Earlier

  Bara, sweaty after running a couple of blocks, arrived at a train station. He sat down and patiently waited.

  After 8 minutes, a man sporting pitch black jeans, a leather jacket, and a motorcycle helmet, driving a black motorcycle, passed by. The rider got off his motorcycle and crossed the street, before unintentionally looking at Bara's direction. After looking at Bara, the man looked around his backpack and looked at a piece of paper; he then looked back at Bara, staring for a couple of seconds. Bara noticed this; calm yet aware, Bara still kept on sitting down.

  The rider then ran towards Bara. Bara firmed his muscles, but held his ground. "(What's with that guy?)" He thought to himself.

  Reaching Bara, the rider asks a question. "Do you know... Ushiyama Kito?"

  Looking up, Bara narrowed his eyes. "Why are you asking?" He responds in a straight forward, impolite tone.

  The rider presented the piece of paper to Bara. Bara sees that its one of Kito's campaign flyers.

  Bara's eyes widen.

  "This is you, right?" Says the rider, pointing at the flyer where Bara is posing with the other men.

  "O-oh, excuse me." Said Bara. His face relaxed into a kind smile, yet his muscles were still steeled. "I didn't mean to be so gruff, I just didn't know your intentions. You seemed a little hostile."

  The rider nods. "Ahh, I see. I didn't mean to scare you. It's just that I saw you from afar and I couldn't believe it."

  "Haha, yeah, no worries." Said Bara. "So, did you have something you wanted to ask?"

  "Yes," actually, said the rider.

  Bara, keeping the kind smile on his face, remembered the situation. "(Perhaps he's just pretending to be innocent. This could be one of those brat's friends.)"

  "Do you know of his availability? I would like to work for Mr. Kito." Said the rider.

  "...

  ...

  What."

  Flabbergasted, Bara kept the kind smile, yet the rest of his face was frozen; he awaited for the rider to clarify.

  "I'm interested in the cause. I admire Kito and his efforts. The country is turning into a shithole and he seems like the right leader. Hopefully after he wins the election, that'll prop up more prefectures to actually do something about the country. That aside, I think I could be of some use."

  "Oh really?" Asked Bara. "I'm glad you're interested. Do you have networks that could help us out?"

  "Networks?" Asked the rider.

  "Yeah, like connections. Do you know people that could promote us?"

  "No."

  "Ah. Are you good with paperwork?"

  "Not really."

  "Are you good at management?"

  "Well... I was the leader of a gang."

  "Oh really?" Bara tilted his head. "(A gangster huh? Well so far if it was anyone from the OA they would've come up with a more normal answer- not that this situation is normal to begin with. Yet, an odd scenario should be a warning that this guy is against us. Plus, this dork is still wearing his biker helmet while talking. I doubt a trained soldier would still do that... unless he's hiding his identity on purpose.)"

  Bara looked left and right. He spotted a couple of civilians. "(There's witnesses. But if he's actually from the OA then he'd never risk attacking me in front of people. I suppose I'll just defend myself and get on the train rather then swing at him or join whatever bullshit venture he's getting at.)"

  "-but it disbanded after a little bit of time," clarified the rider.

  "Oh..." muttered Bara. "...well what can you do?"

  "I'm strong."

  Air escaped Bara's nose. "Well, I'm sure you are, but we already have enough strength in our hands."

  Within eyesight, the train came closer to the stop.

  "I'm happy you're in support of our efforts," stated Bara. "But I can assure you that we won't be needing any employees at the moment."

  The rider noticed the train, and spoke. "I know I may not seem like it, but I could be of good use to Kito. I'm stronger than most."

  "Uh huh."

  "But- I could work as a muscle."

  "What do you mean?" Asked Bara.

  The rider began to whisper. "I don't know how you guys operate things, but if you're ever in need of some help, I can act as a 'muscle' for the group. I've worked in that department before," assured the rider.

  "I see." Simply said Bara. "(So I suppose the part about being a gangster adds up. But again, he could just be keeping his story straight.)"

  "Look, I have to go," clarified Bara as the train began to stop. "But I can test you out with a simple handshake." Bara presented his hand. "By squeezing my hand, I can tell how strong a person is. Do your worst- I can take it." Assured Bara. "(Real issue is, if he's an actual OA agent, now's the perfect time to kill me.

