“Haha Freedom at last!” Kenji laughed, leaping from the cart into the subway station. However that excitement was quickly stomped out when he saw that he was not only underground but also surrounded by business men and women. “Blegh.” He groaned in response, sticking his tongue out.

“Don’t go running away from me!” Kanashi yelled as he pushed through the crowd exiting the train to reach Kenji.

Kenji turned around to greet Kanashi who rubbed his tired eyes and he managed to weasel through the mob and find Kenji. “We’re on the complete opposite end of Tousen from where we need to be. But this was the only line they had going from Tetsuki to Tousen.” He sighed. It’s already evening too, so we should try to catch the next train as soon as possible…

“I haven’t been to Tousen in over fourty years so I have no idea where’s what, where are we right now?”

“We’re in the upper half of Nishijou Ward right on the border of the Miyoushou Ward.”

“Hmmm, yes I understand I understand… I have no idea where we are!”

“Figured…” Kanashi frowned. Akatora said to meet him in Shibuchus Karatino Casino. To get to Shibuchu from Nishijou we’d need to cross Engawa. In that case finding a guide who can point us in the right direction would be the best option. “Kenji get a guide to help us travel to Shichibu.”

“Got it.” Kenji nodded, turning around and disappearing into the crowd. Or at least he would have if he wasn’t taller than everyone else, his head sticking out amongst the crowd.

Hmm, maybe we should get him a change of clothes, he looks pretty out of place in that dirty Kimono and with a Katana at his waist. Well even if it is a toy we still don’t want to get bugged by the police.

“PUT ME DOWN!” Someone screamed out in Edogo silencing the busy subway station.

“I asked how we could get to Shichibu?” Someone yelled back in a deep gravelly voice, a familiar voice.

“?” Kanashi quickly moved toward the sound source where he found a Sation Guard being held up by the tuft of his shirt by a tall man with a sword to his side.

“Ah, there you are, Kanashi, good. I’m trying to get directions out of this guy but he won’t calm down.” Kenji said with a scowl as he dodged the guards' flailing kicks. “How do we get to Shibuchu?” He repeated speaking with an exaggerated motion of his mouth.

“K-Kenji put him down!” Kanashi yelped, jumping into the circle formed by the onlookers.

Kenji did as commanded and dropped the Guard who fell to his butt with a thud, quickly jumping to his feet the guard drew a small metal instrument from his waist which he cracked open with a flick, the metal forming a Baton rod.

“Ora!” The guard yelled, jumping at Kenji.

“G-Gomen!” Kanashi said, grabbing the guard's arm and holding it back. “Kenji calm him down!” He cried out.

“Got it!” Kenji nodded, in a flash he drew his Katana and smashed the end of the handle into the guards temple, knocking him unconscious.

“That’s not what I meant!” Kanashi screamed, shaking the guard who now laid limp in his arms.

“You said to shut him up, not how to!” Kenji argued.

“I said to calm him down! I wanted you to apologize or something!”

As the two bickered back and forwarth the station's lights began to flash red, a panicked voice coming in over the intercom. And though Kanashi couldn’t understand what they were saying exactly he knew it wasn’t anything good and probably about him and kENJI.

Suddenly with a yell multiple guards with their batons drawn appeared on the scene, one of which leapt at Kenji who with a half hearted kick sent him flying back into a pillar which he crumbled upon slamming into.

Another jumped for Kanashi who narrowly avoided by side stepping and twisting his body, something he wanted to be impressed at himself for but didn’t have the time to. “Damnit, let’s just get outta here before it gets worse!” He yelled out to Kenji.

“Got it!” Kenji laughed, beginning to run through the crowd.

Kanashi enhancing his legs leapt into the air, his head nearly touching the station's roof he jumped over the crowd and landed in a small clearing which he then jumped up from once again. Mimicking the movements which Titan had made all that long ago in Albur.

