(Yesterday at Night).
Kaito: "That was an interesting experience!"
He smirks, snapping his fingers to summon Klaudia, having marked her during their earlier conversation.
Klaudia materializes directly in front of Kaito upon being summoned. Her eyes widen in shock as she takes in the sight of a lifeless body, or someone unconscious. She immediately recognizes the person as Kiyozawa, the second-in-command of the Angels of Slaughter Yakuza.
Klaudia: "He's losing so much blood,"
She exclaimed urgently as she swiftly activated her blood orb powers to stopped the bleeding.
Kaito: "Pretty sure he won't go anywhere in his condition,"
He muttered, his brow furrowing as he assessed the severity of Kiyozawa's injuries.
Kaito: "His life force is shattered... looks like someone has to patch him up,"
He added grimly, knowing that only a powerful healer could save him now.
Klaudia: "You really want him to join so you did the unthinkable, Kaito,"
She accused, her glare intensifying as she pieced together what must have happened. The level of violence required to leave Kiyozawa in such a state.
Kaito: "Oh Klaudia, this isn't your business, and just having a bit of fun..."
He dismissively waved her off, that twisted smile returning as he pulled out his blood-stained black cane. His tone took on an almost playful menace.
Kaito: "I'll let you handle this, Klaudia."
He smirked, his form dissolving into the glowing demonic symbols as he vanished, leaving her alone with Kiyozawa's broken body.
Klaudia: "..."
She knew she had no choice but to help him in order to full fill her mission.
(At the arcade).
After losing the game, she frowned, but looked at him, noticing something seemed to be weighing on his mind.
Hiromi: "Is something wrong?"
Her light blue eyes gaze at him as she asks the question.
Kai: "It's nothing. I'm just glad we're hanging out as friends. This is my first time being in this place since... I'm not allowed here. Since I'm a Demonic Orb."
He speaks softly, not wanting the God Orbs to overhear him talking, as they might kick him out for being what he is a Demonic Orb.
Hiromi: "You're a Demonic Orb?"
Her eyes widen slightly as she looks at Kai, but she smiles reassuringly since she doesn't care about what he is.
Hiromi: "That's cool. It's always nice to make friends, ya know."
She says warmly.
Kai: "..."
His eyes widen in surprise, realizing that Hiromi doesn't care that he is a Demonic Orb. He finds himself not minding that she is a God Orb. He smiles back at her, warmth spreading through his chest.
(At the Angels Slaughter Yakuza Entrance).
Zentarō returns to his Yakuza headquarters, where he finds Rin from the Holy Corporation waiting for him - the very person who had helped him make the decision to align with her side.
(Holy Corporation Leader).
Rin: "So, what happened? I thought we agreed to put an end to Yakuza activities?"
Her gaze sharpens as she notices the tears in Zentarō's eyes, a clear indication that something has gone awry.
Zentarō: "I just put an end to it, The Angels Of Slaughter Yakuza is no more—it's dead."
He says hoarsely through his tears.
Rin: "And Kiyozawa?"
She asks softly, concern creeping into her voice.
Rin: "Where's your adopted son? I haven't seen him around."
Her eyes search Zentarō's face for answers, gentle but probing.
Zentarō: "I think I... I killed him, Rin,"
He confesses, his voice trembling.
Zentarō: "Kiyozawa. I did it as punishment for his actions. But now... now I'm consumed by regret."
He buries his face in his hands, shoulders shaking with quiet sobs.
Rin: "Killing him was not the answer, Zentarō,"
She says firmly, her voice laced with disappointment and pain.
Rin: "Why didn't you turn him in to Holy Corporation? We could have reformed him, made sure he served his sentence properly. But killing him... it only brings more suffering."
She couldn't believe it at all but why would Zentarō would do such a thing especially to his own son.
Zentarō: "You think I don't know that?!"
He suddenly snaps, eyes burning with anguish.
