CHAPTER 75: THE NEW BUILDING

The following day, after Kono and the others had lunch with Lith and Iris’s crew, the scene shifts back to Kono’s house. Gram awakens and heads to the kitchen to see what he can eat.

Gram: (Yawning) I’m so hungry... Let’s see what’s to eat.

He approaches the fridge and notices Ohma sleeping on the floor where the couch used to be.

Gram: (Shakes his head) At least put down a blanket.

He reaches for the fridge handle, but the top half falls off.

Gram: (Annoyed) Is everything in this place damaged or broken?

Daru walks out of the room and approaches Ohma.

Daru: Ohma, get up.

Ohma: Ugh! Oh hey Sir Daru! Good morning!

Daru: Get up and stop calling me sir. We have things to do today.

Ohma: Oh yeah, I forgot!

Gram: Huh? Where are you guys going?

Daru: Ohma and I have to see the Middle Age Man we helped during the destruction of Minus One.

Ohma: Yeah! He said he wanted us to check out what we helped him with.

Gram: Oh, that’s cool... Uh, can I come?

Daru: No.

Ohma: Yeah!

Gram: See! Ohma said I can!

Daru: (Sighs) Why? Why do you want to come?

Gram: Come on, Daru! I don’t want to stay with these guys—except for Akira, Himitsu, and Kono—but I really don’t want to be with Zodiac—well, just Zodiac.

Daru: Oh fine... whatever. But I’m getting some training in first. We’ll leave soon. Ohma, let’s go train.

Ohma: Yes sir Daru!

Daru: Stop calling me sir.

Daru and Ohma head outside and see Akira training, punching a tree and breaking off pieces. Daru and Ohma move to the side and begin their push-ups, with Daru performing handstand push-ups. Daru continues to observe Akira as she punches the tree. Akira glances over at Daru.

Akira: What do you want?! HUH!

Daru stops his push-ups and approaches Akira.

Akira: What are you doing?

Daru: Make a fist.

Akira: What! No, I’m not making—

Daru: Make a fist!

Frustrated, Akira finally makes a fist.

Akira: There! You’re happy now?

Daru takes her hand.

Akira: Hey!

Daru bends her hand slightly.

Daru: When you throw a punch, do not keep your fist straight; you lose power every time. Watching your fight with your brother, you could have ended it much sooner.

Akira: What! Are you kidding me? WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME!

Daru: Because you said you didn’t want anyone interfering with your fight.

Akira: Damnit! Damnit! DAMNIT!

In her frustration, Akira punches the tree, creating a hole and recoiling from the impact.

Akira: W-what the hell?

She looks back at Daru as he walks away toward Ohma.

Daru: (walking away) You’re welcome, and I’m not looking for a "thank you."

Akira: Good, because you’re not getting one!

Akira resumes punching the tree to practice. Meanwhile, Daru approaches Ohma.

Ohma: Sir Daru, you know so much about fighting and martial arts!

Daru: I had a good trainer; I learned everything from him.

Ohma: Rito, right?

Daru: Yes... Rito. Now, let’s stay focused: 400 more push-ups.

Ohma: 400! I only did 73.

Daru begins his push-ups.

Daru: Well then, I suggest you get to it... 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.

Ohma: Ughh!

Kono and the others emerge from their room, noticing Gram preparing something in the kitchen.

Himitsu: Whoa! What’s that smell? It smells so good.

Gram: (whisking a bowl) That, my friend, is the aroma of baking.

Kono: Ouu!! What are you baking, Gram?!

Gram: I am baking The Great Cake!

Kono: The Great Cake? What is that?

Gram: Well, Kono, since you asked, The Great Cake was made by a handsome, strong, smart... Did I mention handsome? Because he is very handsome. But The Great Cake isn’t just any cake; it is the cake of greatness, claiming that whoever eats it will achieve greatness forever in this life!

Kono: Whoa... I did—

Zodiac: You’re full of shit. He’s lying.

Himitsu: Huh?

Gram: Wh- No, I’m not! It’s the truth!

Zodiac: At the end of this ridiculous story, you’re going to say you ate the cake when you were 14, and that’s when you became Gram the Great.

Gram: What! No!... (under his breath) I was 12. Anyway! The Great Cake can only be made by someone who embodies greatness and has won the Newbie Event.

Kono & Himitsu: Yeah, I don’t want the cake anymore.

Gram: What! Why!?!

Kono: Just not feeling it.

Himitsu: It’s too early for cake.

Himitsu and Kono begin walking outside.

Gram: (upset, yelling) Fine! Walk away, but just know I’m going to eat all the cake myself and GET MORE GREATNESS!!

Himitsu gives a thumbs up while exiting.

Zodiac: You’re an idiot.

