When Kimura steps outside, his face still carries that same calm expression and that perfectly practiced smile. It only makes Inupee boil with the urge to punch him straight in the face. Taiju and Kokonoi, on the other hand, remain indifferent. After all, Kimura is someone of value, and his actions show clearly that he has no intention of harming Takemichi. For now, the two of them choose to turn a blind eye and continue observing him.

When they return, they see Takemichi standing by the window, staring outside. His expression is the same as always - no one can tell whether he is happy or sad. Truthfully, they never expect Takemichi to be someone good at hiding his emotions. They know he carries many secrets he keeps from them. They respect that, but they still hope he will share more with them someday.

Takemichi realizes he has been lost in his thoughts for too long when Inupee calls out to him. He startles slightly and turns around, only to see Taiju, Inupee, and Kokonoi standing beside him without him even noticing when they arrive.

"Everything okay, boss?" Kokonoi speaks first. "It's those two personalities again, right? Something wrong with them?"

"Maybe," Takemichi says. "I don't really know either. I just think... if they only show up once a week, how much trouble can they really cause? But now, I think I need to reconsider."

"I'm not sure about this," Kokonoi continues, "but do you really believe your personalities only appear once a week? There are times when your mental state weakens, and the emotions of those personalities explode - like when Inupee hit you and one of them got angry and surfaced. In moments like that, you can't control it at all, can you? Hanagaki, think about it. Has your body shown anything unusual lately?"

Kokonoi lays out his reasoning, and his words begin to weigh heavily on Takemichi's mind.

"Takemichi improves too fast."

Taiju speaks up while Takemichi is still thinking about everything he has gone through. The other three turn their eyes to him, waiting for an explanation.

"I know you train the way I tell you to," Taiju says, "but your punches and your reflexes improve way too quickly - especially your reflexes. Sometimes your movements are completely unexpected. You still have a lot on your plate, so I don't think you have enough time to reach that level of mastery. To get that kind of improvement, you need to fight more. You need more real combat. That's muscle memory. Through training - or rather, through fighting again and again - your brain learns how to fight so well that now you can attack or defend without thinking. It becomes instinct."

"Take gets into fights a lot," someone says.

Taiju shakes his head. "How many fights can he get into in a day? And he still goes to school. Your friend already says there's nothing unusual during that time, right? Then the remaining time isn't enough."

Takemichi does realize that he is stronger than before. Still, he believes his rapid improvement comes from Baji training him back then and from Taiju's strict guidance paying off. That has to be the reason he reaches this level now.

Deep down, he honestly thinks he has only improved by one step - not to the point Taiju describes, not enough to genuinely surprise him. Besides, that guy always criticizes him anyway. Who knows, maybe now that things are coming to light, he suddenly decides to throw out compliments like they have wings. But right now, Takemichi has no mood to feel happy about any of that.

This guy... Is he trying to piss him off or what?

"But I'm certain that on the remaining days, those two brats don't show up at all. I go to school, then I head over to Black Dragon with Inupee and Kokonoi. If those two appear, everyone would have told me already."

A thought brushes past Takemichi's mind - but all of that happens during the day. What about the nights, after he gets home? There is no witness to prove whether his body gets taken over or not at that time. But if that is the case, at the very least, he should notice something being wrong - there should be gaps in his memory, just like every other time they suddenly appear.

"If it's not during the day, then it can only be at night... or late at night," Takemichi voices his thoughts, and it is exactly what everyone else here is thinking as well.

"If you're clear-headed enough and not as unstable as you were before the Christmas Eve injury, then it's possible that your other personalities have a hard time taking control of your body. But after the injury, you suffer a concussion, then depression follows - are you really sure you're always strong enough to keep those personalities from being released freely?"

The headaches and lingering complications that exhaust him all begin from that period. His mental state grows increasingly unstable, especially at night - when he is alone, when loneliness and fear come crashing down on him, making it genuinely difficult for Takemichi to calm himself.

"Then maybe it also has something to do with Hanagaki being overworked. They could be appearing during moments when Hanagaki thinks he's asleep, doing something while he's unaware, which is why his body never truly recovers. Hanagaki has said before that there are days when he sleeps for a long time but still feels extremely tired and drowsy." - Inupee

These hypotheses all make sense - too much sense. The more they talk about it, the heavier the anxiety becomes. Takemichi feels like he is sitting on a bed of fire right now. If he could be certain, he would grab those two brats by the collar and demand answers. But whether he wants to or not, he can't - doing so would only stir up even bigger trouble.

Takemichi rubs his forehead. The discomfort spreads violently through his body and nervous system. His fingertips begin to tremble, followed by slight spasms.

I want to destroy something.

Chaos starts to rise in Takemichi's eyes, like a massive storm over the ocean - waves surging violently, desperate to tear everything apart.

This is bad.