Zentarō: "Killing him was the one thing I swore I'd never do - he was still my son! But every time I looked at him, all I saw was the suffering he caused... He wasn't my son anymore. Everything he became... the things he did... I tried everything to save him, Rin! Everything!"
His voice rises, breaking, filled with anguish.
Rin: "Where is he?"
She asks calmly, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. She clings to a desperate hope that there might still be a chance to save Kiyozawa's life.
Zentarō: "I'll show you,"
He sniffles, wiping at his tears with the back of his hand. Without another word, he turns and begins to walk away, expecting Rin to follow. His shoulders remain slumped, the weight of his regret and sorrow almost palpable. As they step onto the street, his eyes immediately fall upon the blood trail, leading away from where he left his son. The realization that Kiyozawa's body is missing hits him like a physical blow.
Zentarō: "Where... where is he?"
His voice breaks, genuine fear replacing his earlier resolve.
Rin: "He's still alive,"
She says firmly, her mind racing with possibilities.
Rin: "He must have survived the attack and stumbled away. Or maybe someone found him and took him in to help. He couldn't have gone far with those injuries."
She grabs Zentarō's arm, her touch urgent.
Zentarō: "..."
His heart races with a mix of hope and dread at Rin's words. He starts following the blood trail desperately, his hands shaking.
Zentarō: "Kiyozawa... Kiyozawa!"
He calls out his son's name over and over, ignoring the curious stares from passersby.
Zentarō: "Please be alive..."
(At the Underground Facility).
The movie on the TV screen has officially ended, leaving the room in an awkward silence. Mochizuki glances over at Kaien, blushing slightly as he struggles to find the right words. He hears footsteps echoing down the hallway, making both him and Kaien jerk up straight. He rises from the bed and peeks out the door to see Klaudia supporting someone who looks severely injured, blood staining their shirt and arms.
Mochizuki: "What happened?"
He asks sharply, rushing towards them.
Klaudia glances between Mochizuki and the injured man, her expression serious.
Klaudia: "I sense you brought someone so you should be with him. I have to take care of this guy."
She looks at Mochizuki and then at Kiyozawa who's bleeding out.
Mochizuki: "I guess I'll let you handle it."
He turns back into the room with Kaien, leaving Klaudia to handle the injured man alone. The door closes behind him, leaving Kaien and himself alone once more in awkward silence.
Mochizuki: "..."
He turns to Kaien, his cheeks slightly flushed as he tries to spark a conversation.
Mochizuki: "Did you enjoy the movie?"
His voice is soft, almost shy. He sits back down on the bed, leaving some distance between them but still close enough that he can feel Kaien's presence. He bites his lip, feeling embarrassed and awkward around Kaien. His inner monologue plays out in his head.
(In his mind).
"Pretty sure he thinks I'm an awkward loser. Man, why am I so awkward? This isn't like me at all."
(Out of his mind).
Kaien: "Yes, I actually enjoyed it. Thank you for letting me watch my first movie."
Kaien smiles softly, his shoulders relaxing slightly. His smile is genuine and sweet.
Mochizuki: "..."
His heart skips a beat at Kaien's smile. It's so genuine, so beautiful. For a moment, all his awkwardness fades away and he finds himself smiling back without thinking.
Mochizuki: "You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it."
He says softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
(At the Medical Room).
The black-clad figure materializes silently beside Klaudia as she enters the medical room, carrying the unconscious Kiyozawa who was bleeding heavily despite Klaudia's power trying to stop the bleeding.
The Black Figure: "You've caught quite the prize, haven't you?"
The figure's voice was hushed but clear, a hint of amusement laced within the darkness.
Klaudia: "..."
She freezes as the gas masked man suddenly appears right in front of her. She stays silent, hand tightening around Kiyozawa's bloody shirt. The man speaks up before she can react -
Ashton: "I shall handle this."
The man's voice was deep and authoritative through the gas mask as he stepped forward, taking control of the situation.
Ashton: "Step aside."
He grabbed Kiyozawa's limp body carefully but swiftly and set him down on the operating table with practiced ease before turning back to Klaudia.
