[Author: Anonymous]
[Title: Martial Arts Returns to Modern Times]
(Video of Ichigo using Tai Chi and Plum Blossom Sword Technique)
Wakamou Inarizushi has decided to train his disciples again…
Of course, martial arts are only passed down to the sect’s disciples.
(Photo of climbers protesting in front of the Climber Association)
Shouting as if it’s their right to be taught…
Starting over from the beginning…
Can those who haven’t even read a martial arts guide discuss martial arts!
– LOL! People who don’t know “Martial” or “Arts,” what do they know!
– Wakamou the Grand is a chivalrous hero, I tell you!
– Bringing back the passion of the martial artists who died long ago to the modern world….
– Tell us, Wakamou Leader. How much have we lost…?
– They say if you try hard enough, you can learn the skills, but come on, that’s insane LOL
– But do only Chinese and Japanese learn it? Don’t they teach Koreans?
ㄴMaybe when Wakamou Corporation recruits second-generation trainees…
ㄴManager Wanda Haye would probably teach it.
ㄴThe Plum Blossom Sword Technique is Korean!!
– Anyway, our leader made it. Got an invitation to a climber gathering in America.
ㄴBut why are they holding it 3 months early?
ㄴNo idea. They say they’re inviting climbers from all over the world?
“…..”
Today again, sitting cross-legged in the yard, meditating, is Wakamou.
─Since teaching [Skills] to Ichigo before, Wakamou has been deeply pondering various issues.
The Tower respects the climbers and gives them rewards for their efforts.
However, if that’s the case, Wakamou, who mastered [Mana Manipulation] on his own, can use it freely with will alone.
But why, when trying to perform Tai Chi, which he learned by moving, observing, and feeling, does it seem lacking in [Skill]?
Conversely, does this mean that if you understand the principles, flow, and essence, you can use powerful techniques even without stats?
Ichigo explained she felt as if knowledge filled her mind, her body moved naturally, and her inner mana circulated.
The Tower provides the simplest way in the world to turn ordinary people into superhumans.
And among those climbers, surely some had owned [Skills] from the start.
‘Is my Tae Kwon Do lacking in some way?’
For King of Authority, he had a [Karate] he honed all his life as a skill.
I wasn’t deeply specialized or desperate about anything, be it music, Tae Kwon Do, or painting, so the Tower deemed my qualifications lacking.
‘Rather than not understanding its contradictions, understand the Tower’s intent in doing so.’
Simply infusing mana into an Idol’s body results in great recoil.
Yet, when striking using [Mana Manipulation], it makes a cleaner hit with greater force… but the recoil is bigger too.
There’s a difference.
And Wakamou can discern the nuanced differences in usage.
In the case of Tai Chi, if Wakamou utilizes [Mana Manipulation] and actively controls a body always in peak condition, he can potentially perform the technique better than Ichigo.
If taken a step further.
It implies Wakamou could use [Sorcery] even without the [Intelligence] stat.
‘Though I can’t use [Skills], I understand and grasp their principles.’
Even if the direction, essence, understanding of martial arts, and routines of [Plum Blossom Sword Technique] and [Empty Spirit Tai Chi Divine Fist] naturally arise when imagining the [Skills], he can’t inherently perform them because his body won’t move on its own.
But if Wakamou acts on those thoughts…?
Then wouldn’t it be almost like using [Skills]?
The case of [Seimei Style Sorcery] and [Kuzunoha Style Sorcery] is… complicated.
If I consider actions of the body photographed in my mind,
It’s like having math but only filled with letters like xyz, impossible to even approach without basic knowledge.
“The fundamental of sorcery lies in the enlightenment of the Five Elements and understanding the flow of nature──”
Wakamou tried to learn from Aoi Asuka as a special measure, but he gave up neatly.
If someone told me to study physics when all I know is arithmetic, I’d have no idea how many years it’d take.
Just intensely training my body and making blood-shed effort seemed better!
[Idol’s Body] always maintains peak condition without feeling fatigue or pain!
