Work Text:
Shun’s up early again.
Well, it doesn’t count as early, not for him; it’s seven in the morning. It just so happens to be a weekend, meaning both the Okamotos will take the opportunity to sleep in. Shun, on the other hand, stands in front of an open refrigerator, looking at his options for breakfast.
Two-thirds of a lemon cake catches his eye immediately, presenting itself as a far superior choice to the other options he has. They’re a remnant of yesterday, which had been a happy day.
After all these harrowing times, the most joyous of events had occurred. Aiko-chan, with her endless optimism, had finally become seven years old.
She had spent the entire day bouncing around in glee, and Shun couldn’t blame her at all. He would have been happy too, had he survived such a tumultuous year at that age. Regardless, he’d offered to buy a cake to celebrate, and she had picked the one that now sits in front of him.
He supposes he can celebrate her birthday again, even if it’s for breakfast. As such, he pulls out the cake, cutting himself a slice before closing the refrigerator again. Then, he places his plate on the table, sits down, and puts his palms together.
“Thank you for the meal,” he mutters.
The cake, he finds, is as scrumptious as it was the day before. The sourness of lemon compliments any sugar that may have been added in this cake perfectly. It’s quite reflective of his life with the Okamotos. Perhaps, Shun should start calling himself a lemon?
Ah, that makes no sense. The simple nonsensical joys of life must have gotten to him.
Somehow, the thought of that makes him smile.
As he digs his fork into the cake again, he hears the cheery jingle of his phone’s ringtone. Looking at the screen, he sees it’s from Kaa-san.
He’s got nothing to do. Might as well pick it up.
“Hello, Kaa-san,” he says.
Kaa-san’s voice is chipper as ever through the phone.
“Shun! Have you been well?” she asks.
“I’m doing well,” he replies, “How are you and Tou-san?”
He hears a chuckle over the phone.
Kaa-san exclaims, “He’s gotten more energetic as of late! I think it’s because you’ve been calling more. As for me, I’m doing great, but work is still busy.”
Makes sense, Shun thinks. Not even Rome was built in a day; both of his parents have their work cut out for them with this whole government reorganization business.
“Ah, I forgot to ask!” Kaa-san exclaims, “How’s Atsushi-san and Aiko-chan?”
That catches Shun off-guard. He’d told his parents about the Okamotos, naturally, but he’d never expected them to ask about them. He must have talked about them in a more positive light than he thought, if they’re actively asking about their wellbeing.
A soft smile forms on Shun’s face as he speaks.
“They have been very happy as of late,” he says, “We celebrated Okamoto Aiko’s seventh birthday yesterday.”
“Oh, is that so? I’m sure she was really happy then!” Kaa-san replies.
Shun nods.
“She was. After everything that’s happened, it was quite the achievement. Even more so, Okamoto Atsushi was the happiest I’ve ever seen him.”
Kaa-san replies, “That’s very good!”
It is, and Shun knows it. To see Okamoto Atsushi smile more by the day has been an experience Shun is glad he didn’t miss out on.
Before he can say anything about it, Kaa-san speaks again.
“Ah, I have to get ready for work now. Take care of yourself, okay?” she asks.
“I will,” Shun replies, “See you soon.”
“Bye!”
The phone falls silent again, leaving Shun alone with his plate of cake once more. As he looks down at it, he’s once again reminded of his lack of things to do until the Okamotos wake up. There’s only one thing he has left to do, and it’s to finish this slice of cake. Of course, it would be a shame to not do so.
And so, Shun indulges once more, both in the flavours of said cake as well as the sleepy morning that shines in through the window.
The cake, as it was five minutes ago, is delicious.
----------
“Ninpou Fuuton no Jutsu!” Atsushi exclaims.
The gust of wind blowing from his hands is significantly stronger than the ones he used in battle against the queen. Atsushi’s glad that he still had the potential of getting better, even with many years of not being able to do so.
“Not bad,” Matsumura-kun says, “You could knock several people off their feet with that one.”
Aiko claps from the corner of the field, smiling widely as she looks at Atsushi.
“You did it, Tou-san!” she yells.
Atsushi feels warmth in his heart as he looks down at his hands again. Improvement is something that always makes him feel better, even if they’re not in dire need of using his skills right now.
He feels Matsumura-kun’s hand on his shoulder and turns towards him, immediately noticing his other hand pointing somewhere. Atsushi turns his head in that direction, wondering what he could be pointing to.
That thing, as it turns out, seems to be some version of an obstacle course.
“Your next objective is to finish this course as fast as you can,” Matsumura-kun says, “Speed is of the essence when you fight as a ninja.”
Upon further observation, a slight chill goes down Atsushi’s spine. There’s no way someone like him can clear it. He’d just fumble the entire way, and land himself face-first into the ground. As such, he turns to Matsumura-kun, grimacing slightly.
“Are… are you sure I have to do this?” he asks.