Takemichi has to raise his thumb to his mouth and bite down hard just to steady himself. He doesn't realize how fiercely he bites into his own finger until Taiju grabs his wrist and pulls it down.

"Calm down, Takemichi. We'll figure this out. If you're too rattled, you won't solve anything. The more unstable your mind is, the easier it is for that other personality to take control of your body."

Taiju soothes him. Only then does Takemichi notice the worried looks in Kokonoi's and Inupee's eyes. And after that, he realizes Taiju's large, calloused hand is tightly holding onto his.

The icy cold and trembling at his fingertips are now wrapped in warmth. It makes Takemichi feel safe, and the anxiety gnawing at his chest slowly settles.

Takemichi regulates his breathing. Right - he has to stay calm. If he doesn't, things will spiral even further.

He wants this to last a little longer. Almost as if he's afraid Taiju might let go, Takemichi tightens his grip instead. The action leaves Taiju utterly stunned - so stunned he freezes on the spot.

He grabs Takemichi's wrist in the first place out of instinct, worried the kid might hurt himself. He never expects Takemichi to cling back. And then there's that wide-eyed look, like a small, pitiful puppy terrified of being abandoned.

Swear to God, ever since Takemichi walks into his life, he never once stops making things difficult for him.

Right now, Taiju's heart is genuinely pounding out of control because of that single action.

Takemichi's small hand fits neatly into his large one. No matter how much fighting Takemichi does, no matter how rough his hands get, his palm remains soft - and soft things always make people want to touch them.

Taiju doesn't understand why, no matter how Takemichi is, no matter how clearly he is a boy from head to toe, with more than enough masculinity, the words that still cling to him are always "cute" or "soft."

Seeing that Takemichi is gradually regaining his composure, a hint of amusement surfaces on Taiju's face.

But Taiju quickly realizes where those two piercing stares aimed straight at him are coming from - anyone can guess. If Takemichi is not busy calming himself down because he is holding Taiju's hand, Kokonoi and Inupee would have already stepped in to ruin everything. Their gazes are sharp enough to sting the eyes - this bastard steals their chance again.

It does not seem like Touman is the problem after all. The biggest obstacle standing in their way right now is right here - this guy.

"Alright then, let's go eat lunch. What do you want to eat, Takemichi?"

Taiju does not know whether he genuinely remembers that it is lunchtime, or if he is just trying to change the subject. He asks in an unusually gentle tone. Kokonoi and Inupee feel like it will take a long time before they ever get used to this. They try their best not to show how irritated they are, but with faces sulking like that, anyone can tell at a glance. The calm, elegant pretty-boy expression, or that mischievous smile full of unreadable intentions from before, is nowhere to be seen now.

Takemichi, on the other hand, is suddenly drawn into Taiju's question. He still grips Taiju's hand tightly and thinks about it seriously.

"Is ramen okay?"

"Then let's go."

Taiju leads him away by the hand, while Inupee simmers with indescribable frustration. Kokonoi has to force himself to stay calm as he holds his best friend back, stopping him from turning into a rabid dog ready to bite someone.

When they reach the entrance, they run into about six or seven subordinates. It looks like they have just returned from an assignment. The moment they see the top figures of their gang, they naturally bow - and very deliberately ignore the fact that Taiju is holding Takemichi's hand as he leads him along.

Yeah... it looks both weird and oddly cute (?) in some unexplainable way. Even though Taiju is only two years older than Takemichi, the sheer difference in their physiques makes Taiju look like Takemichi's young dad.

Their survival instincts scream at them that it is better to pretend they see nothing.

"We're going to eat lunch. You guys want to come with us?"

Only then does Takemichi let go of Taiju's hand, and the Black Dragon members swear they see clear displeasure flash across Taiju's face.

We have nothing to do with this, okay? Don't look at us like that. Even if you pay us extra, we still would not dare to go.

"We've already eaten. Please go ahead and enjoy your meal, Commander."

They refuse quickly.

Right after that, Kimura appears behind them. He pays no attention to anyone else, and the moment he spots Takemichi, his face lights up with a wide smile.

"Hanagaki-san, are you heading somewhere?"

"We're going to eat lunch. You want to come?"

Takemichi answers in the most neutral tone he can manage. But there are three people here who are anything but neutral. They instantly change their minds - this guy needs to be sent away.

"Then I'll treat everyone to lunch today."

Kimura says generously, casually pulling out his luxury wallet and waving it around.

Both Kokonoi and Taiju feel their positions being threatened. As for Takemichi, he just thinks that Black Dragon has gained yet another capitalist. A textbook example of an employee who is richer than the boss. In short, Kimura himself is annoying, but his money has done nothing wrong - so they might as well use it.

"Let's go."

"Yes."

The first one to respond to Takemichi is Kimura, with such obvious excitement that it makes three certain people absolutely hate him, while making the rest of them tremble in fear.

