Chapter 2: Of Rivals and Recruits Part 1

Kusanagi Kiyomi could be described as an untouchable queen. Reason being as not only was she beautiful but she had the reputation of being one of the best martial artists in the world.

She grew up learning swordsmanship from her father who had trained under the great Miyamoto Hanzou. One of the last known masters of traditional kenjutsu that was still residing in Japan before his death. Not many people were regarded like that anymore. Even her father who was one of the disciples could not attain the level of mastery his sensei had accomplished.

As a child she would often join her father in the summer and winter holidays when she had no school to train with him in the secluded mountain location where his master resided. There she met her eternal rival.

Miyamoto Akaro was the driving force that made her excel in the sport of kendo. She trained and trained to surpass him. Throughout her middle school, and high school career she came back with many medals and her school team would win that year as long as she participated. She was also one of the youngest people to have entered the Olympics for kendo and came out on second place her first time attending against opponents who were technically in their twenties. Once she reached the age of eighteen she participated once more and this time took the gold.

As kendo was a sport, it had certain rules and regulations that she had to follow. Her actual martial arts would be a lot more lethal as she was proficient in the martial arts using a naginata. She trained hard to obtain techniques that she would call her own so that when the time came to face her rival she would be ready.

The day she obtained the gold in the Olympics was when she felt that she was strong enough to spar with him once more and emerge victorious in their hundredth duel.

Then life took away her father's sensei and she with him to the funeral. There she had met her rival again, who was being embraced by Kenshiro's other children so she did not approach. She could not just challenge him during that day out of respect to the deceased and wanted to wait a month before issuing a challenge once more. Unfortunately for her she was not able to get that chance which caused her current foul mood.

“Koi!”

A muscular man with a bokuto or wooden training sword had just rushed forward to strike the ebony haired nadeshiko. It was immediately sent flying and he was brought to the ground by a sweep of the weapon she was wielding.

“Again.”

“Kiyomi-himesama. We are no match for your naginata skills.”

“This is why you men lose to all the other families. Do you want the Kusanagi to be laughed at?”

After this comment she stood the long pole on its flat end, while the wooden blade end that looked like a katana was completely over her head.

“The other families do not have to face a talented individual such as yourself.”

It was true the Kusanagi heiress was not only skill in the martial realm but was an honour student as well. Following the bushido of hard work allowed her to get to this level. She worked hard in both her studies and in her martial arts to prepare herself for the role of leadership after her father.

“Tsk... there is no one worthy enough to challenge anymore except for father.”

***

Kusanagi Tatsumi was the father of the untouchable queen and even though he's not regarded as highly as his master, he was still a formidable master. He had faced many swordsman as part of his training and only lost once to a Korean who was much older than he was. He would say that the skill of that person was equal to his master.

This man was also in a foul mood which was influenced by the mood of his daughter. He knew all too well that she had an obsession with trying to duel a certain young man. Tatsumi thought it was a good thing as she was so focused on beating her rival that she disregarded any aspect of dating. Which gave him a sense of relief that most fathers dream of having. What made him angry was that he had to be the one to tell her that her rival is gone and no longer able to be found. Now he was forced to find out what happened to the young man or he'll soon run out of physically fit students.

He had hoped that after they settle their duel, he could try to have the two engage each other as a man and woman rather than two rivals. Tatsumi promised his master, Hanzou, that he will continue to train with the young man. He was hoping during that time he can play match maker and get them to fall for each other as he would have loved to be the father-in-law tp his sensei's heir. He would have gained not only prestige but also obtained the secret arts of his master. He knew all too well about the secret arts but was not shown or taught them. This would boost the already strong presence of the Kusanagi.

His master was one who taught his disciples until they were proficient enough to continue their training on their own. The wishes of the head of the Kusangi's sensei was to have each of his students develop their own techniques that were derived from what he taught them. He never taught any of his students everything except for the young boy who was always with Hanzou.

