy his life but he was blinded by his passion on being just as popular. Yanagi knew that he had to make it up to his friend and he will start tomorrow.

Aoi, on the other hand was stupefied. She knew that Ichiro was just popular because he was a fun guy but she wanted someone spontaneous. Yanagi was her perfect fit since he was more daring than Ichiro. Then, she began to see Ichiro's other side. She was greatly impressed by his cooking skills and she regretted the fact that she didn't try his dishes. Even if academics wasn't in her mind, she was still fascinated at Ichiro's excellence as he was at the top of this school and he proved the teacher wrong through his academics. But she wanted something different. Someone strong and she found Yanagi, who at first was a bit rambunctious, but it was something different. Then, she found out that Yanagi only flirted with her just so he could make Ichiro suffer a bit and she found that a bit...exciting. She wanted daring and she found him to be the proper choice. But now, she felt absolute guilt for her actions. She was part of the Hijime family, a family of proper conduct and she is the daughter of Chairman Hijime Jun. She wasn't like this but she just wanted something different other than the usual "princess" lifestyle. She wanted action but now...she felt something that she hadn't felt before. Guilt swelled up in her mind and she nearly fainted from the pressure of inadvertently killing a person's emotions. She needed to apologize but she can only wait until tomorrow....hopefully he wouldn't be too mad.

Thus tomorrow arrived quickly and the rumors of Ichiro's background spread like wildfire. Even the media approached the school to find out about Ichiro and his school life. The media knew that Kaguro had a son but they they were always blocked by someone therefore they could never really figure out much about the son of the most influential man in Japan. Luckily for them, they had found out that Ichiro, the son of Kaguro, was actually a genius student that was loved by the entire student body and school association. The reason for his popularity was mainly due to his comedic acts but recently, he had been achieving certain fields of skills that normally people wouldn't pay much attention to until his academics began to rise. The entire school knew that Ichiro was average at his scores but suddenly, for a few days, his grades had been inclined and continued to rise exponentially. Even to the point to reiterate and prove a Physics teacher about how Quantum mechanics operate through particles and even creating a theoretical proposition that could shock the science world. The media also found out some information about his usual group of two people that he usually hung out with but they knew something was wrong when they couldn't even speak a word, it was as if they were guilty for something.

In Kataguro High, the students continued to talk about Ichiro but there was one class that was silent. That classroom was the previous homeroom of Ichiro's and they found his note that he left yesterday.

The note details...

Ha...ha...well, I guess I cannot hide things from everyone now. Yes, you are reading this while I am no longer in your school. Unfortunately, due to certain events, I am no longer enrolled in Kataguro High and well....it didn't seem like a good idea to announce that I am leaving since I will be breaking your window...well, err I did break your window but I wrote this before I broke the window but...whatever. Anyways, I want everyone to continue with school and Kanashima-sensei, please teach everyone well. It was a pleasure to be in this class and I hope everyone appreciates the time that we've spent as a class and as fellow students of the same school. Ah yes, I believe I left everyone a gift in the Home Economics classrooms I will be making it overnight and they are in the freezer. It is a sweet treat and hope everyone enjoys it. I made enough for the entire school so you should tell everyone. In the freezers, there should be a lot for everyone to enjoy it and I will be glad if everyone enjoys it. Also...Yanagi and Aoi...congratulations. Hope everything goes well and sadly, I will not see you guys again. Well, bye hahaha.

The classroom was eerily quiet and then Aoi broke into tears and Yanagi was dumbstruck as he couldn't repair the damage he had caused. The class erupted in sadness and they wanted to find out what had happened. They knew it had something to do with Yanagi and Aoi and then everything clicked in. They knew Ichiro wasn't the type to cook nor was he extremely smart in academics but it never occurred to them why he was trying so hard. They eventually stared at the two and the males looked at Yanagi in disgust and the girls almost slapped the crying Aoi. Eventually the classroom broke up in shouts and the teacher had to calm the students.

The females were yelling at Aoi about how she was an ungrateful bitch and how she didn't deserve to cry. She needed to suffer and the males were planning to jump Yanagi and make sure to break him down a few pegs to know how much Ichiro suffered. They wanted to know what truly happened and they were going to making Yanagi speak or else he wouldn't speak anymore.

