From: "Jason Boaz" Subject: Chapter 3: A Fierce Battle! Katzuhito's Secret Revealed! Date: Monday, July 15, 2002 5:13 PM Chapter 3: A Fierce Battle! Katzuhito's Secret Revealed! Yugi had surprised Kagato by cutting off his hand, just as he was about to kill Tenchi, who was defeated. This action was considered an outrage to Kagato, who simply regenerated his hand, and told Yugi that she should’ve stayed evil. But, something had told Yugi Kagato was glad she had changed. And now, the teenage Juraian mutant was about to square off against the Eternally Most Wanted Criminal, who was also from Jurai. Kagato: So, I see you’ve chosen to defend them, Yugi. Yugi: That’s right, Kagato! Tenchi, Sasami, Ryoko, Ayeka, Washuu, Kiyone, Mihoshi, Noboyuki, Lord Katzuhito, Azaka and Kamadake are my friends now. I’d gladly die to protect them from you, Kagato. Kagato: So I see. Then answer me this question, Yugi. What have they done for you, that changed you so much? Yugi: Tenchi and the others helped me realize I was wrong in trying to make my own world. They’re willing to forgive me for the pain I’ve caused. I’ll never forget how Tenchi and Sasami had shown me that I do have friends...REAL FRIENDS! Kagato: Is that so? Well, if you’re so determined to die protecting your friends, then I shall grant your wish. (re-energizes energy sword) But I should warn you, right now...I am not someone to be taken lightly. As Kagato spoke, he recharged his energy sword. Tenchi and the others were amazed at how Yugi stood defiantly against their foe. Tenchi: This is amazing! Yugi looks so calm, and confident, despite the fact she could die in this battle. She sure has changed. Kiyone: I know. Ayeka was right. She’s become a better person than she was before. You can see the change in her eyes. Sasami: Alright! I knew she’d wake up and help us! Mihoshi: But who could’ve woke her up? Tenchi: I guess we’ll learn that soon enough. Ayeka, who had helped the wounded Ryoko to Washuu’s lab, just came back outside. She too, was astounded to see Yugi fighting on the side of good. Ayeka: Oh my goodness...It’s Yugi! She’s squaring off against Kagato! Tenchi: That’s right, Ayeka. She saved me from certain death at the hands of Kagato. Ayeka: I knew she’d come around. Now, we have a fighting chance. Nagi: It’s amazing how that one girl can muster up so much courage to fight against one of the most dangerous criminals in the universe. Yugi heard what Nagi had said and thanked her. Yugi: Thanks. I promise I’ll do my best to fight against him. And as Yugi thanked Nagi, the time for talk had come to a close. It was now time to fight. Kagato: (claps his hands) That was a marvelous little speech you made about fighting to protect your friends, Yugi. I’ll make sure to place it as an epitath on your tombstone. Yugi: We’ll see about that. (Father, give me strength!) And so, the battle began. Kagato started off with a vertical slash, which was dodged nimbly by Yugi. Kagato: Now, let’s see how good you really are. (slashes at Yugi) Yugi: (dodges the slash) You’ll have to do better than that, Kagato! Yugi then used a horzontal slash, which Kagato parried. Yugi: Take this, you scum! (slashes at Kagato) Kagato: Not bad. I must say, I am impressed. (parries the blow) Kagato then made a thrust at Yugi, which was dodged, as well. She then made a diagonal slash, which was successful at striking Kagato. Kagato: Now, Yugi, prepare to die! (thrusts at Yugi) Yugi: Nice try! I won’t go down so easily, though. (dodges the thrust, and slashes Kagato) Kagato was caught off guard. Now that Yugi had the element of surprise, she took advantage of her good fortune, and blasted Kagato, knocking him into the ground. Kagato: What?! How dare you! Yugi: If you thought that was something, then try this on for size! (blasts Kagato) Kagato: OOMPH!! Kagato was floored by Yugi’s blast. He declared Yugi the winner, and wanted her to finish the battle by killing him. Kagato: You’ve won, Yugi...do it! Finish me! (smirks, and thinks to himself) Amazing! You were able to overpower me. But then, what else should I expect from the daughter of a Legendary Knight? Yugi smiled, and politely