Surviving a Shounen Manga

The Ramirez Scramble (8)

Fine.

It didnt even take thirty seconds.

The response came much faster than Id expected.

Recognizing that this was a crisis, reviewing the situation at hand, and making a decision all of that in such a short time?

The source of that cool answer was none other than Siana.

For some reason, Yan was only listening silently.

I will accept the team-up proposal with the Squatjaw Adventurers.

Arent you deciding too fast?

Isnt the sooner the better?

You cant change your mind midway. You know that, right?

Of course.

At Sianas firm nod, I couldnt help but stare.

Her eyes were shining brightly. More intensely than ever, but their lustre whispered of danger.

As I looked into those twinkling eyes, I felt my heart clench for a moment.

Indeed.

I was more familiar than anyone else with how shounen manga characters were, so I could understand her feelings to some extent.

Despair, frustration, fear, pain, disappointment and helplessness.

This Ramirez Scramble was, in fact, the most difficult arc for Siana more than anyone else.

Because here her weaknesses, her uselessness, were the most glaring.

It was an arc where shed start to question her own worth, ponder over her own role in their adventurer team, and eventually become pessimistic

Perhaps it was her whod suffered the most, more than the collapsed Leo or the injured Yan.

But of course, it was also true these trials allowed characters to grow. In fact, this arc was the impetus that would let Siana find a way to raise her own power further.

Without adversity and hardship, one could never move forward. Wasnt that the clich that underpinned every shounen manga Or rather, it was a universal truth that applied even beyond that.

And, maybe

She mightve already grown.

And that sight left me a little moved.

The tenacity to face her goal without averting her eyes, despite being beset by so many difficulties.

The wisdom to seek the path forward, without succumbing to danger or despair.

Even though the leader was absent, she didnt lose sight of her goals, and walked forward with a determined gait.

A character that shined all the more brilliantly in these moments of crisis.

I quietly suppressed the fluttering in my chest.

I wasnt a reader, here to enjoy watching a character grow. I was also a part of the story, and I couldnt let myself be genuinely moved by the growth of a character that might be a threat to me one day.

It just feels a bit unfortunate.

Then,

Hmm. Great. Then its decided.

I ended up concluding on my own.

But

But we have conditions.

Conditions?

Siana said something nonsensical.

I know it sounds a little absurd. Instead of thanking you for the team-up, Im mentioning conditions. But I still have no choice but to do that. Its what we need to fulfill our role.

What are the conditions?

Its simple. Heal Leo and Yan. Also, please bring back Mr. Kiriko who left meet you. If hes injured, please treat him too. Because because thats something I can do.

Siana shook her head for a moment.

It looked like she was trying hard not to fall into despair.

But soon,

If you do that us Leo Adventurers will prove our worth. Those are the conditions. Could you please?

Her eyes burned once again with the flame of determination.

Honestly, she was a very smart woman.

So its that. I thought you were going to ask something big. I was going to do all that anyway! Anything else?

Thank you. Thats enough.

No, no, thank you. Well be the ones in trouble if you stand on the other side. Actually, Im the main target of those people. So I should be the one thanking you for standing together with us.

Then Im glad.

Alright, thats enough talking, so lets start.

I immediately activated Kirikos unique ability.

[Six Burning Bullets].

Two silver revolvers appeared on my waist with a flash of light.

Pulling them out, one in each hand, I whirled the chambers.

Clackackackackackack!

Click!

The bullets I prepared were, of course, healing.

I pointed the barrels at Leo.

Fundamentally, Leo was still unconscious because of the authors scheme. Hed suffered more damage in the original.

But from a Watsonian point of view, like Siana said, it was because he hadnt received any physical treatment. Considering the timing, perhaps the author was aiming for Kirikos return

Just when I was about to fire,

N-, no!

Suddenly, Yan screamed and stopped me.

Huh?

Whatre you doing! I-if you want to harm Leo, start with me.

Whatre you on about?

Then,

Yan, its not like that, calm down.

Siana held up her hand and stopped him.

Yan had apparently been lost in his own mind till now.

Honestly

Well, he mustve been tired. Hed been blocking the invading enemies without even summoning King.

We all know that Mr. Squatjaw can mimic our abilities. He mustve mimicked Mr. Kirikos unique ability.

Yeah, this is the only ability I can use for treatment right now. Even if it looks odd, the effect wont be bad. Better than the original user, even.

Of course, only until Kiriko awakened successfully.

Finally,

Bangbangbang!

Bangbangbang!

I sent a volley of [healing x healing] bullets with rapid fire.

All the power drained in an instant.

Whew

Itd be a plausibility issue if Leo didnt wake after this.

I caught my breath for a moment and then turned to the other side.

Next,

Yan, just stand still.

Eh? Ah, y- yeah.

Bangbang!

Bang!

Another volley gracefully slammed into Yan.

And then,

O-, oh my! My strength is coming back! T-, thank you, Mr. Squatjaw.

Yeah, yeah. Ill go take a break.

I hurried out of the cave.

