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1999
~Shinichiro’s lunch went untouched as he leaned his elbows on the picnic table. He watched a girl with long brown hair and emerald eyes talk to her friends.
He sighed.
“I think I love her, Waka!” His face fell flat on top of his Bento that Emma so-kindly made for him. Even at eight years old, her cooking skills were so immaculate, Takeomi joked that Shinichiro was forcing her to cook.
(He received a painless punch on the arm for saying that and a, ‘don’t talk shit about my baby sister or I’ll talk shit about Senju!’ which almost brought a whole battle within itself.)
Wakasa munched on a sandwich which he bought from the convenience store, looking at Shinichiro and the most recent girl he had been crushing on for the past month.
“Sakura? Shin chan, you deserve better. She’s an outright bitch outside of her ‘nice facade.’” He pointed out before Shinichiro could drag him into one of his shenanigans once again.
(Which would be the fifth time this month. Yes, Wakasa has kept count. Benkei had it all written in a notebook.)
“I can’t help it! My heart flutters whenever I see her!” Wakasa rolled his eyes.
“You said that about the last nineteen girls who rejected you.” Shinichiro lifted his head and pouted.
“That’s because you’re here with me! All the girls fall for you! I look like stale bread whenever I’m with you. Takeomi said that you get at least five love letters in your locker everyday!” When did Takeomi tell him that?! Wakasa made a mental note to talk to him about the topic of love letters. They knew how sensitive Shinichiro was about those kind of things!
“I’m the leader of the Black Dragons! I should be getting all the girls! I should have a harem by now!” Shinichiro finished up his rant. Wakasa chuckled knowing that his best friend was only joking.
The thing that Wakasa respected about Shinichiro was that even though he was the leader of the fastest growing gang in Japan, he didn't brag about it. His nonexistent fighting skills made up for the charisma that brought Wakasa’s and Benkei’s gangs together.
(They still laugh at him for it until this day. Shinichiro just casually walked into the battle like a weak king coming in between his army! He broke an arm because of that!)
“Sure sure.” Wakasa waved off and finished up his sandwich. “But I’m serious Shin chan. Sakura is bad news.” He warned.
It was pointless to say that because his leader was staring lovingly at the girl.
Wakasa rested a hand on his chin, deep in thought. The only way Shin chan would let go of her is if she rejects him or if she dates him. There was no in between.
And Wakasa knew that would never be the case. Shin chan deserves better than someone who cheats behind everyone’s back and flaunts her current ‘boyfriend’s’ money for her own!
Oh God. Wakasa thought. If she finds out that Shin chan is the leader of Black Dragon then all Hell will break loose!
He nodded and stood up.
“Alright Shin chan! You say that I’m good with the ladies, right? How about I teach you how to be charming? Just so that you can get your girl!” Shinichiro looked at him confused out of his mind.
“Ok, who are you and what have you done with the White Leopard of Kodo Rengou?” He asked. Wakasa beamed.
I can beat fire with fire. If in some miracle Sakura actually decides to date Shin chan, she’ll cheat on him for sure. Either way, Shin’s going to leave with a broken heart.
…I can either make fun of him for it or be by his side when he’s heartbroken. I would rather by beside him.
“You said all the girls come to me right? I can teach you some skills to get that harem you want.” Wakasa elaborated. Shinichiro’s eyebrows furrowed.
“I got that! But why do you suddenly want to help me? Did you do a bet with Benkei and Takeomi again?” Wakasa waved his hand up and down with a smile.
“No, no! There’s no bet! This time, I just want to help you myself! If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em right? I just want to help my dear leader out!” He smiled. Shinichiro stood up and put a hand on the taller teen.
“I guess I have no choice do I? I really really want Sakura to notice me!” He said like a twelve year old struck by the Cupid’s arrow. Wakasa clapped Shinichiro’s shoulder blade once again.
“I’ll meet you at your place on Saturday before the meeting.” He said picking up the sandwich wrapper. He crumpled it up and aimed it for the nearest trash can.
