Persona BLEACHED 2: Part 28

Chapter 28: The Dawn Before
March 14, 2029
"It is time. Destiny waits for no man. Here, now, I bring humanity towards a new dawn!"
"Excuse me, miss?"
Rose snapped out of her trance. "Ah, terribly sorry, sir. Let me ring you up..."
After ringing the man up, Rose gave a sigh. "Perhaps popping in during the busy hour was a bad idea." Hiyoko sat behind the counter.
"I'm sorry. Today's been a tad overwhelming."
"I can see that. Thank goodness it's a work day, otherwise there wouldn't be any breathing room."
"That would be the last thing I would need. It's my first White Day since Ms. Hana handed me the shop. Now I know how she must've felt before I came along..."
"Maybe you should take a cue from that and hire some help. Even if it's just for days like today."
"That would be helpful, but I'm okay. Once the school year ends, Rin said she would help me out whenever she could. I can manage until then."
"I know you can, love. Which is why I'm worried that you've been spacing out. Have you been getting enough sleep?"
"My sleeping habits are perfectly sound."
"...is it those dreams you've been having?"
Rose sighed. "Yes. They've been coming in clearer and with more frequency lately. Masked, armored figures...the Reaper...they all proceed the same way. If they were just recurring dreams I would expect at least a little variation. But no, they're all the same, and always in the same order. Hiyoko, I...I'm scared. I can't shake this horrid feeling that there's something unspeakable on the horizon. Maybe what I'm seeing is some kind of warning."
Hiyoko grabbed Rose by the hand. "Maybe it's just stress. You're so good at keeping yourself together, perhaps it's your mind visualizing every bad thought you've had. You've had quite a bit of upheaval lately. And I don't mean to sound dehumanizing, but maybe your brain processes stress differently. There's still a lot we don't know about how you came to be. Hopefully this is nothing."
"I appreciate the thought. Still, something isn't sitting right with--"
In the middle of the conversation, someone ran into the store. Kibō was panting, and sweating profusely. "Ms. Rose, I need your help, and...and fast."
"Kibō? What's the matter? Shouldn't you be at school?" Rose asked.
"I'm on lunch break...ran here as fast as I could...I need an arrangement. Something...light blue. I didn't want to wait until after school and...I'm scrambling for plans." 
"First White Day with a girlfriend? Poor thing." Hiyoko said. "Actually...you're getting them for the theater girl, yes?"
"Yes, Mrs. Hiyoko...I thought about taking her to a play but everything must be booked by now..."
"Hold on a minute." Hiyoko pulled out her phone. "Hello, yes, is this the Meiji Theater front desk? Ah, lovely. I wanted to ask about tonight's performance...Yes, I'm aware that it's rather late. But this is a special request. My name is Hiyoko Kagetora. Yes, Kagetora. I'm calling at the behest of my husband, Shūjo Higashikata." The call went silent for a moment. "Ah, perfect. Two seats will suffice. Oh, a balcony view? How very sweet of you. Our guests will be delighted. Thank you so very much." The call ended.
Kibō was dumbfounded.
"The Meiji Theater in Chūō. 8 o'clock. You'll be seeing a performance of Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura. Dress appropriately." Hiyoko dictated.
"M-Mrs. Hiyoko, I...I don't know what to say to that. How did you even--"
"Any establishment in this city would tell you that displeasing someone named 'Kagetora' would be bad for business. Especially when they casually throw in the name 'Higashikata'. Consider it repayment for all you've done for us. As JoJo would say, 'There's two things you never forget: your grudges, or your debts'." Hiyoko assured. "A little backstory to this play, our assistant swears up and down that he's a descendant of Yoshitsune. But he also wants us to believe he has something resembling a golf game, so take it with a grain of salt."
Kibō bowed. "You have my thanks. I'll find a way to repay you, I swear."
"Think nothing of it. You gave us peace of mind. That's worth more than any amount of yen you could give. Give her a night she won't forget. I'll consider that payment." Hiyoko winked.
"I'll try my best. Now I just have to figure out how to get back to school in less than..." Kibō glanced at his watch. "12 minutes. Pray for my leg muscles."