Regardless of the past, he was waiting in an area reserved for VIPs in the Yamato Corporation headquarters. He had scheduled a meeting with the man who was responsible for his daughter's current temperament.

'My men are begging me to find a way to stop her from sparring with them. I'm even getting tired of her constant requests to spar with me.'

“Kusanagi-sama. Miyamoto-sama is ready to meet with you. Please follow me.”

Following the young secretary he entered the expensive looking office.

“How can I help you Kusanagi-sama?”

“Where is the boy now?”

“Right to the point I see. He's no longer my concern.”

“I need to know.”

Miyamoto Kenshiro looked at the yakuza head with an indifferent glance.

“Why do you need to know?”

“My daughter wants to have a duel with him.”

“Well to be honest with you Kusanagi. I don't give a damn about your daughter.”

“Do you know who you're talking to?!”

“The question is do I care?”

Tatsumi was flabbergasted. He was always treated with respect by this man but now that his father was no longer in the picture and they were in the privacy of his office Kenshiro spouted whatever he wanted.

“The truth of the matter is Kusanagi-san. We no longer need your support. We are backed by other more influential yakuza and various other companies. We only have close ties due to the fact the old man apprenticed you the second I chose to not follow his ways. Now you are demanding an answer to the location of that boy. I'll give you a bit of a parting gift since our families use to be close. He is living in Korea now. Now please leave and never come back.”

Immediately leaving, Tatsumi slammed the door behind him. He never felt so humiliated in his entire life.

'That rotten devil of a man... At least I know he didn't head into Europe or anything. I'll talk to our branch in Korea to see if they can locate the boy. I'll hold off on telling my daughter until we know his exact location.'

***

Kusanagi Saaya had just entered the dojo seeing her daughter beating up her husband's disciples.

“Kiyomi-chan enough. These men still need to do their job and protect our home.”

“I'm teaching them how to do it better. A bit of bruises should not be complained about if they are men.”

“Ara ara. Kiyomi-chan, must I need to repeat myself.”

Kiyomi bowed immediately. The true power of the Kusanagi household was with her mother. Kusanagi Saaya may not have the martial prowess like her and her father but she knew deep down her mother was very strong in a different way.

“I'm sorry hahaue. Everyone you are dismissed.”

“Good girl. Now come with me. I have something to show you.”

Following her mother she walked into her own room. It was amazingly feminine with many stuffed toys that were given to her by her father on her birthday. This information is only saved for the servants and her main family. She loved cute things but always hid that fact in her daily life as much as possible. What she did notice was a strange capsule beside her bed.

“Hahaue, what is that machine?”

“The answer to your frustration my dear.”

“Is it one of those machines that log into that Korean video game... What did my classmate say... Royal Road?”

Saaya smiled at her daughter as she looked at her through the creases of her eyes. She always seemed to have her eyes closed but she saw perfectly fine. This added to alluring beauty and cause her to seem quite mysterious and fox like.

“Yes it is. It is quite expensive to import you know.”

“I don't need such a machine. I need to keep training in order for me to beat him!”

“Ara? So focused on a man I see. My daughter is starting to get to that age.”

“Hahaue! It's not like that. We made a promise. He has to acknowledge it.”

'Acknowledge the promise or acknowledge you?'

“Love and hate are such fickle things my dear. If you keep thinking about him you will soon find yourself unable to stop thinking about him.”

“On my honour that will not happen. I will beat him once so I can finally prove to him we are equals. He will know humiliation!”

“Oh are you done talking? Can we continue our previous conversation?”

“Hahaue you cannot just stop listening!”

“Oh you're not done. I'll wait.”

“Hahaue!”

“Good your listening now. What I'm explaining to you is in this game you can also train and relieve your stress without actually hurting our own men. You are the daughter of Kusanagi Tatsumi. You have to stop acting like a child. You are already 18 years old.”

“Fine. If it makes you happy, I'll play the game.”

“Plus maybe you'll find another man to think about.”

“Hahaue! Please stop joking.”

“Who said I'm joking... A girl your age with no boyfriend. I'm worried about the future. When will I see my grandchild.”