  If it weren't for the fact that I would already have them in my grasp.

  I'm pretty sure I ate crab earlier...)"

  The rider immediately clasped onto Bara's hand, squeezing onto it. With veins pulsed and grip tightened, the rider's hand trembled from his own might.

  "...

  ...

  ...that's it?" Asked Bara, not in a manner of condescension rather, genuine confusion.

  "No," said the rider, continuing to struggle.

  Despite Bara not using any ki, his large hand barely budged. "(Well, at least the kid's got heart, I'll admit that.)" Thought Bara to himself. "(Well, in any case- wait... What the hell?)"

  A strange phenomena pulsed from the rider's hand and into Bara's grasp. This alien feeling; touching the wind as if it were snow, or guiding water as if it were sand. The sensation of the soul. An ounce of the otherworldly realm. This is...

  "(Magic!?)" Thought Bara to himself. Bara looked up at the rider with confusion. As much as he wanted to go straight to strangling the rider, his mind stopped himself. "(Wait a second. If this were a member of the OA, then wouldn't they have attacked already? Granted they could just be lowering their guard but- no. No, that would be dumb. If they have the chance to kill me, especially if I already know they can use magic, then they would have attacked already. What would be the point of letting the enemy know you can use magic before you attack them? They're dumb but they're not stupid.)"

  Bara's dumbfounded and concerned face reflected off of the rider's visor.

  "You can feel it, can't you?" Asked the rider.

  The train conductor went up to the doors and said "we're about to leave, gentlemen."

  "Shit," cried Bara, frantically looking for a pen. "Mr. Conductor, can I please borrow a pen? I promise this'll take thirty seconds."

  The conductor gave both of them an annoyed look, looked at his watch and reluctantly gave them his pen. "30 seconds." He commented.

  "Look, I have to go now. But yes, you caught my attention. Here's my number, write it down on the flyer."

  The rider quickly took the pen and scribbled Bara's phone number.

  "I'll call you tonight later," said Bara. "This might be your only chance to meet up with us."

  "Understood. See you then. By the way, I'm sorry but I didn't catch your name?" Called out the rider.

  "Bara Shibukawa. And you are?"

  "Tatsuki Harada."

  Bara nodded gave an odd look and nodded. Tatsuki did much the same as a farewell.

  "BOTH OF YOU, GET ON OR DON'T- WE'RE LEAVING." Yelled the train conductor.

  Both soured, Bara and Tatsuki went their separate ways.

  .

  .

  .

  Present time.

  Within the bustling restaurant, Kito's crew as well as Naoki's group are all sitting down. Naoki sits in front of Kito. Robert sits in front of Makoto, glaring at her for the passing resemblance she has to the person who ruined his life; annoyed by the intense stare, Makoto wrinkles her nose and glares back. Naota sits in front of Daiki looking at him with an almost saddened expression. The rest simply sit in whatever seats aren't taken.

  Noting the people that arrived to the meeting, Kito looks at Ken and Viral, and shoots back at Naoki. His eye twitches as he makes a baffled smile.

  Naoki stares at him sternly.

  "Alright Kito. Let's deal."

  Kito chuckles and shakes his head. "Naoki, Naoki, Naoki... where are your manners." Says Kito, arms wide. "At least introduce yourselves formally. Come on now, no need to be abrasive. We're having a truce at the moment." Kito grins. The rest of his team, barring Robert, keep a lighter guard as they calmly sip on their water.

  "We're not in the mood to play games, Kito." Simply says Naoki. "Just tell us what you want and then we'll talk."

  "Well first of all, I would like your names." Responds Kito. "Without that, we won't be able to continue."

  "Why do you really want our names?" Asks Naoki.

  "To be polite."

  "Bullshit."

  "Doesn't sound like a name."

  Makoto groans. "My name is Makoto."

  The rest of her team looks at her. Makoto doesn't look back at them. All of a sudden, they hear a buzzing noise.

  "(Can you hear me?)" Asks Makoto telepathically.

  Naota, Viral, Ken, and Naoki all recognize the ability: basic telepathy.

  "(Woah shit, I didn't know you had psychopower?)" Responded Ken.

  "(I don't. It's just that students are trained to have at least basic application of each element, no matter the specialization. I thought you knew that?)"

