Takemichi's ability to adapt and integrate with Black Dragon truly impresses Kokonoi and Inupee. They also wonder why they feel like they have known Takemichi for a long time. Takemichi understands their abilities and what they desire, although they are not entirely sure about the latter.

In the past, when Black Dragon operated, everyone thought its money came from Taiju's leadership. However, in reality, Kokonoi handled the profitable deals. Kokonoi was quite surprised when Takemichi mentioned this during his first speech to Black Dragon on their debut day.

Takemichi begins studying Black Dragon's deals but does not interfere much. Kokonoi carries out all the transactions, while Takemichi only assesses whether the deals are too dangerous and decides if they should proceed.

First, they avoid drug trafficking and theft. They do use violence when protecting organizations, but they make sure these organizations have never committed murder before working with them. Takemichi understands why wealthy individuals seek delinquent gangs aged 14 to 16. Since these kids are too young to face serious criminal charges, they encounter fewer legal problems if caught. Although the money paid is substantial, it is still a small amount compared to real criminal organizations. Furthermore, dealing too deeply with such groups can lead to oppression or police scrutiny - risks only the big players can afford to take.

Finally, the ultimate taboo, and something Kokonoi absolutely wants to avoid, is murder. Takemichi simply does not want anyone to die, and Kokonoi does not want trouble with the police, so he completely agrees with Takemichi.

To be honest, Kokonoi sometimes feels controlled, but since Takemichi does not cross the line into making him uncomfortable and Black Dragon's income remains strong, he always listens to Takemichi's opinions.

Takemichi also learns quickly. Kokonoi notices that Takemichi shows great interest in the business methods of delinquents. This is somewhat contradictory to Takemichi's personality. Nevertheless, Takemichi seems to live in a gray zone - willing to do bad things but without losing his morals or sense of honor.

Everything has limits, though. Kokonoi does not know how far or how long Takemichi can maintain his boundaries. Takemichi now holds power, money, and authority - all things that can easily make someone lose themselves. This, however, is a matter for the future.

The atmosphere within the gang starts to change - something more harmonious and cheerful among a group of violent delinquents. This is because their boss is a 14-year-old boy with a sunny smile and a kind attitude. He even tries to remember the names and faces of all 100 members. Don't joke, Kokonoi doesn't even remember, his brain needs to think of ways to make money.

Takemichi's efforts are truly admirable. Whenever he talks to someone, he tries to address them by name with the suffix "-kun." Sometimes he gets the name slightly wrong, using a similar-sounding one instead, but even that makes people appreciate him more.

Just as Takemichi says, he is trying to befriend everyone and create a gang where people can be friends with one another. This makes Inupee very happy. Though he does not show it openly, Kokonoi notices the almost reverent look in Inupee's eyes when he gazes at Takemichi. Even Kokonoi's lips start to curl into a faint smile, his warm gaze entirely focused on the boy.

Despite his goodwill, Takemichi does not come across as someone easy to push around. Kokonoi wonders if Takemichi has been in touch with their former leader since the rules and traditions of the 10th generation Black Dragon remain intact. The only difference is that they are now a mix of strength and flexibility rather than pure violence.

It is impossible for all 100 members to submit to Takemichi on the first day. Some still do not accept him and badmouth him behind his back. When Inupee hears about this, he beats one of them up to set an example. However, Inupee would not do so without Takemichi's approval, and Takemichi quietly allows it. After dealing with the troublemaker, Takemichi approaches him with a gentle smile, but his words and eyes do not match. They are enough to make others understand what fear is.

Whether intentionally or not, Takemichi fulfills their wishes - a gang that helps Kokonoi earn money and a Black Dragon that gives Inupee the same feeling of pride as the original Black Dragon he idolized. If this is unintentional, it feels as if Takemichi was born for them. If it is intentional, it makes them wonder: does Takemichi understand them too well while they know so little about him?

They do not think Takemichi's innocence and slight naivety are an act, but there is more to him than meets the eye. This is evident in how he has made both of them willingly hand over Black Dragon to him.

Though Kokonoi admits he finds this fascinating, they start getting used to following Takemichi. Still, he gives them a sense that his presence is distant, like when he stands alone under the dim light streaming through stained glass windows in a church - like an angel preparing to leave this world, someone who could vanish at any moment.

