Chapter 28
Title: Vacation & Surprises
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Third Person POV. -- 26th Of December -- 2415
[ Hinode City ]
While the Japanese government and the HPSC were losing their mind about the problem that arose with the revocation of Benihana Retsu's license, the said girl was on her way towards a vacation plan along with her friends and family, planning on being away for about 4 to 5 days and visiting one of Japan's most famous touring spots.
Schools are on winter break, it being 26th of the last month of the year, just 5 more days until the new year would begin.
The Benihanas are currently within their family vehicle, Tetsuya being behind the wheels with Kie in the seat beside him. Retsu is in the back and her hands are on her phone, texting her two friends to be ready, because they are on their way to come and get them.
Tetsuya have talked with Retsu's friend's parents, having gotten their approval about the trip, and is now driving to go and get them from their homes, before they set on the road towards Mt. Fuji.
"We've made a schedule of staying for 5 days, so let's follow it in order to get the best experience from this trip, alright dear? " Kie voices out from the front, leading to Retsu looking up and giving the older woman a nod.
"Right, this trip will help them de-stress from the exams as well." Retsu voices out.
She has made them study a lot after that first day, resulting in them becoming very hopeful in getting higher scores in the exams, but the exam results won't be revealed until the later months, so they are quite on the edge of their seats.
Retsu had proposed this vacation plan while knowing this would happen, so she will compensate them for getting them that riled up with a winter vacation to help them set their stress free.
Retsu looks outside the window, seeing that they are near the school gates and would pass it in a moment, so she messages for Himiko to be ready, because they'd pick her up in 2 or 3 minutes.
Retsu: Himi-chan, be ready. We'll be there in 2 to 3 minutes.
She writes this and waits for a few seconds before getting a reply.
Himi-chan: I'm ready!
Reading her reply, Retsu puts down her phone and looks outside the window.
Minutes later and they park in front of a modern, two story house of black, white and grey concrete, very modern and high class looking.
Retsu: We're here.
The moment she types this down, the front doors of Himiko's house bursts open, and the girl is seen smiling widely while dragging a wheeled luggage beside her.
Wearing a grey winter coat on top of her upper clothes, which consist of a white jacket and and shirt under it, and her lower clothes being a short black skirt with tight black leggings to protect herself from the cold. Himiko is seen dragging her luggage which is half her 165 cm (5'5 ft) height, the much stronger for her age girl dragging it with ease.
Tetsuya opens his door and exits, going and helping Himiko with placing her luggage in the trunk, before the said girl enters the back seat and sits beside Retsu.
"Good morning Re-re! Good morning Aunt Kie! Good morning Uncle Tetsuya! " Himiko voices out once she and Tetsuya are seated, before Tetsuya starts driving away again, heading towards Mina's place next.
"Good morning dear. " Kie voices, "Morning, gland to have you with us. " Tetsuya says briefly from the front,
"Good morning, I hope you were able to sleep well last night. " Retsu replies too, having seen the slight black circles under the shorter girl's eyes.
"Nope! Haven't had a single blink! " Himiko smiles widely while replying, her white fangs shining as much as the slowly accumulating snow in their city. "I was too excited the entire night to get a blink. " She adds.
"Well I understand your excitement, but we should still care for our bodies if we want to grow big and strong. " Retsu idly adds, her inner medical mind speaking up, –which reminds Tetsuya who's behind the wheels about the talk he had with Madame President a few days ago.
[Flash back]
A few days ago, Redvein had gotten a call from the president of the HPSC, asking for his presence in the most immediate free time he could find.
The pro hero wasn't that busy in his agency. In fact, he hasn't been busy that much in Ketsurin for a while. Villains haven't attacked the city that his agency is at for a while, too scared of the most effective and strong pro hero that reside within that place. The hero that could and would apprehend them the moment they extend their hands towards anything villainous.
Redvein had actually been planning on widening his scope, planning on visiting nearby cities around where his agency is at. He plans on ridding other cities of their outlaws as well, making society even safer than it is.
