Detective Shin

Chapter 26


The next morning, Shin is sitting in front of Wuhai.

Shin: Last night, I was able to use Ten and Seiryoku correctly, for the most part.
Wuhai: Is that right? Then you are making fast progress. Most people aren’t ready for practical application for at least a month.
Shin: Really? I thought I was doing poorly.
Wuhai: It’s the opposite. You have incredible learning capacity.
Shin: That’s great to hear. Some serious shit is going on in my district. Ah-my bad, Shifu. My language is still sub-par haha.
Wuhai: It’s okay. Let us just get to practice so that you can go out on your patrol.

After they practice, Shin is eating a pork bun while walking in the streets of district 8. He is looking at his phone frequently and then looking up. With a closer look, we see a still image of the video he took with the drug dealer’s image.

Shin: Nothing yet.

Just then, he spots something out of the corner of his eye. A (male) child drops to his knees and holds his head in pain.

Child: It hurts! My head!
Shin: The symptoms are kicking in this early for some children. They’ll soon affect the adults then. Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do.

Shin turns away from the kid and grimaces as he walks away, unable to come to his aid. After finishing his pork bun and a cold canned drink, he continues to scan around for a match to his picture.

Shin: (mumbling in Japanese) How hard can it be to find one person? (sarcastic) I mean, it’s not like this country has a lot of people or anything. Ah, I could have gone to his house to tail him, but I have to keep an eye out for more potential dealers. I have him on lock already.

At that moment, a gunshot is heard. Shin moves toward the sound and sees a man in a ski-mask standing on top of a car with an automatic rifle. Shin is standing amidst a crowd of people.

Man: EMPTY YOUR POCKETS NOW EVERYONE!
Shin: Is this also a withdrawal symptom? Nah, he’s probably just insane.

Shin goes to move, but then stops himself.

Shin: That’s right. I’m not in my disguise. Shit. Where are those damn cops that are supposed to be on duty?!

One man steps up to him to try and pacify him, but gets shot in the head instantly. The crowd starts to panic and begin taking out their wallets.

Shin: I can’t take this anymore! I have to do something! If I can just get a distraction…that’s it!

Shin goes to his phone and texts someone very fast. After he’s done, he puts his phone down on the ground and then is able to slip to the front of the crowd. In his right hand, he starts to charge up his spirit gun.

Shin: C’mon, c’mon, c’mon.

A few moments later, his ringtone goes off. This instantly distracts everyone, including the gunman. At that moment, Shin fires off a small spirit gun, which knocks the gun out of his hands and far away.

Man: Huh?
Shin: Everyone! He dropped his gun!

They all turn back to see the man unarmed and swarm him. They eventually pull him off the car and restrain him. Shin walks up to his phone, which is ringing for a second time. Some people are still crowded around it.

Shin: Hehe. So that’s where I left it. I sure am clumsy.

He takes his phone and answers it.

Shin: Arigato, Ming.

He immediately hangs up and starts walking away.

Shin: That didn’t get me any closer to finding any information, but I couldn’t just sit there and do nothing. I guess this ringtone came in handy for at least one thing.

Shin then senses a presence. He looks to his left to see the half-demon in dark green garb. She’s looking at him.

Shin: You.
Woman: So that’s what you look like under the mask. Not bad.
Shin: You saw?
Woman: That was impressive. You’re no demon. And yet…
Shin: No, I’m not. Are you willing to share some information with me yet?
Woman: I duuunnoooo. What are you willing to give me in return?
Shin: Come with me.

He points to the nearest alleyway.

Woman: Woah. Papa told me never to follow strange men into-

While she’s speaking, Shin looks around him to make sure no one is looking and then grabs her and disappears. They appear in that alley and then he puts her down.

Shin: *Smirks* You were saying?
Woman: How rude!
Shin: I have a lock on one of the drug dealers. Will that suffice if I show you where he lives?
Woman: Hmm…that is good! What is it you want to know?
Shin: I’d like to know why you’re after these guys.
Woman: If you’re really that interested, I’ll tell you. But first-
Shin: My information is of more importance. You go first.
Woman: Fine! So, anyway, their boss is responsible for my….my mama’s death.
Shin: Was she a demon?
Woman: Yes. The boss and mama had a falling out. They were from the same clan. After that, papa was forced to work for them. He’s stuck in this drug business and he can’t get out!
Shin: I see. He wouldn’t happen to be this man, would he?

Shin shows her the picture.

Woman: No, that’s not him.
Shin: So your motive…it’s revenge. I can sympathize.
Woman: You can?
Shin: Yes.
Woman: Why is that?
Shin: I’ll tell you why, if you tell me what the boss looks like. Judging by your story, you should have seen him at least once.
Woman: Yes! I’ll never forget that stupid face of his!

The woman describes the boss and then Shin consequently tells her about Juste.

Woman: Wow.
Shin: So, if we’re still playing this game, are you willing to exchange your name for mine?
Woman: I suppose so. You don’t seem so scary anymore, mister.
Shin: Sorry. You caught me on an off day the last time.
Woman: I am Xio (Pronounced Shee-Oh) Hao (How).
Shin: Shin Yakamoru, Spirit Detective.
Xio: That was spirit energy after all then! How…
Shin: I don’t quite understand it either.
Xio: Now, your information, please!
Shin: I can’t right now. I’m on patrol. Oh, I should mention that I’m an undercover cop. Meet me here later tonight and I’ll show you. 11PM.
Xio: You got it! I’ll kill you if you don’t show up!
Shin: You have my word.

Shin walks away and walks among the people again. He starts to see more and more withdrawal symptoms occurring to people of all ages.

Shin: I know they said that they would be starting the plan tomorrow, but you would think that they’d try to build a little bit of a reputation today.

Hours pass with nothing. Shin eats lunch and just after, he continues his patrol.

Shin: I don’t sense Xio around. Unless she’s hiding her presence, she’s not tailing me. I need to keep an eye on her. There’s something fishy about that girl.

There is now a woman who is hunched over a guardrail and puking into the river. She is yelling in pain in between.

Shin: That’s a charming sight.

Just then, a man approaches her. This piques Shin’s interest.

Shin: Unless that guy’s into some real nasty shit, I might have found someone worth tailing.

We cannot make out what they are talking about, because Shin is too far away. But Shin notices him slip the woman two pills. Shin gets closer without looking too suspicious.

Woman: Free?
Man: Yes, ma’am. I’ll be selling some tomorrow. If they work for you, come find me.
Shin: Yes!

After that quick transaction, the man starts to move. Shin tails behind him a safe distance.

Shin: This makes sense. They obviously waited till the afternoon when people’s patience for this pain has worn very thin. They’re giving out free samples to build a bigger customer base. Those drugs are guaranteed to work, because they’re the exact drugs that these people are dependent on. This plan is genius. Too bad for them, it’ll collapse on them when all is said and done.

Shin follows this man all day, where he does much of the same thing that he did to the woman from before. At the end of the day, he meets someone who gives him a large crate that he carries away. He eventually goes back to his home, which is an apartment and brings the crate in. We see Shin standing on the building above.

Shin: Perfect. I’ve found two dealers. Now, how to attack this? Hmm, I’d better go meet up with Xio first.

He goes to the alleyway at about 11pm and then waits. In only minutes, Xio arrives.

Shin: Yo.
Xio: Hey! You came after all.
Shin: Are you ready?
Xio: Yeah.

She follows Shin to the first dealer’s home.

Xio: Wow, you are good. How did you find it?
Shin: I have…connections in low places.
Xio: Sounds shady.
Shin: It’s not as bad as it sounds. So listen, now that you have your information, would you like to work with me?
Xio: What do you mean?
Shin: Our interests align. If you help me out, we can get to the heart of things quicker.
Xio: Are you sure?
Shin: I have a plan.
Xio: Tell me then!
Shin: Are you saying yes then?
Xio: Yes, damn it!
Shin: Can you break in this man’s house silently?
Xio: No, I’m not THAT good.
Shin: But you can break in?
Xio: Yes.
Shin: Good. Then what I want you to do is to wait for him to leave and then steal his crate full of drugs. Bring them to me.
Xio: You! You just want the stuff for yourself!
Shin: Listen. The sooner he runs out of drugs, he’ll have to re-supply. Meaning that-
Xio: Oooh ooh! I get it now!
Shin: You don’t have to be so loud, you know. It is nighttime.
Xio: Sorry. So you want me to tail the guy to when he re-supplies so that I can then tail whoever gives him the stuff.
Shin: Exactly. I have another place that I want you to pilfer from. But I’ll take care of everything else on that end after you’ve done that.
Xio: So, then what after that?
Shin: We can try to get ourselves up the corporate chain till we can find the boss. If it doesn’t work out as simple as that, I have another plan to draw him out.

Meanwhile, Koenma and Juste are watching this conversation.

Juste: I don’t think it will be so simple. Shin knows that. What is his back up plan?
Koenma: I have no idea. But I have to say that I’m impressed at his detective work so far.
Juste: Shin has always been very intelligent. He would have been easily accepted to the best university in Japan had you not interfered.
Koenma: You know why I did that.
Juste: Yes.
Koenma: Yusuke was a delinquent who never showed up to school in the first place. It’s not like he was lacking in free time to do his spirit detective work.
Juste: Yusuke the slacker and delinquent, and yet he became the greatest detective. Whereas Shin is the exact opposite to him. He will rise to greatness through hard work and diligence.

Shin: So, you’re in?
Xio: Papa told me not to trust strangers, but I feel like I can trust you for some reason. You seem very dependable.
Shin: Good. I’m going to help you get your revenge, and you’ll help me in my detective work. It’s a win-win.
Xio: Just one question, mister Shin.
Shin: Yes?
Xio: You’re not after my body or anything like that?
Shin: Is that what you’re used to with the men that your father is forced to work for?

Xio silently nods.

Shin: I’m sorry. No, I don’t have any interest. I believe in saving myself for someone that I love.
Xio: That’s pretty rare these days.
Shin: I’m old fashioned, yeah, but it’s something I decided for myself. I won’t blame anyone else for not following my principles.
Xio: Have you found that person already?
Shin: Afraid not. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have someone else to speak to.

Shin disappears.

Xio: He…doesn’t want me just for my body? There are still men out there like that? Papa, hold on. I think I can trust this one.

We now go back to Japan, earlier in the day. We are taken to a ring where two people are boxing. There is a VIP box area above where there are a few people. Among them we recognize as an older Kuwabara. His hair is the same, but he is wearing glasses now and has a business suit and tie on. Someone approaches him.

Man: Mr. President, some drunken idiot is here to speak to you. He says it’s extremely important.
Kuwabara: What does he want?
Man: We can’t understand everything he was saying, but one word he said…he said “Suichi”. You know a Suichi, don’t you?
Kuwabara: What?! Take me to this man immediately!

Kuwabara exits the building to see Dean stumbling around.

Kuwabara: You, kid. You’re the one who mentioned something about Suichi?
Dean: Ah…yeah. Professor sent me. He wants…agh just a minute.

Dean slumps against the nearest wall, but just then, Kurama appears behind him.

Kurama: Hello, Kuwabara. I’m afraid he came here without me.
Kuwabara: What’s all this about, Kurama?
Kurama: Ah, well, this man. He was one of my students and now he’s developed a strong sense of spiritual awareness. He’s eerily similar to you in that regard.
Kuwabara: You want me to train him, is that it?
Dean: Yes, sir. I’m okay now. Really.

Dean’s expression turns serious.

Dean: I need to help Shin out. He needs me.
Kuwabara: Who is Shin?
Kurama: I should explain the situation to you. Is this a bad time?
Kuwabara: No, I can step away.
Kurama: Good. Because I brought even more company.
???1: Shit, this is why you brought us?
???2: This better be good, Kurama.

Both Yusuke and Hiei step out from the shadows.


Team Urameshi reunites…but for what purpose?

Chapter 27


It is later that night, and the four from Team Urameshi are sitting at a table.

Kurama: So that’s basically what’s happening, Kuwabara.
Kuwabara: So this Shin guy, he’s off training in China.
Hiei: So then, why have you called me here if you’re just telling Kuwabara what’s happening? I already know all this.
Kurama: Hiei, can you tell us what’s happening with the search for the soul stealer?
Hiei: The coward hides himself well. He knows he can’t defeat me.
Yusuke: Well, shorty, you’re the only one out of us that has kept up with the training.
Hiei: Obviously, Yusuke. I am the ruler of demons now.
Kurama: Shin and Endull, as you know, are being trained up to be able to deal with his threats. But I don’t feel that it’s enough. There may be a time when we all must fight again. But that’s not all. They need some reliable allies as well. Drago seems worthy, but Dean is lacking. He has strong potential though. That’s why you are the best choice, Kuwabara.
Kuwabara: Why not Urameshi?
Yusuke: Weren’t you listening with that thick head of yours? That guy most resembles you. I already trained Shin.
Kurama: That training seems to have paid off, Yusuke.
Yusuke: No kidding. He learned the shotgun that fast. But Kurama, do you know why his energy is red?
Kurama: No. No one seems to know. But one thing is for sure: he’s not like you.
Yusuke: Good. We can’t have that happen again.
Kuwabara: I’ll train the kid. If he wants to protect his friend, I understand too well.
Kurama: Thank you, Kuwabara. Now, our next topic of interest…

We switch back to Shin, who is speaking to the chief shortly after meeting with Xio.

Chief: You found not one, but two drug dealers? How the fuck did you do that?!
Shin: You want the truth? One of them I found on patrol the normal way. But the first one I found about using a prostitute.
Chief: Too much information. What you do in your private life is your business.
Shin: No, not like that. I mean, I had her gather information while she worked. I have…certain leverage on her.
Chief: I see. What are you going to do now?
Shin: I’m going to see if I can’t sabotage the operation. That should bring the supplier out of hiding. After that, I have careful measures planned out. The only thing I ask of you is to leave this to me.
Chief: Leave it to you? Why should I? You’ve done a great job, but you’re still relatively new here. You need back up.
Shin: The fewer people involved in this mess the better. If we send too many people, we’ll scare them again and they’ll go back into hiding. My plan is to tickle them just enough that they’ll be apprehensive, but not fearful.
Chief: It sounds like you have things sorted out then.
Shin: So, no one will interfere until I call for help?
Chief: Yes. This is not normal procedure, but neither is this case. Sometimes unorthodox methods are necessary.
Shin: Thank you, Chief.
Chief: I’m a former drug addict, Shin. I know what it’s like to be stuck in that kind of situation. You need to help these people.
Shin: You have my word.

The next morning, Shin is back in his disguise and patrolling. Many people seem normal today, while others are still in pain.

Woman: Hey, you haven’t gotten the pill yet?
Man: What pill? AGH MY FUCKING HEAD!
Woman: They’re selling this miracle pill all over the place. It cured my headache in 30 minutes.
Man: Really? I gotta go get me some of that.
Shin: Word of mouth is a powerful thing, especially when people are desperate.

After a few minutes, he sees Ming looking around. When she spots him, she runs up to him.

Shin: What’s wrong?
Ming: Some assholes took my corner. So this is what they meant?
Shin: Yes.
Ming: By the way, what was that about yesterday? I got so excited because you wanted me to call you.
Shin: Oh, that. Yeah, I needed a quick distraction. You saved many innocent lives.
Ming: I did? Oh. Well, I guess I can forgive you then.
Shin: Anyway, do you have any more information for me?
Ming: Nothing, sorry.
Shin: That’s okay. I think I have just about all I need.

Shin pulls his phone and goes to something. He shows it to Ming.

Shin: This is the recording I took of you before.

He deletes it in front of her.

Shin: I’m releasing you from that.
Ming: Thank you. But why now?
Shin: I trust you not to rat my powers out. I knew that our leverage was equal the second you saw them.
Ming: I won’t say a word. Just so that’s clear, come to this address tonight. You’ll understand why.

Shin receives a text from her after she types in on her phone.

Shin: I see. If I have time, I will drop by.
Female Voice: And just who is this?
Shin: ! That voice.

Xio approaches them. The two girls immediately start to size each other up.

Xio: She’s…those are huge! I can’t compete with those assets!
Ming: She’s small and petite. Is that the type of girl he goes for?!
Shin: Xio, what are you doing here?
Xio: Looking for you, that’s what!
Shin: Ah, did you do what I asked?
Xio: You bet! You know, it’s not easy to find you when you’re suppressing…*Pauses*
Shin: It’s alright. She knows about me. That’s my bad for not giving you my number.
Xio: It’s ‘kay kay. Just give it to me now.

He verbalizes the number to her.

Ming: Aren’t you going to introduce us to each other?
Xio: Yeah, Shin!
Shin: It’s Amitay, damn it! And okay. Ming, this is Xio. She’s working with me on this case. Xio, this is Ming. She has gathered information for me, some info that has been very helpful to you. Anyway, Ming, let’s go back to those assholes that stole your corner.
Ming: They set up a cart and everything. I tried to tell them…
Shin: Did they hurt you?
Ming: A little.
Shin: I see. Do you want that corner back?
Ming: You’re not going to…

Shin starts to walk away. The two girls follow him.

Ming: Why are you doing this?
Shin: We’re no longer in business, but we’re friends still. I won’t let that slide.

They make it to the corner where Ming usually works. There are two men in business suits sitting at a cart with pills on it. There is a short line of people waiting to buy.

Shin: Did you hurt this lady?
Man 1: Fuck off. I don’t have time to deal with you.
Shin: Answer me, you prick.
Man 1: Why do you care about that woman anyway? She’s a whore! Scum!
Man 2: Oy, don’t you know who he is?

Shin punches the first man straight down into the ground, smashing his chair from the impact as well.

Shin: Prostitutes are still human…..even if they are the most likely to start a zombie apocalypse. Move your stand across the street. You’re interrupting commerce.
Man 2: Yes, Mr. Amitay, sir.

The other man moves the cart while the other is out cold still. Ming resumes her work while Shin and Xio walk away.

Xio: That was nice of you.
Shin: Yeah.
Xio: What did you mean by “most likely to start a zombie apocalypse”?
Shin: When you’re older…
Xio: Hey, I’ll have you know I’m 18. I might look younger, but I’m not.
Shin: Oh, how ‘bout that? So, where are the crates?
Xio: I brought them back to my place. It’s not far.

Shin is on a rooftop a bit later and then Xio brings him the two crates. Shin opens them to see most of the drugs in them.

Shin: That looks about right based on how much they took out for the day. Good work.
Xio: Thanks. What will you do with them?
Shin: I’m keeping them out of circulation for now. When all is said and done, the police will do what they want with them.
Xio: And may I ask why I specifically had to do the pilfering?
Shin: I would have reluctantly done it myself if you hadn’t come along. But ultimately both of my personas could be compromised if I was caught. My identity as Amitay is a hero, not a thief. And if I were identified, the police force would receive a lot of fire. I can’t let them know what I’m up to just yet.
Xio: I see. But what about MY reputation?
Shin: I’m sure you would have objected if it were that important to you.
Xio: Yeah, you’re right.
Shin: In either case, I’m going to take these back immediately. It’s important that I get back to the streets to try and prevent as much crime as possible.
Xio: Right.
Shin: You need some more rest, right? Go ahead. I got it from here. But once the night starts, I’ll need you to keep watch over the first location in case he moves to his supplier.
Xio: Got it.

Later that night, Shin is walking without his disguise.

Shin: The two of them. When they first saw each other, they had a look of jealousy. How do I handle this situation? Best-case scenario they both fall in love with each other. Now that’s something I’d like to watch.

Shin reaches into his pocket and realizes something is in there.

Shin: Oh, my PH tester. This thing must have been through the washer. I wonder if it still works.
GPS: Arriving at destination on right.
Shin: This must be it.

He arrives at a small town house. He looks for a specific number above the door, finds it and then knocks on it.

Shin: If this is her house, then I understand what she meant. If she betrayed me, I now know where she lives. That’s pretty raw.

Ming answers the door and then giggles.

Ming: Hey, stud. Come on in.
Shin: I can’t stay long.
Ming: That’s fine.

He enters the house, which is very neat with relatively low-grade furniture that is well kept. Another girl comes to greet him. She looks younger than Ming, but resembles her greatly.

Ming: Shin, this is my little sister, Min.
Min: Pleasure to meet you, Shin.
Shin: Hello.
Ming: Anyway, what I have to give you is right in this room over here.

She leads him to a door and then opens it. He walks in and then she closes the door behind her. The light flicks on to see that it is a bedroom.

Shin: Oh, I don’t know if I like where this is going.
Ming: Thank you for earlier, Shin. You made me feel special. No one else would do that for someone like me.
Shin: Let me ask you a question. Do you support yourself and your sister with what you make from that job?
Ming: Yes. Min works part time, but it’s only enough to pay for some of her small expenses.
Shin: Then I don’t care what you do. Take pride in your job.
Ming: But, don’t you always make fun of me for it?
Shin: I like to rattle everyone. True, it’s not my first choice for a job, but there’s nothing wrong with it if it puts food on the table.
Ming: I see. You’re right. So right.

Her face is turning redder by the second.

Shin: Uh oh. Maybe I went too far.
Ming: I can’t take it anymore!

She flips the light switch off and then Shin receives a push. He lands on her bed, though does not seem to be resisting at all. He then feels her weight come on top of him. Shin illuminates the area by concentrating spirit energy in one hand.

Ming: You’re…not resisting at all? Why?
Shin: What are you going to do?
Ming: Well, you know.
Shin: Do whatever you want to me. It’s my fault for teasing you. Have your reward. I won’t resist.

Ming contemplates for a few seconds.

Ming: Okay then. Itadakimasu!
Shin: Woah, shit. I wasn’t actually serious!

Shin breaks free of her grasp instantly and stands up.

Shin: You were supposed to say, (high pitched girly imitation) “I won’t do it. You have to be willing” or some shit like that. Have some shame, girl.
Ming: Sorry. I don’t know what came over me.
Shin: Luckily, it wasn’t me.

Shin finds the light switch.

Shin: Hmm, but while we’re here like this, we can play a game.

He pulls out his PH tester.

Shin: Go ahead and put this in there instead. Then science can finally know: Is it an acid or a base?
Ming: No man has ever accepted me like that before. Everyone looks at me the same. But you’re different. No one treats me like I’m human. That’s why when you stood up for me earlier…
Shin: I understand. Well, maybe I don’t. Do you have any friends at all?
Ming: The concept of friend…I don’t really understand it, I’m afraid. I’m an object, good for only one thing. But maybe I do now. It made me so happy, the things you did and said today.
Shin: What about Min?
Ming: She’s different. But she’s all I’ve ever had for years. Our parents left us when I was only 16. I’ve been taking care of her ever since. I was sold into sex slavery by them for four long years before they decided that it wasn’t making them enough money.
Shin: So ever since, you couldn’t get another job, thanks to your work history. My god.
Ming: Shin? I’m sorry. I’m gushing out all of this now after I just tried to take you for myself. You’re still only just 18. Is this hard to hear?
Shin: A little, but I can handle it. I’ve experienced my own shit. My brother was murdered right in front of my eyes and his fiancé committed suicide shortly after. And I was powerless to do a thing. And I killed all those innocent women.

Ming is now lying on her bed, exhausted.

Shin: I’ll just leave now. You look exhausted beyond belief.
Ming: Yeah. I just need-

She falls asleep. He looks at her for a few seconds and then takes a huge sigh of relief.

Shin: (Whispering) That was fucking close. I nearly lost control there. Curse you, teenage hormones.

He leaves the room and quietly closes the door.

Shin: She’s sleeping now.
Min: Okay, that’s good. She needs her rest.
Shin: How much rest does she get every day?
Min: 3 hours usually. 4 if she’s lucky.
Shin: I thought so. She’s a tough lady.
Min: She talks about you a lot. It made it seem like you are a couple. Do you love her?
Shin: I’m afraid not. Persistence unfortunately does not change a man’s heart.
Min: That’s a shame. You see, a prostitute’s bed is sacred. Of any man she sleeps with, if she willingly takes one back to her own, that means something.
Shin: That’s quite profound. Well, nothing happened in the end.
Min: I see.
Shin: I have to get going now. I have to get back to my work.
Min: Okay. Nice meeting you.
Shin: Likewise.

Shin leaves and goes to the second dealer’s stakeout location. He is contemplating while watching.

Shin: My view on things have changed somewhat since coming to China. I used to see all prostitutes the same way Ming described. But I’ve come to learn better. But unfortunately, I don’t love her. I can’t compromise myself for her. That’s the sad fact. But to be honest, if I did fall in love with a woman, it wouldn’t be bad if it was someone like her.

Just then, he starts bursting out laughing.

Shin: A prostitute’s bed is sacred? What a weird conversation.


Shin has another lesson on human life and how precious it can be. But his mind has to be focused, as the mission is heating up quickly. It’s rapidly reaching its climax!

Chapter 28


Shin is still on his stakeout. It is late at night. He receives a text from Xio. The following is conversation by texting.

Xio: NEthing on ur end
Shin: No, nothing. You?
Xio: no smh im bored
Shin: Yeah, same.
Xio: so who was tht ming grl? Is she bae
Shin: What the fuck is “bae”?
Xio: bby gurl n shit like that
Shin: No.
Xio: o
Xio: so wut u doin
Shin: Same thing you’re doing. oh wait gotta go
Xio: rly

Shin sees the drug dealer come out of his apartment.

Shin: Perfect. Lead me right to your buddy.

The man is religiously checking all around him every ten or so steps, making the trip tediously long. Shin is staying on the rooftops, out of sight.

Shin: (Texting) This guy is so fucking sloooooooooow!!!!
Xio: u following him
Shin: Yeah. Expect movement on your end soon.
Xio: k

Eventually, he meets up with another male. Shin gets close enough to hear what they’re saying. He is on top of a roof just above where the two are standing, but he is not in their view.

Man 2: Were you followed?
Man 1: No.
Man 2: So some thief broke in?
Man 1: Yeah, some fuckhead.
Man 2: Do you think it’s a coincidence that the day you have all the good shit you get robbed?
Man 1: Definitely not.
Man 2: Our shipment from Hong Kong doesn’t come in by boat till Monday around this time. Make it last.

The second man gives the first another crate of drugs.

Man 1: Thank you.
Shin: Yes, thank you for all that detail, jackass.

As they part ways, Shin now starts tailing the supplier.

Shin: (Texting) I just found a goldmine so to speak.
Xio: following him brb

After the man leads Shin back to his own apartment, Shin cackles to himself.

Shin: This plan is going perfectly.

He starts traveling by rooftop while texting.

Shin: (Text) Raise your demon energy for a brief second.

About a minute later, he feels her presence and then finds her.

Shin: How did it go?
Xio: Good. I now know where his supplier lives. You did the same?
Shin: Yes, but not just that. I just learned about a large shipment that’s coming in on Monday at this time.
Xio: Seriously?
Shin: That’s it. That’s exactly what I needed and that guy gave it up like an idiot.
Xio: You really think the boss will come out of hiding just like that?
Shin: I’ll force him out one way or another. Three days will pass and they’ll need that shipment. But when that fails, they’ll be in serious trouble.
Xio: I see. So what do you want me to do?
Shin: Today we will find out where the suppliers go and get what information we can. After that, you can just simply rest until the time comes to strike.
Xio: Great. So you don’t want me to take more drugs yet?
Shin: We’ll let them think it was just a fluke, a coincidence. But they’ll finally understand when it’s too late.
Xio: Hey, the sun will be up in an hour. Wanna wait here and watch it?
Shin: Sure.

They sit down on the current rooftop.

Shin: By the way, why do you text like a 12 year old?
Xio: It’s easier.
Shin: Ugh.

Eventually the sun rises and they watch in awe.

Xio: You sure you’re not too old to be hanging with me like this?
Shin: How old do you think I am anyway?
Xio: You’re an officer right? You gotta be at least 25.
Shin: I’m the same age as you, more or less.
Xio: What?!
Shin: I’ll be 19 in three months.
Xio: Wow. You’re only a month older than me.
Shin: And by the way, I’m not really an official officer. My badge is just for formality. I’m actually off the books.
Xio: How does that work?
Shin: *Shrug* Dunno.

Shin stands up and stretches while yawning simultaneously.

Shin: I’m tired as fuck. Good thing I’m off the next two days…sort of.
Xio: I’m gonna go to sleep too.
Shin: Well, good night. Thanks for your help again.

Shin jumps away.

Xio: Idiot, that’s my line.

Later that day, Shin is at the police station without his disguise. He is speaking to the chief.

Chief: I need a progress report.
Shin: Everything is going well. Today is Friday, yes? I believe that by the end of Monday we should be in very good shape?
Chief: And why is that?
Shin: Because by Monday, they won’t have anymore drugs to sell and the boss will be forced out of hiding to deal with the situation himself. Let’s just say there’s a very important reason that he’ll have to show himself.
Chief: I see. I can see that you don’t want to tell me specifics. You’re doing something illegal, aren’t you?
Shin: That’s what it takes to get rid of them.
Chief: I’m not opposed to breaking the law, but you can’t let anyone find out that it’s coming from one of its enforcers.
Shin: You have my word. I’ve taken precautions to ensure that doesn’t happen.
Chief: Good. I’m taking a huge gamble with you, and if you fail, it’ll be my head.
Shin: I understand.

Shin leaves and then camps out above the supplier’s apartment. After about an hour, he leaves and Shin starts following.

Shin: Where will you go this time?

After following him, he joins up with another man and all of the sudden, Xio lands on the rooftop where Shin is.

Shin: (Whispering) That your target with mine?
Xio: (Whispering) Yes.

They converse in front of a large garage type of building. After doing so, they leave.

Xio: Are you wondering what’s in this garage?
Shin: Hell yeah I am. I wonder if there’s a side or back entrance.

They search the area but find nothing.

Shin: Shit.
Xio: So the only way is through the front door.
Shin: Yeah. The loud ass front door.
Xio: What do we do?
Shin: Fuck it. Let’s open it. We’re in the middle of nowhere anyway.

Shin grabs a lever at the bottom and forces the garage door upwards just enough that they can get through. The inside of the building is stashed with two-dozen crates. Xio whistles in admiration. All of the sudden, a man come out from a back door.

Man: Hey! What are you doing here?!
Shin: ‘Scuse me sir. We were looking to buy this property.
Man: I aint’ the owner.
Shin: Oh, don’t be embarrassed. It’s a beautiful place. It’s just, this place is so secluded.

Shin approaches him and puts his hand in front of his face sideways like he is trying to hide what he’s saying from Xio.

Shin: We can get as freaky as we want in here without the neighbors yelling at us.
Man: Heh. I know what you mean. My girlfriend is a moaner; that she is.
Shin: Anyway, sorry for trespassing. We didn’t know if it was inhabited or not.
Man: Okay. Say, does your head hurt at all?
Shin: No, why?
Man: There’s a strange epidemic of headaches going around. Be careful.
Shin: Got it. You’re not half bad, mister.

They leave.

Xio: That was fast thinking.
Shin: It was also quite close. But at least we know what’s going on in there.
Xio: Do you think we need to do anymore spying?
Shin: No, I think we’re set. I think we also know where the boat will be. The water is right here.
Xio: Great.
Shin: Have you been able to locate your dad yet?
Xio: No. The last time I saw him was a month ago. He must have been turned into a full time slave.
Shin: Damn. They had slaves at the last place I busted, but they were all women.

Shin starts to sweat profusely after he says that.

Xio: What’s wrong?
Shin: If her father was a slave there, he would have been killed…by me! Thank the heavens that wasn’t the case.
Xio: Shin?
Shin: I’m okay. It’s nothing. So, what now? I have nothing to do.
Xio: Let’s go shopping!
Shin: Shopping? Nah, I’ll pass.
Xio: Oh c’mon!

She grabs Shin by the wrist and starts to pull him.

Shin: Alright alright!

Just then, his phone rings.

Shin: Ah, it’s my dad. I’m going to take this.
Xio: Okay.
Shin: Hey.
Neo: Hey, Shin. How you doing?
Shin: Much better. Thanks.
Neo: That’s good. Your mother has been worrying about y-
Jaide: (in the background) ARE YOU TALKING TO SHIN?!
Neo: He’s fine.
Jaide: Oh. Good.
Shin: Yeah, things have been looking more up.
Neo: That’s good. That’s the Shin we raised.
Shin: Thanks again for your call the other day. It helped a lot.
Neo: Glad we can still be parents long distance.
Shin: Yeah. I’m surprised she didn’t call me earlier on your phone…considering that I blocked her number.
Neo: I’ve been able to keep her pacified as of recently.
Shin: Oh god. I better not come home to another bun in the oven.
Neo: No, you don’t have to worry about that.
Shin: Good, because if you have another kid, I’m moving out permanently. Though that might be exactly what she wants.
Neo: Don’t say that. Anyway, Dean checked in to see if you were home yet. He seems worried about you as well.
Shin: I see. Well, that can’t be helped. I told him I’d be gone for a while, but he was drunk each time I told him.
Neo: Ah, that makes sense. Well, I should probably go. You don’t mind if I call you once every few days do you?
Shin: Not at all.
Neo: And Shin, are you going to be alright on Tuesday by yourself?
Shin: …I’ll be fine. Later.
Neo: Bye.