Much to Atsushi’s chagrin, Matsumura-kun nods instantly.
“Every school has this as part of their training. I do not see why you should exclude it,” he says.
He starts to walk towards the course, with Atsushi and Aiko following him from behind. The course isn’t that large, come to think of it, but Atsushi’s not too sure on how he’ll be able to do this.
“I’m sure we can do something else, right?” he asks.
Matsumura-kun shakes his head, and Atsushi’s heart drops.
“Remember this, Okamoto Atsushi,” he says, “Just because our battle may have ended does not mean you can slack off. In case another emergency strikes up again, you must be in top form.”
He’s right. Another crisis is probably due any minute now, especially with the atmosphere in Toyama as of late. While most people gleefully welcomed these new changes, there’s bound to be someone who doesn’t like it at all.
Matsumura-kun, in the meantime, continues.
“Besides, you do not have to be perfect on your first attempt. Much like all your other training, all you need is to improve. Feel free to be as slow as you like for this attempt.”
Right. Atsushi had forgotten about that part, having instead adopted the mindset of his estranged family. It’s odd how those tendencies he’s claimed to have abandoned pop up every now and then.
Matsumura-kun steps backwards, crouching down next to Aiko.
“Ready when you are,” he says.
Aiko adds, “You can do it!”
Atsushi will have to clear this course, for the world’s sake, but more importantly, for Aiko’s sake. How can he let her down? Her happiness matters far more than this one accursed course.
He sizes it up again, reminding himself of what he doesn’t have to be. Somehow, with these reminders, the course looks far less threatening.
With one last deep breath, he’s off.
----------
“Maki-chan, do you think these heels are cute?”
Aoi-kun currently is holding up her phone to Maki-kun, seemingly expectantly looking for her reaction. Atsushi can only see part of it; he’s too buddy looking at his screen for the most part.
“While I’m not sure why you’re asking me, I do think they’re good,” Maki-kun replies.
A squeal of delight comes from Aoi-kun, and suddenly, Atsushi sees a shadow fall over his work, successfully distracting him from Aoi-kun and Maki-kun’s conversation.
The shadow, as it turns out, comes from Izumi-kun.
“Atsushi-kun!” Izumi-kun says, “You never told us how your weekend was. Was it really that bad?”
Atsushi shakes his head.
“No, actually. It was nice,” he says, “As I said when I walked in, Aiko loved the gifts you gave. It was just that yesterday’s training from Matsumura-kun was a bit intense.”
Izumi-kun chuckles.
“What did he make you do?”
Atsushi then regales Izumi with the tale of the course. In hindsight, it hadn’t been too bad, except that it had taken Atsushi embarrassingly long to figure everything out. Matsumura-kun had been far too kind with explaining the process as Atsushi had figured it out.
The second attempt had been a lot faster. Matsumura-kun had been pleased with that.
Izumi-kun, in the meantime, nods her head.
“Oh, yeah, those courses! I hated them when I was in school,” she says.
She walks over back to her own chair, sitting down next to Aoi-kun.
“Then again,” she says, “That’s why I’m not a ninja. I can’t fight if something like this happens again.”
She grins, shooting Atsushi a thumbs-up as she closes one eye.
“That’s why you’re here!”
Atsushi nods.
“It is,” he says.
She’s right. And chances are, something will happen soon; Iroha-chan had already warned him.
According to her, Chihiro-chan and Ishikawa-san had bumped into some people who’d tried to rise up against the government again. They had benefited from the Niji no Hebi, or so he’d heard, and they’d tried to bring it back. Atsushi’s not too sure how they’d do so, with their queen sealed, or why they’d want the hellish regime back, but even the most tyrannical of rulers have their supporters.
Seemingly, Chihiro-chan and Ishikawa-san had taken something of theirs for themselves in the end, as well as put an end to the Kagoshima side of affairs. That being said, Atsushi’s sure there’s some here in Toyama, too. Perhaps, that’s why Atsushi’s still training.
The only question he has now is, how long will it take before this movement rears its ugly head here?
That won’t do, he’s at work. He’ll have to distract himself from the thoughts for now. Thankfully, an opportunity rises rather quickly.
“Atsushi-kun, help me! Maki-kun and Izumin picked different heels, and I need a tiebreaker!” Aoi-kun exclaims.
As Atsushi turns to see Maki-kun’s slight smile, the thought that he’s landed himself in a sticky situation gives rise in his head. Aoi-kun’s pout and Izumi-kun’s grin don’t help matters at all.
Still, the expressions of his coworkers will be an excellent distraction for now.
----------
“Matsumura, how’s my schedule today?” Konjou asks.
Shun’s looking at it right now, only just having been joined by Konjou. Much to his surprise, Konjou’s schedule is rather light today, having only been given three half-hour-long meetings.
He closes the screen, turning around to convey the news, but Konjou’s grin gives it away. Seemingly, Konjou already saw it, having stood by Shun’s shoulder the entire time.
