(Scene: Dragon territory, sector 4.)
We open on the massive gate of dragon territory. Sunlight washes over the rusting gates, the dragon emblem faintly visible. Wind passes through he tall grass. Inside, behind the warehouse, the open field stretches wide. Kai sits with his legs crossed in the grass, his eyes closed, back straight. His hands rest of his knees, sweat faintly staining his jawline. He just finished training, now he mediates. After a moment, his eyes open.. he rises to his feet, exhaling. Then from the warehouse, Gajo walks out with hands in pockets. "Yo!" Kai turns "Sensei!!" Gajo childishly grins "I was just about to run some errands. Probably gonna pass through Testukan, you in?" Kai: "Cool!" They walk toward the front together. There, Meguna and Kosuke wait. Gajo calls out "Im headin out, make sure Rangako doesn't destroy the place, yeah?" Meguna sighs "yes sir." Gajo waves them off as he and Kai walk through the main gate, sunlight fully hitting them. Then- rapid footsteps approach from down the path. Both boys squint "Hm?" Makimi comes sprinting toward them! "KAIIIII!" Two dragon guards chase behind her "STOP RIGHT THERE!!!" she skids to a stop before them, breathing hard. Gajo blinks "Hey i know you.." He raises a hand, stopping the guards. Kai: "Makimi??" She inhales deeply "IM SORRY I STORMED INTO YOUR TERRITORY MR GAJO, BUT TETSUKAN WAS ATTACKED BY MANJI!!!" Kai freezes, his pupils tighten. The world dulls for a moment around him, A child version of Aris flashes through his mind, Kai's heart skipping a beat. "What'd.. you just say??" Gajo's eyes widen. Makimi: "YOBI AND BAN WERE BEAT, CAPTAIN CAME BUT HES OUTNUMBERED!" Kai rubs the back of his neck "Damn it.." Gajo: "Quick, Kai. Decide." Kai looks up "Hm..?" Gajo's voice lowers "You're my new student. Which means your friends are mine. Dragon and Tetsukan are allies. You decide, what should we do now..?" Kai's eyes widen, responsibility hits. But then.. he smirks "Well.. then.. we're going to Manji. To teach those idiots they'll have to respect a guy like me." Gajo's grin spreads. Makimi: "K- kai.. are you sure..?" Kai turns to her, that same confident smirk. "Don't worry, Makimi. Me and Aris are strong, real strong." He exhales through his nose. "If we don't do this.. once they get the word, Manji will send an all out attack. We have to strike first. PLUS, i gotta help gajo so he can take me to sector 3!" Makimi: "But.. what about captain..?" Kai: "Trust me. He wont dare to lose. by time you get back, Yobi and Ban will be in bed. The shop? Fine." Makimi smiles faintly. Hope returning in her heart. Gajo and Kai meet eyes. Gajo: "You sure about this?" Kai nods "Hell yeah! Lets go, we're ending this war before it can even fully start." Gajo claps "I like the enthusiasm. And i can finally see your technique." Kai jumps excitedly "YEAH!" Gajo streches "Lets get going then." He suddenly leaps upward, landing on a rooftop. "Lets race there!" He grins, and takes off. Kai: "WAIT UP!!" He turns back "Tell Aris.. i got it from here.." Makimis eyes widen.. something.. different she sees in Kai. He leaps, chasing Gajo across rooftops.
(Scene: The sewer base.)
Under a massive, dark, damp bridge. The sewer tunnel lays open like a waiting jaw. Dabo leans against a thick support beam, one foot tapping impatiently "Damn it.. the hell is taking them so long??" he waits for the kaizen squad. "As soon as they return.. we'll send an all out Attack on Dragon!!" We pan down inside the underground sewer chamber. Dust hangs in the air, mold crawling along the stone walls. A small mouse hole tucked in the corner. Dozens of Manji members stand ready. Music blaring, weapons gripped in hands, laughing n anticipation. We go back to Dabo "We have the crew ready.. its pretty much won. We'll catch them by supri-" Gajo: "Hey there!" Dabo freezes.. slowly turbs his head.. at the tunnel entrance- Kai and Gajo step inside. Dabo's eyes widen "C- captain of dragon.. and that.. that boy..!" He forces a grin "Perfect.. I get the first bite!" Gajo steps slightly aside "Alright, Kai. This is the warm up before their captain." he folds his arm "Show me that technique. I won't help until you land a hit." Kai smirks, and steps forward. "Good. Cause i owe this guy some payback from the tournament." Dabo cracks his neck "Good, you remember me." *BVVT!* Two lines appear behind him. Dabo laughs "remember, my two lines. VS YOU. WEAK 100 LINES!" He bursts forward. Kai inhales "Focus.." *BVTTTTT!* 80 lines appear behind him. Sharper, more controlled. Gajo watches "Lets see.." Kai charges. Dabo grabs one line "SWORD!" the line shifts too a long blade. Dabo swings- but feints at the last second. Kai reacts- throwing his arms up "TCH!" The second line whips down from above, toward Kai *Slice!* blood drips from his cheek. *FWWT* Dabo swings his blade- Kai's eyes widen, as he leaps back, dodging cleanly as he flips onto his palms. *BAMM!* sending a kick into Dabo's chest. Sending Dabo slides backward, Kai landing lightly. Dabo snarls "WHY EVEN TRY!? YOU'RE WEAK! AND WHAT!? ARE YOU GONNA USE YOUR LINES!?" Kai grins.. "You must not be able to count." The lines behind him- ONLY 40. Dabo's eyes widen as *CLAP!* Kai's hands slam together.. "I've been setting it all up since i stepped in here..! ITS MY TURN!!" Then we see.. Lines positioned overhead, hidden along the tunnel walls and above. Completely surrounding Dabo. Kai: "HISHINNNNNN!" *FWOOOOSH, SLICEEEE!* Lines launch inward from all angles..! Rapid strikes crash down on Dabo as he convulses, blood spraying. Kai then raises his hands.. tightening his glove.. "NEEDLE SHOWER!" *FWOOOSH!* The overhead lines rain down like a storm. striking over, and over again. Dabo staggers.. Kai interlocks his fingers one more time *SLICEEEE!* All lines collapse in, forming a glowing box of energy over Dabo.. the light pulses once.. and then it disperses into cyan ash. Dabo drops to the ground.. body damaged completely. Blood dripping onto the ground. Still alive, but breathing rough. Kai pants, sweat dripping down his cheek "Its over. Don't even try anything. I don't want to have to kill you, but now you better respect me." He wipes his forehead, as Gajo claps loudly "Great!" He throws an arm over Kai's shoulder, smirking. "That was a major improvement from last time i saw you fight, seriously!" Kai grins, the praise already getting to him. "Heh! Thanks, sensei!" Gajo nods.. then points to the sewer.. "Now.. it gets real" Kai swallows spit.. "Mm.." nerves raising. Gajo places his hand gently on Kai's head "Just stay with me." he smiles, uncaringly.