The students at Kataguro High began to erupt in tears as Ichiro, their idol and good friend, had left the school for good. Even the principal was dumbfounded when she received the call from Kurogane Aina and she was quite fond of the boy named Ichiro. Eventually, Yanagi and Aoi were shunned and Yanagi was hospitalized for excessive wounds and Aoi had transferred away from the school due to receiving backlash from the females. Her face was no longer beautiful as it had multiple swellings from the countless times she had been slapped in the bathroom and she had lost a few hair strands due to the females pulling her hair. She eventually left the school and Yanagi was in critical condition due to concussions from a blunt weapon and then the rest was history.

Time, it affects everything and thus Ichiro's time in Kataguro became history as he moved forward, albeit forcefully.

Now, Ichiro had changed himself. He no longer wallowed in sadness as he couldn't change what had already happened but he made sure that things like his naivety wouldn't resurface ever again. His mother homeschooled him but he was already smart enough to enter a college at the age of 16. As he was homeschooled, he often spoke to his parents that were home often. It was comforting for Ichiro that his parents took their time out of their busy schedules to even put up with the boy and he was grateful. As the time passed, he began to feel a need for something different. His mind and heart was no longer in disarray but a fragment of his emotions had disappeared due to the unexpected betrayal. He had a good heart so eventually he forgave the two but he will never forget and as it seems, their friendship could no longer be repaired unless something significant were to happen but right now, in Ichiro's eyes, the two were simply people that he knew and the only relation they have now is that they once were classmates, nothing more and nothing less.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

As he confided with his parents about something different, his mother suggested something crazy, even for a mother it was reckless, but it was something she was familiar with and her husband, Kaguro simply face palmed himself for having such a wife but he still loved her even though her forms of ideas were simply crazy.

Kurogane Aina looked at her son and said, "Son, why don't you join the Military? Better yet, become a contracted worker."

Ichiro stared at his mother with a quizzical gaze and responded, "Hahaue, what is a contracted worker?"

She smiled with a feral grin then answered, "Well, a mercenary of course!"

At this point, Kaguro, who was sitting in a seiza position, lifted his right hand and smacked his head. It seems it was a normal occurance for his wife to suggest the stupidest ideas and sending their son to be a mercenary is definitely stupid and crazy!

Ichiro was looking at his mother as if she was insane and she responded, "Don't give me that look son, now you see you can benefit from this. Elder Ryou, your teacher, had already given you the skills and tools to operate as a mercenary and with my connections, you can become well-known in the whole world! Hahaha!"

His mother laughed maniacally and Kaguro smacked his face once more at her laughter until he finally spoke.

"Aina, darling, I think your ideas are getting crazier every time. Why the hell are we going to send our son into that kind of world. You know perfectly well how I feel about those people."

Kurogane Aina looked at her husband and slightly glared but it eventually turned into a pout. She responded with, "Dear, I know you don't like those people in my family but they are still family. Hmph, if it weren't for me, your business wouldn't have skyrocketed to the point where you are here... Hmph, I can't tolerate a man who doesn't appreciate his wife's contribution. I should leave to find a man who can at least love me and my family."

Kaguro paled and quickly explained, "D-darling, I didn't mean it like that! Of course I love your family, I love our family but...I just can't help but worry that our son might fall into the depths of insanity due to the underground world being cruel and filled with bloodshed. I just want our son to live a honest life as a good person, even take over my business and I will retire and spend the rest of our lives together without a single worry."

She smiled and looked at her son and back to her husband, "You know, I was just kidding dear. I know what you meant and how you care for us. I really love how you are honest and straightforward but you better be glad that you have an understanding wife. Now, don't you worry about our son though, he may be 16 but he is smarter and more intelligent than I've expected. And he also learned a valuable lesson so he wouldn't be so naive like he's always been."

