Chapter 21: Shin

(Focusing here, Kaaru was in room listening to music while wearing a headset. Surprisedly, he could hear his phone ringing through the headset as he takes it off while disconnecting and saw that it was Chen who is calling him. He answers it)

KAARU: Wassup Chen.

CHEN: Hey Kaaru, it's being a while.

KAARU: A... while (He said while he was surprised to hear that)

CHEN: Yeah. I haven't heard of you since yesterday.

KAARU: Huh? (As he remembered when being trapped in his dream) Oh right, it's true.

CHEN: So where do you go to?

KAARU: Well...Er...I went to see my uncle.

CHEN: Your uncle? You didn't tell me you had an uncle.

KAARU: Yeah I know, it was kind of a long story. It's been long I've never see him, that's why I went to see him for visit.

CHEN: I see. I only called you just to check if you are okay.

KAARU: That's good of you.

CHEN: Yeah, what are friends for. I better end it here, Kaaru. See ya.

KAARU: Alright. (He ends the call, he drops his phone beside him and had a thought) I can't believe I lied to him, by the way, do I really have an uncle? (he sighed as he looked at the window) I can't stay here. It feels like I want to see someone. (Soon he runs to the exit door and said) Junri! I'm going out!

JUNRI: So soon, but the rain is about to fall. You can't go out.

KAARU: Just to see someone. I promise I'll be back. (While wearing his hood and grabs an umbrella)

JUNRI: Okay, if you say so. Make sure you come back latest by four. The time right now is after one.

KAARU: Thanks Junri. Love you (He said as he left while she was confused)

Meanwhile...

(Shin was walking as he looks at the sky while the drops of rain were falling little by little. He opens his umbrella and continues his walking. At Ippei's shop, the door was opened as Shin came in)

SHIN: Ippei.

IPPEI: Came to see me in a weather like this, huh?

SHIN: Nah, I came to grab my strong shit (He close his umbrella while sitting down and kept it aside)

IPPEI: Alright if you say so. It's the last one.

SHIN: Where is it?

IPPEI: In the fridge (He said as Shin heads there and brings out a wine and two glass cups.

SHIN: (He paused while looking at the bottle) I don't like this brand (He pours it into the glass cups) but since it's the last one...

IPPEI: Why don't you like it?

SHIN: Most of them are non-alcoholic. What I need is something that gives me inspiration to catch up my opponent skills.

IPPEI: So that's your secrets.

SHIN: I do anything to make myself stronger like playing chess, reading books on how to defeat an opponent within a second, drinking and smoking.

IPPEI: What the heck, there's no way smoking and drinking can make you stronger.

SHIN: I know, I'm just saying. (He said while giving him his glass cup)

IPPEI: (drinks and drops the cup) It's alcoholic.

SHIN: Yeah, maybe I was mistaken. (then he drinks)

IPPEI: You haven't changed at all.

SHIN: You are just saying it because I still drink and smoke.

IPPEI: No. Everything in you is still the same. I can remember everything back in our days at highschool.

(Shin paused as he tries to remember some things when he was at highschool, suddenly, there was a knock at the door which interrupted his flashback. Ippei got up and opened the door and saw that it was Kaaru)

IPPEI: Oh hey Kaaru.

KAARU: Hey Ippei.

SHIN: Huh, Is that Kaaru?

KAARU: Shin-sensei. (He goes to meet him while he sits)

SHIN: Why aren't you at home?

KAARU: I don't have other things to do. I've study enough.

SHIN: Go get some sleep. This kind of rain can give someone a good sleep and chilling with a cool music.

KAARU: (Chuckles) Then why didn't you do it?

SHIN: Don't feel like. (He said as he drinks and drops the glass cup) You want a drink (He said while pouring the wine into the cup)

KAARU: No thank you. I don't drink.

SHIN: (Chuckles) I know. I was just kidding. (He said as he drinks up again)

KAARU: Um... Shin-sensei, I was thinking if you had your own place to stay.

SHIN: What?

KAARU: I know it's a silly question, but I was only asking...