After continuing to invade the incoming guards they broke out into the main street, Kanashi landing on the floor looked around to see Kenji right behind him.

“Where do we go now?” Kenji asked.

“I don’t know, just follow me!” Kanashi yelled back, resuming his leaps over the crowd as the sound of sirens grew in the background. How the hell did he survive until now with social skills like that!? He wondered looking down at the Kenji who acted like his shadow. I guess he could get away with these stunts in small towns but in a big city that’s a one way ticket to getting put on a watch list!

When Kanashi landed on the ground and prepared to jump up again he sensed something big quickly approaching him from behind.

“!”

Leaning forwards he just barely dodged an incoming cop who had been aiming to grab his leg when he leapt in the air.

“Get back!” Kenji yelled, slapping away a police officer who tried to grab him.

“I was actually getting along with this country's police force before this!” Kanashi complained quickly scanning the area over. There were four police cars in total and three more officers running towards them, with the sound of sirens growing in the distance.

“Damnit, damnit, damnit! Kenji, we're just gonna run for it and try to get away from this as quickly as possible!”

“Got it!” Kenji nodded with an ear to ear grin of pure excitement like a child who’d entered an amusement park.

A foreigner and a swordsman running around Tousen, this is gonna be an easy target and an even easier headline… Kanashi thought, feeling as if he might just cry from the unfortunate series of events which had just piled up in under ten minutes.

۞ ۞ ۞ ۞ ۞ ۞

“I think we finally lost them.” Kanashi groaned, falling backwards against the brick wall to his rear. Taking a moment's break to catch his breath he closed his eyes, estimating they’d had just run for about an hour straight.

“That was fun!” Kenji chuckled, rubbing the single bead of sweat from his brow.

“No it wasn’t!” Kanashi barked. “We just ran from the police like we had a five star streak in the upper right corner! And all because you decided to act like an idiot and manhandle some station guard!”

“I was just doing what you asked of me.” Kenji frowned as if Kanashi's complaint wasn’t his fault.

“No! I Said we should find a guide, not "hey Kenji grab that guard over there and shake him down!””

“...’

“...”

“Well I apologize.” Kenji sighed, bowing his head slightly.

“Sigh, it’s fine… just try not to do anything dumb like that again please.”

“I’ll try.” Kenji frowned.

“I mean don’t you still get how to be a modern man?”

“No.” Kenji answered shaking his head, “I might have at one point but I’ve lost all of that now.”

“What do you mean?”

“Think of me like a caveman you found trapped in ice and then melted with your moms blow dryer.” Kenji said, nodding his head as if proud of that comparison.

“That’s oddly specific…” Kanashi muttered ruffling his sweat drenched hair. I’m not sure what to do with this information, I’ve only known him for a day and it’s clear he’s literally insane. But maybe that’s how he’s become so strong…”

“Miyoushou Ward…” Kenji muttered under his breath.

“Miyoushou?” Kenji asked, looking up to Kenji and tilting his head to the side.

“The sign over there reads Miyoushou.” Kenji said, pointing to a large weathered sign in the distance.

Kanashi looked at said sign and squinted his eyes, reading みようしょ in Furigana under the Kanji. “It does…” He muttered. “But that means we went the wrong way.” He sighed leaning his head back against the brick wall his back was resting against.

The best way to get to Shibuchu was cutting through Engawa since it’s basically a straight line from Nishijou, but we’ve not strayed too far of course. We can still creep along the border of Miyoushou and then cross into Engawa but if we end up going too far and end up in Kenmori then our trip would take even longer.

“Well we should try to find a map so we can get a better feel of where we are exactly.” Kanashi said standing up with a stretch. I’d say we should just take the Subway but I think we’ve ruined that option for at least the next day or two… the invasion is in five days isn't it? Time is going by too fast for me to like it.

Stolen story; please report.

Looking up, Kanashi saw that the sun had begun to set, putting an orange hue on the cloudless horizon.