  "(Trust me, even though we work together, they still keep a lot of things away from us. Can't imagine why.)" Responded the vessel.

  "(Ah. Right. Well either way, most I can do is telepathy, and even then its hard. So listen up: this'll serve as an invisible conversation so that we can discuss without them hearing.)"

  "(Oh gotcha,)" says Ken. "(Anyway, quick question Makoto: what the fuck are you doing?)"

  "(I answered his question about the name because there's no way his ability has anything to do with names. He's most definitely a Ki specialist with the way he was moving. Besides, at his age, no all-rounder or Half-half user would be that strong or fast. The other ones probably are, but judging from last night, I highly doubt it. So it's just best to keep things quick and steady.)"

  Naoki softly smiles. "(Good thinking Makoto.)"

  Back in reality, a couple of seconds pass from silence.

  Kito's eyes dart from one member to another. He gives a confused smirk. "Are you... are you guys ok? You're creeping me out."

  Eventually, a stressed 20 year old waitress comes by to the table.

  "Are you guys ready to order?" Asks the waitress.

  Naoki's group all look at each other. "Sorry but, we won't be having any food I don't think." Says Naoki. The rest of his side agree.

  "(Damn it.)" Thinks Naoki to himself. "(I will admit, I actually am craving gyoza but, there are more important things to attend to.)"

  "Ah, I see" says the waitress. "As for you?" She continues towards Kito's side.

  "Why yes, we shall be ordering," clarifies Kito. "For my big friend here, he shall be getting the shark fin soup, spider crab roll, four oysters, and... by any chance, do you happen to have bear meat."

  The waitress writes down the first two orders, before looking back up at Kito. "I beg your pardon?"

  "Bear meat. Do you have it in this restaurant?"

  The waitress looks at Naoki and his group; both the group and the waitress exchange confused looks. "I- uh... no sir."

  "Ah, damn shame. Anyway, Kasumi, what would you like?"

  Kasumi and Daiki order their own bento boxes, while also clarifying that they would like sushi made of crab and sword fish.

  The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  Afterwards, the waitress leaves and the conversation continues. Going back to the discussion, Naoki starts.

  "Naoki Miyam-"

  "I know who you are." Kito says in an annoyed tone. "I want to know who the spirits are, where the pompadour freak is and most importantly-"

  Redirecting his attention to Naota, Kito sneers. "Who this man is."

  "Naota Sen," simply responds Naoki's guardian.

  "Ah..." Says Kito in an understanding tone. "I'm assuming you're the one Naoki learns the most from."

  "That is correct."

  Kito's eyes narrow. "Well, I appreciate your efforts in teaching Naoki. However, I believe he's a bit naive-"

  "I agree." Says Naota.

  Caught off-guard, Kito stammers. "Uh... right. No matter, I believe he could learn a lot more from me."

  Kito stares at Naota; every tell, every muscle twitch on his face, whether the corners of his mouth go up or down. Naota calmly responds with little to no reaction. "You gave him a dose of reality; I thank you for sparing him but, I think he's learned enough from you."

  Naoki looks down and ponders. "(But... he said he didn't need me? So why would he be saying that now, unless its to bait him?)"

  "I won't speak for him," continues Naota. "But in my opinion, I don't think you have anything to offer in terms of teachin-"

  "Watch your mouth-" growls Bara, slamming his fist on the table as he stands up. The restaurant gets quiet.

  Kito softly puts his hand on Bara's arm. "I appreciate it Bara, but now's not the time. We're simply exchanging banter, that's all."

  Bara sits back down, the rest of the restaurant slowly pick up their conversations again.

  A waiter comes up to Kito with a hurried expression, warning him of the noise level. Kito whispers in her ear, calming her down.

  "Let's not do that again, lest we reschedule for another day" Ensures Kito to the rest of the table. "Going back," he continues. "Again, where is the one with the pompadour?"

  Ken opens his mouth, looking down. "Saizo is... he's not feeling well-"

  "No thanks to you," interjects Naoki.

  "Yes. We're all aware." Comments Kito, shutting down Naoki's accusatory tone. "As for you, the one who answered, what is your name?"

  "Ken," simply answers the vessel.

  "I see. You were the one with the swords, were you not?" Asks Kito.

  Ken doesn't say anything.

