Shonen Jump X Sega: Epilogue

[Epilogue]

 That day, the calamities that had befallen the many world were calmed, and balance was once again restored.
 
 The sundry phenomena, quick to onset and lacking in reality,

 Vanished, along with all traces of the bonds to other worlds.

 And yet despite this passing dream, the bonds between warriors never faded.

 The knowledge of their battles, the strength to pull together, and the laughter they all shared would always remain

 ...Some time would pass since the day they parted with Leon Isuka.

{Virtua Mobius – Armstone City}

“Hold on a sec! You sayin’ you went to all these other worlds and even met some fella who looked like me?!” Honey was talking to a young man who had a coat and student cap much like Jotaro, except that he had thick shoulder guards, various other types of body armor, and eyes perpetually obscured by the brim of his hat. “Yup! It’s just like I said, Bahn! There were pirates, zombies, spaceships, and everything!” Bahn folded his arms. “Tch…and here I was just picking fights round town as usual. That kinda action sounds like ways more than what I often get!” A familiar voice would speak up as three other approached from the other end of the sidewalk. “With a little patience, you may just have another chance. You never know.” Bahn turned his head along with Honey, who perked up and waved to the newcomers. “Oh! You’re all here!” Akira Yuki stood up front along with the two Bryant siblings. Sarah winked and gave a two finger wave. “Hey there. Didn’t expect to see you again this soon.” Jacky grin and raised a thumb. “But if you know me, then you know that I’m not one to take it easy even after an experience like we’ve been through.” Bahn smirked slightly. “Well there’s some fighters I ain’t never expected to see again. Here for a rematch with us Vipers?” Akira shook his head. “Not just yet, but I hear there’s openings for the next Tenkaichi Budokai if you’re interested. Some of the people that Honey mentioned are likely to show up there.” Bahn then pumped his fist with an intense expression. “Alright! Looks like I may have a chance to fight me some of the new blood after all!” Sarah laughed ever so slightly. “I see that hot blooded attitude of yours hasn’t changed a bit, schoolboy.” Honey then recollected something in her mind as the sound of the word “schoolboy”. “Oh! I almost forgot!” She reached back and pulled out a letter. “I’ve just got this from Ryo. He was able to make it to Hong-Kong just fine despite everything.” Jacky walked over to get a better look. “Nice. I bet that guy was tired of having to wait it out.” Bahn leaned over and looked to them. “Oy. Who’s this Ryo kid?” Akira turned to him as he took the letter. “A fellow martial artist. A little withdrawn at times, but you would have liked him.” Akira looked at the letter and began to read Ryo’s handwriting from Japanese. “Everyone, I know that we experienced so much together and I just had to let everyone know how I was doing before I continued my own personal quest. After arriving at Aberdeen I was eventually able to meet Lishao Tao, a contact whom was recommended to me. She disagreed with my pursuit at first, but agreed to give me somewhere to stay. I have to work more at keeping up my money through jobs in town, but otherwise I’m getting closer on finding some leads on where to find Lan Di. I feel that I’m so close yet so far, but I can’t give up after coming this far. I hope that everyone’s doing well and that I will see you again once this is all over. Wish me luck. Ryo.” Honey had a thoughtful look on her face. “Wow. He’s pretty determined.” Akira nodded and looked upward with a smile. “I have a feeling we’ll someday see you again…Ryo Hazuki.”  

{Virtua Mobius – Kami’s Lookout}

Suspended somewhere in the clouds, there would be a platform with a lone building in the center. A Namekien who looked relatively younger compared to Piccolo would come out to greet his friends. “Great to see that all of you made it back! I was watching most of what was going on up here along with Mr. Popo.” Krillen would be joining everyone along with Bulma. “I know that it was probably better I stayed home if Frieza was back around during this whole thing, but I can’t help but feel a little left out.” Goku walked over to greet his older friend. “Hey don’t sweat it, Krillen. But it was still a great experience! I got to fight plenty of strong opponents and I even met a hedgehog who could turn Super Saiyajin like I can!” Vegeta would turn to shout at him. “Damn it, Kakkorot! I’ve already told you that it’s a pale comparison to a true Super Saiyajin!” Goku would remain jovial and laugh. “I know, but it’s kind of flattering in some sense when you think about it. I also wouldn’t have minded a chance to have a one on one with a few of those friends we made. Guys like Naruto, Luffy, Ichigo, Yusuke, and all the others seem pretty strong all around.” Piccolo folded his arms. “Still, I can’t help but wonder if the likes of that Eggman will be another attempt at the Dragon Balls a year from now.” Bulma held up her Dragon Radar. “Shouldn’t be a problem. We’ve got this to get a head start and he likely won’t be as smart as he boasts to being if he attempts to get the Dragon Balls from any of you.” Krillen then frowned. “Oh, by the way. I would hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Chichi’s been pitching a fit ever since you left. She seems to be getting you in a big rush to look spiffy for Gohan’s graduation ceremony.” Goku nearly face faulted from this. “Gyah! I completely forgot! Whew…well in that case. I’ll be right back you guys.” He put two fingers to his forehead and would vanish a moment later. Piccolo sweat dropped slightly. “I’m only guessing that Gohan will expect me there as well.” Piccolo then turned to the side. “What’s this strong power level?” A large flash would be seen just to the side and Piccolo would shield his eyes. As the flash faded off, everyone would turn. Bulma in particular would be the first to look surprised. “Is that who I think it is?” Krillen also had his newly grown out hair standing on end. “Whoa. You weren’t kidding about the hedgehog part.” Right there would be both Knuckles and Shadow standing next to one another. Knuckles adjusted his mitts and turned to Shadow. “Remind me not to Chaos Control with you again.” Shadow turned towards the current residents. “So…this is the place then?” Dende gave an unsure wave to the two. “So…uh…what brings you here exactly?” Shadow folded his arms and smirked. “It was either me having to sit through a boring report session with Rouge or find some way to relieve my boredom. I wanted to test how strong a Super Saiyajin is compared to the Ultimate Lifeform.” Vegeta seemed amused by this. “Oh? Is that all? Well if it’s that kind of battle then I’ll gladly accept.” Bulma held her forehead. “Oh, Vegeta. Here we go again.” Krillen seems slightly intimidated by Shadow. “Just so you know, Vegeta’s the only Super Saiyajin here right now since Goku just left.” Knuckles twisted his arm around a few times. “Oh well. I’ve got some time to kill and got this idea from Shadow after making sure a certain bat-girl wasn’t trying anything in my absence.” He then turned to Piccolo. “You look raring and able to fight. So how about it? A little guardian vs guardian action suit you just fine?” Dende just simply pointed to himself. “Actually I’m the current guardian even though Piccolo shares the memories of the previous one. It’s a long story really.” Piccilo smirked and gripped at his turban. “One thing’s for sure.” He threw it to the ground along with his cape. “I was certainly itching for a good fight now that I’m back on this planet. I’ll take you on any time, echidna.” Both parties would then stare each other down as they got ready for a two on two match. Suddenly, Goku would appear between them, now wearing a tuxedo. “Hey, sorry for the wait you guys. Chichi was really mad and wanted to get a few things off...” He looked up to see two pairs of fighters charging at him from different angles. “Whoa!” Just a moment later a fight would break out and several blasts and explosions could be seen in the distance. Dende’s voice could be heard objecting, while Bulma was squealing in the background. “Hey take it easy, you guys! Mr. Popo just got finished watering the plants!” Krillen would also voice an objection. “Man, I wonder how Korin feels with all these fights that constantly break out above his roof up here.” After a few traded attacks, Goku would fly out you get a breather, now in Super Saiyajin form. “Whew! Well, I know I can always find some excitement around you guys! Here I go!”

