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Chapter 37: Storm Before the Calm

The teenagers followed Yoko’s lead, taking the train towards Kabukichō with a sense of determination. The streets were quiet during the off-hours, with shops and clubs waiting for the bustling nighttime crowd. Numerous clubs lined the streets, large billboards displaying images of hosts and hostesses, promising a different energy come nightfall. Eventually, they reached their destination, a large sign reading Midnight Mirage in English—a name Jake and his friends could easily recognize.

Though the club wasn’t open yet, a bouncer stood outside, his posture unwelcoming as the group of teenagers approached. His stern expression made it clear he wasn’t interested in entertaining them.

Yoko stepped forward, addressing him in fluent Japanese. "Excuse me, sir, we’re looking for Hana Amaya-san. Do you know where we can find her?" Her voice carried both respect and urgency, hoping the direct approach would get them past the door.

The bouncer’s eyes narrowed suspiciously, his furrowed brow betraying his skepticism. "This place isn't for kids. Get lost," he growled, showing no intention of helping them.

"Please, it's important that we speak with her," Yoko insisted, her voice tinged with urgency.

"There's no such person! I said leave!" The bouncer snapped, swinging his baton at Yoko in a swift, threatening motion. She barely avoided the hit, the clear threat causing a tense silence to fall over the group.

Jake, sensing things were about to escalate, stepped up beside Yoko. "Yoko, looks like we’ll have to do this the hard way," he muttered, his grip tightening around his baseball bat.

Akane, Luna, and Carter moved in beside him, each brandishing their own weapons—Akane with her sais, Luna with her lightsaber, and Carter gripping his hockey stick. The bouncer took note of the display, his eyes narrowing as the tension in the air thickened. The message was clear: they wouldn’t back down.

Not wanting to lose in a numbers game, the bouncer waved his hand, signaling for reinforcements. "So, you kids are troublemakers after all!" he growled in a threatening tone, his body language and sharp gaze making his intent clear, even if Jake and the others couldn’t understand his Japanese.

Within moments, several more men appeared at the bouncer's side, each wielding a baton. Their stances were firm, and it was clear they were prepared to stop the teenagers by force if necessary.

Jake glanced at his friends, tension building. "Looks like we’ve got company," he muttered, his grip on his bat tightening.

Luna, Akane, and Carter readied their weapons, their faces set with determination. Yoko, standing at the front with her arms spread wide, her expression one of steely resolve, tried to stop the impending fight. "We’re not here to cause trouble. We just need to find Hana Amaya," she called out in Japanese, her voice firm yet pleading. However, her words fell on deaf ears. The reinforcements, clearly uninterested in negotiation, continued their advance, batons raised and ready to strike.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/14/Home_Run_Swing.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/3b/Hockey_Stick_Sweep.png]

The bouncers advanced, swinging their batons without tactics, relying purely on force. Jake swung his baseball bat with a Home Run Swing, deflecting an incoming baton with a resounding thud. Carter quickly followed up with a powerful Hockey Stick Sweep, the wide arc catching the bouncers' feet, tripping three of them to the ground at once.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/12/Luna_Estrella_performing_Holographic_Feint_move%2Ccreating_holographic_illusions.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/70/Sai_Serenity.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/8/8e/Dancing_Dragon%27s_Grasp.png]

Luna, with a swift gesture, used her digital expertise and activated her Holographic Feint, creating multiple images of herself to confuse the bouncers, causing them to swing at the illusions, unsure of what was happening. Another bouncer swung his baton at Akane, but she was unfazed. She easily crossed her sais in front of her, using her Sai Serenity defensive stance, forming an 'X' that caught and locked the bouncer's baton before it could reach her. She followed up with Dancing Dragon's Grasp, twirling her sais in an intricate pattern designed to entrap and disarm the bouncer with a swift twist and lock.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b2/Cherry_Blossom_Parry.png]

Yoko, who initially didn’t want to join the fight, was forced into action when one of the bouncers targeted her with a swing of his baton. With no choice, she drew her tanto and used Cherry Blossom Parry, gracefully and effectively deflecting and countering the attack, stunning the bouncer.

