Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts - The Sagu Aoyama Universe Crossover Series

[Sherwin Riga]

"The Hasegawa Cup Post-Tournament Charming Afterparty (Part 1)" Part 2

Later, in the evening, the Bravehearts are divided into different assignments. Each group is assigned by Subaru where they will split up to do their duties for the afterparty. The tables and chairs are prepared by the Keishin Academy Elementary School Student Council while the foods are served by the Golden Sun Restaurant. The participants of the Hasegawa Cup begin to enjoy their night at the mansion of the Misawa Resort Hotel as the post-tournament afterparty is getting started.

The first group will be the Dazzled Hearts. The group of Team Matsuda-Nobutoki and Team Shimojō-Asakura are staying at the beach where they are having fun looking at the seaside.

Team Matsuda: Mieko Matsuda, Shiori Satō, Jirō Kitagawa, Katsuko Miyazawa, Tomoko Sasaki, Naomi Ishimoto and Nobunari Adachi
Team Nobutoki: Michiko Nobutoki, Suehiro Nishida, Jin Akagawa, Ichirō Hanazawa, Kaori Makihara, Nobuko Ariyoshi, Yūki Kamimachi and Nobunaga Takii
Team Shimojō: Ken Yamamoto, Aya Shimojō, Shinobu Higashimura, Sukehiro Gotō, Takahiro Sugihara, Keiko Hosada, Kanehira Satō, Ryūichi Sagawa and Ryūta Murozono
Team Asakura: Akari Asakura, Mitsugi Nagasawa, Ryōsuke Kanemoto, Asuka Aragaki, Michitarō Ibuki, Kimiko Furihata, Toshihisa Ōnishi and Minami Ishizuka
Staff: Masako Fujii

“Wow! I can’t believe that we’re going to celebrate the party here!” said Michiko Nobutoki as she, Suehiro Nishida, Jin Akagawa, Ichirō Hanazawa, Kaori Makihara, Nobuko Ariyoshi, Yūki Kamimachi and Nobunaga Takii are enjoyed eating their food.

“Did you like it?” asked Masako Fujii.

“Yeah!” said the members of Team Nobutoki.

“I can’t believe that we’re going to have a party at the beach” said Michiko Nobutoki.

“It really looked better than a coastal beach in Kanagawa” said Suehiro Nishida.

“I feel so good to stay at the beach at night” said Ichirō Hanazawa.

“Yep. I enjoyed eating dinner when I was on vacation” said Jin Akagawa.

“It seems that we have so many ways to enjoy there, especially we have many foods right here!” said Nobuko Ariyoshi.

“Sounds like the other members are eating their food right now” said Yūki Kamimachi.

“I wonder why are we here, Michiko. I thought that we could join the afterparty” said Nobunaga Takii.

“Well, it seems that Hinata and Kagetsu said that it’s for Innocent Charm members only as well as the members of the varsity team. So, we decided to create a party right here” said Michiko Nobutoki.

“Ah, sounds like you have a good plan to settle a party right here” said Suehiro Nishida.

“Of course, Suehiro. Akira and I are good in planning because we decided to come up ideas on what to do when it’s something special” said Masako Fujii.

“Wow! You’re awesome, Masako! Thanks for pulling a party for us!” said Nobunaga Takii.

“You’re welcome!” said Masako Fujii.

“Looks like the moon is glimmering. It’s so shine bright to see when it’s nighttime” said Michiko Nobutoki.

“Yeah, it’s true, Michiko” said Suehiro Nishida.

Mieko Matsuda, Shiori Satō, Ryūichi Sagawa, Aya Shimojō, Ryōsuke Kanemoto, Akari Asakura and Mitsugi Nagasawa are sitting at the sand and looking at the moon. The other members of Team Matsuda, Team Shimojō and Team Asakura are enjoyed playing basketball.

“Ah, I never see that full moon. It’s been a while since I want to see it all night long” said Mieko Matsuda.

“You seem to be gentler than I am, Mieko” said Aya Shimojō.

“Oh, I was so kind to be with you on my side. Since we’re leaders, we connect our bonds together” said Mieko Matsuda.

“Yeah, I believe in you, Mieko. You’re my friend and my companion” said Aya Shimojō.

“Oh, thank you, Aya. I was so glad that you are here since we’re classmates” said Mieko Matsuda.

“Yeah, I’m also glad to be with you, Mieko! I hope we can stay together until we grow up” said Aya Shimojō.

“Sure, no problem!” said Mieko Matsuda and Aya Shimojō gives Mieko Matsuda a simple smile.

“Ah, look at the moon. It was so bright and illuminating” said Ryūichi Sagawa.

“I’m sure that this moon looks round and whiter” said Akari Asakura.

“I realize that you look at the moon glimmering and you should see many stars behind them” said Ryōsuke Kanemoto.

“Yep. It’s simple as that, Ryōsuke. I never thought that we’re going to see another full moon after this. It will take a month to see that” said Mitsugi Nagasawa.

“Of course, Mitsugi! Every month we’ll see a full moon and when you look upon it, it gives you good luck” said Ryūichi Sagawa.

“I would like to have good luck in my academics” said Akari Asakura.

“Well, you’re lucky, Akari. But hopefully, when the new school year starts, I hope that it’s going to be a new hope for everyone in our team” said Ryūichi Sagawa.

“I’m glad that your hope for our team will start soon” said Akari Asakura.

“Yeah, never fall to see a shining moon and its glimmering expression seems to express sympathy” said Ryūichi Sagawa.

“I believe that our hope will be coming in our group. It seems that our future of our team is finally awaiting upon us” said Ryōsuke Kanemoto.

“Yeah, it sure is, Ryōsuke. I hope that our team will start working together as long as we could” said Mitsugi Nagasawa.

“Things will about to change when we reach the sixth grade. We should start working together again like we did last year” said Shiori Satō.

“Yep. I expect our future is ready” said Ryōsuke Kanemoto.

“You bet, Ryōsuke! We will be ready for another school year tomorrow and we’ll continue our friendship with Tsubaki and Hiiragi” said Ryūichi Sagawa.

“Yeah!” said Shiori Satō, Ryūichi Sagawa, Ryōsuke Kanemoto, Akari Asakura and Mitsugi Nagasawa.

On the other hand, Team Nagasaki and Team Maeyama are playing other sports at the Recreational Center.

Team Nagasaki: Ran Mikazuki, Risa Nagasaki, Yoshitsugu Nakagawa, Aoi Otsuji and Kana Yamada, Kōsuke Hasegawa, Akinori Mitobe and Yūki Ando
Team Maeyama: Atsuko Maeyama, Shizuko Ōhata, Tadamoto Inoue, Minami Kihara, Miho Ōsawa, Yoshiko Shindō, Akihiro Hata and Hideki Eda
Team Misawa: Kyoko Hiraki, Yurika Akagawa, Yōji Noshitani and Tarō Sakurai
Staff: Akira Nagatsuka

“My teammates are enjoyed playing other sports with each other” said Ran Mikazuki.

“Yeah, it seems that they’re spending time to enjoy playing together” said Akira Nagatsuka.

“I’m very glad that they’re all playing at the same court. It seems that they are battling for supremacy” said Atsuko Maeyama.

“Ah, they are showing their skills when it comes to their abilities” said Saki.

“Of course, Saki. Each of our members are testing their skills to play and at the end, they are going to find their strengths and weaknesses” said Akira Nagatsuka.

“When I played basketball with my teammates, I feel that I got great intelligence in observing the players on the court. I’m always excited to be play with them when there are practice sessions at the gym” said Saki.

“You looked good, Saki. And I hope that when you’ll start your first day in middle school, be sure to smile to your friends” said Ran Mikazuki.

“Yeah, I always smiling to my friends, but when I see someone feeling upset or down, I help them to feel better. They know that I’m a respectful girl in the class” said Saki.

“I begin to respect my classmates and friends when they greet me nicely in a compassionate way” said Risa Nagasaki.

“I’m so happy that we’re going to be together in middle school and I was so glad that our blessings give us more strength for our academics” said Ran Mikazuki.

“So, you’re wondering about your plans for the future, Akira” said Saki.

“Yeah. I know that the plan to create a new restaurant before the gate would be awesome. I mean it’s more like going to eat first before heading to the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Akira Nagatsuka.

“I’m hoping that the Misawa Resort Hotel will create a new set of buildings for us to stay here, but I guess that it would take too long to finish it for a year” said Risa Nagasaki.

“You see, there are many projects that are just started and it would take too long to finish it. So, by next year, there will be new buildings at the resort hotel and there are going to protect the forest areas” said Saki.

“I begin to imagine that the resort hotel will have new houses and buildings to create” said Ran Mikazuki.

“Oh, that would be great, Ran!” said Risa Nagasaki.

“On the bright side, our future of our group will depend on everyone’s demand. I think the other members are going to know what’s going to happen in the future” said Akira Nagatsuka.

“Well, our group is looking forward to find new friends when we’re reaching middle school and I’m sure that our team will be ready to expand” said Risa Nagasaki.

“Yeah. I’m convinced that I’m going to help with you because I have many connections with my teammates and friends. For example, Tomoka and I were communicating with each other” said Saki.

“Oh, I get it. I believe that we’re going to stay outside the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Ran Mizusaki.

“Who told you that?” asked Akira Nagatsuka.

“Uh, Miori said to me that each group will stay outside the Misawa Resort Hotel and we can only spend at the Misawa Resort Hotel if it reaches holidays. Tomoka and her friends as well as Subaru, Aoi and others are going to stay at the Misawa Resort Hotel permanently” said Ran Mikazuki.

“I believe that it’s true” said Saki.

“So, we’re going to stay in the urban areas outside the Misawa Resort Hotel? Sounds like it’s going to be a new plan for us to stay here when the new school year starts” said Risa Nagasaki.

“I was so excited to stay with you, but I don’t know if the leaders will stay at the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Atsuko Maeyama.

“Did you know what Miori said a while ago? All members of each group will assign to stay at any area that is outside the Misawa Resort Hotel, period” said Risa Nagasaki.

“I wonder what will going to be our new arrangement for our home” said Saki.

“Hmm. I think you and your friends will be staying at the second floor while the third floor will be reserved for Subaru and his team” said Akira Nagatsuka.

“There are many things that Ginga will have to make, but to make sure that we’re going to stay for extraordinary times” said Saki.

“Yeah. These changes will be happening in the Bravehearts and by the way, it will take effect starting April 12” said Ran Mikazuki.

“April 12? That’s the second Monday of April. It’s a week before the tryouts are opened” said Saki.

“Yeah. I hope that we’re going to start building our friendship team when the new school year starts” said Risa Nagasaki.

“I agree, Risa. That’s why we can keep our friendship until we reach the time that we’re independent from each other” said Saki.

“Usually, when college comes, it will shed your memories and start all over again. We don’t want to let these happen when we’re growing adolescence” said Akira Nagatsuka.

“That’s right, Akira! I think we should start planning in order to make sure that we’re set for a new journey” said Saki.

“Yeah!” said Rin Mikazuki, Risa Nagasaki and Atsuko Maeyama.

The second group will be Team Blue and Yellow. They’re playing games at the game room.

Team Blue and Yellow: Composed of three teams
Team Sugisaki: Naoko Sugisaki, Kyōsuke Fumizaki, Asumi Ishida, Haruyo Kusaka, Tarō Matsuba, Saori Minagawa, Kishō Ogata, Nagamasa Miwa, Hiroshi Yamanaka and Miori Misawa
Team Kikuchi: Daisuke Kikuchi, Tsutomu Fukada, Yoshinori Toshima, Akitsugu Wakui, Hiroto Makara, Ryūichi Kitajō and Hideo Akiyama
Team Minato: Kanae Hashimoto, Kazumi Tanaka and Yukari Uchida

“Well, Maho. It looks like your friends have found new interests in playing video games. But while playing basketball, they have some other hobbies to do” said Natsuhi.

“Of course, Natsuhi. I know that they have many times to play with each other” said Maho.

“I’m sure that they are going to keep playing video games after doing our requirements for school” said Natsuhi.

“That’s true, Natsuhi. You’re my best friend of all time I met” said Maho.

“Well, thanks” said Natsuhi, feeling embarrassed. “My twin sisters are outside the mansion where the afterparty was held.”

“Yeah, they looked happy right now. Now, that they won the Hasegawa Cup, they looked like to become contenders soon” said Maho.

“Yep. I’m glad that they have found their true passion in playing basketball and when they enter to the court, they will show their mastery of tricks in basketball” said Natsuhi.

“I agree, Natsuhi. No one will break the twins’ special skills” said Maho.

“Hey, Maho. How about we’re going to see our friends on how they’re doing right now?” said Natsuhi.

“Yeah!” said Maho. Natsuhi and Maho are seeing Kanae Hashimoto, Daisuke Kikuchi, Naoko Sugisaki and Kishō Ogata playing their dance game.

“How do you feel when you’re playing, guys?” asked Natsuhi.

“We feel great, Natsuhi” said Daisuke Kikuchi.

“Kishō always winning every time we battle him because he’s good in dancing” said Naoko Sugisaki.

“I feel more confident to play with my friends and I hope that our fun will last soon” said Kanae Hashimoto.

“Maho! I’m very happy to enjoy playing with them and Miori is busy playing with Asumi Ishida” said Kishō Ogata.

“I feel happy when you always winning every duel in the dance game. I’m sure that you’re going to impress my sister soon” said Maho.

“Yep. I’m going to make sure that when I’m keep winning in the dance game, I would become a great dancer for sure” said Kishō Ogata.

“I believe that Kishō is good in dancing, but I’m also good in playing basketball” said Daisuke Kikuchi.

“You know what, we’re going to have another game to play. Is that okay to you?” said Natsuhi.

“Yeah!” said Maho, Kanae Hashimoto, Daisuke Kikuchi, Naoko Sugisaki and Kishō Ogata.

“How about kart race?” asked Natsuhi.

“Okay! I like this game a lot!” said Naoko Sugisaki.

“Looks like you found yourselves a new opponent, Kishō” said Hiroshi Yamanaka.

“Yep. I can’t wait to play against my friends” said Kishō Ogata.

“Well, then. Count me in! I wanna join too!” said Hiroshi Yamanaka.

“Wow! She feels excited to play with you, Kishō!” said Maho.

“Of course, not, Maho! Sometimes, a friend can be a gamer too!” said Kishō.

As the kart racing game starts, Natsuhi configures the settings and everyone is ready to play the kart race.

“Alright, everyone! Are you ready?” said Natsuhi.

“Yeah!” said Maho, Kanae Hashimoto, Daisuke Kikuchi, Naoko Sugisaki, Kishō Ogata and Hiroshi Yamanaka.

“Okay! We have seven players in the race. So, I need one more” said Natsuhi, wondering about the eighth player to join the race. “How about you, Akitsugu? Do you come with us, playing a kart race?”

“Sure, why not” said Akitsugu Wakui. The eight players are all ready to use their consoles for the race.

“Ready…” said Naoko Sugisaki.

“…get set…” said Maho.

“…GO!” said Natsuhi as the race begins with Natsuhi, Maho, Kanae Hashimoto, Daisuke Kikuchi, Naoko Sugisaki, Kishō Ogata, Hiroshi Yamanaka and Akitsugu Wakui are playing the kart racing game altogether.

Meanwhile, Ginga & Nayu Hasegawa, Shinobu & Kaori Minato, Masayoshi Sawatari, Sayuri Ogi and Fūga & Moe Misawa are having a talk at the Golden Sun Restaurant.

“Everyone, it was nice to finally meet you here and it’s cold out there outside” said Ginga.

“Yeah, there’s a breeze coming out from the sea” said Shinobu.

“Of course, when there are breezes coming out from the sea, it feels cold when you go outside” said Nayu.

“So, why are we here, Ginga? We’re supposed to meet each other at the Recreational Center” said Fūga.

“Well, unfortunately, the girls are already reserving the whole area. So, I find a safe place for a talk right here” said Ginga.

“Wow! I never see that place before. What about you, Sayuri?” said Masayoshi.

“I never see that place either. All I know is that this place is near the airport and the sea” said Sayuri.

“That’s right, ma’am. Now, we’re all here, we’re going to have plans for the future of the Bravehearts” said Ginga.

“It seems that we’re finally ready to have our little girls go to middle school, but of course, each team is ready to bring their stuff there to stay outside the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Kaori.

“Well, I think we have a problem” said Moe.

“What’s that, dear?” asked Fūga.

“You see, the Misawa Resort Hotel management is debating their future plans to construct new buildings in the resort hotel” said Moe.

“Hmm. I wonder what they are trying to do” said Masayoshi.

“There is one hostel that would be reserved for the Bravehearts to stay and it should be away from the resort hotel” said Fūga.

“I know that proposal, Fūga. It was the idea of the Bravehearts to create new permanent home for them because they have many people living in the mansion. Now, they’re wondering if the management will begin to construct new buildings” said Ginga.

“So, certainly, it would take a year to complete the hostel and we have to protect the trees from the forest for environment purposes” said Shinobu.

“I’m glad that the management will start building it by the start of May. I wonder if the Bravehearts will assign groups to stay outside the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Nayu.

“Hmm. That idea came from one of my daughters, Miori, because she said that the Bravehearts will have different places to stay and while the new hostels will be constructed, their homes will be temporarily their base for the teams” said Fūga.

“I’m sure that everyone will be able to communicate with them by chat and for those who are from the Family of Angels, they were living westward to the resort hotel and I believe that they spend time to stay with them every weekend” said Masayoshi.

“Kōme and Yuzuha are allowed to stay in the mainland for many months right now, but during the summer, they spend their stay at our island. So, I have the idea that maybe the two will stay in Kyō’s residential area” said Sayuri.

“I agree with that, Sayuri. When the Little Wing Orphanage allows the members of Lien de Famille to stay, Kurumi, Kōme and Yuzuha are allowed to stay at the open house, thanks to Kyō” said Masayoshi.

“Hmm. Sounds like they’re enjoying together and it seems that every group will have their own home to stay and when it’s holidays, they will decide what to do” said Ginga.

“If there are many members are going to stay with their new homes, they will be allowed to stay here for a long time. However, if it’s holidays, they will have free time to do because they have desired things to enjoy” said Moe.

“I agree, Moe. So, what do you say? Are you going to let the members of the Bravehearts to have their homes outside the Misawa Resort Hotel?” said Ginga.

“Yeah” said Nayu, Shinobu, Kaori, Masayoshi, Sayuri, Fūga and Moe as they raise their hands, saying that they approve Ginga’s proposal.

“Then it’s decided! The Bravehearts will assign the groups to stay outside the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Ginga.

“So, what are you planning, Masayoshi for the Family of Angels?” asked Kaori.

“The Family of Angels will have two homes: the Little Wing Orphanage and an open house for Team Kadokawa” said Masayoshi.

“Sounds like that’s a great idea, but it depends on the decision of the members to stay with” said Shinobu.

“Okay, that’s all for now. So, let’s take some orders and let’s eat!” said Ginga.

“Okay!” said Nayu, Shinobu, Kaori, Masayoshi, Sayuri, Fūga and Moe. The future of the Bravehearts is now decided by the parents and friends of the Bravehearts that each group will provide one house for the base of each team. The idea will be happened when it reaches April 12 and hopefully, the Bravehearts will start communicating with them once again like the first members of the Keishin Academy Elementary School girls’ basketball team doing that last year.

UP NEXT: Chapter 39: "The Hasegawa Cup Post-Tournament Charming Afterparty (Part 2)" [Last chapter for Volume 3!:D] and Prelude to Special Chapter 5: "The Six Groups of Bravehearts"

 

[Sherwin Riga]

We're almost done with Volume 3 and I'm hopefully going to be ready to start drafting the Special Chapter 5 with the title "A Colorful Winter Day with the Bravehearts". That chapter will be posted on February 25 and this will conclude the Volume 3. I hope you're here to read the last chapter of Volume 3 which also see the supplementary posts that I promise to post it tonight. So, enjoy my new updates!:)

As the afterparty continues, the Orange and Fuchsia, Team Aurora, Team Purple, Family of Angels, Innocent Charm, Ginga's Pupils and Team Balguerie are already prepared their parties separately with their leaders have given duties to their members of each group. For the Family of Angels, Kyō Nukui was asked by the Dragon≒Nuts if he will help them to finish doing their decorations for the experiment that Jun Gotō had. On the other hand, Team Purple, Innocent Charm, Ginga's Pupils and Team Balguerie are at the terrace for the afterparty where they are celebrating their night to culminate their spring break before the members of Bravehearts will return to school tomorrow for a new school year. From the colorful decorations to the fantastic explorations, these groups are ready to prepare for the new goals in their new lives as members of the Bravehearts.

VOLUME 3: “A CHARMING SENSATION”
CHAPTER 39: “THE HASEGAWA CUP POST-TOURNAMENT CHARMING AFTERPARTY (PART 2)”​

The afterparty continues with different groups have celebrated themselves in different areas of the Misawa Resort Hotel. The next group will be the Orange and Fuchsia. They were swimming and relaxing at the pool area of the Misawa Resort Hotel.

Team Hayashida: Asuna Hayashida, Shizuka Ōta, Mitsuki Kaneshiro, Ai Tsukada, Erika Iguchi, Kazuyo Miyazawa, Miki Hishida, Yuriko Akinaga, Chiyo Goto and Yōko Yamazaki
Team Aoyagi: Kenshō Aoyagi, Ichirō Kanehira, Shōsuke Koyama, Kojiro Miwa, Hirokazu Chijimatsu, Junpei Hayano, Kentarō Nakamatsu, Tsunehisa Nakayama, Naruhisa Ishikawa and Kōichirō Akaike
Team Ogura: Minami Ogura, Tomoko Aoyama, Miyako Hisamura, Sakura Matsuoka, Maho Okamura, Kazue Tamaki, Chōei Utsumi, Shigehisa Deguchi, Tatsuya Aso, Hisahito Hishida, Eijirō Fukuda and Ryōsei Wakui
Team Fujisaki: Rina Fujisaki, Rei Rakuyama, Minami Ōshima, Sakura Nobumoto, Chinami Nishida, Ryōsei Sakurai, Nobuo Momijidani, Masahiro Kurokawa, Mareo Koga and Kazurō Ikeda
Staff: Itsuko Kanehira, Kaori Kashii, Minako Machida and Kozue Hidaka

Shizuka Ōta, Mitsuki Kaneshiro, Ai Tsukada, Erika Iguchi, Kazuyo Miyazawa, Miki Hishida, Kenshō Aoyagi, Ichirō Kanehira, Shōsuke Koyama, Tsunehisa Nakayama, Naruhisa Ishikawa and Kōichirō Akaike are swimming together at the pool area.

“I’m feeling good right now, Ai. I think that this swimming pool is better to relax than in the hot springs” said Shizuka Ōta.

“I agree. I spend my time to swim with my friends last summer” said Ai Tsukada.

“Oh, I remember that, Ai. After the last day of the first term, we were together to go to the coastal beach. We stay there for three days and we feel good” said Ichirō Kanehira.

“Oh, yeah. All of us were go together to go south and swim there. It’s more fun to swim there with your swimming stuff” said Ai Tsukada.

“I’m sure that this is more like a relaxing resort in Kansai” said Naruhisa Ishikawa.

“Yep. I wonder what our future plans in our team would be, Shizuka” said Ai Tsukada.

“Well, it seems that we’re going to work together when we’re going to have projects and assignments” said Shizuka Ōta.

“Are you sure that when some of our members are in the other sections, maybe we should try recruiting new members out there?” asked Kōichirō Akaike.

“Yeah, Kōichirō. I believe that since our class has many people out there. There are many new faces to meet when we reach the first day of middle school” said Shizuka Ōta.

“I’m so excited, Shizuka! I’m thinking if our new classmates will come from other sections” said Tsunehisa Nakayama.

“Me, too! I believe that when we’re going to meet some new faces, they know that we came from the elementary school. I’m sure that these new students will know us first before they’ll introduce themselves” said Erika Iguchi.

“Of course, Erika and Tsunehisa. This is different from our previous class, so we have to be gentler and more serious when we enter first day in school” said Shizuka Ōta.

“You don’t have to get butterflies on the stomach when you meet them for the first time” said Kōichirō Akaike.

“That’s true, Kōichirō. Every year, we meet new friends aside from old friends” said Shizuka Ōta.

“And especially, when you reunite with your old friends again, you feel more comfortable to see them again” said Mitsuki Kaneshiro.

“Since we’re celebrating the night right here, I guess that we should start playing games” said Miki Hishida.

“Oh, yeah. How about we’re going to play “truth and dare” game? That way, everyone will try to tell something secret” said Shizuka Ōta.

“Yeah, I like that game!” said Kenshō Aoyagi.

“Well, then, let’s start the game!” said Shizuka Ōta.

“Okay!” said Mitsuki Kaneshiro, Ai Tsukada, Erika Iguchi, Kazuyo Miyazawa, Miki Hishida, Kenshō Aoyagi, Ichirō Kanehira, Shōsuke Koyama, Tsunehisa Nakayama, Naruhisa Ishikawa and Kōichirō Akaike.

Meanwhile, Yōko Yamazaki, Asuna Hayashida, Rina Fujisaki, Itsuko Kanehira and Kaori Kashii are eating their foods together while seeing the members of Orange and Fuchsia are enjoyed playing in the water.

“Airi gives us the food to eat before she said that she will be with Tomoka at the mansion” said Asuna Hayashida.

“I’m sure what’s she doing right now” said Yōko Yamazaki.

“She is staying at the mansion along with Tomoka and Jun’s Angels” said Kaori Kashii.

“My friends are here at the terrace where they’re one of the friends who were invited to join the afterparty” said Yōko Yamazaki.

“I’m sure you have to invite them. They know that you are here” said Rina Fujisaki.

“Yeah, I’ll do it later on. If I have time to wait for them, I should let my friends to come to our party” said Yōko Yamazaki.

“Sure, Yōko. It’s fine to bring your friends right here. But are they have swimsuits?” said Rina Fujisaki.

“Yeah. They bought their extra clothes for swimming” said Yōko Yamazaki.

“I’m sure that they’re gonna arrive soon” said Itsuko Kanehira.

“You betcha!” said Yōko Yamazaki.

“So, girls, did you have plans to celebrate my sister’s birthday?” asked Kaori Kashii.

“Uh, we don’t have it yet” said Asuna Hayashida.

“Then, I’ll explain. So, her birthday is on Monday and all you have to do is to buy a gift for her. She’ll feel happy if you bought something special for her” said Kaori Kashii.

“Okay, I believe that we’re going to buy the gifts together” said Asuna Hayashida.

“Together? But how?” said Kaori Kashii.

“On Saturday, we should go to the shopping mall to buy some gifts for Airi. I believe that she has many gorgeous clothes she has in her home, but hopefully, I’m going to buy something even nicer than those” said Asuna Hayashida.

“For her present, I need to buy a hair clip because I always wearing those when I’m in school” said Rina Fujisaki.

“That’s a great find you got, Rina. But for me, I’m going to buy her bag. She had to keep her stuff right here including her notebooks too!” said Yōko Yamazaki.

“So, you have many things to buy her presents before her birthday. I hope that we’re going to buy a cake for her” said Itsuko Kanehira.

“Yeah! I’m sure that we’re going to have those for her birthday party at our home” said Kaori Kashii.

“At her home?” asked Yōko Yamazaki.

“Yeah. We should go back to the mansion after the party. That way, we’re going to celebrate her birthday at our home” said Kaori Kashii.

“Sounds great, Kaori!” said Yōko Yamazaki.

“It’s almost her birthday and I hope we’re going to make her birthday party the best she had!” said Itsuko Kanehira.

“Yeah!” said Yōko Yamazaki, Asuna Hayashida, Rina Fujisaki and Kaori Kashii.

“We should start planning to prepare for her birthday by tomorrow!” said Itsuko Kanehira.

“Okay!” said Yōko Yamazaki, Asuna Hayashida, Rina Fujisaki and Kaori Kashii.

The next group will be Team Aurora. While Ginga’s Pupils are at the mansion, the members of Team Aurora are staying at the basketball court of the Recreational Center.

Team Aurora: Composed of three groups
Team Katobuki: Hanako Kotobuki, Kazuko Kakimoto, Mizuki Koyama, Izumi Masuda, Kurumi Sato, Yoko Shimizu, Jun Akiyama, Eriko Takao, Yurika Hashida and Sakiko Hasegawa
Team Morizawa: Junichi Morizawa, Sōichi Aoyama, Jūbei Koga, Kōsuke Minagawa, Issei Uehara, Mantarō Hishikawa, Masanobu Yamada, Ryōta Tsujimoto, Shinobu Hatano and Moritaka Ueda

The members of Team Aurora are excited to play one game at the Recreational Center. Mizuki is a member of Ginga’s Pupils like Mimi and Kazuko and she is planning to join the varsity team after Kazuko joins the team. Kazuko is Mizuki’s best friend and they were compared to Maho and Saki.

“While Kazuko and the Pupils are in the mansion, I’ll be in charge for now” said Mizuki Koyama.

“Okay” said the girls of Team Aurora.

“Kazuko said to me that I’m planning to join the varsity team next season and I’m so excited to play alongside Mimi and Kazuko. I’m waiting for our opponents for tonight” said Mizuki Koyama.

“Why are planning to join the varsity team?” asked Erika Takao.

“I’m very generous to enjoy playing with Ginga’s Pupils, but I came up an idea to join the varsity team. I mean I’m determined to join the varsity team” said Mizuki Koyama.

“Your Glimmering Strike is so astounding. I can’t believe that you’re going to use that when you’re playing with the varsity team” said Izumi Masuda.

“I’m very glad that you’re going to become a member of the varsity team soon, but as soon as Mimi calls you to come out from the bench, I hope you’re going to play well” said Eriko Takao.

“Yep. I understand what you’re supporting with me to join the varsity team. I never join the varsity team before, but thanks to Mimi, she created a fan base for her friends like me” said Mizuki Koyama.

“I’m sure that one day, you’ll be stronger like Mimi and her teammates” said Yurika Hashida.

“I agree with you, Yurika. Mimi gives us some time to stay at the Recreational Center because we’re waiting to see our opponent. I hope that when you’re ready to play, perform with your heart and soul” said Mizuki Koyama.

“When are we going back to the afterparty?” asked Yurika Hashida.

“After the game, Yurika. The party will end at 11:00 and the classes will start tomorrow at 7:30” said Mizuki Koyama.

“I can’t wait to start our classes tomorrow!” said Jun Akiyama.

“Our team will begin to work serious when we’re going to have assignments and also, I hope that we’re going to find a boarding houseto stay” said Hanako Kotobuki.

“The boarding housewill be fitted for us to stay there and there’s communication available” said Mizuki Koyama.

“Maybe in Keishin, there is a boarding housefor students to stay here” said Yoko Shimizu.

“I don’t know what you’re seeing in Keishin, but their boarding houseis a four-floor building and each floor has accommodated to 20 rooms” said Hanako Kotobuki.

“Now, assumed that we’re going to pay, we can use that place for us to communicate with our friends and batchmates” said Eriko Takao.

“That’s why we’re going to use the rooms to stay there for a year” said Jun Akiyama.

“But what if the boarding housesupervisor didn’t accept us in staying there?” asked Yoko Shimizu.

“Then, we can find something cozier and comfortable in other places like this” said Mizuki Koyama.

“Yeah. What about we’re going to stay our homes first and then, we’re going to meet each other at the square?” said Hanako Kotobuki.

“That’s a great idea! Nice thinking, Hanako. We’re going to wait the supervisor to let us stay at the boarding school” said Jun Akiyama.

“Then it’s all set! Looks like we’re done with our plans in whether to find a comfortable place to stay, then let’s have our practice! Are you with me, team?” said Mizuki Koyama.

“Yeah!” said the girls of Team Aurora.

The boys of Team Aurora are looking at the girls as the girls are having a training for their practice match.

“Did you hear that, Junichi?” asked Sōichi Aoyama.

“Yeah. What is it?” said Junichi Morizawa.

“We’re going to stay at the boarding school, so that we’re going to stay here for a year. But unfortunately, we have our homes and we can’t do that because some of our members have less money” said Sōichi Aoyama.

“Yeah, that’s true. I can’t believe that we’re going to stay at our homes for a while. Until someone from our group will accept every one of us to stay” said Ryōta Tsujimoto.

Issei Uehara nodded to Ryōta’s suggession. “I agree, Ryōta. There are many places to stay here, but I hope that we’re going to find something near to our homes to stay and then, our parents will accept our proposal to leave our homes and stay in our new comfortable place.”

“I wonder what are going to do tonight. I can’t wait to see a stronger team that the girls are going to battle against them” said Masanobu Yamada.

“You see, some of the participants at the Hasegawa Cup are in the mansion and we have to wait for it until the afterparty is over” said Junichi Morizawa.

“And that means that we’re not going to have a match” said Kōsuke Minagawa.

“Yeah, that’s not going to happen. I mean the other participants have explored the Misawa Resort Hotel. I believe that they are surely going to see us playing” said Shinobu Hatano.

“Then, it’s going to be expected to have a match if our opponents come in” said Jūbei Koga.

“I’m sure that the girls have the guts and strengths to use and usually, they never give up when they’re falling in the game. Also, when they dominate, they know that they’re glowing their auroras already” said Sōichi Aoyama.

“Yep. Things are going to create austral revolution when it comes to Team Aurora’s versatile playing styles” said Ryōta Tsujimoto.

“I agree, Ryōta. I feel overjoyed to see Team Aurora playing like superstars” said Masanobu Yamada.

“I hope that we’re going to play the invitationals soon as long as Mimi gives us the go-signal to participate” said Junichi Morizawa.

“Yep. As far as I know, each group has participation in the Ōta League. So, if one group participates, the others will wait for another month to participate” said Mantarō Hishikawa.

“Yeah. We’re going to reach our destiny to become superstars and with the help of two members of Ginga’s Pupils, we’re in good shape” said Sōichi Aoyama.

“You got it!” said Junichi Morizawa.

The members of Team Aurora are waiting to have their opponents to play against them. It appears that the other participants of the Hasegawa Cup are in the afterparty. Team Aurora had brought some drinks to enjoy while they’re in training.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Chapter 39: "The Hasegawa Cup Post-Tournament Charming Afterparty (Part 2)"

Part 2​

The next group is Team Purple. They are staying at the terrace because they are still at the afterparty.

Team Purple: Composed of two teams
Team Katayama (girls): Himeko Katayama, Mizuko Fujisaki, Yuka Suehiro, Chiyako Kayama, Hana Mikimoto, Asuka Yokoi and Kana Hanaoka
Others (girls): Miho Nakayama, Hanako Furukawa, Keiko Fukada, Amane Matsunaga and Yumi Arimoto
Team Hosoya (boys): Ichiro Hosoya, Sōichi Maeyama, Toshiya Shimura, Masafumi Mitamura and Hisamitsu Tsuchida
Others (boys): Hiro Asahara, Naganori Kaminaga, Shinobu Mikawa, Yoshihito Sengoku, Shintarō Iwai and Takeshi Kanazawa

“So, what are you planning, Himeko? You feel happy the whole day” said Mizuko Fujisaki.

“Yeah. I’m feeling that I’m finally going to join the varsity team as long as we’re going to work together with the senpais” said Himeko Katayama.

“I thought that you’re going to give up your leadership in our group” said Asuka Yokoi.

“Well, I didn’t give up my leadership in our team. Still I’m going to lead Team Purple as long as we’re going to grow older” said Himeko Katayama.

“I’m sure that you’re going to contemplate the future of the basketball team. I believe that Mimi impressed your performance” said Ichiro Hosoya.

“You’re right, Ichiro. I can’t believe that Mimi was able to express something that was admiring” said Himeko Katayama.

“What is that mean?” asked Ichiro Hosoya.

“It means that her playing style was stupendous and she never let thing down” said Yuka Suehiro.

“Oh, yeah. Our team has perfect performance in doing the Violet Star special skill. Maybe we can’t lose our hopes when we are about get down too soon” said Ichiro Hosoya.

“It was the first time that Himeko has the pride and honor of her batch and she was able to learn everything from her mentors like Mimi and her teammates” said Chiyako Kayama.

“For her true passion, she was able to see her teammates giving smiles to her” said Mizuko Fujisaki.

“I agree with you, Mizuko” said Himeko Katayama.

“So, we have to wait for a few months in order to become full members of the basketball team” said Toshiya Shimura.

“Yep. I can’t be happier if we’re not in the team, but I know that Mao Kayano is planning for us in the future” said Himeko Katayama.

“The future” repeated the boys of Team Purple.

“When it comes to our team’s willpowers, they release their fears and they can able to see what they have when they’re in the court” said Himeko Katayama.

“I’m sure that since we performed well, we know that what’s going to happen in the future” said Yuka Suehiro.

“I’m very glad that we came to play the tournament, but of course, we have purified hearts in our team” said Hana Mikimoto.

“So, that’s why, everyone in our team has true formation of relentless harmony” said Mizuko Fujisaki.

“Now, that we’re going to become fifth graders, I expect that we’re going work on academics, and then we’re going to back to play basketball as full-timers” said Chiyako Kayama.

The girls of Team Purple agree to Team Katayama’s true passion of forming relentless harmony in their games at the Hasegawa Cup.

“Wow! That was so amazing! I can’t imagine that if you’re going to join the varsity team, then we’re going to join the counterparts too!” said Ichiro Hosoya.

Toshiya Shimura nods and smiles to Ichiro Hosoya. “I feel that we’re finally ready to move on from our little rivalry against Naoki’s team. The kouhais are going to expect to play alongside the senpais.”

“Speaking of being kouhais, Yuichi Uchida is feeling confident that he’ll be with us in the team soon” said Masafumi Mitamura.

“Our familial bonds have strengthened the team’s willpower and I hope that it will continue until we finish our elementary school basketball years” said Sōichi Maeyama.

“I feel that we’re going to play alongside Naoki and his teammates, but this would take a long time to work together, but hey, we’re going to be stronger enough to defeat our opponents in the district tournament” said Hisamitsu Tsuchida.

“I’m glad that you’re all here” said Kōsuke Yamada, who appears to see the members of Team Purple. “I’m glad that you have played well in the tournament and I’m pleased with your performance including you, Himeko.”

“Really, coach?” asked Himeko Katayama.

“I’m a very generous manager to be with you, Himeko and Team Purple. Also, I have to inform you that Himeko Katayama, Mizuko Fujisaki, Yuka Suehiro, Chiyako Kayama, Hana Mikimoto, Asuka Yokoi and Kana Hanaoka will be joining the Keishin Academy Elementary School girls’ basketball team next season!” said Kōsuke Yamada.

Himeko Katayama, Mizuko Fujisaki, Yuka Suehiro, Chiyako Kayama, Hana Mikimoto, Asuka Yokoi and Kana Hanaoka have their dreams come true as they will finally join the Keishin Academy Elementary School girls’ basketball team next season.

“I can’t believe that we’re living the dream!” said Kana Hanaoka.

“Yep. Thanks to Mimi and her teammates impressing our performance, we’re finally going to join Mimi’s team!” said Asuka Yokoi.

“I know that we finally expected to see that news” said Hana Mikimoto.

“On the bright side, we won’t be worrying about our plans to stay with the senpais” said Chiyako Kayama.

“Yeah. We will make sure that when we’re playing together with the sixth graders, we’re going to dominate the games for sure” said Yuka Suehiro.

“I believe that we’re reaching to the next level, Himeko” said Mizuko Fujisaki.

“Yep. Thank you, Manager Kōsuke! You’re helping us playing well and we finally fulfill our promises to become full members of the varsity team!” said Himeko Katayama.

“You’re welcome, Himeko! Of course, I want to tell everyone that we’re going to work together to keep them stronger. The next time when you’re entering the game, it’s time to shine” said Kōsuke Yamada.

“Okay! Thank you very much, Manager!” said the members of Team Katayama.

“Well, then. I’m off to my friends who were waiting for me. See ya around, team!” said Kōsuke Yamada as he waves the members of Team Katayama goodbye and leaves.

“I can’t believe that we’re finally going to team up with Mimi and her teammates!” said Mizuko Fujisaki.

“I know. Then, let’s toast for our true formation of relentless harmony” said Himeko Katayama as the members of Team Katayama are raising their glasses of iced tea.

“Yeah!” said the members of Team Katayama.

The next group will be the Family of Angels. They are at the mansion. Tomoka, Airi, Subaru and Aoi are also there to stay with the members of Family of Angels.

Family of Angels: Composed of five teams
Team Gotō: Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Shigeru Hirashita, Hitomi Takao, Masami Nojima, Kyōji Nogami and Masanobu Uehara
Jun’s Angels: Jun Gotō, Nozomi Momijidani, Sora Kaneshiro, Kyō Nukui, Sakura Toriumi, Kurumi Nukui, Kōme Ogi and Yuzuha Aigae
Team Takeda: Michiko Takeda, Ayane Shirakawa, Haruko Kōyama, Kozue Hanabusa and Aika Sagawa
Team Miyazaki: Akiko Miyazaki, Natsuki Sakura, Satsuki Ōkuma, Katsuei Kōno, Asami Nakagawa, Miki Akizuki, Kōichi Aoyama, Mito Azaki and Kiyoto Miyaji
Team Kadokawa: Megumi Kadokawa, Nami Tamayama, Kotoe Kano, Fujiko Sasaki Ryōta Mikawa, Shōzō Takamatsu, Junichi Kamisaka, Akiyuki Katsumoto, Kaiji Nakagami, Kazue Futagawa, Chitose Ayano, Shizuka Tojo, Sayoko Nagata and Minako Kawaguchi

“I’m hope that you like my designs for your clothes!” said Jun.

“Look at everyone we’re wearing. It’s so beautiful, cute and angelic” said Airi.

“I’m glad that we’re going to wear these for the rest of the night” said Tomoka.

“It’s so charming to wear a design like this” said Aoi.

“When it comes to the Angels, they have done numerous of thing to make things more admiring” said Subaru.

“I agree. They have experiences when they stay at the orphanage and we keep our friendship together as one” said Kyō.

“Yep. It looks like we’re all here to eat. Now, are you ready to eat?” said Sakura.

“Yeah!” said the Tomoka, Airi, Subaru, Aoi and the members of Family of Angels.

Tomoka, Airi, Subaru, Aoi and the members of Family of Angels are eating their special dinner made by Sakura, Kurumi, Kōme, Yuzuha and Megumi. After eating, they go to the living room to start their plans for tonight.

“Did you find something what are we gonna do for tonight, Jun?” asked Tomoka.

“Yeah. We have two activities that I come up in my mind” said Jun.

“Well, the first one is converting the hall into a restaurant” said Sora.

“Oh, you’re right, Sora. We’re going to make the hall more like a fine restaurant. Sakura had served many food and the other members like Kurumi, Kōme and Yuzuha are decorating their designs for the event” said Jun.

“I’m very confident to join with them because Kōme had designed the albums while Kurumi and Yuzuha worked together to help Kōme” said Nozomi.

“Yeah, I’m sure that we’re going to need more members to help us decorating the designs for the fine project” said Kurumi.

“Although I wasn’t able to pick anyone form our class to join with us, but thanks to Jun and the Angels, I finally found new friends to help us completing our project” said Kōme.

“Do you have anything to say, Jun? I’m very confident that we found our new ways since we’re rivals to your band” said Yuzuha.

“Yeah. I’m confident to join forces into one solid team, but I’m very glad that you were able to accept my proposal” said Jun.

“So, right now, I might be able to pick anyone from our group to help us” said Yuzuha.

“Alright, Yuzuha. Just make sure when you’re done decorating, we should finalize it right away” said Jun.

“Yes, Jun!” said Yuzuha.

“Brother. I want to ask you something a favor” said Kurumi.

“Kurumi, I should talk to him, not you! Is that right, Kyō?” said Kōme.

“Hey! I’m here first, Kōme!” said Kurumi.

“Don’t underestimate me, Kurumi! You said that you want to be with him all along” said Kōme.

“I always care for him, but you already experienced dating with my brother” said Kurumi.

“Well, I did that once. So, then, how are you going to ask him a favor with just childish acts?” said Kōme.

“That’s enough, you two! I owe a favor to both of you, but you seem to be curious right now” said Kyō.

“No, we aren’t” said Kōme and Kurumi, thinking that they never found something important to Kyō.

“Well, why don’t you ask me a favor one at a time and then I’m going to say in return?” asked Kyō.

“Yeah, I should have let you start, Kurumi” said Kōme.

“I thought you’re going to decide it yet” said Kurumi.

“Well, no, I didn’t, Kurumi” said Kōme.

“Fine. I’m going to ask him a favor” said Kurumi. Then, Kyō was calm to see Kurumi’s compassionate personality. “Brother, I know you’re not worried about us, but if you can help us completing the project. Will you do it for us?”

“Well, I thought you would say something bad, but yeah, I’ll going to help you, sister” said Kyō.

“You do? Great! I’m sure that you’re going to help us completing the project” said Kurumi.

“Nice question, Kurumi. It’s my turn!” said Kōme as she is feeling serious when she talks to Kyō. “Kyō, I know that you’re with Jun and her team, but I didn’t expect that you owe me a favor. So, what I’m gonna say is that will you finish making colored lamps?”

“Colored lamps? Wow! I thought you’re not interested making these” said Nozomi.

“Just do it once, twice or many” said Kōme.

“Okay, Kōme. You can always count on me when I’m going to do it for you” said Kyō.

“Yes! I’m going to feel happy again. I’m glad that you’re going to help us, Kyō” said Kōme.

“Yeah, I’m not sure if you’re gonna give us the designs, but I’m going to pick something more purplish or lighter” said Kyō.

“Jun, you want to help him?” asked Sora.

“Okay, I’m going to help him. Just to find a perfect to match the theme” said Jun as he helps Kyō, Kurumi and Kōme finding the right colors to match the theme. Then, later, the colored lamps are finally done as Jun, Kyō, Kurumi and Kōme work together.

“Wow! These colored lamps are beautiful. It can be placed at the middle of the round table” said Yuzuha.

“I’m glad that we helped you with your colored lamps, Kōme” said Jun.

“Thank you, Jun. I’m fine with you, helping me to finish the designs I made” said Kōme.

“You’re welcome, Kōme” said Jun.

“So, Kurumi. Why are you feeling happy right now?” said Airi.

“My brother had helped me to finish doing the colored lamps. I thought I would be worried if he can’t help me without hesitation” said Kurumi.

“My, Kurumi. I’m very generous to you and as you all know, everyone in our group has many things to know about your group” said Airi.

“Really? Oh, thank you, Airi. I won’t be worried after all because my brother and I were finally helping to improve our friendship. Kōme had faced a lot of problems when it comes to his condition to help me rather than her” said Kurumi.

“Well, you should know that the other thing that Jun didn’t mention is that to observe Kyō and Kōme’s relationship” said Airi.

“So, you know about Jun’s plans for tonight?” asked Kurumi.

“Yep. You should be more generous to Jun, Nozomi and Sora. They have many things to share with you and the other members of the Angels” said Airi.

“Okay! I’m going to follow your advice and then, when we’re going to work together, I know that we finally end our struggles” said Kurumi.

“Good. Now, ask Jun if you have to say about it” said Airi.

“Okay!” said Kurumi. Sakura and Tomoka are talking about Kōme’s relationship with Kyō.

“I’m sure that Kyō needs to pay attention to Kōme and her band. Because of his desires to be with her, Kyō needs to accept her favor at anytime she wants to owe him a favor” said Sakura.

“Yeah. I can’t wait to see how Kyō and Kōme are doing this” said Tomoka.

“Well, Kyō usually becomes nervous when he meets Kōme, but I have faith in him because he had to be so kind to her, so that they will stay together alongside Jun, Nozomi, Sora, Kurumi and Yuzuha” said Subaru.

“That’s right, Subaru. Maybe if Kyō needs to pay attention to what Kōme say, then Kyō will find true relationship with her” said Sakura.

“Yeah. I was so glad that Kyō finally have his decision to be with the girls and it may be more challenging if one of the girls is fighting against one another” said Tomoka.

Kurumi talks to Jun about the second thing to do for tonight. “It’s about Kyō and Kōme’s relationship, Jun.”

“Oh, you really want to help them out?” asked Jun.

“Sure! I’ll do it!” said Kurumi.

Kurumi walks to Kyō and Kōme and decides to help them improving their relationship.

“Brother. Kōme. You have to hold hands if you want to keep your relationship together. Is that right?” said Kurumi. Everyone nods while Sora gives thumbs up.

“Good. Now, hold your hands together and don’t be so nervous” said Kurumi. Kyō and Kōme hold their hands together and then, Kyō begins to breath. Kōme wonders about Kyō’s past experience with her.

“My Kyō has always doing expressive, but he may know that other girls find out that he had deserved to be with them altogether” said Kōme.

“I think I’m going to be so happy to them both holding their hands for more than a minute” said Kurumi.

“Uh, Kyō had remembered things with Kōme when she comes to our home” said Sora.

“I know what Kyō has expected to do this for a long time because Kyō finds something angelic to be with Kōme” said Nozomi.

“It’s getting more even better than their first encounter face-to-face. I’m feeling happy to see them both keeping their relationship together” said Jun. Finally, after a minute, Kyō finally put his hand out of Kome’s hand and feels relieved.

“Did you remember anything?” asked Kōme.

“Well, I’m kind of being a charismatic guy like me, but I wasn’t able to do that before because you said that the girls are with me” said Kyō.

“So, are you finally remember anything about me?” asked Kōme.

“Yeah. I feel great!” said Kyō.

“Oh, thank you, Kyō! I know that you’re finally able to remember me and I didn’t pressure you out there” said Kōme.

“So, did I. Hey, we should start setting up the hall to become a restaurant. Is everyone in?” said Kyō.

“Yeah!” said Tomoka, Airi, Subaru, Aoi and the members of Family of Angels.

“Well, then. It’s your turn, Jun” said Kyō.

“You got it, Kyō! Now, let’s start working on our experiment!” said Jun.

“Okay!” said Tomoka, Airi, Subaru, Aoi and the members of Family of Angels.

Finally, the last groups are Ginga’s Pupils and Innocent Charm. They are sitting next to each other at the terrace for the afterparty.

