#new grappler baki | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

darkdevasofdestruction · 2 years

Text

Always By Your Side ~ Jack Hanma x Reader

Just a little fic in which Y/N’s and Jack’s relationship is depicted from their childhood in Canada, when there were around 13 years old, all the way to the Escaped Convicts saga. Enjoy~

“Jack, I’d like you to stay over after the class is finished. I need to have a conversation with you.” The maths teacher called out to the tallest boy of the class who had failed to do his homework for two weeks in a row. He didn’t vocalize his answer with words, instead, he merely grunted and nodded.

“Uhhh, Jack’s in trouble, Jack’s in trouble~♪” some of the boys were chanting and giggling, yet despite how annoyed he was, Jack didn’t bother to retaliate in any way. “Enough, you guys. Or do you want to get detention for disrupting the class?” with a stern look from the teacher, the obnoxious boys shut up. “Y/N, you too, stay after class.” Though there was no reason for the little girl in the far back, for she was the definition of a teacher’s pet… More or less.

The class went by at an exorbitantly slow pace, and whilst the blond had no care in the world, the little girl was nervous to the point of almost zoning out. When the bell finally rung and announced the end of the math’s torture class, all the children stormed out happily, ready for recess. The last two remaining slowly got out of their desks and went in front of the teacher and see why they were summoned.

“Jack… I’m really concerned about your grades. I know you’re a smart boy, but you never put in the effort. Your other teachers are complaining about the lack of interest in your education. I don’t want to have to call your mum, but if you continue like this, you won’t be able to graduate school and get into highschool. It would be a shame if a bright young man like you would lose important opportunities for the future, just because of his lack of care.” The teacher spoke in a gentle voice, yet the boy wasn’t sketching any emotions. “I don’t care about having an education. I got into school because it was mum’s wish for me to socialize and get an idea about what people are like. I’m not interested in having an intellectual career. My only interest is in getting stronger.” The boy that was towering at a ridiculous 1.80m, and for a boy who was barely 12 years old, he sure was intimidating. “Jack… Your body can’t take it. You are ill. You will never make a career from sports. Please be realistic.” The teacher sighed and harshened her voice. “… Miss… Please don’t say such things. If it’s his dream, you shouldn’t demoralize him. There have been many cases of people working so hard that they beat all odds. Maybe Jack can be one of them.” The mousy little girl that looked like a little flower next to an old, imposing oak tree, spoke in a voice that although barely audible, it made the blond look at her for the first time since he started school. “You’re a child, what would you know? It’s important to be realistic, otherwise you’ll end up like one of those delusional adults who end up homeless. You’re no different. Just because you have high grades, doesn’t mean you’ll ever become a doctor. Look at you. You can’t even look people in the eye, and people don’t even hear you when you speak. Not to mention, your socializing and communication skills are awful and none of your classmates like you. Being a medic requires all of these skills.” The teacher reprimanded the girl whose head was hung. Jack didn’t like it. Who the hell did the teacher think she is, scolding them like that, for no reason? “… I don’t need your opinion on my future. So… Would you please tell us exactly why you called us here? We have to go to our next class.” Jack was impressed by the little girl who although had a submissive posture and expression, she still held her ground and spoke up. “Ah. I see. You’ve got connections, so you know you’ll get in the system, regardless of how awful you are. No wonder… With each generation, the medical system gets ruined further. Alas.” Looking down, Jack could see the way her nails were digging into her arm’s flesh – If you saw how she was biting her lip, you’d think she was shaken up. But Jack knew better. Jack knew Y/N was desperately trying to keep her volcanic impulses out of control, in fear of getting in trouble. If she could, she would rip the teacher apart – And frankly, so would he. “Get to the point already.” The blond’s voice pressured the teacher into speaking. “Y/N, I want you to be Jack’s tutor for the next two years and make sure he does his homework and gets his grades up enough so he can graduate. Understood?” the bitch teacher gave the girl a stern, harsh look. “If he agrees, I have no reason to refuse.” She muttered, looking away. “I don’t need a tutor, and I don’t need to listen to you either.” With that, Jack turned on his heel and stormed out of the room. To think his time would be wasted with non-sense like that. Though he wasn’t expecting it, Y/N rushed out after him, and although it wasn’t easy keeping up with his speed-walking pace, she managed to get next to him en-route to the next class. She didn’t speak a word, until they reached the door of the Physics class. “Hey… Jack?” he looked down at her, and saw how much she was struggling to keep her eyes from constantly shifting away from him. If he didn’t know any better, he’d have though she was just afraid of him – But it was the same with everyone else. “I believe in you. I’m sure you can do anything you set your mind to. So… Don’t give up… Okay?” his eyes widened, watching that beautiful shy smile of hers as she encouraged him. “…Thanks.” He offered a side-smirk and a huff of amusement, before opening the door for her, and getting into the next class.

Although he outright refused the teacher’s offer for tutoring, he didn’t refuse Y/N’s help. Though he didn’t want to bother with school, he didn’t want to disappoint his mum either, though his main goal remained the same – Avenge his mum by defeating the devil himself, his own father, the one who abused and tortured Diane Neil all those years ago. He wanted revenge for himself, and for his mum, most of all. But for that, he needed to get stronger. So much stronger. Infinitely stronger. That was the only focus in his life and it won’t change until he’s achieved this goal of his.

Since then, Jack moved his seat next to the girl, and would go over to a café for short study sessions, for the sole reason that he didn’t want to bring anyone over to his house and disturb his mum, who was still mildly disturbed by her trauma, and going to a girl’s home would be disrespectful to her and her parents, so a common, neutral ground was the best choice.