refused. Yugi: No, Kagato. I won’t kill you. Our battle is over. Kagato: I see. Well, then...if your goal wasn’t to kill me, what exactly did you accomplish? (Well, you did beat me in combat. I was right about you, Yugi. You are a worthy opponent. I hope there are others, like you...that goes for Ryoko, as well...given the right circumstances. Who knows? Maybe Hotsuma might come back from the dead, and face me, as well. Given the scope of your powers, I'd say it is possible. I welcome his return with anticipation. Maybe then, Ryoko can finally remember what she forced herself to forget...that Hotsuma was Kiyoko's boyfriend. And perhaps, you'll learn the truth very soon, Ryoko. I hope you're undergoing a full recovery. You'll need to be at your best, if you wish to fight me again.) Yugi: I just gave someone the time he needed to arrive. As Yugi spoke, the sword Tenchi held in his hand was telepathically whisked away, into the hands of his grandfather, Katzuhito Masaki, who is, in reality, the Legendary Warrior, known as Yosho. Tenchi: (sees the sword being whisked away from his hand) What the? (sees the sword go to Katzuhito) Grandpa? Kagato was impressed to see how well Yugi had stalled him long enough for Yosho to arrive. Kagato: I’m impressed, Yugi. You fought me long enough so Yosho could be able to make it. Yugi: That’s right. I’m so glad you noticed. Kagato: That was most impressive. Not bad for a teenager. Yugi: Well, I try my best. Kagato then turned around and greeted Yosho. Kagato: Ah, so there you are, Yosho. Long time, no see. Yosho: I see you’ve grown old gracefully, Kagato. Kagato: (smirks) And I see that the years have been kind to you, Yosho. Yosho: The same can be said for you. Now tell me...what have you been doing all this time? Kagato: Since you asked so nicely, I shall tell you. And so, Kagato told the tale of what happened to him, during the past few decades. Kagato: After you thwarted my attempt to overthrow Jurai’s Royal Family, I was banished from my home planet forever...but you already knew that, didn’t you? Yosho: Yes. I remember that, Kagato. Move along with your story. Kagato: Very well. After I was banished from Jurai, I spent nine years in the darkness of the universe, refining and strengthening my Jurai power to the most extreme limits. After I had increased my powers, I enrolled in the Galactic Science Academy, where I met Professor Washuu. She was a dean who worked for the Academy, at the time. Yosho: I see. What do you do, during that time, Kagato? Kagato: Well, she and I worked on a project together, as teacher and student. And then, in just a matter of months, we built the Souja...which is the most powerful ship in the universe. After she and I completed it, I knocked her unconscious, with one of her own keyboards. Washuu, who was infuriated to remember that certain incident, was really outraged. At that same time, she was in her nurse's outfit, and was in the process of patching Ryoko up. Washuu: (in her lab) Why’d you have to tell them that?! You’re nothing but a big bully, Kagato!! Ryoko: Come on, Washuu! Hurry up and patch up my wounds, ok? Washuu: (looks at Ryoko) Are you sure you don't want me to put you under, Ryoko? Ryoko: You're asking ME if I want to undergo anesthesia? No way! I can handle it. After all...I've been through worse. Washuu: Okay, if you say so. (starts using a scalpel and a suture on Ryoko) Ryoko: AAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!! As Ryoko cried out, in defiance of her own pain, Kagato had finished telling his tale. He was ready to fight his old nemesis, once again. But first, he decided to make some small talk with Yosho. Kagato: While she was knocked out, I took over the Souja. By the time she came to, the Souja and I escaped by crashing through the roof. That was when I realized that with my own Jurai powers, and the power of the Souja, I could get anything I wanted! That was when I decided to become a Space Pirate! Yosho: I see. That’s just like you, Kagato. What happened, after that? Kagato: Well, over the years, I climbed up the ranks in the Galaxy Police’s Most Wanted List, until I was finally upgraded into the