Later that day, Edward called back and relayed the owners confirmation. Upon hearing the news, Ai was ecstatic. The rest of the afternoon she was on the phone to her mom, discussing the purchase.
Ken felt warm inside seeing Ai so happy.
A few days later, they flew back to Japan and would be staying in Kyoto for their pre-wedding honeymoon. During this time, Ken never missed a chance to enter the Image training.
By now he had started getting used to the high volume output he needed in order to complete the missions as soon as possible. Towards the end of the session, he would try and strikeout the AI version of Daichi, but he could not do so.
Throughout his 3 week honeymoon, Ken had never felt closer to Ai. They did everything together. She was not greedy either, allowing him the time to train while she spent longer in bed, or took the time to read.
This was the longest they'd spent together at once. Many people said this was the true test of the relationship, however even if it was, they passed with flying colors.
Not only was she supportive, Ai made him feel at home.
Soon, their last day in Kyoto before the wedding arrived. Having just woken up from his usual 5 hour sleep, Ken's resolve had hardened.
After experiencing 3 weeks of bliss with the love of his life, his drive to succeed was more than ever. There was nothing that would prevent him from achieving fame and saving this place.
And so, the final day passed and they arrived back in Tokyo.
Ai was taken to her parents house for the night to prepare for the wedding the next day, whereas Ken met up with some old friends.
"This is the place right?" Ken muttered, raising his gaze from his phone.
He had walked from his hotel in Tokyo through a few side streets and finally arrived at a dingy looking bar. From the outside, it looked rather derelict, but an amazing smell was coming from the inside.
As he stepped through the doors, he was attacked.
"ORYAHHHHHH KENNY BOYYYY~"
A muscular figure grabbed him, hauling him up from the ground with ease. He didn't need to turn to understand who it was, the catchphrase was enough.
"Damn it Makoto, I can smell the alcohol on your breath already." Ken complained, trying to shake him off.
"Ehhh? Don't be like that Kenny boy. Have some reshpect for yer old captain. Don't ya remember who taught ya everything?" He slurred before letting out a hiccup.
"Does anyone know this bald-headed monk?" A voice called out from behind Ken.
"Riku, glad you could make it man." Ken said with a grin, pulling the guy into a hug.
"Hehe, I heard it was a bachelor party. Of course I wouldn't miss it." He said with a laugh.
"Of course you'd come. You're the perpetual bachelor after all."
Riku growled, turning to the right, "Shut up Kuro! You piss me off."
Kuro shrugged before sending Ken a wink. Ken's eyes widened in surprise, seeing the changes to the usually gloomy Kuro. If Riku hadn't called him out by name, he might not have recognized him.
Gone was the gloomy atmosphere and mushroom shaped haircut. He now looked like a young adult, dressed in the latest fashion. The goatee he was sporting suited his face tremendously, transforming his look.
"Holy crap, what happened to you Kuro? It's like you're a new man!" Ken said, coming over to embrace the guy.
"What are you saying? That I looked bad before?" The atmosphere changed around him, turning gloomy.
"A—Ah, that's not what I meant." Ken said, realizing that some things never changed.
"Oi, make way. The best friend is coming through."
Ken suddenly felt as if a small child hugged his side. Resisting the urge to push them away, he turned, only to see a familiar face looking up at him.
He let out a laugh and picked the guy up under the arms, "Shiro! Good to see you man."
"O—Oi! I'm not a kid, put me down!" He cried as Ken swung him around.
Laughter broke out within the small bar, even those patrons who didn't know the two joined in on the mirth. Only after a few more swings did Ken finally place Shiro on the ground and ruffled his hair.
"Damn it Ken…"
"Aw, don't be upset. Let's go for a workout, that always cheered you up in the past." Ken said, nudging him with his elbow.
In that instant, Shiro's face paled as if he'd just seen a ghost.
Another round of laughter broke out, easing the tension.
"Alright, I'm starving. What's for dinner?"
"Here, this should tide you over until we have dinner." Riku said, handing him a large glass of fresh beer from the bar.
Ken blinked a few times, "My wedding is tomorrow… If I drink on an empty stomach, it won't be good."
"Loosen up big bro, I'll make sure you get home in one piece." Daichi somehow snuck in and draped an arm around his shoulder, adding his 2 cents.
"Don't force him. Do you know how many calories are in beer these days?"
Ken turned and saw that Hiroki had arrived, his lean and tight muscles visible through a thin long sleeve shirt.
"Ugh, who invited Adonis?" Riku quipped, rolling his eyes.
"Don't act like you didn't miss me Riku~" Hiroki replied with a grin.
Eventually, Ken smiled and took the beer raising it high. "I'll have a couple tonight, but no more than that."
Everyone in the room brightened, however they had expected him to drink the whole thing, yet the guy only took a single sip.
"Weak…"
Ken quickly changed the subject, feeling a little embarrassed. "Who else are we waiting on?"
"Masayuki said he'll be here."
"Sorry I'm late guys." As if on queue another one of the old U18 National Team players arrived.
BUZZ BUZZ
Ken was about to greet Masayuki but he felt his phone going off. It was a number he didn't recognize.
"Hello?"
"Ken… I can't read Japanese, which bar are we meant to meet up at?"
"Steve?"