Ashton: "Wait outside."
He pushes Klaudia out of the room with surprising strength, his gas mask hiding any expression. Once she's out, he closes the door firmly behind him. Inside, he begins to work swiftly and efficiently on Kiyozawa's shattered chest wound, his hands moving with expert precision.
Klaudia: "..."
Klaudia leans against the wall outside the medical room, arms crossed as she watches Takumi enter. She looks at him calmly, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
Klaudia: "So, you're the one who brought in the mysterious masked man. That's good."
She looked at him with an unsettling calmness.
Takumi: "Yes it is."
He says it calmly as well.
(Next Day. In the morning. At the Nanatsu no Shi Base).
Amaya jolted awake, her heart pounding wildly as she found herself in the familiar confines of her bedroom. She glanced down at the bandages encircling her stomach, the fabric a stark reminder of the previous night's events and Kiyozawa's timely intervention. Yet, the memory of numerous hands groping her body made her skin crawl. The unwanted touches echoed in her mind, sending waves of nausea and fear coursing through her veins. She wrapped her arms tightly around herself, trying to erase the mental image, but it was burned into her memory.
Amaya: "..."
She buried her face in her pillow and cried silently, tears streaming down her cheeks as she remembered Kiyozawa's face in the midst of her pain. But even amidst these fleeting thoughts came darker ones—the memory haunting her father believed Kiyozawa had done this horrific thing. Even though she knew deep down that Kiyozawa wasn't the one who had done this to her. It was Kaito's members.
Amaya: "Kiyozawa..."
Softly, she whispered Kiyozawa's name as she slowly rose from her bed, her body protesting with sharp pains from her stomach. She was taken aback by her lack of healing—all Orbs should possess rapid regenerative abilities. Could the peculiar knife from yesterday have hindered her natural healing process? The memory of Kaito's smug smile as she endured her pain came flooding back. Now, she was convinced that he had somehow interfered to halt her healing—an act that was not only cruel but also potentially life-threatening for an orb like herself.
(In her mind).
Pain coursed through her body, making movement agony.
"I need to rest..."
She whispered, sinking back onto her bed, her strength waning. The wound from yesterday should've closed by now, but its persistent throbbing suggested something far more sinister was at play.
(Out of her mind).
Amaya: "Kiyozawa..."
She whispers softly.
(At Angels Of Slaughter Yakuza Base in Kanako's Room).
Kanako's mind was suddenly flooded with the horrific memory of her father, Zentarō, brutally shattering Kiyozawa's life force. Her heart sank as she relived the moment her own brother was cruelly taken from her, the sight of his lifeless body haunting her forever.
(In her mind).
"Brother..."
Silent tears streamed down Kanako's pale cheeks as she glanced over at her pug Ruby, the little dog's sad eyes reflecting her own heartache. The two of them were a pathetic pair—an orb broken by loss and a loyal pug who seemed to understand her grief all too well.
(Out of her mind).
(In Zentarō's office).
Zentarō: "After extensive searching, no trace of Kiyozawa's body was found.''
He stated calmly, his sharp eyes scrutinizing each member of the Angels of Slaughter yakuza gang gathered around him. He watched as their expressions hardened, some showing genuine sadness, others calculating something sinister. He remembered searching for Kiyozawa alongside Rin, the woman who led the Holy Corporation.
(In his mind).
''If only I hadn't...''
*He shook his head, his regret profound.*
''His body was never found.''
*A small voice inside him whispered.*
''He might still be alive.' He clung to that tiny hope."
(Out of his mind).
(At Holy Corporation in the meeting room).
Rin: "Zentarō's group is now our ally. It is our duty, our obligation, to locate Kiyozawa and deliver him to the Holy Corporation."
She announced calmly, her gaze sweeping across the assembled members, including Hayden, the
leader of the Flaming Chicken group.
Hayden: "..."
(In his mind).
"Kiyozawa is our main focus for the time being but there's something else I want to investigate first."