"Don't forget these." Rose handed him a bouquet of light blue flowers.
"Oh, thank you. Whole reason I ran here. Thank you again, Mrs. Hiyoko. Now I've got 11 minutes. Wish me luck." Kibō rushed out the door.
Hiyoko giggled. "It's hard to believe that's Kyohei's younger brother. Not that I'm complaining."
"Indeed. But it's unfair to judge the whole garden based on one terrible weed." Rose added.
"Did you just come up with that one?"
"Perhaps."
"Well, I suppose I'll let you get back to work. I have a lovely dinner planned with JoJo for tonight. Do you have anything in mind for you and Rin?"
"Nothing past a quiet night at home. Not the most exciting thing, I know."
"Ah, but it's just like the two of you. Nothing wrong with that."
"I...do have something else in mind. But I'll have to close up early to be home before she does. It's, ah...something I've never done before." Rose blushed.
"Oooh, sounds like I'll have some details to pry out of her when I see her next. Enjoy yourself, rosebud." Hiyoko left.
"...I can't believe I'm going through with this." Rose muttered.
---
Late afternoon at the Kubo household. Rin steps out of her car, humming to herself. 
"RIN-RIIIIIN!"
She glanced over at her neighbor's porch. There was Tenko, beaming and holding the largest bottle of sake Rin had ever seen.
"Isn't it beautiful?! Special delivery from my boo~! I feel like I've fallen in love all over again~!" Tenko exclaimed.
"I figured out the way to this one's heart a long time ago." Jin, sitting on the porch, deadpanned.
"My sweet, sweet enabler~! I won't have to buy another bottle for a good while~!"
"I give it a week, tops." Jin ate from his bag of Hi-Chews.
"Well. Guess I know what you have planned for tonight." Rin uttered.
"I'm gonna go pour me a cup right now~! Ooh, I feel intoxicated just thinking about it~!" Tenko trotted inside with her giant bottle.
"...am I a horrible person for enabling her?" Jin asked.
"Long as it makes her happy and isn't hurting anyone. I'd...probably keep the baby away from her, though."
"Hrm. Yeah, good idea." He got up to go inside. "Enjoy your service."
"Huh?" Rin looked puzzled.
She opened the door to her house. "Okay, quick shower before Rose gets back, and then--"
A figure suddenly leapt out from the hallway.
"Welcome home, Mistress~!" 
It was Rose, wearing a maid uniform.
"Would you like your dinner, or perhaps a bath, or, perhaps..." Rose's aura could only be described as amorous.
"DON'T FINISH THAT SENTENCE!" Rin exclaimed. "What are you doing?!"
"Forgive me, Mistress. You've just been working so hard lately, I wanted to alleviate all that ails you for one night. As a reward for all that you do~."
Rose began blushing. "I'm sorry, is this too much?"
"N-no, not at all. You just caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting to see you home so early. And...wearing that."
"I closed up shop early so I could surprise you. I know this is a little much, but you always try so hard for everyone. I thought it would be nice for you to have one night where you're being doted on."
"Oh, Rose...don't sound so guilty about it. Normally I wouldn't want you to act like you're my servant, but...I suppose one night wouldn't hurt." Rin blushed.
"Yay~! I'm so happy all of my practice won't go to waste. Let the spoiling commence! First things first, lay on the couch. On your stomach."
"Uh, okay."
Rin did as instructed. "Easiest way to loosen up is to work the back muscles." Rose said.
"Um, Rose? Have you ever actually given someone a massage before?"
"No. But I've studied the body's main pressure points. I know where my hands should go."
"I, uh, I'm sure you do..."
Rose cracked her knuckles, and placed her hands on Rin's back. The professor's eyes sharpened.
Shizuka walked in moments later, alerted by the sound of moaning. "I think there's a ghost in my room...um, Mama Rose? Why are you hurting Mama Rin?"
"I'm not hurting her, dear. Just helping her with some pain. Nothing to worry about." Rose assured.
Rin's moaning could be heard from outside. Jin had returned to the porch, and bore a confused look on his face.
