image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/61/Yoko_Nomura%2C_capturing_her_kind_expression_and_compassionate_nature.png]
The next day came with anticipation as the quartet—Jake, Carter, Akane, and Luna—prepared to follow Yoko to her school, Seiryu High School. They washed up and got ready, bringing their weapons along as they waited for Yoko. When Yoko finally emerged, she presented herself in her school uniform, the iconic Joshi Kousei sailor uniform of Seiryu High. The pristine white blouse contrasted beautifully with the vibrant red ribbon and a blue pleated school skirt.
Yoko's appearance immediately drew attention from the group, who couldn’t resist commenting.
"Yoko! You look stunning!" Luna remarked, admiring the timeless fashion of the uniform—even from her perspective as someone from the future. Akane nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, Yoko! You look like someone straight out of an anime!" Jake added, praising his cousin.
"Do we need to wear Japanese uniforms too during our visit?" Carter asked, hopeful for the chance to wear the uniform himself. "I bet we’d look so cool in those!" He imagined them looking like anime characters, charming everyone at school with a crowd of admirers.
"I’m afraid not," Yoko explained, with a hint of disappointment. "The school administration prefers that visitors or exchange students maintain their distinctive dress code, so they can easily be identified apart from the enrolled students." Her answer shattered Carter’s vision of them blending in like anime stars.
Yoko glanced at the clock, then with a note of urgency added, "Sorry for any disappointment, but let’s hurry—it’s morning rush hour, and we shouldn’t be late!"
With that, she grabbed her bag and led the group out of the house, ready to experience Japan’s infamous morning rush hour on their way to school.
Arriving at the train station, the group was introduced to the infamous frenetic pace of Tokyo's rush hour, something they had only seen in media. A massive ocean of bustling commuters—workers heading to their jobs and eager students—filled the station, all navigating the currents of the morning commute. The flow of daily life presented itself as a challenging yet exciting arena, not for battle, but for simply getting on the train.
"This is sheer madness!" Carter exclaimed, using his hockey stick as an impromptu shield against the swarm of passengers.
Yoko laughed, unfazed by the chaos. "Welcome to a slice of everyday life in Tokyo!" she said, accustomed to the situation.
As the others tried to squeeze their way through, they followed Yoko's lead, standing behind Carter, who used his muscular build to create space in the crowd. With her daily commuting experience, Yoko quickly found a small gap in one of the train compartments and directed the group toward it. "Quick, let's catch this train!" she called out, her voice guiding them through the teeming crowd.
It felt like a battle as others also spotted the gap and attempted to squeeze in. Finally, they all managed to board the train, sweating and exhausted even before reaching the school.
"It feels like a workout first thing in the morning," Carter said, catching his breath along with the others.
"There’s nothing quite like diving headfirst into the heart of Japanese daily culture!" Jake added optimistically, prompting a round of laughter from the group.
As the train sped toward their destination, Seiryu High School, they were ready to embrace the educational and cultural experiences awaiting them, eager to learn about Japanese school life.
As the train arrived at their destination, the group stepped off with anticipation, moving closer to Seiryu High. They noticed several students wearing uniforms similar to Yoko’s. The boys wore a mix of traditional black high-collar uniforms and white short-sleeve shirts with black pants, all walking in the same direction. Some of the students glanced at the group, recognizing them as visitors or exchange students due to their distinctive dress code.
"Hi!" Carter called out, noticing a group of schoolgirls glancing at him. He waved back, and they giggled as they walked toward the school gate, making him feel like a celebrity. Jake, Akane, and Luna shook their heads in embarrassment at Carter’s behavior as they followed the flow of students toward the gate.
The mood of the group was positive and full of enthusiasm, but as they approached the gate of Seiryu High School, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. What had been a sense of excitement turned into something much more unsettling.