Ichiro was embarrassed that his weakness was being flaunted about and retaliated, "Hahaue! I know I was naive but I moved on! I'd rather focus on the present and future than worry about my past and my misgivings. Even if I've already forgiven them since it was about something so stupid, I won't forget it. That gave me a better view in life and taught me that I shouldn't trust people too entirely. Only those that deserve my trust, should receive it!"

Kaguro and Aina smiled and the father spoke, "Hahaha! My son is already grown! I am so proud and even if I don't want to admit it, what your mother suggested was actually reasonable. Elder Ryou has lived as a part of the underground world and so has our clan, son. It would be best for you to learn about our history and how we came to be. I may be lawful and honest as a businessman but the world is harsh and cruel. If anyone has the chance, they will trample over you before you even know it. This will harden your resolve and bring experience into your life. Even I recognize the value in experience. The martial arts world is also something you need to experience but you will eventually encounter it during your contractor days. I hope to hear about your achievements, son. Even if they may be evil or good, you will still gain experience but I hope you do not fall into the category of being a crazed murderer or I will have to watch my own son die by someone's hands or locked up for life in a prison cell. I do not want to see that so promise me son that you will be an honest man that strives for something of worth in life instead of falling down into the depths of insanity."

Ichiro fixed his gaze and ironed his will as he responded, "Father, I pledge to you that I will not fail to achieve your expectations. I will become a son that you will be proud of, I promise you."

Aina and Kaguro smiled warmly at their son and thus Ichiro began the life of a Contract worker/Mercenary. However, it didn't begin immediately. He had some ideas to implement for some future goals.

His goals was actually inventing new technology that could shock the world and coincidentally, his father was creating an association/corporation that will mainly deal with the manufacturing of technology advancement and mechanical engineering. The ideas that Ichiro had were actually similar to nanotechnology. Although, the nanotech was familiar to most modern superpowers, his idea was revolutionary. The idea to create an object through the usage of microtechnology. Now, this idea was simple but the concepts and theoretical plans and actually inventing the damn thing was beyond insane. This type of technology did not exist and actually it would've been several decades or maybe even centuries until the humans would gain this type of boon in the technological world. Now, Ichiro had studied a lot of mechanical formats and newborn tech but what he did was simply unique. He began to formulate microtechnical bots on the molecular level that could simply reformat itself due to unique consumption of molecules and atoms. Now, these bots may seem small since no one could really see them, they are actually built through particlization and similar to how people build nuclear weapons. By using a simple format of nanotech, they implemented the idea of making it nuclear but at the same time, different than a nuclearized item. Once the nanotech were forged into a particle accelerator, using physics to give birth to a new tech, the microbots gained a semi-sentient apparatus that operated on the nuclear level. Now, as these microsized bots are particlized, they begin to increase in shape up to the size of a minor crumb. After being charged and at the size of a crumb, they can be manipulated by a set of configuration that was formatted previously and only Ichiro came up with the formula, which means, no one can control this technology except for him and him only unless he were to tell another person. After gathering a lot of these crumb-sized bots, they can combine and manipulate themselves into the image that the operator wishes for.

During his 17th year, Ichiro gave an example after his idea had been a total success. His father and mother were the only audience alongside a few researchers and scientists that were sworn into secrecy by his father. He basically gathered a bowl of crumb-sized bots that were filled to the brim. Now, it may seem silly that the bowl actually looked like tiny M&M's but no one was really laughing at the shape because this teenage boy became a literal science genius overnight.

Ichiro looked at the audience and spoke, "Now, what I have here is something I dubbed Molecularites. Yes, yes, they are actually visible for something that is supposed to be on the molecular level but trust me, I will explain the name. First of all, this 'Molecularite' actually operates on the molecular level but they grew bigger after being fused with a certain element through the particle accelerator. After being fused with the element, they can be controlled through a certain formula that I implemented into their system. This is why they are semi-sentient. Now the reason why they look big when compared to their names is because they've been grown to this size by the particle accelerator but they need to be at this size for a better control and adaptability that I am aiming for. Then, I shall explain my demonstration but first does anyone read science fiction or heard of those outstanding yet unreal equipment that exist only in the fictional world?"

Everyone was a bit stunned at his words and then one of the researchers spoke in response, "I-I do!"

