Meanwwhile, professor Charles Xavier had retreated to his office. A touch on a certain book in his personal library revealed a computer ahead of current technology. Xavier powered it on and and activated the video communication functions. A few seconds later, a japansese man in his early thirties, dressed in a traditional kimono, appeared on the screen.
"Charles Xavier-san" Xavier smiled at the man's formality "It has been a while, professor... To what do I owe the honor of your call ?"
Xavier could feel the younger man's latent hostility even without his powers "Recent developments have me worried about Japan, Shiro-kun. I know we don't have always been on the best of terms but this is important. Will you hear me out ?"
Shiro Yashida AKA Sunfire, Japan's first official mutant, son of Hiroshima. Raised by his uncle to hate America, to be a weapon against the United States in revenge for the atomic bombings. His father's death at his hands during his first battle with the original X-Men had opened his eyes on the futility of hatred. Still he remained fiercely patriotic and was Japan's equivalent of Captain America in the eyes of its people. He had been a member of the second generation of the X-Men but didn't stay after Thunderbird's death, clearly not comfortable in the team. He and the X-Men only crossed paths when Japan was threatened by a mutant menace.
Sunfire remained inexpressive, the picture of japanese stoicism "What is it, Xavier-san ? Is my country in danger ?"
"Not really but it could be, Shiro-kun" Then Xavier told him about the 'breeding camp' the X-Men had raided yesterday. Sunfire was outraged that such a facility could exist on japanese soil and abduct its women for whatever purpose. He was a traditional man after all, wanting to protect women was ingrained in him *He and Ranma would find a common ground there* thought Xavier.
"This incident, as distasteful as it is, made me realise something" Xavier turned to face his office's window, growing pensive "Don't you find strange that Japan, as the only country to have been struck with atomic weapons, has so few mutants ?"
Sunfire nodded "True. It always puzzled me. So ?"
"The majority of that facility's prisoners were japanese, with a few foreigners from Asia and Oceania. Statistically, it is not consistent with our previous assessments of the japanese mutation level" Xavier paused and turned back to face Sunfire "I think Hiroshima and Nagasaki's effects are finally taking place. I expect the japanese mutant population to literally boom over the next years"
Sunfire smiled sadly *More children of the Atom, like me...* "You want something from me, don't you ?"
"Shiro-kun, you are Japan's oldest and most experienced mutant. You are also rich and well-connected" The Yashida family was a yakuza syndicate as well as a ninja clan "You are the perfect man for building and leading Japan's first mutant school"
Sunfire let his surprise show "Me ? You want me to create a japanese version of your school ?"
"Yes. I know that mutants are currently tolerated in Japan because there are few of them, they are seen as victims of the Bomb and not threats. That will change soon and you know it"
"I see your point. We will need an 'Ekusu-Hito' team"
"I beg your pardon ?"
"'Ekusu-Hito', Xavier-san... X-Men in japanese. You've convinced me, professor. I will start to work on this as soon as possible" Shiro bowed.
Xavier did the same "Until your school is ready, I will train and educate your future students. I will send you complete files in a few days. Sayonara, Shiro-kun"
"Sayonara, Xavier-san. I am grateful that Fate has granted me a role to play in the accomplishment of your dream and to serve my country" The communication broke and the screen was blank again.
Professor Xavier smiled. It seemed that Ranma would have to live up to his potential sooner than expected.
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(Posted Mon, 28 Oct 2002 22:08)
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