"Guess who?"
That voice. Along with surprisingly calloused hands covering my vision. Even through their roughness and well-used nature, one could tell that they were undeniably feminine, as was the voice that accompanied the sensation. There was only one person in my mind that fit those characteristics. It had been a while since I last seen her.
"Yoshizawa."
"Ding ding. Hello, Ayanokouji-senpai." My vision had returned. The same bubbly redheaded girl that I had met on the train a week and a half ago was right before me… Which she shouldn't be. I'm sure there were only a few third years acting as escorts, I can't imagine why a first year was present.
"What are you doing here? Did you want a vacation that badly you followed us second years?"
"No, no. I'm here for a training camp being held nearby. A few schools are working in tandem to allow junior athletes to train. I'm just tagging along with my coach." How admirable. She was working hard.
"I see. I never did ask, but what sport is it?"
"Hmm? You wanna have a guess?" It would be a bit rude to say that the roughness of her hands was a part of my reasoning. Even if it did denote a certain affinity and dedication for a sport, women were pressured to be known as soft and undamaged.
I looked towards the bag she had procured, likely from inside this shop. That case… If I'm not mistaken.
"Kendo?"
"Ah, this? I'm afraid that's a bit more embarrassing… I've left my childish nature on display, haven't I?" There was a rather long case jutting out from the open carrier, the kind that contained a long implement. In Yoshizawa's case that was a wooden sword, the kind you could often buy from souvenir shops. I assumed it was due to her passion for the sport, but I suppose that was a mistake. Come to think of it, why Hawaii if she was training in swordsmanship?
"There's nothing particularly wrong with that. You've come all this way to practice a sport at the top level. I think that dedication should be rewarded. A little bit, at least."
"How kind of you, senpai."
"It's nothing. I respect your drive, one can't reach this level without dedicating your entire being to it."
"…Indeed. Yet sometimes it feels like it slips away from you in a single moment." A small wanderlust appeared in her red eyes.
"Practice not going too well?"
"Ah! No, it's nothing like that. I couldn't ask for better teachers. My coach is incredibly reliable, and the other girls are so nice. It's just… I feel like I'll let them down, if I don't continue to improve."
"That's certainly a worry."
"Yeah…"
"Do you believe in fate, destiny, mysticism or anything like that?"
"…As much as anyone else I suppose. But why do you ask, senpai?"
"I see. Then this shouldn't come across as an offence." I wasn't sure if superstition was necessary in the space of sports and competition. After all the result was decided by ability and performance, not by something as arbitrary as luck.
"Eh?" I threw a small charm her way. It was something I had intended to give Sojiro after failing to understand what exactly I should purchase for him as a souvenir. The truth is… this is my third visit to the same shop. I was rather indecisive when it came to these kind of things… But I realised a token of appreciation should be something more, even if it wasn't an object of his interests. Besides, I had come across someone who would benefit from that accessory more.
"It's a good luck charm."
"…No. I mean, I can see that. You're really giving this to me?"
"As I thought; is it unnecessary?"
"No… It's nothing like that. I'm just happy. It makes me feel like I can try my best from now on!"
"I'm glad to hear it."
"Didn't you plan to give this to someone else?"
"It was an idea that was forming in my mind. I just came across someone that would make better use of it. It's my principle to make use of things in the right situation. I hate waste."
"Waste not want not, so they say."
"Indeed."
"Still, I'd feel bad about taking this if it were intended for someone else…"
"I suppose that's fair. Would you perhaps trade something with me then?"
"Huh? Like what?"
"There are two souvenirs I need to buy for people that have helped me. I'm not particularly good at this. Buying gifts isn't something I'm accustomed to."
"You want help deciding?"
"If it wouldn't be too much trouble."
"Nonsense, senpai! We'll pick the best gifts this world has even seen!"
"I'll be in your care."
"Of course. It's the least I could do! I say that… but who exactly are you buying for?"
"My guardian at the moment. As well as… I guess you'd say my employer? Although they both fit that role at the moment…" Well, not that Sojiro was paying me for my labour…
"Sounds complicated."
"That statement wouldn't be incorrect."
"Do you know any of their interests?" Outside of their occupations? I couldn't exactly say that one was somewhat of a playboy… Takemi might be interested in punk rock, she certainly gave that impression, but I could be reaching… I didn't want to make assumptions and trouble them.
"One of them works as the owner of a café. The other is a doctor."
"Anything else, I mean apart from their jobs? Do you know much about them?"