Hence, Wakamou gained “enlightenment” in a reverse direction.
‘If I can see, try, and master it, learning a lot would be beneficial, right?’
Like the [Karate] of King of Authority… aren’t there a lot of martial arts?
Maybe I should ask Collector Liu Wei to directly learn from [Fighters]….. But I feel awkward, as they’d surely ask why study such basics.
‘For now, secure stat points through [Faith], nurture climbers with those, and build a hierarchical structure with worshipping climbers. Nurturing believers to dominate the vicinity and, in essence, ruling as an ‘Idol’ seems to be the ideal utilization of a ‘Legendary Class’.’
Continuously getting hit and analyzing the martial arts shown by a Heroic Spirit-level Jiangshi in combat, observing and analyzing from various angles was purely the proficiency of Wakamou Inarizushi himself.
‘Isn’t the Tower having trouble because of this?’
Perhaps lamenting that if not a Legendary Class, [Fighter], he would have been stellar.
‘Do I actually have great talents like a grandmaster?’
Yes, Wakamou Inarizushi was unconsciously brilliant.
When the Tower grants climbers [Skills], it’s essentially marking that the climber can use them. Though complaining about the lack of stats, this crazy VTuber interprets and understands the principles, meaning they can be used.
While others enjoy auto-pilot, Wakamou struggles to start, clutch, manipulate manual gears, and figure out the path without navigation, barely navigating each desperate day.
“Ah~ I’ve gone too far~ Hehe… I’d just be happy doing VTuber broadcasts… What, a grandmaster. You’ve gotten pretentious, Wakamou. Tsk, tsk…”
Despite talking like that, he was diligently reading [Wind Blade] featuring samurai, researching if he could use the sword techniques depicted.
“Isn’t it romantic to use techniques from comics if you can master them? Using double high points would be really cool!! Energy waves and stuff!!”
Not at a young age filled with dreams… just envious of Mare Pirate doing rubber rubber Navy Karate!!
I wanna do cool looking stuff like that too!
It’d be killer VTuber broadcast content!!
Dang, Mare Pirate… Not only is the show fun, but the skills are flashy and cool. Having the talent to thrive effortlessly in this cold VTuber industry is enviable!!
“Moreover, not having watched any anime and reacting to them amusingly makes for many clips… I’m jealous of that talent!!”
Contemplating external collaborations, considering recruiting first-generation over zero-generation.
Using [Build Craft] to decide whether to create a [Wakamou Corporation Server] like other VTuber groups, enabling free collaborations….
Pondering how to execute entertaining VTuber broadcasts is Wakamou’s biggest concern.
To this day, she had no inkling of what she would face upon reaching America.
※※※
“Welcome to New York!!”
“Gosh… I’ve lived to see America. I wanna visit Paris someday, boss!”
“Load up on souvenirs!”
“I’m planning on dealing with the bastard who sold me a mining graphics card, join later”
“Freeze, hands up”
Manager Wanda Haye pulled Aoi Asuka away as she was stopped.
The members of Wakamou Corporation had now landed in America by plane. Passports had to be prepared, identifications checked since they were climbers. Invitations had to be presented…. A whole lot of checks and reviews to process before leaving the airport, which took longer than expected.
“……”
“What’s up, Liu Ying?”
“Is dis odd? Why more Azn folks than ‘Mericans?”
“It’s the airport, that’s why?”
“Opening 3 months early is suspicious….”
Having led a tough life, Liu Ying immediately began observing around for suspicious things once she landed at the airport.
Not letting her guard down to be ready in case assassins appeared, Sadako patted her back, telling her to relax.
Really, what could happen? America invited climbers and they landed at an airport in a major city. If something occurs en route, that’d be the real issue.
“Indeed, there was some controversy opening it 3 months early. Various climbers had already made plans, which suddenly got disrupted, leading many American climbers to express their inability to attend. Some claimed never to have received an invitation.”