Innocent Charm: Composed of four teams
Team Kanazawa: Rei Kanazawa, Kiyoshi Toshima, Ryōta Nakamura, Kazuya Uehara, Yoshitsugu Kimura, Kana Uchida, Ai Ohara, Kira Kakimoto, Misaki Nagaoka, Akari Tanigawa, Mie Furutani and Yumi Nakamura
Team Fukutomi: Sora Fukutomi, Koji Nakagaichi, Akira Shimojō, Wataru Nakai, Sakura Uehara, Daiki Mitsugi, Ryōta Inoue, Machiko Kogure and Seiichi Abe
Team Satō: Erika Satō, Miho Hikasa, Chiwa Furukawa, Aoi Kayano, Yuki Hashimoto, Natsume Ishikawa, Kazumi Togashi and Rina Ōtsuka
Team Hatano: Naoki Hatano, Shun Hinouchi, Ryōhei Suzuki, Kōji Yamada, Satoshi Miwa, Daisuke Ōhata, Kishō Ono, Michiya Toriumi, Motoichi Miyaji, Akira Miyaji and Shinjō Uchida
Others: Akira Ōkawa, Ryō Nagashima, Asami Miyazaki and Aya Tachibana
Staff: Yuichi Uchida, Kumi Takamura, Seijiro Hakamada, Suzuko Hakamada and Kuni Hakamada

“I can’t finally wait to see what Kagetsu and her teammates are doing” said Rei Kanazawa.

“They are sitting in a different table because they’re the main members of the Keishin Academy Elementary School girls’ basketball team” said Hinata.

“The five of them came from the first incarnation of the girls’ basketball team while Kazuko was just added to the team because of being a member of Ginga’s Pupils. The other girl named Mizuki Koyama, the team captain of Team Aurora, will also join the varsity team since she’s also a pupil of Ginga Hasegawa” said Erika Satō.

“Yeah. I never expect to see that core group of pupils who have their special skills that empower their willpower because they are generally future superstars in the district” said Miho Hikasa.

“I agree. Mimi and Kagetsu were together to lead the game while Kazuko experienced playing in the league as a member of Team Aurora” said Ryōta Nakamura.

“The twins Tsubaki and Hiiragi are able to bring the tricks to their opponents, in order to make them confused to see. Some of their tricks are invisible and exotic” said Ai Ohara.

“Masami likes to shoot three-point shots with her style as she likes to reach to the top of the shrine” said Kira Kakimoto.

“That’s why they’re the new dearests of the girls’ basketball team. From their heart and soul of the team, they give pride for Keishin like the other athletes do” said Misaki Nagaoka.

“I’m so excited that they are going to play in the district tournament soon, but for you and your teammates, you will progress all the way to the top” said Ryō Nagashima.

“Oh, I agree. I’m so proud of my sister and my teammates too. They are ready to step up to play like a winding aurora” said Hinata.

“Yeah” said Rei Kanazawa, Erika Satō, Miho Hikasa, Ryōta Nakamura, Ai Ohara, Kira Kakimoto, Misaki Nagaoka and Ryō Nagashima.

The members of Ginga’s Pupils are sitting at another table nearby to the left of the table of Innocent Charm.

Ginga’s Pupils: Kahele Hiraka, Asumi Hiramatsu, Rina Minagawa, Makoto Matsuda, Kazue Matsuoka, Kotori Katsura, Mika Mizushima, Hiroe Yamagiwa and Noriko Toyama

“Asumi, I’m impressed with your performance against Suzuridani, but you could have won the match against them, so that you will face off against Mimi and her team” said Kahele Hiraka in her Kyūshū accent.

“Yeah, I was shocked to see Aya doing the game-winning shot that dashes our hopes to face Keishin. However, it was a fun game that I had since I was joining the team as a fifth grader last winter” said Asumi Hiramatsu.

“Now that the Hasegawa Cup is finally over, we’re going to start planning for next month. Unfortunately, we won’t see each other again after tomorrow. We’ll go back to our separate ways again” said Mika Mizushima.

“That’s right, Mika. I’m planning to remain at my home in Den-en-chōfu because I’m living with my parents” said Asumi Hiramatsu.

“I’m going back to the boarding house in Ōmori with Chiyo because I have to get my stuff back to bring them home” said Rina Minagawa.

“I’m planning to stay at my home in Ōta because my family and I were living alongside my friend” said Kotori Katsura.

“Since tomorrow will be the first day of school, I have to go back to school where I will meet my new classmates and even my friends” said Kazue Matsuoka.

“Our boarding house is worth cheaper than a condominium, but I decided to stay at Hinata’s residential area for another year” said Makoto Matsuda.

“My home is located in Shinjuku, so I will travel an hour to go back home tomorrow after the class” said Kahele Hiraka.

“You know that our family members living in my home and I was expected to reunite with them again when I’m back home after school” said Hiroe Yamagiwa.

“I’m living in Kamata with my siblings while my parents work in Shinjuku. We decided to stay here for many days while my parents visit my home two times a week” said Mika Mizushima.

“While I was in Arai, I decided to visit my friend’s house to stay for an hour and then, I go back home. I’m living with my neighbors like my friend and my family and I are living in an apartment” said Noriko Toyama.

“I like the places you stay, and these are your comfortable homes for you to stay. I mean our policy is that we stayed at our homes for school time and we only meet each other once a month. Mimi, Kazuko and Mizuki are usually staying at the same district, but Mimi and Kazuko have decided to stay at the Misawa Resort Hotel because they’re members of the varsity team. Mizuki is not deciding yet whether she will stay with them or not, but we’ll find out when we’re going to meet each other again” said Asumi Hiramatsu.

“Well, I think this is going to be our best night that we ever stay, but tomorrow, we’re going to part ways again like we did all the time” said Kahele Hiraka.

“True, Kahele. Let’s spend the night right here with a drink!” said Asumi Hiramatsu.

“Okay!” said Kahele Hiraka, Rina Minagawa, Makoto Matsuda, Kazue Matsuoka, Kotori Katsura, Mika Mizushima, Hiroe Yamagiwa and Noriko Toyama.

The players of the Keishin Academy Elementary School basketball team are sitting to each other at their table at the right of the table of Innocent Charm.

Keishin Academy Elementary School Basketball Team
Boys: Naoki Hatano (SG), Shun Hinouchi (PF), Ken Yamamoto (SF), Shinobu Higashimura (C), Sukehiro Gotō (PG) and Takahiro Sugihara (PF)
Girls; Mimi Balguerie (SF), Kagetsu Hakamada (C), Masami Fujii (PG), Tsubaki Takenaka (PF), Hiiragi Takenaka (SG) and Kazuko Kakimoto (SG)

“I’m hope you enjoyed eating your dinner, everyone. Looks like I’m glad to see you all wearing our special ribbon that Asumi gives me that earlier morning” said Mimi.

“Yeah, these ribbons are symbolized of courage and fortitude” said Kagetsu.

“Our perfect combination has achieved since we beat Suzuridani in the final” said Masami.

“I agree, Masami. This is our first finals victory in the Ōta League and I hope that we’re going to participate another major tournament soon, which is the ForM Cup” said Kazuko.

“I’m delighted to wear this ribbon. Right, Hii?” said Tsubaki.

“Yeah, Tsuba. I like it when I wear it on my hair” said Hiiragi.

“So, Mimi, what kind of blessing will you give for us?” asked Naoki Hatano.

“You see, a celadon flower would be nice” said Mimi as she showed some special flowers that are colored celadon green.

“Wow! It’s so beautiful!” said Ken Yamamoto.

“It’s more like a lucky charm” said Shun Hinouchi.

“I’m sure you’re going to give it someone” said Shinobu Higashimura.

“Yeah. I will give it to Naoko. He’s more like an agile shooter” said Mimi as she gives one celadon flower to Naoki Hatano.

“Thank you, Mimi! It smells good like cherry blossom flowers” said Naoki Hatano.

“I’m sure that you have good luck in your future performance, Naoki” said Shun Hinouchi.

“Yeah. I’m planning to stay in Keishin for middle school and this time, I’m going to become stronger as possible” said Naoki Hatano.

“Wow! You’re braver than the other aces in other schools in Ōta” said Kagetsu.

“I thought that you are part of the last year’s roster, but only my brother and the boys are present in every game” said Tsubaki.

“I feel pressured when my brother played in the game. He seems to be more charming, but more like handsome” said Hiiragi.

“Yeah, I supposed that he is very good in shooting, but I was able to match his shooting skills when I trained with my boys” said Naoki Hatano.

“Yeah, we agree, Naoki!” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“Sukehiro, I’m glad that you are very good in using the Winding Zone all the time when you work together with Naoki” said Masami.

“Thanks, Masami. It sure to be a big fight when we face off against Natsuhi’s teammates. I feel faster when I run in the offense” said Sukehiro Gotō.

“I’m proud of your performance, Sukehiro. I’m glad that I’m happy with you!” said Masami.

“Oh, thanks, Masami” said Sukehiro Gotō.

“Ken, it appears that you might end up joining with Tsubaki and Hiiragi’s section” said Kazuko.

“Yeah. I checked on my ID and it says that I’m from section 5-B. Probably, I’m going to be assigned to section 6-B” said Ken Yamamoto.

“Mine is section 6-E. Which means that I might be joining with my friends even in Team Aurora” said Kazuko Kakimoto.

“Kazuko, you’re good in becoming the sixth woman of the team. I hope that you keep up the good work” said Ken Yamamoto.

“Thanks, Ken. I will continue becoming the sixth woman to help my teammates to drive for victory” said Kazuko Kakimoto.

“Kazuko is a carefree person like me. I’m sure that she’ll be able to lead the bench when she’s in the game” said Kagetsu.

“Ken is a good shooter and always be in TsubaHii’s side. I hope Tsubaki keeps impressing Ken to become her crush” said Takahiro Sugihara.

“Yep. Everyone has admirations to show their desires. Is that right, Mimi?” said Kagetsu.

“Yes, it is, Kagetsu. Like a celadon flower that blooms from their petals and it feels comfortable when you touch it. Our team always had a winding aurora and I feel compassionate to everyone in our team” said Mimi. The Keishin Academy Elementary School basketball team has celebrated their victories in the Hasegawa Cup in the after party at the terrace. The new dearests are now contemplating their future as tomorrow will be the first day of school and the Bravehearts are ready to meet new friends when they will go back to Keishin Academy.

UP NEXT: Supplementary 1: The Cast and Supplementary 2: The Six Groups of Bravehearts

 

[Sherwin Riga]

This post will be covering the Supplementary 1 and 2 where you will see the appendixes of the series. For the three volumes I made since July, I like the idea of making this story a basketball-themed story since the series is a crossover of Ro-Kyu-Bu!, Tenshi no 3P! and High School DxD. Enjoy!

SUPPLEMENTARY 1: The Cast

Ro-Kyu-Bu! (ロウきゅーぶ！)​

Keishin Academy (慧心学園) / Kirihara Middle School (桐原中中学校) / Nashiba High School (七芝高校バスケ同好会)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Yūki Kaji (梶 裕貴) as Subaru Hasegawa (長谷川 昴)
Kanae Itō (伊藤 かな恵) as Aoi Ogiyama (荻山 葵)
Shizuka Itō (伊藤 静) as Mihoshi Takamura (篁 美星)
Rina Satō (佐藤 利奈) as Touko Hatano (羽多野 冬子)
Kana Hanazawa (花澤 香菜) as Tomoka Minato (湊 智花)
Yuka Iguchi (井口 裕香) as Maho Misawa (三沢 真帆)
Yōko Hikasa (日笠 陽子) as Saki Nagatsuka (永塚 紗季)
Rina Hidaka (日高 里菜) as Airi Kashii (香椎 愛莉)
Kenji Hamada (浜田 賢二) as Banri Kashii (香椎 万里)
Yui Ogura (小倉 唯) as Hinata Hakamada (袴田 ひなた)
Asami Seto (瀬戸 麻沙美) as Kagetsu Hakamada (袴田 かげつ)
Misaki Kuno (久野 美咲) as Mimi Balguerie (ミミ・バルゲリー)
Minako Kotobuki (寿美 菜子) as Natsuhi Takenaka (竹中 夏陽)
Minami Tsuda (津田 美波) as Tsubaki Takenaka (竹中 椿)
Aya Suzaki (洲崎 綾) as Hiiragi Takenaka (竹中 柊)
Risa Taneda (種田 梨沙) as Masami Fujii (藤井 雅美)
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (松岡 禎丞) as Kazunari Uehara (上原 一成)
Asuka Ōgame (大亀 あすか) as Satsuki Kakizono (柿園 さつき)
Ai Kayano (茅野 愛衣) as Tae Mishōji (御庄寺 多恵)

Suzuridani Academy (硯谷女学園)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Mariya Ise (伊瀬 茉莉也) as Miyu Aida (藍田 未有)
Yumi Hara (原 由実) as Aya Miyakoōji (都大路 綾)
Akiko Hasegawa (長谷川 明子) as Rena Ashihara (葦原 怜那)

Tenshi no 3P! (天使の3P!)​

Shiromidai Elementary School (城見台小学) / Niida Nishi High School Regular Course (新井田西高校普通科) / Little Wing Orphanage (リトルウイング)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Yuko Ono (大野 柚布子) as Jun Gotō (五島 潤)
Yurika Endo (遠藤 ゆりか) as Nozomi Momijidani (紅葉谷 希美)
Aoi Koga (古賀 葵) as Sora Kaneshiro (金城 そら)
Yūki Inoue (井上 雄貴) as Kyō Nukui (貫井 響)
Kanae Itō (伊藤 かな恵) as Sakura Toriumi (鳥海 桜花)
Toru Ohkawa (大川 透) as Masayoshi Sawatari (佐渡 正義)
Rina Hidaka (日高 里菜) as Kurumi Nukui (貫井 くるみ)
Kana Hanazawa (花澤 香菜) as Kōme Ogi (尾城 小梅)
Yuka Iguchi (井口 裕香) as Yuzuha Aigae (相ヶ江 柚葉)

SUPPLEMENTARY 2: The Six Groups of Bravehearts​

Family of Angels
This group is composed of friends of Tomoka Minato from Keishin Academy and Shiromidai Elementary School. This group also includes Michiko Takeda’s Team Takeda, Jun Gotō’s Lien de Famille and Kōme Ogi’s Dragon≒Nuts. They have the compassioned hearts and brave smiles because of the friendship between their members and Tomoka Minato and Jun Gotō. This group had completely focused on bringing peace and prosperity in their schools. From angelic hopes to purified dreams, the Family of Angels had become more active in socializing people in Nishina and Nishi-Shiromi.

Team Blue and Yellow
This group is composed of friends of Maho Misawa. This group also includes Natsuhi Takenaka and his teammates from his basketball team. Maho Misawa and Natsuhi Takenaka’s relationship have gone bitter when Natsuhi Takenaka plays seriously when playing basketball. This allows two factions to rival out with Naoko Sugisaki representing the Colorful Fireworks and Daisuke Kikuchi representing the Blue Chromes. With their rivalry gone to an end after both groups sign a peace treaty, Team Blue and Yellow begins to more focused on video games and basketball.

Dazzled Hearts
This group is the largest of all the six groups and composed of friends of Saki Nagatsuka, Masami Fujii and Tsubaki and Hiiragi Takenaka. From the love of Japanese cuisine to the double affair of companions, the Dazzled Hearts have their compacted relationship with other groups because they have their full cooperation with the other friends who were close friends of their members. Saki Nagatsuka, the leader of the Dazzled Hearts, gives some bewitched and admired advices to her friends, in order to follow the hearts of their friends in the group.

Orange and Fuchsia
This group is composed of friends of Airi Kashii and Kurumi Nukui. This group is one of the two groups that have students from Keishin and Shiromidai. It was said that this group had been focused on working out with sports and complexion because their members have been active in outdoor activities. Airi Kashii and Kurumi Nukui have called her friends to create a group in order to participate at the sporting activities. This group had also been active in fitness activities, so that their members are fit to play for the competitions.

Innocent Charm
This group is composed of friends of Hinata and Kagetsu Hakamada. This group also includes some of the members of the Pink Haired Students Club of Keishin Academy. Their members are really more focused on fashion and desire because the sisters Hinata and Kagetsu Hakamada have let their friends to come to their side to go shopping. Rei Kanazawa and Erika Satō are close friends of Hinata and Kagetsu Hakamada since they enter Keishin together form their first grade until its current year. This group also been having a closed relationship with Team Aurora.

Team Aurora
This group is composed of friends of Mimi Balguerie. This group also includes Ginga’s Pupils, a group of basketball players who were trained by Ginga Hasegawa. Whenever they are together, they focused on their ambitions that Ginga Hasegawa gave to his pupils. Two members Kazuko Kakimoto and Mizuki Koyama are the only two members who joined the Keishin Academy Elementary School girls’ basketball team. Their members were focused on socializing Tokyoites when they go outside and explore different areas in Tokyo.

UP NEXT: Special Chapter 4: "Sundown in the Innocent Charm's Boarding House"

 

[Sherwin Riga]

I have some good news and bad news. The good news is that I started the Volume 4 yesterday by writing the introductory part of Chapter 40, which was happened based in the final episode of Ro-Kyu-Bu! SS where Subaru Hasegawa and his classmates are the rooftop of their school and watches Kazunari Uehara showing the letter that the Nashiba High School boys' basketball team is now reinstated after a year-long suspension. That was a great way to start the new volume. The bad news is that I don't what to do when to start Chapter 40 and I have to finish it tomorrow. But don't worry, I might whether or not reschedule the next update because I didn't start the new chapter yet. So, tonight, there's something what Tomoka and Airi remembered about their visit at the Innocent Charm's boarding house. This new update is also the Special Chapter for Volume 3. Enjoy!:)

A few days later after the Suzuran Food Gourmet Fair, Tomoka and Airi were called by their classmates Ai Ohara, Kira Kakimoto and Misaki Nagaoka. The three tell the two best friends to come at their boarding house because it's part of a group assignment where they have to use one design to use for the cards in art class. Ai, Kira and Misaka are friends with Hinata and of course, it's up to Tomoka and Airi to help them before the deadline reaches.

VOLUME 3: “A CHARMING SENSATION”
SPECIAL CHAPTER 4: “SUNDOWN IN THE INNOCENT CHARM’S BOARDING HOUSE”​

This special chapter is set on the night of the first day of the Hasegawa Cup. While the members of the Keishin Academy Elementary School girls’ basketball team and the Innocent Charm are having a training at the Recreational Center, Tomoka and Airi are joining with Ai Ohara, Kira Kakimoto and Misaki Nagaoka, who have decided to stay at the mansion to keep an eye on their team’s room.

“I wonder when they are going to finish the training, Kira. I believe that it may reach eleven if they keep training” said Ai.

“Hinata says that the training is more serious than the normal training because the Keishin Academy are still in the tournament” said Kira.

“I’m sure that they are going to finish on time before it hits eleven” said Misaki.

“Yeah” said Ai and Kira.

“What are you doing, you three? Are you worrying about your friends?” said Airi.

“We decided to decorate the table at the living with our research assignment we have” said Ai.

“A research assignment? Sounds like you know that long time ago” said Tomoka.

“Yeah. You see, you and Airi have joined with us when we’re doing the research assignment with the patterns I got. The teacher impressed the designs I made and gave the score higher” said Kira.

“I thought that you’re going to use your research assignment at home” said Tomoka.

“Yeah. So, that’s why I bring it here, just to use to put it on the table” said Ai.

“It’s marvelous to see the designs. Oh, I made three pieces of decorated papers to put those on our room” said Airi.

“Wow! You sure that you create cards to put it on your table?” said Misaki.

“Yeah, Misaki. Oh, by the way, you three were solid friends like Jun, Nozomi and Sora” said Airi.

“Hmm. I met those three when they introduced to us when they visit our room in day” said Ai.

“I’m sure that the three of us were more like charismatic friends” said Kira.

“Right. I feel happy to be with them because we were able to get along together at the mall” said Misaki.

“Yeah. Since you’re all here, I remember you and Airi go to our boarding house to help me, Kira and Misaki to work with our research assignment” said Ai.

“Yeah!” said Tomoka and Airi.

“You send me a message to go to your boarding house. Right, Kira?” said Tomoka.

Kira nods, saying she did. “And of course, we’re groupmates too! So, excited to see you for the first time in our boarding house.”

“Ah, memories. Say, do you want to tell me about our research assignment?” said Ai.

“Yeah!” said Tomoka and Airi.

“Well, then. Sit down here, you two!” said Ai.

“Okay!” said Tomoka and Airi. Later, Tomoka, Airi, Ai, Kira and Misaki sit together at the couch where Ai tells the story about the research assignment.

“So, Kira, Misaki and I were staying at our team’s boarding house” said Ai. The flashback starts when a boarding house was shown with many people living there like a dormitory.

“From then on, we decided to communicate with our classmates through chat. One day, after the teacher gives us the research assignment which will be passed by a week, I contracted Tomoka to see my message. The message says: “Do you want to come to our home tomorrow?” and then, Tomoka accepts our invitation” said Kira, who narrates the story.

It was November 20, the day after Ms. Izuki gives Ai’s group the research assignment. It was already sunset and Tomoka and Airi go to the boarding house that is controlled by the Innocent Charm. The owner of the boarding house is one of the Hakamadas’ relatives named Sora Tachibana.

“Welcome to the boarding house, you two. How may I help you?” said Sora Tachibana.

“You see, we want to go to Ai’s room: room 317. Ai contacted me to come to her room and do her research assignment” said Tomoka.

“Okay, you may enter to her room” said Sora Tachibana.

“Okay!” said Tomoka and Airi. Tomoka and Airi went upstairs and walked to room 317. Tomoka opened the door and saw Ai Ohara, Kira Kakimoto and Misaki Nagaoka, who were roommates in that building.

“Oh, Tomoka. Airi. You’re finally here! Please, come in” said Ai as Tomoka and Airi enters to room 317.

“So, I wonder what is that all about. That assignment looks more like a card design making” said Tomoka.

“Yep. We researched a lot of designs that we can do, but we don’t have any materials we have to do. Do you have scissors and glue?” said Ai.

“We have those in my bag” said Airi.

“Me too! I have my art materials right here” said Tomoka. Tomoka and Airi put the art materials including scissors and glue at the table and Kira inspects the materials.

“Hmm. Like what Ai said, we also have colored papers to use and the coloring materials are compiled with markers, crayons and pens” said Kira.

“So, is there anything you forgot something?” asked Tomoka.

“Uh, no. We wouldn’t. I think we only need scissors and glue” said Ai.

“Sure. You can have one of these scissors. They’re easy to cut papers” said Airi.

“Thanks, Tomoka and Airi” said Ai.

Misaki shows Tomoka and Airi the folded cards. “Now, as you can see, we had separate researches we had, and Ms. Izuki says that you have to design at least one pattern. Then, copy the pattern to another paper until you finally compile it into one set of cards.”

“What is important is that you come with one design to choose and each of us will have to work together” said Kira.

“Hmm. This should be easy, Kira” said Airi as she gets a light green card and folds it into two. “You mean like this?”

“Yeah, Airi. Then, we need to design only one pattern to use” said Ai.

“Well, we found many patterns right here” said Tomoka as she shows a set of patterns.

“Wow! It’s beautiful!” said Kira.

“Well, at least we have the same paper that has many patterns. Okay, then!” said Ai. Later, Misaki reads the instructions on the paper.

“To create a pattern on the card, you must find a pattern to draw it. Make sure that you have to draw the pattern on another card. Ms. Izuki says that she wants fifteen of those cards” said Misaki.

“Okay!” said Tomoka and Airi.

“Let’s see. How about this?” said Kira as she pointed to a zinnia.

“Well, the flower looks great. We should draw it to the card” said Ai.

“Okay!” said Kira, Misaki, Tomoka and Airi.

Ai draws a zinnia at the middle of the folded card and then, Kira cuts the parts of the paper by using the cutter. After that, three zinnias were drawn in the folded card.

“Well, how’s this?” asked Ai and Kira shows the card with three zinnias at the middle of it.

“That’s nice, Kira. But I don’t think that’s enough” said Tomoka.

“Well, we supposed to build 15 cards with one design. Then, how about we’re going to pick another pattern and put it to one card?” said Misaki.

“That’s a great idea!” said Kira. Ai shows the patterns in the paper.

“Let’s see. Should we pick this one?” said Airi, who points a rose.

“That’s a rose, Airi. I believe that I should try that one” said Tomoka.

“Okay, Tomoka! You get the card and draw the rose in the middle of it” said Ai.

“Okay!” said Tomoka. Tomoka draws a rose in the middle of the card while Airi cuts the parts of the paper. When they are done doing it, Airi shows the card to Ai, Kira and Misaki.

“Well, you should know that the rose is a fun spot to draw on the card, but it was magnificent” said Misaki.

“Oh, thanks, Misaki. So, should we vote for the best design?” said Airi.

Ai and Kira think if they should decide to vote, but Ai shakes her head. “No, Airi. We need one more to have the design. I think Misaki would draw the design.”

“Sure, Ai. What are friends for?” said Misaki as she draws a wisteria on the middle of the card. Kira cuts the inside parts of the wisteria while Ai helps her to finish designing the card.

After a few minutes, Misaki shows the final product of a card. “What do you think, girls? Is this beautiful enough?”

“That’s very marvelous. I’ll accept that one as the design for the card” said Tomoka.

“Me too! That wisteria sure like more whistling and winding” said Airi.

“So, it’s decided, girls. We’re going to start working on that design” said Ai.

“I’m lucky that I like to draw Japanese wisterias. They are common in Japan like cherry blossoms” said Misaki.

“You sure that you’re gonna do it, Tomoka and Airi?” asked Kira.

“Well, okay! We’ll design the wisteria” said Tomoka.

“That’s great! But since it’s weekend, we should finish it early before Monday? The research assignment should be submitted by Monday” said Ai.

“Sounds like we need to help you finish doing the design. I hope that our artistic skills never pay off” said Tomoka.

“Alright, Tomoka. You said it! Now, everyone, we have to design fifteen cards with the wisteria on the middle. We should get it done by nine. Is take okay, Tomoka and Airi?” said Ai.

“Nine? But we have to go back home at eight, Ai. We can’t finish it like this” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, we have to do our assignment at our home after doing this” said Airi.

“Jeez. I could say that each of us will design three cards. Then, after all of the designs are done, the cards are now stacked” said Misaki.

“So, if we need to finish the card at least an hour, then our research assignment is done” said Ai.

“Yeah!” said Kira, Tomoka and Airi.

“Wait a minute. There’s something added in the instruction paper. It says “Don’t forget to put the names at the back of the paper. It should be more colorful to see the card” said Kira.

“Hmm. We’ll do it, Ai!” said Tomoka.

“You do, Tomoka?” asked Ai.

“Yeah. We should finish doing this by an hour and then, we’ll go” said Tomoka.

“Good idea!” said Kira and Misaki.

“Thanks, Tomoka! I know you’re going to help us finish our research assignment. After all, we’re groupmates” said Ai.

“Yeah, Ai. Now, we should start creating the design one by one and then, when it’s done, we should finish doing the research paper” said Tomoka.

“Okay, Tomoka! Then, let’s design the cards!” said Ai.

“Okay!” said Tomoka, Airi, Kira and Misaki. Tomoka, Airi, Ai, Kira and Misaki start designing the cards together. Tomoka and Airi cut the small lines to put the cards more beautiful. Ai and Kira put the word “wisteria” in Japanese word. Finally, Misaki researches about the Japanese wisteria and puts the research in a bond paper.

Ai’s group had finished their research assignment after they completed doing the cards and Misaki finished putting all information of the choosing flower.

“It’s finished, girls! Now that the assignment is done, we should pass it on Monday! It’s all thanks to you, the research assignment is now completed” said Ai.

“Thank you very much, Ai!” said Tomoka and Airi.

“Now, I’m very generous to see your artistic skills and that’s why I decided to give you a treat for putting the job done” said Ai as she gives Tomoka and Airi the tonkatsu.

“Tonkatsu! My favorite!” said Tomoka.

“Thanks, Ai!” said Airi.

“You’re welcome. Well, then. We should eat together before you go” said Ai.

“Okay!” said Tomoka and Airi.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

"Sundown in the Innocent Charm's Boarding House" Part 2

Tomoka, Airi, Ai, Kira and Misaki eat their tonkatsu. Tomoka and Airi enjoy eating their dinner.

“It’s delicious!” said Tomoka.

“So, did I” said Ai.

“Where did you buy those?” asked Airi.

“It’s the Slice and Dice Corner where you can buy Japanese dishes here” said Ai.

“This restaurant refers to be one of the most popular restaurants in the Suzuran Shopping Street” said Kira.

“We always go there to eat our dinner and then, play games at the game corner” said Misaki.

“Wow, that’s interesting! I can’t believe that you three are friends together” said Tomoka.

“Tomoka and I were companions because we decided to get along when Tomoka wants to visit our home” said Airi.

“Ah, I believe that you’re living in the same area, Tomoka” said Kira.

“Yes, I am. When my parents usually allow me to go anywhere only for assignments and trainings, I feel happy to enjoy with you, but when my parents let me join for shopping, I reluctantly accept it” said Tomoka.

“Say, Tomoka, did you have training every Tuesday and Thursday?” asked Ai.

“Yeah. Me and my friends are always training together at the gym and my coach Subaru was able to help us growing our basketball talents” said Tomoka.

“Subaru was very respect to us because he gives us blessings, in order to make sure that we’re ready to play. I know that he will be waiting for our time to participate at the district tournament” said Airi.

“He got your back when you and Tomoka are playing with you for advanced training” said Misaki.

“Yeah, I become closer to him because he was able to give good advices to me” said Airi.

“Good for you, Airi. I don’t know if we want to compete for the intramural tournament. The intramural will be by January and we should be able to participate that event” said Misaki.

“As long as the sports department accept everyone to participate, we’ll make sure that we’re going to dominate the tournament” said Ai.

“Yeah. Oh, I got some tickets on a trip to Shinjuku. Will you come with us?” said Kira.

“Wow! That’s awesome! We should go to Shinjuku! I’m sure that we’re going to buy our winter clothes” said Tomoka.

“Yep. We should go before the district tournament. That means only two weeks to go before the district tournament” said Airi.

“Well, I’m glad that you two are able to join with us. Hinata said to me that she’ll come too to Shinjuku. Will you mind if your friends Maho and Saki can join the trip?” said Ai.

“Actually, Maho and Saki are at the Nagatsuka restaurant. Maybe, I should take you all with you to the Suzuran Shopping District” said Airi.

“Okay! But when?” said Ai.

“How about tomorrow?” asked Airi.

“Tomorrow will be a perfect day! I’ll go with you, Airi and Tomoka” said Ai.

“Okay! Thank you for giving us tickets to Shinjuku. When we have time to go on weekends, I should let you come with us in no time” said Airi.

“My pleasure” said Ai.

“So, what are the other assignments that you got, Ai?” asked Tomoka.

“We have the history assignment that will be due on Monday and there’s a quiz in Japanese class” said Ai.

“Ah, that sounds like Monday will be more serious this time. I don’t want to be overjoyed when the Japanese class teacher Mr. Mizuno gives us the quiz” said Airi.

“Are you sure that the quiz is moderate or hard?” asked Misaki.

“Not much moderate or not hard at all” said Ai.

“When there’s a quiz, I have to quickly study hard, in order to pass the quiz. It really looked interesting if there’s a surprise quiz” said Kira.

“Oh, it’s more like an ice breaker activity. My interests in taking the quiz is that when you know about the lecture, you really have the brains to take on a difficulty level of the quiz, but that’s going to be depend on the topic the teachers will let us review” said Airi.

“Mr. Mizuno always asks everyone to review the topics every day, in order to prepare for the activity. It really is interesting because I always got it on top” said Tomoka.

“In case you know, the exams will be from December 17-23” said Kira.

“Oh, that’s a month away to end the second term and the district tournament will be held in two weeks” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, we have to do more training before doing anything at home” said Airi.

“So, you see, we have many things to do after school. That’s why we have to pass the requirements, in order to finish the term. I couldn’t start thinking if we can able to work together to pass the papers” said Ai.

“What are your plans when the next activities are here?” asked Tomoka.

“We should participate and then, we have many requirements to finish the term because exams will be soon” said Ai.

“On the other hand, for those who are athletes in the Keishin Academy, you have to work things out as well. Even alone or together, you should finish it right away” said Misaki.

“That’s right, Airi. We should tell that to the other teammates that we will finish everything before the exam” said Tomoka.

“Right, Tomoka!” said Airi.

“So, what are you gonna do after this?” asked Ai.

“We should go home right now. I have to finish the other assignments and we have free time to meet with my teammates tomorrow” said Tomoka.

“Ah, okay. So, are you leaving right now, Tomoka?” said Ai.

“Not yet. It’s 7:35 and we should stay here for a half of hour” said Tomoka.

“Sure, there’s no restrictions in our boarding house, but you should go home after this” said Ai.

“Okay!” said Tomoka.

Tomoka, Airi, Ai, Kira and Misaki work on their history assignment as they answered the questions on the history book. After ten minutes, they finished the assignment together.

“Whew! Nothing’s important to finish the assignment together. Am I right, girls?” said Airi.

“Yeah. It really is” said Misaki.

“So, did you have ideas what do we want to do?” asked Ai.

“Well, do you have board games?” asked Tomoka.

“Oh, I love board games!” said Kira.

“Looks like Kira is saying this all over again” said Misaki.

“Well, she always participating at those, even at our class” said Airi.

“Yep, Airi. I like her energetic personality because she always coming out to surprise us. Now, then, let’s play!” said Ai as she picked up a board game.

“Okay!” said Kira, Misaki, Tomoka and Airi. The five of them are playing the board game at the table. The game is expectedly going to be Kira’s favor, but Tomoka and Airi are contending to stop her from winning.

Tomoka spins the arrow at the spinner and the arrow hits “green card”. Tomoka draws a green card and reads “Take one roll of dice.” Tomoka rolls the dice and the dice lands the number “4”. Tomoka places the pawn to the right four times.

“You’re almost there, Tomoka! I can’t believe it!” said Misaki.

“Oh, yeah. Every time I play, I got there many times, but I won four times” said Tomoka.

“Interesting, Tomoka. Oh, my turn!” said Airi as she spins the arrow at the spinner and the arrow hits “yellow card”.

“You picked a yellow card, three times in a row. That means that you will have triple points of the number when you roll the dice any time you roll” said Kira.

“Okay!” said Airi. Airi picks the yellow card and reads “It’s your lucky day. You will win the game if you reach 300 points.”

Then, Tomoka exclaimed “Really, Airi?! You’re going to win the game? I never expect to see that!”

“Right. Only I have 13 points left to reach 300 points. But here goes nothing!” said Airi as she rolls the dice and the dice lands the number “6”. “Six!”

“Since you pick the yellow card three times in a row, that would be eighteen steps. Airi, you win the game!” said Kira.

“Thanks, Kira!” said Airi as she moves the pawn eighteen times and reaches the center of the board game. “I win! I told you that I’m going to have more points to win the game!”

“Great job, Airi! I knew that you’re hoping to win the game. I mean it’s all about fun. Right, Ai?” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, Tomoka! I accept defeats when I lose, but when I win, I feel happy and comfortable. You should feel happier if you win your game” said Ai.

“Yeah! I’m sure that the game is not hard enough, but that was very challenging” said Tomoka.

“I know, Tomoka” said Ai.

“Girls, since it’s weekend, let’s say we should come to your house tomorrow and then, let’s go shopping” said Kira.

“Oh, I almost forgot. Now, things are going to be different when we enter to another place like Shinjuku, but shopping is more fun than hanging out at the parks” said Misaki.

“Yeah, I love shopping in Shinjuku! I’m sure you’ll love to buy many things right there” said Airi.

“That’s true, Airi” said Tomoka. Then, Tomoka looks at the time. “Oh, it’s already 15 minutes past 8. We have to go now!”

Tomoka and Airi get their bags and are about to leave the room when Ai walks to the two.

“Let’s come to your home tomorrow, Tomoka. I want to share something that I wasn’t tell it long time ago” said Ai.

“Okay, Ai. Then, see you tomorrow!” said Tomoka.

“Bye, Ai! Bye, Kira! Bye, Misaki! Thanks for everything!” said Airi.

“Okay, see ya tomorrow! We’ll see you there by afternoon!” said Ai as she, Kira and Misaki wave their goodbyes.

“Okay, have a great night, girls! Bye!” said Tomoka as she and Airi leave the room and the boarding house.

While walking on their way to their homes, Tomoka and Airi think about their research assignment.

“I wonder if we should go to the park, look up to the sky and see the view” said Airi.

“Yeah, I already been to the park. It’s so comfortable to stay with Subaru. I never invited you and other teammates to visit there. We were able to give the blessings in our team and now that our team has ten of them, we’ll going to participate at the district tournament for the first time” said Tomoka.

“Yep. I can’t believe that you’re leading the team and helping together to train hard. I know that everyone in our team has their guts and skills to prepare for another game. But still, we have to work together to learn the fifth graders to improve their plays” said Airi.

“That’s right! I have to be clear that maybe if the fifth graders are going to train with us by the next time we train, it would be different and we should do practice matches every session” said Tomoka.

“Right. As winter comes next month, I can’t believe that we’re going to have many activities to do before spending our Christmas break” said Airi.

“Yeah! I feel that we should tell the other teammates to let the fifth graders to join the training. I believe that they’re all clear to join the varsity team for the district tournament” said Tomoka.

“Right. Now, then, I was thinking if you could walk with me to my home and then, you’ll go home alone?” said Airi.

“Why, yes, I will, Airi” said Tomoka. Airi gives Tomoka a smile and Tomoka gives Airi a smile in return as the flashback ends.

Ai finishes the story. “After we finished the research assignment together, Ms. Izuki give everyone of us a perfect score. She said that she never sees that flower before and it was very magnificent to use for the invitation. That way, she becomes impressed with our artistic skills. She gets one of our designs to post it on the bulletin board as part of her latest project: to improve the arts department in Keishin Academy.”

“Wow! That’s awesome, Ai! You should expect that we work together and Ms. Izuki pleases our performance. This research assignment was my best in all of art classes all year along” said Airi.

“That’s true, Airi. After the research assignment, we work together to finish one project during the month of February where we draw the flowers in an illustration board. That project scored 98 and no one has ever received that high score before!” said Airi.

“Yeah. We research the botany of plants in Japan when we all decided to take the walk at the Tamagawadai Park. It was so beautiful and I like the nature of that place” said Kira.

“Sometimes, you have to follow the teacher’s instructions before you test for yourself. And then, that’s the time you will feel uncomfortable if you find something wrong. For example, I did a mistake in a science assignment, but I was able to resolve of my own. The assignment gets a high grade of 93” said Misaki.

“All of us have many things to do, but most importantly, you get the job well done” said Ai.

“I’m glad that you share us the story. I would say that this thing was a wonderful design you have, Misaki” said Tomoka. She shows the design that Misaki did.

“Oh, thank you, Tomoka. I knew you remember anything about our research assignment, but it’s quite more fun to do it than doing origami” said Misaki.

“Yep” said Tomoka.

“Kira, what happen to the cards after Ms. Izuki saw that?” asked Airi.

“Well, that was a great question, Airi. You see one of the cards are placed in the bulletin board. The others were either put in our boarding house or give it to someone. Then, we have three remaining cards that we brought here when we go to this place” said Kira.

“Ms. Tachibana said to us that when the school year ends, we decided to pack our things and go back to our home, but we’re all glad to stay at the mansion of the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Ai.

“We never saw that place before, but we always went to Maho’s home and Hinata’s home, the condominium that was full of residents living nearby” said Misaki.

“Say, I feel that you’re good in playing basketball since the intramural. That kind of performance was so amazing that our section outclassed the other sections in the competition” said Airi.

“You are very good in defending our team and since then, we’re going to keep this tradition alive because I found out that we’re going to have new faces in our section when we go back to Keishin on Thursday” said Tomoka.

“I agree with that, Tomoka’ said Ai.

“I know that everyone is enjoying their spring break before going back to school. Since then, we, Innocent Charm, have outdoor activities we had when it’s summer break or spring break. There are no winter break outdoor activities in our group” said Kira.

“I’m sure that we’re going to change the idea of bringing outdoor activities after each term because we’re going to find better places to do outdoor activities outside Tokyo. We already have the Kyoto trip last September and that was not bad or surprised at all” said Kira.

“So, Rei is going to plan your group’s goals for this school year?” asked Tomoka.

“That’s exactly correct, Tomoka. I feel concerned about some of our members not participating at our outdoor activities especially when it reaches August. That’s why there are times that we participate like the Ōta League where my sister, Kazuko, played for her friend’s team” said Kira.

“When we’re going to discuss things like this after the first day of school, we’re going to plan these outdoor activities and other things we expect to do again for this year” said Misaki.

“I know that it’s going to be another year for us, but this time, we’re going to plan things ahead of time before summer” said Ai.

“Ai, Kira and Misaki, we should work together to discuss the things you’re going to hold for the year. I know that you’re from Innocent Charm and Hinata will be surprised that she will be helping with Rei. I hope that when we’re going to discuss this, we’re going to improve the activities you have for sure” said Tomoka.

“Yeah. I’m expected to see that happen because we hold activities outside basketball on weekends. That’s where we refresh every week to feel ready for another week” said Airi.

“So, what do you say? Shall we work together as friends?” said Tomoka.

“Okay, Tomoka! It’s a great deal!” said Ai while Kira and Misaki nod to agree.

“Hopefully, when the new school year starts, we’re going to improve your group as long as we’re going to be friends” said Tomoka.

“Yeah!” said Ai, Kira and Misaki.

“Well, then, we’re going wait for Mimi and others to finish the training. They’re going to be here soon” said Airi.

“Okay!” said Tomoka, Ai, Kira and Misaki. Ai, Kira and Misaki have memories with Tomoka and Airi when they work together to finish the research assignment for the art class. Now, that they’re still friends since their first day, Ai, Kira and Misaki are hopefully going to keep their friendship with Tomoka and Airi and the five of them will be getting along together in some time.

UP NEXT: Extras 4: "One Winding Connection"

 

[Sherwin Riga]

I'm back for another update of Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts and I will be wondering that I have a schedule for my next updates. Starting March, it will be the beginning of the new volume: Volume 4. This volume will focus on the first and second day of school in Keishin Academy and also, the Gremory Team's trip to Kyoto before going back to their own world. It will be a fun and thrilling volume that you're going to see starting next week. On Wednesday (February 28), I will be posting the last update for Volume 3 with the title "A Colorful Winter Day with the Bravehearts". I hope you're ready to read my last update for Volume 3 on Wednesday. I'll finish new chapters starting tomorrow. So, hope you're enjoy the ride for another update. Then, enjoy reading Extras 4!:)

With the Keishin Academy Elementary School girls' basketball team's victory at the Hasegawa Cup girls' tournament finals, Mimi Balguerie and her teammates are ready to set their new journeys when they're going to begin their training soon. Mimi and her teammates meet Saki and Maho, who were watching their exhibition game, at the Recreational Center. Mimi and her teammates want to improve their attributes and skills and ask Saki and Maho to help them. The Keishin Academy will hold tryouts for the basketball team in all levels and since the elementary school girls' basketball team was just founded last year, there will be changes in the structure of the basketball team in Keishin. As long as they are ready to go back on training, the Bravehearts are contemplating what plans will be.

VOLUME 3: “A CHARMING SENSATION”
EXTRAS 4: “ONE WINDING CONNECTION”​

Saki Nagatsuka and Maho Misawa are watching the exhibition match between Team Aurora and Team Blue and Yellow-Dazzled Hearts at the Recreational Center. Saki and Maho called Mimi Balguerie, Tsubaki and Hiiragi Takenaka and Masami Fujii to watch the game. The four of them would accept Saki and Maho’s invitation and they are on their way to meet them.

“They’re off to a great start for our team. I can’t believe that Risa is helping Naoko to lead the game” said Saki.

“Yeah. I can’t see what the two doing, but they have showed their skills, in order to rally the game” said Maho.

“What are they doing now is that they might soon to become teammates” said Saki.

“Hmm. I agree. Maybe Risa and Naoko will be on the same section, but their teams will either join with them or go to another section” said Maho.

“Yep. I hope that tomorrow will be a new day for our group” said Saki. Maho nods in response, saying that she’s agree to what Saki said. Mimi, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Masami arrive from the afterparty.

“Well, hello, there. You must be enjoying the night” said Maho.

“Yeah” said Mimi, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Masami.

“So, what are you planning for the team?” asked Saki.

“We are planning to open tryouts for the team. I was so excited that I have my leadership is in my hands” said Mimi.

“So, we seem to be friendlier to you, Saki and Maho, because we have six months to prepare for the ForM Cup and we decided to allow Himeko and her friends to join our team” said Masami.

“We really impress their performance in the semifinal match” said Tsubaki.

“So, we decided to invite them to join our team” said Hiiragi.

“Wow! I can’t wait to see Himeko and her teammates wearing the basketball uniform” said Maho.

“Yep. We expected to have new players to come to our team because we were just starting to plan a tryout for the girls younger than us to train” said Mimi.

“Next year, when we’re gone, Himeko will be leading the team and selecting any member from the tryout team to join the first team” said Masami.

“I’m very excited to see what Himeko is up to” said Tsubaki.

“As long as she will be leading her batch, she may end up giving the roles as the helper to Kazuko, the sixth woman” said Hiiragi.

“I expect that you’re very strong in dominating inside and outside the paint, but I was thinking if I can help you improving your plays” said Saki.

“That’s what I want to know” said Mimi.

“Alright, I’ll explain. Since we’re going to middle school, I may not sure if we allow to visit your trainings and we don’t know what’s going to happen. That’s why we’re waiting to see the middle school manager to come and see us for the first time” said Saki.

“The tryouts will be in three weeks and we have to be so kind that we formed the elementary school girls’ basketball team. Well, the plan is to let us play in the main team, but there are no first years in the middle school girls’ basketball team every time I go to different levels” said Maho.

“So, what are you expecting to let you join the middle school basketball team?” asked Hiiragi.

“Well, I must say that Subaru will talk to the middle school manager and then, they’re gonna have some plans for us” said Saki.

“I’m sure that you are waiting to confirm your invitation to the middle school girls’ basketball team” said Tsubaki.

“Well, we will see about that” said Saki.

“Okay!” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“Not to mention that Noriko Mizuno is asking the manager to hold tryouts” said Maho.

“Oh, well, I supposed that our team will start holding tryouts in the third week and then, we’re going to train them” said Mimi.

“Then, by the time it’s May, we’re going to let these players compete for the Ōta League” said Masami.

“I’m sure that we’re going to watch them to make sure that they have great attributes” said Tsubaki.

“By the end of the first term, we’ll going to review to see who will be playing for our team next year. Also, they’ll be competing in a reserves team” said Hiiragi.

“Ah, I get it. Since then, we are ready to join the middle school girls’ basketball team, we’re going to train hard for the district tournament in July” said Saki.

“Yeah, we’re going to make sure that when Miyu sees us, we’re ready to retribute them” said Maho.

“That’s the spirit, Maho and Saki! I hope that you’re going to play well when you’re in the team” said Masami.

“Sure, we will!” said Saki and Maho.

“I hope that you have your hopes soon, but I may ask you a favor. Will you help us improving our plays, so that when we’re going to play against different teams, we’ll going to rally against them?” said Mimi.

Saki and Maho are thinking if they want to answer Mimi’s question.

“Well, okay. We will help you improving your plays, Mimi” said Saki.

“Yep!” said Maho.

“Oh, thank you, Saki and Maho! I’m glad that you’re going to help us!” said Mimi.

“I’m very happy that you’re going to help us, but this will take many months before the next major tournament” said Masami.

“Yeah” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“Well, I’ll say that we’ll do it by weekends. So, that we’ll be taking place of Subaru, who will be in the training at the Nashiba High School, in depends on what his manager will say” said Saki.

“I really think that was a good idea, but since there’s no training yet in the first two weeks, we’re not going to do that for a while. However, by May, we’re ready!” said Maho.

“Okay!” said Mimi, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Masami.

“Now that we’ll going to schedule your team to improving your plays, we’re all set!” said Saki.

“I’m so glad that Saki and Maho will be going to train us!” said Tsubaki.

“Yeah! I can’t wait to see what are we doing if they’re doing an intense training for us!” said Hiiragi.

“I’m really appreciated of you, Saki. This means that I have to improve my shooting skills as well in doing different variety set of shots” said Masami.

“Okay, girls! I know what you’re getting excited, but we’re going to focus on our plans for next week” said Mimi.

“Yeah” said Masami, Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“You see, the mansion will be permanently belonging to the Bravehearts and that’s why we’re going to stay here together” said Mimi.

“Well, my home is not in the mansion, but somewhere in Nishina. I’m sure that you’re going to visit my home if you want” said Maho.

“Her father is a businessman and I believe that the mansion that we stayed for the spring break will be our new home for the Bravehearts. I’m sure that the six groups will stay outside the Misawa Resort Hotel. In Nishina, there are many places to live” said Saki.

“I will be hopeful if we’re going to live outside the mansion by summer because that would be the middle high district tournament and the Interhigh basketball tournament” said Maho.

“Yeah, I agree with that, Maho. But maybe, your home will be the second option to live for the Bravehearts while the summer break starts” said Saki.

“Oh, yeah. Now, for you, Mimi, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Masami, you’ll stay with us if you want because you’re my friends since we’re teammates in the team” said Maho.

“Well, you can count us in, Maho!” said Mimi.

“I’m sure that you’re going to live with us in a comfortable place like the mansion” said Maho.

“Of course, Maho!” said Mimi.

Saki checks the calendar on her phone. “Now, let’s see. According to my calendar, the first day will be tomorrow and then, on next week, we have Airi’s birthday on Monday and our first training at the mansion on April 11.”

“April 11? That’s the last day of the six groups to stay at the mansion where on April 12, they’ll leave to their new homes” said Masami.

“I’m sure that they’re gonna stay with us for another week and then, they’re off” said Hiiragi.

“I’m going to be sad to see my friends going to back to their homes after that day” said Tsubaki.

“Hmm. I agree” said Saki.

