The faint hum of the city filtered through the glass window, broken only by the occasional flicker of the lights in Ryo's office. The sun had long dipped beneath the skyline, leaving the room bathed in a soft glow from a lone desk lamp.
Ryo leaned back in his chair, arms resting behind his head, his expression relaxed. His legs were stretched out, the tip of one foot nudging the base of his desk in rhythmic thought. He stared at the ceiling for a long moment before letting his eyes drift back to the glowing monitor to his right.
On the screen, five names stood out in simple white text against black, it's the new assignments for his team.
Ryo closed one eye and let the other trace down the list.
"Akechi could've ended it," he murmured. "Kouji wasn't ready — not fully. And even when I stepped in, he barely touched his true power."
He shifted slightly in his seat, fingers tapping the wood of his chair.
"The Past-Curse… it wasn't just mutation. He shattered the very concept of construction, even if just for a moment. If he could erase Kouji's ability like that, what stopped him from doing more?"
The thought hung heavy in the air. Ryo exhaled slowly.
"He had the power to kill. But he didn't use it."
The door opened softly, and Kagami entered, a file tucked under one arm. She took one look at the untouched tea on the desk and shook her head.
"You really do prefer it cold, huh?" she said, voice light.
Ryo smirked slightly. "It helps me think slower. Something I need, apparently."
Kagami stepped closer, placing the folders neatly in front of him. "Missions finalized. I assume you're really going with the split?"
Ryo sat up, finally lowering his arms and leaning forward.
"Kouji and Yuusuke are heading to the tunnels in Sector 9. Some aura disturbances. It's probably nothing, but..."
"But you're paranoid," Kagami offered.
"Experienced," he corrected. "And yes, paranoid."
She lifted the second file. "Sora and Ketsu? That's a quiet pairing."
Ryo's gaze lingered on the paper. "Ketsu asked for it. I don't think it's just about efficiency."
Kagami hummed thoughtfully. "You trust him?"
"I trust who he's becoming."
There was a pause. The air settled between them.
"You know," she said softly, "you've changed too. A year ago, you wouldn't have let them be so free."
Ryo didn't reply immediately. He gave a faint smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"They're growing. And maybe... I need to grow with them."
The knock came a moment later — two short taps. Kouji and Yuusuke entered, the door clicking shut behind them.
Yuusuke gave a casual wave. "Yo."
Kouji nodded, posture straight as always.
Ryo's voice shifted instantly, firm but calm — the kind of presence they looked to for direction.
"There's a minor aura spark near the collapsed tunnels in Sector 9. You two will investigate."
Yuusuke leaned forward. "A spooky cave? I love spooky caves."
Ryo raised an eyebrow. "Try not to trip over your jokes."
He handed Kouji the folder. "Stick together. Avoid conflict unless necessary. Record everything."
Kouji took the file carefully. "Sora and Ketsu?"
Ryo nodded. "Assigned to investigate a another spot. Their coordination needs some time."
Yuusuke frowned. "Think this is all connected? Still echoes from Akechi?"
Ryo leaned back once more.
"I think Akechi lit a fire that hasn't finished spreading. And I think there are people out there who forcefully put wood on the remaining embers."
There was a silence.
Kouji and Yuusuke nodded, their expressions sharp now.
They turned and left the room, the door closing gently behind them.
Ryo sat still. Kagami walked to his side, arms crossed.
"You're worried."
Ryo didn't deny it.
"He could have killed Kouji. He could've killed me. And he never once used his curse offensively. Not truly."
He looked down at the desk, at the folders still spread open.
"The Past-Curse... he used it to erase the concept of construction — even if just for a second. He had the opportunity to kill them, me and even you. But he chose not to"
Kagami didn't interrupt.
"I think."
"He didn't fight to win," Ryo said softly, his voice lowering. "He fought to make us think."
He turned toward the dark window, the lights of the city still flickering in the distance.
"Let's hope the embers, don't lit another fire"