"A chance, you say...? Oh... Why am I struggling to give that single word to someone?"
In a dark, empty space, Itoshi floated, alone.
No warmth. No touch. No sound.
Just him and his thoughts.
"Ah... it's been so long. All my life... I feel like I've lost something. Right, Mom?"
"Mom... when was the last time.. I even thought about you? It's been a while, hasn't it...? I wonder how you're doing now."
Suddenly, memories of Okinawa came flooding back—
The days he drove trucks just to earn a few bucks,
The long hours, the aching limbs—
All for a warm meal at the table with Kara.
All for her to live a normal life...
To study... to smile.
"It really has been so long... This new life—It's not so bad."
~~~
"Years have passed..."
Then came Tomori.
She too drifted in that darkness.
No wind. No touch. No sound.
Just her... and the weight of everything.
"Nee-san... I did it... I've found a new direction for my life.. One step closer to you."
Images of Kara and the squad stirred in her chest.
Moments shared.
Laughter half-understood.
A warmth she hadn't known she needed.
"I've also found them... I still don't know them that well, but...
I'll try.
Especially with him... that flame boy...
Kara's closest relative.
I won't give up on earning his forgiveness.
Never."
All around them—
White.
Nothing but white.
No feelings.
No touch.
No sound.
But in that stillness...
There was something.
There was—
A chance.
In the real world, Itoshi slowly fluttered his eyes open. It was dawn—the deep black of the sky just beginning to fade into a soft orange hue.
Wrapped in a blanket and lying on the floor, he shifted slightly, a small trail of drool clinging to the corner of his mouth. The room was silent. The air was cold.
"Ah..." he exhaled softly.
~~~UWDS Asia Headquarters~~~
[China - July 5, 2169]
In the dimly lit room, the eight Trochanters gathered as usual. Screens flickered softly, displaying live feeds from each squad scattered across mainland Japan.
Around the large table, folders thick with reports were shuffled by the handlers, the tension palpable as the collaborative Seele cleansing operation reached its 62nd day.
The air was heavy with quiet anticipation.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and a UWDS Staff member stepped inside, carrying a digital tablet. All eyes turned as the Staff began the briefing.
"It's been 62 days since the operation commenced. Here's the progress update on each region and their assigned squads."
The Staff tapped the tablet, and statistics appeared on the main screen beside the live feeds.
"Starting with Kanto, where Squad 97 operates — they have cleared approximately 54 percent of their region, which translates to nearly 17,500 square kilometers of land."
"Kyushu, under Squad 663's watch, follows closely with 44 percent cleared, about 16,200 square kilometers reclaimed."
"Shikoku, assigned to Squad 660, shows a 27 percent clearance rate, amounting to just over 5,000 square kilometers."
"Kansai, protected by Squad 330, holds a 22 percent cleared area, roughly 6,000 square kilometers."
"Chubu, where Squad 434 is engaged, has seen 12 percent cleared — nearly 8,900 square kilometers."
"Hokkaido, with Squad 220, follows at 9.8 percent, about 8,200 square kilometers cleared."
"Chugoku, under Squad 376, has made progress but lags behind with 7.3 percent, equating to around 2,300 square kilometers."
"Finally, Tohoku, patrolled by Squad 152, struggles the most, clearing only about 5 percent of the region — approximately 3,200 square kilometers."
A murmur rippled through the room.
The Trochanter of Squad 97, Nali shifted forward, eyes narrowing as she glanced sharply toward the display for Squad 663.
"Seriously? Kyushu's almost caught up to us? And they're not even struggling with terrain! I swear, That baiting worked too well!."
The Trochanter of Squad 660 that is Mugi met the glare coolly, but didn't respond. The room chuckled softly at the exchange.
"Terrain's definitely a factor. Look at Tohoku—lowest clearance rate. That region is brutal to navigate."
Squad Trochanter 152 nods in agreement with Mugi.
"Right, dense forests and mountains slow progress considerably. We've seen it firsthand."
"Chubu's numbers show steady but slow progress—our squad is holding their ground, but the enemy resistance remains fierce."
Squad 434 Trochanter added.
The UWDS Staff continued, eyes scanning the room.
"Kanto and Kyushu lead in cleared area, thanks to efficient squad coordination and 'terrain familiarity'. Shikoku and Kansai follow closely. Chubu and Hokkaido show moderate gains. Chugoku and Tohoku lag behind due to geographic obstacles and Seele concentration."
The Trochanters exchanged looks, the weight of the operation clear on their faces.
Nali shrugs.