{Virtua Mobius – Shibuya-Cho}

“Yo! Yo! Yo! This is Professor K, sending you fellas out the sit-rep on what’s befell our little piece of paradise called Tokyo-To! We had ourselves a little problem with aliens over in Benten-cho up in everyone’s biz. Sides that, there were zombies doing their funky dance over near the sewers of Kagane-Cho. No worries as the problems all settled now. Word on the street if that the GGs had some hand in this yet again and blew yet another of the Yellow Rhinos’ crazy schemes sky high. So much love and respect to the #1 Rudies round the To-To. So until next time, stay grooving and I’m out. Peace!” Beat, Gum, Axel, and Blaze were gathered around at an arcade area just outside the GGs main hangout. Joining them were Corn, Yoyo, and a small dark-skinned boy with a baseball cap and skates of his own. “So you guys went gave some trouble to Mr. X again? Aw man. I shoulda been there to get in on some of that.” Axel had a seat on a crate. “Take it easy, Sammy. Your brother wants you to be hitting the books rather than faces. Wouldn’t have left Adamn more than a little worried if you went bouncing around the universe along with the rest of us.” Blaze patted Axel on the shoulder. “Oh liven’ up Axel. Skate’s a big boy now.” Skate slid up to his feet. “Heh! You know it! So anyways, did you GGs get yourself some good tags out and leave a mark in any other worlds?” Blaze sighed slightly “Then again it might be a bad influence here.” Beat kicked up his heels and folded his arms. “You know it!’ I think that as far as the Soul Society to Nightopia peeps will likely know who the GGs are by now.” Corn would give him a high five. “Alright! We’s all over the place now! Heaven, Hell, outer space, inner space, and everything in between! Out of sight!” Gum sat back while bopping her head to some tunes. “So now that that’s all over with, what do you say we do now?” Axel sat up. “Well I’m thinking that we should head back to our own city and clean up the remaining syndicates.” Skate slid over in front of Axel. “Aw come on, dawg. You’re all work and no play all the time, man.” Yoyo rolled over and skated towards some arcade consoles hooked up in the back. “Yo-yo! Why don’t ya stay a while and play some of these we snagged from the Noise Tanks! These games are tight!” Axel sighed and shook his head. “Sheesh, I don’t know. I already had enough trouble at the arcade earlier.” Gum looked over to a particular console. “What’s this one called? “Bare Knuckle” or something like that?” Blaze sat up and motioned Axel along. “Well that sounds like your kind of game.” Axel went over and got a closer look. He saw the run demo of some sort of beat-em-up games. “I don’t know guys, I’ve had enough of…” Axel turned towards a window and he then began to sweat. Outside of the window was Segata Sanshiro glaring back towards him. After a minute he would break eye contact and turn to the console. “On second thought, it couldn’t hurt.” Beat then skates over. “Alright! Deal me in for player 2 then!” As they began to play, the man outside would walk towards the setting sun in the streets of Shibuya-Cho. “Sega Saturn Shiro!”  