They hang up.

Xio: I overheard. What’s Tuesday?
Shin: My brother’s birthday.
Xio: Oh…so how about that shopping trip now?

Shin disappears without another word.

Xio: Really?! That prick!
Shin: I’m a what now?

The picture zooms out to see Shin right behind her.

Shin: It was a joke.
Xio: Hehe. Oopsie.
Shin: Let’s just go.

They go into a shopping district and start looking around.

Shin: So, if you couldn’t see my movements back there, that means that speed-wise, you’re not quite up to part with me.
Xio: Hey, shut up! You were really close to me, so you evaded my line of sight quicker.
Shin: Hmm, I can accept that for now. We’ll have to race it out later.
Xio: Deal.

Xio grabs Shin by the hand.

Shin: What? If we walk like this…
Man: What’s that Japanese adult doing with that poor 16 year old?
Woman: I hear Japanese people are super perverts.

Shin smiles at the man and woman.

Shin: (In Japanese while smiling) You two can go fuck each other till you both get aids.
Woman: What a nice boy.
Xio: Hey, let’s go into that store!

She pulls on his hand and pulls him into a clothing store.

Shin: Shit, you’re gonna tear my hand off.
Floor Assistant Female: Watch your mouth, sir.
Shin: Sorry.

Xio immediately starts to weave in and out of the aisles of clothing, grabbing things seemingly at random like a tornado blowing through a market.

Xio: I like this! Ooh, that’s cute! So not my style. Ooh!
Shin: Holy sh-…da…man this is difficult keeping my mouth in check.

After gathering as much clothes as her arms can hold, she storms into a changing room. Shin stands outside, waiting.

Shin: You know, in these situations, the man usually peeks or the woman pulls the man into the changing room.

Shin smirks and the female floor assistant notices it.

Woman: Don’t even think about it!
Shin: I wasn’t gonna-
Woman: I saw that look. Honestly, all you men are the same.
Shin: I thought about it just as a practical joke… Just like all women are crazy, right? Hmm, though now that I get a better look at you…

Shin approaches her and puts his hand under her chin and gazes into her eyes. She starts to become red in the face and then backs up from him.

Woman: What an asshole, but man he’s cute. GODS he’s cute! W-w-what…just what are you doing, sir?
Shin: Shopping of course. This is a store, is it not? What’s the matter? Is there something in my eyes?

Eventually, the woman leaves, being flustered too much by him.

Shin: That worked out as well as I hoped. I’m evil.

Eventually, they leave with Xio buying nothing.

Shin: Do girls generally enjoy just trying shit on without buying it?
Xio: Pretty much. I took a bunch of pics while I was in there.
Shin: That’s actually kind of genius.
Xio: Wanna see them?
Shin: Maybe later. So, are you done shopping?
Xio: Yeah.
Shin: So essentially, you just wanted to have a free photoshoot.
Xio: No! I wanted to buy some of it, but I decided it wasn’t for me. And I’m hurting for cash these days hehe.
Shin: I understand. How’s the food in this district?
Xio: Great!
Shin: Alright then. I’ll buy you dinner.
Xio: Really?
Shin: You said you don’t have much money, right? Don’t worry about it.
Xio: Thank you!

They go to a Japanese restaurant.

Xio: I love the food here.
Shin: I hope it’s genuine. I’ll be able to tell, of course.

They are seated at a hibachi grill where a chef promptly brings out a cart of food shortly after ordering.

Chef: Konichiwa
Shin: (Japanese) Okinawan accent, no?
Chef: (Japanese) And I see you’re a mainlander.
Shin: (Japanese) It’s good to see another Japanese person.

Meanwhile, there is a young American couple sitting next to it.

American Male: (English) Dude, they’re speaking Japanese.
American Female: (English) Fucking awesome. Konichiwa-desu!
Shin: This is hello? The fuck?
American Male: Japan is so kawaii-desu.
Shin: I’ve heard of this phenomenon before. Westerners think they’re Japanese and worship us for some reason. (Engrish) Eh…Americans? Fans… of anime?
American Female: YES! WE RUV ANIME!
Shin: Ah…OraOraOra?

All of the sudden, the ringtone goes off. Shin checks his phone, but nothing. It is actually the American male’s phone going off.

Shin: (Engrish) You…has…same…uh same….*points to his phone*

The chef cooks for them and they eat.

Shin: Not bad. (Japanese) Brings me back to my school trip to the island. Your cooking is genuine.
Chef: (Japanese) That’s kind of you to say.
Xio: So it checks out okay.
Shin: Could you understand what we said?
Xio: (Japanese) My papa is half-Japanese. I never told you I’m bi-lingual like you?
Shin: (Engrish) Hory shet!

After they finish…

Shin and Xio: Gouchisousama deshita.
American Male: (English) Did you hear that? Just like Toriko.
Shin: I only understood one word of that, and I have a good idea of what he said…
Chef: (Japanese) Come again soon.
Shin: (Japanese) Anything for a fellow countryman.

They leave shortly after paying.

Xio: Now, how could you tell the difference in the accent?
Shin: It’s not something you can pick up easily unless you hear it all the time. I’d imagine it’s not different from how Chinese works.
Xio: I see. He only said konichiwa and you knew he was from Okinawa though.
Shin: Islanders always have an interesting way of saying hello. But you wouldn’t detect it unless you live in Japan long enough.
Xio: Hmm. Okay. By the way, has your Chinese always been this good?
Shin: When I came here, it wasn’t great. But I practiced a lot. It’s still a little broken, but people understand me.
Xio: You should be a linguist?
Shin: A what?
Xio: Language student.
Shin: Oh (Japanese) a linguist.
Xio: I don’t know the Japanese word for it haha.
Shin: Shit. Oh well. You ready to burn these calories off?
Xio: Yeah.

They find a straight road that is uninhabited at the moment. There is a rock for a marker about 400 meters away. Shin and Xio are lined up next to each other, stretching

Shin: You ready?
Xio: To win? Yeah!

Shin tosses a pebble up in the air in front of them and then they both ready themselves. They watch intently as it falls. When it touches the ground, they both take off. The following sequence only occurred over the course of about 4 seconds, but is slowed down enough for us to see. Xio starts off with the slight lead, but we see Shin focus more spirit energy to his feet to gain some speed. After catching up, they are dead even until they both cross the marker at exactly the same time.

Shin: You’ve got to be kidding me.
Xio: We tied. Looks like your theory was wrong.
Shin: Naturally, she’s faster. I had to use more power in order to increase my speed, which would drain my stamina faster. Yeah, well I’m wrong from time to time. I have a demon friend named Endull that moves faster that both of us.
Xio: Really?
Shin: Yeah. He’s crazy fast. Anyway, I’m gonna go home. Later.
Xio: Wait.
Shin: What is it?
Xio: Thanks for hanging out with me today.
Shin: Sure.

He leaves.

Xio: You have no idea.


To be continued…

Chapter 29


Two days have passed and Shin is on patrol in disguise.

Shin: Ah, back to the normal shit before tonight. Yesterday was nice though. I didn’t do anything all day.

There doesn’t appear to be any crime anywhere in the district.

Shin: There’s going to be a big fallout here unfortunately. After they run out of drugs, these people won’t have anything to fall back on. The question is, do we raid the garage too? No, I don’t think so. I think after the ship, my plan will have all the pieces in place. Then I can finally move my queen.

He moves to Ming’s corner. She is not present at the moment, but there are other girls.

Shin: I see. So she’s off working. I wanted to apologize to her once more before this all goes down. If things turn south, I could end up dead. If the boss killed Xio’s mother, then he must be powerful. If he’s more powerful than the Kenbushin Clan’s leader, then I could be in trouble.

He leaves and goes back on patrol. While walking the streets, he finds a couple arguing in the middle of the street.

Male: You think you can just fuck my best friend AND take my house? Doesn’t work like that, bitch!
Female: You’re never home! You’re always at bars when you’re not at work! How do I know you’re not cheating on me?!
Shin: Is everything okay here?
Male: She’s cheating on me!
Female: He deserved to be cheated on!
Shin: Are you guys married?
Male: Not for long! But I want my house back!
Shin: Wait wait wait. She kicked you out of your own home after cheating on you? What the actual fuck, lady?
Female: It’s my home. I take care of it, so it’s mine.
Male: I pay the fucking mortgage, it’s mine.
Shin: If you’re married, the house is both of yours. You can’t just kick each other out. I mean, you can, but that’s fucked up.
Female: He hits me!
Male: WHAT?! Then she fucks all my friends I bet!
Shin: Oh boy. Stop making up shit about each other. Dude, there are some corner prostitutes not far from here. Go have yourself a good time and forget this ever happened. And spend some time with your lady. And lady, let this man back in and stop cheating on him. Shit.

They contemplate what Shin says for about two seconds and then punch each other in the face simultaneously. Shin picks them both up, one hand for each, by the shirt.

Shin: You just earned yourself a one-way trip to the police station. Last time I ever get involved in a marriage argument. Except when it involves my dad being smashed through a wall.

Some random girl approaches them.

Girl: Why are you arresting the woman? She did nothing wrong!
Shin: Did you not just see her throw a punch?
Girl: You should NEVER hit a girl!
Shin: You want equal rights? Take equal lefts. Of course, I don’t make it a habit to hit women.
Girl: How rude! I’ll report you to the police!
Shin: Go ahead. While you’re at it, maybe you can get a couple yuan out of one of them to call someone who actually cares.
Girl: Everyone, look! He’s assaulting that woman!
Male Voice: Shut the fuck up, ya pussy!
Female Voice: You give feminism a bad name!
Shin: See, that was the voice of reason. So kindly go fuck off and have fun shooting your male cardboard cutouts.

Shin takes the couple to the police station and then heads back.

Shin: Shit, that was rough.

Later that night, he is speaking with the chief out of his disguise.

Shin: Not much happened today, sir. Just a couple that assaulted each other at the exact same time.
Chief: Weird. So, any update on that other thing?
Shin: Not yet. I promise I’ll have a solid update within the next few days.
Chief: Okay. You may go.

Shin leaves and sits on top of his apartment building. He texts Xio.

Shin: You may meet me whenever you want. Just let me know when you need me to raise my energy.
Xio: yea soon

Shin practices his martial arts for about half an hour when he senses her energy being raised just slightly. He does the same and she is able to find him. She has some black clothing in her hands.

Xio: I kinda figured you’d be here.
Shin: Oh? How?
Xio: A few weeks ago, I felt something strong coming from here.
Shin: Ah, yes. I used one of my most powerful techniques up here to see how far my stamina had come.
Xio: Anyway, I have these for us. They’re cloaks.
Shin: Perfect.

When the time comes, they put on the cloaks and head out to the garage.

Xio: It’s about 1:55. It should be here at any time now.
Shin: Look. There are some people coming out of the garage.

Four people have stepped out. Shin and Xio quickly speed over to them and knock them out. They then hide the bodies.

Shin: Good. Everything’s going good, and I think I see the boat.

A ship is coming their way. After a few minutes, it reaches the shore and docks. A dwarf comes out and walks onto solid ground.

Dwarf: Where the fuck are they? Oy! Get out here!

A few men also step out.

Dwarf: Useless people, we’ll have to load it ourselves.

Just then, Shin and Xio jump out of hiding. The men pull out pistols, but they are able to quickly take them out before they can shoot.

Dwarf: What?!

Xio goes to kick him.

Shin: Wait wait wait!
Xio: What?
Shin: Grab him for a second.

Xio grabs the dwarf and holds him up.

Shin: (Deepens voice) Give us the Halfling, she-elf!
Xio: Can we be serious?!
Shin: Sorry.

Xio knocks him out and throws him aside.

Shin: That was smooth as fuck. Now, let’s check the goods.

They go onto the ship to see hundreds of crates.

Shin: Fucking jackpot.
Xio: You really can’t contain your language, can you?
Shin: Nope.

They leave the ship temporarily. They approach a cargo truck.

Shin: I am SOOOO glad they have this thing here. Unfortunately, we need a key. Let’s check the four from before for it.

After checking them, one of them has the right key to the truck.

Shin: Once you help me load this truck, you can go get some sleep.
Xio: Got it.

After they load the truck with all of the crates…

Xio: You’re sure you won’t need my help from here?
Shin: I’m sure. I know what I’m doing. It’s gonna be a long for me either way.

After she leaves, he drives the truck.

Shin: This is so different from my bike. I miss that thing.

Eventually, he arrives at another garage. He gets out and manually opens it and then drives the truck through. After a short tunnel, the room he reaches is familiar to us. It’s the room where the drugs were being dumped into the water supply.

Shin: I have to thank them for this building. They just up and abandoned it.

He parks the truck in the room and gets out. He starts laughing maniacally.

Shin: Everything has fallen right into place. I am a genius! An absolute. FUCKING. GENIUS! Ah, but maybe I shouldn’t get so cocky yet. Perhaps there’s an oversight in my plan. For example, Xio. If she tailed me, I couldn’t sense her, and this location would be given away. I still can’t trust her to simply steal all the goods before the time is right. For now, let’s go home and sleep on it. I’ll be back later to check on everything.

The next morning, we are taken to an apartment room.

Male Voice: What the fuck do you mean our shipment was raided?!
Male Voice 2: (Coming from a speaker of some sort) Sir, someone or something knocked us out and when we came to, the ship was docked but nothing was on it.
Male Voice: FUCK! FUCK! NO! Who could have…let’s not go there yet. I’m coming.
Male Voice 2: Yes, boss.

We finally see the boss’ appearance as the camera pans to him. He appears to be a middle-aged man with black hair slicked back and a mustache. He is wearing a business suit outfit. After hanging up his phone, his eyes glow red for a few seconds as he teems with anger.

Boss: Is it that Amitay demon? Was this the demon’s plan all along? To take all the goods for himself?

His eyes go back to normal as he regains his composure. He opens the door to go outside at the same time the door to his left opens up. The person to his left is Shin.

Shin: Oh, hello. So there is someone living there.
Boss: You must be new here.
Shin: Yes, sir. I just moved in a few weeks ago.
Boss: I see. I’m normally not awake in the morning.
Shin: That makes sense.

They start to walk together.

Shin: It seems we’re heading in a similar direction.
Boss: Yes.
Shin: Ah, where are my manners? I’m Shin Yakamoru.
Boss: Zheng you can call me. You are Japanese, no?
Shin: Yeah.
Zheng: I see.
Shin: Well, this is where I have to change direction.
Zheng: That’s a shame. Well, maybe we’ll talk another time.
Shin: You got it, Mr. Zheng.

Shin turns right at a street as Zheng keeps walking.

Both: What a nice guy.

Shin goes to Wuhai’s dojo.

Wuhai: Hello, Shin.
Shin: Hello, Master.
Wuhai: Are you ready for today’s practice?
Shin: You bet.

After practice…

Shin: It seems everything is coming together nicely for me.
Wuhai: You mean in your pursuit?
Shin: Yes.
Wuhai: Well, that’s good.
Shin: I’m going to drive these drug dealers out of district 8.
Wuhai: Then what, Shin? I’m curious.
Shin: I’ve decided to turn over the drugs to the police and the medical field to try and do what they will with it.
Wuhai: Do you think they’ll make the right decisions?
Shin: It’s difficult to say. I know the police chief wants nothing to do with the business. As bad it sounds, I’m here for the demon running this business. What happens after is not why I was assigned to this place.
Wuhai: I thought you felt sympathy for the people.
Shin: I do. But I can’t cure their drug dependency with my power. It’s out of my hands.
Wuhai: I see. I don’t dislike your answer. I was merely questioning you as a means to see how well thought out your plans are.
Shin: The fallout that follows this won’t be easy, but it is necessary. The people have been going mad from those drugs.
Wuhai: To re-forge a broken blade, one must melt it down before building it back up.
Shin: I understand.
Wuhai: You may not be around long enough to see it, but I promise what you’re doing for them will be a long-term improvement. Keep that in mind.
Shin: Yes. Then I guess…it’s time to initiate the final step of my plan.


Just what does Shin have in store for the drug ring?!

Chapter 30


Later that day, at the garage, the boss is questioning the various people from the incident with the ship.

Zheng: So you said you saw two people in cloaks.
Dwarf: Yes. One of them had a male voice and the other female.
Zheng: I’m curious if you can tell me anything else.
Dwarf: They were almost inhuman with how they moved. They moved faster than my men could shoot them.
Zheng: I see. Amitay was likely one of them. But who was the female? Was it that woman’s daughter? It’s a distinct possibility.

Just then, a paper airplane flies their way and falls in the water. One of the subordinates picks it up where it is barely legible.

Man: It’s for you.
Zheng: Give me that.

He reads it.

Zheng: So that was his plan this whole time. He’s no hero. He’s just looking for a way to get rich.

It reads: For the boss’s eyes only, wherever he may be.

If you’re reading this, it means that you’re running low on drugs. But I have a large supply of them. If you wish to purchase them, come to the place where you once dumped drugs into the water. Come alone. We both know ordinary people won’t be able to take me on. Once I have my money, you will be able to continue on in your business.

Zheng: That bastard. He’s a demon alright. I’ll be back soon. Keep guard over this area.

He leaves the area. We pan out to see Shin and Xio standing on a nearby building.

Xio: Just what did you write?
Shin: That’s irrelevant. You have your lead. He’s going to go back to his business and then will most definitely leave to go where I want him to. You’ll be free to search his HQ for your father.
Xio: Understood. By the way, nice throw. You nearly destroyed the only piece of paper you had.
Shin: I know I know. My bad.
Xio: Gotta go.

Xio leaves and Shin does as well. Xio follows Zheng back to a large building complex.

Xio: You were here this whole time?

Meanwhile, with Shin, he is traveling until he reaches the garage. Just then, he turns his head to see Ming walking his way.

Shin: You.
Ming: What are you doing here?
Shin: Well, I guess this is on the way to her house. I’m about to do something dangerous. You should leave here immediately.
Ming: I see.
Shin: I wanted to apologize to you once more before this, and as fate would have it, here you are. I understand that I was a tease to you, and for that I am sorry.
Ming: And I’m sorry for being too forward.
Shin: Cool. If I make it through this, I’d be willing to hang out as friends if you’re okay with that.
Ming: Yeah. And you can bring your girlfriend with you too.
Shin: Ah, she’s not my girlfriend.
Ming: Really? Oh. Well then, screw what I said! I ain’t giving up on you just yet.
Shin: Fair enough.

As they part ways, Shin goes into the garage and makes his way to the room with the truck still parked in it. As expected, it is left untouched with all the cargo still inside.

Shin: Perfect. Just according to keikaku! (Translator note: keikaku means plan)

As Shin gains a menacing look on his face, the picture zooms out and it goes dead quiet with the mostly empty room.

Shin: I’m bored.

He sits on the hood of the truck and starts playing a game on his phone when he hears something coming from the corridor. Immediately, he puts his phone down and stands dramatically in the middle of the room. After waiting a few seconds, a mouse comes through.

Shin: *Sigh* False alarm.

He goes back to playing on his phone.

Shin: Why am I being so dramatic? Because I want to, damn it. I want to make it look like I knew the exact moment he would show up. That’ll really piss him off. Ooooor he’ll think nothing of it. Fuck it, I’m doing it. Hmm, was he actually there at the garage though? Xio’s actions made it seem like he was. I couldn’t get a good look at who was there.

Just then, his phone rings.

Shin: This is a number I don’t recognize. Hello?
Endull: Shin. This device seems to be working properly.
Shin: Oh, it’s just you, Endull.
Endull: When are you coming back?
Shin: You miss me already? It’s only been a few weeks.
Endull: Don’t be ridiculous.
Shin: Once I’ve gained a certain mastery of my martial arts training, I’ll be back. By the way, whose phone are you using?
Endull: Drago’s. I must say, this device is fascinating.
Shin: Drago is there with you? He must have gotten my number from someone else... Are you training together?
Endull: That’s right. When you come back, I’m going to kick your ass.
Shin: We’ll see about that. Wait, why did you call me in the first place?
Endull: Drago was telling me about how this “phone” works and I decided to test it out for myself.
Shin: Right.

Shin hears footsteps coming from afar.

Shin: Oh, gotta go.
Endull: Wait!
Shin: What is it?
Endull: Well…that is…
Shin: Sorry, I really have to go!
Endull: Don’t you run away from me, Shin!

Shin hangs up and looks over to see three people standing before him. The two on the sides are wearing suits and the one in the middle is Zheng. Shin puts his phone down and looks at them.

Shin: My ex. Bitch is crazy.

Going to Endull and Drago…

Endull: Shin! Shin! Answer me, damn it!
Drago: He hung up.
Endull: What does that mean?
Drago: He can’t hear you, basically. You’re no longer connected.
Endull: Oh.
Drago: So you really were worried about him after all.
Endull: I could care less about the bastard.

Flashback to a few minutes ago.

Endull: So what is this phone thing?
Drago: Basically you call someone from far away and talk to them.
Endull: You can do that? Can I try it out?
Drago: Sure. Who do you want to call?
Endull: How to I talk to Shin?

Back to present…

Drago: No hesitation. He wanted to talk to Shin. He’s too obvious.

Switching back, Shin and Zheng take a long and hard look at each other.

Both: EHHHHHHH?!!!
Shin: You’re kidding me right now. No wait, I’m not going to be fucking stupid this time.

Shin takes out the spyglass and looks at them. All three of them are demons.

Shin: Ohhhh, three for the price of one.
Zheng: You mean to tell me that my greatest enemy was right next door to me this whole time?
Shin: I guess so. So you’re the boss then.
Zheng: I am. And I’m guessing you’re Amitay. Your accent and tone are slightly different, but I can pick it up now that I know.
Shin: Yes.
Zheng: Where are my drugs?
Shin: They’re right there in the truck.
Zheng: What are you planning to do with all the money?
Shin: Who knows? What’s important is that I can get it. You see, the police has been on to you for a while.
Zheng: You’re with the police?

Shin shows him the badge.

Shin: Of course. With this transaction, we’ll be ignoring your crimes. I’m sure you understand.
Zheng: The damned police. This was your plan this whole time.
Shin: You got it. This plan of yours will grow our economy. But the department needs a lot of money to run as well. We’re short on funds. I assume you have a tablet that can transfer money.
Zheng: What makes you think I won’t just kill you here and just take the drugs?
Shin: Because the police have you surrounded. There are more like me out there. You think you’re the only powerful one around here?
Zheng: I can’t tell if he’s bluffing. Let’s try to press him.

He nods to the other two and they step out front.

Zheng: I’m calling your bluff.
Shin: Fair enough.

Shin disappears and reappears in front of them both and punches them in the face with spirit energy around his fists. They’re both knocked out.

Shin: You have one more chance.
Zheng: Now that I see his power in person... Very well. I will sign over that money. How much are we talking?
Shin: You’re selling each bag of pills for roughly 200 Yuan, yes? Give me half of that.
Zheng: What?
Shin: As I said, the economy is dependent on your business. We don’t want you going out just yet. We’re looking at about 6.4 million Yuan.
Zheng: Fine.
Shin: You’ll do it?
Zheng: Not much choice. We have much more money that that, you know.
Shin: I figured as much. This is just a drop in the bucket for you, yes?
Zheng: It is. Kid, your police can have it. We’ll remember this though. Put in the account number.

Shin does so on his tablet. Zheng accepts the transfer.

Zheng: It’s done.
Shin: Yes? I appreciate it.
Zheng: Don’t get chummy with me, kid.
Shin: I won’t. Besides, you don’t even realize what you just did.
Zheng: What? Oh, I see. That was your account, wasn’t it?
Shin: Yes, yes it was.
Zheng: You’re not with the police then.
Shin: Actually, I am, but this was my idea to lure you out.
Zheng: You sneaky bastard.
Shin: One more thing. I’m not after you just because I’m with them. I came to kill you because you’re a demon.
Zheng: Oh? I thought that might be the case. You’re a rogue demon then. In exchange for your freedom, you hunt other demons.
Shin: Something like that. I simply chose the optimal outcome of how to kill you.
Zheng: Well, you’ve done well so far. But you’ve made one mistake. No doubt you’re working with that brat whose mother I killed. You should realize how much power I have.
Shin: I considered it. Worst-case scenario, my family inherits a fortune.
Zheng: Only, I know your name. I’ll hunt down your family as well.
Shin: You think you can? I have friends there that could destroy all of China without even trying. But, while I’m here, I might as well win!

We go back to Xio, who is looking at the building complex.

Xio: Hold on, papa. I’m coming!


Xio’s mission begins, next time on Detective Shin!

Chapter 31


We start off by seeing Xio scanning the building.

Xio: It’s so big. Where do I even start? With the boss gone, I could just bust in the front door, I suppose.

She goes to the front door and goes through. There lies a large open room with a female receptionist.

Receptionist: Hello, how can I help you?
Xio: I’m looking for jobs. Is there anything you might have for me?
Receptionist: Well, you have to fill out the application online and then we’ll get to you if we have an opening.
Xio: Typical. Is there a manager I can speak to?
Receptionist: I’m afraid they’re all out.
Xio: …What if I told you that I’m a 30 year old with 10 years office experience?
Receptionist: Really now? In that case…
Xio: YOU LYING BITCH!

Xio grabs her from behind her desk and drags her out.

Xio: Where’s the nearest elevator?
Receptionist: RAPE! RAPE!

Xio knocks the receptionist out and throws her aside. A few men come out from various rooms. Xio fastens on gloves that resemble cat claws except that the claws are knives about that length. She assumes what appears to be a feral stance, with her crouched down and her claws at the ready.

Man 1: You! What are you doing here?!
Xio: I’m going to bring you down and find my papa!
Man 2: She knows about that! Get her!

They all pull out guns, but Xio speeds over to them. She swipes at them to cut them deep before they can shoot her.

Xio: I have to find an elevator or something.

After searching, she finds a staircase.

Xio: Good enough.

She jumps on the railing and then jumps above onto the railing of each floor until she reaches the eighth.

Xio: I’ll check here.

She opens the door to see a large cubical room.

Xio: Nope.

Xio closes the door and continues up a couple more floors till she reaches the 10th. It’s the same as before. She then reaches the top, which is the 15th floor. She opens the door to see a fancy looking room. Upon closer look, it appears to be Zheng’s office.

Xio: Woah. Check this room out.

Upon searching the room, she looks at Zheng’s desk and sits in his chair, which is a large recliner that you would normally see in a living room.

Xio: So comfy. No, wait, I should go.

About five seconds pass.

Xio: …I can’t get up. It’s too comfy!

Her hand slips and accidentally hits a switch on the chair that starts to make the back vibrate.

Xio: (Vibrating voice) Aaaaaaaaah this is the best chair ever. I wonder if I can get one.

Eventually, she forces herself up and stretches. She then notices a ruby sitting on a stand meant to hold it up on his desk.

Xio: Oh, hello there. What’s that? You want me to take you? Well, only if you insist.

She stuffs the ruby in her pocket and cackles to herself. It is then that the sunlight comes in and reflects off his gold plated desk and many gold-framed paintings. Her attention is diverted all over the room.

Xio: Shiny stuff! My one weakness! Well, that and comfortable chairs, apparently. This room is going to be the end of me!

Xio notices a bookcase on the west side of the room.

Xio: I wonder if there are records. Maybe this can give me some information.

She takes a random book at eye level and then all of the sudden, there is a shine in that spot.

Xio: More shiny stuff! Hey, wait.

She moves the bookcase to see an elevator hidden behind.

Xio: A hidden passage behind the bookcase. How cliché. My weakness to shiny things came in handy for once!

Inside the elevator are the buttons L and 2-15, but then below it is a button for “-1”.

Xio: AHA! So there is an underground floor! That must be where they’re holding all the slaves!

She presses the button and the elevator starts going down. On the screen, it shows the integers get smaller and smaller till it hits L and keeps going. It eventually reaches -1 and stops.

Xio: This is it.

Sweat starts to run down her face. The elevator opening felt like a full minute to her, though it only was a few seconds before it began to open its jaws. Once it opens completely, there is a man with a clipboard there to receive who he thinks is Zheng. At his surprise, he flinches, and in that instant, he is taken down. She then takes the opportunity to view her surroundings. This room she has stepped in looks like a warehouse room with many slaves carrying drug crates all around the room.

Xio: Papa! Where are you?!

All the slaves in the room look at her and three men in suits look at her as well. They approach her.

Man 1: What are you doing down here, girl?!
Xio: Where is my papa!
Man 2: You better get out of here, before you get hurt.
Xio: If you won’t answer me, then I’ll go through you too!

Just then, Xio realizes something at the same time the three men do.

Xio: You’re all demons?
Man 3: And you smell of half-demon.
Xio: I’m getting close then!

The three of them instantly buff up, destroying their suits. They revert to blue demons with horns. Xio charges at the one on the left and swipes at it. It manages to scratch him across the torso, but he was able to avoid most of the damage. Just then, another one is behind Xio and punches. She avoids it, but the third is able to follow where she dodges and kicks her away. She lands on all fours to break her fall.

Xio: They’re no joke.

Xio stands up and then disappears. She reappears behind one of them and digs her claws into the back of his neck. The second demon comes up behind Xio, but she gets behind him as well as he punches. The third demon gets behind Xio, but she then waits as both punch at her from a pincer formation. She dodges out of the way and they both stop their punches to avoid hitting each other.

Man 1: Where did she go?

They then hear a scratch from above and look to see that she dug her claws in the ceiling. She drops down on them and lands on their shoulders, one foot on one demon’s shoulder and the other on the second demon’s shoulder. She then slams her claws into their heads, killing them both. She takes a deep breath and then presses on.

Xio: There has to be another floor below this. If I can just find…there!

She finds a staircase at the end of the room that leads down. She slides down the handrail and lands at the bottom of the stairs. She looks around to see a similar room to before with more slaves. Just then, she notices someone.

Xio: Papa!

She runs over to a middle-aged man with grayish black hair that is messed up, but manages to be slicked back. He has an uneven, unkempt silver mustache and stubble over his face. His clothes have been torn in seemingly random places and where his skin is exposed, there are bruises.

Papa: Xio…

The sight of his daughter immediately makes him tear up.

Xio: It’s okay. I’m taking you home.
Papa: No! Get away!
Xio: !

Behind her is another figure holding a long sword up. This figure swings downwards at Xio, who turns around quickly and blocks the sword with both claws at the same time. The figure steps back to where we can now see the appearance. It is a man also wearing a suit who seems to be in his mid-30s. He has shoulder length black hair and red eyes.

Xio: It’s you. Jiang, if I recall.
Jiang: So you do remember me. When I felt those three get killed above, I thought someone like Amitay had come. But it was just you. You made a mistake coming here.
Xio: We’ll see.
Papa: Stop, Xio! You can’t beat him! He…
Xio: I know. He’s beaten Mama before.
Jiang: If you know, then why fight? You, a half demon, will lose as well.
Xio: Until recently, maybe I wouldn’t fight you. But I’ve learned better. It’s all thanks to him.
Jiang: Suit yourself!

They charge at each other and clash weapons briefly. Xio then disappears and then starts circling Jiang. We can see Jiang following the movements with his eyes and then pinpoints where she attacks. He is able to block the claw attack with ease and then pushes her back. While she is off balance, he attacks her with a diagonal slash. She is able to duck in the correct direction to avoid it and then she puts one hand on the ground and uses that hand as a stand to do a spin kick low to the ground. Jiang jumps over and then prepares his next slash. This time, Xio quickly switches hands and puts that one on the ground to allow her to kick straight up at him. The kick connects around his chest and pushes him back. She gets up and takes her feral stance.

Jiang: Not bad.
Xio: So what if I’m half-demon?

Flash back to just before Shin throws the paper airplane at the docks.

Shin: So what if you’re half-demon?
Xio: Half-demon means I only inherited half the power of my mother.
Shin: But you’ve worked twice as hard to gain that power, so what’s the problem?
Xio: …I don’t…
Shin: My Shifu had a lot of things to say to me when I first got here. One of the things I learned from him was that your emotions affect your performance and energy. In my case, I had my own problems holding me back. What you have holding you back is fear.
Xio: You’re right. I’ve always been afraid of the boss and what he’s capable of. I’ve always been afraid since I’m only half-demon.
Shin: I didn’t know your mother, so I can’t say this for sure. But I believe if you’ve reached her level in power, the key to surpassing her…

Back to present…

Xio: Who said that half-demons couldn’t be stronger than full blooded ones? The key to surpassing Mama…

We then hear Shin’s voice in her head alongside of her own voice.