Much to his surprise, he didn’t mind these sessions. Although he saw them as a waste of time – Precious time that could be spent at the gym, refining his muscles and getting stronger, this was the least he could do to ease some of his mum’s pain. That’s all he needed to do – Finish school. He didn’t have to bother with highschool or anything like that, though soon, he knew he’d have to leave for Japan and start a new life.

Though he didn’t mind this time spent with her, it certainly was weird for him – He wasn’t used to being into a relaxing, calming environment, with a calm and quiet person who makes him feel so at ease and comfortable. He was drinking water, while she was drinking some sugary coffee, which in itself, was a weird thing for a kid like her. He was eating an overly exaggerated amount of food, while she’d barely eat a piece of cake or a tart – In fact, he’d feel so weird that he’d try to convince the girl to take some meat from his plate. Of course, he’d pay for everything, because not only it was him who needed the help, but he was already eating and drinking plenty compared to her, it was barely significant. Whenever he was working out, he was listening to the loudest, most aggressive music, while Y/N seemed peaceful listening to this café music. Also… He was always frowning, but she had the cutest kitten smile he’s ever seen – Though it wasn’t easy seeing it, because she was always looking down timidly and her visage was hidden behind that silky curtain of pretty hair.

Hold up… Why was he using so many compliments when thinking about her? Was this what his mother once described a ‘crush’? Ridiculous. This is preposterous. This can’t happen. He barely has any time to bother with the boring school shit, let alone with a crush. That’s the most awful outcome possible.

In truth, once he’s got the hang of the latest classes, he was going to tell the girl that they can’t meet up anymore. He really didn’t want to let his mind slip away from his ultimate goal… But he couldn’t. Not when he found out how bad her bullying was. Why has she never told him before? He could have easily beaten them up, or at least, intimidated them enough to leave her the hell alone. Seeing her on the ground, taking the beating and mocking from all those surrounding her made his blood boil… And if that wasn’t enough, the girl struggled to get up, and formed fists from her hands and tackled one of the boys. She mounted him as if she was some expert grappler and she pummeled his face bloody with her strikes – Until she got snatched off and dragged away, slammed into a locker. She had her guard up, just like you see fighters shielding their face from the impact, but she was far too fragile to last long. But Jack was surprised once again by an uppercut to the bully’s jaw, that sent him away. “WHAT THE FUCK DID I DO TO YOU?! I DON’T DESERVE ANY OF THIS SHIT – FUCK OFF ALREADY!” she looked absolutely feral, and if she had the strength, Jack was sure she’d have clawed and mauled them into ribbons like a mountain lion… But she was a baby ocelot at best.

The circle of bullies kept taunting and insulting her – He couldn’t stand it any longer – Though impressed by her power of standing up for herself and even retaliating and going against her no-violence rule, not only was she outnumbered, she was overpowered too. He stepped in from out of the shadows and picked the bully pinning her to the locker and effortlessly throwing him to the ground with a simple bitch slap. No matter how the bullies wanted to verbally make fun of him, the truth still stood – He was stronger than anyone there, in spite of even his illnesses and health.

But fate made things only go downhill for the two of them – It was as if they weren’t meant to have fortune or happiness - A teacher came over and was easily bewitched by the bullies who claimed Y/N went crazy and started beating them up for no reason… But they didn’t have the guts to mention Jack, who could easily stomp them dead. She got detention for two weeks and a ruthless scolding, and no matter how much she tries to explain that it was her who got bullied, she shut up. “Of course, always take their side. You must really enjoy all the booze you get from their parents’ distillery, don’t you? You’re corrupt and unjust, and you never care about any idiot like me who gets bullied by those jerks. I hope you drown in whiskey.” Her voice was cracking with anger, something he never thought he’d witness, and he was reminded of the times he caught his mum crying whenever she thought she was alone. He was appalled by the situation.

Not watching the girl stomp away from the hallway, he waited until the bunch of giggling bouffons left so he could rough up the teacher, threatening him so that he wouldn’t do anything that stupid ever again. To hell with the rest of the classes, he was going to skip and look for the girl whose hood was up as to not draw attention to her bloody face. It would look like some kind of domestic abuse if anyone saw her, and it was enough that her parents would be devastated if they found out she was being picked on at school… So better find a way to hide it.

“Y/N. Wait up.” The familiar voice of Jack, one of the very few people who was ever nice with her, made her stop in her tracks. “Come over.” Though she didn’t move at first for a while, with a bit more pushing, she stepped next to the boy that was comically taller. He guided her to a nearby fountain and made her sit on the edge, while he knelt by her side and took out the tissue pack that his mother always sneaked in his bag. Taking off her hood, he wet the tissue, and with a hand on her face to keep it steady, he cleared away the blood. Surprisingly, her face wasn’t as busted as he thought it would be, based on the blood – Just a busted lip and some nose blood, but other than that, it seemed to have been the bullies’ blood.

Maybe it was from shame or embarrassment, but Y/N said absolutely nothing, and only looked down or kept her eyes shut. If she tried to make some eye contact before, now, she wasn’t even bothering. What could he say that would make her feel better?