{Virtua Mobius – Station Square}

“SONIC!~” A certain blue hedgehog would be immediately greeted by a pink blur coming at him. He was knocked over and being hugged tight by a certain other hedgehog. “Oy, Amy. Was I really gone that long? All in one piece just like I promised.” She would let go and got up to her feet. “Oh, but I was just so worried! You were going to all these worlds we didn’t know nothing about and I not happy with being left behind again! I’d be pretty mad if it wasn’t for Cream, Fina, and everyone in the Black Order keeping me company. Lenalee was pretty nice, Lavi showed me some pointers with his hammer, and I got Yu to liven up just a little.” Tails would then hover over. “From what Allen told me, he’s worse off than Shadow most the time.” Sonic then noticed a police cruiser coming their way. “Hey guys. Looks like we’ve got some company.” The car would come to a halt and once in park; out would come Janet, Rage, and a blonde policeman that Sonic didn’t recognize. “Figured we would find you here.” Janet would approach them.” The blond would come up next to her, seeming the most laid-back of the three. “You must be Sonic then. Name’s James Cools, but everyone on the force calls me Smarty.” Tails walked over. “Good to see you guys again. What brings you here exactly?” Rage would reach out to a device, similar to the one that relayed a holographic message just before Sonic’s chase against the Egg Fleet. “While investigating EVL Inc’s old offices, we found the place already ransacked and a message from a certain “friend” of yours.” Sonic already had a good idea who it was, seeing this similar to the letter just before he went out to chase the Egg Fleet with Tails and Knuckles way back. “We this should be good.” As expected, Eggman’s holographic visage would appear. “Ohohohoho~ Well well, it’s good to see that you’ve made it back in one piece, Sonic. I may have given up on the chance to have a world all to myself, but I was very quick to form alliances with new parties to help get me back up on my feet.” Tails caught on to that last part. “More villainous alliances? Don’t tell me we’re about to go through it all over again?” Eggman snickered. “You’ll just have to wait and see. I’ll have plenty of fun once the time’s ready. Ta-ta.” The hologram vanished and Smarty turned to Sonic. “Seems the guy’s gone and issued you a challenge.” Sonic maintained a confident expression. “Yeah. The guy’s pretty cocky about things and seems to welcome a chance of me showing up as long as he’s able to have a chance to get a free shot at me…not that I’ll ever give him one.” Janet would then return back to the police cruiser. “We’ll just leave this in your hands while we clean up on our edge of the city.” Rage would go over to join her while flashing a peace sign to Sonic. “Good luck out there, blue.” Amy would then immediately move in front of Sonic. “Hold on just one sec before you go anywhere! Don’t even think of leaving me behind this time!” Sonic flinched and backed up. “Oh..uh..sure! You can stick with us the whole way through, Amy.” She would then jump for joy and hug onto Sonic. “Yay!” Smarty would look back as Amy seemed to cringe around Amy. “You guys think those critters will be okay?” Janet smiled as she had a seat and cranked the engine. “They’re better qualified than we are.” They would drive off and watch behind them as a blue blur jetted off with two others close besides him.

{Virtua Mobius – Karakura Town}

Ichigo would pace through the streets in his civilian clothes. After the long fight, he was ready to head home. “I can only imagine that Yuzu, Karin, and the old man would be wondering about all that’s happened. Course you’ve been keeping them occupied in my body long enough as it is.” A stuffed lion would crawl onto his shoulder. “Well you’ve got no idea what I’ve had to go through! Putting up with your sisters is one thing, but then along with those Hollows there were these other monsters called Akuma around the place!” A crash would be heard and Ichigo tried to keep his footing. “Ah! Kon held onto his shoulder to keep from falling off. Ichigo looked out to the source of the disturbance. “What is it?!” Rukia would jump down from a wall to the side out of nowhere, wearing her Soul Reaper ensemble. “The dimensions are back to normal, but we’ve got enough Hollows as ever. You know what to do.” Ichigo would grab Kon despite his protests and hold him up. “Right!” He squeezed Kon’s head and swallowed a small capsule that spit out from the stuffed toy’s mouth. Ichigo’s body would fall back and his Soul Reaper self would rise from his body, carrying Zangetsu out into battle. Leaving his body behind, he would dash off with Rukia, but would come to a stop upon hearing a familiar battle cry. “I’ll splatter your guts!” Ichigo came to a halt and saw there was already a fight in progress. “Rei Gun!” Yusuke would fire a blast from his finger and blow the head clean off of a Hollow. Tokiko used her Valkyrie Skirt to give a push off the ground and evade attacks invisible to her. “Can only assume they’re usually invisible like this.” Kuwabara was on the ground, currently being tended to by Orihime who used her abilities to heal any injuries. “Oh, Ichigo!” She waved over to him. “Hey! Did you ever get that postcard from Ryo like I did?” Ichigo would look around. “Never mind that! Why are these guys in Karakura Town fighting Hollows with the rest of us?!” Kazuki held his Busou Renkin and slashed towards where he thought a Hollow was. “Oh you know. I was just in the area and thought I would help out. I can’t actually see these things anymore, but I think I got a few lucky shots in.” An arrow of light would find its mark in an arrow near Kazuki. Uryu Ishida remained on his guard all while pushing up his glasses slightly. “He’s managed to get a few hits in, but I dare say he’s more reckless than even you, Ichigo.” Ichigo moved to the side and held back a Hollow’s claw with his Zanpakuto. “What’s that supposed to mean?!” Rukia then jumped down to where Yusuke was. “I take it the Spirit Detective’s here on business?” Yusuke dodged back and punched a Hollow right in the face, being one of the few that could. “Nah. Just felt like having some fun. Plus it doesn’t hurt to look out for your buddies from the Spirit World every now and then.” Chad already had his Brazo Derecha de Gigante ready and faced down against a Hollow. “Hm…its almost like when Ichigo used to help me out of fights way back.” He smiled as Kuwabara stood up and ignited his sword. “You know it! I watch your back and you watch mine! That’s just how it goes in a street brawl!” Ichigo got some space and got to where Kazuki, Yusuke, and himself were out against a Hollow. “Geez. You guys got a weird way of saying hi. Oh well. Let’s just make the most of it then. Ichigo raised Zangetsu against an incoming Hollow while Yusuke and Kazuki prepared their own attacks respectively.