Behind him, his and Tenko's dog howled, causing Jin to turn around.
"Hope no one calls the cops. I'd hate to be the one to explain this to Jugo..."
---
"And here we are. Thankfully her room isn't too far from ours." Carrie said. Natalia was with her, carrying a large bag.
"I hope it fits. Good thing I still had her measurements from the last hoodie I made her." Natalia said.
Carrie knocked on the door. When it opened, it was Sahir that was standing there. "Oh. Hey, ladies."
"Oh, hello, Sahir. No flirtatious remarks? That's unusual." Carrie replied.
"Eh, not really in the mood for it. Sakuya's not doing too hot."
"Oh no, what's wrong?" Natalia asked.
"She called me over cuz she was feeling a little woozy. Right now I'm just making sure she's okay."
"Sahir-san? Let them in. I'd enjoy extra company." Sakuya spoke out.
Sakuya was laying on her couch, holding an ice pack over her head. "Hello. What a lovely surprise. And here I was planning for a night alone."
"How are you feeling?" Carrie asked.
"I'm alright. I was feeling a little nauseous so I called Sahir-san in case it persisted, but I feel much better now. This happens from time to time. A side effect of my medication."
"You sure you're alright? I can run and grab some more ice if you need it." Sahir said.
"I'm fine, really. It'll pass in a little while." Sakuya assured. "So what brings you two here?"
"I made you a little something. Thought it was long overdue." Natalia handed her the bag.
Sakuya opened it, and inside was a black hoodie matching the ones worn by the rest of the group. The lining was dark pink, bore the Roman numeral "XIV" on the arms, and had an image of a magnolia flower on the back. "Ah, this is lovely, Natalia-san. Suppose this means I'm part of the team now."
"Well to tell you the truth, I've been sitting on this for a while. Thought today was as good a time as any. Especially since we've gone past the punching incident." Natalia said.
"Don't remind me..." Sahir muttered, rubbing his eye.
"This means a lot, thank you. I'm honestly humbled by how well you all have treated me after, well...you know." Sakuya looked saddened. "I really envy you all."
"Come now, there's no need for that. No one here is judging you for anything." Carrie assured.
"You aren't. But plenty of people aren't like you." Sakuya replied. "All of the things I have to do just to feel normal. The treatment, the nausea, the speech therapy. All of that compounded with the people calling me a freak and a deviant just for wanting to feel secure in my own body. It's fairly easy for my mind to enter a very dark place."
"I'm so sorry, Sakuya." Carrie said.
"You don't need to apologize. You've been nothing but welcoming to me for as long as we've known each other."
"I'm sorry for not being able to find your mother yet. I know you could use the comfort of family at a time like this. But every route I've taken is a dead end."
"It's fine. There's still the possibility that she wouldn't accept me as I am now. Avoiding that hurt might be the best option."
"I won't accept that. You're still her child. I'm sure she would accept you no matter what. Having that kind of unconditional love to turn to is...something I miss dearly."
"I'm sorry, I'd forgotten what a sore subject it is for you. It's why I hesitated to ask for your help." Sakuya began expressing discomfort.
"Hey, you okay?" Sahir asked.
"Those anti-nausea pills are taking their time. Ugh..." 
"Let me go refill this thing, clearly it ain't working." Sahir took the ice pack and went to the fridge.
"I know it isn't close to what you've gotta deal with, but I get not liking the body you're stuck with. Girls back home would make fun of me all the time for not having the 'supermodel body'. They'd be friendly to my face just so I'd do them favors. It got so bad that I...well. If things had gone differently back then, I wouldn't be here. It's tough when people choose to be mean instead of being understanding. I know you've got it so much worse than me, but..." Natalia explained.
"Abuse is abuse, it's terrible no matter what. Looking down upon that which is different is a concept as old as humanity." Sahir returned with the ice pack. "Thank you." Sakuya sighed. "Can you even comprehend it? Being hated just for being who you are?"
Sahir gave a smirk. "Sakuya. Look who you're talking to. Of course I do."
