Awakening Chapter 1
Tokyo, j.a.pan. In the corner of a high school.
"Please. Stop... Please." The teenage boy buried his head in his arms.
"I told yesterday you to bring me the money. How dare you not follow my order. Go to h.e.l.l." The taller boy of the group kicked at his stomach.
The boy instantly threw up as he cried in pain.
"Such a disgusting person." A boy with an earring on his left ear spit on him then stepped aside. Another boy in a red shirt kept beating on him.
"Hes at it again. Is he high?"
"It seems so."
"Thats enough, n.o.bita. Or do you want to go to the juvenile detention center again?"
Red shirt hesitated then stopped.
"Remember, if you dont bring me the money tomorrow, I will play a more enjoyable game with you."
"Hes feinting death again. Lets go to the arcades."
"Im not going. I still have cla.s.ses."
"Stop acting like a good student. Youre interested in that new female teacher right? Though she does have great curves and a pretty face. We should get an opportunity to play with her some day."
"No problem."
The three boys left as they talked.
The corner returned to its serenity, just like nothing happened. Except for the boy lying on the ground.
After a while, he slowly got up. He took out tissues and wiped away the c.r.a.p on his face and shirt. Then picked up his bag and quietly walked to cla.s.s.
He kept his head down as he entered the room to hide his bruises.
As soon as he sat down, someone touched his shoulder from behind. It was Mizato Kazuo.
"Yamamotos group beat you up again?"
"No, I accidentally fell."
"Stop lying. I can tell from your face. Luckily I paid my protection money a few days ago. Otherwise Ill be in the same boat right now."
"Do you know Awata Rumiko from cla.s.s 3?" Mizato suddenly closed up on him and said in a low voice.
"The best looking girl in cla.s.s 3?"
"Right. I think shes just a b.i.t.c.h. I saw her on the street yesterday holding hands with a guy. And you know what happened?"
Masashi was also curious.
"I followed behind them and saw them went into a love hotel. Surprise right? This b.i.t.c.h holds herself aloof normally, no one would have guessed shes such a s.l.u.t. I freaking want to do her!"
Masashi was surprised but all he could think about was getting the money by tomorrow. That killed any mood he had.
Masashi felt jealous as he looked at Mizato. Mizatos family was rich so he was ok with paying the protection fees. As to him, he only get tiny bit of allowance every month. Even a new game would take a long time to save up for. Thinking of this, he couldnt help but blame his divorced parents.
(If only that ugly sister dies, then I can double my allowance.) This thought scared him and he shook his head vigorously as if to shake the thought away.
"What are you doing?"
"Uh. Nothing, just feeling a little headache."
The school bell rang. The students took out their textbooks and the room quieted down.
"Good morning, students." The female teacher smiled.
"Good morning, Miss Naoko."
Beautiful women had their advantages. Even though she had only been here for not long, her cla.s.ses were the most popular.
(This is the woman Yamamoto wants to bang?) He recalled their conversation.
(How would she look naked?) Masashi got excited as he stared at her mature body.
(But this is the woman Yamamoto wants, I wont have any chance.)
"Masashi kun, whats wrong? Are you not feeling well?"
"I..." Masashi stood up in a panic when she suddenly called his name.
Miss Naoko noticed something was abnormal with him since the beginning of the cla.s.s. He kept his head down and looked out of spirits.
"Your face has bruises. What happened?"
"I... I accidentally fell."
"Then be careful next time. Do you want to go to the infirmary?"
"No... No need."
"Really?"
"Really. Thank you sensei." That last line was sincere. No one ever cared about him that much aside from his mother. He regretted the nasty thoughts he just had about Miss Naoko.
Time flew by and it was noon. The students took out their bento.
Masashi waited for quite a while until that bookworm sister of his called his name from the door.
"Youre finally here. Do you know how long Ive been waiting." Masashi walked over as he suppressed his anger from the hunger.
"You dont have to wait." Hirota Kazumi said with an indifferent tone.
"You..." He grabbed the bento from her hand angrily then walked back to his seat.
"It seems like you sister needs some discipline. Do you want me to give it a try?" Mizato said with a strange tone.
Masashi had seemed his share of AV to know what he meant by discipline.
"No thanks." He replied with that same indifferent tone as his sister.
(Even though I dont like that ugly girl, but shes still my sister.)
"Thats a pity."
His head was in a chaos during the rest of his cla.s.ses. He couldnt think of any place to obtain that money.
(It seems like I have to use my last trick.)
And so, in order to avoid the bullying, Masashi took a week of sick leave. As to what happens after a week, only time will tell.
Even though he tried not to think of school. As the end of the week was getting close, tomorrow was the last day, he no longer had any mood and threw away the controller.
He was getting more irritated the more he thought about it and walked out of his house to relax.
He still didnt know where to go as he walked mindlessly in the streets. In the end, he went to the arcade that he frequented.
Masashi played from noon to evening in the arcade as if to numb himself.
On the way back home, he saw an elderly woman climbing up the hill with a walking stick.
Suddenly, an idea came to his mind.
His heart was beating faster and faster as he looked at this lonely old woman and the dimly lit street.
(Once I succeed, I will have the money to pay the protection money and perhaps extras to build the newest Gundam model.) He licked his lips as his impulse grew.
After a round of internal struggle, his desires overtook him. He ran toward the old woman.
---
When he was only 200 meters away from the old woman, a shadow flew past him and reach the old woman from her left.
