Shinji's voice trembled.
"I know I told you to use strong punches and kicks… but this was way too much. He's not opening his eyes. Hey, Akaimo… kid… if you wake up, I'll treat you all for a whole week. Just… wake up, okay?"
Akaimo's body didn't respond.
Blood slowly trickled from his nose and mouth.
Jeisuke's face went pale.
"No… no, this can't be happening. Akaimo… please wake up. I never wanted to hurt you this badly. You're my friend… please…"
Tears spilled down his cheeks.
"Bring him to my room," Shinji said, trying to stay calm even though his hands were shaking.
Jeisuke lifted Akaimo by himself and carried him to Shinji's bedroom. Shinji immediately called the doctor. Until the doctor arrived, he tried every method he knew — but Akaimo still wouldn't wake up.
The doctor finally arrived and examined him carefully. Shinji explained everything, step by step, desperate for answers.
The doctor nodded slowly.
"If someone is struck on the skull suddenly, they can lose consciousness. That's likely what happened."
Jeisuke lowered his head.
"Please… just help him recover. I swear I didn't mean to hurt him this much. He may be stubborn and stupid sometimes… but he's the heart of our team."
The doctor sighed softly.
"He'll be fine. But I strongly recommend that Professor Shinji lets him rest for at least one full week. He should wake up after a few hours — don't worry too much. I'll prescribe some medicine for him."
Jeisuke rushed out and brought the medicine back almost instantly.
About three hours later, Akaimo finally woke up.
Everyone let out a breath of relief.
Shizuku looked especially devastated.
"Hey…" Jeisuke said quietly, voice shaking. "I'm so, so sorry. I never meant to hurt you like that. I only provoked you because I wanted you to turn that anger into strength against me. I didn't know it would go this far. I'm really sorry, Akaimo."
Akaimo winced.
"Okay…. But my head still hurts a lot. What happened to me, Shinji? It really hurts…"
Shinji sat beside him.
"You hit your head when Jeisuke threw you out of the circle. You lost consciousness immediately. That area is still badly injured from the impact. You need at least a full week of rest — more if needed. The doctor prescribed medicine for you, so take it on time. We want you fully recovered. All of you can rest for a few days until Akaimo is better."
"Got it, Sensei…" Akaimo murmured.
Shinji thought to himself,
How is Jeisuke this strong…? Who was his old master? I thought only his visual powers were strong— but he proved me completely wrong. What is this guy… he's an asset to the team. And it looks like Akaimo still hasn't forgiven him. I need to fix things between them…
"Hey, Jeisuke," Shinji asked aloud. "If you don't mind me asking… who is your master?"
Jeisuke's eyes darkened for a moment.
"I can't say his name. He forbade me from revealing him. But… he's very strong. That's all I can say."
Shinji nodded.
"Relax. No one's forcing you. And Akaimo… look what happened because you lost your cool. In battle, you can't let your opponent's words control you. Anger only opens the door for your enemy — and sometimes, that mistake can be fatal."
"I understand, Sensei," Akaimo replied quietly.
They took Akaimo back to his house.
But nobody saw his parents anywhere.
Momoshimo frowned.
"Are your parents at work? Why aren't they here?"
Akaimo ignored the question completely.
Everyone eventually left the house, leaving the medicine behind.
Jeisuke stopped at the doorway.
"Get well soon, Akaimo."
While they were walking home, Shino called Jeisuke.
"Hey," Shino said, voice low. "I think something's wrong. I'm not totally sure yet… but Jeisuke, I have a job for you. You need to do this — not for me, but for Akaimo."
Then he explained the plan to Jeisuke.