"Oh no, Sahir, don't tell me somebody...?" Carrie questioned.
"Oh yeah. I've gotten my fair share of stupid. U-17 World Cup I got to hear my first monkey chant. Guy like me goes overseas, it isn't long before the bad attitudes start popping up. If you're anything but an in-shape white dude in this world, you're gonna hear some stupid."
"That must've been horrible."
"Eh, it was. For like, two minutes. I scored a hat trick in that game. Guys weren't 'ooh ooh OOH'-ing for long. My uncle in England would tell me, 'People like us have to live with far worse than most. Through no fault of our own. They don't see you for who you are. You have to make them.' So I did. You can't let it get to you."
"You make it sound so easy. Guess that's just the kind of person you are." Sakuya said.
"It sucks when people act like that, I know. But in my mind, if the first thing someone thinks when they see me is 'I'm gonna throw a banana his way', they're not the type of person whose opinion matters much anyway. You're lucky that people can get to know you before you tell them your secret. I don't really have that luxury. But I do have the luxury of not caring what people think."
"Now there's something I wish I could have."
"I'm sorry we can't help you more than just sitting here talking." Natalia said.
"That is more help than you could ever imagine. I already feel better than I did a few minutes ago." Sakuya assured.
"How about I order us some dinner? We'll keep you company for as long as you want." Carrie asked.
"That would be lovely. I'm sorry if I'm being a burden."
"Nonsense. Just relax and I'll get to work on the food."
"The more the merrier, I always say. Especially when it's such breathtaking company." Sahir winked.
"Boy, that didn't take long." Natalia sighed.
"I take that as a sign that everything's fine." Sakuya giggled.
---
"Hrmm...hrrrrmm..." Kenji stared intensely at what he was working on. "Focus, Kenneth. This needs to be perfect."
A knock at the door. "So much for a night of tranquility."
He covered up what he was working on, and went to answer the door. There in the doorway was Kitty. "Greetings and salutations, my beautiful person." she said in a faux English accent.
"Oh. Katherine. I was wondering what this sudden aching in my neck was about." He looked at the shirt she was wearing. A cartoon baboon was wearing a lab coat and glasses, accompanied by the words "Quantum Baboon Physics".
"Like it? A Hoodsie original." 
"I can say this much. It's absolutely a shirt you would wear. So what brings you to my space? Has Maxwell gotten sick and now you need someone to harass for a few hours?"
"Oh, don't be so judgey, Kenny. I was on my way to see Sparky and I wanted to pop in and say howdy. Aaaand cuz I have a little something for ya." She presented a bag.
"A gift? For me? That's...rather thoughtful of you. It's nothing profane, is it? Like water from your bath?"
"Ew! I'm not that kind of streamer, Kenny! It's nothing gross."
"I'll be the judge of that...oh. My word." What was in the bag was a shirt with an image of a dark-haired man with stylish shades worn in a manner that showed his eyes. The words "The Golden Wei" were emblazoned above his head. Beneath his head was what appeared to be the man's autograph.
"That's my Pops. In his glory days. Still has a few boxes of the things lying around. I'd treasure that, if I was you. Might be pricey in a few years time."
"My God. This is perfection. But, hang on. What's the catch?"
"Catch? There's no catch. Why would there be?"
"You nearly died of embarrassment when you revealed your father's secret. Now here you are handing me a shirt with his face on it. You trying to sweeten me up for a favor?"
"No, I'm not! Today's a day for gift-giving, you asked if my Dad had any shirts, so I got you a shirt. I don't have ulterior motives for everything, Kenny."
Kenji smirked. "I'm only joking. I appreciate the gift. And I know why you're really here. When I made it clear that I would be spending the night alone, I saw the look in your eyes. You were worried that I would feel lonely."
"B-bull. You're giving me way too much credit."
"Rest assured that I'm alone by choice. I have projects to work on and I've been short on time lately. Regardless, your concern is appreciated, Katherine."
"Okay for real, can you please stop calling me that? It's getting to where people are legit thinking that it's my name. I know you're just doing it to bug me, so congrats! You got what you wanted."