Takemichi eventually shares his secret with them: he has Dissociative Identity Disorder. How do they feel about their boss having a psychological condition? Naturally, they are shocked and speechless at first. But after the surprise fades, Inupee feels it is no big deal. As Kokonoi says, Inupee idolizes Takemichi. No matter what Takemichi is like, Inupee does not care.

Kokonoi, on the other hand, feels a bit unsettled. It is not because he fears or judges Takemichi - he is knowledgeable enough to understand the condition and its causes. This only makes him see Takemichi as even more complex and contradictory.

Here is a boy who always smiles, seems to live a peaceful life with no apparent worries or pain, has great relationships, and is cherished by Touman as a treasure. How could someone like this suffer so much that he develops a dissociative disorder? The way Takemichi talks about his condition and how calmly he reveals it makes Kokonoi doubt if Takemichi is lying.

But then he quickly realizes this explains Takemichi's strange change during the Christmas Eve battle. It is truly something crazy.

"Those two personalities are a bit intense, but they're just kids"

What can he say? One of those personalities is unknown to him, but the other almost killed him, Inupee, and even Taiju that night. He still remembers the reason that personality emerged - it was because they hurt Takemichi's body. Even his alter ego protects him. This boy keeps surprising Kokonoi, and Kokonoi knows he will never stop being amazed by him.

On New Year's Eve, Kokonoi and Inupee decline Takemichi's invitation to visit the shrine. They know Touman will gather in a big group there, and Touman isn't exactly friendly with them. Pretending to get along in front of Takemichi sounds exhausting, and they'd rather not "work overtime" at the end of the year.

Instead, Kokonoi and Inupee have a small New Year's party at their hideout. This hideout was originally meant for just the two of them, but somehow, during one encounter, they naturally brought Takemichi here without a second thought. Takemichi acted as though the place wasn't new to him - he didn't even ask where they were taking him, as if he already knew. By now, they're ready to make this their shared secret base.

"I'm really looking forward to Black Dragon next year. I'll make a lot more money," Kokonoi says, clinking cans with Inupee.

"I'm looking forward to the Black Dragon that you, me, and Hanagaki will build together," Inupee replies with a smile.

In Takemichi's timeline, he spends New Year's Eve surrounded by Hinata and everyone else. The celebration is livelier and more crowded than the previous year. This time, his ema wish card is properly hung up instead of being lost and chased after. His wish reads, "The future of everyone will be happy." And by "everyone," he means everyone.

"Takemitchy, hurry! They're about to start the fireworks!" Mikey waves from a distance, urging them to come.

"We're coming, Mikey-kun!" Takemichi replies brightly. Holding hands with Hinata, he runs alongside Mitsuya, Luna, Mana, Hakkai, Yuzuha, Baji, Chifuyu, Kazutora, Pachin, Peyan, and the Kawata twins toward Mikey, Draken, and Emma.

The sky bursts into bright, colorful lights as the fireworks crackle in the air. Laughter and cheers fill the night, and everyone's faces light up with joy as they gaze at the display. Amidst the vibrant noise and glowing skies, Takemichi glances at Mikey standing next to him. He sees Mikey's carefree smile and sparkling eyes as he watches the fireworks. At that moment, Takemichi feels happiness, but also a small ache in his heart. A Mikey like this gets crushed by misfortune, turning him into a cruel, cold person with lifeless eyes. That image haunts Takemichi the most in his nightmares. I'll definitely save you, Mikey. I promise.

Mikey seems to feel Takemichi's gaze. Even with the fireworks lighting up the night, he turns to meet Takemichi's eyes. For a moment, both stand there, frozen. Takemichi doesn't know what expression he's wearing, but Mikey's widened eyes suggest it's something unexpected. Quickly, Takemichi laughs, and Mikey follows with a soft smile and gentle eyes.

To Mikey, the fireworks' beauty doesn't compare to Takemichi's smile. And the sound of his racing heartbeat, echoing loudly in his chest as he remembers the warmth in Takemichi's earlier gaze, is thankfully drowned out by the fireworks above. Mikey feels his heart slipping further out of his control.