"Well, if Hachi's kids can manage it, maybe 97 needs to step up the game. I'm not going to let them have the spotlight."
The room buzzed with quiet energy as the meeting pressed on, each Trochanter resolved to push their squads harder. The cleansing was far from over — and the stakes had never been higher.
The UWDS Staff took a steady breath and looked around the room once more.
"To summarize, the combined efforts of all eight squads have resulted in a total of approximately 78,000 square kilometers of mainland Japan cleared of Seele presence over these 62 days. This accounts for roughly 28 percent of the total land area."
"This is a significant achievement, but we must remember the road ahead remains long and fraught with danger."
He bowed deeply to the Trochanters, a gesture of respect and shared commitment.
"Thank you for your continued leadership and unwavering resolve. We rely on your strength to see this mission through to its end."
With that, he quietly exited the room, leaving the Trochanters to absorb the weight of the report and prepare for the battles yet to come.
Nali gritted her teeth as she slammed the table, glaring at Hachi who stood three seats to her right.
"Grr..." She growled under her breath, biting back the urge to throw something.
Hachi glanced at her, then slowly looked back at the screen.
"Oi! Hachi! Your squad's getting a little too cheeky! Especially that damn baiting shit!"
Nali snapped, clearly annoyed.
Hachi closed his eyes as he responded.
"Just... luck."
"Oh yeah? Add to that — a seventh member outta nowhere! A kunoichi, no less."
Nali crossed her arms and scoffed.
"Huh! Your squad's collecting weirder and weirder characters by the day!"
"I didn't contribute to the addition of that new member,"
Hachi replied calmly.
"That was Kara's decision... and their leader, Ryujin. As the squad's Trochanter, we're only meant to guide — especially their leader. So if they made a mistake in recruitment... that's not on us."
A growing frustration crept cutely across Nali's face as she pouted, arms crossed.
"Still! That baiting with that flame bastard is cheeky and it's cheaty! I petition to ban it! Not to mention it's hella risky!"
The other Trochanters murmured among themselves as they listened to Nali's outburst, quietly reacting to her mix of emotion and concern.
Meanwhile, at the back of the room, The Neck—a higher-ranking official—sat silently, observing. Mr. Hasegawa, composed as ever, cleared his throat.
"Ehem... This baiting does indeed come with risks. But look at the speed it has given us. And with the response time of the squad leader, Ryujin, I'd say they're keeping up well with the Seeles."
He paused, briefly glancing at the data feed on the screen.
"Not to mention Gigi's advanced monitoring."
Mr. Hasegawa leaned forward slightly, his tone firm yet composed.
"I'd allow this baiting... but there will be regulations on Itoshi's usage of his rhythm."
He paused, letting the statement settle before continuing with a subtle shift in tone.
"And also, before I forget... the demon child? Hachi?"
Nali's eyes widened slightly as the realization hit her.
"Ah! That's right! They have the demon child!"
She thought to herself.
"Ah right... they have that child."
Another Trochanter, from Squad 152, silently reflected on the same thing.
"The media really ruined that child's image, huh... poor thing."
Mugi from Squad 330 murmured softly under her breath, sympathy in her tone.
Hachi caught his breath and stood up, his voice firm.
"Sir, I wasn't aware she was the child. I knew they were taking a child for the mission, and I believe I already informed you of the situation. And you allowed it, right?"
"That's right,"
Mr. Hasegawa replied.
"We all know their accusations are false,"
Hachi continued.
"But I will advise my squad to keep her out of the public eye — for the protection of our organization's credibility."
A stillness filled the room.
Hachi's blunt words lingered, echoing in the air.
The Neck took a deep breath before responding.
"Alright. A person's life must always be a priority — especially if they're a child. But the image of this organization is still at stake. If your squad manages to pull off another miracle... then she may still have a chance at a normal life. But for now, we'll put Jayu under the protection of the organization. For the greater future."
Hachi straightened and gave a sharp salute.
"For the greater future!"
One by one, the other squad Trochanters echoed him as Hachi sat back down.
"For the greater future!"
Amid the low hum of chatter, Mr. Hasegawa quietly thought to himself.
"Hm... Itoshi's identity has now been revealed to the public. I'm certain many are still against him — especially Ryo... The image of this organization is at risk if they mess this up. A huge gamble, indeed."
"Ehh?? Regulations?"
Itoshi hushed, brows raised.
"That's right."
Ryujin nods.
Back in Fukuoka, Squad 663 had just received the new regulations from higher-ups concerning the baiting tactics related to Itoshi's rhythm.