Xio and Shin: Is to press on to tomorrow without fear.
Xio: I won’t lose this fight!

Xio charges with exceptional speed and attacks. Jiang blocks, but notices that he is getting pushed back a little.

Jiang: Did she suddenly boost her power a little?

Jiang puts more force into his block and shoves her away. He then counterattacks with three slashes. Xio narrowly avoids the first two and then disappears to counter the third. Jiang instinctively turns around, but she appears above him at that instant. Jiang is caught off guard and gets clawed all down his back, ripping his suit with it. He was narrowly able to avoid fatal damage to his head.

Papa: Xio…
Jiang: She is definitely stronger than her mother. I don’t know how, but this little girl has become strong!

Xio charges at him, with his back turned, but suddenly Jiang does a 180-degree slash, which knocks one of her gloves straight off and pushes her back.

Jiang: Don’t get so full of yourself, girl! I’m second only to the boss in strength! Don’t take me lightly!
Xio: He’s pissed!

Jiang charges and rapidly slashes at her. It is becoming increasingly more difficult to dodge.

Xio: I’m in trouble here!

She takes a slash mark to the face while still dodging the attacks. Another appears on her left arm, where she is missing a glove.

Jiang: Die!!!

Just then, a crate hits him from behind. It was Xio’s father who threw it. This attack did negligible damage to Jiang and only distracted him for a second. However Xio took full advantage of this second. Like an animal that instinctively reacts to an opening to catch its prey, Xio’s body reacted in that second and before either of them can process what happened, Xio’s right claw has slashed Jiang’s throat. Jiang drops to the floor and Xio pants heavily and realizes what she just did.

Xio: I…won?

She looks at Jiang, who quickly dies after suffering a fatal strike. Because his throat was so badly damaged, he could not even utter any final words.

Papa: Xio!
Xio: Papa!

The two of them embrace. After a few seconds, they stop and assess the situation.

Xio: Let’s get you out of here before any more come. I don’t know if I can fight off anyone else if they’re even close to Jiang’s power.
Papa: Yes.

She takes one last look at Jiang.

Xio: I wasn’t able to win on my own, but I proved myself today. One day I’ll be stronger than him and Zheng.

They leave and all of the other slaves follow. They find a staircase on the -1 floor that leads to the lobby through a secret door. Luckily, there isn’t anyone else there to stop them.

Xio: Get as far away from this place as you can.
Papa: Where are you going?
Xio: I have some business to take care of.

The slaves all leave the building and run away. Xio’s father stays within a relative distance where he can see the building. After a few minutes, he sees a window break from the top floor. When we get a closer look, we see Xio flying out of the window with the recliner strapped to her back.

Xio: No way am I leaving this thing behind!

She lands on the next building’s rooftop, which isn’t many stories lower than the highest floor of Zheng’s office. Some time passes and Xio’s father is up there with her. She is getting the massage from the chair.

Papa: You mean you went back to get a chair? Really?
Xio: It’s soooooo comfortable.
Papa: *Facepalm* Anyway, what are we doing here? Where is Zheng?
Xio: Right about now, he’s facing Shin.
Papa: Who is Shin? Is he that Amitay guy we’ve been hearing about?
Xio: Yeah. I’m leaving our revenge to him. I’m not strong enough to do it, but if it’s him, he’ll win.

We switch over to Shin and Zheng. Zheng is cracking his knuckles. Shin hops up and down a few times and then takes the Ten stance.

Shin: (Japanese) Bring it!


The fated battle between Shin and Zheng has arrived!

Chapter 32


Zheng finishes cracking his knuckles and then charges straight at Shin. He throws a punch, but Shin redirects it with his left hand. With his right hand, he strikes Zheng in the stomach, sending him flying back into the wall.

Shin: It’s not over already, is it?

Zheng gets up quickly.

Zheng: You brat.
Shin: Don’t tell me that was your best.

Shin switches to Seishin stance fluidly. Zheng charges at him again and starts to attack. Shin is dodging each attack.

Shin: His speed is comparable to mine, but nothing I can’t handle.

Shin eventually stops dodging and then blocks one of his punches.

Shin: His strength is lacking compared to mine. Skill is minimal.

He switches to Daichi after jumping back. As Zheng gets close, Shin launches a double palm strike, which Zheng is able to dodge. He then counters with a high kick. Shin ducks under the kick while also moving his position to being squared off with him. Shin then palm strikes Zheng quickly in the sternum, which stuns him for a second. Shin follows up with a chop to Zheng’s throat and then spin kicks him to the side of the head, which sends him back into the wall, breaking it. Zheng’s body is held up by the broken wall, like hanging over a fence.

Shin: I should kill him now.

Zheng gets up to see Shin charging up his spirit gun. He immediately reverts to his demon form. He bulks up into a large red demon. Shin stops his spirit gun.

Shin: Too late I guess. I shouldn’t be hasty to fire that off yet. Can you speak yet?
Zheng: Don’t get so full of yourself!

Zheng’s voice has deepened to sound more monstrous.

Shin: Hey, neighbor. Your body is blushing. Don’t tell me you’ve already fallen for me.
Zheng: Shut up, you Japanese fucker!
Shin: Fine fine. I’ll be serious for once. Because, you know, you also made me angry.

Before Shin can take a stance, Zheng disappears. He reappears in front of Shin and punches. Shin blocks, but is sent sliding back a few feet. He is surprised.

Shin: His speed and strength have increased significantly. He’s good.

Zheng goes on the attack again and Shin is dodging each attack narrowly.

Shin: I can’t power up or gain any real momentum with him constantly pressuring me. I have to do something about this and quickly.

While he is dodging, he suddenly yells out in anger and manages to push Zheng back enough that Shin can jump back for a little more distance. Shin recalls a conversation with Wuhai.

Wuhai: Have you ever noticed that you can be temporarily stronger when you let your emotions go?
Shin: Yes.
Wuhai: That is because you are channeling your emotions into energy. Your body’s energy reacts to your emotions. If you are downtrodden, you will be weaker naturally.

Shin: That doesn’t just apply to thinking about my brother to gain power. I don’t have to focus to spike my power for a short burst.

Shin focuses his spirit energy.

Zheng: What are you?
Shin: I’m a spirit detective.

Zheng charges at Shin and punches at him. Shin redirects it with his left hand and then spin kicks him in the face. He readies himself again with the Ten stance. Zheng charges right back in and goes to grab Shin, but takes a straight punch to the face. Zheng counters by punching Shin in the face. Both slide back from each other. Zheng disappears and then reappears behind Shin. Shin is able to turn around and block the incoming punch with his arms crossed. Zheng follows up by kicking high in the air. Shin moves under it and palm strikes him in the chest and then follows up with a kick to Zheng’s shin. This throws Zheng off balance. Shin grapples Zheng and throws him over his shoulder and slams him into the ground. He then follows up by punching him in the face, which cracks the ground below Zheng. Shin starts to charge up his spirit energy, but Zheng releases a wave of energy that knocks Shin back.

Shin: Shit. I can’t seem to finish him. No homo.

Zheng stands up, bloodied in the face.

Zheng: You piece of shit! I’ll end you!
Shin: That’s it. Get angry. I’m going to break your rhythm.

Zheng speeds over to Shin, but he easily follows his movements and blocks his punch with ease. Zheng is shocked.

Zheng: How?! Before you were having more trouble.
Shin: I was. But you’ve already begun slowing down. You can’t beat me anymore.

Zheng attacks with his other fist, but Shin is able to block it with his own. He then bends both of Zheng’s wrists backwards while pushing him back. Zheng head-butts in retaliation, which pushes Shin back a bit. He tries to keep pushing, but Shin comes back stronger and forces Zheng onto his knees. He then kicks Zheng in the jaw, sending him to the floor.

Shin: There. That should settle you down.
Zheng: Why? Why can’t I win?
Shin: Why should I tell you? If you can’t recognize your own weaknesses, you don’t deserve to be told the answer in a battle of life or death. I can see it. His movements are wasted when he’s flustered. His body and mind are not in unison. That in turn makes him slightly slower. Not to mention my blow to his shin must have done something to his mobility.
Zheng: No! I refuse to accept this! You’re just some snot-nosed kid who is high off the fact that you were able to take advantage of me! FUCK YOU!!!!

Zheng releases an enormous amount of energy and sends it directly at Shin. Shin puts both hands out to stop it, but starts getting pushed back.

Shin: He still had this much power?!

Shin is now against the wall being pushed against it. He is struggling against the wave of energy.

Zheng: Perish!
Shin: Fuck that!

Shin yells out and is able to dispel the energy while pushing outwards with his hands. Zheng stares in shock. Shin breaths heavy for a few seconds. Zheng is on his knees.

Zheng: I put all my energy into that attack.
Shin: Then it’s my victory, dick weed.
Zheng: I guess so. Seeing you reminds me of myself when I was younger. You see, I wasn’t always like this. When I was just a kid-

Shin immediately punches him at the top of his head, sending him face first into the floor.

Shin: I don’t give a shit about your backstory. We’re on opposite sides. I don’t have time to start feeling sympathy for my enemies. I don’t care what tragic thing happened in your past. We’ve all been through our own shit. That doesn’t justify what you’re doing now.

Zheng lifts his head up.

Zheng: You’re right. I respect that mentality. You’re no ordinary young man.
Shin: And I respect your plans. They were very cunning. Out of respect for one another, let’s finish this battle.
Zheng: Yeah.

Shin stands back a few yards away from Zheng as he forces himself to his feet. He takes the Seiryoku stance.

Zheng: If I die, it’s better that I go out fighting. I don’t regret anything I’ve done. Everything I did was for personal gain. Everyone is the same in that aspect. I just had the ambition to take it much farther than most people.

Zheng suddenly starts to run at Shin, albeit slowly. He starts yelling out.

Shin: Demon Zheng, I acknowledge your last words!

Shin takes a step forward and then uppercuts him in the gut. This punch sends Zheng up to the ceiling. This clash makes a mark in the ceiling, which keeps him suspended for a second. Shin is seen charging up his spirit gun while aiming it upwards.

Shin: Spirit gun!!!!

Shin launches his spirit gun, which completely covers Zheng’s body and blows him through the ceiling. His body is seen disintegrating in it. We see the spirit gun travel up into the air. Xio and her father take note of this.

Papa: What is that?!
Xio: That’s Shin’s energy. He did it.

The energy dissipates and then we go back to Shin. He stands in the middle of the room, silent for a few seconds.

Shin: I don’t disagree with those words. It’s a shame it had to come from someone like him. Well, my job isn’t quite done yet. I have one more thing to do before I turn this over to the police.

Shin gets in the truck and drives it outside. He unloads the drugs and then goes over to the truck itself. He opens the fuel tank, to where gasoline starts to pour out. He starts the truck’s engine and puts it in drive. As it starts to coast forward, Shin goes behind the truck and shoves it forward with his foot, giving it a lot more momentum.

Shin: Alright, this is gonna be pretty cool.

Shin waits for about 30 seconds and then takes out a match. He drops it onto the start of the gasoline trail, which catches fire and quickly makes its way inside. Shin turns around and makes really slow steps, as if mirroring how one would dramatically walk away from an explosion.

Shin: Michael Bay would be proud.

As Shin keeps walking, nothing happens. He turns around and throws his arms up in frustration. Suddenly, the building bursts and startles Shin.

Shin: I just wanted it to look cool at least. But no, I can’t even get that. Fucking hell.

He dials a number and someone answers.

Shin: Chief? Yeah, the case is solved.
Chief: What do you mean the case is solved?!
Shin: Never mind that. Just get the fire department over here in District 8, please. There’s a huge ass fire over here. The boss didn’t want any loose ends, so he burned himself and nearly killed me too.
Chief: I’m coming over there right now! Stay there!
Shin: Understood.

As soon as he hangs up, he notices that he received a text.

Xio: u ok
Shin: Yeah. I won. We’ll talk soon.
Xio: k

In almost no time, the fire department and the police have swarmed the place. The chief is standing next to Shin where the drugs are.

Chief: Look at all this. What the fuck happened in there?
Shin: I was able to lure him out and before I could apprehend him, he blew up the place.
Chief: And how did you get the drugs to safety?
Shin: They were already out here. I don’t know what he planned to do with them. I think he was starting to go insane.
Chief: I understand. How the hell did you pull all of this off anyway?
Shin: I have super powers, of course.
Chief: Yeah, sure you do. All right, wise ass. Go get some rest. We’ll take care of the rest here.
Shin: Will do.
Chief: And Shin…good work.
Shin: Thank you, sir.


Shin’s mission has been completed. Shin has taken another step forward in realizing his full potential. He still has a long way to go, but for now, he can rest easy tonight.

Chapter 33


Xio and her papa are seen celebrating on the rooftop. Xio is jumping up and down in excitement as her papa is on his knees, seemingly praising a deity above.

Papa: It’s finally over. That man is finally dead.
Xio: Yes! Mama, we did it!

After a few minutes, they both stop and turn around to see Shin standing there.

Xio: Shin! You did it!
Shin: It was nothing. The difficulty was more about finding him than defeating him.

Xio accosts Shin with a hug.

Shin: You alright? Oh…Right. Zheng was responsible for killing her mother.

After she lets go of him, her papa greets him. He extends his hand.

Papa: My name is Yamazaki. Yamazaki Hao.

They shake hands.

Shin: (Japanese) You have a Japanese name.
Yamazaki: (Japanese) My father named me. Anyway, thank you so much for everything.
Shin: No problem. So, what’s with the chair?
Xio: I stole it!
Shin: That figures. I guess he won’t need it if that was Zheng’s.
Yamazaki: I’m impressed you were able to defeat him with such few injuries.
Shin: His power and speed were definitely impressive. If I had fought him before coming to China, I probably would have lost. But I’ve learned many valuable lessons since arriving. Yusuke, I understand what you meant now.
Yamazaki: Why don’t we get off this roof? I’m starting to feel faint.
Shin: Yeah, you look malnourished. We need to feed you properly.
Xio: Papa! Don’t die!
Shin: He won’t die. He just needs a good meal.

Xio carries her new recliner while Shin carries Yamazaki back to an apartment. Shin lays Yamazaki on a bed. Xio prepares some food for the three of them. Shin starts to help out.

Shin: So I assume everything went well on your end. You also seem in relatively good shape.
Xio: I couldn’t defeat the second in command on my own. But I was able to confirm that I surpassed mama in power.
Shin: That’s good at least.
Xio: But still, you were able to defeat the boss like it was nothing. I never knew there was that many more people stronger than him.
Shin: There’s a whole world of strong people out there. Some that even I cannot beat as I am now.
Xio: I see.

As Yamazaki finally eats something decent, we can see tears coming from his face.

Yamazaki: I forgot how good food could taste.
Shin: Just how much did you go through down there?
Yamazaki: We were all forced to work all day. Our food was bare bones and it tasted awful.
Xio: Oh, papa.
Shin: That does sound horrific. It’s a good thing I showed up to Shanghai when I did.
Yamazaki: Just who are you, anyway?
Shin: I’m Shin Yakamoru, Spirit Detective. I basically go around hunting demons that are undesirable.
Yamazaki: You haven’t come for Xio then?
Shin: She’s not attacking humans or plotting anything, so no. From what I understand, her mother must have had approval to live in this world.
Yamazaki: That’s right. So you don’t just hunt all demons?
Shin: No. My partner is actually a demon. He’s apparently the prince of demons.
Xio: What?!
Shin: Yeah, shocking, right?

Just then, Shin’s phone rings.

Shin: Speak of the demon…hang on. *Answers* Yeah?
Endull’s Voice: SHIN YOU BASTARD!
Shin: Shit, man. What’s wrong?
Endull: How dare you “hang up” on me!
Shin: Sorry, I had to fight my target.
Endull: What?! You found him? Did you win?
Shin: No, I lost and I’m dead. Sorry.
Endull: Wise ass.
Shin: Hehe.
Endull: So, you’re coming home then?
Shin: No.
Endull: No?
Shin: My skills are coming along well, but they’re unfinished for now. I need more time.
Endull: Fine then. Goodbye.
Shin: That was sudden.
Endull: Drago! How do you turn this thing off?
Drago: (distant) Hit the “end call” button on the screen.
Endull: That was going to be my first guess!

Suddenly, the call ends. Shin starts snickering.

Xio: So, you’re not leaving yet?
Shin: Nope. Until my martial arts training is done, I’m staying here.
Xio: Yay!
Shin: By the way, I need your help one more time.

With Xio’s help, Shin is able to direct the police to Zheng’s headquarters. We then skip over to see Shin and the police chief standing at his apartment. Wong, the apartment landlord, is also in the vicinity.

Chief: You mean to tell me he lived right next to you?
Shin: Yeah. Would you believe that?
Chief: Kick the door in.

Shin busts the door open and the chief goes in, pointing a handgun inside as he looks around.

Chief: Apartment is clear.
Wong: What is going to happen to that room, officer?
Chief: We’re going to have a thorough examination and confiscate anything illegal or evidence-related. After we have concluded, you may do what you wish. Take any or all of his possessions, sell them, whatever.
Wong: I see. Thank you.

He leaves while Shin enters the apartment.

Chief: Close the door, Shin.
Shin: Yes, sir.

He does. While the chief does a preliminary examination…

Chief: For the record, we seized control of Zheng’s bank account.
Shin: Yeah?
Chief: It all makes sense how you were able to lure him out. He transferred a huge amount of money to you mere minutes before you called me. You stole his drugs and sold them back to him, didn’t you?
Shin: You caught me.
Chief: Well, that transfer was completely legal, so there’s nothing we can do. There’s no receipt or any memo of what the transfer was for, so we can’t prove why he gave it to you. Besides, the amount of money we seized from him was so much more than what you received. We don’t even know what to do with all the money we have, let alone what we’d do by taking that extra portion.
Shin: I get it. That’s why I only took what I did. A man’s gotta make a living. Hahaha.
Chief: You’re something else, Shin.
Shin: So, have you thought about what to do about the drugs?
Chief: We’ve decided to donate them to our medical practitioners around the area. They are much better in the hands of professionals.
Shin: A wise decision.
Chief: We’re also going to invest a large sum of money into detox programs for district 8 residents. I mean, the cost of it all is still just a drop in the bucket compared to all the money the department has now.
Shin: I see. It seems like everyone is going to win from this situation. But I’m surprised. I feel like most people would just pocket the money and run.
Chief: For one, it would be bad PR for us to simply let these people suffer. I’d like to keep serving as police chief a little longer.
Shin: You’re a good man, sir. I respect the hell out of that.
Chief: I’ve made a lot of poor choices in my life. I’ve learned that going down that road never leads to anything good. Now, come help me search the place, Mr. Super Detective.
Shin: Yes, sir.

Later that day, he is in Dr. Chen’s office, having a checkup.

Chen: Your heart rate is perfect. Blood pressure is normal. Everything seems to be in good working condition.
Shin: Great.
Chen: You made a quick recovery from PTSD symptoms. How about mentally?
Shin: Not quite. That part of my trauma might take much longer to heal.
Chen: That’s okay. Your health won’t be affected significantly by it anymore.
Shin: That’s wonderful news.
Chen: By the way, your arms seemed to have sustained minor burns. Did that happen on the job?
Shin: Ah, yeah. It was when I blocked Zheng’s wave of energy. Even though I managed to disperse it, it still caused me some problems. Did you hear about the building explosion in district 8? I got caught up in that.
Chen: I did hear about that on the local news. They didn’t know who caused it. I’m guessing you know though.
Shin: Some maniac. But you can’t tell anyone unless the police decide to release an official statement.
Chen: Sure.
Shin: If you do, well, I know where you live.
Chen: …You’ve been waiting to use that one, huh?
Shin: Yep. Oh, by the way, did you happen to know the guy on the other side of my apartment?
Chen: Yeah, why?
Shin: He died today apparently. It’s a shame. He was a nice guy.
Chen: Oh, is that so? That is sad news.

Later that night, we see Shin walking through the streets with a bag. He spots Ming on her usual corner and approaches her. She notices him and immediately hugs him. Shin reciprocates the hug.

Ming: You’re alive after all.
Shin: How am I supposed to tease you if I die?

About fifteen seconds pass.

Shin: You can let go of me, you know.
Ming: I don’t want to!
Shin: Do we have to go through this routine again? Though I don’t have my PH tester this time.

Eventually, she does let go of him. Shin reaches into his bag and hands her a pork bun.

Shin: Since you won’t be chowing down on my buns, I figured I’d give you an edible substitute.
Ming: I’d rather have yours.
Shin: Eat that, you ungrateful hoe.
Ming: Fine.

She eats it. Shin eats one also.

Ming: Thanks. I was just about to get something to eat.
Shin: No problem. Here. Take the bag and what’s inside. You should be able to use it.
Ming: I don’t know if I like the sound of that.

Shin hands her the bag and then starts to walk away. She looks inside to find an envelope. She opens it to find around 635,000 Yuan (close to 100,000 U.S Dollars) in a cheque and a note. It reads: Thanks for all your help. I pulled a few strings and your job record of prostitution has been erased. Now you can start to pursue what you really want to do, whatever that is. Use this money to do just that.

Ming covers her mouth and starts to tear up. She looks at Shin, who is still walking away.

Shin: And after all I said about being proud of her job, I went and did that. Oh well. As long as she understood the point.

Just then, he hears running behind him. He turns his head to see Ming sprinting straight at him.

Shin: Not good.

He starts running from her.

Ming: Come back! Let me thank you properly!
Shin: I can’t stand the sight of a woman crying! Even if it’s out of happiness, it looks so heartbreaking!
Ming: Deal with it! I’m gonna fuck your brains out!
Shin: I just gave you the chance to start a new life and your first reaction is to have sex with a teenage boy? What the fuck?
Ming: I just want one more!
Shin: I cleaned your record, not your nether regions! I’m still not hitting that!
Ming: I’ve been tested just recently! I’m clean!
Shin: Wait, really?

Shin stops and so does Ming.

Ming: Yeah.
Shin: Wow.
Ming: Soooooo?
Shin: I see. That changes everything.

Shin takes Ming into an empty alleyway.

Ming: Right here? You naught boy.
Shin: Oh, I’m not doing it. I just wanted to get into a place where no one would be looking.
Ming: What? Why?
Shin: You’ll see why in just a second. Anyway, I’m happy that you’re clean. Maybe you can find yourself a proper man soon. Later.

Shin disappears.

Ming: Oh. That’s why. Damn it.

Shin reappears on a rooftop. He is surprised and looks behind him to see Xio.

Xio: And just what were you doing with her in that alleyway?!
Shin: The fuck?! You followed me, but not close enough to hear?
Xio: From what I saw, it looked like you accepted her love after she chased you long enough.
Shin: Just how long do you think it takes to do it? Seriously, we were in that alley for less than a minute.
Xio: What?
Shin: Oh, I get it. You’re even more ignorant to that kind of stuff than me.
Xio: What did you say?!
Shin: Oh shit.

Shin starts running from her as well.

Xio: Unlike her, you can’t get away from me!

Xio chases him across the rooftops. They are keeping an even pace. Shin is laughing. Meanwhile, Koenma and Juste are watching this unfold.

Koenma: Your brother is quite popular with the ladies.
Juste: Yeah. He’s just like me in that aspect.
Koenma: Anyway, his plan was genius. It was an overwhelming success.
Juste: He’s matured. I didn’t think he was capable of this kind of intelligence. You’d better be careful of him.
Koenma: Why?
Juste: If you don’t hide enough from him, he may catch on to whatever you hide from me.
Koenma: I don’t like what you’re implying.
Juste: There’s plenty you don’t tell any of us. I understand why. But if Shin smells something wrong, he’ll chase it to the bitter end. Just don’t make him an enemy, yes?
Koenma: It won’t come to that.
Juste: For example, how long before you tell him about what’s going on in Demon World?
Koenma: He doesn’t need to know about that yet. Team Urameshi has already discussed the matter. Hiei can handle it for now.
Juste: Well, I already told him about the Soul Stealer. But you knew that already.
Koenma: Yes. I don’t disagree with your decision to do that. There’s nothing we can do about him just yet.
Juste: So then, Shin will still be in China for some time. What will happen in the meantime?
Koenma: Things have gone quiet in Japan for the time being. Things will likely go quiet for China as well. But in a few months there will be trouble. Whether or not Shin and Endull are ready, I don’t know.
Juste: We’ll just have to trust that they’ll be ready.
Koenma: Yes.
Juste: He’s my brother after all. I know he’ll succeed.


With Shin’s mission complete, he has decided to stay in Shanghai a little long to complete his martial arts training. Meanwhile, danger looms in the future. Just what is going on in Demon World? And why is trouble coming within the next few months? There’s a lot to keep at the back of your minds. The China arc concludes next time on Detective Shin!

Chapter 34


In the streets of district 8, there are two ski-masked men carrying moneybags in their arms, sprinting away from a bank.

Man: Someone stop them!

Just then, Shin steps in front of them, they charge at him, but he forces them both back with his hands.

Shin: You’re both under arrest. Put the bags down nice and easy and your sentence won’t be as long.
Robber 1: Fuck you!

The first robber drops his bag to pull out a revolver. Shin moves in close and karate chops his hand away, forcing him to drop the gun. The robber then tries to punch Shin with his free hand, but he ducks under it. At that second, the second robber has also dropped his bag and has a knife pulled. He stabs at Shin at the same time that he ducks. He spins around the knife stab while in a ducking position and gradually stands himself straight up. The first robber then tries to kick Shin. Shin is able to take the Daichi stance immediately before the kick and then double tiger palm strikes him, sending him to the ground. Shin then instantly switches to Seiryoku and punches the second robber in the sternum before he can counter.

Shin: Was it really worth getting embarrassed in front of all these people? Fine by me.

He places both of them in cuffs and then picks up a walky-talky.

Shin: Officer Shin to dispatch. Both thieves are incapacitated. Send a car immediately please.
Male Voice: Understood. Sending the usual.
Shin: Great. Thanks.

While he waits for a police car, he sits on the sidewalk with both of them lying down next to him.

Shin: Hard to believe it’s been three months since I fought Zheng and ditched the Amitay disguise. I’m still getting used to doing this police thing the normal-ish way. Well, my two weeks is up after today. I can take it easy tomorrow before I leave.

Earlier that morning…

Shin and Wuhai are practicing in the dojo. Wherever Wuhai attacks, Shin is able to successfully counter. Wuhai kicks high and Shin blocks with his own kick and then pushes Wuhai back while also turning him around by pushing his leg outwards. Wuhai then relaxes his stance, which Shin follows.

Wuhai: Very good. That ought to do it. You have completed your training.
Shin: You are sure?
Wuhai: You have gained a mastery over this art. From here on, you will have to develop your own unique moves to compliment the ones you’ve learned here. You can switch stances instantly and you can use each stance effectively. Furthermore, you have the discipline to use my style to its utmost.
Shin: It’s all thanks to your teachings, Shifu.
Wuhai: And your hard work, Shin. Here. This may have this emblem.

Wuhai gives him a silver plaque with the Chinese character 虎 (This is the Chinese character for “tiger”) embedded into it.

Shin: It’s awesome. Thank you, Shifu.
Wuhai: Thank you for being such a great student. And thanks to you, I have students again.
Shin: It was the least I could do. I used your martial arts on the streets the last three months. I figured I’d at least tell people where I learned them if they asked.

They sit down on mats for one last time.

Wuhai: Remember, Shin. The tiger is fierce, but controlled. He does not boast of his strength like the lion. It simply does what it has to in order to survive and protect its family. Behind that fierce nature is a gentleness that seeks to nurture and protect. Do you understand why I am telling you this?
Shin: My fighting should be fierce, using the things that anger me as a medium. But this medium should not spill out into other areas, hence controlled. I may have lost my brother, but I still have a family to protect and I may have a future family to nurture and also protect. Using what happened to Juste as motivation to never let that happen again is my strength.
Wuhai: Well said. You understand your role in the universe quite well.
Shin: Before coming to China, I used to think that revenge was the only thing that needed to keep me going. While that still is in the forefront of my mind, I realize that there is much more worth living for. Three years ago, I thought that once I had killed that man that my life would also end. Before I was given a purpose as a detective, I had no reason to live beyond that single goal. I know now that I was wrong.
Wuhai: You will be 19 in a few days, and yet right now it sounds as if you’re about to turn 29. I’m proud of you. Don’t lose sight of that wisdom. It will carry you very far in life.
Shin: I won’t. I promise.
Wuhai: Shin, I lost everyone to poverty and sickness. I made a lot of mistakes in my life. The martial arts you have mastered were born from those mistakes. I told you before about trial and error being the basis of this style. You will also make many mistakes in your life. But you have to make the best of them, like I did. Don’t let those sacrifices go to waste.
Shin: I won’t.
Wuhai: Then I have nothing left to teach you. Stand, Shin.

They both stand up.

Wuhai: I officially declare you a master practitioner of the Wuhai Tiger style. You are no longer my student.
Shin: Thank you, Shifu.
Wuhai: Not Shifu, Wuhai.
Shin: Thanks, Wuhai.

Wuhai extends his hand and they shake hands. They then both clap their hands together and bow simultaneously.

It is later in the day and the cops have taken the two robbers into their car and drive away.

Shin: Well, that’s over. I’m nearly done my last shift.

He patrols the streets as he usually would. Some people casually nod at Shin as they pass him and he nods back. He bumps fists with a young man as they cross paths and then continue walking in opposite directions.

Shin: The usual suspects are out today. I recognize most of these people by face. Must…resist…stereotype jokes.

An older lady approaches Shin and he stops.

Shin: Yes, ma’am?
Lady: Mr. cop, can I trouble you to help me get my cat down from that awning?

She points to an awning where a cat is peacefully sleeping on it.

Shin: He got out again, huh? Well, here I go.

Shin goes over to the awning and then points his finger at the cat. Spirit energy begins to gather in his finger. The cat immediately opens its eyes and gets scared off the awning. It lands on its feet and Shin picks it up.

Shin: Luckily for me, he developed spirit awareness somehow.
Lady: Thank you so much. You’re such a nice Japanese man.
Shin: Did you really have to add my nationality? No problem.

He leaves and keeps going. At the end of the day, he reports back at the police station.

Chief: Your badge?
Shin: Here it is.

He turns in his badge to the chief.

Chief: Very good. Anything else to report since that thief incident earlier?
Shin: Nothing, sir.
Chief: I see. Well then, I guess then you are relieved of your duties. Thank you for your hard work these past three months.
Shin: Thank you for having me.
Chief: We deposited your last paycheck into your account earlier today. Not that you really need it or anything.
Shin: Hehe.

They shake hands.

Shin: It’s been a pleasure working with you.
Chief: Definitely. If you ever come back to China, stop by and visit.
Shin: Will do.

Shin leaves and then stretches outside.

Shin: All my responsibilities have been fulfilled. Now I can just chill.

The fallout that occurred after Zheng’s defeat was great at first. Without their drugs, the people of district 8 became restless. However, it was thanks to the police department and their acquired money that they were able to fund a public program for detox. The public was informed that the water they were drinking was laced with drugs. They were also told that the man responsible made the explosion that occurred in district 8 that fateful day and that the hero Amitay had stopped him. But in the process, Amitay had also perished in that fire. Their attitudes towards the police changed drastically ever since then, and with Shin helping to aid the public directly, their popularity skyrocketed. Shin’s role in China had come to an end, however.

The next day, we can see that Shin has packed most of his belongings.

Shin: My last full day in China. I’d better make it count.

After breakfast, he is about to go outside when he stops himself.

Shin: Oh, right. I don’t have to go to work or train at the dojo. I went into automatic mode.

He plops himself on his bed and turns the T.V on.

Shin: This is nice. I rarely had a chance to do this during the day while I was here.

Once it reaches noon, Shin stands up and stretches.

Shin: Well, I guess I’d better go out and get some lunch. I finished up everything in the fridge this morning since I can’t take it home with me.

He leaves home and walks along the streets of district 8.

Man: Good afternoon, officer.
Shin: I’m afraid I’m not an officer anymore, but good afternoon.

After lunch, he continues to walk. He is stopped by Ming. She’s wearing long black pants and a purple top.

Ming: Hey, stud.
Shin: Yo. How’s the acting coming along?
Ming: Good. My coach tells me I might be able to audition for low budget films soon.
Shin: By low budget, you better not be talking about pornos.
Ming: I’ll only film a porno on one condition.
Shin: Yeah, no.
Ming: Then no, I’m not talking about them. *wink*
Shin: Good. If I find out otherwise, I’ll fly back over here just to kick your ass.
Ming: Maybe I’ll do one after all.
Shin: She’s getting better at this…fuck. Wouldn’t recommend it. All the guys there are tainted meat. They’re not as lucky as you.
Ming: So anyway, you have some time to kill before tonight, right? Let’s go.
Shin: Go where?
Ming: I dunno.
Shin: Yeah, what the hell?