“Let’s try to be quick, I don't want to walk at night too much.

Kenji silently agreed and followed Kanashi as left the alley, peeking out from behind the alley wall Kanashi looked to the right and then the left making sure no cops were to be seen. Thankfully there were no cops but there also weren’t any people either. In fact it looked dead, like a ghost town. The buildings were beaten up with cracks and broken windows, trash laid in the streets and the air smelled of piss and cigarettes.

Kenji, not paying mind to observing the scene, casually strolled out into the alley, appearing like an NPC wild encounter.

“Wait Kenji.” Kanashi called out.

“What’s up?” Kenji asked, turning around.

“Let’s get you some new clothes. The ones you're wearing are in tatters”

“Hm? Is there a Kimono shop around here?” Kenji asked, now actually looking at their surroundings. “I don’t see one…” He muttered.

“I was thinking something more casual… maybe Shinobi esk…”

Kenjis current outfit was a bright red Kimono riddled with holes, his shoes were worn bamboo sandals and other then the Sword to his side he had nothing else on.

I hope he’s not just free balling it and has a Fundoshi or something on. Kanashi frowned, imagining a naked Kenji. Shaking his head he cleared those thoughts away with a gag and

“...” Kenji frowned at Kanashis proposal, his eyes narrowing while he looked at the ground in serious contemplation.

“I’ll let you pick it out, don't worry.” Kanashi said, waving his hand in the air.

“Alright.” Kenji nodded, still frowning but seeming to accept it all, be it not happily.

With that Kanashi left the alley with Kenji beside him, the two looking for a map and clothing store.

Thinking perhaps this street was just a bad apple amongst the district, Kanashi was quickly proven wrong as they walked the whole city block, the entire thing being nothing but a ghetto dump. However there was an increase in life which Kanashi would have rather not happened. Rouge dogs, homeless druggies and general thugs watched Kanashi and Kenji as they walked. Normally Kanashi would shudder at this but since he had Kenji with him he felt safe.

Honestly this reminded him of something, a memory which he didn’t want to recall. In Azhar there was something called the [Thunder Zone] a place in which Gun Fire is heard constantly like the sound of thunder. It was one of the world's largest Ghettos and the most dangerous as well.

Now that he thought about it the [Sangre De Tigris] Gang which Jin said he played in part in defeating originated in the [Thunder Zone]. Many notorious criminals did in fact.

At one point it was the capital of Saharis until a great fire erupted burning the city beyond repair. The new Capital was built and the [Thunder Zone] was left to rot, evil festering inside of it. Kanashi had gotten stranded in the Thunder Zone at one point in the past as a young boy. But that was a story for another time.

After another few minutes of walking Kanashi and Kenji were surprised to see the sudden change in scenery as they entered what must have been a part of the city. It was very lavish, large casinos, multiple high end clothing stores, bars, brothels, clubs and a mass of thugs moving through the street.

Not only were these establishments suspicious looks but so were the people, it was almost immediately obvious that these weren’t just your common thug. No, they were Yakuza, specifically the Toumeikan.

“...”

Kanahshi stopped in his tracks, his body turning warm as sweat began to trickle down his back and neck. His hand trembled slightly and his stomach began to ache. It felt like everyone was looking at him and Kenji, his breathing constricted and he couldn’t walk, he wanted to crumble to the floor, his legs losing all their strength.

Looking to Kenji for aid he saw the man standing beside him, his expression one of pure boredom at the current scene.

Seeing this, Kanashi loosened himself up a bit. His anxiety level dropped to the point his legs regained enough power to move at his command.

That’s right, I have Kenji with me. No matter who tries to come at us he can beat them. Kanashi thought, shaking his head before taking a deep breath. Closing his eyes and opening them he took the first step into the crowd, Kenji following closely behind.