They can almost feel sparks crackling in the air, accompanied by the low growls of ferocious wolves threatening a pampered purebred house dog - its glossy fur shining as it happily wags its tail at its owner.

They have no idea why such a bizarre image comes to mind.

But more than anything, they really hope these people leave as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, somewhere else, Chifuyu is facing a problem. A huge one. An extremely huge one.

The baseball bat in Hinata's hand keeps tapping clack, clack against the concrete ground, and Chifuyu can't help but feel his body tense up.

"Chifuyu-kun, can you answer a few questions for me?"

"I'm just giving you a small reminder - my sister has a black belt in karate."

Hinata's younger brother says it with a completely serious face, and it only makes Chifuyu even more terrified.

Hello, Takemichi - why have you never once told me that your girlfriend, who looks sweet and gentle on the outside, can be this terrifying?

And this... this isn't a jealousy showdown, right? It's not, right?

Earlier this morning, Chifuyu receives a call from an unknown number. To his surprise, it turns out to be from the girlfriend of his best friend - who is also his partner and his crush. Simply put, his love rival - Tachibana Hinata.

He has no idea how she even gets his number. She asks to meet him at a park located right between their neighborhoods. She says there are some important matters she wants to ask him for help with. Chifuyu feels deeply suspicious - but still agrees.

Honestly, he should have realized something is off. If it's just a conversation, why not meet at a café? Why a park? Turns out, a park is a lot more convenient if she needs to deal with him.

The clack echoes again, and Chifuyu flinches.

"Hinata-chan, whatever it is, let's talk calmly, okay? How about we put that thing down first?"

"No. If you don't answer me, then today - Chifuyu, you're done for."

Hinata smiles brightly, looking incredibly cute. But Chifuyu only feels a chill crawl up his spine.

He has fought countless delinquents - big, tough, terrifying guys - and never once feels afraid. But Hinata? This is a whole different level.

If Hinata really comes after him in a jealous rage, he is absolutely finished. Takemichi's official girlfriend really is something else. If that's the case... which category does that make Chifuyu?

Wait - what am I even thinking?

Chifuyu clears his throat and forces himself to look serious. A grown man can't possibly show such weak presence. He still has to be Takemichi's support, after all. Even if he's not exactly the official one, he needs at least a little dignity.

"Hinata-chan... what do you want to ask?"

"Everything about Takemichi. Is he going through something right now, Chifuyu? I want you to tell me. Please."

Chifuyu lifts a hand and rubs the back of his neck, his expression turning awkward.

"Hinata... you already know this, but Takemichi has been really busy lately. We're delinquents, so conflicts happen all the time. And now that he's the commander of Black Dragon, the pressure on him is enormous. The problem is - he doesn't share it with anyone. That's why things end up like this. You understand, right?"

"I know. But what's the real reason? Takemichi-kun is a strong person. And yet... what pushes him so far that he becomes depressed? It's not just pressure anymore. He looks so miserable... so exhausted."

Hinata's voice grows softer as she speaks. She is simply heartbroken for the person she loves.

If Takemichi does not say anything, how can Chifuyu possibly blurt out the truth - that her boyfriend keeps saving her and all of them, over and over again, by time-leaping, throwing himself into danger as if it is routine, fighting other people as if his life is expendable. He is always worrying about everyone's future, and even when he is on the verge of collapsing, he still keeps going.

Takemichi wants to hide everything simply because he does not want them to grieve for him. He wants them to live in peace and reach a good future, while all the painful memories - he chooses to shoulder them alone.

"Chifuyu-kun, we're genuinely worried about him, that's why we want to ask you. My sister and I... we just want to share that burden with Takemichi. You don't want Takemichi-kun to stay like this forever either, right?"

Of course he doesn't. But Chifuyu cannot say it out loud.

If Takemichi finds out, he will get angry at him. Or maybe - deep down - there is a trace of selfishness in Chifuyu's heart. He wants to be the only one who understands why Takemichi suffers like this, so that when Takemichi needs someone by his side, he will come to him alone.

Just like that night.

Not his girlfriend. Not Mikey. Not anyone else.

Takemichi comes to him - the one who works alongside him.

That alone proves it. Chifuyu is the person Takemichi trusts, the one he wants to lean on when his mind is at its most unstable. Chifuyu does not want anyone else to take that place.

He knows it is selfish.

But the person who holds Takemichi's heart right now is that girl, and the future Takemichi wants is a happy life by her side. She will have everything of Takemichi's. As for him, all Chifuyu can do now is struggle to keep one special place in Takemichi's heart.

Seeing how hard it is for Chifuyu to speak - and sensing that he does not want to - Hinata feels a faint disappointment. After a moment of silence, she finally speaks softly.