SHIN: No I don't (he said while Kaaru was surprised as he continues) I stay here with Ippei and I have my own room here in this place. I first stayed in an apartment building and life wasn't easy as I couldn't have the money to pay. So I was driven out.

KAARU: Oh I didn't know about that.

SHIN: No one knew. I was raised into a family who weren't my real parents. I had a foster brother, Yoshito who was older than me and we both attended Taka high school, Sendai. I used to be nervous in my first day but my brother, no way.

                                                    (Flashback)

(Shin walks as his brother, Yoshito calls him to hurry up. Shin was fourteen while Yoshito was sixteen. Shin looked at the school building while walking. He then ignored it as he went inside. In his classroom, he sits on his chair while paying attention to the teacher. After class, Shin packs up his stuffs and Yoshito meets him)

YOSHITO: Hey Shin, me and my friends are going to a restaurant nearby the school.

SHIN: Huh? You already made friends.

YOSHITO: Yeah. It wasn't that so hard. So ya coming?

SHIN: Okay sure.

(When school was over, Shin, Yoshito and three of Yoshito's friends were at the restaurant digging in some ramen and chicken wings)

1ST BOY: Man, the chicken wings is delicious. (He said while eating it like an animal)

YOSHITO: I know, right?

2ND BOY: So you are Yoshito's brother (he said while looking at Shin)

SHIN: Yeah I am.

2ND BOY: Nice, I can't say you two kinda look like twins.

SHIN: Well he's older than me.

2ND BOY: Oh I see.

YOSHITO: Um what is that you two are discussing?

2ND BOY: You two really look like twins.

YOSHITO: Yeah, but we are not. Please don't say stuffs like that, so that they wouldn't find it suspicious.

2ND BOY: Okay Yoshito.

"I didn't know Yoshito could make lots of friends but I know that he was social and talented"

(After that, the two brothers, Yoshito and Shin came back home)

YOSHITO: Mum, Dad. We are home.

(His mother came in...)

MUM: Oh welcome, how was school today?

YOSHITO: Was fine, mum.

MUM: Okay, you two just came back in time because your dinner is ready.

YOSHITO/SHIN: Really! (They both said while they made an excitement on their face)

(As they were seen eating for dinner, Shin looked around as he sees that someone was missing)

SHIN: Um...mum, where is dad?

MUM: He went on a business trip to USA.

YOSHITO: And he isn't back.

MUM: I know, I'm a bit worried at him. But I know he will be fine.

SHIN: Yeah sure will.

(The next day, the two were getting set for school. They were seen eating their breakfast)

MUM: You two hurry up and get to school.

YOSHITO/SHIN: Okay.

(After that, their mother gave the two a kiss on their cheek as they leave the house and off to school. The two made it to school)

YOSHITO: I will be back Shin. I gotta do one or two things over there. (He said while he pointed at where his friends were spotted)

SHIN: Okay, I'll be in class. (He said as Yoshito left)

Shin was walking and he mistakenly hit a boy at his back.

SHIN: Oh I'm so sorry.

BOY: What the fuck is wrong with you?

SHIN: I didn't see you then.

BOY: Do you think I'm playing here?

SHIN: I said I'm— (the boy then gave Shin a punch on his face and he landed on the ground

BOY: You are the new kid, right? (Shin didn't answered while looking at him frightened) You came with your big brother, so where is he?

YOSHITO: I'm right here. So don't mess with him (He said while he came close to him)

(Some students were surprised to see the two as they gathered round)

BOY: Oh here you are. (He said while walking towards him)

YOSHITO: If you want to have fun, go have it elsewhere.

BOY: There isn't fun elsewhere. The fun is here. Can we make a bet?

YOSHITO: Huh? What bet?

BOY: If I win, you give me two thousand yen.

YOSHITO: Hmm same goes to me too.

SHIN: Yoshito...

BOY: I guess it's a deal there.

YOSHITO: Yeah.

BOY: After school, meet me at the back. That's where the fight is gonna hold. (He said as he left same with the students as they also left and Yoshito walk to meet shin)

SHIN: Yoshito, what was that for?

