Chapter 1 - Uninvited Guests (Part 1)

The cherry blossom petals in the dojo garden danced in the air in the strong wind.

Sosuke Chiyoda, who took over the dojo in him mid-20s, was sweeping the peach-colored ground with a bamboo broom when a voice behind him shouted in disgust.

"Sosuke-san. Please hand that thing over to your pupil."

Sosuke did not look back but chuckled while sweeping with his broom.

"You're the only pupil I ever had."

"That's why I said let me do it."

This time, she turned to the owner of the voice, Minamoto Anzu. The only student in the dojo had her hands on her hips and her mouth open in frustration. Sosuke stopped cleaning his yard and gave him a gentle smile.

In the teachings of Chiyoda-ryu Kobudo, the essence of the art is to make friends with your enemies. Sosuke's deep, accepting smile seemed to embody this, making most people feel comfortable with his smile.

However, when Sosuke saw Anzu, his cheeks flushed and he looked away. Martial artists from other schools who had faced Anzu, without exception, commented on her spirit as follows.

"I'm sure there was a Japanese sword in there instead of a spine."

The only thing that made it difficult for him to stare directly was Sosuke's look at Anzu, whom he had grown to love over the years.

"I'm already home from college. You're usually home early."

"I finished my thesis. I'm just visiting for another year."

"What about your job search?"

"We've talked about that a lot, haven't we? Sosuke-san and I will continue to make this dojo more interesting."

Sosuke hunched his shoulders in disappointment and opened his mouth to reprimand me as she continued cleaning.

"I'm not that naive," she said. I am an employee and also a businessman.

"I'm going to be a bride next year, too."

Although it was a bit windy, it was a sunny day that blessed the world, corresponding to the beginning of the four seasons.

Anzu smiled brightly and humbly made a double peace gesture, not wanting to be inferior to the sun that shone so beautifully. Although she said it excitedly, she still felt embarrassed by the unusual exclamation, and even her earlobes turned red.

During junior high school, Anzu met a street mugger. She never forgot the red eyes of the knife-wielding man who approached her. She also remembers more clearly the image of Sosuke who helped her and easily subdued the knife.

Anzu lamented how helpless she was and at the same time, she was fascinated by Sosuke's martial arts in protecting others. It didn't take long until she respected his skills and personality and felt attracted to him because of his calm demeanor, which she lacked.

At the time of the initiation, Sosuke was very young and saw Anzu as just one of his younger students. As she matured, however, she blossomed as a woman, along with her talent in the martial arts.

By the time she graduated from high school, she had become a woman whose body was smooth and beautiful. If someone told her that he was in love with her with serious eyes, no matter how good she was as a handler, a mortal wound would be inevitable.

His feelings of love exploded after she graduated from high school, and his once-in-a-lifetime confession became a reality. However, Sosuke was still worried that dating his own pupil might bring his evil thoughts into the dojo.

As a compromise, Sosuke suggested that they keep their relationship a secret until Anzu graduated from college and entered the workforce. They also promised to become husband and wife when the vow was fulfilled.

They remained serious for three years, and then came the final year of their relationship. The only physical contact they had during their three years together, outside of practice, was holding hands on dates, and that was only a few times. After school, Anzu, who wore a one-piece dress, exuded a fragrant scent that signaled she was ready for a date.

Her chest was swollen, and her slender body could not hide it. Her toned thighs peeked out from her dazzling white skirt, and she had flesh that seemed to have no muscles at all.

Her small face and graceful eyes did not look like a martial arts expert. Her glossy lips were sweet, and her jewel-like eyes showed her strength of will and education. Her jewel-like eyes show her strong will and nurturing nature.

Even Sosuke, who had always been indifferent to people, was almost overcome with sexual desire several times when he saw such beautiful breasts, but he still managed to restrain himself with sincere feelings for her.

"I'm still in this mess," he said. Saying this, Sosuke raised his right arm in a gesture, but the movement was somewhat awkward. A hint of sadness appeared on Anzu's eyebrows, but she immediately puffed out her chest as if to blow away such subtlety.

"That's right. I've taken over all of Sosuke-san abilities. So please retire and concentrate on being an office worker".

These words were no delusions of grandeur from a beautiful little girl. Her body, which appeared slim and tall at first glance, possessed a spring-like agility. Above all, it was her extraordinary fighting instincts that made Sosuke decide to retreat from the front lines even though he had suffered an injury that would have left him permanently scarred. The source of this was his reflexes, which were generated by his extraordinary eyesight.