“You only have three meetings today. They’re all half an hour long,” Shun says regardless.
Konjou pumps his fist as he turns around.
“Yes!” he exclaims, “Perfect, I needed that so much.”
Shun smiles, looking down at his desk. Then, he pulls out the copy of his manga sitting on his desk, holding it up to Konjou.
“I’ve got a fantastic plan for the rest of your schedule,” he says.
Upon one look at it, Konjou groans. Shun can’t help but laugh at it, especially with the incredulous expression on Konjou’s face.
“No, we’re not doing that. I’m not joining your and Iroha-san’s manga club,” Konjou says.
Shun shrugs. It’s a shame Konjou won’t indulge in the fine arts of shoujo manga, but what can he do about it? At least he can talk to Kagura Iroha about it.
He says, “Your loss.”
“How is not reading cheesy romance missing out?” Konjou immediately retorts.
There are many days where Shun would be happy to give an answer. Today is not the day, especially since he’s aware that Konjou is teasing him right now.
“You can figure it out,” Shun replies, “In that case, do you have any other plans?”
A visit to Hanamichi Cafe after Konjou’s second meeting is quickly negotiated, and Shun returns to his desk. Konjou, in the meantime, reclines backwards, rambling about something that Shun can’t quite make out.
Eight hours, one cafe outing, and three meetings later, it’s finally time to wrap things up. Konjou lets out a happy sigh as he picks up his items. Then, as soon as Shun gathers his things, they walk towards their exit. As soon as the door is in sight, Shun sees two very familiar people near it. Konjou, in the meantime, giggles.
“You’re so happy to see them,” he whispers, “Even if you see them everyday.”
Ah, so Konjou’s planning to play this game. Well, two can play at it. Shun breathes in before smiling, turning to Konjou as he speaks.
“Well, I would say the same to you, but he isn’t even in the city now, is he?”
The intended effect takes place immediately. Konjou grimaces at him, and Shun breathes out a huff of pride as he looks forward.
“Fair point,” Konjou says.
Upon reaching the two Okamotos, Konjou smiles again, looking up as he speaks.
“Is it your day off, Okamoto?” he asks.
Okamoto nods.
“It is,” he says, “That’s why Aiko’s along for the ride.”
Aiko-chan waves at Konjou, who smiles back as she speaks.
“Did you have a good day, Icchi-nii-chan?”
Ah, a masterful gambit; she must be trying to learn about Shun’s day and also making Konjou feel included in the conversation. Or at least, that’s how Shun sees it.
Konjou, in the meantime, crouches down to speak.
“I had a great day! Your Shun-nii and I did pretty well.”
Aiko-chan replies, “Yay! I’m happy for you!”
Konjou gets up, smile slightly dropping as he does so. Then, he pulls out his gourd, moving all his things so that they’re all held with one arm.
“I’m happy, too,” he says, “But unfortunately, I do have to go now. I need as much sleep as I can get.”
Shun concurs. Even he needs sleep, for chances are that the next day will be hectic.
“See you tomorrow,” he says.
Konjou is momentarily blocked by his motorcycle forming in front of him. Then, with a slight wave of his hand, Konjou mounts his bike and drives off in the opposite direction.
Once he’s out of earshot, Shun turns to Okamoto.
“Shall we go home?” he asks.
Okamoto nods yet again, and Aiko-chan reaches out her other hand. Without even thinking about it, Shun grabs on to it.
“Let’s go home!” Aiko-chan says.
If Aiko-chan’s the one saying it, how could Shun ever disagree?
----------
One subway ride later, Atsushi, along with Aiko and Matsumura-kun, are almost home.
The woods can be seen to Atsushi’s right, but he’s got no particular interest in going there right now. All he’s interested in right now is going home and letting Matsumura-kun relax.
The sounds of the breeze rustling through leaves are only intercepted by Aiko and Matsumura-kun talking behind him. Atsushi doesn’t want to make it out right now, not when he’s enjoying the rather quiet atmosphere around him.
When a different sound joins the fray, however, alarm bells start to ring in Atsushi’s head.
They’re footsteps, rather forceful ones, growing louder with each sound. Soon, they’re joined by heavy breathing, increasing Atsushi’s worries even further.
It seems that Matsumura-kun noticed it too, as he turns his head in sync with Atsushi.
A woman walks towards them, with a steely gaze in her eye. Her clothes are rather classy, Atsushi notes immediately, but not too much. Her hair's styled, too, but it's her facial features that Atsushi's concerned about. He knows that face, but he hasn't seen it in years, not after he left his old life.
"Kaori?" he asks.
Kaori widens her eyes, then narrows them again as her frown returns.
"You're both here," she says, "That makes my life a lot easier."
Atsushi knows he's one of the people, but who else is she referring to?
"Both?" he asks, at the exact same time as Matsumura-kun.
