Lucy was preparing for her day at the mall, sliding into a long-sleeve white shirt layered with a white hoodie, dark jeans, and black Crocs.
A sudden knock at the door made her pause.
Aiji: [Lucy-chan!]
Lucy smiled.
Lucy: [Come in!]
Aiji stepped inside, eyes scanning her outfit.
Aiji: [You look adorable... and so tiny.]
Lucy blushed, swaying side to side, hands behind her back.
Lucy: [Thanks, Aiji-kun... you look handsome too.]
Aiji: [But...]
Lucy: [Ye—]
Before she could finish, Aiji scooped her up, tossing her gently into the air.
Lucy: [Ahh!!]
Aiji: [So... you wear the pants in this relationship, huh?]
Lucy's cheeks turned bright red.
Lucy: [No, no, no! I'm sorry!]
He swung her around, setting her down with a teasing grin.
Aiji: [Fine... but I won't let it slide next time, got it, Lucy-chan?]
Lucy rolled her eyes, still blushing.
Lucy: [Yes, sir.]
Aiji: [Anyway, what did you do today?]
Lucy: [This morning I went with Tokihana to Himari's house, but now I'm heading to the mall with Megumi-san and Daikenji-sama.]
Aiji: [Sounds fun! Rikyua and I are gonna hang out a lot today.]
Lucy: [Better not be flirting with other girls, or I'll make Yuki eat you.] she teased.
Aiji: [Same to you—I'll have Rikyua trap you with shadows.]
Lucy: [Yeah... yeah... we've been dating a while now, but we've never... y'know.]
Aiji: [Oh yeah... we haven't.]
He pulled her close, leaning in.
Aiji: [Ready?]
Lucy: [Of course.]
Their lips met in a soft kiss, holding it for a moment before pulling back, eyes locking in silence.
Lucy: [Well... you better get going now.]
Aiji: [Sure thing.]
Aiji left, and Lucy brushed her hair before heading to Megumi's room. She knew Daikenji would be there. When she arrived and knocked, the door swung open.
Daikenji: [Lucy-chan.]
He patted her on the head.
Lucy: [Daikenji-sama, you guys ready?]
Megumi appeared behind him.
Megumi: [Of course.]
Daikenji: [Shall we take Yuki-san, Lucy-chan?]
Lucy: [Yes, he's already downstairs.]
By the elevator, they saw Yuki waiting. He bowed, feather placed elegantly over his chest.
Yuki: [You must be the great Daikenji-sama I've heard so much about.]
Daikenji returned the bow with a smile.
Daikenji: [And you are the great Yuki-san Lucy-chan adores so much. I can see why—you're impressive.]
They exchanged a confident gaze, recognizing each other as equals.
Yuki then turned to Megumi, bowing again.
Yuki: [And you are the leader of this wonderful organization, the Strikers, Megumi-san.]
Megumi: [Thank you... you're just as magnificent as Lucy painted you.] she smiled.
Lucy: [I'm glad you all get along.]
The four of them walked outside, boarding Yuki, who was large enough for the group to lay down comfortably. As they lifted off:
Yuki: [Are you newcomers enjoying the ride?]
Daikenji: [Yes... you're incredibly fast.]
Megumi: [Agreed, you're amazing.]
Yuki chuckled.
Yuki: [I'm grateful you enjoy the ride. Being called fast by Daikenji-sama himself is the highest praise.]
Daikenji chuckled too.
Daikenji: [Riding such a magnificent creature is an honor in itself.]
Lucy: [Kiss already.]
Daikenji playfully ruffled her hair.
Daikenji: [Perhaps I should increase the intensity of your training, Lucy-chan?]
Lucy turned pale.
Lucy: [No, no, no! Sorry!]
Megumi laughed.
Megumi: [Loser.]
Lucy rolled her eyes.
Lucy: [Whatever.]
Yuki suddenly accelerated, touching the ground in less than a picosecond.
Daikenji: [Lucy-chan... how did you manage to make something almost as fast as me?]
Lucy giggled.
Lucy: [It's not that hard... you're slo—]
Daikenji grabbed her by the ears.
Lucy: [Ahhh! I'm sorry!]
All three—Daikenji, Megumi, and Yuki—burst out laughing.
Lucy: [Megumi-san! Do something!]
Megumi: [Fine... Daikenji-sama, put her down.]
Daikenji laughed, setting her gently on the ground.
