Raku’s friends

It took me an hour and a half to cook the feast, I had to cook enough for about 45 people after all. This of course wasn't our entire clan, it was only the high ranking ones, or the older members that had history with my father.

*Ding Dong*

*Ah, just in time* I thought, making my way to greet what I thought would be Raku, and possibly Shu...they are very good friends after all. What did greet me on the other hand, was a bigger group of friends.

*How the hell does he have so many friends...* I thought to myself, and instantly recognised all of the people with him. Obvious ones were Shu and Arima, since Arima and Raku were of similar age and his mom often drops by our house I wasn't surprised. Arima's friends, Tsubaki(the female sports fanatic) and Ryouta(the typical playboy) were also with them standing next to Arima. The last addition to the group did catch me by surprise though, a blue haired, athletic looking chick.(Mikoto Suou from School Rumble).

*Guess that she easily clicked with Tsubaki* I guessed, as both were female sports fanatics. This realisation of mine did happen all in about a second as Raku realised who opened the door, widening his eyes in disbelief.

Raku: "Nii-san, You're back!" He shouted as he brings me to a tight hug... which lasted only for a moment, pushing me away with a slightly angry look."Why didn't you tell us you're coming back... when we didn't receive your postcard yesterday it got us all worried."

Rei: "I wanted it to be a surprise Raku... but before we catch up, why don't you introduce me to your friends, maybe even girlfriend. They do seem a little curious about me." I said turning my head towards the group.

Raku: "Stop teasing me... I'm not a playboy like you. And why was there a different girl with you on every postcard you sent?!" He accused me again in a lecturing tone.

I pretended like I couldn't even hear him and turned towards the rest of the group, who looked me up and down with a little admiration.* So I guess he does tell his friends of his 'great' nii-san' a proud smile crept up my face.

Rei: "Nice to meet you guys and gals, my name is Rei, I'm Raku's older brother." I introduced myself, shaking their hand one by one as they introduced themselves.

Ryouta: "Hello, name's Watari Ryouta, nice to meet you Rei." He shook my hand, friendly smile on his face, with some excitement in his voice.

Shu: "Nice to meet you Aniki. Raku has told us a lot about you, my name is Maiko Shu." He shook my hand with a little bit more excitement than Ryouta, wearing an easy-going expression on his face.

Arima: "Nice to meet you, Dr Rei, my mother has told me a lot about you. Let me formally introduce myself, my name is Kousei Arima." He shook my hand with both of his, a slight look of reverence coming from his eyes.

*Just what the hell did Saki tell him about me...* I thought, thinking about how I just gained a follower.*Don't really like followers... prefer it if people walk their own path* I thought with a complicated expression on my face. This did however disappear and went unnoticed by the 6 high schoolers.

Tsubaki: "Hello Raku's nii-san! My name is Sawabe Tsubaki, nice to meet you!" She shouted and instead of shaking my hand she high fives it.

Mikoto: "Nice to meet you Raku's older brother, my name is Suou Mikoto. May I ask you a question?" She looks me up and down as she shakes my hand.

Rei: "Go ahead, and everyone, please do call me Rei."

Mikoto: "Do you practice martial arts... because the way you conduct yourself and even shaking our hands, you leave no openings. I found it a little scary at first, so I wanted to ask you... Are you an expert in martial arts?" She was now looking at me with a very serious expression, silence from everyone else.

Rei: "I am. What of it?"

Mikoto: "I was wondering if we could spar, and exchange a few pointers. I don't have many people on my level at the dojo so-" before she could continue, she found herself flung in the air, a hand on her collar, looking at the blue sky. Before she reached the ground, it felt as if someone rotated her position back upright... as if nothing has happened. The others were all looking at the performance with sparks in their eyes, enjoying the show.

Rei: "As you can see... you have quite a lot to catch up on before we can 'spar'. So how about I look at your techniques, and show you ways of improving instead. I'm free most times, but I prefer if you would seek the lessons during the week-ends, a lesson a week."

Mikoto: "Yes, I understand, Master Rei!" She shouted, doing a respectful bow.

Rei: "Call me Rei... Master Rei makes me sound old, I am ONLY four years your senior. Now, come inside everyone, I have prepared dinner and there's enough for everyone" I spoke, now making my way towards the dining hall.

They all took a brief pause, to try to piece together what had happened, but then hurriedly followed me inside.

-At the table-

Tsubaki: "Oh my god!! This food is so good!! And I thought Raku's cooking was the best in the world!!" She shouted with her mouth full,as she continued to devour plate after plate.

Arima: "Tsubaki, don't speak with your mouth full!*ahem* but she is right, your cooking is the only one that I consider to be better than Raku's"

Rei: "Well, somebody do have to teach him didn't they... but I'll sure that hell surpass me in no time, isn't that right Raku?" I shout looking towards Raku, who had a competitive smile painted across his face.

Raku: "That's right Nii-san, one of these days, I'll be sure to surpass you in cooking!" He shouted from across the table. I release a little chuckle, hoping in my head that he truly will achieve his dream.

This peaceful moment was interrupted by Ryu, who came in room with a tired look on his face, sweating quite a bit.*I was wondering where him and the guys were... Guess I'll find out now*

Ryu: "Is it a bad time?" He asked, ready to leave the finding hall.

Rei: "No, not at all." I now turn toward the group."It was a pleasure to meet all of you, and I hope you enjoy your stay. I've got some matters to attend to, so I'll have to take my leave." I bow slightly, before getting up to follow Ryu and see what was wrong.

-In the dining hall after Rei had just left-

Tsubaki: "Oh my god Raku! Your nii-san is soo cool! I've never seen someone be able to take down Mikoto so easily!" She shouted with practically stars in her eyes, tugging Raku's arm.

Ryouta: "She's right, Raku! I thought you told us he was a medical doctor... not a fighter!" He lost his cool composure, and now had admiration written all over his face.

Raku: "He is a Doctor!" He shouted, before scratching his head and continuing."But I never knew he could fight... at least not that well. Ryu and the guys told me he gave them some pointers which helped them improve, so I guessed that he must be good... just not that good."

Everyone was now quiet, with different expressions, but all had a level of respect towards the main man. Mikoto seemed to have her own thoughts, until she mumbled something.

Mikoto: "I wonder if he's got a girlfriend..." she mother her thoughts, but everyone heard her causing them to look straight at her. Once she realised what she said, her face turned beet red, releasing some steam from her ears.

Shu: "It's fine Mikoto! I'm sure with your curves you'll get him-" he was suddenly punched to the other end of the hall, by a very embarrassed Mikoto who now recovered and decided to eat in silence. Everyone else just continued to laugh at the situation, wishing Mikoto good luck.