Ah. That answers his question. But how does Matsumura-kun know her in the first place?
He turns to Matsumura-kun, who's also sporting a confused look. After a few seconds of frozen silence, Aiko speaks up.
"Tou-chan, Shun-nii, do you know her?"
Atsushi starts to make his way to stand in front of Aiko again. While Matsumura-kun is good as-is, it won't hurt for Atsushi to be there, too. After all, with the family Kaori's related to, he shouldn't risk his chances.
Breaking news like this has never been easy. Aiko's always been a strong child, given how she's never questioned her mother never being there. Hopefully, she won't take this badly.
"She's your aunt," Atsushi says.
He can't see Aiko's reaction with the way he's standing, but he can see Matsumura-kun, whose eyes widen immediately.
"Okamoto Kaori… it makes sense," Matsumura-kun says.
Atsushi replies, "How do you know her, Matsumura-kun?"
Matsumura-kun turns towards Kaori, as does Atsushi. Her frown has stayed put, and the gleam in her eyes has only intensified. Shielding Aiko was probably a good decision after all.
"We worked together for a few years," Matsumura-kun replies, "We were in the same department."
Oh. That would explain everything. But it still doesn’t explain her reasons for being here, or more specifically, seeking out a disowned cousin after six years.
“What do you want with us, Okamoto Kaori?” Matsumura-kun asks.
Kaori huffs, reaching for her pocket. Swiftly, she pulls out a gun, aiming it at Atsushi faster than he could pull out his gourd.
“You know damn well why I’m here,” she says, “I have something to settle with both of you. And I’ve got backup on the way.”
The gun looks familiar, but Atsushi’s not sure if it’s the kind of gun he’s used to seeing. Matsumura-kun, in the meantime, widens his eyes yet again.
“That’s a Niji no Hebi-issued gun,” he mutters, “I thought those were given up.”
There’s only one way she can have it then, Atsushi realizes.
“Kaori… you’re part of them, aren’t you?” he asks.
The group of people still loyal to the Niji no Hebi had laid low across the country, Iroha-chan had informed him. Just a few days ago, Atsushi had wondered if there had been some in Toyama. However, he hadn’t expected an answer so soon, or to see his estranged cousin as a part of it.
“I see you’re still observant as ever, Atsushi,” Kaori says, “But yes. Where else was I going to get help for this? The Niji no Hebi’s remnants were the only ones willing to help me.”
Atsushi replies without taking a single moment to think.
“That’s not true! You’ve got the rest of the family, haven’t you? ‘They touch one of us, they touch all of us,’ doesn’t ring a bell to you?”
Kaori shakes her head, gritting her teeth in the process.
“That’s the exact problem. When they say one of us, they don’t mean me. They haven’t meant me since the end of the Niji no Hebi.”
Oh.
Come to think of it, he hasn't seen Kaori in the news at all as of late. She's always been a private person, but no Okamoto escapes the news, no matter how reclusive they are.
But perhaps Atsushi’s overthinking here. As such, he lets Kaori continue.
“In order to clear up their PR after your little battle, they got rid of me,” she says, “Cut me out, just like with you. Except, of course, you two and your little crew were the reason why.”
Matsumura-kun says, “There is no way Okamoto Atsushi and I could have caused it-”
“Except you did!” Kaori yells, “Do you have any idea how horrifying it looks, seeing your estranged cousin and the guy who deserted you turn into heroes overnight? Do you have any idea how it is, seeing everyone you know cut ties with you just because of your workplace?”
And just like that, Atsushi’s reminded of the ways of his former family. As loyal as they were to the name, each and every member was still disposable. If they dared to go against the family’s wishes, they would be erased from the records, never to be seen with the Okamotos again.
“I should have expected this,” Kaori continues, “All the Okamotos are backstabbing cowards. All their mannerisms are thinly-veiled threats to continue their way of life. But that’s a matter for a different time. Today, I’m dealing with you.”
Atsushi can feel Aiko tremble behind him, and he takes a step backwards. Matsumura-kun doesn’t do so, instead looking at Kaori dead in the eye.
“Why?” he asks.
Kaori scoffs.
“Why? I’ll tell you why! How dare you two be the ones living all carefree, when I’m still left in the dumps? You both got to leave just like that, and I’m still suffering from the consequences of work and family!”
Before Atsushi can even have an opportunity to correct her, she continues.
“I’m here to make things right,” she says, “I’m here to make you feel what I’ve felt for the last couple of months, day in, day out.”
Then, she looks at the gun in her hand, rolling her eyes before tossing it away. As Matsumura-kun grimaces, Kaori reaches into her pocket, pulling out two objects.
Upon first glance, they look like random objects. One is purple, with what looks to be green colouring the cracks in the object. The other is grey, with teal blooming from one end of the object to spread all around it.
“Tou-chan, they’re like Ren-nii-san’s thingies!” Aiko exclaims.