“Well, Saki, Ginga’s Pupils will leave the mansion tomorrow. I’m worrying about them, but hopefully, they will be meeting with me again” said Mimi.

“Well, I understand, Mimi. Maybe we should contact them if they want to stay with us?” said Saki.

“Okay, Saki!” said Mimi.

“So, what about the members of Team Aurora? Are they going to leave the mansion on April 11?” asked Maho.

“Yes, they will. They will be staying nearby the train station in Nishina” said Mimi.

“Oh, I know that place. That’s where my friends are residing in two streets before the train station” said Masami.

“Well, I figured it out on what to do, Masami” said Tsubaki.

“What is it?” asked Masami.

“The Dazzled Hearts are staying nearby the train station. And some of them were away from that area. What do you say if some of them may live a house nearby my home?” said Tsubaki.

“Well, sure. I’m thinking if that would be Mieko and Jirō” said Masami.

“Well, you should ask them if you want them to stay beside my house” said Tsubaki.

“Okay!” said Masami, who then talks to Saki. “Saki, the Takenakas will have their new neighbors soon.”

“Well, that was expected. So, will they come to a house?” said Saki.

“Yes, of course!” said Masami.

“Great! Now that we’re going to have our new neighbors, we’ll going to meet them soon” said Tsubaki.

“Yeah! I’m glad that Masami will let the two to stay in our area” said Hiiragi.

“Looks like you have new friends on your block, TsubaHii. I hope that when they’re here, let them come to your home” said Maho.

“Okay!” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“Whew! Looks like the first quarter is over. Well, girls, we have to talk to my friends. I’ll see you in a bit!” said Saki.

“Enjoy the night, everyone!” said Maho. Saki and Maho leave Mimi, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Masami to talk with the members of Dazzled Hearts and Team Blue and Yellow.

“I feel that I’m happy that we’re going to become stronger” said Masami.

“This new journey is about to begin” said Tsubaki.

“I expect that our team will gain our dominance soon” said Hiiragi.

“Yes, it is, Hiiragi. I hope that our winding celebration will just be more like sparkling and cooling because the next day, it’s going to forget our past and start again with the present!” said Mimi.

“I agree, Mimi!” said Masami while Tsubaki and Hiiragi nod, saying that they agree to Mimi’s statement.

“Let’s go back to the terrace, girls!” said Mimi.

“Okay!” said Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Masami. Mimi, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Masami are hoping that their team will be ready to face new challenges when they are going to start their season in April. The four girls are reaching their potential going high and as soon that they are going to keep their core team together, they will succeed to beat their opponents in the district tournament.

UP NEXT: Special Chapter 5: "A Colorful Winter Day with the Bravehearts"

Here is the schedule (for now) of the next updates for the Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts series:
February 28 - Special Chapter 5: "A Colorful Winter Day with the Bravehearts"
March 4 - Chapter 40: "Going Back to School"
March 7 - Chapter 41: "Trailing Places"

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Now, before reading Special Chapter 5, I wanna let you know that I will try my best to write new chapters every day and I don't want to be conflicted with my other activities I have. Of course, don't worry about my struggles. I feel that I want to finish a chapter in a day and a volume in a month. So, I'll get ready to write again. Enjoy!

This Special Chapter is something special in my mind where I want to share something familiar about the characters of Ro-Kyu-Bu! and Tenshi no 3P! In the Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts series, Jun Gotō and Tomoka Minato would meet each other for the first time since Tomoka's transfer to Keishin Academy when they and their friends watch the match between Shiromidai and Suzuridani in the district tournament. A few days later, Jun's Angels invited the Bravehearts to go to the Little Wing Orphanage for their group's Christmas party. So, this chapter is more special and of course, it will be a prelude to the Volume 4 where it will focus on the Family of Angels on their first two days of school and of course, I'm going to focus on the connections with the members of the Family of Angels when we get there. I hope you're ready to read this chapter and here we go!

On December 19, the Bravehearts are invited by Jun Gotō, the leader of Jun's Angels to come at the Little Wing Orphanage for the Angels' Christmas Party. It will be a special day for the Angels as the Bravehearts and the Angels are going to collide forces to enjoy their Christmas Party. The Family of Angels is composed of Team Kadokawa, Team Takeda, Team Gotō and Jun's Angels. The Christmas Party is one of the memories that Noriko never forget when she is working with Jun and the Angels in organizing the Christmas Party. The Bravehearts and the Angels have their girts packed and sealed and they'll be receiving the gifts to each other. As a member of the Blue Angels, Noriko is ready to begin working with the Bravehearts as the members of the Jun's Angels are welcoming her to the group.

VOLUME 3: “A CHARMING SENSATION”
SPECIAL CHAPTER 5: “A COLORFUL WINTER DAY WITH THE BRAVEHEARTS”​

While the music fills the enjoyment of the members of Blue Angels at the hall in the mansion of the Misawa Resort Hotel, Tomoka Minato and Jun Gotō see Noriko Masuda, who holds the picture of her friends during their Christmas party. Tomoka and Jun walk to Noriko and Noriko gives the two a smile.

“Hi, Noriko!” said Tomoka.

“Did you enjoy eating our foods, Noriko?” asked Jun.

“Yep. I can’t believe that your foods are so awesome. I was so glad that the tonkatsu was also the food I ate at the Christmas party. I remember that day when we were together at the Little Wing Orphanage” said Noriko.

“Hmm. I see. Looks like you remember our Christmas party at our home” said Jun.

“Right. Just what you see in the party is where the memories never fade away” said Noriko.

“Well, I want to share this to your friends, Noriko. We’re going to my room with my friends and then, we’ll start” said Jun.

“Okay!” said Noriko. Tomoka, Airi, Subaru, Jun, Nozomi, Sora, Kyō, Kurumi, Kōme, Yuzuha, Sakura, Asumi and Noriko go to the room of Family of Angels and the members of Family of Angels follow them.

“Why don’t you tell us the story, Jun? You remembered everything in the Christmas party” said Nami.

“Yeah! Tell us the story, Jun!” said Natuski.

“Okay! I think you’re pressuring me out to tell my story, but I’m sure all of you familiar with Noriko Masuda” said Jun.

“She’s our classmate in our class 5-2 and she is the leader of the Blue Angels” said Nozomi.

“She’s also a cute student when it comes to her energetic personality” said Sora.

“Now that you know her, I’m sure you’re all here to tell our story about the Christmas party. I hope you all going to love this story, everybody” said Jun.

“Yeah!” said the members of Family of Angels.

“Let’s start! Jun, her friends and I were together at the Little Wing Orphanage when Jun called Tomoka to come to her home” said Noriko.

The flashback starts with the date of December 19, Saturday. It’s almost winter solstice and people in Nishi-Shiromi are wearing their winter clothes for the winter. At the house of the Little Wing Orphanage, Jun, Nozomi, Sora, Kyō, Kurumi, Kōme, Yuzuha, Sakura, Hitomi and Noriko have done preparing their foods and activities for the Christmas party.

“I can’t wait to see Tomoka and her friends, Jun! They haven’t gone to our home since Tomoka was a former student in our school” said Noriko.

“To clarify this, Tomoka was a member of the basketball team in Shiromidai before transferring to Keishin after many of her friends have abandoned their friendship with her because of her obsession of playing basketball. Luckily, we’re one of us who kept our relationship with Tomoka” said Jun.

“I’m glad that you and Tomoka have already meet each other recently at the Nishina Stadium during the battle between Suzuridani and Shiromidai” said Hitomi.

“Yeah. It’s been a while since Tomoka and I were together again after their game against Suzuridani. I feel like she’s going to improve her basketball skills when she’s entering middle school in Keishin” said Jun.

“Apparently, her teammates have also decided to stay together with Tomoka for middle school because they were able to improve their plays as well. I don’t think they have listed some other schools in their mind” said Nozomi.

“Right. As soon as they’re here, we should start the program soon” said Sora.

“Exactly! Our Christmas party will not only be going to have activities, but for the fun part, we’ll have the gift giving time!” said Sakura.

“Yeah! I wanted to make sure that they’re bringing presents and give it to the Christmas tree right here” said Kyō.

“I hope that we bring memories after the party. But anyway, did you have anything to say about me?” said Kōme.

“Well, you’re gorgeous on your wearing, Kōme” said Kyō.

“Thank you, Kyo! I’m not sure why you said this, but it gives me some more kind to you” said Kōme.

“You know that there are many of our inhabitants in our area have wore precious and charming clothes. That way, you will be more kind and sweet” said Kurumi.

“I couldn’t say that word before, but I guess I feel energetic today” said Kōme.

“I supposed that we will going to have a Christmas vacation, but we should do that after Christmas” said Yuzuha.

“Yep. We still have classes to enter and exams to take. I should be readier to finish the term” said Noriko.

“That’s true, Noriko. I will be ready to take the exams before Christmas break” said Jun.

“I wonder what Tomoka’s group would be looked like” said Hitomi.

“It is composed of her teammates from the basketball team as well as her friends in the class. They called themselves “the Bravehearts” and they have been together since the rise of their school’s elementary school girls’ basketball team” said Sakura.

“Wow! That group was very friendly to say the least. Uh, did they wear the same attires when they go out?” said Hitomi.

“Well, each of their members wear their clothes by their colors. One member per color and they can change their colors if one color is majorly focused. There are gradient clothes that were bought in Shinjuku and that’s why Tomoka and her friends bought many clothes for their appearance every time they go outside the school” said Jun.

“Ah, I see. On the bright side, Tomoka and her friends are getting along with other friends outside Keishin even in Shiromidai like us” said Noriko.

“That’s right. I’m sure they’ll be here soon. They have just reached the intersection” said Jun.

“Great!” said Noriko.

“I wonder what our arrangement for the party would be” said Kyō.

“I have this paper right here” said Kurumi.

“Oh, thank you, sister” said Kyō. Kurumi smiles while Kyō reads the paper. “It says here that the seating arrangement will be all of us will be sitting on the left while Tomoka and her friends will be sitting either the middle or the right. The ten of us will be sitting on the left and then, the rest will be sitting on either the middle or the right.”

“I hope that they are feeling comfortable with our arrangement. I believe that we have a large number of participants to join our party and I hope that it would be fun” said Kurumi.

“Yep” said Kyō. Later, outside at the house, Tomoka and her friends appear at the gate and Tomoka presses the doorbell.

“Who is it?” asked Jun.

“It’s me, Tomoka. I’m with my friends from the Keishin Academy” said Tomoka.

“Just a few seconds, Tomoka. I’ll be right here” said Jun.

“Okay!” said Tomoka. Saki and Megumi are peeping at the gate to see Jun. Jun opened the gate, allowing Tomoka and her friends to come in.

“Hi, Tomoka! I was surprised to see your friends right here. I’m glad that you’re all here. Come inside!” said Jun as she invites Tomoka and her friends to enter her house. Tomoka and her friends are surprised to see Jun’s friends.

“Hi, Tomoka and friends! We’re here to celebrate our Christmas party right here at our house!” said Nozomi.

“I can’t believe that you set up a Christmas party right here at your home. What a wonderful room right here! I think these decorations are very sparkling and beautiful” said Maho.

“Yep. I love to decorate Christmas decors in our home. I would be happy if I have collected all of our cards right here” said Sora as she shows the Christmas cards from the table.

“Wow! It’s so beautiful!” said Saki and Hinata.

“You see, we worked hard on decorating our house filled with Christmas lights and decors. Masayoshi gives us the duties to put all the decorations in our house” said Jun.

“I’m sure you’re going to love all of our designs and even from the Dragon≒Nuts too!” said Nozomi.

“I created all cards with my illustrations every night while the others have time to finish their assignments. I’m very eager to finish my assignments. So, I decided to finish my assignments before doing my illustrations” said Kōme.

“I’m sure that when we decorated our homes for winter, we decided to come up of a theme to create our decorations. We did it just the four of us before Kurumi, Kōme, Yuzuha and Kyō are allowed to visit our home” said Sakura.

“I believe that we finally start working with them because they thought that we’re rivals to them, but with the change of heart, Kōme decided to end her rivalry with Jun” said Kurumi.

“Well, since you’re all here, we’ll be introducing ourselves” said Jun. “I’m Jun Gotō. I’m a vocalist and a guitarist for Lien de Famille.”

“I’m Nozomi Momijidani. I’m a bassist for Lien de Famille.”

“I’m Sora Kaneshiro. I’m a drummer for Lien de Famille.”

“I’m Kyō Nukui. I’m a composer for Lien de Famille.”

“I’m Sakura Toriumi. I’m a manager for Lien de Famille.”

“I’m Kurumi Nukui. I’m a keyboard pianist for Dragon≒Nuts.”

“I’m Kōme Ogi. I’m an illustrator for Dragon≒Nuts.”

“I’m Yuzuha Aigae. I’m a lead singer for Dragon≒Nuts.”

“I’m Hitomi Takao. I’m one of Lien de Famille’s fans in our class section 6-3.”

“And I’m Noriko Masuda. I’m one of the students from our class section 5-2.”

“Together, we would like to call us: Jun’s Angels!” Jun and her friends say together with their poses used from their professions.

“So, what do you think, Tomoka? We practiced this all night after school” said Jun.

“That was an amazing act, Jun! I never thought that you did this for us! This is the first time that I meet with your friends. You see, I also have friends right here. I’ll introduce to you my friends in Keishin Academy” said Tomoka.

“I’m Subaru Hasegawa from Nashiba High School.”

“I’m Aoi Ogiyama from Nashiba High School.”

“I’m Maho Misawa from section 6-C.”

“I’m Saki Nagatsuka from section 6-C.”

“I’m Airi Kashii from section 6-C.”

“I’m Hinata Hakamada from section 6-C.”

“I’m Natsuhi Takenaka from section 6-C.”

“I’m Megumi Kadokawa from section 6-C.”

“I’m Naoko Sugisaki from section 6-D.”

“I’m Risa Nagasaki from section 6-D.”

“I’m Asuna Hayashida from section 6-F.”

“I’m Rei Kanazawa from section 6-E.”

“I’m Mimi Balguerie from section 5-C.”

“I’m Kagetsu Hakamada from section 5-C.”

“I’m Tsubaki Takenaka from section 5-B.”

“I’m Hiiragi Takenaka from section 5-B.”

“I’m Masami Fujii from section 5-A.”

“I’m Kazuko Kakimoto from section 5-E.”

“I’m Hanako Kotobuki from section 5-E.”

“I’m Aya Shimojō from section 5-B.”

“I’m Ken Yamamoto from section 5-B.”

“I’m Shinobu Higashimura from section 5-B.”

“I’m Mieko Masuda from section 5-A.”

“I’m Erika Satō from section 5-C.”

“And I’m Naoki Hatano from section 5-C.”

“And together, we’re going to call us: the Bravehearts!” Tomoka and her friends shout together after each of her friends introduce to Jun and her friends.

“Wow! What a beautiful name you have, Tomoka!” said Jun.

“The Bravehearts? I didn’t hear that name before. I know that your group is composed of your friends from your basketball team and also, you bring your friends from other sections. Right?” said Nozomi.

“Yeah, Nozomi. Some of our friends came from sixth grade, our batch, while Mimi and her group came from the fifth grade” said Jun.

“Sounds like you formed this group after your game against Suzuridani” said Sora.

“Well, we formed this group a day after our match against Suzuridani. Because after we lost to Suzuridani, we can’t give up our hopes to succeed as basketball players. That’s why we formed this group as a community of basketball players and friends in Keishin Academy Elementary School” said Airi.

“I see. Now, as we all know, Jun’s Angels comes from the two rivalled band groups: Lien de Famille and Dragon≒Nuts. Dragon≒Nuts was just formed after Kōme feels unsatisfied after seeing Kyō and Lien de Famille work together to be a successful band in the community. Kurumi, Kyō and Yuzuha wanted to become a great band like us, but they failed to do so. Until the two bands signal their end of their rivalry, Kurumi, Kōme and Yuzuha begin to admit that rivalling against Lien de Famille was not working and they wanted to work together with them because they thought that it was Kyō’s favorite band. Finally, those three begin to stay at our house, but of course, their main home was located at Kyō and Kurumi’s home” said Jun.

“So, now that the two bands merge together to create Jun’s Angels, we’re going to work together to make this band successful as long as we can” said Nozomi.

“Yeah. It’s our decision to merge two bands, so that the two bands will work together” said Sora.

“To stop Kōme from being jealous of me and Lien de Famille, Jun made her choice to merge her band with Kōme’s band. I was expecting this like a dream and it came true when it happens” said Kyō.

“When our band merges with Lien de Famille, Kōme and I have decided to improve our friendship together because I thought Kōme was very childish to see me. I made up my mind to keep an eye on her, but at the end, Kōme wants to forgive my brother and stops being childish and jealous of him” said Kurumi.

“I have to retrace everything to rebuild my connection with Kyō because I don’t want to commit mistakes ever again” said Kōme.

“I was so excited to be part of the new band and there are many changes happening at the Little Wing Orphanage. The church becomes a venue for practice sessions while the house allows Kurumi, Kōme and I to live there” said Yuzuha.

“Right now, it’s almost winter and we’re going to have a winter vacation soon with Masayoshi had booked tickets for us to go to Kyoto” said Jun.

“So, when is your trip to Kyoto?” asked Tomoka.

“Uh, after Christmas. It’s two to three days and I can’t believe that our group will be staying in a luxurious hotel” said Jun.

“On second thought, our winter vacation will be short and after this, we’re waiting to go back to school for the third term” said Nozomi.

“It will be awesome to spend Christmas in Kyoto and likewise we’re going to give you gifts when go there” said Sora.

“Yeah. Good luck with your Christmas vacation in Kyo!” said Tomoka.

“Okay!” said Jun, Nozomi and Sora.

“Kyō, I become more respectful to you since you helped the three elementary schoolers to make the band success, but handling Kōme’s band would also be done if Kōme wants you to fix everything for their performance” said Subaru.

“Yep. I’m glad that Kōme feels satisfied after the decision because I have to feel her comfortable when her band will be working together with Lien de Famille. I’m sure that Kurumi and Yuzuha will be happy if I helped them to improve their performance” said Kyō.

“You know, every man needs to be gentler to the girls. Even Subaru wants to take care of the girls, he becomes more committed to play in Nashiba. As of now, his basketball team was suspended for a year and I don’t know if Kazunari filed an appeal to reinstate the program” said Aoi.

“Wow. That’s a shame. I hope that Subaru will be able to play for his team soon. I’m rooting for him because he made good performance in middle school” said Sakura.

“Ah… yeah. I guess so, but thanks, Sakura” said Subaru.

“I wonder what are you doing in your house, Jun” said Tomoka.

“You see, we supposed to perform a song for all of you, but I guess that this Christmas party would not thank everyone in our band, but for all of you” said Jun.

“Wow! I’m so kind that you’re going to perform a song, but it’s in your heart to feel it” said Tomoka.

“Yeah! I’m sure that we’re going to perform after the party. I mean it’s going to be a big Christmas party to make blessings more special” said Jun.

“Well, I’m glad that you’re ready to sing, Jun. It feels like I’m going to be more delighted if you perform your song for us” said Maho.

“There are many Christmas spirits in our team and we should keep them in order to wish a delightful Merry Christmas” said Saki.

“Of course, Jun! I will feel joy and happy when you perform the song for us because your songs are melodically fantastic and harmonious” said Hinata.

“You have to be more admired to everyone when you perform behind the audience and everyone will like your music because you have to sing with your heart and soul” said Airi.

“I hope that you’re going to be matured when you grow up, Jun. I expect that your band will be improving more to play together” said Mimi.

“There are times that when you feel upset or bad, your bandmates will care for you” said Tsubaki.

“Now, that you feel care for them, maybe you should give them back a reward” said Hiiragi.

“I’m feeling that everyone has feelings and emotions when it comes to keeping the group together. I’m sure that you’re going to need this” said Kagetsu.

“As people have dealing with difficulties, it’s okay to be calm and think of what you thought about. For me, I feel generous to someone who is uncomfortable and I helped them to feel better” said Masami.

“Well, thanks for your kind words, everyone. Now, as I was ready to start the program, we should eat first before we’re going to have games” said Jun.

“Okay!” said the members of the Bravehearts.

“Well, let’s eat first!” said Jun.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Bravehearts and Jun’s Angels.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Special Chapter 5: "A Colorful Winter Day with the Bravehearts"

Part 2​

The members of the Bravehearts and Jun’s Angels pick their food and eat at the living room. Everyone feels happy to have a Christmas party and looks like they’re ready to get the party started.

The program starts with everyone playing the longest line. Each member of Team Minato, Team Kadokawa and Jun’s Angels will use their items and clothes to create the longest line. Team Minato would win the game with the longest line over Jun’s Angels and Team Kadokawa.

The second game is the singing contest. Saki, Hinata, Asuna, Hanako, Nozomi and Yuzuha would participate at that activity. Yuzuha sings 「大切がきこえる ピアノアレンジ」 to the members of the Bravehearts and Jun’s Angels. Yuzuha’s singing skills make the members of the Bravehearts and Jun’s Angels. enthusiastic to that song. At the end of the contest, it was won by Nozomi.

The third game is the tallest building activity. Each group must create a building that is tallest. The members of Team Minato, Team Kadokawa and Jun’s Angels begin to find their objects to create their buildings to see who the tallest is.

“Keep it going, girls! We have to build the tallest building to win the game!” said Naoko.

“Yeah!” said the members of Team Kadokawa. The members of Team Kadokawa find more objects to make their structure being taller than the other two teams. At the end of the game, it was won by Team Kadokawa. The structure that Team Kadokawa made beats the other structures of Team Minato and Jun’s Angels.

The fourth and final game is the obstacle race. Six pairs are called to participate this event: Subaru and Aoi, Airi and Mimi, Erika and Kazuko, Megumi and Risa, Jun and Sora and Kyō and Kurumi. Each pair will have their legs tied and in order to win, they have to reach the finish line. Kyō and Kurumi battling against Jun and Sora neck-and-neck and at the end, it was Kyō and Kurumi winning. Jun feels okay after she lost to them.

“Well, I guess it’s a fun game” said Jun.

“Yeah. I feel exhausted from reaching the finish line” said Sora.

Kyō and Kurumi feel happy together for the first time after winning the game. Later, the Bravehearts and Jun’s Angels go to the living room for exchange gifts.

“I wonder what the mechanics would be” said Megumi.

“Well, you have your gifts and you have to give your gifts to someone. We have our names in the list and the first one will give the gift will be Nozomi while the last to give will be the one to give the gift to Nozomi” said Tomoka.

“How did you know that?” asked Maho.

“I asked Jun to know the mechanics of the exchange gift by chat and it was very too long to explain, but I’ll say that you have to give your gift to your friend by picking a piece of paper and say that name. That name will get receive your gift. From here on out, everyone must receive their gifts at the end of the activity, then unwrap your gift and there you go! You have your exchange gift unwrapped. Also, you have to say “thank you” to the one you give it to you” said Tomoka.

“Ah, okay. I got it!” said Maho.

“Now, shall we start the exchange gift activity?” asked Jun.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Bravehearts and Jun’s Angels.

“Okay! Let’s do it!” said Jun. Nozomi walks to pick a piece of paper and say the name. “I will give my gift to Asuna Hayashida.” Asuna stands up to receive the gift from Nozomi.

“What will you say?” asked Kyō.

“Thank you, Nozomi!” said Asuna Hayashida.

“Okay! You have to pick a piece of paper, in order to give your gift to the one you call” said Jun.

“Right!” said Asuna. Asuna would pick a piece of paper and say the name. “My gift will be belonged to Aya Shimojō.”

Aya Shimojō stands up to receive the gift from Asuna and say “Thank you.” Asuna goes back to her seat while Aya picks a piece of paper. “I will give my gift to Naoko Hitano.”

Naoko would receive the gift from Aya and say “Thank you.”

After thirteen members are receiving the gifts, Hinata Hakamada would pick a piece of paper and say the name. “Oh, that was a surprise to me. Kyō! Here’s your gift!”

Kyō receives the gift from Hinata and says “Thank you, Hinata! I’m glad that I’m going to like your gift!” Hinata leaves and Kyō picks a piece of paper. Kyō suspects that his gift will be belonged to either Kōme or Jun. “Well, my gift will be belonged to Jun Gotō.”

“Oh, Jun! It’s your gift!” said Nozomi.

“Really?” asked Jun.

“Yeah! Just get it!” said Nozomi.

“Okay!” said Jun as she walks to Kyō to receive the gift from him. “Well, I believe that you made the right choice, Kyō.”

“Thanks, Jun. I feel determined when I’m going to read the name from the piece of paper” said Kyō.

“Yeah! Now, I’m going to pick a pick of paper and that name will receive my gift!” said Jun as she takes a deep breath and picks a piece of paper. “Well, what do you know. It’s Kōme Ogi.”

“Eh… I’m guess you’re very compassionate to me” said Kōme as she walks to Jun to receive the gift from her. “Thank you, Jun!” Kōme and Jun hug to each other. Jun leaves and Kōme is ready to pick a piece of paper, so that she will give her gift to the name that was written in that piece of paper. “Ah, okay. My gift will be belonged to Airi Kashii.”

“Oh, Airi! It’s your gift!” said Hinata.

“Ah, okay!” said Airi as she walks to Kōme to receive the gift from her! “Thank you, Kōme!”

“You’re welcome, Airi!” said Kōme as she happily goes back to her seat while Airi is ready to pick a piece of paper and give her gift to someone.

“Well, we only have 19 gifts remaining. So, Airi, pick one” said Nozomi.

“Okay!” said Airi as she picks a piece of paper and reads the name. “It’s for you, Tsubaki! Your gift is all yours!”

“Hey, Tsuba! Just get your gift!” said Hiiragi.

“Okay!” said Tsubaki as she receives the gift from Airi. “Thank you, Airi!” Airi goes back to the seat and Tsubaki is ready to pick a piece of paper.

‘Now, we are half away from finishing this activity. Well, I see Tomoka, Kagetsu, Sora and Kurumi are not yet receiving their gifts. Well, we will see about that” said Jun.

“My gift will be belonged to Megumi Kadokawa” said Tsubaki.

Megumi appears to receive the gift from Tsubaki. “Thank you, Tsubaki!”

Later, the activity is about to be over when only six of them are not receiving their gifts yet. They are Tomoka, Sora, Kagetsu, Kurumi, Sakura and Masami.

Subaru would pick a piece of paper and say the name. “It’s for you, Sora! The gift is all yours!”

Maho, Saki, Airi and Hinata are surprised that Subaru didn’t say Tomoka’s name. Sora would appear to receive the gift from Subaru.

“Thank you, Subaru! I know that you’re a good gentleman, but I see Tomoka didn’t receive a gift yet. But don’t worry, I’ll do it” said Sora.

“Okay!” said Subaru as he leaves to go back to his seat and Sora is ready to pick a piece of paper to give the gift to the person she’ll call later on.

“Hmm. My gift will be belonged to Tomoka Minato” said Sora.

“Tomoka, it’s your gift!” said Maho.

“Ah, okay!” said Tomoka as she walks to Sora to receive her Sora’s gift. “Thank you, Sora! You’re much generous and gentle!”

“Wow! I can’t believe that Tomoka said generous to me. That’s great! Thank you, Tomoka!” said Sora.

“You’re welcome!” said Tomoka. Sora leaves to her seat while Tomoka is ready to pick a piece of paper.

“We have four left: Kagetsu, Kurumi, Sakura and Masami. I hope Tomoka will give the gift to one of those four” said Kyō.

“I have to receive a gift or I will end up giving the gift to Nozomi” said Kurumi, who thinks about her fate.

Tomoka would pick a piece of paper and say her name. “Let’s see. Oh, Kagetsu Hakamada! The gift is right here!”

“Ah, okay! Sister, I’ll get my gift!” said Kagetsu.

“Okay!” said Hinata. Kagetsu walks to Tomoka and receives the gift from her.

“Thanks, Tomoka! I know that my sister feels happy to have your gift” said Kagetsu.

“Well, I’m glad that I have my gift, Kagetsu. We’ll unwrap those later” said Tomoka as she leaves to go back to her seat.

“Three more gifts. Who will be last to give the gift to Nozomi?” said Jun.

“Come on, Kurumi! You have to wait for you to receive your gift!” said Kōme.

“We have our gifts now! You don’t have to be afraid of Nozomi” said Yuzuha.

“Oh, yeah. You’re right, girls! I won’t give up until I will receive my gift from someone” said Kurumi.

“Okay, Kagetsu! Pick a piece of paper and say that name” said Kyō.

“Okay!” said Kagetsu as she gets a piece of paper and says the name written in that piece. “So, my gift will be belonged to Masami Fujii.”

“Masami, your gift is in Kagetsu’s hands. Receive that gift now!” said Mimi.

“Okay!” said Masami as she walks to Kagetsu and receives the gift from Masami. “Ah, first of all, I would like to thank you for helping me improving my plays. I’m sure that we should keep working together. And thank you for this gift.”

“You’re welcome, Masami!” said Kagetsu. Jun calls Kurumi and Sakura to come out and stand alongside Masami.

“Now, we only have three more gifts that aren’t yet received and I know that you’re not going to be surprised if any of these two will be giving the gift to Nozomi. So, let’s get into it” said Jun.

“Come on, sister! I hope that you’re going to be picked” said Kyō, who is supporting for his sister, Kurumi.

Masami picks a piece of paper and says the name. “Ah… I will give my gift to…” Kurumi feels that she may be picked and so, closes her eyes before Masami says the name. “…oh, it’s for you, Kurumi.”

Kurumi feels relieved to see her name from the paper Masami holding. “Ah, well, I don’t want to be more anxious to you, Masami. So, I hope that you give your gift to me. I’m sure that it’s more comfortable and I have to use it every day.”

“Well, sure. Here’s your gift, Kurumi!” said Masami as she gives the gift to Kurumi.

“Thanks, Masami!” said Kurumi. As a result, Sakura will be the last person to receive her gift. “Well, Sakura. I hope that you’re going to like it. Here’s your gift, Sakura.” Kurumi smiles to Sakura as Sakura gets the gift from Kurumi.

“Thank you, Kurumi! You’re a good sister!” said Sakura.

“Sister? Eh, of course, Sakura. I’m a sister of Kyō Nukui. Maybe I’m not going to be complicated anymore” said Kurumi.

“Yeah, of course!” said Sakura, who then gives the gift to Nozomi. “Here’s your gift, Nozomi! I believe that you need this for our Christmas vacation.”

“Oh, okay!” said Nozomi as she receives the gift from Sakura.

“Now that we have all receiving our gifts, unwrap the gifts now!” said Jun. The members of the Bravehearts and Jun’s Angels begin to unwrap their gifts and their gifts were now revealed.

“Wow! It’s so beautiful!” said Hinata.

“That’s my sweet pillow!” said Kagetsu.

“Wow! I finally got my watch!” said Maho.

“Looks like I’m going to need my pen for my writing skills” said Saki.

“Sora gave me a ribbon. Oh, it’s so cute” said Tomoka.

“For me, I got a tumbler from Kōme. It’s so prestigious” said Airi.

“Wow! I never wear this shirt before” said Nozomi as she wears the gift Sakura had. “It’s perfect for my attire for our winter vacation!”

“Yeah! I got a pair of ribbons to wear everyday” said Jun.

“Jun. Nozomi. I got a bracelet. It’s so shiny and charming” said Sora.

“Do you like your gifts, girls?” asked Kyō.

“Yeah!” said Jun, Nozomi and Sora.

“So, Kyō, did you like your gift?” asked Sakura.

“Yeah, I feel delightful to have my gift. My earphones are totally rocked to use when I’m going to hear songs on my phone” said Kyō.

“Yep. I feel for you, Kyō. Mine is my new bag. I’m going to use this bag for safe keeping” said Sakura. Kyō gives Sakura a smile after seeing Sakura’s gift.

“Oh, brother. My gift was so nice. It’s my ponytails. Looks cute and charming” said Kurumi.

“I believe that you’re cute, but I hope that you will wear it anytime you want” said Kyō.

“Okay, brother! I will!” said Kurumi.

“Kyō! Look what I got!” said Kōme, showing her gift to Kyō. The gift was a painting box.

“Wow! Now you got your art materials to make your artistic skills more improved!” said Kyō.

“Yep! I’ll never forget that Jun gave me this gift!” said Kōme.

“You’ll be fine, Kōme. I’ll always trust you 100%!” said Kyō.

“Really? Oh, thank you, Kyō!” said Kōme.

“I guess that you two are reconnecting to each other again and by the way, I never have this item before. It’s my new earrings!” said Yuzuha.

“Well, you never feel joy without these earrings. These are very valuable” said Kōme.

“Yeah!” said Yuzuha.

“I can’t believe that we have the right gifts we have. It’s all thanks to everyone who give their gift to us!” said Jun. Nozomi, Sora, Kyō, Sakura, Kurumi, Kōme and Yuzuha smile to the members of the Bravehearts as a sign of gratitude. “Oh, I almost forgot. We should go to the church, so that we’re going to perform. Is that okay to you to go to the church?”

“Yeah!” said the members of the Bravehearts and Jun’s Angels.

“Okay! Let’s go!” said Jun as the members of the Bravehearts and Jun’s Angels leave the house to go to the church. At the church, Jun’s Angels prepare their instruments to use for their performance.

“Thank you for waiting! I hope that you’re all here to listen to our songs! So, enjoy the show, everybody!” said Jun as the members of the Bravehearts are cheering for Jun and her bandmates including Kurumi, Kōme and Yuzuha. Kyō and Sakura are at the back of the crowd where he is testing the music and giving thumbs up to Jun and her bandmates as a go-signal to let them perform.

Jun and her bandmates begin to perform their songs while the Bravehearts begin to listen to their music enthusiastically. After the band performs their songs, Jun announced that they’re going to sing their last song. “And now, for the finale, here’s our song that you already know from the bottom of my heart.” Jun and her bandmates begin to perform their song 「羽ばたきのバースデイ」 and the members of the Bravehearts are liking the song.

After the song was ended, the Bravehearts and Jun’s Angels go back to the house for a break. At 9:30, the Bravehearts are ready to leave the house to go back to their homes.

“Thank you so much for inviting us to your party, Jun! That was the best Christmas party I ever had!” said Tomoka.

“Yeah! I believe that you and your friends have enjoyed playing with us and that’s not all, you’re a very generous and delightful person, Tomoka!” said Jun.

“Thanks, Jun! I knew that you make this party more exciting to our friends and we could’ve done many things to complete the party, but it was more fun” said Tomoka.

“Yep. I’m sure that our memories will be filled, so that we won’t forget our moments in the party” said Jun.

“I want to thank all of you to participate at the Christmas party! This is our policy to thank everyone for inviting to any occasion we organize” said Nozomi.

“Your courage gives us more power to make this party the best that we ever had. Thank you, everyone!” said Sora.

“You’re welcome!” said the members of the Bravehearts.

“I’m glad that you’re satisfied with us, making this party even more thrilled of excitements. I never become happier before, but here I am. I’m not going to lose my memories after we part ways with you” said Noriko.

“So, what’s your next plan, Tomoka?” asked Kyō.

“We’re going to finish the exams first before our homeroom Christmas party at Keishin Academy on Tuesday” said Tomoka.

“Okay, have fun there and good luck with your exams!” said Kyō.

“We’ll see you around, Tomoka!” said Nozomi.

“Take care of your friends!” said Sora.

“Thank you for everything, Tomoka! Bye!” said Jun.

“Okay! We’ll see you around, Jun! Goodbye, Jun! Goodbye, everyone!” said Tomoka as she and the Bravehearts are now leaving the Little Wing Orphanage and going back home by train. The flashback ends with Jun and Noriko conclude the story.

“And we’ll never forget to remember this Christmas party with all of you from the bottom of my heart” said Jun.

“You’ll remember everything from the start until the end. You’ll be more delighted and more admired when you go on an occasion like this” said Noriko.

“Wow! I never imagine this party would be more fun and that was a nice party you have!” said Megumi.

“Yeah. I trust everyone who were invited to come to our party and since then, it’s been three months that we meet again” said Jun.

“As long as we’re going to continue our friendship, everyone must have compassioned hearts and brave smiles when you meet us, the Angels” said Nozomi.

“I agree with that, Nozomi and Jun” said Sora.

“Say, are you wondering if you’re going to have an activity like this?” asked Kyō.

“Well, you see, we have many activities, but we’re going to have a celebration on Monday” said Tomoka.

“Monday? That’s the start of the new week, Tomoka. Why?” said Jun.

“It’s Airi’s birthday and Airi is going to thirteen years old when this event reaches Monday” said Tomoka.

“I’m sure that you’re going to come to my birthday party” said Airi.

“Yeah, I’ll be glad to come to your birthday, Airi. We decided to be more compassionate to anyone who have blessings like you” said Jun.

“Oh, thank you, Jun. I guess that my friends and I will work on my birthday celebration on Monday. When you’re here, you’ll be surprised” said Airi.

“Yeah! I would be gladder that the Orange and Fuchsia are going to be invited as guests and I have my plans for your birthday too” said Kurumi.

“I’m very delighted to come to my birthday, Kurumi. However, the party will start at six. So, don’t be late” said Airi.

“Okay!” Kurumi.

“Well, Tomoka. It looks like memories are filled with joy and excitement in your Christmas party. I wish I will join too soon” said Michiko.

“Yeah. Next time, Jun will invite you and then, you’re going to enjoy everything we have just like last year” said Tomoka.

“Okay!” said Michiko.

“I’ll make sure that when the next Christmas party comes this December, it’ll be different than ever!” said Jun.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts.

“Alright, everyone. Let’s go back to the hall and enjoy the night right here, but tomorrow, we’re going to start entering classes again” said Jun.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts. The Christmas party in the Little Wing Orphanage became a success since Jun and her bandmates made this more meaningful to celebrate Christmas in their home. As Tomoka and her friends remember the Christmas party, they’re hopefully going to visit the Little Wing Orphanage soon. Jun said to her friends while they’re going back to the hall of the mansion. “You have to be gentler and more compassionate to anyone who’s a member of the Family of Angels. Right, everyone?”

“Yeah!” said the members of the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts.

UP NEXT: Chapter 40: "Going Back to School" [The first day of a new school year marks the beginning of the new journey of the Bravehearts. The first chapter of Volume 4]

I hope you enjoy reading the new update of the series! I'll see you on Sunday for the first chapter of the new volume!

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Hi, everyone! It's been a few days since I last time posting the update. So, good news, everyone! The series has reached more than 5000 views since the first chapter in July. I'm so happy that I see that view count after I posted the Special Chapter 5 last Wednesday. It also broke the number of views between two dates: from 185 to 223! Wow! This means that I will continue the series because the Special Chapter 5 was greatly popular than the last chapter. This special chapter is all about something special to the characters of Ro-Kyu-Bu! and Tenshi no 3P! when they spend their Christmas party at the Little Wing Orphanage. Tonight will be the first chapter of Volume 4! I made an idea of two things that I want to focus on: the Family of Angels and The Gremory Team's Kyoto Trip. These two will be more focused in this volume as I was finally heading some point in researching about dragons, temples and shrines because this volume will be focused on how the Family of Angels originated from and how the Gremory Team create a new planet in the crimson planetary system. I hope that you're all hyped to read the new update. So, hopefully, I will finish Volume 4 before Holy Week (March 25 to April 1). Enjoy reading the new chapter!:)

Here is the summary of Volume #3:

Spoiler: Summary of Volume 3

The Keishin Academy Elementary School basketball team along with five teams from the Six Groups of Bravehearts participated at the Hasegawa Cup. With different schools and teams competing for the cup, the Hasegawa Cup was the first tournament for Team Balguerie to test their new strength for the upcoming season. At the end of the tournament, the Keishin Academy became champions of both tournaments and Mimi Balguerie helped her team to defeat Suzuridani Academy. Now that the Hasegawa Cup is over, Mimi Balguerie and her teammates have prepared their plans to lead the girls’ basketball team this coming new season. Himeko Katayama and her teammates confirmed that they will join the girls’ basketball team, and this means that Keishin is finally contending for the district tournament this winter.

April 1. It's the first day of a new school year and also, the new beginning of the Bravehearts after the Keishin Academy basketball team won the two tournaments at the Hasegawa Cup. The Bravehearts will split up to their schools for their first day. Also, the section 1-C will be stacked composed of the first members of the Keishin Academy Elementary School girls' basketball team and the Family of Angels. Later, after the class, the Bravehearts will spend their time around the town as they are going to wait for Subaru and his friends to finish their first day in Nashiba High School. While waiting for Subaru and his friends to finish their first day in Nashiba High School, The students of the section 1-C went on a train ride to Nishi-Shiromi to meet with the other members of the Family of Angels. A big afternoon visit will make sure that they're going to wait for Kyō and Sakura, who were still in their school.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
CHAPTER 40: “GOING BACK TO SCHOOL”​

It’s April 1 and it’s the first day of a new school year where the Bravehearts will go back to their schools to meet their new faces in their classes. In Nashiba High School, Subaru, Aoi and Banri appear at the rooftop of the school building. They talk about their new expectations for their school’s basketball team.

“It appears that we’re going back to school for another school year” said Aoi.

“Yeah. It appears that we have a lot of things to do before Kazunari sends us a letter of approval from the administration. It says on the letter that the Nashiba High School boys’ basketball team will be reinstated” said Subaru.

“Really? Oh, yes! I can’t wait to join the practice for a long time” said Banri.

“I know. Kazunari is not here yet, but he will come soon. I believe that it’s already past eight and we have to wait for the bell” said Subaru.

“Well, on the bright side, the other basketball players from the boys’ team have supported the reinstatement because Kazunari was a very powerful leader when it comes to sports politics” said Aoi.

“Yep. I believe that he will be ready to help us improving our team as soon as he can” said Subaru.

“I’m sure that when our basketball team is back in business, Takehiro will be calling us to come to the gym soon” said Banri.

“Yeah. I remember when Shin said to us last night about the future of our basketball program” said Aoi.

“How did you know, Aoi?” asked Subaru.

“Shin said to us that when the boys’ basketball team will be reinstated starting tomorrow, everyone in the team will start all over again” said Aoi.

“Hmm. That’s a quite interesting quote. Did he?” said Subaru.

“Yeah. I remembered him to be one of the versatile shooters, but he’s already eighteen and he’s now in college. Our boys missed him a lot” said Banri.

“Yeah, what a shame. I even remember his words at the garden” said Subaru.

The flashback starts when Shin Mizusaki talks to his players of the Nashiba High School. “Now, that your team will be reinstated, you have to start over from the scratch. Until your teammates improve their skills, they will succeed with your heart and your soul.” The flashback ends after this.

“Ah, I remember. We’re hoping that we’re going to start all over again. Am I right?” said Subaru.

“Yes, Subaru. I hope that you’re going to rebuild your team from the scratch and then, you and your teammates will start building for the Interhigh tournament” said Aoi.

“Oh, right. I’m so glad that Takehiro will get some serious goals to do because he has many things to improve our basketball team for sure” said Subaru.

“Subaru, what about your girls? They’re in middle school and their classes were just started” said Aoi.

“Yeah, I know that they’re ready to take their class. So, do we?” said Subaru.

“Yeah, of course!” said Aoi.

“Today, this will be the start of a new school year for every one of us” said Subaru.

“I see. It’s opening ceremony. Must be tough on you” said Aoi.

“My sister Airi is now growing up. I can’t wait to see her performing more plays since her last match in elementary school” said Banri.

“We’re have to keep on moving, too!” said Subaru.

Kazunari appears as he walks to his teammates, Subaru and Banri, and Aoi. “That’s right, Subaru! Looks like you’re gonna love to see this.”

“Kazunari? Why are you here?” asked Subaru.

“Good news, everyone” said Kazunari as he shows his letter of approval to Subaru, Banri and Aoi. “Our boys’ basketball team is officially reinstated. Our training starts next week!”

“Oh, you made it, Kazunari. How did you do that?” said Subaru.

“I can’t believe that you did this for them” said Aoi.

“Yeah. I made this, spent summer vacation getting signatures and petitioning to the student council. I decided to work on with the other student council members to campaign for the reinstatement of the boys’ basketball program and file an appeal to the school administration. But that’s not all, since the program is back from a suspension, I’m glad to tell you that I’m the vice captain of the Nashiba High School boys’ basketball team and also, I’m the vice president of the student council now!” said Kazunari.

“That’s awesome, man!” said Banri.

“Wow! I can’t believe that our team is back in business. Thanks for doing this, Kazunari!” said Subaru.

“You’re welcome” said Kazunari.

“So, what are we waiting for? Let’s start our new season of our basketball team!” said Aoi.

“Yeah!” said Subaru, Banri and Kazunari.

In Keishin Academy, Tomoka and her teammates are present at the introductory ceremony at the gym as the new school year will begin. After the introductory ceremony, Tomoka and her teammates are at the fountain of the square of the Keishin Academy.

“It’s the first day of school here in Keishin. I can’t wait to see some new classmates in our section” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, I can’t believe that we’re going to keep moving on from the past and start all over again” said Maho.

“That’s right, Maho. We will have new goals when we are entering the middle school. We can’t use the old goals anymore” said Airi.

“In case we’re wondering why we have new goals is because there are new levels of topics that came from the elementary school level” said Saki.

“Also, extracurricular activities will be on another level based on the requirements that we are going to follow from the teachers” said Hinata.

“I’m sure that we’re gonna try our best to pass the subjects before moving on to another level, which is the second year” said Natsuhi.

“Of course, Natsuhi. We’re expecting to meet some old friends and new faces in our section. I couldn’t wait to see them all right here” said Maho.

“What’s our first priority as a Braveheart?” asked Tomoka.

“To find new opportunities before doing it” said the members of the Bravehearts.

“That’s right, everyone. We should find new opportunities before we have to do anything. It’s our desire to do things right and hopefully, we’re going to accomplish it right on time” said Tomoka.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Bravehearts.

“Now, don’t forget that we’re going to meet again at the square later in the afternoon” said Tomoka.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Bravehearts.

“So, let’s make this first day of school have memories” said Tomoka.

“Okay!” said the members of the Bravehearts. The Bravehearts have left the square and entered to the building of the middle school division of Keishin Academy.

At the room “1-C”, most of the Bravehearts are present in their seats. The students in section 1-C came from the Family of Angels which includes Megumi Kadokawa and Anzu Ogi. Anzu sit beside Tomoka in the second row while Natsuhi sits alongside Hinata in the front row.

“I can’t imagine that this room is filled with air conditioners. I wish that I can sit beside you, Tomoka” said Anzu.

“Yeah, it’s your first time to be in Keishin. Every new student needs to know about our school. You’ll expect to see some new places to see when you’re in middle school” said Tomoka.

“Well, my sister and I are living in one of the open houses in Jun’s neighborhood area. You see, Kōme is always being childish like some of my friends in Shiromidai. I never let her join with my friends because she’s acting mischievous after all” said Anzu.

“Is your mother, Sayuri, told you about that?” asked Megumi.

“Not that much. My sister had always stayed at the shrine for a long time because it’s part of the tradition, but when the islanders decided to end the tradition, I finally see her for the first time and she called me a sister” said Anzu.

“Kōme told me that she’s the only daughter of a shrine priestess and doesn’t know you because you came from another member whose surname is also Ogi” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, I think that Kōme is your cousin” said Hitomi.

“Cousin? I called Kōme a sister when I see her for the first time” said Anzu.

“Well, we know about your surname came from the Ogi clan in the Soryu Island. So, if you called Kōme a sister, you should have born before her, but since you’re the daughter of another member of the Ogi clan, I think you should be her cousin” said Masanobu.

“Uh, yeah. I get that point, Masanobu” said Anzu.

“Tomoka, what’s going on?” asked Saki.

“Anzu and Kōme are not considered as sisters, according to my friends right here” said Tomoka, who pointed to her friends from her former school Shiromidai Elementary School.

“Hitomi, is that true that Anzu and Kōme are cousins?” asked Saki.

“Yeah, it’s true. I looked at Sayuri’s house one day while I was in vacation. I saw the path to the basement and I found the Ogi family tree. Kōme is the daughter of Sayuri while Anzu is the daughter of Shinjō” said Hitomi.

“Shinjō was the cousin of Sayuri and as a result, Anzu and Kōme are cousins” said Nanako.

“Ah, okay. I don’t know why I called Kōme a sister, but she didn’t call me sister. All I know is that Kōme called my name instead of saying “cousin”. Since I came from the Ogi clan, I have to respect my clan members as well as to my relatives” said Anzu.

“If you’re from the Ogi clan and you called Kōme a sister, Kōme didn’t think you’re the cousin, not a sister” said Dairoku.

“Well, yeah. I mean, I called Kōme “sister”, but when the time she greeted me, she said “cousin” to me” said Anzu.

“Ah, I get it” said the members of the Family of Angels.

“So, that’s why you and Kōme have a relationship because you have been with her when you’re a little kid” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, really. I’m older than Kōme. That means that I called her Kōme-san when she greeted me” said Anzu.

“Interesting point, Anzu. Do you have other members from your family?” said Megumi.

“Yes, I have. I have two brothers who were older than me. Then, there’s Shinjō and his wife Shizuko, my parents” said Anzu.

“Where are they now?” asked Masanobu.

“They’re currently living in the coasts of Kanagawa and sometimes, they spend their summer vacations in Soryu Island” said Anzu.

“So, that’s why you went to Kanagawa when summer. Right?” said Hitomi.

“Yes, I am. I always come with you when we’re in Shiromidai, but now that I’m in Keishin, there’s no point where my cousin and her friends will be heading to next year” said Anzu.

“Jun talked to me before, saying that she and her bandmates will be going to Kyō’s middle school. Kurumi is also interested to join with them while Kōme and Yuzuha didn’t have plans yet. Jun and her friends decide to enter middle school in Kyō’s former school or in Den-en-chōfu” said Tomoka.

“The Niida Nishi Middle School? Well, that’s where my old friends enrolled there today” said Hitomi.

“So, why are you planning to study in Keishin?” asked Tomoka.

“It’s because I become your friend since third grade, but when the time I hear that you leave us because of Michiko and her friends berating you for your obsession of basketball. I begin to stay away from Michiko by the time you leave, and Jun was worrying about you too” said Anzu.