Lucy: [You guys are bullies.]
Daikenji: [I don't know what you mean by that, sorry.]
Megumi: [Okay, that's enough picking on the poor girl, literally.]
Lucy's smile faltered as she realized what Megumi meant.
Lucy: [Wait... are you calling me broke?]
Yuki: [You just noticed, Lucy-sama?]
Lucy shrank Yuki down, tucking him into her bag.
Lucy: [Jerk.]
She headed toward the mall, with Megumi and Daikenji laughing as they ran to catch up.
Inside, they browsed various stores until an outfit caught Lucy's eye.
Lucy: [Ohh!]
She ran over, grabbing it eagerly.
Megumi: [Like that one?]
Lucy nodded.
Megumi: [Try it on—it's cute.]
She quickly changed in the fitting room, emerging in a green Sigil zip-up hoodie, Glove Station Hyper-Fit tactical gloves, Vans sneakers with neon green soles, distressed grey shorts, and opaque tights.
Megumi's eyes lit up.
Megumi: [Aww, so cute! Lucy, you're going to fluster Aiji so much in that outfit.]
Daikenji nodded in agreement.
Daikenji: [Indeed... adorable, Lucy-chan.]
Lucy twirled excitedly, bought the outfit, and walked around, beaming.
Daikenji: [Warming up to it already, I see.]
Megumi: [Can't blame her—it's adorable.]
Yuki hopped out of her bag, invisible, admiring her outfit.
Yuki: [It's amazing, Lucy-sama.]
Lucy: [Thanks, Yuki-san.]
She glanced at Daikenji and Megumi.
Lucy: [So... what's your story?]
Both adults looked taken aback.
Megumi: [What makes you ask?]
Daikenji: [Quite sudden...]
Lucy: [Well... I heard Tokihana-chan's backstory. It was sad... almost as sad as Mamoriko-san's past. I won't speak on it, but I assume you already know.]
Megumi: [Oh... Himari-chan told me... and Mamoriko's... it's shocking how cheerful she is.]
Their faces darkened.
Daikenji: [Anyway, our backstories aren't as grim as theirs.]
Megumi: [Yeah... with someone as strong as Daikenji-kun around, bad things rarely happen.]
She nudged him, and he smiled.
Lucy giggled.
Lucy: [You two are super cute—when are you getting married?]
Megumi flicked her nose.
Lucy: [Owe...] she laughed.
Megumi: [Well, we can tell you how the first three Strikers came together—me, Daikenji, and Hayanobu. Our parents all loved us, even if Daikenji's dad is always trying to fight him.]
Lucy: [Glad your parents love you.]
Daikenji chuckled.
Daikenji: [Your parents probably love you too... though mine were shocked when I started speaking fluently at two months old, blew up my mother's car, made my grandmother pass out, summoned a sword, ran on walls... oh, I was quite the problematic child.]
Megumi: [You sure were, jerk—like when you threw me into that tree.]
Daikenji laughed.
Daikenji: [Sorry, my wonderful leader.]
Megumi rolled her eyes, grabbing her phone to text Hayanobu.
He appeared next to them instantly.
Hayanobu: [So... you want to hear our stories? Alright then, let us explain.]
July 12, 2012
Megumi, six years old, was playing with Licca-Chan dolls. She was bored and had no friends, so she just sat at the park all day, either playing with dolls or just swinging. It didn't really bother her all that much, though—she had a wild imagination, which kept her mostly entertained.
She heard footsteps coming from behind her, so she swiftly turned around. She saw a tall boy, maybe a year older than her, with white hair streaked with red, faded blue eyes, and a nice jawline for his age.
Daikenji: [Hey there, Miss. You're not opposed to new friends, are you? I'm rather bored—I'd appreciate it if we could play together.]
Megumi: [Hmm, I usually play by myself, but I don't see why not.]
They played with dolls together, creating a group that helps combat evil—I'm sure that won't turn into something later.
Megumi: [Well, I gotta head home. You should come over once.]
Daikenji: [Sure thing.]
They hugged each other, but Daikenji got a bit carried away, tossing her up into a tree.
Daikenji: [Uhhh... ohh...]
Megumi: [DAIKENJI-KUN!!!]
Over time—weeks, months—they kept coming to the park. One day, Daikenji returned home a little late to find his father, Haruto Kaihito, waiting for him, sitting in a chair.
Haruto: [Son, I notice you came home a little late. Any explanation?]