Standing outside the gate wasn’t a teacher, but a student. The other students and even school staff—adults included—seemed to shrink as they passed him, their heads down, clearly trying to avoid eye contact. A sense of unease lingered in the air as they walked through the gate.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/69/Ushio_Tanaka%2C_equipped_with_his_signature_dumbbell_with_his_muscular_build%2C_distinct_grey_bald_haircut%2C_and_the_intimidating_aura.png]
The student in question sported a bald grey haircut and had an imposing physique that spoke to his dedication to muscle building. His face, often set in a frown, complemented his round face and unfriendly expression. His attire blatantly defied school rules—he had purposely torn the sleeves off his white button-up shirt, turning it into a sleeveless version to show off his well-defined arms. The shirt was left untucked, paired with traditional black school pants, a bold declaration of his rebellious stance against the norms of the school. In his hand, he held a dumbbell, as if he had been working out while waiting for someone.
Jake and his friends noticed the student in question and turned to Yoko, curious about the unusual behavior of the students and teachers. "Yoko, who is he?" Jake asked, unaware of the situation.
"Just don’t look at him and keep your head down," Yoko warned, not wanting to draw unnecessary attention.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/c6/Ushio_likes_to_describe_himself_as_strong_as_a_gorilla.png]
"The guy looks like a gorilla to me," Carter quipped, causing Jake, Akane, and Luna to giggle at the resemblance. However, Yoko remained serious, determined not to draw the student’s attention.
"Shh! Just keep your head down and walk past him. We’ll be fine," Yoko pleaded, leading the group while doing her best to avoid trouble.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1f/Ushio_Tanaka_Profile.png]
But before they could pass, the student stepped directly in front of Yoko and the group, blocking their path. Yoko, with her head down, slowly looked up to meet his gaze. His very presence exuded menace and defiance. The student, Ushio Tanaka, was well-known as a high school bully, synonymous with intimidation and fear. It seemed as if he had been waiting for Yoko.
"Samurai girl, you and your companions shall not proceed," he proclaimed in deep, assertive Japanese, his voice leaving no room for negotiation.
Yoko, not wanting any trouble, especially with Jake and her friends as guests, mustered up her courage despite feeling uneasy. She stood her ground and spoke in Japanese. "Tanaka-san, I don’t want any trouble today. Please, let me and my friends through. We can settle our problems another day when they aren’t here," her voice trembled, pleading for a peaceful resolution.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d6/Gorilla_Smash.png]
"I SAID YOU SHALL NOT PASS! GET LOST!" Ushio bellowed, his voice booming across the school grounds with raw ferocity, sending a shiver down the spines of those nearby. To further assert his dominance, he unleashed his Gorilla Smash, swinging his arm with the dumbbell in hand down in a powerful arc to strike the nearby wall. The impact was deafening, leaving a web of cracks spreading across the surface, a stark display of his fearsome strength.
The spectacle left no doubt about his intimidation. Students and teachers, momentarily frozen by the display, quickly scurried away, avoiding eye contact and rushing past the scene, unwilling to risk confrontation with the school’s notorious bully.
Jake and his friends were shocked by the situation Yoko was facing. Since the conversation was in Japanese, they were lost in translation. "What’s going on?" Jake asked, as none of them were sure about what was happening. Fortunately, Akane, who understood Japanese, provided a quick explanation. "The guy’s not letting us into the school," she whispered, keeping it short and to the point.
Realizing the situation was escalating, Jake understood that a showdown was ahead. Carter, seeing the aggressive stance of Ushio, took out his hockey stick, ready to confront the bully. "The guy seems muscular, but I think I can take him on," Carter volunteered, stepping forward. Before he could act, Yoko stopped him, not wanting her guests to get involved in her school affairs.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
"No, Carter. Let me handle this," Yoko said, her voice trembling as her hand inched toward her tanto, ready to defend her honor and her friends. But deep down, she knew she was no match for Ushio. Her fear was evident in her body language, something Jake and the others couldn’t ignore.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a0/Akane_Miyazaki_Profile.png]
However, Akane, usually quiet, stepped in. She gently placed her hand on Yoko’s, stopping her from drawing her tanto, nodding with a calm resolve. She signaled that she would take care of the situation. Yoko, unsure how to react to Akane’s determination, could only allow her to step forward. Akane then drew her sai, ready for the battle ahead.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/4/4f/Dumbbell.png]
Ushio, not recognizing Akane, decided to taunt her in Japanese. "I don’t know who you are, but you’ve got guts to confront me, girl!" he sneered, gripping his dumbbell, his weapon of choice—unconventional yet brutal. The dumbbell symbolized his obsession with strength and muscle-building, weighing around 55 lbs, giving his attacks substantial crushing force. Its solid iron construction ensured it could deliver massive damage, while being durable enough to withstand the rigors of combat. Ushio used the dumbbell both offensively and defensively, confident it wouldn’t break under pressure.