Gram: (angry) Ahhhh!

Zodiac steps outside as Gram continues preparing the cake. Outside, he observes Akira flying in the sky, engaging in shadow fighting, and Ohma performing push-ups with a medium-sized boulder on his back.

Daru: Come on, Ohma! ONE MORE!

Ohma: (struggling) YES, SIR!

Ohma attempts another push-up but struggles to rise.

Ohma:

Ahhh!

Daru: Come on, OHMA! PUSH!!

Ohma: Ahh!!

Daru: Almost there, keep going!!

Ohma: Ahhh—

Ohma collapses as Daru catches the boulder with one hand to prevent it from crushing him.

Ohma: (out of breath) I’m sorry, Sir Daru... I couldn’t do it.

Daru: No worries, Ohma; you’ll get it next time. This is why we train—to get stronger!

Ohma rises from the ground.

Ohma: Yes, Sir Daru!

Daru: Stop calling me "Sir."

Ohma: Yes, si—I mean, Daru.

Zodiac: Absolute idiots.

Daru hears Zodiac’s remark.

Daru: Oh yeah? How so? My training has clearly paid off because it put you on the ground.

Kono: Really, again...

Akira pauses fighting and looks down, noticing Zodiac and Daru arguing.

Akira: Hmm.

Zodiac: You train nothing but muscles! That’s why your moves are sloppy and lack speed. I can say this paid off because I wasn’t the one who got smashed into a building.

Daru: You really think you can beat me in a one-on-one fight?

Zodiac: I don’t just think I can; I know I would win.

Daru: Well, I’m right here!

Zodiac: Then go for it and see what happens.

Akira: Kono!

Kono: Huh?

Kono looks up to see Akira descending toward her as she lands.

Akira: Why are they fighting?

Kono: Oh, they do this all the time. It’s nothing new, trust me.

Akira: They fight like little kids?

Himitsu: Yes, pretty much ever since they met.

Akira looks back at them as Daru and Zodiac are clashing heads, while Ohma stands in the middle, attempting to separate them.

Ohma: Come on, guys, let’s not fight! You’re brothers!

Akira: I’m curious.

Himitsu: Huh? Curious about what?

Akira: Have they ever actually fought?

Kono: Oh yeah, they did!

Himitsu: Yeah, that fight was intense. It felt like a movie, but in real life.

Akira: And?

Kono: Huh? And?

Akira: Are you guys really this clueless? WHO WON!?

Kono: Okay, calm down! No one won; they both fainted.

Akira: What! Fainted!?

Himitsu: Yeah, when they both went for their finishing attacks, they fainted and fell to the ground.

Akira: Hmm... interesting. I would have thought Daru would have won.

Himitsu: You see, Akira, I would think that too just by looking at them, but if you break it down, Daru is all strength and an up-close ground-and-pound guy, while Zodiac relies on agility and speed. Zodiac knows how to use his speed to his advantage, and I’ve never met anyone who can match Daru’s strength with his speed like he can.

Akira: Zodiac is that talented?

Kono: Yep! He is, and so is Daru. That’s why this is the best crew.

Akira: Yeah, why don’t you tell your crew members over there that their antics only lead to fights?

Akira walks into the house as Kono hangs her head and sighs.

Daru: Swing your stupid dual blades!

Zodiac: I don’t need them! All I need is a kitchen knife to take you down!

Ohma: GUYS, STOP!!!

Zodiac and Daru cease their arguing and turn to Ohma.

Ohma: Thank you! I was about to say, Daru, we need to meet the Middle-Aged Man.

Daru: Oh! Right!

Daru looks back at Zodiac.

Daru: We’ll settle this later.

Zodiac: Whatever.

Daru and Ohma head into the house to get ready, only to find Gram covered in cake batter.

Gram: (Crying) I hate this place!

Daru: (Sighs) Just... get ready, Gram. We’re leaving in 5.

Gram: (Crying) Okay.

Ohma: (Smiling) I like your new style, Gram!

Ten minutes later, Gram walks out of the house to find Daru and Ohma waiting outside.

Daru: What took you so long?

Gram: Did you see the cake batter on me? I had to clean it off.

Daru: Whatever, we’re late anyway. Let’s go.

Ohma: Yes, si—I mean Daru!

Daru, Ohma, and Gram leave for the city.

Himitsu: (Training) I should have gone with them.

Zodiac: And stay as weak as you are? It’s a good thing you stayed to train because you need it.

Himitsu makes a displeased expression. Meanwhile, Daru and the others arrive in the city and approach the Middle-Aged Man’s building.

Gram: Is that the building ahead?

Ohma: Yep! That’s it. Isn’t it big?

Gram: Yeah, it’s huge!

