As Hayato turned to leave the cemetery, a man's voice cut through the quiet morning air.
"Hayato?!"
Hayato glanced over his shoulder, the toothpick still resting lazily between his teeth. Standing a few yards away down the stone path were two familiar figures.
Yui tensed slightly, her mind racing. Is he going to attack us... or he won't pick a fight here?
Hayato plucked the toothpick from his mouth, his expression unreadable. "Yui? Shinji?"
"What are you doing here?" Shinji asked, eyeing him with cautious curiosity.
"Paying my respects," Hayato replied plainly.
Shinji gave a slow nod.
"What about you two?" Hayato asked.
"Same," Shinji said.
Hayato nodded once. His gaze shifted over to Yui.
Yui narrowed her eyes, bracing herself. She fully expected him to drop a smug comment about their last fight, or throw out some cheap joke just to push her buttons.
Instead, Hayato simply looked at her without saying a single word.
"Right then," Hayato said, rolling the toothpick back into his mouth. "I'll let you two get to it."
Shinji nodded, while Yui stood frozen in absolute disbelief. Hayato turned on his heel and walked away, his hands buried deep in his pockets.
"Is that... actually Hayato?" Shinji muttered, watching his retreating back.
Yui nodded slowly, her mouth slightly agape. "Yeah, brother... Normally, he wouldn't let a moment pass without teasing people, and me about our last duel."
"Come on, Yui," Shinji said, shaking off the odd encounter. "Let's go."
A short while later, Hayato strolled back into the family estate grounds, a fresh toothpick tucked into his cheek.
Students in formal training clothes were moving back and forth across the courtyard between the dojos. The familiar sight brought a faint smirk to Hayato's lips.
As he made his way toward his quarters, his eyes caught sight of Akira standing near the central garden with Commander Sasaki. Hayato tried to walk past them unnoticed, but Sasaki spotted him immediately.
"Hayato!" Sasaki called out.
Hayato paused and turned. Sasaki gestured for him to step over. Hayato looked left and right, pointing a finger back at his own chest in silent question. Sasaki gave a quick thumbs-up.
Hayato walked over, his posture relaxed. "Good morning, Commander. Big fan."
Sasaki offered a warm nod. "Good morning, Hayato. Shisui brought me up to speed on what happened."
Hayato's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of genuine shock crossing his features.
Wait... did Shisui actually tell him about Eliza? And Number 0?
Akira's eyes narrowed as she watched Hayato's sudden reaction.
That's the first time I've ever seen that kind of look on his face... What on earth happened in Canada? Father said they were just attending a high-society event...
"He mentioned that you two stumbled across an underground bio-experimentation lab?" Sasaki said, observing him closely.
Hayato gave a quick nod.
Sasaki let out a sigh of relief, placing a heavy hand on Hayato's shoulder. "I'm just glad you both made it back alive."
"Thanks," Hayato replied, watching Sasaki carefully.
"What is it?" Sasaki asked.
"What exactly did Shisui tell you?" Hayato asked, keeping his tone casual.
"That you two were exploring the outer perimeter, fell into an underground sector, and had to fight off a rogue mutant specimen to get out," Sasaki answered smoothly.
Hayato gave a single nod of confirmation.
"Why do you ask?" Sasaki added, raising an eyebrow.
Hayato waved a dismissive hand, a easy grin returning to his face. "Nah, just wanted to make sure Shisui didn't leave out any details. Sounds like he gave you the full picture. Anyway, see ya, Commander."
As Hayato turned to walk away, he paused and threw a thumbs-up back over his shoulder. "And thanks for doing that favor I asked for."
"Don't worry about it," Sasaki replied.
As Hayato walked down the path, he let out a long, silent breath.
Shisui... thanks for keeping your mouth shut about Eliza and that number man.
Behind him, Commander Sasaki's eyes narrowed into a sharp, calculating stare as he watched Hayato walk away.
So there really is something both Hayato and Shisui are hiding from me... What actually happened there?
Akira looked up at her father. His usual gentle demeanor was completely gone, replaced by a cold, sharp seriousness.
A chill ran down Akira's spine. It's been a long time since I've seen Father look like that...
"Um... Father?" she spoke up quietly.
Sasaki turned to her, his gaze softening slightly. "Yes, Akira?"
"Is everything alright?" she asked.
"Those two... Hayato and Shisui... they're keeping something from me," Sasaki said quietly.
"What do you mean, Father?"
"When I recovered them in Canada, both of them were battered to hell," Sasaki explained. "Shisui was in critical condition, so I prioritized getting them medical help before interrogating anyone. But Hayato... he was different."
Akira remembered Hayato's strange behavior earlier that morning—his silent walk to the old house and the unmarked grave.
He definitely hasn't been acting like himself...
Sasaki nodded slowly. "I questioned Shisui directly once he stabilized. He gave me a full account, but my gut tells me he omitted key details. Hayato's expression confirmed it."
"Should I try to get it out of him, Father?" Akira offered.
Sasaki shook his head gently. "It would help, but there's no need to burden yourself with that."
Akira set her jaw with quiet determination. "Don't worry about it, Father. Leave it to me."
She turned and headed straight toward Hayato's residence.
Catching up to him near the outer courtyard, she spotted him strolling leisurely, hands in his pockets, staring blankly ahead.
"Hayato," Akira called out.
He didn't respond, completely lost in his own thoughts.
"HAYATO!" Akira shouted directly into his ear.
"WHOA!" Hayato jumped a foot into the air, spinning around with his hands raised in a defensive guard, breathing heavily.
He blinked, seeing Akira standing there with her arms crossed.
"Akira?!" he gasped, lowering his guard and shaking his head. "Man... I thought someone was trying to kidnap me!" Hayato looked around.
Akira fixed him with an unyielding glare. "What were you doing out so early this morning?"
Hayato looked at her, the realization dawning on him.
So it was you tailing me this morning... He thought.
"You know, Akira," Hayato grinned, slipping his hands back into his pockets, "morning cardio is essential for a healthy body and mind."
Akira didn't buy it for a second.
"Well, if you don't have anything else to interrogate me about, I'm gonna go take a nap," Hayato said, stepping past her.
He's dodging me... He really is different, Akira thought.
Hayato took three steps before her voice cut through the air, sharp and unwavering.
"Hayato."
Hayato stopped, a small on his face, as he glanced back over his shoulder.
"I know you're keeping secrets from my father," Akira said, her eyes locked onto his. "And I know about your little detour to that old house on the edge of town this morning."
Hayato's eyes widened slightly, his body growing rigid.
"Tell me what really happened in Canada," Akira demanded, stepping closer. "Tell me the truth... and I won't say a word to my father."