He glanced down at the file, his eyes widening slightly as he recognized the demonic symbol emblazoned on it. The words 'The Goat Cult' sent a chill down his spine.
"The goat cult."
(Out of his mind).
(At the deep forest in Orbpan).
Kaito: Heh such a wonderful day don't you think?
He looks at one of the goat cult members named Ira, who is known as Wrath in English. He smirks at Ira since he used to be part of the Goat Cult before forming his own Yakuza group called Akuma-tekina gyakusatsu, which translates to Satanic Slaughter.
Ira: "What brings you back here, Kaito?"
He asked, wondering why Kaito lingered in the forest.
Kaito: "..."
His expression turns cold as he steps closer to Ira.
Kaito: "Business. Nothing that concerns you goat worshippers."
His hand moves to his katana, a silent threat.
Kaito: "Or are you hoping I've come back to join your little cult again?"
He sneers.
Ira: "Not really, I was only hoping you ended up dead somewhere, but here you are, still breathing. How unfortunate. The boss has become really powerful - possibly more powerful than you."
He says calmly, his gaze never leaving Kaito.
Kaito: "More powerful than me? Hahaha, that's hilarious."
He laughs, his eyes glinting with amusement and something else - perhaps challenge or curiosity.
Ira: "You've been gone for so long, Kaito. And now, I'm going to kill you."
He declares, immediately shifting into a fighting stance. His body is lean and muscular, clearly trained in hand-to-hand combat. He waits for Kaito's response, ready to attack at any moment.
Kaito: "Kill me? Hahaha, that's also hilarious."
He laughs genuinely amused by the situation unfolding before him. His excitement starts to activate his unique ability - enhanced reflexes and strength due to his adrenaline rush when engaged in combat on high-stakes situations. As Kaito tries to activate his demonic symbol to copy Ira's power, something unexpected happens - the symbol shatters violently, sending a shockwave of energy through Kaito's body. He stumbles back, stunned and disoriented by the sudden failure of his power.
Kaito: "What the hell?!"
Before Kaito can process what happened to his symbol, Ira suddenly appears right in front of him at incredible speed. Ira's fists connect brutally with Kaito's stomach multiple times, followed by a powerful kick that sends Kaito flying backwards towards the nearby mountain.
Kaito: "Gah!"
As Kaito's back slams into the sharp rocks, the jagged edges pierce through his stomach, causing him to cough up a mouthful of blood. Despite the excruciating pain and shock, an unexpected expression of pure, unadulterated joy spreads across his face.
Kaito: "This is getting interesting!"
He declares with a wide, manic grin. Despite being impaled, Kaito lets out a maniacal laugh as he releases an ear-splitting screech, channeling the powerful death angel-based abilities he copied from Kiyozawa. Ira clutches his ears as Kaito suddenly appears right in front of him with incredible speed tackling him down forcefully.Thick, inky-black liquid begins to pour from Kaito's mouth. The black acid splashes onto Ira's face and chest, sizzling and burning his skin instantly. Enraged and in immense pain, Ira doesn't hesitate—he starts pounding his fists directly into Kaito's open wounds over and over, ignoring the blood spraying onto his hands.
Ira: "You fucking..."
Kaito's manic smile never falters even as Ira's punches continue to rain down on him, opening up his wounds further and causing blood to flow freely. His body shakes uncontrollably not from fear but from sheer excitement and adrenaline coursing through him.
Kaito: "Hahaha!"
Kaito's eyes shift to a pure, eerie black as he erupts into a maniacal laugh, directed at Ira. Simultaneously, something in Ira's strength changes as well. Now, both Kaito and Ira are evenly matched in power.
(The Leader Of The Goat Cult).
Axel: "Ira, that's enough."
Axel appears suddenly between Kaito and Ira, effortlessly separating them with his unique ability to manipulate and control the black liquid that coats the two opponents. His calm voice cuts through the intense atmosphere, commanding attention and respect.
Axel: "Stand down, both of you."
