Brute Force (Baki The Grappler x reader/story)

Chapter Twenty-five: Cured

Y/n raised her hand in a small waving gesture as she walked past the man training. "Heyyyy.....Kozue...?" Y/n stretched her words, pausing as she watched Kozue wiped some tears. "What's up with you?" Y/n asked, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"It's nothing...." Kozue sniffled, finally using her t-shirt to wipe away a tear. Her arms falling to her sides as she finished her crying.

"If it's about Baki and everything-" Y/n commented, more like assuming since she understood Kozue cared for Baki. But did she really need to keep crying about all this? "I'm sure Retsu will be able to handle it." Y/n added after the long pause, both her hands resting on either side of Kozue's shoulders.

     "Do you really believe that? You can't be serious!" Kozue commented, her tone almost counting as a yell.

     "Yes, I believe in Retsu. How can you want Baki to get better and yet stand her yelling at others about how he is 'guaranteed' to die. When you don't even know that!" Her hands closed into a fist, Y/n's expression darkened. Annoyed at Kozue's negative attitude. How could she be so negative? Y/n knew all they could do is hope, but at least that made it easier to handle. But looking at Kozue's anger shown in her face, Y/n softened. Yes Kozue was trying her best to look intimidating but that just made her look hurt and sad. In which Y/n took a long deep breath and gently hugged Kozue. "Look, you are everything to Baki...if you continue to show that type of behavior, you'll just end up bringing Baki down with you." 

     Kozue had stiffened in Y/n's hold. Soon softening as she hesitantly hugged back. Crying into Y/n's shoulder as she spoke to Kozue. "Just think about that, 'kay?" Y/n pulled back, patting the top of Kozue's head. "Come on, I'll walk you back." Y/n softly offered, a warm smiled covering her face as she placed a comforting hand on Kozue's back. Guiding her to where the fighter's locker rooms were.

Weaving through the hallways, Y/n soon stopped, facing one of the TV's showing the live broadcast of the tournament. "Second match is already over?" Y/n said, confused, glancing over Kozue before shrugging. Knowing Kozue was not exactly the best person to speak to about fighting or such. "Must have been a short match?" Y/n added, joining beside Kozue, her hands now joining in her pockets.

Y/n focused mostly on the floor. Mhm...concrete's looking real nice... Almost bumping into Kozue. In which she looked up, finding Retsu and Baki. Baki for some reason training. A stream of blood coming from his mouth. Dripping onto the floor to form into a puddle.

Glancing between the three of them, the tension was so thick you could probably cut it with a knife... Even if it were just Retsu and Baki talking. Y/n was just hoping Kozue would think about what Y/n had told her-

"I SAID YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME! THEIR IS NO WAY YOU CAN BE DOING THIS!" Kozue yelled, her voice dripping of anger. Y/n now noticing just how much she had zoned out. Y/n stayed silent, backing away from Retsu and Kozue.

But her eyebrows furrowed as Kozue began to land a bunch of punch's on Retsu. All seemingly powerless compared to Retsu. But still showing that she was using all her power.

Y/n let Kozue release her anger, soon joining with Baki to stop her. Baki had grabbed one of her wrist while, Y/n held her fit to stop a blow. Although Y/n didn't hold it for long, warmly smiling as she saw Baki embrace her, whispering a hopeful reassurance in her ear. How cute... Soon Baki let go of her, walking beside Kozue, his match just so happening to be next. Although Y/n was able to sneak in to gently ruffle Baki's hair. Smiling at him.

"Hey Retsu..." Y/n smirked, glancing over at the still stunned man beside her. Soon following a few feet behind Kozue and Baki. Humming in response to Y/n to give her a sign of acknowledgment. "Do you know when my match is? Why did they have to do that whole thing with only revealing one match at a time-"

"I'm not in charge of the arrangement of the Rai Tai Tournament. So just like you, I have no idea who you will be fighting or I as well."
     "You're telling me you don't have the answer but have connections to so many higher-ups?" Y/n raised her eyebrow, giving him a look that told him that she knew that he was full of it.

     Retsu sighed, shaking his head, "The only higher up I know is Grandmaster Kaku. He has no answers either. And he wouldn't tell me even if he did know."
     "That's no fun."
     "I understand your frustration."

    The both of them stopped upon reaching the doorway to the big arena. Y/n walked away from Retsu, closer to Kozue. Putting a gentle hand on her shoulder, letting her know she isn't alone.

     Kozue's voice quivered, shaking with each breath, "I can't believe I'm even standing here to watch this..." It was obvious she was trying her best not to cry. "How is this supposed to heal him...? This is absolute madness..."

     "Maybe it'll cancel out?" Y/n hesitantly suggested, taking her hand off her shoulder to hold in a defensive position once Kozue turned to glare at her.

Y/n went back to Retsu's side to watch the fight, standing there in silence as everyone watched.

[SMALL TIMESKIP]

Y/n was pretty sure this might be the first time she would have seen Baki lose. That was until Kozue broke the one rule of walking into the arena while not being an authorized fighter. It wasn't clear what Kozue had told Baki, since all she could hear was the crowd. While all she could see was Kozue crying on Baki.

This match has to be over, Baki can barely stand- he got up. Somehow. While Kozue returned to where she was previously standing. And in some miracle, Baki was able to fight once more. Y/n assumed it was some type of adrenaline rush. But was confused further as she watched Retsu rush to Kozue, a happy grin on his face as he shook Kozue.

"He's been healed! You healed him Ms. Kozue!" Retsu shouted.
"How is he healed?" Y/n asked in confusion. Gazing at Retsu.

"The poison hand. It has been reversed in the ying and yang volumes." Retsu turned back to Y/n.
Y/n narrowed her eyes and furrowed her brows in annoyance. "Hm...yeah, I totally know what you mean." Did he really expect her to know that?