"Ah! Help! Robbery! Robbery..." The shadow sprinted away with her waller as she screamed.
Masashi was shocked to witness a robbery at such close distance. Yet he forgot that was what he planned to do also.
"Catch the robber! Someone! Boy, hurry, go catch the robber! Hurry..." The old woman saw Masashi and pleaded for help.
"I... Im not..." He didnt what to do.
"Go chase him, hurry." The old woman was going crazy.
Masashis mind went blank then he followed her words without thinking.
Unfortunately for both the robber and him, road constructions blocked the robbers path.
The robber turned around and took out a dagger.
"Kid, who told you to mind someones business?"
(What am I doing?) Masashi asked himself.
"I... I dont have anything to do with it. I dont know anything."
"Then go to h.e.l.l." The robber ran at him and stabbed his stomach.
"Uh." Masashi looked at the knife in disbelief.
"I... I dont want to die. No, I dont want to die..."
"Remeber to mind your business in your afterlife." The robber pulled out the knife.
Blood gushed out and Masashi slowly fell to the ground.
As his vision started to blur, he was scared. He never thought about dying, even when Yamamoto beat him. He knew they wouldnt kill him. But at this moment, he realized he was going to die. Finally, he couldnt see anything anymore.
"Im sorry. The patient died during transportation to the hospital. We couldnt do anything." The doctors said to the middle aged officer.
"Is that so? Thats unfortunate such a good kid died like this. Have you notified his family?"
"Yes, his sister is outside. His parents will probably arrive tonight."
"Wheres his body?"
"In the morgue. Do you want to take a look?"
"No, we will send the forensics over later. I hope his parents wont feel too sad."
Suddenly a lightning flashed across the sky. The sound of thunder shocked the two of them.
"Seems like its going to rain."
"Yeah."
Kazumi was a little sad after hearing the event. Even though they didnt have the best relationship, but they still lived together for so many years. "I cant believe he just died like that."
"Have you caught the robber?" She quickly returned to her normal calmness.
"No, but we will do our best. Rest a.s.sured."
"What does it matter. Hes already dead."
At the same time, a ball of light surrounded by lightning appeared in the morgue.
It flew to one of the drawer as if something attracted it. Then it slowly disappeared.
Two past midnight. Masashis mother came to the hospital in fatigue.
As soon as she saw her daughter, she asked. "Hows Masashi? Is it life threatening?"
"Im sorry, miss. Your son was just confirmed dead. Im really sorry." The officer said when he saw Kazumi couldnt answer her mother.
"No. Youre lying. Masashi wont die. I dont believe it." Rumiko stumbled and almost fell.
Kazumi immediately got a hold of her mother. "Mom, its true. Masashi is dead." Then she turned her head away as to not look at her mothers expression.
"No. Masashi wont die... he wont die..." Rumiko cried on her daughters shoulder.
After a while, she wiped away her tear and tried to talk calmly. "What happened to Masashi? Please tell me."
After hearing everything from the officer, Rumiko stood up.
"Mom, what are you doing?" Kazumi was scared of her doing something out of the ordinary.
"I want to see Masashi."
"Please wait a moment. I will let the doctors know."
"Thank you, officer Maeda."
Inside the morgue, the doctors pulled open one of the drawer.
"Masashi..." Rumiko broke down as soon as she saw her son and cried on his chest.
She suddenly got up in disbelief after some time. Then she placed her head on his heart. She felt strange, then suprised, then nervous, and finally joy.
The doctor and everyone felt something was wrong.
"Mom, what happened to you?" Kazumi asked lightly.
"Miss, you have our condolences." The doctor had seen enough of this.
The officer was about to comfort her.
"Hes not dead. Hes still alive. Hurry, doctor, please save him. Masashi is still alive!"
It seemed like the worst possible outcome. The doctor sighed. "Miss, your son is really dead."
"No, doctor. Please take another took. He still has heartbeats." Rumiko grabbed the doctors hands.
"What?" Everyone was shocked.
The doctor walked over calmly and took out his stethoscope as requested.
Shortly after, his face was filled with fear and disbelief. He listened to it again then ran outside. "Get people over here, this patient is still alive..."
In a special care unit, a boy with a pale face lied on the bed. A middle aged woman fell asleep on his side.
Suddenly he opened his eyes and looked around, then looked at his hands, touched his face and said. "The same thing again. How many times are you going to toy with me."
The woman woke up to his voice.
"Masashi, youre finally awake." She cried in joy.
"Youre his mother?"
"Whats wrong? Are you not feeling well?" Rumiko couldnt understand what her son was saying.
He just realized he was speaking in Chinese while this woman was speaking j.a.panese. It seemed like he was currently in j.a.pan.
He organized his thoughts and said in less than fluent j.a.panese. "Im fine. Dont worry."
"Really? Do you feel any pain?"
Masashi shook his head with a smile.
"Wait here, I will call the doctor." Rumiko felt something was different but she didnt think much about it.
After thoroughly examining his body, the doctor concluded he needed to rest for the injury on his stomach. Other than that, there was no other problem. Although his memories were disorganized, but that might be due to a lack of blood going to the brain due to the injury. It should recover soon.
Rumiko was relieved from hearing the results.
"You scared your mother so much." Her eyes became red as she thought about it.
The boy felt touched looking at that caring face. He made his decision.
"Mom, its alright. I am fine."
