The Year is 2023. For the past two decades the respective nations of Japan and America have sought dominance over the military weapons industry. Through a mysterious chain of events that appear to have been influenced by both political and social stimulus, America finally gained victory. In a calculated surge; the economic structure of Japanese society collapsed when a barricade was placed upon its major exports of electronics, steel and chemicals, by America and Western Europe. With its key sources of trade blocked from its main demand; waves of societal unrest seeped into the land. Fearing a political ousting from parliament, the Prime Minister of that time sold off his democratic influence to the four people who could help restore Japan to what it once was. These mysterious benefactors were the Four Koga. Each one a member and leader of an elite family to have existed throughout Japanese History. With the Prime Minister in their debt, and financial supremacy in their favour; the Four Koga set about fully establishing their grips on power. Each Koga was assigned to rule over a respective major island of Japan. Honshu, Kyushu, Hokkaido and Shikoku. Each island fell victim to the rule of one of the powerful shinobi lords while the Prime Minister and Parliament controlled the country in name only. Few know the truth about the Four Koga. Those that do never live long enough to utter a word about them. Because under the service of each Koga is a powerful modern ninja clan that eliminates anyone standing in the way of their leaders. But, in this year of 2023, there is unrest between the Four Koga. The bonds that once linked them as kin are now breaking to facilitate their own desires for Japan. Will the country be swallowed up by the corruption of the Koga? Or is there someone willing to take a stand against them before that happens...? ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ I believe that reality's gone Disillusion's real I believe that morality's gone And there's nothin' to feel ~ Something To Believe In, The Offspring ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Kimagure Gakuen ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Yui's Apartment It was her first day in Tokyo. To be honest about it all, she was a little nervous. After all, this was Tokyo. Centre of the Japanese world. And Yui had known of it only through the media. Up until now. Now she was living the experiences of the wonderfully big city. It was vast, colourful, quick-paced and overwhelming; something the people might expect little country-girl Hazumaru Yui to be intimidated by. She was. But there was something that ran deeper than her intimidation. Like a feeling. Palpable and at the same time, remote. But still echoing there; somewhere back in Yui's head. It was a tingling that made her feel... strangely at home here. In a city where westernisation was the norm and Japanese traditions were seen for the state practices they were. It had only been a day since she left her parents in the Northern Honshu city of Morioka to come here. They were a little apprehensive too, but who could blame them? Tokyo was famous for all sorts of things. Most positive, some negative. For the folk who lived in the countryside and tried hard to maintain their prudent sense of national traditionalism; the negative aspects of the town took centrefold. And the same could be said for Yui's family. But they had decided it was her choice. A 17-year-old girl should be allowed to study where she wanted to. It was Yui's option and she had opted for Tokyo schooling. It was a little late in her high school life to be making such a drastic change in location. Especially since it meant leaving home early and living alone in the city. That in itself was the major reason that Yui's parents had been so difficult in being persuaded to allow this. And to a certain extent; Yui could understand their concern. But she had to do this. Start a new life. Meet new people. Settle old scores. The girl from Morioka slowly eased up from the slanted position she had slept in on her sofa. It had taken so long for the movers to shift everything in from the street last night that Yui collapsed onto her mauve couch the second they were done. She had actually woken up about an hour ago. But sometimes, after sleeping, it was just nice to wake up think for a little. About life, about the day, about herself. And about the real reason she was allowed to come to this city. Her parents were caring but could not afford the kind of tuition fees they charge at an elite Tokyo School. As hard as it was to believe; Yui's financial support came from the Hokkaido Koga herself. To think. The underground ruler of Hokkaido needed someone like Yui in her debt. It was a strange thought to her. But then... Yui was no ordinary 17-year-old