Just then, Xio joins them.

Shin: Where the fuck did you come from?
Xio: Can I come?!
Shin: Your stalking habits are troublesome. It’s not up to me.
Ming: *sigh* I suppose.
Shin: Would you consider filming one with Xio, Ming? I think you two would make a great duo.
Xio: Ooh, me in a movie? That sounds exciting!
Shin: Oh, it would be exciting all right.
Xio: ?
Ming: Let’s just go.
Xio: Can we go shopping? I haven’t picked out my dress for tonight.
Shin: Why do you need to buy a new dress? Don’t you have a perfectly good one at home?
Ming: You don’t understand women at all, do you?
Shin: Can’t say that I do.

They go into a women’s clothing shop and both of them start to look at dresses.

Shin: Huh. Looks like neither of them had something picked out.

A male employee approaches Shin.

Worker: Hey, so which one are you into?
Shin: The fuck?
Worker: They’re not your siblings, are they? I’m sorry.
Shin: No no! They’re friends. Your question just took me off guard.
Worker: So…?
Shin: Listen, a wise man once told me, “The tiger is fierce, but controlled”.
Worker: Ahhhhh I get it.
Shin: You do? Well, that’s good. You want one of them?
Worker: Sorry, I’m into men.
Shin: Oh. OH!
Worker: What?
Shin: You clever shit. You wanted to see if I was gay by asking if I liked either of them. You think because they took me shopping…
Worker: Wow, you’re good.
Shin: I’m afraid I’m not a sword swallower.
Worker: Dayum. That’s a shame.

He leaves Shin alone and walks away. Shin gets closer to the girls so that he can hear the conversation.

Xio: This one would look great on you!
Ming: I can’t fit in that, you know. That’s your size.
Xio: Oh, you’re right. Damn!
Ming: Why not this one for you?
Xio: Too flashy.
Shin: Jeez. This might take a while.

An hour has passed and Shin has fallen asleep while slumped up against the wall. Suddenly, both Ming and Xio approach him. He opens his eyes before they say anything.

Shin: Have you finished?
Xio: We both got what we wanted.
Shin: That’s good.

He stands up.

Xio: Your awareness is really good, Shin.
Shin: Yeah. It’s a trick I picked up not long ago.

They leave the store.

Ming: So what now?
Shin: I don’t know. I had planned to chill most of the day. Let’s go back to my place I guess.
Ming: Shin’s apartment. I get to inside?
Shin: Yeah.

They go back to Shin’s apartment.

Ming: So this is where you live.
Shin: I figure it’s no use hiding it any longer since I’m gonna be out of here soon.
Xio: So then, Zheng lived right there then.
Shin: Yeah.
Ming: Who’s that?
Shin: Someone you wouldn’t want to meet.

Shin opens the door to his apartment and the two ladies immediately push him aside and run in.

Shin: They’re like fucking dogs! Female dogs to be exact. Otherwise known as bitches. Heh.
Ming: This is a great picture here of you…wait. That’s not you.

Shin closes the door and Ming holds up a small picture of Juste that is framed.

Shin: That’s my brother.
Ming: Oh…you looked almost identical.
Shin: Yeah, people who see that picture think we were twins.
Xio: Where’s all the food?
Shin: I ate it all, since I can’t take it with me obviously.
Ming: This is the sacred bed of the hero Amitay!
Shin: Don’t get any ideas. I have to sleep on it one more time.
Xio: Do you have Jetflix if we’re gonna chill here?
Shin: Yeah.

Xio puts on a horror film while all three of them sit on Shin’s bed. Shin is in the middle of them and they are clinging to him.

Shin: It’s not that scary.
Ming: Yeah, it’s not.
Shin: *Sigh*

After the movie…

Xio: We have to get ready in time for dinner. Can we use your bathroom?
Shin: Yeah.
Ming: If we all bathe individually, we might not make it in time.
Shin: Good idea. The two of you can bathe together.
Ming: That’s not-
Xio: I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’ll go in first.

Xio goes into the bathroom and Ming gets closer to Shin.

Ming: Hey. I just wanted to thank you again for everything you’ve done for me.
Shin: Yeah.
Ming: I mean it. You gave me a new chance at life. Anyone else would have laughed it off that I wanted to be an actor.
Shin: I’m happy for you. You helped me get that money. It’s only right that I would give you a cut of it.

After Xio is done in the bathroom, she is wearing a black silk dress. Her hair is let down. Shin whistles jokingly.

Xio: You really like it?
Shin: Yeah.
Ming: M-My turn next!

She scurries into the bathroom. Xio gets closer to Shin.

Shin: She’s sure jumpy.
Xio: She’s excited to show you.
Shin: She’s shown me enough.
Xio: Hey, listen. I just wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for me.
Shin: They’re in synch!
Xio: If it weren’t for you, I don’t know that I would have ever seen my papa again.
Shin: You helped me get that money. It’s only right that I would…oh shit wait. I mean…you helped me lure out Zheng. Consider the opportunity my reward. Besides, it was you who rescued him.

About 30 minutes pass and the door opens.

Shin: Hey, that didn’t take you too-

When Ming steps out, Shin immediately turns around.

Shin: What the fuck are you doing?!
Ming: Where are the clean towels?
Shin: There is a pull out drawer at the sink.
Ming: Oh okay.

She goes back into the bathroom.

Xio: They’re…even bigger than I thought. No fair!
Shin: Just wonderful. I bet she did that on purpose. Is that what a woman looks like? Holy shit!

Ten minutes later, the door opens again. Shin looks away again.

Shin: Xio, is it safe to look?
Xio: Yep.

Ming is wearing a white cotton dress and her hair is also let down.

Shin: Nice. My turn, I guess.

Shin goes in.

Ming: Now, it’s time for us to get a peek.
Xio: You’re bad, Ming. I like that about you!

Ming goes up to the door and turns it, but it’s locked. She pulls hard on it.

Ming: Is this thing bolted shut? Xio, you can pull this door open, can’t you?
Xio: Yeah. No problem.

She touches the handle and then instantly recoils her hand in pain.

Xio: He put spirit energy into the door?! Damn.
Ming: Can you kick it down?
Xio: It looks like he infused spirit energy into the door somehow. It’s a lot sturdier than it would be normally. It’ll repel me, a demon.
Ming: Damn it.

After Shin is finished, he has gone with a simple white dress shirt, black pants and a red tie.

Xio: Looking good!
Ming: I think he’d look better with it off.
Shin: Funny. So I have to ask. Do you pay a landscaper or do you do your own weed whacking?
Xio: Shin!
Shin: What? Just asking for a friend.
Ming: I can show you one day.
Shin: Yeah, no thanks.

They promptly leave Shin’s apartment and stop by the dojo.

Shin: One sec.

He enters the dojo and a few minutes later, Wuhai is with him with similar attire, only a gold tie.

Shin: This was my martial arts instructor, Master Wuhai.
Wuhai: Pleasure to meet such lovely ladies.

They go to Xio’s place where she gets Yamazaki, who once again is in similar attire but with a black tie.

Yamazaki: Is this everyone?
Shin: That depends. Hang on.

Shin dials his phone and then someone answers.

Shin: Hey, chief.
Chief: Shin? What do you need?
Shin: I was wondering if you were free. I’d like to treat you to dinner.
Chief: I dunno. We have some things going on.
Shin: Too bad. My friends and I are going to Gui Hua Lou.
Chief: I’ll be right over!

They hang up.

Shin: That’s what I thought.
Wuhai: Did you just casually invite the police chief of Shanghai out to dinner? And did I hear you say Gui Hua Lou?
Shin: Yep and yep.

They make it to the restaurant and the chief is promptly there at the same time. He was already wearing a suit and tie.

Shin: Glad you could make it.
Chief: You kidding? I never turn down an offer for this restaurant. It’s one of the most prestigious in Shanghai.
Shin: Chief, I want to introduce you to these people. This is my Shifu, Master Wuhai. These are my friends, Ming and Xio and this is Xio’s father.
Chief: I recognize you, Xio. We met three months ago, I believe.
Shin: These people helped me solve that case. They all helped in their own way.
Chief: I see. So you really didn’t do it alone.

They get in and get seated. On the left side, Xio, Shin and Ming are seated in that order. On the right, Yamazaki, the chief and Wuhai. They order their food and drinks.

Chief: So, you were the one who taught Shin his martial arts.
Wuhai: Yes.
Chief: You did well then. I’ve seen them in action and they’re impressive.
Wuhai: It’s an honor to hear you say that.
Chief: Some of my men could stand to learn some basic martial arts from you, if you’d be willing to sign a contract with us to help train new recruits and the likes.
Wuhai: I’m sure that we could come to a reasonable agreement on that.
Shin: See that? You got more potential students again.

They get their drinks. All of them are alcoholic. Yamazaki taps on his glass and everyone stops to listen to him.

Yamazaki: This one is to Shin Yakamoru. Someone who was a stranger to all of us a few months ago, but has changed all of our lives for the better. And for paying for this awesome dinner. Ganbei!
All except Shin: Ganbei!
Shin: Kanpai.

After drinking, they go back into conversation.

Chief: You were enslaved in that syndicate?
Yamazaki: Yes. My ties with that man go way back to my wife, who used to know him.
Chief: I see. I’m glad we were able to help. They had to be stopped.
Xio: Thank you for everything you did, sir.

As everyone except for Shin is engaging in conversation, it seems to go quiet for him in his mind. He is scanning each of them, remembering the various times he’s had with them.

Shin: All the people I care about in this city are here. I’m grateful to have met them. But all of this ends tomorrow. I’m going to miss them.

Suddenly, he is jerked back into reality when he hears his name.

Shin: Yeah?
Ming: Tell him about the time you knocked out one of the drug vendors.
Shin: Alright.

As he starts to tell the story…

Shin: But for now, I’ll relish what time I have with them.

After dinner, they all stand outside.

Chief: Well, I’m out. I need to get back to the office to finish some paper work. Have a safe trip home, Shin.
Shin: See you and thank you for everything, chief.

He leaves as the rest of them keep walking. Once they reach a certain point in the city…

Wuhai: Well, this is my stop. I’ll see you tomorrow, Shin.
Shin: Alright. See you.

Wuhai leaves. They then stop at Xio’s apartment.

Yamazaki: Thanks again for dinner.
Shin: No problem.
Xio: See you later!

They go inside.

Ming: Well, I’d better be off too.
Shin: Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll walk you home. It’s getting late.
Ming: You sure?
Shin: Yeah.

They walk to Ming’s home together. They stop just outside of her door.

Ming: Do you…want to come inside?
Shin: I’d better not. I have some last minute packing to do before I go to sleep.
Ming: I see…
Shin: Is there something wrong?
Ming: No. It’s just that…this day has been amazing. I don’t want it to end.
Shin: I know how you feel. I’m sorry. I wish I could-

Ming interrupts him by leaning in and kissing him abruptly. Shin receives the kiss, but does not reciprocate. She is teary eyed.

Ming: I’m sorry.
Shin: It’s okay. I know how you feel about me. But it would have never worked out between us.
Ming: I know.
Shin: I’ll see you tomorrow.
Ming: Yeah.

As Shin walks away, the scene fades to black. The next day, Shin is standing at the airport with some of his bags. Xio, Ming, Yamazaki and Wuhai are with him at the gate where non-passengers cannot cross. He has just finished giving out his individual goodbyes.

Shin: Okay, well then, I’m off. See ya.
All: Bye!

Shin leaves them and then makes his way to the plane. He sits down. His face seems downtrodden.

Shin: I didn’t think leaving would be this hard. Shit. Once I’m home I’ll be fine though.

The flight attendant starts to go over flight procedures as Shin zones out. He puts his head against the window and looks out. The seat next to him becomes occupied while this is happening.

Shin: I wonder how I should shield myself from Mom when I get home. I’ve never been away from home this long. I don’t know how she’ll react to seeing me again.
Voice: Is this seat taken?
Shin: Nah.

Shin glances over to see Xio sitting next to him.

Shin: Oh, hey Xio.

A few seconds pass.

Shin: …..XIO?!

The plane takes off.


Shin…and Xio return to Japan next time!

Chapter 35


Xio: Hey.
Shin: What are you doing?

A female flight attendant approaches Shin and Xio.

Attendant: Is everything okay here, sir?
Shin: Yeah, yeah. Sorry for yelling out like that. I got a bit surprised is all.
Attendant: Okay.

She leaves.

Shin: You want to start explaining?
Xio: Sorry, I couldn’t tell you what I was planning; otherwise you might have tried to stop me.
Shin: Does your father know about this?
Xio: Yes, in fact, he encouraged me to go to Japan with you.
Shin: Why?
Xio: You helped me get stronger these last couple months and got revenge for me. I want to help you get yours.
Shin: I see. Well, you went through all this trouble. I might as well welcome you to the team.
Xio: Yay!
Shin: And…where exactly were you planning to stay? Did you find an apartment?
Xio: I figured I’d just stay with you till I could find one.
Shin: *Sigh* You really didn’t think this through.
Xio: You mean, I can’t?
Shin: No, you can. I’m not just going to leave you to fend for yourself. Where is all your stuff? I didn’t see you bring anything except a purse.
Xio: Papa said he’d send it immediately. I have money with me though.
Shin: That’s good, I guess.

All dialogue from here on is switched to Japanese unless otherwise specified.

Shin: From now on, you need to speak Japanese. Are you okay with that?
Xio: Yeah. I’ve been brushing up on it.
Shin: Good.
Xio: You sound so much more comfortable. Though your Chinese got quite good.
Shin: What do you expect? This is my native language. Your Japanese is pretty good though.
Xio: Thanks.
Shin: Oh shit.
Xio: What?
Shin: What are they gonna think when I bring a young Chinese girl home? They’re definitely going to get the wrong idea. I’m fucked.
Xio: Can’t you just explain?
Shin: You don’t…you know what? I’ll just let you experience that for yourself.

After the plane lands in Japan, they get off. They stretch out.

Xio: So, who is picking you up? Your parents?
Shin: Hmm…come to think of it…I don’t know.
Xio: Didn’t you tell them you were coming home today?
Shin: Everyone knows. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

They walk about the airport, looking for someone recognizable. After a few minutes, Shin finds someone.

Shin: Wait, what? Mr. Urameshi?
Yusuke: Yo.
Shin: Are you here for me?
Yusuke: Yeah. Got a problem with that?
Shin: Hell no!
Xio: Wait, this is the legendary Yusuke Urameshi that you told me about?
Shin: Yes.
Yusuke: Who’s the girl? No one told me that anyone would be with you.
Shin: We’re the same in that regard. This is my friend, Xio.
Yusuke: I see. Hey, Shin. You’ve gotten a lot stronger.
Shin: You can tell?
Yusuke: That was the main reason why I decided to be the one to pick you up. How about your fighting ability? I heard that you would be training in martial arts.
Shin: I mastered a style. I understand perfectly what you meant when you gave me that advice before. Thank you so much for that.
Yusuke: Good. Your energy seems to be in great balance. You’ve changed dramatically.
Shin: Yes, I have.
Yusuke: Well, let’s not sit here with our thumb up our asses. Let’s get out of here.

When they get into Yusuke’s car, Shin is sandwiched between his entire collection of luggage while Xio is sitting in the front seat, comfortable.

Yusuke: So, what’s your story, girl? Did he put his hand up your skirt one too many times?
Xio: No!
Yusuke: And they tell me that you’re like me, Shin. Pfft, I used to touch Keiko all the time at your age.
Shin: Too much information.

They make it to Shin’s house. They dump all the luggage and then Yusuke rolls down one window.

Shin: Thanks again, Mr. Urameshi.
Yusuke: It’s Yusuke, damn it. Later.

Yusuke drives away.

Shin: Alright. Time to face the music.
Xio: You make it seem like it’s a bad thing that you’re home.
Shin: Well…just wait here.

He opens his door and walks in with two suitcases in his hands.

Jaide’s Voice: SHINNNNN!!!!!!!!

She comes running full speed and accosts him with a hug. Shin hugs her back after dropping the suitcases.

Shin: Hey.
Jaide: I missed you so much!
Shin: I missed this half of you as I promised.

Neo also swings by and gives Shin a hug.

Shin: But you, on the other hand, I missed greatly.
Neo: Welcome home, Shin.
Shin: Thanks, Dad.
Neo: Let’s get the rest of your stuff in.
Shin: Yeah…about that. I’m afraid I brought back more than I thought I would.
Jaide: What do you mean?
Shin: Well…

He opens the door and they see Xio. Neo’s face lights up immediately.

Neo: Oohhhh?!
Shin: Now now, don’t get the wrong fucking idea!
Jaide: She’s so pretty. Shin, you chose well.
Shin: I told you not to-

Both of his parents ignore Shin and approach Xio.

Neo: Well, hello there. Do you speak Japanese?
Xio: Yes! I am actually 25% Japanese. My name is Xio Hao. I feel like I’m talking to an older Shin. They look a lot alike, just like his brother.
Jaide: What a nice girl! I’m so glad Shin could bring home such a wonderful girlfriend.
Xio: Well, I’m not-
Jaide: C’mon, I’ll show you around the house!

She pulls Xio by the arm and takes her inside the house. Neo pats Shin on the shoulder.

Neo: I’m proud of you, Son.
Shin: *Sigh* Thanks, Dad, but she’s not my girlfriend. She just needs a place to stay for a little while.
Neo: It’s okay. You don’t have to hide it from me.
Shin: I’m just glad Ming didn’t have the same idea as Xio. This could have been a lot worse.

Meanwhile, in Spirit World, Juste is hunched over, laughing his ass off. Back to Shin, he has moved all of his stuff back to his room. He takes a deep breath.

Shin: My room. It’s been a while.

He has a look at the wanted poster on the wall and his face becomes tenser.

Shin: Don’t think I’ve forgotten about you.
Jaide’s Voice: Shin! Time for dinner!
Shin: Okay! Juste, I’m getting closer to our goal.

He turns and goes downstairs. They all sit down at the dinner table and begin eating.

Neo: So, Shin. How about you tell us a little bit about Shanghai?
Shin: Well, the city was huge and the people varied. I was mostly in a slums district while working. The people there…were strange to say the least.
Jaide: Did people offer you drugs and sex?
Shin: Heh. You don’t know the half of it.
Jaide: So, when did you two meet?
Shin: About three months ago.
Neo: And how?
Xio: I needed help and I saw him doing police work, so I thought I could ask him.
Neo: Isn’t that nice?
Jaide: That’s our Shin.
Shin: The fuck…

After dinner, Shin takes Neo aside.

Shin: By the way, this might seem like a sudden question, but how much money is left on the mortgage?
Neo: That is sudden. Why do you ask?
Shin: I’m going to pay the rest of it.
Neo: Is that even possible?
Shin: I came into a fortune while I was on the job. I was able to coax a drug lord to give me a large sum of his money before he was taken down.
Neo: You mean you robbed him?
Shin: No no no. It was a business transaction. Well, it was more or less a trap, but yeah. Just don’t tell Mom about this. She’ll freak out if she finds out about how I got all the money.
Neo: Agreed.
Jaide: Hey! What are you two talking about?
Neo: Shin’s going to pay off our mortgage, honey.
Jaide: What?!
Neo: He recently came into a lot of money while over at China.
Jaide: Oh, Shin! Our boy is all grown up!
Neo: She has a point. You really have matured.
Shin: Yeah. Well, just tell me how much it is and I’ll take care of it.

Later that night, Shin is unpacking.

Shin: Almost done.
Xio’s Voice: Shin, can I come in?
Shin: Yeah.

She opens his door and enters.

Xio: Do you need any help?
Shin: That would be nice, if you can stand to help me finish. It’ll only take us twenty minutes between us both.
Xio: Sure!

They are able to make quick work of the rest of his unpacking.

Shin: Do you need anything? Juste’s room should be still well equipped for guests.
Xio: About that…

Earlier that night…

Xio: So, is there a guest room that I’ll be staying in?
Neo: Guest room? Please, you don’t have to be so formal. Shin has more than enough space.
Jaide: That’s right. You just make yourself right at home in there with him.

Shin: I should have known that would be their answer. Hang on.

Shin leaves for a minute and comes back with a loose mattress, some covers and a pillow.

Shin: That should be okay, yes?
Xio: Perfect.

They get ready for bed and Shin lies down on his bed while Xio lies down on the mattress.

Shin: This is nostalgic. This bed feels just right.
Xio: Hey, Shin?
Shin: Yeah?
Xio: I’m glad I came to Japan.
Shin: Where did that come from?
Xio: Oh, nowhere. Good night.
Shin: ‘Night.

They fall asleep. Early next morning, Shin wakes up.

Shin: Hmm? Ah yeah, I’m home. Wait…something’s wrong.

He opens his eyes all the way to see Xio right next to him, still asleep. This jerks him awake and he puts his hand over his mouth to stop himself from yelling.

Shin: What…the…fuck?!

Shin lifts the covers up and then takes a sigh.

Shin: Our clothes are still on. Good. What the hell was she thinking?
Xio: (mumbling) Pa…pa…

There is a tear running down Xio’s face.

Shin: Even though she said what she did, she must already miss Yamazaki and Shanghai.

Shin gets out of bed and takes another sigh of relief.

Shin: Looks like I dodged a bullet there. That seems to be a trend with these Chinese women.

He goes downstairs, where Jaide is cooking.

Shin: Good morning.
Jaide: Good morning, Shin. Did you two have a nice night?
Shin: It’s too early for that bullshit.
Jaide: Fine, you don’t get breakfast then.
Shin: Fine by me. I planned on going to Hiroshi anyway to see Dean. I might as well get breakfast there.
Jaide: Sit your ass down. I have some eggs and rice for you.
Shin: That’s what I thought.

After breakfast, Shin is about to go upstairs.

Jaide: Wait, Shin.
Shin: What is it?
Jaide: Come here, please.

Shin does so and Jaide buries her face into his shoulder while holding him tight.

Jaide: (Choked up) I was so worried about you. When you told us that something bad had happened…I didn’t know what to do.
Shin: You actually helped me, you know. You were right. I don’t give up when shit hits the fan.
Jaide: Thank you so much for paying the house off. You have no idea how much that means.
Shin: Am I having a normal conversation with her? Have things really changed that much? I know.

Shin goes upstairs into his room and sits on the loose mattress for a few minutes when Xio eventually wakes up. She takes a quick look around.

Xio: How did I get up here?
Shin: Very funny. You knew what you were doing.
Xio: I swear I didn’t know.
Shin: You want me to believe that you sleepwalk? Do you know how rare that is?
Xio: We didn’t…
Shin: No, we’re safe for now. Go ahead and wake up some more. I’m going to get ready. We have some people that you need to meet a little later.

Later that day, they leave the house and Shin unravels the cover off his motorcycle.

Xio: Cool!
Shin: Right? It was Juste’s and now it has passed to me. You ready to go for a ride?
Xio: Hell yeah!

They get on and Shin starts to drive.

Shin: Man this takes me back. You all right back there?!
Xio: Yeah! Just fine! This feels great!

They make it to Hiroshi and Shin parks. Immediately, Dean rushes out of the restaurant.

Dean: You son of a bitch! I recognize that motor sound anywhere!
Shin: Come here, you beautiful bastard.

They bro hug. Just then, Shin seems surprised.

Shin: Dean…you, I sense spirit energy from you.
Dean: Heh. I’ll talk to you about that later. For now, come on in.
Shin: Wait, dumbass. This is my friend from China.
Xio: Hello. I am Xio.
Dean: Hey. Is she…?
Shin: She’s half-demon. Don’t worry; she’s cool.

They go inside and have curry made for them.

Dean: Well?
Shin: Holy shit. You’ve outdone yourself.
Xio: It is quite good, Mr. Mist.
Dean: Just call me Dean.
Shin: You’ve been practicing for my return?
Dean: You know it. So, tell me about China.
Shin: There was a lot of alcohol, drugs and prostitution. You would have loved it.
Dean: Damn. I should have gone with you.
Shin: I mean, there’s plenty of that over here too though haha. But this place I was in ramped it up to 10.
Xio: Yeah, district 8 was very strange.
Dean: Sounds like a blast.
Shin: So let’s talk about you. You took my advice, didn’t you?
Dean: I did. The professor did have someone to help me. His name was Kuwabara.
Shin: I had a feeling he would send you there. Have you seen Juste yet?
Dean: Once. Koenma allowed me to see him for a few minutes.
Shin: Good. By the way, where’s Laura? Isn’t she usually here at this time?
Dean: She quit. She got a better paying job.
Shin: Oh? Hehehe.
Dean: What is it?
Shin: Would you happen to have replaced her yet?
Dean: No, I don’t think so at least.
Xio: Wait, you mean…
Shin: What if I told you there were a cute little Chinese girl that would be happy to fill that spot?
Xio: She would?
Shin: I think so, as long as she wants to stay where she is.
Xio: I guess she would then…
Dean: Who are we talking about here?
Xio: Me!
Dean: I can get you an interview tomorrow probably. Stop by around the same time.
Shin: Thanks, man. I’ll buy you a drink sometime soon.
Dean: I always take payment in beer.

After they finish eating, Shin and Xio leave the restaurant.

Shin: At least this way you know you won’t run out of money if you find an apartment soon.
Xio: I guess…
Shin: Anyway, we have two more people for you to meet. Endull and Drago. They’re expecting us, so let’s head out.


To be continued…

Chapter 36


Shin and Xio have traveled to Shin’s old high school.

Shin: Alright. Here we are.
Xio: Is this a school?
Shin: It’s where I went for high school. This also happens to be our usual meeting place.
Xio: Where are they?
Shin: !

Shin’s eyes widen as Endull appears behind him. He throws a punch, but Shin turns around to block it. Endull throws another punch. Shin shoves his hand in such a way that Endull starts to lose balance. Shin then drops to the ground and places one hand on the ground and does a 360-degree sweep kick as his hand rotates along with his body. Endull is able to regain his footing in time to jump over the sweep. Shin propels himself to his feet instantly to block Endull’s ensuing kick. Endull then relaxes himself and takes a few steps back.

Endull: Not bad. It seems you did get a lot better.
Shin: That level of speed. I nearly didn’t turn around in time. If I hadn’t sensed you when I did, that could have ruined my day.
Xio: This is the guy he talked about who was even faster than us. Now I see it. I’ve never seen anything move like that.

Drago also appears to be walking towards them.

Drago: It was his idea. Sorry.
Shin: Drago. You seem well also.
Endull: Who is the half-demon?
Xio: You can tell?
Endull: Indeed.
Xio: My name is Xio Hao. I’m from Shanghai. My mama was a demon.
Shin: She has permission to be in this world, so don’t worry about that part.
Endull: Are you strong, Xio Hao?
Xio: Strong? Yes. Do I think I could beat you in a fight after that? No, probably not. I almost couldn’t follow your speed just then.
Drago: The fact that you could follow it at all means that you’re good. Shin, your senses have gotten much better to have seen that attack coming.
Endull: And what the hell was that move that you did to me?
Shin: I moved you past your center of gravity. It’s a trick I learned in Shanghai.
Drago: So, you increased the gravity on his body for a moment?
Shin: No. Forget it. So, how have things been here?
Endull: No worthy demons to mention. My concerns have been elsewhere.
Shin: What do you mean?
Endull: My father hasn’t told me much yet, but there’s something going on in Demon World.
Drago: This is the first you’ve mentioned this. What’s going on?
Endull: I’m not sure, but I can tell that there is tension building there. I don’t think demons are satisfied with my father’s rule.
Xio: So you think there might be a civil war?
Endull: It’s a distinct possibility.
Shin: I wonder if that has to do with the soul-stealing demon.
Endull: What? Soul-stealing demon?
Shin: You don’t know about that, huh?
Endull: Tell me what you know, Shin. This is important.

Shin tells him everything that Juste said regarding this demon.

Endull: I see. He could be involved, but I can’t be sure right now until they start to tell us what is going on.
Shin: They seem to like holding back a lot of information from us.
Xio: Who is “they” anyway?
Shin: I’m sure you’ll meet Koenma and the others soon. Yusuke is part of “they”.
Xio: So, Team Urameshi and the ones in Spirit World?
Shin: Yeah. Though, Endull, they were in our position once. I think they understand what needs to be done. Let’s leave it to them for now. It’s our job to get stronger right now and take out the demons that we can.
Endull: Hmph. You don’t have to tell me that.
Drago: So, what now?
Endull: Our fight’s not finished, Shin. Let’s keep going.
Shin: Not here! School is in session, you know.
Endull: Fine. You pick the spot.
Shin: Alright. You’re on.

That night, Shin and Endull are collapsed on the ground, shirtless with scratches and cuts everywhere on their torsos. They are breathing heavy.

Drago: They literally fought till nighttime.
Xio: I’ve never seen anything like it.
Shin: I nearly had you. But I guess this fight is a draw.
Endull: You nearly had ME? Get off your high horse.
Shin: You got fucking lucky.
Endull: I say you got lucky.

They both stand up and brush themselves off.

Shin: You wanna fight about it, asshole?
Endull: Yeah. Let’s keep going.
Xio: No!
Drago: That’s enough. I’m getting hungry.
Xio: Me too!
Shin: Fine. Let’s go get some food.
Endull: Very well.

Shin and Endull help each other along, while Drago and Xio walk ahead.

Shin: Low key though, I missed your stuck up ass. No homo.
Endull: Then you should have come home sooner.

Later, Shin and Xio are seen just outside his house. Shin is still slumped a bit while walking.

Shin: Alright, here comes the “I’m okay” act.

He opens the door and starts to walk straight. His parents greet him, and he starts to go up the stairs.

Neo: Where are you going?
Shin: I’m tired as fuck. Going upstairs to chill a bit before going to sleep.
Neo: Alright…

Shin goes up and into his room and then collapses on his bed.

Shin: It’s a good thing I didn’t take any shots to the face.

Meanwhile, Xio is still downstairs.

Neo: How are you liking Japan so far, Xio?
Xio: It’s different, but I like it. Shin managed to get me a job interview already.
Jaide: How did he do that?
Xio: I’ll probably be working at Hiroshi.
Neo: Oh! Doesn’t Dean work there?
Jaide: Dean…that son of a bitch. You be careful of that man, Xio.
Xio: …Why?

A few minutes later, Xio enters Shin’s room.

Xio: Why didn’t you tell me that Dean might try to hit on me a lot?
Shin: Oh, that? I thought you were used to getting hit on. You can kick his ass if you want.
Xio: For your information, I do not get flirted with a lot.
Shin: Really? That surprises me.
Xio: Why?
Shin: No reason.
Xio: Oh? You think I’m attractive, don’t you?!
Shin: Just drop it.
Xio: Just admit it!
Shin: You heard what I said to Dean. I called you a cute little Chinese girl.
Xio: That sounds like something you’d call a little kid!
Shin: Okay.
Xio: Okay? I could kick your ass right now if I wanted to! You can do better than that!
Shin: Just wait till the morning when I’ve healed properly.
Xio: Don’t dodge the subject. You thought people flirt with me all the time. If you don’t think I’m attractive, then why did you think that?
Shin: I didn’t say I didn’t think that.
Xio: Another non-answer. Now I know why Ming got so frustrated with you.
Shin: She told you about all that? I bet she didn’t tell you that she tried to rape me.
Xio: What?!
Shin: She tailored her story to make her seem like a poor victim of mean ol’ Shin. For the record, I apologized for all the teasing I did to her.
Xio: I guess you’re right…hey, wait! You’re good at changing the subject!
Shin: Why do you want to know so badly, anyway?
Xio: I dunno, but answer.
Shin: Yes, I do.

Xio turns around and starts blushing.

Xio: What about me?
Shin: Hmm? I dunno, your hazel eyes are striking.

Meanwhile, Neo and Jaide are just outside of Shin’s room, listening.

Xio’s Voice: What else?
Shin’s Voice: Hmm…I give up.
Xio’s Voice: This isn’t a quiz question!
Shin’s Voice: Then stop acting like it is.
Neo: (Whispering) Damn it, Shin. You’re never gonna tap that at this rate.
Jaide: (Whispering) Have faith, dear. He is our kid.

Shin notices the door move ever so slightly, as if something was pressed up against it. He rolls his eyes. He points to the door and then to his ear. Xio seems to understand and nods.

Shin: Though, you know, your ass is gigantic. You could stand to lose a few kilograms.

A groan of frustration is heard from the other side of the door.

Shin: But you know, that’s what I like about you. A little extra packaging never hurt anyone.
Xio: Really?
Shin: Yeah. I definitely don’t get that from my dad. When my mom gained weight over the winter, he complained all day to me. He told me “Son, if your bitch ever starts to pack it on, get rid of her before there’s a ring on her finger”.