Ever since Masashi grew up, he had not been so imtimate to her. Although she tried to work hard for the future of her son and daughter, her job seperated them and she couldnt see them more than a few times a year. Masashi was becoming more distant every time they meet and would only ask for money. She couldnt do anything but felt disappointed.
She held onto his hands and cried in tears from his gentle actions.
The door was pushed open. Kazumi came in with a bag of apples and saw her mother crying.
The boy searched his memories and learned that this was his sister.
"Mom, stop crying or Kazumi is going to make fun of you." He wiped away her tears.
"Kazumi, youre here."
"Mom, are you alright?"
"Baka, what can be wrong with me. You should ask your brother instead."
"Masashi, are you hungry? I will go buy you some porridge. The doctor said your injury isnt healed and you can only eat liquid food for now. Wait a bit, I will be back very soon. Kazumi, stay with your brother here."
"Mom, just tell the nurses to buy it. You had it tough these few days. You should take a rest."
"Im fine." Rumiko was happy hearing these words.
Kazumi was surprised at the interaction.
"You... Youre really Masashi?"
"What do you say?" The boy smiled.
"I... I dont know."
"Of course I am Masashi. Hirota Masashi. I know I was horrible and said many things that hurt mother and you. After this experience I have think through a lot of things. Just like you saw, I have changed. Can you accept this answer? I would also like to take this chance and apologize. Will you forgive me?
The boys j.a.panese has recovered to normal fluency after a day of conversation with Rumiko. Although there were some accents but they were not easy to notice.
"You... You dont have to apologize to me."
"Come, sit down. Arent you tired?"
"Kazumi, you know, we have a good mother. I wasnt in a good mood when I woke up but this time actually doesnt seem all that bad."
---
It only took a week for the recovery. Even the doctors were amazed at the speed of it. Rumiko wanted him to stay for a few more days but he insisted on leaving. As they were being discharged, the hospital wouldnt accept any payment.
Rumiko was a traditional woman so she went to the director and insisted on paying. In the end, the director and Masashis doctor kneeled down to beg her, which left her in shock and confusion.
"Mom, its simple. If you didnt come to see me at the end, they will probably dispose me like a corpse. Thats unintentional homicide. Am I right?" Masashi smiled.
The director and the doctors faces turned and kneeled back down again immediately.
(So thats why Masashi was put in a special care unit and they didnt want to charge for anything.)
"To be honest, you saved me after all. So I wont get to the bottom of this. "
"Director san, and doctor Nagasaki. Thank you for your care. I am truely grateful." Masashi said sincerely as he lifted the two men.
The director and doctor were touched. The director even suggested to waive any fees in future visits for him and his family.
"How can I accept this?" He said with a tone of justice.
"Masashi is right. We cant accept such a valuable gift. Its getting late, we have to leave. Please take care."
"Miss, please accept our regards or we will kneel here forever."
"But..."
"Miss, please accept it."
Rumiko had no choice but to accept it.
The director and doctor cheered in joy as she nodded.
Kazumi, who watched Masashis smile through the whole event, felt a shiver through her spine. The victims were cheering in joy when he was the one that received so much. If she wasnt so familiar with his face, she would had a.s.sumed this was another person in front of him.
As they were leaving, Masashi picked up Rumikos bag. But she wanted to stop him due his injury.
"Mom, Im fine."
It was the second time she heard this. The warm and sweet feeling almost made her shed tears again.
A little bit after they left, officer Maeda approached them.
"h.e.l.lo, Mrs. Hirota, Masashi and Kazumi. I heard the doctor said you were being discharged today so I am here to pick you up."
"Thats too nice of you, officer Maeda. Youve done so much for us, we cant cause you any more troubles."
"Thats too polite of you, Mrs. Hirota. Please call me Maeda, thats how my colleagues call me. I came here to express my grat.i.tude to Masashi san on behalf of my colleages. Samaritans like him are few and far between in this age. Are you tired? My car is right outside. Please come with me." He took Masashis bag and took the lead.
"Right, Masashi. We have caught the robber."
"Oh really?"
"That guy was cunning. He knew we were looking for him so he ran to Hokkaido. If he didnt get recognized when he got in a drunken brawl, we wouldnt be able to catch him so quick."
"What about the old woman?" Rumiko asked.
"Shes fine. Although the robber used up all her money. But that cant be helped.""
"Serves her right to make a high schooler chase the robber and didnt even come to visit Masashi."
"Kazumi, dont talk like this. She might have her difficulties."
"Mom, youre too kind hearted. Its easy to get deceived like this."
"Officer Maeda, you still dont have a wife or girlfriend right?" Masashi suddenly asked.
"How... How did you know?" Maeda replied awkwardly.
"Masashi, thats not polite. How can you ask such questions."
"Mom, I am just expressing my concern for officer Maeda. Hes not young after all."
"Masashi!"
"Fine, I wont ask. Dont get mad, mom."
"Uh. I want to ask how do you know I dont have a wife or girlfriend?" Maeda couldnt keep his curiosity.
"Mom, its not my fault hes asking me. Can I answer it?"
"You little..."
"Its simple. There are no female items in your car. Even though you might have cleaned your car before you left, the sanitary of some corners are still not ideal. Just like I am stepping on two cigarette b.u.t.ts. You also dont smell of any perfume. Dont be suspicious of my habits, I just havea very sensitive nose. Ive seen you twice wearing a shirt without fixing its collar. So in conclusion, you dont have a wife or girlfriend. Of course there are exceptions. Perhaps you wife or girlfriend is a lazy person."
