That evening, Takemichi brings his injured self to Chifuyu's house. Seeing his bruised and battered appearance, Chifuyu immediately explodes with anger. "Takemichi, who beat you up?"

Takemichi just scratches his head and laughs awkwardly. "It's a long story."

Takemichi hides the fact that he intentionally let Black Dragon target him but shares everything else.

"Hakkai is the younger brother of Black Dragon's leader, and you were the 11th leader of Black Dragon? Why didn't you tell me before? What else are you hiding from me?"

"There's too much to tell at once. Black Dragon is holding a grudge because I saved Rindou, so they came after me today. Hakkai left Touman to return to his brother to help me, and I want to help him again. Also... I want Black Dragon again."

"It was always yours. If you want it, I'll get it for you."

Takemichi laughs. "You make it sound like I can have whatever I want."

He doesn't notice the serious look in Chifuyu's eyes or the unwavering tone of his voice. It's not just casual talk, as Takemichi thinks.

I've already died for you. So, tell me - what is it I wouldn't do for you?

Chifuyu sighs quietly, looking at his clueless partner. There's no way he can understand his feelings.

Chifuyu also calls Baji to explain the situation. But before getting to the main point, Baji's anger flares up. "I'll beat that cocky Shiba Taiju to a pulp."

"Baji-kun, that's not the main issue here."

"You never stop getting hurt, do you? Why can't you stay out of trouble?"

Baji pinches Takemichi's other cheek roughly. Takemichi feels like everyone in this timeline is overly concerned about his injuries.

What he doesn't realize is that after he stabbed himself, he unintentionally planted an invisible fear in their hearts. Every time they see him injured, the image of him collapsing in a pool of blood resurfaces. Since learning about his psychological struggles, they worry even more. If he suffers any further physical or emotional harm, the stranger lurking within him might take over, and they would lose the Takemichi they know. That's why they want to protect him at all costs. But Takemichi, as always, dives headfirst into danger without a second thought about himself, unaware of the care they have for him.

"If Kazutora sees you like this tomorrow, he'll lose it," Baji says, now gently stroking his cheek. Seeing the injuries on Takemichi's face tugs painfully at his heart. Takemichi always makes him worry.

"Tomorrow, I'll call everyone for a meeting. It's going to be intense."

As expected, the next day at school, Kazutora freezes at the sight of the bandages on Takemichi's face. After hearing the story, Kazutora blames himself for not walking Takemichi home. Takemichi reassures him that it's just minor injuries.

But the result? Kazutora hugs him tightly, acting all pitiful and clingy like a puppy. Takemichi doesn't dare ask him to let go. Meanwhile, their friends watch in irritation, itching to say something, but Kazutora's sharp, warning glare keeps them silent. None of them ever warm up to Kazutora. He only smiles and jokes around Takemichi, while remaining cold and distant to everyone else. They also feel like Kazutora is slowly stealing Takemichi away.

After arriving at Mikey's house for the meeting, Takemichi suddenly considers not showing up in front of everyone anymore whenever he gets injured. Seeing the angry faces of the group, even Hakkai feels guilty about Takemichi being beaten, even though it isn't his fault. Mikey and Kazutora start blaming each other, forcing Baji to step in and separate them.

"This is more complicated than just a fight with Black Dragon. Everyone, listen to me first," Takemichi pleads in frustration.

He lets Hakkai explain everything to the group: how he hid the fact that he is the younger brother of Black Dragon's leader, how his brother forced him to return to Black Dragon, and how Black Dragon is targeting Takemichi for interfering with their business on Touman's turf.

"So if we declare war now, it'll make things harder for Hakkai, and Touman will look like the aggressor against Black Dragon because I got in their way. Touman has never been a gang that picks fights for no reason, and this would damage both our reputation and Mikey's," Takemichi says.

"But with how reckless they are, we can't just let this go, Takemitchy," Draken objects.

"We won't fight openly, but that doesn't mean I plan to let it slide," Takemichi replies.

The group, except for Baji and Chifuyu, looks at him with some confusion.

"The main goal of this battle is to free Hakkai and his sister from Taiju's violence. I also don't want it to become a public fight that draws too much attention. We'll carry out a surprise attack and frame it as settling a personal grudge between me and Black Dragon."

If the plan succeeds, it will also enhance Takemichi's reputation.

"Hakkai told me that every Christmas, Taiju prays alone at the church. That's the perfect time to strike. We won't mobilize an army for a massive battle, but the plan remains to take down Shiba Taiju and his 100 elite soldiers."

"A stealth mission with a challenge - sounds good. I've fought them before, and I can take care of them," Draken says enthusiastically, but then...

"Since this is about settling a personal grudge, not all of Touman's key members can participate, especially Mikey and Draken," Takemichi adds.

The group is shocked. What is Takemichi thinking? Fighting someone as strong as Taiju and 100 Black Dragon soldiers without Mikey or Draken sounds like suicide.

"Are you serious, Takemitchy?" Mikey asks, double-checking to make sure he isn't hearing things wrong.

"This time, it'll just be me, Baji-kun, and Chifuyu since we're from the same division. It's normal for the captain and vice-captain to help a member settle personal issues. We'll also include Kazutora-kun and Mitsuya-kun because Hakkai is part of Mitsuya's division. The other division members will act as backup if things get out of control. Mikey-kun and Draken-kun will pretend they know nothing about this and then publicly reprimand us in front of the others. This way, Touman and Mikey stay out of it, and no one can say anything against us."