All of the sudden, there is a smack sound heard. Shin cannot contain it any further and starts to burst with laughter. Xio opens the door to see a hand mark on Neo’s face.

Shin: You deserved that one, Dad.
Neo: Tell her that it was a lie, Shin!
Shin: Obviously it was. That’s what you two get for eavesdropping on me. You know, we’re not actually a thing, right?
Jaide: What? Why didn’t you tell us sooner?
Shin: I fucking tried!

A few minutes later, they have gotten ready for bed.

Shin: Hey.
Xio: Yeah?
Shin: Don’t do it again.
Xio: Don’t do what again?
Shin: You know what I’m talking about.

Shin starts charging up a spirit gun and then dispels it.

Xio: Alright! I don’t see what the big deal is anyway.
Shin: So it was on purpose!
Xio: No!

They both lie down and turn the lights out.

Xio: Shin?
Shin: Yeah?
Xio: My butt isn’t too big, is it?
Shin: It’s fine.
Xio: Fine as in okay, or fine as in nice?
Shin: …Yes.

The next morning, Shin wakes up and stretches. He notices that Xio is on her own mattress this time.

Shin: I don’t feel sore, actually. I’m surprised. I took more damage yesterday than the entire time I was in China.

Shin quietly leaves his room, but he is suddenly in Spirit World. Juste is in front of him while Koenma is behind him.

Shin: What?
Juste: I wanted to be the first like old times.
Shin: Brother.
Juste: Happy birthday, Shin.
Shin: Thanks, man.
Koenma: Yes, happy birthday.
Juste: Unfortunately, I couldn’t get you a present.
Shin: Just seeing you again is enough. That was the only thing I ever wanted for three years.
Juste: How does it feel being home again?
Shin: Great. It’s almost surreal.
Juste: I saw a little of your conversations. You decided to pay off the house. That was good of you. Finances have had them in a bind for many years.
Shin: Yeah. By the way, Koenma…
Koenma: Oh, you finally acknowledged me.
Shin: Do you have anything lined up for me?
Koenma: I do, but it can wait a few days. Don’t worry about it for now.
Shin: If you say so. Juste, how is Dean coming along?
Juste: Sorry, but he told me to keep my mouth shut. He wants to surprise you.
Shin: Hah.

They spend a few more minutes together.

Shin: I guess I’d better get going.

They give a thumbs up to each other and then Shin is sent back. He appears in his hallway upstairs. He goes downstairs where his parents greet him. He eats breakfast and then they hand him a wrapped box.

Shin: Oh? I wonder what’s in here.

He unwraps the gift. The writing on the box says “Game Girl Advance”.

Shin: A Game Girl Advance? Just what I wanted. Thanks, you two. It even comes with the newest Fire Emblem.

An hour later, Xio comes down. Neo and Jaide greet her as well. She then hears a faint noise behind her and notices Shin. He is sitting on the couch, curled up and playing his new handheld system.

Xio: I didn’t know he was a gamer. Good morning, Shin. Happy birthday.
Shin: (mumbling apathetically) Thanks.

She eats breakfast and then sits next to Shin, looking at him occasionally. He pays no mind to her. She silently pouts to herself.

Shin: Level up, motherfucker…..fuck, horrible level up.

An hour passes and Shin is still playing. Xio has nodded off, but wakes again.

Xio: Damn it.
Shin: You know, the TV remote is there if you want to watch something.
Xio: Nice of you to notice me, senpai.
Shin: You wanna watch this instead?
Xio: Sure.

Shin scoots over and Xio watches him play.

Xio: What’s that there?
Shin: The attack window. I’ll know if it’s a good decision to attack or not.
Xio: Oh. Wow, you really destroyed the other guy. But that poor horse.

She looks at Shin briefly to see him almost transfixed on the game.

Xio: This is a different side of Shin. Behind all that maturity, there’s this. It’s kinda cute.

Later that night, Shin charges his system and then stretches.

Shin: Man, I needed this day.
Xio: I guess you didn’t really have much time to relax in China, huh?
Shin: Between training, martial arts training and work, no. Well, time to bed.

Shin goes to sleep first and then Xio does about an hour later. Shin wakes up early in the morning.

Shin: My plan worked. Time to go to Hiro City where no one will bother me.

Shin opens his window and then slides out, but not before grabbing his Game Girl Advance. He manages to close the window before dropping to the ground. He then makes his way to Hiro City where he sits atop a tall building. The sun is still rising above the buildings. He turns on his system and starts playing.

Shin: It’s pretty nice out.

About 20 minutes pass and then Shin turns off the system and slowly puts it down. He stands up and then turns around.

Shin: Something’s coming.


What rapidly approaches Shin?!

Chapter 37


Shin waits as his look intensifies. Suddenly, a figure lands on the same rooftop. He gets a look at whom it is. It is a man whose face looks like this He has black long pants and black boots. He has three gold rings on his left hand on his ring, middle and pointer fingers.

Shin: And who are you?
???: (Deep voice) You sensed me coming. Not bad.
Shin: I’m not sure what you mean. You weren’t exactly being discreet about showing power.
???: I mean simply the act of sensing passively is not something everyone possesses.
Shin: And I’ll bet you sensed me as well. Perhaps I used a bit too much power getting here quickly.

There is a silence for a few seconds. They both size each other up.

Shin: So then, answer my question.
???: I am Vance.
Shin: So I know your name. That still doesn’t answer who you are. You know exactly what I mean. Why do you have both spirit and demon energy?
Vance: I don’t need to answer that question.
Shin: Then how about you tell me why you’re about to attack me?
Vance: Do I need a reason?
Shin: !

Vance appears in front of Shin and throws a punch with his right hand. *Click Here* Shin dodges and then ends up where Vance was before he moved. He takes the Seishin stance.

Shin: Time out, asshole! You don’t need a reason? That’s horse shit.
Vance: You’re quite vulgar.

Vance goes on the attack again. Shin continually dodges, but each attack becomes harder for him to dodge. Eventually, Vance lands a kick to Shin’s ankle, which makes him stumble back. He then follows up with a hard punch to Shin’s face. As Shin falls to the floor, he forces both hands onto the ground and handstand kicks with both feet. Vance sidesteps it, but Shin also propels himself upwards to his feet with the momentum of his kick. In one fluid motion, as Shin lands, he immediately sweep-kicks, knocking Vance off his feet. Just before Vance hits the ground, Shin punts Vance off the building. He goes flying through the air, over many tall buildings. Shin looks at him while using one hand as a visor.

Shin: And the field goal is good! Three points for me.

Vance spins in the air in order to land on a rooftop safely. He and Shin are about five buildings away. We see Vance power up with a purple aura. Shin also focuses his energy. All of the sudden, Vance disappears from in the distance and then instantly appears behind Shin. Shin ducks under a punch from behind and then spins around while flailing his fist. Vance ducks under this as well and then they both back up from each other. Shin takes the Ten stance.

Shin: This guy. Zheng wouldn’t have lasted ten seconds against me the way I am now. For him to so easily recover from my attack…

Before he can contemplate any more, Vance goes on the attack yet again. Just before he attacks, Shin already counters with a palm strike to his chest. Vance takes the hit and then immediately attacks again with a punch. It hits Shin in the stomach. Shin counters with a punch of his own. Vance sidesteps and grabs Shin’s wrist. Shin charges up a spirit gun in his other hand and fires off a small one. Vance lets go of Shin’s wrist and dodges it. He punches Shin, which sends him flying off the building. Shin lands two buildings away on his feet and Vance appears in front of him. Shin retaliates with a punch of his own, surprising Vance. This punch sends him off the building and far away. This time Shin jumps after him and knocks him straight down between buildings. While in the air, Shin charges up.

Shin: SPIRIT GUN!

Shin fires the blast straight down at the falling Vance. He catches the blast with one hand and sends it straight back at Shin.

Shin: What?!

Shin contorts his body in such a way that it misses him and explodes in the air above him.

Shin: I managed to dodge it, but now I’m off balance!

Meanwhile, Vance pushing the spirit gun made him fall down faster. He lands on the ground and then immediately jumps all the way up, landing on the building where Shin is about to land on. Purple energy appears in his right hand and he punches Shin in the back before he can land. Shin coughs up blood and then he is launched far away. About ten buildings later, he hits the concrete roof hard. Not long after, Vance lands on the same building. Shin propels himself to his feet quickly and takes the Ten stance. Vance goes on the attack once more, but Shin dodges a punch and in one fluid motion palm strikes Vance, making him slide back.

Vance: You are quite skilled. If it wasn’t for that, you’d have been dead already.
Shin: I hate to admit it, but he’s right.
Vance: It seems in order to definitively finish you off, I’m going to have to take things up just one notch.

Vance holds up his left hand and the ring around his pointer finger starts glowing.

Shin: So those rings aren’t just for show.

Just then, both of them sense something and turn their heads at the same time.

Vance: Hmph. *Music Stops*

He jumps away from Shin and disappears out of sight. Not but a few seconds later, Endull appears next to Shin. Drago appears moments afterwards.

Endull: Who the hell was that?
Shin: I don’t know. He wouldn’t give me anything other than his name.
Drago: He had both spirit and demon energy. And his power…
Shin: If you guys hadn’t shown up when you did, I would be dead most likely. Do either of you know about rings that give you power?
Drago: That sounds familiar. I believe my people mentioned it to me before I left for this world.
Endull: I’m afraid I know nothing.
Shin: I’m sure we’ll run into him again. If we do, maybe we’ll get some more answers. Until then…

Shin goes back to the building where his Game Girl Advance is and sits down next to it. He turns his game back on.

Endull: What are you doing?
Shin: Playing the latest Fire Emblem.
Drago: Playing video games? Really?

A few minutes later, both of them are sitting behind Shin, intently watching the game.

Drago: What an interesting concept.
Endull: Badass.
Shin: See?

Meanwhile, around this time, Xio wakes up and eventually goes downstairs.

Jaide: Is Shin still asleep?
Xio: No. You mean you didn’t see him this morning?
Neo: No, we haven’t. He must have gotten up real early.
Jaide: Where do you think he could be?!
Neo: Relax. He’s probably fine.

A few hours later, there is a knock on the door. Neo answers it to see Dean at the door.

Dean: Hey, Mr. Yakamoru.
Neo: Shin’s not home right now, Dean. Sorry.
Dean: How about Xio? I kinda need to talk to her too.
Jaide’s Voice: (From afar) You cannot talk to her!
Neo: Nah, it’s okay. Come on in.

Dean comes in. Around this time, Shin also arrives home. Endull and Drago are still with him.

Shin: I’ll be back. I’m just gonna get Xio and then we can all go train.

Shin goes into his house to see Dean and Xio sitting on the couch.

Shin: Dean. What’s up?
Dean: Well…
Xio: Dean got fired! I’m not gonna get that job now!
Dean: Oh c’mon. Have a heart, girl.
Shin: You got fired? Seriously?
Dean: Heh. A little too much booze here and there.
Shin: Oh for fuck’s sake. Hang on, I’ll be right down.

He goes upstairs to put his handheld system away and then comes back down.

Shin: Let’s get out of here.

Dean and Xio leave the house with Shin.

Endull: He’s tagging along too?
Shin: I guess so.
Drago: We haven’t met, have we? I’m Drago Hyubusshi.
Dean: I’m Dean Mist.

Just then, Koenma appears before them.

Koenma: Good. The whole team is here.
Xio: Where did you come from?!
Shin: I’ll explain later.
Koenma: Let’s go to Spirit World for a moment.

They are taken to Koenma’s office. Juste is also there.

Juste: Hello, you all.
Xio: It’s another Shin! Wait, I get it. You’re Juste, aren’t you?
Juste: Yes.

Dean immediately breaks into tears and starts groveling at Juste’s feet.

Juste: Dean, what’s wrong?
Dean: I got fired, damn it! Please forgive me!
Juste: Let me guess; it was because of alcohol.
Dean: I’m sorry!
Juste: Get a hold of yourself, man. You still have college to go back to, right? You only have one year left.
Dean: *Sniff* You’re right.
Endull: Why is he sniveling like that all of the sudden?
Shin: Juste was always the person to keep Dean on track. Even after all these years, he still goes into autopilot “please forgive me” mode.
Koenma: Enough of that. Listen to what I have to say…all of you.

Juste stands Dean up on his feet.

Koenma: It seems someone has started to move on Hanging Neck Island.
Endull: What? That place?
Shin: Does that mean anything to you, Endull?
Endull: Hanging Neck Island is where my father and Team Urameshi fought in the Dark Tournament. What could anybody be doing there?
Koenma: I believe whatever is over there may be trying to revive the Dark Tournament.
Shin: I thought the arena was destroyed.
Koenma: Only the arena where the finals were held was. The other arena still remains intact.
Endull: Why should we stop this Dark Tournament from being brought back?
Koenma: I fear it may be a method of smuggling and housing demons that are not allowed to be here. Your objective is clear. Get to Hanging Neck Island, find out who is there and eliminate any threats to the Human World. Is that understood, Shin?
Shin: Yes.
Koenma: This will be your first mission as a team.
Shin: That’s true. Up until now it has just been Endull and me officially.
Drago: After today, I think it’s safe to say that we should be moving as a team from here on anyway.
Xio: Today? What happened?
Shin: I’ll fill you in later. Very well. We’ll leave tomorrow.
Juste: Good luck, Shin.
Shin: Thanks bro.

They are sent back to Human World.

Shin: Dean, are you sure you’re up to this?
Dean: Absolutely. It’s not like I have anything else to do anyway now.

Shin stares at him sternly.

Dean: Hey, I’m not your little brother. I’ll worry about myself.
Shin: Alright then. Everyone, meet here at noon tomorrow.
Endull: I don’t take orders from you.
Shin: Okay, then we’ll just leave you behind.
Endull: What was that?
Shin: You heard me.
Endull: Fine, I’ll be here.

They leave one by one except for Shin and Xio. Shin is sitting on his bed, contemplating.

Xio: What’s wrong? You seem worried.
Shin: If Vance is behind this, we could be in trouble.
Xio: Who?

Shin tells her what just happened.

Xio: You mean you actually lost a fight?
Shin: Not exactly, but I was on the fast track to losing.
Xio: But what were you doing out there anyway?
Shin: About that…
Xio: Don’t tell me…
Shin: I had a lapse in judgment, I admit.
Xio: Whatever.
Shin: That’s not what’s important. I feel like these past 3 months meant nothing. I know it’s not true, and yet…
Xio: I know.
Shin: What’s more is that my spine nearly fractured today. I was fortunate enough, but I won’t be able to fight at 100% for a while. This situation is not good.
Xio: Anyway, I thought we were going to train today.
Shin: It’ll do us no good to train just before the mission. I think everyone understood that.
Xio: True.

Later that day, we see Endull standing behind Hiei, who is looking out a large window in a tall building.

Hiei: So, you’re going there.
Endull: Yes.
Hiei: Trying to revive the Dark Tournament…what nonsense. Deal with whoever is foolish enough to try and hide this from me.
Endull: I will, Father.

There is a long silence.

Hiei: Is there something else you wanted to say?
Endull: …

Hiei turns around and they simply stare at each other for a few moments. Hiei nods and they sit down at a table together. A servant comes in a pours tea in two cups and they drink together silently. After they finish, Endull stands up.

Endull: If our situation changes, send a messenger.

He leaves the room. As he does, he passes two women. One is the servant from before. The other has long black hair and has a black dress on.

Servant: Are things bad between your son and husband?
Mother: Why do you ask?
Servant: They didn’t say a word to each other for the entire time they shared tea. Something’s wrong.
Mother: Is that what you got out of that exchange?
Servant: ?

The mother goes into the room with Hiei, who seems lost in thought.

Sadira: Honestly, you two are the same when it comes to personality.

We now switch to Dean, who is sitting upright on a bed, looking at the gibbous moon from a window.

Dean: I’m doing the right thing, Juste. Shin needs an older brother to rely on.


A new journey begins next time on Detective Shin!

Chapter 38


It is the next day. Shin and company is walking towards a body of water. A boat is there and a sailor is there, standing in front of it.

Sailor: And which one of ya is Shin?
Shin: That would be me.

Shin hands the sailor some money and they all board the boat. The sailor starts up the engine and it takes off.

Drago: How did you find out about this?
Shin: Well…

The previous day, we see Shin speaking to Kurama at a café. They are both drinking hot beverages while sitting across from each other. It is closer to nighttime.

Kurama: Hanging Neck Island. Brings back memories.
Shin: How did you get there years ago?
Kurama: We traveled by boat, but it wasn’t ordinary by any means.
Shin: What do you mean by that?
Kurama: I mean that you won’t be able to simply do what we did because the Dark Tournament was actually a thing back then. You’ll have to find someone who is willing to bring you to the island.
Shin: Is that all? That shouldn’t be hard.
Kurama: How do you know?
Shin: I’m sure the call of money will be too much to resist.

Back to the present…

Shin: So, yeah.
Drago: You were able to persuade this sailor with a lot of money? How did you get so much?
Shin: Since we have some time, I might as well tell you the story.

Shin tells Drago, Endull and Dean all about the strategy to end the drug ring in Shanghai.

Dean: When did you get so devious?
Shin: I’ve always been devious. That’s the younger brother’s role.
Endull: I had no idea you were doing all that. You weren’t just training and going after one demon.
Xio: We were both working very hard to try and take these guys down.
Shin: That’s right. By the way, Endull.
Endull: What?
Shin: Your sword. Is that new? The guard looks different and it’s a lot longer.
Endull: Oh, this?

Endull unsheathes his new sword.

Endull: Yes, I decided to use a different type of blade to suit my abilities better. My father always used a short sword, but it also had a tendency to break like mine did before you left.
Dean: Isn’t that thinner than the old one? Wouldn’t that be easier to break?
Shin: Not necessarily. If I recall, the reason the old one broke was because it tried to cut through the hard scales of that one demon. But cutting weapons are less likely to succeed than a thrusting weapon at getting through that kind of defense.
Endull: Yes.
Shin: But it’s still steel, right?
Endull: Not exactly. This sword was forged from a new demon mixture known as sarconium. It’s more durable than human steel or even something like Drago’s weapons.
Drago: To be fair, my kusarigama was made from the demon alloy that was in common use many many years ago. It’s the same metal that Endull’s previous sword and King Hiei’s sword were made of.
Shin: In other words, it’s like a demon version of a metal alloy. Interesting.
Endull: Demon metal also allows us to channel our energy through better than human metal would.
Shin: I see.
Xio: So then, are you saying that I should get my cat claws made of sarconium?
Drago: If you want the best results, yeah.
Shin: Hold on a second. Drago, you mentioned “Many many years ago”. Just how old ARE you, anyway?
Drago: Uh…I kinda forget.
Dean: How do you forget your age?
Drago: Age doesn’t really matter after a certain point where I was from. Well, it does, but you have to be really REALLY old in order for it to count.
Xio: Why did you come here to the human world?
Drago: My people sent me on a mission; though I’ve long forgotten what it was, I’m afraid. I was waiting for something while living amongst the humans and found that I quite enjoyed it. Before I knew it, I engrossed myself in your society with years passing. My perception of time is not very good.
Shin: Sounds rough. But aren’t you a little too laid back about that?
Drago: Maybe so. But what will worrying about it do for me?
Shin: True.
Endull: You could go back to your homeland and explain the situation.
Drago: I can’t face them. I chose this life. They likely sent another to complete the task by now anyway.

After that, they break off and walk around different parts of the ship. Shin takes Dean aside.

Shin: Hey.
Dean: What’s up, Shin?
Shin: We haven’t really had much of a chance to talk alone since I got back. Sorry.
Dean: No problem, buddy.
Shin: Dean, I know you’re not my little brother. I know that you can take care of yourself. I just want you to know that if things become too much for you, it’s okay for you to back off. I won’t hold it against you. You have a future to worry about.
Dean: I know. Juste told me the same thing when I saw him again for the first time after he died. You two are so protective.
Shin: After I lost Juste, I took that trait I guess. I don’t want to lose anyone else that is precious to me. At least, I want to hold on to them as long as humanly possible.
Dean: I get it. But I know what I’m getting into. I made a promise to help you. I wasn’t there to help my best friend in his time of need. I live with that guilt. No matter how many times I drink myself to sleep, I still wake up with the same feeling of emptiness.
Shin: Dean…I had no idea.
Dean: But it’s different now. I finally got to see him again. And now I have a chance to help you, the person he cared for the most in this world. This is the only choice for me.
Shin: I see. I won’t try to deter you anymore. Thanks, Mist-San.

There’s a silence for a few seconds.

Shin: You know, you can be awfully deep when you’re sober. You should try it more often.
Dean: Ah, but something more common starts to lose its value.

They both start laughing. Meanwhile, Drago and Xio are conversing while Endull is by himself, looking out in the distance.

Xio: So then, are you saying that this Vance guy is like me?
Drago: Not exactly. If I had to describe your powers, they’re more or less just like a demon’s, but with a human element to it.
Xio: What do you mean a human element?
Drago: Sorry, I can’t explain that. It’s just how it feels when you raise your energy levels. But the man who fought Shin was starkly different. He had demon energy, but also had spirit energy. It’s not something I’ve ever felt before.
Xio: But what about my human side? You mean I don’t have spirit energy?
Drago: No. Put it this way. Imagine that demon energy is like coffee. Endull and I are like straight, black coffee, cup filled to the brim just as is. Meanwhile, Shin is hot cocoa.
Xio: (Muttering) He sure is…
Drago: You, on the other hand, are coffee but with a little cream in it, changing the taste ever so slightly. But Vance is like if you half-filled the cup with coffee and the other half with cocoa.
Xio: Ohhh! When you explain it like that, it makes sense.
Drago: The only question is, how is that even possible?
Endull: It’s not unheard of.

Endull joins them.

Drago: It’s not?
Endull: Yusuke Urameshi had the same thing, but he was never able to use both at the same time.
Drago: No?
Endull: This guy is different. He was clearly using both at the same time. Shin described him with a purple aura as well.
Xio: Hmmm…so the mystery continues.
Drago: I guess so.
Xio: Do you think he is the one behind this?
Endull: Unlikely. Why would he randomly attack Shin and then retreat all the way out here?

At this point, Shin and Dean also join the conversation.

Shin: That’s not unsound logic, but we can’t be too sure.
Xio: Shin, buy me some coffee!
Shin: We’re out in the middle of nowhere.
Xio: I know, but Drago made me want some.
Shin: The sooner we finish the mission, the sooner we can go home and we can all get coffee.
Dean: I’ll settle with beer.
Shin: You always settle with beer.
Endull: I see it.

They all turn to the front of the boat and see that the island is visible in the distance. The sailor comes out from the captain’s room.

Sailor: It’s almost time to weigh anchor. Get ready.
Shin: Thank you. Though…
Endull: If there were any time to attack us, it would be now, right?

The sailor reaches behind him and grabs a knife from his back pocket. He charges for them, but Dean steps into the way. He has a small wooden handle that he has gripped by both hands. He focuses and yellow energy comes out through the handle and makes a spirit battle-axe (double sided). Dean hacks through the knife and the sailor in one swing. The sailor disintegrates.

Shin: Dean, you’re a fucking Jedi! Only with a light axe!
Dean: Heheh. No, but it sure does look like it.
Xio: He was a demon. That was easy to see from the start. But why?
Shin: My guess is that he wanted to lead us out here. Meaning that this mission might be a trap. Come to think of it, it took quite a few phone calls to get someone willing to take us out here. He was very willing, even before I named a price.

Dean’s spirit axe dissipates.

Shin: Though, Dean, I’m impressed. You gained enough control of your spirit energy to be able to form a weapon. I guess our axe lessons paid off too.
Dean: Yeah. That weeklong thing was fun too.

When they get close enough to the shore, they throw the anchor overboard.

Shin: Good thing they still have these things on some ships.

They all jump off the ship and land on the beach in tandem.

Shin: Be on your guard, all of you.

They can see the top of the arena building over top of the forest that lies before them.

Drago: At least it’s close.
Shin: Endull.

Endull nods and they both sit down. They both close their eyes and focus.

Endull: There are weak signals coming from the arena.
Shin: One of them disappeared immediately. They were already suppressing their power, but one of them must have sensed that we found them.
Endull: So you can do this much as well now.
Shin: Once I learned how to sense, it all became very basic to me.

They both open their eyes.

Endull: They have someone very skilled at sensing. They must have felt us coming after we killed the sailor.
Xio: Then is there any point in waiting here? We know they’re there, and they know we’re here.
Shin: They haven’t moved either. This definitely feels like a trap.
Drago: Why would they set a trap all the way out here?
Shin: They must know about Mr. Urameshi and the professor. There is a chance that if they attacked us on our turf, they could always interfere.
Endull: But out here, that can’t happen.
Xio: Just how much do they know about us?
Shin: It doesn’t matter. I never counted on them to fight our battles. We need to be able to become stronger to be of use later on.

They walk through the forest until they get to the clearing where the entrance to the stadium is. Two red demons stand guard over the entrance. They both have large axes.

Endull: Where is your mark of approval?
Demon 1: Hahaha! What the fuck is that supposed to mean?
Endull: You’re here illegally then. I’ll dispose of you then.
Xio: I’ll do it.

Xio goes on ahead and puts on her claws. They raise their axes and swing at her at the same time. Xio disappears and then reappears behind them. Large claw slash marks appear on their faces and then blood sprays out, killing them both in one strike.

Xio: Compared to Jiang, you were nothing.
Dean: Did you see that? Cuz I didn’t.
Shin: Of course we could. But I don’t blame you. She has gotten quite fast lately.
Xio: I won our last five races in China. Don’t you forget that.
Shin: Yeah yeah.

They regroup.

Drago: Ready?
Shin: Ready.
Endull: Then let’s go.


Who awaits them inside the stadium?!

Chapter 39


They all step through the entrance and make it into the arena portion of the stadium. There is one figure standing on the opposite side. It is a woman with a purple cotton dress with the slit open on one side. She has red high-heeled shoes as well. She has long red hair and red eyes. Dean whistles out of surprise.

Dean: Dayum!
Xio: She’s not that pretty. Right, Shin?
Shin: Uhhhhh….
Woman: So, you’ve come here to kill me. Is that right?
Endull: Where are the rest of your flunkies? We know there are more of you already.
Woman: So you really did sense us then. The master was right.
Shin: (lower) Master? Then she’s not the one in control here?

Another person comes out from inside the stadium and joins the woman. This person we recognize as Vance.

Shin: (muttering) Shit. So he was here after all.
Vance: We meet again, warrior.
Shin: Are you ready to answer my questions yet?
Vance: And why should I?
Shin: Fine then.
Vance: So those two yesterday were with you after all.
Endull: Show me your mark of approval, whatever you are.
Vance: I don’t have one. What are you going to do about it?
Endull: I’m going to kill you here.
Shin: Wait, Endull.
Endull: (lower) If we all jump in right now, we have a chance of killing him before backup arrives.
Vance: If you’re all thinking of ganging up on us, it’s moot. I have three more fighters ready to come out. You can sense for yourself.
Drago: He’s right.
Shin: Then what is it that you want from us? Why haven’t you already attacked?
Vance: Since you found us, you must know why we’re here. So I propose we do this in a civilized manner. Have you heard the legends of the Dark Tournament?
Shin: We’ve heard a story or two.
Vance: You have five fighters and so do I. You see where I’m going?
Shin: You want us to compete like we would in the Dark Tournament, is that it? I see no reason to agree to that. You probably have a hidden advantage by drawing us into 1 on 1 fights.
Vance: If you manage to defeat us, we will clear out of this area. That means you don’t necessarily have to kill us and we don’t necessarily have to kill you.
Drago: I don’t understand. What’s in it for you?
Vance: My amusement, sir demon. We will win either way.
Shin: So the fact that you attacked me yesterday was to test whether or not it was worth leading us out here. And that’s why you were so eager to run if anyone else were to get close.
Endull: But you have no intention of letting us leave alive. And yet you want us to let you live should we win.
Xio: You’re a sleaze ball!
Vance: Well, if you don’t agree to my terms, we’ll just attack you right here and now. I’m sure you can tell that my other three demons have already encircled you. We gained the position advantage as we have been speaking. You have five minutes to decide.

They huddle up together.

Shin: He’s smart. He thought of just about everything.
Drago: I vote that we agree to fight 1 on 1. I believe we have a better chance of winning in that format.
Dean: I dunno. He’s trying very hard to get us into this situation.
Endull: He obviously is up to something. He’s lying through his teeth.
Shin: I’m not so sure. Many things he did were deliberate, but this doesn’t seem like it will gain him anything. We have yet to see his full power or even the power of his subordinates. We have a better chance of understanding our enemy’s abilities if we observe each one carefully in a 1 on 1 environment. If worse comes to worse, we can just break our agreement and attack them all at once after we know their abilities.
Xio: You’d really do that, Shin?
Shin: If it keeps us alive and is for the betterment of our worlds, then I’ll cheat.
Endull: Fine. We’ll go with that plan then.
Xio: Alright.
Dean: I trust you, Shin.
Drago: Okay then. We have decided.

They break away from the huddle.

Shin: We’ll agree to your terms. Name your rules.
Vance: We fight 1 on 1. Once you step into the ring, you cannot leave a fight or else you are disqualified. But on the other hand, you can fight more than one match in a row. If you’re down for ten seconds, you lose. If you die, you lose. If you lose consciousness, you lose. Weapons are allowed.
Shin: That’s reasonable. Send out your first fighter.
Vance: Very well. Go.

The woman steps onto the ring.

Woman: Well, boys. Who wants to get up close and personal with me? *Wink*
Xio: None of them.

Xio quickly gets onto the ring as well.

Shin: Xio.
Xio: Sorry, Shin, but you boys might hold back against this woman. I’ll take her out.
Shin: Alright. Be careful. Just feeling her out right now…heh…anyway she’s more powerful than Zheng.
Xio: I know.

Both girls come to the middle of the ring. Xio clangs her claws together.

Xio: You thought you would be able to seduce one of us. Unfortunately for you, I’m here.
Woman: Don’t worry. Once I beat you, I’ll be able to sweep your entire team.
Xio: That’s why I won’t lose.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines…

Shin: *Deepens Voice* Sir demon, would you like to engage in singular combat? We ought to fight as proper gentlemen, even though I attacked your friend on top of a skyscraper out of nowhere.

The rest of them start chuckling. Even Xio covers her mouth to stop herself from laughing.

Vance: Very funny. Since we don’t have a referee with us, the two combatants will both signal when they are ready and then the match will begin. Ten counts will be done by the same team as the person down.
Shin: That is fine.
Xio: Then I’m ready.
Woman: Then I am as well.

Xio immediately jumps forward and attacks with her claws. The woman sidesteps and then gains some distance from her.

Vance: That’s the way, Vora.
Xio: Damn. She has the reach advantage, so I wanted to get in quickly.

Xio charges back in. Vora makes a horizontal kick, which stops Xio’s momentum in order for her to avoid it. After the kick goes through, Xio gets back in and swipes with her right claw. Vora also sidesteps this, but Xio uses her momentum to spin around and slash with her left claw. Vorah jumps back a foot or two and then Xio stops herself while crouching down onto the floor. She then springs forward, but gets kicked in the face in the process. Xio flies back a few feet, but then spins in the air and lands on her feet and goes back into a crouching position.

Shin: Be patient, Xio. She has a strong defensive sense.
Xio: Right.
Vance: You’re doing well. Just don’t underestimate her offense.
Vora: I know.

Shin and Vance exchange glances from across the ring.

Endull: This is boring. They need to go all out.
Dean: They’re not?
Drago: This is a battle to draw each other’s abilities out. Neither of them wants to show all their cards right now.

They both stay still for a few moments.

Xio: Alright. She’s not going to charge at me. I need to try that.

We see a split screen of what’s happening. On the right, we have a flashback of Xio training with Shin in China. Nothing is happening in the present, except Xio stands up and slowly approaches Vora. Note: The italics is the dialogue in the flashback portion.

Shin: How tall are you, anyway?
Xio: About 161.3 centimeters. (Around 5’3.5)
Shin: You’re a bit below average height then.
Xio: You don’t have to remind me!
Shin: That means your reach is limited. You will fight a lot of battles where your opponent wants to keep you out. Here, dodge this kick.

Both Shin and Vora are seen kicking at the same time. Xio dodges both kicks. In the present time, she stands just outside of Vora’s kick range. In the flashback, she jumps back a lot further. Shin holds his leg straight out.

Shin: Somebody like me, who is closer to 178cm (about 5’10) will have a much longer reach. Now, stand just outside of my foot’s range.

In the flashback screen, Xio does, more so mirroring what she did in the present.

Shin: Get comfortable with this range. Study it. Memorize it. Once you realize your opponent’s maximum range, you can stay just outside of it and wait for the right opportunity to strike. This is called spacing.