“Oh, I can’t believe that Jun’s friends from Tomoka’s class in Shiromidai are rivalling against Michiko and her friends” said Saki.

“Yeah, that’s true. Our group came from section 6-3 while Michiko and her friends came from section 6-2. We formerly become classmates when we’re in fifth grade, but then when Tomoka left our section, we part ways with Michiko and her friends, so that we decided to create a group of our own. Who cares about Michiko being a such a childish person and always being jealous of her?” said Hitomi.

“Michiko became part of our former school’s girl basketball team after Tomoka left the team. But we started to gain our confidence with Michiko when we’re together at the station to meet Michiko. Michiko said that she didn’t able to do a proper apology to Tomoka after Tomoka left and began to feel uncomfortable because she’s no longer her friend” said Anzu.

“When we finally arrive at Meguro, we decided to let Michiko be part of our group for a day and then, bought some new clothes for a month to come” said Nanako.

“I can’t believe that Michiko was finally able to reconnect her friendship with us. However, she didn’t know the fact that Tomoka wasn’t here. So, we decided to go back home and take Michiko to her home” said Masanobu.

“The next day, Michiko finally started to regain her confidence with us and then, tried to contract me, but failed to do so. She thought that she felt regret for what she had done to me before I transfer to Keishin” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, that’s why we decided to help you regaining your confidence with your friendship between you and Michiko” said Airi.

“That was the time when Michiko’s birthday is coming up and we decided to find things right for you and Michiko to be friends again” said Hinata.

“It seemed that you and Michiko are finally friends again just like Kōme and Kyō” said Anzu.

“It’s too hard to find your childhood friend for a long time until you made the right decision. It’s your heart and courage to cheer you up” said Maho.

“Yeah, it’s true. Right now, before we enter to Keishin, Jun told me that she and her friends will be able to meet new friends in their section. They are currently in section 6-2 just like my friends” said Tomoka.

“Yep. Now, I hope that we’re going to become classmates here in our section, let’s make sure that we have memories as we progress our middle school lives” said Hitomi.

“Yeah!” said Tomoka, Maho, Saki, Airi, Hinata, Natsuhi and the members of the Family of Angels. As soon as the class starts, the Bravehearts in section 1-C begin introducing themselves. The name of the adviser for section 1-C is Shinpei Kibayashi.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat" | Chapter 40: "Going Back to School"

Part 2​

Later, in the afternoon, the Bravehearts go on lunch at the school’s cafeteria. While eating, the students from 1-C are waiting for Tomoka.

“Well, she said to us that she’ll be back in a few minutes, but this taking it so long” said Maho.

“Maho, Tomoka is talking with the Rias and her team. Rias and her team are going to leave Tokyo for Kyoto for their trip” said Natsuhi.

“A trip in Kyoto?” asked Hinata.

“That’s right. Rias and her friends have to make time to Kyoto before it’s nighttime. So, they called Tomoka to have a talk” said Saki.

“And there she is!” said Airi as Tomoka comes back with a letter.

“Tomoka! What did you take it so long?” said Saki.

“It appears that Rias is not here, but someone from her group gives me a letter” said Tomoka.

“Well, open it up, so we can see” said Airi.

“Okay!” said Tomoka as she opened the envelope and pulled the letter.

A letter was written in crimson pen with the magic circle on the middle of the letter.

The letter says:

Dear Tomoka and friends,


We supposed that we’re going to meet each other, but we don’t have time to do that because the KACO wants us to be in Kyoto before nighttime. So, let’s meet again soon I hope. Thank you for everything you help us creating our group.

Your friends,

The members of the Crimson Aurora Brigade​

P.S.: We can’t do Rating Games with you because you and your friends are good in basketball. So, let’s decide on what to do with basketball.

“Oh, you see, everyone. Rias and her friends don’t have time to talk with all of us because they’re going to head west to Kyoto. I hope that they’re having an experiment to create a new planet in their home” said Tomoka.

“Wow. That’s a shame. We won’t with them anymore” said Saki.

“We still have our skills to use for basketball, not for Rating Games” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, I’m sure that we’re going to use our special skills when we’re playing against our opponents” said Maho.

“I’m sure that the next time we meet them, maybe they’re hopefully going to spend with us soon” said Airi.

“Oh, I hope that it will happen soon, but for now, let’s stick to our current plans” said Hinata.

“Yeah, I hope that we should go to Kyoto with them, but we have classes. Right?” said Tomoka.

“Yeah!” said Maho, Saki, Airi, Hinata, Natsuhi and the members of Family of Angels.

“Then, let’s leave before the bell!” said Tomoka.

“Okay!” said Maho, Saki, Airi, Hinata, Natsuhi and the members of Family of Angels as they leave the cafeteria to go back to the second floor. The class continues with Mr. Kibayashi discussing about the school policies and class decorum.

When the time reaches 2:30, the bell rings and the class is over. The students of class 1-C are about to leave the room when Mr. Kibayashi said to them about the reminders for tomorrow. “Tomorrow, we’re going to continue discussing the school policies as well as the violations that you have to watch out when you’re in middle school. Also, we’re going to have class elections, so that we’re going start implementing rules here in our section. So, any questions?” No student asks Mr. Kibayashi a question. “Good. I’ll see you tomorrow, everyone!” Mr. Kibayashi waves goodbye to his students.

“Goodbye, Mr. Kibayashi!” said the students of class 1-C. The students of class 1-C would leave their room and gets out of the middle school building.

Tomoka, Maho, Saki, Airi, Hinata, Natsuhi and the members of the Family of Angels would go to the square while the other members of the Bravehearts from other sections go to the square as well.

“Alright, listen up, everyone. We’re going to divide the group based on the new sections. Each of us will assign to different sections and they are 11 sections. Our section has the six of us and the rest are members of the Family of Angels. Also, there are some of the members in each group may have joined to another section that has one of our groups have already occupied” said Tomoka.

“Now, go to your respective groups and then, we’re going home” said Saki.

“Okay!” said the members of the Bravehearts. The members of the Bravehearts go to their respective groups and leave the school to go to the Misawa Resort Hotel.

The members of the Bravehearts at the Nishina Square while waiting for Subaru and his friends, who were still at the Nashiba High School. The classes in Nashiba High School will end at 4:00 while the training will start at 4:00 and will end at 6:00.

“While we’re waiting for Subaru and his friends, we should split up to have free time, but we’re going to back here at 6:00. Is that okay?” said Tomoka.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Bravehearts.

“Okay! We’ll see you later, everyone!” said Tomoka as the members of the Bravehearts split up to go to different places. The members of the Family of Angels are walking to the Nishina Station to go to Nishi-Shiromi Station to meet Jun and her team, Jun’s Angels.

Family of Angels: Composed of five teams
Team Gotō: Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Shigeru Hirashita, Hitomi Takao, Masami Nojima, Kyōji Nogami and Masanobu Uehara
Jun’s Angels: Jun Gotō, Nozomi Momijidani, Sora Kaneshiro, Kyō Nukui, Sakura Toriumi, Kurumi Nukui, Kōme Ogi and Yuzuha Aigae
Team Takeda: Michiko Takeda, Ayane Shirakawa, Haruko Kōyama, Kozue Hanabusa and Aika Sagawa
Team Miyazaki: Akiko Miyazaki, Natsuki Sakura, Satsuki Ōkuma, Katsuei Kōno, Asami Nakagawa, Miki Akizuki, Kōichi Aoyama, Mito Azaki and Kiyoto Miyaji
Team Kadokawa: Megumi Kadokawa, Nami Tamayama, Kotoe Kano, Fujiko Sasaki Ryōta Mikawa, Shōzō Takamatsu, Junichi Kamisaka, Akiyuki Katsumoto, Kaiji Nakagami, Kazue Futagawa, Chitose Ayano, Shizuka Tojo, Sayoko Nagata and Minako Kawaguchi

“Tomoka, are you sure that we’re going to Nishi-Shiromi?” asked Megumi.

“Yeah, we’re going to see them at the train station and then, we’re going to get along with them” said Tomoka.

“Wow! I can’t believe that we’re going to explore Nishi-Shiromi for the first time, girls” said Megumi.

“Yeah, I never went there before, but I went to different stations to explore in downtown Tokyo” said Fujiko.

“Me, either. I travelled to downtown through the subway system. These trains are so awesome!” said Ryōta.

“These trains have different colors, but of course, it has many destinations” said Junichi.

“Here we are! The train is about to go aboard. We should go” said Tomoka.

“Okay!” said the members of the Family of Angels. Tomoka, Maho, Saki, Airi, Hinata, Natsuhi and the members of the Family of Angels go to the train and the train starts rolling to depart Nishina to go to Nishi-Shiromi.

As the train moves, the Bravehearts and the members of Team Kadokawa-Takao are enjoyed seeing the tall buildings from the view.

“Wow!” said Saki, Hinata and Natsuhi.

“This place has many buildings. It has sort kinds of places to go” said Maho.

“Tomoka. I can’t wait to see the place we remember from our Christmas party” said Airi.

“Yeah, Airi. We usually go to the train and travels to different places and when the train stops at Nishi-Shiromi, that place was wonderful” said Tomoka.

“I wonder what are going to do in Jun’s residential area” said Airi.

“Well, to meet with Jun and her friends. I believe that they’re at the Little Wing Orphanage, but Kyō and Sakura aren’t there yet” said Tomoka.

“Oh, I remember what Jun said earlier that Kyō and Sakura’s class ends at 3:30. I’m sure that we should reach the station at 3:30” said Hinata.

“Yeah, Hinata. Say, Tomoka, once we get to Jun’s home, we should stay there for an hour before going to back to the station and head back home” said Airi.

“Yep. Since Subaru and his friends are going to have a training, we should wait for them until they finish. Once we’re going to leave Jun’s town at 4:30, we should go back to the station and then, heads back to Nishina and go to the Nashiba High School to wait for Subaru and his group” said Tomoka.

“Oh, that’s a great idea!” said Hinata.

“It sure that it’s a great idea, Tomoka” said Maho.

“Yeah! It’ll be alright to stay here for an hour before heading back to our town” said Tomoka. Maho, Saki, Airi and Hinata nod to agree with Tomoka. Later, the train finally reaches to the Nishi-Shiromi station in Den-en-chofu. It takes 30 minutes to travel Den-en-chōfu from Nishina station.

Tomoka, Maho, Saki, Airi, Hinata, Natsuhi and members of Team Kadokawa-Takao go the Nishi-Shiromi station from the train and see many people arriving and departing at the station. The Bravehearts go the food stands to buy their food and leaves the Nishi-Shiromi station.

At the entrance of the Nishi-Shiromi station, the Bravehearts will think about what to do next.

“So, are we going to the Little Wing Orphanage?” asked Saki.

“Yes, Saki. We will walk there in ten minutes. That way, we’re going to reach Jun’s town in Nishi-Shiromi soon” said Tomoka.

“Tomoka, I’m going to ask a question. Well, Michiko and her group decides to get along with her new friends of their own, instead of joining us. Why did she do that?” said Megumi.

“Well, Michiko has her own goals and I can’t match with her goals because Michiko is currently staying in Kirihara. I know that I supposed to go there, but Keishin is still my school since last year” said Tomoka.

“She’s talking about her reason of why she didn’t go to Kirihara with Michiko” said Nami.

“Yeah, I guess so, Nami” said Megumi. Megumi would turn to Tomoka. “We should go to Jun’s home and then, we’re going back to the station and head to Subaru’s school.”

“Yep. Then, let’s go!” said Tomoka as she, Maho, Saki, Airi, Hinata, Natsuhi and the members of Team Kadokawa-Takao begin to walk on their way to the Little Wing Orphanage.

Later, the Bravehearts and the members of Team Kadokawa-Takao would reach Jun’s town and sees the Little Wing Orphanage.

“There it is! We should ring the doorbell to see if someone’s there” said Hinata.

“Yeah!” said Tomoka and the members of Team Kadokawa-Takao. When they reach the gate of the Little Wing Orphanage, Tomoka rings the doorbell.

The Bravehearts and the members of Team Kadokawa-Takao hear the stepping noises from the house and it was revealed to be Masayoshi Sawatari.

“Yes, who is it?” asked Masayoshi, who then sees Tomoka and her friends. “Hmm. I see. So, you’re Tomoka, right?”

“Yeah. Well, we came here to see Jun and her friends” said Tomoka.

“They’re at their room, relaxing for a while. They came home from school and Kurumi, Kōme and Yuzuha go to Kōme and Yuzuha’s apartment located at the shop” said Masayoshi.

“So, is Kyō and Sakura here yet?” asked Tomoka.

“Oh, I’m afraid that they’re still in school. The class ended a few minutes ago, but Jun told me that they’re going to meet some new friends” said Masayoshi.

“What friends?” asked Hitomi.

“Uh, I believe that his section has new classmates while some of his old classmates from his old section are also there, too” said Masayoshi.

“Ah, I see” said Tomoka.

“You can come to our house, by the way. Have fun meeting with Jun and her friends” said Masayoshi.

“Thank you very much!” said Tomoka as she, Maho, Saki, Airi, Hinata, Natsuhi and the members of Team Kadokawa-Takao enters the house and see Jun, Nozomi and Sora at their room.

“Tomoka! Everyone! You’re all here!” said Jun.

“Oh, hello, Jun” said Tomoka.

“I’m sure that you’re going to stay here for an hour” said Jun.

“Yeah! What are you doing here, Jun?” said Tomoka.

“Please come to our room!” said Jun. Jun, the Bravehearts and the members of Team Kadokawa-Takao go to the three girls’ room. Nozomi stops listening to her music and turns around to see Tomoka and her friends. Sora wakes up after taking a nap.

“Tomoka. You’re here. Why did you come here?” said Nozomi.

“Uh, we’re going to wait for the other members of your group to gather up, so that we’re going back to our town to wait for Subaru and his friends” said Tomoka.

“Well, I supposed that we’re going to wait for Kyō and Sakura, but we have to wait for Kurumi, Kōme and Yuzuha to come here. We’re currently have less time playing before Sora goes to a little sleep” said Jun.

“Playing with Jun and Nozomi makes me tired. I have been sleeping in 35 minutes” said Sora.

“You see, we write about what we accomplish in our experiment last night and we supposed that we’re going to do that again” said Nozomi.

“Ah, your experiment. Yeah, it seems that we’re able to attract a lot of students in your class. I can’t wait to meet them again soon” said Hitomi.

“We’ll see about that, Hitomi. But for now, I contact Noriko if she’ll be here for the weekend and she accepts it” said Jun.

“Noriko will not be here for today, but tomorrow, she’ll be here with us” said Sora.

“That’s great! So, while the next concert will be a month to go, what are you planning right now?” said Tomoka.

“Masayoshi told us to write about our experiment last night. Masayoshi appeared to be honest when he came to us all the time” said Jun.

“While, on the other hand, Kurumi, Kōme and Yuzuha are going to come to our home to meet us. They are currently in Kōme and Yuzuha’s apartment” said Nozomi.

“I’m sure that those three are going to help you working together. I even brought some food” said Anzu.

“Anzu, are those foods bought for us?” asked Jun.

“Yeah! We came to the food stands to buy some food just for you and your group. I also bought a piece of bread, so that you’re not getting hungry anytime” said Anzu.

“Oh, thank you, Anzu!” said Jun as she gets the foods from Anzu.

“You’re welcome!” said Anzu.

“I never expect to see her personality like that” said Dairoku.

“Anzu seems to be more cherish to Jun, but as contrast to Kōme” said Masanobu.

“Uh, Anzu. Why did you give Jun the food that you bought from the food stand?” said Nanako.

“It’s because I bought these foods to make sure that the three girls aren’t hungry. They enjoyed eating foods at the station everyday” said Anzu.

“Uh, I have a familiar question, Jun. Is Anzu really a sister of Kōme or just a relative?” said Junichi.

“Uh, I don’t know what you’re asking, Junichi. You see, Anzu was one of the members of the Ogi clan. Hitomi told me before when she went to Soryu Island. I believe that Shinjō and Sayuri are cousins because their grandmother” said Jun.

“Anzu is the only daughter of Shinjō and his wife but, also, the youngest child after her two brothers” said Hitomi.

“I become familiar with Anzu a long time ago when she was travelling to our town. Anzu usually enjoys using the special drums from the Soryu Island. She just enjoyed playing time with Tomoka before Hitomi and I begin to create our own group” said Tomoka.

“Now, Dairoku told me that you are her “sister”, according to Kōme, but Sayuri never found that out that you came from another family, but bears the surname Ogi” said Jun.

“Yeah, it’s true. I was born to my father, who holds the surname Ogi, while my mother came from Niigata. My brothers and I were allowed to live in Soryu Island for a few years before we’re leaving to go to school. I can’t say no to my brothers when they asked me to do my duties as the cook for my brother’s restaurant. Ah, I missed those two. They’re already grown up. They are currently 16 and 14 years old” said Anzu.

“While your siblings and your parents live in Kanagawa, what did you do in Ōta, Anzu?” asked Sora.

“Uh, I decided to do riding a bicycle all by myself and then, I joined the literature club with my friends. It’s nice to live in Ōta, but that place is better than in Kanagawa. Soryu Island is my original home and I can’t wait to go back there by summer” said Anzu.

“The first thing you have to do in Ōta is take a look at the shopping street known as the Suzuran Shopping Street. When you get there, you’re going to buy some many stuffs in different stores along the street” said Saki.

“Yeah, I never went there before” said Anzu.

“Then, you have to come with us for a while if you want” said Saki.

“Okay!” said Anzu.

“The other thing you have to do in Ōta is to take a look at the shrines and parks in the west. That’s where Nishi-Shiromi is there and a trail that came from the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Airi.

“Well, I already went to the shrines, but in parks, at least a little a bit got there” said Anzu.

“My friends are currently buying their presents for my birthday on Monday. You should buy your present too near the park” said Airi.

“Well, I’ll try” said Anzu.

“Yes! Thank you, Anzu!” said Airi.

“Anzu, there are many buildings to see in the streets, but I don’t mind if you can stay with your friends at Jun’s town. Did you stay with them at your house?” said Maho.

“Well, actually, yes. I’m the only one who lives in my house. The others are Dairoku and Shigeru, my friends in Hitomi’s team” said Anzu.

“Gee, you have your friends in your home. Who owns that house?” said Maho.

“It’s one of the relatives of Shigeru, who owns it. Shigeru usually lives in his own home, but I decided to share that house with the owner to live, allowing Shigeru to live alongside me and Dairoku” said Anzu.

“Well, I hope that you have a comfortable home in your house” said Maho.

“Yeah!” said Anzu.

“Anzu, since your hair is peachier or fuchia-like, did you join the Pink-Haired Students Club?” asked Hinata.

“Uh, there’s no Pink-Haired Students Club in our school, but I formerly joined the Rainbow Gathering Club. It’s where everyone who founds new opportunities to work with the school administration. I usually work at the accounting office and then, working with the Music Club” said Anzu.

“Say, you also came from the Music Club, Anzu?” asked Hinata.

“Yeah” said Anzu.

“Well, you’re great, Anzu! I believe that you’re good in using the island drums” said Hinata.

“Oh, yeah. I love to use the island drums all the time. By the time I go back to Soryu Island, I’m going to become an island drummer” said Anzu.

“Well, you should do that if you invited us to come to your home” said Hinata.

“Okay, Hinata! I’ll do that when it’s summer, but don’t worry, your parents will notify you to spend the summer vacation in our home” said Anzu.

“Sure, Anzu!” said Hinata.

Someone pressing the doorbell outside the house. “Jun, Kurumi and her group are here” said Masami.

“Oh, okay. I’ll come back” said Jun as she gets out of her room and walks outside to see Kurumi, Kōme and Yuzuha at the gate. “Please, come in!”

Kurumi, Kōme and Yuzuha enters to the Little Wing Orphanage and enters to Jun, Nozomi and Sora’s room.

“Well, that’s Kurumi, Kōme and Yuzuha. They just came from Kōme and Yuzuha’s apartment” said Jun.

“I was surprised to see everyone in this room. Oh, Tomoka, here’s my notebook. I don’t mind if you’re going to use it, but it’s all yours” said Kurumi.

“Thanks, Kurumi” said Tomoka.

“Hmm. My brother is not here yet. Aren’t we?” said Kurumi.

“Yeah” said Yuzuha, Kōme, Jun, Nozomi and Sora.

“He and Sakura will be here soon. They’re still in school with their classmates” said Jun.

“Oh, I’m sure that he’ll be coming in a few minutes” said Nozomi.

Sora nods her head. “Don’t worry, Kurumi. He can’t leave without you.”

“Well, frankly, I don’t want to be angry to my brother, but I’m alright right now” said Kurumi.

“It’s 4:00 in the afternoon” said Megumi.

“Oh, yeah. Uh, are we going to wait Kyō and Sakura to come before leaving to Nishina?” said Masami.

“Yeah. We’ll have to wait for them to come to join with us” said Megumi.

“Okay!” said Masami.

“In the meantime, I’m going to bring some snacks for everyone who feels hungry” said Nozomi.

“Okay!” said the members of the Bravehearts, Team Kadokawa-Takao and Jun’s Angels. Nozomi leaves the room to prepare some snacks for her friends.

“Anzu” said Kōme.

“Yes, Kōme. What is it?” said Anzu.

“Well, your friends told me that I’m your cousin. But I don’t brag things out when I call you “sister”” said Kōme.

“Yeah, I should have said the word “cousin” to you because you’re the shrine priestess and I have to respect you all the time” said Anzu.

“Yeah. Actually, there’s something that I want to give you for your safety of our community in Soryu Island” said Kōme as she shows the amulet and gives it to Anzu. “Anzu, this is an amulet. It gives good luck and you should wear it if you want. Our clan’s tradition must have good luck and since I’m the shrine priestess, I really have to follow the commands from my mother.”

“Yeah, you should follow your duties while you’re outside the Soryu Island. There are no strangers looking at your appearance like a childish and serious girl” said Yuzuha.

“Uh, well, okay. Anzu, I hope you’ll like your new gift” said Kōme.

“Okay! You’re right about your clan’s tradition. I really have the honor to be with the clan” said Anzu.

“Yeah! Keep that gift with your heart” said Kōme.

“Okay!” said Anzu.

Nozomi returns and brings the snacks for her friends. “Snack time, everyone!” The members of the Bravehearts, Team Kadokawa-Takao and Jun’s Angels begin to eat their snacks that are bought from Masayoshi. The first day of school was ended for Tomoka and her friends, but Subaru and his group didn’t finish their first day of school because they’re currently on a basketball training. The Bravehearts will have to go back to the square at 5:30 before heading to Nashiba High School at 6:00.

UP NEXT: Chapter 41: "Trailing Places"

In the next update on Wednesday, I will show you the tentative schedule for the next updates of Volume 4. So, enjoy reading Chapter 40!

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Before you read Chapter 41, here is the tentative schedule for the Volume 4 updates of Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts series:
March 7 (today): Chapter 41: "Trailing Places"
March 11 (Sunday): Chapter 42: "The Gremory Team Arrives in Tokyo"
March 14 (Wednesday): Chapter 43: "Absolution, Bravery, Ascension and Immortality"
March 18 (Sunday): Chapter 44: "Either the Left or the Right"
March 21 (Wednesday): Chapter 45: "The Plan of the Family of Angels"
March 25 (Sunday): Chapter 46: "The Sparkling Diamonds"
March 28 (Wednesday): Chapter 47: "Admired and Innocent Boys"

Time and subject are to be changed if I have come up on what to do with the next chapters. For now, this schedule will be updated. I will be updating this post once I have ideas for the title and the tentative date for the updates.

After a successful hit of 5,000 views by the end of February and breaking the view count record for the difference between two dates, the Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts series is now breaking another record again with the view count record for the difference between two dates. Last Sunday, it is 223, tonight, it is 230! Wow! I believe that this chapter was getting more attention when this chapter focused on the first day of school for the Bravehearts. Now, this chapter is the continued part where the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels are waiting for Kyō Nukui and Sakura Toriumi to go to the Kamata area where they are going to wait for Subaru Hasegawa and his friends. I hope that it will continue the boom, but I have a bad news:(: I won't be updating the series three times a week, it's instead two times a week. The reason of this is because I was supposedly excited to write a new chapter every day, but I have hard time to make the two jobs done for a day, but I vow that I will finish the volume in no time. That's it for now and enjoy reading Chapter 41!

The Bravehearts and Team Kadokawa-Takao meet Jun's Angels at the Little Wing Orphanage where they shared about Anzu Ogi's life in Soryu Island and Ōta. Then, the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels have a meeting about what to do for the weekend and the plans for Tomoka's section in the mansion. Then, Kyō and Sakura have arrived from school and after the meeting ends, the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels leave the Orphanage to go to the train station in Nishi-Shiromi to go back to Nishina, Kamata. After a long ride from Nishi-Shiromi, the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels are heading to Nashiba High School to meet Subaru and his friends. Subaru and his friends are at the gym for their team's first training since the suspension.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
CHAPTER 41: “TRAILING PLACES”​

At the Little Wing Orphanage, the Bravehearts and the members of the Family of Angels are eating their snacks. The members of the Family of Angels are waiting for Kyō Nukui and Sakura Toriumi, so that they will go to the train station and go to the Nishina station.

Family of Angels: Composed of five teams
Team Gotō: Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Shigeru Hirashita, Hitomi Takao, Masami Nojima, Kyōji Nogami and Masanobu Uehara
Jun’s Angels: Jun Gotō, Nozomi Momijidani, Sora Kaneshiro, Kyō Nukui, Sakura Toriumi, Kurumi Nukui, Kōme Ogi and Yuzuha Aigae
Team Takeda: Michiko Takeda, Ayane Shirakawa, Haruko Kōyama, Kozue Hanabusa and Aika Sagawa
Team Miyazaki: Akiko Miyazaki, Natsuki Sakura, Satsuki Ōkuma, Katsuei Kōno, Asami Nakagawa, Miki Akizuki, Kōichi Aoyama, Mito Azaki and Kiyoto Miyaji
Team Kadokawa: Megumi Kadokawa, Nami Tamayama, Kotoe Kano, Fujiko Sasaki Ryōta Mikawa, Shōzō Takamatsu, Junichi Kamisaka, Akiyuki Katsumoto, Kaiji Nakagami, Kazue Futagawa, Chitose Ayano, Shizuka Tojo, Sayoko Nagata and Minako Kawaguchi

Jun, Megumi, Junichi, Kurumi, Hitomi and Masanobu are planning their activities for the evening.

“Are you sure that we’re going to play video games at the Recreational Center?” asked Hitomi.

“Nope. I heard that there’s one room that has video games, so that we can play” said Jun.

“Oh, I think it’s coming at the third floor” said Kurumi.

“Good thinking, Kurumi” said Jun.

“The third floor has the room for Subaru and his team and one of the rooms has the video game consoles found” said Megumi.

“Well, I expect that we should play that every night, but I don’t know if the other groups will leave for different places in two weeks, then we should occupy this area” said Kurumi.

“Now that’s going to be a new hobby to play while at the mansion” said Masanobu.

“But the problem is that Jun and her group won’t be with us after April 12 because they’re already living at the Little Wing Orphanage” said Junichi.

“That’s true, Junichi. We already have our home. So, I will bring someone who will be joining with you” said Jun.

“Don’t worry, guys. We’ll still going to the mansion by weekend. Is that right, Jun?” said Kurumi.

“Yeah, you can always count on us because that’s the Little Wing’s policy” said Jun.

“I recall that policy because it’s their responsibility to help the people in the community or in school. I’m sure that you can come with us every time” said Hitomi.

“Yep. We’ll going to start planning for our group and as long as we’re going to have new members, they’re going to get along with us, too!” said Jun.

“It’s so nice that we’re a group, but as you can see, Michiko’s group and Nami’s group are other groups that joined the Family of Angels. We would expect to see new groups to join” said Masanobu.

“Now, Tomoka and I have a talk earlier and she said that my group will be allowed to live in this mansion permanently while the other groups in the Family of Angels will live outside the Misawa Resort Hotel. While Jun’s Angels live in the Little Wing Orphanage, Michiko’s team and Nami’s team will live in Kamata” said Megumi.

“That’s right, Megumi. Our group has different places to stay and it would be more connected if we can chat every night” said Jun.

“I agree with Jun. Everyone! I have to tell you that we should chat together starting April 12 and when the holiday comes, we should get along together” said Kurumi.

“Yeah!” said Jun, Megumi, Junichi, Hitomi and Masanobu.

“Although Michiko and Akiko are uncertain right now if they will join us while chatting” said Megumi.

“I’m sure that since they’re in Kirihara, only our members who lived in Kamata may connect with them, but not for Jun’s Angels” said Junichi.

“Yeah, I will talk to them later in the mansion, so that we should settle things” said Jun.

“That’s a great idea, Jun! On the bright side, we need new members in our group. Supposedly, Noriko will come to our group, but she decided to await her decision yet” said Kurumi.

“One of my former classmates is planning to join our group. He came from the Den-en-chōfu Middle School. His name is Yūki Sasaki and he lives in this area too!” said Hitomi.

“Wow! You know about him. Don’t you?” said Junichi.

“Yeah! He usually likes to eat foods at Saonois” said Hitomi.

“Oh, I see. He is one of your classmates that Tomoka became friends with. Thank goodness! He didn’t turn away from her because he defends against Michiko’s decision” said Hitomi.

“When it comes to judgment, you have to accept the truth no matter what you defend on someone who’s innocent” said Jun.

“I believe that you have a friend who is not turning away from Tomoka. That’s good. So, did you call him?” said Kurumi.

“Yeah, I called him. He said that he will be coming in a few weeks as the park on Saturday. Although our group will go back to this area by Saturday morning to meet our former classmates, we still have time to go back to Kamata in no time!” said Hitomi.

“Good. Sounds like a reunion you are going to, Hitomi” said Megumi.

“I hope that your former classmate will be joining our team soon” said Junichi.

“Yeah, as soon as he accepts our invitation, we’re going to plan something new in our group” said Hitomi.

“That’s great, Hitomi!” said Jun. Jun would hear someone pressing the doorbell at the gate. “I’ll be right back, everyone!” Jun would leave the house to see Kyō and Sakura, who have just arrived from their school Niida Nishi High School.

“Hi, Jun!” said Sakura and Kyō.

“Hi, Sakura! Hi, Kyō! Come inside, we’re going to have a talk with my friends” said Jun.

“Okay!” said Sakura and Kyō. Jun, Sakura and Kyō enter the house. Kyō and Sakura remove their shoes and enter to Lien de Famille’s room.

“Well, what do you know. Tomoka and her team are here. I think they’re enjoying with you all along” said Sakura.

“Jun. I’m glad that we’re finally here and I bought some bread for you!” said Kyō.

“Oh, thank you, Kyō. You’re a very kind guy” said Jun.

“You’re welcome, Jun!” said Kyō.

“That reminds me, we talk about where are we going to stay at the mansion. As you all know that we can’t go to the Misawa Resort Hotel for weekdays. We should go there only by weekends” said Jun.

“Wow! Really? I’m expected that we should go there to get along with the other members of the Family of Angels. I mean, this is more like a paradise” said Kyō.

“That’s not all, Kyō. Megumi and her classmates in her section will stay in the mansion permanently” said Hitomi.

“I’m sure that they’re going to stay there for middle school. When it comes to decisions, you have to pick only one choice form your mind” said Kurumi.

“Yeah, Kurumi. Now, Jun, Sakura and I were planning to go to the park before the holidays. I’m sure that it’s the beginning of our new journey and we have many things to do thanks to your friends” said Kyō.

“I’m sure that you’re going to have plans for us and the Family of Angels. It seems that the school year has started earlier this morning, we should organize everything and execute the activities right away” said Jun.

“I know that you’re here, Kyō. Sora and I were asking you a question: Are you gonna hold some practice for the weekdays at the church?” said Nozomi.

“Yeah, I decided to let you practice at the church and when Kōme’s band has decided to join with us, I don’t have to worry with you and your bandmates anymore” said Kyō.

“I agree, Kyō” said Sora.

“Guys, it seems that it’s 4:15 and we can’t miss the train for 20 minutes. We should go right now!” said Sakura.

“Right!” said Kyō, Nozomi, Sora, Jun, Megumi, Junichi, Hitomi and Masanobu.

“Tomoka, the train station! We should go!” said Saki.

“Yeah, Saki! Everyone, let’s go to the train station!” said Tomoka.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels. The Bravehearts and the Family of Angels leave the Little Wing Orphanage to go to the Nishi-Shiromi station.

While the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels are arrived at the Nishi-Shiromi station, Airi and Minako Kawaguchi are having a talk.

“Airi” said Minako.

“Minako. I’m glad that you finally recognize me for the first time. You’re formerly from 6-B?” said Airi.

“Yeah, I’m Nami’s former classmate” said Minako.

“And now, you’re with us?” asked Airi.

“Yeah! I’m so excited that I’m going to be with you for a year. Maybe, I was expecting to meet here in person while at the train” said Minako.

“Okay!” said Airi as the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels show their tickets to the ticket inspector and enter to the train. The train would leave Nishi-Shiromi for Kamata in 20 minutes.

“That’s awesome!” said Minako.

“You look at the buildings. They’re tall and they’re many people living there” said Airi.

“Yeah! I never see that building before. This is the area that Jun and her friends live” said Minako.

“Yeah, Minako. I already went there when my friends and I have met Tomoka’s friends from her former school. Also, this is where Asumi Hiramatsu was residing there” said Airi.

“Asumi Hiramatsu? She’s definitely a great shooter” said Minako.

“That’s right, Minako. She’s the ace of the Shiromidai Elementary School and one of Mimi’s friends in Ginga’s training camp last year” said Airi.

“Oh, that’s really her, Airi. Her shooting skills are amazing!” said Minako.

“You said it, Minako! Tomoka and Mimi were usually friends with different players from other schools. Tomoka have met Asumi at a basketball court in Nishi-Shiromi. Asumi had never turning away from Tomoka because she was very cheerful to her” said Airi.

“Are you sure that Asumi had a friendship with Tomoka?” asked Minako.

“Yeah. So far, only a few recognize Tomoka in Shiromidai Elementary School, even Jun and her group” said Airi.

“I’m expected that the reunion will be held on Saturday” said Minako.

“What reunion, Minako?” asked Airi.

“Hitomi has a lot of friends in her section even Michiko and her friends. I’m sure that they’re going to meet each other on Saturday. However, what about us?” said Minako.

“Oh, don’t worry, Minako. Tomoka reminded everyone that we should go there when she allows us to come with her” said Airi.

“Ah, okay. I’m sure that we’re going to meet some new friends outside in Keishin Academy. This is going to make new connections and new friends” said Minako.

“That’s true, Minako. I usually live in Kamata with my teammates and we go to the southern parts of the city when there’s an occasion. I’m sure that you’re going to love to explore places like this” said Airi.

“Yeah, I wonder if we’re going to have a trip in Kanagawa, but there will be a district tournament to be held before summer” said Minako.

“Oh, yeah. The district tournament for the middle school prefectural qualifiers will be held by late June to early July. Also, Subaru’s school will compete at the Interhigh tournament preliminaries in July. I can’t wait to watch his performance in the court for the first time” said Airi.

“I’m also can’t wait to watch him shooting floaters and jump shots over his opponents” said Minako.

“Yeah, I hope that we’re going to watch it soon, but for now, we’re going to plan for the Bravehearts to do anything what we expect” said Airi.

“I agree with that, Airi” said Minako.

Nozomi, Saki, Jun, Kyō, Kōme, Kurumi, Sora, Yuzuha and Sakura were sitting together in one line.

“I’m glad that you enjoy watching the buildings in the city” said Saki.

“Yeah, Masayoshi calls us to go to the park and also, he fetches us home” said Nozomi.

“Did you have experiences in taking on a train ride?” asked Saki.

“Well, once, but in the limits. Jun, Sora and I went for a train to travel different stations only between Kamata and Den-en-chōfu. Jun had already gone to Shinjuku with Kyō, so Sakura, Sora and I follow them to watch both of them having a date” said Nozomi.

“I guess that you go to different places in Shinjuku or in Meguro” said Saki.

“Yep. I wanted to go north to visit Chiyoda or Ginza. These places are awesome because many people walk there to see many places while walking in the streets” said Nozomi.

“I’m sure that when I’m going to invite you and your friends to visit the downtown, you’ll love to buy many stuffs you want” said Saki.

“Oh, okay. I like to travel to the north of the capital because I have been there before. Jun and Sora also didn’t travel to the north, but Yuzuha was the one who went to the north in Akihabara” said Nozomi.

“So, that’s what Kōme and Jun have fought for the relationship with Kyō” said Saki.

“Yeah, I guess. You’re right about both Kōme and Jun. I know that Kōme feels upset when Kyō gets along with me, Jun and Sora. I decided to make her comfortable when it comes to situations like this. Every time Kōme, Kurumi and Yuzuha go to our home, they want to feel content to Kyō because they want to be with him for some point. So, I decided to let the three be with Kyō while Jun, Sora and I have decided to keep an eye on Kōme’s actions” said Nozomi.

“I feel regret if Kyō is not connecting with me, but I wasn’t able to feel things right” said Kōme.

“Oh, Kōme, you’re feeling regret with Kyō? How shame you are” said Sora.

“Well, I’m not. I should have respect Kyō in the first place, but he hasn’t been so nice and sincere to me” said Kōme.

“Kōme, you’re dealing with problems on Kyō when you feel jealous of Jun and her band because these girls are having a success in performing concerts. Jun and her band didn’t give you the credit for doing illustrations for Kyō, so that’s why you started to feel regret on him” said Kurumi.

“Uh, Kurumi. You mean that I really don’t have my appreciation from Jun and her band?” said Kōme.

“Yes, you are. I don’t like your personality to be more like childish or passive” said Kurumi.

“When I’m going to talk with you, Kōme, it will be just fine. Just stay calm and say something right. That’s the Little Wing policy in trying to talk to a stern person like you” said Nozomi.

“Yeah, Kōme, just make yourself smile to us!” said Jun.

“Okay!” said Kōme.

“Kōme, you don’t have to be regret with Jun and her bandmates. Jun and her teammates are doing well and so did we. You have to deserve a credit to them if you feel satisfied” said Yuzuha.

“Oh, yeah. Yuzuha, I want to prove to them that I am a great illustrator. I don’t want to worry with you and Kurumi anymore because I help you out to make sure you’re ready to perform” said Kōme.

“Oh, Kōme, thank you” said Yuzuha.

“So, Kōme, do you want to make you feel happy with Kyō? Then, I’ll help you” said Nozomi.

“Okay, Nozomi! I don’t want to feel regret of what I have done to you before” said Kōme.

“Yeah, I really have to help you because you have to concentrate on two things: to make a good connection with Kyō and to control your temper when talking to us” said Nozomi.

“Hmm. I wonder why you are observing me in the first place” said Kōme.

“You don’t get it, Kōme. Nozomi feels her senses to anyone in our field. Of course, she likes to feel compassionate to anyone because she was very cute and admiring” said Jun.

“Yeah, thanks for the information, Jun” said Kōme before turning to Nozomi. “I really have to respect you, Nozomi.”

“Good. Then, I have to tell Kyō about this. Hey, Kyō. You see, Kōme wants to feel comfortable with you, so that you and Kōme have a romance, but I don’t want to brag it right away. Jun and Kōme have experienced problems with each other when Kōme enters the main island. I’m sure you have to be more committed to her” said Nozomi.

“Okay, Nozomi! Kōme, do you want to hold my hands with me longer?” said Kyō.

Kōme initially feels nervous if she wants to touch Kyō’s hand, but reluctantly accept it. “Uh… I would. If you don’t mind, I will sit on your lap.”

Jun holds the right arm of Kyō and Kōme holds the left hand of Kyō. Kyō feels attracted to both Jun and Kōme.

“What do you feel, Kyō?” asked Kōme.

“I feel great” said Kyō.

Jun gives Kyō a smile while Kōme feels lustful. “Too admired for a girl like her. She’s not doing childish or jealous things.”

“I feel good to be with you, Kyō!” said Kōme.

“Kōme? Are you feeling comfortable?” said Kyō.

“Yeah, Kyō. I don’t want to make mistakes I did when you and your girls go to my home. I don’t want to be more passive to you. I admit that I want to live there rather than the island because I thought that I want to do anything since I got relocated from my home” said Kōme.

“Then, I’ll be happy to be with you if you want to promise me not to feel regret and passive again” said Kyō.

“Okay! I vow not to be regretful and passive to you, my composer” said Kōme.

“Kōme, you’re doing it perfectly!” said Nozomi.

“I knew that she had to be admired than being jealous” said Saki.

“Yeah! Oh, I almost forgot. My friends and I have lustful secret things about the color pink. Then, I’ll show you when we’re arrived in Kamata” said Kōme with a wink.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat" | Chapter 41: "Trailing Places"

Part 2​

The train arrives at the Nishina station in Kamata and the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels have left the seats to get out of the train. The Bravehearts and the Family of Angels exit the train station and see Mimi and her teammates at the square.

“Mimi!” said Tomoka as she and her friends come to visit Mimi, Tsubaki, Hiiragi, Masami and Kagetsu.

“Tomoka! Where have you been?” said Mimi.

“We went to Den-en-chōfu to meet with Jun and her group. What are you doing here in downtown?” said Tomoka.

“We decided to buy some ice cream at the ice cream shop and also, I received a text from Kazuko. She said that she won’t be joining with us for a day because she’s going to be with her friends” said Mimi.

“Let me guess. She had to meet with her fellow Pupils” said Masami.

“No, Masami. You see, Ginga’s Pupils have left the mansion to go back to their school and they won’t return to the mansion until the holiday, which is on April 29. However, Kazuko and Asumi are the only two members that they didn’t stay because their parents grant them their stay in the mansion. One of Kazuko’s classmates Mizuki Koyama is living beside Erika Satō because they are neighbors in one of the boarding houses in Kamata” said Kagetsu.

“Now that Ginga’s Pupils will not return to the mansion for now” said Tsubaki.

“The other groups are going to remain in the mansion until April 11” said Hiiragi.

“Hmm. Kazuko is always getting along with her friends in her section, but it appears that she’ll be coming lately” said Airi.

“Yep. I told her to come at the square with us, but she doesn’t have time to get along with her friends. Then, she said that she’ll be back at six” said Mimi.

“I guess that you’re going to wait for her” said Maho.

“Why, yes, Maho. She has to take responsibility since she joined our team” said Tsubaki.

“I wonder where she goes. I believe that it’s…” said Hiiragi.

“…it’s in Setagaya. Kazuko and her friends take their tickets to Setagaya for their exploration” said Mimi.

“Okay, I’m sure that they’re going home safe” said Saki.

“Yeah, Saki. Another thing is that I bought a map of the railway stations in Tokyo. We enter to the Nishina station and then, one clerk gives this map to me. I can access to different stations I want. I really have to do this because I love to explore outside Tokyo” said Mimi.

“I see. I think you’re interested to travel different places, but we can’t do that if it’s class time. You can travel to different places by weekend with your friends. I hope that you can do that by buying tickets and giving those to your friends. That’s why I think you have to become a scout” said Hinata.

“A scout? Well, that was an interesting position to me” said Mimi.

“Being a scout is to find some of the players around the area that you are currently residing at. In Ōta, there are many elementary schools and middle schools and you have to contact them occasionally. There will be upcoming tournaments to be held in Ōta. So, you should do that when the tournament is ongoing” said Tomoka.

“Okay, Tomoka. I hope that my scouting position has to do with communicating and observing” said Mimi.

“Yeah, you should do that to observe the players” said Tomoka.

“I know that you’re good in surveying the players on your teammates and your opponents, but it’s up to you to decide if you can meet players outside Keishin. Mostly, there are many basketball teams from different schools. So, I’m challenging you to find more players in Ōta to strengthen Ginga’s Pupils” said Saki.

“Okay! I’ll do it!” said Mimi.

“Oh, that duties of being a scout must be new to your profession” said Hinata.

“Yeah, Hinata. I’ll scout and observe players whenever they are in and out the court” said Mimi.

“Uh, Saki. Different players have many skills they have when it comes to their own style” said Masami.

“Yeah, it is true. Any player who has good skills in offense, defense, mental and athleticism can depend on what strengths and weaknesses they have” said Saki.

“The most important thing is that the players have to work on improving their skills, so that they will dominate the game with ease. I usually have my determination to shoot jump shots in the low post” said Maho.

“I guess that we have to go to the Nashiba High School at 5:30 to see Subaru and his friends at the gym. Then, let’s go, everyone!” said Tomoka.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels.

The Bravehearts are walking to the Nashiba High School where many students are staying there for the extracurricular activities. They would go to the gym where Subaru and his teammates are at the court.

“There he is! He’s joined with his teammates and the Furukawas” said Tomoka.

“Wow! I never see that place before, but I wonder why we are here” said Maho.

“Subaru called me earlier to come at this place because he wanted to join with us going home alongside his friends” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, that’s interesting the fact that we have started classes earlier and then, for some reasons, Subaru and his friends are very busy because they have this training” said Maho.

“One thing is that Subaru had never went on training before since their team’s suspension” said Airi.

“Now that his team is reinstated, he and his players will rebuild to improve themselves as contenders for the Interhigh tournament” said Saki.

“Oh, I agree with that, everyone. Subaru never lose his heart and soul of his team because he is the one who helped his friends and his classmates to support for the reinstatement of the program last year. Thanks to Kazunari, the boys’ basketball team was reinstated” said Hinata.

“I can’t wait to see what Subaru and his teammates are doing in their first training” said Jun.

“Let’s not forget that the girls like Aoi are here, too! Aoi was a serene defender in the Nashiba High School girls’ basketball team” said Kurumi.

“You can’t expect to see Aoi and her team working together like bravehearts” said Nozomi.

“I agree” said Sora.

Aoi Ogiyama performs the floater from the three-point line. Her floater was so strong that she was able to use it to give more power.

“Another floater by Aoi! I like her style already! She can’t lose her momentum because of her determination” said Kōme.

“True, Kōme” said Yuzuha.

“I never see that move before, but what an amazing player like her” said Kyō, thinking about Aoi’s style of play in basketball.

Aoi would walk to her teammates and talk to them in a conversation. The Bravehearts and the Family of Angels sit down at the bench to see the Nashiba High School basketball team.

“Alright, team! That’s all for the first training of our new season. I hope that you’re all tired from training. After months of inactivity, the Nashiba High School boys’ basketball team has coming back for a new season. That reminds me, I wonder what the plans are to prepare for the Interhigh tournament” said Takehiro Furukawa, the manager of the school’s boys’ basketball team.

“I don’t know, manager. But it appears that you’re invited to enter an extraordinary meeting with the other head coaches and managers of different high school basketball teams in Tokyo on April 10” said Kazunari.

“Hmm. That’s expected. I never got invited to a meeting like this before, but I’m going in. My father and I will be going to Roppongi for the meeting with other head coaches and managers from different high schools in Tokyo” said Takehiro.

“Since the training will be thrice a week, so we should continue the training before our meeting. On next Thursday, this day considers a day-off to give way for us to travel to Minato for the extra ordinary meeting on the day before the meeting. This meeting is held for 3 days and all high school teams are required a day-off on next Thursday and Friday” said Takeshi, Takehiro’s father and the head coach.

“I was also speculating about how the Interhigh tournament will go for” said Subaru.

“Well, that’s a good question, Subaru. Now, more than 200 teams will participate at the Interhigh prefectural preliminaries. Only 4 teams will survive to the main round to determine the prefecture’s representative for the main Interhigh tournament this summer. Our plan is to make it to the fourth round to receive an outright qualifying berth to the Winter Cup” said Takehiro.

“Wow! So, that’s you’re expecting to make the goal, manager” said Kenshō Odawara.

“That’s right, Kenshō. I don’t expect to see that coming, but we’ll try our best to win practice matches before heading to the Interhigh tournament. The tournament will be held in August, and as prefectural qualifiers are gong to be held in June and July” said Takehiro.

“That’s two months? Sounds like this will be a piece of cake” said Ryōta Sugihara.

“It sure that it’s a piece of cake, but, we have to win practice matches before the tournament starts” said Takehiro.

“Well, I’m sure that we have many matches to face. Itoda Business School is one hell of a monster team” said Banri.

“That team has Ryuuichi Suga, their school’s team captain. I don’t think Ryuuichi is ready for us, but I’m quite that he will show his demeaning and destructible styles” said Sadatoshi Kiuchi.

“Well, I have to put tryouts for the neophytes to come practice before our month-long training begins” said Takehiro.

“I’m sure that you have to get this guy” said Daisuke Kojima, who showed the picture of a guy named Seiichirō Yoshioka, a freshman.

“Hmm. This guy is familiar. He came from Yokohama when he’s in elementary school and middle school. That guy is such a strong style” said Takehiro.

“He has been dubbed as the Red Dragon” said Itaru Tsuchiya.

“I never see this guy before, but he’s competing at the prefectural youth tournament representing his own prefecture in Kanagawa” said Seiji Kōno.

“Well, should we get him?” asked Naomori Abe.

“I’ll think about that. So, let’s call it a day and we’ll see you on Tuesday” said Takehiro.

“Have a great night, guys! Don’t be late again in training!” said Takeshi as the Furukawas leave the gym and the members of the Nashiba High School boys’ basketball team begin to go back to their locker rooms.

“Amazing! I can’t believe that Subaru and his teammates have good plays” said Megumi.

“Yeah, that’s why Subaru and his team are going to make new plays to dominate the game. Fortunately for them, they are better than Ryuuichi and his team. Ryuuichi and Subaru are bitter rivals and Subaru is ready to take Ryuuichi out” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, I agree. I hope that Nashiba will prepare their practice matches to make sure that they’re ready to compete for the Interhigh preliminaries” said Junichi.

“That’s right, Junichi. No one will stop Nashiba when their opponents are trying to run the court already” said Hinata.

“Everyone! We should wait Subaru and his friends outside” said Jun.

“Yeah!” said the Bravehearts and the members of the Family of Angels. The Bravehearts and the Family of Angels leave the gym to wait for Subaru and his friends outside.

While the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels are waiting for Subaru and his friends, meanwhile, at the office of the athletics department, Takehiro Furukawa asks the basketball director Seiji Matsuoka to arrange practice matches for the month.