“You did good.” He muttered, one he took her hands to wipe them off those jerks’ blood. The knuckles were bloody and forming bruises were beginning to be shown. “It was pathetic.” She sneered lightly. “It was absolutely pathetic. It’s always been. I can’t even stand up for myself. Nobody ever listens to me. How stupid.” Jack did everything in his power not to get angry – He could understand perfectly what she was saying. Yes, she may be small and frail, but he was ill and skinny – Or, at least skinny for his own standards. What was the difference anyway? The outcome was the same. They weren’t capable of achieving what they wanted because of their body. “I will protect you.” He found himself blurting out without even realizing – Once they both processed the weight of those words, their cheeks got flushed and they looked away. “Your presence alone was enough today… But you won’t always be by my side, Jack. What if I will be a target again at highschool? I… I really don’t get what I’m doing so wrong that I’m so unlikeable… But I don’t like fighting. I don’t like fighting… I like watching… That’s how I was able to get some hits today… But this… This is not me. I feel… Weird… Why do I have to protect myself? Because people are dumb and they don’t like me? Screw that. It’s their fault, not mine.” She explained herself – And she was right. What if he’s not there, but she needs him? His own mum was a US soldier, and she still couldn’t protect herself – Why would Y/N be any different? “Come with me to the gym. You’ll be able to defend yourself if you need to.” This statement made the girl look up at him in horror. “M-Me? At the gym? What in the world would I be doing there? That’s not a place for someone like me. Look at me. Besides… Even if I go, I won’t have the time to study, and I need extra time to find out ways to stay ahead so I’ll be able to explain and help you with the studies. There’s only so many hours in a day.” She muttered, scratching the back of her neck. “I made time for the useless study-sessions so I can pass school next year. You can take two hours out of your time to workout.” Insecure, awkward, nervous, anxious, afraid, embarrassed and many other negative emotions were easily displayed on her face. He knew it wasn’t easy, stepping up and trying to get stronger, when your body was created weak and frail, giving you an unfair advantage, but at some point, you gotta get stronger not only physically, but mentally and emotionally too. Being resilient is the first step to getting better. “…You really think I can do it?” she managed to ask, seeking for the littlest bit of hope. “Let’s fight together to get better.” Getting up, Jack extended his hand towards her – And after a deep breath, the girl put her little hand over his, and he helped her step up, not letting go.

Maybe by helping her, he’ll be helping himself, who knew? Jack thought to himself as he watched how awkward the girl looked standing in front of the boxing of him, in a tank top and a pair of large pants – She looked so out of place, it was hilarious. Still, she tried her best, as much as she could. She had no strength, no energy, no stamina, and not even a quarter into the workout, she was already dead on the ground. It looked comical to Jack, but for someone like her, with noodle limbs and the height of a smurf, she lasted more than expected.

Although, everyone was a smurf compared to him.

For over a year, Y/N went almost daily to the gym and did the same routine until she was able to complete it fully – Though she never told Jack, he knew that she must have tried to do some stamina training at home too. Every time she came over, even if she didn’t actually have the time to actually work, she brought over food and water, making sure the boy doesn’t overwork himself and forget to take care of his health. She already saw him taking a shit ton of pills… Without the right amount of nutrition, his body was going to break sooner than expected.

“Will you really be okay, Jack? I’m pretty sure I counted at least 30 pills just now. Is your health really in such a bad shape that you need all of them?” she was sitting criss-cross on his back as he was doing push ups. “They are drugs.” He admitted, his exercise flow remaining unchanged. “Drugs…? Are you doping, Jack?” he grunted in confirmation. “Oh, Jack, that will destroy your health even more. You won’t last long if you keep taking them.” The worry in her voice was obvious. “It’s fine. I just need to get strong enough to defeat my father. Everything else doesn’t matter.” It was such a depressing thought that Y/N fell quiet for a while. “What about your mum? If you die, she’ll be very upset.” She tried to reason with him. “She wants my father to defeated just as much as I do.” Jack explained calmly. “I’m moving to Japan once I graduate.” “Is this really the only dream you have for your future, Jack? You train hard, you defeat your father, and then… That’s it? The world ends at that point?” she asked once again. “Don’t you want to… I don’t know… Travel? Or…Pick up a hobby… Go scuba-diving? Learn…Embroidery? I don’t know- Anything.” She kept trying, but it only made the man chuckle underneath her. “Embroidery, Y/N? Do I look like someone capable of… Embroidery? I can’t even pronounce that thing, let alone, do it.” Now that she thought about it, the whole image of Jack embroidery was hilarious. “Okay, okay – It was the first thing that came into my mind.” She admitted, and after a few seconds of thinking, she spoke again. “I believe you can do it, Jack. If anyone can, it will be you. I… I don’t know what kind of… Big-ass hulk monster thingy your father is… But I believe that you will be able to do it. I’ve never seen a stronger, more diligent and ambitious person in my life. You’re really inspiring. I hope I will be able to get the motivation that you have some day.” Her confession made the boy smile, but said nothing. But then, Y/N heard him chuckling all of a sudden, surprising her. “This inspirational bullshit could kill me any day, and you’re supporting my doping. You want to become a doctor, but you encourage me to go further with my training. That’s funny. You’re a walking contradiction. Why are you supporting my suicidal dream?” he asked, curious of her answer. When she didn’t answer for the longest time, he thought she was way in over her head to even answer, and it was just an encouragement – However, as soon as a reply was heard, he stopped his exercising abruptly. “It may be suicidal, but… A dream is still a dream. If someone told me that I should give up on my dream because of… Whatever reason… I would get pissed off too… So who am I to tell you to change your ambition, when you’re working harder than anyone to achieve it?” the abrupt stop in the pace made Y/N lose balance and fall backwards from his back, her legs awkwardly placed over him. “Want to come over to Japan with me? If my guess is right, we’ll get to see a ton of underground fights.” He wasn’t even sure what he was feeling anymore, but after hearing someone being so supportive with him, after all the self-hatred, all the overworking, all the killing pills that he’s had to go through… It was a welcome breath of fresh air. “It just so happens that I have an aunt who lives in Tokyo and I usually spend my holidays at her villa. She has no children, it’s just her, her husband and her dogs, but they’re mostly away on business trips and she desperately needs someone to look after the house while they’re gone. I’m sure she’s gonna love one or… Two… People… Staying there… Permanently.” The girl coughed, quickly getting up and looking away. “Sounds like a plan to me.” He let out a content exhale before telling the girl to go back to her reading on his back so he could continue his workout.