The battle intensified, with neither side willing to give up, even though the advantage seemed to be on Jake and his friends' side. However, just as the clash reached its peak, a commanding presence suddenly halted the confrontation.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/99/Hana_Amaya_Profile.png]

A young Japanese girl in her early 20s stepped out from the club, her appearance striking—a sharp contrast to the grimy street. She wore a traditional pink kimono, adorned with delicate pink Tama-Kanzashi, a traditional Japanese hair ornament woven into her straight, long black hair. Her pink irises surveyed the chaotic scene with icy calm. "What's going on here with this commotion?" she demanded in Japanese, her voice cutting through the noise. However, the group was too absorbed in the fight to react, continuing to battle as if she hadn't spoken.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/53/Hana_Amaya%27s_Umbrella.png]

With deliberate calmness, she opened her umbrella—her weapon of choice. The canopy, pink to match her kimono, was decorated with delicate floral patterns that symbolized her feminine grace. Measuring approximately 33.5 inches, the umbrella served not only as a functional parasol but also as a versatile tool for close-quarters combat. Its frame was crafted from reinforced steel, while the canopy was made of high-quality silk, intricately patterned to reflect traditional Japanese heritage. The handle, designed for comfort and grip, allowed her to use it effectively for blocking, striking, and defensive maneuvers

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image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/4/43/Typhoon_Spin.png]

Furious that her words were ignored, the young Japanese lady ran into the middle of the commotion, unfurled her elegant umbrella, and executed a Typhoon Spin, creating a powerful gust of wind that knocked everyone to the ground, halting the fight abruptly. The bouncers, along with Jake and his friends, found themselves seated on the pavement as the strong wind swirled around them. Her umbrella twirled slowly at her side as she surveyed the scene with a cold, measured gaze.

"Enough," she declared, her tone authoritative, her posture unyielding. "Lay down your weapons. There's nothing to be gained from brawling in the streets like common thugs." The bouncers, hearing her command, immediately obeyed, not daring to defy her. Despite her young age, close to theirs, she exuded an air of authority that was both surprising and compelling. Her graceful demeanor stood in stark contrast to the power she wielded, leaving the group momentarily awestruck.

The bouncer who had earlier barred their entry now spoke in hurried, nervous tones. "Amaya-sama, these people came looking for you," he stammered, revealing that the young lady was, in fact, Hana Amaya, the very person they had been searching for. "I tried to stop them to prevent them from coming in," he added, his voice tinged with fear as he faced her.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/6d/Rainfall_Strike.png]

Hana turned sharply to the bouncer, her response swift and cold. "Why was I not informed? And why did you make the decision to stop them?" she questioned icily. Without waiting for an answer, she executed a Rainfall Strike, her umbrella moving fluidly in her hands. Each strike was precise, mimicking the gentle yet relentless fall of rain, landing with pinpoint accuracy. The bouncer was sent sprawling, a demonstration of not only her physical power but her unchallenged authority. "Let this be a lesson. You report to me; do not make your own decisions," she admonished, her voice firm and unforgiving.

The bouncer scrambled to his feet, kneeling down and nodding profusely, his voice shaky. "Sorry, Amaya-sama, it won’t happen again," he stammered, his fear and respect evident. Jake and his friends exchanged stunned glances, unable to fully grasp what had just unfolded before them. Hana’s innocent appearance belied a strength and authority far beyond what they had anticipated.

Turning her attention to Yoko and the rest of the group, Hana’s sharp gaze softened slightly as she addressed them, recognizing them as mere teenagers, though their age gap was not significant. "I apologize for the commotion. I was not informed that someone was looking for me," she said in Japanese, her tone polite but still carrying the weight of command.

Yoko stepped forward, finally meeting Hana Amaya, who might hold the key to finding her father, Kenjiro, and their friend, Kaito. Bowing respectfully, Yoko spoke earnestly. "Amaya-san, we need your help," she began, her voice filled with worry. "I’m looking for my father, Kenjiro, and my friend, Kaito. I hope you can assist us." Her tone was laced with fear, but she maintained a respectful and humble posture.

Hana looked at Yoko, her curiosity piqued by the mention of Kenjiro and Kaito. She closed her umbrella and rested it elegantly against her shoulder. "Please, come inside the club and explain it to me slowly," she invited them, her voice smoother now, betraying a hint of interest in how they came to know her and why they were seeking her out. With a graceful gesture towards the entrance of the club, she welcomed them in. Though wary of the possibility that it could be a trap, Yoko, Jake, and the others knew they had no other choice.

