I'm in Marvel 11

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***

This time, Aki wasn't eager to fight. The girl began to walk around me clockwise, while I, catching the rhythm of the upbeat music I remembered, began to bounce slightly and move in the opposite direction. At the same time I tried to smile as wide as possible, from which the opponent was confused. After all, just a few minutes ago I could only fend off her attacks. Now I looked like the master of the situation. As Aki stopped circling me, she cautiously approached me, and I in turn retreated. Taking a few steps back, I abruptly rushed towards the girl and used a few straight punches, trying to land more strikes. Unfortunately my attack was stopped by blocks. And right after that, a leg kick came at me from the side. I had to block and immediately retreat to regroup. 

Now I, having caught the rhythm again, began to circle Aki, trying to catch her off guard. The girl smiled predatorily and attacked again. After throwing several straight punches to my head, which I protected with my hands, Aki didn't calm down and started to use low-kicks. Not wanting to tolerate such a thing, I forced her to switch to hand strikes with three hooks. Thus we thrashed each other until we synchronously jumped aside. 

And now Aki no longer looked like the mistress of the situation. She was breathing heavily and was all red from the exertion. I wasn't feeling so good either. New ones had come on top of the previous bruises, which didn't make me any healthier. Good thing we had gloves on, or it would have been a slaughter. Even so, I could still keep going, at the expense of rest. True, Aki wasn't about to admit defeat either. With a little more breath, the girl suddenly spoke:

- What is this miraculous acquisition of a second breath, eh Kai? - The girl asked mockingly. - This isn't an anime for that kind of cliché!

- Heh, I just decided that I wasn't going to lose to a girl today, that's all," I replied in her tone.

- Would you have lost to a boy?

- Maybe," I said, shrugging my shoulders. But I kept my guard up. What if she decides to talk my teeth and attacks me. And you can't even blame her for that.

- Hey! That's sexist, you know! - The red one exclaimed with feigned indignation. 

- Yeah, you tell me that boys and girls are no different, - said the girl with a laugh.

- Well now I'll show you how we differ! - Aki shouted excitedly, stepping on me.

- In front of mum?! - Asked the girl, dodging her blows. - Wow! 

- Kai-aho*! - Aki roared.

- Ha ha ha ha! - Laughed Naomi.

Meanwhile, the girl dodged, letting my arm pass over her head and hit me in the side. With a gasp, I tried to break the distance, but Aki wasn't about to let go of her prey so easily. So I crouched down and made a slash. The attack succeeded, causing the red one to fall down, albeit grouped, then instantly jumped up, only to be hit by my new attack. A blow to the middle of her chest caused her to step back a metre. Taking a deep breath, the girl turned to me again:

- Well, not bad Kai. Now...

- Don't tell me you're going to fight at full strength now! That would be a cliché! - I said indignantly, pointing at the girl with my hand.

- Okay, I won't. You said it yourself! - Aki replied with a wide smile and immediately shouted, flying at me. - Ora!

And that's when I had no choice but to go full Jackie Chan style. The girl began her attack with a series of leg kicks. I started blocking them until I could grab a limb. But Aki yanked her backwards, which I couldn't resist and started to roll on top of her. I bumped into the girl's voluminous chest and immediately flew backwards as she pushed me away. Aki aimed for my head and I barely managed to dodge, falling backwards. The girl decided to take immediate advantage of this and tried to use wrestling moves while I was lying down. I didn't plan to lose, so I rolled back to a safe distance as quickly as possible and got into a stance. Even though my whole body ached, I couldn't hold back a smile. I was now able to face Aki more or less on equal footing. Well, also because I decided to follow the motto: smiling is annoying. Aki was smiling too, showing how much she was enjoying herself. Did she want to fight me so badly? 

Oh well. It was time to attack me myself. I started advancing, and as soon as I got within striking distance, the girl rushed forward and used a low-kick. I retaliated in the same way, thus blocking the punch. Aki stubbornly attacked with her foot three more times, once again running into my blocks. As we jumped away from each other, we hissed and rubbed our aching limbs together. The girl's strength was not to be missed. 

Waiting for the pain to go away, we got closer to each other. Neither she nor I felt any more at ease. When I got closer, the girl decided to show me a great stretch and kicked me in the head. And attacked almost at top speed. I managed to catch Aki's arm with a counterattack to the shoulder. I immediately dragged her towards me, causing her to flop down and work her legs to keep from falling. Holding the girl's hand, the other wrapped my other arm around the red one's waist and tilted her back. From surprise, Aki wrapped her free arm around my neck.