He could even catch a flying fly with a pinch of his finger without crushing it. With tireless effort, he had reached the level of kaiden (master of the art) within a few years of starting to learn this art. Sosuke was proud to have her as his student, and at the same time, he realized that she would become his beloved girlfriend and future partner.

Anzu is also a girl of her age. She practiced kissing Sosuke with a pillow every night and him feelings for Sosuke were expanding like a balloon that was about to burst from adoration and sexual love. Like cherry blossoms whose petals fall but soon perfume the future with green leaves, all they could see was the brilliant sunlight falling on them. Unexpectedly, a voice was heard overshadowing the sunlight.

"I am sorry. I am a dojo transgressor."

The fashionable clothes Anzu was wearing a few minutes ago were completely gone.

"Master... I'm ready."

She appeared in the dojo wearing her hakama, her dojo uniform, with the sharpness she had secretly inherited from Sosuke.

His fighting spirit flowed into the dojo instructor who welcomed him to the dojo. Chiyoda-ryu had an unwritten rule of never running away from a challenge, and this spirit had been passed on to Anzu.

Though it was not uncommon, there were occasionally braggarts who sought the autographs of other schools. However, to Sosuke's knowledge, this was the first time that a former pupil had become his own pupil.

"He is still called Shihan in the dojo," Sosuke said.

"Why don't you call me by my name like you used to? You're getting married next year, aren't you?"

Waiting for Anzu in the middle of the dojo was a tall, thin man with a light appearance. He wore a patterned red flannel shirt and worn jeans, and had short brown hair and a beard.

"Kurisu, you are younger than me, right?"

When Anzu called the man's name and accused him, the man laughed amusedly with his hands stuffed into his jeans pockets.

"I just turned 20 a few days ago. What's going on? Celebrating your coming of age?"

Anzu glared at the man, but he seemed unconcerned and continued to smile.

"I'm not your student anymore. You're the one who kicked me out."

Sosuke, who stood with his back to the wall, did not move an inch at these words. His scars did not tingle. If there was any blame that could be put on Sosuke, it was only his own incompetence.

But Anzu was not so optimistic. As she stepped into the center of the dojo where the man was waiting, she felt a simmering anger that she had almost forgotten.

"You are a traitor. You want to fight when Shihan is sick with fever because you can't win fair and square."

"Winning is still winning, right? Right, master?"

They both looked at Sosuke through Anzu's gaze, which stopped at a distance they could reach if they extended their hands to each other. However, Sosuke answered briefly without showing any disagreement.

"She's right. Being out of shape is no excuse."

"See, master said that too?"

"I don't agree. I will never forgive you for the unnecessary push you gave him after the match was decided, which resulted in a serious injury and forced him to stop training."

"You have a pretty face, so I wish you would be a little nicer."

Hearing Kurisu's provocative words, Anzu took a deep breath and her mood changed drastically, as if her anger had disappeared instead of the other way around.

"I won't hurt you out of personal grudge. That would be detrimental to Shihan and this dojo".

 "Your way of thinking is too conservative. You're tough, Anzu-chan. Let's enjoy life more."

Anzu half-sadly stretched her right hand forward.

"So I will use the skills I inherited from my master to defeat you fair and square."

The anger in her stomach was there for all to see. But she controlled his anger and even turned it into his own power. Sosuke's eyes narrowed in satisfaction and his chin was pulled back. He was impressed that her pupil, her lover, had grown into a real strong girls.

"It was worth it for me to get this mark."

"A mark, huh? I didn't think you would want a dojo mark, even if it was just to pass the time, since you had no understanding of martial arts ethics when you were a student here."

Kurisu smiled faintly at the look of Anzu, who seemed to be able to see everything.

 "I understand what you mean. This dojo, which is like a fossil cave, is useless. There's no way that the martial arts in this dojo will be popular in real battles these days. Even now, this dojo only has Shihan and Anzu-chan as members, right? But if Anzu-chan is a fitness instructor and teaches us something, we'll definitely get a lot of students".

He blatantly mocked Anzu's pride, but the anger in his mind did not even falter. Normally, Anzu was an emotional schoolboy for a child of her age, but when she entered the dojo, she was nothing less than a master in a hundred fights. Kurisu continued talking to Anzu.

"So, all I want is the land here"

It was no surprise for Sosuke and Anzu. The land where Sosuke's home and dojo for Chiyoda-style kobudo (ancient Japanese martial arts) were located, in a quiet residential area not far from the city center, was quite expensive. A few years ago, Shihan was approached by a real estate agent who was clearly not a serious person, and he rejected his offer outright.

  "I thought you'd come back looking like a thug, but it turns out you're a pawn in a game of land grabbing. Your beard doesn't suit you."