Reluctantly, they accepted Hana's invitation and followed her into the cabaret club. It was their first time inside such a place. The room was filled with soft, bright lights, and luxurious decor with plush sofa seating. A bar adorned with various bottles of alcohol stood at the side, a bartender quietly preparing for the club’s later opening. Normally, loud music would fill the room, but since it was not yet operating hours, the speakers were silent.

image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/8/8b/Hana_Amaya_in_a_traditional_Japanese_bar.png]

Hana led them to a set of assigned seats, clicking her fingers as the bartender understood the signal and swiftly prepared a drink for her. "Would you and your friends like something to drink?" Hana asked Yoko in fluent Japanese, her tone a mix of customary hospitality and an air of authority. Before Yoko could respond, Hana gestured to the bartender to take orders from the group.

Yoko, Jake, and the others exchanged uncertain glances, growing more uneasy by the unexpected hospitality and Hana’s insistence on formalities. "It’s okay, Amaya-san, we’re here to look for my father and my friend," Yoko began earnestly, hoping to steer the conversation back to its purpose. But before she could continue, Hana raised a hand, signaling her to pause.

"Please, order something—I insist," Hana chided gently yet firmly. "Isn't it a rule to introduce yourself before asking for help?" Her voice carried a subtle authority, reminding them that if they wanted her assistance, they had to follow her lead.

Reluctantly, the group introduced themselves one by one, each sharing a bit about their backgrounds. As the introductions went on, the tension in the room seemed to ease slightly, creating a faint semblance of mutual respect. Still, Yoko was eager to return to the pressing matter at hand.

"Hana-san, we really need your help. If you could provide any information about my father and my friend, we would be so grateful," Yoko said, her voice respectful but tinged with a subtle urgency. She hoped this would finally prompt Hana to reveal the clues they needed.

"Please, just call me Hana, Yoko," Hana responded, smiling softly. "No need for such formalities. After all, we’re not that far apart in age." She was clearly trying to delay the main topic, much to Yoko’s frustration.

"Okay, Hana," Yoko complied, but her voice became firmer. "Would you mind telling us where my father and friend are? We’re really worried." Her worry now evident, Yoko hoped this would finally push Hana to provide the answers they sought.

Hana simply laughed softly, covering her mouth as she sipped her drink, enjoying Yoko’s growing impatience. "You don’t need to worry about those two. No harm will come to them," she said with a casual tone, as if the situation wasn’t as dire as they feared. Her demeanor remained calm, but she seemed to know more than she let on.

Then, with a small smile, Hana added something that caught Yoko off guard, "And how’s your mother, Nariko? Still in Osaka?" Her question was laced with familiarity, revealing that Hana knew more about Yoko than she had let on, deepening the mystery surrounding this encounter.

"How do you know my mother... and why are you so confident that no harm will come to my father and friend?" Yoko asked, stunned by the revelation that Hana knew such personal details about her.

Hana leaned in closer and whispered in Yoko’s ear, "You’ll understand when you get there." Her cryptic response was followed by a more straightforward one. "You can find them at..." She discreetly revealed the location of the Kurokaze-kai headquarters, her tone suggesting that she trusted them with this sensitive information. Pulling back, she flipped her hair and added with a nonchalant air, "I’ve told you where to find them. It’s up to you now to go and save them."

Jake, looking confused by Hana’s demeanor, turned to Yoko. "Did she really tell you where to find them?"

Yoko nodded, confirming that Hana had indeed revealed the location. Her mind was still lingering on Hana’s cryptic words, but there was no time to dwell on them now. "Great, let’s go!" Carter said, already standing up, eager to leave and set off.

"So quick to leave? I thought we were just starting to get to know each other," Hana remarked, feigning sadness.

Yoko also stood, prompting the others to follow her lead. "Thank you, Hana-san. We really appreciate your hospitality, but we need to leave," she said formally, bowing slightly. "Your help means a lot."

Hana’s eyes twinkled as she responded, "I hope you find them soon. And I believe we’ll meet again sooner than you expect." Her words were cryptic once more, but Yoko had no time to delve deeper as they hurried out of the Midnight Mirage.

With the location of the Kurokaze-kai headquarters now in their possession, Jake, Yoko, and the rest of the group left the club. They set off towards the headquarters, where an inevitable confrontation with the yakuza awaited.