Eternally Most Wanted Criminal in the entire universe. As the decades passed, I plundered countless planets of their invaluable treasures. There were some ancient relics that didn’t suit my exquisite taste, though...so I destroyed them. The Galaxy Police sent fleet after countless fleet against me, in numerous attempts to arrest me, but I destroyed them all with ease. Anyone who got in my way was severely dealt with! I was an unstoppable force! And now, after all this time, we finally meet again. Yosho: I knew, that one day we would meet again, Kagato. I just didn’t think it would take so long. Kagato: Well, as I said, I’ve been keeping myself busy, these past few decades. Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter. I want you to share with me the secrets of your sword, Yosho...I wonder, will you share with me that pleasure? Yosho: Pleasure? I know of a good restaurant where they serve the best fast food in Okiyama. Yosho’s fast comeback caused everyone, including Nagi and Yugi, to fall over. Kagato wasn’t impressed, though. Kagato: Hmph. What a foolish thing to say. Nothing but rubbish! Kagato then summoned a powerful beam and sent it toward Yosho, who dodged it by merely turning his head to the left. Yosho: Is that one of the powers you acquired in the darkness of the universe? Kagato: Yes it is, Yosho...but that’s just the tip of the iceburg. Yosho: If you really want the power of the sword that badly, you’ll have to face me, first! Kagato: I have travelled through the infinite sea of the stars to discover your sword’s secret, Yosho. What will it take to get that power...your blood? The blood of the Legendary Warrior of Jurai? Kagato re-energized his green energy sword, as Yosho looked at him with a determined look on his face. His glasses were gleaming because of the sunlight. Both of them knew that it was time for their battle to begin once more. Yosho: Very well...let’s proceed. Kagato: Alright...let’s begin. And so their battle began. Yosho started off by swinging his sword, which was quickly met by Kagato’s own energy sword. Kagato then floated back a couple of feet, and used his sword to blast Yosho with several beams, all of which were dodged with ease. Yosho then made several slashes at Kagato, which the space pirate evaded. Then, Kagato jumps several feets away, and sent more beams at his former friend. Yosho jumped and skillfully deflected them with his sword. He then sailed down, using a jump kick, which Kagato thwarted by extending his sword arm. Yosho stood on his nemesis’ arm for a moment, and held his sword at Kagato’s head. Kagato: Not bad, Yosho...you’re as good as ever. But, I have to warn you, I am not like I was in the good old days. After making that witty remark, Kagato threw Yosho off, and watched as his worthy foe landed nimbly. The cunning Kagato then teleported and grabbed Yugi, threatening to slit her throat with his sword. Yugi: What the?! (is grabbed by Kagato, and then feels his sword at her neck) Let me go...you malignant scum! Yosho was angered at what Kagato had done, and called him a coward. Yosho: Using a woman as your shield?! COWARD!! Kagato: I wouldn’t make any false moves, if I were you. If you do, I won’t be able to guarantee that Yugi leaves this battlefield alive. Yosho realized that he had no choice, but to comply to Kagato’s demands, whatever they would be. Yosho: Alright, Kagato...you win! Name your price, just let the girl go!! Kagato: Throw your sword aside now, Yosho! Otherwise, Yugi will die!! Yugi pleaded with Yosho not to comply with Kagato’s demands. Yugi: Don’t do it, Yosho! Don’t listen to him! You have to stop him here and now! Forget about me! Yosho: No, Yugi...you are a member of our extended family, now...My first priority is to protect everyone here from harm. Besides, there will be other opportunties to fight Kagato. Right now, your safety is my main concern. What Yosho said had moved Yugi to tears. Kagato, however, felt that victory was in his grasp. Yugi: I...I should’ve realized that...I’m sorry, Yosho. Thank you for your kindness. (cries) Kagato: I knew you would see things my way, Yosho. Yosho did as Kagato instructed, and thew