"Going to Australia, tragedy strikes in the town of Mullumbimby, when a small family restaurant, made up of 4 workers, comprising of family and friends, were found dead in their own workplace."
"Reports stated that the victims were stabbed and hacked, but still no evidence on the murder weapon and the prime suspect. The entire town are still in mourning, while the rest of the nation, paid their respects to their fellow dead."
"In other world news, Pakistan has successfully tested the Shaheen 1A nu-"
CLICK!
Akari turns off the T.V. before she goes to the dinner table, seating herself next to Maki, while Ryuken and Kenzaki are sitting opposite them. She pours everyone a glass of oolong tea from a bottle.
MAKI: (stares deeply into Kenzaki, eyes glowing)
RYUKEN: (notices Maki, disgusted)
AKARI: I hope you don't mind. We didn't have time to prepare anything better.
KENZAKI: This is perfectly fine, Ishinara-san. Besides, oolong is my favourite. (sips tea)
AKARI: Oh, really? (chuckles) I just bought it because it was on sale.
KENZAKI: It may be cheap, but the taste is splendid.
AKARI: Well, (points at the bottle) you have to thank Aioi's Beverages for that.
KENZAKI: (chuckles) I'll gratefully send them a personal gift.
AKARI: (chuckles) I'm sure they'll give you a lifetime supply of oolong tea.
AKARI, MAKI & KENZAKI: (laughing merrily together)
RYUKEN: ...
MAKI: By the way, Tetsunouji-sem-
KENZAKI: Please, call me Kenzaki. I know we are years apart, but I feel very comfortable among you in your humble home. Your familial warmth is very welcoming and I deeply appreciate it.
AKARI: Aww, that's very flattering of you.
MAKI: (blushes) Um... well, Kenzaki-san... if I may ask, your name does sound... familiar... but I don't remember where I heard it from...
KENZAKI: Well, you may have heard of my father.
MAKI: Your father?
KENZAKI: Tetsunouji Shirou, of the Tetsunouji Organization.
AKARI: Really? No wonder your name sounds familiar.
KENZAKI: I get that a lot.
MAKI: Mmm... (scratches head)
AKARI: You seem too young to be his son.
KENZAKI: I get that a lot as well.
AKARI: I guess I'm not up to date with the Tetsunouji family these days.
KENZAKI: He does his best to keep his family life private. I... can't say the same for my older brothers.
AKARI: You must have quite a life.
KENZAKI: You could say that.
AKARI: I couldn't imagine being someone who would bear that na- (quickly shuts her mouth) Oops... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-
KENZAKI: It's alright.
AKARI: I'm really sorry. I shouldn't run my mouth like that. I don't really dive deeper into those kinds of news, but... word has leaked out a bunch of times.
KENZAKI: (chuckles, whispers) Many times...
AKARI: You probably aren't even interested in all that business stuff, right?
KENZAKI: As a matter of fact, I do.
AKARI: Really?
KENZAKI: It is expected of me to be a part of the organization one day. Just like my brothers, my father has high hopes that I would continue his legacy as well.
AKARI: ... that must be tough for you.
KENZAKI: Well, I am more than prepared to take whatever responsibility that the corporate world would throw at me.
AKARI: For someone so young as you... to be pulled into that life so easily...
KENZAKI: Well, I-
AKARI: I mean, look at you! You're so young and handsome.
KENZAKI: (blushes) Oh... uh, thank you.
AKARI: You still have a lot of years under your belt. You could just... you know... try something new for a change. Who knows? You might find something that you like.
KENZAKI: Oh... um...
AKARI: It's all about... you know... finding your worth.
KENZAKI: ... my worth?
AKARI: Like... is your worth the kind where it is held by someone, or... is it the kind that you need to find on your own, you know?
KENZAKI: (stares beyond, deep in thought) ... ah...
MAKI: (rubbing the sides of her head) Mmm...
RYUKEN: (turns to Maki) What are you doing?
MAKI: I felt like I heard his name somewhere else... but... I can't place when-
RYUKEN: He caught Makise smoking last year.
AKARI: He did?!