Akane, unfazed, whispered back in Japanese, "Gorilla," mocking his appearance. Her sais were already in hand, her posture embodying defiance. Her calm presence matched Ushio's intimidating aura, living up to her reputation as the "Twilight Sai."
"Gorilla, you say?" Ushio sneered, clearly unfazed by the insult. "That's exactly how I describe my strength! I don’t know who you are, but you’ve got guts to confront me, girl!" He grinned, accepting her challenge.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d6/Gorilla_Smash.png]
Outside Seiryu High School transformed into a battleground as Ushio "Gorilla" Tanaka faced off against Akane "Twilight Sai" Miyazaki. Ushio sized up Akane, viewing her as just a petite girl compared to his muscular frame. His strategy was simple: deliver a crushing blow with his dumbbell. Without hesitation, he unleashed his Gorilla Smash, descending with the force of a tempest in an overhead strike, mimicking the raw power of a gorilla. But the blow didn’t find its mark.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/c/cb/Whispering_Willows.png]
Akane, using her Whispering Willows technique, wove a dance of evasion, as graceful as it was effective. Her fluid movements turned Ushio’s brute force into nothing more than a shadow, passing harmlessly by as she effortlessly dodged his attack.
Jake, Carter, and Luna watched with confidence, fully aware of Akane’s skill with her pair of sais. They knew she had the ability to beat Ushio. Yoko, on the other hand, was filled with worry for her friend. Her hands tightly clasped, she whispered a silent prayer, "Please be safe, Akane," her voice heavy with concern and hope, not wanting her troubles to cause harm to her companions.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/6e/Muscle-Bound_Momentum.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f3/Whirlwind_Retreat.png]
Undeterred by his missed smash, Ushio followed up with his Muscle-Bound Momentum, charging at Akane like a freight train, using the dumbbell to clear his path. Yet Akane was prepared. Using her Whirlwind Retreat, she spun gracefully away from Ushio, parrying his charging attack with her sais, creating distance to reassess the battle. Ushio crashed into a wall, the impact causing cracks to form, but his muscular build absorbed the damage. Despite this, frustration began to set in.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/55/Dumbbell_Jab.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/70/Sai_Serenity.png]
His frustration turned into a furious vow. "Insolence! I'll crush you!" he roared, continuing his offensive. Ushio turned and launched a Dumbbell Jab, a quick, piercing strike aimed at vulnerable points. Akane, still on the defensive, employed Sai Serenity, crossing her sais in front of her to form an 'X' that caught and locked the dumbbell, effectively controlling the flow of the battle.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/59/Iron_Grip_Toss.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/68/Scarlet_Bind.png]
Ushio, smiling sinisterly when his dumbbell was trapped, used his free hand to go for Iron Grip Toss, a grappling move where he tried to grab Akane with one hand and hurl her away with brute force. Akane, spotting the movement, immediately released the dumbbell, using her Scarlet Bind technique to trap Ushio's arm with the prongs of her sais, locking his joint in place.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/ba/Weighted_Swing.png]
"Ouch!" Ushio shouted, the pain making him angrier than before. Enraged, he immediately swung the dumbbell in a wide arc with Weighted Swing, creating a barrier of force around him. Akane was forced to release his arm and step back, putting some distance between them.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b2/Frenzied_Flurry.png]
Anger and frustration mounted for Ushio as he grunted in pain, growling through gritted teeth, "You’ll pay for that!" Refusing to concede defeat, he unleashed a Frenzied Flurry, a desperate attempt to regain the upper hand. A rapid succession of strikes with the dumbbell followed, each blow more forceful than the last. The move reflected Ushio's short temper and his propensity for violence. His dumbbell became a blur, each strike aimed with lethal intent.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d4/Shadow_Step.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/4/42/Silent_Cherry_Blossom_Thrust.png]
Akane, using Ushio’s anger against him, employed her Shadow Step, her movements fluid and unpredictable like the wind. With precision that demonstrated her mastery, she delivered a Silent Cherry Blossom Thrust directly to one of Ushio's vital pressure points. The effect was immediate, leaving Ushio momentarily paralyzed by the unexpected counterattack.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/f/f6/Twilight_Mirage.png]
Stunned that his ultimate move had failed to connect, Ushio struggled to pick himself up, but it was too late. Spotting a fleeting opportunity amid the chaos, Akane invoked Twilight Mirage. The sun’s rays, reflected off the polished surfaces of her sais, created a dazzling spectacle that momentarily blinded Ushio, rendering him even more vulnerable.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d4/Crimson_Cyclone.png]
"My eyes!" Ushio shouted, stumbling back. Seizing the moment, Akane followed up with Crimson Cyclone, a rapid spinning attack where she extended her sais outward, creating a whirlwind of strikes. Ushio, unable to defend himself, took every blow, ultimately falling to the ground and dropping his dumbbell, marking the end of their duel.