{Virtua Mobius – Domino City}

“Grandpa! I’m home!” Yugi Mutou was currently walking in the game shop owned by his grandfather. Inside, waiting for him were his friends; Jounichi, Honda, and Anzu. “Yo, Yugi!” Jounichi would be the first to address his friend. “Take it you got all that business settled. You should have seen things around here earlier.” Honda would join in. “Duel Monsters were walking out all over the place once those earthquakes started, not to mention pirates and ninja coming out of nowhere.” Yugi breathed a sigh of relief. “Well I’m glad that you are all okay then. Did Bakura make it home?” Anzu would nod. “He seems to be back to his old self, but for some reason the first thing he asked for upon getting back home was to dig his old Sega Saturn out. Know anything about that?” Yugi chuckled nervously. “I wouldn’t know.” He thought maybe Segata scared the evil spirit of the Millennium Ring out after meeting Segata, but perished the thought as soon as he saw a familiar face in the corner shuffling through a deck of recently purchased cards. “Huh? Jojo?” It was indeed Jotaro Kujo, who had a very bored look on his face. “Don’t get too excited. I’m only here because I mentioned all what happened to the old man.” Yugi blinked. “Old man? My grandpa?” Jotaro thumbed behind himself. “Yours and mine.” In the next room, two older men were speaking. “So, you got into Duel Monsters upon meeting a friend in Eqypt? That doesn’t surprise me in the least.” The other man began to speak. “Avdol always did carry around cards for fortune telling, but never figured he was the type for kids’ games.” The one assumed to be Yugi’s grandpa would then speak. “Well I try to see it as more than just a game. In fact, some of my closest friendships were formed from dueling. Care to give it a try…mister?” The other man shuffled his deck. “Joestar. Joseph Joestar. Also, don’t think that I’ll get to liking you right away after just one game.” Joseph then pointed to Mutou. “You were about to say “Well there’s a new trap card I’ve been wanting to try out”, right?” Sugoroku Motou would then shuffle his own deck. “Well there’s a new trap card I’ve been wanting to…huh?!” He blinked for a moment, but then smiled. “I have a feeling that this is just the duel to make me feel young again.” Both men shared a friendly laugh and Jotaro just seemed annoyed. “Yare yare daze. I was just hoping he wouldn’t take long so we could get on with our business in Morioh.” Yugi then gained a more serious look and gained a few inches as he looked to Jotaro. “Perhaps another game will help pass time until then.” Jotaro sighed. “Fine, but just remember that my Stand will catch you if you try to cheat.” Yugi smirked. “Wouldn’t dream of it, but I’ve fought some opponents in Duelist Kingdom who would likely regret meeting you in a card game.” Anzu and Yugi’s two other friends would watch the duel in progress. “Wow. That Jotaro’s a hard one to read. I wonder what kind of cards he’ll draw.” Honda had just finished watching the duel in the other room. “That’s nothing. You should see the challenge that other old timer is giving Yugi’s grandpa.” Joey had a seat. “Well hopefully it’ll take my mind off a duel I just lost with this kid. He had this tennis themed deck with magic cards like Deuce and those Ace cards. Think his name was Ichizen or something like that.”

{Virtua Mobius – Patch Village}

Yoh, Anna, Ren, and Manta would walk into the outskirts of the Patch Village where the Shaman Fight was supposed to be held. Waiting for them were their teammates whom they were originally travelling with. The first to look up and take notice was Horohoro who pushed up on his board to get a better look. “Hey! Is that Yoh?!” Yoh would walk into view along with his three fans, having an awkward grin while flashing a peace sign. “Hey there. Sorry if I kept you waiting too long.” Ryo (Not Sazuki) would immediately come running over, tears in his eyes and his long pompadour bobbed with every step. “Boss!~ I’m so glad to see that you’re still amongst the living!” Chocolove would suddenly sneak in over. “About time you guys. They’ve had to postpone our matches for a while and I can’t get any get jokes going with Ren absent. He’s the number one straight man to bounce off of.” Ren would shout, his spiky hair becoming erect. “Is that the only reason you wanted me back?!” Chocolove would smirk and he would lean forward to reveal his spirit partner, Mic Jaguar, napping on his back. “Wasted on a back!” Ren would immediately poke Chocholove in the nose with his spear, causing him to hold it in pain. “Yup. It’s the Ren we know alright. No doubt about that.” Faust would then begin to approach with his skeletal dog walking by his side. “I’m so glad you’re here and that things have calmed down. Earlier there were things called Shinigami coming here and for a moment I feared that they would have taken Eliza to the next world. All they seemed to really want was apples more than anything.” A large man with a poncho and wearing Patch tribe feathers would then approach. “Good. I’m glad to see that you four were able to arrive safely.” Anna looked to this man and addressed him. “Silva, I take it there’s still time for the next matches of the Shaman Fight.” Silva would nod. “Yes and with plenty of time to spare. Also…we have a few newcomers wanting to act as spectators. They’re not Shaman, but they seem to be aware of the supernatural to some degree.” Manta would walk over to get a better look. “Huh? Who could it be?” On one side would be Hibana, who currently was in casual clothes. “Was easier than I thought to catch up with you guys.” Hotsuma would be next to her. He still wore his Oboro garb, but had his mask and scarf removed for the time being. He simply folded his arms and gave a nod in greeting. “And we’re here as well.” From the other side, Kurama would wave with a friendly smile and Hiei would simply look to the side avoiding eye contact. “Don’t think be being here means we’re friends. Kurama was the one who recommended it. I see this as only a way to learn about Shaman should our paths ever cross again.” Yoh chuckled and folded his arms behind his head. “Sure. Whatever you say guys. Just me sure to cheer me on once our matches start.” Silva would turn around. “Usually we just limit the audience to Shaman, but you seem acquainted with Yoh and likely helped with this recent crises. So I guess making an exception won’t give us too much trouble. Hibana would smile. “Our day’s looking up. That’s for sure.” Ryo would then come over. “So, how does our friend know such a beauty like yourself? I’ll be happy to give you a special seat once we hitch a ride over to the stadium.” Ryo’s smirk would be busted once Hibana gave a back hand in his face. “As if.” Hotsuma looked around. “The spirits of the dead are indeed in this area, but there is no evil presence. All seems at peace.” Faust looked to Hostuma. “But of course, mein friend. Even the dead watch over us constantly.” Hotsuma thought of Yoritsune in particular and managed a rare smile. “Hmm. Suppose you’re right.” Silva then turned around to lead the way. “So, shall we be going then? While we’re on our way I’m free to sell any complementary arrowheads and other Patch artifacts for a small price. We rarely get tourists to offer business round these parts.” Kurama chuckled nervously. “I’ll pass, but thank you.”  