the sword aside, sending it flying into the trunk of the Masaki Holy Tree. Kagato: You may have thrown it a little bit far, but it’s satisfying, nonetheless. Kagato then de-energized his sword, and let Yugi go, as promised. He then floated toward the tree, and slowly reached for the sword. Kagato: After all this time...the immense power that Sword Tenchi possesses will now, at last be mine! As a noble of the Jurai Royal Family, it is my right to wield it. But as Kagato grabbed the hilt of the sword, a surge of energy coursed from it, shocking him. Kagato: Uuhh!! AAAAHHHH!! Kagato jerked his arm away, as smoke billowed from where he futilly attempted to take it. Yosho: Even though you were once one of the nobles of Jurai’s Royal Family, your soul has been corrupted by your twisted ambitions, and lust for power. It seems the sword shall never be yours. Kagato’s arm then stopped smoking, as several sweatdrops fell from his forehead. He then realized something about Tenchi he didn’t before. Kagato: I see...then this boy is your successor...of course! I should have guessed that! Why else was he able to use the sword with ease, during that final battle with Yugi, where she ultimately chose to sleep until she became a good girl?! How could I have been so foolish? Yugi, hearing Kagato mention her final battle with Tenchi during the days she was evil, demanded to know how he knew about such information. Yugi: How do you know about that?! Tell us, right now! Kagato, in a bout of supremacy, told the “Tenchi Family” how he kept watch over them, all this time. Kagato: You really want to know? Very well, Yugi. You see, I have been keeping track of all of you with my greatest invention...a mobile tracking and monitoring unit, comparable to a mere flea. Kagato then pointed to the tiny monitoring device, which was flying over Yugi’s head. As she saw it, she was struck with disbelief. Yugi: What? (So...that's how you knew about my friendship with Sasami...and how you knew I would never forgive you for your misdeeds. As for knowing who my father is, you must've done some impressive detective work and cross-referenced me with the Legendary Knights. Very clever, Kagato.) Kagato: Through this device, I have been monitoring every one of you. You see, Yugi...I created an entire network of these units, one for each and every one of you. Ayeka: Are you saying that one of those tiny things were watching all of us, all this time, without our noticing them?! Kagato: Exactly. Through these devices, I watched Tenchi, yourself, Yugi and Sakuya, who was the physical manifestation of her shadow, Sasami, Ryoko, Washuu, Kiyone and Mihoshi, Azaka and Kamadake, Matori, Tsugaru, Hotsuma, Nagi, Noboyuki, RyoOhki, KenOhki and even Yosho, without being noticed. It was a flawless operation, Princess Ayeka...that is...until Nagi and KenOhki spotted theirs. Nagi, who then heard the mention of her name, recalled how she discovered the devices, and warned Ryoko of Hotsuma’s deception. Nagi: KenOhki and I were at a local bar on a distant planet, when KenOhki was scratching something off his cheek. At first, I thought it was a flea, but then, as I was about to squash it, I noticed it was too...intricate to be a mere insect. After KenOhki and I left the planet, I used some of the scanners onboard KenOhki's spaceship mode to discover the true nature of the devices. I realized that the only one ingenious enough to make such a device was none other than the Perpetually Wanted Criminal himself...Kagato. Then, moments later, while I was monitoring the Galaxy Police’s radio frequencies, I heard Hotsuma, ratting Ryoko out, revealing the location of their hideout. Yugi: You mean...you caught onto that incident where Kiyone and Mihoshi were inside Ryoko’s hideout...and you recognized Hotsuma’s voice? WHOA! That’s unreal!! (is impressed with Nagi's skills as a bounty hunter) Nagi: That’s right. There hasn’t been a criminal alive that was able to throw me off the track. Anyway, after Ryoko fled from the Galaxy Police, I hailed her, on Gaiyan’s frequency, and demanded to meet with her on the next planet Hotsuma’s ship orbited...alone. She met with me, and then