- Well, what are you giving up? - With a smile asked the girl in my arms looking at me with surprise. 

- Heh. Noushki. I haven't had so much fun for a long time! - The red one smirked back, baring her fangs. - We're just getting started!

I had to let go of the lashing girl and get ready for another round. Where did she get all that energy? Not to lie down and look at the clouds. Not for Aki though. If she calmed down for even a minute, the girl would be torn up from unused energy. I guess that's what I like about her. As a friend.

Aki charged at me, alternating her punches and kicks. I dodged, using strange and sometimes funny poses. It paid off, as the girl had never faced this before and was even a little confused. I didn't let it go and gave her a few light blows to keep her calm.

But it was time to call it a day. Aki seemed to think the same thing, which caused her to attack and managed to hit me in the head. I hit her too, since the red one rushed in and didn't defend herself properly. 

- Whoo!

- Ouch! 

- Aha-ha-ha-ha! You kids! - I heard Aunt Naomi's cheerful voice. 

I don't know about the girl, but that punch almost knocked me out. Luckily, I managed to stay on my feet, but everything around me started to sway like waves. I wanted to lie down on the cool floor for about five hours. But in the name of the Goddess Empress I managed to resist. I shook my head from side to side and came to my senses to see Aki trying to stand on her feet. 

- Hey mate, how are you doing in there?

- Awesome, bro," the girl said meaningfully.

Finally coming to her senses, the red one went forward. So we were still attacking each other, until I began to notice that Aki got into a frenzy and began to pull her energy to her limbs. And it was already dangerous. I tried to defeat her before she used all her power, but I was having trouble. The only way out was to use luck.

As I broke the distance, I noticed Aki's mother getting worried and wanted to stop the fight. She seemed to have sensed her daughter's use of this strange sorcery. But the woman didn't have time to do anything, as the red one rushed at me with a speed that surpassed anything I had ever seen before. I barely had time to use my luck and deflect the girl's blow slightly sideways. It was incredibly difficult and I barely had the strength for such a simple action.

Aki ended up grazed the skin on her temple and ear, and I retaliated by hitting her chest, below her throat. The girl flew backwards and fell to the floor for a second, only to jump up again with dazed eyes. And from the looks of it, even after that spit, she was able to keep fighting. That's cool. This energy not only strengthens her, it protects her.

- Winner Kyle! - Just then, Aunt Naomi stepped in between us. 

- But why?! I haven't lost yet! - Aki exclaimed indignantly.

- Yes, you have! Besides, you used our family style!

- What? I... It can't...! - The girl whispered in a frightened manner. She didn't even seem to realise what she was doing in the heat of battle.

- Yes, it can! - The woman bellowed. Even I almost stood at attention, let alone Aki. - You still have a lot to learn. And restraint is the most important thing. You're lucky you didn't get caught.

- You bastard. Kai, I'm sorry! I didn't do it on purpose, really! - In a voice full of remorse, the girl apologised.

- I believe you. It's unlikely that you came to the U.S. to kill me, - answered her. - So, don't worry about it. But I have a question.

- And what is it? - Asked Naomi.

- What kind of style is it that allows you to become faster and stronger on your last breath? - Something tells me they won't tell me. But the Igarashi family isn't likely to bury me. I could be wrong, but I don't think they're that kind of people.

- Um, well..." Aki hesitated, unsure of what to say.

- Our style allows us to use 100 per cent of a person's abilities," the woman replied in a calm tone. - You know that on a regular basis, we humans use about 30% of our muscle potential, right?

- I've heard that," I agreed. So that's how she decided to get away with it? Although if you look at it that way, it sounds convincing if you don't know about the energy in their bodies.

- So our style allows us to use all the muscle potential for a short time," Aki's mum said as if nothing had happened.

- That was it. - I pretended to believe it and was impressed by the awesomeness of such a skill. - That's cool. Oh, by the way, I won.

- Barely! - Aki jumped up and down. - And if it wasn't for Mum taking a break, I'd probably have won.

- Just admit that I was better today.

- Ugh! Okay, you got it today. But only today. - I kind of agreed, but I had the last word. 

- Okay, okay," I agreed with the girl, taking off my gloves.

