"Well, here we are!" Katsumi declares as we land in front of the hospital.

Judging by the sounds, the construction is going smoothly.

"'Bout time you guys showed up!" a familiar voice says.

I turn around...and down to see Vorn.

"So, you came out alive." he says sarcastically. "You put us through a lot of trouble, you know that?"

"Honestly, I have no excuse."

"Figures."

He puts down the tools he's caring, then shakes my hand.

"It's good to have you back."

I'm surprised, but smile.

Gacha...

"Well, everyone, time to get to...OH, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?!?" Katsumi yells.

We all look past him...

!!!!!!!!!

To see the yakuza members working on the construction!?

"Yo." says Jericho-sama.

"Long time no see, 'comrades'." adds Jonathan-sama.

Many of us reach for our weapons.

"Don't worry, we're not going to fight." Jonathan-sama continues. "After the thrashing you put us through, we're in no condition to try. This manual labor is our limit. Besides..."

He lifts up his left arm to show a guantlet with a crystal at its center.

"These channeler devices prevent us from trying anything involving rhime."

(Channelers!? Those things again!?) I think.

"Seems after Pri-Poda learned of their connection to the New Vegas incident, they've been incorporated into crime management. These tweaked ones will make us run out of rhime instantly should even a tiny bit be used, so we won't do anything."

Some of us are still sceptical.

"Give us a break." one female thug says. "We're here because we were asked to."

"Who'd do that?" asks Sigka.

"I did." Mr. Wave-sama says, coming down the stairs alongside Sutoria-sama. "Welcome, and thank you for what you've done."

"You never mentioned they'd be here!" Katsumi exclaims.

"Sorry about that, but many hands make light work. Besides, after what I've seen during their skirmish amongst themselves, they really aren't bad people."

"Hope you know what you're getting yourself into." Clara says.

"It's a little late for that." Jericho-sama states. "He already paid for our bails."

"What!?" most of us exclaim.

"Then why are you here!?" Tamashi asks.

"Seems the police are still skeptical, so they still wanted us to do a day of community service." one guy replies. "Helping the man who bailed us out is the least we can do. We always repay our debts."

"Hey! Hey! Oren!" I hear Tarran say, walking towards me and carrying some boxes. "Welcome back!"

I look at him, then Sueka. Then I shrug.

"Well, this place won't fix itself." I state, walking towards Tarran.

"Well...you're right." Katsumi agrees. "Let's get to it!"

"Hut! Hut! Hut! Clean! Clean! Clean! Fix! Fix! Fix! Work! Work! Work!" Sueka and I repeat as we lug around loads of wood, insulation, paint, and other construction supplies.

During the next hour, a lot seems to happen around me. Many yakuza members proclaim they will give up their life of crime. Katsumi states the reason for why we're hear is to lower the damage costs the Keisetsu accumulated from our last battle. He also complains that the news blames everything on us. But on a more positive note, Mr. Wave-sama has agreed to become a sponsor for the Keisetsu. In secret, of course. It's been a while since I've seen Katsumi change his mood so quickly.

"Hut! Hut! Hut! Clean! Clean! Clean! Fix! Fix! Fix! Work! Work! Work!"

Hisao, who does a lot of the heavy lifting, keeps complaining that he didn't even get to use a fraction of his power. I'm surprised at how bad the Keisetsu members are at construction. Honestly, Sueka and I are doing most of the work! The only ones who aren't working at all are Seppe and Ripperu. Poor Ripperu... She still hasn't gotten over what Hunter-sama has done. But after a talk with Hiromu, she seems to improve a little bit. I'm in no position to judge, but she's strong, so she'll recover in time.

"Hut! Hut! Hut! Clean! Clean! Clean! Fix! Fix! Fix! Work! Work! Work!"

"Cut that out, will you!?" Katsumi yells at us as we're setting up the boards for the lounge's walls. Seems our words and the sounds of construction are interrupting his business discussions.

