"Hey," Hayama greeted.
"Yo, Hayama. Been a while," Hachiman replied.
"Hikitani-kun! Welcome back!" Tobe exclaimed.
"Tobe, still as… energetic as ever, huh?" Hachiman said. "Good to see."
"I'm here too, you know," Ebina added.
"Ebina-san, uh, still the same, I see?" Hachiman said.
"Yup, pretty much," Ebina said with a giggle.
Definitely still a fujoshi… Hachiman thought.
The next day, Hayama, Tobe, and Ebina visited. They weren't exactly close friends, but Hachiman was genuinely touched they'd come.
"Yui gave me the scrapbook," Hachiman said. "You put it together, right, Hayama? Thanks."
"Wish we could've graduated together," Hayama said.
"Yeah, that's my one regret," Hachiman admitted.
"But you're safe, Hikitani-kun, and that's what matters!" Tobe said.
"Thanks, Tobe," Hachiman said.
"And this photo? Man, it's wild!" Tobe said. "Hikitani-san's the real deal!"
"Ugh, yeah…" Hachiman muttered. "Planning to get it taken down eventually…"
"It's fine," Hayama said. "You two look great together."
"Uh, thanks. That actually means a lot," Hachiman said.
"Hikitani-kun, you traitor…" Ebina mumbled. "Why isn't the person in the photo a guy? It's betrayal!"
"Sorry to disappoint," Hachiman said dryly.
"Enough, Hina," Hayama said gently.
"Yeah, Hina, this is a celebration!" Tobe added.
"Sorry, my true feelings slipped out…" Ebina said.
"Still the same, huh?" Hachiman said.
"But I was really worried about you," Ebina said, her eyes glistening.
"Welcome back, Hikitani-kun," she said.
"Welcome back!" Tobe cheered.
"Welcome back, Hikitani," Hayama said.
"Thanks, all of you," Hachiman said, bowing slightly. "Sorry for worrying you."
They smiled brightly at him. Curious about SAO, they asked about his experiences, and Hachiman gave a brief overview. His calm delivery belied the harrowing reality, shocking them. They listened with awe, sadness, and encouragement. Two hours passed quickly.
"Looks like the government folks are up next, so we'll head out," Hayama said.
"See you, Hikitani-kun!" Tobe said.
"Later, Hikitani-kun!" Ebina added.
"Hey, Ebina-san, hold up," Hachiman called.
"Hm?" she said.
"Is Yumiko… not part of the group anymore?" Hachiman asked.
"Did you just almost call her Yumiko?" Ebina teased.
"She told me to," Hachiman said.
"Wow, I knew she was visiting you, but you're that close now?" Ebina said. "As for us, Yui and I are still tight, but things with Hayama and the others… it's complicated."
"Figured," Hachiman said.
"Don't worry about it," Ebina said. "We were bound to drift apart after graduation anyway."
"As long as it's not messy," Hachiman said.
"It's fine," Ebina assured. "See you!"
"Later," Hachiman said.
A knock came shortly after they left.
"Come in," Hachiman called.
"Ta-da! The star has arrived!" Yui-no-neesan announced, pulling Hachiman into a hug.
"What's with the sudden attack?" Hachiman protested.
"Shizuka said you're immune to feminine wiles, so I had to test it," Yui said.
"Yeah, pretty much," Hachiman said. "Mind letting go? It's… kinda embarrassing."
"Aw, I held back to let others go first," Yui pouted, releasing him.
"I heard how hard you worked for me," Hachiman said earnestly. "Thank you, Yui-san. I'm here because of you."
"No need to be so formal," Yui said. "We're close, right?"
"I'm seriously grateful, so I want to say it properly," Hachiman insisted.
"Then maybe we could get marr—" Yui started.
"Nope, that's a different matter," Hachiman cut in quickly. "Spare me."
Yui laughed. "So cold, Hikitani-kun. Just kidding!"
"Your eyes say otherwise," Hachiman said warily.
"Definitely kidding," Yui said, winking. "So, maybe we could—"
"Stop! You're clearly serious!" Hachiman said.
"Love this wild side of you!" Yui teased.
Hachiman sighed heavily.
"Uh, can I come in now?" a voice called from outside.
"Oh, sorry, Kikuoka-san," Yui said.
"No worries, didn't want to interrupt the reunion," the man said, stepping in. "Kikuoka, from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Virtual Space Division. Nice to meet you, Hikitani Hachiman-kun."
"I heard you helped my family and me," Hachiman said. "Thank you."
Kikuoka looked sheepish. "We're the ones who failed you, unable to do more than monitor your status. I'm just glad you're back."
"You did a lot for us," Hachiman said. "I'm grateful."
"That means a lot," Kikuoka said. "We're committed to supporting the victims. I wanted to see you first, but an unexpected issue delayed me."
"First, huh?" Hachiman said. "Alright, let's talk. You've looked into my connection with Akihiko Kayaba, right? You want to know where he is or what happened to him."
Kikuoka's eyes widened with surprise and admiration. "Yui-san wasn't kidding about you. Sharp. Mind if I record this?"
"Go ahead," Hachiman said. "To cut to the chase, I don't know where he is, but I know what happened."
"What's that?" Kikuoka asked.
"I think he's dead," Hachiman said.
"I see," Kikuoka said quietly.
"After we cleared the game, I was sent to another place in-game and talked to him briefly," Hachiman explained. "I asked what he'd do next, and he said he'd scan his brain, which would kill him. If it worked, his consciousness might still exist online."
"What?" Kikuoka said. "Is that even possible?"
"He seemed to think so," Hachiman said.
"A genius like him…" Kikuoka mused. "That makes arresting him impossible."
"Pretty much," Hachiman said. "My gut says we'll cross paths again, though."
"A survivor's instinct," Kikuoka said. "Those often prove right. So we need to stay prepared for him indefinitely."
"Must be tough, preparing for something that might not exist," Hachiman said.
"It's the job," Kikuoka said with a shrug. "Not sure if we can do anything about it."
He hesitated, then continued. "Now, about the next matter…"
Hachiman read his expression. "The players who haven't woken up?"
Kikuoka's jaw dropped, and he glanced at Yui, who shook her head. "I didn't tell him anything," she said. "Hikitani-kun, who told you?"
"Kayaba himself," Hachiman said. "He mentioned external interference."
"Interference?" Kikuoka said. "He said that?"
"Yeah," Hachiman confirmed.
"You're right," Kikuoka said. "Many players still haven't woken up. We considered it might be tied to your actions, so I was hesitant to ask."
"Kayaba said about a hundred wouldn't wake," Hachiman said.
"You even know the number," Kikuoka said. "That confirms you spoke with him last. Your story checks out."
"I don't think Kayaba's behind this," Hachiman said. "Someone else is. I promised him I'd find the culprit. He was pissed that SAO's end was tainted like this, and I agree. I'll find them and bring Asuna back."
Kikuoka nodded, seeing the resolve in Hachiman's eyes. "Asuna, as in Asuna Yuuki? She hasn't woken up, yes. Given that photo, I understand your feelings. The government will fully cooperate, but we're short on information. I hate to burden you while you're recovering, but can you share everything you know?"
"I'm fine," Hachiman said. "Ask away."
"Tell me your experiences in order, whatever you think is relevant," Kikuoka said. "I'll ask questions as needed. Yui-san, please join me in questioning him. I might miss something."
"Of course," Yui said. "Go ahead, Hikitani-kun."
"Alright," Hachiman said.
And so, Hachiman began his long recounting.
---------------------------------
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