“I'm too young for that!”

“That Kiyomi-chan was a joke. Now go play that game.”

***

Akaro had just reached the western gate with his party of four quadrupeds.

“It's the beast trainer guy!”

“No that's the demon blacksmith!”

“No he's obviously some sort of ninja. Look at his gear.”

“The cats look so cute. I want to pet them!”

“I'm more of a dog person.”

Various players were commenting as this was still near the city and the beginners all hunted these grounds.

“I'll make sure these three are ready for the task at hand. I will train them thoroughly.”

“I'll go with you sensei!”

Byakko was trying his best to get out of the situation they were going to be.

“Byakko stay here and train.”

“Oh my. Byakko, did you try to leave your nuna here?”

He gulped at the sight of his sister. Even though they were animals it seemed as if she was smiling sadistically.

“Sensei help!”

“Master is gone white cat.”

“Hyung will be back. It can't be that bad.”

“Now we will begin. For punishment for trying to run away. Byakko you are to run from here to that tree with your eyes closed until I say otherwise. Getting knocked out by hitting a wall. So shameful, I feel bad for master.”

Genbu and Rai gulped.

***

Leaving the dynasty brothers and Kuroneko, Akaro was already looking for his next target. Another predator that hunted mice were foxes. He would need to avoid the beginner players who were hunting near by as the foxes there would soon be attacked. He chose to go to an area where less beginners would tread. The area where fox and wolves would meet. Due to the AI of the animals they were able to fight one another in order to level up or obtain food. He wanted to find foxes in these areas as not many beginner players would go here due to the wolves who attacked in packs.

Akaro had many advantages for him. Even though they would be around his level he had hunted wolves before and literally ate them. Thinking about it now he could barbeque some wolf meat if he ever had to fight them.

Entering the area he immediately was spotted by a pack of four wolves.

“Look at the stupid human. Going to this forest all alone.”

“Let's eat him!”

They rushed at him but as soon as they did Akaro had already slashed the front two with Yasuke and Sasuke. Looking at the other two who spoke before attacking, he pulled down the silk covering his mouth and licked his lips.

'Barbeque wolf meat!'

It was the wolves now who felt like the prey as fighting spirit exuded from Akaro. They tried to run but was immediately impaled by kunai. As they flashed out grey he picked up the wolf leather and meat and stored it in his pouch.

After slaying the four wolves he pondered. He was not going to get a lot of experience from the wolves as they were technically a lower level than him so he can work on skill proficiency. Then he remembered he obtained Word Transport. It sounded weird to him so he renamed the skill.

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Renamed Word Teleportation to Shukuchi[/col][/box]

Now that it was easier to say for him he then looked at the items he could use the skill with. Basically all of his weapons had the kanji for red inscribed on them so everything he threw could be a target. Seeing a pack of wolves he threw a kunai directly at one of them.

It hit the forehead of one of the wolves with a thud. As the wolf was about to fall over and disappear in a grey flash Akaro disappeared in plume of red smoke before the other wolves could react.

Reappearing again right beside his kunai he threw it again and again. Activating shukuchi imediately after. This made his hunting quite easier.

Ding

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Level up: Shukuchi (Beginner Lv. 2 30%)

INT up by 1

WIS up by 1

DEX up by 1

AGI up by 1

Mana up by 200[/col][/box]

'If I can instantly transport myself to one item... can I do more than one?'

Inwardly asking that question Akaro threw a kunai at a nearby tree and another kunai to another tree. He then threw several shuriken at another pack of wolves. The shuriken flew at them but as they had already noticed him they dodged.

Then in multiple red smokey poofs Akaro had teleported to each shuriken and threw them once more towards the wolves. The wolves did not know what hit them as the red smoke masked his scent and blocked their line of sight.

He had disposed of four of the seven wolves that he attacked. The shuriken although lighter did quite a bit less damage than the kunai. As the wolves regained their senses they saw him standing in the midst of them and decided to pounce just to only hit another plume of red smoke. This caused even more confusion as he was in the trees now and collected the two kunai he had thrown earlier. He then threw them both hitting a corresponding target.