Ohma: I’m glad we helped with such a beautiful structure.

Daru: Can you guys just stop talking and keep moving?

Gram: Okay, jeez, no need to be a buzzkill.

They finally reach the building just as the Middle-Aged Man exits.

Middle-Aged Man:

Ahh!! Daru! Ohma!! How are you?

Ohma: Hi, Sir! I’m doing well. How about you?

Middle-Aged Man: I’m doing great, thank you for asking. Daru! You’ve grown since I last saw you.

Daru: Yeah, maybe... Can we just get to why we’re here? I want to get back to training.

Gram: Hey! Daru, that’s rude!

Middle-Aged Man: Oh, don’t worry, I’m used to him by now. He’s always training; that’s what makes him so strong and ready for anything! Am I right?

Daru: Sure...

Middle-Aged Man: But I’m sorry, who might you be?

Gram: Oh, me!? My name is Gram, but people call me Gram the Great.

Daru: No, they don’t; he made that up.

Gram: No, I didn’t; it’s true!

Ohma: Yeah, his name is Gram.

Middle-Aged Man: (laughs) Well then, Gram the Great, it’s nice to meet you. Are you ready to see what happened to the building?

Ohma: Yes, SIR!

Gram: Absolutely!

Daru: Let’s hurry this up.

Middle-Aged Man: Right this way.

The Middle-Aged Man leads them into the building, which is grand and beautiful.

Ohma: Wow!

Gram: This is stunning!

Middle-Aged Man: Yes, I know, isn’t it? It was all thanks to everyone who helped, especially these two (looking at Ohma and Daru). So, thank you again.

Daru: Yeah, no problem. Are we almost done?

Gram: (sighs) Daru, could you be a bit nicer? Sorry, sir, please continue.

Middle-Aged Man: With pleasure.

Daru sighs. The Middle-Aged Man takes them through the building, showing them a movie theater, fighting dome, rollerblading rink, basketball court, laser tag playground, gym, glow-in-the-dark bowling alley, dining area, and aquarium.

Middle-Aged Man: So, what did you think of the tour?

Ohma: I thought it was awesome!

Gram: It was amazing! I loved the glow-in-the-dark bowling!

Middle-Aged Man: Well, I’ll tell you what—anytime you guys come, you can enjoy all these activities for free, no fee at all.

Ohma & Gram: REALLY!!!

Middle-Aged Man: Yes, of course! Ohma, you and Daru have helped me so much! Any friend of yours is mine, so that includes Gram as well.

Gram hugs the Middle-Aged Man.

Middle-Aged Man: Oh...

Gram: Thank you so much! I will definitely take you up on that offer.

Ohma: Same here; we will definitely be back.

Middle-Aged Man: However, I have one question.

Gram: What is it?

Middle-Aged Man: Where is Daru?

Both Gram and Ohma look behind them, unable to see Daru anywhere.

Ohma: I thought he was right behind us!

Gram: Let’s go find him.

Middle-Aged Man: Okay, while you guys look for him, I’m going to prepare something for you before you leave.

Ohma: Sounds good!

Ohma and Gram head back, searching for Daru.

Gram: I can’t find him anywhere! Did you see anything?

Ohma: No, I found nothing.

Gram: Ahh! Where could he have gone?

As they continue their conversation, they hear a commotion.

Person 1: Yeah! Kill him!

Person 2: Don’t let him get the upper hand!

Gram: What is that noise?

Ohma: I don’t know, but it’s coming from the Fighting Dome.

Gram: Fighting Dome? WAIT, THE FIGHTING DOME!

Ohma: What, do you want to fight?

Gram: No, I’m saying that must be where Daru is.

Ohma: Oh! Because Daru likes to fight!

Gram: Exactly! Let’s go!

Gram and Ohma rush into the Fighting Dome, spotting Daru in the ring, standing still while being punched in the face.

Gram: LOOK OVER THERE! IN THE RING!

Ohma: OH, IT’S DARU!

Opponent: (Punch) AHH!! (Punch) AHHH!! (Punch) AHHH!!! DO YOU ENJOY THAT? HOW DOES IT FEEL!?

Daru: Like someone throwing feathers at me.

Opponent: Huh?

Daru kicks the opponent in the chest, sending him flying into the wall of the ring and knocking him out.

Daru: (Sighs) I still can’t feel a thing with these people.

Referee: (Speaking into a microphone) WOW! JUST WOW! YOU’RE REALLY STRONG!

Daru: Yeah... I’m out of here.

Daru exits the ring and heads toward the exit.

Referee: W-WELL, I GUESS HE HAS LEFT! BUT NOW, WHO WANTS TO STEP INTO THE RING NEXT?!

The crowd begins to shout.