"Incredible. If you become a detective, then I am going to lose my job."
"Thats good, I will hire you then."
Rumiko and Maeda both laughed.
"Whos willing to marry people like me. I am so busy worth the job normally I couldnt even find time for a date. I also dont know how to flatter girls. My family arranged a few blind dates but none of them worked out."
"Maeda san, please dont give you. G.o.d wont abandon nice guys like you. You will definitely find a suitable woman."
"Thank you, Mrs. Hirota."
They reached Masashis apartment and Maeda protactively carried the bag inside.
"Maeda san, I dont know how I can thank you. Please come in for a cup of tea."
"No, I still have some work to do. Next time."
"Next time then. Thank you again for your care during these few days." Rumiko bowed in front of him.
"Youre too polite."
As Rumiko went inside, Masashi walked over to Maeda.
"Mom, you two get in first. I still have something to say to Maeda san."
After Rumiko went inside, Masashi stared at him with a serious expression.
"Whats wrong? Masashi." Maeda got a little bit anxious from the stare.
Masashi didnt said anything and just looked at him. "How old are you?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Dont ask why. Just answer."
"Fine, Im 35 this year."
"Good, not a large gap. Where were you born in?"
"Nagasaki."
"Any brothers or sisters?"
"One brother and two sister."
"Like to drink?"
"A little bit sometimes."
"Smokes frequently?"
"Yes."
"You like my mother?"
"Yes. You, what did you said!?"
"So its true. I wasnt being oversensitive."
"That was a slip of the tongue. Dont be mistaken."
"Then I will ask you again. Are you interested in my mother? If you are a man then dont deny it."
(What kind of logic is this?) Maeda finally lowered his head.
"Theres something that you might not know. My mother has separated with that irresponsible father for four years. Shes been alone all these years."
"Really?" Maeda suddenly raised his head.
"Yes. It seems like theres no chance of them getting back together. If you like my mother, I wont prevent you from approaching her. But you have to promise me to be nice to her. Otherwise I will make you wish you were dead." Masashis eyes changed. Maeda couldnt describe that pair of eyes. His mind was blank and his body shuddered.
"Good, Ive said everything I should. The rest is up to you." Masashi patted his shoulder and went inside the apartment.
Maeda looked at his back and realized he didnt understand this high school boy a bit.
---
Rumiko stayed in the apartment for two days, making sure Masashi was fine before going back to work in Nagoya.
Life seemingly returned to normal. But Kazumi noticed several long distance calls in the phone bill. All of them were out of the country yet she couldnt find the actual numbers.
Masashi was sitting on his bed in a weird posture. He opened his eyes after a while and stretched.
(This body is so weak. The muscles has no elasticity. Reaction is slow. Its worthless aside from its age. Seems like I will have to create a training plan to get this body back to average before it stops growing.)
Masashi began creating the training plan when Kazumi knocked on the door.
"Whats it, Kazumi?"
"I want to ask whats with the phone bill this month?"
"Oh, I met a few friends on ICQ. I have to call them to discuss somethings. Dont worry, I wont make any more international calls. I know its hard for mom to earn the money."
There was nothing more Kazumi could say, so she left the room.
"They should be almost here." Masashi muttered to himself.
Masashi stood in front of the school in a new uniform. For the first time, Kazumi came to school with him.
The cla.s.sroom was noisy as usual. He found his seat based on his memory. Just as he sat down, someone yelled. "Ah. Its Hirota Masashi. Hes back. When did he come back?"
A group of people surrounded him.
"Masashi, I heard you were critically injured chasing a robber. That was amazing of you."
"Were you afraid at the time? I wouldnt be brave enough to chase."
"I heard you stopped breathing, how did you revive?"
"Masashi, give me a signature."
He couldnt stand these people and stood up.
"Masashi, where are you going?"
"To take a dump."
The room fell into a silence.
The principle came over during cla.s.s to give a presentation of his heroic act in exaggerations. Masashi didnt even know he was so courageous and fought the robber for two hours. The amount of details made it seem like the principle himself was the robber.
In the end, the principle invited Masashi to say something. It was natural for him to want to advertise this s.h.i.tty school when theres an opportunity.
Masashi hated this kind of scenes but he had no choice but to get on the stage.
"I dont have anything good to say. The principle had said everything. I would only like to add one thing, if you encounter this situation, remember to buy insurance first. Im done."
The half asleep students were shocked then applauded wildly and some even whistled.
The principle and dean were wiping sweat off their foreheads.
While Masashi just stared out the window.
"Isnt this our hero Hirota Masashi kun? Long time no see, Masashi kun. We miss you so much." Yet that tone didnt sound a bit like its words.
Yamamotos group of three blocked Masashi in the hall.
"I cant believe this garbage became a hero. It seems like I am a superman."
"Anything you want from me?"
"Not much, just that we havent seen you for so long. We want to have a chat."
"Oh, is that so. Here? Or should we go to our usual place?"
Yamamotos group looked at each other. This guys reaction was strange. Usually his face would turn pale upon seeing them and couldnt even speak. Why was he so calm all of a sudden?
The usual place was that corner of shame. Masashi was feeling the memory of this body as he came here again.
"Say, do you want money or just want to beat me this time?"
"f.u.c.k, dont act so c.o.c.ky kid. I will make you kneel down and beg us."
A smile creeped up his mouth. As he was about to test the results of his training these few days, he sensed something then stopped.