Thought it all, Y/N was there by his side. When he punched the sandbag for 12 hours straight without eating, hydrating, resting or even going to the restroom. When he lifted weights until his body collapsed altogether and he looked like a tall mummy.

Once the two moved out of Canada and settled in Japan, he was approached by some weirdo scientist ho wanted to experiment on him with some dangerous yet efficient steroid concoction that was meant to make his body keep up with his over-training, to the point that the doctor began reticent, thinking that it would kill him in days. But it didn’t. Jack was alive, and well, and he killed a polar bear with his own two bare hands… Just like his father.

Though Jack was now stronger than ever, his once clear mind was fogged with desperation, thirst and hunger for power, to the point that he gave that poor animal an agonizing death. Y/N could barely recognize him anymore… This Jack was a complete different person. He may have grown in age and size, but his mind regressed to something that could see only violence and nothing more. He was apathetic and had no more emotion on that stone hard, frozen face of his that once had such a charming smile.

They were about 20 now, and while Y/N finished highschool and was already well into her University years, and yet, nothing changed about Jack, with the exception that each time she saw him, he seemed bulkier and stronger, but at the same time, colder and more stoic. He was barely speaking to her anymore, and even the basic greetings or ‘thanks for the meal’ were left forgotten. It was painful seeing him succumb like that. He really wasn’t the Jack that she used to know… No, that was wrong. He WAS Jack, but he was locked deep inside his own heart, and he needed an urgent wake up slap.

Jack, on the other hand, was well aware of his change, but he couldn’t afford to back down or give up, not now, when things were going so well. It’s been over 5 years since they got into Japan, since he started doping with that magic potion from the scientist, since he was able to experience true strength. He was grateful to Y/N for never giving up on him. He knew he was hurting he with his awful behaviour, and that his mother would be completely disappointed by the way he changed, but he promised to himself that once he wins this next tournament, and gets his chance to fight and defeat the dreadful Ogre, he was going to apologise and change. That is, if he doesn’t die in the process.

“I’m entering a tournament. It’s tonight. My little brother and my father will be there.” It was the first time in over 3 years since he’s gone to Y/N and spoke directly to her. An actual conversation. “That’s wonderful! Your dream is finally coming true, I’m so happy for you!” despite treating her so terribly, she still held that sweet, supporting smile of hers. “Are you coming?” his question made her smile even wider and sweeter, he thought. It was making his heart hurt. “I said I was going to stay by your side and support you with every step that you take. Tonight is no different. Tonight, of all nights, is as important as every other night or day that you’re working so hard towards your goal. So – Let’s get ready. I know a really nice BBQ place nearby. A good lunch should prove to be great luck, right?” a nod of his head was enough to make the girl chipper and she rushed to her room to get ready for the tournament. She may have given up on actually working out properly and remained with some light stamina training every once in a while to keep herself, and especially her back and joints in check, but she was going to hype Jack up as much as possible.

Thankfully, he thought, she hadn’t seen the little smile that he had on his face while she was gone out of the room. Whilst getting ready, Jack, too, dressed and gave himself an internal pep talk, before returning to the living room and waiting for Y/N. As soon as she got there, she was vibing. She was happier than he’s ever seen her… No, maybe just as happy as when she got accepted in her Uni. Still, she was as happy as she was beautiful. He doesn’t always realise how much she’s grown over the years… Or how long they’ve known each other. It’s been Almost 10 years since they’ve become friends. She was absolutely glowing.

“Lookin’ great as always, Jack! Let’s go.” No matter how much he wanted to compliment her… He couldn’t. He was so unstable that he couldn’t even remember what he was like before all the doping mess. It was a shame. She deserved better… But this was the only thing he could offer her.

During lunch, he ate a copious amount of meat, and it was all as delicious as he was told, yet remained as silent as ever. He knew Y/N was trying very hard to come up with different conversation topics, and whatever gossip and rumour she heard from University, but he only answered in grunts and shakes of his head. He knew she was trying to get his mind away from the anxiety, nervousness and anticipation of having the dream of defeating his number one enemy finally become reality, but that was the only thing his head was focused on. Complete annihilation.

Underneath the Tokyo dome, the greatest underground arena in Japan was hosting the Maximum Tournament, and everyone wanted to defeat Baki, the contending champion, who so happened to be Jack’s little brother. The whole place was huge, the stadium was filled with all kinds of people, but the rooms around were occupied by all sorts of fighters, tall or short, buff or not, old or young – Each with their own special techniques… Or not.

Jack wasn’t a sociable person, so he didn’t want to stay crowded with all the other plebs, so him an Y/N went to a room with a TV, so they could watch the competition away from all the others. Some fighters were great, while others were below even mediocre, it was pathetic. And now, it was finally time for Jack’s match. “Give ‘em hell, Jack!” Y/N walked with him all the way to the wooden fence arena that circled the fighting area, a place where only the fighter’s friends are allowed.