  "...hm." Kito smirks. "And last but not least, who may you be?"

  "Viral. Just Viral."

  As much as Kito wants to ask why she looks like a foreigner, he realized that asking that question would be a waste of time.

  A decision that he would later regret.

  "(And she's the one with the syringe... got it.)" He finished thinking to himself.

  "Now," he continues aloud, "I thank you all for the introductions. It's a lot easier compared to pointing and saying. But to go back to the business at hand: in simple terms, I believe it would be best if we both got off each other's backs, huh? It's equally as troublesome and I think we can all call it a truce without having any more people get hurt.

  I can't do much about the contracts with you two," he says, pointing at Naoki and Makoto. "But otherwise, ignoring each other would be a fair trade for both of us. Hell, I'll even spare those puppets of yours to add as a bonus." He says, eyeing both Ken and Viral. "I think that's more than fair, considering our strength. So, what do you say?"

  "With all due respect, Mr. Kito." Starts Naota. "We can't let you do that. Per the regulations of the Ordinance Academy, we are to detain and/or exterminate you and whoever are suspected to be your accomplices."

  "And why is that? What did I do?"

  "First and foremost, it doesn't matter what you did and didn't do, it's simply by the nature of you being a rogue sorcerer."

  "And what is a rogue sorcerer exactly?"

  "Someone who uses any part of the tripower system without being a part of the OA, or with expressed permission from the government." Responds Naota, in an increasingly annoyed tone.

  "I see. And did any of you happen to see me using any of the tripower system?"

  "We literally just saw you last night kill Saizo's friend," blurts Ken.

  "Ah and Saizo's friend was... a sorcerer?"

  "He was a spirit." Said Viral.

  "I see... and isn't it the OA's job to exorcise or detain spiri-"

  "We know what you're trying to pull, it's not going to work." Says Makoto.

  "Oh, you do? Because from my perspective, it sounds like I'm doing the OA's job, while the OA are the ones being hypocrites; befriending a spirit? So much for saving the country. And besides, how does that make me the bad guy?"

  "It makes you a bad guy from the eyes of the law." States Naota. "It doesn't matter if your intentions were good or not, no matter how similar they are to ours. We have training to do that, so nobody else needs to."

  "Hm. I see."

  "That, and you technically got in the way of our job, all while hurting and threatening OA member's lives. Which makes your situation even worse."

  Kito doesn't say anything and grins, all distracted by his own thoughts. "(So that only further cements what I thought. These guys are after me because of what happened last night. Meanwhile the other group is after me because of the mayor, and escaping every assassination attempt. Pahaha. Sloppy. Sloppy, incompetent organization.)

  "But-" continues Naota. "That's the official reason."

  Kito stops smiling and asks. "Meaning?"

  "We have plenty of reasons to hunt you down."

  "Plenty? Well if it's not the official reasons then what's the problem?" Asks Kito.

  "In simple terms," starts Naota. "I just don't like you."

  "I don't think I'm quite a fan of you either," retorts Kito, giving an irked smile.

  Makoto goes next. "I hate you."

  "That so?" Kito responds, eyerolling while barely giving her any attention.

  "In terms of doing the good thing, kicking your ass is the bare minimum," says Ken, leaning back in his chair.

  "Another noble one. Great." Responds Kito.

  Viral looks down, before starting. "In truth, Mr. Kito, though I do find you morally corrupt, I'm doing this because I don't have a choice. The contract they put on me as a vessel forces me to do as they say. And if I don't try to apprehend you, I will die."

  Kito looks at her with a bored expression. "Well then why would you ever work at a job that threatens you? That wasn't very smart now, was it? No matter where you look now, you're looking at the end of a barrel."

  Viral hesitates before looking up at Kito. "When it comes to life... sometimes you don't really have a choice. And instead of choosing death, you grasp at the only opportunity you have."

  Kito tilts his head and smiles. "That's life." He then turns to Naoki. "And as for you?"

  The boy and the fisherman lock eyes. The presence of the others get drowned out. The sounds of the restaurant fizzle out into mumbles.

  "You say you want to help me, even if it means detaining and killing me." Says Kito. "So what's the point of such an effort if it'll be for nothing? What growth will I get if I'll be left to rot in a prison or as a corpse anyway?"