we had a heart-to-heart talk. As Nagi spoke, she remembered the meeting that took place between herself and Ryoko. Nagi: I’m so glad you’ve come, Ryoko. Ryoko: Get to the point, Nagi. Why did you ask me to meet you out here, in the middle of nowhere?! Nagi: I’ve come to tell you something really important, Ryoko. Ryoko: Yeah, what is it?! Nagi: Kiyone and Mihoshi weren’t the ones who ratted you out, Ryoko...Hotsuma did. Ryoko: WHAT?! (telekinetically changes into her red and black outfit, and charges up her sword) You’d better not be lying to me, Nagi!! Nagi: How dare you accuse me of lying?! I may have done things like kidnap Tenchi to provoke you into fighting me at Venus, I may have stuffed him into a coffin during our showdown, and I might’ve even gotten so close to vanquishing you, until Ayeka interfered, but I’d NEVER, EVER LIE TO YOU! Ryoko: I understand...I was wrong to accuse you of lying, Nagi...you’re better than that. Gggrrr...I’m going to kill that little punk!! Kagato was intrigued to hear what happened around that time, and implored Nagi to continue. Kagato: Intresting story, Nagi. Please continue. Nagi: Alright...anyway, when Ryoko realized I was probably telling her the truth, she wanted to kill Hotsuma for ratting her out...but I dissuaded her. Nagi: (continuing flashback) NO, RYOKO! You can’t attack him now! You have no proof! If you accuse him of tipping off the Galaxy Police right now, he’ll deny everything! Ryoko: I see...what do you want me to do, then? Nagi: For now..nothing. Just keep on robbing other planets of their treasures, until he reveals his true intentions. He’ll slip up, sooner or later. Once he does, I want you to turn him in for me...dead or alive!! Ryoko: Alright...I’ll do it your way, then. But, I’m telling you, right now...I won’t be doing this for Tenchi, nor for you...I’ll be doing this for myself, and for my sense of integrity. I don’t take being backstabbed by my partners too lightly. This is a matter of honor! Nagi: I knew you’d see things my way, Ryoko. I realized you did have some sorf of code of honor, the moment you spared my life, even though I swore you’d regret it. (smiles slightly) Ryoko: Thanks for the compliment, Nagi. Is there anything else I need to know? Nagi: As a matter of fact, yes. Kagato’s been watching us, for awhile, now. Ryoko: WHAT?! That’s impossible! How could he do that?! Nagi: He’s developed a new monitoring device, which he uses to watch our every step, without our notice. Nagi then drew the story to a close, with how she and KenOhki destroyed the monitoring units that were watching them. Nagi: After I told Ryoko about the devices, I showed them to her. KenOhki and I squashed the ones watching us. I asked Ryoko not to take out the one watching her, though. She begrudgingly agreed. It was at that point our meeting drawn to a close, and we went our separate ways. I knew you’d try something like this eventually, Kagato. Kagato: You’re very observant, Nagi. I’m quite impressed you figured it out so easily. Well done. Nagi: Hmph...It’s what I do best. I AM a bounty hunter, after all. Kagato then felt the battle had drawn for a close, for the moment. He first destroyed the rest of his own tracking devices, which have served their purpose, and floated upward as a green gateway opened in the sky. Kagato: Anyway, my monitoring units have served their purpose. They’re no longer needed. (destroys the remaining devices, and floats toward an opening gateway) Well, I hate to be rude, but I must be going, for now. As for you, boy, I want you and everyone else to have a chance to recover, so you could fight me at full strength. Once you’re ready, I want all of you to meet me in Earth’s orbit in five hours. Prove your skills, then come to me. I’ll be waiting for you! And within an instant, Kagato went through the gateway, and it closed. Tenchi, along with everyone else looked at Katzuhito in disbelief, realizing that he was in truth, Yosho, the Legendary Warrior of Jurai. Yugi was the only exception. Tenchi: I...I don’t believe it, grandpa...you’re the Legendary Warrior Ayeka recently told us about...you’re Yosho! Grandpa: That is correct, Tenchi. My