MAKI: (eyes widen) Oh, that's where I've heard him before. Onii-chan used to curse you back then.
KENZAKI: That sounds just like him.
AKARI: (embarrassed) I'm really sorry for what Makise did. I don't know why... he's just... well-
KENZAKI: Oh, please. I was just doing my duties. And you don't have to apologize. I know that you're not responsible for your son's actions. If anyone were to blame, it would be himself and the company that he keeps spending time with.
AKARI: (sigh) I tried to knock some sense into him, but he is as stubborn as a mule.
KENZAKI: Hopefully, he would change for the better.
AKARI: (chuckles) You wouldn't bother helping an old lady teaching his son some manners, would you?
KENZAKI: Oh, that would be more impossible than taking over my father's company.
AKARI: (laughs) You're definitely right!
KENZAKI: (laughs) And, if I may say, I don't think you're that old at all.
AKARI: (shock) Maki! Did you hear that? He thinks I'm young!
MAKI: Hmm...
AKARI: (smirks) My youth will always be everlasting, even when I rot in the ground!
MAKI: There she goes...
AKARI: Oh, you'll be in my shoes very soon...
MAKI: Eugh, don't say that!
AKARI: Kenzaki-kun, try guessing my age.
KENZAKI: Uh... your age?
AKARI: Yeah.
KENZAKI: Um, okay. Hmm... if I have to guess-
RYUKEN: (nudges Kenzaki, looking flustered)
KENZAKI: Oh, uh... I'm sorry to waste your time-
AKARI: Oh, not at all. It's nice to have some guest from time to time. Would you like to stay for dinner?
KENZAKI: I would love to, but I'm actually here to talk about your son, Ryuken.
AKARI: R- Ryuken? Did- did something happen?
MAKI: (smirks) Ryu-nii... What-cha do?
RYUKEN: S- shut up...
KENZAKI: Nothing to worry about, Ishinara-san. In fact, it's the opposite. Your son has been quite valuable to the student council, helping us with certain matters that even we couldn't handle. Without his assistance, we would be in terrible shape.
AKARI: Ryuken?
MAKI: Ryu-nii?
RYUKEN: (whispers) Uh... Kenzaki-sempai? What are you-
KENZAKI: (whispers) Don't worry. Let me handle it. (clears throat) Yes. Your son is a lifesaver. I couldn't do anything if it weren't for him.
AKARI: Is he a part of the student council?
KENZAKI: Yes.
RYUKEN: No!
KENZAKI: ...
RYUKEN: ... uh, I mean, ye-
KENZAKI: No.
RYUKEN: Yes. No!
AKARI: No?
MAKI: Yes?
RYUKEN: ... yes?
KENZAKI: I mean, he's not-
RYUKEN: I am!
KENZAKI: ... no, I mean, he's-
RYUKEN: Yes, I'm not! I mean... I'm... uh...
KENZAKI: ...
AKARI: ...
MAKI: ...
KENZAKI: ... yes and no. He's an important piece of the puzzle, but he is not a member.
AKARI: I mean, it doesn't concern me if he is one. I was just curious.
RYUKEN: (looks down, embarrassed)
KENZAKI: I assure you, if he ever decides to join our council, I will gladly welcome him. Your son would be a great addition to our team.
MAKI: Wait... what kind of... "matters" are we talking about anyway?
KENZAKI: Well... (turns to Ryuken)
RYUKEN: (stares back, looking clueless)
KENZAKI: ... we can't say.
MAKI: What?!
KENZAKI: It's confidential.
MAKI: What do you mean?
KENZAKI: This is... as much as we can say without disclosing any further information.
AKARI: This sounds really serious.
KENZAKI: You don't have to worry, Ishinara-san. I assure you that your son would not be in any danger.
AKARI: Danger?
KENZAKI: Oh! Um... I mean-
RYUKEN: (whispers) Kenzaki-sempai, why-
KENZAKI: (whispers) I'll handle it. (faces Akari) I'm sorry for using such poor words. No danger would befall onto your son. That is a guarantee. This task has no risk in it.
AKARI: ... okay?