It was the morning of July 5th, 2169. The reports had just arrived, and Ryujin read the first aloud for Itoshi before handing the papers to him as they ate breakfast.
Itoshi scanned the regulations silently, while Kirashi glanced over from the side, chewing on his bread.
"Hmm... new regulations, you say?"
Itoshi took a quick look, then tossed the papers onto his back, focusing back on his meal.
"Ngek! I'll read it later!"
Aldrin chuckled nearby.
"I guess the kid doesn't get full when he's stressed."
Itoshi slammed both hands down on the table.
"Who doesn't!"
Glasses of water jumped on the table, but none spilled—except Ryujin's.
His water tipped over, spilling onto his pants.
Itoshi's heart sank as he slowly turned his head toward Ryujin, who sat across the table on Ayro's left. Ayro sat directly in front of Itoshi.
Ryujin stood up and he walked towards Itoshi. Face was cold, his expression unreadable.
Shadows cloaked his eyes, but a faint glow shimmered from beneath—deep purple mixed with flickers of red. The eerie light made his gaze feel almost otherworldly, piercing through the quiet tension at the table.
"Ehe..."
Itoshi softly exclaimed—just before both of his ears were grabbed by Ryujin's fingers.
Before he could react, his body was quickly tied up with a rope, and he flopped onto the floor.
"Let me eat!!! I'm not done yet!!"
Ryujin calmly wiped the water off his pants using his gift of water, then settled down to eat beside Ayro.
Ayro glanced at Ryujin and muttered under his breath,
"Jeez... you can control water, you didn't have to go that far."
Ryujin swallowed the last bite, then replied without missing a beat,
"Our baby crow needs to be taught discipline... And I was a bit bored."
Itoshi stared at the scattered papers on the table, the regulations feeling heavier than the morning light.
His rhythm—the very core of his power—was now shackled by rules he didn't fully understand.
"Regulations or not, this rhythm is part of who I am. But can I really keep up?"
The question lingered silently in the air as the squad continued their quiet breakfast, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders like a storm on the horizon.
"I mean.. They're not really that difficult but.. My control on my rhythm still.. 'Needs Improvement' to say the least.."
Itoshi simply stared at the regulations flopped beside him, his thoughts tangled in the weight of the new rules.
Meanwhile, back at the hospital, a nurse quietly approached Kara, Tomori, and Hoshi with a folder in hand. His voice was calm, steady, but there was an undercurrent of urgency beneath it.
"So... a three-inch deep stab wound on the left shoulder, correct? Tomori Hoshizaki?"
The nurse glanced at each of them in turn, eyes lingering on Hoshi.
Kara nodded firmly, trying to keep her expression composed.
"Mhm."
The nurse flipped through the pages, then spoke carefully.
"Here's the full diagnostics, ma'am. Miss Hoshizaki's injuries include the stab wound, but there's also a possibility of internal damage in the abdomen that might still manifest. We recommend light foods for now, which we'll provide."
He paused, looking toward Hoshi.
"Additionally, she has a few fractured ribs—small fractures for now, but they could worsen if pressure is applied."
Kara flinched slightly at the mention of pressure, but Tomori's soft chuckle beside her helped ease the tension.
The nurse noticed their reactions and smiled faintly.
"On that note, Miss Hoshizaki can return to squad operations in about eight days, but we strongly recommend continued recovery—either at home or in the squad apartment. No field missions just yet."
He bowed politely, voice softening.
"That's all for now. We appreciate your dedication to protecting everyone from the Seeles."
The nurse left, the soft click of the door closing behind him echoing in the quiet room.
For a long moment, silence stretched between the three girls, filled only by the gentle hum of the air conditioner.
Then Kara broke the stillness.
"Did you hear that?"
The two exchanged glances—an unspoken understanding passing between them.
"He said you're one of us."
Kara squeezed Hoshi's hands gently.
"That's right,"
Tomori said softly, voice steady.
"And he said I can't be squeezed,"
She added with a shy smile.
Kara laughed, shaking her head with affection.
"No!.. I love squeezes!"
Tomori raised both hands in mock surrender and grinned.
"Well, then we have Jayu-chan to do the squeezing."
"Eh?"
Jayu muttered, looking up, surprised.
"Ah! That's right!"
Kara exclaimed with a bright smile before pulling Jayu into a warm hug, squeezing gently as Jayu giggled softly.
Tomori watched them both with a quiet smile, her thoughts turning hopeful.
"Maybe... it's going to be alright after all."
~~~To be Continued~~~