(Yoshito didn't say anything as he was only angry at him while clenching his fists and said:)

YOSHITO: You couldn't fight back. You are really weak. Aren't you big enough to be protected by yourself?

SHIN: Yoshito... (While staring at him surprised)

YOSHITO: You know what, one day we wouldn't see each other again as it will be time for you to take your own responsibility. (He said as he left)

SHIN: What was that all about? (While having it as a thought and didn't understand what his brother was saying)

(In the classroom, Shin sees a boy seating at the front reading a textbook. He was surprised to see him, so he walks up to him)

SHIN: Hey my name is Shin. (The boy didn't answered him while continuing to read) I may need some help here. I know that you are one of the best students, so I need you to help me in some of my subjects especially physics.

(The boy paused and looked at him)

IPPEI: I understand your situation, the name's Ippei.

SHIN: Okay, Ippei. (He said as he smiled same with Ippei)

"That was how I met Ippei. And he really help me in some of my studies, but about the fight, my brother won that. And the boy gave him the money. I heard that the boy is the school bully and they were really for Yoshito for saving them."

(The two were on their way home while Yoshito was seen with the money)

YOSHITO: Man, I really beat the hell out of that damn nerd. Who does he think he is playing?

SHIN: Yeah, nice one, Yoshito.

YOSHITO: Oh you can have this (gave him one thousand out of it)

SHIN: Thank you.

YOSHITO: Yeah. Don't tell mum about this, promise?

SHIN: Promise.

(The two kept their money inside their pocket and opened the door as they come inside)

YOSHITO: We are...

(They saw their mother crying as they were seen confused)

SHIN: Mum, what's wrong?

(She gave them the letter as the two read the letter and they were shocked)

YOSHITO: You need dad is... (He said while tears flow from his eyes)

(After the funeral, the two still remain left standing while staring at the grave)

SHIN: I can't believe it's true.

(Yoshito who didn't say anything was just angry while clenching his fist)

[Three weeks later]

"After my dad passed away, my mum stopped us for schooling since the money wasn't enough and..."

YOSHITO: Shin you need to be strong, there's a secret that is behind us.

SHIN: Secret behind us? What is that?

YOSHITO: We are manipulators.

SHIN: Huh, how do you know?

YOSHITO: Mum told me and she told me not to tell you.

SHIN: So why are you telling me?

YOSHITO: Because you wouldn't know what happened to you when you control it. I haven't control mine, so we will use this opportunity. You know being manipulated by your own powers happens after one week.

SHIN: Yeah I do know.

YOSHITO: We will tell mum that we will be going to a martial art school.

"Then he told mum about it and she agreed with it and we attended a martial art school. I couldn't contact my friend, Ippei because I didn't have his number"

[At the martial art school]

(Shin fought with someone as the boy gave him a kick, making him to fall)

TEACHER: Fighting like an immature. This is a waste of effort. Yoshito (He called him)

YOSHITO: Yes sensei.

TEACHER: I want you to teach Shin. I'm not doing this for me but it's for his own good. Shin may be useful but lack the ability to focus.

YOSHITO: Yes sensei.

(Then Yoshito was the one who taught Shin on how to fight and never be weak again)

[Training field]

(The two face each other while positioning himself with their fists up. The students all watched the fight while they were silence. The only thing that can be heard was the ruffling of the wind and leaves from a tree)

YOSHITO: Okay Shin are you ready? Remember everything I have taught you.

SHIN: Okay... Let's start this.

(Yoshito ran to him while bringing out his fist and gave him a punch on the face but Shin was able to defend himself with his palm, causing him to take a step backward. Yoshito also gave him a kick but he ducked and gave him a trip on his leg and Yoshito fell. Shin jumped to attack him but he dodged that by running as he came close to Shin. The two started to fight hand to hand combat and Shin kicked him as Yoshito fell again)

(The students were surprised to see that while the teacher looked at the way Yoshito fell to the ground)

(Yoshito, on the other hand, got up while breathing hard and touching his chest while it was hurt)

TEACHER: That conclude the end of our training, good job Shin.

SHIN: Thank you sensei.