...

"Hut! Hut! H...!"

"CAN I...Huh!?"

As he turns around, the boards are in place and we're setting up the wires.

He turns around slowly.

"Hu...!"

Now he turns quickly, and sees us putting in the insulation.

(What in the...?)

He turns around slowly, then immediately looks back at us.

The wall itself is done and we are finishing up the paint.

"Something wrong?" Sueka and I ask.

Everyone looks at us in astonishment.

"What?" Sueka asks. "We built and rebuilt stuff all the time in Terraz."

(Plus, my rhime speed definitely makes things quicker.) I think.

Everyone turns away slowly, like Katsumi did, then turns around immediately.

We put in traditional open hearth fireplace.

Everyone's jaw drops in astonishment.

"Having a fireplace might be hazardous for the patients here, but..." Mr. Wave-sama remarks.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Sueka picks up her chuí, readying them for a strike at the fireplace.

"Smash?" she asks.

"No! No! It's fine! Love the fireplace! It'll be a nice place for some patients to relax."

For the next hour, everyone works vigorously to finish the hospital repairs. Well, most of it was Sueka and me. Granted, there were a few problems, like Claire's spores messing up wall interiors and drying paint and the sloppy work of many of the yakuza members, but as a whole it worked out quite well. In no time, we're down to the last patient room.

"Hey, Sueka!" Yuri calls. "Now's a good time!"

"Coming!" she responds. "Sorry, brother, but do you mind?"

"I don't know what you're talking about, but go ahead."

"Thanks!"

Sueka departs with Yuri, leaving me and a few yakuza members to finish the room. I start setting up the wires, humming Santana's " Corazón Espinado".

"Um...Oren?" Sutoria says, coming in.

"Oh, hey, Sutoria-sama."

"Just Sutoria."

"You'll need to give me time for that."

"Oh, come on man!" Tarran shouts, walking in behind her, carrying buckets of paint. "No need to be so professional."

"Funny hearing that from you." I retort.

Togo-sama comes follow Tarran in, carrying more buckets. He turns to me and starts to say something, but stops, looks at me for a few seconds, then simply nods, smiling.

"Mind if I...?" Sutoria-sama starts.

"No toque nada. Not unless you're confident working with circuitry. Don't take it personally, it's for your own safety."

We continue our work, the trio remaining silent. Sutoria-sama looks at Tarran, takes a deep breath, then turns to me.

"I have a question...about Dodge and Chates."

I stop working.

"...Go on."

"Did you...kill them?"

"I was there when they died...but their deaths were ultimately at their own hands. Although, knowing how Hunter-sama was mixed up in so many things, I wouldn't be surprised if she played a part in it."

"I see." she says.

"Hunter-sama's words still bugging you?"

She nods.

"It's just that...I've lost so much over the years. And I guess I instinctively look for someone to blame."

"Honestly, I think I have that excuse. Many of those I've cared about have died at the hands of Hunter-sama, Dodge-sama, and Chates-sama. In fact, Dodge-sama even called out to you in his final moments. In some ways, that would give me an excuse to hate you."

She turns away.

"But I can't blame you." I continue.

"Oh?" Tarran says.

"I don't know about Hunter-sama, but I can sort of see where Dodge-sama and Chates-sama

were coming from. When Dodge-sama stood up to his own brother to make things right, it was clear he cared more about his family than about the mission. And if they were doing everything for you, I can relate to doing rather reckless things out of love. In many ways, we're similar."

By this time, I can start painting the walls. Tarran hands me one bucket.

"Sort of reminds me of what our mom used to say." he remarks. "'You shouldn't call out others for the mistakes you too have done. Instead turn to others, and forget not your debts, until the battle is won.'"

(Huh. Interesting phrase.)

"That sounds a lot like our creed." one of the yakuza members, a muscular man, proclaims.

Sutoria-sama picks up a brush and starts to help painting the wall.