"Heh. So you think I'm merely doing it to annoy you. Well, okay, I won't deny that much. But it isn't the only reason."
"Please, do tell."
"By now you are aware of my rather...controlled upbringing. Cut off from the outside world, made to live in an archaic fashion, beaten regularly when I fell short. It was, to put it lightly, a living hell."
"Yeah, I know about that. I'm amazed your parents ever let you come here. Must've been a real culture shock."
"Well, they had little to do with it. Their only motives for letting me come here were ensuring that their "lessons" stuck. It was part of their arrangement with my benefactor."
"Your...benefactor. And who would that be?"
"Her name, as you've likely guessed by now, is Catherine. With a C. She's my aunt. She's the only one who ever treated me with some semblance of humanity. When I was fourteen she came and took me from my parents, knowing what was being done to me. I was resistant for the most part. For the entirety of my life up to that point, I saw the harsh discipline as being normal. It had only gotten worse once my mother found out I was gay. My aunt tried to explain why what was being done to me was so problematic. I was as I was when I first came here. Defiant. Resentful. And just overall angry."
"But back to the deal she made. My parents tried to pry me away from her, so she came up with a plan. Send me somewhere far, far away where they could never reach me. Once I came back, I would determine for myself what the correct environment for me was. Believing their methods were foolproof, they agreed. And on the back of my years of swordsmanship training, I came to be enrolled here." Kenji explained.
"So that's how you ended up here with a stick up your rump. So why call me by your aunt's name?"
"Nothing too complicated. You remind me of her, is all. She has that same relentlessly sharp tongue, and isn't afraid to say exactly what she's thinking."
"Sounds like a fine lady."
"At the same time, she's also very empathetic and kind. She has three children of her own. To take me in knowing the extra strain it would bring, simply because she couldn't allow me to live in that environment for another second, shows the strength of her character. It's a kindness I see in you, as well."
"Okay, now I know you're losing it."
"I've seen you leap several feet into the air to retrieve a child's balloon. The Professor's four-year old wants to be you when she grows up. Beneath that cold, sarcastic exterior lies a genuine gentleness."
"Oh yeah, I'm real gentle. Ask Kicks how gentle I can be."
"You're still beating yourself up over that."
"Hell yes I am. I'm still kicking myself for pushing Hoodsie too hard in the early days. I try so hard not to be like my sister and then I go and sock one of my friends in the face."
"You got heated and you made a mistake. That's what humans do. Within a week of coming here I drew my sword on a pregnant woman. An Olympic gold medalist who still undid me, but a pregnant woman nonetheless. I've hesitated to wield it since then. Our actions have consequences. But dwell on your actions for too long and your life will have nothing else to it. Nobody wants to see you upset. You're the mood of the team, after all."
Kitty started blushing. "Oh my God, stop it! Is it opposite day or something? Why are you being so nice to me?"
"If you so choose, come tomorrow we can go back to taking shots at one another. For now, I'll just express my gratitude for the gift and show of concern. Go on, Maxwell must be wondering what's keeping you. And I need to get back to my work."
"Okay, okay. What are you working on in there, anyhow?"
"You'll know before the semester ends. I'm not keeping a secret for the whole summer. Tell Maxwell I said hello."
Kenji turned to go back to his room, and suddenly felt a clamp around his torso. Kitty was hugging him from behind. "Don't tell anyone about this." she uttered.
"Heh. You're serious? I'll be messaging this to everyone."
"Figured as much. I love you, you jerk. Don't even think about breaking Aunt Catherine's heart, you hear?"
"Wouldn't dream of it. See you tomorrow, Katherine."
Kitty left soon after. Kenji returned to his room. "Now, let's get to it. You have a month and a half, Kenneth. Let's make it count..."
---
"I honestly don't know how I'm gonna top this." Barbara said. It was late, and she and Kibō were leaving the theater.
"What do you mean by that? It's not a competition." Kibō replied.
"On Valentine's Day I fell asleep on your shoulder. You repayed me by taking me to one of the biggest plays in Japan. I'd say I need to come up with something big."