TEACHER: I didn't teach him anything but Yoshito was able to do that. He may be a great teacher to many, same with Shin also who was able to learn just for one day. (While having it as a thought)

SHIN: Hey, Yoshito did I do well (Yoshito left without saying anything) Are you hurt? (He said as he was worried)

[At home]

(Yoshito was seen seated outside as Shin came to meet him)

SHIN: Hey Yoshito, you haven't said anything today? (He still didn't answered) If there's something wrong, I can help you out—

YOSHITO: I'm fine, Okay! (He said as he got up and left)

SHIN: Did I do anything wrong?! (He said to him but he didn't replied back)

"Ever since I defeated Yoshito in our last training, he would act as if he is jealous. It was obvious to see it on his face but that wasn't it something happened that very night"

(Suddenly, Shin could hear a person screaming as he woke up from his sleep)

SHIN: What was that? (He got up as he runs to know the person) Oh no (He said while he stopped and had a thought) It's coming from mum's room. (He walked slowly and he looked at it and to his surprised, he sees blood dripping out from the knife and looked at the bed and saw that his mother was stab) Mum! Who are you?

(The person face wasn't seen while he turned elsewhere not looking at Shin)

??: I guess this is what I deserve. (The person was then revealed and Shin widened open his eyes with shocked to see that it was...)

SHIN: Yoshito, What have you done!

YOSHITO: Shut the fuck up! You make me sick! sick! sick! Now it's my chance to destroy you!

SHIN: I don't understand. Have you been manipulated?

YOSHITO: It's just like they always say to me, anytime I go out to get my revenge. She was actually the last I've killed.

SHIN: I don't understand... Does that mean... you go out and kill people.

YOSHITO: Very smart of you. If not for her scream I would have end you just like her.

SHIN: Why are you doing this?

YOSHITO: So it's like this, right?

SHIN: What do you mean?

YOSHITO: Becoming a badass, showing off with everyone at martial art school that you defeated me.

SHIN: Wait, are you doing this because you are jealous of me.

(Yoshito just stared at him and smiled evilly)

YOSHITO: I guess that's it.

SHIN: No! Yoshito would never do something like this!

YOSHITO: That's because a new being rose. The so-called Yoshito is gone.

SHIN: Nooo! (He clenches his teeth while tears comes out from his eyes) Tell me why will you kill mum. What have you gain?

YOSHITO: "Gain" my ass. I know she would be proud at me to see me like this.

SHIN: Shut up (And suddenly, fire surrounded his body as he was in rage and said) You are talking trash. I would make sure I will kill the person inside you! This isn't you, Yoshito! (He runs to fight him) Now I'm really mad!

YOSHITO: Die, Shin! (He yelled bringing out his fire fist to punch him and...)

(The house exploded and the two were left standing while fighting each other. Shin produces a fire ball as he blasts on Yoshito. He managed to dodged that as he jumped and gave him a punch on his face, causing him to slammed to the ground while going back. Shin got up and sees him coming to him and he gave him another punch and he goes back again. Yoshito was about to give him another punch but Shin grabbed his fist and flew him up, jumped and punch him to the ground)

SHIN: Yoshito, this can't solve this. The reason why you are like this is  your anger. It will consume you to the inside that you would have the feeling of hatred.

YOSHITO: I know it was teacher that taught us that?

SHIN: Yes and I'm saying this to help you.

(Yoshito was surprised to hear that from Shin. But his surprised changed to anger as he gave him a hateful look)

YOSHITO: Shut up.

SHIN: I'm serious. I'm just here to help you.

YOSHITO: I said shut up! I will make you pay (he said as he produces a fire ball, causing him to produce such energy in his right hand and he blast it on him)

SHIN: Yoshito, I'm serious! (He dodged that)

YOSHITO: Shit, what a waste! (He said while having it as a thought)

SHIN: If you can change, I will change you. (He said while running towards him)

YOSHITO: Is that so.