This left the one wolf who did not know what to do. His instincts told him that he could not beat this man.

Akaro did not wait for the last wolf to regain its composure. There was one last thing he wanted to try. He threw his kunai straight at the wolves legs and another kunai straight into the air. He first teleported to the wolf and grabbed him, then he teleported to the kunai that was just starting to descend. Now that he was in the air the wolf screamed as Akaro threw one kunai at a tree before positioning himself to stand on top of the canine. Just before he hit the ground he teleported to the tree while the wolf collided into the ground below, leaving only a small pit and wolf meat.

Akaro gathered all his tools once more and was happy with his progress. He could use shukuchi constantly as long as they stayed within a short distance. Since every meter it would cost about ten mana he had many uses for this type of skill.

'It feels like I'm one of those ninja legends like Sarutobi Sasuke or Hattori Hanzou.'

Ding

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Level up: Shukuchi (Beginner Lv. 4 34%)

INT up by 1

WIS up by 1

DEX up by 1

AGI up by 1

Mana up by 200[/col][/box]

Now he needed to focus on the task at hand. It took him about fifteen attacks from different packs of wolves before he found his query. Getting annoyed of getting attacked he started travelling from the branches of the trees and tossing kunai if he couldn't reach the next tree by jumping. Then he saw something peculiar and decided to observe.

“Come here Wolf-sama. I have something I want to give you.”

A vixen with a mixture of golden fur and dark red fur had some how lured a lone wolf to a secluded area. She had golden fur all around her body except for red fur that looked like eye brows on her face, on the tips of her ears and her tail as well. Her paws and her chest were the dark red. She looked quite beautiful from an animal standpoint.

The wolf seemed to be smitten with the fox and then he saw two shadows come out of the ground. The first to strike was was a black fox with the same dark red markings as the vixen. It bit one of the hind legs of the wolf.

Then other fox which was covered in pale white fur and also had the same dark red markings as the other two bit the other hind leg.

Now that the wolf could not escape the vixen struck with no mercy and started biting the wolf making sure to stay away from the wolf's mouth.

With a howl it flashed grey and dropped some wolf meat. The three split the meat evenly amongst them.

“We did it nee-san.”

“Anego the plan went perfectly and now we get to eat.”

“You two be quiet. We don't want other foxes or wolves to catch us.”

Akaro stayed watching as he can see what was going to happen next. With that last howl it notified it's pack. The three foxes were soon surrounded by about fifteen wolves.

“You killed my son! I will make sure to eat you slowly!”

The pack leader threatened. Now the three foxes were scared. No matter how cunning they were the wolves outnumbered them.

“Fox Medley!”

The three foxes seem to have gotten to be a bit stronger. They moved faster and were evading some of the attacks from the wolves. Attacking when they can the white fox seemed to have thicken it's fur as the slashing attacks from the wolf claws didn't do that much damage to it. The black fox seemed to have dug various holes that it can pop out of and attacked unsuspecting wolves. Other wolves seem to fighting each other for the golden vixen's attention.

“ENOUGH!”

The pack leader growled as all the wolves started to regain their composure. The leader then attacked the white and black fox and bit both their legs while his wolf minions tackled them and sent them towards the golden fox.

“NOOO! Otouto!”

She went in front of them as if trying to protect them. The were now in an even more dire situation as the two younger foxes were quite injured. The wolves were now eyeing them as they knew they were no where for them to run now.

“I'm going to eat your younger brothers in front of you before I kill you.”

The pack leader was now walking towards them as he knew his revenge would be soon complete.

“Someone... anyone please help...”

The vixen was sobbing as she did not want to see her siblings die in front of her.

“No one will be able to stop us now foolish fox. Kill the two boys.”

“SOMEONE PLEASE SAVE US!”