"I guess I wouldn't mind that so much. Still, it's not as though this was entirely my idea..."
"That doesn't matter all that much. I appreciate the honesty. I had a great time, so that's what matters. I'm sorry I kept giggling whenever they said Lady Shizuka's name."
"It's fine, no one else was near us so it's not like anyone noticed. Honestly wonder if that's who she was named after."
Kibō took notice of Barbara struggling a bit. "You alright?"
"Ugh, I'm okay. My feet are aching in these heels. I don't know if I can handle a long train ride back, especially if I have to stand..."
A black-colored limousine pulled up next to the pair. Out of the driver's side stepped Kaido. "Your chariot has arrived, sir and madame."
"They sent us a limo. Holy..." Barbara muttered.
"Your bosses seriously sent you to come get us?" Kibō asked.
"Well, of course. Can't have a couple of teenagers heading for home this late, especially on a school night. All sorts of shady types running around these days." Kaido replied.
"So says the gangster..." Barbara said under her breath.
"Well, come on then. Supposed to rain in a little while. You're not about to make your lady walk in heels in the pouring rain, are you?" Kaido asked.
"Absolutely not. Let's go." Kibō suddenly picked Barbara up.
"Ah! What are you doing?!"
"You said being on your feet was making you hurt. This is the solution."
"I-it's just a couple of steps, you don't have to pick me up...like a fairy tale prince whisking the princess away..." Barbara turned a rosy shade of red.
"Oh, well, um...if it's too weird, I can just put you down..."
Barbara kicked him in the side. "Carry me, you goof."
Kibō carried Barbara into the limo. "Ah, young love. Reminds me of the Boss and the Missus. Brings a tear to the old eye." Kaido mused.
The limo began heading for Naruki. "So, how'd you kids like the play? Probably a bit different from what you're used to seeing."
"It was marvelous, Mr. Kaido. It felt like it should've gone on even longer." Barbara replied.
"Funny thing is, usually it would. Lots of kabuki plays would go on for hours and hours at a time, but nowadays they split them up or leave some parts out. If they played the full version of Yoshitsune, you'd have been sitting there for a whole day."
"Wow. Yeah, I can see why that wouldn't work out today." Kibō said.
"Have you seen the play, Mr. Kaido?" Barbara asked.
"Oh, plenty of times. I let everyone know that I can actually trace my bloodline to the Minamoto clan, so it's kind of a family tradition. Not that my Boss or the Missus believe me. I see it every chance I get. Only gripe I really have is how they portray Benkei."
"Oh, the loudmouthed, obnoxious guy?" Barbara asked.
"That's what they'd like you to believe. Every other tale involving him and Yoshitsune, Benkei is described as being cool and clever. I dunno why they made him an asshole in this." Kaido sighed. "But anyway, please tell me they had the part where the kitsune flies over the audience."
"Yep, they did."
"Ohhh man, that's my favorite part!" Kaido caught himself. "Ahem, sorry. I probably shouldn't get too excited while driving through the rain."
"Hehe, don't worry about it. It's nice to talk about things you're into. Right, Kee--Keeb?"
Kibō had nodded off. "Woah...he was wide awake a minute ago." Kaido said.
"I'll let him get his rest. Guy's had a long day getting everything together."
A short while later, Kaido piped up again. "So, Ms. Barbara. You're from the land of the hot dog, right?"
"Huh? Oh, you mean the US. Yeah. Kentucky, to be exact."
"That's the place with the yeehaws and the country music, yeah?"
"Well, that kind of describes most of the South. You've heard of KFC, right?"
"Oh yeah, with the old guy in the white suit. I had their chicken a couple times. Not bad. Biscuits were the real shit, though."
"Heh, yeah. That's us. It's as American South as you can get."
"Now what brings a girl from Kentucky all the way out to a school in Japan?"
"Well the school's been getting a better reputation for the success of its students. The scouts really liked my recitals, and me and my brother studied super hard to make sure we got here."
"I bet your parents must be worried sick having you so far from home."
"My Mama was the one who really pushed for us to get in. I know she worries, but I call her whenever I can. I'm honestly more worried for her than she is for me."
