Ryujin's bright smile lingered, catching everyone off guard.
Itoshi blinked, stepping back slightly, his voice trembling.
"R-Ryujin?!"
Ayro let out a small chuckle, arms crossed as he leaned against the wall.
"Seems like you weren't wrong, Ryujin."
Ryujin nodded, his tone calm yet proud.
"Indeed."
The room fell silent again. Everyone else exchanged bewildered looks, unsure what the two were talking about. The air buzzed with confusion—and curiosity.
[Somewhere in Nagasaki]
The Kunoichi landed lightly on the rooftop of an abandoned building, the moonlight catching the edges of her silhouette.
A small tent sat nearby—weathered, quiet, her temporary home for far too long. She pushed the flap open and stepped inside, sinking down onto her futon.
"Hhah... hah... guess I got a little excited..."
She muttered, her breathing uneven as she smiled.
Her hand rested against her chest, feeling the faint burn that lingered beneath her skin.
"So... that was the power he had... that flame boy... I underestimated him..."
Amused, the thought echoed in her mind as she exhaled deeply, eyes flickering with a strange mix of exhaustion and curiosity.
"I went over my limit..." she whispered, voice faint now, her body relaxing against the fabric.
Pulling off her mask, she set it beside her futon, the faint sound of wind brushing through the torn canvas.
The city lights shimmered in the distance as her eyes slowly closed. Within moments, the kunoichi drifted into sleep—quiet and hidden.
~~~May 18, 2169~~~
She slowly fluttered her eyes open. The orange hue of the rising sun cast a warm glow over the mountains, reflecting in her similarly colored eyes.
Realizing she was still in her outfit from the night before, she scoffed to herself.
"Oh... I fell asleep..."
She stood and stepped into a small adjoining room—her makeshift closet. After changing into clean clothes, she packed a small bag with her old outfit, extra clothes, and a case for her grey contact lenses.
Rechecking her bag, her hand swooped inside.
"Ouh! All here... time for work!"
She made her way to the edge of the rooftop, pausing to admire the view of Nagasaki bathed in the early light.
Then, with practiced ease, she kicked down a rusty ladder and slid down using a special glove.
At the bottom, she flicked her fingers, summoning a gust of wind to lift the ladder back into place. She removed the glove and tucked it away, leaving no trace behind.
Walking quietly toward a taxi station, her expression was calm, avoiding direct eye contact while keeping a soft smile.
"Bath house, please."
"Got it, ma'am!"
The driver replied.
The soft hum of the electric taxi accompanied her as they rolled through the quiet streets—just another morning in her secret routine.
Upon arriving at the bath house, she was greeted with a few polite nods from early risers. The place was empty, just the way she liked it.
She bathed thoroughly—starting with her hair, then her shoulders, her waist, and finally her feet.
After rinsing, she dried off, inserted her grey contact lenses with care, brushed her teeth, washed her face again, and applied light makeup.
She stared at her reflection for a moment, then gave both her cheeks a light slap.
"Let's do this, Tomori!"
After paying at the counter, she set off for work.
The bell above the restaurant door chimed as she entered, but unlike other mornings, her boss was already at the entrance with a stern look. A chill ran down her spine.
What followed was a long, firm scolding. Her boss's tone was low, disappointed, and sharp—laying into her about absences, tardiness, and slacking. Hoshi bowed repeatedly, cheeks flushed red with shame.
"I'm sorry... I promise I'll work harder... Please don't fire me..."
Eventually, the storm passed. She still had her job—barely.
With a quiet sigh, she slipped behind the counter, wiped down the already spotless surface, arranged the sugar packets perfectly, and mentally recited the menu to calm herself.
Then, the bell above the door rang again.
She turned automatically, her usual smile ready.
"Welcome to our—"
She froze. Her smile dropped.
"Ah... you again."
It was Ayro.
"Eh?.. You really didn't want to see me that bad?" he teased.
"After being rude as heck, you expect me to want to see you every day? Nuh-uh!"
She replied, arms crossed pouting.
A few nearby coworkers snickered.
"So? What do you want, customer?"
Hoshi asked, sarcastically.
Hearing her attitued, Ayro chuckled.
"No... I'm not the customer."
She narrowed her eyes, watching as he stepped aside.
Her expression instantly shifted.
"Kara-chan?!"
Kara called back.
"Hoshi-san!!"
Their gazes met—warm, relieved, genuine.
Ayro quietly stepped outside, leaving the two alone.
"So? How are you feeling? Are you okay now?"
Kara asked.
"I'm doing great... My salary got cut, but mostly, I'm A-OK! Thanks to you, Kara-chan."
Hoshi replied, smiling.
"I'm glad... I was worried as heck when not even your soul would talk to me..."
"Eheh... Sorry. I just didn't know how to approach you guys..."
Hoshi replied, scratching the back of her head.
Kara smiled softly and patted her head.
"Hoh! The food should be ready! Wait here!"
Hoshi dashed into the kitchen and returned with a tray carrying a modest breakfast.
"I'm not sure what your style is, so... this is all."
Kara smiled and immediately split the meal in half.
"Half for me, half for you."
"Wha—nonono! You can have it! I'm good!"
Hoshi waved her hands frantically.
"You sure? Have you eaten yet?"
Hoshi looked away, embarrassed.
"N-not yet..."
Kara pouted dramatically and held out a bite with her chopsticks.
"Come on. Say 'ahh'!"
Hoshi stared at the meat cube for a second before leaning forward shyly.
"Ahh!!"
She took a bite and quickly covered her mouth as she chewed.
"How is it?"
Kara asked.
"N-not bad..."
Kara pouted once more as she declared.
"I'm not leaving until I see you finish your portion."
"Okok! I'll eat it! Just... you go first, okay? I don't want you wasting time on me when you're already dealing with your own problems..."
"Hm?.. Ahh... so you already know..."
Kara's tone softened.
"Yeah... How are you guys?"
Hoshi asked, low tone.
"We haven't made up yet... but we're getting there. Don't worry about it."
She smiled and patted Hoshi's head again.
"For now, worry about yourself, Hoshi-san."
Hoshi nodded, smiling faintly.
Kara offered another bite, which Hoshi accepted with less hesitation this time. They spent the rest of the morning talking softly until the first customers began to trickle in.
Kara stood, sensing it was time to go.
"We're gonna go now, Hoshi-san... I'm glad you're doing well."
"Mhm! Thank you for your visit! Come again, okay?"
"Mhm! Good luck with work! If you need me... just call, okay?"
There was a pause—gentle, meaningful. Then Hoshi nodded firmly.
"Mhm! I will!"
They exchanged one last smile and wave. As Kara stepped out, Hoshi held her hands to her chest, warmth shining in her eyes.
"Nee-san... I found them."
She turned back toward her station, steps light and full of new energy. But before she could even reach the counter—
"HOSHIII!!!"
Startled, she yelped and darted toward the front of the restaurant.
~~~To be Continued~~~