“Hmm……”
“Another point to mention. The unprecedented East Asian Union formed by the unification of Korea, Japan, and China is America’s focal point right now. There used to be a time when America claimed to preserve world peace. Suddenly rivaled by a comparable entity, political checks and challenges are occurring.”
Even though trade was biting amidst diverse interferences─ the fantastical structure Tower provided resources naturally. If a nation could smoothly conquer the Tower, they’d thrive without worrying about food, leaving America nervous, Manager Wanda Haye explained to Wakamou.
“At such timing, the schedule is expedited, seemingly welcoming climbers to show off America’s superiority? Universal equipment quality, dominance in attitude, all being bragged about right?”
“Thus, many climbers are switching nationality to America…”
Anyway, Manager Wanda Haye strongly urged not to let their guard down and be lighthearted.
Still, wouldn’t it be more surprising if incidents were to occur downtown? Willing to bet the worst would be cops ethnically mocking while arbitrarily jailing them. Come to think of it, only that was indeed a problem.
A jailed VTuber sounds like an intriguing broadcast topic.
“Award-winning journalist VTubers exist. A VTuber serving time fits!”
“That’s not something to exist!”
Sadako’s reasonable retort folded Wakamou in half. Tch, the audacity to use facts…!!
But really, what could happen..?
Liu Ying merged with climbers from China sent to escort her, plus security from Japanese and Korean associations, massively expanding the entourage.
Asked them to investigate the meeting venue, not feeling the need to rush, they decided to leisurely explore the American city first.
A metropolis crafted for climbers.
‘Tampa Tower Town’ in Tampa, a strangely named new city, yet modern infrastructure showcased unparalleled design from roads to buildings.
With Miami down below, considering visiting the beaches if the meeting ended without incident seemed nice.
“For sure, a BAR visit is a must in America. Gosh, how many bars are here! We’ve even got ones selling German beer!!”
“Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin’… Let’s discover all the places we’ll devour!!”
“Computer components, gaming consoles, and games too. Isn’t a store like that a VTuber’s first stop!”
Their first proper overseas trip together(?).
Japan or China didn’t feel like overseas travel after all.
While opinions flew wildly over their unplanned landing leading to chaos on where to go.
Their leader, owner, and boss Wakamou was entrusted with all decisions and they looked at Wakamou.
“Not here?”
Nowhere to be found, Wakamou, who was behind them, vanished.
A 2M 40CM towering giant wearing a long trench coat with exposed chest, and sporting fox ears and tail not being seeable when looking around was strange.
“Mr. Wakamou? Where did you go?”
Asuka looked around, bewildered, with Liu Ying and Sadako, spotting a creature sprawled flat on the ground.
“*Sniff Sniff*”
“…???”
“????????”
Utterly incomprehensible was this situation, but there was Wakamou crawling on the ground, sharply sensing and sniffing, fox tail waving wildly, fox ears perking up.
Astonishing scenery rendered his fellows speechless.
Amidst it, Manager Wanda Haye pretended not to know him, gazing off.
“Boss!! What are you up to!!!”
“There’s a VTuber scent around here!!!”
“What are you talking about?!!”
Thanks to insights from battles on the 40th floor, senses sharpened.
Wakamou Inarizushi’s VTuber senses surpassed normalcy…!!
“*Sniff Sniff Sniff…*”
“Boss, what’s with you turning into a dog…. you haven’t drank!!!”
“Sometime it’s safe to bork. It’s otokay!”
“Stop trying to pass this off..!! Collaring and muzzling, cleaning this up is insurmountable!”
“At this point. I have no choice but to become a talking parrot…”
“Don’t make it worse!!”
The only one handling this situation rationally seems to be Sadako!!