“I- alright.” Shinichiro agreed half heartedly, unsure of what to say. What do you tell someone who wants to help you but you have a bad feeling about the whole thing?
Like you’re about to be humiliated in the face?
“Just you wait, Shin chan!~ You’ll look like a gang leader and have the girls when I’m done with you. Who knows? Maybe they’ll change your nickname as well!”
The wrapper went straight into the trash as Wakasa said this.
------ ꧁༺ 𝓑𝓓 ༻꧂ ------
Takeomi sat on the tatami mat with his younger sister and Shinichiro’s younger brother.
“W-why the Hell did you Takeomi with you?!” Shinichiro exclaimed to Wakasa, who was busy munching on a lollipop. He gave one to Manjiro and Senju as well.
“‘Omi saw me on my way here when he was bringing Senju to the park and, asked me what I was doing, so I told him. By the way, Benkei said he couldn't come because he had to do some errands before the Black Dragon meeting.” He shrugged nonchalantly. Shinichiro’s head hung low. He let out a huff.
“Manjiro! We’re going to be doing big boy stuff now. So leave!” He pointed to the exit. Manjiro shook his head.
Stubborn brat. Shinichiro made a sound that resembled a ‘tsk.’
“No way! Senju told me everything already! Waka chin wants to help you get a girlfriend! I want to see you fail!” He did a fist bump with Senju who was having a hard time unwrapping her lollipop wrapper.
Even my brother doesn’t think I can get a girlfriend! If Shinichiro could control his tears at will, he would have been crying a waterfall at the moment.
He was betrayed everywhere he went!
“Oh yeah?~” He felt the need to tease his brother as much as he was at the moment. (It was immature sure, but Shinichiro felt like doing it so he will.) He watched as Manjiro helped Senju with the lollipop as his was in his mouth.
“I bet you and Senju are going to date when you get older! You both are going to be boyfriend and girlfriend!”
The reaction on their faces were priceless. Manjiro’s mouth opened so wide his own lollipop nearly fell out of his mouth while Senju turned red. Shinichiro wasn’t sure whether it was out of embarrassment or if he was on point.
(They were nine and seven year olds, they didn't understand true love yet.)
“Ewww! Date!? That’s only what old people do!” Senju cried out. Manjiro nodded furiously.
“So you think that you won’t get older?” Wakasa decided to tag along with the Black Dragon leader.
This is why I decided you were going to be in my gang, Waka. Shinichiro thought in a happy mood.
“No way! We’re gonna stay young forever!” Mikey’s arm clung to Senju’s neck as both of them smiled.
“Hey… if Mikey is going to end up like you when you’re older, I would rather not call him my brother in law.” Takeomi whispered so that no one could hear. Unfortunately, Shinichiro did. He gave Takeomi a death glare as if saying, ‘if you talk shit about my little bro, you’re talking shit about me.’
“I’m going to be like Waka nii when I grow older! ‘Single and ready to mingle!’” Senju stated. Shinichiro nearly choked on his spit, dying in laughter as it was Takeomi’s turn to give Wakasa the death glare. The ‘White Leopard’ nearly jumped at the intense aura Takeomi gave.
“Senju chan! Only older people can say that!” Shinichiro smiled sheepishly, unsure of what else to say to convince her. “If a little girl like you says that, then people will think the wrong thing about you!” Senju pouted.
“I don't want to be a girl if I can't say cool things like you and Waka nii! The only thing that I like about being a girl is that I can shop!” Senju paused for a second, presumably thinking of she wanted to say next.. “Mom is always mad at me at home too! Just because I punched the boy down the street the other day, she took away my Hotwheels!” Shinichiro’s face softened. He knew the situation at Takeomi’s home, it was just terrible that Senju had to face through that.
Shinichiro could only guess where Haruchiyo was! Takeomi stopped mentioning him altogether!
(Maybe he should ask Izana if he’s seen Haru around. He knows the kids on the street right?)