As Axel speaks, multiple members of the Goat Cult appear behind him, their goat masks gleaming under the dim light. They stand in a semi-circle, their presence imposing and intimidating. Axel's voice remains calm and authoritative as he addresses both Kaito and Ira.
Axel: "This ends now."
His voice remains calm.
Kaito: "Well, that was an interesting experience."
He casually begins healing his numerous wounds with intricate demonic symbols etched into his skin. A smirk plays across his lips as he casually glances between Ira and Axel, seemingly unfazed by the intense confrontation that just occurred.
Kaito: "How I do love to reminisce about old times with everyone."
He says with a smirk.
Kaito: "But alas, I must take my leave. Good day to you all, you old chumps."
With that final quip, he turns away casually without waiting for any response.
Ira: "I hate that guy."
Ira mutters under his breath, his hand still clenching his bloody fists. He turns his gaze to Axel, the leader of the Goat Cult, who stands calmly amidst the chaos with his goat mask hiding any expression.
Axel: "..."
He grabs his book with the demonic symbol of a glowing goat and opens it to the last page.
Axel: "God's power is drawing near. We must take it."
The demonic book he's holding harnesses the powers of the links he targeted people from different dimensions using their power to make his book stronger. The book begins to evolve once again after receiving power from the first link - a human being who used the book's power for evil. Each kill helps the book gain power, and each new power discovered also strengthens it further.
Ira: "Finally!"
He smirk widens as wrath's energy pulsates around his body. The demonic presence is so intense that it causes the ground to shake slightly like an earthquake.
Axel: "We must rejoice!"
He snaps his fingers, and suddenly all the goat cult members appear in a desolate town filled with thousands of dead bodies. The sheer scale of destruction is overwhelming, creating a chilling atmosphere. He walks over the carnage, his footsteps crunching on broken bones and shattered flesh as he makes his way towards the ancient church - the birthplace of the demonic tome's creation. The rest of the cult members trail behind Axel, their boots squelching through gore and entrails as they step over the mutilated corpses littering the ground. Upon entering the church, they found bodies hung upside-down and naked, others sewn onto walls and ceilings like grotesque artwork. In the center of the room lay a demonic sigil featuring a goat-headed figure, with a pregnant woman's lifeless body positioned directly above it.
Axel: "We must locate God's power and annihilate it."
He declares calmly to his cultists as he approaches the deceased pregnant woman lying amidst the demonic symbol. Her abdomen has been brutally sliced open, intestines spilled out like grotesque ribbons alongside the unborn child torn from her womb. The cult members begin to chant loudly, their voices echoing through the desecrated church. As they do, blood starts to drip down the walls, forming words and images. A name appears - Hiromi - along with the face of an innocent-looking girl, likely no older than fourteen.
Axel: "She possesses God's power,"
Axel hisses, his eyes glinting with fanatical light as he stares at Hiromi's image dripping in blood on the wall.
Axel: "Find her. Kill her. Destroy God's power before it destroys us."
He scans his cult members, their faces illuminated by the eerie glow of the demonic symbols and the blood on the walls. He sees the hunger for destruction in their eyes, the same madness that drives him.
Axel: "Go, Find Hiromi and bring me her head."
He commands.
(At the Flaming Chicken Hideout in the office).
Hayden: "Although our primary targets should be Kiyozawa or halting Kaito's group,"
He speaks calmly, his voice steady and commanding despite the criminal nature of most of his members.
Hayden: "It seems our attention has been redirected to a more pressing matter. Rumors suggest the resurgence of the Goat Cult."
Hiromi, the only non-criminal in the group, furrows her brow, her innocent features showing genuine curiosity and concern.
Hiromi: "What's the Goat Cult?"
She asks softly, her voice barely above a whisper. The room falls silent; even the members listen intently for Hayden's response.
Hayden takes a deep breath before explaining, his voice low and serious.
Hayden: "The Goat Cult is one of the most dangerous cults out there. Their goal? Total destruction across multiple dimensions. They're behind the Three Links - massive disasters that killed thousands. And the Original Link? Kaito himself. "And let's not forget their most heinous crime."