“Mr. Director, we want to have practice matches for our boys’ basketball team, in preparing for our participation at the Interhigh preliminaries” said Takehiro.

“Well, I’m going to accept your proposal, but it will take a week to do that. Also, I also accept your proposal to open tryouts for the new members to step in for our team. Now, on my calendar, we should expect to train for two months before the preliminaries. I hope that you’ll be working hard and helping them to improve their playing styles and skills” said Seiji Matsuoka.

“Thank you, Mr. Director. Oh, one more thing, someone from the Education Board gives me a letter and it says that we’re invited to go to Roppongi for the three-day extraordinary meeting for the high school head coaches and managers. I wonder what they are going to do” said Takehiro.

“I’m expecting that it would be a meeting to talk about the upcoming Interhigh preliminaries. I can’t wait to see you in Roppongi because every weekend, I went to Roppongi with my fellow staff members for my basketball camp. As far as you know, I’ll be meeting with you sometime” said Seiji Matsuoka.

“Okay, Mr. Director! Just meet me outside the building when you’re done in your camp” said Takehiro.

“Okay!” said Seiji Matsuoka.

The boys finished taking a shower and dressed their school uniforms at the locker room. Then, the boys are about to leave the gym. The girls would do the same just like the boys did. Subaru, Banri, Kazunari, Aoi, Satsuki and Tae are chatting together as they leave the gym and see Tomoka and her friends.

“Oh, Tomoka! You’re here to see me?” said Subaru.

“Yeah! I’m so excited to see you playing on a jersey uniform soon” said Tomoka.

“Yep. I was so excited that our training is finally here and all of us are present including our coach and manager” said Subaru.

“I’m sure that you’re all here, but we should go back to the square to meet the other members” said Saki.

“Okay, Saki! I got it! Everyone! Let’s go back to the square!” said Subaru.

“Okay!” said the Bravehearts and the members of the Family of Angels. Subaru and his friends leave the Nashiba High School to go to the square in Nishina, Kamata. They finally see the other members of the Bravehearts and go to the Nagatsuka Restaurant at the Suzuran Shopping Street.

At the Nagatsuka Restaurant, the Bravehearts and the members of the Family of Angels eat their food while the members of the friends of Masami, Tsubaki and Hiiragi go to the Sushi Fujii Restaurant with Masami, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Natsuhi.

At the table, Subaru, Aoi, Banri, Kazunari, Satsuki, Tae and Naomori Abe are chatting in a conversation.

“So, who the hell is Seiichirō Yoshioka?” asked Subaru.

“Seiichirō Yoshioka was born in the city of Yokohama. He is the father of a professional basketball player Shinobu Yoshioka. He was a proud Kanagawa resident because of his father’s fame of being a basketball player. Seiichirō followed his father’s footsteps to become a basketball player when he entered an elementary school in Tsurumi. He’s a great shooter and a great pick-and-roll role player. During his middle school career, he become famous of being the MVP of the prefecture tournament. After his graduation from middle school, he transferred his home to Setagaya and enrolled in Nashiba High School. Although that he will still playing as a member of the Kanagawa prefectural basketball team, he will hopefully be going to play for us this year” said Naomori.

“Wow! What a story. So, Naomori, Daisuke said that he saw him at the hallway, wearing a special bracelet” said Subaru.

“And also, he has hazelnut eyes and red hair” said Kazunari.

“Well, you know about him, too. So, did I. I looked at the newspaper when this guy was pictured during the prefectural basketball tournament. I lived in Kawasaki near Yokohama and I usually watched his videos online. He’s a phenomenal” said Naomori.

“I agree. Now, Takehiro is hoping to recruit him because this is his secret weapon” said Banri.

“Huh? A secret weapon?” said Subaru.

“A secret weapon that Takehiro never did this before. I mean his father watched a game in Yokohama where Seiichirō shines in the game” said Kazunari.

“I know that you’re planning to meet him, but we don’t know him yet” said Naomori.

“So, that’s why Takehiro was planning to recruit him in the tryouts” said Aoi.

“Yeah, Aoi. I wasn’t expected to see his picture, but he’s the son of a professional basketball player. He won’t miss anything” said Naomori.

“I saw the pictures of Seiichirō in the net and he was so awesome! He created open shots to score many points and preformed the crossover moves on to his opponents” said Satsuki.

“Well, I have to admit, Naomori, that Seiichirō should be on your team because he had a lot of things that he learned from his father” said Tae.

“I agree with that, Tae and Satsuki. We’re going to hold tryouts and I hope that we’re going to see him along with other players. I’m so excited to see him in the tryouts” said Naomori.

“Naomori, you’ll get him anything he want, but I hope that he will be coming to us soon” said Subaru.

“Yeah, Subaru” said Naomori.

“So, Naomori, I see about Takehiro’s strategy, but I’m sure that you’re going to follow his strategy” said Aoi.

“Yeah, of course!” said Naomori.

Later, a little girl appears to meet Subaru. Naomori inspects the little girl.

“Uh… did you see my friend Jun?” asked the little girl.

“Oh, she’s with Megumi and Tomoka talking” said Subaru.

“Okay, thank you” said the little girl as she leaves Subaru and his friends to go to another table that Jun, Megumi and Tomoka sit. Aoi appears to be suspicious about that girl.

“Who is that girl?” asked Aoi.

“I don’t know. I’m aware why she is here at the restaurant” said Subaru.

“Oh, that’s my sister” said Kumi Kaneda as she appears to meet Subaru and his friends. Kumi bought her food from the cashier.

“Kumi! Nice to see you again!” said Kazunari.

“Well, you recognize me before. You’re with the other members of the Occult Research Club. I finally glad to meet you again. This place is good for me to relax” said Kumi.

“Uh, Kumi, hello” said Subaru.

“Oh, hi! I don’t know about you but are you friends with Kazunari?” said Kumi.

“Yeah. Kazunari and I were close friends. He can’t let you down. He’s the Vice President of the Nashiba High School Student Council” said Subaru.

“Really? Oh, I love it! I can’t wait to see to have many friends with you, Kazunari” said Kumi.

“Uh, yeah. Everyone, this is Kumi Kaneda, my classmate. Kumi, this is Subaru, Aoi, Banri, Satsuki, Tae and Naomori. We’re basketball players and buddies together” said Kazunari.

“Nice to meet you, Kumi. Say, that girl talked to me earlier where Jun sits at” said Subaru.

“Oh, that’s my sister, Yumi. Yumi and I were sisters and we usually reside at their area” said Kumi.

“I see. So, that’s means you’re here to work with Kazunari” said Subaru.

“Yeah” said Kumi.

“Why are you here today?” asked Banri.

“Uh, Yumi was contacted by Hitomi to come to this place and so, we decided to would go together to this place to buy some dinner. Oh, that reminds me, my sister had some secrets about the Family of Angels” said Kumi.

“Secrets? What kind secrets she had?” asked Subaru.

“It’s about the relationship between three groups in Ōta” said Kumi. Subaru and his friends are revealed that the some of the members of the Family of Angels came from a group of students in Shiromidai Elementary School and Yumi was one of Hitomi’s friends. Jun recognizes her as the former Student Council President. It seems that the Family of Angels had a formation coming from two groups: Jun’s group and Tomoka’s group.

UP NEXT: Chapter 42: "The Gremory Team Arrives in Kyoto" [A chapter in honor of the upcoming season of High School DxD, High School DxD HERO]

 

[Sherwin Riga]

The series, Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts, is now getting more momentum after I started the fourth volume last week. This time I'm glad my idea of making The Family of Angels have their bigger role for Volume 4 has paid off. I'm very happy:) about this because this is getting more interesting on how Tomoka and Jun's friends have influenced with the characters from Ro-Kyu-Bu! and Tenshi no 3P! Let's keep this momentum alive as we're heading to Kyoto for the new chapter of the series! In preparing for the upcoming season of High School DxD as High School DxD HERO, I will be posting the new chapter featuring the characters of High School DxD since the interludes from Volume 3 where it will be focused on the Gremory Team and its allies heading to Kyoto for a long trip. Hopefully, this will attract more attention to the fans of every main characters of High School DxD because not only I'm a fan of Ro-Kyu-Bu! and Tenshi no 3P!, I'm also a fan of High School DxD as well. So, enjoy reading the new chapter!:)

The Gremory Team has heading west by train to go to the largest city of the western Japan: Kyoto. This large city has many ancient temples and shrines that are still standing since the history of Japan has progressed from the first dynasty until the current Heisei period. Since the Gremory Team and its allies are now in Kyoto, they are preparing to perform the experiment in creating another planet in the crimson planetary system. But before they will be doing this, they have to spend the night at the Karakurenai Clan Ancestral House, located in Higashiyama. It will be four days and three nights to spend the long trip for the Gremory Team and its allies as they will be exploring Kyoto once again since their winter vacation.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
CHAPTER 42: “THE GREMORY TEAM ARRIVES IN KYOTO”​

At 7:32 p.m., the Gremory Team finally arrives at the Kyoto Station. Going to a trip to Kyoto takes 7 hours from the capital city of Tokyo. The Gremory Team exits the Kyoto Station to see the city buildings in Shimogyō, Kyoto.

“Wow! So beautiful!” said Asia.

“We’re finally here! Kyoto, Japan” said Rias.

The members of the Gremory Team explore the city buildings in Kyoto while visit different places throughout the city. Later, they go to an ancestral house in Higashiyama. The Karakurenai Ancestral House is the home of the Karakurenai Clan, which is originated in this city.

“I can’t believe that we’re going to stay here for three days and three nights” said Issei.

“Yeah. Today’s the first night and of course, I can’t wait to see some of the hidden treasures in this place” said Akeno.

“Well, we can’t do that because it’s already nighttime. I wonder what we can eat” said Rias.

“I read this travel guide to guide you on exploring Kyoto” said Yuto.

“Great thinking, Yuto! We should find a fine restaurant that we can eat here” said Rias.

“Oh, there it is. In downtown, there are many restaurants you can eat. We can enjoy there, so that we could explore on the north in Ukyō” said Yuto.

“Wow! This place has many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. I wonder what secrets are going to be” said Irina.

“I remember when the KACO gives us a task. It says that we should find a temple that has many gemstones lie in the basement” said Asia.

“Oh, I think this place doesn’t have a basement” said Xenovia.

“Uh, it says that in Yamashina, you can explore temples that have shiny gemstones designed by ancestors” said Issei.

“That’s it! We should do that tomorrow and then, we should go to Ukyō where we’re going to touch the blossom diamond” said Yuto.

“What is a blossom diamond?” asked Irina.

“It’s a special diamond that lies in one of the temples in Ukyō. Legend says that this special diamond has pure heart and cleanse evil spirits in our body” said Rias.

“I could tell you that many people went to that place and touch the blossom diamond and their evil spirits have wiped out” said Rossweisse.

“According to the research, the blossom diamond gives the residents to clean their hearts from evil spirits and it symbolizes the unending grace of one’s heart” said Yuto.

“That’s very interesting. We should go there tomorrow” said Issei.

“Yep. I’m intrigued to see what the blossom diamond is, but there are many diamonds lie one of the temples in Ukyō” said Xenovia.

“I’m sure that we should go there tomorrow afternoon. Now, we should go to Nakagyō
to eat” said Asia.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Gremory Team. The Gremory Team and the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum would go to Nakagyō to find a good restaurant. They spotted the restaurant called the “The Boodle Corner”.

At the Boodle Corner, the members of the Gremory Team and the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum buy their food and eat their respective table.

“It’s delicious!” said Asia.

“It tastes so good!” said Irina.

“I like their products. It has so many flavors to eat and has a lot of specialties here!” said Xenovia.

“So, Rias, what kind of blossom diamond that is looked like?” asked Akeno.

“I believe that the blossom diamond has sparkling lights on it” said Rias.

“I know about that thing” said Bennia.

“Bennia. How do you know?” said Rias.

“The blossom diamond represents the pure heart and simplicity. It says that the gradient colors are seen when holding it. On the other hand, it gives more power to the warriors of the Karakurenai Clan” said Bennia.

“I see. So, there are many diamonds in one of the temples in Ukyō, but of course, you have to be clear that there is a forest that has different colors” said Yuto.

“Probably, these temples are different places to see and I can’t wait to find out what are these temples for” said Akeno.

“Yeah, it probably would” said Rias.

“Issei” said Ravel.

“Ravel. What are you thinking about?” said Issei.

“Well, Issei, the crimson aurora” said Ravel.

“The crimson aurora? How the crimson aurora exists in Kyoto?” said Issei.

“In Ukyō, there is a crimson aurora lying one of the temples and there’s something special out there. I want to go to the temple that has the blossom diamond there, but I don’t know what to do” said Ravel.

“You seem to be planning to see the crimson aurora” said Issei.

“Yeah” said Ravel.

“I understand what you’re thinking, Ravel. I mean, the crimson aurora came from a secret temple out there” said Koneko, who is pointing the place in the map of Kyoto.

“Koneko, did you see it?” asked Issei.

“It’s located in one of the temples that isolates between the river and the forest” said Koneko.

“Oh, I think that is quietly far away from this area” said Issei.

“Koneko, did you find the temple that has the blossom diamond on one of the chambers?” asked Ravel.

“It’s located at the Tenryū-ji” said Koneko.

“Whoa! That place is gigantic. I can’t wait to see that blossom diamond here” said Issei.

“Wait a minute. It says that the blossom diamond is located in a sacred room of this temple” said Koneko.

“A sacred room?” asked Ravel.

“Well, you know about the temples and shrines. Aren’t they, Koneko?” said Issei.

“Yeah. I was reading the books in temples and shrines. They said that long time ago, different clans construct these to give blessings to the members of their entities. One day, it was troubled with conflicts and wars happen for many years. Back then, there are new buildings constructed outside the former capital of Heian and now, some of the temples and shrines are preserved to be protected as heritage places in Kyoto” said Koneko.

“There are many attractions that are considered heritage because of the history of Japan” said Ravel.

“Yeah, many emperors live there to serve for the country, even for the future designated heirs, who are wished to sit there when their emperor abdicates or dies” said Issei.

“That’s true, Issei. Now, we should go to the Kyoto Imperial Palace on Saturday and I hope that we should be ready to take a look at the view of this old palace” said Koneko.

“Yeah!” said Issei and Ravel.

Elmenhilde Karnstein, Kira Minato, Rina Matsunaga, Kozue Hirono, Airi Nojima, Yurika Natsuka, Yuka Shimura, Nami Hamada, Kazue Fujimaki, Maho Inoue and Yukiya Uehara are having a talk.

“These foods are delicious and tasty!” said Kozue Hirono.

“Whoa! Easy there, Kozue!” said Maho Inoue.

“If the food is there, Kozue is too eager to enjoy eating by herself” said Yukiya Uehara.

Airi Nojima eats the last piece of a tonkatsu. “Well, I’m feeling good after eating a piece.”

“I’m glad that you enjoyed eating out there” said Kira Minato.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum.

“Kira. I believe that you’re rivalling with Katase. Is that true?” said Elmenhilde.

“Yeah, it was. Kaori and I were rivals and while Kaori expresses her hate on Issei, I admired him because I’m a fan of the Oppai Dragon Show” said Kira Minato.

“Oh, I remember when the Oppai Dragon put the enemies to be slammed by the Balance Breaker in one shot” said Kazue Fujimaki.

“Yeah, I watched that together with you” said Kira Minato.

“Yep” said Kazue Fujimaki.

“I think you’re watching Oppai Dragon Show all the time, but for me, I don’t frequently watch it” said Elmenhilde.

“But why?” asked Kira Minato.

“As I’m a vampire, I don’t frequently watch the television. I have designed many clothes for my clan, but it seems that it wasn’t my duties anymore when I move to my new home” said Elmenhilde.

“Wow! Nice dress you wear for this trip, Hilde” said Rina Matsunaga.

“Thanks, Rina, but you can call me Elmenhilde or Elmen for short” said Elmenhilde.

“Okay!” said Rina Matsunaga.

“Look at this, girls! There is a dragon temple in Sakyō. I wonder what’s in there” said Yukiya Uehara.

“Well, let’s see. I’ll take a look” said Yurika Natsuka. Yurika would read the guide book that Yukiya bought and then, look at the map of the Tō-ji. “It looks like the Tō-ji temple has many information about the dragons.”

“Good thinking, Yurika” said Kira Minato, who agreed to Yurika’s intelligent thinking before talking to Elmenhilde. “So, the Tō-ji temple would be a place to see if there are many information about dragons.”

“Oh, I didn’t know about those places because I never been in Japan for a long time. I mean, in Kurenai, there are many restrictions in different places and in Kuyo, there are free to roam there, but in other places, they have stern and strict rules and regulations out there” said Elmenhilde.

“I don’t think in some states in Kurenai are doing such stern and strict rules and regulations” said Yurika Natsuka.

“Uh, I doubt that it would, but in our home in Dharumajia, there are half-Terrans living there while the rest are considered half-Dhampir and half-human” said Elmenhilde.

“Are there having its own system?” asked Kazue Fujimaki.

“Yes, there is, Kazue. There are two clans are only existed the most as dominant clans under the vampire system, but in the nation of Dharumajia, they have their own system, which is the fact that other races might be entering our country” said Elmenhilde.

“Well, it seems that your home has many races, even devils and anything” said Kira Minato.

“Yes, that’s true. On the bright side, the capital Festubasi had used darker and redder paints to use for the architectural styles in different places” said Elmenhilde.

“I believe that your country has fine and luxurious place for Kurenese East European people in Kurenai” said Kozue Hirono.

“Yep” said Elmenhilde.

“Since Kurenai has many places to explore, there are many races that they believed that Terrans are having time to spend there if only that they can agree to naturalize themselves as Kurenese people” said Rina Matsunaga.

“Of course, Rina! By the way, we have many places to see in Kyoto and I hope that we’re going to enjoy there for three days” said Kira Minato.

“Exactly! Now, from what I hear from Rias before we headed to this historic city is that we can’t use our abilities in doing Rating Games for now. We should try to learn the basics of basketball” said Elmenhilde.

“Basketball? What a great sport to see in different places like this” said Yukiya Uehara.

“True. Now, we have to find a place that is good to play” said Elmenhilde.

“But it’s nighttime, Elmenhilde. I don’t think there are basketball courts are here in somewhere” said Yukiya Uehara.

“Yeah, we don’t know where the basketball courts are” said Yurika Natsuka.

“Hmm. Aha! I found the place where we can play!” said Maho Inoue. The members of the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum and Elmenhilde ask Maho Inoue where the basketball courts are.

“Where is it, Maho?” asked Kira Minato.

“It’s located at the suburbs in Higashiyama and it’s near to our place we stayed” said Maho Inoue. The members of the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum and Elmenhilde look at the place that is located in Higashiyama.

“So, is it located in the villages?” asked Elmenhilde.

“Yeah! That’s our place we stayed in one of the temples and it’s a great sign to play there” said Maho Inoue.

“I see. Elmenhilde, I think we have a proposal” said Kira Minato.

“What is it?” asked Elmenhilde.

“Would you want to become the manager of our basketball team, so that we can compete against different teams in Kuoh?” asked Kira Minato.

“Okay, I’ll do it, but only one condition: if you can able to use your special powers perfectly, then I’ll accept your favor” said Elmenhilde.

“Okay! It’s a deal!” said Kira Minato as she shakes hands with Elmenhilde.

“Whew! I’m thirsty right now. Girls, would you want to buy an extra drink?” said Elmenhilde.

“Yeah!” said Kira Minato, Rina Matsunaga, Kozue Hirono, Airi Nojima, Yurika Natsuka, Yuka Shimura, Nami Hamada, Kazue Fujimaki, Maho Inoue and Yukiya Uehara.

“Okay!” said Elmenhilde. Later, the juices were served and Elmenhilde and the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum start drinking their juices. After finish drinking the juices, they return to talking about the places to see in Kyoto.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat" | Chapter 42: "The Gremory Team Arrives in Kyoto"

Part 2​

“Now, this one is interesting” said Kozue Hirono as she shows the picture of Kiyomizu-dera.

“That’s the Kiyomizu-dera. A large independent Buddhist temple that was constructed in the year 778. It is said that many people want to have their wishes granted” said Rina Matsunaga.

“Yeah, it says that the Kiyomizu-dera’s main hall has a large veranda, supported by tall pillars, that juts out over the hillside and offers impressive views of the city. Large verandas and main halls were constructed at many popular sites during the Edo period to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims” said Kira Minato.

“Oh, this is mainly one of the oldest structural temples in ancient Japan” said Elmenhilde.

“Yep. Beneath that place is the Otowa waterfall. It says that you can catch and drink the water. The water was said to be believed that have wish-granting powers” said Nami Hamada.

“There’s also a complex, too!” said Maho Inoue.

“Yeah, it is. The complex includes several other shrines, among them the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to Ōkuninushi, a god of love and "good matches". Jishu Shrine possesses a pair of "love stones" placed 18 meters (60 feet) apart, which lonely visitors can try to walk between with their eyes closed. Success in reaching the other stone with their eyes closed implies that the pilgrim will find love, or true love. One can be assisted in the crossing, but this is taken to mean that a go-between will be needed. The person's romantic interest can assist them as well” said Yukiya Uehara.

“Interesting information you got, Yukiya!” said Kazue Fujimaki.

“Thanks, Kazue! The reason why I decided to go with you is because to explore the ancestral house of the Gremory clan before the clan moves to another planet” said Yukiya Uehara.

“Of course, Yukiya!” said Rina Matsunaga.

“Rina, how did you know about it?” asked Yukiya Uehara.

“You see, the 72 Pillars came from the Karakurenai Clan. There are more than 70 grandchildren and these descendants would walk to their ancestral house to give blessings” said Rina Matsunaga.

“I guess you figured about it, however, I believe that they are many places to see in Kyoto because of ancient history of Japan. I want to relieve this by going to different temples and shrines in Kyoto. My ancestors usually live in Kyoto and then, they decided to go to Kurenai to live there” said Yukiya Uehara.

“Actually, there are a thousand-people settled in Kuyo including Kuoh Town” said Kira Minato.

“That’s what happened in the first year in Kurenai, but then, Kuyo was booming for 20 years. There are entities entering Kurenai including the Angels and Fallen Angels. The Devils were mostly live in Kurenai, but these Angels and Fallen Angels came from Earth” said Kazue Fujimaki.

“This Great War of Kurenai resulting the losses of Kurenese people including Devils. In order to save the population of Devils from extinction, people in Kurenai begin to train to become Devils to serve for their system. In the present era, the triad became the cornerstone of the peace in this planet. Hence, the Chaos Brigade is still there for some reason” said Rina Matsunaga.

“Over a few months ago, the KACO has decided to investigate the whereabouts of the Chaos Brigade. It says that their leader, Rizevim Livan Lucifer, is still alive. Then, I believed that Rizevim must be in the center of Nikurenai” said Airi Nojima.

“Not only Nikurenai is the target for the Chaos Brigade to destroy it, other states in the planet are being targeted as well including my home” said Elmenhilde.

“Hmm. Looks like we have to find some new members of the Crimson Aurora Brigade to battle against those remnants of the Chaos Brigade” said Kira Minato.

“That’s right, Kira. I was sent by Issei to come to my place for you to explore Kyoto” said Elmenhilde.

“I believe that Issei had the point of allowing his servants to serve clients” said Yukiya Uehara.

“Yes, indeed. I contact some of my colleagues and someone said that in Chumire, there are a lot of Chimurean people wanted to join our brigade. So, they’re gonna be with us as well. Tomorrow, they’re going to arrive from Kobe” said Elmenhilde.

“Kobe is closer to Osaka, but farther from Kyoto. I think they’re going on a train ride for at least 2 hours” said Maho Inoue.

“Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto are the three large cities in the Kansai region. They created a metropolitan area to represent themselves for Keihanshin” said Yuka Shimura.

“Whoa! I couldn’t wait to see a new batch of members here for the CAB” said Yurika Natsuka.

“Yep. I’m waiting for them to meet us, in order to start exploring the temples and shrines in this large Kansai city” said Elmenhilde.

“I hope that we’re going to be ready to visit the places we want to starting tomorrow until Sunday” said Kira Minato.

“Yeah! That’s why we want you to explore the ancient city, so that you know about anything about the history of Japan” said Elmenhilde.

“The history of Japan is different from the history of Kurenai. There are a lot of things you have to remember when you read a history book, but in Kuoh Academy, there are a lot of Japanese history books in our library. Kind of a big collection you can read all you want” said Rina Matsunaga.

“Now, according to the map, there are eleven wards in this city. We can explore the whole city for three days. After this, we’re going back to Kurenai” said Kozue Hirono.

“But let’s not forget that Rias and her team will create a new planet for the crimson planet system” said Elmenhilde.

“Oh, yeah, but Elmen, when Rias her team will create a new planet?” said Kira Minato.

“I think it’s Friday night at 10 in the evening” said Elmenhilde.

“Where?” asked Kazue Fujimaki.

“In the Kyoto Imperial Palace” said Elmenhilde.

“The palace?!” said the members of the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum.

“But I don’t think that’s going to happen” said Rina Matsunaga.

“Yeah, the Kyoto Imperial Palace has been sacred for many years and I don’t know what might happen after creating a new planet” said Yuka Shimura.

Airi Nojima, Kozue Hirono and Kira Minato agree to what Rina and Yuka said about the impossibility of creating a new planet.

“Well, I guess you’re right. Since this place is open to the public, we are going to work on the experiment, but doing an experiment to create a new planet inside the palace may destroy the buildings and temples in the palace” said Elmenhilde.

“Yeah, how about doing that at the middle of the palace?” said Yukiya Uehara.

“Oh, that’s a great idea! We should go the center of the palace to work on creating a new planet, but since we’re many, we have to split up” said Elmenhilde.

“Split up?! Where?” said Kira Minato.

“There are many places to stay there and only the members of the Gremory Team can create this experiment. We have iridescent and supernatural abilities to create a new planet. So, you have to follow what Rias will say” said Elmenhilde.

“Okay!” said the members of the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum.

“Good” said Elmenhilde, who would later see Rias paying the bill to the waiter. “Okay, the coast is clear. We should get of this place and we should go back to our home.”

“What home?” asked Rina Matsunaga.

“The Karakurenai Clan Ancestral House in Higashiyama” said Elmenhilde.

“Oh, yeah, that’s where we’re going to stay for the trip” said Rina Matsunaga.

“Yes, indeed. Let’s go, team!” said Elmenhilde.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum as the Gremory Team and the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum leave the restaurant to go back to Higashiyama.

The Gremory Team and the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum are arrived back to Higashiyama and go to the Karakurenai Clan Ancestral House. Later, the members of the Gremory Team and the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum are wearing in pajamas and walks to the hall.

“Everyone, this is the hall. This is where the members of the Karakurenai Clan members stayed there for recreational activities” said Rias.

“You can enjoy staying there you want, but when it’s eleven o’clock, we should sleep and tomorrow, we’re going to hit the road to north” said Akeno.

“Okay!” said the members of the Gremory Team and the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum.

“If you don’t have questions, make yourself enjoyed in this place and if you want to go outside, there’s a door out there on both sides. That’s where you’ll find the garden. Have fun, everyone!” said Rias as she and Akeno leave the hall to go to their bedroom.

“Whew! Now, this place is consisted of tables and chairs and also, there are many illustrations drawn by one of the Karakurenai clan members. As you look at the window, there is a garden around the house. This ancestral house is a temple, so you have to give respect to the members of the Karakurenai clan” said Asia.

“While enjoying in this hall, you can check out a room that has pictures of the original formation of the Karakurenai clan. Some of the pictures are old and there are memories written by the clan members. Then, head north to the Crimson Dragon Room” said Xenovia.

“The Crimson Dragon Room is a meeting room of all members of the Karakurenai Clan and of course, this room is where the patriarch lives” said Yuto.

“Who’s the patriarch in this house?” asked Le Fay Pendragon.

“Uh… Rias said earlier before entering this home that the current patriarch is Kenshō Kagashima” said Yuto.

“How old is he?” asked Gasper.

“He’s seventy-two years old and he has five children. Kenshō Kagashima was a wise man who decided to take the reins of being the patriarch of the Karakurenai Clan when his father Kōichi passes away” said Yuto.

“Now, if you excuse us, we’re going to look at the surroundings of the temple” said Irina as she, Asia, Xenovia and Yuto walk away from the other members of the Gremory Team and the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum to explore the hall.

“Wow! This place is more like a paradise!” said Bennia.

“Yeah, this is where the first members of the Karakurenai Clan lives when they settled a community right here” said Elmenhilde.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Elmenhilde. It says that the Karakurenai Clan had usually swore as loyalists to the Meiji Emperor. The Karakurenai Clan had spent time to stay at the Kiyomizu-dera during spring and summer. Many members believe that they’re training for dragon skills and dark abilities” said Ravel.

“Just like the sacred temples and the colorful shrines in Kurenai, this place usually has the members of the Karakurenai Clan doing their tradition. The tradition is to pay respects to the living and dead members of the clan” said Issei.

“I’m pretty sure that we have to do that if we’re called by the patriarch to celebrate” said La Fay Pendragon.

“Yeah, but it’s not the festival yet, Le Fay. It will be taking four months for wait to do that tradition. Every August, on the first day of the seventh or eighth month, people begin to say their wish, so that he/she will receive more abilities and more power” said Vali Lucifer.

“Yeah, that’s true, Vali. One thing that you have to remember is that not all your wishes granted, but to gain respect to the ancestors of the Karakurenai clan” said Koneko.

“Of course, there are many things that you have to explore this ancestral house is that the Crimson Dragon Room has many pictures of the members of the Karakurenai clan from the first generation up to the current generation. The pictures of members of every generation were divided into different rooms, located at the back of the Crimson Dragon Room” said Ravel.

“At the back of the Crimson Dragon Room is where the pictures of different families that are born under the Karakurenai blood. At the center of the Crimson Dragon Room, there is an emblem of the clan, designed by the Takeshi Kagashima” said Rossweisse.

“Hmm. Sounds like you know about anything about the Karakurenai clan” said Kira Minato.

“Yeah, all of the members of the Gremory Team have seen this place before and even the other members of the clan” said Issei.

“There are many things you have to see at the garden. It also includes the persimmon orchard” said Gasper.

“The fruits and vegetables of the garden were grown for many years and the clan members harvest those, so that they’re going to eat it” said Le Fay Pendragon.

“The persimmon orchard was said to be one of the most number of persimmons in all of Higashiyama” said Rossweisse.

“Oh, that reminds me, Issei, did you have the stuff for the experiment?” asked Elmenhilde.

“I have it all here. Rias gave me this stuff, so that we should keep at one table before using it tomorrow night” said Issei.

“When the experiment is ready, we’re going to use our powers to create a new planet” said Elmenhilde.

“Yeah! I hope the Kurenese will about witness a new planet beside Kurenai” said Issei.

“Okay, now, we should split up to take a look at the surroundings” said Rossweisse.

“Okay!” said the members of the Gremory Team and the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum as they split up to explore the ancestral house.

Issei, Elmenhilde, Matsuda, Motohama, Aika, Katase and Murayama are roaming to the Crimson Dragon Room. When they enter, they saw the entire area where there are many dragon sculptures and the scrolls made by the ancestors.

“So, this is the Crimson Dragon Room” said Matsuda.

“Yeah, Matsuda. It’s where the patriarch of the clan lives, but right now, the patriarch is not here. He’s sleeping at the second floor with the other members of the Karakurenai clan” said Issei.

“Hmm. It looks familiar. I can’t wait to see what’s in here” said Motohama, who touches the dragon sculpture.

Elmenhilde appears and slaps Motohana’s hands. “You can’t touch those sculptures, Motohama!”

“I’m sorry. Why did you do that?” said Motohama.

“It’s prohibited to touch these dragon sculptures. If you do that, one of the guards will escort you away from this palace” said Elmenhilde.

“But I don’t want to be getting out of this palace!” said Motohama.

“Then, you have to follow my lead” said Issei.

“Okay” said Motohama. Issei, Elmenhilde, Matsuda, Motohama, Aika, Katase and Murayama would continue exploring the room.

Later, Elmenhilde spots something in the conference table. “Look, guys!” Issei, Matsuda, Motohama, Aika, Katase and Murayama would go to Elmenhilde and Elmenhilde founds a book.

“A book. What’s that all about?” said Issei.

“It’s called the Secrets of the Red Dragons in the Ancient Japan” said Elmenhilde.

“Who writes that book?” asked Katase.

“Here, I found it. The name of the author is… huh? It’s Shinsuke Nojima” said Elmenhilde.

“Who’s him?” asked Issei.

“He is one of the original members of the Karakurenai Clan and the great-great-great-grandfather of Shinobu Nojima, who is also known as the Red Flame Collector” said Elmenhilde. Issei, Matsuda, Motohama, Aika, Katase and Murayama are wondering about the author of the book. The book is all about the secrets of the red dragons during the time in the early years of the Heian period.

The members of the Gremory Team go back to the hall while Elmenhilde shows the book to the other members.

“So, that book is old?” asked Kuroka.

“Yeah, it has many descriptions about the red dragons” said Issei.

“Thar’s right, Issei. Now, this book is authored by a member of the Karakurenai Clan named Shinsuke Nojima. Shinsuke had believed that the secrets of the red dragons were happened during the ancient times. Now, in the current period, this was known to be one of the oldest books that are found in Kyoto” said Elmenhilde.

“The book was scripted in Japanese ink. There are many ancestors who believed that the spirit of the red dragons has growing the nation’s history through conflicts and successions” said Asia.

“That’s not at all. The red dragon symbolizes the Emperor of Japan” said Elmenhilde. The members of the Gremory Team gasp in shock. Then, Elmenhilde continues talking about the book. “In many times, there are many emperors rule Japan for thousands of years and when Kurenai was founded more than fifty years ago, Kurenai becomes the first colony in Japan outside space.”

“That’s interesting. Now, that the crimson planetary system has one main planet, Kurenai rises with different races across Earth settle this area to become the first-born Kurenese. After the Great War, the planet Kurenai was reconstructed and redeveloped by any means of the new traditional systems” said Xenovia.

“With all the information about how the ancient Japan rule in different periods, we’re going to find out what the red dragons do in ancient times” said Yuto.

“Yeah, before the experiment tomorrow at the palace, we have to explore first the ancient temples and shrines to track the mysteries of the red dragon” Ravel.

“We’re should tell Rias about this tomorrow” said Issei.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Gremory Team. The mysteries and secrets of the red dragons during the ancient Japanese period were all revealed in a book written by a member of the Karakurenai Clan. Although that the history of Japan spreads throughout the years, it claims that the spirit of the red dragons has appeared in different periods. The members of the Gremory Team have to remember the book by reading it, so that they’re going to tell Rias about the red dragon.

Outside of the Karakurenai Clan Ancestral House, the members of the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum are looking at the view with winds blowing east.

“The red dragon symbolizes the absolution, bravery, ascension and immortality. It will descend to the place like a throne” said Kira Minato, who looked at the full moon.

UP NEXT: Chapter 43: "Absolution, Bravery, Ascension and Immortality"

 

[Sherwin Riga]

In the previous chapter (Chapter 41) for the the Bravehearts part of the Volume 4 of the Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts series, the Bravehearts have watched the first basketball training of the Nashiba High School as Subaru Hasegawa and his teammates are preparing to participate at the Interhigh tournament this June. Of course, manager Takehiro Furukawa and his players are having a conversation about what they are going to expect to prepare for the Interhigh tournament. After the training ends, the Bravehearts reunite with Subaru and his team and they will eat their dinner at the Nagatsuka restaurant. At the restaurant that Saki's father owned, the Bravehearts are eating their dinner and later surprisingly met by Kumi and Yumi Kaneda. At the end of the chapter, Kumi Kaneda said to Subaru and his team that the Family of Angels had a history of being a heritage exploration club known as the Homwrecking Dragons. In this chapter, it will be all about how the Family of Angels formed in two separate schools before their unification to form the name-sake group. Also, the reason of why Tomoka and her friends named her team "The Family of Angels" and how Tomoka Minato getting along with her best friends and bitter enemies in Shiromidai and Keishin will be all answered when you will read this new chapter.

I hope that you're going to see the untold story of the formation of the Family of Angels. The reason I focus on the Family of Angels for Volume 4 is because since I'm a fan of Ro-Kyu-Bu! and Tenshi no 3P!, I want to focus on how the group that is composed of friends of Tomoka Minato in two schools (Shiromidai Elementary School [former] and Keishin Academy [current]) working together with the other members of the Bravehearts. Of course, I will be focusing on each group as the series progresses and once the month of April is done in the series, I will be shifting to another group which they will be focused. Also, I will be planning to cover for the district tournament where the Keishin Academy and Kirihara Middle School will participate. Don't worry about the spoilers I made, but this will be planned for now. So, I hope you're ready to reveal the true story of how the Family of Angels was formed from being a small group of heritage explorers to being a larger group of friends that they love music, exploration and basketball. Enjoy reading Chapter 43!:)

The true story of how the Family of Angels was all started when Tomoka Minato, Hitomi Takao and their friends have formed a exploration club in Shiromidai Elementary School known as the Homewrecking Dragons. The club was originally made for the heritage explorers and they organize activities in Shiromidai. One day, when Tomoka Minato participates at the district tournament to represent Ōta for the prefectural tournament, Kozue Hanabusa and Aika Sagawa have criticized Tomoka for having obsessed in playing basketball and she was being not active with the organization for a month. This would create tensions between them as after Shiromidai had completed their journey in the district tournament, Tomoka's friends and Michiko's friends begin to fight each other, exchanging words leading to the walkout of Kozue and Aika from the Homewrecking Dragons. When Tomoka leaves Shiromidai for Keishin, Hitomi Takao leads the club and decides to bring more members into the group while Kozue and Aika were heartbroken after Tomoka quits the group. The story continues when new groups were formed outside the Homewrecking Dragons: Lien de Famille, Dragon≒Nuts and Shining Camellia. Jun Gotō would gather them to create a one, unified group known as the Family of Angels because their friends and allies were awesome and cute like the members of Lien de Famille. At the end of the story, it would be forever changed as the Family of Angels begin to become one of the original Six Groups of Bravehearts and the members of that group have experienced memories from being a community of friends turning into a group of blessed fans and basketball friends in one section.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
CHAPTER 43: “ABSOLUTION, BRAVERY, ASCENSION AND IMMORTALITY”​

At the Nagatsuka Restaurant, the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels meet the Kaneda sisters: the older Kumi and the younger Yumi. Kumi is a student from the Nashiba High School while Yumi is a student from the Tamagawa Middle School.

Family of Angels: Composed of five teams
Team Gotō: Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Shigeru Hirashita, Hitomi Takao, Masami Nojima, Kyōji Nogami and Masanobu Uehara
Jun’s Angels: Jun Gotō, Nozomi Momijidani, Sora Kaneshiro, Kyō Nukui, Sakura Toriumi, Kurumi Nukui, Kōme Ogi and Yuzuha Aigae
Team Takeda: Michiko Takeda, Ayane Shirakawa, Haruko Kōyama, Kozue Hanabusa and Aika Sagawa
Team Miyazaki: Akiko Miyazaki, Natsuki Sakura, Satsuki Ōkuma, Katsuei Kōno, Asami Nakagawa, Miki Akizuki, Kōichi Aoyama, Mito Azaki and Kiyoto Miyaji
Team Kadokawa: Megumi Kadokawa, Nami Tamayama, Kotoe Kano, Fujiko Sasaki Ryōta Mikawa, Shōzō Takamatsu, Junichi Kamisaka, Akiyuki Katsumoto, Kaiji Nakagami, Kazue Futagawa, Chitose Ayano, Shizuka Tojo, Sayoko Nagata and Minako Kawaguchi

“You see, Hitomi and I were friends and got along together in Shiromidai for three years and I believe that I was associating to a group of students in Den-en-chōfu and Kamata that they were focused on dragons” said Yumi.

“Did you say a group?” asked Saki.

“Yeah, I formed a society that was existed in Shimoridai Elementary School. I know that they are my friends, but some of them are good in sports as well. Tomoka and Hitomi are official members of my group known as the Homewrecking Dragons” said Yumi.

“Homewrecking Dragons?!” said the members of the Bravehearts and Family of Angels.

“Yeah, actually, the main reason why I’m here is because I remember about anyone from your group. It seems that we meet each other, Tomoka. I’m sad that you leave our school, but I was wrong about Michiko Takeda” said Yumi.

“Well, I’m expected to see you again, Yumi” said Michiko, who appears from one of the tables and confronts Yumi. “It seems that you resent me two years ago after Tomoka left the group.”

“Yes, I am, Michiko. When Tomoka feels bad about your actions, I decided to put a division between her group and your group” said Yumi.

“My group. I’m not part of your group, Yumi. My friends Kozue and Aika are members of your group. They created their own group after a confrontation between your group and my friends. I don’t believe that you force me to go away from Tomoka after the confrontation” said Michiko.

“Well, it’s your fault for making Tomoka feel depressed and when Tomoka leaves our group, I decided to suspend Kozue Hanabusa and Aika Sagawa indefinitely until the end of the school year. But then, those two quit because they feel dissatisfied on their suspension” said Yumi.

“I want to admit it, Yumi” said Kozue.

“Kozue” said Michiko and Yumi.

“I didn’t cause to mean Tomoka in the first place because after Tomoka had been absent in our group because of her basketball training for a month, I decided to file a complaint against her and that’s why you decided to meet Tomoka after the district tournament” said Kozue.

“Uh, you know this, Kozue?” asked Michiko.

“Yeah” said Kozue.

“You see, Kozue, I talked to Tomoka before you and your friends have decided to walk out of my room. You’re desecrated from doing this and as a result, I order you and your friends to be suspended indefinitely. If you haven’t quit the group, you should have appeal to the disciplinary committee” said Yumi.

“Yeah, Yumi. I want to file an appeal, but Hitomi doesn’t want to allow it because if I did, Tomoka, Hitomi and her friends would have quit the group” said Kozue.

“Oh, I see. Neither our group or your group have quit the group after the suspension, but I believe that you quit the group because you don’t want to feel shamed for what you did to Tomoka” said Hitomi.

“Now, I understand about this event, but it’s not important to have bitter relationships in the Homewrecking Dragons” said Yumi.

“Oh, yeah. It was” said Kozue.

“As you can see, when I win the position as the president of the student council, I begin to work together with other groups to form a movement known as Kōsaten-hatsu Group. That group won many positions in the student council and our members decided to reform the school policies that was proposed by the principal of the Shiromidai Elementary School” said Yumi.

“As long as Yumi continue reforming the school by organizing activities, I decided to meet with the other groups from different schools to organize activities” said Hitomi.

“There are at least 8 schools participating in our activities known as the Dragon Recreational Activity Week. Keishin won the Best Drawing of the Dragon while Shiromidai win the Dragon Obstacle Race” said Yumi.

“Oh, yeah. Now, Hitomi, Yumi, Michiko and Kozue, I remember about the time when you decided to suspend Kozue and Aika from the group, I decided to quit the Shiromidai Elementary School girls’ basketball team, but I stayed with the Homewrecking Dragons. My mother said to me that I have many opportunities to find a new school that has the girls’ basketball team. Then, that’s when I leave Shiromidai at the end of the school year to join the Keishin Academy. The Keishin Academy has the girls’ basketball team for high school and middle school, but not the elementary school. So, I formed the Keishin Academy Elementary School girls’ basketball team with Maho to register it to the athletics department” said Tomoka.

“On the other hand, I decided to join the Shiromidai Elementary School without hesitation and I worked hard as the ace of the team, but we never met Tomoka in the district tournament. Instead, we battle against Suzuridani in the quarterfinals of the district tournament in Ōta where we won by a close point. However, we fell in the semifinals” said Michiko.

“While Michiko plays for the basketball team, Aika and I were decided to form our own group known as the Wish Team. The two of us include former members of the Homewrecking Dragons. It was not bad to form our own team, but Hitomi feels that they should have a rivalry with us” said Kozue.

“When we separate ways, it doesn’t mean that you ended your friendship for them, but you still have your heart to keep them as your friends. It’s not important to let them go, but you will feel empathy to them in the end” said Yumi.

“Yeah, it’s true. Kozue, Michiko, you don’t have to be selfish to Tomoka and her friends because Tomoka and her friends have care for each other. Even they will be with us, you’ll feel sorry for them and trust me, you need to be politer to them they’re in Keishin. Understand?” said Hitomi.

“Yes, I understand” said Michiko and Kozue.

“Okay, I feel good for you, Michiko and Kozue. Now, Yumi will talk about the three groups that are existed in west Ōta” said Hitomi.

“The Homewrecking Dragons, the Rokugo-dote Dragon Workers and the Iridescence Squadron are the three groups that originates in west Ōta. I formed the Homewrecking Dragons and the other two groups were founded by Misaki Yamada and Junichi Kawaguchi” said Yumi.

“Misaki and Junichi are currently first-year middle school students in Rokugo Middle School and Takahata Middle School” said Anzu.

“You know those two?” asked Nanako.

“Yeah, Nanako, I met those two when Hitomi and I were at the park. I feel respectful for them when it comes to use honorific names” said Anzu.

“The three of us were working together to organize events and of course, we spend a summer trip in Kanagawa” said Hitomi.

“I wouldn’t have join the summer trip, Hitomi, but my teammates and I were busy training” said Tomoka.

“Okay, I understand about the reason why you didn’t join our trip last summer. But then, I’ll think about our future summer trips in the future” said Hitomi.

“Sure” said Tomoka.

“Let’s continue. These three groups were researching about ancient mythology, but we focused on dragons. Dragons are the most powerful creatures in the world, but mostly existed in mythology” said Yumi.

“That’s interesting, Yumi. I was hailed from the Soryu Island from my mother, the shrine priestess, and I love working on illustrations. You could see some of the illustrations on my house where I posted here for Kyō and Lien de Famille. Also, I formed the band with Kurumi and Yuzuha. I feel great when my group finally merges with Lien de Famille and we’re also members of the Bravehearts through the Family of Angels” said Kōme.

Yumi grins to agree with Kōme’s words. “I was glad that you know about dragons, Kōme.”

“Yep” said Kōme.

“I didn’t go to your home, but in our summer trip, we discovered some of the ancient places in Kanagawa. Many temples and shrines are explored by our group” said Yumi.

“Kamakura is one of the places that we explore, and we read some of the information about the historical places. I’m sure that our summer trip was fun and enjoyable” said Hitomi.

“Also, our group had activities in Den-en-chōfu. The main reason why we called the Homewrecking Dragons is because of the characteristics of a dragon. These dragons have absolution, bravery, ascension and immortality” said Yumi.

“That’s so cool, Yumi! I’m glad that you organize events for your group, but I didn’t have time to join the group yet. Kōme and Yuzuha were already joining the Homewrecking Dragons, but the three of us and Kurumi didn’t” said Jun.

“The dragons have many expressions when it comes to their appearance. Based in mythologies and legends, the dragons are the most powerful and fiercest creatures in the mythology” said Nozomi.

“Yeah, there are many kinds of dragons based on mythologies around the world. In China, the Chinese dragon associates with the Emperor of China and used a symbol to represent imperial power. In our country, the Japanese dragon associates with water because Japan was cornered by different seas and oceans” said Sora.

“That’s true, Sora. Our group has associated with different societies around Ōta and Setagaya. The true thing is that the Homewrecking Dragons, the Rokugo-dote Dragon Workers and the Iridescence Squadron are using their color red, a symbol for imperial power in Japan” said Hitomi.

“The Homewrecking Dragons group has 19 members in our fifth grade and then, expands to 42 members. This includes fourth and fifth graders, who were exploring different historical places across the country” said Yumi.

“In the third year of the Homewrecking Dragons, it will be led by Natsumi Yamazaki” said Hitomi.

“While on the other hand, the Rokugo-dote Dragon Workers and the Iridescence Squadron are currently led by Minami Konno and Ryūji Tamaki” said Yumi.

“The Homewrecking Dragons’ headquarters is not located at the Shiromidai Elementary School, but instead, located at Tamagawa” said Hitomi.

“Their home is a mile away from the Little Wing Orphanage and the Shiromidai Elementary School” said Yumi.

“On the bright side, there are many members of the Homewrecking Dragons live in Den-en-chōfu and Tamagawa” said Shigeru.

“That’s right, Shigeru” said Hitomi while the members of the Family of Angels gasp.

“So, that’s why Kōme and Yuzuha are living in an apartment above the shop” said Kurumi.

“Yeah, Kurumi. Jun, Nozomi and Sora were living together while we’re closer to them though three blocks” said Kyō.

“I believe that our home is not far away from the Orphanage” said Kurumi.

“Yep. During weekends, I join you to take a walk and feel comfortable to be with you” said Kyō.

“Yeah, I’m sure that you want me, Kōme and Yuzuha to take a walk to the Little Wing Orphanage when you’re going to meet Jun and her band” said Kurumi.

“Yep. Uh, Hitomi, what are your specialties in your group?” said Kyō.

“We have a lot of members to research about the dragons and per breaks, we decided to travel to different places in the West. Misaki, Junichi and I were living in a dormitory, filled with rooms and pantries. We decided to plan on the activities and then, send e-mail messages to the members” said Hitomi.

“To date this, we have many activities in our group and the most recent activity is the National Foundation Day” said Yumi.

“The National Foundation Day activities held in two days in Den-en-chōfu and the students in Shiromidai ate their Japanese special foods in the evening” said Hitomi.

“Wow! That’s an awesome activity you have, Hitomi! In our group, we usually have our own tradition to make a wish at the park. It was inspirational to celebrate the National Foundation Day” said Megumi.

“Yeah, Megumi. Also, there are no classes when we observe the National Foundation Day. This year, it happened last February 11, Thursday” said Hitomi.

“Oh, yeah. But on the bright side, our family and friends have brought some mooncakes for good luck” said Megumi.

“Yeah, it’s a tradition to celebrate. Now, this year, since being a member of the Family of Angels is a whole delight to be my new home and I’m sure I’ll be connecting with Megumi because Megumi has decided to move her home to the mansion permanently” said Hitomi.

“So, you’re going to live with Tomoka and her friends at the mansion?” asked Yumi.