With that cry, the two wolves that were about to bite the younger foxes flashed grey. Another wolf decided to jump the vixen but soon met the same fate as a plume of red smoke appeared and two streaks of light went through the wolf before it flashed grey. As the red cloud dissipated Akaro, who had just finish using Raijin, glared at the wolf pack. Relaxing his stare he looked behind him.

“I'll protect you three.”

Akaro then looked at the pack leader.

“Foolish human. Do you really think you can take all of us on?”

Akaro didn't even answer as he disappeared in a red puff of smoke. Prior to his arrival he had thrown a few projectiles behind the wolves which he used to attack the pack from behind. To ensure control of the victory he unsheathed the two katana he wore and started slashing at as many of the wolves as possible. He needed to terminate as many as he can before they could regroup, this way he can make sure the three foxes stayed safe.

Then the pack leader who was level 20 started howling and a few more wolves would appear to replace the ones he just killed.

'He needs to be killed first. I need to make an example of him.'

The leader knew that something dangerous was coming. He felt it all throughout the morning as he had heard rumors of a red headed demon. This must be the man as he had red hair and would appear in a red smoke throughout the battle. He then noticed a metal needle being thrown at him. He dodged it but was surprised to find himself caught by a hand on his leg.

“How is that possible?!”

Akaro then threw a kunai to the sky and he used shukuchi to bring him and the wolf there. He grabbed the pair of legs and put the wolf on his shoulders. He then let gravity do its job as he went towards the ground head first. As they plummeted towards the ground, Akaro had let go of the wolf and used shukuchi to teleport to the foxes before they both hit the ground.

The pack leader crashed into the ground with a loud thud before he flashed grey leaving behind a high quality pelt. With their leader gone the wolves all bolted screaming red haired demon.

Ding

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Shukuchi (Beginner Lv. 6 45%)

INT up by 1

WIS up by 1

DEX up by 1

AGI up by 1

Mana up by 200

You have leveled up

You have leveled up[/col][/box]

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Learned the Charisma stat: Increases the chance for your orders to be obeyed and will make it easier to tame pets. You are prohibited from distributing bonus points to this stat.[/col][/box]

During his combat the foxes got to watch their soon to be master but there was two different views.

What the vixen saw through her eyes was a man who was surrounded by falling sakura petals and he had sparkling aura around him. Of course all of this were her own delusion.

'My hero... I think I'm in love.'

What the two male foxes saw was a bit more realistic but they would probably swear that they saw him pose heroically after each kill. As if he was some sort of Saturday morning cartoon hero.

'I wonder if he can teach me that poof skill thing. It was so cool.'

'He's the perfect candidate for my aniki!'

Akaro took out bandages from his pouch and applied it to the young males to prevent anymore of the bleeding. He then started gathering a bunch of dry wood and leaves to start a fire. He grabbed a flint stone and struck it with his kunai. This happened a couple of times before he saw an ember start burning the dry grass and he continued to blow on it to start the flame.

Once the fire was ready he started putting the wolf meat he collected on sticks and barbequed some wolf meat. The smell was also wafting its way to the three foxes. Their mouths salivated as they watched Akaro cook the meat.

Ding.

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Learned Cooking (Beginner Lv 1. 0%): Enables the user to create dishes from various ingredients.[/col][/box]

It wasn't a skill that he can excel at but the one thing he did know how to do was roast meat over a fire and find herbs, and other wild vegetation that was edible. He did learn how to survive in a forest after all.

Finishing the meat making sure they were about medium rare he took the sticks of meat to the three foxes. The white fox was a little too eager and burned his tongue as it was hot.

“Hot!”

“Be patient and wait for it to cool. You need to recover some strength before we join your other comrades.”

Akaro then looked at them and he needed to give them names in order for him to create the contracts for each of them.

“I'm going to call you Kogane. As you are golden in colour.”

The golden fox nodded and licked him on the lips. Akaro didn't bother moving as he knew most dog like creatures like to show affection that way.

'I kissed him. Yay!'

The golden fox was blushing and happy that she got such a strong master.