- But you know, even if only today you were cool, - Aki said unexpectedly. Surprised, I shifted my gaze to her. I could see something different from recklessness and excitement in her eyes now. Respect, was it? Except that the girl herself broke the atmosphere with her next words. - Really, it was one single time in... How many sparring sessions have we had? A few hundred? How does it feel to lose to a girl?- If you think you're gonna embarrass me with that fact, you're wasting your breath. Without the hormones working, kids aren't much different from each other. So it's nothing.

- Yeah, justify yourself, yah-hah-hah-hah! - The girl laughed with her arms at her sides and her nose up.

- You little one... Not everywhere is a goat, - I said, having corrected myself, looking at her breasts. Then I couldn't help but walk closer and flick Aki's forehead with my fingers.

- Ouch! What are you doing? - She asked indignantly, rubbing her head.

- Just doing nothing. Okay. Our reunion was probably too stormy, so I'm going to go rest," I said to the ladies, stretching gently and trying to figure out where my body wasn't sore. - 'Why don't I come round tomorrow and we can chat some more?

- Laaaaay," the girl stretched out disappointedly. - I was hoping we could talk about this and that.

- Right now all I want to do is fall into bed for about ten hours.

- Man, you haven't changed at all! - Aki said indignantly, her arms at her sides. - You're just as boring as ever! You have a friend over for the first time in years, and you go off to press your pillow!

- I was expecting a friend, not a girlfriend to begin with," I answered her with a grin. - And this friend is the source of my desire, if anything!

Aunt Naomi was sitting a little aside and grinning as we argued. I can see she's having fun with all of this. Not surprising with a daughter like Aki. 

- Don't forget that I got hurt, too.

- Yeah, if you say so. Well, so long, fair ladies! I'm going to my Fortress of Solitude.

- Come on, I'll walk you out," the girl volunteered.

We left the hall and headed for the front door. As soon as I put on my shoes Aki spoke.

- We'll meet again tomorrow, Kai. And then you'll tell me everything. And don't try to get out of it! - The girl said with a sinister expression on her face. 

- Whatever you say," I agreed obediently.

- You know, I'm glad I came here. It's only my first day, and I'm already so emotional," Aki said with her reckless smile. Yeah, I've missed her all these years. It's only now that I realise it. 

- Heh, I'm glad you're here too. Really three guys could almost replace you.

- Ugh, how exciting for me! - Clenching her fists Aki portrayed the greatest agony on her face. - I can't wait until tomorrow!

- Be patient, samurai, you'll be a shogun.

- Hmm. - The girl thought for a moment. - No, patience is not for me. I'm going to explode from the emotions I don't have! Only forward, no standing still or backward!

- That's what you're all about," he commented with a smile. 

- Okay, I'll see you tomorrow. - The girl held out a clenched fist to me. - Bye bro.

- Heh, bye... Bro. - I bumped my fist against Aki's fist.

I waved goodbye and went back to my place. Once I entered the house and closed the door, I immediately cried out.

- Oh-oh-oh-oh! Oh, my God, it hurts so bad! I feel like I've been made into a chop! I was hitting a thick wooden board! What does Aki eat to be so tough?! - I began to voice my outrage.

There was a great desire to use chiponosis, but to waste such a valuable thing on treating bruises and bruises would be foolish. No, that's not our method. Let's be patient.

- Yohi, have you been able to figure out what kind of energy Aki and her mother have?

- No. Other than those two women, we haven't encountered anything like that,'' the AI replied. - All we've been able to figure out without detailed analysis is that it increases the user's physical characteristics, as well as a hypothetical possibility for use in more sophisticated ways. 

- In principle, I've come to similar thoughts myself," Yohi said after hearing Yohi's reply.

- I would also venture to guess, based on your knowledge, that this energy is called Ki.

- Hmm, Ki means? - I scratched my chin, thinking about it. - It's a good fit. Oh well. I'll finish for today and go to rest.

Retreat #1.

As soon as the door closed behind Kyle, the girl went back into the hall. Her mum was waiting for her.

- Shit, Ma, it hurts so bad! - Akiko exclaimed, trying to wrap her arms around herself.

- So? - Naomi asked with a smile.

- Please heal me!

- No," the woman answered categorically.

- But why?! - Her daughter was indignant.

- You are the one who started this fight, and now you have to bear the consequences. If there's joy, there's sorrow. ** And is it fair that I cured you and Kyle didn't?

The girl responded by muttering something resentful. Knowing her daughter, Naomi guessed what she was saying, but only smiled back.

- Besides, you used Ki. That's how many times I've told you about control? - The woman asked sternly. Akiko could only bow her head guiltily. - You're lucky you missed, or Kyle would have been hurt. Not fatally, but still.