"I guess we're similar in more ways that I thought." she says. "Though I wish I was as strong as you."

"Strong? Well...let's just say I have a long way to go. Perhaps we both do."

"Well then...what am I to do?" she asks.

"What do you mean?"

"I feel that I was being used by Hunter solely for money. Perhaps my idol career was all a fluke. And what else am I really good for? All I do is cause trouble for everyone. My father. Tarran. Even my fans."

"Now stop right there!" Tarran and I say together.

"I'm a fan too, you know!" Tarran says. "And I of all people know that your career as an idol isn't a fluke!"

"And I've seen what you're capable of, both on and off the battlefield!" I continue. "If I know Hunter-sama, she would mostly put effort towards what would result in maximum gain. I doubt she would have put so much faith in you as an idol and fighter if she didn't think you had it in you. And Hunter aside, I speak for my sister and myself when I say I've come to greatly appreciate your music."

"Thanks?" she says, unconvinced. "But then, what should I do?"

I pause to think, then say...

"Decide for yourself."

"Huh?"

"You keep thinking as though Hunter-sama is going to make your decisions. She made you think you could trust her and not your father. I'm assuming becoming an idol was her idea too. But you're a strong woman. One that I'm sure will make the right decision. Just put a little more faith in yourself."

By this time, we finish the room.

"Don't worry about making mistakes. Many people fear that 'If one of us falls, we all fall'. But what matters most isn't if we fall, it's if we get back up and lend a hand."

(Honestly, that's ironic coming from you.)

(Can it, conscience, or I'll drown you in memes.)

(Challenge accepted!)

Sutoria-sama is silent.

"Just think about it." I say as everyone else, including me, starts to leave the room.

I arrive in the entrance hall of the hospital, where everyone is conversing among themselves.

"Looks like you all did a fine job." Mr. Wave-sama says. He then turns to Jericho-sama and Jonathan-sama.

"A deal's a deal. You're free to go."

While some of the yakuza members smile, most are silent and look confused.

"Never thought this day would come!" one shouts.

"To the karaoke bar!"

The majority still remain silent.

"Come on, we've had time to think about this!" another says to them.

"Somehow, this doesn't feel right." says one of the women.

"At least TRY something!"

Jonathan-sama turns to Hisao.

"Actually, I have a requ..."

"WAIT!!" I hear Sutoria-sama yell.

Everyone turns to her, then gives her space as she strides towards Hisao.

She stops, turns to me, then back to Hisao...

Then goes into a dogeza position.

"Please, let me join the Kyusen!"

"SERIOUSLY!?" cries nearly everyone.

(Is there always going to be this level of reaction?) I think.

"I don't know which branch I would fit in best, but I wish to make a difference! In my own way!" she continues.

Instantly, Hisao smiles. To my surprise, so does Mr. Wave-sama. But I think the one who smiles the most is Katsumi.

"You have my vote!" he declares, his eyes in the shape of mesure signs.

"While I've only seen you fight a little bit," Hisao says, "I can say you have potential as a fighter. But I'm sure all branches would accept such a successful idol into their ranks. Of course, what branch you end up in is your choice."

She turns to Mr. Wave-sama.

"Been a while since I've seen you this determined." he says. "Just like your mother."

"Just like her mother, huh?" Jonathan-sama mutters. He clears his throat, then walks towards Sutoria-sama.

"Sutoria Wave. I cannot overlook what your biological father did to us, but I can clearly see that you take after your mother in many ways. You have her kindness and Amado's strength. And while it might be too early to make this proposal, I will ask now: can we call you 'Boss'?"

"Nani?" asks Sutoria-sama.

"What are you saying!?" exclaims one yakuza member.

"No way am I working under her!" another says.

"Say what you will," replies Jonathan-sama, "but I was hoping to rejoin the Kyusen after seeing how strong the Keisetsu is this generation. We'll all go our separate ways, and this is the path I've chosen."