Even cockroaches and spiders wouldn’t move as fast as this. Displaying an insane feat of crawling on all fours at incredible speed, Wakamou reached a certain toy shop. It seemed to exhibit all kinds of toys, and on one side, it also piled up secondhand goods for collectors…
“That’s an Otaku Moe Figure from the Buu Buu Moe Train!! Who would have thought some goods from the family group that debuted on YouTube would still be here…!! A VTuber that debuted in 2018 and performed well among the barren English VTuber scene!! Known for her cynical and unrestrained swearing and mastery of innuendo…! Actually, my first greeting with ‘Hi, losers!’ was following suit after this VTuber…! Goods from the VTuber who graduated in 2023 are here!!!”
“Ca-calm down, boss…”
“And over there are VShoujo and Phase Fusion and a ton of Virtual Live EN goods!! See that? The goods from our British detective hat with a time traveler concept!! A VTuber who completed the first wave of Virtual Live EN and is like a founding contributor!! There’s a T-shirt and even the perennial Sana who has graduated now!! I’m gonna buy those!!!”
“Uh, boss… If you line up here to shop, it will take all day…”
“…..”
Thump.
When Sadako said to be mature and prioritizing the meeting was more important, Wakamou lay down on the floor.
“Wuwuwu… Wuwuwu…”
Seeing Wakamou trembling as if he might burst into tears any moment gave Sadako an uneasy premonition.
“I’m gonna buy..! I’m buying!!!”
Wakamou Inarizushi, sobbing and thrashing around declaring he would buy it!!! Seeing this, a cold sweat flowed down Sadako’s back as if she just took a shower.
“If I don’t buy now, another Collector might snap them up!!! Buy buy buy buy buy──!!!”
“When the boss says he wants it, what are we doing not buying!!”
“Isn’t this where we just break the glass and grab them like in a heist? Is this the time for implementing the French Revolution version, isn’t this Vive la France?”
“Am I the only one here who’s sane!!!”
With a throbbing headache, Sadako stopped by the convenience store, bought a can of beer, chugged it slowly in one shot, and calmly assessed the situation.
Wakamou protesting by lying down like that saying, “Waaah Wakamou!! I’m buying goods!! Not going to the meeting!! I’m going goods shopping!!” Was that a frequent occurrence?
Sadako wasn’t oblivious to her excessive love for VTubers, which at times bordered on being off-putting.
Still, acting like a thousand-year-old child was a bit… In the midst of this, seeing Liu Ying or Asuka abandoning all plans to pamper and coo him means all hope was lost.
It seemed I was the only one capable of rational judgment here.
Meanwhile, Manager Wanda Haye fled claiming to grasp the situation of the meeting.
Indeed, having work experience as an OL makes a difference in response…. Hehe… It’s a lesson learned, huh?
“Hey ladies. Climbers invited to the meeting, aren’t you? It seems this is your first time in town?”
“Uh…. Who are you?”
“Robert Duncan Smith! As you can see? The sheriff of this city. Just think of it as a concept, cute young ladies.”
With a w-shaped mustache, stereotypically dressed like a cowboy straight out of a western movie, a large-bellied and amiable-looking American approached the group.
“Well, they said there was an emergency in front of the toy shop detaining all guards. Suspect is 243 cm, has black hair, and is a massive and beautiful woman, so I came running right away.”
“I’m sorry…..”
“In this city, most are Climbers, you see. If chaos erupts, it really becomes a headache. This much is cute. My daughter also throws a tantrum in front of the clothing store wanting to wear a princess dress! She’s turning 7!”
Wakamou Inarizushi was compared to a 7-year-old daughter.
Sadako couldn’t lift her head in shame, and regardless of the situation, Liu Ying proudly showed unwavering support for her boss, an attitude mirrored by Asuka.
Because of this, the burden of sorting things out eventually fell upon Sadako.
Only after landing a karate punch on the face did Wakamou quietly rise with a sullen expression.
“My goods…..”
“Are you talking about the dead stock, missy? Just say the word, and I’ll sell it right away if you like?”
“Dead stock…? Take that back!!!”
“Why are you picking a fight with the sheriff!!!”
As Wakamou’s flank was struck by Pirate’s iron fist, Liu Ying retaliated by landing a blow on Sadako’s stomach for hitting their boss.
