As the sky gradually darkened, the street outside the window was dyed in dusk. It was also the usual closing time for the café.
Yoshimura Kuzen looked at the last two old companions remaining in the shop, Koma Enji and Irimi Kaya. His voice was gentle but carried a tone that allowed no refusal. "You two... should leave as well."
However, his words did not receive the response he had expected.
Koma Enji continued to slowly wipe the glass in his hand, as if it were some priceless treasure.
Irimi Kaya picked up another clean cloth and began carefully wiping the already spotless counter.
The two of them chose silence at the same time. There was a knowing and peaceful smile at the corners of their mouths. Their actions gave the clearest answer.
Yoshimura Kuzen looked at them. The words of persuasion that had reached his lips ultimately could not be spoken. They turned into a soft sigh of helplessness.
His gaze became distant, and scenes from many years ago surfaced in his mind:
Back then, they were the feared "Apes" and "Black Doberman." How unruly they had been, radiating danger and defiance.
Now, the years and peace had worn down their sharp edges. The former violence and flamboyance had long since settled into the calm and gentleness of this moment.
Under the warm yellow lights, the sight of them wiping cups appeared so serene, as if the storm outside had nothing to do with this little shop.
This silent companionship held more strength than any words.
...
It was deep into the night when Amano Hiro and Rize returned to their residence in the 20th Ward.
Like countless nights before, their "nighttime activities" unfolded as scheduled. Only in the early hours did they fall asleep in each other's arms.
The two of them never tired of such matters. It could be called a daily required course.
When Amano Hiro opened his eyes again, the daylight outside was already glaring. Time had once more skipped to noon.
After tidying up briefly, he strolled toward the antique café as usual.
He pushed open the familiar wooden door. The expected clear "Welcome" did not sound.
The shop was unusually quiet. There was not a single customer. Only Yoshimura Kuzen, Koma Enji, and Irimi Kaya remained, each standing in their usual positions.
A different kind of stillness filled the air. Even the patches of sunlight falling through the windows seemed especially desolate.
Amano Hiro could not help but pause slightly. This was not right.
At this hour on ordinary days, the shop would already be full. Voices and the aroma of coffee would intertwine, filled with the warmth of everyday life. Today, however, it was quiet enough to unsettle the heart.
As he pondered the reason for this abnormality, Yoshimura Kuzen, standing behind the counter, had already raised his head and looked over. His tone was calm, yet carried a trace of gravity.
"Hiro, you're here." He paused briefly and went straight to the point. "The CCG has likely already set its sights on Anteiku."
While wiping the coffee cup in his hand, he continued, "I've already had Yomo take Touka and the others to lie low for a while.
For safety's sake, Hiro, you should also go and join them as soon as possible."
Hearing this, Amano Hiro's brows drew together slightly. The first thought that flashed through his mind was Eto. But he quickly dismissed it.
They had just reached a cooperation agreement. There was no reason for her to tear it up immediately. Moreover, the timing did not match. She had no opportunity to arrange something this quickly.
It seemed the problem lay elsewhere.
He sat down at the counter and unconsciously tapped the wooden surface with his fingertips. "What exactly happened?"
Yoshimura Kuzen calmly recounted what had occurred the previous afternoon, when the V organization member Kaiko had suddenly arrived, including the conversation filled with hidden killing intent.
Amano Hiro lowered his gaze in thought. The V organization coming directly to the door... This plot had not appeared in the anime. It resembled more the development from the original manga.
"Hiro, your Blue Mountain." Koma Enji gently placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of him, interrupting his thoughts.
"Thank you." Amano Hiro nodded, lifted the cup, and took a sip of the rich liquid. He then looked up at the manager.
"I won't be going to join them. With Yomo and Kirishima Arata there, their safety is assured."
His tone suddenly shifted. His gaze sharpened like a blade and pierced Yoshimura Kuzen's seemingly calm eyes.
"As for you, Manager... why aren't you leaving?" His voice lowered, yet carried a force that pierced through everything. "Have you already prepared yourself... to die?"
The words exploded like thunder in the silent café.
Behind the counter, Irimi Kaya's hand paused slightly as she wiped a cup. Koma Enji's smile froze.
Both looked at the manager with worry. They knew they might die this time, but that was different from deliberately seeking death.
Yoshimura Kuzen tightened his grip on the coffee pot. The dark liquid inside swayed, reflecting the complicated light that flashed through his eyes.
Amano Hiro lightly tapped the table with his knuckles, staring steadily at the old man's calm face.
"Or are you planning to use your life in exchange for a sliver of survival for Eto?"
He leaned forward slightly. His voice lowered, yet every word was clear.
"There is no meaning in doing that. The Washuu will never spare her because of your death.
As long as Eto carries the blood of the One-Eyed, she will forever possess the potential to become a king.
In the eyes of all those in power, any existence capable of shaking the foundation of rule must be completely eradicated."
At this point, he lifted the gradually cooling Blue Mountain and took a sip.
A faint, unreadable curve formed at the corner of his lips. A sharp light flashed in his eyes.
"However, there's no need to be overly pessimistic."
His fingers slowly turned the white porcelain cup. The dark brown surface rippled gently.
"As for how it will ultimately develop..." He looked toward the drifting clouds outside the window, his tone composed. "It is still uncertain."
Amano Hiro's fingers moved quickly across his phone screen. A text message was silently sent deep into Aogiri Tree.
"V has approached your father and demanded your whereabouts. He refused. They will move against Anteiku at the earliest tonight, at the latest tomorrow."
After the message was successfully sent, he gently placed the phone on the counter. His fingers unconsciously traced the warm surface of the cup.
The aroma of coffee quietly spread through the silence.
Time passed slowly in waiting. Just as he thought there would be no reply, the phone screen suddenly lit up, illuminating his lowered eyelashes.
Yoshimura Eto's reply was so simple it was almost cold. Only three words.
"Understood."
Looking at the brief response, Amano Hiro could not help thinking that the misunderstanding between father and daughter truly ran deep.
It would likely not be resolved anytime soon. But that was not within his jurisdiction. They would have plenty of time to talk in the future.
Right now, Amano Hiro was already considering what kind of entrance he would make once the battle began. It had to be shocking, domineering.
He had to admit, he was actually looking forward to it.