Ichiro glanced at the female researcher and looked at her name then responded, "Thank you, Ms. Fuyuki. Now the reason for science fiction is because what I am going to demonstrate is something that only exists in science fiction. If anyone had played a videogame at least once in their life, they may have come upon weapons that had surreal effects and I am going to produce a weapon that has the ability to not only slice people but incinerate them at the same time."

The crowd gasped and Ichiro's parents simply widened their eyes in shock but within everyone's hearts, they had a bit of doubt because who the hell would believe something that only appears in video games or science fiction.

Ichiro closed his eyes and hovered his hand over the crumb-sized bots. The molecularites began to shift and they levitated slightly around Ichiro's palm and encroaching his entire hand. The bots began vibrating the air slightly and the audience could see a slight distortion with the bots as they accelerated and shifted into a peculiar shape. The outline was slowly beginning to shape itself into an elongated blade, with a slight curve at the edge. At the hilt, there was a slight deviation from the bots, but they began forming the hilt and eventually the guard for the blade. The bots vibrated faster and the image became visible towards the group of people that watched. People began to widen their eyes as they literally saw a weapon being formed in the hands of this teenage genius. They simply awed as they watched the young adult grip the handle and with a slight *schink*, the blade had finished forming itself and shown a clean blade that eerily glistened in the spotlight. The blade was an unfamiliar metal that had a black coloring that seemed like black matte but it was similar to a chrome-ish finish. It shone eerily and the entire blade was simply terrorizing. They could not believe that a weapon had been formed in front of their eyes but what happened to the flames?

As if he read their minds, Ichiro began to will the blade into ignition and suddenly a bright spark flashed and the entire black exterior of the blade was set ablaze! The flames were slightly orange but the crowd could feel the intense heat emitting from the flames but Ichiro continued. He began to increase the temperature until it was literally vibrating the air around the blade. The flames were turning blue and they began to lighten in color and before the audience could tell him to stop, Ichiro wielded the blade and simply bursted the entire table-like podium into cinders and the blade was simply fine after the demonstration.

Ichiro decreased the temperature back to its normal flames and finally spoke, "As you can see, the Molecularites have the ability to form themselves into weapons, machines and even new technology and even to the point where you can reverse engineer those "sci-fi tech" into reality and reprogram them using resources found on Earth. This Molecularite, patented under my name and signed under the Kurogane clan, will revolutionize the entire world. From space exploration with FTL--[Faster Than Light]--spacecrafts to machines that can produce a resource fuel than is cleaner than fossil fuels but work twice as better. But be warned, this technology has the ability to create a new age of technology or destroy the entire world. Just as it has the function to create tools to better the lives of humanity, it, too has the ability to destroy the world. Science fiction weapons are the reason why it stays fiction because the weapons and tools of destruction that are imagined in sci-fi can never be replicated but I just gave you that tool to do so. Therefore, this technology will be sealed by the Kurogane corporation and will not be published to the public, however it will be developed in secrecy while advancing the technological age of Japan. My parents and the Kurogane clan will lead Japan as the strongest superpower ever to step forth in this world and maybe even onto other worlds. Thus, I conclude my demonstration."

Ichiro bowed as everyone stared slack jawed at the information he gave. His parents were proud but they can't help but feel terrified at the capability and functions of this new technology.

Ichiro had successfully created something that will change the world but it was a good thing that he kept the format and programming of the creation or else, everything would've fallen then on. Also, he did not mention the cons of the technology so it would be a bit safe for a few years until they could even steal his technology because the limits were a bit peculiar but he only knew of it and how it worked. if he wanted, he could expand that limit and make it simply capable to produce an infinite amount of tools but he wasn't stupid to let them wield that kind of power. Even he wouldn't wield that much power because it can change a person. Power is something that can control and destroy a person and he knew that simply through his betrayal. He learned that ambition and power is good but an excessive amount will eventually destroy you.

As Ichiro finished his introduction on the new technology, his parents were stunned at his declaration and he told them about their limits and how they functioned properly but he told them it would be better to keep the format programs to himself or else bad things might fall upon them also.