"No, no, no. It's very popular with women. I've made a lot of friends lately. I wonder if I should rearrange them. But I'm okay with Anzu-chan, you know? You're cute and I always thought you had really big boobs. I envy you, Master."

It was obvious that the intention of these words was not envy but simply a vicious provocation. Neither Sosuke nor Anzu moved an eyebrow. But the fire in Anzu's heart was already turning blue. Kurisu continued to speak. Him intonation and tone suddenly became flat. But this, more than anything else, made them both feel as if they were in the middle of a fight.

"Shihan, you understand what it means to lose a dojo breaker and a mark, right?"

The philosophy of the Chiyoda-ryu school of kobudo, kobudo was more than just a name. Sosuke and Anzu shared the belief that it was natural for a fighter to retreat if she was defeated in a duel where she wanted to show his mark. Sosuke opened his mouth seriously with this belief.

"Of course."

Before retreating, Sosuke fought both of them with ease.

"I am very pleased with your answer. You spoke quickly. Then I can give the signal to start whenever you want."

Anzu and Kurisu were already facing each other in the middle of the space between them.

"Kurisu, you are my former student, do I have to explain about our dojo now?"

Kurisu shrugged him shoulders and laughed silly.

"I know what you mean. There are no signals like 'yo-i-don' in a real fight, right? The game has already started, right? I mean, shouldn't the master be playing against me?"

The words of the one who broke Sosuke's heart, the murderous spirit rose to Anzu's throat.

"It doesn't matter. Anzu has become strong enough to carry the mark here."

Sosuke's immediate reaction brought Anzu's mood back to normal. The gratitude and respect she had for Sosuke and this dojo ran through her blood. Her head felt cold and her body felt hot and burning.

"I mean, you know me better than anyone else"

"Yes, yes. It's a beautiful love between teacher and pupil. At least let me prepare for it"

Kurisu took something out of the pocket of his jeans, put it in both hands and opened and closed them as if to show it off.

"Open finger gloves. Without these gloves, my fingers might get hurt."

"You always had soft fists. No, you are poor from the inside out. That's why you became a criminal, just to make some money."

Kurisu said, "You are as tough as ever against everyone except your master. Don't worry, there will be no cheating this time."

"I'd rather you go home and get it now, wouldn't you? Or wait until you're beaten?"

"Hah!"

Anzu's mocking tone made Kurisu laugh dryly, but her eyes did not smile.

"Oh, wait a minute. There's a woman calling."

With that, Kurisu turned to leave. A moment later, he turned around and released a fist with him right hand. Sosuke and Anzu could not hide their surprise at the sharpness that showed no signs of being empty.

It was certain that Sosuke was in poor physical condition at the time of his defeat, but even so, Kurisu's skill and intelligence reminded Sosuke that he was on a par with Anzu.

If he were an ordinary competitor, he would have been hit cleanly without being able to react.

However, Anzu casually parried the backhand with her outstretched right hand.

At the same time, she closed the distance and used her raised right hand to release her hand strike.

It would have been impossible for a normal person to catch that sword blow, but Kurisu barely managed to catch it with him left arm.

Anzu crossed him arms as if she would not let her counterattack. She closed the distance even more with her unique stance, where her upper body did not sway at all and was so close to each other that their breath met directly.

This was the position where Anzu had the upper hand. Kurisu tried to step back for a moment, but he was unable to do so. Him right heel was pressed against him left toe.

With him leg movements hindered, Kurisu tried to hold him neck to use him arm strength due to the gender difference.

However, smhe soon realized that him almost reflexive decision was a mistake, but it was too late. Kurisu's right wrist was caught by Anzu's hand.

"Oh my."

In contrast to Kurisu's impatient voice, Anzu quietly threw the kotebashira at Kurisu.

The height difference between the two was more than 20 centimeters, and Kurisu fell as if it were a magic trick. She managed to catch himself, but Kurisu knew firsthand that what was being taught in this dojo was not karate, boxing, judo, or even aikido.

This was a true martial art that included all forms of punches, throws, and stick fighting, and there were no rules that said you had to start over because you fell.

Immediately, Anzu's heel slammed into Kurisu's face. Kurisu twisted her body in a break-dance style, dodging and attacking with low leg strikes.

"Ho!"

Sosuke could only sigh in admiration. It was no longer clear that Kurisu had not completely abandoned the world of martial arts, despite the strong colors of her own style. On a different path than Anzu, Kurisu had also developed into a considerable martial arts expert.

However, Anzu was still a stubborn person. When she received a kick with him heel removed, Kurisu cried out in surprise,

"Really?"