Under the alias of Jack Hammer, the blond Japanese-Canadian fighter went in the arena and got ready for his fight against Sergio Silva, a Brazilian grappler… That he defeated in a single uppercut to his jaw. Ridiculous. He didn’t stand a chance. But that wasn’t the highlight of the match – Instead, the crazy Ogre enters the arena and has a talk with Jack. Yujiro got so excited that he was ready to start a duel with his son right then and there, but Baki appears out of nowhere and kick’s Jack’s face, claiming he has no right to fight his father… Poor kid… Yujiro sent him flying away with a bitchslap, and after a whisper from Jack, he claimed that the blond had every right to fight him as well.

“Congrats, Jack, that was awesome! Though… Your opponent was underwhelming. I guess that’s first rounds for you, huh?” the girl chuckled, patting his back with pride as they went back to the room they claimed. “So… That was Yujiro, huh? What a creep.” “Yes. Once I win the tournament, I will fight him and get my revenge.” He nodded his head, relaxing on the folding chair and watching the TV. “Show him who’s the real deal, Jack!” though she was chuckling and being so innocent, Jack knew she had no idea the amount of sheer power, nor the suffocating aura that his father held. And neither should she know. He didn’t want to worry her more. “I will.” And thus, time passed, and Jack’s second match was ready to begin. This time, it was some Japanese master of some Kempo branch… But all of his fast moves were rendered completely useless against Jack’s raw power… Though, nobody knew the truth behind how Jack was able to draw blood from his enemy.

He was biting his opponents… Before he defeated this guy with an uppercut, just like with the other guy. It seems that’s his favoured finishing move. Great move, it looks very effective. The third round against Alexander Gallen who looked like a wrestler, went almost as smoothly, and with the same finisher move, but Jack was getting a bit more brutal, biting off two of his opponent’s fingers, and hitting him with a powerful nukite to the heart… And the only blood on Jack’s body was the blood spit on his face by Alexander.

“Oh, you. You have blood all over your face, silly. And it’s not even yours.” Y/N grinned as she pulled him back to their room and taking out her handkerchief, he cleaned his face. “Doesn’t this bring back some memories?” she chuckled tenderly as she caressed his face. “It’s been a few years.” He nodded, the corners of his mouth going upwards. “How fast time flies, huh… This tournament too. You beat those guys up so quickly and effortlessly that I didn’t even realise when time flew like that. You’ve really come so far. You’re amazing, Jack. You always were.” Though he never told her, he always appreciated how supportive and genuine she always was with him, when all he ever did for her was give her a hug and congratulate her when she got accepted for University. He must really look like the biggest jerk, just like Yujiro was. He really hated himself for that. Just two more rounds, and the decisive fight. That’s it. “Thanks. Y/N.” he nodded at her solemnly.

Sooner than expected, his fight in the semifinals against the old Aikido master was ready to commence, and Jack showed off by destroying a coconut with his teeth, while the old man used water to shoot into his lacrimal canal and make him feel as if he was drowning. Though this moment of vulnerability lasted a little, Jack was easily able to get up and by away Shibukawa’s achille’s tendon and cheek, and forearm, and by the end of the fight, he even easily used the master’s own technique against him, knocking him out in grand style.

It was absolutely fantastic how he seemed to have received no amount of damage over all. He was an absolute, undefeatable beast. When the finals were ready to take place, Y/N helped him put on the coat on which his real name was inscripted with Japanese symbols, making the shocking reality of his heritage known to everyone. The two brothers shake hands before the fight, and even smile at each other, promising to do their best and respect each other. So Jack was still pure and could smile… Y/N was really happy seeing this exchange.

“U-Uhm… Excuse me… Are you Jack’s girlfriend?” a sweet, soft voice asked, from behind Y/N. Looking behind, a girl with long, braided chestnut hair, innocent, worried bambi eyes, wearing a school uniform was standing sheepishly, looking down at her shoes. “Well… I think so. We’ve known each other since we were 13. I guess I’ll ask him when he’s done with the tournament.” Y/N chuckled, very easy-going. “Are you Baki’s girlfriend?” she asked right back, and as soon as she heard the question, the girl’s face got red with embarrassment and remained quiet. “You must be really worried about him, huh? I understand. It’s not easy watching your loved ones get beaten to death.” Y/N nodded in understanding. “My dad… Died like this. I really… Really… Don’t want Baki to die…Not like this… Not now…It’s awful… I don’t get it. Why are they fighting? What do they gain by winning some stupid tournament? What if they get incapacitated for life and they can’t fight again? What then?” the girl, who introduced herself as Kozue, was clinging desperately onto the wooden fence. “I know… I get you. But… That’s their dream. This senseless fighting that we’ll never understand. If we love them, we just have to accept the reality and the threats around… Whatever this is. And we have to support them in any way we can. And if they get hurt, we have to suck it up and take care of them, and raise their morale up.” The two were having the best finale out there – It was, by far, the most intense fight from the entire tournament. Both Hanma children were overpowered. They were inflicting heavy damage onto each other – But somehow, Baki’s strikes made Jack’s body start to deform because of all the drugs he took previously, and he started shrieking and vomiting in agony, all over the arena, and yet, he had no intention of giving up that fight. “Oh my… That’s awful, that’s awful! He must be in so much pain!” though, as soon as Kozue gasped, the blond was able to use that mutated body to beat Baki up, until he was put into a guillotine hold and eventually lost consciousness. “Oh Jack…” Y/N sighed, seeing all his teeth shattering from gritting so painfully, trying to keep awake… But it didn’t work. His limbs fell limb, and so did he, to the ground. However, once Tokugawa came with the winner belt, Baki wasn’t able to stand up straight…

So Jack took him by the wrist and helped him up, declaring him the champion of the tournament. He was smiling so proudly of his little brother, that it made Y/N’s heart swell. He really was the same, sweet Jack that she knew and loved so much.