“How about me Yuusha-niisan?” (Hero Brother)

The youngest voice of the three spoke out. This dark black fox looked at him

“Since you are mostly black I'll call you Kagerou.”

Akaro then looked at the white fox.

“Since you are the opposite of your brother I'll call you Hikaru.”

Akaro then recited the lines he needed to make the contract.

“I, Akaro, will protect and provide for Kogane, Kagerou, and Hikaru. In return they will obey my commands and keep me safe.”

The three foxes nodded simultaneously.

Ding

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Level up: Contract (Intermediate Lv. 4 1%)

INT up by 1

WIS up by 1

Mana up by 200[/col][/box]

Akaro was starting to notice that even though he did not have restrictions on contract skill it would grow a lot slower. Since it was companion contracts it still gave off quite a bit of proficiency but it was now slowing down.

'Companion contracts are simple to do so I might have to do more elaborate contracts in the future.'

“Kogane, Kagerou, and Hikaru stats.”

Status WindowNameKoganeRaceRed FoxLevel10Health420Mana0Stamina170Loyalty100%Strength30Agility120Vitality30Instinct180Wisdom70Intelligence90Leadership30Luck18Attack50Defence40Combat Skills:BiteATK +20%

Consumes 10 staminaFox WaltzParty Evasion +50%

Consumes 25 Stamina

Duration 10 minutesSpecial Abilities:Sirens VoiceAbility to lure males with a sweet and sultry voice which can charm males who have a lower intelligence than the vixen.CaptivationDue to the allure of the vixen any male opponents with low intelligence have the risk to be charmed and will have no choice but to follow her wishes.Shovel PawsFoxes are known for their love of digging. Able to break apart dirt and dig holes and tunnels as long as the soil is soft enough.

Status WindowNameKagerouRaceRed FoxLevel7Health440Mana0Stamina120Loyalty85%Strength30Agility120Vitality30Instinct120Wisdom50Intelligence70Leadership0Luck18Attack70Defence25Combat Skills:BiteATK +20%

Consumes 10 staminaFox TempoParty ATK+50%, Consumes 25 Stamina, Duration 10 minutesSpecial Abilities:Shadow WalkThe fox had trained itself as a scout and is able to move around like a shadow.Shadow PranksterAble to see in dark places and makes using tunnels that he digs great places to hide and scare others with.Shovel PawsFoxes are known for their love of digging. Able to break apart dirt and dig holes and tunnels as long as the soil is soft enough.

Status WindowNameHikaruRaceRed FoxLevel9Health440Mana0Stamina160Loyalty95%Strength40Agility110Vitality30Instinct134Wisdom50Intelligence70Leadership0Luck18Attack25Defence70Combat Skills:BiteATK +20%

Consumes 10 staminaFox RhythmParty DEF+50%, Consumes 25 Stamina, Duration 10 minutesSpecial Abilities:IlluminateThe ability to shed a pale light when in pitch dark areas due to the luminescent fur he obtained for eating fireflies as snacks.Hardened FurThe fox's fur has special attributes that can hardened when in danger and decreases the chance to be pierced or slashed.Shovel PawsFoxes are known for their love of digging. Able to break apart dirt and dig holes and tunnels as long as the soil is soft enough.

After looking at their stats he found that regardless of their actual colour they were all part of the red fox race. They were as big as Rai but clearly had more toned features due to actual combat with wolves.

Their skills also indicated that they would be good at hiding or manipulating the enemy. Except the one ability Hikaru had.

“Your favourite snack is fireflies?”

“Are you psychic aniki? Did Kagerou tell you?”

“I didn't tell him nii-chan.”

“You still eat those disgusting bugs...”

“Nee-chan they are tasty!”

The white fox seemed to be under attack.

“That's alright if you eat them. Thanks to that you will be useful if we ever have to explore a dark cave. If I ever find any I'll make sure to give you some.”

Akaro promised as it shouldn't be too hard to catch them as they do glow in the dark.

“You promise? Yay... such tasty bugs.”