Daikenji: [Just stayed at the park a little longer than normal.]
Haruto: [You see... I've been spying on you. How come you didn't tell your old man you had a girlfriend?]
Daikenji turned red in the face.
Daikenji: [It's not like that! We're just friends.]
Haruto: [No need to lie to your old man.]
Daikenji: [I'm being truthful.]
Haruto: [Sure you are. Let us do battle, my overpowered son.]
Daikenji: [Uhh... but Father...]
Haruto: [No buts. This will help you develop maturity.]
Daikenji sighed.
Daikenji: [So be it.]
The two of them clashed for an extended period. The battle didn't conclude until Daikenji's mother, Emiko Kaihito, put an end to it, making them both go off to bed.
Megumi's house
Megumi was tired. She and Daikenji had spent extra time at the park, and she was now playing with her Tamagotchi.
Her mother, Emi Michibiki, and father, Takumi Michibiki, came in, staring at her.
Megumi: [Yes, Mom and Dad?]
Emi: [So sweetie...]
Megumi: [Yes...]
Takumi ran over, throwing Megumi in the air.
Takumi: [So you have a boyfriend! I'm proud of you, dear.]
Megumi turned red, embarrassed by what she heard.
Megumi: [Uhh, no I don't...]
Emi: [No need to lie to us, sweetie. Daikenji-kun's parents told us—you've all known each other since high school. We have a playdate set up for you two tomorrow.]
Megumi turned red as her father sat her down. They laughed and left the room.
Megumi: [My parents are so embarrassing.]
The next day
Daikenji and Megumi stood close to the edge of Ohara Woods.
Megumi: [So, what are we doing here?]
Emi: [You two will be left in the woods for a week straight so you can get closer together. We all did this back in high school, and now we're super close.]
The rest of the parents agreed.
Daikenji: [Isn't that irresponsible? We're still in grade school—not like we attend anyway.]
Haruto: [Of course it is, but I promise by the end of it, you'll thank us. We've packed a large supply in those bags and already set up tents.]
The parents drove off, leaving their kids alone.
Megumi and Daikenji descended into the woods, reaching the tents their parents had set up in advance.
Daikenji cracked open a pack of crackers his parents left them.
Daikenji: [Want some?]
Megumi: [Of course.]
The first three days went smoothly—they just messed around, doing nothing in particular. But on the fourth day, someone strange approached.
A man dressed like a homeless beggar came near.
Daikenji: [Stay back! He could be dangerous.]
Beggar: [Hey kids... can you please spare me some food?]
Daikenji: [Yes, of course.]
Daikenji handed the man some bread. The man slowly ate it, then ripped off the cloak covering his body.
It was a boy with dark purple hair, bright purple eyes, pale skin, and a rather skinny build. He wore a sleeveless grey shirt, grey shorts, and brown boots.
Megumi: [Why were you acting like a beggar?]
??: [I am the Saint of Patience, Shinobu Isamu.]
Daikenji: [Saint, you sa—]
Daikenji was no longer able to speak.
Shinobu: [What if I had more to say? You should be more patient, you know. I think I'll kill that girl over there.]
As soon as Daikenji heard that, he summoned a sword and swung it at Shinobu. Shinobu responded quickly, telling Death itself to take its time as he was not yet ready to die. Daikenji's attack would've normally killed him instantly, but it blew him away.
Megumi: [Daikenji-kun, please be careful.]
Daikenji nodded and rushed toward Shinobu, attempting to strike him, but Shinobu simply told him to wait.
For three days and three nights, they clashed—not exactly as equals, but it was a rather interesting battle.
After the three-day battle, Shinobu was exhausted.
Shinobu: [So, you're one of the two "he." No other reason for you to be this strong. Well then, I oughta get going.]
Shinobu ran off. Daikenji, not wanting to continue the battle, simply ran over to Megumi.
Daikenji: [Are you okay?]
Megumi: [I should be asking you that.]
Suddenly, they heard footsteps behind them. They quickly turned to see a tall, muscular man, bald with tan skin—Souta.
Souta: [That was an epic battle. I didn't know anyone could stand up to those seven Saints of Salvation.]
Megumi: [You are...?]
Souta: [Name's Souta. I separated from my family a long time ago, so I don't identify with my last name nowadays.]
Megumi: [Megumi Michibiki.]
Daikenji: [Daikenji Kaihito.]