"Why's that?"
"My dad. Their divorce was just finalized, and it was really ugly. He's got a nasty temper, and I'm scared he might come after her. My uncle's got her house under constant watch, so I know she's safe, but..."
"I get it. I'll bet she wanted you and your bro out of there so you wouldn't get caught up in the nastiness."
"That's what I think too. It's a whole lot of worry on two ends of the world. Now when I go home it'll just be a whole lot of worry in one place."
"That's rough, kid. Breakups like that always hurt the kids the most. Least you've got your troupe backing you up. How does Mama feel about your sleepy beau over there?"
"Well...I've told her that I met someone. I've talked about him a whole lot in our calls. I know she's worried about me maybe making the same mistake she did, but I know Keeb isn't like that. I don't care that we'll be a world apart, I know how I feel about him. My Mama always told me, 'When you find that one person that'll sit there and listen to every word you sing, and get the meaning behind them all, then you'll know.' So I know that my heart is right."
"Hm. So you've found your Benkei, is what I'm hearing. You want to know how he actually was?"
"Go on."
"When the end came for Yoshitsune and Benkei, they hid themselves in a castle. An army surrounded them, and Yoshitsune decided he would commit seppuku and die with honor. To let his friend go out on his terms, Benkei went outside to fight off the army by himself. As fearsome a warrior as he was, he took out over 300 men on his own. Finally the army realized that fighting him head-on was suicide, so they started lobbing arrows his way. Benkei just stood there and took them all. He died on his feet, protecting his liege to the bitter end. To die for somebody else...to endure that much pain to keep one person safe. That's the kind of bond people yearn for."
"Do you have someone you feel that way about, Mr. Kaido?"
"Course. My Boss. I've been by his side for most of the time I've been breathing. Sure, I didn't take it too well when he turned a new leaf, but I didn't understand why he did it. It was for Hiyoko. Ever since he saved her life, it's all been for her. Took me a while, but I got it. She's who he'd take a hundred arrows for. And I'd gladly take a hundred arrows for him. Now, I'm not saying you should take a bunch of arrows to prove you love the guy. Me and the Boss grew up in a very different world than what you're used to. But if you think that you've already found that person that would offer their life for your own, well, that's a wonderful thing. Just hope that you can have that bond for a very long time. And that you'll never have to answer whether they'd take a storm of arrows for you."
"...I think I know what you mean."
"Do you, now?"
"When Keeb and Mr. Higashikata fought, Keeb didn't lift a finger against him. But when I saw he was about to take a hit, I jumped in front of him without even thinking. I didn't know if I was going to get hurt, but I knew I couldn't let him get hit. I think, even back then, I knew how I felt."
"You know something, Ms. Barbara?" Kaido smirked. "I think you and him are gonna be fine. Just the feeling I get."
"I hope you're right. You know, I think what I heard about you was way off. They made you sound like a buffoon with a hopeless golf game."
"Wait, hopeless?!"
A while later, the limo pulled up in front of the Academy. 
"You kids gonna be alright from here?" Kaido asked.
"Should be okay. Thanks for the ride back." Kibō replied.
"Thanks so much, Mr. Kaido. Make sure to tell Ms. Hiyoko thanks for her generosity." Barbara said.
"Will do. You lovebirds get some rest...hey, Kibō."
"Yes?"
"That's a good one you have there. I just want to know one thing. If you were standing between an army and her, and the only thing keeping her from getting hurt was you taking a barrage of arrows, would you do it? Even if it meant you died?"
Kibō took little time to answer. "Of course. I'd take every single one. Without question."
Barbara was taken aback.
Kaido smiled. "Good answer, kid. Y'all stay safe." He drove off.
"Well that was a random question. Wonder what that was--"
Barbara took Kibō by the hand, and kissed him. "Thank you for the wonderful night, Benkei." she said while blushing. "Could you carry me to my dorm?"
"Well, alright. Are your feet still hurting?"
"Nope. I just like being carried."
"I appreciate the honest answer. Come on, then..."
"Teehee~."