She’s right. The overall shape is exactly like Rentarō-kun’s Booster Plates. The way Kaori handles them is rather similar, too.
She holds them up to her face, one hand on each side of her, before speaking again.
“Ideally, there’d be someone else here with me. But I’ve only got myself, so it’ll be up to me to use these to get the life I deserve.”
She clips them to her belt, which looks like a rather average belt. But it must have some infusion properties, because all of a sudden, Kaori looks significantly more vitalized than she used to. A small amount of light starts to radiate from her, and Atsushi can even see particles of energy come from her body as she cracks her knuckles.
Somehow, he can’t help but feel this fight will be tougher than he wants it to be.
“Now… you’ll face the consequences of your actions.”
----------
Kaori-san had been swift to begin the fight, Shun notes.
Aiko-chan had immediately ran to a corner safe from harm as Kaori-san had advanced forward. Smart as always, Shun had thought. But now, he and Okamoto are left to Kaori-san’s full wrath, and she is not holding back in the slightest.
“Ninpou Enton no Jutsu!” she yells.
Smoke blinds Shun’s vision instantly, and he coughs; the air has gone acrid thanks to the smoke. He hears the sound of a shuriken coming from his right, and he sidesteps just in time to see a glimpse of the shuriken graze past him.
“Ninpou Fuuton no Jutsu!” Okamoto says.
With the wind comes the return of Shun’s vision, clearing away the smoke as the gust blows through. Shun mentally thanks himself for implementing the training regimen before he turns to Okamoto.
Okamoto’s shoulder is bleeding, seemingly from a shuriken attack. Shun knows he can dodge, but given the short amount of time the smoke was there for, he can conclude that this was likely a case of Okamoto refusing to dodge. If he had spent all his attention on his technique, that would make sense.
“Thank you, Okamoto Atsushi,” Shun says.
Okamoto shoots him a thumbs-up.
He replies, “No problem. Just keep her busy, won’t you?”
Ah. If Okamoto’s planning something, he’s in a better situation than Shun. Shun will just have to follow along and pray Okamoto’s plan works.
The energy emanating from Kaori-san has only increased, bringing alarm to Shun. He’ll have to find a way to take those Booster Plates off of her first, for this stunt is likely harmful to everyone involved in the battle, including herself.
Shun pulls out his gourd, as does Okamoto, and his movements feel far too slow as he holds his plate out.
“Henshin!” he and Okamoto yell.
Shun stabs in his kunai, pushing it down in what must be record time. However, it still feels far too slow for his liking.
“Itami! Kurushimi! Fumikomi! Niji no Bushido!”
“Sanpun! Nifun! Ippun! Kabu–n! Junichi, sanjou!”
Kaori-san chuckles before crossing her hands.
“So I’m that much of a threat? Good. Ninpou Mokuton no Jutsu!"
And there it is, Shun's own art, turned against him again. He ducks below the wooden spikes that shoot toward him as he walks forward and crosses his hands.
"Ninpou Souton no Jutsu!"
Grass bursts from the concrete, cracking it and tying itself around Kaori-san's ankles.
"Get it off of me!" she exclaims, "Don't you dare think you deserve all this with no consequences!"
"What makes you think we had no consequences?" Okamoto replies.
At long last, Kaori-san freezes, giving Shun another opening.
"Ninpou Suiton no Jutsu!"
His water technique, while not being comparable to Konjou's at all, still does its job of dazing her. Additionally, it boosts the grass, letting it tighten its hold on Kaori-san further.
Kaori-san says, "What makes me think it? You both just left! Atsushi, you found a cushy job and house, and then you took Matsumura in! You both escaped the consequences you were supposed to have."
That morning in the park, so long ago, comes to Shun's mind. Starving, dirty, fallen from grace. Had Kaori-san never heard of those days?
"That's what you think," he says.
Kaori-san whips her head incredulously at Shun, eyes almost popping out of her head.
"How? How am I wrong?" she asks.
The energy pooling around her pulses in, then out with a burst. It breaks all of Shun's hard work, freeing Kaori-san.
He'll just resort to his trusty weapons, he thinks, as he puts a hand to his belt.
"Ninpou Kirisute!"
Kaori-san runs towards him, pulling out kunai of her own before attacking Shun. He's only grateful that he summoned his larger kunai, for it makes blocking infinitely easier.
Parrying her attack, Shun starts to speak.
"I didn't just move into Okamoto's house right after running. There were a couple of months where I had no place to call home."
Kaori-san shakes her head before going in for another attack. She's rather nimble, for Shun barely manages to block that one.
"Every day, I would stay vigilant of my surroundings, never once letting my guard down. I didn't eat for days on end, and would only get a couple hours of sleep a week."
Shun parries another attack, ignoring Kaori-san's glare as he continues.
"You should know this, but it is exhausting to keep your guard up, day in, day out, and especially against the Niji no Hebi."