“How about you play with my Hotwheels? Keisuke is coming too and I can go get Emma! We can race in teams! Keisuke and Emma vs you and me!” Manjiro asked the girl. Shinichiro stared at his younger brother, surprised that he was sharing?! He barely shared the bed with Emma when they were napping in the afternoon!
Maybe Senju chan and Manjiro’s relationship will get better later on. I’ll have a sister in law! He smiled warmly, visualising the thought.
Suddenly, Shinichiro shook his head.
No no! Right now I’m important! I want to ask Sakura out! I want to know how to be ‘charming!’
“Really?” Senju asked. Mikey nodded.
“Yeah! Then I can show you and Keisuke my cool moves after!” Senju looked up to Takeomi for permission and the elder brother nodded.
“Alright!” She beamed. Manjiro took her by the hand and they ran outside. Shinichiro could only grin at their innocence.
Maybe one day…
He took a deep breath.
“Now that the kids are gone…” Shinichiro crept behind Wakasa, who was still trying to avoid the death glare from Takeomi. Wakasa jumped.
“You promised, Waka! You said by the end of your lessons I would have a harem!” He frowned as his attack unit commander rolled his eyes.
“Yeah yeah. I know.” He pushed Shinichiro off of him and ruffled his head, thus ruining his sick mohawk that he took hours to complete.
“What the fuck, Waka?! You know how long it takes to get that hairdo done!” Wakasa chuckled as Takeomi burst out laughing.
“That’s the first thing you have to get rid of in order to be ‘charming.’ You look better with your hair down, Shin chan. I have no clue who told you that you actually look something other than ‘hideous’ with that hair.” He explained.
Takeomi wiped a tear out of his eye.
“I’m going to get some popcorn. This is going to be hilarious to watch! Don't do anything without me!” He stood up and went towards the kitchen which was linked with the dojo. Shinichiro ran to the nearest mirror and tried to fix his hair again.
“It looks badass! People shiver when they see me!” Wakasa squinted at Shinichiro’s declaration.
“Who shivers when they see the Weak King?!” Wakasa exclaimed, confused out of his mind. Shinichiro didn’t pay any attention as he was trying to save the last of the hair gel that was sticking his hair up.
Mom used to put my hair in a mohawk for me like this… Manjiro didn't have much memories of their mother, she died a year after he was born. But Shinichiro did. Although his Dad was always away, his Mother would always be there to cheer him up. Her gentle smile… her cookies that she made everytime Shinichiro came back losing a fight with the other kids… the stories of a time leaper right before he went to bed… Shinichiro had a picture of her in his wallet which he looks at every time he went into battle.
Jeez, I’m making it sound like I go to war. But then again, going into a gang battle was almost like war. The adrenaline sure felt like it.
“I’m serious bro! You look great with your hair down! The girls would be all over you if you kept your hair like this!” Shinichiro saw Wakasa standing next to him using the mirror. He held his shoulders low.
“Are you sure?” He said softly. Wakasa nodded.
“I’m sure.” He ruffled Shinichiro’s hair again, leaving it down for the final time. His bangs nearly covered his eyes.
Shinichiro took a better look in the mirror, apologizing to his Mother in Heaven that he was letting go of such an amazing hairstyle. He tilted his head and his dark hair went along.
Maybe… I can get used to this! Shinichiro smiled so wide his mouth hurt.
“See?” Wakasa nudged him on the arm with his elbow. Shinichiro stuck his tongue out.
“I still hate you though. I take two hours making that style!” He remarked, crossing his arms.
“It’s two hours you can spend doing something else, like maybe schoolwork? It’s our senior year y’know.” A new voice came in from the kitchen. Takeomi had a bowl of popcorn as he walked back to the dojo, sat down cross legged and took a handful of popcorn in his hand.
“I’ll have you know that I get enough marks to pass the class! I’m your leader, so stop bullying me!” Shinichiro punched Wakasa who easily dodged it. “I should fire you all from Black Dragons!” He considered out loud. Wakasa went to get some popcorn from Takeomi.