KENZAKI: And- and even if there is danger, I would definitely make sure that your son's safety is our top priority.
AKARI: ...
KENZAKI: I promise.
AKARI: ...
KENZAKI: (sweating)
RYUKEN: (whispers) Kenzaki-sempai?
KENZAKI: (whispers) I'm... handling it...
AKARI: Um, I do want to ask...
KENZAKI: P- please, ask away.
AKARI: I think it's best that I should know more about what this "matter" is before I allow Ryuken to even join in.
KENZAKI: Oh... um...
AKARI: I mean, I don't mind having Ryuken going out with his friends, but it seems this is not as simple as having a karaoke night.
KENZAKI: ... uh...
AKARI: I just need more clarity on it, that's all.
KENZAKI: Uh...
AKARI: ...
MAKI: ...
KENZAKI: (sweating)
RYUKEN: (whispers) Sempai?
AKARI: ...
MAKI: ...
KENZAKI: Uh... it's just...
RYUKEN: (whispers) Sempai...
KENZAKI: It's just... not-
MAKISE: (walks into the dining room) Whaaaat's cooking, mom? (pats belly, laughs) My stomach's growling like an animal here! (notices Kenzaki) Ah!
KENZAKI: (notices Makise) Oh?
MAKISE: Why is that glass-eyed dirt-magnet smart-ass freak sitting on my chair?!
...
Outside of the Ishinara Residence, Tsuyuki, Mie and Kouga are standing next to the house.
TSUYUKI: ...
MIE: ...
KOUGA: ... they sure take their time.
MIE: (serious tone) Who knows what danger lurks beneath...
KOUGA: Hmm?
MIE: (serious tone) The search for the mysterious Demon Weapon... the one that grants power to anyone who touches it... such tales have never been told before... because none has ever existed... until now. And that weapon... is now kept in the most unsuspecting, yet ingenious places to hide... a suburban Japanese home.
KOUGA: Ooh, Mie-chan... you're sending chills up my spine.
MIE: Really? (chuckles proudly) I knew my voice is flexible enough to be creepy and menacing. Maybe I should be a voice actor...
KOUGA: (smirks) As if! Nothing in this world can scare me! (looks at Tsuyuki) Mm... well... but seriously, though. They're taking too much time just to grab the sword. How hard could it be?
MIE: I like to imagine that the sword is in a cave underneath the house. Picture this, alright: Kenzaki and Ishinara-san... Adventurers of the Deep. The road to the treasure is filled with challenges and danger, tests and trials. The path is treacherous, but they can outcome anything, as long as they have together. With love on their side, nothing can stand in their way.
KOUGA: Man... I wish I could be in that adventure, except for the "love" part.
MIE: There'll be poison arrows and saw blades and quicksand and-
KOUGA: Oo! Oo! And a bunch of giant ruffians with giant stone clubs-
MIE: And fire pits and metal spikes-
KOUGA: And a giant golem with big, giant hands that can crush anything-
MIE: Rushing Waters!
KOUGA: Giant Lizards!
MIE: Rolling Boulders!
KOUGA: Giant Wolfs!
MIE: Voodoo Dolls!
KOUGA: Giant Giants!
MIE & KOUGA: (continuously spouting nonsense)
TSUYUKI: (frustratingly annoyed, whispers) For the love of God, what's taking them so long?!
...
KENZAKI: Y- your chair?
MAKISE: Yeah, my chair, you idiot!
AKARI: Makise! Don't treat our guest like that!
KENZAKI: I'm sorry. I didn't know that this was your sea-
MAKISE: And what are you doing in our house?!
KENZAKI: Well, I-
MAKISE: (turns to Akari) What is he doing in our house?!
AKARI: Ryuken invited him. Now, be qui-
MAKISE: (turns to Ryuken) Why did you bring him to our house?!
RYUKEN: Uh...
KENZAKI: Well... I am here to inform his mother of his son's involvement in... uh...
MAKISE: Involve in what?
KENZAKI: Um... uh...
MAKISE: Wait, Ryuken did something?
RYUKEN: No, I'm not-
MAKISE: Woah! (laughs) Way to learn from your bro, bro!