“I-Im not sure if these are the kind places we can buy clothes for you from.” Kanashi said, trying to break the tense mood he felt. “They’re too expensive and flashy dontcha think?” He asked, turning to Kenji. “Kenji?” He called out, staring at the Swordsman who had his bark turned to him. “What’re you looking at?”

“The man over there has a Katana.” Kenji said, pointing to a man across the street who was flirting with some prostitutes.

“Kenji, please don’t try anything.” Kanashi pleaded, gripping Kenji's Kimono sleeve.

“I won't start anything, but if someone challenges me I’ll accept it no matter what.”

With another deep breath Kanashi nodded his head and began to walk forwards again. Kenji followed behind him.

“But this place is quite busy, it’s nothing like the last time I was here.” Kenji muttered, scratching his chin.

“You said you were here 40 years ago, right?” Asked Kanashi.

“I came on a business trip with my Dad, I don;t remember the exact ward we stayed at though.”

“40 years ago huh…” Kanashi repeated flipping through his brains internal history archive also known as [IHA]

250 years ago after the Forgotten War was the start of the 2nd dark age, during which technology stagnated progressing at a snail's pace due to a massive world wide depression and multiple natural calamities. It wasn’t until Azhar began to ramp up the production of Nitris dust and inflate the economy that things began to pick up and even then it was only 50 years ago that things began to return to what could be called a normal rate.

As Kanashi recalled this history he and Kenji continued to walk through the district of Miyousho, creeping around corners and trying to avoid people as best they could.

“Oi, watch where you’re walkin!”

The slurred Edogo was nearly indecipherable to Kanashi but the tone and intended meaning were clear through the language barrier. Spinning around in a panic, he was relieved to see Kenji standing before him, also looking to the sound's origin.

Across the street were two men, one slumped over to the ground in a pool of his own blood and the other leaning over the fallen man with a Katana in hand which dripped blood.

Instead of shrieks of horror and a fleeing crowd at this sight there was laughter and jokes amongst the crowd. As if this was just a normal everyday occurrence, something that they wouldn’t even feel the need to mention to their families upon returning home.

“He got lucky.” Kenji muttered, turning away from the crime scene and beginning to walk.

Kanashi understood what Kenji had meant in that line without need for explanation. Though he was someone who was a rookie with all sword styles other than his own he could understand that the man who held the Katana didn’t know how to use it. He’d probably swung it without much meaning or intent behind it and managed to strike an artery through sheer dumb luck.

Rather disgustingly this made Kanashi feel more at ease, not the violence but the fact that the man clearly had no idea how to use his weapon, this made him feel a bit more confident in his own abilities. Though just because he could beat one or two of the crowd members if they decided to jump him he would be quickly overwhelmed.

Putting this event to the back of their minds Kanashi and Kenji continued their journey, the former paying mind to not bump into anyone as not being forced to cut them down. Something he clearly did out of consideration for Kanashi which was greatly appreciated. After another twenty or so minutes of walking the streets began to clear of people and the blaring music grew inaudible.

“We must be out of the Yakuza hangout.” Kanashi sighed, letting his shoulders relax. Looking around he saw a few people present but no one who looked quite as thuggish as the previous areas. Squinting his eyes to read the store's signs in the dark he saw that there were two separate clothes shops on the block they walked down.

Looking back and forwarth between the two Kanashi couldn’t make up his mind so he turned to Kenji.

“Kenji, which store should we go to?” He asked.

“That one.” Kenji said immediately pointing to the store on the right.

“Oh wow, that was fast… what made you pick?”

“It has a Katana on the poster.” Kenji explained.

“...” Looking to where Kenji pointed Kanashi indeed did see that one of the posters behind the model mannequins did indeed have a Katana on the poster though in the background not in focus. Must be nice to be so simple minded. He thought, crossing the street and entering the store with Kenji right behind.

“Welcoooome in~” A man called out as the two entered the store, creeping out from behind a corner was a man of above average height with slicked back black hair, a monocle on his eyes and a handlebar mustache.