  "Because even if it's too late for you, at least I know I tried. And most importantly, I know that I can continue in this world, without stooping to your level. I will be evidence that kindness isn't dead."

  "And if I win? What will you do?"

  The kaleidoscope eyes get even more intense. The room shifts from a dark fog to various reflections of Naoki.

  Naoki, resisting the urge to look away, no matter what his heart says, assures Kito. "I won't stop; I can't. So I'll continue, even if I die trying."

  "You better steel your convictions, boy. When a man says something, he needs to honor it. So tell me, Naoki; have you made a contract with yourself? Or, are you willing to truly honor your word, right here, right now?"

  From the shadows of the mirrors, a hand extends out of the depths.

  Shaking, Naoki's hand slowly stretches across to grasp the hand.

  Only for Naota to smack both of the hands out of the way.

  Back at the restaurant, everyone is staring.

  Kito and Naoki snap out of it.

  "Don't fall for something so obvious, Naoki." Says Naota in a harsh tone.

  "Y-yes. You're right." Simply says Naoki.

  Kito chuckles, only for the food to finally arrive. All of the large and delicious platters go to Kito, Kasumi, Bara, and Daiki.

  "Itadakimasu!" They all say in unison.

  As they all quickly devour their food, Kito begins "Please do excuse the meeting for a moment," he says, to the side opposite to his. He turns to his loyal subordinate. "My, Bara, I don't think that'll fill you up! Here, why don't you have a piece of my sushi?" Kito picks up a sword fish sashimi and plops it onto the side of Bara's plate. "Mine as well" Says Kasumi, handing his piece of spider roll sushi to Bara. "Aww I wanted to eat some of mine as well," says Daiki. "Now now boy, you can have yours. I think Bara has plenty, don't you think?" Responds Kito.

  Finishing his shark fin soup in one continuous gulp, Bara rests the bowl down on the table. "I agree with the boss. You can have your pieces little bro," says Bara, smiling. "I've gotta say guys... I appreciate your thoughtfulness."

  "Don't mention it, bro." Responds Kasumi, smiling.

  Everyone on Naoki's side is so fucking confused, they simply stare at the ritual in front of them.

  "Ah, pardon me," retorts Kito. "It's just that I had a rather busy day, if you couldn't tell by my face." He says, snickering.

  None of Naoki's team laugh.

  "Well... so much for lightening up the mood." Holding onto his chop sticks firmly, he points at the team. "Now, since none of you want to accept my proposal, here's another proposal. I hate to do this but, it seems I'm going to have to force you into this agreement."

  "Or else?" States Naoki.

  "Or else you, and everyone here all die. So listen up."

  Naota tightens his muscles.

  The rest of Kito's team instantly stand up, yet with the swift flick of his wrist, Kito holds them still, pointing his chopsticks up.

  "The agreement will take the form of a game, rather than the typical contract. We will be playing tag. The rules are simple.

  The very moment we all step foot out of this restaurant, we will all be enemies again. As such, the very moment we see each other, no matter the circumstances, no matter the time, no matter how many people are in the vicinity- we will have to fight. If a participant intentionally refuses to fight, or doesn't at least lay a finger within 10 minutes of them seeing the enemy, they will die. Same rule applies if there are multiple players at hand- the enemies seen are the ones you need to take down, no matter who it is. The winner is decided when the entire enemy team is eliminated via death, unconsciousness, or running out of any tripower element. Is that simple enough?"

  Naota tilts his head. "You're getting real tiring with these games, Kito." Still crossing his arms, Naota leans forward and stares at Kito; the sunglasses reflect Kito's smirk.

  "If we don't accept this game, you said you'll kill us all?" Asks Naota.

  "Correct." Affirms Kito.

  Naoki grabs a hold of Naota's arm, frantically stammering "h-hey, wait-" Makoto and Viral both stare at Naota. Ken instead eyes Kito's goons.

  "I call your bluff, Kito." Responds Naota. "You're all talk, yet you're just pressuring us with all these games and contracts because you're afraid you'll lose to us. You're strong- but you have a limit." Beneath Naota's sunglasses, a red glow appears. "I'll be the judge of your strength."

  Kito stays quiet. He slowly puts one chopstick down, and keeps the other one. In an instant, the chopstick flares up with ki. Kito flicks the chopstick at Naota's neck at such an imperceptible speed, the students all barely register what had happened.