Ding:

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Hikaru's Loyalty increased to 100%[/col][/box]

Akaro shook his head and smiled. His loyalty level with the white fox increased after a promise to give him fireflies.. Animals were very simple creatures and even more so when you can understand them.

“You can only eat them after I inspected them. You never know if they touched poison or anything like that.”

“Aw nee-chan. You're no fun.”

Watching the worrying sister he smiled again before lifting up the two injured foxes.

“We cannot stay here any longer. The wolves may come back. Kogane you can follow behind as best you can. I'm going to run back to town to where your other companions are.”

'Too bad I didn't leave anything behind near the others with something I inscribed.'

As he finished that though he started to run back to the gates where he left his other team of animals.

“Yay feels like I'm flying!”

“Aniki faster!”

“Be careful you two! Do not bother Akaro-sama so much while he's running.”

***

“Nuna! When am I finished?”

“When our master returns. Keep running.”

Byakko complained to his sister who forced him to start running back and forth. He was panting as his training consisted of running from the gate to the tree but now with his eyes open. If you looked closely you can see the imprint of his face on the tree as each time he ran towards it he would hit the tree full force. He would not dare peek as it would mean more blind running.

“This is tiring. How do you expect me to turn myself over?”

Genbu's training consisted of being flipped over on his back and using whatever method he can think of to try and flip over without any outside assistance.

“Your pathetic display after being flipped over would trouble your hyung. Do you want to be a burden to him?”

“Never. I'll keep trying.”

“Now where did Rai go?”

“Nuna, I think I saw him head towards a group of rabbits.”

As if on queue Rai came back with something white in his mouth. He dropped the white thing in front of Kuroneko.

“I saved this one from rabbit bullies.”

It was a frightened snow white rabbit with red eyes. Shivering in horror at the atrocities she just witnessed. Although he was half right about her being targeted by the other rabbits but the reason will remain unknown as he had completely massacred the other rabbits.

“Good job Rai-hyung. Truly your are my brother in justice!”

Byakko joined them as he took this as a sign to rest from his training.

“Rai-hyung so honourable.”

Seeing Genbu still having issues, Rai walked to him and flipped him over and picked him up to join the group.

The rabbit was now surrounded on all sides so escape was no longer an option. She also felt that if she moved from her position the black cat who was eyeing her would kill her immediately.

“Rai, where is the food I told you to bring?”

“In the field next to us...”

“You mean the one where a lot of foxes have taken all the rabbit meat you dropped? That field?”

All the dynasty brothers gulped as soon as they heard that last comment. They could feel that they were going to get punished for this as they all stopped training without her permission.

“Well at least we have one live rabbit. We can eat her as she seems to be a rude one. She did not even say thank you to her saviour.”

“I'm sorry! Thank you for saving me! Please don't eat me!”

The rabbit immediately prostrated her self in apology. She seemed quite cowardly and easily tried to appease the cat's anger.

“Well that does not solve our food problem. I don't think that our master would need an animal that has no use to him.”

Hearing that the rabbit quivered in fear again. She now understood the reason why such a group of animals were gathered. They served an owner that was definitely like the people she had seen hunt her kind before. She needed to prove to him that she can be of use. That was her goal when he arrived.

“I can be very useful! Just let me meet him once and I'll prove it to him.”

“My my, you are in no position to be demanding anything you know.”

“Nuna! We must let sensei decide!'

“Yeah, hyung won't just kill her.”

“I just saved her Nuna.”

The dynasty brothers went in front of the scared mammal. She was so surprised she teared a little bit.

'These three are friends I can rely on!'

Relieved that at least the dog and other cat won't eat her and the turtle was a fellow herbivore so she felt safest with him.

“Oh. You dare rebel against me.”

The four other animals quivered in fear as the black cat had used her dominate ability.

'Save us master!'

As if hearing their prayer Akaro showed up with the three foxes. Placing down the two injured foxes he walked to his companions.

“What's going on here?”

The rabbit reflexively shook as she saw that their master looked rather imposing in his red and black get up.