After his technology being introduced, Kaguro started on building the Kurogane Tech Corp or KTC for short. It is a corporation that will be built simply for technology and to better the lives of the Japanese people. It was quite the declaration when he introduced it to the cabinet of the Prime Minister's but they gave their approval at how innovative and constructive it would be. By gathering technologists from around the world, they will be headquartered in the main building of KTC, where they will work for the betterment of the Japanese people and eventually for the world as a whole. Also, Kaguro had placed his son as the main proprietor of the KTC board but he said he will actually take control of KTC when he finishes his classes in his University but that will be after he experiences the world with his contractor occupation.

Finally, two months before he turned 18, Ichiro had gotten his diploma after finishing his work with KTC and actually helped start the company by giving ideas and similar functions of his molecularite but it was all downgraded to the point where no one could figure out what it could do but it gave birth to some new innovative experiments and ideas that will change Japan and the world.

He received his diploma and he could've gotten his degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Astrophysics, Culinary arts, Math, Linguistics and many more but he denied that option in order to actually experience the life of an undergrad. Also, his desire for information that sprouted from his desire to excel in academics had increased so he thought the idea of experiencing the world, would entitle him to newfound ideas, information and even meeting new people.

Ichiro left immediately after he received his diploma through testing and he began his journey to explore the world as a contractor.

...

...

Several years have passed and the world is currently advancing to a new age. Kurogane Tech Corp has been leading the charge within the technological world as they continue to invent new innovative inventions that startled the entire world. From their Headquarters, they've developed devices that would've taken decades for the human race to develop.

Their innovative ideas created a new way of transportation. It is similar to what people have seen in fiction but it is created right here and right now, a real hovercraft. By using their advanced technology, they've developed gridlines in mid-air that are called Aero-grids. By using the Aero-grid, it creates a relay line for vehicles to operate while levitating in the air. This also prevents people from flying randomly and crashing into tall buildings. The new vehicle, which is named Aerolus, is prepped with advanced safety systems that automatically engage when the vehicle is no longer in the proper lane, thus it will take control over the vehicle and switch to manual overdrive and revert the hover vehicle to a more standard land transportation. The wheels are shifted under the interior of the vehicle for the usage of safety protocols and for parking procedures. Also, the Aero-grid is currently being tested upon bigger transport systems such as the train transports. The Train companies located in Shibuya and local areas had pulled together and while cooperating with KTC, they made the first model of a train system that will be the first to operate on the Aero-grids. They call it the Levi-Train Mk. 1. It became the first vehicle to operate on the Aero-grids that KTC had created, even before Aerolus was introduced to the public.

As for more ideas, KTC developed Quantum gear that actually made the immensely innovative quantum computing inferior to its adaptability. With Q-lux, not only does it have quantum computing, it can actually operate your entire system, which includes your house, television, bank account and even your working files. The Q-lux is actually much cheaper due to the ideas that Ichiro had brought up. It provided a cheaper yet more successful way of creating a quantum computer that is able to handle your everyday life.

Now, the world has been paying attention severely towards Japan due to the recent advancements and currently, it did not help when KTC had introduced a new weapon line that will be issued only to the JSDF. The new weapon line is actually something that one of the researchers, Ms. Fuyuki Maya had came up with. The time she experienced Ichiro's demonstration, she was already an adult but she wasn't much since she was only 18. She became one of KTC's researchers due to her immense knowledge with technology placements and actually, she was just a fanatic that had many ideas. With her as one of the researchers, she developed a weapon line thanks to Ichiro's demonstration. It gave her the inspiration to strive for her ideas and thus the Omni-rifle was developed. With KTC's engineering team, they developed a weapon that is able to discharge energy clips that had a near inexhaustible amount. By creating a converter within the weapon system, they can generate energy through molecules. The reason being is due to the vibrations that these molecules create. It is also similar to a miniaturized particle accelerator that is able to discharge rounds that can incinerate and blow apart metal, much more destructive when aimed at a human. This weapon is something that is literally destructive to the point where it can change a country's power overnight if one were to obtain it. Luckily, KTC and the Kurogane corporation had pulled in their resources to keep their personnel guarded and through the Weapons pact, they were able to secure national allies such as the United States and even the United Nations.