"It pains me to say; no. The reasoning for my dilemma."
"I see. I see. Even if that's the case, so long as the gift is coming from you. I'm sure they'll appreciate it all the same."
"That might be so… I'd rather not trouble them with a gift they'll just return or never use."
"Perhaps something that makes their job easier, or just something practical?"
"Is that fine? I was under the impression most people would like a present that didn't revolve around their occupation."
"A job is still a part of your life, it takes a huge chunk of it. If you could lighten their load with some item, that might make them happy. Just the fact that the person who bought them a gift was thinking about taking some stress off their shoulders, that should be enough."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. The good luck charm you just gave me is the same. Gymnastics isn't just a club or occupation for me now… It wouldn't be wrong to call it my life. That someone would wish me good luck in life, that's something wonderful. Don't you think so, senpai?" I noticed we had drifted from the original topic, but didn't see the need to point that out. Gymnastics, though? I suppose that made sense, that's a strenuous lifestyle. The body weight and composition had to be controlled within the kilogram, meaning plenty of those athletes have become more used to feeling hungry since childhood than fully satiated. In a well-developed nation like ours… The sacrifices one has to make to succeed. That's what one could chalk it up to.
"You're putting some serious stress on that charm… I'm hoping it serves the intended purpose now." I couldn't help but feel partially responsible. Even though I wasn't a particularly superstitious person.
"It isn't so much the charm itself as a physical object or even superstition. I think the general thought that someone is blessing me with their goodwill, that's what is truly powerful." An interesting point of view. At the end of the day she would take the brunt of the aspirations, for success or failure on her own shoulders. Simply acknowledging support from others, not in an official capacity. But through simple encouragement. She wasn't expecting luck or belief to carry her performance through. Ability. At the end of the day this was what competitive sport relied upon. No matter the competition, no matter who you are against. So long as you are better, then you should win.
"…I think I get it."
"I knew you would understand." The crimson locks of her hair bounced merrily as she shook her head in an excited manner.
"So I should just get them good luck charms…" Three trips wasted, I could've just settled for this from the start.
"…" Yoshizawa bit her cheek, settling a disappointed gaze right towards me.
It turns out, I didn't understand anything.
We left the souvenir shop after about an hour of conversation and observation. Most of that was gentle needling from Yoshizawa who quickly lost her bearings whilst siphoning what little information she could from me. In the end I left with two quite different gifts… I should've just assumed what I did about them from the start.
Regardless of the time it had taken, the experience itself was a rather enjoyable interaction with an underclassmen. Despite my flaws, Yoshizawa was rather accommodating in that aspect. A sense of patience I hadn't quite expected from the energetic girl. Who would've thought I'd meet a second uncommon acquaintance on this trip…
I'm thinking too much. Better take these back to the room.
[Phantom Opera: White Soliloquy]
"That's yet another member of the Citizen party suspected of malpractice. What you see now are the testimonials of the man in question and associates coming forward with their own admissions. Bribes, allocations of funds and siphoning of resources meant for public endorsements. People at home, I urge you to ask yourselves; what is happening to this country?"
"What exactly is bringing on these events? This is the fourth such occurrence, the fourth instance within the last few months of members of the citizen party suddenly admitting their guilt and resigning from their post, relinquishing all authority."
"Are we witnessing some sort of behind-the-scenes ploys from other high level political parties? Has our country become one that is founded on corruption? First the emergence of mental shutdown cases ravaged the general populace, resulting in many accidents that not only halted daily lives but also resulted in many civilian casualties. Then the most recent shocking development of the invasion on Advanced Nurturing Highschool. Now the unreliable nature of this country's leading political parties has become a hotbed of lies and scrutiny."
"The domestic terrorist syndicate responsible for the attack on ANHS has yet to publish any statements as to their goals or even an acknowledgment of their presence. Their existence is now within question altogether. Some speculate that these recent admissions of guilt were no more than the attempts of corrupt politicians to save their reputations and start anew. But I ask; why have none of those admitted even attempted to run once again? Could this be a ploy by that same domestic threat to wrestle control of the very municipal government of our great country? Of our very home? Or are these ideas no more than the ramblings of a deviant estranged from reality?"
"Political parties? Terrorist syndicates? Or could this in fact be another aspect of the mental shutdown phenomena we have seen in the coming years? Perhaps, even the participation of groups such as Medjed could be acting on behalf of the public to rid this world of corruption? Who is to say, when no one takes credit for these actions? Are they good? Bad?"