(As a rock from the ground hit Shin, making him to go back. Another rock lunged to him and Shin was able to dodged that. And surprisedly, Yoshito blasted out air from his two hands and shin goes back again)

SHIN: How do you... (While he was still on the ground as he tries to get up)

YOSHITO: I guess you are surprised, huh? I wouldn't tell you my secret but... I have the power to control more than twenty elements you can mention. And you... you Shin can't even stop me. You can't! (Uses his element, lightning to strike him from his right hand and Shin screams as he stopped and Shin fell to the ground) It's over, I have prove that I'm stronger than you.

SHIN: (Still on the ground) Well congratulations...happy now....

YOSHITO: I Wouldn't until you are dead.

(He produces his lightning at his right hand to blast him. As he was about to do that. Shin dodged as he blasts out fire on him quickly from his hand, causing Yoshito to go back with speed. He slammed himself to a tree and as he got up. He didn't see Shin again and was angry and shouted facing to the sky)

"After that, we didn't see each other for sixteen years. And I started working at a restaurant and I met this woman who always come there to buy and three months later we got married and had a daughter"

(Here it shows when they were living happily)

"After coming back from work, I met my wife lying dead in the sitting on the chair while my daughter close to her. That was not enough"

(Here it shows when the wife and the daughter were seen dead and then started to drink and smoke due to frustration)

"I got fired by my boss, driven out of the apartment I used to stay and I couldn't find any job so I relocated to Tokyo in search of a new job"

(Here it shows when he looked round at Tokyo and was happy to see how populated it was than Sendai)

(Shin walks as he needed clothes to buy as he turned away to see a shop and he went inside)

MAN: Good day sir, what do you want to buy?

SHIN: (He looked down to his bag he was carrying in search for his money and said) Hey I want to buy two shirts. I don't have enough money to pay you but... (He looked at the person as he got familiar with the face and...) Ippei.

IPPEI: Yeah I'm Ippei and you said you want to buy two shirts, right?

SHIN: Ippei, it's me Shin Ishikawa.

IPPEI: Shin... You attended Taka high school, right?

SHIN: Thank God... you remember (He said as he smiled while tears were gathering from his eyes)

IPPEI: Shin (He said while he smiled)

"And then, Ippei made me a place to stay and that was how I started living in here"

                                  (End of flashback)

KAARU: Such a sad story.

SHIN: It's not. It is a story Yoshito made my life miserable. So I don't call that a sad one. (As he lights up his cigarette which was placed in his mouth)

KAARU: And you aren't doing anything?

SHIN: (he blows out the cloud and said) What can I do? I can't find him or trace him. The best thing I can do is to save myself because once he sees me my life is already over.

KAARU: Is he sacred of him? (while having it as a thought)

SHIN: Tell me, Kaaru, what are you going to do if you see the killer that killed your parents? Are you going to kill him with all your desire or are you going to run away?

KAARU: Um...

SHIN: Don't think about going for the first one because what will you gain if you kill the killer? That wouldn't make your parents come back to life.

KAARU: I just want all this to stop. Before I kept dreaming of the killer and saw what happened when I was only four. What he did to my parents.

SHIN: (Didn't say anything while he continues to smoke and blows it out and said) Why did you join the SDIA?

KAARU: Because I thought it would be good if they will also need my help to find the killer.

SHIN: And...

KAARU: And to become a hero, so that I would be known to Japan and to the world.

SHIN: I see. I wouldn't stop you. Do whatever you like.

KAARU: I better get going, Shin. (And turned around to Ippei) See you later Ippei.

IPPEI: See ya, boy. (Looked at the window) Oh I guess the rain has definitely stopped. (He said while Kaaru shut the door as he left)

(Shin continues to drink as he didn't say anything and Ippei looked at him and turned his face elsewhere as he drinks)

SHIN: (Then had a thought) All I wanted to do was to calm Yoshito down and to protect my family but now...I didn't as I felt everything taken away from me. (He said as he takes a sip)

(Kaaru, on the other hand, he was seen walking while his hands were seen on his jacket pocket. He felt worried on Shin's saying)

"SHIN: ...what will you gain if you kill the killer? That wouldn't make your parents come back to life... Why did you join the SDIA?"

(After that thought on his head, he continues to walk)

(In a distance and on the top of a building, we see that Keisuke was still looking at Kaaru and then had a smile on his face while his teeth were shown)

To be continued...