girl. There were secrets within her that the many didn't understand and the few couldn't rightly mistake. She might not have been aware of the depths of these secrets in herself; but that made no difference to those who recognized her for what she truly was. Yui gave a quick yawn, blowing into a curled up fist. Then took a gander at her wrist watch. The sparkling green eyes of the country girl widened with shock at the time. She was actually running late for school! On her first day, no less! There was no time to be thinking over her other issues in Tokyo. For now, school came first. Her folks would kill her if they found out she was lazing about when she had to get to school. Yui peeled off the mauve of her couch and turned to the hallway of her apartment. She instantly went into the adjacent door which lead her right into her kitchen. Yui flicked to one side of the small kitchen and plugged in that electric kettle her parents had bought for her. It had been filled with water last night so there was no need to refill it. She flicked on the switch and let it stay until it came to the boil. The girl couldn't rightly start off her day without a cup of coffee. Even if caffeine was 'bad' for her. 'Liquid Nicotine' her Mom called it. Yui then scampered back out of the kitchen, into the hall and through to her bedroom. If there was one single benefit about living in a one-floor apartment it was the fact that you could get around it easily. The chocolate-haired teen strode up to her unmade bed and cast her eyes down on her uniform. That charmingly predictable navy blue and pearl white 'sailor-type' uniform. She had taken the liberty of ironing it last night; while all the movers took care of her stuff. Which meant it was more than ready now. "Alright then," Yui whispered to herself, "It looks like I should start getting ready for my first day at my all new school before I'm late!" ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ National Diet Building "What you are asking of me! It is madness!" Politicians. Hirotsugu could only find one phrase suitable for them. But he was calm enough to withhold his anger on this account. They both needed things from each other. The Prime Minister, Fujiwara Jiro, needed the financial power of the Honshu Koga to retain his position. Even if it were in name only. And Hirotsugu needed that poser as a figurehead. The Koga had decided that it was better to rule Japan from the shadows and allow for a 'Puppet State'. Prime Minister Fujiwara was the perfect candidate for the position of cover-boy. Whether he liked it or not. But it seemed that Fujiwara had forgotten his place. Mizuryu Hirotsugu was not the kind of man you turned down when he asked you for a favour. Or when he gave you an order. Those who knew him by the name, Honshu Koga, weren't so foolish. With fine ancient Japanese robes and smoothly woven tongue, Hirotsugu pulled a steep smile from his thin lips. He turned his back to both the Prime Minister and his desk, looking across this office from which the country was run. "What I ask of you... is madness...?" The iciness within the speech set the tone for the intent, "I must ask you. Is a time tested policy of two-hundred years of peace the groundwork for a nightmare? I doubt this... just as I doubt your ability to see the inevitable." Prime Minister Fujiwara stood up from his sleek plastic chair and slapped his hands upon his desk in urgency. "Please reconsider! I cannot risk such radical announcements this close to my re-election! It is political suicide!" Hirotsugu tilted his head to one side. His ankle-long ponytail of tied grey hair danced around his legs with the action. "Political suicide, you say? Interesting phrase you've used to classify this. But I cannot imagine what you would mean. After all..." The older man's head swung back around and he cast the Prime Minister a glare that would send shivers down any sane man's spine. "...You control this country in name only. The Four Koga are the real strength of Japan. We are the sword upon which the country must rely. And as I am sure you realize... there are hundreds of men who would die to possess the position that you hold. Regardless of how powerless it is." And that statement made the Prime Minister shrink back with what little courage he was able to muster. Hirotsugu's truth hit home brutally. Fujiwara held no power at all. His actions all those years ago made the Four Koga the true controllers of Japan. He couldn't even stand up for himself anymore against their decisions. And this one was so much more crucial than the others. What Hirotsugu was speaking of... could Fujiwara actually propose such notions to Parliament and retain any sense of personal credibility? The Prime Minister slinked back into his chair and lowered his head downwards. His thick