"One thing is for sure. I'm sure everyone in this country feels it. A huge wave is coming, something that might shake up the very foundations of our lives… I can only hope that, that change will lead this country to a better, brighter future."
"I'm Shiro Hashi, signing off."
Another one, huh?
Turning off my phone and placing it back in my jacket pocket.
It was about time that I met the others.
[Phantom Opera: White Soliloquy]
Waves seldom crashed against the nearby rock fixtures. We had chosen a particularly sparse but well-established spot on the beach. A foldable table and chairs were our furnishings, items we had borrowed from the hotel proper. The view was exceptional for keeping an eye on the other students a bit further below, playing on the sand and in the sea. A necessary feature for the third years' participation in this little get together.
"Senpai, how do you feel about your third year?" I asked the two girls at our table.
"It's kinda scary, right? Makoto-chan?" Okumura answered in a friendly manner, immediately sending the question to the only other senpai at the table. Niijima Makoto. She was a cold-mannered girl with a mask of steel and blunt retorts, I half wondered why she had agreed to join at all.
"My path is already decided, as such I can't really say it is." It's like I had been transported back into that first-year classroom, speaking for the first time to my cold-hearted neighbour. How nostalgic.
"That's admirable, I wish I could say the same, a reliable senpai should. I suppose that's why so many students look up to you, Makoto-chan. Personally, I have no idea which way my path leads. I'd like to go to University and further my education, then decide from there… I suppose we'll see if that comes around."
"University is an easily attainable enough goal. So long as you keep on top of your studies, that is."
"Studying all the time just sounds dull. We're teenagers, we only get this freedom once in our lives. Shouldn't you be outdoors enjoying the sun or playing with friends? Do you not do that, Niijima-senpai?" Sakamoto asked whilst resting his head on the foldable table, the sun seemed to be getting to his head.
Perfect.
"Those sound like the words of an underachiever. The future is important, you should be putting all your efforts into securing it." Whilst her words contained an element of truth… They were robotic, lacking in feeling and believability. Rather than trusting in those assertions, it felt as if she knew no different. And so relied on those conclusions without other evidence.
"Well, I can't say I disagree, knowing Ryuji's grades… Still, that seems like a waste." Takamaki answered promptly, twirling her hair on a single finger.
"Preparing for the future is a waste?"
"Only looking down at the path decided to you is. It leaves you no open room for thought or experience outside of those narrow lines." Hmm? That was rather profound for what I assumed was the stereotypical Gyaru… I guess prejudice comes in all shapes and sizes.
"I have no need for such experiences. This path was decided because it was the best course to succeed. That's all. Other thoughts are just irrelevant in comparison to that goal." Was decided, huh? And who exactly made that executive decision?
"Those words might be convincing, senpai. If they didn't sound like someone else's coming out of your mouth…" My thoughts exactly. This girl was quicker than I would've thought. She really chose the worst battle though…
"I follow the pathway of my betters. Those footsteps are assured, can you say the same for your own? Outside of fashion and modelling; would you say you can contribute much else to society? When your looks fade and wither, will you be able to talk with the same tone?" A harsh rebuttal. Niijima didn't have any awareness of social etiquette, or just didn't care about it. They were clear reprimands. It's just a shame she couldn't convey them better, if she did… I'm just reminded of Horikita and the study group again…
"…" Before an unsteady silence could split the group apart, the resident sunshine that was Okumura Haru took it upon herself to salvage this sorry state we had found ourselves in.
"H-How about you, Ayanokouji-kun? Oh, and Suzui-san as well! Aren't you both members of the volleyball club? If you receive recommendations, then I'm sure you can attend a high-level University after graduation or participate in high level sports. I'm proud of my kouhai to have such options!" I believe you're forgetting a certain other member of the volleyball club, Okumura. I gazed at Mishima for a moment. If he wasn't going to speak up, then so be it. I'm not his caretaker, this kind of thing should be expressed clearly by oneself.
"Come to think of it… I do remember hearing that the volleyball club got a new recruit who was particularly skilled. That must have been you." Niijima regarded me sharply from the other end of the table, her eyes travelling towards my exposed forearms and the slightly lowered zip of the jacket covering my body…
Hey, look anymore and I'll have to charge.
"I don't know about particularly skilled, but I am the newest member."
"Ayanokouji-kun is just too humble! Did you know; it was his first real match when he joined the school? And he managed to block a spike from Kamoshida-sensei!" Suzui said rather loudly. I couldn't help but notice how much she avoided any eye-contact with Mishima. In fact, I don't think she had started any topic of conversation with him, for the entire day. She's been part of the volleyball club longer than I have, could she have made the same conclusions?