RYUKEN: I didn't do any-
KENZAKI: He didn't do anything wrong. He is only helping me out.
MAKISE: Why would someone like "you" need his help?
AKARI: Makise! Don't say things like that to him!
MAKISE: Come on, mom! You know he's a-
AKARI: It doesn't matter who he is, he is not here to cause trouble!
MAKI: He said he wants Ryu-nii to help him on some "matters" with him.
MAKISE: "Matters"?
KENZAKI: (stands up slowly) It's not that serious, I assure-
MAKISE: If you're thinking about getting my brother to do some shady bullcrap, no way you're getting through me.
KENZAKI: It's... not shady, I guarantee.
MAKISE: Only a shady person would say that.
KENZAKI: Then... how do you want me to say it?
AKARI: Calm down, Makise!
MAKISE: How can I calm down?! This guy got me suspended!
AKARI: And that's "his" fault?
MAKISE: Of course, it's his fault! This fake goody-two-shoes can frame anybody he wants.
KENZAKI: I would never misuse my duty to the school and the students.
MAKISE: Oh, yeah? (smirks) But you do know someone who would do such things, right?
KENZAKI: (glares quietly)
AKARI: (stands up) Makise! Haven't you learned anything? You know for damn sure that that is entirely your mistake from the start.
KENZAKI: Your mother is right.
MAKISE: Huh?
KENZAKI: What you did was your own responsibility. We have judged you and your friends fairly. If you can accept that fact, then all will be solved between us. But you still won't let that go.
MAKISE: (glares angrily)
KENZAKI: Because all you wanted was a sandbag to punch your fist into.
MAKISE: ... you piece of-
AKARI: Makis-
RYUKEN: ULTRA RIDER SENTAI!
Everybody in the room got quiet and stares in disbelief and shock of what Ryuken just said.
MAKISE: ... what?
RYUKEN: Uh... Ultra Rider Sentai. You know? The- the show that I watched all the time. (chuckles nervously)
AKARI: ... what about the show?
RYUKEN: Th- that's the "matter"! (laughs nervously) You see... Kenzaki-sempai wanted to find... someone who knows about the show. And... he found me. (stands up) But... you know... the uh... Kenzaki-sempai thinks it's embarrassing to talk about it out loud, so... he just didn't feel like... saying it. Right, Kenzaki-sempai?
KENZAKI: ... um?
RYUKEN: (mouths his words) Just go with it.
KENZAKI: Uh... yes! He's right! Well, I... I just wanted to... spare your son's shame by not saying what the real "matter" is about. That is all...
RYUKEN: (fake laughs) What are you talking about, Kenzaki-sempai? There's nothing shameful to talk about your favourite pastime with others. (fake laughs, slowly walks towards the stairs) S- speaking about that, I got to... go to my room and... grab my books and... boxsets of the show. You know... for research, tonight! It's gonna be a... big project ahead of us, and... we need all the right material for... tonight's preparation. (chuckles nervously) So, let me just... go up there and... get them.
Ryuken dashes up the stairs, leaving the rest of them, all quiet after the storm.
KENZAKI: ...
MAKISE: ...
AKARI: ... Makise.
MAKISE: Hm?
AKARI: You're hungry?
MAKISE: Uh... y- yeah.
AKARI: Take a seat. You too, Kenzaki.
KENZAKI: Oh. Y- yes.
AKARI: Maki, would you mind help-
MAKI: Of course! (bolts up and walks to the kitchen)
AKARI: (goes to the kitchen, preparing dinner)
MAKISE: ...
KENZAKI: (slowly sits down, stops halfway) Oh! Do you want to sit her-
MAKISE: Nah... I'll sit in the dad chair. (walks to it and sits)
KENZAKI: (continues sitting down)
They both intensely stare at each other, while cooling themselves down from earlier. They later slowly break their gaze and look elsewhere.
...
Ryuken arrives at his room, shuts his door and quickly goes under his bed to grab the sword bag.
RYUKEN: Well... that was terrible. I don't think anything can beat that.
He carries the bag and walks to his window.
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