“Yes, it is. I can’t believe that I was assigned to Tomoka’s section and what a class I have seen” said Hitomi.

“There are 43 students in our class and most of them came from the Family of Angels” said Megumi.

“Oh, I see. Now, thanks to your new sections, I can finally visit you once a week” said Yumi.

“Okay, Yume. We’re currently planning to expand our team, the Family of Angels. Since you’re the former president of the student council and a member of the Homewrecking Dragons, I’ll be glad if you join to our group?” said Hitomi.

“Really, Hitomi?” asked Yumi.

“Yes, Yumi. Welcome to our team!” said Hitomi.

“Oh, thank you, Hitomi! It is an honor to join this group. I can’t wait that I’ll get along with you and your friends! Tomoka, I hope that our Saturday reunion will be more enjoyable as part of our activity” said Yumi.

“What activity?” asked Tomoka.

“It’s the group reunion in Den-en-chōfu” said Yumi.

“I can’t believe that you’re one of Hitomi’s classmates and I was so delighted that you come to meet me for the first time” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, it is. I would have been here on Saturday, but Hitomi called me to come here earlier. Now, we’re going to find some more former members of our group to gather up on Saturday” said Yumi.

“Yeah!” said Tomoka.

“Now, what we’re going to do right now is we’re going to reassign the rooms for the Family of Angels. You don’t know that the other members of the Bravehearts will leave the mansion by April 11. So, while the Family of Angels-section 1-C and the first members of the Keishin Academy Elementary School girls’ basketball team will be staying in this mansion, the rest of the members will be assigned to stay either a house or a boarding house” said Megumi.

“Yumi, where did you stay?” asked Nami.

“I’m from Tamagawa and my home is filled with my family including Kumi and my younger brothers. I’m the second of the four siblings and Kumi is the eldest. Kōichi and Shinji are ten and nine. My parents are living near the Kyoto Imperial Palace. They are members of the Ryūga Society, a society of brave workers who usually travel to different places around the country including islands” said Yumi.

“So, where your brothers study at?” asked Nami.

“They still in Shiromidai Elementary School. Kōichi is a fourth grader while Shinji is a third grader. Shinji is interested in playing basketball because he likes his idol Yuta Tabuse, a national basketball team captain” said Yumi.

“Interesting. Yumi, when you’re young, you came to Kanagawa to view the historical places. Did you have pictures?” said Anzu.

“Yes, I have. Here’s one of the pictures I take” said Yumi as she shows a picture of Kenchō-ji Gardens. “This is a picture of the Kenchō-ji. It’s one of the oldest Zen training monastery and it originally consisted of shichidō garan with 49 subtemples during the Kenchō period, but most of the these were lost in fires in the 14th and 15th centuries.”

“Wow, that garden was very plain” said Kozue.

“It has many plants living in this area” said Nanko.

“There are many plants in this area where different kinds of plants were grown through nature” said Yumi.

“Of all temples in Kamakura, this one is the oldest and it was founded in 1253 by Rankei Doryū” said Hitomi.

“Look at the picture if you want” said Yumi as she gives the picture to Kozue as Ayane, Haruko, Aika and Michiko would look at the picture Kozue holding. “You see, I have many friends who wants explore different places and I wished that I want to create a group that has many researches about dragons and temples.”

“Kanagawa is my second home after Soryu Island. That’s where I lived in three years before moving to Ōta. When I moved there, I begin to study at Shiromidai Elementary School from third grade to sixth grade. What about you?” said Anzu.

“I studied at Shiromidai Elementary School after taking toddler classes in a local daycare. Then, I stayed in Shiromidai for six years before I’m recently moving to Tamagawa Middle School” said Yumi. “I hope that I will enroll at Nashiba High School after middle school because that school has a lot of students to study there. In Kamata and Rokugoh Technical, it has the same numbers as in Nashiba.”

“Well, you have to work hard in passing the requirements for three years before studying there. I’m sure you’re gonna meet my friend and mentor Subaru” said Tomoka.

“Subaru Hasegawa. Yeah, my sister recognized him because he’s supposedly becoming a member of the Nashiba High School basketball team before Shin Mizusaki was committing a mistake, sexually abusing the daughter of the adviser of the athletic department. Subaru was sad that his basketball team got suspended for a year. Then, I talked to him when he was having a weekend. He said to me that basketball is a sport that he had been doing as a hobby, but also basketball has many techniques to learn before you master it” said Yumi.

“Well, I’m sure that our team will be ready to put on training and exploring” said Tomoka.

“Yeah. Thanks, Tomoka. Oh, it’s already 8:36. Oh, man. I think Kumi and I were about to go. It was nice meeting with you, but I have no time to go home” said Yumi as she and Kumi is about to leave the restaurant, but Tomoka grabs Yumi’s arm.

“Wait! Could you please talk outside before you go?” said Tomoka.

“Okay, Tomoka. Kumi is with me and she already knows this. Right, sister?” said Yumi.

“Yeah, you can talk anything you want” said Kumi.

“Okay, we will!” said Yumi and Tomoka. Kumi, Yumi and Tomoka would leave the Nagatsuka Restaurant for a talk.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat" | Chapter 43: "Absolution, Bravery, Ascension and Immortality"

After the talk, Kumi and Yumi wave goodbye to Tomoka as they leave the Suzuran Shopping Street. Then, the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels would leave the Nagatsuka Restaurant after Subaru and Saki pay the bills.

While walking, Tomoka, Megumi, Hitomi and Jun are talking in a conversation.

“You mean Yumi will be coming at the reunion?” asked Megumi.

“Yeah, she would. Also, I talked to her outside where what she will do next” said Tomoka.

The flashback starts with Tomoka and Yumi having a talk while Kumi is standing. “What’s your plan for the reunion?” asked Tomoka.

“First of all, when my former classmates are here, we’re going to play and eat at the park, and then, we’re going to have the “truth or dare” game. Then, finally, we’re going to see the illuminating fountain” said Yumi.

“So, that’s what you’re planning, Yumi?” asked Tomoka.

“Yeah, Tomoka. I hope that this reunion will be more fun and enjoyed when all of us are here” said Yumi, who then gets a pink card and gives it to Tomoka. “This is our group’s card. You have to view it to the other members to join the party.”

“Okay, Yumi! I hope that it’ll be more fun!” said Tomoka.

“Yes, it sure is!” said Yumi. The flashback ends and Tomoka would talk to Megumi, Hitomi and Jun.

“Now, that we’re going to the reunion, we’re going to celebrate with the other members to enjoy the day” said Tomoka.

“Wow! That’s amazing!” said Megumi.

“It appears that we only have two days remaining and I hope that we’re going to watch the illuminating fountain at the park at night” said Hitomi.

“It would be a reunion between the members of the Homewrecking Dragons. I hope you are enjoy gathering with them” said Jun.

“Yeah!” said Tomoka and Hitomi.

The Bravehearts would return to the mansion where they would go to their rooms and pack their bags. Later, the Family of Angels are at the living room. Subaru and his friends are also there.

“Kumi had a lot of talk about the secrets in the Family of Angels. The Family of Angels is originally formed from two groups: Team Gotō and Team Minato. Team Minato is originally led by Megumi Kadokawa and Akiko Miyazaki while Team Gotō is originally led by Hitomi Takao. Jun’s Angels was founded after the merger of two bands, led by Jun Gotō” said Subaru.

“Wow! The Family of Angels had originally come from different groups because of their interests in basketball, music and exploration” said Kozue.

“That’s right, Kozue. In case you’re wondering why the Family of Angels was composed of not one, but two groups” said Aoi.

“It’s because the Family of Angels was originally formed from different groups. I’ll give it to Tomoka and the leaders of the Family of Angels to continue the story” said Kazunari.

“Before the Family of Angels was formed, the Gotō faction was originated from a group of students who were travelling to different cities to explore temples and shrines in Japan. The name of the group is the Homewrecking Dragons” said Tomoka.

“The Homewrecking Dragons is a group of students from Shiromidai Elementary School that researches dragons and temples and shrines in Japan. So, basically, it’s a society that was run by elementary school students, that’s us, and it’s a fun group to interact anywhere in our school” said Hitomi.

“The original group is composed of the following: Hitomi Takao, Yumi Kaneda, Masami Nojima, Kyōji Nogami, Masanobu Uehara, Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Shigeru Hirashita, Kozue Hanabusa, Aika Sagawa and Tomoka Minato” said Akiko.

“Although the others are not named, the Homewrecking Dragons is an exploration team, but also a researching team. Some of our members were focused on other groups like Tomoka (basketball) and Kyōji (baseball)” said Megumi.

“For the first six months, the group had many activities like the exploration trip, summer trip, teambuilding and sightseeing” said Anzu.

“When it reaches November, Tomoka was not present because she was so busy training for her basketball team. This causes Kozue Hanabusa saying that Tomoka was absent in meetings and activities. Then, by the time the district tournament starts, Tomoka returns to the group for a day before playing for her team. When Tomoka was obsessed in playing basketball from the time she was so strong to beat her opponents, Tomoka’s friends begin to turn away from her” said Jun.

“At the room of the Homewrecking Dragons, the group had a conflict which is me and Kozue. Hitomi and her friends supported me while Aika and other are siding with Kozue. After Kozue said to me that I have very obsessed in playing basketball, Yumi talked to me about anything including my absence, but Kozue decided to turn away with me along with Aika and others. Then, Hitomi persuades them not to leave, but it came too late. Later, Michiko and her friends find Kozue and Aika sitting alone at the classroom” said Tomoka.

“As the new term begins, Yumi had to decide whether to suspend Kozue and her friends or not. Then, I said that since Kozue and her friends have walked away from us, they should pay the price. And so, Yumi decided to suspend Kozue and her friends indefinitely. However, only Kozue and Aika quit the group after they feel unsatisfied with their suspension” said Hitomi.

“Before Tomoka leaves the group, Kazuo Okamura asks Yumi on what to plan for the future. I said to him that our group needs to step thing up” said Masanobu.

“That’s right, Masanobu. Yumi said that our group will be able to move on from their difficulties and struggles as a new school year comes after Tomoka had transferred to Keishin Academy” said Masami Nojima.

“It begins when a new set of officers was appointed by Yumi to lead the group where Kenshō Maehara was appointed as sergeant-of-arms while I become the auditor. Masanobu is the treasurer, Kyōji is the secretary, Nanako is the vice president and Hitomi is the president” said Anzu.

“Since she becomes the student council president, Yumi leaves the group and gives me the position as president. When I started my work as the president of the group, I was so happy to meet with my old friends. Our group also picked up some new members include the young fifth graders” said Hitomi.

“We started some new activities that we collaborate with the other organizations in the Den-en-chōfu and Tamagawa areas. The main part is that we celebrated our first anniversary of our foundation of our group. So, we decided to take on a summer trip to Kanagawa to explore different places and stayed in a luxurious hotel in Yokohama” said Nanako.

“During the second term, the Homewrecking Dragons begin to partner with two groups: the Rokugo-dote Dragon Workers and the Iridescence Squadron. These two groups were also doing outdoor activities during weekends. It means that we decided to form a network of organizations that focuses on Japanese heritage” said Dairoku.

“The most important thing is that we work together as a team to take pride and honor of our Japanese ancestors, who lived there for many years to come” said Anzu.

“Meanwhile, while the Homewrecking Dragons formed in Shiromidai, I formed the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball team along with Maho, Saki, Airi and Hinta. Then, my classmates Megumi formed her group known as the Shining Camellia” said Tomoka.

“This group was formed from a group of friends from sections 6-B and 6-C. Lovers and haters, you name them. We formed the group as a group of Tomoka’s friends. As a group, we enjoyed shopping and visiting parks in our area” said Megumi.

“When in Keishin, we eat together at the canteen and we work together for assignments and projects” said Akiko.

“The Shining Camellia becomes more like a big group, which makes them as one of the most popular groups in our class” said Nami.

“Now, to make two groups together, I decided to go to Tomoka’s hometown where I met with Tomoka and her friends. We decided to plan for a family of friends and they agree with that. So, then, I decided to contact Tomoka’s friends if we can form a new group. Then, they said one word: yes” said Jun.

“On January 9, the two groups, the Homewrecking Dragons and the Shining Camelia, merge together to create a new group known as the “Family of Angels”. The reason I call the name “Family of Angels” is because it is composed of a group of friends working together to create our own “family”. It means that we want to stick together as friends even two schools are away from each other” said Tomoka.

“Since then, the Family of Angels would not only have the Homewrecking Dragons and Shining Camellia are the first two groups to become first members, but, Jun’s Angels would become the third group to join the Family of Angels. The Family of Angels is a group that we pursue future opportunities and we take pride of our community” said Megumi.

“Later, the Family of Angels would go to the mansion of the Misawa Resort Hotel to stay there for the spring break. Right now, the Family of Angels will have their new homes on April 11 where Tomoka’s classmates will be staying at the mansion while the others will live in the downtown Kamata. Jun’s Angels will still stay at the Little Wing Orphanage” said Akiko.

“And that’s the story of how the Family of Angels originates from two different groups. Now, Subaru, I’m going to ask you one question. While the Family of Angels was formed, what happened to your school while the boys’ basketball program was suspended?” said Tomoka.

“You see, I figured things out when during the summer, Aoi, Kazunari and I were searching for supporters, so that Kazunari will file an appeal to reinstate the program from suspension. It really is hard when it comes to call for support. While Banri decides to join the team, other basketball players from Nashiba High School have accepted Kazunari’s campaign” said Subaru.

“My campaign to be the vice president of the council was really making me enthusiastic. In case you know, many students in Nashiba have many possibilities in order to play basketball simply because most of the students love to play basketball other than baseball and soccer” said Kazunari.

“I realize that when we try to form a group to support Kazunari’s plan, it was like contacting many people by chatting online or talking with them during lunch. I feel happy to see them supporting Kazunari’s plan. When Kazunari becomes the vice president, he files an appeal to the school administration. The administration finally approved Kazunari’s appeal to reinstate the boys’ basketball program” said Aoi.

“While the girls have their training in Keishin, we decided to form a group that would be composed of great basketball players in Ōta. There are many basketball players in Ōta who wants to take part of our team. We form the group as the Ōta Dream Team. We represent the ward of Ōta and we compete for greatness” said Subaru.

“On the other hand, in our school, we decided to form a group known as the Luminous Camellia. The Luminous Camellia is composed of students, coming from different sections in our class. We play basketball together outside school and we play pickup games. However, we can’t play basketball if the week is the examination week” said Aoi.

“Now, our dream plan is to make the Ōta Dream Team competing in the Ōta League. We didn’t expect to see that happen, but since we’re teenagers, we’re ready to compete as long as we’re competing in youth tournaments” said Kazunari.

“Our team represents the south star of the capital with three different colors” said Subaru.

“Three colors representing courage, fortitude and willpower” said Aoi.

“Wow! That’s amazing!” said Megumi.

“You sure that your team is ready to compete for the first time?” asked Akiko.

“Yeah, we would. We’ll make sure that we’re going to win games when we enter to the tournament” said Subaru.

“Yeah!” said Aoi, Kazunari and Banri.

“Okay, then go for it!” said Tomoka.

“We’ll support you and your team!” said Jun.

“Okay!” said Subaru, Aoi, Kazunari and Banri.

“Tomoka, you have to tell more about the network of groups Dairoku mentioned about” said Masami Nojima.

“Okay, Masami. Now, Dairoku said earlier that the Homewrecking Dragons is partnering with the other two groups. The Rokugo-dote Dragon Workers is based in Rokugoh while the Iridescence Squadron is based in Takahata. Since then, the Homewrecking Dragons has planned to create a group in Keishin Academy, which is said to be “possible” because not most of the original members have transferred to Keishin” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, Tomoka was right. The Homewrecking Dragons was supposedly integrating to different schools after we’re graduating from Shiromidai. I don’t know how we are going to form the Homewrecking Dragons in Keishin because Keishin has many clubs that are offered” said Dairoku.

“Also, since we’re first time to be in Keishin, I think we’re going to form a chapter right here from the start” said Anzu.

“Yeah, Anzu. But first, we should register the group to the coordinator for club activities. Mr. Okubo is the coordinator and is the one who decides whether our group will be formed or not” said Dairoku.

“I’m sure that we’re going to do that, but I think it’s the best to not to form the group because we already have the Homewrecking Dragons in Shiromidai. I mean, we can’t form another group with the same name. We have to stick together to the Family of Angels name” said Hitomi.

“Oh, yeah. I realize that it will be a hard process to create. So, I decided not to form another chapter under the name of Homewrecking Dragons. In other case, we will stay as members of the Family of Angels” said Masami Nojima.

“Okay, I guess that we’re going to stay as members of the Family of Angels for as long as we’re in Keishin” said Tomoka.

“Do you think if I have to join the activities of the Homewrecking Dragons?” asked Kozue.

“Well, yes, you would. At least you’re a former member in Shiromidai” said Hitomi.

“Okay, thanks, Hitomi. Uh, why the Homewrecking Dragons can’t form another chapter?” said Kozue.

“You see, we can’t form another group in the name of Homewrecking Dragons. It’s going to take a term to have the process completed, but I would have mind if we should call us the Homewrecking Dragons, not as an organization, but as a group” said Hitomi.

“Oh, I get it. I think we should call us the Homewrecking Dragons, even I’m no longer a member” said Kozue.

“Nah, you’ll be fine if you can take part of our group for weekends” said Hitomi.

“Really? Okay, I know that I can be more delighted if I have to. Hey, Aika!” said Kozue.

“Kozue, what is it?” asked Aika.

“I will take part of the activities for the Homewrecking Dragons. Do you want to join too?” said Kozue.

“Well, okay” said Aika.

“But remember, Kozue and Aika, it doesn’t mean that you’re not going to make things bad in our group since we’re no longer in Shiromidai” said Shigeru.

“Yeah, we promise!” said Kozue and Aika.

“Good! I guess that we’re all here together for the first time and Yumi is finally going to be with us as well!” said Hitomi.

“Now, it appears that we’re going to have classes tomorrow. So, we’re going to spend time after classes. However, I have to make sure that we’re all here for the reunion of the Homewrecking Dragons” said Tomoka.

“It will be a homecoming and all of the first members will be invited to enjoy a day with each of us” said Hitomi.

“Also, the leaders of the Rokugo-dote Dragon Workers and the Iridescence Squadron will be also inviting to the reunion as guests. I can’t wait to see what the homecoming will be looked like” said Jun.

“There is Hanami viewing in the different parks in Tamagawadai” said Michiko.

“Oh, yeah. The Hanami viewing is part of the Cherry Blossom Festival and we’re all ready to see the cherry blossom trees” said Akiko, declaring that she and her friends will all view the cherry blossom trees.

“Hold on, Akiko. We’re talking about the homecoming. I think that the homecoming will be just gathering around and go to different places to enjoy” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, I believe that we should go to Shinjuku for the homecoming. I love to visit Shinjuku because it’s just a few miles away from the station” said Hitomi.

“Yep. So, should we go to Shinjuku for the homecoming?” said Tomoka.

“Yeah! Aye!” said the members of the Family of Angels.

“Okay, it’s decided. I think we’re all ready to go for Saturday” said Tomoka.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Family of Angels.

“So, Subaru, what are you going to do without us?” asked Tomoka.

“Well, you see, there is no training on Saturday, but of course, Aoi, Banri, Kazunari and I will be invited by Kumi to visit her group’s base located in Kamata. Kumi’s group had a based located in her own house beside her family’s house” said Subaru.

“That was expected. I hope that you’re going to enjoy meeting with them” said Tomoka.

“Yeah!” said Subaru.

“Okay, tomorrow will be the second day of school and I believe that the Family of Angels will be in charge for this month’s activities. Also, Hitomi has many friends outside Shiromidai when she is a member of the Homewrecking Dragons. That way, we’re going to meet them at the Little Wing Orphanage at four in the afternoon” said Tomoka.

“Hitomi and I will be calling our friends to visit our home and then, we’re going to plan some activities for that. I believe that Megumi and her team will be playing basketball at our town’s basketball court” said Jun.

“Well, I remember that place. That’s where Asumi and Michiko are always playing there” said Megumi.

“Yep, it would be expected to train here while the others are doing other duties” said Michiko.

“Asumi is a member of Ginga’s Pupils and I know that she is going to lead her team as the ace. I wonder if she will be here” said Nami.

“Are you sure that we should go to Nishi-Shiromi to go to the Orphanage?” asked Kotoe.

“Yeah, Kotoe. I was thinking about doing our activities as members of the Family of Angels. Should we work together with the other members from different groups?” said Hitomi.

“Yeah, we should have different duties to work it out, in order to prepare for tomorrow. Also, Airi talked to me earlier that her birthday will be on Monday. I guess that we have to buy her presents before her birthday” said Tomoka.

“Well, what are we going to do?” asked Michiko.

“I think I’ll buy the gift for her. Then, my classmates will buy presents too! There is a shop located in Shimomaruko that sells t-shirts and blouses” said Tomoka.

“Oh, I know that place. The owner of that place was the father of one of the members of the Homewrecking Dragons” said Hitomi.

“That’s weird. I never thought about that. Well, we’ll make sure that we should buy gifts for Airi before reaches her birthday” said Tomoka.

“Okay!” said the members of the Family of Angels.

“On the other hand, the Family of Angels will be planning to hold a local basketball tournament on May 1 and 2. Megumi and Asumi are planning to organize the tournament” said Jun.

“I made the decision of creating a tournament in between two holiday dates and Asumi likes the idea” said Megumi.

“Well, I hope that you’re going to propose this for us” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, Tomoka. It will be fun” said Megumi.

“Okay, I think we’re going finish the meeting for the Family of Angels and Team Hasegawa. So, let’s continue the discussion for tomorrow” said Tomoka.

“Okay!” said the members of the Family of Angels and Team Hasegawa. With the true story about the formation of the Family of Angels, the members of the Homewrecking Dragons and the Shining Camellia have experienced their memories before the merger of the two groups. With a new school year is coming, the Family of Angels are ready to bring blessings in the Bravehearts and hopefully, they are ready to go to the homecoming on Saturday.

UP NEXT: Chapter 44: "Either the Left or the Right"

 

[Sherwin Riga]

The next chapter will be back to Kyoto as the Gremory Team and other groups are going to explore Kyoto with different places they are going to visit and also, they are ready for their experiment for the creation of a new planet in the crimson planetary system. I was able to do research about Kyoto and the historic and heritage places such as temples and shrines. This makes the volume more focused on "dragons" because High School DxD is the anime series that focused on the three races and the existence of dragons. So, I'm going to make sure that the Dragons Arc will be more focused for the month of April activities in my story. That's all for now and enjoy reading Chapter 44!:)

The Gremory Team and their allies are investigating that book the Elmenhilde found as this book was written by one of the Karakurenai descendants, Shinsuke Nojima. Draylaine Masaki and her team, the Unburden Kyoto, would meet Rias and her team for the first time and they are joining for them for the expedition in Kyoto. They would start exploring the historical places in Kyoto including Kinkaku-ji, the Kyoto Botanical Garden and Tenryū-ji. At Tenryū-ji, the party would eat their lunch before heading to the teaching hall to know about the blossom diamond. While eating their lunch, Rias, Draylaine, Kira and Yukiya are talking to each other in a conversation to know about the place Tenryū-ji. The visit to Tenryū-ji would uncover some secrets about the blossom diamond, which the Gremory Team is planning to look at it. The party would go to the basketball grounds where they will play basketball. Issei and his friends are debuting their first match against the Unburden Kyoto in a friendly match.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
CHAPTER 44: “EITHER THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT”​

The next morning, the Gremory Team and the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum are at the hall where they are talking about the book that was authored by one of the members of the Karakurenai clan.
“I get it. This book has secrets of the red dragon. It says that it symbolizes imperial power and its nation’s progress through many dynasties” said Rias.

“Are you sure that the book was basically talked about the ancient Japan?” asked Yuto.

“Yeah, exactly. I never read that book for many years. It says that the book was sacred, and it was kept at this place for many years. When Kurenai was formed, the book was brought to the planet, however, by the time the Great Kurenese War happened, the book was almost destroyed. Then, the historians have found that book and decided to reprint the book with the updated ones from the last chapter up to the Great Kurenese War” said Rias.

“I have to say that this book was old for more than 100 years and the reprinted version was kept in Kurenai. This book was the original one that was brought from Kurenai for heritage purposes” said Akeno.

“Sounds like the book was brought from this place and this is the place where the Karakurenai Clan originates in the era of Meiji” said Rias.

“You know about this book?” asked the thirty-year-old red-haired woman Draylaine Masaki, who appears from the door. Then, she walks to the members of the Gremory Team and inspects the book.

“Did you inspect anything?” asked Asia.

“Well, yeah. It looks like this book was brought from Kurenai after more than 20 years that was used to reprint that for the updated edition” said Draylaine.

“Are you part of the Karakurenai Clan?” asked Issei.

“Yes, boy. I’m indeed a member of the Karakurenai Clan. The name is Draylaine Masaki. I was born in Kyoto and I lived there since I moved from Kamakura. I usually work as a restaurant bartender, but now, I became a councilor of this ward.” Draylaine Masaki smiles to see the visitors. Draylaine Masaki is the cousin of Rias Gremory through her extended paternal family.

“I’m glad that you’re here, Draylaine” said Rias.

“Just call me “Drai” for short, Rias” said Draylaine.

“Okay. Drai, this is our team, the Gremory Team. My name is Rias Gremory. I’m the former president of the Occult Research Club in Kuoh Academy.” Rias introduces Draylaine to the members of the Gremory Team. “Our team has stayed there in Kuoh in Kurenai and we’re here for the vacation.”

“Oh, good for you, Rias. You’re in vacation, now. So, when are you expected to go back to Kurenai after the trip?” said Draylaine.

“By Sunday, we’re going to back to start new duties in our team” said Rias.

“It’s the time of the year, Rias. You’re now in college, but as you can all know, college is the next thing you have to study in the Japanese education system. Another thing is that college students refer to stay in boarding houses to save money. However, you’ll get lucky enough to make your college life easier” said Draylaine.

“Thanks, but, no thanks. I have a home in Kuoh. I’m living with Issei and my friends” said Rias.

“Say, you’re in luck, Rias. You’ve just engaged to Issei. Congratulations! I can’t believe that it’s about time to move on and I believe that you’re going to have a family when you finish college” said Draylaine.

“Oh, it’s just only an announcement a few weeks ago. I can’t say that to my clan members” said Rias.

“Well, I told that announcement to your family before I go back to Kyoto a few months ago. I feel happy to see you engaged” said Draylaine.

“Thanks, Drai. I can’t believe that it is happening because Issei had a lot of things he made for me and I give him some advice while we’re playing the Rating Games. I can’t wait to see what Issei will do when the ORC will be restructuring this year” said Rias.

“It was a great honor, Draylaine. I’m glad that our club has getting more reputation since our members grow their rankings including Issei” said Asia.

“Yeah, aside from the members of the Occult Research Club, there are other members who were closed to Rias and her class. Genshiro and I were currently running the student council” said Xenovia.

“It was nice to meet you, Draylaine, I mean, Drai. I’m the leader of my team, Team Hyodo” said Issei.

“Well, nice to see you, my friends. I thought that you’re going to have a battle against the Chaos Brigade, but I guess that the Chaos Brigade has only existed in Kurenai, not Earth” said Draylaine.

“I believe so. Well, where is your team?” said Rias.

“They are at the dining room. I’m done eating earlier because I cooked a lot of food for my teammates” said Draylaine.

“Let me guess. Your members are composed of the members of the Flaming Dragons of Kansai?” said Akeno.

“Yes, you got it. My team has composed of members of the Flaming Dragons of Kansai and, a few of my teammates came from different colleges in Kyoto” said Draylaine.

“It seems that you have a team, Drai. You team had a lot of explorations in West Japan” said Koneko.

“You got it right, Koneko. Our team is good in exploring places in West Japan and I bear the name of Masaki because I came from the Kagashima-Masaki clan” said Draylaine.

“I guess that we’re going to have some new friends to join us in going to the north of Kyoto” said Yuto.

“You mean, you’re inviting us to go to Sakyō and Ukyō?” asked Draylaine.

“Yeah, I’m sure that you’re going to talk about the dragons and then, we’re going to form a new planet in the crimson planetary system” said Rias.

“Well, you can count me in!” said Draylaine.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Gremory Team and the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum.

“Hop in outside! I’ll wait for my teammates to join with you” said Draylaine.

“Where is your vehicle, Drai?” asked Issei.

Draylaine and her team’s name is known as Unburden Kyoto. Draylaine Masaki was born in Kyoto and that’s why she named that group where she represents Kyoto. The Unburden Kyoto, Gremory Team and Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum go outside to show five convertible vans.

“Everyone, let’s go to Sakyō!” said Draylaine as the members of the three groups go to their respective convertible vans and Draylaine will ride on the first van. The Gremory Team joins Draylaine to the first van. Later, the five vans leave the Karakurenai Clan Ancestral House to go to the ward of Sakyō.

While the five vans drive away from home, the members of the Gremory Team would see the nice view of different houses and temples. People sells souvenirs outside the historical temples while the rafters are posted between the wire posts.

“You’re in luck, guys, because I have this map to take a trip to different temples and shrines in Kyoto. On the bright side, your vacation wouldn’t be more fun without me. So, I hope you enjoy the ride with my van” said Draylaine, who was driving in front.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Gremory Team.

“Yep, you sure will!” said Draylaine, who poses a smile pose to the members of the Gremory Team.

The three groups go to Kita where they explore Kinkaku-ji. At Kinkaku, Issei, Elmenhilde, Matsuda, Motohama, Aika, Katase and Murayama visit the view of the lake from the interior part of the Golden Pavilion.

“Wow! This is so beautiful!” said Matsuda.

“This is a nice place to relax, guys!” said Motohama.

“At least that we brought some fishing rods” said Aika, who shows the fishing rods.

“Yay!” said Issei, Elmenhilde, Matsuda, Motohama, Katase and Murayama. Issei’s group have gone fishing at the fishing deck while Rias, Akeno, Asia and Yuto inspect the Golden Pavilion.

“It seems that this place is old and notably, it is based on the residential style of the Heian aristocracy. How perfect!” said Akeno.

“Yeah, I love to see the view of this area where people say that this Golden Pavilion was possibly lived by aristocrats and now, it becomes a heritage place in the recent years” said Rias.

“The place was usually visited by tourists and this is one of the most popular places in visiting the ancient temples in Kyoto” said Yuto.

“Yep, I feel like this place is more frequently attractive to see the outside view of the temple” said Asia.

“Yeah, I agree” said Akeno.

“Sounds like this place has been popular for years after the arson” said Rias.

“Yeah” said Akeno, Asia and Yuto.

Draylaine (Unburden Kyoto) and Kira (Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum) go to the second floor where they visit the shrine is dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kannon.

“Look at this place, Draylaine” said Kira, who look at the statue of Kannon. “This is the place where it dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy.”

“Did you read about Japanese mythology?” asked Draylaine.

“Yeah, of course, Draylaine. In our class, our mythology teacher discussed the different deities in Japanese mythology” said Kira.

“It seems that you know about gods and goddesses” said Draylaine.

“Yeah, I was. That’s why I came to this place because not only it’s the first I visit the human world, but to explore more about dragons, ancient temples and shrines” said Kira.

“Ah, I expect to learn about all of the things in Kyoto, Kira. When the scenery of this place was so harmonious and magnificent, people go there to see the place even like a villa” said Draylaine.

“Yeah, it’s true, Draylaine. I say that this place has a whole lot of things that dedicated to the goddess of mercy” said Kira.

“Yep” said Draylaine.

Issei, Elmenhilde, Matsuda, Motohama, Aika, Katase and Murayama are still fishing at the fishing deck, but no one gets the fish yet.

“Did you catch anything, Motohama?” asked Matsuda.

“No, nothing” said Motohama.

“I can’t even sense one bite of my bait” said Katase, who groaned softly.

“Yeah, me too” said Murayama.

“Cheer up, guys. We can’t let these things down. Only experts who have a lot of sense of catching a fish” said Aika.

“Oh, it’s biting!” said Elmenhilde as Issei is about to catch a fish, who eats a bait. Then, Elmenhilde holds the fishing rod and Issei gives more power to catch the first.

“I got it!” said Issei, who finally catches a fish. “It’s a white large fish!”

“Great job, Issei! This fish will be our lunch!” said Katase.

“Excellent catch, Issei! I think you’re just doing it the right way” said Aika.

“Wow, I guess that my baiting strategy works! Thanks, Elmen!” said Issei.

“Oh, Issei, I was sensing the bite the fish, and then, lure the fish out the way. Now, we should go to the garden” said Elmenhilde.

“Yeah!” said Issei, Matsuda, Motohama, Aika, Katase and Murayama.

The three groups go outside to view the garden of Kinkaku-ji.

“Look at this, everyone!” said Draylaine as the party sees the view of the borrowed scenery where the pond reflects the temple.

“It seems that this place is so beautiful and attractive where the scenery is reflecting the temple when you look at the pond” said Rias.

“This is one of the tourist attractions in Kyoto that you’re going to visit if you’re interested in ancient Japanese history” said Draylaine.

“Are you sure that this pond reflects the place?” asked Motohama.

“Yeah, it was” said Aika.

“You never know when you’re at the bridge or at the garden, you’ll see some reflections out there. The Kinkaku-ji implements the ideas of borrowed scenery, also known as shakkei, that integrates the outside and the inside, creating an extension of the views surrounding the Golden Pavilion and connecting it with the outside world” said Issei.

“Going to see the view of the garden, you will look at the plants, being grown based on time. Different seasons change everything from spring to winter. A different kind of scenery makes the Golden Pavilion more beautiful than ever” said Murayama.

“More like an iridescence which makes the colors spark high with a lot of trees and plants protected by the warrior aristocrats during the Muromachi period” said Elmenhilde.

“Yeah, Elmenhilde. The golden leaf represents the mitigation and purification of any pollution or negative thoughts and feelings towards death” said Katase.

“I’m sure that this place is more like a paradise” said Issei.

“Yeah, this ain’t paradise, this more like heavenly delightful place” said Matsuda.

The members of Team Hyodo laugh as they feel happy to see the view of the garden of Kinkaku-ji.

Later, the five vans are heading to their next destination: the ward of Sakyō.

“Where are we going, Draylaine?” asked Issei.

“We’re going to the Kyoto Botanical Garden. This place has a conservatory and a lot of plants representing some 12,000 species. There are major gardens that represent each type of plants existed in Japan” said Draylaine.

“I’m sure that this place is more awesome than the first one” said Issei.

“Yeah, Issei. We can get there in no time” said Draylaine.

“Wow! I can’t believe that Drai was politely respectful to me when we’re talking to each other” said Issei.

“Yep. I always told you that many girls have their desires and admirations that can make themselves more beautiful. The more you talk to them, the better the girls like you” said Rias.

“Yeah, right” said Issei, who was blushing a little bit.

The three groups visit the Kyoto Botanical Garden. The members go to different places in the Botanical Garden where it has many plants to see.

“Wow! This is awesome! I can’t believe that this place has a lot of plants!” said Gasper.

“Yeah, you know that this place has housed more than 100,000 plants. You can’t count them all unless you know in counting!” said Ravel.

“I think these cherry blossom trees are so charming and cute” said Koneko.

“Well, this place has a lot of plants grown for many years. People visit there every day and this place is more like a natural park” said Kuroka.

“On the bright side, these camellias are so cute!” said Valerie.

“Wow! I can’t wait to see those flowers out there!” said Gasper.

“So, Ravel, what kind of flower did you like the most?” asked Koneko.

“I like orchids because these flowers are blooming when you see them. It has a variety of pitched light colors when look at the orchids” said Ravel.

“My favorite flower for me is a Japanese iris. The iris has many colors and I like the purple one. That one was used to enhance beauty and charm” said Koneko.

“I’m sure you like flowers, sister” said Kuroka.

“Yeah, Kuroka. This place has been visited by people anywhere with the nice scenery of flowers and trees growing” said Koneko. Koneko, Kuroka and Ravel smile as the little group of second-year students are looking at the flowers in the Camellia Garden.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat" | Chapter 44: "Either the Left or the Right"

Part 2​

After visiting the Kyoto Botanical Garden, the three groups would finally go to Ukyō where they will visit the place that has diamonds hide: the Tenryū-ji.

Before leaving the van to explore the Tenryū-ji, Draylaine shows the map to the members of the three groups. “Now, this map has the guide to go to different places, in order to know about the places existed in Tenryū-ji. This place is more heritage because it was founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji” said Draylaine.

“It’s already one in the afternoon and we didn’t eat a single lunch yet” said Yuto.

“Well, I have all the foods that we can eat” said Xenovia.

“Great idea, Xenovia! Uh, Draylaine, we should eat first before exploring” said Irina.

“Okay! Everyone, we should eat first before exploring this place” said Draylaine.

“Okay!” said the members of the three groups.

Xenovia, Irina, Yuto and Rossweisse prepare the food including the fish that Issei caught earlier. After preparing the food, the members of the three groups begin to eat at the Tahō-den.

“Thanks for the food!” Everyone shouted as they begin eating their lunch.

While eating, Rias, Draylaine, Kira and Yukiya are talking in a conversation.

“So, you said that you’re staying here and then,” said Rias.

“I was excited to live in the Ancestral House along with my team because I never let things down when it comes to visit the places in Kyoto. Of all the ancient cities established, Kyoto has many heritage places because these are founded during the Heian and Muramachi period” said Draylaine.

“Probably, Kyoto has a lot of heritage places that you can find like temples, gardens and shrines” said Kira.

“In Kyoto, there are many special places that you can go the make memories” said Yukiya Uehara.

“Yeah, that’s right, Yukiya. In Tenryū-ji, there are a lot of temples are standing today and most of them were reconstructed from fire” said Draylaine.

“On the other hand, the garden is the beautiful place to go camping for a day. However, we can’t stay here for long because we have to go back home by night” said Rias.

“What about the blossom diamond?” asked Kira.

“It is located at the teaching hall, but I believe that one of the rooms have featured diamonds” said Draylaine.

“You never touch a diamond before?” asked Yukiya Uehara.

“Yeah, but I mean, I never went Tenryū-ji for a long time after the last I went there when I was in college. I never touch a diamond at the teaching hall before because these diamonds were hidden and kept in one sacred place” said Draylaine.

“Oh, I understand. Have you ever look at the decorative painting of a dragon?” said Rias.

“Yeah, I saw that, too. That’s why my team has a lot of IQs in remembering about the Japanese mythology and even, East Asian ancient history” said Draylaine.

“It appears that this place must be one of the largest temple grounds in Kyoto and I’m sure this place has experienced fires many years ago” said Kira.

“The last time it was damaged was in 1864, but thankfully, most of the buildings were eventually reconstructed and stayed standing today” said Yukiya Uehara.

“I agree, Yukiya. What I was planning is that going to different places like this makes me wonder how the ancient temples and shrines stand for many years. It looks like many heritage places were more like sacred and more kept like secrets” said Draylaine.

“So, the main reason why you want to explore Tenryū-ji is because you want to touch the blossom diamond. Right?” said Rias.

“Yeah, I supposed there is a blossom diamond in the Kyoto Imperial Palace, but nothing’s there” said Draylaine.

“The secrets of the dragons may be relied to the progress of the Japanese nation through many years. It means that there are special things that are existed, but some of those were destroyed” said Yukiya Uehara.

“Actually, the teaching hall is the place where diamonds are kept and hidden. That means that maybe the diamonds are pure and shiny to see at night” said Kira.

“I agree, Kira. This is the special place where it houses special items right there” said Draylaine.

“So, what do you think? We should view the diamonds at the teaching hall later on” said Rias.

“Yeah, I think we should go there and touch that blossom diamond” said Draylaine.

“Rias” said Kira.

“Yes, Kira, what is it?” asked Rias.

“I was thinking if there is an intruder from the Chaos Brigade, maybe we should fight them” said Kira.

“It depends, but we have to watch out for the remnants of the Chaos Brigade. They said that some of the remnants fled after the possible death of Rizevim Livan Lucifer, but I believe that those remnants must have gone to this country” said Rias.

“What?!” said Dryaline, Kira and Yukiya.

“This is impossible!” said Kira.

“I thought that those are dead. Maybe, the others pleaded to go exile?” said Draylaine.

“Yeah, I believe so. The Karakurenai Clan has many descendants all over the generations and since this is our time to have a chance to touch that diamond, we will have more powers” said Rias.

“That’s right, Rias. I think we need to touch that diamond too! I wonder if we can see the other colors of the diamonds out there” said Kira.

“Well, each color has a unique symbol of good lucks and opportunities. These diamonds are iridescent and as a result, these powers are more like boosted powers in the Sacred Gear” said Draylaine.

“Yeah, it’s true” said Rias.

“Rias, I know that you’re going to leave Japan to go back to Kurenai on Sunday, but I think you will try your best in beating your opponents at the Kurenese East Asian Games” said Draylaine.

“Yeah, I wish that we’re supposed to have many representatives to compete for the games, but it’s all to the Nikurenese Ministry of Sports to decide what to do for the Kurenese East Asian Games” said Rias.

“Well, I don’t mind if I have to watch the Kurenese East Asian Games soon” said Draylaine.

“It will be held in a month, so it’s going to be a long training to do that, but right now, Rating Games and basketball are going to be the sports that I will be participating” said Rias.

“Wait, did you say basketball?” asked Draylaine.

“Yeah, although that there is no Rating Games held in the human world, there are many sports Japan produce. The Rating Games is usually popular in Kurenai and Kurikuma. So, the Rating Games is where you will compete in a chess-style tag event where you have to beat the King in order to win the game” said Rias.

“Wow! The Rating Games is sure of a role-playing strategy sport in Kurenai” said Draylaine.

“Yeah. So, what is your favorite sport?” said Rias.

“For me, it’s basketball” said Draylaine.

“Oh, that’s a great sport. I usually play basketball with my friends in Kuoh Academy” said Yukiya Uehara.

“Yes, it is, Yukiya. I have to tell you that basketball is one of the most popular sport in the human world. In Kurenai, we have great basketball players all over the planet. I think my favorite player is Shota Yoshimatsu. Yoshimatsu is the great small forward in the NKBA” said Kira.

“Wow! That’s interesting! So, Rias, why are you planning to play basketball?” said Draylaine.

“You see, Tomoka asked me if you can participate another sport in the Kurenese East Asian Games. But when I was about to answer, Tomoka said to me that I should be playing basketball. It’s going to be different if you can take the talents from Rating Games to basketball” said Rias.

“Hmm. Sounds like your team has planning that out” said Kira.

“Yep. I can’t believe that it will be an alternative sport for us if we can take a break from the Rating Games” said Rias.

“Oh, I think you should pursue that sport, Rias. I knew that the handball and tennis teams are rocking the high school league recently” said Kira.

“It will be a nice sport to play with your teammates, Rias” said Yukiya Uehara.

“Well, I should give it a try” said Rias.

“Good. However, there is no basketball court in this temple ground” said Draylaine.

“How about there is one out here” said Yukiya Uehara as he pointed the basketball court beside Ōhōjō. “This court has made of fine clay and it can viewed from the temple. This is usually used for recreational activities.”

“Well, that would be a nice place to go there for basketball training” said Rias.

“Yeah, I think we should tell the others to go that place” said Draylaine.

“So, when do we go to the teaching hall to touch the blossom diamond?” asked Kira.

“Well, I supposedly we should go there, but we should do that after the basketball training. After the training, we’re going to be refreshed at one of the temples to stay here for a while” said Draylaine.

“I guess that we should be ready for the training at the court” said Rias.

“Yeah!” said Draylaine, Kira and Yukiya.

After eating their lunch at Tahō-den, the three groups would go the recreational area of the Tenryū-ji. It is located outside Ōhōjō.

“Well, this is it. Everyone, this is the recreational area of the Tenryū-ji. It has a lot of recreational courts out there, but of course, this is where you will do your basketball practice” said Draylaine.

“Drai, this one is nice. It faces the river” said Issei.

“Okay, you can go anywhere you want, but after two hours, we should go to Ōhōjō to relax and then, go to the teaching hall” said Draylaine.

“Okay!” said the members of the Unburden Kyoto, Gremory Team and Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum.

The three groups would split up to prepare for basketball practice. Issei and his group are met by some members of the Unburden Kyoto.

“Hi, Issei! Do you want to play with me?” said Yumi Hashima, one of the members of the Unburden Kyoto.

“Well, okay!” said Issei.

Issei’s team is composed of himself (PG), Seiichi Matsuda (SF), Eiji Motohama (PF), Aika Kiryuu (C) and Kaori Katase (SG). Yumi Hashima’s team is composed of herself (PG), Akira Tamaki (SF), Shinsuke Miyazawa (SG), Asami Ibuki (PF) and Arisu Sasaki (C).

The match starts with Issei moves get the ball from Seiichi to start the pick-up game. Issei would do the pace and space offense, allows his team to prepare for the next play. Issei passes the ball to Eiji and drives past Asami to shoot the ball with the jump shot. The shot was good, makes the first two points for Team Hyodo.

“Great shot, Motohama!” said Issei, who gives Motohama a high five.

“That was a nice start!” said Motohama.

The next play happens when Asami passes the ball from Yumi. As Asami is about to pass the ball to Shinsuke, Katase and Matsuda guard Shinsuka. But it doesn’t matter for Asami as she shoots the three-point shot from beyond the three-point line and her shot was good. [Unburden Kyoto 3, Team Hyodo 2]

“Wow! Asami is using her determination to observe her teammates. If her teammates are guarded, she can shoot the ball away from her defender. If her teammates are not guarded, she can pass the ball and gives her a friendly assist as her teammate will shoot” said Issei.

“I never see that kind of move before. I was wondering about Yumi’s team being good enough to beat Issei’s team. Well, I don’t know if that would happen” said Murayama.

Issei now controls the ball and Yumi guards him.

“So, what do you think about your strategy?” asked Issei.

“I’ll say, we never thought that the flames are not withstanding to unleash fury of our team, but I get the point that the flames are enduring until its last second. So, our team is enduring like the flames did” said Yumi as she steals the ball from Issei.

“What?!” said Issei. Yumi would shoot the ball with the jump shot and the ball drives to the basket to score another two points for the Unburden Kyoto. [Unburden Kyoto 5, Team Hyodo 2]

“You see, our team has experiences ever since we formed the Unburden Kyoto. We play like flames lighting up” said Yumi.

“So, doesn’t mean that you’re not resisting to getting burnt?” asked Issei.

“No, Issei. We can’t enter the flames, you silly! Our group has been growing its fury because our flames have been ignited or else, they would be burnt out” said Yumi.

“Oh, I get it. So, you won’t get tingled, aren’t you?” said Issei.

“Yes, it is, Issei. So, are you ready to battle?” said Yumi.

“Well, fine. I’ll be able to get past to you with my boosted skills!” said Issei.

“Good!” said Yumi.

The possession goes to Team Hyodo where Motohama passes the ball to Matsuda and then, drives past Tamaki.

“Issei, this is for you!” said Matsuda as he passes the ball to Issei.

“Thanks, Matsuda! Here goes nothing!” said Issei as he is about to shoot the ball. However, Yumi tries to stop Issei from shooting the ball in the paint. Issei grins as he gets his idea on trying to break Yumi’s defensive stops. “You’re good, Yumi. But you can’t see this?!” Issei passes the ball to Aika, who was far away from him.

“Shoot, Aika!” said Murayama and Katase. Aika would shoot the ball away from the three-point line and the ball drives to the basket like a splash. The score is now tied at 5.

“Oh, that was too easy for me to shoot the ball away from the line” said Aika.

“You see that, I never thought about you tried to stop me, but I have my friends to carry things out” said Issei.

“Well, I’m fine that you made things good. But I’m not done yet!” said Yumi.

“Me too! I won’t get engulfed with her team’s strategy, but I have a plan” said Issei, who feels energetic to prepare his team to go on a strategy.

The next play goes to the Unburden Kyoto as Akira Tamaki battles Seiichi Matsuda. Akira and Matsuda would battle in and out of the restricted area until Akira step back to shoot with the fadeaway jumper. Akira’s shot was missed and Katase gets the rebound.

“Issei, catch!” said Katase as she passes the ball to Issei. Issei catches the ball and prepares for the fast break.

“Come on, Issei! You can do it!” said Murayama. Issei would be followed by Yumi and Shinsuke Miyazawa.

“Those two aren’t going to let me trip, but I got a plan!” said Issei. Issei passes the ball to Matsuda, who was outside of the three-point line.

“Alright, here I come!” said Matsuda as he shoots the ball while Akira tries to block it. Matsuda’s shot was shooting up high and the ball drives to the basket. [Team Hyodo 8, Unburden Kyoto 5]

“Nice shot, Matsuda!” said Motohama.

“Great job, Matsuda! You looked grooving right now” said Issei.

“I can’t believe that the shot was good. I’m so happy to see that happen. Now, should we continue?” said Matsuda.

“Yeah!” said Motohama and Issei.

The next thing the game happened is when Motohama battles against Asami Ibuki once again. Motohama would drive past Asami before Arisu Sasaki tries to stop Motohama.

“Well, you won’t get my shot block now, big girl! Take this!” said Motohama as he dunks the ball with the contacted dunk over Arisu. [Team Hyodo 10, Unburden Kyoto 7]

“This is getting stronger, team! Also, we should watch out for their pace and space defense” said Issei.

“Yeah!” said Matsuda, Motohama, Aika and Katase.

“We’ll finish the match in no time! Let’s do this!” said Issei.

“Okay!” said Matsuda, Motohama, Aika and Katase.

Elmenhilde and Kira are watching the match between Team Hyodo and Unburden Kyoto.

“I wonder what those members of the Unburden Kyoto are looked like” said Elmenhilde.

“They never got afraid of the flames when they see it. Also, they have good use of night vision to see anything while nighttime” said Kira.

“As long as they are playing, they don’t want to lose their fire out when they want to endure themselves” said Elmenhilde.

“True, but Yumi has the plans to make sure that her team doesn’t get their strategy singed” said Kira.

“I’m sure that you know those guys, Kira” said Elmenhilde.

“Yeah! This group has a lot of things about dragons, but of course, they believed to be descended from their ancestors during the Meiji era” said Kira.