“Sure sure. Tell me who’s idiotic enough to stick by your side when you do fire us.” He said before putting the popcorn in his mouth. Shinichiro put his hand on the mirror as he leaned on it dramatically, putting his other hand over his heart.
“If I got a Yen for every time you’ve done that pose, I would have two Yen. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that you’ve done it twice at the same spot.” Takeomi said, referring to the old times when Shinichiro’s Grandfather would make him do martial arts lessons to try and ‘defend himself while fighting.’
Even before Shinichiro discovered the sacred art of ‘ditching class’ it never worked anyways.
“Shut up.” The gang leader grumbled. He tried to keep his cool as he took a deep breath and shook his head.
(He wasn't used to his hair moving around like that when he wasn't asleep or fresh out of the shower.)
“So that was step one right? So what’s step two?” Shinichiro beamed. Wakasa tilted his head.
“You still want to do this?” The gang leader nodded. Wakasa smiled.
“Sure! But the training will be brutal.” He said like Shinichiro’s grandfather when he was teaching Mikey, Keisuke, and Emma karate.
“I’m ready!”
I will take Sakura’s heart! This will be the prelude to me not being a virgin anymore!
------ ꧁༺ 𝓑𝓓 ༻꧂ ------
Step one: Keep your hair down. Shinichiro moved his wet hair side to side, making sure that it wasn't too wet for when Sakura came over at the park where he was waiting.
Step two: Don’t smoke in front of her. That was simple. Shinichiro put his packet of cigarettes in his pocket.
And finally step three: Get some ‘nice’ clothes, Shinichiro looked down at his black denim coat. Underneath was a white t shirt and casual jeans with his gang boots on his shoes.
(It took Wakasa, Takeomi and Shinichiro half a day to renovate his wardrobe)
Shinichiro thought of his personal step, step four, be kind to her. Which was a given, but to most delinquents they wouldn't even consider. (Luckily, his friends and him already sworn off on hurting girls.)
He silently prayed to his Mother that everything goes in favor as he waited for the girl.
I hope that Wakasa was right about all of this! Shinichiro gulped as he leaned by the swing set.
Manjiro was at home practicing martial arts with Keisuke so him messing up Shinichiro’s chance shouldn’t be a problem.
(Yes, he once again ditched his lessons. What more did you expect?)
Suddenly, a girl with long brown hair and a short pink skirt with a gold t shirt came towards Shinichiro. He wiped a bead of sweat off of his brow as he gulped once again.
S-she’s here! Shinichiro straightened himself. The girl held her black handbag as she smiled.
“Sano san!” She waved as she came closer to the gang leader.
She’s talking to me! Shinichiro had to force himself not to pull on the collar of his coat as he did when he was nervous.
Keep calm!
Sakura came in front of Shinichiro with a majestic look in her eyes.
“You called me here?” She looked around at the surroundings. Shinichiro nodded.
“Yeah! I thought this place would be nice to hang out at.” Shinichiro wanted to slam his face into a swing pole. What the fuck did I just say?!
Sakura giggled and Shinichiro turned a hundred shades of red.
I guess that was good then? He scratched his head.
“L-listen. I’ve been meaning to ask you something.” He said. Sakura clapped her hands.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you something too!” Shinichiro’s eyes widened.
She wants to go on a date with me too?! I knew Wakasa was wrong about her! Sakura is an angel!
“Y-you can go first if you want.” He nudged her to say what was in her head. She turned the same red as Shinichiro.
Oh my God… I bet she likes me too!
“A-actually, I’ve been wondering… you’re friends with Imaushi san right?”
It was at that moment, Shinichiro’s heart broke in two.
Why would she be asking for Waka when I want to confess my undying love for her?
“Y-yeah.” He stammered. Sakura smiled.
“Well, I was wondering if you can introduce me to him? He’s just so handsome!” She put her hands together as she daydreamed.
Tears filled in Shinichiro’s eyes but he wiped them before Sakura could notice.