"What are you doing." A voice stopped Toku from hitting Masashi.
Naoko ran over to them. "What were you trying to do to Masashi kun?"
"I..."
"Naoko sensei, we were just playing around. Its been a long time since we saw each other. We all miss Masashi kun so much so it might seen a little rough. Please dont be mistaken."
"Really? I cant feel that you were just playing around. Masashi, tell me, what happened? Are they bullying you? Dont be afraid to tell the truth. Sensei will help you."
"I dont know if they are playing with me or not, but it looks like their games arent something a normal person can stand. But since I am not hurt, theres no evidence to back anything." Masashi answered calmly.
Naoko frowned. "If thats the case, I will take care of this. You guys go back to cla.s.s. Masashi stay here, I have something to say to you."
Yamamoto gave Masashi a stare then looked at Naoko sensei then led the other two away.
(Oh, it looks like Yamamoto is about to do it.) Masashi could feel the desires in Yamamotos eyes when he looked at Naoko sensei.
"Masashi, tell me, do they bully you frequently?"
"Do you want to hear the truth or lies?"
"Of course the truth."
"Ok, I will tell you. I was like that before but now Im not sure."
"Then why didnt you notify the teachers?"
"Sensei, you are too naive. Teachers are not police and bullying is unavoidable in any school. I was too weak before, thats why I was chosen as the target. This is also survival of the fitness. Dont worry, I am not the Masashi I used to be."
"You seem like you changed a lot." She suddenly noticed the deep and clear eyes of this boy. And those eyes attracted all her attention.
"Instead of worrying about me, you should worry about yourself. Naoko sensei."
She immediately woke up when she heard the word sensei. "What, what did you say?" Her heart was pounding and her face blushed. (How could I stared at a student like this.)
"Do you know p.u.b.escent wolves are more offensive than mature wolves? Ill give you a word of advice. Dont trust anyone too easily, especially the boys. If theres nothing else, then Ill leave."
"Wait, what did you mean?"
"Go back and think about it. Oh, theres something I forgot to ask you, how did you know Im here?"
"I saw Yamamoto brought you away and afraid something might go wrong. So I followed you."
(This is a kind hearted woman like mother.) In this moment, Masashi decided to protect this woman.
"Youre a good teacher. Thank you."
"Thats too polite of you. This is also the responsibility of a teacher."
"Ok, I really have to get back to cla.s.s. I took too many days off recently."
"Wait for me, I will walk back with you."
"Whatever."
"You can go home first. Dont wait for me for dinner, just leave a bit for me."
"Ok." Kazumis tone was indifferent as always, but she was curious to why this guy had been coming home late these few days. Even though she was curious, she wouldnt actually ask him because of her personality.
After Kazumi left, Masashi sat down and focused his mind. His mind flew into Naoko senseis office then locked onto her. Even though he couldnt see or hear, he could sense every action clearly, even her breathing and emotional fluctuations.
But this ability couldnt be used by humans. It was an ability created after so many years of evolving his soul.
A few minutes later, he noticed her breathing was getting heavy. Her body temperature was increasing and she took off her jacket subconsciously.
Then he sensed someone moving close to the office from outside. "So thats it. They are not actually stupid."
Yamamoto opened the door and saw Naoko senseis face turning red. Then said to the other two. "Looks like the meal is ready."
---
Toku and n.o.bita smiled creepily.
The three of them closed the door then took out a stocking to cover his head, just like a robber.
"Turn on the DV, I cant hold it anymore." Yamamoto said as he took off his clothes.
Masashi figured out what they were trying to do. Filming the victim in case she learned the truth then they could use it as a threat.
(Its time to take action, otherwise it will be too late.)
Yamamoto had already stripped Naoko senseis shirt. Their hearts were pounding so fast as they looked at this mature body.
"Yamamoto, hurry. I cant stand it."
"I know. Shut up." He pulled Naoko senseis skirt violently.
Suddenly the room went black.
"s.h.i.t, what happened? A black out?"
Then they heard the door opened and a figure ran in. It scared the three of them. "Whos there?"
That person didnt say anything but ran toward them in incredible speed.
The three of them fell to the ground before they could react.
Masashi looked at his finger with pride. (It seemed like my kung fu hasnt regressed.)
"En... Ah..." Naoko senseis moan reached his ears.
Masashi turned on the light and his mind went blank for a moment as he saw the body. He took a deep breath and carried her to the teachers bathroom on the side.
He turned on the faucet and pushed her head under it.
"Cough... What are you doing..." Finally she started to regain consciousness.
Masashi let go of her and handed her a towel.
"You, youre masashi?" Naoko sensei looked at him with confusion.
"Come, wash your face first."
"Why are you here?"
"Look at yourself first."
"Ah!" She screamed with unbearable volume then covered her body.
"Did, did you do this?" Her voice was angry.
"Not me. Its Yamamotos group. I knocked them out. Theyre still lying outside. You can go take a look."
"Really?"
"Just go take a look and you can tell."
She tried to get up but her chest was still uncovered so she immediately crouched back down.
"Wear this." Masashi handed her his uniform.
"Thank, thank you."
"I will wait for you outside."
(Such a considerate person.) Naoko thought.
Finally she came out wearing the uniform. He could tell she also fixed herself a bit.
"Thankfully they didnt tore apart your skirt. Otherwise I might be in bad luck."
Naoko sensei looked at his pants, and suddenly felt an impulse to laugh. But she held it to herself.