- Yeah, it's my fault for getting caught up in the excitement. It's just that Kyle's been so strong since the break. But his stupid style was really annoying. Who fights like that? - The girl asked rhetorically.

- It was similar to how the drunken fist style was portrayed. At least it was fun," Naomi replied with a satisfied smile.- You were the one who was amused, not me," Akiko said sadly.

- That was the point. Okay, I can see that you're worried. I can reassure you a little. - Seeing her daughter bow her head in surprise, the woman continued. - Kyle is probably not a normal person.

- How so? - Akiko asked with genuine interest.

- It's like this. He's probably a mutant. Telekinetic I think," the woman said thoughtfully.

- Why a telekinetic mutant? It seems to me that if Kai is a mutant, then his ability is nerdiness!

- It's not nerdy, it's adult behaviour. I wish you were just a little bit nerdy. Why telekinesis? It's very simple. I know you. I taught you. You couldn't miss, and Kyle couldn't dodge in that position without an enhanced body or superpowers. Better yet, both. But with telekinesis, you could just tweak your movement a little bit, that's all.

- It's true. There was something strange about that moment. I can't figure out what it was, but..." Akiko started to say, but stopped mid-sentence.

- Right. And to add to that, Kyle didn't believe my story. 

- So, in this fight, I should get the win? 

- No. He used his powers after you. And I'm still not sure he's a mutant. It's entirely possible it's just a coincidence. So don't ask the guy about that moment. 

- Okay. (chuckles) I'm going to rest," Akiko said tiredly and rubbed her aching arms. - Can't you fix me up after all?

- Nope," Naomi said laughingly, stroking her daughter's head. - Learn patience, daughter. You've been hurt worse in training. Oh, well, don't look at me like that. You'll be patient today, and tomorrow I'll heal you. And Kyle, too, for balance.

- At least that way," the girl grumbled as she walked to the bedroom. 

- Finally, that stubborn girl has been brought down to earth," Naomi whispered, looking after her daughter. - Maybe now she'll calm down a little? Nah, that's crazy. It's more like the planet will stop.

The end of the retreat.

I woke up shattered, in every sense. I struggled to get up and went to wash my face. The mirror reflected a guy with brown hair, an oval face, and brown eyes with dark circles underneath. His nose thankfully remained straight after yesterday. Lucky I was more or less able to protect my head. I smiled at my reflection, and it smiled back at me.

After washing up, I went to breakfast. After that, I decided to sleep a little longer, but a persistent knock on the door made me put that idea on hold. Naturally, Aki was waiting for me on the doorstep. A disgustingly happy and awake Aki.

- Yo Kyle! How you feeling?! - She asked me cheerfully, giving me a big hug.

- Great," I said, trying not to grunt in pain. 

What's the matter? She doesn't even care? I'm ready to climb the wall in pain, and she looks like a cucumber. 

- That's great! Let's go back to our place, then. Mum said she'd make some tea that's good for recovery after a hard workout. And you'll tell me how you've been living without me all these years! - Aki mumbled.

- Okay, I'll just put on a T-shirt. 

- Don't worry, you won't embarrass me or your mum with that," the girl said snidely, following me.

- I can't embarrass your mum, but I can't embarrass you. - I turned to her and tried to play with my muscles. It wasn't as impressive as a bodybuilder's, since I wasn't lifting iron or taking chemo, but for the average person, my results weren't bad.

- Heh, what haven't I seen? Just go on the internet and you'll find all shapes and sizes. Why would I be embarrassed about my bro? 

- You're boring. Where's the stereotypical Japanese girl who would faint at the sight of a boy in shorts? - I asked my friend, trying to find the right t-shirt.

- It's an endangered species. More of them are found somewhere in a parallel reality or in anime. 

- Oh, here we go. You could have played along and been embarrassed.

- Yeah, I'll try that next time," she snorted.

A minute later, we were already at Igarashi's house. It smelled nice inside, with tea and goodies. I had some sweets with me too. Aki's mum was waiting for us in the kitchen, where she had already poured tea into three cups and arranged the plates. 

- Kyle, hello. How are you feeling? - Asked the woman as she approached us.

- Hello. I'm fine, I guess.

- Let me check," Naomi said, and without waiting for an answer, she began gently groping the sore spots with her fingers. 