This was the worst rejection I’ve ever gotten!
“I mean, you can do that right? No one would want to date you anyways, you’re too ugly! The only reason why someone would want to date you is because you’re a bad boy!” Sakura laughed. An imaginary arrow stabbed in Shinichiro’s heart.
At least the other girls who rejected me said that we could still be friends! A thousand thoughts were echoing in his mind.
Waka said that I looked good before I left! Even Manjiro asked why I was looking better than usual today!
You know what? Shinichiro looked at Sakura. I don't usually think this about girls but... fuck you!
“I can’t really introduce Wakasa to you because I know he won't date girls who insult his friends and fellow gang members.” Sakura tilted her head.
“What do you mean?!” It was like she was an evil step sister and Shinichiro was Cinderella, trying on his glass slipper. (Even though Sakura didn’t fit for him.) The shock on her face was a look that Shinichiro had never seen in his life.
“Y’know, I realized. I deserve better than you.” He took out a single cigarette from his pocket along with a lighter. He put it in his mouth as he lit it.
Step two: Don’t smoke in front of her.
He inhaled the smoke and it made him feel calmer about the situation.
“I deserve better than you-” He continued. “Waka certainly deserves better than you, Hell, I pity all the boys you’ve dated before if you treated them like this! Just a mat to be stepped on.” Without a single swear, Shinichiro had insulted the dignity of the girl in front of her. He blew the cigarette smoke right in her face.
Step four: be kind to her. Shinichiro fixed his own personal step.
Step four: Be kind to her only if she deserves it. You don't need to punch or kick in order to hurt someone.
She didn't even had the audacity to cry.
“Fine then!” She slapped him. “I don't need you delinquents anyways! All you do is fight like knuckleheads!” Shinichiro was the Weak King, but he won't fall down to anyone.
“You should have thought of that before you decided to meet with me.” Was all the Black Dragon leader said before the girl turned on her heels and stomped away.
That was when Shinichiro crouched down on his knees.
------ ꧁༺ 𝓑𝓓 ༻꧂ ------
“She called you ugly?!” Wakasa screamed through the payphone.
“I would rather not talk about it.” Shinichiro paused. “Can we meet up with ‘Omi and Benkei and beat up some thugs up or something? I need something to clear my mind up.” He didn't feel like hearing Wakasa’s ‘I told you so!’s’ about Sakura.
For some reason, he didn’t.
“I’ll bring the beer and the guys over. Where are you?” Wakasa asked.
“I’m at the park. Don't worry about my ride. I brought my bike over.” Last night, he dreamed of helping Sakura onto that motorcycle, his CB250T, and assuring her, ‘don’t worry! I promise you won’t fall. Just hold onto me!’
But that went into the trash didn't it?
“We’re on our way. Just stay put.” With that, Shinichiro shut the phone and slumped his way over to the swings. He sat on one of them and started to swing himself slowly.
This was the worst rejection I’ve ever gotten. He looked at the sand underneath him and kicked it slightly.
Waka, Omi and Benkei get the girls! Why can’t I? Shinichiro thought.
“Hey Mister…?” Shinichiro’s head perked up to see a kid with black hair and sky blue eyes. He wore a red cape and a white and navy t shirt. The child looked the same age as Manjiro.
What an odd hair and eye combination. You don’t see that everyday. He thought.
“What is it, kid? Are you lost?” Shinichiro asked in the tone he spoke with Manjiro when he got blisters while swinging on the monkey bars.
I really don't want to deal with anyone right now but if he needs help, I guess I’ll try to do the best I can.
“No I'm ok! But are you alright, sir? You look really sad!” Shinichiro smiled warmly as he offered the child the swing next to him. He complied silently.
“I guess I am sad. Just a little bit.” Shinichiro said wistfully. The child had a frown on his face.
“Why?” He said.
I guess I can vent to a little kid before Waka, Omi and Benkei come and pick me up. He wouldn't understand anyways.