Kaori-san widens her eyes just a little, and she steps back. Before Shun can block, however, she lunges forward, only to be blasted to the side, with her kunai flying out of her hands. As she lands on the ground, the waves of energy coming from her finally dies down.
Shun looks to his right, seeing Okamoto wielding his bazooka. Okamoto's stance is firmer than Shun's ever seen it, as is his step when he walks towards Kaori-san.
"You may think I just left and got a job. But I don't think anyone knew how hard it was for me when I got kicked out," Okamoto says.
Kaori yells, "How?! You had a house, a job, everything!"
Okamoto shakes his head.
"Since I was the first to get kicked out, I had no one with me when I first came here, and nothing to help me," he says, "No university degree, no job experience, nothing. I had to work from the ground up to find housing, get myself a job, and raise Aiko at the same time."
How isolating, Shun thinks. Even he had his parents when he first moved out. But to have all your loved ones turn a cold shoulder on you and leave you stranded is truly cruel.
As Shun looks at Kaori-san, however, he notices something's changed. Her eyes start to water and her stance starts to waver, but she gets up regardless.
"And even then, my first years after getting a house were rough. I couldn't afford to get Aiko anything she wanted. I couldn't afford to spend time with her," Okamoto says, "Do you know how painful it is, to not be able to give anything but the bare minimum to your daughter when she deserves so much more?"
Kaori-san gently shakes her head.
"But…" she says, "Even as Kamen Riders… even when you were wanted by us you were comfortable-"
"Incorrect," Shun interrupts.
At last, Kaori-san's resolve seems to be breaking. It's up to Shun to press forward and finish the job.
"We all had to stay vigilant, and Okamoto Aiko had to live in harsh conditions at the age of six. Even you should agree that no child deserves such suffering," he says.
Ah, empathy. What a wonderful thing. It enables Kaori-san to lower her guard further. If only it didn't have to involve a child.
"You know how we survived?" Okamoto asks.
Kaori shakes her head again, clenching her fists. Then, she attempts to run towards her kunai, but is stopped by yet another firing of Okamoto's bazooka.
"We had each other," Okamoto says, "There were eight of us, all looking out for each other. It's always better to not be alone."
Tears start to trickle down Kaori-san's cheeks, surprising Shun. What could possibly cause this? Had their words been that moving?
His thoughts, naturally, are quickly proven otherwise.
"But what choice do I have? I'm alone! I always have been!" Kaori-san replies.
Okamoto, kind as ever, lowers his bazooka before setting it to the ground. Then, he walks towards Kaori-san.
"You don't have to be," he says.
Kaori-san continues to glare at him through her tears, but Shun can tell that the main component of it is no longer rage.
It's loneliness.
"How?!" she says.
With Okamoto now in close distance of her, he does a move Shun would never have done.
He pulls out his transformation plate.
Once Okamoto detransforms, he grabs onto Kaori-san's hands, looking her in the eye before lifting up her hands.
"I've been through what you have," he says, "Let me help you."
If the world had more people like Okamoto, Shun thinks, the world would be a much kinder place. In that case, why not join in?
Shun pulls out his own gourd as he walks towards Kaori-san, making sure to keep a distance regardless.
"You are not alone in work, either. I can assist you with coming to terms with it, should you need it."
If that's the assistance she needs to cease being part of the Niji no Hebi, Shun will gladly give that to her.
At long last, Kaori-san's small trickle of tears grow into a steady stream. She collapses for the second time, falling into Okamoto's embrace as sobs wrack her body.
"There, there," Shun hears Okamoto say, "It'll be okay."
How many times must Okamoto have said this to himself or Aiko-chan? How many times has it been left unsaid for Shun to pick it up so tacitly?
The breeze takes its place once more as the star of the auditory show, so much so that Shun's tempted to bring Aiko-chan out from her hiding place. Surely, with everything resolved, it would be safe to do so.
But as his luck would have it, he hears footsteps once again. It's then that he remembers what Kaori-san had said at the beginning.
"I see the backup has arrived," he says.
Okamoto's alarmed expression returns again, and he gently separates himself from Kaori-san. Shun, in the meantime, turns to see how many people he's exactly up against.
The number is massive. Who would have known the Niji no Hebi would have had so many supporters in a town where the queen had ordered a massacre?
Shun is sure he and Okamoto would be able to defeat them as they are, but not without some injuries. The last thing he needs right now is that, however. Tomorrow may be hectic at work; he can't let his injuries get the better of hjm.
Should he call Konjou for help? No, there's no time.
Okamoto, from the corner of Shun's eye, looks at Kaori-san again.
"Do you mind giving those plates to us?" he asks.
Oh, right. They're still on her person, Shun remembers, turning his head again.
Kaori-san looks down at herself. Then, with trembling hands, she unattaches the plates from her belt, holding it up to Okamoto.
"You better keep your promise," she says.
