Swapped Roles

The other customers could sense danger was coming so some hid under their table for protection while others ran out the store without paying, the manager wanted to shout at them but Sora pulled at her to shut her up. The next second the store became a fight scene, Suki and Mirai sat in their seats and ate their food, oblivious of what was happening. Naoki was the same and was surprised to see the two familiar figures peacefully sitting there.

One of Yamano's men stupidly charged towards Mirai and Suki, the both of them did not react to this until the last second. Mirai knocked away his sword by simply twisting his wrist. Naoki watched in amazement and gave a smile.

Juji and Kazuki also smiled at the sight of the two.

"Looks like we have backup for this fight." Kazuki said.

"Not like we need it right." Juji remarked.

Yamano's men were brutal and merciless as they sliced with their swords, however they would always miss to give a scratch on the two.

On the other hand some of Yamano's men charged towards Suki and Mirai. Suki was able to fight them off by herself while Mirai sat in her seat clearing her bowl of rice. Juji fought those who ran towards him with the blunt side of his blade since he did not want to stain the floors of the tavern. It was clear that Yamano was losing but he did not stop because he understands that if he did his name would be ruined.

"Charge!" He commanded and the rest of his soldiers split in two to attack the two groups.

Kazuki used the sheath of his sword to trip the first soldier causing for those behind him to fall. He then swiped his sword and knocked out the soldiers charging at him, thankfully his sword was still in the sheath or they would of been dead.

The group that was supposed to attack Mirai and Suki took each step carefully, as they now know that these two were people who excel in the martial arts. One brave soul was foolish enough to jump up with his sword out and prepared to slash. Suki motioned with her hands and the cup of hot tea was sent pouring at him. The man fell the ground clutching his arm where the tea has touched him, it has turned red. All the soldiers that wanted to attack them were not killed but severely injured.

The rest of the soldiers were trembling as they watch the five men stand up and tower over them like a giant. Five people, only five, were able to take out a small army of thirty. The soldiers' shuddered and quickened scrambled out the door.

"Come back you fools!" Yamano screamed after them but not one came back.

Knowing that he has lost he fell on his knees and wanted to crawl out when someone blocked his way.

"Going anywhere Mister." He looked up to see Juji look at him with his usual smile.

He broke into cold sweat, right now he only wanted to leave this damn place but he can't.

"This mister looks like he is quite powerful in the martial arts, what would you like? I can give you anything, gold, jewel, women. Anything you would like I can give you but please spare me I am only a humble man." Yamano's began to talk off about numerous riches and treasures he can give but Juji has no interest in this.

He lifted his sword and held it at Yamano's chin. Yamano trembled and the amount of sweat he produced has become a puddle under him.

"S-s-spare me, Pu-pu-puleaze." He studdered.

Juji's smile became a mocking one and he looked at Naoki who shook his head. Juji understood what he meant and lowered his blade.

"If you do something like this again I will not be as forgiving. Leave!" Juji's smile vanished and a new sternness came out.

Mirai lips curled upward into an interesting smile and nodded at Suki. Suki nodded back knowing that their job here is done. The two got up and prepared to walk up the stairs back to their room when Naoki spoke out.

"Shiratori and Kota kun, a pleasure to meet again."

Mirai and Suki nodded at him and continued walking up.

Sora looked at Mirai's disappearing shadow and a warm feeling blossomed inside her.

'So his family name is Shiratori.' She blushed a bit and looked down.

Naoki and his two friends decided that since it was dark out already they should stay for the night and was given a VIP room from the manager as the "payment" for their heroic deed. The three walked upstairs following a maid while the manager yelled for a few servants to start cleaning up the mess.

In Mirai and Suki's room...

"That was rough." Mirai plopped onto her futon and laid on it, too tired to move.

"Two battles, of course it's rough." Suki sat in front of the mirror combing her hair.

"But who knew we would see them again." Mirai only nodded as sleepiness starts to overtake her.

"Don't you find it weird though?" Suki asked and placed down her comb.

"Hmm?" Mirai opened her tired eyes and sat up.

"Their arrangement is quite different today. It's quite clear that Naoki-san is the head today but yesterday Kazuki-san was the leader."

Suki's analysis aroused Mirai's attention as she thought back to what happened. Suki's right (which she always tend to be) it was like Kazuki and Naoki swapped roles today, with Naoki playing the leader.

"They are a mysterious bunch. Remember how they did not want to leave their family names?" Mirai's words came with a short memory from yestaurday.

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"May I ask for your family names?" Suki asked after Juji had asked for their names.

Juji looked at Naoki who immediately spoke. "The three of us like to remain mysterious since we are merchants and travels to many different lands it would be bothersome if we get involved with any issues."

"Then how should we address the three of you?" Mirai asked.

"Oh that's simple call me Juji, that is Naoki and the one in the carriage is Kazuki." Juji introduced.

"En. A pleasure to meet you, Juji-san, Naoki-san and Kazuki-san." Mirai said and Suki nodded.

"Same here." Juji replied with a smile.

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"Mirai, I'm blowing out the candles." Suki got up and walked towards the burning candle.

"En." Mirai laid back in bed, dismissing her thoughts as sleepiness overtook her once again.