He continues, his jaw clenched in anger.
Hayden: "The destruction of an entire town. Its innocent inhabitants, slaughtered without mercy. Now, it's nothing but a grim reminder, a town that forever bleeds - a monument to their twisted ideology."
Hayden's mind flashes back to the horrific images he's seen - Kaito, since he the original link, tearing through the town like a rampaging beast. Innocent civilians, men, women, children - all brutally murdered. The bloodbath was unimaginable.
Greta: "The Goat Cult is bad news,"
She adds softly, her eyes haunted by memories.
Greta: "Especially their leader, Axel. That man is pure evil."
She swallows hard.
Greta: "And his book..."
She shudders, wrapping her arms around herself protectively.
Greta: "That book is pure darkness."
She shudders at the mention of Axel's book, her eyes widening with fear. She remembers all too well the twisted pages filled with dark rituals and forbidden knowledge.
Azriel: "Messing with Axel is suicide,"
He growls, his past memories resurfacing.
Azriel: "His ability - that black liquid..."
He swallows hard. Azriel's face turns pale at the mention of the black liquid. He remembers that day vividly—the sudden silence as his team fell one by one after touching Axel's cursed substance. The way their life drained away instantly, leaving only empty shells behind.
Hiromi: "We can't let their actions go unpunished,"
She says resolutely, meeting each person's gaze.
Hiromi: "For those who perished, and for the survivors, we must bring these monsters to justice. We'll put an end to their reign of terror - no more innocent lives lost."
The Flaming Chicken members exchange determined glances, sparks of renewed hope igniting within them. Hiromi's words had struck a chord, reminding them of the purpose that had once bound them together. This was their chance - perhaps their final chance - to vanquish the Goat Cult once and for all.
(Meanwhile at the Underground Facility).
Creation Orb King: "Looks like the Goat Cult is back in town,"
He says calmly, his voice muffled behind his gas mask.
Creation Orb King: "And they're after God's power."
He pauses, letting the gravity of his words sink in.
Creation Orb King: "You know what that means."
He gazes at the black figure.
The black figure: "I know what you mean. I'll send a few people to handle it. Mochizuki, Ashton, Klaudia, and Kiyozawa—those four should be able to manage it. If they can't handle it, then I'll step in, or maybe Takumi will."
He responds to Creation Orb King. As he sends the message to Klaudia telling her what just happened through her mind.
(At the Underground Facility Medical Room).
Kiyozawa: "Boss,"
He murmurs softly, remembering the day his life force was shattered - by his own boss's hand. He grapples with his feelings.
Kiyozawa: "Do I still serve him faithfully, after he nearly killed me? Or do I follow my original plan to repay him for adopting me?"
He says it softly. His heart clenches at the, memories of the shattered life force flooding back along with conflicting emotions—gratitude for being taken in, anger for nearly being killed, and an underlying care that refuses to dissipate completely despite everything.
Klaudia: "I'm not your therapist. It seems like the Black Figure wants us to do a job, so I'll be your caretaker for the time being."
She pats Kiyozawa's back, believing he'll be a burden on the mission due to his injury.
Kiyozawa nods slowly, swallowing his pride and the turmoil of emotions inside him.
Kiyozawa: "I understand."
He glances at Klaudia's reassuring touch on his back, feeling a mix of annoyance at her assumption that he'll be a burden and appreciation for her concern.
(A few hours later at the Abandoned Town That Always Bleeds).
Axel: "The second link has been killed; the book's power was too much for the chosen human. I must find a new second link while the rest of you kidnapped the young girl."
He looks at his fellow cult members, clutching his book with a missing red string. His members vanished instantly, moving towards the young girl's whereabouts since they were aware of her location. Blue flames appear and shoot straight towards Axel. He immediately dodges them, only to see a teenage boy with spiky black hair and gold eyes.
Mochizuki: "I found you."
A smirk spreads across his face as he looks at him.
This will continue in the next chapter.