Okamoto nods before taking them. Then, he walks to Shun, handing him the purple Booster Plate.
With this, perhaps, everything can be finished soon.
"Let us end this quickly," Shun says.
Okamoto nods, and they both turn to the forces facing them.
As Shun had seen earlier, the force is large in number. But they should be no match for the two of them.
"Get them, Tou-san, Shun-nii!" Aiko-chan yells.
If Aiko-chan supports them, that is all the two need. Shun knows that.
"Right," he and Okamoto say.
With a press of the Booster Plate's button, music starts to play. While Shun's music seems rather low in pitch, Okamoto's higher pitched music blends with it perfectly.
They pull out their gourds, going through their transformation sequences. As Shun lets his arms intersect, he looks up at the people against it.
They'll learn a lesson for attempting this.
"Henshin!" he and Okamoto exclaim.
Then, with an insert of the Booster Plate, Shun stabs in his kunai again, pushing it down.
A tornado starts to form to Shun's right, enveloping Okamoto entirely. Meanwhile, vines erupt from the ground, creeping up onto Shun's armour as the armour attaches onto his body.
"Kako no kare wa utsukushiku umarekawaru nda!"
"Kibō ga areba, sora wa doko made mo hirogaru!"
Shun looks down at himself first. Vine patterns envelope his limbs, as well as the brand new trench-coat part of his suit. Meanwhile, leaf patterns border the kunai on his chest, and Shun is sure there's some on his helmet, too.
Meanwhile, on Okamoto's side, the biggest addition Shun can see are wings of sorts on his back, currently closed. While they look more like a glider and less like birds' wings, it is still rather exquisite. The wings are joined by additional swirls on Okamoto's suit as well as a slight wing near Okamoto's single eye. It makes Shun feel as if the wind itself is here to support whatever smoke bombs may fly.
Okamoto's looking at him now, most likely waiting for a signal. Now that Shun's done looking, he gives a nod before looking forward.
“With a singular stomp, your life as you know it shall reach its end.”
Okamoto steps forward, pointing at the forces.
"I'll purely defend this one chance I have. Let's go!"
With that, they're off.
----------
Atsushi instantly jumps up into the air, with his newfound wings helping him soar. It's now that he notices there's launchers on his arms and legs, helping him fly.
"So cool!" Aiko-chan exclaims.
Warmth starts to bloom in Atsushi's heart. Still, he knows Matsumura-kun tends to like making the first move, so he watches.
Matsumura-kun holds his hands out. Immediately, tiny splinters form, and he flicks them towards the forces.
They go through the tiny gaps in armour of the forces, and Atsushi watches as they start to wince and complain.
Perfect. But what can Atsushi do?
He crosses his arms, sending his energy to the ground.
"Ninpou Fuuton no Jutsu!"
A tornado forms, colourless unlike Rentarō-kun's purple ones. And yet, it sweeps through, catching a good chunk of the troops and blowing them off to the side.
That'll stop them from harming Aiko or Kaori. He'll make sure of it.
"None of you will lay a hand on anyone here," he says.
Matsumura-kun looks up at him, and Atsushi can almost see his amazement. Then, with a shake of his head, Matsumura-kun stomps on the ground.
Thorny vines crisscross across the ground, catching several opponents in its clutches. Matsumura-kun quickly crosses his hands, focusing on them this time.
"Ninpou Mokuton no Jutsu!"
Leaves form, shooting themselves before cutting through armour with razor-sharp edges. On top of that, the vines tighten themselves still, effectively wounding everyone in their clutches. Smart of Matsumura-kun to do so.
Atsushi, in the meantime, zips around to the other side, summoning his bazooka. With a steady aim to the group nearest to Matsumura-kun, he pulls the trigger.
A ball of wind fires, effectively knocking all those opponents off their feet. Matsumura-kun looks up at him, putting a hand under his chin, then whips around to the next batch.
Then, he lifts his hand.
Some green matter forms up in the air. If Atsushi has to guess, they're probably spores. But why is Matsumura-kun shooting it in his direction?
As Atsushi sees them spread throughout the sky, he realizes why. Only the wind could possibly concentrate them in one area.
In that case, he'll be happy to assist.
As he lets the bazooka vanish again, he flicks his hands in the spores' direction, spinning his wrists to let the wind concentrate them. Then, with a downward point, the wind blows them to some opponents.
They start to cough, and Matsumura-kun shoots him a thumbs-up. Then, Matsumura-kun crosses his hands again. At first, Atsushi assumes its for the people advancing from his back. It's only when he looks up to the people in front of him that he realizes Matsumura-kun may not have noticed.
Atsushi flies downward, zooming in Matsumura-kun's direction. As he sees the troop behind Matsumura-kun lift their guns, Atsushi reaches his arms out.
Within a few seconds, he scoops up Matsumura-kun, flying up in the air.
"Remember to check behind you," he says.