  Ranking the one's who saw what happened, from barely reacting to unable to react, it goes: Naota, Ken, Naoki, Viral, and then Makoto.

  The chopstick, infused with so much ki, and flicked faster than mach speed, turned the wooden utensil into a bullet that could go through an entire industrial building, and still be fine. Naota, being the most experienced within the group, catches the chopsticks with his pointer and middle finger, a mere centimeter away from his throat.

  Yet, as the students stare at the chopstick near his throat, Naota's eyebrows go up, as he immediately tries to stand up.

  But a hand is already on his shoulder.

  Mid-standing up, the hand pushes Naota back down to his seat.

  "Tag." Says Kito with a smile. "You're it."

  Naota sits back down in silence.

  Naoki looks at his mentor.

  Naota's face is one with quiet contempt.

  Kito sits back down on his seat. "And that is how the game works. A person catches the other person, and 'tags' them until they die. With that explained, now do you all agree to the game?"

  Within Naoki's side, everyone except Makoto all murmur to each other. Yet, Makoto smiles.

  "(That was fast...)" Thinks Makoto to herself.

  "(Yet, even if I can't defeat him by myself, Kito himself seems like the perfect goal in order to affirm the definition of being 'strong.' As such, I'll kill your goons, and then I'll kill you.)"

  Determined to climb the ladder of strength, Makoto leans back against her chair, unbothered by the proposal.

  "Wait, Kito," says Naoki.

  "No, I will not accept another proposal." Assures Kito.

  "I wasn't going to suggest that. I was going to ask, what if we see you in tv?"

  Kito smiles. "Then I guess you have ten minutes to find me."

  Naoki's face winces; yet within his mind, he echoes out a telepathical signal.

  "(I have an idea,)" he announces to the rest of his team. "(I'll explain after we're done here.)"

  Kito's crew finishes their meal rather quickly.

  Kito starts up again. "Well, thank you for your time however, it seems this meeting was a failure. So, I'm assuming you'll choose the wise choice and agree to the terms of tag, correct?"

  All of them murmur yes.

  "Splendid. With those who have heard and agreed to the rules, please raise your hands while stating your name, and repeat after me. I ___ agree to the terms and conditions of deadly tag."

  Both sides agree to the conditions.

  "Perfect." Comments Kito, clapping his hands. "Tis' a shame," he continues, "that we couldn't come to things peacefully. But, this also isn't too violent. Happy to do business with and well, I hope you all have a good rest of your nights."

  The rest of Kito's crew all stand up and hurriedly walk out the exit.

  Kito bows and smiles. "We hope to see you all shortly." He then follows his team out the door.

  The door closes behind Kito, marking the start of the game.

  An ominous bell tolls within their minds.

  Noata, Viral, Makoto, Ken, and Naoki all sit in silence.

  "Well," starts Naoki. "There's no point in moping around. I believe-"

  "Naoki, I like you," interjects Ken. "But I'm not sure I'm really in the mood for any pretentious hero speeches right now."

  "No, I wasn't going there," assures Naoki. "I was just going to say that though it looks bleak, we just have to think carefully and play it safely. It'll be hard, but its definitely possible to win this."

  All four of them stare at him.

  "Uh. Yeah." Comments Makoto. "That goes without saying."

  "Oh..." Simply says Naoki.

  "But," continues Makoto. "I don't know about you guys, but I'm feeling real confident. We have an idea of most of their abilities. Now, though its true have to avoid them, we can also skew the rules to our favor. Somehow, we need to have force them to come to us. And that way. we'll lead them to a favorable position."

  Eventually, the waitress comes back to the table.

  "Here's your check sir," says the waitress, handing the bill to the table.

  All of the students all look at Naota.

  "Wait." He says, slowly realizing what had happened.

  "I spent all my money," says Naoki.

  "I forgot my wallet," responds Ken.

  "They don't pay me..." Whispers Viral.

  "I already pay for Taberu, I'm not paying for you." Assures Makoto.

  "You kids are unbelievable." Says Naota, shaking his head. "Well, let's see what the damage i-"

  Naota stares at the bill. For a moment, he even takes off his glasses and squints at the total.