"Really? From Kamoshida-sensei?" Niijima looked over once more. I could feel an intense fire behind her eyes. Competitivity?
"That's rare, Makoto-chan. I thought you weren't interested in the volleyball club?"
"My appreciation for the volleyball club begins and ends at the understanding I need to perform my role as student council president. Though, my appreciation as an active person at least understands that what he did is impressive. Quite frankly, the disparity in power is rather enormous. There's a reason Kamoshida hasn't been blocked before."
"Now you say that... I don't think I've ever heard of him being blocked whilst at school." Okumura tilted her head to the side slightly in thought, the action was somewhat adorable.
"My understanding is that he hasn't."
"Ara? Doesn't that mean… Ayanokouji-kun, is something seriously special? Well done, Ayanokouji-kun." I half expected the nurturing figure of Okumura to tousle my hair whilst singing those praises. And was half disappointed to see that she didn't, as much as it shames me to admit.
"It would seem that way…"
"You're all giving me too much credit. His spike was from the back line. I'm convinced if his positioning was different, he would blow right past me without any trouble."
"It still remains the case that you did it when nobody else could. Congratulations, Ayanokouji-kun." It was rather hard to deflect these comments when Okumura was so eager to praise others, a little embarrassing as well.
"You're spoiling him. As impressive as it might be, he still needs to focus on his studies. The same to you Okumura-san, if you ever plan to attend University as you said."
"Certainly. Though, there's nothing wrong with expressing joy now, is there?"
"…No, I suppose not." Niijima looked slightly bewildered. It was difficult to overcome Okumura's endlessly optimistic disposition. Especially, when it was clear she meant no ill will.
"The same could be said for you, Makoto-chan."
"Huh?"
"You've worked hard. Well done." Her hand softly patted the older girl's head. Eliciting an uncomfortable squirming in her seat.
Lucky.
"…I don't feel anything from this, you know."
"Then you don't mind if I continue, do you? Your hair's soft and nice to touch."
"I'm leaving." Unable to contain her composure the cocksure student council president raised from the table.
"Aww…"
"We've taken a break for long enough, our duties still need attending to. Feel free to finish your conversation, I'll take over in the meanwhile." Niijima didn't feel the need to look back. Making her way towards the other students spread across the beach.
"So uptight…" Sakamoto waved his hand, hoping to gather a bit of wind and save himself from this stifling heat.
"She'll end up with wrinkles early at that rate." Takamaki muttered, more to herself than anyone in particular.
"She might be a bit hard on others, but Makoto-chan never asks for the impossible. The same standards she holds you to… You can expect her own to be even stricter. I think Makoto-chan is trying her hardest. That's all anyone can ask." I would've liked to involve her in the next stage as well, but it wasn't imperative. This was the natural flow of conversation, something would go counter to the nature of a plan, that was the way of the world. Murphy's law working as intended.
"Right…"
"Do you mind if I ask a question then?" The tension earlier was only a prelude.
"Hm? Of course, go ahead."
"This is more for everyone at the table, rather than one person. How do you feel about Kamoshida-sensei?"
"Eh?"
"…" Hesitant to speak? Not unexpected. That meant a certain well-meaning senpai would pick up the pieces, before a certain known pest could make his views known. Delaying the inevitable, that's all.
"Well, I mean he's the star of the school, right? I've never really interacted with him myself. Outside of volleyball, he's a kind sensei, I'd have to say. I don't really have any other thoughts about him. What about all of you? I imagine being in the volleyball club, you'd have a better idea than me."
"Ah- Um… I mean… He's, our coach. Of course we like him. Kamoshida-sensei can be rather tough on us, but that's only because he expects and wants us to succeed. I think those are the same feelings that everyone on the volleyball team holds. Am I right?" Mishima said almost as if rehearsing lines for a stage play. But that's fine, he wasn't needed as an active participant of the conversation. So long as he was present. The real answer I was looking for, was from her…
"Of course. I think the same. Kamoshida-sensei is a necessary part of our team, and we couldn't have succeeded thus far without his involvement." A fast answer. One that was unquestionable.
"Hey, do you really mean-! I mean. Just think about the rumours that spread about him! Don't you guys think he's shady, at least a little bit?!"