"I haven't agreed to this request yet!" whines Sutoria-sama. She's clearly being ignored.

Togo-sama puts his right hand on her left shoulder, gives a thumbs up with his other hand, and smiles.

"Wherever you go, I will follow." he says.

Sutoria smiles reassuringly.

Hisao lets out a hearty laugh, then walks over to Jonathan-sama.

"I was hoping you'd say that." Hisao says. "Of course, try anything, and I'll kick your butt myself."

"Now I really don't want to live a life of crime." remarks Jonathan-sama sarcastically.

Many of the yakuza members talk among themselves, but in the end, they all agree to join the Kyusen. "Family has to stick together" is their argument.

"Great!" shouts Katsumi happily. "Then you can forget all about us cleaning house on you guys."

"Oh HELL NO!" most of them say. Surprisingly, many point to Hiromu. Some even look around for Sueka, judging by the description of a "busty psychotic animal tone".

"Well," Jericho-sama says, "if you can't beat them, join them."

He looks at me.

"No hard feelings for that injury to your hand. Right, kid?"

"No worries." I say. "It completely healed."

...

"Wait, WHAT!?!?" yells Jericho-sama.

He rushes over to me and checks my hand. Completely healed.

"That's impossible! Nobody has ever recovered from one of my attacks!"

I look at him, equally confused.

"How'd you do it!?"

"Honestly, it just happened naturally."

"NATURALLY!?!?"

I nod.

"Okay, now I REALLY need to join! I must learn your secret, kid!"

(Awkward.)

"Well, if he's joining, so will I." a woman yakuza member says.

One man sighs, then nods in agreement.

A couple of them walk towards Hiromu, then bow.

"Great Hiro, please teach us!" they say together.

And Hiromu cracks a sinister smile.

"I'm not an easy teacher." he says.

"We are ready!"

"You will follow my orders to the letter."

"Sir yes sir!"

"Alright then. Prinny Rule #1! You shall always include the word 'dood' in every line you say!"

"Ai, dood!"

And Ripperu bursts out laughing. Looks like she's mostly back to normal.

"We finished repairs in record time, made a new alliance, and even got some new comrades in arms!" Katsumi declares. "This calls for a celebration, Keisetsu style!"

"I still haven't agreed yet!" Sutoria-sama retorts.

"It'll be a pleasure working with you." Tarran says to me.

"Likewise." I say, returning a high five.

Sutoria-sama sighs.

"No backing out now."

(Besides, I want to see not only where I can go from here, but also where he can go.) she thinks, looking at me.

"Did I hear someone mention a party?" I hear Sueka say.

I turn around and...!

(Hot sis in red dress! Hot sis in red dress!)

I see Sueka in a red flamenco dress with black roses decorating it. She even has red roses in her hair. This time, I agree with Nur.

(Do I hear running water? Nur, are you having a nosebleed?)

Yuri follows Sueka, walking on the ceiling. Where did she get all the snacks?

"Party time!" she yells.

Hiromu brings out his music player and the songs start blaring. With snacks aplenty, songs to sing and dance to, and a more friendly atmosphere, everyone gets into a partying mood. Sutoria-sama sings many of her hit numbers. Many of us dance, with a samba song allowing Sueka and me to perform a bulería tango together. Other dances include waltzes for the ice tones, electric tone break dances with me among them, a plenty of other freestyle dances. Sueka even won a dance-off by majority rule against Sutoria-sama by dancing to Hiroshi Yamaguchi's "Let's Dance, Boys!" by combining bulería steps, break dance techniques she learned from me, as well as more...erotic freestyle movements. Hiromu, when not "training" the "new recruits", tells jokes that seem to confuse everyone but Ripperu, who's starting to get her cheerful mood back. Katsumi plays poker with many of the yakuza members, and, of course, he wins by a landslide. Never noticed how evil his laugh could be. And then there's the fire tones, who stuff their faces like there is no tomorrow. Save for a few snacks on the ceiling that Yuri eats, which still fall onto people occasionally. Thank the Rhoken Claire didn't sneeze!