{The Meiji Era – Akabeko Restaurant}

Kenshin Himura was quick to rejoin his friends upon returning to his own time. He was inside a popular restaurant, not far from the Kamiya Kashin Dojo. Along with Kenshin were his friends Kaoru Kamiya, Yahiko Myojin, and Sanosuke Sagara. Yahiko, the youngest of them, would be the first to speak up. “So you met people with swords of light and a man who could hold three swords at once!? Man, I would have loved to get learn some swordsmanship from guys like that!” Kenshin kept his usual warm smile. “Well, that was just one of many things that I had encountered. There were ships that could fly, animals that talked like men, and shinobi that know skills far beyond what I have seen.” Sanosuke then took a swig of his drink. “Not only that, but you got another chance to kick Makoto Shishio back to Hell for a second time. Would have loved to have a second shot against that bastard now that I’ve gotten a big stronger.” Kenshin maintained his smile. “Well, Sano, I would say for now we can cherish what peace we…” Kenshin trailed off as he looked to a glare that Kaoryu was giving him. “..O…Oro?” The first thought on his mind was that said glare was more terrifying than Shishio and Declaw combined. “Um…Kaoru-Dono…I know that I must have likely left you worried sick through my sudden dissapearence and that my tale may seem fantastical at first, but I can assume that it is all fact, that it is. Forgive me if I worried you.” Kaoru would sigh and then smile as she held his head. “Oh, it’s alright. I believe you. Just be sure to let us know the next time you get spirited away to some other world.” Kenshin would smile warmly towards her and then do a double take as he saw a familiar silver haired boy arguing with a brown haired boy the same age. “I’m telling you, Mosuke, you were probably just seeing things.” The other would slam his hands down. “Well I’m telling you what I saw and what I saw was this Go board with blood on it and the ghost of a woman hovering out! At least…I think it was a woman.” The other boy sat back, not taking Mosuke’s claims seriously. “Well I never believed in ghosts, Mosuke, and probably never will.” Mosuke would hold his head in frustration. “Ah! You’re impossible, Amidamaru!” Kenshin blinked a few times, remembering the name. “Ami…da…maru?” Kaoru would pull on him slightly. “Kenshin, what’s wrong? Not like those two boys are any louder than Yahiko here.” Yahiko could be heard shouting an objection while Kenshin would just shake his head while facing his friends. “Oh, it’s nothing. I was just remembering friends I met along the way to the journey home, that I was.”

{Grand Arcadia – Konoha Village}

Team 7 had returned ninja village and the first thing on the agenda was reporting in to the fifth Hokage herself. “Well then…I’m glad that the four of you were able to get back safely and that we were able to get some answers on just what’s been going on.” Kakashi’s team stood in front of the desk of a beautiful blond haired woman currently looking over the reports sent in by the village’s ANBU squads. “We’ve had some interesting encounters while you were gone. Shizune can tell you that much on that. Would you do the honors?” The Hokage’s personal attendant would be nearby going through a list of reports. “Certainly, Lady Tsunade. We’ve had some bizarre intrusions around our borders until things suddenly cleared up. It started when Shikamaru had to use his jutsu to round up this group calling themselves Poison Jam and while that was going on Kurenai’s team was having to round up these fish-like men not unlike that Akatsuki that Kakashi over here encounter once along with our other Jonin.” Kakashi just stood there with his usual calm hidden behind his mask. “Yeah. I might have a good idea which ones you mean. Those Straw Hat Pirates seemed familiar with ones matching that description.” Shizune kept reading on. “That’s not even the half of it though. Guy’s team got into a formal challenge with some characters from a place called Armstone and all while that was going on, Lady Tsunade was off gambling at a place called Yokosuka while-…” Tsunade would hold up a hand, cutting off Shizune report. “Okay okay. They don’t need to know that part and I think Kakashi’s team knows the gist of the situation. By the way, you'll be happy to know that we've received word from the Sand that Gaara's returned home safely.” Naruto leaned over on the desk, full of energy as usual. “Great to know! I'm pretty sure everyone else from the “rookie 12” was able to handle things here. Cause you would have been sure that I would have come in to help the village in a heartbeat!” Tsunade sat back. “I’m sure you would and have no doubt. Course all we’ve had to deal with was no big deal.” She then looked to a certain pink haired genin. “So Sakura, I heard that during the final battle with Declaw, you got a quick burst in strength. Am I correct?” Sakura perked up “Oh! Right! Yeah, I was suddenly stronger once Leon put his plan into action.” Tsunade clasped her hands together. “Well you’ll be happy to know that I’ll be able to get back with you on training soon so we can quickly get you back to that level of strength.” Sakura seemed unsure on this. “Oh great. Looking forward to it.” He Inner Self showed Sakura’s true feelings. “Shaaa…I was still left gasping to the brink of death after our last training session.” Tsunade then stood to her feet. “So if there’s no further business you’re all free to head home now. Dismissed!” The team stood at attention save for Sasuke who had something on his mind. “Right!” As they turned to walk out, Naruto would go over to Sasuke. “Hey-hey. How about the four of us go out for some Ichiraku now that we’re back home. It’ll take our mind off things.” Sasuke didn’t even face him. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” Sasuke walked off in the other direction and Kakashi went to Naruto. “Just leave him be for now. We’ve had a long adventure and its safe to say we all need some rest now.”