"I get it, but isn't this group a bit too small to take down Black Dragon? It's way too risky," Draken says, worried about what crazy plan Takemichi is plotting this time.

Takemichi smiles at everyone. "Don't worry. The attacking force won't just be this small. Black Dragon doesn't only hold grudges against me."

Everything is decided, and after much effort, Takemichi finally convinces everyone to agree. However, he knows Mikey only reluctantly accepts. Because of that, Takemichi stays behind to talk to him.

"Mikey-kun, I know you're not happy about this, but please trust me and leave this to me, okay?"

Mikey remains silent, deep in thought. After what happened before, he feels that Takemichi is hiding too much. He doesn't doubt that Takemichi would ever do anything wrong or betray his trust, because he always senses Takemichi's care and the genuine kindness in his eyes. What he fears is that Takemichi will hurt himself again, and Mikey won't understand why. That time was enough to make him experience a deep, consuming fear. Why does he keep feeling uneasy, as if one day Takemichi might disappear?

Mikey steps forward and hugs Takemichi again. This time, it's not to seek comfort but to reassure himself that Takemichi is still there, safe in his arms.

"I trust you, Takemitchy. I told you I'd listen to you no matter what, but this time, you can't get hurt - or worse," Mikey says softly.

"Not getting hurt is impossible. You all know that. But don't worry - I'll make sure to come back in one piece without any serious injuries," Takemichi reassures him with a smile.

"Okay," Mikey replies, though his heart says otherwise. If anything happens to you, I'll destroy Black Dragon myself. Mikey doesn't say it out loud, knowing Takemichi wouldn't want to hear it. Instead, he tightens his arms around Takemichi, holding him even closer.

Days pass, and Takemichi gradually gets used to dealing with the two "kids" inside him. Honestly, it's not as bad as he initially thought. Michi still keeps his sly and sassy attitude, but after Take starts answering some of Takemichi's questions, the other one seems unwilling to be left out and also responds. Through this, Takemichi learns a bit more about the two people within him.

Michi, it turns out, isn't entirely unlikeable. In fact, he has a surprisingly cute side - he really loves flowers but feels too shy to admit it. Takemichi notices him writing and erasing that fact over ten times before finally leaving it out altogether.

Take, on the other hand, has his own sneaky habits. He secretly goes off to fight somewhere but always writes in the journal like nothing unusual happened. However, when Takemichi starts noticing small bruises on his body that aren't too severe, or when he sees signs that the box holding the black outfit he bought for the plan involving Pa's friend has been disturbed, he quickly figures things out. Especially when rumors spread about a masked figure in a black outfit roaming around, taking down countless delinquents, Takemichi puts the pieces together. Well, at least Take has the sense not to reveal his face or harm innocent people. Take's violent tendencies and overwhelming desire for victory are undeniable. If it weren't for the "rules" they had, Take might have already challenged all of Touman's elite members to a fight.

Takemichi starts talking to himself out loud more often, to the point that anyone walking in on him might think he's gone crazy. But this becomes his way of hoping the two inside him will one day willingly respond to him. Even his room starts to reflect not just his own personality anymore. Little by little, it's becoming a blend of all three of them.

Hakkai returns to his brother but secretly reports to them daily. He becomes more and more eager to escape his brother's oppression. Takemichi finishes all his preparations before the ambush.

Christmas Day finally arrives. Takemichi, Baji, Chifuyu, Kazutora, and Mitsuya gather together. The sound of motorcycle engines fills the air, growing louder before stopping near them.

"Looks like we're late, huh?"

Everyone except Takemichi frowns. This combination of people is something none of them ever imagined, and it would never have happened if not for Takemichi.

"We just got here. Let's work well together."

Takemichi smiles warmly.

The Haitani brothers step forward, their signature half-smirks on their faces.

"I'm really excited about this, Hanagaki-kun," Ran says, giving Takemichi a strange look that sends a shiver down his spine.

Rindou walks up, placing a hand on Takemichi's shoulder and leaning close to his ear. "Here we are, fighting together again. You and I really are destined to meet, Takemitchy."

Takemichi struggles to suppress a shudder. Mitsuya quickly pulls Takemichi behind him, his protective gaze warning the Haitani brothers to keep their distance.

Rindou clicks his tongue in annoyance. Touman members always get in his way.

"Relax, I'm just saying hi. No need to get so worked up."

"You should keep your distance from Takemichi. What's with this 'friendly' act?" Kazutora glares at Rindou, his expression sharp and threatening.

"You're one to talk, Kazutora. You've hurt Takemitchy before."

"You - "

"Hey, can we not fight among ourselves tonight? Please."

Takemichi sighs, clearly exasperated. He can only hope this team can get through the night without imploding. This group feels even more chaotic than the one in the past with Takemichi, Chifuyu, Kisaki, and Hanma.

"Alright, enough talking. Let's get to the fighting," Baji says, cracking his knuckles.

"Looks like it's going to be a long night," Chifuyu mutters, sounding resigned.

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Do you think this team will be even more chaotic than the last one? LOL, drop me a comment!