Jake, Carter, and Luna cheered loudly. "Akane, you did great!" Jake exclaimed as Akane, blushing, turned red with embarrassment.
Yoko, filled with relief, was thankful that Akane emerged unscathed. "Akane, are you alright?" she asked, concerned for her friend’s well-being. "I can’t apologize enough for the trouble my personal issues have caused during your first visit here," she said, tears rolling down her cheeks as she bowed deeply in gratitude.
Akane, shy about receiving such thanks, immediately placed her hands on Yoko’s shoulders, gently bringing her back to a standing position. "There’s no need to bow, Yoko. We’re just doing what’s right," she whispered.
"How long have you been carrying this burden, Yoko?" Jake asked, concerned about his cousin. It was now evident that this bullying had been ongoing long before their visit to Seiryu High, and Yoko had been facing it alone.
Yoko’s response was a testament to her courage. "It all began when I couldn’t stand by and watch the school bullies pick on others. I decided to stand up for the weak, following the code of Bushido and righteousness," Yoko explained. "But that bravery turned into a negative turning point when their animosity shifted toward me." Tears brimmed in her eyes. "The bullies are stronger than me, and I’ve had to live under their shadow to avoid causing more trouble for myself."
"What? Did you never ask the teachers or any adults for help?" Carter asked, frustrated on her behalf, his justice-oriented nature flaring up.
"The bullies are affiliated with the yakuza. The teachers are too afraid to mess with them," Yoko explained softly. "I ask you, Jake and everyone, please let this remain our secret. I’ve kept this from my father, believing I could handle it on my own."
Jake placed a comforting hand on Yoko’s shoulder. "Don’t worry, you don’t have to face this alone. We’re here with you!" he said, smiling with optimism.
"Yeah," Carter chimed in with his strong sense of brotherhood. "The bullies act brave because they think no one dares to stand up to them. But with us here, Yoko, we’ll show them they’re not invincible!"
Akane nodded silently in agreement, while Luna added, "Yoko, we’ll help you! I hate bullies too!" Luna could empathize, having seen similar despair and oppression under the overlords in her future.
Yoko, overwhelmed with gratitude, let her tears flow. "Thank you, everyone. I really appreciate what you’re doing for me." In the midst of this emotional moment, they had momentarily forgotten about Ushio. Breathing heavily from his defeat, Ushio picked up his dumbbell and retreated, his pride wounded and his frustration clear.
"You’ll regret crossing me! Osamu will hear about this. You won’t get away with humiliating me!" he spat, his threat lingering in the air like a dark promise of future conflict. With that, he shuffled off into the school.
At the mention of Osamu’s name, Yoko began trembling again, fear overtaking her. Jake noticed and comforted her. "Don’t worry about this Osamu guy, Yoko," he reassured her. "Let’s go in and enjoy Japanese school life. We’re here as a group, and our unity is our greatest strength!"
Jake’s words seemed to comfort Yoko, and she smiled slightly as they proceeded into Seiryu High to learn more about Japanese school life.