"Those guys are here, see?" Masashi pulled off the stocking on Yamamotos head.
Naoko understood what had happened from the naked Yamamoto and the DV.
"Did you drink anything someone gave you?"
"A girl gave me a can of c.o.ke. Can it be her?"
"Looks like it. You were drugged and they almost succeeded."
"Then, then did they... do anything to me?" She felt difficult asking her student such question.
"Didnt you hear, I said almost. That means no. I knocked them out when they were about to take off your skirt."
"How did you knock them out?" She couldnt imagine Masashi taking all three of them at once.
"Simple, by ambush. Any other questions?" He didnt want to delve on this question.
"No."
"Then you can go back first. I will handle them."
Naoko was scared. "How are you going to handle them?"
Masashi laughed. "Youve seen too many movies. I dont want to be a murderer."
Hearing that, she felt she was oversensitive.
Masashi pulled the three of them to the cla.s.sroom next door, then put Yamamoto on the podium. Suddenly he saw Naoko sensei standing by the door. "Why are you still here?"
"Can, can you go back with me? I am scared." After experiencing this, a womans nature overcame her pride as a teacher. She was just like a little girl scared of darkness.
He frowned. "Fine. Wait for me outside. Best if you can drive your car over. Ok?"
"Ok, I will wait for you. Hurry."Even her tone sounded like a little girl.
After the unnecessary audience went away, Masashi was fiddling with the three unconscious boys.
Once he got them into postures, he found that c.o.ke from Naoko senseis office then searched n.o.bitas body. There was indeed a bag of blue pills. He mixed the pills in the c.o.ke and poured it into their mouths. After all thats done, he wiped his fingerprints from the can and threw it into the garbage can.
"Aphrodisiac plus ecstasy. Then the ultimate 69 position. So looking forward to this. I cant wait for the morning to come."
"Why are you so slow?"
"Lets go. I still have to go home for dinner."
"I can treat you. I want to thank you."
"Next time. I dont want people to mistake anything from the way you are dressed."
"Ok then."
Masashi looked at her. "Let me drive. You look like youre half awake."
"I dont know why but I feel drowsy."
"Dont worry, its the effect from the pills. Just get a good night of sleep."
"If I am not mistaken, youre only 16. You still dont have a driving license."
"Dont worry, having a license and being able to drive are two different concepts."
"That means, you really dont have a license?" She asked in panic after processing his answer.
"Its fine. If we see the cops, we will just switch seats." He didnt want to give up the chance after not being able to drive for some many years. In just 8 seconds, the car accelerated from 30km to 120km.
Naoko sensei never knew her car could reach this kind of speed, but she wasnt happy about it in the tiniest bit. She held onto her seat belt tightly with a face of fear.
"Oh right, where do you live? I forgot to ask."
"What, youre asking this after driving for an hour!" Her body trembled.
(Forget it, he saved me after all.) She held her temper and gave him the directions patiently.
Masashi had to slow down the car because he was not familiar with the roads. And Naoko let out a sigh of relief.
"Lets play some songs."
Naoko turned on the radio and through it came a female voice.
"Love Me Tender. I never thought I would hear such an old song in this day."
"You also like this song?" Naoko was surprised.
"I used to have a friend that really liked this song, and sang it really well. Unfortunately she died."
Naoko fell into a silence.
"Sensei, how do we go from here?"
"Oh, make a right turn and we are there."
This was a two floor mansion with a very peaceful surrounding.
"Seems like teachers have pretty good salary. The rent of this place isnt cheap."
"Its nothing special. Do you want to come in, or wait for me to change and I can treat you to dinner."
"No thanks. You should take a good rest. See you." He turned around and walked away.
Naokos face looked disappointed.
Then she suddenly saw him turning back and felt excited. She ran up to him.
"I forgot to tell you one more thing. Dont tell anyone what happened tonight. As to the reason, you will get it by tomorrow. Remember." He finally left.
---
Morning of the next day. Masashi hurriedly finished his breakfast. He couldnt wait to see the scene in school.
Somebody rang the door and Kazumi opened it.
"Masashi, someones looking for you."
"What, me? Not the newspapers?"
"Are you Mr. Hirota Masashi?" A middle aged man in brand name suits asked politely.
"Yes, how can I help you?"
"Our boss wants to see you."
"Who is your boss?"
"Our boss is Mr. Rei"
"As expected. Can you wait until the afternoon, I have some things to do."
"But boss ordered me to invite you over today no matter what. Can you compromise?"
(Hes still so impatient, havent changed all these years.) Masashi sighed. "Fine, I will go with you now."
"Kazumi, can you help me take the day off?"
"I get it."
"Then lets go."
"Please follow me." The man invited him into a high end car, then went to the drivers seat.
(What kind of people did he meet?) Kazumi looked as the car drove away.
The driver parked the car and led Masashi into a mansion guarded with two men dressed in black suits and sungla.s.ses.
"Our boss is inside. Please step in." Then he left.
(Wonder how much theyve changed.) Masashi took a deep breath and pushed the door open.
There were four people sitting inside, three men and a woman. Also four bodyguards standing behind them.
All of them turned to Masashi as he entered. The thirty year young old man in the middle was dressed in black casual attire. He stood up immediately as he saw Masashi. Next to him was a middle age man in a white shirt, inspecting Masashi.
Masashi didnt say a word and just looked at the young man gentlely.
(This brat finally grew up.)