“Congratulations, Kozue. Go and be with Baki, he needs you.” She smiled at the little girl as if she was her elder sister, before leaving to meet up with Jack. Once she noticed him, she stepped right in front of him and looked up, a small, loving, proud smile painted that beautiful face of her. “You were fantastic, Jack. You never cease to surprise me. You’re better than even Superman or whatever other superheroes from comics that we know of.” “I lost.” He wanted to slam his head on the nearest wall, until his brains exploded all over the place. “So what? You can only get up from here. Come on, give me a hug.” Extending her arms towards him… But he stepped by her, and went onwards. “I don’t deserve it.” He was in a dark place. Not only was he supposed to be fighting his father if he won against Baki… He lost both matches by default. “Please don’t say that, Jack. Of course you deserve it. Don’t run away.” Though the girl pleaded, Jack continued to walk… Until he met up with his father. He held a disappointed, twisted look on his face.

“I’m ready to fight.” A toothless, powerless, skinny Jack declares, making Y/N look at his with disdain. He didn’t even wait for a reply from the red haired man, for he lunged in for an attack… Only for Yujiro to counterattack with a brutal bite and a strike that rendered his son barely conscious. Lucky him, Y/N rushed and caught the man in her arms and held onto him dearly, his head on her lap. “Keh. Only an idiot loses twice in a day.” Yujiro sneered, walking away. “Fuck off, will you, you big, old oaf?” Y/N scoffed, not even bothering to look at the angry man who turned around and looked at the girl with a wicked expression. “Are you that worthless guy’s girlfriend?” he asked, surprising her. “Yeah. What’s it to you?” she looked hilarious, a small, defenseless girl, protecting a monster of a man. “Then get him stronger. He’s doping, his blood is impure. He’s a weakling. Do whatever you can to get him stronger. You’re a woman, do your job.” And he left. What a frick. Y/N really wanted to sock him in that nose and see him bleed. Stupid Ogre. “I never asked you out.” A weak voice called out – Jack was awake. “It’s not too late.” Though he could barely keep his eyes open, her voice was honey to his ears. “I look awful and don’t even have teeth anymore.” A laugh was heard, before he felt a kiss on his forehead. “I considered you asking me out back then, when you asked me to come to Japan with you. If I’m wrong, correct me.” She teased the man, who found the strength to smile in content. He finally felt more at ease, and realized his completely fucked up mind wasn’t helping him getting stronger. “You’re not wrong.”

As Y/N struggled to get Jack to stand up, a red haired man, a fighter, who was also a doctor and seemingly on friendly terms with Jack, came to his aid and promised he’ll get him better in no time. No wonder he was called the Miracle Doctor, he was above and beyond any physician out there. But this was great and exactly what Jack needed. Not that dumbass scientist who wanted Jack to become Yujiro Jr. but a friend, specialized in the human body, who would rationally and carefully get him better and help him get stronger.

And Y/N gained a new friend too!

Though awkward, Jack would go out with the two of them to restaurants and share pleasant conversations. Kureha really was an amazing influence on Jack, humanizing him, and Y/N couldn’t be happier. Though, the blond wasn’t above forcing his friend to perform an extremely risky surgery to lengthen his limbs. But he was the great Jack Hanma, and nobody was able to stop him once he’s put his mind to it, so the doctor was forced to perform the surgery while Y/N could only watch and help him out with whatever she could. She was, after all, rather knowledgeable herself.

In the end, he got his limbs lengthened in 8 places, and through this, he gained 20 whole centimeters – It was absolutely insane. He must be now the tallest man alive, without a doubt. Not only that, but since he started going back at the gym, resuming his previous Herculean training, he’s gained all his muscles back, and even more. Much, much more than before. He looked like a beast with his muscles pumped up. He looked absolutely unrecognizable.

But he looked happy. He held the strength that he always wished to achieve. He was an absolute Panzer tank. For a long time, Jack had no contenders, and he mainly spent all his time eating an even bigger amount of protein-based food, and training… And even a bit of sleeping. And though they still haven’t even kissed, Jack’s relationship with Y/N was as comfortable and happy as it always was, even going on dates. Nobody even dared look at Y/N whenever she was walking around, holding dearly onto his huge hand, or being held to his side… That is, until the Death Row prisoners came to Tokyo, and whilst Jack wasn’t involved at first – Ultimately, he had to act.

While Jack was doing his pre-sleeping workout in the basement of Y/N’s aunts house (house that was mostly theirs, even now), Y/N was in their shared bedroom, watching a movie and eating some popcorn. They were supposed to be watching it together, and it was already half-way through, so she decided to call him. However, as soon as she dialed, in the blink of an eye, she found herself standing in the middle of the room, with a blond stranger sporting a thick Russian accent was keeping her mouth shut. Those blue eyes held a killer glint in them – She’s been around Jack for so long, she was very used to seeing people like this guy… Though none ever approached her.