“You speak Shinkai?” Kanashi asked, tilting his head.

“Enough to sell you somethingggg fufufufu.” The man hummed.

“Good enough for me then.” Kanashi sighed, deciding to ignore the man's rather rude attitude.

“It your satisfied with your questions I believe it to be myyyyy turn~”

“Go ahead.”

“Then let me ask, whooooo is it you’re shopping for? Yourself or the tall gentleman herrrrre~?” As he looked at Kenji while finishing his sentence his nose wrinkled at the swordsman's appearance. His ripped Kimono covered in dirt and blood as well as the man's wild hair which was patchy from being cut by a dull katana blade gave him only the worst of impressions.

“The big guy.” Kanashi answered, pointing to Kenji behind him with his thumb. “He’s in dire need of an upgrade.”

“As I can seeeee, well then follow meeeee~” The man said, twirling around and quickly walking to the back of the store.

This guys kinda extra… Kanashi thought, looking at Kenji who nodded, the pair followed the strange salesman.

Upon reaching the back of the store the man looked to Kenji and then from his coat sleeve pulled out a measuring tape. Quickly darting around the swordsman the clerk measured every portion of Kenji until satisfied. One doing so he let the tape return to his sleeve with a clack.

“Yes, yes, yes…. Rather pecuuuuliar~.” He hummed, rubbing his chin. “Well thennnn how about we try thisssss one for sizeeee~” Grabbing an assortment of items from the nearby shelves and racks the man quickly turned directions now guiding Kanashi and Kenji to the changing rooms.

“In hereeee if you wouuuuuld~” He hummed with a bow.

Kenji, annoyed by the performance, roughly grabbed the set of Folded clothes and entered the changing room.

Not even twenty seconds had passed before the door was kicked open with Kenji standing there in only his Fundoshi.

“Too tight!” He huffed and threw the now unraveled mess of clothes to the Clerk who caught them as if they were fine China.”

“How about something more… loose and casual?” Kanashi asked turning to Kenji

“If that is what you desireeee.” The clerk growled, as he folded the clothes Kenji had thrown at him, placing them on the “to wash” rack. Turning around and walking in a new direction Kanashi and Kenji followed the clerk to the opposite end of the store which indeed did have much more casual clothes.

“Alright, Kenji go ahead and pick something out yourself this time.” Kanashi nodded with a grin.

Kenji without comment quickly grabbed three things from the shelves. First a tight fitting black shirt, a pair of Tobi pants and finally a baggy red sweater.

“Get some underwear and socks for him too please. And some boots.” Kanashi whispered into the Clerks ear who nodded quickly running around the store to grab more items.

While Kenji tried on his new outfit, Kanashi moved to the front of the store to pay, the clerk quickly dashing to meet him at the register.

“With these clooothes, your total with beeeee~ $300 cleannnn.” The Clerk hummed, putting the numbers into the machine with a clack.

“!” Feeling as though he would spew blood from his every orifice, Kanashi quickly grabbed onto the register's counter, “3-300?” He repeated his eyes curling upwards.

“Coooooorect.”

“O-okay.” Reaching into his wallet Kanashi pulled out the three $100 bills which he clutched tightly in his hands, the Clerk needing to wrestle them from Kanashis desperate grasp.

“They fit.” Kenji said, suddenly appearing behind Kanashi.

“They do!” Kanashi yelped with a jump seeing the newly decked out Kenji before him. He actually looked rather cool in his new outfit. So much so that Kanashi couldn’t help but let out a whistle as he looked him over.

“If I can offer some advice.” The clerk whispered to Kanashi as he handed him his receipt.

“?”

“Be careful holding a Katana at your hip. While such a thing might fly here in Miyoushou in any other ward you’ll be targeted quickly.”

“Got it.” Kanashi nodded, shooting a thumbs up before he and Kenji left the store.