The flashback screen breaks and we stay completely in the present time. Xio gets in closer again and then barely dodges another kick.

Xio: I think I got her distance down. Her kick is almost as long as Shin’s, but not quite.

Shin grins after he sees what she is doing.

Shin: Nice.
Dean: What is it, Shin?
Endull: Just watch the fight.

Xio disappears and reappears behind Vora. She is able to dodge another slash in time and then kicks once again. Xio slides out of range and slashes Vora’s ankle simultaneously. Vora retracts her leg in pain and then Xio follows up by springing forward. Before she can slash again, Vora grabs her wrists and pushes her away.

Xio: This bitch is strong.
Vance: Are you okay?
Vora: I’m fine.

Vora’s bleeding stops after just a few seconds.

Xio: What the fuck?! Don’t tell me she has some sort of healing.
Vance: Vora, be careful. It seems the girl has figured out your range.
Dean: Oh, I get it!
Shin: Well, it worked for at least one surprise attack. Even if her bleeding stopped, it looks like she won’t be as mobile as before. This Vance guy is smart. He’s calmly assessing everything that’s going on just like me. I tried to shake him earlier with my impersonation of him, but he shrugged it off. This fucking guy…

Xio charges in again to keep attacking, but Vora seems to be able to avoid each attack still. She retaliates by kicking with the same leg yet again, but Xio slides out of range again. This time, Xio jumps forward and grabs onto Vora’s torso with her legs, keeping her suspended in the air. She aims both of her claws straight at Vora’s face, but she grabs Xio’s wrists again. They begin struggling against each other, when Xio starts to lose.

Xio: Too strong. I can’t get the final strike. Wait, that’s not all! My arms are becoming stiff!

Suddenly, ice crystals begin to form around her wrists and down her arms. This surprises everyone on Shin’s team.

Shin: So she froze her blood earlier.
Endull: This match is over.

Eventually, Xio’s arms become completely stiff and Vora lets go of them. She then unwraps Xio’s legs from her body and then puts her outside the ring, also freezing her legs in the process. Xio cannot move from the ground. Shin begins counting.

Xio: I…have to…get up.

She tries to move her legs and arms, but the movement is very minimal.

Shin: …10.
Xio: Damn it!
Vora: Hahahaha! That’s what you get for trying to get in my way, bitch!

Just then, she turns around in surprise to see Endull already in the ring. He has his sword drawn already.

Endull: Enough of this nonsense. Let’s go.
Vance: Do you want to continue, Vora?
Vora: Of course. I’ll take them all out just as I promised.

Vora opens the slit in her dress a little more and shows more skin to Endull.

Endull: Are you ready? I am.
Vora: Yeah.
Endull: Okay then.

Endull charges straight in and lunges with his blade. She dodges narrowly.

Vora: What’s wrong with you?!
Endull: Whether you’re a woman, a man, my mother or father, I won’t hold back against anyone if they intend to kill me.

Vora shoots two balls of ice out of her hands, but Endull easily sidesteps them. He disappears and then reappears in front of her. He lunges his sword down at her right foot, but she steps back away from it. When her foot touches the ground, she suddenly stumbles back, losing her balance. *Click Here* She looks down to see that he cut the heel off her shoe.

Vance: Nooooo!!!!!

Endull closes in and grips his sword with both hands. He stabs Vora straight through her head and drives his sword straight down into the ring, cracking it slightly. He then quickly removes the sword and flings the blood off. Endull points his blade straight at Vance.

Vance: Vora…
Endull: You thought just because we are the good guys that we would show you mercy. But you will get none from me. Get in here, Vance. I’m going to riddle you with a thousand wounds.


Endull strikes!

Chapter 40


Endull: Get in here, Vance. I’m going to riddle you with a thousand wounds.
Vance: You’ll have to make due, I’m afraid. I’d love to destroy you right now.

Endull looks behind him to see someone else already in the ring. It is a man with long blond hair. He is covered by black iron armor up until his neck.

Shin: Hey, buddy. You’re a few centuries too late.
Man: Quiet, you.
Shin: Are you mad that Endull foiled your plan?
Endull: So you saw it too.
Shin: Of course.
Vance: You bastards.
Drago: It was wise to kill the woman quickly.

Flashback to the end of the fight with Xio. We see Endull keeping a close eye on Vora, ready to strike at any point. When Shin reaches 10, he steps onto the ring immediately.

Shin: This new fighter was just a step too late to save the woman. If Endull hesitated, he would have made it on time and she would have been disqualified before we could finish her off.
Dean: Oh, I get it. Meanwhile you saved Xio with minimal injuries.
Shin: Exactly.
Man: You are King Hiei’s son, are you not?
Endull: So you know me.
Man: My name is Veste (Vest-A). And I am-

Just then, he stops as he sees Vance glare at him.

Veste: I should stop there, I suppose.
Endull: You have a lot to hide. You and your master.

Veste draws a metal two-handed maul from his back. He has two sheathed blades on his sides as well.

Shin: Endull, he has a lot of equipment. That might be slowing him down quite a bit.
Endull: You don’t need to be coaching me.
Shin: True. You got this.
Endull: Don’t state the obvious.
Vance: I wouldn’t be too sure. Veste here is my best.
Shin: Vance, Vora, Veste. Hey, fuckface. Why do all your names start with v?
Vance: Veste, he’s fast. Keep on your guard.
Veste: Yes, sir.
Drago: He’s not giving into any of your taunts.
Shin: I know.
Dean: He seemed bothered by the woman’s death though. You could push that.
Shin: No, I think I’ll pass on that. I’m not trying to get him too pissed…yet. As long as things are going our way, I only want to rattle him a little.
Dean: Why? You’ll have to fight him anyway.
Shin: He’s stronger than me, Dean. If I can annoy him enough without pushing him over the edge, maybe I can turn things my way.
Drago: You’ve thought this through, huh?
Shin: You’ll come to find that I do that a lot when I’m backed up against a wall.
Veste: I’m ready.
Endull: As am I.

Endull remains at his spot, with his sword pointed outwards.

Vance: Perhaps it’s time I bring the other two out. We lost our positional advantage now.

Meanwhile, Shin picks Xio up and holds her up.

Xio: Sorry, Shin. I messed up.
Shin: Don’t worry about it. You gave Endull enough information to win the fight quickly.
Xio: I really thought she was a healer, so I wanted to strike before she had a chance to heal.
Drago: Bring her over here, Shin.

Shin does so. Drago puts his hand over Xio’s legs and fire emits from his hand.

Shin: Woah. So you’re a fire apparition.
Drago: Yeah.

Eventually, Xio can move her legs again. Shin puts her down as Drago thaws her arms as well.

Drago: There.
Xio: Thank you, Drago.
Shin: In truth, Xio, it’s good that you lost the way you did.
Xio: Why is that?
Shin: You’re not really injured at all, and you’re not winded either. If things go south, we can rely on you.
Xio: I see. Yes, that’s true. I would have rather won, though.
Shin: Things are going just fine, I assure you. For now, at least. If Endull can take out this guy, then we’ll be in great shape. But…
Xio: But there’s still dealing with the blue haired guy, huh?
Drago: For now, let’s just watch the match. We’ll worry about him later.

Meanwhile, in the ring, they have both remained in the same general area.

Veste: What’s wrong? Aren’t you goi-

In the middle of Veste’s sentence, Endull appears in front of him and thrusts with his blade. A piece of his armor chips off on the lower left part of his torso. Veste swings his maul and moves it very quickly. Endull dodges it and chips another part of his armor away, but on the opposite corner. Veste attacks again, but Endull moves out of his range to dodge it.

Endull: As I thought, you can swing that thing around quite well.
Veste: There’s no fooling you then. Though, I never planned on using cheap tricks to win.
Endull: Good.

Veste begins to swing his maul around in a circular motion. The sheer pressure starts to make Endull’s hair sway and his cloak to ruffle.

Shin: That’s some serious strength there.

Endull moves behind Veste and slashes towards the back of his head. Veste uses the momentum of his weapon to spin around quickly and smack the blade away. It is launched out of Endull’s hand and is flung towards Shin, who casually sidesteps it as it sticks in the ground where he was standing. Endull shakes his hand in pain. Veste swings at him again, but Endull back steps away from it.

Endull: Let’s try this then.

Endull’s fists become encased with ice. He charges in and then dodges another swing from Veste’s weapon. He then punches him in the chest with both fists, which shatters the ice. He retreats immediately.

Drago: That armor is hard indeed.
Shin: Endull, switch with me. This is a bad match up.
Endull: Be quiet.

Endull quickly retrieves his sword and steps back into the ring in less than a second.

Endull: It’s not over. Not even close.
Drago: Why isn’t he using Sword of the Darkness Flame? That seems more ideal in this situation.
Shin: I think Endull is looking ahead. He doesn’t want to show all his tricks to Vance. He’s not stupid though. If he has to, he will.
Dean: I can’t believe this. You’ve been fighting on this level.

Meanwhile, on Vances side, the other two have joined him. The first is a red demon that resembles a standing boar. The second is a demon that looks human man, except with fox ears. He has long pink hair and wears a black robe. The others notice that they join. Immediately, Shin starts snickering. Dean follows about a second later.

Shin: His hair is fucking PINK!
Dean: It looks ridiculous.
Shin: Hey, did someone wash your hair with pepto bismol or something?
Endull: Would you two shut the fuck up?!
Shin: Relax, man. Focus on your match.
Endull: I will if you stay quiet.
Shin: Fine.
Endull: I guess Plan A will do for you, armored demon.
Veste: Plan A?

Endull charges in full speed and attacks multiple times with his sword. The strikes do very minimal damage to the armor and then Endull backs off.

Veste: Your plan is to just keep charging in and escaping? Then how about I come to you!

Veste runs to Endull and then smashes his maul down onto the ring, cracking it severely. Endull sidesteps the attack and then suddenly, Veste’s chest plate falls off. This surprises him. Not having enough time, he immediately jumps away before Endull can strike again, leaving his weapon behind.

Veste: What the hell just happened?
Vance: He cut the rings that connected the back and front of your plate armor. I didn’t notice until it was too late though. He strikes earlier were odd. I was mistaken.

Endull steps between Veste and his weapon.

Endull: You’re not getting this back. I promise you that.
Veste: Fine.

Veste draws his other two blades, which look like this.

Veste: Let’s go.

Veste charges in again and begins slashing rapidly with both swords. Endull is keeping his distance while blocking each strike. Endull then counters with a thrust, which is sidestepped. Endull follows up with a retreating slash, which barely misses.

Drago: It seemed like Endull had the advantage, but now he’s being pushed back.
Shin: Not necessarily. He has the range advantage now. It would be stupid to let Veste get too close while dual wielding weapons.
Xio: Spacing.
Shin: Yes, Xio. Veste knows that and is trying to counter it.

Veste keeps on the offense by trying to get as close as possible. Endull keeps retreating while also trying to get his own hits in. Endull gets close to the edge of the ring and then jumps over Veste. Suddenly, as Veste goes for another attack, Endull makes a thrust that cuts his right hand, making him drop his weapons. He then does the same to the other hand as Veste tries to recover.

Shin: It’s over.
Vance: Vig, get in there. Now!

The boar-looking demon steps into the ring. Just as he does, Endull slashes Veste’s throat.

Vig: No! You cheater!
Endull: Sorry, I didn’t see you there.
Vance: You are disqualified. Veste was disqualified a full second before you attacked as Vig entered the ring before the match was over.
Endull: Damn you.
Shin: It’s okay, Endull.

Endull steps out of the ring reluctantly.

Shin: At the very least, you managed to take him out.
Endull: Yeah.
Vance: Choose your fighter.
Shin: Hold on, asshole. It’s not our fault you put Mr. Bacon in as quickly as you did. The rules never gave a time limit to how fast we had to pick a fighter.
Vance: …Fair enough.
Xio: So, it’s 2 to 2. We each have 3 people left.
Endull: We should attack now while we have the advantage. They’re all in plain sight now.
Shin: I say we keep going with this farce. We’ve been able to take advantage of the situation so far. If we can draw out the other two abilities, we can dispose of them quickly. Then we can all focus our efforts on taking out Vance.
Drago: Then you get in there, Shin. This demon seems to be the weakest of them. You can quickly win and then figure out the next one’s abilities.
Dean: I’ll do it.
Shin: What?
Dean: We need Shin at his best, even if we do outnumber them. If I can beat this one, it’ll mean the end.
Endull: And if you lose? That’s one less fighter we can use.
Dean: But of us, I’m the most expendable. I doubt I can do anything to that Vance guy if he’s as strong as Shin says.
Shin: No, Dean. I believe in you. You’re not expendable. Get in there and hand that ham his ass.
Dean: Thanks. Now, hand me my backpack.

Xio gives Dean his backpack from the ground. He takes out a giant bottle of Bacardi 151.

Shin: What the fuck are you doing?

Dean chugs the entire bottle.

Shin: Dean!
Dean: Ahh, that was good.

Dean steps into the ring. He has his spirit axe handle in his hand.

Vig: Finally.
Dean: I’m ready to go.
Vig: I’ve been ready!


Dean vs Vig, next time!

Chapter 41


Shin looks over to see that Vance is putting Veste on the ground next to him.

Shin: When did he…it must have been while we were talking it over. Either way, he moved quickly.
Drago: Does that mean he stepped onto the ring?
Shin: We shouldn’t press it. It’s not like it was against the rules between matches.
Drago: True. The rule was set in place in order to prevent double-teaming.
Xio: How are you feeling, Endull?
Endull: I’m fine.
Xio: You seem to be breathing heavy.
Shin: You did well. Catch your breath just incase.

Endull sits down.

Endull: Yeah. He was not someone we want to have to fight more than once.
Drago: You made good use of his lack of hand protection. That’s something that even human fencers do.
Endull: It’s common sense, really. You attack what’s vulnerable.
Shin: Dean, how well can you sense?
Dean: Enough to know that this guy is no joke.
Shin: Good. Take this slowly. Gauge this guy’s abilities and then…
Dean: Yeah, I get it. I’ll take it real slow. That’s exactly what I want.
Endull: Don’t tell me he’s one of those people…
Shin: What do you mean?
Vig: Enough talk. I want your blood. Master, my axe, please.

Vance picks up a large battle-axe from the ground and tosses it to him. Dean also makes his spirit axe.

Xio: So it’s a battle of axes.

They both charge at each other and clash weapons. They push against each other, but Vig is clearly overpowering Dean.

Xio: Is that axe made out of sarconium?
Endull: Probably, considering Veste’s weapon was.
Shin: With enough spirit energy, the spirit axe could break though.
Drago: But Dean is only just starting out. He’s marginally weaker than the rest of us.

Dean slides to his left to escape the power struggle. Vig hacks at Dean, but he is able to parry the strike with one of his own. With each attack, Dean gets pushed back more and more. Vig makes a strong downwards chop, which completely disrupts the flow of spirit energy and dispels the axe. The handle is also sent flying out of Dean’s hand to the edge of the ring. Vig swings again at Dean, but he ducks under it and grabs Vig’s head and knees him in the jaw. He then uppercuts Vig’s jaw and then gets low and grabs Vig by the waist.

Shin: What the fuck?

Dean is able to take Vig down and then punches him square in the face. Vig pushes Dean off with one hand, making him tumble a bit. They both stand up and Dean rushes him again. He puts his hands up in a boxer stance and throws a jab. It hits Vig’s face, making his head rock back a tiny bit. He then goes for another uppercut, but Vig kicks Dean, which sends him to the floor. Dean scurries on all fours to grab his handle and then stands up. He activates his spirit axe again as Vig stands up as well.

Shin: You’ve been learning MMA, haven’t you?

Three Months Ago…

Dean is seen with Kuwabara and they are watching a boxer fight a grappler.

Kuwabara: I’ll teach you how to control your spirit energy, sure, but it’s useless if you can’t fight as well. Urameshi gave the same advice to your friend. Only he was making it by on raw power till now. You don’t even have that.
Dean: I get it, I suck.
Kuwabara: Listen, punk. It’s not about the negatives. It’s about telling you your weakness so that you can get stronger. What I’m going to do is teach you some basics and then have you fight every fighter I have enlisted here in this club. You’re going to observe them and learn as much as you can.

Back to the present…

Endull: You were doing better without that weapon. Can’t you channel your energy another way?
Dean: Afraid not. Just with my punches and with this.
Endull: Oh boy.
Vig: You surprised me, human. I won’t fall for that again.

Dean keeps his distance and holds his axe at a defensive stance. Vig charges in and attacks, but Dean dodges it and backs away.

Vig: Don’t you run from me!

He keeps on the offensive, but Dean keeps on avoiding a direct conflict. Finally, Dean holds his ground as Vig runs and performs a downward cut. Suddenly, Vig is parried and sent sliding back. Both groups react.

Shin: What is…
Vance: Vig, be careful. His energy is rising. He was holding back all this time.
Shin: That’s not quite right. It’s more like…
Dean: LeeeEEEeeets goooo. You waaaaanna fight meeee? EHHH?!!!
Endull: I knew it. The reason he drank that alcohol. He’s just like Chu…that bastard.
Shin: Who’s that?
Endull: He’s a demon in service to my father. His demon energy rises dramatically when he becomes drunk. He’s also quite the nuisance…
Shin: Oh yeah, that sounds like Dean all right.
Xio: Shin, his power is comparable to Zheng’s right now.
Shin: I know. He’d have been a tough opponent for me three months ago. The question is…is it enough for this fight?

Meanwhile, sometime the same day, we see Kurama and Kuwabara walking side by side along a street. They both have hot beverages in hand.

Kurama: And you’re sure Dean will be okay?
Kuwabara: Ah, he’s fine. He might not be as strong as Shin, but he has a secret weapon.
Kurama: A secret weapon?
Kuwabara: At some point during his training, he went on break for about thirty minutes. When I told him that it was time to fight again, I found out that he snuck beer into the building. I thought it would be a hard lesson if he got the snot beat out of him, but his power suddenly increased drastically once the alcohol kicked in.
Kurama: You’ve got to be kidding me.
Kuwabara: I made sure he had something strong before he left. Hahahahaha!
Kurama: That’s irresponsible, Kuwabara.


Dean’s spirit axe becomes slightly larger and he charges after Vig, moving faster than he did before. He guards against Dean’s attack and they struggle once again. This time it’s more even. They break away and then Dean attacks again. Vig preemptively guards, but Dean’s trajectory changes as his body slurs a little. Vig gets cut across the chest and then backs up.

Vig: What was that angle?
Vance: Stop underestimating him. Go all out now. Have you learned nothing from the previous battles?
Vig: Yes, boss.

He focuses his demon energy just as Dean goes on the offensive again. Vig shouts and attacks as well, pushing Dean back this time. Vig then attacks with a diagonally upward slash. Dean maneuvers around it and then shoulder tackles him. It doesn’t move Vig at all, but then Dean follows up by kicking him in the shin. He then hacks at Vig, but he guards. The slash has an unusual arc again, however, and Vig gets cut on one arm.

Shin: All right, Dean!
Vance: Get ready to go in.
???: Yes, sir.

Vig overhears this and then bursts with energy and rams Dean. He topples over, but gets back on his feet quickly.

Dean: That wasn’t niiiice.
Vig: THAT’S IT!!!

Vig desperately charges at Dean and attacks again. Dean guards, but he gets the axe flung out of his hand again. Vig then slashes again. Dean dodges, but still retains a bad cut across his chest. He sits down forcibly after the cut and Vig holds up his axe. He brings it down, but Dean disappears from his sight. Vance is seen smiling.

Vance: You played right into my trap, Shin.

Shin is seen in the ring, holding Dean up. Vig turns around in surprise.

Vig: When did you…
Shin: You’ve done enough, Dean. Thanks.
Vance: Heh.
Xio: This is what he wanted? I guess he didn’t want Shin going last.
Vance: You’ve allowed me to observe too much, spirit warrior. I had a feeling that you’d bring him out to fight our weakest in order to save you for last. But that’s where you went wrong.
Shin: Maybe so. I don’t always do the right thing, but my body reacted this time. No use worrying about it now. I might not be able to get under your skin, but you sure as shit ain’t getting under mine.

Shin walks Dean to the others and leaves him with them.

Shin: Stop his bleeding immediately. I’ll take care of things here for a while.

He turns to Vig menacingly. Vig growls at him.

Shin: How ‘bout it? You ready?
Vig: Bring it, human.
Shin: I will.
Vance: Get in the-

Shin is already in front of Vig before he realizes it and gives him one strong punch to the gut. He turns around and walks back over to the ground as he falls to the floor. Vig has fallen unconscious.

Vance: Not even gonna give us the chance, huh?
Shin: Nope. Get that oversized hot dog out of my sight and get in here, one of you.
Dean: My head…Shin? Did I…win?
Shin: Yeah. You did.
Xio: How are you sober already?
Drago: Perhaps using spirit energy can burn away intoxication.

Shin turns to see Vance and the other person conversing.

Shin: So let me guess; the last guy’s name also starts with v. Maybe (English) vagina?
Xio: What’s that?
Shin: (Chinese) Vagina.
Xio: Ohhh. How do you know that word in English?
Shin: It’s a long story. We had a teacher who liked cursing in English for some reason and that was a word that came with it, I guess.
Xio: That wasn’t long at all.
Vance: Actually, his name is Vylkas.
Vylkas: Master, am I to be his next opponent?
Vance: Yes. I need you to at least weaken him. If you can win, that’s even better.
Vylkas: I see. Very well. Forsooth, I will do him in. All for you.
Vance: Thank you, Vylkas.

Vylkas steps into he ring. He walks very straight and upright and carries himself with much dignity.

Shin: I take it you have a bungee cord up your ass.
Vylkas: Forsooth, for my benevolent master…
Shin: Forsooth, I’m going to kick your bubble gum haired ass if you don’t stop talking like you came from Medieval England.

Suddenly, Vylkas’s hair flairs up and turns red.

Vylkas: LISTEN YOU LITTLE FUCKER! I’M GONNA SKULLFUCK YOU IF YOU DON’T STOP WITH THIS BULLSHIT!

Vance facepalms. Shin starts clapping.

Shin: Now, that’s more like it.

Vylkas turns back to normal.

Vylkas: I lost my composure, master. I deeply apologize.
Vance: It’s okay. Just do what you have to.
Shin: (without turning) How is he?
Drago: We’ve managed to stop his bleeding. He’ll be fine. He amazingly had some first aid in his backpack.
Shin: That’s because I put it there just in case. Now, I can fight without any worries.

Shin takes the Daichi stance.

Shin: Come at me whenever you’re ready.


Shin fights on, next time!

Chapter 42


Vylkas takes a deep breath and then rushes at Shin. Shin blocks a punch and then Vylkas spin kicks. Shin is mesmerized by his hair flying near his face, but manages to easily block the kick as well.

Shin: Woah. That’s really trippy. You know what this reminds me of? Big league chew. Any one of you ever try that shit?
Xio: Focus on the match, Shin.
Shin: I can’t focus. It’s like my childhood just flashed in front of my face.
Vylkas: Are you done talking?
Shin: I’m never done talking, so long as there’s something I can make fun of.

Vylkas punches again, but Shin counters with a punch of his own. Vylkas’ punch stops just short of Shin while Shin’s punch connects to his jaw.

Vylkas: What the…
Shin: Your arm is shorter than mine. After figuring that out, I moved ever so slightly while I was talking to get just outside your range.
Vylkas: You figured that out after just one punch?
Shin: Wait…why am I explaining myself? I just fell into a good guy trap. Oh well.
Vance: Don’t underestimate his skill. He’s not just some random powerhouse.
Vylkas: Right.
Endull: I don’t recall him being that good when we fought the other day. Don’t tell me he held back his skill.
Shin: Ah, that? I wanted to see how strong you were, since you’re more about sword fighting than hand-to-hand.
Vylkas: That’s enough talking.
Shin: Fine.

Shin appears in front of Vylkas and throws a palm strike. He is able to dodge and then high kicks. Shin ducks and moves under the kick. He then punches Vylkas in the side of the face, sending him to the floor of the ring.

Shin: Not bad so far, I guess.

Vylkas gets up immediately and his right hand becomes encased in demon energy. He punches for Shin, who back-steps out of the way, but a ball of energy emits from Vylkas’ fist. Shin bats it back to him with a palm strike and Vylkas sidesteps it. The orb flies towards Vance, who also sidesteps it. It makes a small explosion behind him.

Shin: Guys, get ready for some dodging!

Both of Vylkas’ fists get encased this time and he punches the orbs out one after another while rapidly punching at the air towards Shin. The orbs start to make irregular arcs while going towards him and begin to spread out around the ring, based on the angle of where he punches. Shin starts avoiding the ones that come towards him, but then others are there, waiting for him. He weaves in and out of the orbs, but they stop. They now surround Shin and Vylkas has his hand out.

Vylkas: You fell into my trap.

Vylkas closes his hand and they all collide where Shin is and explode on contact, causing the entire ring to smoke up. When it clears, Shin is standing in the same spot, completely unharmed. This surprises Vylkas.

Vylkas: How could you take all those explosion and be unharmed?!
Vance: He didn’t. He jumped just before they all hit him.
Shin: Shut the fuck up over there!
Vance: As I recall, you were coaching earlier as well.

Vylkas starts up his barrage again. As they spread out, Shin starts charging up his spirit gun. He releases it quickly and it blows through all the orbs in front of him and Vylkas dodges it. Vance also dodges it as it goes out of the ring. The rest of the orbs explode.

Shin: It looks like if you want to control those energy balls, you have to stay still. I bet that takes an enormous amount of focus.

Vylkas gets ready to start up again.

Shin: I wouldn’t do that again if I were you.
Vylkas: Oh? Why not?

Shin makes the spirit gun motion towards Vylkas.

Vance: Oh ho. He already figured out how to beat that as well.

Vylkas punches with both fists, but Shin releases a tiny spirit gun in the form of a small ball. It collides with one of the orbs just as it leaves his fist, exploding both right on him. Vylkas’ robe is slightly tattered now and he his bleeding on his face.

Vylkas: You…
Shin: Forsooth! I hath popped his demon balls right onto his face.

The group starts chuckling. Vylkas is shaking with anger.

Vance: Don’t give into his taunts, damn it!

He charges right at Shin. Shin puts up one hand to block an incoming punch, but Vylkas reaches into his robe and pulls out a knife. He goes to stab Shin, but he uses his other hand to smack the knife out of Vylkas’ hand. Shin then puts his finger up to Vylkas’ head, but he gets out of the way quickly before Shin has a chance to use another spirit gun.

Shin: Big clothing is easy for concealing a weapon. That trick may have worked on me before I dealt with criminals on a daily basis for months.
Vylkas: You…

Vylkas’ hair changes like before.

Vylkas: I’M GOING TO FUCK YOU SO HARD, YOUR MOTHER WON’T RECOGNIZE YOU!
Shin: There we go. Now the real battle can begin. Though it seems you didn’t want this, Vance.

Vylkas is powering up.

Xio: His energy level is skyrocketing.

Shin looks at his bare wrist, as if checking the time.

Shin: Alright, that’s enough of that.

Shin appears in front of Vylkas and punches him straight out of the ring. He crashes into the stands.

Vance: One…two…

Vylkas appears behind Shin and punches. Shin dodges and then turns around and punches. Vylkas dodges the punch and then grabs his wrist. In his other hand, his demon energy gathers rapidly. Shin makes a karate chop and hits the underside of Vylkas’ wrist. This makes him let go of Shin’s hand. Vylkas then punches forward, but Shin ducks under it. The ball goes right past Vance and explodes at the stands. Vylkas keeps punching at an even faster rate than before. They are all going linearly, however. Shin disappears and all of them go straight for Vance. He disappears as well and then reappears next to the group, surprising them.

Endull: What the hell is your flunky doing?
Vance: Vylkas is attacking without any thought of consequence.

Vance goes back to his original spot. Meanwhile, Vylkas continues his assault by taking the fight to close quarters. He keeps punching as Shin dodges each one. Finally, Vylkas steps back and then releases a wave of energy that outlines his body towards Shin. Shin holds one hand out and a shield of spirit energy comes out to block it. The shield dispels, but Shin is left unharmed.

Shin: That’s some serious power there.

Shin takes the Ten stance as Vylkas rushes in to attack again. He flails overhand with his right arm. Shin blocks it high and palm strikes Vylkas in the chest simultaneously. He slides back and then rushes straight back in. Shin dodges a kick, but then Vylkas sends a trail of energy with the arc of his kick. Shin jumps over it and Vylkas punches three times while he is in mid air. Three energy balls land and explode on Shin. Shin slides back and grunts.

Shin: You managed to get a hit on me. Not bad. If you could keep your cool, you would have been Vance’s best.
Vylkas: SHUT THE FUCK UP! I AM HIS GREATEST FOLLOWER!
Shin: That’s not exactly hard since Veste is dead.

Shin turns to Vance as Vylkas rushes Shin again. Without even looking at him, he is dodging each punch and kick. Shin maintains a focus on Vance.

Shin: (While dodging) I understand why you didn’t want him to use this…yet. You were trying to stall me as much as possible to wear me out as much as possible. I figured I couldn’t just flatten him right away, so I’ve paced myself. Even now, his durability is persistent.
Vance: What will you do then?
Shin: I’m about to end this fight. You made one mistake when you took Veste off the ring.

Shin jumps back and Vylkas follows. Shin takes hold of Veste’s maul, which was still lying there. He then channels some spirit energy through it and swings it extremely fast. It lands to the side of Vylkas’ head. The cracking sound that is heard makes Xio shriek. The rest of them cringe. Vylkas flies out of the ring.

Shin: Oooh shit; that sounded horrible. That’s gonna haunt my dreams for the next few days.
Vance: Damn you.
Shin: Sorry, but I think I shattered his skull. My bad.
Drago: He swung that thing effortlessly. Such strength.
Shin: You should not have brought him here. If he could learn to control that strength without losing his shit, he would have been a very powerful ally for you. Not that it matters. Because we’re going to put you under just as we did your people.
Vance: You’re right. It was a mistake to bring him here. Like you, I also don’t always make the correct decision. But like you said earlier, I can’t worry about that decision.
Shin: I hate to admit it, but we’re the same in some ways. Only, you won’t tell me why we’re fighting. What is the difference between us? What is this all for? You’re a human, right? Why are you trying to resurrect the Dark Tournament?
Vance: Human? Yes, I am. I have nothing personal against you, Shin. It’s true that we share some qualities. But that does not mean anything. You think because we’re both human that we should fight on the same side? Humans fight each other all the time.
Endull: Don’t tell me that you want to get your hands on Chapter Black.
Vance: Hah, what would that accomplish? Pick up a history book and you can learn all about the vile things that humans have done. I do not seek such knowledge.
Shin: Then what the fuck is this all about?
Vance: I still see no point in telling you.

Vance steps onto the ring with his arms crossed.

Shin: So you’re telling me that this hidden reason is so strong that you can’t back down, even after losing all your people?
Vance: That’s correct.

Vance puts one fist up.

Vance: Ready yourself. I’m going to give back to you all the pain you inflicted on Vig and Vylkas.


To be continued…

Chapter 43


Shin: Very well, Vance. I will accept your challenge.
Endull: That bastard. Let’s kill him right now. He’s of no use to us alive.

Drago pats Endull on the shoulder.

Drago: No, it’s okay. This is going to work out just fine.

Suddenly, Vance’s eyes widen with surprise.

Vance: What…what are you doing?
Shin: What am I doing?

Shin then realizes that Vance is not looking at him, but past him. He then hears a step sound. He turns around to see that Drago has just stepped onto the ring. Shin’s surprise also mirror’s Vance’s.

Shin: Drago.
Drago: That’s enough, Shin. Taking out two of them will suffice.
Shin: I can still fight.
Drago: You don’t have to worry anymore. I know his power frightens you.
Vance: It’s too late. He’s already forced your disqualification.
Drago: (whispering) Rest, Shin. If he runs, we’re going to need you after this fight is over.
Shin: (whispering) I see. So that was your plan. I’ll leave it to you.

Shin leaves the ring and sits down next to Endull. He tosses the maul aside.

Endull: What is he doing?
Shin: I’m not entirely sure, but we need to be ready to deal with the situation at any moment.
Vance: I understand that you want him to rest. You’re all going to attack me, yes? But why wait? What if I kill you right here? Then you’re another person short. The drunken fool can’t fight in his condition. You’re risking a lot.
Drago: It might look that way, but I assure you, this is the scenario that I wanted all along.
Vance: You’re saying you wanted to be the one to fight me. But why? You might be stronger than the drunk and the girl, but in terms of the ambient power that you exude, it’s weaker than both Shin’s and Endull’s. And it doesn’t seem like you’re actively suppressing your power either.
Shin: Endull, you trained with Drago for the last few months. Do you know what he could be hiding?
Endull: No.
Vance: Well, I’m ready to fight. Are you?
Drago: I will be in just a moment. You will know when I’m ready. Before that, I have just one question for you.
Vance: Make it quick.