name is Yosho...I am the man who protected Jurai’s Royal Family from Kagato’s attempt to overthrow it. Yosho then told Tenchi how he came to Earth and married into the Masaki Family. He also told him how he was permitted to merge his sword with the sword of the Masaki Family. Yosho: After battling Kagato, and witnessing his banishment from Jurai, I grew weary of such frivilous power struggles. So, I decided to go to a world where I could settle down, and live my life in peace. One day, after a long and wandering journey, I had finally arrived on the planet Earth. I was alone and grief-stricken...but I was also in awe...for the Earth seemed a gentle place to my eyes. I saw that there were devout people on a planet in the far reaches of the universe. I realized that the Earth was the right place for me to live, so I decided to remain here, until the end of my days. Tenchi: That’s amazing, Grandpa. Then what happened? Grandpa: I met my wife, Itsuki, and through marriage with her, I became the son-in-law of the keeper of the Masaki Shrine. It was then, I was given the name Katzuhito Masaki. In no time at all, my father-in-law saw that I had a righteous spirit inside of me filled with virtue, and named me his successor. He told me about the heritage of the planet guardians I was to take part in. I wholeheartedly accepted, since I loved this world so much, and I vowed, then and there to do everything in my power to protect it. He then noticed my sword, the Sword Tenchi...and realized it was something that could only be used for those pure of heart. Tenchi looked at the sword, and couldn’t believe that he was named after Yosho’s sword. Tenchi: Sword...Tenchi? Are you saying I was...named after your sword, Grandpa? Grandpa: Yes. Anyway, after your great grandfather, my father-in-law, saw my sword, he gave me his consent to merge it with the sword of the Planet Guardians, who I was now a part of. I did as he asked, and through a combination of my Jurai Power, and the power of the Planet Guardians, the two swords merged into one. The new sword then became seven crystals, which would merge into their former state, in great times of need. Tenchi: Why didn’t you tell me all this, back when you visited me in Tokyo? Grandpa: And if I had, what would you have done then? Would you have known what to do? SILLY BOY! Now is the time to grasp your future!! Tenchi: I understand. Kiyone: That was an amazing story, sir. Mihoshi was so moved by Yosho’s story, she was moved to tears. Mihoshi: (crying) That was an EXTEREMLY AMAZING STORY! I’m so moved by it!! Kiyone: It’s okay, Mihoshi. Let it out...it’s alright. Mihoshi: (hugs Kiyone as she continues crying) Thank you for being a great partner, and an even better friend. You’re the best, Kiyone. Kiyone: Thanks, Mihoshi. You might be a bit of a bubblehead, sometimes, but you’re also a true friend. I must admit, I never would’ve gotten as far as I have without you, and everyone else here. As Kiyone spoke to Mihoshi with heartfelt words, Yosho knew it was time for Tenchi and the others to spend the five hours they were given to prepare to fight Kagato. Yosho: And now, Tenchi, you and the others must prepare for the appointed hour. Together, you can beat Kagato. I know you can do it. Tenchi: Thank you, Grandpa...for having such faith in me. Yugi: Tenchi, I just want you to know, right now, that no matter what happens from this point on, I’ll do my best to help you, in any way I can. I owe you a lot. You and Sasami made me who I am today. Tenchi: Thanks, Yugi. I promise to do my best. Yugi: No problem, Tenchi. (smiles) Tenchi was proud to see that Yugi had acknowledged that he and the others were her friends. He then turned to the Masaki Holy Tree, and ran across the stone path in the lake. He then pulled the sword out, which coursed with energy, acknowledging him as its new holder. What will happen next? How will Tenchi and the others prepare for the battle? Will they be able to defeat Kagato, once and for all? Also, who else will join their fight against the Eternally Most Wanted Criminal? All this and more will be revealed, as our story continues to unfold. To Be Continued...