How she guessed so accurately, I didn't know. Maybe she remembered where her daughter's punches had landed. At the same time, I felt that with each touch, a portion of energy flowed into me. I'll call her Kee for now. I tensed up, but Yohi immediately informed me of the beneficial effects of this procedure. It went on for about thirty seconds, until finally the woman stepped aside and nodded, satisfied with her work.

- So, I see what's going on. It's okay, you'll drink your tea and you'll feel better right away. And if you get our signature clan massage, you'll be ready for a new fight right away.

- No, no, no, no! Let's not have another fight just yet. I'm interested in a massage. Especially if Akii-chan gives it," I said, trying to make the most lewd face possible at this point.

- Ufu-fu-fu-fu, that can be arranged! - Aunt Naomi echoed me, covering her mouth with the palm of her hand so we couldn't see her wide smile.

- I'm not very good at it. If you're not afraid of broken bones, you're welcome to try it," Aki said with a sinister smile.

- For the sake of something like this, I might as well give it a try.

We chatted for half an hour, drinking tea until I felt better. Apparently noticing something on my face, Aunt Naomi asked me how I was feeling. Naturally, I complimented the woman and called her a real sorceress, to which she looked embarrassed.

The conversation became more animated. Aki was very interested in my new friends. Having told about the guys in detail and showing photos, I only fuelled the girl's desire to get acquainted with them personally. About the school I also found out what was going on.

As a result, we chatted for a few more hours, and then I had to leave when Diana came to pick me up and go to the mansion, because tomorrow I had to go to my favourite school. 

Already at home I informed my mother of the arrival of our neighbours. She was very excited and wanted to meet them. That radish laughed heartily when I told her how I found out Aki was a girl. 

- Oh, I can't! Ha ha ha ha, I wish I could see your face at that moment! Ha ha ha! - Mum laughed so hard that her tears even started to flow.

- It's not funny! Do you have any idea how stupid I felt?! - I tried to tell her how angry I felt. - Turns out I didn't have a friend, I had a girlfriend and I was the only one who didn't know!

- Ha ha ha! Kyle, baby, stop it! I'm laughing my arse off! - The naughty woman begged me.

With a wave of my hand, I decided to save that moment for later. Let her calm down. I decided to make a manoeuvre of retreat and went to my room. There I examined my body and made sure that Aunt Naomi had done a good job of removing most of the sources of pain. Impressive skill, I must say. 

The next day I stopped by Igarashi's house after school, offering to be our guests. The ladies didn't mind, but they had some work to do, so we agreed to talk about it later.

And two days later, we had a new addition to our class.

- And so, children, this is the newest member of your class. - was announced early this morning by our teacher, Miss Wood. - Please introduce yourself.

- Yo people! - With a smile to her ears, Aki said. - My name is Igarashi Akiko. My name translates to playful child, I'm 15, and I'm into martial arts. Let's get acquainted!

- Heh, I'm afraid your name doesn't reflect half of your potential," I grinned at her words. The whole class immediately stared at me.

- Yeah, I'm awesome! Praise me some more bro! - Aki puffed herself up proudly as she decided to fool around a bit.

- You'll do it at recess," said the teacher. - Now let's start the lesson.

By the way, the girl was wearing a green uniform jacket with a tie, a white shirt and a short skirt with gym shorts. That was apparently her uniform at the Japanese school. I didn't understand why she wore it here. Our school doesn't have any uniforms. Just wear proper clothes and that's it. But the girl looked pretty good in her uniform, so I didn't complain.

Aki sat down on the empty seat right in front of Daniel, who was eager to find out who she was. I, on the other hand, was surprised that a girl could get into this school so quickly. 

I also wondered if this particular turn of events had something to do with manipulating the probabilities of my title. After all, I was now sure that there would be many strange situations ahead. But I wouldn't be bored for sure.

Digression #2.

Not far from the New York airport, three Asian women were talking quietly. If there was someone nearby who knew their language, they would have heard an interesting conversation. 

- I can't wait to get to work on these bitches. I can't wait any longer," the youngest of the women said bloodily.

- 'Keep your cool. We need to be well prepared. We're not as strong in this town," the older woman answered her.

- I know, but it doesn't make me want to do it any less. When we catch them, I'll...''

- That's enough. Don't talk about it in a place like this. If you don't stop, I'll send you to Japan," the older woman said sharply. She then turned to the Japanese woman who had been silent all this time. - Junko, what about our accommodation?

- I've already booked us hotel rooms. 

- That's good. Then let's get a taxi and go. 

End of retreat.

***

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