Drago claps his hands together. His pupils begin to thin out horizontally and stretch vertically. Drago smiles maniacally.

Drago: (dark voice) You’re about to see a rare sight. Are you ready to see a power long considered ancient?

Immediately, smoke erupts from Drago and covers the entire ring. Suddenly, all that smoke is forcibly blown away and what we see is this form. *Click Here*

Vance: What?!
Endull: I don’t believe it.
Shin: Drago is a…dragon. Well, that makes too much sense.

Drago lets loose a fire breath that encompasses the entire ring in front of him. After it passes, Vance is nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, he lands on the ring.

Shin: He took my idea of jumping. Bastard.

The ring on Vance’s index finger glows and then he appears in front of Drago. He lands a punch to his stomach and pushes him back a little bit, but not enough to really budge him.

Vance: Even with this ring, I’m still not doing much damage at all?!

Drago swipes at Vance with a claw, but he backs up out of the way to avoid it. The ring around his index finger stops glowing and the one around his ring finger glows. He launches forth a beam of ice from his right hand. Drago counters with a concentrated fire breath that struggles against the ice beam. The fire starts to overtake the ice when Vance puts his second hand into the mix and fires off a second ice beam. The fire is still overtaking his beam, however.

Vance: This can’t…be happening!

Vance releases his beam and gets out of the way of the fire’s path. He then takes two fingers and electricity begins to gather in them. He fires a bolt of electricity at Drago. It lands and shocks him, but does not seem to faze him much. Drago brings one claw straight down on Vance, but he is able to get out of the way in time. The blow smashes the ring in two. The ring finger ring stops glowing and the one on his middle finger does instead. He starts powering up.

Shin: His power is still rising?!
Xio: I’ve never seen anything like this.
Endull: To think he was one of them.

Drago swipes with his tail to stop Vance from powering up. Vance jumps over the tail and then concentrates his energy into both hands. He releases a purple energy beam at Drago. Drago jumps high into the air and spreads his wings. He begins to fly high into the air. The sun now blocks the view of him.

Vance: What is he…!

Suddenly, we see Drago drop in altitude rapidly while spinning.

Shin: Guys! We need to get out of here!

Shin grabs Dean and they immediately get out of the vicinity of the ring. Vance also jumps away from the ring as Drago crashes straight into it with all four limbs at the last second of his drop. The impact destroys the ring, sending rubble flying everywhere. The impact also sends a shockwave that blows everyone away.

Shin: Damn it, Drago!

Vance hits a wall and then stands up after falling.

Vance: This is too much. I’m getting out of here.

Vance disappears and reappears where Veste’s body is. He grabs Veste. Just then, Endull and Shin appear behind him.

Endull and Shin: No you don’t!

Vance’s index ring glows and he quickly spin kicks, knocking both Shin and Endull away. Vance then jumps out of the arena in one bound. *Music Stops* After a few seconds, Drago’s body glows white and he immediately shrinks down to normal size. His kusarigama is on the ground and he picks it up.

Drago: Damn. He got away.
Shin: Holy fuckballs, Drago. Why didn’t you tell us you were a fucking DRAGON?!
Drago: Hehe, well you would have found out when we fought the Kenbushin clan, but you showed up at just the right time.
Endull: Come to think of it…
Drago: And there’s a specific reason why I wasn’t quite ready to reveal that yet.
Endull: Drago, you have no idea what your clan looks like now, do you?
Drago: No.
Endull: I’m not sure how to say this other than how it is. They’ve been extinct for over a hundred years.
Drago: I thought as much. I thought it was odd that no one even tried looking for me after a while. But I was too afraid to find out. How did they go?
Endull: They tried to rebel against King Raizen.
Drago: The Dragon clan was peaceful for many years. But just before I left, things seemed to change. They were…dissatisfied with living isolated from everyone else. They wanted more land, more territory. I guess it finally became too much for them.
Xio: That’s so sad.
Shin: Back to the matter at hand, Vance is gone. I can sense that he is already leaving the island. There’s no chance of catching up now. It seems as though Veste is alive as well.
Drago: How is that possible?
Endull: I take the blame for that. My sword is not optimized for cutting, and I did not slash very hard. It must have not cut deep enough.
Shin: There’s one other that is alive, but not for long.

They turn to Vig, who is still unconscious.

Endull: That’s because you-
Dean: It’s okay. I know I didn’t win. I appreciate you trying to make me feel better. But my mind was not entirely lost.
Shin: I see. My bad. Would you like to finish him off?
Dean: No, I don’t deserve it.
Shin: Very well. Endull?
Endull: With pleasure.

Endull thrusts his sword through Vig’s throat, ending his life.

Shin: I…don’t suppose he would be edible if cooked?
Endull: That’s deplorable, Shin.
Xio: Gross!
Shin: It was a joke!
Dean: Pair it with a good beer and I’m sure even he would taste all right. Gwahaha!
Shin: You’d pair beer with beer.
Dean: Yeah, I would.

They leave the arena and go to the shore. They stare at the boat for a few seconds before looking at each other.

Xio: So…anyone know how to drive one of those things?

No one answers.

Shin: Hey, Drago. Can you fly us back?
Drago: Unfortunately, my wings are rusty. I haven’t transformed in over a hundred years. I was barely able to fly as much as I did.
Shin: Shit. Wait, I know. Koenma can teleport us.
Endull: I don’t think that’s how his warping ability works.
Shin: Really?
Dean: I could try it out.
Shin: Friends don’t let friends drink and drive.
Dean: Do boat DUIs even exist?
Shin: I don’t think I want to find out.
Endull: Perhaps I could try.
Shin: You mistook a car for a creature. I’m not entrusting a piece of human technology to you.
Xio: I don’t even know how to drive a car.
Drago: I can’t say I’m confident enough to know how to do it.
Shin: Fine. The responsibility is up to me. Everyone get on the fucking boat.

They all stand on the boat and pull up the anchor. Shin puts his foot up against it and pushes. The boat is sent skidding out to sea where it starts floating away. Shin bends down and jumps towards the boat. Unfortunately, he overshoots the boat and lands in the water in front of it. Eventually, he makes it back on board.

Shin: Damn it.
Endull: Nice job.
Shin: So I misjudged the distance. Big deal.

Shin goes inside the captain’s room. Xio is with him. They look at all the buttons and levers.

Xio: That’s really complicated!
Shin: Yeah. How hard can it be? So, this is the ignition.
Xio: How can you tell?
Shin: It says “ignition”.

Shin pulls the lever and the motor kicks on.

Xio: Yay!
Shin: Now, let’s see if we can give this fucker some gas.

After careful studying…

Shin: I see. Here we go.

Suddenly, the boat begins speeding up at rapid speeds. Its front end starts to pop up into the air and we see Xio fly backwards and hit the wall in the back of the room.

Xio: Slow down!
Shin: I’m trying!

He manages to get the boat to a coasting motion again.

Xio: The others were outside. I hope they’re okay.

They hear the sound of barfing in the distance.

Shin: Yeah, they’re okay.

A few hours later, the boat is moving at a steady speed towards the dock where they initially left.

Xio: Oh thank the maker.

They throw down the anchor as soon as possible and are able to park the vehicle. They all get off the docks. Dean is holding his stomach while everyone else (sans Shin) looks sick in the face.

Shin: You know, I think I got the hang of it for the last 30 or so minutes.
Endull: That’s two and a half hours too late.
Xio: I think we found a way to beat Vance easily.
Shin: Oh, quit your whining. I got us back, didn’t I? Why don’t you guys go on ahead? I need to find a safe place to put this thing in case we need it again. Anyone want to come with me?

They all immediately run away. Shin turns to get back on the boat, but stops. He turns around to see Koenma standing there.

Shin: I don’t suppose you’re willing to go with me.
Koenma: Let’s go.
Shin: Bitchin’.

Shin starts to drive it away.

Shin: So, how’d we do?
Koenma: You finished the task, at the very least. As for Vance getting away, that was unfortunate.
Shin: I was really hoping to be rid of him. He’s smart. I have a feeling he’s going to be a problem down the road if he isn’t put down.
Koenma: You’re correct. The real reason I’m here is to tell you about the source of his power.
Shin: You mean his rings?
Koenma: Yes. I wasn’t sure before his fight with Drago, but now I’m positive of what he is.


Koenma sheds light on the mysterious Vance?!

Chapter 44


Shin parks the boat on what seems like a deserted island. It’s very tiny, not much larger than the boat itself.

Koenma: How did you find this place?
Shin: Juste and I used to paddle out here all the time. It was like a best kept secret for us. The boat will be safe here, as long as I place some kind of trap on it.
Koenma: I see.
Shin: So, go on. Let’s hear about this mysterious asshole.
Koenma: Those rings are three of four that exist. They are rings of power that were forged by the dragons. It is said that once someone puts them on, they can never be taken off until death. How they ended up in the hands of a human, I don’t know.
Shin: I see. So then, that’s why he has both types of energy. Those rings give him a form of demon energy.
Koenma: Yes.
Shin: But wait. That means that before he had those rings, he was like me. Why wasn’t he considered for spirit detective?
Koenma: That’s where things get complicated. I usually can detect people with high spirit awareness. But I had no idea he existed until recently. I don’t know how.
Shin: He’s not willing to part with any information. He’s hostile and he sides with hostile demons. I wonder what humans did to him.
Konema: He said he wasn’t interested in Chapter Black, right? There has to be something else.
Shin: You said there are four rings. Do you know where that last one is?
Koenma: No, but we are going to resume our search for it. We gave us a very long time ago looking for them. But now that we have confirmed three, we can be sure Vance is also looking for the fourth one.
Shin: The first ring gave him enhanced physical ability. The second seemed to give him enhanced energy and the other one gave him elemental powers. Do we know what the last one does?
Koenma: Nothing other than it is the most dangerous of them all.
Shin: One thing is clear then. I need to get even stronger. My time in China was good for my skill and it did increase my power. But now that I’m home with people around my power tier, I can increase my strength a lot quicker.
Koenma: Yes. You have the right idea.
Shin: By the way, how DOES your teleport power work?
Koenma: I can move between worlds freely so long as I have an anchor point.
Shin: Anchor point? You mean like a spirit energy signal?
Koenma: Yes. That anchor point is you, Shin. I can only use one person for it to work consistently.
Shin: So then, you can’t just move anywhere.
Koenma: No.
Shin: Then what about when we first met?
Koenma: Oh, that. Yeah, I got in trouble for that one.
Shin: Trouble?
Koenma: With my father, of course.
Shin: I see. I guess you can’t use that very often.
Koenma: Oh yeah. That’s a stretch.
Shin: Well, I’d better get back home before it gets dark.
Koenma: Yes. Keep at it, Shin. You’re doing great.

Koenma warps away. Some time passes and we see Shin swimming to the dock where he let the others off. He climbs up and then stands up. All of the sudden, as he stands, there is a sharp pain.

Shin: My back! I’m just now getting the effects of overdoing it today? This is not good.

He starts to walk back home, slowly. Xio eventually finds him and joins him.

Xio: You’re all wet. What happened? And why are you walking like that?
Shin: I…need to get home. My injury is more severe than I thought.

Shin falls on one knee.

Xio: Is it from your fight with Vance?
Shin: (In pain) Yes. He managed to nearly crack my spine. I thought I was okay, but now everything is catching up with me. Damn.

Xio picks Shin up.

Xio: Don’t worry. This time I’ll help you.
Shin: Xio…thanks.

She carries him home. Just outside of the house, she puts him down.

Shin: I need you to distract them. No, wait. They’re not even home. That makes this easier.

Later that night, Shin is lying on his bed, face down.

Shin: Just when I thought I could train properly. This sucks.
Xio: What are you going to do?
Shin: I have my own way of training while I can’t move much.
Xio: I see.

Shin sits up and props himself against the wall. He closes his eyes and focuses.

Xio: What are you doing?
Shin: I’m using my spirit energy to sense as far as I possibly can. Doing this may not increase my physical body, but it will help my spirit energy’s power and stamina if I continue to do this while healing.
Xio: Oh, I get it.
Shin: No threats in the area. That’s good at least. Now, time for sleep. I’ll continue this tomorrow.

The next day, the five of them are in Hiro City, on top of a skyscraper. Shin is sitting down, Indian style, with his eyes closed as before. The other four are sparring with each other, training.

Dean: It’s been four hours. He hasn’t moved a muscle. Could he have fallen asleep?
Drago: It’s possible, but his focus is still there. I can sense a constant output of spirit energy from him. If he can manage to do that while sleeping, that would be impressive.
Endull: He should have told us he was injured before fighting the way he did.
Shin: Yes, it was my mistake. I didn’t want to lose any morale for the team and so I toughed it out.
Xio: So you’re not sleeping after all.
Shin: No. I’m just losing focus because I’m getting hungry and I need to take a piss break. Wait.
Endull: What?
Shin: A demon just stepped into my range.
Endull: Where?
Shin: That way. *Points*

The four of them leave immediately.

Shin: Hmm…if I piss off this building, could it potentially kill someone?

Following the other four, they are at ground level. They face off against a red demon. Another one joins shortly after.

Drago: Two of them. We can gang up on them two vs one.
Xio and Dean: Wait.

Xio and Dean look at each other with the same realization.

Dean: Heh, so you feel the same as me.
Xio: Of course.
Endull: …
Dean: We lost our matches. We need to redeem ourselves.
Endull: Fine. If you die, it’ll be none of my business.
Xio: That’s fine.

Drago and Endull step back as Dean and Xio step forward. Shin reacts to this from afar. He smiles.

Shin: Those two…I don’t have to worry about them. At their levels…

We see Xio and Dean cutting through their respective demons. Both of them have the same facial expression. Their teeth are tightly grit and their eyes are intensified. Their losses flash in their minds and then shatter.

Dean and Xio: I’ll get stronger and stand beside those three.
Shin: The only question is…what was the presence of those two for? It seemed deliberate. Were they scouts? I don’t imagine Vance will show himself just yet if this is his doing. Thanks to Drago, he was forced to retreat from that territory. If I were in his shoes…I would be trying to find a way to defeat the dragon form. But those demons aren’t enough to coax him into transforming. Hmm…

The four eventually return to Shin.

Shin: Dean. I have a new regiment for you. It’s clear what you lack right now.
Dean: Great. Let’s begin then!
Shin: But first…

Shin’s holding his crotch.

Shin: I really have to piss. Can someone help me off this fucking building?

An hour later, the five of them are out in a field just outside the city. Shin is still sitting down.

Shin: Ah, now my stomach is full and my bladder is empty.
Dean: Let’s train now, damn it! I want to get stronger.
Shin: Right. Well, we’re not going to be working so much on your strength. You can train that on your own time. Recall your battle with Vig and then remember what I did to him. What was the deciding difference between us?
Dean: Speed. He couldn’t follow your movements at all.
Shin: Yes. But in a battle of speed, you two were nearly equal. I can’t forcibly increase your own body speed. But what I can do is increase your reaction time to fighters much faster than you.
Dean: I see.
Shin: Your reaction time will also increase your movement efficiency, which is a temporary answer to your problem. You will have to get faster eventually, so you’ll need to run or learn how to use your spirit energy to forcibly move quicker. But for now, while I’m here, we’re going to focus on reaction timing.
Endull: I see. He thought of an optimal training routine for Dean after seeing him fight once.
Dean: But, Shin. You’re still injured. You can’t fight for real.
Shin: Heh. I don’t need to move to do this one. It’s time to play some baseball, Dean. Make your axe.

Dean does. He then realizes something.

Dean: Don’t tell me…
Shin: Finally catching on? If you get it, get in the right stance.

Dean takes a batter’s stance and holds his axe like a baseball bat. Shin puts out one finger and shoots a small bullet. It zips right past Dean before he has any time to react. He becomes surprised at this.

Shin: As for Xio, I leave her to you two. A demon will know best how to draw out a demon’s full potential.
Endull: As if we have enough time to do that. We have to make ourselves stronger.
Shin: I’m sure you can find a way to do both, like I am doing.
Endull: Damn it, Shin.
Drago: Now now, Endull. I’m sure if Xio’s potential is drawn out, we can train even more effectively. So in the long run, it may be beneficial to you.
Endull: We’ll see.

Shin shoots another one while Dean isn’t paying attention. Once again, it goes by before he can react.

Shin: You also let your guard down too quickly. If you’re going to fight drunk, I’m going to force your body to remember it even if your mind is in the shitter.

Later that day, it is twilight and Dean is sweating. Shin is also sweating. He shoots a bullet. It zips by Dean, but he swings his axe a second after it passes him.

Dean: Damn.
Shin: Your reactions have improved at the very least. We’re done.

Dean lowers his weapon when Shin shoots one more by Dean. Dean cannot react in time.

Dean: Shit!
Shin: You’ll get it. For now, rest. I can tell you are barely able to maintain that axe.

The spirit axe dissipates and Dean takes a deep breath. The other three approach Shin and Dean.

Shin: How did it go on your end?
Xio: Almost there.
Shin: By the way, Drago, we need to talk. It is probably best if you all listened to this as well.

They all sit down in a semi-circle. Shin tells them the information that Koenma gave. After Shin stops talking, Drago seems to have a headache.

Drago: …I remember.
Shin: I had a suspicion that you would.
Drago: The mission they gave me. It was to destroy those rings.
Endull: What? After they were the ones that made them?
Drago: They became weapons of war that were always sought after. Demons would kill each other to acquire them, since the demon energy attaches to whoever puts them on.
Xio: So, your clan regretted ever making them.
Drago: Shin, thanks to you, I remembered what it is that I’m supposed to do. It may be late, but I can still fulfill my clan’s final wish.
Shin: I’ll do whatever I can to help you. Besides…

The look on Shin’s face changes. He smiles, but with a certain intensity.

Shin: I want to crush Vance with everything I have.
Dean: Well said.
Shin: We need to anticipate his next move. Drago, I have no doubts that Vance has no one else but you on his mind. He thinks like me, as far as I can tell. He’s probably agonizing, thinking of your weakness and a way to beat your dragon form.
Drago: Well, in that state, I become much slower. But my durability and power skyrocket. I suppose I’m also a bigger target and have more blind spots.
Shin: In other words, he’s going to be thinking of how to increase his offense in order to break that durability.
Endull: But while he’s thinking about how to beat Drago, we’ll be thinking about how to beat him.
Shin: Drago, you gave us a lot of valuable data by forcing him to show a lot of his tricks. Let’s get some sleep tonight and we’ll think more tomorrow.

Some hours later, we see that Xio is asleep, but Shin is not in the room. He is out, walking, albeit slowly. He suddenly stops as he sees Yusuke in front of him.

Yusuke: Yo.
Shin: Mr. Urameshi.
Yusuke: Nice night.
Shin: Heh. Yeah.
Yusuke: Something tells me you’re not out here on some pleasure walk.
Shin: I’m not sure what that something is, but you should tell it to shut the fuck up.
Yusuke: Hah. Let me guess; you took a tough loss recently. You look injured.
Shin: Yes. After all my training in China, my first real fight back here and I realized how much power I still lack.
Yusuke: I see.
Shin: Did you ever have an enemy that you just felt so frustrated at your own weakness?
Yusuke: Mmm…well, my fight against Toguro wasn’t exactly a cakewalk. I learned a lot of hard lessons before I was strong enough to defeat him. Eh, but you’re different.
Shin: Hmm? How so?
Yusuke: I had to have people tell me what was wrong with me.

Yusuke hears Genkai’s voice calling him a slacker in his head.

Yusuke: Maybe it was my age or my ignorance. You think differently from me. I haven’t known you long, but during the week that we trained, I saw something different in you. I gave you a direction, but you figured out the details yourself. You saw the shotgun twice and used your own failures in order to get it right without me having to tell you what you did wrong. I told you that you needed to learn how to fight and you decided exactly how to follow through on that.
Shin: Mr. Urameshi…
Yusuke: You should already know where I’m going with this, but I’ll say it anyway. You might not have the natural born power that I have, but you have the intelligence and tenacity to figure out how to rise to the next level. But beyond that, like me, you have a team that you can fall back on when you’re not strong enough.
Shin: …You’re right. Thank you.
Yusuke: Damn it. If you’re going to try to be my replacement, at least be somewhat disrespectful to your elders.
Shin: And get the shit kicked out of me while I’m injured? Have you gone senile already?
Yusuke: There you go, you bastard!

They both start chuckling together.

Shin: I should get going. I have a lot of training to do.

Shin walks away. Yusuke grins.

Yusuke: The overgrown toddler picked the right guy for sure.


With Yusuke’s pep talk, Shin’s feelings no longer waver. The struggle for power continues!

Chapter 45


The next morning comes and Xio wakes up to see that Shin is not there as usual. As she goes downstairs, he’s not there either.

Xio: Not again.

The rest of the group makes it to the field to see that Shin is there already.

Xio: Shin, what time did you get here?
Shin: Hmm? Ah, good morning, you all.

Shin looks at them and we see that his eyes are droopy.

Drago: Have you been training all night?
Shin: Maaaaybe?
Endull: You bastard. Trying to get ahead of me, are you?
Shin: I couldn’t sleep last night, so I decided to use my time wisely.
Xio: That’s not the point. You won’t heal properly if you don’t get rest.
Shin: I know that. What are you going to do, knock me out?
Xio: Maybe I should.
Shin: We have training to do. Dean needs me right now. Besides, even in my state, I’m more than capable of defending myself from you.
Xio: Grrr...say that again!
Drago: Now, now. Let’s go, Xio. We have work to do.

Xio, Endull and Drago walk away nearby.

Xio: What’s his problem anyway?
Endull: If you couldn’t tell what he was doing, then maybe you don’t deserve to know.
Drago: Endull, relax. He was egging you on, on purpose. He wants you to bring out your potential as a demon and so he was trying to motivate you.
Xio: Uh…that’s nice and all. But didn’t you just ruin it by telling me?
Drago: Hmm…maybe.
Endull: You’re too laid back, Drago. She’s not going to learn by being coddled.
Drago: You have a point.

Dean: Shin, I’m worried about you.
Shin: Worried?
Dean: I know it’s you, and that you’re more reliable than I am. But not sleeping doesn’t sound like you anymore.
Shin: Yeah, it doesn’t. I got too excited, is all.
Dean: Excited?
Shin: Enough of this. We can’t waste any time.

Dean makes his axe and stands in his batter position.

Shin: By the way, this shot is going to be different.
Dean: How so?
Shin: If you don’t react to this one…you’ll die.
Dean: What?!

Shin aims his spirit gun right at Dean. This shot is larger than all of the ones the previous day. Suddenly, the ball curves away from his body and Dean swings just a fraction of a second late.

Shin: Strike!
Dean: I thought I was a goner.
Shin: That reaction was the best yet. Do you understand now?
Dean: Yes, I think so.
Shin: Swing as though your life depends on your reaction timing. It’s going to be ingrained into your muscles. Did you think I just spent the night doing nothing but training? I was also thinking about how to improve your training.
Dean: Shin…I’m sorry that I judged you. But don’t ever joke around like that again!
Shin: My bad. It had to be done to make you understand, but I know it was a bit cruel.
Dean: Jeez, this is something Juste would do. Why did you both have to be so alike?
Shin: Did you say something?
Dean: Don’t worry about it. Let’s go.

A few hours pass and it is noon. Shin shoots a bullet and Dean is able to hack through it.

Shin: That’s the second one so far. Nice job.
Dean: I’m doing it.
Shin: Time for a break.

Shin lies down and less than a minute later, he is snoring.

Dean: He was really tired, but he stuck through for me.

Koenma appears at this time.

Koenma: I see the training is going well, Dean.
Dean: Yes.
Koenma: That’s good, because I have another mission ready. I’m going to get the others.

A minute later, the other three are lined up with Dean. They are a fair distance away from Shin.

Endull: Another mission, you say.
Koenma: You four will be going to Tokyo. There is a rising demon faction there and I fear they’re getting out of hand. In the last few days, ten humans have been killed. Before that, there had been no casualties. I wanted to wait till Shin recovered, but this has now become urgent.
Drago: Are you saying that we’ll be leaving Shin behind?
Koenma: Yes, I am. If he pushes his physical state too hard, he could do some permanent damage to his spine. I purposely waited till a moment like this to tell you this. You can’t let him know where you’re going. If he finds out, he may try to interfere.
Dean: I think so as well. He works harder than anyone else, and it’ll bother him too much if we’re out there and he’s not.
Xio: He’ll find out eventually. His detective skills are amazing.
Koenma: Just do the best you can.
Endull: Very well. I accept this mission.
Koenma: Endull, I’m leaving you in charge.
Endull: As you should.
Koenma: I’ll let you know more tomorrow. You need to rest up before the mission. As a reference, each of these demons is stronger than Vance’s subordinates. You’ll need all your strength for this.
Endull: Understood.

An hour later, Shin wakes up.

Shin: Ahhh, I feel like shiiit!
Endull: We need to talk.
Shin: You got her pregnant already? How long was I asleep for?
Xio: Shut up, asshole. This is important.
Endull: We’re going on a mission.
Shin: What? Already? I’m not sure I’m ready for that.
Drago: Yes, we know.
Shin: Hmm, I see. You’re going without me.
Dean: Sorry.
Shin: It’s cool. Where ya going?
Xio: It’s a secret. We can’t tell you.
Shin: I get it. Don’t worry; I won’t pry. You don’t want me knowing so that I don’t try to get involved.
Xio: See? He already figured out almost everything and he’s half asleep.
Shin: Koenma put you guys up to it, so I’ll trust him. And I know that if you guys get into hot water, there’s always that dragon form.
Drago: Koenma was wrong about you.
Shin: Not exactly. It’s good that you don’t tell me where you’re going. Anyway, let’s go get some fucking food.

Later that day, Shin is standing in front of Koenma and Juste in Spirit World.

Koenma: So, you’re not mad?
Shin: Nah. I have more training to do anyway.
Koenma: About that. I want you to keep as low of a profile as possible while your team isn’t around to help you.
Shin: I see.
Juste: Spend some time with Mom and Dad. They probably need it.
Shin: You’re right.
Juste: You’re standing right now. Are you in pain?
Shin: A little. By the time they get back, I should be fine to go 100% again.
Juste: Good. I saw how you handled Dean’s training. I don’t disagree with your methods. He always needs a hard shove to do anything.
Shin: You got that right.
Juste: I am a bit worried about him. How much do you trust Endull to keep him safe?
Shin: He’s an asshole, but he’ll get the job done. As long as Dean stays close to him and Drago, he’ll be fine.
Juste: I’ll trust your judgment. By the way, did you control the spirit gun after it was released?
Shin: No, I put a spin on it as I released it.
Juste: Huh? You can do that?
Shin: Eh? You can’t?
Juste: W-well I never said I couldn’t. I just haven’t tried it.
Shin: Try it.
Koenma: NOT in my office! Go to the training room!

They go into the training room that they sparred in at the beginning of Shin’s training.

Shin: I just manipulated the energy as it was coming out. It should be pretty easy for you at your level.

Juste aims his spirit gun and shoots it. The blast does curve a bit and change trajectory.

Juste: Huh. Is this something you learned in China?
Shin: Yeah. Turns out spirit energy is pretty hard to control once it’s out.
Juste: Amazing.
Shin: But…this is just a temporary solution. The real work is still ahead of me.
Juste: Heh. Well, good luck with that.

Shin is back in the human world not long after. He is eating dinner with Xio and his parents.

Jaide: So, you’re going to Hokkaido for a job interview, huh? Very interesting.
Xio: Yes. I hope it goes well.
Neo: Will you be going too, Shin?
Shin: No. I have other plans.

Neo makes a face at Shin that looks strained.

Neo: You’re missing your chance, Son!
Shin: I know exactly what you’re thinking with that face. You’re trying to tell me that this is my chance to make a move on her.

Shin retorts also with a strained face.

Shin: Shut the fuck up.
Neo: That was the “shut the fuck up” face.
Xio: What are you two doing?
Jaide: Men are so fucking stupid, trying to talk without words.
Shin: It’s called body language, you dumb bitch.
Jaide: What did you just call me?!

Jaide stands up and goes to slap Shin. This slap is in slow motion to Shin, but suddenly, he seems surprised.

Shin: Wait a second.

The slap leaves a small mark on his face.

Shin: I didn’t notice it before, but I was keeping my sensing close to me without thinking about it. What I sensed just now was some latent energy from her.

Shin glares at Jaide for a fraction of a second but then his face turns to normal immediately.

Shin: No, I can’t say anything. At that level, it’s untrained and accidental. She likely doesn’t know a thing. But I guess it does explain why Juste and I both had spirit awareness.
Xio: You messed up, Shin.
Shin: Yeah, looks like it.

After dinner, Xio is packing while the other three are still downstairs.

Shin: About when I said I have plans. Why don’t we go to the school festival tomorrow?
Jaide: You mean, us?
Shin: You’re the only ones here, right? Alumni get free entry and I’ll just pay for you two and everything we eat or buy there.
Neo: Shin…we’d love to go.
Jaide: Yeah.
Shin: At the very least, the professor will be there. No way anyone would get away with attacking the place. Besides, I get to harass all the third years. Anyway, that’s what I wanted to tell you, so I’ll go help Xio pack.

Shin goes upstairs.

Neo: You don’t have to hold back.
Jaide: *Sniff* You too.
Neo: *Sniff*

Xio: Hey, Shin.
Shin: You need help packing, right?
Xio: Nope, I already finished. It won’t be a long trip.
Shin: I see. So then, were you able to draw it out today?
Xio: Mhmm! Wanna see?
Shin: Yeah.

A few moments later…

Shin: Nice. I knew it was a good idea to Endull and Drago in charge of that.
Xio: Mama didn’t have anyone like that to help her. And besides, she wasn’t focused on fighting.
Shin: With “comrades” like Zheng, I can see that.
Xio: Your posture looks better. You’re not walking funny anymore.
Shin: Yeah, well, I’m trying to keep up appearances. I can’t let them know I’m hurt. Though, yesterday I couldn’t really do that.
Xio: Yeah. Tell me for real. Are you really okay with us going without you?
Shin: …No. I’m not. Not at all.

Shin sits down on his bed.

Shin: I know it has to be done this way. But it sucks.
Xio: You’re thinking about it too much. Just be honest with how you feel. You don’t have to hide it.
Shin: Yeah. Well, this will give me some time to reflect instead of training.

Meanwhile, in Spirit World…

Juste: You could have had Yusuke heal him or you yourself could have done it.
Koenma: Yes. I’m just glad Yusuke went along with me on this one.
Juste: As I suspected. The reason for this wasn’t because of his injury.
Koenma: Shin needs to learn how to rest. Most people need the motivation to work harder. Shin works too hard sometimes.
Juste: I can’t argue there.
Koenma: Shin is a lot stronger than he thinks. He hasn’t been at 100% in a very long time because he is always training.
Juste: When Shin recovers fully, he’ll be pleasantly surprised at how strong he is. That’ll make him see the results of resting. He can’t argue with results. That’s what you’re saying, ultimately.
Koenma: Correct.

The next day, Shin is still sleeping, but Xio is up.

Xio: Now there’s a rare sight. He didn’t get any real sleep yesterday, so that makes sense.

She has breakfast with Shin’s parents and then leaves the house.

Xio: Say goodbye to Shin for me.
Neo: You sure you don’t want us to wake him?
Xio: No thanks. He needs the sleep.
Neo: Okay. You take care.

Xio waits outside for a few minutes when a van comes through. The back window rolls down and Dean sticks his head out.

Dean: Yoooo!
Xio: Hehe. Hello, Dean.

Xio gets in shotgun while Dean and Drago are in the middle row. Endull is in the back by himself. The person driving is a man wearing a business suit and sunglasses.

Driver: Good morning, miss.
Xio: Uh, hey. Who is this?
Drago: Apparently he works for Kazuma Kuwabara.
Xio: I see.
Dean: It’s time for a rooooooooad trip!
Xio: He’s already drunk?
Endull: This is a waste of time. It’d be easier to simply run.
Drago: Dean can’t do that yet. Besides, it could be worse. Shin could be driving us with his new boat.
Endull: Yes, that would be quite dangerous.

The driver changes gears and then drives off.


Leaving Shin, behind, the group sets off to another mission. How will they fare without him? The mission starts next time on Detective Shin!

Chapter 46


Later that morning, Shin finally does wake up. He quickly realizes that Xio is gone.

Shin: It’s weird that it’s not normal to wake up in my room alone.

With the others, they are still on the road.

Dean: Huh? Where am I?
Drago: We’re going to Tokyo, remember?
Dean: Oh yeah.