Later that evening, Naruto laid alone in his bed. His room was as much of a mess it was before he left and Naruto had on his favorite night cap. Naruto starred slightly, while within his dreamscape he leapt across the rooftops with signs that read Delight City. “I can’t ever stop. I have to keep on trying harder until I become Hokage!” A familiar harlequin like figure would fly above. “Well well. You’re as energetic as ever.” Naruto came to a stop and looked back at the androgynous figure flying in a circle around him. “Whoa, Nights! Didn’t expect to see you here” Nights would smile and flew down to Naruto’s eye level. “Well dreams themselves have never been one to the boundaries of the waking worlds. I took notice of you because I felt a strong Red Ideya resonating with you.” Naruto squinted and tilted his head. “Huh? Idea-what now?” Nights would smile as the Nightmaren waved a finger. “I-de-ya. Red in particular basically coincides with your courage and ambitions.” Naruto thought it over for a minute before grinning and clenching his fists. “Well I know that’s me alright! Because now more than ever I’m dead set on making my way to the Hokage spot!” The sides of Nights cap drooped slightly. “Yes, I don’t know what that word means sadly.” Naruto pouted with a squint before pointing out. “It means the ninja above all ninja in my village! Once I get there, then I’ll have the respect of everyone!” Nights floated in place as if sitting. “I see. That sounds like a great ambition. I love visitors whom have a goal to shoot for. In another hand, it seems many seem to already respect you as it is.” Naruto opened his eyes more and thought about it. “Well…now that I think about it yeah. But that’s not the only reason. Once I’m Hokage, I’ll make sure to keep every single friend and every other person in the village safe. Believe it!” Meanwhile, back out in the waking world. Sasuke was at a pond area, looking at his reflection. He gazed into his one eye, seeming to be in a trance. “That power I used. It was just like Itachi’s, but I only had it for a moment.” He grit his teeth in frustration. “Damn! I need to get stronger somehow! I can’t afford to let myself be held back.” Meanwhile along the outside of the village, two figures would stand just beyond the patrols. “Lord Orochimaru…it would seem that the young Uchiha is still seeking to become stronger.” Orochimaru licked his lips as he watched on. “Very good, Kabuto. We’ll give him a little more time and then we’ll send the Sound 5 in to carry out the rest.”  

{Grand Arcadia – Going Merry}

Sailing somewhere on the Grand Line, the crew of the Going Merry was now reunited. “Yeaaaaah!~ We’re back!” Luffy would be cheering loudly as he stood upon the figurehead of the Going Merry. Ussop would immediately be coming over from the deck of the ship. “Hey, can you take it easy?! I just got through repairing that!” Nami looked around towards the sides of the ship. “I’m surprised the ship was able to last through all that. Do you think it will still be able to fly?” Robin was sitting down and reading a book, hiding the fact that something was on her mind. “I doubt it, Miss Navigator. Chances are that Leon had those removed just before the final battle. I think its policy over with their organization.” Chopper pouted a little. “Aww. It would have been great to have an airship.” Luffy would hop down. “Heh-heh. No way. It would make things too easy.” Ussop would walk over to back up Luffy. “Even if we couldn’t fly I’m certain that this ship’s going to get us all the way through the Grand Line. No doubt about it.” Sanji was looking around at the braces on the mast. “Well are you sure this thing will hold that long?” Zoro was rubbing his eyes, just waking up from a nap before looking on the horizon. “Hey, is that a ship coming our way?” Nami turned her head in that direction. “Wait…is that ship flying?” Chopper jumped down from the railing and ran over to the other side. “It’s the Delphinus!” The large airship would descend down until it touched down into the ocean alongside the Going Merry. Vyse would be on the top deck of it along with Aika, Fina, and some of the other crewmates. “Ahoy there, Straw Hats. Fancy meeting you here.” Robin looked up from her book and smiled towards the air pirates. “Well this is a pleasant surprise.” An unknown man wearing glasses and a red duster would step into view looking right towards Robin in particular. “I’ll say it is. Anything you mentioned regarding their particularly lovely crewmates didn’t do the description justice, Vyse.” Nami felt somewhat uncomfortable and Sanji would run down the stairs towards the center of the ship. “Oy! Who’s this bum making eyes at my lovely Nami-schwan and Robin-schwan!” Aika would sigh, but then shrug as she grinned nervously. “Oh that’s just Gilder. He’s a fellow pirate who insisted on coming along.” Ussop would set down a tool box and look to the opposite side. “Well I definitely see the similarities between him and that sunglasses pirate from before.” Gilder would adjust his glasses and look towards the other ship’s captain. “Well…the reason I came wasn’t just for the eye candy. I actually came to see the famous Straw Hat Luffy in the flesh and have a few drinks.” Fina nodded with a smile. “Plus it’s a chance for our crews to get to know each other better since everyone was in a big rush previously.” Luffy would snicker somewhat. “Shishishi.~ Sounds great to me. After all we’re friends right now, but chances are we’re going to be rivals soon.” Vyse leaned over and made eye contact with Luffy from his side of the ship. “Well I’ve decided that while being King of the Pirates is a tempting title, I think I’ll just settle to being Vyse the Legend. Still, I’m always up for some friendly competition on a smaller scale.” Zoro yawned and sat up. “Whatever you’ve got in mind is fine. Just no high stakes like those Davy Backs. We just got through with one of those just before we got tossed around worlds.” Nami looked at her Log Pose. “I think there’s no harm as long as the compass doesn’t reset.” Aika winked. “You’ve got plenty of time. Plus I can already tell you that you’re already on your way to Water 7. You’ll all definitely love it there given that it’s more pirate friendly.” Aika would hold up an odd looking drawing. “There’s streets made of water and everyone has two faces!” Her drawing looked a bit more literal in that regard which got a reaction out of Chopper. “Whooooa!~ No way!~” Gilder smirked and shook his head. “That imagination of hers never changes.” Vyse looked to Luffy. “So how about it? You think you can match up with a legend?” Luffy grinned and clenched his fist. “Sure thing! Because my own legend’s already in the making!”  

