Part 3: Secrets That Should Never Be Known
After breakfast, the house filled with the soft shuffle of movement — bowls clinking, chairs sliding, voices mixing.
Renjiro placed his chopsticks down first, his expression composed. "Thanks for the meal," he said, bowing slightly before standing.
Akari looked up. "You're heading out already?"
He nodded. "Yeah. I want to report early — and get the mission details before sundown."
Kaito frowned. "But you said you'd walk with us today, Brother Renjiro."
Renjiro gave a small smile, resting a hand on Kaito's head. "Change of plans. Big Sister Akari will take you three today."
"Eh?" Ayame puffed her cheeks. "That's no fun! You walk faster!"
Renjiro chuckled softly. "I'll make it up to you next time."
Haruto, sitting quietly, stared at Renjiro's packed gear — the small rolled scrolls tied to his side, the faint glow of the crystal mark on his gloves. "Where's the mission this time?" he asked.
Renjiro looked at him, his expression softening. "Far north. Beyond the dunes. Might be gone for a while."
Akari's gaze flickered to Haruto briefly, watching his face fall just a little.
Renjiro noticed too. He crouched down slightly, resting a hand on Haruto's shoulder. "Hey… it's just another mission. I'll be back before you even start slacking off again."
Haruto smirked faintly. "I don't slack off."
"Mm-hmm," Renjiro said, smiling as he stood up.
When he moved to the door, Akari followed, speaking low. "Be careful. Please."
Renjiro adjusted his cloak, sliding the door open. "Always am."
The door closed with a soft click, and the sound of his footsteps faded into the morning breeze.
Silence lingered for a few seconds. Then Ayame spoke up, "Big Sister Akari! Should we get ready now?"
Akari blinked out of thought and nodded. "Right. Pack your things — we'll leave in ten minutes."
Minutes later, the four of them stepped outside. The morning air was crisp, and the path to the academy was bathed in soft sunlight.
Kaito walked ahead, swinging his bag like a sword. "I bet I'll reach the gates first!"
"Not fair!" Ayame shouted, chasing after him.
Haruto trailed behind, walking beside Akari. For a while, neither said a word — only the sound of their sandals against the dirt road.
Then Haruto glanced up. "Aka… do you think Brother Ren will be okay?"
Akari smiled gently, looking ahead. "He's stronger than you think. And smarter too. He'll be fine."
Haruto hummed softly. "Yeah…"
But his tone carried a quiet worry — the kind that stayed even after you tried to hide it.
They reached the academy gates just as the bell rang in the distance.
"Go on," Akari said, bending slightly to fix Haruto's collar. "Don't make Daigo Sensei chase you again."
Haruto laughed faintly. "I won't."
Kaito and Ayame were already halfway inside, waving.
"Bye, Big Sister Akari!"
"Bye, Aka!" Haruto called, running after them.
Akari waved back, her smile steady — but when she lowered her hand, her expression softened.
Renjiro… be safe, she thought quietly, before turning away and heading down the path that led toward the hospital, the morning sun glinting faintly against her hair as the streets slowly came alive.
Akari pushed open the glass doors of the local hospital, the cool air brushing against her face. Evening lights reflected on the polished floor as she walked down the long corridor, her footsteps echoing softly. The building was unusually quiet—too quiet for its size.
Her eyes scanned the hallway numbers until she stopped in front of a wooden door with a metal plate:
Dr. Ken Hoshikawa
Head Researcher – Medical & Energetic Studies
She straightened her posture, took a breath, and knocked twice.
"Come in," a calm voice replied.
Akari slid the door open.
Dr. Ken was standing near his desk, stacking files into neat piles. His white coat hung loosely, and his glasses were slightly crooked—clearly he'd been working for hours.
"Akari," he greeted with a small smile. "It's been a while. What brings you here?"
Akari stepped in and closed the door behind her.
"I think…" she hesitated, eyes tightening, "Haruto's sickness might be coming back. I came here to ask what should be done."
Ken's expression shifted instantly—calm, but very serious.
"You don't need to panic," he said, walking closer. "I've gathered a lot of information since the last incident. If the sickness is returning, Haruto won't suffer like before. Not this time."
Akari exhaled in relief, even if worry still lingered.
"But," Ken added, "it's better if you bring Haruto for a proper checkup. I need to run a few updated tests."
Akari bit her lip.
"There's a problem… Renjiro is leaving on mission tomorrow. That leaves only Ayame and Kaito at home. It's risky to leave them alone for too long. But… I'll try to bring Haruto."
Ken nodded slowly.
"Good. The sooner, the better."
Akari looked at the neatly stacked files on his desk.
"By the way… you said you gathered information. What did you find?"
Ken didn't answer immediately. Instead, he walked to the door, locked it, and then lowered the blinds. When he turned back to her, the air felt heavier.
"That information," he said quietly, "is extremely crucial… and dangerous."
Akari narrowed her eyes.
"Dangerous? For Haruto?"
Ken nodded.
"It contains everything related to his growth, his potential… and the reasons behind his sickness at such a young age. If this knowledge falls into the wrong hands, Haruto might be seen as a weapon rather than a child."
Akari's heart dropped.
"And who knows about it?"
Ken held up two fingers.
"Just me… and the clan leaders of Hoshikawa and Homura."
Akari blinked. "You didn't inform Enkage or Renshi?"
Ken's jaw tightened.
"No. Because I don't trust them. I fear they might use Haruto if they understand what he truly is."
Silence filled the room for a moment.
Akari felt her stomach twist.
"Ken… is it really that serious?"
Ken met her eyes directly.
"Yes. That's why before I show you anything… you must make a decision."
His voice lowered.
"Are you prepared to know the truth behind Haruto's condition? Even if it changes the way you see him forever?"