“That’s right, Kira. We were born as descendants, but also, we never lose our braveness” said Erika Okushita, who joined the conversation.

“Erika! Why are you here?” said Kira.

“Just to watch the game between my team and Issei’s team” said Erika Okushita.

“I guess you came in for our conversation” said Elmenhilde.

“Yeah. So, what did you talk about?” said Erika Okushita.

“We just talked about your group” said Kira.

“Oh, okay. So, you want me to know about my group?” said Erika Okushita.

“Yeah, I want to know about how your group has strengths and weaknesses” said Elmenhilde.

“I want to know about your experience when you’re on a trip to Kamakura” said Kira.

“Well, calm down. I’ll do it because I know that you want to become friends with me” said Erika Okushita.

“Yeah!” said Elmenhilde and Kira.

“Okay! I’ll tell you about our group from its formation until today. You won’t get burnt out if you don’t know about our group” said Erika Okushita.

“Yeah!” said Elmenhilde and Kira.

The Unburden Kyoto, Gremory Team and Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum are enjoyed playing recreational activities in Tenryū-ji. However, they didn’t go to the teaching hall yet because they didn’t about the secrets of the blossom diamond. As the sun is still facing the place, the Tenryū-ji is one of the most popular ancient places in Kyoto where it is still withstanding until today.

UP NEXT: Chapter 45: "The Plan of the Family of Angels"

 

[Sherwin Riga]

As you all know, there are many plans that I have to make for the next chapters of Volume 4. I felt okay when it comes to focusing on the members of the Family of Angels, but also, I have one male character that he will be ready to take his destiny against Koneko Toujou and her peerage and he will have a major role in his trip to Kyoto. His name is Ryōta Nakamura and he came from Hinata Hakamada's Innocent Charm. I think I have that idea to make The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat Arc more interesting, but also, I was able to have his friends during the summer camp. They will be appeared in Chapter 47, which will be posted next week. So, stay tuned for my progress in the series. For now, the Family of Angels had a great day as they bought their birthday gifts for Airi's birthday. Airi Kashii is the oldest member of Subaru's Girls and also her nickname Prismatic Bird fits her personality as quiet and caring friend to Tomoka Minato. Also, in this chapter, you will see the first adjustments regarding the two groups: Team Blue and Yellow and Dazzled Hearts. I'm satisfied with the Dazzled Hearts concept, but I'm worried about Team Blue and Yellow and this makes Maho and Natsuhi's friends felt unhappy about their size of their group. You're going to see the good results of this situation. I hope that my Holy Week break will begin next week, but I'll have more time to write new chapters for the series. Enjoy reading Chapter 45!:)

The Bravehearts and the Family of Angels have leave their schools to buy their birthday gifts for Airi’s birthday on Monday. After that, they went to the Little Wing Orphanage to wait for Kyō and Sakura. But as the Bravehearts enter to the Little Wing Orphanage, they were surprised to see Kyō, Sakura and two other young students named: Noriko Masuda and Yūki Sasaki. As the Bravehearts and the members of the Family of Angels get along with them for the meeting at the house of Jun and her bandmates, they have some plans tomorrow’s homecoming at the park in Tamagawa. Also, the Bravehearts have their plans in expanding their group since most of the students are now in middle school while the young members are still in the sixth grade in Keishin Academy. The Bravehearts would announce that the group would begin re-organizing the system of the Six Groups of Bravehearts as they deal with the situation between Team Blue and Yellow and Dazzled Hearts because Team Blue and Yellow has the fewest number of members compared to the Dazzled Hearts, which has many members and many groups coming from that group. With the re-organization of the system of the Six Groups of Bravehearts, the Bravhearts are hopefully going to take their actions as the Family of Angels will be leading the group in month of April.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
CHAPTER 45: “THE PLAN OF THE FAMILY OF ANGELS”​

The Bravehearts go to their schools for their second day Since it’s Friday, they will have more time to buy their birthday gifts for Airi, so that they will give to Airi on her birthday.

In the afternoon, after the classes in Keishin Academy and Shiromidai Elementary School have been ended, the Bravehearts would pack their bags and leave their classrooms to get out of the buildings. The five groups: Team Blue and Yellow, Dazzled Hearts, Orange and Fuchsia, Innocent Charm and Team Aurora would go back to their homes while the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts would go to the Nishi-Shiromi Station in Den-en-chōfu.

Family of Angels: Composed of five teams
Team Gotō: Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Shigeru Hirashita, Hitomi Takao, Masami Nojima, Kyōji Nogami and Masanobu Uehara
Jun’s Angels: Jun Gotō, Nozomi Momijidani, Sora Kaneshiro, Kyō Nukui, Sakura Toriumi, Kurumi Nukui, Kōme Ogi and Yuzuha Aigae
Team Takeda: Michiko Takeda, Ayane Shirakawa, Haruko Kōyama, Kozue Hanabusa and Aika Sagawa
Team Miyazaki: Akiko Miyazaki, Natsuki Sakura, Satsuki Ōkuma, Katsuei Kōno, Asami Nakagawa, Miki Akizuki, Kōichi Aoyama, Mito Azaki and Kiyoto Miyaji
Team Kadokawa: Megumi Kadokawa, Nami Tamayama, Kotoe Kano, Fujiko Sasaki Ryōta Mikawa, Shōzō Takamatsu, Junichi Kamisaka, Akiyuki Katsumoto, Kaiji Nakagami, Kazue Futagawa, Chitose Ayano, Shizuka Tojo, Sayoko Nagata and Minako Kawaguchi

Before they enter to the Little Wing Orphanage, the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts would go to Shimomaruko to buy their presents for Airi as her birthday is almost there. Her birthday is on Monday and the members of the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts have no time to buy their presents before reaches Airi’s birthday.

“Wow! I can’t believe that their products are not much expensive” said Minako Kawaguchi.

“Yeah, these presents are fitted for Airi. She can’t miss her presents, you know” said Nami.

“Since you’re all buying the presents for Airi’s birthday, we have to wait for it until her birthday” said Megumi.

“Yeah!” said the members of Team Kadokawa.

“Airi, how’s your friends?” asked Nozomi.

“They bought their presents near the square in order to wrap their presents for my birthday” said Airi.

“You sure that you’re old right now. I mean, this is not the case they want you to have a blowout party” said Nozomi.

“Yeah, Nozomi. When I’m turning 13, I will be able to move out of my home and I will be moving to the mansion” said Airi.

“You will be more delighted if you are staying with your family” said Nozomi.

“Uh, I guess if I have time, I will visit my family first before I’m going back home. I’m sure that you have a present for me” said Airi.

“Of course, Airi. I have a special gift for you, but it’s a secret. So, don’t tell anyone, even us” said Nozomi.

“Okay!” said Airi.

The Family of Angels and the Bravehearts would go to Kōme and Yuzuha’s apartment to see Kōme and Yuzuha.

“Kōme! Yuzuha!” said Kurumi as she meets Kōme and Yuzuha at the door of the apartment.

“Oh, Kurumi. Hi! I believe that you have a gift for Airi on her birthday” said Yuzuha.

“Yeah! Do you have your gifts too?” said Kurumi.

“Yes, so do we. I was able to buy those at a local shop near our home. It wasn’t bad to buy cheaper products, but I have it right here” said Kōme.

“Oh, okay. Great job, you two! Now, we should go to the Little Wing Orphanage to wait for Kyō and Sakura. I think they’re finally got home” said Kurumi.

“Yeah, let’s go!” said Yuzuha.

“Little Wing Orphanage, here we come!” said Kōme.

The Family of Angels and the Bravehearts would finally go to the Little Wing Orphanage. When they enter to the house, they were surprised to see Kyō, Sakura, Yūki Sasaki and Noriko Masuda. Yūki Sasaki was a student from Den-en-chōfu Middle School and one of Hitomi’s classmates in her class last year. He usually plays baseball for Shiromidai Elementary School, but he transferred after graduating.

“Oh, you’re all finally here!” said Jun as Jun finally meets Noriko while Hitomi and Yūki give each other high fives.

“Hitomi, uh, it’s been great to see you again!” said Yūki.

“Oh, Yūki, how perfect you have got into Jun’s place? I supposed that we meet each other outside the streets, but I was shocked to see you for the first time” said Hitomi.

“I supposed that I will meet you at the Little Wing Orphanage after we chat together last night. I was preparing for the homecoming tomorrow” said Yūki.

“What are you gonna do on the homecoming?” asked Masami Nojima.

“I will bring the pizza for every member in our group” said Yūki.

“Oh, good for you. Who planned that?” said Hitomi.

“My two companions have bought my idea. I was helping them every day to bake pizza. One of them is good in making pizza at home” said Yūki.

“That’s tasty and delicious, Yūki. When are you going to bring the pizza?” said Masanobu.

“Oh, by tomorrow. I hope that you’re all excited to eat some pizza” said Yūki.

“Yeah!” said the members of Team Takao.

Meanwhile, Jun and Noriko are talking in a conversation. Noriko was just coming from Shiromidai Elementary School. “Noriko, have you decided to join our group?” asked Jun.

“Yeah, I would be glad that you will let me join to the Family of Angels. Also, I was planning if the members from my group, the Blue Angels, are planning to join the group” said Noriko.

“Okay, Noriko, if that’s you want, then I will do it. Since you’re my classmate in my class, maybe my classmates would be interested to join the Family of Angels as well” said Jun.

“For real?” asked Noriko.

“Yeah, with you joining our group, the Family of Angels is finally ready to add a new group that would increase the membership of our group” said Jun.

“Okay! I’m joining the group! As long as we’re going to start expanding, I’m going to tell the other members of my group that they’ll join the Family of Angels as well!” said Noriko.

“Yes! We’re finally going to have our first member in our class!” said Nozomi.

“I agree with the decision, Noriko!” said Sora.

“Now that you’re officially a member of the Family of Angels, I will be happy if you’ll contribute for our next concert” said Kurumi.

“Say, Noriko, you are living in our area, but not near our home. Well, it’s fine to come to either the Little Wing or my apartment. It depends on what you want to stay with the Angels” said Kōme.

“Being a member of the Family of Angels has many things to do to gain respect to our members. Not only you contribute us in planning or helping, you will deserve a credit at the end of the day” said Yuzuha.

“Yeah, I guess that I have to contribute with the plans for the activities for the Bravehearts” said Noriko.

“Well, you decided to help us planning for the activities for the Bravehearts. Okay, then I will start another meeting right away!” said Jun.

“Okay!” said the members of Jun’s Angels and Noriko.

“I wonder what our group will do with the Bravehearts since they’re going to lead the activities for the month of April” said Sakura.

“Jun has many ideas to make activities while Nozomi and Sora ask the members whether or not they will agree with the plans they make” said Kyō.

“I thought they would be planning altogether to go outside every Sunday” said Sakura.

“That was before, Sakura, but I don’t know when it will continue. I think the Family of Angels has many activities for the month of April and the big part is that since Team Takao will be holding their club’s homecoming tomorrow, then we should go there as well” said Kyō.

“I assumed that we will take part of the festivities and of course, the Cherry Blossom Festival would be cooler way to see the cherry blossom trees blooming” said Sakura.

“Yeah, it seems that the homecoming will be fitted for the members of the Homewrecking Dragons to gather around and enjoy viewing the park, then we should also do that as well” said Kyō.

“Of course, Kyō! Enjoyments are always the #1 priority for the Angels. We should be fine if we can meet Jun’s friends from Tomoka’s batch at the park” said Sakura.

“Sure, we can, Sakura!” said Kyō.

“So, what are you planning, Tomoka? Since you’re formerly a member of the Homewrecking Dragons, I wanna hear your suggestions for the homecoming” said Hitomi.

“You see, the Family of Angels has never played basketball in Jun’s neighboring area, but of course, we should do that because I have been there to see Asumi” said Tomoka.

“Well, I guess we should play basketball. No matter what the Homewrecking Dragons do, it will be our guts to dominate the game” said Hitomi.

“You probably know that we should play against the Homewrecking Dragons. We never face them before, but whoever they are leading, we should match their skills” said Megumi.

“Exactly! Does anyone who got the favor in playing basketball at the homecoming?” said Tomoka.

The members of the Bravehearts, Team Takao-Kadokawa and Jun’s Angels raise their hands to agree with Tomoka’s suggestion. “We do! We do!”

“Okay! Then it’s decided! Now, not only we will celebrate the homecoming with the members of the Homewrecking Dragons, but we will also celebrate the anniversary of our organization!” said Tomoka.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Bravehearts, Team Takao-Kadokawa and Jun’s Angels.

“Since I have to inform you that the members of the Homewrecking Dragons are looking forward to meeting with us tomorrow, we’re going to have plans in making them join the Family of Angels. It was one of the plans for the Family of Angels to make sure that they will have more experiences and more enjoyments this year” said Jun.

“In case the Homewrecking Dragons will be joining the Family of Angels, we will reorganize the group as soon as possible” said Nozomi.

“I’m thinking Jun and Tomoka will be co-leaders while the vice chairmen will be Nozomi for Jun’s Angels, Megumi for Team Kadokawa, Hitomi for Team Takao and Akiko for Team Takeda. The students of Kirihara Middle School will be led by Akiko and Michiko, but I hope that they will know about the reorganization later” said Sora.

“If the Homewrecking Dragons will join the Family of Angels, the original members would form a new group as the Reformed Dragons. However, since most of the original members are in Team Takao-Kadokawa, I will merge my group with the other original and later members to form the new group” said Hitomi.

“Our group will keep the group with two sections: 1-B and 1-C. Nami and her section will be representing section 1-B while my section will be leading section 1-C. Team Kadokawa will add new members, in order to bring the membership increasing by double” said Megumi.

“As long as the four groups will be part of the Family of Angels organization, we will build our group as one of the largest group for the Bravehearts” said Shigeru.

“Noriko and her friends will join Jun’s Angels as associates while Yūki will join the Reformed Dragons since he is part of the Homewrecking Dragons when he entered sixth grade. It’s going to be great way to have them joined to our group!” said Masami Nojima.

“That’s right, Masami. The Family of Angels will still be part of the Bravehearts organization as one of the Six Groups of Bravehearts along with Team Blue and Yellow, Innocent Charm, Dazzled Hearts, Orange and Fuchsia and Team Aurora” said Jun.

“I heard a rumor that the Bravehearts will add new groups that will be coming from Nashiba High School and Keishin Academy. I mean, this will get more members, but coming from different groups. This would also be the same as in other schools of the members of Ginga’s Pupils and even Niida Nishi High School” said Tomoka.

“It’s more like a colorful and cute faction to represent the Bravehearts and probably, we’re going to have a spring break tournament next year” said Nozomi.

“Yeah, I guess that would be our goal for next year once we’re graduating from Shiromidai” said Sora.

“But this is just the beginning of Jun’s Angels since the original formation as a band, now becoming a unified group with Kōme’s band merging with my band” said Jun.

“While the Family of Angels will be planning to wear a different set of uniforms, we’re also going to need financial support from the parents of different members excluding Jun, Nozomi and Sora. I will share the money with my brother, Kyō, to increase the group’s funds for upcoming projects” said Kurumi.

“Masayoshi had given time to give financial support from the parents of different members of the group as well as friends from Shiromidai and Niida Nishi. It will appreciate our support to keep this group alive” said Kyō.

“As long as we’re ready to organize activities for the group, we’re keeping our cooperation and friendship together as one” said Kōme.

“That’s why we need your cooperation and support to make this group more active for another year” said Yuzuha.

“So, are we okay in giving some financial support for our group to organize more activities in the future?” asked Tomoka.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Bravehearts, Team Takao-Kadokawa and Jun’s Angels.

“Now, there are more things that I have to come up on plans. Team Fujisaki are members of the Orange and Fuchsia, despite that they are friends of Jun and Kurumi in that group. I don’t know if we can let them join the Family of Angels, but Airi and I have an agreement for Kurumi to allow her friends joining the Orange and Fuchsia” said Tomoka.

“On top of that, we need the entire section 6-B to join the Family of Angels while Kurumi’s friends will head to Orange and Fuchsia. It would be an irony to see both factions working on different groups” said Megumi.

“Probably, the other sections will be taking part to different factions of the Bravehearts, depends on what group they’ll join” said Dairoku.

“Yep. It will be more like the people in Keishin Academy since they formed the Six Groups of Bravehearts and with many people joining the Family of Angels, it will double the membership of the Bravehearts” said Nozomi.

“Now, since it’s already 3:45, I will give everyone some bread!” said Sakura.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Bravehearts, Team Takao-Kadokawa and Jun’s Angels.

Sakura gives the breads to each member of the Bravehearts, Team Takao-Kadokawa and Jun’s Angels. These breads were bought from Saonois when Kyō and Sakura bought breads. Each product in Saonois has the prices range from 10 yen to 50 yen.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat" | Chapter 45: "The Plan of the Family of Angels"

Part 2​

While eating their breads, the Bravehearts are talking in a conversation.

“As long as the Family of Angels will have new members, Jun and I will be reorganizing. Then, all of you will reorganize the group as well” said Tomoka.

“Oh, I get it. It means that the Innocent Charm must add new members as well” said Hinata.

“I agree with that, Tomoka, but, our class has more than 400 people compared to the 284 people from last year. We’re going to need new members who either aren’t in the Bravehearts last year or first-timers” said Saki.

“That’s right, Saki. I’m proposing this because the Bravehearts will have more duties to do and each group has limitations. From time to time, we have new members by contacting each other in different ways. Right now, with the Family of Angels starting to increase their membership, I need the Bravehearts to expand the other groups as well” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, I agree. The Six Groups of Bravehearts become stable as many members have been influenced by us. Going into the new school year, there are chances that many students in Keishin Academy will start influencing with the Six Groups” said Airi.

“Yeah, our group has the least number of members because we’re the only group that has members coming from our class. No one came from the younger batch because they joined the Dazzled Hearts. The friends of Tsubaki and Hiiragi became members of the Dazzled Hearts as part of Tsubaki and Hiiragi being friends with Masami. The Dazzled Hearts has varsity members of the Keishin Academy Elementary School boys’ basketball team” said Maho.

“That’s true, Maho. My group has friends of mine as well as friends of Masami, Tsubaki and Hiiragi. I was planning if Team Shimojō would join Team Blue and Yellow. Natsuhi wants to merge Team Blue and Yellow with Team Shimojō because he thinks that his group has the smallest number of members in all of the six groups” said Saki.

“Hey, I don’t know if Aya Shimojō is planning to leave the Dazzled Hearts to join Team Blue and Yellow, but she has options for her team” said Tsubaki.

“If Team Shimojō joins Team Blue and Yellow, we’re going to let my other classmates to join the Dazzled Hearts as replacements” said Hiiragi.

“Yeah, I agree with that, Hiiragi. If this happens, Team Nagasaki and The Wisteria Club will be the only two factions in the Dazzled Hearts organization” said Masami.

“Well, it will be Aya’s decision as well as for Ken because I feel about Ken is going to have his own team, but we’ll see” said Hiiragi.

“I doubt if Ken will form his own group. I mean, he’s a member of the Keishin Academy Elementary School boys’ basketball team. He will decide on whether he will join Team Blue and Yellow, form his own group or stay with the Dazzled Hearts” said Tsubaki.

“Yeah, I think you twins will talk to them later on” said Masami.

“Okay, Masami!” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“The Innocent Charm has formed the Pink Nobles, led by Ryōta Nakamura. Ryōta is the Iron Heart of our group since he admired many girls in your class, Hinata” said Kagetsu.

“Yes, he was, sister. I really care for him to be part of the group and I know that he’s ready to be the night in shining armor for his team” said Hinata.

“I generally agree with that, Hinata. He and his friends go to sections 1-E and 6-G, which makes his group share the leadership between him and Wataru. Kiyoshi Toshima, Akira Shimojō, Wataru Nakai, Mie Furutani and Yumi Nakamura are the members of his group while Ryōta, himself, being the leader” said Kagetsu.

“Well, Shun told me that Ryōta was admired to the girls, despite that he had a relationship with Hinata. I consider Ryōta and Natsuhi were rivals because they were exchanging words about Hinata and even Maho” said Mimi.

“Yeah, that relationship love triangle was putting Ryōta joining the Innocent Charm while Natsuhi and Maho form Team Blue and Yellow” said Kagetsu.

“You got it right, sister. I will be wondering if Ryōta had to get revenge on Natsuhi after the Intramural tournament” said Hinata.

“Yeah, the Pink Nobles aren’t afraid of Natsuhi and his team. Natsuhi had already been the top guy in the class against Ryōta, but Ryōta proves that he will be way cooler than Natsuhi based on basketball” said Kagetsu.

“Yeah, speaking of him, where is he now?” asked Mimi.

“He is in the mansion along with his friends. They supposedly going to Kyoto to meet with Koneko, but they’ll be here in Kyoto tomorrow” said Hinata.

“Kyoto? But he supposedly leaving the train ride along with his team later tonight” said Mimi.

“Yeah, unfortunately, he needs a guardian to keep an eye on him and his friends. We’re going to talk to him about the trip later on when we’re going back to the mansion” said Hinata.

“Yeah” said Mimi and Kagetsu.

“I quite sure that Ryōta and his friends would arrive in Kyoto by four in the afternoon and I hope that he will try to beat Koneko and her team” said Kagetsu.

“Yeah, you’re right, sister. When Tomoka said to Rias that Rias and her team will try to learn about basketball, they will have to learn about the techniques and skills before Ryōta arrives in Kyoto” said Hinata.

“I give Ryōta and his team some stuff to prepare for them to go to Kyoto including the Pink-Haired Students Club uniforms they wear while they’re members in that club” said Mimi.

“Well, we’re going to make sure that he and his team will be ready to defeat Koneko and her team. His vengeance will not only he will turn the tables on Koneko, but to use his new signature skill” said Kagetsu.

“What skill he will be using?” asked Mimi.

“It’s the Pink Noble Crasher move. He can able to dunk over his opponents by using his strength to power up his move. That skill is not risky, but also can draw fouls on his opponents” said Hinata.

“I’m sure that he will be able to use that move for a possible match against Koneko’s team” said Kagetsu.

“Sure, he would, Kagetsu. He will be alright to use his move if he gets his rage on Koneko getting stronger” said Hinata.

“I agree, Hinata” said Kagetsu and Mimi.

“I made a proposal between me, Saki and Maho where the Dazzled Hearts and Team Blue and Yellow are going to have friends of Tsubaki and Hiiragi” said Tomoka.

“In separate occasion, the team of Ken Yamamoto and Aya Shimojō will be joining Team Blue and Yellow while a new group composed of Minami Okamura and her friends will join the Dazzled Hearts. It will be fair to have the friends of Tsubaki and Hiiragi to switch their teams while allowing the new ones to move to the Dazzled Hearts” said Saki.

“Masami will be happy to have her classmates on the Dazzled Hearts group with Minami Okamura and Kishō Sadatomi heading to the Dazzled Hearts. Those two were Masami’s classmates, so it’s a win-win situation for them” said Maho.

“I know that it will be clear to have Ken and his team joining with Natsuhi, but I decided to have two other members to stay in the Dazzled Hearts. The two of them are Sukehiro Gotō and Takahiro Sugihara. They will be joining along with Team Asakura. Two new members of Team Shimojō: Kenta Hisakawa and Shōji Nozawa will be replacing Sukehiro and Takahiro. On the other hand, Risa Nosaka and Chisato Tachibana will be joining the Dazzled Hearts as the compensation of all the female members who joined Team Blue and Yellow” said Saki.

“Masami, Natsuhi, Tsubaki and Hiiragi. Are you agree with this?” said Maho.

“Yeah, we’ll accept this” said Masami.

“Me too! I’m finally going to have two varsity members to represent for our team” said Natsuhi.

“Well, I guess we should accept this, Hii. Sukehiro and Takahiro should be fine in leading their own group” said Tsubaki.

“Yeah, we should join Team Blue and Yellow while Masami should stay in the Dazzled Hearts” said Hiiragi.

“Oh, okay. Then, we’ll make things fair when Ken and Shinobu will be joining Maho’s group” said Tsubaki.

“Okay, Tsubaki. This agreement will equalize both Team Blue and Yellow and Dazzled Hearts on the number of members for both groups” said Masami.

“Yeah, I feel that it will be a win-win for both teams” said Hiiragi.

“Yep. I’m sure that this agreement will strengthen our group’s team chemistry” said Masami.

“Of course, Masami. Team Blue and Yellow will have another group and hopefully, we’re going to see how they will work on a new team” said Tsuabki.

“Good. They agree with the proposal, Maho” said Saki.

“Okay, this will make sure that Ken and Shinobu will lead Team Shimojō without Sukehiro and Takahiro in the next tournament” said Maho.

“I agree, Maho. They’ll hopefully going to lead the team even they lose the two best buddies” said Tomoka.

“Now, that the two groups are balancing their memberships, Masami, Tsubaki and Hiiragi will keep their group’s core, but in separate groups” said Airi.

“Yeah, that’s why I made this proposal to be happened because Saki and Masami found out that Team Shimojō and Team Asakura are not getting along with Team Masuda and Team Nobutoki as a result of the reshuffling of sections” said Tomoka.

“However, Ken, Shinobu, Sukehiro and Takahiro are still classmates in the same section. Team Asakura moves to section 6-C while Team Shimojō moves to section 6-B” said Maho.

“Masami thought that these four are together with Mieko yesterday, but Masako said that the four of them are with Tsubaki and Hiiragi while Masami gets along with Mieko” said Saki.

“Yeah, Saki. This will make sure that Tsubaki and Hiiragi will join Team Blue and Yellow while Masami stays with the Dazzled Hearts” said Tomoka.

After the Bravehearts, Team Takao-Kadokawa and Jun’s Angels finished eating their breads, someone presses the doorbell at the gate. Masayoshi would open the gate to see who they are. They are Subaru, Aoi, Kazunari and Banri.

“Oh! It looks like you have your friends. Welcome to the Little Wing Orphanage. Please, come in!” said Masayoshi as Subaru, Aoi, Kazunari and Banri enter to the house.

“Is that the room Jun, Nozomi and Sora live?” asked Kazunari, who is pointing to the room that is open already.

“Yes, it is. They are staying with their friends” said Masayoshi.

“You mean Tomoka and her group?” asked Subaru.

“Yes, Subaru. They’re here after buying their gifts at one of the clothing stores in Shiromaruko” said Masayoshi.

“Wow! They bought their presents for Airi’s birthday on Monday” said Aoi.

“Yes, it is, Aoi. They have free time to buy their gifts here before heading to this place along with Jun and her friends” said Banri.

“That’s right, Banri. I guess you remember that out since we talk to them earlier before separating ways to different schools” said Subaru.

“Well, then. I’m going back to my room to count money for our group’s finance” said Masayoshi.

“Okay!” said Subaru, Aoi, Kazunari and Banri.

“Come on, guys! Let’s meet Tomoka and her friends” said Aoi.

“Yeah!” said Subaru, Kazunari and Banri. Subaru, Aoi, Kazunari and Banri would enter to the room where the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts are busy chatting.

“Well, looks like you’re getting along with them, Tomoka” said Subaru.

“Oh, Subaru. You come along with your friends. That’s nice” said Tomoka.

“You know that you and your friends bought gifts for Airi’s birthday. So, my friends and I have bought these as well, but we’re going to give those to Airi on Monday. I guess that you figured out on balancing the memberships of Team Blue and Yellow and the Dazzled Hearts” said Subaru.

“Yeah, Masami, Natsuhi, Tsubaki and Hiiragi agree with the proposal” said Tomoka.

“We know that the Dazzled Hearts need to let the members of Team Shimojō to Team Blue and Yellow due to the reshuffling of sections” said Saki.

“It’s a fair agreement to make both groups balanced. I guess that they’re going to show things up when they’re going to the court later tonight” said Maho.

“Alright, that’s good. Now, should we sit down with Kyō and Sakura?” said Subaru.

“Okay, Subaru. You can sit with them” said Jun.

“Right!” said Subaru, who then turns to Aoi, Kazunari and Banri. “I guess we’re going to sit down with Kyō and Sakura.”

“Yeah!” said Aoi, Kazunari and Banri.

Subaru, Aoi, Kazunari and Banri join the conversation with Kyō and Sakura.

“Well, hello, Subaru. How’s your school days?” said Kyō.

“It’s fine, but I feel great to be back in the basketball team. I have a lot of things that we have to cover out for the Interhigh tournament” said Subaru.

“Since our school year starts, we begin the training for the upcoming Interhigh tournament this June. I believe that we’re ready to fire things up soon” said Aoi.

“As always, we have trainings every Tuesday and Thursday and hopefully, we’re going to be become well-trained and healthy for the Interhigh tournament” said Kazunari.

“Seems like you’ve just begin rebuilding your team, Subaru” said Sakura.

“Yeah, Sakura. I’m sure that this will be our year as we want to win the Interhigh preliminary tournament to enter to the Interhigh prefectural tournament to represent Tokyo for the main tournament” said Subaru.

“Our mission is to win games in the preliminaries before heading to the prefectural tournament. Also, we have a chance to face off against Ryuuichi Suga and Itoda Business School” said Kazunari.

“We already have been knowing about Ryuuichi Suga, but a possible match at the tournament would be our revenge” said Banri.

“Well, good luck to all of you, boys, and also to you, Aoi. Your enthusiasm makes me ready to root your team for the Interhigh tournament” said Sakura.

“Yeah, our group, the Family of Angels, needs your support for your team’s participation at the Interhigh preliminaries” said Kyō.

“Thanks, Sakura! Thanks, Kyō!” said Subaru, Aoi, Kazunari and Banri.

“It’s been a year since our program was suspended due to our manager Shin Mizusaki committed a big mistake that potentially made him disgraced from our basketball director” said Subaru.

“Now, this year, it’s going to be a “Dream Team” in Nashiba with all of our players come from being great middle school stars to being a solid and great high school players. Whenever you’re from Ōta or Setagaya, this is our biggest roster that we ever make for this year!” said Kazunari.

“As friends and rivals work together, this will be our own destiny to make it to the Interhigh tournament” said Banri.

“Whatever the boys will do, the girls will follow them to make things stronger to become top contenders in the Interhigh tournament” said Aoi.

“I like your enthusiasm, Subaru and the team! I’m so shocked that you’re rebuilding your team from the scratch. Maybe our school’s basketball team has planned to do a practice match with your team” said Kyō.

“Really, Kyō? Well, okay! I’m interested to see your school’s basketball team” said Subaru.

“Yeah, it would be a lot of time to meet with the players from your school” said Aoi.

“It will be nice to greet us with their great enthusiasm and cooperation” said Banri.

“Yep! I’m sure they want to meet us here in our school” said Kazunari.

“Okay! That’s quite more exciting. Well, okay, I’m going to tell the basketball manager to have a match between them against your team. However, the match will be held next week” said Kyō.

“Next week?!” said Subaru, Aoi, Kazunari and Banri. They were shocked on making this proposal really happening.

“Really, Kyō? You’re serious?!” said Subaru.

“Yeah, Kyō! Our manager is in Roppongi for the extraordinary meeting along with his father” said Kazunari.

“Well, how about your former manager Shin Mizusaki would be your team’s manager for that match?” asked Sakura.

“That way, he will finally know about your roster” said Kyō, who gives Subaru, Aoi, Kazunari and Banri a thumb up.

“I supposed that we would and ever since Shin is now in Minato. I give him a promise last Wednesday night on whether he will be given a comeback to Nashiba High School and he said that he will do it unless he will be given an off-duty outside his college” said Subaru.

“Okay, I will make sure that this practice match will be booked at your school. So, be prepared for that match next week” said Kyō.

“Okay, sure!” said Subaru, Aoi, Kazunari and Banri.

“I can’t believe that we’re going to battle against the Niida Nishi High School basketball team next week!” said Subaru.

“That’s good, Subaru! I hope that your team is well-trained and prepared for that match, but without Takehiro, it’s fine to have this match more interesting” said Tomoka.

“We believe that both Nashiba and Niida Nishi are well-competitive schools when it comes to their reputation of their basketball teams, but this match will be hopefully epic” said Jun.

“Yeah, this is going to be our first test, in trying to become the best in Tokyo high school basketball and eventually, in the entire Japanese nation” said Subaru.

“Attaboy, Subaru!” said Tomoka.

“That’s our Subaru! He always shows his enthusiasm to give more fighting spirit for his school” said Airi.

“It’s going to be a good match we want to see if we’re going to watch in Nashiba” said Jun.

“I feel happy about your match against my friend’s school! Good luck, Subaru!” said Nozomi.

“Yeah, just give all what you and your team got!” said Sora.

“Don’t struggle when you’re playing” said Kōme.

“We’ll support you for the match!” said Kurumi.

“I hope that you’re all ready to face off against Niida Nishi next week!” said Yuzuha.

“I feel your enthusiasm really good for you to make your team more prepared than ever” said Maho.

“Whether you win or lose, show your pride and willpower!” said Saki.

“Good luck, Subaru! You’ll be more admired and prestigious!” said Hinata.

“If my sister, Hinata, will support you and your team, then I’ll root for you and your team too!” said Kagetsu.

“It’s okay that you’re officially a member of the Nashiba High School Basketball Team, but remember, Subaru, as I’m your friend, I don’t want you to lose your willpower. It’s in your heart for you to win” said Mimi.

“Our team needs you to step for your passion and enthusiasm” said Masami.

“Good luck, Subaru! You’ll earn it if you win it!” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“Thanks, everyone! It was very nice to hear your kindest words. Players of Niida Nishi, when I’m entering to the match for the first time for over a year, you’ll going to see the new Subaru Hasegawa!” said Subaru. The Family of Angels and the Bravehearts have a lot of talks about the activities for tomorrow as well as on Airi’s birthday. Also, they will show their support for Subaru and his Nashiba High School Basketball Team for their game against the Niida Nishi High School Basketball Team.

UP NEXT: Chapter 46: "The Sparkling Diamonds"

 

[Sherwin Riga]

It's almost the end of March, but of course, I will post a new update for the DxD Side. In Volume 4, while the Bravehearts Side is focused on how the Family of Angels leads the Bravehearts, the DxD Side is focused on how the Gremory Team prepares for the experiment in creating a new planet in the crimson planetary system. There are two chapters mentioned about the blossom diamond. In Chapter 42, the blossom diamond is said to give more powers and it cleanse evil spirits from their hearts and also, it symbolizes the unending grace of one's heart. Then, in Chapter 44, it was revealed that the blossom diamond can be found at the basement below the teaching hall of the Tenryū-ji. Now, that the Gremory Team and their allies are ready to reveal the secrets of the blossom diamond, what secrets been stored in this valuable object? Who will touch the blossom diamond? We'll find out as Chapter 46 is now here. Enjoy reading Chapter 46!:)

After a fun hour of playing basketball, the Gremory Team and their allies rest themselves from getting exhausted. When they’re in conversation, Draylaine would reveal to Rias and Akeno that she had been training in Rating Games before joins along with her team to fight against the Chaos Brigade during the battle between the DxD and the Chaos Brigade and its allies. At night, the Gremory Team and their allies go down to the basement of the lecture hall to find the blossom diamond. When they found the place that houses diamonds in one of the chambers, they inspect the blossom diamond to see if this object has strong powers. Suddenly, when Issei touches the blossom diamond, he finally upgrades his powers and allows his Sacred Gear to use new moves such as the Blossom Radiant Absolution. After leaving Tenryū-ji, the Gremory Team and its allies are now getting closer to prepare their experiment in creating the new planet in the crimson planetary system as they will go to the Kyoto Imperial Palace tomorrow for the final piece: the magic circle.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
CHAPTER 46: “THE SPARKLING DIAMONDS”​

It was four in the afternoon and the sun is still shining at Tenryū-ji as the party had finished playing basketball at the grounds outside Ōhōjō.

The Gremory Team, the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum and the Unburden Kyoto were resting after getting exhausted from playing basketball. Rias, Akeno and Draylaine are looking at the view of the pond.

“Basketball is fun. Wasn’t right, Rias?” said Draylaine.

“Yeah, I can feel my body to make me fit, but it’s more like catching the ball” said Rias.

“Of course, Rias. It feels like we’re facing the sunlight while playing” said Akeno.

“I guess that we should take a rest before we’re going to see how the blossom diamond goes” said Draylaine.

“Yeah, sure” said Rias and Akeno.

“The time is already four in the afternoon and we haven’t explore the whole temple yet” said Rias.

“Yeah, we need to head to the teaching hall to find that blossom diamond” said Akeno.

“Then, if we can touch that diamond, it will give us more power” said Draylaine.

“Um, Drai, I don’t think you will touch that diamond because you are already being a High Class Devil” said Issei.

“Oh, yeah. You’re right, Issei. I’m a High Class Devil despite that I’m not living in Kurenai” said Draylaine.

“How did you know, Drai?” asked Akeno

“Did you live in Kurenai?” asked Rias.

“I guess, yes. I live in Japan, but formerly lived in Kurenai for a few months before returning to Earth. However, I started to train as a Devil, even that I’m a human. It was backed five years ago when my friends and I have researched about devils and its uses. Then, we started to train it, but every time we create it, it fails every single time. Then later that day, one of the Karakurenai Clan members summoned me and my friends and gives us the abilities to use fire and windy powers” said Draylaine.

“What its name?” asked Akeno.

“The name is Alexandra Nakayama. A junior devil came from one of the greatest factions in Shikuya, Nikurenai, the Lethal Injection” said Drayline.

“So, does that mean you work with a member of the clan?” asked Issei.

“Yeah, I guess so. By the time I got powers, I begin to work out with the new moves Alexandra give and it worked a lot. Then, I represented Kyoto in Rating Games local tournaments in Nikurenai where my team won thirteen times until I was ranked as the High Class Devil” said Draylaine.

“It turns out that you are good in creating flames and winds all by yourself” said Rias.

“Yep, you got it right, Rias. Every time I battle against the Kings, I overpower them with one single shot. I showed no mercy to beat them and every time my teammates got out, I created barriers to protect my team” said Draylaine.

“Well, you are legendary in Rating Games, but you proved well in order to face off against some of the Ultra Class Devils. So, what happened after you won another tournament?” said Rias.

“At one time, I was about to check on the rankings on who should be the top performers in the Rating Games, but it was considered a scam when I found out that one of the top performers is antagonizing the system to call for ultimate advancement that can easily win matches” said Draylaine.

“Oh, that’s weird” said Issei.

“Hmm, we already know that problem when our team faced off against Diehauser Belial. He uncovered the other top performers to make sure that he doesn’t use his King Piece to strengthen his power” said Rias.

“Yeah, I believe that this would have ruined the Rating Games System, but with the changes happening after the Unorthodox War between the Chaos Brigade and our team DxD, any race can join the Rating Games including strong deities” said Akeno.

“That’s correct, Akeno. Right now, after finding out about the incident, I decided to join the war against the Chaos Brigade, in order to make them disappear with my fire and wind abilities. After the war against the Chaos Brigade has been ended, I decided to go back to Japan to stay at the Ancestral House” said Draylaine.

“That was an interesting story, Drai. You’re strong and bold while using your fire and wind abilities” said Xenovia as she, Yuto and Irina appear to meet with Draylaine.

“Oh, there you are, Xenovia. Does your rest feel good?” said Rias.

“Yeah, that was great. I become more energetic to play ball games, but it gives time to refresh myself when I feel exhausted” said Xenovia.

“We were here to know about Draylaine and her Devil Class reputation” said Irina.

“Well, I already tell the story to Issei, Rias and Akeno, but I have to summarize it. You see, I have been in Kurenai for a few months when I explored this place to train for Rating Games matches. Then, I have tried my best to use abilities, but with the help of a fellow clan member, I begin to master my abilities to burn or blow opponents away” said Draylaine.

“Wow! That’s an awesome story, Drai! I thought that you won’t be using those power again after you battle against the Chaos Brigade” said Irina.

“Yeah, it’s true. I can’t feel the pain during the battle against those Chaos Brigade armies because I have full protection for my team and myself. The Unburden Kyoto has spent time to stay in Kyoto for many years after graduation before moving to Kurenai for Rating Games matches. I would tell you that it’s been a year since I use some great powers to defeat opponents with one single blow” said Draylaine.

“I’m expecting that you are going to go back to participate Rating Games matches soon” said Yuto.

“Yeah, I hope so. Right now, I have plans to stay in Kyoto along with my team because I want to take a rest from a series of skirmishes and conflicts in Kurenai. It sure that it’s gonna take a few months to regenerate my powers every week” said Draylaine.

“On top of that, you will be able to survive in a Rating Game match” said Issei.

“Yeah, only the High Class Devils can be able to lead the team by training up until you’re moving on to the final level, the Ultimate Class ranking” said Draylaine.

“You’re just starting to move up from being a Middle Class Devil, but it will take long time to reach the Ultra Class ranking. Anyway, does your team have plans to go back to play Rating Games?” said Yuto.

“I don’t know, Yuto. Being a Devil was not bad as hell, but I ended my Rating Games career to become the councilor in this ward” said Draylaine.

“That’s a shame, Drai” said Xenovia.

“Yeah, I thought that this combat sport was good for me to feel good on using the flames and winds, but I’m worthy to play Rating Games with my friends. They give your credit for getting more points to increase your reputation and also, it helps your team to use more abilities to make your strategy to win matches” said Draylaine.

“That’s very interesting, Drai. Well, I wonder what you’re going to do with your teammates when you step out of the Rating Games world” said Irina.

“I will stay in Kyoto with my team and of course, I will be exploring different places to look at the sacred and intrigued places in Japan. We’re also explorers because we want to know about the history of Japan throughout the dynasties from ancient times up to the modern times” said Draylaine.

“That’s good for you, Drai. You should live things up for that dream if you made it” said Rias.

“Yeah, I think so. Thanks, Rias. I hope that our trip to this place would be more enlightened and my team will be happy to be with you” said Draylaine.

“No worries, Drai. This is all what the clan members for. Now, let’s get into this business” said Rias.

Later, the three groups are on a meeting on what to do at the teaching hall. The sun is about to set down and the light at the teaching hall is about to fade out.

“The room with diamonds is located at the back of the teaching hall. There is a staircase hid from the teaching hall. I don’t know what’s inside, but the blossom diamond lies there” said Draylaine.

“I wonder what kind of basement is” said Koneko.

“There’s the teaching hall. There are doors for every room inside the teaching hall, but also, there are staircases leading to the hall. At the back, you will find a door and then, you will find the staircase behind it” said Rias.

“I assumed that someone hid the diamonds before the secret basement was sealed for many years. No one has ever go there since the diamonds are secured” said Akeno.

“It seems that there’s a key to that basement” said Issei.

“That’s right, Issei. There is a key to open the secret basement which is located in one of the rooms at the back of the hall” said Rias.

“And remember, this place is sacred, so you don’t have to be afraid. That’s rule #1 for being an Unburden Kyoto member” said Draylaine.

“It seems that we’re going to wait at night to get through the basement, we’ll going to touch that diamond to see what that means” said Yuto.

“I can’t wait to touch that blossom diamond. If this basement has a lot of diamonds, we should observe and inspect those” said Asia.

“That’s right, Asia. Observing the diamonds will make sure how those work” said Rias.

“I think someone will go down to the basement and inspect the diamonds. So, who do you think?” said Draylaine.

“Rias and Akeno are stronger than us, maybe since we’re not strong enough, we’ll be going to the basement” said Yuto.

“I think I will give it a try too, Drai. It’s going to be intriguing to see that diamond” said Issei.

“I guess that I will touch that diamond too! I know that this is a purified item to make sure that it gives me more power. It will also cleanse evil spirits” said Kira.

“Okay, then it’s decided. We have to go back to the Ancestral House after this. Rias, you need to use those powers in order to strengthen your abilities to create the new planet. It will be risky to do the experiment, but it may be dangerous” said Draylaine.

“Okay, Drai, I get it. Everyone, we should go to the basement by night. It’s already 5:20 and we have to make sure that when the time reaches six, we should find first the key in order to open the basement” said Rias.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Gremory Team, the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum and the Unburden Kyoto.

“Before we should go to that place, we have to wait the time reaches six in the evening, then it’s go time!” said Draylaine.

“Right!” said the members of the Gremory Team, the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum and the Unburden Kyoto.

The members of the Gremory Team, the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum and the Unburden Kyoto are waiting the time to reach six in the evening. Koneko, Kuroka, Ravel, Gasper and Le Fay are staying at the Sōgen Pond as they are talking in a conversation.

“What are you gonna do if you have the powers from that diamond?” asked Ravel.

“I don’t know if it cleanses evil spirits, but also boosts more power. It will glow the body to use fairy attacks even you use it on daytime” said Koneko.

“Ah, I get it. I guess that this blossom diamond has fairy and lunar attributes, but also it will allow you to use a special attack known as the Blossom Radiant Absolution. This move can overwhelm opponents by creating a massive beam” said Kuroka.

“There are other special attacks aside from the Blossom Radiant Absolution. It will depend on what move will be given from the diamond” said Le Fay.

“Yeah, with that power, we would be able to defeat opponents and also, to boost more powers that make the abilities more stable” said Gasper.

“That’s right, Gasper. I would imagine if we can use these abilities to crush enemies. I’m sure that we’re going to have that power for a long time” said Koneko.

“I don’t know if that power will last long, I don’t have that research yet. It says that touching the blossom diamond will make the user boost powers and cleanse evil spirits. That power will only regenerate after using it in the battle” said Ravel.

“Well, this diamond has strong powers to make everyone boosting their powers for their abilities” said Kuroka.

“Is Vali going to touch that diamond?” asked Koneko.

“He can’t touch that diamond because he has different powers as opposed to that object” said Le Fay.

“Yeah, Vali is not on our team for now. He’s in Kurenai as he’s current battling his fellow friends in an intense training for the Kurenese East Asian Games” said Kuroka.

“Ah, good for him, Le Fay and Kuroka. I guess that he’ll be ready to battle at the Games as long as he’ll be leading the Vali Team” said Gasper.

“That’s right, Gasper. The Vali Team has the solidarity of immortality and our powers may not going to change the Rating Games System, but to bring immortality on our team. We already defeated Rizevim, but if he’s still there, we need to crush him into pieces” said Kuroka.

“Bennia is currently with Sona Sitri in Kobe. Sona’s team is already in vacation as well as to other factions. We’re assigned to go to Kyoto, in order to explore the ancient temples and shrines in this old city” said Le Fay.

“Well, I understand about the other groups’ trips, but as long as we’re going back home in Kurenai on Sunday, we’re going to see what inside in the new planet” said Koneko.

“I would be glad if there will be mixed with dark, fairy, dragon and lunar environments” said Ravel.

“Yeah, I greatly appreciate with the ideas in that new planet because this planet will be more different than the planet Kurenai” said Kuroka.

“From what I saw in the blueprints before, it says that this planet has a mixed environment on different lands and waters and adds some typical environments made from a combined power of different abilities” said Gasper.

“I think we should be fine in creating a new planet but should the new powers from the blossom diamond being used, we would be able to accomplish it in no time” said Ravel.

“Now, with the other groups of the Crimson Aurora Brigade are staying their vacation outside Kyoto, we should work together with them as a team to create that new planet” said Koneko.

“Oh, yeah. We should tell them to use their powers too” said Kuroka.

“I know that this will be our plan to make sure that the crimson planetary system would be more complexed than the other ethnic planets” said Le Fay.

“It would be a big opportunity to create that new planet and I hope that the people of Kurenai will finally see this” said Gasper.

“Yeah, we only have one more day to prepare for the big experiment, but this would be very risky to make because not only we have many powers, we need to form the new planet by following the writings of the Code of Terraformation and then, we will create a new planet” said Kuroka.

“But where we will find that Code of Terraformation, Kuroka?” asked Le Fay.

“Rias holds that item and each other leaders must read to follow what the code says” said Kuroka.

“Then, we’re going to Kyumito to start creating the new power with our power and strength” said Koneko.

“How are we going to Kyumito?” asked Gasper.

“Creating a warp that we can start creating the new world” said Koneko.

“Then, all of our powers will be used as well as the intrigued items we got in Kuyo” said Kuroka.

“The Phoenix Tears would also be used in order to complete the experiment” said Ravel.

“Yeah, Ravel! Then, when the new planet was formed, we’re going to visit that place “first come, first served”. What do you say, everyone, we should go there altogether after we finish the creation?” said Koneko.

“Yeah!” said Gasper, Ravel, Kuroka and Le Fay.

“Then let’s get the powers from the blossom diamond and use for the creation of the new planet!” said Koneko.

“Okay!” said Gasper, Ravel, Kuroka and Le Fay.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat | Chapter 46: "The Sparkling Diamonds"

Part 2​

As the sun is now setting into the night, the three groups begin to find the room that has keys.

“Wow! This place is sacred and intrigued” said Asia.

“Yeah, it basically is like a mediating ground” said Xenovia.

“Are these old writings from Kitabatake Chikafusa?” asked Yuto.

“Yeah, these writing were based on what the shogunate forms from different branches of government up to the higher positions. Frankly these writings were not accomplished” said Irina.


“Elmen, what are these illustrations?” asked Issei.

“That’s the portrait of Musō Soseki. He is the first chief priest in this temple. He has been working with the Emperor since he was known as Musō Kokushi, an honorific conferred to him by Emperor Go-Daigo. He also created gardens known or attributed to him, however, these gardens were destroyed during the Ōnin War, and therefore any modern version is someone else’s work” said Elmenhilde.

“Yeah, that’s right, Elmen. This temple is one of the temples of the Five Mountain System network of Zen temples. You can tell that most of the attributes Musō had make this temple more like a serene place. It’s more like a paradise during the Muromachi period” said Kira.

“I guess that was more amazing to see the place like this. It’s not like how the temples made in the ancient times, but different dynasties have contributed success in infrastructure and culture” said Issei.

Yuto inspects each room to see if there are keys in one of the rooms. Later, the other members of the Unburden Kyoto would also find the rooms to find the keys, but no to avail.

Then, suddenly, Issei found the key located in the central room of the hall. “Hey, guys! I found the key!”

“Great job, Issei!” said Rias.

“Now, we should unlock the door of the basement and we’re going to look at this secret basement” said Issei.

“Yeah!” said Rias.