Souta: [Well, why don't you kids come with me? I've got some food back at my workshop—I'm a blacksmith.]
Souta and the two kids went to his workshop and stayed there the last night until they finally saw their parents again.
Souta: [Well, it was nice having company. I hope to see you two again.]
They both nodded, grateful for his hospitality.
Daikenji: [It was wonderful. Thank you for the stay.]
Megumi: [Totally, Souta-san. We appreciate it.]
They walked to their parents' cars, waving goodbye and smiling at each other.
Emi: [How was it, Megumi-chan?]
Takumi: [Yes, dear, tell us how it was.]
Megumi: [We just goofed around. I had lots of fun.]
Emi: [Told you, son.]
While ruffling Megumi's hair.
Haruto: [Your mother's sick, so I came alone. But tell me, how was it, son?]
Daikenji: [It was a rather exhilarating experience.]
Haruto: [That's wonderful to hear. I knew you would have fun, son.]
The two cars zoomed away.
September 19th, 2013
Daikenji and Megumi—now 8 and 7 respectively—were cruising through the park when they spotted a young girl swinging. She had red hair, bright blue eyes, and wore a dress that looked like it belonged in a talent show. This was Himari.
Daikenji: [Shall we go speak to her?]
Megumi: [Of course.]
They walked over.
Himari: [You two are?]
Daikenji: [Daikenji Kaihito.]
Megumi: [Megumi Michibiki.]
Himari stared at them for a moment.
Himari: [Sounds cool enough. I'm Himari Higure. Let's play or something. My parents are rich, so they kinda left me or whatever, but I have lots of cash. I even got a PlayStation 4 early. Wanna play? We could also play GTA 5 on my PS3.]
Megumi: [Uhhh... that would make us seem like we're using you for your money.]
Himari: [Don't care. Just need company, you know. And if you two were boring, I'd just kill you.]
Daikenji laughed while Megumi's face fell.
Megumi: [Fair. Well, let's go then.]
And just like that, they spent the whole day playing together. It was a perfect example of how easy it could be to make a friend for life.
The days passed, and Megumi and Daikenji often stayed over at Himari's house. Her parents didn't mind; they trusted Daikenji—the strongest in the world—and as long as they checked in at least once a week, the kids could go wherever they pleased.
October 1st, 2013
Daikenji was still fast asleep. Only Megumi and Himari were awake.
Megumi: [Tell me, do you know anything about the Saints?]
Himari nodded.
Himari: [Yes. I ran into one a while ago—the Saint of Gratitude. I don't know much, other than that it's an old religion linked to a god named Odamakura, and there are seven of them called the Saints of Salvation.]
Megumi: [I'm going to make an organization dedicated to taking them down. I'll name it... uh...]
Daikenji walked in swiftly.
Daikenji: [How about The Strikers?]
Megumi: [Strikers it is.]
And from that day forward, The Strikers were born.
May 27th, 2016
Daikenji and Megumi were cruising around town. By now, their parents trusted them fully as long as they called once in a while on their iPhone 6s.
In the distance, a mini tornado swirled. They were in a secluded area, so it was strange to see even one appear randomly in the middle of the road.
Daikenji: [Stay back, it could be—]
Before he could finish, a young boy appeared in front of him.
Hayanobu: [My name's Hayanobu Seigawa. I'm the fastest man in the world.]
Daikenji: [You very well are. I can tell.]
Megumi ran over.
Megumi: [I'm Megumi Michibiki, the leader of a group called The Strikers. We work to overpower an evil group called the Seven Saints of Salvation.]
Hayanobu: [Well, that was random. But I guess I have literally nothing else to do, so why not?]
Present Day
Lucy: [Wow, it's kinda cool hearing how you guys all got together. Glad nothing tragic happened.]
The three nodded in agreement.
Lucy: [But do you think this outfit looks tight on me?]
Megumi looked taken aback.
Megumi: [No, of course not! What would make you think that?]
Lucy: [It's nothing important... but, umm, Daikenji-sama, can you go extra hard on me for our training tomorrow?]
Daikenji: [Oh... sure thing, Lucy-chan.]
Lucy: [You two aren't gonna get anything.]
Megumi: [We were mostly just taking you shopping. We didn't really intend to get anything.]
Lucy: [Oh, well. Thank you so much.]
Megumi: [Of course, anytime.]
Hayanobu: [Slow pokes.]
Everyone rolled their eyes as they continued walking.