Then he turned to the man in white shirt and smiled. "Changan, you still havent changed after all these years. People will a.s.sume you dont have a change of clothes for wearing shirts all day." It was in Chinese.
The man in white shirt was shocked then looked at him with surprise and disbelief.
"Who are you? Were you the one that gave me the call? And how did you know my number?" The young man didnt notice Changans expression.
"Its been so many years and youre still so impatient. Dont you know its annoying to ask so many questions at a time."
The man was getting irritated for being talked to like this by a high school boy. Then Masashi suddenly said. "Have you circ.u.mcised that foreskin of yours yet? You wouldnt be still keeping them after all these years right."
The room suddenly dropped to freezing temperature.
The only woman in the room couldnt hold it and laughed out loud. Changan also smiled. While the other people were holding onto their laughter.
"You... All of you get out!" The mans face turned red and shouted.
All thats left in the room were Masashi, the man, and Changan.
"Who are you?"
Masashi didnt say anything. He walked over to Changan and unsheathed the sword on the table next to him.
The man was shocked. He knew what this sword meant to Changan. Yet not only did he not stop the boy but instead smiled.
Before he could react, the boy began dancing with the sword.
The mans face was getting more serious as he watched. (This isnt possible, these techniques, no other person can use them, certainly not a high school boy.)
Changan was also excited yet he didnt show a bit of surprise. In the end, tears streamed down his face. "Youre finally back."
"Hei, look carefully. This is how you use this technique." This line totally stunned the man.
At the end of his move, Masashi shot the sword into a tree.
"Hei, did you see it?" Masashi smiled at him.
"Sensei!" The man dropped to his knees in tears.
---
"Thats basically it. Do you get it now?"
"So sensei you reincarnated in this high school boys body? But you died ten years ago and this boy is only about 16. It doesnt add up."
"s.h.i.t, that was a waste of time explaining to you." Masashi knocked his head.
"I just cant understand. Why do you always. .h.i.t me." ReiLi (Hei is a nickname) acted like a child. But it had been ten years since he was. .h.i.t like this.
"This isnt normal reincarnation but taking over someones body. When my soul is traveling through a place and someone died recently and if that person fits some other criterias. Im not getting into the details, since you wont understand anyway. As long as all the criterias are met, then I will come back alive through this body. You get it now?"
"But sensei, why did you choose this boy. It feels so weird for me."
Masashi sighed. "That cant be helped. Its random every time. Can be a child, young man, old man, or even woman. The time is also random. Its only ten years this time but the one previously took 150 years. Thats why I didnt tell you anything about this when I died."
"Isnt that good? Youre an immortal now. Although your body has changed but you are still yourself."
"Is that so? If possible, I just want to die peacefully."
Changan and ReiLi thought about it and began to understand.
"But sensei, how did you become like this?"
"I was born in the Song Dynasty. My family was killed in a revenge, and my mother escaped with me. After learning the truth, I trained to avenge my father. I attained the height of sword using in a conincidence but when I went to seek revenge, my enemies were already killed by their enemies. Have you seen anything more sarcastic? Just like the plot of those cheap novels. I had no more goals to live for, then one time when I was practicing in the rain, I got struck by a lightning. Then it became like this."
ReiLi and Changan fell into silence.
Masashi laughed. "Stop acting so sentimental. Hei, go get some alcohol."
The next morning, Masashi woke up with a headache.
He went to the backyard and saw Changan practicing with his sword.
"Master." Changan bowed.
"Including the ten years I wasnt here, its been thirty years already. You still wont stop calling me this." Masashi sighed again.
"Youre always my master in my heart and Im always your Changan."
"Hei probably caused you a lot of troubles these years. Its been hard on you."
"Master, even though ReiLi is a little impatient, but hes a smart person. He earned almost everything himself, I didnt help with much."
"Sensei, youre here. I couldnt find you and thought I was dreaming all along."
"Stop acting like a child, youre not a kid anymore." He recalled Hei followed him since he was a kid. "Oh right, why did you come find me so late. I thought you forgot about me."
"I wouldnt dare to. I thought this was a prank but who wouldve guessed you actually came back. After I was done with my business in the US and told Changan about it. He found that someone took a sum of money out of your savings in your personal bank. I thought the money was stolen and searched for you."
"I didnt know its so convenient nowadays. It only took a phone call to make the transfer. I used to have to go in personal in the past. Anyway, I need to ask you are the three gang rules I made still in effect?" Masashi became serious.
When Masashi made the gang, he made three rules that must be followed. The first was not selling drugs.
"Sensei, I never done anything against the rules and wouldnt let my men do them."
"Good, I believe you."
"Sensei, when are you coming back to the gang?"
"I wont go back."
"What? You created Black Dragon all by yourself. How can you not come back?"
"Black Dragon doesnt belong to myself anymore. It belongs to all of you. Youve been managing it very well and I am happy about it. I am just here to see you. Its a blessing for people like me to be able to see friends and family that are still alive. Too many people died in my hands on my previous life. Im tired and want to take a break. If possible, I just want to be a normal person in this life. Do you still want to get me back?"
ReiLi didnt know what to say.
"Dont worry, if anything happens to Black Dragon, I wont just sit there and watch. And youre not young anymore, go get a wife before its too late."
"I, I still want to play for a few more years."
"s.h.i.t, arent you afraid of getting AIDS."