Anyways, after receiving the formal summon, Redevein left his agency in the capable hands of his sidekicks once again, and discreetly got on his way towards Seisho city at Tokyo.
Once there, the pro hero learned of the consequences of crippling Japan from the hands of his capable daughter, and after learning of the complications that the revocation of the heart of Japan has brought to this country, the pro hero became reluctant on his decision.
As a father, Tetsuya knows that letting his daughter be in this line of work is dangerous and a bad idea, at least until she's strong enough to protect herself from the world.
Japan isn't the only place that has dangerous criminals. Sure those said criminals are in Tartarus prison thanks to the help of his predecessors and the current number 1, but All Might and the previous Benihanas are only in Japan, not in the rest of the world, and Tetsuya's predecessors aren't among the living anymore, only his father.
Retsu's line of work will eventually lead to her visiting those other countries in the future, of this Redvein is certain. That means his beautiful daughter will be going straight towards the dark hands that wanted to take her away all this time.
The pro hero knows that his daughter is strong, but God forbid if they get their filthy hands on his everything, Tetsuya has no idea what he'll do.
He does know though, that as the number 3 pro hero of Japan, nothing would stand in his way of going to that country where those people who'd taken Retsu, and raze it to the ground to find his beloved daughter.
But we digress,
Back with Redvein. Once he had gotten to Seisho city and learned of the current predicament of his country and the commission regarding his daughter's revocation, he didn't find the blame within the commission itself.
He found the blame on himself.
Redvein knew, that back then if he hadn't been so objective against Retsu's continued medical work, that the commission would be able to let Retsu continue on being the heart that she is.
The media outlet and those who were against the idea, versus those who were with Retsu and wanted her to continue being a doctor. The former party was actually in the minority, with the latter party slowly gaining foothold in letting the former realize the error of their protest, that by making their heart crippled, they would cripple themselves instead.
Redvein, after learning of this news and the active sanctioned status of the commission, concluded that he was the one who needed to fix this mess.
He told Madame Kimmy that he would talk with Retsu, and if his daughter wanted to be back, that he'd allow it.
This reply made Kimmy quite relieved, the much older woman knowing that, with Retsu's personality and traits, she'd agree to come back and reclaim her status as a doctor.
Redvein though, did not agree to the previous conditions entirely. He still protested that Retsu should still continue with her studies, and that a competent someone is to be authorized to be with her 24/7 during her working period in order to keep her safe at all times.
The commission agreed to this, and it so happened that they had just the person for the job.
[Present moment]
And so, in the eve of the new year that's coming, Benihana Retsu will once again become The Heart of Japan.
On the 1st of January 2416, a lot of things are about to happen. The re-licensing of The Heart of Japan, the restoration of the national asset, Benihana Retsu. Her 13th birthday, and a new year.
Everyone is looking forward to this particular new year, where their star will start to shine once more.
Everyone,
Except the bad apples of society.
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As the vehicle hosting the Benihanas plus Himiko rounds another corner within the living districts of Hinode City, Retsu once more brings up her phone to contact her other friend, letting her know they'd be there in a few moments.
Retsu: Are you ready Mina-san? We'll be there in a few moments.
Mina: Just a sec! I'm finishing with the final touches.
Retsu: Very well, just be ready in a few moments.
Mina: No probs! In fact, I got done just now too!
Retsu: 👍
After texting Mina, Retsu puts down her phone and looks out, seeing the grey skies that's clouding Japan's heavens, obscuring the clear sun and making the place look more gloomy. Snow is slowly falling though, so despite the gloomier weather, people are happy and in a festive mood.
'The new year is near, just a few more days left, so of course they'd be happy. I am too, because this coming new year I'm going to get my license back.
It seems the world finally realized that they can't continue without me.
This is working perfectly in my favor. I have already become a national asset like I wanted to, so the question left now is,
What am I going to do now? ' Retsu ponders, her hands having already texted Mina to exit her home because they're here.