Anzu kicked the tip of Kurisu's nose with her foot. Kurisu's face shot up and he fell backwards. Kurisu managed to dodge by using the impact to roll backwards, but there was no room for the reckless smile on him face.

"...... I may look like this, but I'm also a bouncer at a club, and I beat professional boxers and wrestlers like my master".

Unlike Kurisu, who was panting and sweating on him forehead, Anzu showed no change in her expression. The difference in this match was obvious.

"I told you to go home and get a metal bat"

"...... Then I'll take your word for it and do what you want."

After saying that, Kurisu touched both of him wrists and made a motion to tighten him gloves. Then he walked down to his midsection and began to attack her directly.

Despite the physical difference, a direct hit to the head was not foolish for Anzu. She was confident that she would have an easier chance of winning in a fight against Kurisu, where the physical difference would be less pronounced than in a punching match.

However, the moment they were paired up, a violent electric current hit Anzu's body.

"Ggh!"

The unbearable feeling of numbness was so strong that her whole body became stiff, and Anzu could only remain silent on Kurisu's horse. Anzu could only stare at him frivolous smile without being able to move a single finger.

"I'll give you a reward on your face. I'm just your type."

Kurisu swung her fist at Anzu's stomach without hesitation.

"Ugh, geez!"

Hit by the blow to the unprotected dove's tail, Anzu collapsed with him body held in a riding position. When Kurisu raised her fist again, Sosuke shouted, "Wait."

"...... You two are a match made in heaven."

Kurisu stood up with a grin on him face.

Kurisu said, "Eh~? Are you sure? The nameplate is at stake, so it's easy to admit defeat. Or is it that even though you're a master, your fiancée is still important to you?"

Kurisu stomped her foot on the side of Anzu's face as she groaned and shrank like a shrimp when the bonds were loosened.

"You win. Let go of Anzu."

Sosuke also understood that Kurisu had a tranquilizer gun-like device in him glove. He guessed that she had activated it with a gesture before the attack.

However, there was no concept of foul play in Sosuke and Anzu's dojo. It meant nothing if one could not protect someone from an opponent with a weapon. That was why Sosuke had protected Anzu in the past and Anzu had also devoted herself to Sosuke and his dojo.

Therefore, there are no complaints.

"But what should I do? I'm a criminal and I accepted a part-time job on the spur of the moment, but I'm still good friends with Shihan and Anzu-chan. ...... Oh, that's right. I'm not sure what to do with it, but I'm sure I'll find a way to make it work."

The dialogue was a bit confusing. In her agonizing pain, Anzu even wondered if that was the goal at all.

"Kurisu. You forgot one thing. There is one more person in this dojo who can fight."

"I don't know if I've ever seen anything like this before. There are only broken junk now."

Sosuke walked towards him. Because was still kicking Anzu in the leg, Anzu, who could not move her body freely because of the numbness, mumbled apologetically under her blue breath.

"...... Master ...... sorry."

Anzu said, "The current master doesn't need this. I will give you a fair and honest fight."

Kurisu took off his gloves and said with special emphasis on fairness. The difference between Sosuke, who had retired from active competition due to the organization with Kurisu and had devoted himself to training, and Kurisu, who had been trained in actual competition, even if it was his own style, was very clear.

The most important thing was the helpless disfigurement of his right arm, which had been destroyed by Kurisu. The only time he could call it a fight was in the first breath and after that, it was nothing but one-sided abuse.

Sosuke, who had been beaten all over his body, sat limply with his back against the wall.

Sosuke's vision began to fade as he saw Anzu, her dead leg beginning to heal, clinging to him with tears in her eyes as she tried to stop him from going after Kurisu who was still trying to attack her.

"I don't care if this is friendship or not, please don't hurt Sosuke-san anymore!"

For the first time in the dojo, Anzu called Sosuke's name. Kurisu's hand finally stopped there. Kurisu looked at Anzu, who was holding him helplessly from behind, and the corner of him mouth was twisted in amusement, as if he was silently submitting to Anzu's will.

Anzu, with a hint of tears in hee eyes, looked at Kurisu as if to cheer hee up.

"If that's all it takes, I don't see why not."

Her fists trembled with humiliation and shame, but Anzu did not show these emotions to protect Sosuke's pride rather than her own.

Anzu could not show that he, who was raised by him beloved lover, was afraid of this level of difficulty. Such a firm thought stretched her spine. Still, Sosuke loved her so much that he thought Anzu's pride was more important than receiving such a ridiculous blow.

But Sosuke could not even utter a word. He hated himself for being so weak. Sosuke was ashamed of himself for letting Anzu throw herself at him.

 "...... Let me heal Sosuke-san first."