There was more urgent work left than to savour their thanks.

Huff lets see.

First, I sorted out the current situation.

Half the players were now on Gronyans side.

Perhaps not in terms of headcount, but many of the named characters were in his camp. So half was correct.

So now we had to lure the other half to our side

This was a bit of a dilemma. It wasnt a matter of the method, it was a matter of time. Where was the time to contact them one by one and convince them?

Hmm

Then, after thinking about it for a while,

No, hold on.

There was one thought that was ringing in my head.

Was there really going to be a massive all-out war?

This was an issue I had to consider.

Didnt Gronyan increase his influence by winning one-on-one matches against the other bosses? Would it be any different if he invaded another area?

Also, basically, the author of Adventure King himself didnt like large-scale all-out wars.

Once, in an interview, hed even explained the reasons himself.

Maybe this time would be the same?

Meaning the scenes would be narrowed down to a confrontation between the powerhouses.

There were only three true powerhouses on the other side.

Gronyan, Jemus, and Gelop.

There were other mid-boss-level named, but I ignored them for the moment.

Our side was well-matched.

Leo, Kiriko and me.

Of course, assuming that preparations were complete by the time of the decisive battle.

Then there was only one contender left.

Karl Zayed.

The problem was this guy.

I dont think hes ever going to join us.

To be honest, I didnt see any hope of that.

If I hadnt bumped into him earlier while pretending to be Gelop, perhaps? But now well.

Of course, it was still uncertain. Wasnt he someone whod cling to his one-man adventurer team concept even if it killed him? He might stay completely neutral.

But I had a bit of an ominous feeling.

I might have to deal with Gronyan and Karl Zayed at the same time

It was no easy task, even if I asked Cormier to cooperate.

I had no choice but to commit.

Damn it, who cares!

But there was no time to worry about it right now.

Cocoa!

There were a lot of things I had to do.

Cocoa! Where are you? Lets move!

That was then.

Where are you going?

It wasnt Cocoa who appeared, but Siana.

For some reason, she was showing a somewhat wary look.

Shed never said anything out loud, but apparently shed become quite reliant on me. Hearing I was leaving, her complexion had darkened a lot.

Dont you want me to bring Kiriko back?

Ah

Dont worry. Ill be back soon.

Okay.

I pulled over Cocoa who was walking slowly towards me, rubbing her eyes; and threw her up on my shoulder.

Huh? Whats going on?

Hold on tight. Were running.

And then I ran down the mountain.

Huh? This way?

Haka fell in doubt for a moment. Because the army was heading in an entirely unexpected direction.

Mr. Squatjaw was based in the north.

And the Leo Adventurers, of which the guildmasters son was a member, were in the east.

But somehow, the army was going in a different direction.

South.

Haka could easily recall the face of the boss of that area.

A man who gave off a fierce impression, with grey hair like a lions mane.

Karl Zayed.

Haka let out a soft sigh.

To think Gronyan would go for Karl Zayed first

This was completely unexpected.

This might be easier than I thought?

The only one-man adventurer team in Westland.

Nevertheless, the top adventurer team the Grey Lion.

In fact, hed been the one Haka had kept a close watch on while his boss had been off gallivanting in Eastland.

Not for any complicated reason. Purely because hed stood out the most.

To be honest, hed wondered why Mr. Squatjaw had asked him to watch the Leo Adventurers instead.

Kark Zayed had been a much more interesting specimen.

A man so strong, and so alone.

No matter how strong Black Shadow might be, he was finding it difficult to imagine that they might defeat Karl Zayed easily.

Are they really going to have a final showdown?

Haka pondered for a moment whether he should contact Mr. Squatjaw.

But soon,

No, I need to be sure first.

Haka put back the transceiver hed taken up.

And an hour after that

Contrary to expectations, instead of starting with long-distance scouting and harassment, Gronyan directly walked up to Karl Zayed.

And Karl Zayed didnt show any sign of avoiding him either.

He simply waited where he sat, leisurely sipping tea.

Haka lurked in the shadow of an executive nearby, watching them converse.

Long time no see. This is the first time weve met since Clone City.

Whats the matter?

Is it because youre always alone? Youre lagging in intel.

Karl Zayed smirked and looked around.

You on the other hand, are swimming in friends.

It just turned out this way, somehow or other.

Are you going to attack me?

Depends on the circumstances, I suppose.

Hmph Even if a bunch of sheep form a gang, theyre still sheep. They cant threaten a lion.

Then,

Your eyesight needs fixing. Are you really comparing the one in front of you to a sheep?

Gronyan was the first to be lose his temper.

At that moment,

Thoooommm.

The air trembled.

Under the touch of an enormous force.

I suppose thats around the level of a wild dog.

Now, what would happen?

Haka observed with keen interest.

So far, Gronyan has knocked everyone to their knees in a one-on-one match.

Only one battle with the cyborg had ended without a clear winner, but there too, the opponent had already been half beaten. Otherwise, he wouldnt follow Gronyan afterwards like this.