They look behind them to see that Endull is sleeping.

Dean: I didn’t know demons sleep.
Drago: …What do you think is different about us?
Dean: I dunno.
Xio: Would that mean I only half-sleep? Eh?
Dean: Forget I said anything.

They arrive in Tokyo. They are dropped off in the middle of the city.

Driver: When you’re ready to go home, I’ll be staying at this hotel behind us. Room 304

The picture goes to Endull, who has a pencil curly mustache drawn on his face.

Endull: Understood.

The driver represses a laugh and then walks away.

Drago: Where do we go from here, Endull?
Endull: Koenma said that humans are being taken right off the streets in this district. They’re being kidnapped and likely eaten. If we can find the kidnapping and follow it, it’ll lead us to their base.
Dean: We’re not going to save them from being kidnapped?
Endull: No. If we just kill one, the trail might go cold.
Dean: That solves the problem then, right?
Endull: No, it doesn’t. They’re here without permission and so I need to eliminate them.
Drago: Now now, you two. Endull, we were not necessarily assigned to kill demons that are here illegally. But, Dean, just because someone is kidnapped doesn’t make them automatically dead. We could always try to save the human after they’ve led us to their base.
Endull: The human is an unnecessary risk. Especially, since it could be a catalyst to reveal our powers to the public. The human’s life doesn’t matter in the long run. If anything, it would be more advantageous if he or she dies.
Dean: Do you hear what you’re saying?!
Endull: Do you want to be groveling at Shin’s brother again because you failed?
Xio: What would Shin do if he were here?
Endull: What would Shin do? He’s not here. He can’t help us.
Xio: We dealt with a similar situation in China. The way that he operated didn’t always benefit humans, but in the long run saved them all. I think Drago has the right idea here. If the human dies before they get to their base, then that’s an unfortunate sacrifice we have to accept.
Endull: I will agree to that if you all promise me that the mission comes before anything else. If you can’t do that, I’ll consider you a liability and will kick you off this team. Koenma put me in charge and I’ll do things the way I see fit. If you don’t like it, get the hell out.

They all take a pause.

Drago: Yes, I can agree with that.
Xio: I’m in.
Dean: …I don’t like it, but I’m in as well.
Endull: Good. Now, we actually have to find this person. This district is small, so we can cover it with the people we have.

Meanwhile, Shin and his parents have made it to the school festival. A boy in a school uniform passes by them.

Boy: Yo, Shin. You’re back.
Shin: Yo.
Girl: Ohmigosh! It’s Shin!
Girl 2: Shin?!

There is a hoard of girls in school uniforms staring. Shin gives them a wink and then all swoon in tandem.

Jaide: Maybe coming back was a bad idea, Shin. They all just want you for your body.
Neo: That’s mah boy.
Shin: Heh. You sure you can talk, Mom?
Jaide: Oh, hey. It’s your teacher.
Shin: Which one…? Oh, it’s Professor Suichi! And he’s with…
Yusuke: Hey, brat! So you came after all.
Hiei: Shin, it’s been a while.
Kuwabara: Oh, so that’s Shin. Did you see what he just did to those poor girls?
Kurama: Mr. and Mrs. Yakamoru. It’s been a while. These are my best friends. This is Yusuke, Hiei and Kuwabara.
Shin: Kuwabara? WAIT A SECOND!

Shin takes a step back and points at them.

Shin: You four…no! I’m not worthy to see this sight!
Neo: You know these people already?
Jaide: Who are they?
Kurama: Anyway, they all came to see what the school festival was about.
Yusuke: We didn’t have anything like that at my crappy ass school. Kids these days are spoiled rotten.
Jaide: Hey, honey. There’s our neighbors. Let’s go say hi.
Neo: Okay.

They walk away temporarily.

Shin: This is insane. Ah, right. Mr. Kuwabara, thank you for training Dean while I was gone.
Kuwabara: Hehe don’t mention it.
Shin: And King Hiei…aren’t you supposed to be guarding Demon World?
Hiei: I can go back whenever I want.
Shin: Really? Cool. I want to go to Demon World some time.
Hiei: I’m sure your detective work will eventually take you there.

Back to the group, they have split up. Drago and Xio are each on their own while Endull is with Dean.

Dean: Why did you go with me now?
Endull: I’m the only one who doesn’t have a phone. And you’re the weakest one here.
Dean: *sigh* I guess I can’t argue with that.

Dean gets a text from Xio.

Xio: u guys ok
Endull: What was that?
Dean: A text. See?
Endull: What? That’s not how you spell “you” and “okay”.
Dean: I guess she doesn’t type properly. No time to question it. (Texting) Yes we’re fine.
Xio: i dont c NEthing yet

Switching to Xio’s point of view, she is lying on top of a building, looking over. She is lightly kicking her legs in the air. Her phone rings and she picks it up.

Xio: What is it, Dean?
Endull: Be patient! We’ve only been at this for five minutes!
Xio: But I’m bored.

Endull hangs up on her. Switching to Drago, he is leaning against a wall, surveying as people walk by. He eventually sits down and falls asleep.

Endull: I can’t sense Drago’s energy anymore. Don’t tell me he fell asleep again.
Dean: Again?
Endull: He always nodded off in the middle of training. Don’t ask me how.
Dean: Well, he technically is an old man.

The two of them search the streets, but with no luck. They eventually find Drago, who is still sleeping.

Endull: Damn it. We’ll have to-

Endull turns to see Dean going into a liquor store.

Endull: Rrrrrrr. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?

Drago slowly opens his eyes.

Drago: (Groggy) Oh, good morning.
Endull: Where’s your phone, damn it?
Drago: Here.

Drago hands Endull his phone, he immediately calls someone. Meanwhile, Shin is still speaking with Team Urameshi when his phone rings.

Shin: It’s Drago. This could be important. Yeah?
Kurama: Put it on speaker
Endull: Shin, why do our teammates suck so much?!
Hiei: It’s Endull.
Endull: Father? Shin, are you in Demon World?
Shin: No, I’ll explain later. What’s going on?
Endull: Drago’s sleeping, Xio’s bored and Dean’s getting drunk again.
Drago: Hey, I’m awake now.
Shin: Heh. Don’t worry so much. You know that they’ll all deliver when the time comes. Have faith in your team. That’s what it means to be a leader.
Yusuke: What the hell would you know about being a leader? Don’t get too full of yourself, kid.
Hiei: Not like you ever led anything, Yusuke.
Yusuke: What did you say, shorty?!
Hiei: Listen, Endull. Just do what you have to and the others will follow by example. If they don’t, cut them off.
Endull: Yes. Thank you, Father.

Endull hangs up.

Kuwabara: He didn’t even say goodbye. Did you teach him any manners?
Hiei: Watch it.

Endull tosses the phone at Drago, who catches it. He walks away.

Endull: I’ll do this myself. When you’re all ready to get serious, come find me.

Just then, Drago gets a text. It’s from Xio.

Xio: guys theres someone wt demon energy
Drago: Xio found someone.
Endull: Let’s go.

Endull immediately runs away. Drago stretches and yawns as Dean runs out of the store.

Dean: Did you get that text?
Drago: Yeah.
Dean: Aren’t you going to go with us?
Drago: Yeah…just give me a second.

Dean runs away as well. On the rooftop where Xio is, Endull arrives first.

Endull: Where is he?
Xio: Down there.

Xio points down to see a man in a grey hoodie peering out from an alleyway.

Endull: Yeah, he has demon energy all right. And he’s looking for trouble, clearly.
Xio: Where are the others?
Endull: Forget about them.

The other two eventually do arrive. They watch the man carefully.

Drago: He’s not doing anything yet.
Endull: What could he possibly…!

Drago and Xio both react a fraction of a second later and turn. There are three cloaked figures in the air above them. Endull draws his sword and lunges at one of them. Xio, Drago and Dean all jump away. The sword thrust is dodged and the figure makes a bolt of lightning in its hands. Endull disappears and reappears behind the three of them. The one with lightning turns around and shoots the bolt. Endull dodges, but the bolt attracts to the sword and connects, running up Endull’s arm and shocking him. He drops the sword and yells out in pain.

Xio: Endull!

Xio attacks next with her cat claws, but another one of them gets in the way. A barrier appears between them and repels her, pushing her back as soon as she touches it. The third cloaked figure starts charging up demon energy and releases it from its mouth. They are able to dodge out of the way in time. Dean makes his spirit axe, but the man in the hoodie grabs him from behind. This makes him lose control of his axe and it disappears.

Dean: Shit!

The man pulls a knife on Dean, but he head-butts backwards to stun the man. He turns and grapples the man. They now struggle with each other, trying to gain an advantage. Drago appears behind this man and swings with his kusarigama. Simultaneously, one of the cloaked figures is behind Drago. Drago stops his attack and gets out of the way. Xio attacks this same cloaked person, but gets repelled again. The figures and the man in the hoodie all bunch up at that time. The group also bunches up. Endull has his sword back, but he is clearly in pain.

Hoodie: We’ve never seen you around.
Cloak 1: (female voice) Just what are you doing here?
Endull: That’s none of your business.
Cloak 2: (female voice) Considering you were watching our man here…
Cloak 3: (female voice) I’d say it’s definitely our business.
Drago: Well, when a demon is being shady like that, it’s hard not to take interest.
Endull: Enough of this nonsense. Show me your mark of approval, or we’ll attack you right here and now.

They don’t respond to Endull’s demand. Instead, they run. The group is about to go after them, but Endull puts his arm out to stop them.

Endull: Wait.
Xio: Why are you stopping us?
Endull: Now that we’ve identified our targets, we’ll let them run back to their hideout.
Drago: How are we supposed to tail them if they hide their demon energy?

Flashback to the day before. Shin is speaking to Endull alone.

Shin: I’m trusting you with leading this team.
Endull: Please. I’ll lead the team regardless of whether you’re present.
Shin: Here. This might be useful based on the nature of the mission.

Shin hands him the detective watch.

Shin: I haven’t really gotten a chance to use it yet, but Koenma told me how it works.

In the present time, Endull rolls up his sleeve to show that he’s wearing the watch. It beeps in the direction that they ran.

Endull: This will trace the presence of a demon that has been identified by the watch. In other words, there has to be contact. When I was attacked, it was on this arm, and so the demon energy could be picked up.
Dean: Wow, neat watch.
Drago: But why didn’t we try to end the fight right here?
Endull: If there are more of them, we need to know where their hideout is.
Drago: I see. Good thinking.
Xio: I’m hungry.
Drago: We could stand to eat, I suppose.
Endull: Very well. They’re not going anywhere.

About an hour later, they sit on a rooftop.

Drago: So, how do we do this?

They are all looking at a brick warehouse.

Endull: Hang on.

Endull focuses on sensing.

Endull: I can sense five.
Dean: So there were more of them.
Endull: They’re currently spread out. While we have the advantage, we need to gang up on them. Let’s go.


Endull’s plan of ambush begins next time!

Chapter 47


The four of them glance over at each other once and then jump forward towards the warehouse. Endull, who jumps first, vanishes at a certain point in the middle of his jump. This surprises the other three, who also vanish after another second. Following Endull, as he is in the air, he then appears inside a room and then tumbles forward to his feet.

Endull: What the hell?

He draws his sword and points it outwards. He concentrates for a second and then turns around.

Endull: What was that? I don't sense anyone around.

He looks at the watch and there appears to be no signal.

Endull: Whatever the enemy's abilities are, they must be affecting my senses.

Endull checks around and sees a singular door. The rest of the room is mostly empty save a few boxes lying around. He puts one hand on the door and suddenly, there is a surge of red energy that emits from the knob. Endull recoils his hand in pain.

Female Voice: Ha! You're trapped in there!
Endull: Do you have permission to be here?
Woman: A silly question to ask when you're the one who came into our place.
Endull: Answer it now, or I'll assume that you aren't allowed here in the human world.

We now see from the other side. One of the cloaked figures is leaning against a wall just outside the door.

Woman: Too bad. I'm afraid I'll be the one asking questions so long as you're my prisoner.

At that moment, the door explodes outwards, startling the cloaked woman. Endull has a red flame surrounding his right fist.

Woman: Well...now that I have a better look at you...hmm...hahahaha!
Endull: What's so funny?
Woman: Do you really think you can fool me with that fake mustache?
Endull: Fake...mustache?

He looks to his right to see a small mirror where he sees the pencil drawings from before.

Endull: I'm gonna kill them.

Meanwhile, we see Xio, who is alone in another similar looking room to the one Endull ended up in. Another cloaked person is in the room.

Xio: What happened?
Female Voice: You fell into our trap.
Xio: Obviously!
Female Voice: Now that we have you separated, we can take you and the human out first. Once the weakest members fall, then we will have the upper hand.
Xio: That sounds like something Shin would say. Although, he wouldn't be this stupid!
Female Voice: What does that mean?
Xio: I may not be as strong as the full bloods, but that doesn't mean I can't win.
Female Voice: Full blooded demons will always beat half-breeds.
Xio: Let's test that out!

Xio rushes with her claws attached. She swipes, but the demon dodges. She then attempts to grab Xio's arm while her hand is encased in electricity. Xio quickly pulls her arm back and swipes with her other arm. It scratches the demon's extended forearm. The demon slides back a few inches, not avoiding the attack in time. With her hand still crackling with energy, the demon releases a bolt of lightning at Xio. She barely dodges, although a few hairs are now singed on the side of her head. They catch on fire slightly, but she quickly puts them out.

Xio: (Chinese) That is NOT good for my hair! Now you've made me mad!
Demon: ???
Xio: Ah, I'm sorry! I spoke in my native language by accident! Wait, why am I apologizing?

Both of them disappear and then reappear in front of each other. Xio begins to rapidly attack with her claws to the point where her arm movements become blurry. The demon is keeping pace and dodging each one. Suddenly, the hood comes off, as the claws cut one side and forces it off her head. She has medium length pink hair that is curled up into a bun. She is wearing matching color lipstick.

Xio: So cute!

We now see Dean with his face into the floor, ass up. He gets up and brushes himself off. He is in a similar room.

Dean: That hurt! This kind of trip is why I only stick with alcohol. These damn kids and their uppers nowadays.

Dean then gets a chill and turns around to see the man they were tailing earlier.

Man: Wow. You sensed me the moment I entered the room. You must have extraordinary spirit awareness.
Dean: Just what are you and your lady friends doing here anyway?
Man: You know, I'd love to tell you, but we're on time constraints. Time to die, brother.

The hooded man charges at Dean and goes for an uppercut. Dean leans backwards in time and manages to grab the demon's wrist. Dean puts his left foot behind the demon's front foot and trips him while simultaneously throwing the demon over his shoulder. As the demon falls, a green barrier appears in mid-air and the man lands on his feet on the barrier. He then kicks Dean's arm, which makes him let go of his wrist. The demon backflips off the barrier and lands on the floor. The barrier disappears shortly after.

Dean: So you're the one that was putting those up.

Dean runs forward while creating his axe. He swings at the man, but a barrier blocks the attack outright. Dean takes a step back with a guarding stance.

Man: You think that puny thing can break through my barrier?
Dean: Probably.
Man: Well, it can't!
Dean: If there's one thing I've learned...

Dean charges again and swings at the same barrier. As he swings, his axe starts to grow in size and intensify. This time, the barrier cracks and then eventually shatters. The demon gets out of the way in time before the barrier shatters.

Dean: If you can't break through to that special place, always add more of the special juice!

We now go to Drago, who is leaned up against a wall. This room is also barren, with just a table and two chairs, opposite of each other. Across the room is one of the hooded figures, blocking the doorway.

Drago: So, you just don't want me to leave? That's it?
Demon: (Female Voice) Yep.
Drago: Sounds fine to me.
Woman: I don't think you understand what's happening here. We are going to pick off your weaker members until we have overwhelming numbers compared to you.
Drago: No, I guessed that part. I sensed how many demons you have.
Woman: And you're not worried?
Drago: Not particularly.

There's a few seconds of silence.

Woman: Seriously?! Don't you care that we're going to kill your friends?!
Drago: If I feel like they're in danger, I'll go help.
Woman: Oh?
Drago: Oh what? Do you think you could hold me here?
Woman: Cocky, aren't you? I get it. You want me to attack you so that you can make a break for the door. Smart, but you won't provoke me.
Drago: Hmm? No, that sounds more like something Shin would do.
Woman: Who? One of your friends?
Drago: Interesting. Hey, take off the hood.
Woman: What?
Drago: It's rude. We're having a conversation. Can't we do so while I see your face?

The woman takes off her hood to show a young looking woman with verdant green long hair and matching eyes and lipstick.

Woman: Better?
Drago: Much. You're quite pretty. Why hide it under a hood?
Woman: Really?
Drago: What's your name?
Woman: Keta.
Drago: Like the diet?
Keta: That's keto.
Drago: Oh.
Keta: You're not bad to look at either, you know.
Drago: Thank you. Are you the leader here, Keta?
Keta: No, the leader is my older sister, Herra. She is currently dealing with the girl.
Drago: Hmm...well, this is the chance she was looking for, I suppose. If Xio wins, that's sure to get Shin's approval.
Keta: I see that I had you all wrong. You really are just that laid back about things.
Drago: That's me. Sorry, but I'm not one for scheming.

Going back to Dean, he currently running at the hooded man again with his axe in hand. The man dodges one of his attacks and then pulls a knife out. He rushes in close to Dean and manages to cut Dean's left arm. Dean grunts in pain, but throws a punch with the same arm. The man jumps back and avoids it, before jumping forward again to attack. This time, Dean fends him off with the axe and forces him back. The knife gets knocked out of his hand. Dean swings again, but another barrier appears and blocks the attack. The barrier cracks again, but the man steps back before letting it dispel.

Dean: Looks like I need to change strategy if I want to win this. I won't have enough time to drink to increase my power. I can't...let him down. I'm always relying on him to save me. I'm supposed to be the older brother.
Man: Having last words before death?
Dean: No, just drumming up the resolve I need.

At that moment, he feels another chill in his spine.

Dean: No, don't interfere! I'll never learn otherwise!
Man: Hmm?
Dean: Good. Thanks.
Man: Who are you talking to?
Dean: Myself, asshole. Or was I?

The head of Dean's axe grows in size once more. It's now nearly the size of his body.

Dean: Let's do this.
Man: Hahaha! If you keep that up, you'll run out of spirit energy in no time!
Dean: Only if you can survive long enough!

Dean rushes in again and swings. Another barrier comes up, but the axe cleaves right through it. The man is able to dodge, but still gets nicked across the chest.

Man: Damn it. I won't make that mistake again.

Dean stays on the attack and keeps swinging. This time, the demon keeps his distance and continues to run away. Dean manages to corner him and makes a wide arc swing. The demon dodge rolls under it and runs away again. The axe cuts deep into the wall, leaving a huge gash.

Man: That was dangerous. Fortunately, I'm faster than you. You'll never hit me with that.
Dean: Next time I'll get you for sure. Next time I'll...

The axe disappears from his hand and Dean looks surprised. He stumbles a little bit and holds his head. He appears to be dizzy.

Man: Hahaha! You used all your energy up! Time to end this!

He immediately dashes at Dean and pulls another knife out. Dean sees this and puts his fists up. He then uses his left arm to block the knife as it plunges into his forearm. With his right hand, Dean punches at the demon, but stops short before connecting. Suddenly, spirit energy bursts out of Dean's right hand and impales the demon through the torso. As the hood comes off, we see a shaved headed young man with a surprised look on his face.

Dean: Gotcha. You like that little act just now?
Man: You knew I would try to end the fight quickly instead of trying to sense if you had energy left. How?
Dean: Huh? Oh shit, I didn't think about that.

The demon stumbles backwards with the spirit energy still embedded in his stomach.

Dean: I guess if you had checked, that wouldn't have worked, huh? Looks like you're even dumber than I am.
Man: You've....got to be kidding me.

The man falls to his knees as he is now bleeding purple blood from both his mouth and torso wound. Dean takes out a bottle of beer and cracks it open with a bottle opener.

Dean: I won and without being fully drunk. This calls for a victory drink!

He chugs the entire bottle in two quick successive rounds. He wipes his mouth and tosses the bottle behind him. The glass shatters on the floor behind him.

Man: I'm...not...dead yet.
Dean: Oh, shut up already! You lost, friend. Get used to it.
Man: His power is steadily rising. You mean, he wasn't at full power yet?!

Dean makes his axe again, even larger than before. He raises it high in the air. He brings it down. The demon makes a barrier, but the axe cleaves through and cuts right through the demon. He falls down flat on his face as a large pool of blood quickly forms around him.

Dean: You were much faster than me, but compared to Shin's spirit guns, you were always within my reaction timing. Ah hell, I'm still bleeding!

Meanwhile, Xio is faced off with Herra still.

Herra: This is taking longer than I thought it would. I can't afford to waste too much time on you.
Xio: Funny, I was beginning to think the same thing. I guess we both should get ready for the real fight.


Xio's fight against Herra, the leader of this demon pack, continues!

Chapter 48


Xio is dodging lightning bolts in quick succession. Each one is coming from Herra's arms and as she punches, the bolt strikes in that direction. Suddenly, Xio appears behind Herra and swipes with her claws towards Herra's head. The attack is dodged, but some hair is cut from the side of her head.

Herra: You bitch.
Xio: Now we're even.
Herra: I didn't expect anyone could dodge my attacks like that.

Herra suddenly bursts forward with lightning encasing her fists. She begins rapidly punching at Xio, who continues dodging. Eventually, Xio has to block and gets shocked. Herra gives a hard punch to Xio's jaw, which sends her into the wall while also shocking her again. Xio convulses up against the wall. Before she can catch a breath, a lightning bolt strikes her dead on and sends a massive surge of electricity through her body. She screams out in pain.

Herra: That's the end of the fight. I just stopped your heart. That's the downfall of half-breeds. You still have a human heart that beats.

Xio collapses onto the floor.

Herra: Good. Now, time to help my sister deal with one of the demons.

At that moment, her eyes widen with surprise as she turns to see Xio standing.

Herra: No way.
Xio: True, my heart does beat. But it seems like it doesn't have to for me to keep functioning.
Herra: That's interesting.
Xio: You should have finished me quickly. For just now, you allowed me a moment to draw out my power.
Herra: A mistake I won't repeat!

Herra charges in again, but she suddenly stops short of Xio by about a foot. She appears to be struggling to get closer. Xio yells out and Herra gets pushed back. We now see a visible aura around Xio that is swirling almost like a translucent tornado.

Herra: A wind apparition?

Xio's feet slowly lift off the floor as she hovers just a few inches up. She quickly glides over to Herra, who shoots a lightning bolt at her. Xio puts her hand out and the aura focuses in front of her. It blocks and re-directs the bolt to the side. Xio makes it to Herra and kicks. As she does, her foot is encased by a small tornado. Herra seems surprised and dodges it outright. Xio touches down on the floor and maintains the wind around her feet. It stretches up just past her ankles. She bends her knees a little and then dashes. She suddenly appears in front of Herra and kicks her straight in the stomach. *Click Here* This sends her crashing into the brick wall, cracking it heavily.  Xio goes for another one, but Herra barely dodges out of the way. She wipes a little blood from the corner of her mouth. Xio bends her knees again as she readies her claws. Her demon energy surges around her claws and they shatter. In the metal's place, we see claws made of wind.

Herra: Impossible. This kind of power should not be possible for a half-demon!
Xio: Every day we have a chance to shatter our limits! To push past what we thought we could do!

Suddenly, a burst of red energy comes at Xio from behind. She dodges to the side and sees another female with short red hair.

Herra: She's tougher than I anticipated. Let's take her out together!
Woman: Right!

Demon energy begins to form in this other woman's mouth and a beam shoots forth at Xio. Xio concentrates for a moment and blocks the beam with a bit of aura. She has one hand held out in that direction. The beam continuously struggles against her barrier. At the same time, Herra unleashes a continuous stream of electricity at Xio from the other side. She puts up the other hand to block that as well. The two demons begin closing in on her as she struggles against both attacks. We can see a strained look on her face as her arms begin to give way. We see a flash of Shin cross her mind, as she sees him sitting with his eyes closed, concentrating on his energy output when he was injured. We then see Xio's face loosen up as she closes her eyes for a brief moment. Two seconds later, she opens her eyes with an intense look on her face and she screams out. Her energy suddenly surges even further and we see her aura grow and dispel both attacks. Both demons look completely surprised by this. Xio then turns her attention to the red-haired woman and instantly appears in front of her. With her wind claws, she impales the demon's throat area and then slashes it open.

Herra: No!

Xio turns to Herra as the woman's blood gushes out behind her. The blood that shoots her way simply redirects from the wind. Xio appears in front of Herra and goes for the same attack. Herra just barely dodges the attack and then yells out. A huge surge of lightning erupts from her as it strikes Xio's wind barrier. Xio focuses her wind to the front and shoots it at Herra in the form of a wave beam. The two attacks clash against each other. They both yell out as they put more energy into the attack, but the wind begins to overtake the lightning. Herra screams out in desperation, but her attack fails and the wind overtakes her. We can see hundreds of cuts begin to form all over her body as she screams in agony. *Music Stops* The attack finally subsides and Herra falls to her knees, shaking and struggling to breathe.

Xio: You must sense it by now, if you have any energy left.

At that moment, another hooded figure comes in the room.

Figure: (Female voice) Herra! No! I'm sorry, but we can't-

She is cut off a suddenly, a blade stabs her through the head from behind. As she falls over, we see Endull there.

Endull: I sensed the battle here, but it looks like you've already won.
Xio: Endull.
Endull: Your power has grown. I'm impressed.
Xio: Thanks! This is the leader here, Endull.
Endull: Perfect. It seems like every other battle has wrapped up. Let's get our information and get rid of her.
Female Voice: Wait!

Keta quickly enters the room. Drago is not far behind.

Herra: (Raspy and strained) Keta...
Keta: I'll tell you everything you want to know. Please just let us go. We will go back to demon world and get permission. I swear!
Endull: Drago, what are you doing? Why didn't you eliminate her?
Drago: She surrendered without a fight. I figured there's no harm in killing her when she could give us what we want. Besides, I saw the carnage you left behind, Endull. She wouldn't dare try anything.
Keta: Herra, they killed everyone. It's over.
Xio: What about Dean?
Drago: I can sense his energy. He's still around, so he won too.
Endull: Why should we let you go? You've been eating humans, right? You've become a problem to both Spirit World and Demon World.
Keta: Yes, we were. I admit it. Look, we were told that things were changing and that it was okay if a few humans went missing.
Endull: What do you mean, “things were changing”?
Keta: They said that the rules were changing. I don't know what they meant by that.
Endull: Who is they? Tell me!
Keta: It was a powerful demon and his friends. I think a B class at least. We were supposed to start the process and then help him get through the Kekkai. One of our people had the ability to mess with senses and the readings of power. She could get him through the barrier to this world.
Endull: So that's why I couldn't sense anyone when I first got here. It was that woman who was guarding the door. Does this powerful demon have a name?
Keta: No, but I can describe him.
Endull: Here is the deal. We're going to clean up around here, and then I'm going to escort you back to Demon World. You'll tell me everything about this demon and I will let you go.
Xio: You're really going to?
Endull: That information is very important. These two were pawns for a much larger scheme. Their lives don't mean anything to me one way or the other.
Keta: Thank you!
Endull: Drago, stay here and guard the door. Don't let them escape. Xio, with me. Let's finish this job.
Drago: Okay.
Xio: Yeah!

Endull and Xio both leave.

Drago: Looks like our roles have been reversed.
Keta: Yeah...
Drago: For your own good, be cooperative with him. Go get permission to be here and then come back the right way.
Keta: We will, but why come back?
Drago: I can tell you're not a bad demon. I wouldn't mind seeing you again in a more positive way.
Keta: *Smile * Yeah. Me too.
Herra: Sis...agh.

Herra collapses on the floor.

Keta: Damn it. Hang in there!
Drago: If we act quickly, we can stabilize her.

Meanwhile, we see Dean stumbling through a hallway. His arm has been bandaged, although it looks sloppily done. He spots Endull and Xio.

Dean: Hhheeeyyy!
Xio: Oh, Dean! Are you drunk?
Dean: Yyyyyep!
Xio: Your arm! Huh, you had first aid? Oh right, from the time Shin packed it in your backpack. Good thing you still had some left over.
Endull: You did well to eliminate your enemy.
Dean: Thanks.

They move into a room with the lights on, where a human male is tied to a chair, with tape over his mouth. He is wearing a business suit and tie and has glasses with one lens broken. Xio rips off the tape from the man's mouth.

Man: Ouch!
Xio: Heya.
Man: Oh, thank God. You're not with them, are you?
Xio: No, we dealt with them.
Man: Great! Could you please untie me? This will make quite the story for the papers; that's for sure.
Endull: Wait, what do you mean?
Man: Oh, I'm a reporter. All this talk about demons and that they were going to eat me. The people will never believe it. But I saw some weird stuff, man. That shit is real!

Endull looks at Xio and Dean. Xio looks at Endull with a concerned look.

Endull: Sorry, but you made a promise. The mission comes first.

Endull draws his sword.

Dean: No. Please!
Man: Please don't kill me!
Endull: This discussion is over.

Endull holds his blade up to the back of the man's head and just as he thrusts, a hand stops him. We see Dean's hand grasping Endull's wrist. Dean has a very solemn look on his face as he directly looks Endull in the eye.

Dean: That's enough. You've done what you came here to do.
Endull: Dean? No, that's not you. That energy I sense...you're possessing Dean's body. You're Shin's brother, aren't you?
Dean: Yes. Koenma will speak to you later about this. Stand down.
Endull: Fine.

Juste lets go of Endull's wrist and he sheaths the blade. Juste looks over at the man and glares at him sternly.

Juste: Listen to me. Those girls were crazy. They were using heavy drugs. They were just deranged cannibals. And whatever you saw, it was just a trick. You're dreaming right now, do you hear me? You have to wake up!

Dean's hand hits the man in the side of the head, knocking him out.

Juste: Puncture his arm. Make it look like he was injected with drugs. When you take him to the hospital, tell them that he was acting weirdly and then show them that wound. He'll probably test clean for drugs, but that's okay. They may assume that it may have run its course through his system. You tell them that you found him escaping this building and that's when you decided to help get him to the hospital.
Xio: I get it. He won't remember any of that, but the hospital will just think that he doesn't remember because he was drugged.
Juste: Exactly.
Endull: And what if they don't believe the story? What if this guy goes through with telling everyone about our business?
Juste: Koenma will make sure nothing gets to the papers. Just do what I told you and we'll take care of the rest.
Endull: Fine. Let's get to it then.

Dean suddenly jerks back and looks around.

Dean: Juste?
Xio: Dean?
Dean: Yeah?
Xio: Okay, he's back with us.
Dean: I had this weird dream just now. Did I sleep standing up?
Endull: *Sigh * C'mon, let's move.

Endull quickly leaves the room as the other two untie the man.

Dean: So, what are we doing now?
Xio: Just follow my lead. Shin's brother told us what to do.
Dean: That's good. If he made a plan, it's probably a good one.
Xio: You seem way less drunk.
Dean: Yeah, weird.
Xio: You put a lot of trust in Juste, huh?
Dean: I always did, ever since we were kids.
Xio: Wow. Hey, can you carry this guy?
Dean: Leave it to me.

Dean throws the reporter over his shoulder.

Xio: So you won your fight too, huh?
Dean: Yeah. In the end, the training everyone gave me really paid off. But you're the one that was incredible today. I felt that power.
Xio: Thanks. Before coming to Japan, I had no idea anything like that was possible for me.

As they make their way out, Drago catches up to them.

Drago: What happened in there?
Xio: What do you mean?
Drago: Endull seemed pretty angry when he came back for the sisters.
Xio: We'll talk about it on the way.

The next day, Xio, Drago and Dean are outside a hotel, waiting just outside the lobby.

Dean: Is Endull not coming with us?
Drago: If what Keta said is true, then Endull will be home, dealing with things for at least a few days.
Xio: Why is that?
Drago: “The rules are changing.” That's what was told to the sisters. The one who makes the rules is Endull's father, King Hiei.
Xio: He must think someone is planning to overthrow King Hiei. Come to think of it, didn't he mention something like that before? It was when I first met you two.
Drago: Yes. Demon royalty has always been volatile. They have always sought to win the throne through strength. After King Raizen's death, there was a tournament to determine who would rule next. Since then, there have been many kings until Hiei killed the previous one.
Xio: Sounds harsh.
Drago: Harsh is Demon World summed up in one word.

At that moment, the van pulls up and they get in.

Driver: Sorry for the wait, the parking garage was busy. Ready to go?
Xio: Yeah, let's go home!


As a threat looms over Demon World, Shin and his team will continue their missions here in the Human World. Their adventures continue next time!