Through this invention, Ms. Fuyuki became popular and known as the Weapon Goddess and even some call her the Death Merchant. These weapons are ridiculously deadly that it similarly could rival nuclear weapons. But, she also became famous for another thing and that was the interview that she had been a part of.

She was being interviewed by a national TV spokesperson known as Japan's Angel. Her name was actually Hijime Mei. Hijime Mei is the eldest daughter of Chairman Hijime Jun and she wanted to become famous through television and she did. She often debuted as a Voice Actress/Seiyuu and even became popular as a one-time model. This evidently helped her in her career as a TV spokeswoman.

Now, Hijime Mei sat at a polished table across from Ms. Fuyuki and began her interview, " Hello Fuyuki-san, welcome to NHK-JP and I would like to have a nice chat with you today." She smiled happily as she addressed the woman garbed in a low-cut office skirt and with a modern "Scientist/Officetel worker-esque" vibe. Fuyuki wore a brown sweater over her impactful chest while also wearing a researcher's coat, which is a white overlaying coat that is usually seen with scientists or doctors.

Fuyuki smiled at Hijime-san's introduction and spoke clearly to the camera, "Ah, yes it is a pleasure to be here today. My name is Fuyuki Maya and please take care of me." She gave a slight bow to her somewhat senior to show respect and towards the camera/audience that viewed the interview.

"Now, Fuyuki-san, the reason why I called you here today is for a small interview. Currently, the world right now is in uproar due to KTC's recent technological advancements, is there something you would like to say?"

Fuyuki somewhat paused and finally responded, "Well, KTC's developments were astonishing really. The world has yet to advance this far yet my company is currently doing research that clearly would've taken decades for the world to even chance upon. I am proud to say that my company is doing this for the greater good of Japan and we are trying to make our lives better. From our vehicles, it will make traveling much easier for the citizens without having to deal with the constant traffic. Like one of my teammates, John Kagawa--[Given name, Surname]--, said is that the sky is truly the way of the future. He wasn't wrong when he became one of the lead researchers on developing the Aero-grid."

Hijime Mei stared at the woman that spoke and she caught onto something that was a bit interesting. It wasn't the fact that she wanted to tease Fuyuki-san but it was more of an impulse on finding out her personal life.

"Well, Fuyuki-san is this John Kagawa, someone special to you? It seems that there is something much more than teammates."

"A-ah no! I mean John Kagawa is a good friend of mine but I wouldn't say that. My heart was already claimed by someone else."

"Oho! Who is this mystery person that claimed the heart of the Weapon Goddess herself!?"

After Fuyuki-san spoke, the Japanese citizens, mainly the males who watched the news just for Ms. Fuyuki's image, went into outrage. Their goddess was stolen from them without knowing anything and yet it wasn't surprising for such a beautiful woman to be dating.

Fuyuki blushed heavily as she was being questioned but she resolved herself, "W-well, he is someone you may have heard of. i-it's not like I like him or anything but his intellect claimed my entirety..."

"Hehe, Fuyuki-san, no need to be embarrassed. Everyone is allowed to fall in love and whoever claimed your heart, surely won't reject such a beautiful woman."

"Mou...I am not that beautiful...I don't even know if he likes me or anything..."

"Now now, Fuyuki-san. After this interview, why don't us women relax and talk about your love problems. Now, without further ado, to conclude this interview, here's a questionnaire Fuyuki-san!"

"H-hai!"

"Okay, there will be three questions and you must answer them for the citizens of Japan. First, What is your favorite dish?"

"Umm, I like Oyakodon!"

"Haha, so simple but I like it! Second question, what is your favorite thing to do?"

"W-well, I like to stare at his photo---I mean! I like to draw!"

"Mhm, seems like we need some offscreen time Fuyuki-san. I am deeply interested in who this person is. Third and final question! The question that everyone has been waiting for! Who do you love!?"

"I l-love...Ichiro...."