“What would you do when someone calls you ugly and that no one would be able to love you?” Shinichiro was sure that was too blunt for a child to understand. He expected the kid to ask, ‘what do you mean?’
But this kid smiled!
“That can’t be true, Mister! Your clothes look really nice! And your hair too!” Shinichiro blinked and then shook his head with a grin.
“Alright. What if someone said it to me or you? How would you feel?” Great. Now I’m getting therapy from a nine year old. I really am a slump.
“Well…” The kid put a finger on his chin.
“My friend’s mom said that there are a lot of people in the world! She says that one day, there will be someone who will love you for who you are! So you have to wait for him or her!” Shinichiro was surprised that a child could give such helpful advice.
I guess he’s right. Twenty rejections down, maybe twenty one will be the lucky number?
He ruffled the child’s hair.
“Thanks kid! Hey, who are you anyways?” Shinichiro asked. The child stood up from the swings.
“I’m Hanagaki Takemichi!” The child- Takemichi sat down again. Before Shinichiro could introduce himself Takemichi said,
“Hey Mister, do you want to race on the swings? Whoever comes highest wins! I can even beat Takuya on it!” Shinichiro assumed that ‘Takuya’ was his friend.
“Sure.” Shinichiro shrugged. “But don't cry when you lose.” He smirked. Takemichi already started, having a head start.
“I always win on the swings, Mister!”
------ ꧁༺ 𝓑𝓓 ༻꧂ ------
Wakasa, Takeomi, and Benkei found Shinichiro putting a kid’s hair into a mohawk in the sandbox.
“That’s how delinquents wear their hair!” The kid looked at his reflection in a puddle in awe.
“Wow! I wanna be a delinquent too!” He tried to fix the mohawk again. Wakasa cleared his throat. Shinichiro looked up and waved the three over.
“Hey!” He cried out as he stood up.
“If you’re busy with a kid then we’ll just leave.” Takeomi remarked. The Black Dragon leader shook his head.
“No. I’m ready!” Shinichiro looked down at the kid.
“Hey Takemichi kun, I have to go alright? My friends are here.” The kid nodded.
“It’s getting late too. Takuya’s Mom gets worried when I don't come home on time. Can we meet and race on the swings again, Mister?” Shinichiro nodded as well. He shook the child’s hand.
“Sure!” Both of them waved and the kid ran the opposite direction careful enough to not ruin his mohawk.
“You just ruined a child with your own hair style.” Benkei was the one to speak first.
“Just because you guys stopped me from making my hair like that doesn’t mean I can stop another child from dreaming!” Shinichiro said dramatically.
“How was it? I expected you to be sulking on the swings.” Wakasa remarked, pulling Shinichiro up from the sandbox. The leader laughed sheepishly.
He knows me too well.
“The kid helped in cheering me up. Now I just want a beer and to stare at the sunset.” He cleaned off the sand from his jeans.
“Rejection number twenty huh?” Takeomi joked as they all walked to their motorcycles. Shinichiro held his head down in relief.
“Yeah…”
“Oh well. There’s always next time. We can prank Sakura and her friends if you want.” Benkei reassured his leader.
Shinichiro wasn’t listening. A girl walking on the sidewalk on the other side of the street caught his eyes. He stopped where he was. She was walking with what Shinichiro assumed was her friend.
“Uh oh…” Wakasa trailed off.
The girl had light blond hair and blue eyes.
“Inui chan! You shouldn’t say things like that!” The other girl said. Shinichiro smiled.
So her last name is Inui huh?
“Wakasa!~” Shinichiro clung onto his friend who rolled his eyes.
Shinichiro forgot that he also knew a Inui, but it was the girl’s younger brother.
“Nope nope! Let’s go drink some beer and stare at the sunset at our favorite place! You need to tell us everything about what happened!” Wakasa pushed his leader before he could fall for another girl.
The members of the First Generation Black Dragons protected their leader. But sometimes, they wished they could take a break from Shinichiro’s shenanigans.