  Gritting his teeth, Naota now has another personal score to settle with Kito. The first was for last night. But this one is personal.

  "That bandana wearing cheap bastard."

  .

  .

  .

  Upon stepping out of the restaurant Kito and his men all pace outside and look around. The parking lot isn't too crowded.

  "Where to, boss?" Asks Kasumi.

  Scanning around Kito darts his eyes upwards to the roof of the restaurant. Was that...could it be...?

  Kito doesn't say anything for a couple seconds, before muttering to his men.

  "Call me crazy." He then points towards the rooftop of the restaurant. "But I think I just saw a giant man-sized cockroach up there."

  All four of the men look confused.

  "What do you mean?" Asks Daiki.

  Kito squints, before looking back down at his watch. Time is already being lost. Not to mention, two important things will happen if the enemy sees them just as they exit the restaurant. One, they would all have to fight just as they finished settling the game- the exact reason they want to avoid confrontation. And more scarily two: Kito would have to pay for the bill.

  "Nevermind," simply says Kito. "We don't have much longer. Follow my lead."

  They walk towards the park, where a forest starts. From there, they all sprint, following Kito.

  Within Kito's mind, he rethinks what he just saw. "(A giant cockroach? That doesn't make sense. Yet... the skittering I heard above us. Damn it, I should've mapped the area out. I didn't need to because they were right in front of us... but.... aghhh. That's so annoying. What reason would there be for a giant cockroach to be above us? Or what if...)" He thinks about the news.

  "(What if it was a beetle instead?)"

  In the midst of running, Daiki starts a conversation.

  "Mr. Kito?"

  "Yes, son?"

  "Isn't a man supposed to pay for his own meals?"

  Bara gives a brief glare at Daiki, trotting ahead of him.

  "That's true!" Admits Kito, continuing. "A man is responsible for supporting himself, and he mustn't depend on others for support."

  "But then wouldn't it have been our job to pay for our own meals this time?"

  "Ah, good observation Daiki. A man must be polite and provide their guests with food, offering to pay the bill and whatnot. It shows status, respect, and self sustenance, even with somebody else's expenses. Key thing here is, I hate these people. So doing this against the enemy is the only valid time to ditch the bill."

  "Ahh, I see! You're so clever boss."

  "I know."

  Bara's heart loosens up a bit.

  Several kilometers later, Kito and the crew all stop in the middle of a forest, set in a higher elevation. All of Kito's men take a seat. Kito stands still, staring into the vacant sky.

  "..."

  "Boss, are you alright?" Asks Bara.

  Silence.

  "KK-Koff-"

  "HHHARRGGHH-"

  Immediately, Kito kneels on the ground and vomits blood.

  "Oh my god!" Cry the men, all rushing to tend to Kito.

  All except for Robert, who stands there, and notes Kito's condition.

  "What happened boss?" Asks Bara.

  Wiping the copious amounts of blood off of his lips, Kito spits out whatever remains in his mouth, and answers. "I've had a long day today. The fight from last night didn't affect me too much but, the condition of my Ki is catching up real quick. With the bombing and all the running and healing and mapping, all for several hours straight, I'm starting to bottom out."

  Spitting one last time, Kito stands up again with the help of his men.

  "But, it's not too bad right now. I can still do what I need to do for tonight. But once I get hom-"

  Kito then realizes what happened to his apartment.

  "Ah, right. I'm homeless now."

  Kasumi raises his hand. "My place isn't-"

  Interjecting quickly, Bara suggests "My apartment has plenty of space Mr. Kito!"

  The leader chuckles at his men. "I'm grateful for you both, truly. But, I believe that now is the perfect time for me to get back to my roots and do things the old way. You know how us men do it."

  "What doesn't kill us, only makes us stronger," repeat Kasumi, Bara, and Daiki.

  "That's right. And who knows; maybe going back to my old ways will remind me of what I need to do. But that's for later. For now, I need to dispose of a body. It's nearing midnight so in the mean time, you guys can go search for the biker Bara was talking about earlier. We'll all meet up at the harbor as agreed."

  "I'm going to have to pass." Says Robert. "I need to get home as soon as possible."

  "Ah really? I understand." Says Kito. "Us four can handle this just fine. Go rest now Mr. family man."

  Robert wrinkles his nose. "Yeah." He goes his own way.