{Grand Arcadia – Turtle Village}

Townspeople cheered as Tyris Flare and Gillius Thunderhead walked through the streets. Gillius in particular gleamed with pride as he raised the legendary Golden Axe. Ax Battler came out from a household, having taken time to recover since when Tyris and Gillius saw him last. “Well done, you two. Thanks to you the Adder is defeated once more and the Golden Axe is in safe hands.” Tyris looked to the Golden Axe still in Gillius’ hands. “Not only that. We’ve beaten villains as equally as vile and restored balance to the realm.” Gillius would laugh and plant the axe into the ground. “Yuria shall surely remember this day along with all other tales of our exploits.” Another voice would call out. “Well that’s just it. Things aren’t quite finished just yet.” The three heroes turned and saw some familiar faces. The voice came from Allen Walker; who was there along with Lenalee Lee, Lavi, and Yu Kanda. Ax looked to this strangers with suspicious, holding his own sword over his shoulder. “…And you are?” Tyris stepped in front of him. “Stay your blade, Ax Battler. They are just a few of the friends that allied us in our quest.” Lenalee nodded with a smile. “I believe so, but I can’t say that I ever met the three of you personally. I mostly remember that hedgehog, Jojo, and a few others given that I didn’t get to travel along with Allen.” Kanda clicked his tongue slightly while having an uncaring look. “Suited me just fine. These other worlds and their inhabitants are just an eye sore.” Lavi lightly stomped hot foot on the ground a few times. “Hard to believe that the village actually lives up to its title and is on the back of a giant turtle. It’s easy to forget this far in.” Gillius folded his arms and looks to the Exorcists. “So what pray tell, brings you lads to the lands of Yuria?” Allen’s Cursed Eye would turn red as he looked cautiously around. “Well, it’s not exactly a social call I’m afraid. We’ve been informed that Akuma have infiltrated this village.” Ax raised an eye at the term. “A…ku…ma? Are they some manner of demon kin?” Tyris nodded. “In some manner of speaking. They are unholy creatures made from the souls of humans.” Lenalee glanced to one side to armored men carrying large shields in their direction. “By the looks of it, it seems that the Akuma have taken on bodies resembling the locals.” Lavi looked to another side. “Seeing two large men carrying equally large hammers over their soldiers. “Heh. Amateurs.” Gilius grips his axe in both hands. “Well in that case it would seem that the Golden Axe isn’t ready to rest just yet.” As the Akuma began to transform into morbid forms from their human bodies, the four Exorcist would invoke their Anti-Akuma weapons, speaking in unison. “Innocence…activate!” Kanda ran a hand along his sword, turning into a silver color, the sound of an eagle’s call heard as he did this. “About time. I was starting to get bored.” Ax raised his own sword as he stood alongside the Exorcist. “Very well. We’ll see how adept the swordsman in the Black Order are.” Lenalee would equip her Dark Boots along her legs. “Okay. Ready when you guys are.” Tyris bared her own sword at the ready. “Come then. Let us join as one in combat.” Allen clenched the “claw of his Anti-Akuma weapon as he prepared himself to fight. “Now…let us grant salivation upon their cursed souls.” With that, the seven warriors would join in battle against the Akuma. Just outside the village, the turtle’s head would peak out for a moment curious of the sounds of battle within the village it was named for. After blinking for a moment, its head would retreat back into its shell.  