Perhaps hed make a similar offer to Karl Zayed. To have a one-on-one match, and the loser follows the victor.

But,

I have a suggestion.

Oh?

What came out of Gronyans mouth was completely different.

I was wondering if itd be better to form an alliance. I think we have a common enemy that we need to deal with first.

Huh?

How mystifying.

Surprisingly, Gronyan bowed his head first?

But what was even more surprising was

Who do you mean?

That Karl Zayed didnt categorically refuse, but instead asked the details.

You know him. The guy with the jutted chin. I heard hes annoyed you too?

Hmm as I guessed.

Something was wrong.

The conversation between the two continued, but Haka didnt wait to hear more.

Because this wasnt the time to listen and wait.

He had to pass on the news right away.

That Gronyan and Karl Zayed had joined hands.

Where? This way?

Yup.

Really? I dont see any traces though?

You didnt see anything on the way either.

I had no rebuttal. In fact, after the power balance adjustment, my eyesight had truly worsened compared to before.

In other words, in Cocoas eyes, I might now be a fool who was regressing in skill.

That was then.

Bang!

Bang-bang-bang!

We heard familiar gunshots from nearby.

Okay, hold tight.

Huh? Wait a second!

I put the complaining Cocoa on my shoulder and ran straight towards the source of the sound.

Soon after,

You lot are a nuisance. Just stop looking for me

A red-haired man suddenly caught my eye. He was stepping on a gigantic guy.

His whole body was wrapped in bloodstained bandages as if hed taken considerable damage, and blood was dripping from his eyes.

And behind him, there was a bunch of guys on the ground piled up like a mountain. Apparently theyd succeeded in their search for him and had rushed at him thoughtlessly.

Whew what a bloody scene.

The thought of having to talk to that (?) was already making me feel tired.

Of course, one could say I was reaping what Id sown.

Whistle!

I blew a whistle towards the redhead who was still kicking away at the victim at his feer.

Then,

Hey, you seem full of energy. Howre you feeling? You look good, lemme tell you.

I greeted him with a cheery grin.

And,

Squatjaw?

The redhead finally stopped what he was doing and looked back at me.

And then,

Squatjaw Squatjaw Squatjaw you bastard!

He started to walk towards me, grinding his teeth.

His aura was brimming with anger.

Haha you must be a tad angry.

I watched him with a slightly complicated feeling.

Now what should I do?

In fact, Id been thinking it over along the way.

About the state in which I had to take him back.

Just take him back as he was.Take him back after he awakened.

Id naturally been assuming that Kiriko hadnt awakened yet. Because I hadnt met up with him yet.

Just dealing with riffraff wouldnt let you awaken. The law of shounen manga was that such growth had its own requirement one had to pass through various difficulties and then break through a final hurdle.

Just as Capone had been the final hurdle to Kirikos awakening in the original, her I should play that role here.

But I hadnt gotten around to that yet.

There were pros and cons to both approaches.

If Kiriko joined the team after awakening, the future battles would be much easier. Our chances of winning would increase, our morale would also rise. Thered be some extra spice to enjoy.

And itd follow the original storyline.

But the problem was that awakening him carried a big risk factor in itself.

Fighting with that guy whod gotten crazy from anger, what if somebody got seriously injured? The teams overall power would inevitably fall.

And there was one big unsettling factor above everything else.

What if the leading point of view didnt come to us during the fight?

Then? Thatd be the worst case scenario.

Even after having an all-out fight with me, possibly even taking Injuries, Kiriko might not be able to awaken.

The awakening, or evolution of the protagonist could never happen unless the readers could see it it. This was an unwritten rule that was almost a constant.

So,

I cant take such a risk.

I decided to choose option 1.

Just to bring him back as he was. So he could jump into battle right away.

Anyway, there were a lot of people in Gronyans camp whod be able to make him awaken.

Of course, this was also not without risk. Depending on who Kiriko fought, he might lose too quickly, forget about awakening in protracted battle.

Still, I wont have to worry that the readers wont see him.

Alright.

Just as I made that decision

At that moment

Squatjaw!!

Kiriko stood in front of me.

With blood all over his body, and his eyes blazing with anger[1] he didnt look ready to cooperate.

Uh hello?

First of all, I gave him a nice smile.

In any case, we werent going to be long-term collaborators or anything.

In fact, I was even considering giving him a few free hits.

But,

I think I might actually die if I do that

Kiriko wouldnt use his bare hands, but his guns.

And judging by the amount of power hed gathered, even if he hadnt reached awakening, apparently thered been a few breakthroughs.

A cold sweat broke out on the back of my neck.

No need to talk. Thanks to you Ive had a great time.

It didnt look like I could duck out of the fight.

I put aside the possibility of a conversation and pulled out my revolvers.

I couldnt just stand there and tank a killshot with my face, now could I?

I had to take the initiative and suppress him first.

Then shall we see how much youve improved?

Editors Notes:

[1] (lit. double wick), double wick growing in ones eyes, meaning eyes ablaze with anger.

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