Matsumura-kun seems to be preoccupied with looking at the ground. Is it wonder or is it disbelief?
Thankfully, after a few seconds, he takes a breath before speaking.
"I will be sure to do that. Thank you, Okamoto Atsushi."
Atsushi sets Matsumura-kun down in a safer area, thankfully closer to Aiko. Then, after his ascent, he sizes up the rest of the group.
A finisher from him and Matsumura-kun can deal with the rest.
"I've had enough, Matsumura-kun," he says, "Let's end this!"
Matsumura-kun nods, lifting his arm out to the rest of his opponents. With a flick of his hand, he speaks.
"Time for your chapter to meet its end."
The telltale signal induces Atsushi to pull the rope on his belt while Matsumura-kun pushes his kunai to the other side.
"Flawless Ninpou! Bonus! Enlivened!"
"Fortitude Ninpou! Bonus! Arisen!"
Atsushi's bazooka returns to his hands again, and he aims it down to the group that's left. In his periphery, he sees Matsumura-kun, wielding his kunai once more.
The smaller ones this time, Atsushi notes, unlike the big ones from before that he normally uses for his finishers.
Flower petals start to swirl around Matsumura-kun as he runs towards the group. Then, he switches his grip, and Atsushi watches as energy starts to form around the blades.
Right, he should help out too.
Matsumura-kun slashes through a person, with the flower shower enveloping the group. Then, it pulses, cutting through the group again.
As Matsumura-kun sidesteps the group, seemingly waiting for the explosion, Atsushi pulls the trigger.
A giant bomb fires, flying towards thee middle of the group. The sight of it amidst flower petals is rather beautiful, but it also is a warning of the inevitable.
Atsushi flies towards Matsumura-kun, landing just in time for the explosion.
----------
As the heat dies down, Aiko-chan runs towards Shun and Okamoto, joined by Kaori-san.
"Tou-chan, Shun-nii, that was so cool!" Aiko-chan exclaims.
Shun smiles, crouching down to pat her head.
"It was. Learning to do something new like that always is."
Aiko-chan turns to Okamoto, beaming wide at him.
"Tou-chan, you'll let me fly with you next time, right?"
Shun begins to laugh. He can't blame Aiko-chan in the slightest; if one of his loved ones was able to fly when he was a child, he'd have asked the same thing.
Okamoto nods, also patting Aiko-chan's head.
"Of course," he says, "You can see how pretty everything is from the sky."
Aiko-chan cheers, running to hug her father. As Shun starts to stand up, he sees Kaori-san, standing off to the side. Not wanting to leave her out, he walks towards her.
"Keep in touch, yes?" he asks.
Kaori-san nods.
"I'll be sure to pester you both tomorrow. I want this part of my life to end as soon as possible."
Shun replies, "We will be sure to give you assistance."
After yet another nod, Kaori-san steps back.
"I should be heading off now," she says, "I'll see you both tomorrow."
"I will see you then," Shun replies.
Kaori-san gives a wave, then starts to walk off. When she turns the corner, leaving Shun's sight, the Okamotos catch up with him again.
"Where's Kaori?" Okamoto asks.
Shun turns towards him, adjusting the hair that falls in front of his face.
"She just left," he replies.
"Oh," Okamoto says.
He's frowning. He must have wanted to talk some more with Kaori-san, but he'll have to wait. Nevertheless, in an effort to cheer Okamoto up, Shun claps Okamoto's shoulder.
"She will visit us tomorrow. You can talk to her then."
A relieved smile forms on Okamoto's face.
"That's good," he says, "That just leaves one thing, then."
What could it be? Is there a particular debt that Okamoto has to settle that Shun has somehow not heard about? Such a thing would be ludicrous; Shun has made sure to involve himself in such ideas.
His worries are immediately quelled, however, when arms wrap around him.
Okamoto's face is now right above his shoulder, but Shun has to look up to keep his face in a comfortable position. It's a very warm hug, and rather enjoyable, but what is this for?
"I'm very glad you're safe," Okamoto says.
Ah. So that's how it is. A valid reason.
Shun allows himself to lean into the embrace, lifting his own arms up. As they rest on Okamoto's back, Okamoto speaks again.
"Let's go home… Shun-kun."
Amidst the heat that suddenly floods his cheeks comes a wave of confusion. Since when had he earned himself a place to be on first name terms with Okamoto?
A second pair of arms wrap around his waist, followed with a giggle from Aiko-chan.
"Group hug!" she says.
Ah, that must be it. Somehow, along the way, the housing arrangement that Shun landed himself into must have changed into something else entirely. While the Matsumura Shun of the past may have objected to such a deed, the Shun of the present would never give it up for anything else. Perhaps this is why his parents keep asking about the Okamotos.
While there is still a considerable amount of heat in his cheeks, he allows himself to smile and return the favour.
"Yes," he says, "Aiko-chan, Atsushi-san… let's go home."