As Masashi was about to leave, Reili pointed to the woman and man in the mansion. "Masashi, these two are in charge of our businesses in Tokyo. Sakurai Mion and Akamatsu Ryuichiro. If you need something, just order them."
The two of them bowed to Masashi.
"I hope I dont have much to ask of you. I am just a normal civilian after all."
Masashi turned to ReiLi. "Changan told me you have businesses to do tomorrow. You should leave early today."
"I want to stay with you for a few more days."
"Theres still a lot of time left. Just go, I will contact you if something comes up."
---
It was only ten in the morning when he reached home. Masashi decided to go to cla.s.s in the afternoon. He found his ID in the drawer and took a taxi to a bank.
"I have some money being transferred over from the Swiss Union Bank. I want to know if its here yet."
"Please wait a moment." The teller looked at her screen in disbelief and her hands began shaking.
"Are, are you, Mr. Hiro, Hirota Masashi san?"
"Isnt it written in my ID?"
"Please, please wait a moment." She immediate ran to look for her manager.
After a while, the teller came back with a fat middle age man. After taking a look at the screen, then at Masashi, he was also in disbelief.
"Is this Hirota Masashi san?"
"I am."
"Because the fund is too big, we need some time to process it. Can you please wait a moment?"
"Fine, but hurry up."
The manager immediately invited Masashi to the VIP waiting room.
He didnt know his photo was sent to the police.
"Hows it? Is this the real person?" The manager asked.
"Based on the data, hes the real person. Hirota Masashi, male, 16 years old, attending school in Hirai Middle School as a first year high school student."
"Hes only 16 years old and already has over one billion USD. Hurry, sign him up as our VIP immediately."
"Yes, manager."
Finally the transfer was completed. The manager and teller handed Masashi his pa.s.sbook and credit card with the utmost respect.
Once he came to the school, he saw that the entrance was closed and several news agency vans blocked the road.
(Even the news reporters are here. Seems like things escalated.)
Masashi entered the school from a back door to avoid getting in the camera.
When he got in the cla.s.sroom, he found out all his cla.s.ses were changed to self study and the room was as noisy as a market.
"Can I ask what happened?"
"Oh its Masashi. You didnt know?"
"I took a day off yesterday."
"Thats unfortunate you werent here yesterday. You wouldnt believe what happened..."
Even though he guessed the results but the development was much more colorful than he thought.
When the students entered the cla.s.sroom in the morning, they were greeted by a horrendous scene. Three naked boys were holding onto each other in a nightmarish posture. A few girls fainted immediately.
When the dean came over and woke up the three boys, they attacked him and attempted to s.e.xually a.s.sault him. This middle aged man never thought of this day. His screams almost left a scar in the students.
Fortunately the other male teachers stopped the s.e.xual a.s.sault and saved the deans chast.i.ty. But all the teachers involved were a.s.saulted in various degrees. Two of them were still under therapy.
Then someone called the police and they brought the three boys to the hospital.
The police suspected the three boys overdosed stimulants and esctasy, leading to their behavior. And they were currently going through treatments.
After hearing what happened, Masashi regretted deeply for not being able to see this with his own eyes. He also blamed ReiLi for making him miss the scene.
"Oh right, Masashi kun. Naoko sensei had been looking for you since yesterday. It looks like something urgent."
"Ok. Thank you. I will go look for her."
He came to the teachers office and knocked.
"Please come in."
"Naoko sensei, were you looking for me?" Masashi acted like nothing happened.
"Youre finally here. I thought you wouldnt come back to school." She sounded angry.
"I have some things to take care of yesterday. What can I help you with?"
"Stop acting innocent. Did you do this?" Naoko sensei opened up the newspapers and pointed at it.
Three high school boys attempted to s.e.xually a.s.sault the dean. Masashi smiled as he looked at the headline.
"Dont you think thats going too far?" Naoko sensei looked at him seriously.
"Oh, is it?" Masashi slowly raised his head. "I dont know what I done that can be considered too far."
"You..."
"Youre also half a victim. Do you think the girls they toyed with will think this is too much? I know what you want to say but please be aware that those guys are not human, just three beasts. Dont tell me they are still young, they are adults with officially issued IDs. I never go soft against beasts. This is barely a prank in my eyes."
Naoko senseis head lowered as they stared at each other.
"Perhaps youre right, but..."
"When you eat a steak, have you ever thought that a cow died for you. When you eat an egg, have you ever thought about a little chick was stripped of his chance to live. I bet you havent. I also dont have the energy to think about these. I only know that I will eat when Im hungry, whether its steak or eggs. People can have sympathy but you shouldnt give too much to sympathy."
"Thank you. I get it now." Naoko felt that she was like a little girl in front of Masashi.
"Now that you know what happened, remember not to tell anyone. Otherwise you will be the one thats in trouble. If theres nothing else, I will take my leave."
"Are you, you free tonight? I want to treat you to a dinner as thanks."
Masashi looked at those pure eyes of hers. "Sorry to make you spend the money. Is tomorrow alright?"
"Then I will pick you up tomorrow evening." Naoko said excitedly.
Masashi didnt know what Kazumi would think if she sees it. "I will go find you instead."
"Ok."
When he came back to the cla.s.sroom, Mizato came over to him. "What did Naoko sensei want from you?"
"Nothing much, she just asked how my studies are doing."
"Oh, is it exciting staying with such a beauty? Her body is so sick." Mizato laughed creepily.
(Another beast.) Masashi just wanted to punch him in the face.
He ignored Mizato and walked right past him.