Anyway, after a bit of commotion, Wakamou succeeded in sweeping up all the VTuber goods.
Looking at her, grinning ear to ear with happiness that she couldn’t resist, Sadako could only gaze into the void as if she had come to an acceptance.
“Ahaha!! So you’re the famous Fox Deity!! Heard stories but seeing it is truly astonishing!! Is this the mystery of Asia? I know black belt karate is strong!! Kung Fu!! Friends from Asia who climb also have a knack for using cold weapons and their body. There’s a guy I know who awkwardly uses a spear!!”
Robert Duncan Smith─ requesting to be called Robert was keen to network with the famous Wakamou, sharing much knowledge as he tagged along.
It was beneficial for the Wakamou party as they easily acquired a local guide. Though the intention to leech off a celebrity was mostly in jest, Robert was diligent about guiding them away from dangerous areas and providing safety instructions.
“Normally, U.S. ‘Man Eaters’ or top-ranking climbers would attend, but since the schedule was abruptly moved forward by three months, only jobless climbers around my rank of 177 are gathering. This gathering might turn out to be the smallest scale ever!”
Despite his looks, he boasted of having conquered the Tower of Tampa’s 50th floor while slapping both hands on his belly.
“If there’s a Fox Deity in Asia, could there really be a human weapon groomed from childhood as a climber with bodily modifications in Russia? Heard anything about that? Just curious. Apparently, in America, there was a legend about ‘Legendary Class’ experiments trying to create an artificial climber. There were indeed experiments on artificially creating climbers.”
“If that’s true, isn’t the latter likely true too…?”
“We haven’t investigated Russia, so I haven’t heard of it. But surely, there are conspiracy theories circulating on the internet.”
“I’ve been preoccupied with VTuber broadcasts, so I don’t really know…”
“Mister. Could you show us where we can get some drinks around here….”
Dining in a recommended restaurant by Robert, enjoying the local flavors, and relaxing in a popular bar he mentioned, they soaked in the leisurely vibe.
Even though Asuka didn’t get to visit the game shop she wanted… Shouldn’t they head to the meeting first?
Robert courteously explained that typically, Climbers exchange information amongst themselves and trade or sell items, often within assigned Districts to counter illegal activities, referred to as meetings.
“And unofficially, there’s a rumor of Climbers suddenly switching to America? As if they are entranced by something…”
“Entranced..?”
“Right, right, wouldn’t you know? My Asian friend would say it’s being possessed by a Fox. Having family abroad and holding four Complete Strategy Layers as a Climber abandoning and moving to the states… Such conspiracy theories are bound to exist.”
Nonetheless, Robert─ advised Wakamou that considering his significant fame among Climbers, he might be bombarded with questions, and perhaps even face theft, deception, or kidnapping, urging caution.
Of course, he added with a glint in his eyes that he’d personally shadow him to prevent such happenings.
Is this guy… too nice?
“Waaah─!!”
Upon entering a vast structure akin to a department store came the sight welcoming Wakamou’s party.
And finally, the awaited moment was there, similar to a grand Comic Market in Japan but more sophisticated.
Every empty space had climbers setting up stalls, displaying goods for sale or barter, and exchanging information amongst themselves, assessing the authenticity of the information with what seemed like a measuring scale on each table.
Awestruck by a scene unimaginable in South Korea, Wakamou’s party was looking around like naive bumpkins.
“There’s no brawling among the Climbers, right…?”
“Eh? Don’t worry! Should it come to that, we will mediate. It’s not like a duel in westerns. Considering open hostility is rare among climbers, there’s a shared understanding that large scale conflicts produce heavy casualties.”
Concerningly asking cautiously, Robert assured Sadako by stroking his mustache that there’s no worry of such arising.
Even if altercations arise, it usually boils down to verbal disputes, as Climbers know the damage of actual brawls is substantial, hence generally, such concerns scarcely occur.
“Mm~ While streaming VTuber, I could share this story with the Believers.”