Ohma: Gram! He’s heading for the exit!

Gram: Okay, let’s get him!

Ohma and Gram rush out of the Fighting Dome to catch up with Daru. They spot him walking outside.

Gram: DARU!!

Daru: Hmm...

Daru turns around to see Gram and Ohma approaching.

Daru: I was looking for you guys.

Ohma: Yeah, we were looking for you too.

Gram:

We saw you in the Fighting Dome; you knocked that guy out!

Daru: They were weak and couldn’t do anything to me.

Ohma: Do you want to feel pain?

Daru: Yes! The last time I felt it was when we fought Minus One. Since then, I have felt nothing.

Gram: Huh? What about your fight with Akira?

Daru: I didn’t feel anything.

Ohma: REALLY?! SHE PUNCHED YOU HARD!

Daru: No, I didn’t feel anything... but I wish I had.

Middle-Aged Man: There you guys are!

Everyone turns to see the Middle-Aged Man holding food baskets.

Ohma: Oh, hi!

Middle-Aged Man: I want to give these to you as a thank you before you leave.

Gram: Thank you very much!

Ohma: It smells so good!

Daru: It looks just like what Zenshi used to make.

Ohma: You really didn’t have to do this, sir.

Middle-Aged Man: No, I promised my wife before she passed away that the creature always said, "If someone has done you a good deed, provide them with food they need, for the next battle they must face."

Ohma: Your wife sounds amazing.

Daru: Hmm... That almost sounds like Zenshi too.

Gram: I’m sorry you lost her in that disaster.

Middle-Aged Man: (Happy and tearing up) It’s alright because she always said that if she died today, she’d know she lived her best life with the person she loved the most.

Daru clenches his fist, looking down.

Daru: I need to train harder...

Middle-Aged Man: What was that?

Daru: (Looking up) Nothing... Thank you for the food baskets.

Ohma: Yes, thank you very much!

Gram: Have a wonderful rest of the day!

Middle-Aged Man: You too!

Daru and the others exit the building, heading back to the house.

Gram: That man was incredibly generous!

Ohma: I know, right? And he said next time we come back, everything will be free.

Gram: I can’t wait! What do you think, Daru?

Gram and Ohma look at Daru, who appears zoned out but intensely focused.

Ohma: Daru?

Daru: Huh? What?

Gram: You okay?

Daru: Yeah, I’m fine. I just want to get back to the house and train.

Ohma: Oh, that makes sense!

Gram: (To himself) What’s up with Daru?

Daru and the others arrive at the house, where Akira is sitting by a tree outside.

Ohma: Hi, Akira!

Akira: Don’t talk to me.

Daru and the others enter the room, where Zodiac and Himitsu are sharpening their blades on the floor, and Kono is in the kitchen.

Himitsu: Hey, guys!

Ohma: Hey!

Kono: How was your day?

Gram: Oh, it was so fun! And we got food!

Zodiac: Good, something I can eat.

Akira walks in and takes a basket from Gram.

Gram: What! Hey! That’s mine!

Akira: It’s mine now!

Akira proceeds to the kitchen and starts eating the food.

Daru: You guys can have mine. I’m going to train.

Kono: Oh, thank you, Daru! Aren’t you hungry?

Daru: No, I’m fine.

As everyone converses, they hear a knock at the door.

Himitsu: Hmm? I think someone just knocked.

Zodiac: Then answer it, you idiot.

Himitsu: Alright.

Himitsu goes to the door, opens it, and sees Becan.

Becan: HEY, DUDE!

Himitsu: Becan? What are you doing here?

Becan: Wait, what? What am I doing here? DAMN IT, BECAN! THINK, THINK, THINK! OH YEAH!!!

Himitsu: Just come on in.

Becan: Okay, dude, thanks!

Becan walks in as everyone greets him, except for Daru, Zodiac, and Akira.

Becan: Hey, dudes and dudettes.

Kono: What’s going on, Becan?

Becan: OH RIGHT! I WAS WONDERING IF YOU GUYS WANTED TO COME TO THIS BARBECUE I’M HAVING TOMORROW?

Daru: No, sorry, we’re doing our Rift mission tomorrow.

Becan: Huh? How?

Zodiac: What do you mean, how?

Becan: Well, dude, tomorrow is Sampostis Day!

Kono: Oh yeah! I forgot to tell you guys.

Akira: What is Sampostis Day?

Kono: Sampostis Day is when Sampostis was created. Everyone has the day off from missions and can do anything they want.

Gram: That sounds awesome!

Himitsu: That sounds quite relaxing.

Becan: So, is that a yes, dudes and dudettes?

Daru: (shaking his head) I already know the answer.

Zodiac: My plans for tomorrow are already ruined.