“Keep quiet for a while. Do you understand?” The man spoke in a low voice. “If you scream, I’ll kill you. You know I can make that happen. A mere flick of my wrist and your neck won’t ever be the same.” He meant business. He was really scary… Not scarier than Jack, but considering how his huge hands were all over her head, she knew he could do just as he promised. “Quietly close your eyes if you understand.” She did as instructed, and he slowly let go of her. “Good girl.” “You’re one of those escaped convicts, aren’t you? I’ve never met you, but I know you could easily kill me if you wanted to.” Y/N spoke, keeping her voice steady and low. Hopefully, Jack’s number actually got dialed, and he would realise that something was going on. “You’re after Jack, aren’t you? Trying a hostage sneak attack, to keep him vulnerable because you know you can’t win against him with your power alone. How pathetic.” With an annoyed tsk, the blond slapped her face, making her fall to the ground. “You speak too much, woman. Even more and I will kill you. I really want to see that oaf’s reaction once he sees your broken neck and my hand wrapped around it.” His words were as sinister as his aura… But she’s seen Yujiro Hanma before, and this wimp had nothing on him. “I believe Jack will save me before you even get the chance to approach me.” She stood up defiantly, wiping the blood from her mouth with her arm. “You want to bet on that, then?” though the man was smirking, to his surprise, so was the girl. “I was always good at gambling.” With a small chuckle, she took a step back and inhaled. “JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!” she cried out his name, watching the split second in which the enemy tried to lunge at her – But as expected, her gamble paid off, and Jack was already there, and gave the Russian a huge punch to his face, making his nose bleed rivers as he pulled Y/N into a protective embrace. “I told you I was good at gambling, didn’t I, you weak-ass Rasputin wannabe.” She scoffed, tightening her grip on Jack’s tank top. “Ha. So you really did come. I came after you because I heard you were that little guy’s weak spot, and since he’s the strongest, I wanted to provoke him. “Y/N. Stay behind me. I promise I won’t break the TV this time.” With a cocky, confident smirk on his face, Jack kicked at Sikorsky’s knee as Y/N chuckled, getting behind him. The enemy was on the ground, kneeling. “You’re so weak, you have to retort to cheap tricks like threatening my girlfriend, and you think you can go challenge my brother. How stupid. Get back in line, runt.” Jack picked him up by the front of his cardigan and brought him roughly into a headbutt to the face. Though Sikorsky tried to retaliate, the Gargantuan easily threw him out of the window… From the second floor. “Huh. He really was pathetic.” The girl chuckled, straightening the messy nightgown she was wearing. “Stupid idiot. Y/N, stay here. I’ll go finish the job. I’ll come watch the movie once I’m done.” With a sweet smile on her face, the girl gave him a double thumbs up and watched as her boyfriend jumped out of the large windows. Good thing they were really big, otherwise, she has no idea how he could fit.

But as soon as she turned around to go to bed, she got knocked out, and when she next opened her eyes, she was tied up on the ground in what looked to be a suite at the top floor of a very tall skyscraper. That wasn’t a problem. She had complete confidence Jack would save her, though, this is a rather unfortunate. Especially because, uh… She was wearing only her undergarments. How awkward.

“I’m firmly convinced you’re actually some kind of gross pervert, otherwise I can’t possibly decipher why did you have to undress me.” She scoffed, watching Sikorsky’s wide back as he sat on the couch - though as soon as she leaned to the side, she saw The Ogre sitting opposite of him, a wicked grin on his face as the blond was provoking him. “Oh. Great. Well, have fun, you two.” She muttered awkwardly, getting in a comfortable position and leaning back on the wall as she watched their interaction and listened to their… Conversation, if one could even call it that.