glasses tilted over his nose a bit. When he nudged them back into place with his index finger, a bead of sweat tricked down his cheek. "...Please, Hirotsugu-dono. Please rethink this idea. No one will take to it... especially if it comes from me. My policies have been greatly frowned upon since..." "...Since the Four Koga have started making those policies for you," Hirotsugu filled in those blanks for the PM, "It is understandable. The populace you have governed have grown to distrust you. It was your xenophobic intent against the United States of America that brought along the Koga rule." The PM blinked, pressing his palm into his chest. "You regard me as xenophobic? What you have asked of me simply personifies it! Do you honestly wish me to decree a Closed Country to the members of Parliament!?" "It worked for the Tokugawa," Hirotsugu quipped, "It will work for the Four Koga. This nation of Japan has grown too reliant on foreign power. This is why the trade blockage with the Westerners damaged us so. What we need is a period of self-reliance. Of purity. To show ourselves that we have the strength to stand on our own two feet again. Once that is assured then nothing like the economic crisis of fifteen years ago need ever happen again." Prime Minister Fujiwara's eyes widened. "Y-You are serious about this... aren't you...?" "Of course I am. I always speak my mind about the issues that concern me. So be aware. I want you to declare the new law in one week. I want this whole country isolated from the rest of the world. As do the other three Koga. See to it that our wishes are met. And while you think this over; take the time to remind yourself of what I can do to you if you refuse me." And that last sentence drilled away the remaining scraps of the Prime Minister's resolve. The threat of death. Hirotsugu was more than capable himself. Not to mention his feared Mizuryu Clan. The shinobi that worked under Hirotsugu were some of the most powerful in all of Japan. There was nothing Fujiwara could do against a force like that. The PM lowered his head once more and solemnly nodded to Hirotsugu. As if he were signing his life away. A devious smile of appreciation crossed the Honshu Koga's face once more. It was done. With that said and done; Hirotsugu arrogantly walked away, his grey ponytail just about grazing the carpeted floor of Fujiwara's office. He opened the door and walked through it; entering surrounding halls of the outside. This was the second time that Hirotsugu had come here to the Diet Building in this week. But the pressure he had been placing on the PM had paid off. He was ready to make the decree. As Hirotsugu walked out into the halls of the Diet Building, he stopped in stride. His thin lips pulled into another smile. Then he cranked his neck back to take a glimpse above. A young man, in his early twenties, stood with both feet pressed firmly in the ceiling of the hallway. His rippled and muscled upper body was unhindered by clothing. While his waist was wrapped with a tight crimson belt which held up his multi-coloured dragon-print slacks. He made the two fingered sign of the shinobi with his right hand; while his other hand stood against his side. He was also armed. Across his back was a large glaive with a crescent moon shaped blade. The relentless power of his smouldering Chi was so strong it could be smelt as vividly as a wafting stink of blood. But while he wielded great strength to even the naked eye, the shinobi standing upside down on the ceiling gave Hirotsugu a curious glimpse. One that just happened to indicate servitude. "How did things proceed?" The young man asked, his spiky russet hair lulling downwards. "The plan is ripe, Yagami-kun," Hirotsugu spoke to him with great zeal, "I need you and the other members of the Six Orochi to stand on watch of the Diet Building. We cannot risk anything happening to Fujiwara-san until he declares the re-use of the Closed Country policy." "I thought that he was disposable." Yagami answered. "He is," Hirotsugu turned to look back at the office door, "And he seems to have forgotten that. But no matter. He is just a puppet in spite of everything. Whether he wishes to accept it or not. Once we have want we need from him... you may kill him." Yagami nodded with unquestioning loyalty. "As you command, Master. I actually came here to inform you of the actions of the girl." Hirotsugu's habitually calm black eyes turned far more alert. "...So she is in Tokyo now?" "Yes," Yagami nodded, "We lost track of her after she left Morioka. But we do know that she has entered Tokyo. And more specifically, enrolled in Kimagure Gakuen. Zanmaru-san has been sent to take care of her before she serves to cause you anymore grief, Hirotsugu-sama." Hirotsugu crossed his arms, breathing deeply. "Good. We can have no such problems now. My plans must go ahead without fail. Once Fujiwara does as I have commanded, it will begin. If things all go to plan... the Fuin no Seishinryoku (Seal of Willpower) will soon be broken." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Kimagure Gakuen Yui's soft emerald orbs could hardly take in what she was seeing. The school was so large! A mightily standing establishment for education. It was made up of four large buildings built into close-knit locations around the site. Towards the back of the school were three large parks (two grass, one tarmac) built for sports use and recreation. It was a co-ed school; and was rated as one of the top twenty high schools of Tokyo. Kimagure Gakuen clearly reflected the technological climate of the country; with a gigantic science and technology department; all the while retaining its sense of quaintness and dignity. It had a genuinely friendly feel to it; probably supported by the front gardens which were lined with cherry blossom trees. The actual grounds were based in a suburban area just on the edge of Tokyo. Yui's apartment was a short bus ride away; but this part of the city seemed somehow cleaner and more fresh. But not just in spirit. The school itself adhered to the aura of the area. There was very little litter or rubbish, the streets were far quieter, and fewer cars drove up and down the roads that had been interwoven into the district. Yui slowly walked up to the tall black front gates of the school, her book bag in front of her, and her uniform all pressed and looking cute. Though she had far more important things to worry about then school, Yui was looking forward to coming here. It took her mind off other things that she didn't need to stress herself with at this precise moment in time. Yui looked around her at all the other students as they chatted and marched reservedly into the school via the open front gates. In this bright sunny morning everything seemed great. Then Yui took a quick glance at the main gate. And gave a curious look at someone standing beside it. A youthful schoolgirl; probably the same age as Yui herself; seventeen. This girl awkwardly ran a hand through her long blonde tresses; alternating glances between her wrist watch and the road. Yui could imagine who that would be. She had been told that on the day she came to the school her class representative would wait for her at the front gate. Just to show her the ropes beforehand to help the settling in process. The Girl from Morioka blushed a little. The class rep was actually a little cuter than she would have originally believed. After all, such duties in the student body were sort of classed to the 'nerd' list. But Yui couldn't just stand there admiring the other girl. Her face looked sort of irritated as it was. Best not to keep her waiting any longer. The brown haired Yui sped up her walk as peacefully as she could make it seem and stopped just ahead of the class rep. Yui nodded to her for a brief second, trying to ignore her blush. "Hajime mashite. Um... I guess you must be waiting for me? You're my class representative, right...?" "Hajime mashite. Are you Hazumaru Yui?" The girl questioned immediately. Yui nodded cheerfully to that. Which was where the class rep's facial expression changed from stoic to mildly angered. She rested her hands upon her hips in a matriarchal manner, and leered over Yui with a disparaging glance. "Well now! It's about time! Do you know that I've been waiting for you for over fifteen minutes?" The gentle Yui ran a nervous hand into her bangs. "...Um... sorry about that... I had a lot of hassle moving my stuff around last night and I didn't get much sleep because of it. If I've delayed you in anyway I'll try and make up for it as best as I can." After giving Yui one last condescending look, the class rep softened a little and eased up from her tense disposition. She held out her hand to Yui. "Okay. Don't worry about it. Lets just get started. My name is Uchida Haruko. Nice to meet you." Yui clasped Haruko's hand into her own, shivering a little from the softness of her flesh. "Nice to meet you too, Uchida-san. Kimagure Gakuen looks like a really great school; I hope I'll like it here." The blonde girl, Haruko, nodded and then turned towards the gate. "I hope you'll like it too. I'm sure a couple people will badmouth the school to you but I wouldn't listen to those guys. Now. We'll have to miss the first period so I can show you around the school grounds. Come on, quick now." Well it wasn't like she wanted to be left behind. She wasn't expecting anything less. But if Yui weren't so excited with her new school, she would have probably noticed that she was being watched. By someone with intentions just a little bit past ominous.
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