As Tetsuya once more exits to go and help with Mina's luggage, the girl having entered the back seats and sitting beside Himiko, with the said girl in the middle and Retsu to the right window.
Mina gives everyone a greeting, Retsu included which the half minded girl reciprocates, her other half of the mind elsewhere and thinking of other things.
Tetsuya enters the vehicle after putting Mina's luggage in the trunk, her parents unlike Himiko's having exited the house to watch their girl drive away in the expensive luxury car.
Mina is waving throught the glass window, her parents doing the same from their snow covered lawns as the car starts driving away.
For Himiko, this doesn't really make her feel anything. In her heart, she has already replaced her parents with the presence of her first and best friend.
To the young girl, whether her birth parents give her any love or don't, it doesn't really matter. She has already planned on moving out the moment she is independent enough, so until then she'll continue on tolerating the people who used to care for her lesser than the less they do now.
Once she is a pro and is making enough money, she will move out of that house and never look back, that is her conviction.
As the vehicle steers out of the residential districts and enters the main street towards outside of the city, the trio of friends in the back begin random conversations, with Kie occasionally joining in on a few.
"Ne ne! Did you two sleep at all last night? I wasn't able to get a single blink! " Mina enthusiastically says, leading to Retsu repeating her earlier statement that she gave to Himiko.
"Not sleeping enough isn't a good thing, it will affect your physique poorly, Mina-san." Retsu says, making Mina nod unwantedly and for Himiko to look up,
"She told me the same thing! And by the way, I wasn't able to sleep last night either. " Himiko says, while saying the last part in a conspiratorial tone, putting a hand beside her mouth and slightly lowering her voice.
Retsu from the side shakes her head once more, giving out a sigh with a contented smile on her face. She truly feels happy about having two energetic friends like she has right now, however exhausting they may be sometimes.
'Atleast they are fun to be around.' She concludes in the end.
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Mt. Fuji, the tallest mountain in all of japan, standing at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), it's head being snow capped most of the year, and having bypassed the clouds in the sky.
The mountain is nestled in between two prominsnt prefectures, Shizuoka and Yamanashi. So it is not entirely inside just one prefecture, the mountain itself straddles the boundary. The summit is shared, and the prefectural border runs across the mountain.
The place is a marvel of creation, a sight that most come to visit from all around the world, if only to gaze at the majestic and ancient mountain.
Housing natural lakes made of the mountain's flowing lava many centuries ago, there are five distinct places named after the geographical locations they naturally inhabit.
Nestled in the northern base of Mt. Fuji, the Great Fuji five lakes,
The first one is Lake Kawaguchi, the most developed and popular one among the five. It has hotels, a ropeway going up the mountain, museums, and easy access to visiting tourists.
Next one is Lake Yamanaka, the largest lake, more open and resort-like.
Then there is Lake Sai, a quieter one that is more nature-focused. Having not much development done to it, with no hotels or ropeways or shopping districts developed around it.
Lake Shoji is the same, Small and peaceful. Being the forth and the smallest among the five.
Lastly there is Lake Motosu, the deepest and most remote, featured on the old 1000-yen bill.
What does that mean?
In the very distant past, roughly around the end of 1900s to 2000s, the old 1000-yen bill had an image of Mount Fuji reflected in Lake Motosu on the back. The design was based on a famous photograph taken from the lake's northwestern shore. In the image, Fuji appears perfectly symmetrical, rising above the still water, very iconic and calm.
[Image Here]
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The ride to Mt. Fuji from Shizuoka takes about two hours, the ride being smooth and the roads clean of traffic, it currently being early morning so that's a given.
As the vehicle moves out of Shizuoka and towards Mt. Fuji which is to its east, the weather visibly changes for the eyes of the occupants of the car. The five within the vehicle is visibly able to see as the falling snow begins to hasten and fall in more quantity, the road and scenery whitening further with every minute that passes.
"Wooooow~ look at the snow! It's so pretty, I wish I could just throw myself inside it and swim all around. " Mina says, having her cheek pressed to the window and looking outside.