“Haha, VTuber… I never understand what the appeal is with those creepy nerds babbling about it.”
“…..Ah?”
An offhanded remark led to a sneering man insulting Wakamou’s preference for VTubers.
Speaking so dismissively with no reason to someone met for the first time?
──Well… Given this was a crowded venue, for now, tamping down reflexive wrath was all Wakamou could do.
“They hide their faces out of shame, make bizarre voices. Strange nerds indulging in delusions like freaks. Aren’t streamers who openly face the camera better?”
At that very moment, the tether of reason snapped softly in Wakamou’s mind.
No way a stranger has the right to start a conversation by indicatively criticizing one’s taste with such vehemence?
Perhaps in America, their freedom extends to excessive freedom of speech?
As half of his rationality evaporated, Wakamou approached with a fierce glare, and the sneering man drew a gun.
Surely, he wouldn’t shoot, the thought crossed Wakamou’s mind briefly.
But, in a sinister sneer, the resounding bang erupted from the gun’s barrel.
In one shot, the bullet shattered half of Wakamou’s head since he didn’t reinforce himself with Mana to protect.
A sudden climber murder case ensued.
Climbers who saw it live screamed in terror hearing the gunshot, and guards hurried over.
“Hey Sheriff! Saw her, yeah? That towering monster woman threatened me first, eh? It’s self-defense, right?”
“What gibberish!! Drawing a weapon here is forbidden!! How did you even smuggle it in!!”
Even Robert was flustered, turning his gun on the sneering man, yelling to surrender!!
The man was a familiar climber.
While possessing racist tendencies and a malicious temper, he wasn’t one to kill, at least not to his knowledge.
Ba-boom─!!!
And then, a lightning bolt pierced the ceiling with tremendous force.
The ceiling crumbled to pieces turned to ash scattered by the lightning strike.
Immediately after being struck, Wakamou’s body burst into fierce white flames.
Gradually, the flames climbed, enveloping her, and moments later embraced her completely─ allowing new hair to freely flutter downwards, fully regenerated.
“…..Huh?”
“Shot me first?”
Despite half of her head being shot off, Wakamou neither died nor went ballistic, instead, she glared with a murderous red gaze.
Panic-stricken, the man couldn’t even muster the thought to pull the trigger on the gun in his hand.
Ironically, he dashed towards Robert, the Sheriff, pleading for rescue.
Nevertheless, Wakamou’s resolve was ruthless.
….
……
………
The following day, Robert recounted the scene he witnessed in saying:
“It was the first time witnessing a human being thrown like a crumpled can that way.”
That ensuing blow made his limbs twist and spin like a top, flying─ unsparingly exhibiting what his Asian friends called true martial arts.
Then, with a weary sigh, he asked if he may light a cigarette, courteously excused himself, and produced a lighter.
“Thinking back, suspicion should’ve arisen from those strange actions then.”
The atypical behavior of a climber trying to kill Wakamou Inarizushi both arbitrarily and without reason.
American has racial discriminations like nowhere else─ however, luring and outright trying to kill was inexplicable.
“The friend climber who barely survived and awoke from the ICU had no recollection of why he pulled that trigger either.”
Watching the smoke rise off the burning cigarette, Robert couldn’t help but grimace slightly.
“Being someone who enjoys conspiracy theories, I haven’t so much as glanced at a theory ever since that day, that incident.”
Only, in the expansive lands of America, had they facilitated enjoying VTuber collaboration and purchasing VTuber goods without restraint.
Always hoping to see the VTuber advertisements on New York’s Broadway, and wishing to relish VTuber concerts as well.
“It’d be appreciated if one noted that the young lady was an exceedingly good person.”
On viewing the vast scenery of the ‘Tampa Tower Town’ outside the window.
And the sight of the tower, which should stand firm being on the brink of collapse, Robert roughly stubbed out his cigarette into the ashtray.
“Even back then, I believed there was no way a single climber could defeat America…. there was such a time, I must admit.”
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