“Hyung!”

“Sensei!”

“Master!”

“SAVE US!”

The three oath brothers shouted at the same time.

“Kuroneko explain.”

Akaro asked the smartest of the bunch as asking the other three would most likely give him a migraine.

“Welcome back dear master. I was about to punish the three for disobeying me. But the reason for their rebelling is because of that rabbit.”

The white rabbit was now being stared at by the red headed human. It resolved itself and move from behind her three protectors. Then it started making a few groaning noises.

“Translate.”

Ding

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]Learned the Lagomorpha Language

Level up: Translation (Beginner Lv. 5 45%)

INT up by 1

WIS up by 1

Mana up by 100

Speech up by 50[/col][/box]

“I..I can be useful to you sir... Please don't kill me. Allow me to prove it to you.”

Simply nodding he watched the rabbit scamper off to come back with a few plants in its mouth. It then chewed it up and spat out it out. It reminded him of Genbu so he had a feeling she was about to explain.

“I am really good at finding medicinal plants and telling which plants are poison. It's one of my abilities. Please use this for the foxes.”

“How do I know you are not trying to poison my brothers?!”

Kogane gave a warning growl at the rabbit. She trusted only her master after all and anyone planning to harm her little brothers will feel her wrath.

Before she can stammer out her answers Akaro took the goop and put it in his mouth.

“Akaro-sama!”

Players who were curious on what was going on began to feel sick.

“Did he just stuff what the rabbit puked out in his mouth?”

“I don't think I want to be a beast tamer anymore...”

“Look away unless you want to get sick.”

Ignoring the players Akaro waited for the message to pop up.

Ding

[box border=1 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=3 width=80% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5][col colspan=4 valign=top width=100% bordercolor=#202020 bgcolor=#f5f5f5]You have eaten a potent mixture of medicinal herbs. Due to being at full health already other bonuses have been applied.

Health increased by 100 for the next hour

Decrease the chances of being poisoned[/col][/box]

He then took the rest of the goop and placed it on the wounds after taking the bandages off. The foxes looked at him but they trusted him as he hadn't died yet.

They both healed instantly and voiced out their surprise separately.

“Onee-san I'm all better!”

“I can catch fireflies again!”

She then stared at the rabbit who shook as Kogane stared at her before bowing.

“Thank you for providing your help formy brothers. I am sorry I doubted you.”

“I, Akaro, will name you Tsukino and promise to protect and feed you as long as you obey me and protect me. Will you accept?”

“A thousand times yes! Please take care of me.”

Relief hit the rabbit. Now that she was his property and companion she felt more at ease as the likelihood of her being killed has decreased exponentially.

“Tsukino's Stats.”

Status WindowNameTsukinoRaceRabbitLevel3Health150Mana0Stamina86Loyalty95%Strength5Agility134Vitality15Instinct80Wisdom104Intelligence104Leadership0Luck100Attack10Defence15Combat Skills:Rabbit hammerATK+15%

Consume 10 staminaProvokeAggro+15%

Consumes 10 staminaRabbit SprintAGI +75%

Consumes 20 Stamina

Duration 5 minutesSpecial Abilities:Unnatural LuckAble to escape perilous situations that can risk the rabbits life.Medicine MakerThe rabbit is so use to finding medicinal herbs, it is able to consume and mix them to create pastes, salves, or other medicine that can heal, buff, or even cause ill affectsToxic resistanceAble to withstand any poison that is consumed or administered to it.

“Alright everyone time to introduce your new teammates. Kogane, Hikaru, Kagerou and now Tsukino will be joining us.”

Akaro then looked at his four original pets.

“They are Kuroneko, Genbu, Byakko, and Rai.”

This brought Akaro's pet count to eight. Looking at the rabbit he spoke to her directly with a very sadistic looking smile.

“Tsukino. You will be joining me for the next set of companions. You will be quite useful.”

Tsukino did not know if she should be scared or happy. As the smile she was seeing felt a bit dangerous.