Hijime Mei was dumbfounded. She didn't expect for the shy girl to blurt out the person she actually adored. She smiled at the lovestruck woman and finally spoke, "Well, well. I guess this pretty Onee-san has to find out who this Ichiro person is. Most likely every Ichiro out there in Japan is screaming for your name Fuyuki-san. Haha, well this concludes this short interview and hopefully we can get more time with the lovely goddess herself. Mei out!"

The interview concluded but Fuyuki's closest friends and colleagues were stunned at her answer. They wanted to find out who this Ichiro was and they couldn't place it in their minds. Of course, their benefactor, Kurogane Kaguro had a son named Ichiro but it couldn't have been him....Could it...?

Japan continued to advanced and one day a person arrived home. He had flown in from his last stop in Korea and finally arrived in Japan. He actually came from the private sectors that allowed only private aircrafts to enter and exit. On the private plane he arrived on, a big logo of the Kurogane corporation was seen on the side of the plane. The plane was sleek black but they could still see the visible symbol on the side of the plane. People looked at the man that exited the plane and couldn't help but stare at him.

A man that stood at nearly 180cm, with broad shoulders could be seen walking out of the plane. He wore a neatly fitted black shirt along with some long black pants. His outfit looked plain but his appearance was simply astonishing. He had a unique hairstyle, with his waved hair appearing plump yet sleekly descending at the back of head. It was combed perfectly without any bed hair visible. His eyes was fierce yet had a presence of calmness within them. His eyes told them of his experiences and what he encountered. If his fierce gaze wasn't a clue to his experiences then the overly visible white scar that diagonally cut across the bridge of his nose spoke of something. From the edge of left eyebrow, a scar trailed diagonal at his nose, ending an inch or two under his right eye. This scar actually complimented his looks as it made him intensely handsome and gave him that mysterious vibe.

As he walked, his muscles became visible from his encounters from around the world. His posture and movement showed discipline and yet caution as if he were adjusting to the normal life. Over his shoulder, he slung a black backpack that held unknown contents but it simply gave him a look of defiance. He wore a black necklace that had an odd pendant at the center. But, the one thing that people noticed was the item he held in his left hand. It was heavily wrapped in a black cloth as if it were trying to conceal the item from the world and it had a strange shape. It was tied with three rings of durable rope and the shape from it gave it the form of a weapon of some sort.

Simply, his look was utterly badass. The males that watched were simply stunned and the females gasped and some fainted at his looks. No one could look so handsome, defiant with a bad-boy vibe yet with a badass aura all in one time! But here he was!

A lot of wives were panting slightly as they stared and their husbands glared at the newcomer but their gazes were met with unrecognition, as if the guy didn't care about their gazes. Even boyfriends had trouble keeping their girls in check before they run off into this guy's arms.

He had arrived at the Airport and finally went towards Customs and security. The people stared as they waited for his exit and not even minutes passed when the Airport manager had arrived and escorted the mysterious man.

As he was being escorted to the exit, a black Kurogane compound vehicle pulled up at the exit and a woman stepped out of the vehicle. She wore a prim and proper office worker's suit and she opened the door for the mysterious man. They watched in awe as they saw one of their country's most influential corporations drive away with the mysterious man and they could only wonder who this man was.

Yes, this man is Ichiro and he finally arrived after 4 years being away on his contracting jobs. He is now 21 and with his experience, he may change the world once again.

....

....

KTC group has finally developed something that is sought for in decades. Due to the warranted desires and influential groups within the Technological world, they had developed a gear that is opted for brain-wave transferency and sensory placement systems. From the age of technology, KTC has developed a virtual reality gear that will alter the world as a whole. Not only does it save time but it saves lives through simulation and growth between people. Through simulations, they could train military personnel within the span of a month yet a year had passed within the virtual realm. This creates an unprecedented era of technology that not even Augmented reality could keep up. Even in simulations, people could create more time for learning and people could actually debate and solve issues that need time. KTC group had developed something that will change the industry of gaming, technology, military, political, business and simply anything that requires time.

However, within the gaming realm, KTC has partnered up with an upcoming company that develops games and through their cooperation, they've finally created the first Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online. This game will be the foundation of the future in gaming and it will evidently change the world too. Thus, Phantasy Realm Online begins.