"Everyone!" Hisao yells. "I have an important announcement!"

Everyone stops and looks to him.

"We have one more reason for celebration. Today, Katsumi and I decided that Oren Tsurai has met the qualifications to become an official Keisetsu member."

!

All the Keisetsu members start clapping and cheering.

"Congratulations!" Claire says.

"Welcome aboard." adds Sigka.

"Way to go, Oren." Vorn says. "I was right to entrust Clarent to you. ...Sorry for my previous doubts."

Hisao gestures for me to walk over to him. For a while, I'm flustered, but I muster the courage to walk over to him.

"You serious? I'm..capable enough?" I ask.

"It took a while, but you finally met the requirements."

"Which were?"

"Well, the first and most obvious was using your rhime in a way that bested a powerful enemy. Plus, having an illusion tone on our side would be a new experience for all of us."

(Figures.)

"Besides," he continues, "the fact that you're finally willing to work with a team means you met the other qualification. We may be strong individually, but we all have our weaknesses."

(Indeed we do.)

"Have you decided on a codename?"

"Yes. I have."

I whisper into his ear.

"You sure?" he asks. "It'll cause some problems for you."

I nod.

"Very well..."

He clears his throat.

"I am happy to announce that Oren Tsurai, codenamed 'Selot'..."

"Selot!?" everyone else, save for me, yells.

"Is ready to become one of us." Hisao finishes.

Everyone looks at me in confusion. But I don't regret my choice. Hisashi, or rather "Selot", was more than just an assassination. I wish to do his name proud.

"So..." I start, "I'm finally a Keisetsu member. At long last."

"Not exactly." Hisao says.

"Huh?"

I look at him, then at all the other Keisetsu members. They seem to wear rather...scary expressions.

"You met the qualifications." Hisao continues. "But there's one last step."

"And that is?"

Katsumi, Hiromu, and Sigka come forward.

"After everything you put us through," Katsumi says, "we agreed on one final procedure."

I look at Hiromu and Sigka.

"What are you holding?" I ask.

"What else?" Sigka states.

Then show me what they're hiding...

Hiromu has a unicycle. And Sigka has...Hestia's dress from " Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka". Is that...an inflatable bust?

"Your initiation." he continues.

"Is that...?"

"It's not what you think." Hiromu says. "You have to eat the unicycle."

That HAS to be a quote from somewhere. What scares me most is how Sigka doesn't try to shut Hiromu up.

The duo inch towards me. I back away, looking for support from the others. Everyone has that scary, mischievous expression.

"Okay..." I say, starting to panic. "I know we got off on the wrong foot, but any chance we could try something else?"

"Sure." Claire says, pointing behind me. "There's always plan B."

I sense a strange aura behind me. I turn around slowly...

To see Saiya and Sueka in bondage gear.

(Sadistic hot sis! Sadistic hot sis! Mama likey! Plan B! I demand plan B!)

(You're NOT HELPING!!)

"Hey um...sis?"

"Sorry brother," Sueka says, taking the dress from Sigka, "but this is something I've always wanted to try."

"E tu chica?"

I slowly back away towards the exit...

Gacha. Gacha. Gacha.

To find the door not opening!

"I sealed off all the doors and windows in advance." Crystal says ominously. "You're not leaving."

"After what we've been through," adds Yamiso, "you're joining us whether you like it or not."

I look at the yakuza members, the dwarves, and the Wave family. They all want to see what happens next...

I back away a little more, with everyone closing in on me.

"Um...uh...Any other options?"

"Nope." they all say.

I let out a sigh...

Then surround my body with illusion rhime.

"YOU'LL NEVER TAKE ME ALIVE!!!" I yell in Nur's and my combined voice, sprinting down the closest corridor.

"Get him!" Yamiso yells.