{Phantasy Star – Restaurant, China}

A spaceship would hover down to a landing along the outskirts of a Chinese city. Along the side of the ship was the word “Landale” as if referring to the original owner. Rolf and Nei would walk out from it, heading down the streets to a local restaurant. “Are you sure about this, Rolf? I mean…we still had our original mission to complete back home.” She would follow as Rolf continued to walk. “I’m positive. I’m feeling we may need a moment’s rest before we pursue any further. My mission is important, but I feel there’s no urgent need to continue on all at once.” That aside, Rolf thought to himself, thinking that he may need to make every moment he spends with Nei count from this point on. Nei looked left and right as they both came closer to the restaurant. “You know, it’s amazing how much civilization has prospered here despite the many wars that have taken place here on this planet.” As they stepped in, the two would be greeted by a shrill voice. “Nihao!~ Welcome to the restaurant of me, Jam Kuradoberi. We’ve had to do some repairs since we have a lot of fights here lately, but enough of that. Shall I prepare a table for the lovely couple?” Nei blushed from this and Rolf had a shy look. “Err…yes. That will be just fine. Thank you.” They would be led to a table in the restaurant where some familiar faces were sitting at a table just close by. All of the Jellyfish Pirates seemed to be present and accounted for with Johnny glancing to the side whenever Jam leaned over to take an order at an opposite table. May, of course, was suspicious of this. Close to them, Sol and Ky had put aside their differences once again, haven been seated across from one another. Next to Sol was a blond man with a bandanna that had a Union Jack emblazoned on it. “So you guys saying you got yourselves tossed back and forth between all sorts of dimensions. Bloody hell. I thought I had it bad.” Ky nodded and sipped a cup of Chinese tea. “Indeed. It was a harrowing experience, but for the time being it appears to be behind us.” Johnny glanced to the table across from them. “Don’t look now, but it appears we have some old friends from said experience present and accounted for.” May turned and immediately jumped up, waving excitedly to the Algol Star System residents. “Oh, hey! Rolf! Nei! Over here!” Rolf turned his head over towards their direction. “Oh! Hey there. Didn’t expect to see you all so soon.” Dizzy in particular would smile over to Nei, who would also smile in turn. Ky would sip his tea once more. “I am just glad we can get a moment’s rest before we return to our respective missions. After investigating files from that last encounter with the PWAB, I found something listed as “The Backyard” amongst their documents.” Sol turned his head and his eyes widened. He turned his faze to Ky as he spoke with his usual rough-edged voice. “Don’t get in over your head pursuing things like that, kid.” Ky stood up also. “Are you trying to provoke me?! By last I recall we also had matters to settle!” Rolf would then stand up. “Now now…let’s take it easy. We wouldn’t want to settle things within a restaurant establishment.” Axl would elaborate on this. “No kidding. Its jus one way to get that there waitress to kick you a thousand times over and then pay of her damages in addition to your own.” Johnny seemed a bit nervous upon hearing that. “Well as a gentleman I will be sure to have no a scratch on the fine lady’s establishment.” Nei giggled for a moment as she watched the others and Rolf turned to hear. They didn’t know where the next mission to Mother Brain would take them, but a moment of peace and Nei’s smile made it all the more worth it.    

{Phantasy Star – Luxary Spacecraft G}

“Hey there, space cats! This is Ulala reporting live from Luxary Spacecraft G for Space Channel 5.” Pudding and Jaguar would step into view. “Hey! And don’t forget me, Pudding, also reporting on the scene in a rare collaboration between the station and the Rogueship A Go-Go Crew.” Jaguar would dance into a pose before pointing to a tv screen. “Crossing the boundaries of time and space, we have a live broadcast straight from the Curien Mansion.” The scene would shift down to the front steps where Zobiko was wearing a wedding gown and being carried by a top hat wearing Zobio. Ulala would continue to report on the proceedings. “It would seem our two newlyweds have such finished their ceremony and are just bout to celebrate with a Graveyard Gig.” {udding would continue after Ulala. “The concert alone has given us our highest ratings yet! I just hope I don’t have to drive ny bike through that creepy house anytime soon…” Jaguar would then turn around as displays of ChuChus and KapuKapus ran around different parts of the ship. “In mote immediate news that we likely should have reported on first it would seem that the rocket featuring those mice and their cat predators has crashed here into the Luxary Spacecraft G. Pudding would start as the tree began to strut towards that scene. “Well we all know what that means. Just so you know, my channel’s going to get the best from this one.” Jaguar readied a keyboard as Puddin used a guitar. “Well may the best one win and that would of course be me.” Ulala strutted up front, holding the mike in one hand and her Tension Blaster in the other hand. “You all know the drill. Let’s get these mice and cats under control all while freeing up a groove with the passengers. This broadcast is going out to all of our friends allied with Cross. Couldn’t have save the universe without you. But for now…” The three would sway in place before assuming a pose. “…Let’s chu!~”  

{Virtua Mobius – Cross Headquarters}

Leon Isuka was not yet finished with his mission. There was still the matter of having to deal with the fallout and report in to his superiors. Other officers seemed to be looking at the current interdimensional broadcast of Space Channel 5, still in broadcast. He took notice of a loud mouthed Mobian rat going on about his favorite pop stars and his partner, a sleeping iguana wearing sunglasses. Both were new recruits to Cross. “Hey. Get ready. The assembly’s about to start.” They would both suddenly stand at attention and salute before running out of the breakroom along with other officers. Upon saving reality as we know it, Leon was promoted to a commanding officer in the ranks of Cross. Very soon he would be leading trainees in the safety of maintaining the dimensional balance. There were even talks of collaborating with a group that dealt with similar affairs named Shinra. They had usually kept to their own affairs, but Leon had a feeling they would likely meet some of his previous allies in the near future. Leon had heard high praises regarding a Mr. Arisu in particular. Leon would continue to walk towards the assembly hall, his thoughts wandering towards the man whose name he shared and Dr. Hikari. It was thanks to them he was who he was today and with the end of Declaw’s reign, they could rest in peace. Leon would walk out front where several officers in Cross would stand at attention in a row. After pausing for a minute to pace himself, Leon would begin. “Alright. All have you have your orders and have the option to decline, but by now…I already know your answers.” Leon would give a salute. “Do your duty and maintain your honor in the name of Cross!” Everyone would salute in turn. “Sir!” Leon smirked for a moment as he mentally thought to himself as he was now free of Declaw’s shadow and now free to live as he pleased from here on out.  

- THE END –