"Those rumours are unfounded, Sakamoto-kun. It'd be in everyone's best interest if you gave them up." Good, she was quick to defend him. That meant that I hadn't gathered enough trust in my capabilities and motivations. She wasn't going to switch hosts… that easily…
That word.
Why did I feel a little sick upon its utterance…?
"Give them up? Are you joking? That bastard destroyed my club, my leg, my everything! And you want me to just sit here as if he didn't do any of it?"
I needed to focus again… I could think about that later. Too many things were unsettling me recently… I can't take any chances at this important junction. Too much lay on the line.
"I'm sorry, Sakamoto-kun. What you went through was painful, no doubt. However… no fault lies with Kamoshida-sensei." I imagine even mouthing those words hurt for old friends, like them. This probably wasn't the reunion she envisioned. I wondered, how much practice did she put into this façade?
"Are you saying… I'm at fault, I'm the one that did this?"
"…I-"
"Yes, that is what we're saying, Ryuji." I didn't need her to go that far. Cracks, that's all. The foundations still had a purpose, there was no reason to tear down the structure as a whole.
"Ayanokouji..."
"I've listened to your problems, given you the benefit of the doubt. However, every time we meet you besmirch Kamoshida's name by spreading rumours and falsehoods. I wanted a fair chance to listen to everyone else's opinions on the matter and for you to hear them as well. So that you can finally put this behind you, and we can continue to grow as people."
"You-"
"The pain that you experienced might have been real. But was the intention of the one that caused it? You could be misidentifying your own anger as righteous, simply because it happened to you."
"Ann. Tell him. You're proof of it, aren't you? You know what everyone calls you behind your back; Kamoshida's bitch. Tell him. Prove it. TELL HIM!"
"…It's not true."
"Finally…" Sakamoto looked as if he were comforted by the breeze itself. Awaiting retribution upon the truth being revealed.
Nonsense. There exists no comfort here. It held no place in my plan.
"…Ryuji's lying. He's been doing that ever since last year. He was hurt after trying to attack Kamoshida-sensei. He's been holding that grudge ever since and used every single slight or rumour that could be turned against Kamoshida-sensei as an opportunity to ruin his reputation." Takamaki, looked down towards the table as those painful words ejected from parsed lips.
"A-Are you kidding me right now? Every single one of you? None of you believe me?!"
"Sakamoto-kun, it isn't very nice to call Takamaki-chan those kinds of name. Even if it was to prove your point, it was too far." Okumura didn't have enough information to work off of. She was kind, but couldn't help getting caught in the energy, the raging storm that became known as Sakamoto Ryuji.
"This is the reality of the situation, Ryuji. I couldn't in good conscience continue listening to your reprimands and ideals when they're so misaligned with reality."
"Don't you call me by my name, asshole."
"Be as mad as you want, it doesn't change anything. Instead, you should think things over and maybe apologise to Kamoshida-sen-"
"Apologise… APOLOGISE?! I've done nothing wrong." He kicked up from the table, leaning over it and grasping the collar of my jacket in his right hand.
"Both of you, stop this! You're going to hurt each other."
"Oh, I have no issues about that. You've been asking for it from day one!" He was practically snarling.
"Your actions will continue to push away the people around you, you know?"
"I'll continue to do it forever, then. I will not accept a world in which that bastard is accepted!"
"You'll find yourself with no world to turn to in the end." This is why you had no chance on your own. The possibility of Kamoshida being caught and his reign destroyed, it drastically increased the more you could understand him. If you could understand his methods and motivations, that which he treasures… the object which he desires, that which he is a slave to... So long as you held that in your hand, victory was all but assured.
I would grasp that in my hand today.
That bird cage which he had left unfettered and locked away.
I would open it.
Set it free.
Only to catch it in a cage of my own design.
"Fuck you! Pretend to be my friend for a week, just to pull this shit?! You're scum, the lowest of the low. Bottom of the barrel." True.
"I wasn't pretending to be anything. I just misunderstood the terms of your friendship. I won't let an innocent man's name be dragged through the mud to massage your damaged ego."
"Raaaaghhhh!" His hand grasped the bottom of the table throwing it aside, his left hand had now joined the right hand. Both of them resting on my collar. He was close enough to start choking the life out of me, no doubt he was barely restraining himself.
"Stop it!"
"Step back, he's clearly inconsolable. I wouldn't want someone else to get hurt by his rampage."
"You bastard, after everything you've seen… You still choose to-!"