"Let me see next~ let me let me! " Himiko to her side chides out, before she brings her head besides Mina's, also gazing out with her cheek pressed to the window.
'Hm, I'll admit it is a beautiful season, the winter. The white sheen that the snow takes, it reminds me of my first life. ' Retsu quietly reminisces, her gaze distant. 'Back in the Soul Society, there used to snow too.
In my early ages as Unohana Rachiru, I used to be outside, the seasons not bothering me at all as I used to look around for worthy opponents.
Sigh, the good old times... '
"Ne ne! Re-re! Why do you have such a reminiscing expression? " Himiko suddenly asks from Retsu's side, making the old soul come back to the present.
"It's nothing, just got reminded of the past year's snow. It was like this too, the same color, and with no change whatsoever. " Retsu replies.
"Hmmmm yeah, although I don't really remember it much... " Himiko ponders with a finger under her chin, before her gaze shifts to the side window and her eyes widen.
"Gasp! Re-re look! It's Mt. Fuji in the distance!" Himiko points out, leading to her, Mina and Retsu looking out from Mina's side of the window, seeing the ancient mountain in the distance.
As the vehicle moves on, Retsu has one thought occurring in her mind.
'Machia the moving mountain has nothing on this one. '
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"Preparations have been made. The target is on the move. Destination? Likely Mt. Fuji. "
Kilometers back from the Benihana's, a sleek black sedan is seen speeding through the quiet road, following after their target.
On the driver's seat is a man wearing a black suit tucked under a dark brown winter coat, the most distinguishable feature about him being his slightly glowing green eyes.
Behind him and on the back seat are two people, wearing identical winter clothing and a costume suit under it.
As the man behind the steering wheel finishes reporting back via his earpiece, the two people in the back looks up.
Two people. Twins, male, identical in all but the coloring of their clothes and features.
The one on the left is wearing a distinct red colored body suit under his brown winter coat with fur linings at the end of his hands and shoulder, he is also wearing a mouth piece with tiny tubes around it that hides his lower face.
He has black, sharply designed hair with red tips, his eyes being a dark red color too with his physique big and encompassing.
The one beside him and on the right side of the vehicle has the same features, only in the color blue. From the bodysuit under his dark blue colored winter coat, to his facial features, everything is the same except having blue tinted colors.
"How much longer? " The red one says, his eyes scrunched and one of his eyes wider than its other. He also has his gloved hands crossed in front of his chest. –though probably the most important part above all else, Is that the language he spoke just now was a language that has been recently invented. Not one that is famous around the world nor is it widely known.
"If my estimations are correct, then they are headed to Mt. Fuji. Which Lakeside they are going to be staying at? Probably the nearest one from here, which is probably Gawakuchi." The driver says, his glowing green irises to the road, and his black hair neatly swept back.
"Poz, calm yourself. We're here on the orders of Father to fulfill his wishes and bring him the prized black diamond. Don't let haste cloud your thoughts and distract you from the reason your here. " Says the blue one, looking to his brother which is now dubbed as 'Poz'
"I know Nek. It's just that, it's the first time Father has given us a solo mission like this. I just don't want to dissapoint him, is all. " Poz the red one says, looking to the one now dubbed as Nek, the blue one.
Nek nods his head, before he continues, "our enemy is very strong and versatile, so we have to play this smart. We won't give them any breathing room. We will have to force her hand to take her away. "
"It looks like they have entered the lake side, and as I predicted, they've taken up residence in one of the local Ryokan's –traditional Japanese inn- within Gawakuchi. " The driver informs, his special green irises glowing brighter.
Hearing him, the blue one, Nek nods and says, "Alright. It is now clear where they'll be staying. Now, to implement our plan, we need to wait until they visit the sight we want them to.
If not then... I guess the contingency plan it is."
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Author's Note/ the pieces are slowly falling into place, the finale of the first volume is now here.
That's right, this is where the final arc of the first volume will take place. After it we'll launch into the second volume of this book.
Stay tuned guys, and thank you for reading my story. Have a great day/night!