The Russian tried to kick Yujiro, using the table to cause momentum, but his boot was easily caught in between the red head’s arm and forearm. Though he tried to hit again, a tall, buff man wearing a rather ugly purple shirt came out of nowhere and picked the enemy up by his wrist, as if he was a naughty child. Who the hell was he? He seemed to be Hanma’s frienemy or something. The man, ‘The Unchained’, threw Sikorsky towards the glass wall that offered a beautiful landscape of skyscrapers, but before he could touch the windows, he stopped. In that instant, the door was bust open and not only Jack, but Baki and Katsumi were there too. Y/N coughed awkwardly. “Anyone’s got a jacket?” she chuckled in embarrassment. Though Jack said nothing, his eyes flashed with anger. He took off his shirt and kneeling by her side, tearing apart the ropes binding her, he put the blouse over her head, completely covering her. “Are you hurt?” he asked, cupping her face and making her look up at him. Though embarrassed, she wasn’t as shy as when she was really young, and could hold better eye contact with him. “No, I’m okay, he didn’t even look at me. I just don’t get what he gained out of undressing me. Or why he thought using me as bait would help in any way, considering he easily got those two here to fight him. He said he didn’t even care about you and Baki, as long as he could fight Yujiro. A whole lot of stupid, for nothing.” She rolled her eyes, making Jack relax and let out a breath of amusement. She was as fine as always, alright. As snarky and sarcastic as never before. “Do you want to go home?” he wanted to smash him to pieces, but at the same time, he didn’t want to make her suffer more than she did – So he asked her to choose. “Yeah, I wanna go home… After I see what a Russian pancake looks like.” She grinned, motioning for him to help her up. “Sounds like a plan.” With a cocky smirk, Jack watched as his girlfriend walked past all those strong fighters and went in front of the Russian, sporting a wicked grin. “Didn’t I tell you before, Rasputin? I always win in gambling. Now – All of you, extras – It’s Jack’s job to get rid of this pest, so… Step aside, will you? It may be a pretty big suite, but you’re all big enough to make this place feel cramped.” This incorrigible, cheeky spunk made Yujiro laugh loudly, and even congratulated Jack for finding a fine woman for himself. “I’LL KILL YOU, YOU LITTLE SHLYUKHA!” nobody needed a translation to know what he called her. Instead, they watched as, with perfect coordination, Y/N ducked to the ground just as Sikorsky was about to grab her, allowing Jack to jump over her and kick Sikorsky in the face with his boot, sending him through the glass wall. “Wicked.” Y/N hit a high five with her boyfriend, though just as she said that, the weirdo jumped back inside the suite. “Dude, get a hint and die already, will you?” “I’m unkillable, zayka.” Thus, the Russian, after explaining how he climbed up the building, threw a bunch of glass shards at Jack – But they didn’t phase him in the least. Instead, just as Sikorsky jumped, trying to do a double kick, Jack grabbed him by the ankle and threw him harder outside. “Let’s see if Russians know how to fly.” Jack let out an amused grunt, and ignoring everyone else in the building, he picked Y/N up bridal style and got out, getting her back home. “You know… I never realized how great a quality your shirts are. Very comfy and soft.” She chuckled as she was carefully placed on the bed. He didn’t want to let go of her until he knew for sure they were out of the danger zone. He let be her in danger again. He failed her again, just as he did when they were children, or further on, when he neglected her for all those years. “Keep it if you want. I have many like this one.” He spoke, kneeling down by the bed and holding her small, delicate hands. “Ha, thanks, Jack. Guess I’ve got the perfect dress to sleep in, now.” She was glowing, as always. So positive, so beautiful – She always knew how to keep the mood cheerful and light-hearted… It was the compliment needed for the somber atmosphere he was emanating all the time, though he always appreciated how she kept him in check, level-headed and present. Human. She kept him human, just like Kureha did. She was an angel. “Y/N. I failed you, again. Will you forgive me?” he watched as the girl’s eyes widened, as she straightened up, turning to face him. “Are you crazy, Jack? Forgive you? Failed? What in the world are you talking about?” she breathed out, putting those soft hands over his rough face. “You haven’t failed me. You never did. You are the best man I’ve ever met in my life. Never think otherwise.” Saying that, she hugged his neck, getting him close to her body. “When you’re hurting, or upset, it upsets me too. I just want you to be happy, you know? You’ve come so far since we were kids… Maybe you can’t see your progress as anything fantastic, but I watched you grow and get better and better… And you’re amazing. So… Never doubt yourself again, please.” Her words made him close his eyes and smile, yet he didn’t hug her back. Instead, he carefully unwrapped her arms around him, and intertwined their fingers together, leaning in close to her face. “I want to kiss you, but not until I’ve got my revenge on that idiot who dared put you in danger. Tonight I’ll gift you his defeat. Down at the underground arena.” He promised, making the girl’s eyes widen and her cheeks redden, before she started chuckling. “How romantic, you~!” she grinned, waving at him as he left the room to catch that Russian bitch.

Around evening, he found that jerk, showering in some basement. He was all naked – What a coincidence. He was going to beat him to death while naked, just like how he dared touch and even undress his girlfriend. The audacity of this fuckass was through the roof, but Jack made sure to completely destroy him. Once he had him knocked out, he threw him in a box and brought him to Tokugawa’s underground arena. Though, out of respect for the viewers, the old man had the Russian dressed with something to cover himself. As soon as he woke up, Sikorsky woke up in the middle of the sand arena, and found himself facing Jack – Jack who was wearing his fighting boxers alone, revealing that Colossal build of his.

Y/N, too, was sitting on top of the wooden fence, watching the show offered by her boyfriend. “Good news. In this match, you can’t lose from breaking the rules.” Jack was smirking and taunting his enemy. Sikorsky, mad to the point of driven insanity, let out a loud war cry and yelled “DAVAY!” , making Jack smile wider. The opponent rushed and threw some punches, slicing Jack’s forearms. How weak. Next, he threw a barrage of kicks, elbows and knees, but none did any damage to him – He merely took them for the show. Sikorsky’s overconfidence will be the death of him, especially after Jack easily picked him up and threw him into the opposite end of the wooden fence, breaking it.

Though the Russian picked up a nail from it, and was then forced to pick up a wooden, sharp cane from a member of the audience after being kicked in the gut, flying in the stadium where the participants were watching – He tried to use the weapon like a lance, digging it deep into Jack’s stomach – Or so he thought. Jack’s abs were so hard that possibly not even a real spear could no pierce them. With much ease, he karate chopped the wood away and mocked the Russian. His next trick was to throw that nail at him, but Jack simply caught it between his teeth, before he started chewing at him, making a small ball of metal before spitting it at his feet.

“I don’t know your name, and frankly, you’re not worth remembering. Whether you live through tonight or not, I couldn’t care less. But if there’s one thing I’ll let you remember…” menacing, Jack got in front of Sikorsky and grabbed his hands, applying so much pressure that the man cried out, having his bones shattered. “You have no right to touch Y/N. You have no right to endanger Y/N.” and with one last move, Jack kicked the Russian so hard between his legs, that he was weeping on the ground. “Y/N doesn’t like whiny pussies like you.” And he turned around, marching right at the smiling girl, and cupping her face, he pulled her into a deep kiss – Passionate enough to show how much he loves her, and how he appreciated her all these years, yet soft enough that he wouldn’t be to forceful on someone frail and small like her. “Very romantic, Jack, I’m blushing.” She mused, pulling him into another kiss, much more playful and light-hearted. “And this is just phase one. Phase two starts now. Enjoy the show, Y/N. It’s all for you.” Leaning back on the wooden fence, Jack put his arm around her, putting her to his side and planting a kiss on the top of her head, as the two watched Gaia step inside and destroy Sikorsky��s mind completely and irreversibly. “Truly, this day was the best gift I could have ever gotten.”

331 notes · View notes