"I'll tell you this Ryuji. I've purposely kept my eye on Kamoshida-sensei, thanks to the vile nature of those rumours. My own eyes and the eyes of everyone around us have proven them false, the only one that won't agree is you."
"You mothefu-"
"I won't allow harm to come to my clubmates nor to the students. So long as I remain in this school, that will always be the case. However, that doesn't mean these lies and scandals can continue to be spread about. In my eyes, he has been nothing but a supportive teacher to everyone. Do any of you disagree?"
"No."
"I can't say I don't empathise with you, Sakamoto-kun. But, if there's any sort of foul play, there should be appropriate proof alongside it…"
"…N-" Takamaki was the last one, the final nail in the coffin. Likely, Sakamoto was replaying those scenes in his mind once again. That cell. Running till exhaustion. His dear friend held in the arms of the devil as he looked on powerless to change a thing.
"Not you too, Ann. Can't you say it with your own mouth? That bastard will get what he wants if you don't! Do you not have the courage to fight back, are you going to remain a coward? Please… Just say the words…"
"There's nothing to fight back against… You're just wrong."
"So there it is… What you choose to believe in from this point going forward is up to you."
"Are you all brainwashed? It's so obvious that he's fucking demented! Are you just going to allow him to get away with it, again?"
"He hasn't gotten away with anything, and he won't in the future either."
"That's fucking rich." Sakamoto spat the words out.
"You said that Kamoshida-sensei used recommendations and the like to get at the students. That wouldn't matter to me. I don't want to brag, but my grades are high enough for me to get into any university of my choice, his assertions are useless. If he wanted to use them against me, then he'll be quickly disappointed. The corruption that you're imagining won't come to pass, because I won't allow it to. It's all in your head." How much longer did I have to drag out this tirade? You're taking much too long to finally snap, you know? I'm giving you a good opportunity to hit me like you've been dreaming of… take it already.
"In my head…? Its right in front of me!"
"You aren't making any sense-" I felt a sharp crack across my cheek.
Finally.
The blonde ruffian jumped on top of me after pinning my arms. His fist approaching my face again. I could dodge… But he needed to cool down a bit, a few strikes would do that. I experienced the dull impact of pain across the bridge of my nose, whilst my hands silently wandered, finding their way to his pants. I couldn't risk being damaged too heavily either, I didn't want his sentence to be too rough in retaliation. That meant I'd have to reply in kind.
As his fist plummeted towards the sand once more, I took the brunt of another blow. Waiting for the third strike, I gripped the hem of his pant waist and pulled outwards, hooking his foot with my own to slip out of his grasp, freeing my other foot and push-kicking his torso to gain some distance. Rolling over my back in the same instance to regain my footing.
"Oi, what do you two think you're doing?! Kamoshida-sensei, stop them!" I heard the familiar cry of a certain teacher's voice. That isn't good.
I accelerated taking the next hit from Sakamoto and planting my own on his jaw, rocking his brain. His consciousness would fade, making the next step much easier.
As he fell into my grasp, with the last vestiges of his awareness. I whispered the vital words into his ear.
"So, how does it feel, villain? This is only the beginning…" I noticed his jaw tighten for a moment and slacken almost immediately after.
Now, things can finally begin.
Rejoice, Sakamoto. With your own sacrifices I will save the rest of this school, and all of the students involved. I will not be a martyr. You will act as the sacrificial lamb in my place. That role which I could never play, you will be my proxy for it all. I don't mind helping others… But I will never sacrifice myself in their name.
Because what I really care for… what I must always prioritise…
Has always been my own safety.
For that; I will give anything and everything.
Whether it is mine.
Or someone else's.
It makes no difference.
The truth is… This world exists for people like me and Kamoshida to use as we please. That's the reality of it. That is why we are uncontested.
But as someone that sees that reality… It would be too much to simply look away. Even if I am no better than him. No, even though I know that I am worse than him…
I would like to become better than that. Precisely because of that aspiration, I can't look away.
However…
If I must save you… then you will make yourselves useful to the very end.
After all, anything less would be a waste.
I hate waste.
---
Word count: 5489
Not really much to say.
I've binged Orb: on movements of the Earth, recently.
Peak, anyone that's got Netflix give it a try. It had probably one of my favourite depictions of a villainous yet humane antagonist via Nowak. My GOAT. As well as Rafal, strong start. Criminally underrated to be honest.
Hopefully you all enjoyed the chapter, let me know any of your thoughts in the comments below.
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Piracy? Unchanging Facade in a new world!
Phantom Opera: White Soliloquy
Until next time.