Outside of the teaching hall, Issei unlocks the door to open the secret basement. The three groups would enter to the secret basement where different rooms have been locked. Then, Issei and Rias would work together to open the center room.

“Okay, let’s go!” said Rias as the members of the party would follow Rias to the center room of the secret basement.

“Whoa! This place is huge!” said Motohama.

“And it’s more like a chamber out here” said Matsuda.

“I believe that this place is where all the powers are kept in diamonds. When you touch a diamond, you will feel a sense of what you touch and when the power is now onto you, you will have more power and strength” said Aika.

“That’s right, Aika. These diamonds were containing powers and each color must have effects” said Asia.

“Now that we found this room, we will inspect first before we’re going to touch it. But remember, we will only touch the blossom diamond” said Rossweisse.

“Okay!” said the members of the Gremory Team.

The Gremory Team, Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum and Unburden Kyoto begin to inspect the diamonds in the chamber. Different diamonds were placed in different staffs and colors are everywhere.

“This is the place where it was dedicated to the brave heroes who died in the Great War. All of the powers were placed in different colors of the diamonds, based on what the attribute looks like” said Kira.

“I guess that we’re going to look at the writings out there and see what the are stand for” said Draylaine.

After inspecting every color except for the cherry blossom color, the party finally looks at the blossom diamond.

“From what I have read in one of my textbooks, this blossom diamond has something with true absolution and it incorporates with the draconic powers” said Rias.

“Look!” said Yuto. The party would look at the writing about the blossom diamond. “The blossom diamond is the most prestigious diamond that we ever found after the Great War. It says that this diamond gives you more power and it may cleanse evil spirits. Aside from that, this diamond can also prove to the one who has strong willpower.”

“Damn. This diamond is much rare than the other diamonds” said Akira Tamaki.

“Yeah, that diamond has to be more precious and charmed” said Shinsuke Miyazawa.

“I thought that it was available to anyone who can get more power” said Arisu Sasaki.

“No, Arisu. Here’s more. The only way you can qualify to touch this diamond is that one should have be the strongest of your team” said Erika Okushita.

“The strongest of your team?” repeated Rias.

“I guess someone will be touching this diamond” said Akeno.

“Maybe Issei is the strongest of all the members of our team. Is that right, Issei?” said Asia.

“Uh, yeah, but…” said Issei.

“You are stronger than us, but of course, you have many abilities to use in order to get more power on your Sacred Gear. You have to do this” said Koneko.

“Well, I supposed that I would do this, but I don’t mind if I’m better than anyone. I mean, Rias and I were stronger alike” said Issei.

“Yeah, Issei, but you should be the one you are going. I have to trust you all the time to do this for us. It’s for your own way to make you stronger” said Rias.

“Okay, I should be the fine I will touch that blossom diamond. I have to be brave and strong” said Issei. Issei would walk closer to the blossom diamond and touch the blossom diamond.

Then, the blossom diamond is about to shine bright and begin to absorb Issei’s left hand. Issei would scream in pain as his left hand was sucked from the cherry blossom pink aura, which makes the Sacred Gear regenerate. After thirty seconds, the cherry blossom pink aura fades from Issei’s left hand and the Sacred Gear would activate.

“The cherry blossom pink aura makes me more powerful. I tasted the aura and it was fascinating” said Ddraig from the Sacred Gear.

“What do you mean, fascinating?” asked Issei, who talked to Ddraig through telepathy.

“Issei, you know what he said. It means that you’re growing stronger already. Also, the cherry blossom pink aura allows you to use any combined attacks from the draconic, umbric and mystic environments” said Asia.

“Oh, I get it. Ddraig, I never feel different than being enthusiastic, but these auras are sensing though my body. It feels like I’m using more abilities to beat my opponents in one single blow” said Issei.

“Yeah, it looks like you have gained the possession of using the Blossom Radiant Absolution. This move can only be used once, and it will be regenerated after you use that move. You can’t use that move two times in a row until you have five consecutive special abilities, or the power has been restored” said Ddraig.

“Oh, I get it. It means that I can use non-special moves like Dress Break, Bilingual or Balance Breaker before using the special move” said Issei.

“You got it, Issei. I’m the one who can command you to use special abilities, but it would be not risky to do both non-special and special abilities. Using protected moves would benefit your chance of regenerating your power” said Ddraig.

“I guess that I want to make sure that when I battle against stronger opponents, I will be handling the strategy to defeat them” said Issei.

“It doesn’t matter whether you go for a clean sweep or getting a close fight, you must keep your pride and willpower for your team” said Ddraig.

“Yes, Master. I understand what you’re going to say. And I want to tell you one more thing” said Issei.

“Well, okay. Go on, Issei. Do your favor and I will work for it” said Ddraig.

“Thanks, Master. I want my teammates going to have the same power as mine. It would be better to share their powers, so that they will use their special abilities” said Issei.

“As you wish, Issei” said Ddraig as he begins to give powers to the members of Team Hyodo. The members of Team Hyodo would share the powers from Ddraig, then Asia, Rossweisse, Irina, Xenovia, Ravel and Elmenhilde share the powers to the members of the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum and Unburden Kyoto. Draylaine Masaki would get more power from Issei by touching the Sacred Gear. Rias, Akeno, Yuto, Koneko and Gasper would follow suit.

After giving his powers to his friends, Issei finishes his power giving and replies to Ddraig. “There, I have given powers to my friends. It will be nice to make us stronger again.”

“Very good. For my advice, this special power gives you any special abilities you want and also, your teammates also have those too. It’s better to use that special power if you and your opponent have matched their powers” said Ddraig.

“Yes, I understand, Ddraig. I will try my best to use this kind of ability whenever I’m entering battles during the Rating Games matches” said Issei.

“Yes, indeed, Issei. I will be more enthusiastic to make you stronger and whenever you prove well, it will deserve something good. I’m going to give anything you want, but when you’re boosting your power, you will feel better” said Ddraig.

“Thanks, Ddraig. I’ll count on it!” said Issei.

“Good. I’ll be glad that you’ll talk with me face-to-face to know about information of any object. Also, are you planning to go to Kyumito to create a new planet?” said Ddraig.

“Yes, we are. We’re planning to go to the Kyoto Imperial Palace and start experimenting a new planet in the crimson planetary system” said Rias.

“Yeah, Ddraig. This is our mission to make sure that we’re going to have another planet in the system” said Issei.

“Oh, I see. Now, in order to do that, since you’re all in Kyoto, I will be watching you doing that experiment when you’ll be going to Kyumito tomorrow. I will warp you all to the Kyumito Imperial Palace to do the experiment. The sacred items should be placed in the center of the Kyoto Imperial Palace before doing the experiment at the Kyumito Imperial Palace” said Ddraig.

“We got it!” said the members of the Gremory Team.

“We have to do this tomorrow afternoon at the Kyoto Imperial Palace. One group must go to Kyumito to start creating a new planet while the rest of the party will stay. Understand?” said Ddraig.

“Yes, we got it!” said the members of the Gremory Team, Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum and Unburden Kyoto.

“Good luck with your experiment and I’ll expect to see you tomorrow in the Imperial Palace” said Ddraig.

“Okay! We will be there, Ddraig!” said Issei as the Sacred Gear deactivates and disappears on Issei’s left hand. “Well, guys! We’re ready!”

“Yeah! This is all what we’re expecting to do this tomorrow” said Rias.

The party has left the Tenryū-ji to go back to the Karakurenai Clan Ancestral House. While they are on their way to go back to Higashiyama, Issei and his party are talking in a conversation.

“Looks like this is going to be more different than we ever expected, Issei. I knew that you’re ready to create a new planet” said Rias.

“Yeah, Rias. I did this for you and I know that you always trust me to make sure that I will win in the end” said Issei.

“I felt surprised that you have the aura on your body. If it wasn’t for us, we would have been stronger a lot. I want to know that many combined moves can have secondary effects, in which they are not risky at all” said Rias.

“Yes, it was. And to my surprise, that blossom diamond has many powers that can cleanse your evil spirits. I believe that this effect washes away our evil spirits” said Akeno.

“You know what, everyone, I begin to know about that diamond before entering to Tenryū-ji. I believe that this blossom diamond has incorporating draconic and mystic powers because that color was more influenced to the distribution of cherry blossom trees” said Draylaine.

“It is very important that these treasures will make you more enough to do special abilities that can crush your opponents in a single blow. Although that it was never known outside Kurenai, maybe people in Kyoto know about how they will handle special abilities during Rating Games matches” said Yuto.

“I’m so admired that we got all powers from Issei. That kind of diamond was so shiny and prestigious. It also reminds me of my Dragon Attire during the battle against Rizevim Livan Lucifer” said Asia.

“Now that our first mission is accomplished, we’re going to the Kyoto Imperial Palace tomorrow” said Koneko.

“Yep. This is more different than the Tenryū-ji in Ukyō. The Imperial Palace is the place where the Emperor of Japan is residing. Formerly located in Kyoto, the Palace is now located in Tokyo during the Meiji period in 1869” said Rias.

“Since we have to work on the creation, we should bring some sacred items at the center of the palace before heading to Kyumito for the formation” said Akeno.

“It would be our second mission in Kyoto and this is not a two-day vacation, it’s a four-day vacation. We’ll going to make sure that once we created the new world in the crimson planetary system, the people of Kurenai will finally begin to do their joyous celebration” said Yuto.

“We would be going to pull the celebration out in Kuoh once we will accomplish this formation tomorrow” said Xenovia.

“Indeed, Xenovia. I’m so glad that this trip was the best of all trips I ever went. Of course, I’m very confident that we’re closer together as a team” said Rossweisse.

“You said it, Rossweisse. By the way, why Orphis is not here?” said Irina.

“Orphis went to Kurenai to go to the Recreation Hall in Kuoh along with the other leaders around Kurenai for the observation of the creation of the new planet” said Asia.

“Wow, I never expect that she accepted her invitation to join the team to watch the new planet being formed by us” said Irina.

“Is there anything we will bring for tomorrow, Issei? My brother, Riser, is now staying in Osaka along with his family and his peerage” said Ravel.

“We have to use our powers as well as the sacred and intrigued items, the Code of Terraformation and the most important thing, our magic circle” said Issei.

“The magic circle is the last thing have to use when we’re in the Kyoto Imperial Palace and in Kyumito” said Ravel.

“Of course, Ravel. Our team has the magic circle to be used for the formation of the new planet. Other clans must also use the magic circle to make the formation more successful” said Rias.

“When we’re going back to Higashiyama, we should eat the dinner and then, we’re going to do anything outside the house” said Gasper.

“Yep. This will take more time to enjoy the night before we’re heading to Kyoto Imperial Palace tomorrow. We only have two days to stay in Kyoto before returning home to Kurenai” said Issei.

“Yeah, Issei. We’re going back to Kurenai on Sunday to prepare for classes on Monday” said Rias.

“Oh, that reminds me, we’re planning to stay in Kyoto because since I’m already being the councilor in my home. I will spend time with my friends in Kyoto because it’s my favorite city to live since I was young” said Draylaine.

“I’m sure that you’ll be working with the issues in your ward and the community, Drai. I will deserve you to make the ward ever progress” said Rias.

“Yeah, I will be fine if I will be doing some laws to gain attention from the people in our community” said Draylaine.

“Okay, do whatever you want to serve for the community of Kyoto” said Issei.

“Thanks, Issei. Thanks, Rias. I’m going to work hard in the name of the Karakurenai Clan” said Draylaine.

“Looks like she’s ready to take the office since her victory against different candidates” said Yuto.

“I believe that Draylaine is a good leader and when it comes to exploring ancient places, she had to remember anything what she read in her research” said Asia.

“I thought she will be going to Kurenai, but thank goodness, she will stay with her group in Kyoto” said Koneko.

“My duties of being the President of the Student Council will about to begin when I’m entering Kuoh Academy on Monday. I have to more respectful and more ambitious when I’m going to implement activities for the students of Kuoh” said Xenovia.

“Xenovia, you’re already have the duties from Sona. I guess you should start working on that before you will implement anything for us. I’ll be fine if there will be a high school ball at the end of the school year” said Irina.

“Well, I’m not sure about what to do with the students, but I have to implement the activities to make the students more enjoyed than last year” said Xenovia.

“Are you sure that you’re going to implement activities and partner with other clubs for collaborations?” asked Issei.

“Yes, I do, Issei. Ever since we’re together at the Occult Research Club, I know that you’re more patient when you talk to me directly” said Xenovia.

“Well, yeah, I think you’re not rash, but you’re very kind sort of” said Issei.

“Ah, yeah. It wasn’t for you to invite me to join your group, I will do anything I want and it’s not the mating season yet, so we should go together” said Xenovia.

“Oh, no, thank you. I’m the one who supposedly going to invite you and my other teammates to go for a walk” said Issei.

“Yeah, as usual, Issei, people have mating with each other. It’s all about love and passion” said Irina.

“You seem to be more admired and trust your friends. I didn’t blame you when you tried to give up your plans on trying to become the Harem King” said Rossweisse.

“No, Rossweisse, I didn’t want to give up my plans, but I always want to be happy with you. I’m fully expected that we’re together like a team. Rias and Akeno were giving opportunities to be with me as well as others like Asia, Koneko, Xenovia and the list goes on” said Issei.

“Uh, opportunities have goals to set things up. As a team, we sure that we can take care of our members just like you. You probably want to make better things to create one happy group. So, it’s your heart to bring your happy memories and also, like other teammates want to trust you, you should have respected us more” said Asia.

“I appreciate your ambitions on becoming the Harem King. It wasn’t bad to reach it in advanced, but that’s okay, you should live up your expectations first before you have the desire to enjoy your lustful things” said Irina.

“Well, yeah, I will. I’m sure that we’re going to stay as one group, but when we’re going to create a new planet, this will look more fantastical and more beautiful to view the planet. I will be impressed if we will be working together” said Issei.

“Okay, then, Issei. Then, it’s time to prepare ourselves for tomorrow’s activity” said Rias.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Gremory Team while Draylaine Masaki smiles to see the Gremory Team being prepared for tomorrow’s activity. The Gremory Team reaches its expectations that they are planning in order to become the best team in Kurenai. With all ambitions are all set, the Gremory Team and other groups are ready to create the new planet tomorrow, which will change the crimson planetary system forever.

UP NEXT: Chapter 47: "Admired and Innocent Boys"

 

[Sherwin Riga]

In Volume 4, the Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts series focused on how the secrets of the Family of Angels revealed and how the Gremory Team prepares for the experiment in creating a new planet in the crimson planetary system. However, I had an interesting part in creating a story about one of the original characters in the series named: Ryōta Nakamura. Ryōta Nakamura is a member of the Innocent Charm and a former boyfriend of Hinata Hakamada. His past experiences in playing basketball was not bad at all, however, his relationship with Hinata Hakamada was ended with a love triangle alongside Natsuhi Takenaka that leads to Ryōta splitting up with Hinata. However, his relationship with Hinata Hakamada is not over because Ryōta must be trying to restore his heart for her. In this chapter, you will see the first time that Ryōta Nakamura and the Innocent Charm will be the main characters for the short arc with the title: "Ryōta's Diary of an Admired Folly". Hopefully, I'm going to post the next part next week because I'm going on vacation by weekend. So, get ready to see how Ryōta Nakamura's journey begins. So, enjoy reading Chapter 47!:)

At the mansion of the Misawa Resort Hotel, the members of the Innocent Charm are talking in a conversation separately about four things: the re-organization of the Bravehearts, Ryōta and the Pink Nobles’ trip to Kyoto, the upcoming tournament in the Ōta League and the relationship between Ryōta and his friends in Keisin Academy. Then, the boys of the Innocent Charm have their first training in preparing for the Ōmori tournament in three weeks. When Seijirō asks Ryōta to release 100 straight shots in a row, Ryōta begins to improve his shooting skills, not only he had been good at, but to have a new special move for him known as the Chromatic Current. The Family of Angels offered Seijirō a match between the Family of Angels and the Innocent Charm at the Recreational Center, which Seijirō accepted. But before the match is about to begin, a familiar face meets Ryōta Nakamura after Ryōta Nakamura finished shooting 100 straight baskets without failing.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
CHAPTER 47: “ADMIRED AND INNOCENT BOYS”​

At the mansion of the Misawa Resort Hotel, the Innocent Charm is waiting for Hinata and Kagetsu Hakamada after they create their designs for their notebooks. The Prestigious Charm was not there because they already have their own room.

Team Kanazawa: Rei Kanazawa, Kiyoshi Toshima, Ryōta Nakamura, Kazuya Uehara, Yoshitsugu Kimura, Kana Uchida, Ai Ohara, Kira Kakimoto, Misaki Nagaoka, Akari Tanigawa, Mie Furutani and Yumi Nakamura
Team Fukutomi: Sora Fukutomi, Koji Nakagaichi, Akira Shimojō, Wataru Nakai, Sakura Uehara, Daiki Mitsugi, Ryōta Inoue, Machiko Kogure and Seiichi Abe

“It’s all done, girls. All of our notebooks were completely designed with pink and magenta colored papers and our pencils and pens are marked with pink marker” said Rei.

“I’m happy to hear that, Rei. While Hinata and Kagetsu are coming home soon, why we’re going to give you some drink?” said Kira.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Innocent Charm.

“Okay! Rei, I’ll be right back!” said Kira as she leaves the room to prepare for juice to the members.

“So, I have many things to say about what to do. Well, Hinata sent me a text message, saying that the Family of Angels has reorganized their structure. Also, there are going to expand their group by inviting some students outside Shiromidai and Keishin. This is getting interesting, everyone” said Rei.

“This is more we like it, Rei. I wonder if we can also expand this group” said Kana Uchida.

“I guess we would, Kana. Just like what Hinata said, the Family of Angels begin contacting with some of their friends before Tomoka’s former classmates in Shiromidai will hold a reunion tomorrow” said Rei.

“A reunion? For what, Rei?” said Misaki Nagaoka.

“It’s for Tomoka’s former club that she joined before entering Keishin. You know, she is in section 1-C and she’s my classmate as well. Although, Tomoka has plans for her group because it’s her group that she is associating with Jun” said Rei.

“So, I believe that the Family of Angels is a group of friends of Tomoka from her section in elementary school and in Shiromidai” said Yoshitsugu Kimura.

“Yeah, that’s right, Yoshi. In section 1-C, not only the members of the Family of Angels are there, also we’re part of that section too! Kazuya, Yoshi, Ai, Misaki and I are in section 1-C, Kana, Akari and Kira are on section 1-E along with most of the members of Team Fukutomi and finally, Ryōta’s team is on section 1-D with Team Blue and Yellow” said Rei.

“Ryōta’s team includes Kiyoshi Toshima, Akira Shimojō, Wataru Nakai, Mie Furutani and Yumi Nakamura. He also added some new members, composed of mostly boys” said Kazuya.

“It seems that you are heading to Kyoto tomorrow, Ryōta. What are you gonna do?” said Rei.

“I have to meet with Koneko and her team. It seems that they want to have a match because Koneko had use her senses to see if there’s trouble. On the bright side, these boys I recruit them will make sure that Koneko and her team will be shocked and surprised” said Ryōta.

“Whoa, that was very surprising. I can’t believe that your team has many boys and a few girls. Can you overmatch Koneko and others?” said Misaki Nagaoka.

“Uh, maybe. Naoko said to me that Koneko and Kuroka are nekomatas. They usually have fists to crush opponents and use flames to shut them down” said Ryōta.

“I see. How about the other members?” said Misaki Nagaoka.

“Gasper is a vampire while Ravel is a member of the Phenex Clan” said Ryōta.

“The Phenex Clan? That group was led by Riser Phoenix” said Kazuya Uehara.

“Yeah, Kazuya. Ravel has the capabilities to use fire and wind just like her brother did” said Ryōta.

“That’s going to be a hard knocking battle you will get, Ryōta” said Misaki Nagaoka.

“What are you gonna do in the battle with Koneko’s peerage? Have you taught already your abilities at night?” said Seiichi Abe.

“Yes, I have. My new signature move will make Koneko and her team surprised. It’s called the Chromastatic Iron-Groundbreaker” said Ryōta.

“Wow! That special move was awesome! How did you use that?” said Rei.

“Good question. I will use my sword and swing it like a wind. Also, it has chromed colors to put the sword even more powerful. It can strike the opponents either adjacent or in circles” said Ryōta.

“Can you use that move when you’re playing basketball, Ryōta?” asked Yoshitsugu Kimura.

“I guess so. Well, my hands are quick to pass or shoot. It doesn’t matter when you’re good in ball handling, you can get easy assists or points” said Ryōta.

“That’s an interesting move you have, Ryōta. I like your enthusiasm” said Rei.

“Well, thank you, Rei. Now, we should go to the Recreational Center quick to play against someone” said Ryōta.

“Uh, my brother, Yuichi, said that he and his friends will wait for us to give the signal to go to the Recreational Center” said Kana.

“Oh, that’s great” said Akira Shimojō and Koji Nakagaichi.

“Man, I don’t know if they will be giving us some time, but they’re currently in one of the basketball courts before the main hotel” said Sora Fukutomi.

“Who joined them playing?” asked Ryōta.

“Uh, the siblings of the Bravehearts as well as their friends. Unfortnately, Subaru and his team aren’t there right now” said Ai.

“That’s a shame. Well, we should go to the garden first” said Wataru Nakai.

“But wait, Wataru, Kira will be back soon to give you some drink” said Rei.

“Yeah, she will be here with the drinks and then, it’s time to play!” said Ai.

“Okay!” said Wataru.

“Oh, here she is!” said Misaki as Kira returns to give the glasses of juice to the members of the Innocent Charm. “Kira, how did you make this?”

“That’s easy, Misaki. I was able to pick a juice from the fruit stand and then, I extract them to put it on the blender. Then, I shake the blender with the fruits I put and then, I put it on the empty glass. How cool is that for sweet and admired students” said Kira.

The members of the Innocent Charm drink their juice and they are impressed on Kira’s work.

“It’s delicious! This taste good!” said Akari Tanigawa.

“Wow! I never drink this before! I like the way you blend, Kira” said Mie Furutani.

“This juice was my favorite!” said Ryōta Inoue.

“What fruit did you make?” asked Daiki Mitsugi.

“It’s persimmon. I also like to make red-colored peach and tangelo juices. My family has a tradition of doing this every Sunday, but since I finally learn how to do it, I can make juices whatever you want. I taught all of these from my mother” said Kira.

“You’re great in making juices, Kira. But of course, you should have work on making juices with your friends like us” said Rei.

“Oh, my idea is that when I bought some fruits from the market, I decided to come up on creating a juice. For every fruit, I inspect the fruit, then I will blend the fruit to create any fruit juice. When it tastes good, I would give it to everyone, but when it tastes bad, I decide to repeat the process until it tastes good” said Kira.

“What are you planning to bring juices to your friends?” asked Koji Nakagaichi.

“I would give the juice to everyone when I invite them to a picnic at the park. My family had enjoyed doing picnic as well as I went to the Tamagawadai Park” said Kira.

“You should expect that you have to make juice, so that we want to taste it. I feel like making a juice would be a perfect plan to make my healthy lifestyle getting better” said Ai.

“On second thought, Kira, I want to make juice as well. Even though I don’t know how I do that, I still learn to make juice in one occasion” said Misaki.

“Yeah, this should be more expecting to look how you make the juice. It has many things you have to blend the fruit before you completely make the juice. Sometimes, you made smoothies and I like smoothies too!” said Rei.

“Well, then, I will promise that I will make juices when any friend wants to have it to enjoy drinking” said Kira.

“Okay, good for you, Kira. Now, we should go to the Recreational Center. Maybe, we should start training for the upcoming tournament” said Rei.

“What tournament?” asked Akira Shimojō.

“There is an upcoming tournament in Ōmori known as the Ōta League Invitationals Youth Division – Ōmori. It will be held on April 24 and 25 in Ōmori. Maybe, this will be our first participation to represent our group after the Hasegawa Cup” said Rei.

“Yeah, it says that the tournament will be available to pre-high school students and between ages 11 and 15” said Misaki.

“I think we’re going to start training and then, we’ll prepare for practice matches before the tournament” said Ai.

“The Ōta League Invitationals Youth Division has eight tournaments with different locations to be held in Ōta. To qualify to the Ōta League Cup, you have to win the Invitationals. For those who were not qualified to the finals, they will be advanced to the Second Chance Qualifying Round where it will be announced by winter” said Kira.

“So, the Ōmori tournament will be organized by the Pink Haired Students Club. This will make sure that we’re going to win the tournament for sure” said Kana.

“That’s right, Kana. The Ōmori tournament will be held alongside the Young Players Cup where it will be between ages 12 and 18, but available to middle school and high school students only” said Rei.

“The Young Players Cup will be fitted for the Bravehearts to represent, but I believe that it will be Subaru and his team to participate in that tournament” said Ai.

“What’s more is that the Ōmori tournament will be benefited for our group to receive the prize money whenever we win or lose” said Misaki.

“There will be more youth tournaments to be held in Ōta, but we’ll focus on the Ōmori tournament for now” said Kira.

“Well, then, we should all go to the Recreational Center at the Misawa Resort Hotel to start training” said Rei.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Innocent Charm as they leave their room to go outside and walk on their way to the Recreational Center. Meanwhile, the Prestigious Charm had some plans to prepare for the tournament as well.

Team Satō: Erika Satō, Miho Hikasa, Chiwa Furukawa, Aoi Kayano, Yuki Hashimoto, Natsume Ishikawa, Kazumi Togashi and Rina Ōtsuka
Team Hatano: Naoki Hatano, Shun Hinouchi, Ryōhei Suzuki, Kōji Yamada, Satoshi Miwa, Daisuke Ōhata, Kishō Ono, Michiya Toriumi, Motoichi Miyaji, Akira Miyaji and Shinjō Uchida
Others: Akira Ōkawa, Ryō Nagashima, Asami Miyazaki and Aya Tachibana

“Since the Innocent Charm and the Pink Nobles will participate at the Ōmori tournament in three weeks, we should be fine to be prepared for that tournament as well” said Erika.

“Yeah, I expect that we should participate that tournament, Erika. So, which will be going to join for the tournament?” said Asami Miyazaki.

“We should be in the Innocent Charm team compete, but I was feared about the Pink Nobles” said Erika.

“The Pink Nobles? That’s Ryōta’s team that they will battle against Koneko and her team tomorrow in Kyoto” said Shun.

“That’s right, Shun. Nobody has ever made the Pink Nobles more serious than being innocent. In case you’re wondering, Ryōta had already learn a new move” said Naoki.

“I see. That was expected. I think that Ryōta is way too strong to play basketball, compared to Kiyoshi and Kazuya. Kazuya was good in ball assisting and playmaking while Kiyoshi was a three-pointer all the way he can shoot at any area, even the half-court shot” said Miho.

“That’s right, Miho. You should expect to see the Pink Nobles getting a marvelous plan to put Koneko’s team into misery” said Naoki.

“I don’t know what they are going to do in Kyoto, but what I heard is that Ryōta and his team will leave the mansion early to go to Kyoto before sunset” said Erika.

“That’s a great spot for him to stay there for a few days before going back to Tokyo. You think Ryōta is ready to take down Koneko and her friends in a basketball match?” said Akira Miyaji.

“Yeah, Akira. But also, you don’t know what sport will be using when both teams facing each other?” said Aoi Kayano.

“I’m thinking either basketball or Rating Games would be the activity they will do, but Rating Games is a hard combat sport to tell you. Each team from Kurenai has abilities and powers to use when they’re going to fight against their counterparts from the other side. It is not like a race to reach the top, but to get more points when they defeat their opponents” said Yuki Hashimoto.

“Probably, but I was seeing some points that Ryōta and his team will play basketball against Koneko and her team, but the arena might be depending on what the courts will be. It will be decided on the environment because Rating Games is the sport that Rias and her team as well as people in Kurenai were playing” said Erika.

“Yeah, but I bet that it would be basketball because Ryōta has learned that sport for a long time since he was eight years old” said Yuki Hashimoto.

“That’s right, Yuki. Ryōta has learned the basic and advanced techniques in basketball, but also he can dunk over big men with more power” said Erika.

“I believe that Ryōta is more competent to play with his friends, but he also wants to prove himself to be better than Natsuhi. I heard that some guy compared to Ryōta was also a great player in Rokugoh. He is now a sixth grader, but he can able to use the pick-and-roll play with his teammates in the backcourt” said Naoki.

“Yeah, I saw that during the district tournament last winter when they face off against Mikawa Elementary School. He was fiercer than his fellow competitors. I don’t know about his name, I’ll know about this guy when I finally do a research about him” said Shun.

“Sure, Shun. Anyway, since we’re going to start training for the Ōmori tournament, I might be wondering if any group will face us in a practice match” said Erika.

“The Family of Angels will lead the activities, but maybe they might be facing us in a match. I like the way Michiko and Megumi play in the Hasegawa Cup, but on the other hand, Masanobu, Dairoku and Junichi are well-known players of their boys’ team. They said that they are good in run-and-gun offense” said Miho.

“The Family of Angels has been divided into three groups: the Homewrecking Dragons, the Shining Camellia and Team Takeda. Although Michiko doesn’t want to rename her team to reflect on how she leads in Shiromidai” said Asami Miyazaki.

“Of course, Asami! The Family of Angels has many players who have pure hearts and serious bravery when they are in the court. But right now, I’m not sure if Ryōta can able to beat the Family of Angels all by himself” said Yuki Hashimoto.

“Well, Ryōta has already faced off against Junichi, Akiyuki and Kaiji, but Mikawa and Shōzo are the other guys didn’t face him. Ryōta has also rivalling against Daisuke and Akitsugu when they were playing pick-up games. I guess that Ryōta has many rivalries throughout his elementary school years, but now he is ready to unleash his true form of his playing role” said Naoki.

“I’m sure that Ryōta is ready to take on his former classmates after he was transferred to 1-D. Junichi and Ryōta were formerly rivals because they were living in the same street as Hinata and Kagetsu” said Shun.

“Yeah, While Junichi and Ryōta are having a lot time to play against each other, they play together as a team when they were entering to the Ōta League. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the Ōmori tournament when they might face each other for the first time” said Asami Miyazaki.

“Well, we’ll see about that, Asami. Junichi Kamisaka is Megumi’s friend and he comes from the Family of Angels. I don’t know if he will be representing his team because I think only the Innocent Charm will participate” said Naoki.

“Ah, yeah. I get, it, Naoki. I’m expected to see both of them facing each other for the first time” said Asami Miyazaki.

“Yep. Oh, we should go to the Recreational Center to meet Rei and others” said Naoki.

“Okay!” said the members of the Prestigious Charm as they go out of their room to go to the Recreational Center.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat" | Chapter 47: "Admired and Innocent Boys"

Part 2​

At the Recreational Center, the Innocent Charm are there for their training. The members of the Innocent Charm are practice shooting their balls.

Innocent Charm Boys’ Team
Kiyoshi Toshima (SF), Ryōta Nakamura (SG), Kazuya Uehara (PG), Yoshitsugu Kimura (PF), Koji Nakagaichi (SF), Akira Shimojō (PF), Wataru Nakai (C), Daiki Mitsugi (SG), Ryōta Inoue (PG), Seiichi Abe (C)

Innocent Charm Girls’ Team
Rei Kanazawa (SG), Kana Uchida (PF), Ai Ohara (SF), Kira Kakimoto (PG), Misaki Nagaoka (C), Akari Tanigawa (SG), Mie Furutani (PF), Yumi Nakamura (PG), Sora Fukutomi (SF), Sakura Uehara (SG), Machiko Kogure (C)

“Well done, team! Shooting starts to improve and also, your agility when you release the ball was way better than before. Anyhow, we should work on defensive plays like the box-and-one defense and the 2-3 zone defense” said Seijirō, who is impressed with the boys improving their shooting skills.

“Seijirō, are you sure that you’re going to create a zone defense?” asked Ryōta.

“Yeah, Ryōta. In my playbook based in Nashiba, it has the box-and-one defense. When it comes to competitive games like local tournaments, they use that strategy to have a match-up between the best defensive player and the best offensive player. Usually an ace defender and an ace offender would face each other with their intensity level. The more the defender has better defense than the offender, the better the defender will have a chance to create hustle plays” said Seijirō.

“Ah, I get it. So, that’s when all defensive players must feel the intensity of the game when they face off against either the aces or the backcourt players” said Ryōta.

“You got it right, Ryōta. Defense leading to offense and when you break the offender’s play, you get hustle with either a steal or a block. Now, shall we do it?” said Seijirō.

“Yeah!” said the boys of the Innocent Charm.

“Okay, let’s see if you can learn to play defense!” said Seijirō. The boys begin their practice drill with Ryōta sees Yoshitsugu facing against Koji. Yoshitsugu would move in back and forth while Koji does the same things until Koji passes the ball to Daiki. Daiki shoots the ball, but it misses and Ryōta gets the ball for the rebound. Seijirō shakes his head, saying that Ryōta needs to hustle against his offender.

The next play happens when Ryōta is being guarded by Akira Shimojō. Ryōta would use his smart play strategy, but Akira counters it with his defensive moves. Then, Ryōta escapes from Akira, but when he is about to shoot the ball, Koji blocks Ryōta’s shot and Daiki gets the ball. Daiki runs through the key while Ryōta runs faster.

“Come on, boys! Use your strategy!” said Seijirō.

“Everyone, defense!” said Kiyoshi as he, Kazuya, Ryōta, Yoshitsugu and Wataru would use the 2-3 defense. Kiyoshi, Kazuya, Ryōta, Yoshisugu and Wataru guard their opponents with their strength and then, as Daiki is about to move past Ryōta, Kiyoshi and his team shift their direction perfectly. Daiki would shoot the ball, but it is a forced shot. The shot was missed and Ryōta gets the rebound.

“Nice play, guys! Alright, I want Koji and Akira would be leading in front while doing their defense. Understood?” said Seijirō.

“Yeah, we got it!” said Koji and Akira as they would play their defense while Daiki, Inoue and Seiichi go to the back of Koji and Akira. Then, Ryōta passes the ball to Kiyoshi. Kiyoshi and Koji would face each other and then, both of them would shift directions with both teams shift their directions as well. Kiyoshi and Koji are now in the low post area. Kiyoshi passes the ball to Yoshitsugu, who confronts Akira. Yoshitsugu would create smart play offense and then, his teammates shift their places.

“Good offense, Yoshitsugu! Now, the zone is now working when you shift directions to either to the left or the right. It depends on you on how to take that action over your opponents” said Seijirō. Then. Yoshitsugu would drive past Akira before shooting the ball with the tear drop but was blocked by Seiichi.

“Nice block, Seiichi! Now, let’s see how Inoue and Daiki work things out with their pick and roll paly” said Seijirō. Ryōta Inoue would play as the good shooter while Kazuya prepares his team to guard Inoue’s teammates. Then, Inoue would face off against Kazuya one-on-one as they have their agility way better. The agilities made Kazuya and Inoue increase its running while Ryōta Nakamura comes out to create a double team. Inoue would pass the ball to Daiki, who would shoot the ball with the forced shot. Daiki’s shot was missed, and Kiyoshi gets the rebound.

“Okay, boys! That’s enough drills for now!” said Seijirō as the drill was ended abruptly. “When I observed your movements, your agility was stable and some of the players were able to use smart play strategy. The smart play strategy makes the offensive player to do isolation moves before going to shoot the ball. I know that this strategy was allowed for backcourt players. On the other hand, defensive stops can only be made when the defender was able to allow the offender to do forced outside shots, which is either made or miss. I’m glad that you’re very good in using my strategy. Now, there are other things that we need to practice for the tournament soon.”

“I think that we can start doing the in-and-out offense” said Kiyoshi.

“Sure. Okay, boys! Let’s do the in-and-out offense!” said Seijirō. The boys would return to their positions to start the play with Kiyoshi and Ryōta combining their offensive plays. Kiyoshi passes the ball to Ryōta while drives past Daiki and Akira to shoot the ball in the paint. Later, Kiyoshi and Ryōta would do vice versa, this time Ryōta passes the ball to Kiyoshi. As Kiyoshi drives past Daiki, he faces off against Koji. Kiyoshi performs the crossover dribble before steps back and passes the ball to Yoshitsugu, who would shoot the ball inside the perimeter.

“Nice pass, Kiyoshi! Keep it up!” said Seijirō. Later, Kiyoshi was able to send the ball to his teammates even Ryōta. In the final play, Kiyoshi throws the ball to Kazuya to make the latter shoot the ball outside the key. “Well done, Kiyoshi! It looks like you have mastered the in-and-out offense. I can’t believe that you have finally reached the next level in doing the in-and-out offense, which is the enhanced version.”

“What is the enhanced version?” asked Kiyoshi.

“The enhanced version is where when you and your teammates’ trust go up until you make it a hundred-percent, you have to use your special skill known as the Iridescent Velocity. Your agility has been improved when you do the in-and-out offense and you are allowed to use pick and roll plays against standout guards” said Seijirō.

“Yes, coach. I got it!” said Kiyoshi.

“But remember, the enhanced version can only be activated when you are the ace of the team. Got it?” said Seijirō.

“Got it!” said Kiyoshi.

“Well, I guess that we have one stage complete. We will move on to…” said Seijirō. Seijirō is about to finish his sentence when Yuichi Uchida appears.

Staff: Yuichi Uchida, Kumi Takamura, Seijiro Hakamada, Suzuko Hakamada and Kuni Hakamada

“Hey, Seijirō! How’s the boys working out?” said Yuichi.

“They’re good right now. Their agility was quite improving and also, their strategies are looking great” said Seijirō.

“What about Ryōta? He should have tried to shoot as many as he could” said Yuichi.

“Oh, I forgot about that. Sorry” said Seijirō. Then, he turns to the boys. “Okay, team! Water break! Except for you, Ryōta. You need some special training for your tomorrow’s trip.”

The boys of the Innocent Charm leave the court to get their refreshments while Seijirō brings the ball rack beside Ryōta to start his own practice.

“Now, you have to shoot the ball 100 times in a row. If you can prove that you are stronger to defeat your rival in Kyoto, do it. Until you made it a hundred times, yell at me when you’re done” said Seijirō.

“Okay, got it!” said Ryōta.

“Good. I will leave your for now. I will talk to my teammates for a while” said Seijirō, who walks away from Ryōta, allowing Ryōta to start shooting the ball.

At the refreshments area at the Golden Sun Restaurant, Kazuya and Yoshitsugu are buying their water at the counter.

“Yoshi, are you sure Ryōta will be able to shoot 100 times in a row?” asked Kazuya.

“I think, yes, but it depends on how he will be able to follow his advice from Yuichi” said Yoshitsugu.

The flashback starts when Yuichi said the advice to Ryōta while they have their training yesterday.

“Always remember, your passion of being a player was almost like stepping stone. If you prove to use your true self, you have to work hard by mastering your skills. That way, you will become stronger when you brave enough to perfectly release your shots. Do you understand what I am saying, Ryōta?” said Yuichi.

“Yes, I got it” said Ryōta.

“Good. Now, do your best, Ryōta” said Yuichi.

“Right!” said Ryōta. The flashback ends after Ryōta agreed to follow Yuichi’s advice.

“Oh, I get it. It’s Ryōta’s destiny to become the best player in Keishin Academy, however, he seems to be more serious in trying to beat Natsuhi. Natsuhi and Ryōta were rivals and I hope that Natsuhi will understand about how Ryōta will try to lead Keishin when he will join the varsity team soon” said Kazuya.

“That’s right, Kazuya. It seems that he will be able to enter the varsity if he will be able to team up with Natsuhi and forget about their rivalry” said Yoshitsugu.

“Yeah! I’m sure that Ryōta wants to work harder to take part of the middle school’s basketball team. While Natsuhi and his team confirm their participation to the tryout, Ryōta is trying to impress the managers to show his playing skills and techniques. Whether he is from section 1-D or the Innocent Charm, he is ready to lead his team for the district tournament” said Kazuya.

“Yes, indeed. The Ōmori tournament is three weeks away and I hope that Ryōta will step up to the game. He is the leader of the Pink Nobles and he will lead his team to participate at the tournament” said Yoshitsugu.

“With two teams joining the tournament, the Innocent Charm is ready to show courage and generosity when we’re entering to the game” said Kazuya.

“Yeah!” said Yoshitsugu.

“Hey, guys! Kazuya! Yoshi!” said Kiyoshi.

“Oh, Kiyoshi, what are you doing here?” asked Yoshitsugu.

“Well, I was looking at the picture that he looked like a phenomenal star. His name is Seiichirō Yoshioka. He is currently a first year high school student. I wonder what kind of playing style would be” said Kiyoshi.

“How did you know about him?” asked Kazuya.

“Seijirō sends me a picture of him. He said to be one of the Kanagawa’s strong style players” said Kiyoshi.

“Wow! He’s more like Ryōta, but his hair is colored red” said Kazuya.

“Hmm, I see. Ryōta and Seiichirō are not alike, but Seiichirō’s playing style is better than Ryōta’s. I can’t wait to see how Seiichirō play in the game” said Yoshitsugu.

“You should all know about him. His father is a professional basketball player while his mother is an ecologist. He even posted his videos online when he competes for the district tournament last year. He was so strong that he will be able to deliver assists and score more than 30 points” said Kiyoshi.

“What a guy! Well, I was expecting to see that picture because he looked like Ryōta, but Seiichirō is taller than Ryōta by three inches” said Yoshitsugu.

“He is a great pick and roll player when it comes to offensive plays. He has a high potential of getting a commitment letter to large universities in Japan” said Kazuya.

“Yep. Oh, we should go back to the gym right away!” said Kiyoshi.

“Yeah!” said Kazuya and Yoshitsugu.

The boys of the Innocent Charm would go back to the gym to meet Yuichi, Seijirō and their friends.

“Oh, looks like you’re all here. Very well. I talked to the staff members and you see, we’re having a talk about the upcoming tournament in Ōmori for the Ōta League. I’m also worrying about our class as Subaru and his team will participate at the Young Players Cup” said Seijirō.

“The Young Players Cup will be held in Shimomaruko and the dates will be on April 24 and 25. The Ōmori tournament will be held on the same dates as the Young Players Cup” said Yuichi.

“As long as Subaru and his team will form his own team to compete for that event, we’ll be fine to compete. The Young Players Cup will be their first tournament for them after the reinstatement of the Nashiba High School boys’ basketball team” said Seijirō.

“Now, while we’re going to support Subaru and his team for the Young Players Cup, the Innocent Charm and the Pink Nobles will participate at the Ōta League Invitationals Youth Division – Ōmori. Since the Pink Nobles will be participating for the first time not under the Innocent Charm group, the Innocent Charm will have two groups to represent: the group itself, led by Rei Kanazawa, and the Prestigious Charm, led by Erika Satō” said Kumi Takamura.

“That’s right, Kumi. In case the tournament will be held in Ōmori, the entire group will be going to Ōmori for two days. The rest of the Bravehearts will stay in the mansion at the Misawa Resort Hotel. However, it will depend on the other groups to watch either the Young Players Cup or the Ōta League Invitationals Youth Division – Ōmori” said Seijirō.

“So, does that mean that you’re going to Shimomaruko along with the other high schoolers from different groups?” asked Kiyoshi.

“Yeah, Kiyoshi. Since the Young Players Cup will be available only for high school students, the age bracket will be from 15 to 18 years old. The Nashiba High School has expressed their participation and they want Subaru and his team to represent for their school” said Seijirō.

“I think manager Takehiro is hopefully going to represent the current roster for the tournament, however, we need some first year students to participate for confirming the final roster before June” said Yuichi.

“The Keishin Academy will also participate as their high school team will be representing their school. I don’t know who will be leading this year” said Suzuko Hakamada.

“We’re preparing the group to represent Nashiba for the Young Players Cup, but hopefully, we’re going to win the tournament” said Seijirō.

“It will be Nashiba’s first test to prepare for the Interhigh tournament” said Yuichi.

“Yeah, that tournament will be our starting point for the new and improved Nashiba High School basketball team” said Kumi Takamura.

“The Young Players Cup represents community teams and they compete for the Young Players Cup Trophy, the trophy given to the winners of this event” said Suzuko Hakamada.

“Yeah, it will be a fun tournament to meet with other players in the tournament” said Kuni Hakamada.

“So, you have to wait for three more years to compete for that event. Then, I will talk about that when you’re all in high school” said Seijirō.

“Okay!” said the boys of the Innocent Charm.

“Good. Now, the Ōta League Invitationals Youth Division – Ōmori will be composed of 32 teams. All Ōta League Invitationals Youth Division tournaments will be from ages 11 to 15 years old. The Ōta League Invitationals Junior Division is different from the Youth Division because the age bracket of the Juniors Division will be between 15 and 18 years old” said Seijirō.

“I hope that you understand the difference between the Youth and Junior Divisions. Now, before the tournament, we’re going to hold practice matches here. We must face any team either in Keishin or in other schools” said Yuichi.

“There are many groups in the middle school division in Keishin Academy. So, we will talk to the students of the middle school division to officiate practice matches. Also, we can face against any group from the Bravehearts” said Kumi Takamura.

“Yeah, Kumi. Practice matches are allowed to boost their team’s performance, in preparing for local and prefectural tournaments” said Sakura Toriumi as the Family of Angels appear at the entrance of the Recreational Center.

“Oh, there you are, Family of Angels! Since you’re all here, look at our team. They’re currently in training for the tournament in Ōmori” said Seijirō.

“Wow! That’s awesome, Seijirō! The Family of Angels allows to hold practice matches, in order to improve the performance of the players from both teams” said Nozomi.

“Yeah, we look forward to meet us here because I heard that your group will be competing for the Ōta League” said Jun.

“I agree with your statement, Seijirō and the team. I can schedule the practice match at eight in the evening” said Sora.

“Okay, Angels! We’re going to accept a practice match for our preparations for the tournament” said Seijirō.

“Really? Oh, thank you, Seijirō and friends. I know that your team is ready in action. But before that, we should eat our dinner first right here” said Jun.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Innocent Charm.

The members of the Family of Angels and the Innocent Charm eat their dinner at the Golden Sun Restaurant.

“How’s the members of the Innocent Charm, Seijirō?” asked Aoi.

“They’re fine right now. I gave the players some practice for them to compete at the tournament in Ōmori. It wasn’t for you to expect to train with us, but I expected that they are ready to defeat their opponents in the tournament” said Seijirō.

“Well, in that case, the Family of Angels had already planned a match against your team” said Aoi.

“Ah, a practice match. Yeah, I believe so. Aoi, I have to observe the boys when they are in intense training and if one of them are not good enough, I have to restart the play until everyone knows about the play. My drills are very nice than the other guys from Kirihara Middle School. I can’t wait to see the boys are showing up” said Seijirō.

“As you all know, Seijirō is a former player in Kirihara Middle School and he knows the tactics of the managers like Akira Matsumoto and Shoji Arikawa. He also learns about how the players doing their stamina and agility in order to make them quick in passing and shooting” said Kumi Takamura.

“Looks like you have been a coach like me. My aspiration of being the coach was to teach the players how to shoot and pass. I was glad that my girls are doing well. They said that their skills are better than the other players from other schools, even though they are outmatched by some stronger players from the same class in other schools like in Suzuridani” said Subaru.

“I’m sure that you have to keep doing that, Seijirō. It’s important to make your players learn their plays and also, their team chemistry as well” said Aoi.

“Yeah, I have to deal with that when I’m going to observe the players in the game” said Seijirō.

“Yep. I’m sure you’re ready to lead your team in the tournament” said Aoi.

“What about Ryōta? Is he good?” asked Hinata.

“Cousin, Ryōta is practicing his shooting skills for the match against someone who recognized him as a boyfriend to a devil” said Seijirō.

“Hmm, it appears that it’s Koneko, who said that Ryōta has been dating a devil” said Natsuhi.

“Oh, yeah. I remember that one. Ryōta has dated Katase, a Nikurenese student from Kuoh Academy. It must be Ryōta’s will to fight against Koneko and her team after he fought against them during the night of the training last Monday” said Kagetsu.

“I see. Hinata, you’re formerly dating him, right?” said Seijirō.

“Yeah, I was. Not until Natsuhi and Ryōta start fighting with each other. Maho said to me that Natsuhi had gone serious mood when it comes to be the best in the district, but Ryōta was being ambitious to be the best. I believe that the reshuffle was the effect of letting the two separate in different classes for now” said Hinata.

“It’s a long story to tell, but I’m sure that Ryōta is ready to battle against Koneko. It will be Ryōta’s first match as a member of the Pink Nobles. I believe that Ryōta has courage and innocent personality. Of course, this is his destiny to become the best in Keishin for his class” said Kagetsu.

“Oh, I agree with that, Kagetsu. I’m sure Ryōta will finally be able to show his true formation as a player” said Hinata.

“Yeah, I agree. If Ryōta faces his new challenge, he will prove to them that he is innocent and valiant” said Seijirō.

At the basketball court, Ryōta finishes his shooting practice after he made 100 straight baskets without failing. Then, a red-haired boy appears from the bench and is impressed with Ryōta’s shooting skills. “Nicely done, boy. I’m impressed with your shooting skills.”

“Thanks, I’m glad you appreciate… huh?” said Ryōta as he turns around to see the red-haired boy, who sits at the bench. Ryōta is surprised to see that boy and that boy is recognized as one of the members of the Shiromidai Elementary School boys’ basketball team. His name is Satoshi Akimoto and he is currently studying in Den-en-chōfu Middle School. Ryōta seems to be surprised after he recognized Satsohi because they were friends when they enrolled to the summer camp two years ago.

UP NEXT: Chapter 48: "The Western Wind"

That's the first part of the short arc "Ryōta's Diary of an Admired Folly". The next part will be posted next week, April 4. Hope you're all enjoyed reading this new update. See you next week!

Trivia: The reason why I name the short arc title "Ryōta's Diary of an Admired Folly" is because Ryōta Nakamura is based on Ryuu Yamada, the protagonist of the drama series "Yamada-kun to Nananin no Majo". His characteristics are almost compared to Ryuu Yamada because he is once a folly, but he's also admired by the girls in his class even Hinata Hakamada. By the way, I love that drama series because it's a mystery solving drama where Ryuu Yamada had found the seven witches in his school.