At the start of the new year, the Tokyo Manji Gang holds an important gathering. For the core members, it's a routine meeting, but for everyone else, it's a shocking event.

The temple courtyard, usually dominated by black uniforms, now shares half of its space with white gang uniforms. The remaining Touman members look uneasy. They've heard rumors that some Touman members and the Haitani brothers recently clashed with the Black Dragon gang. To their surprise, the one leading the battle was Takemichi. Not only did they defeat Black Dragon, but Takemichi also took over the gang after its former leader stepped down.

The aura of the Black Dragon members feels intimidating, leaving Touman on edge. They don't want to show weakness, so they keep serious expressions, although they've been itching to discuss whether the rumors are true. The atmosphere is tense.

That tension breaks into astonished stares when Takemichi arrives, followed by two intimidating figures in Black Dragon uniforms. It's been a while since they last saw Takemichi, but they quickly notice how different he seems.

"Greetings, General," the Black Dragon members say in unison, bowing respectfully as Takemichi steps forward. He nods slightly and smiles, but his face remains stern.

"Is everyone here?" Takemichi asks. His tone is entirely different - calm yet authoritative.

"Yes, everyone is present."

"Introduce yourselves to the Touman members. From now on, we are allies."

As soon as Takemichi finishes, the Black Dragon members turn to the entire Touman group. Hands behind their backs and heads slightly bowed, they say in unison, "Please take care of us."

Now Touman fully understands how much Takemichi has changed. He exudes confidence, strength, and authority, far removed from the clumsy, awkward person they used to know. The rumors are confirmed - they're 100% true.

When Draken and Mikey appear, things become even more significant. The Black Dragon gang is officially declared Touman's Sixth Division. They operate as a special division under Takemichi's sole command, retaining their uniforms and functioning independently. The arrangement feels brazen.

Despite their unease, none of the Touman members dare voice objections. After all, who is leading this division? Takemichi - the treasure, the gem cherished by the commander and other high-ranking members. Just look at the captains and vice-captains smiling proudly at Takemichi. Anyone daring to complain would first have to face the First Division. Baji and Chifuyu have already dealt with countless fools who dared badmouth Takemichi.

But the Sixth Division isn't the only special team in Touman. There has been another special division from before. Within that group, a pair of furious eyes now glare at Takemichi.

The meeting ends, and Kokonoi and Inupee are quickly separated from Takemichi. Takemichi is surrounded by his friends in Touman, caught in a flurry of shoulder pats and head rubs. Around them, cheerful chatter and affectionate nicknames like "partner" and "Takemitchy" echo in the air, showcasing the close bond between Takemichi and the Touman members. A faint irritation simmers within Kokonoi and Inupee.

Before they can fully process this, Mikey suddenly pulls them aside.

"How's Takemitchy doing in Black Dragon?" Mikey asks.

"Hanagaki is adapting very well. He's rebuilding Black Dragon... The 11th generation is starting to feel like the original Black Dragon," Inupee answers honestly.

"The original Black Dragon?" Mikey narrows his eyes.

"That's why you wanted Takemitchy to become the leader, isn't it?"

"Yes... Because I see Shinichiro in Takemichi."

"Hey!" Mikey's tone changes, growing sharp with anger.

He leans closer to Inupee, his face mere inches away. "Listen carefully. From the beginning to the end, Takemitchy is mine. I'm the one who found him first. Even if he's now the leader of Black Dragon, he'll always belong to me - not to you or anyone else."

The intense possessiveness in Mikey's dark gaze makes Kokonoi and Inupee break into a nervous sweat. Yet, deep inside, a defiant feeling rises within them.

Takemichi came to us. He chose to be our boss willingly. He's not just Touman's anymore.

Mikey quickly softens his expression and lowers his voice slightly.

"You two must protect Takemitchy at all costs. He's our treasure. I'm sure you both understand his current condition."

Of course, they'll protect their leader. They don't need reminders about something they already intend to do. "We understand."

"You should also watch over him closely," Mikey adds, his words confusing them.

"Takemitchy... Sometimes, you won't know what he plans to do. There are times I wish he'd hurt others, but instead, he always takes the pain on himself. I don't think you'd want to see that happen."