"Then... is the person who's hurting him named Kisaki Tetta? At the very least, Chifuyu-kun, you can tell me that much, right?"

The moment he hears that name, Chifuyu immediately frowns and looks at Hinata.

Naoto tilts his head as well, puzzled. Kisaki Tetta - he feels like he has heard that name somewhere before. When those unpleasant people were talking, didn't they mention it?

"How do you know him?"

"I went to the same elementary school as him. And when I visited Takemichi, I heard the people who came to see him mention that name."

Chifuyu is caught off guard.

At this point in time, all Chifuyu knows is that Kisaki is a bad person - someone who once caused Baji's death and plotted to take over Toman, the man Takemichi considers his greatest enemy. A man who once died right in front of Takemichi, and yet now Takemichi still wants to save his life.

That is all.

He has no idea that Kisaki has a connection to Hinata. And he knows even less about Kisaki's true motive - that his desire to seize Touman and build the largest criminal organization in Japan stems from his love for Hinata. His hatred toward Takemichi is not only because Takemichi stands in his way, but because Takemichi is his rival in love.

"It's him. He's the reason for all the mess Takemichi is stuck in right now. He always wants to hurt Takemichi - and us. If it wasn't for him, Takemichi wouldn't end up like this. Do you know, Hinata-chan? He even wants to kill him. But Takemichi... Takemichi just wants that guy to turn over a new leaf, to stop doing all the wrong things he's been doing. And yet he - "

Chifuyu snaps, leaving the sentence unfinished, his helplessness spilling out through the pause. If that bastard just stops, Takemichi returns to the future a long time ago.

Still irritated, Michi's words keep circling in his head, and only then does Chifuyu realize he talks about that guy too much. Hearing that an old friend wants to kill the person you love is, honestly, unbearable. It hurts. And more than anything, it is shocking beyond belief. Chifuyu quickly tries to calm Hinata down.

"But it's okay now. He almost defeats him already, so you don't have to worry. Just let Takemichi be for now. I know you care about him, but the one who has to open up first is Takemichi himself. I want him to share more too - not just with you."

Those words don't really comfort Hinata at all. She knows that being a delinquent comes with dangerous fights, but she never imagines the one behind all this is her old friend. Worse - her old friend wants to kill the person she loves.

Even setting aside the fact that the target is her boyfriend, murder itself is something unbearably terrifying and cruel. How can a teenager even think of doing something like that? Hinata suddenly feels a chill of fear toward Kisaki.

Seeing the shock on Hinata's face, Chifuyu wants to slap himself. He is still too tangled up in Michi's words, too consumed by his hatred for anyone who hurts Takemichi, and he can't control his emotions at all. He doesn't even know if saying all this is the right thing to do.

"Y-yeah... I hope we keep what happens today a secret from Takemichi. Anyway, just remember what I say - your love for him is already his greatest source of strength. So the rest, Hinata-chan... you don't need to worry too much about it."

Both of them feel awkward, and Hinata's heart only grows more confused. They exchange a clumsy goodbye, and then Chifuyu leaves. The Tachibana siblings remain in the park.

Naoto never expects things to turn out like this. Now they can roughly guess that Takemichi's current situation has something to do with someone named Kisaki - Hinata's old friend. But even knowing that, what can they actually do? All it does is make them worry even more, knowing someone wants to harm Takemichi.

"No. I want to find Kisaki-kun," Hinata says firmly. "I want to make things clear - why does he want to hurt Takemichi-kun?"

"Sis, he's dangerous," Naoto says anxiously. "And besides, do we even know where to find him?"

Naoto worries about his sister's safety. He never expects things to become this complicated. If he knows earlier, he never lets her get involved. This... this already goes too far.

---

Author's Note – Nemo:

When I read my own story, I really want Hinata to scold Kisaki or just bonk him on the head at least once.

A lot of people think Kimura is similar to Sanzu, but I actually built this character based on Diablo from Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken. I'm just dropping some playful hints here and there. Kimura's feelings for Takemichi are not going to be romantic love - it's admiration for an idol, in every sense of the word, both the positive and the negative.

---

My Note – Ally Táo:

Everyone, the story is starting to go dark dark. To be honest, I've only read up to around chapter eighty-something - maybe chapter 85. Even though the author has already released more chapters, I don't really dare to keep reading yet. So I guess I'll just read as I translate for you all.

I don't know how everyone else feels, but I can handle dark stories. Still, when a story starts out with a rather pure, gentle atmosphere and then gradually turns dark, I often feel uneasy, like I'm losing control. It's like - you've already seen the beauty of the story, and then it suddenly tilts toward a darker direction you never expect. It hurts a little, it feels unpredictable, and that makes me kind of afraid to continue reading, just so I can preserve that sense of beauty.

But this is just my personal opinion. I don't want to affect everyone's reading mood too much. Thanks for reading my little ramble.

Luv u <3