Liking someone is such a happy and painful thing, she thought as she wiped her eyes. Every time she saw him, her heart sped up and she wanted to be closer. But at the same time, she feared this relationship would shatter under the fate of the Star Plasma Vessel.
She recalled the moment Satoru wiped the ice cream at the corner of her mouth on the bench outside the shop. That gentle touch still made her heart race whenever she thought about it.
If possible, I really want to keep walking like this. Riko gripped her phone tightly. Not as a Star Plasma Vessel, but as Amanai Riko. Not for Tengen-sama, but for the future I want.
She imagined seeing Satoru tomorrow. What kind of expression would he have when he looked at her? Would he be as gentle as today? Would their relationship change because of what happened?
I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. She curled up under the quilt. I want to see Satoru soon. I want to tell him I really like the clothes from today. I want... I want him to know that because of him, I like myself more now.
But reality soon pulled her back. The fate of the Star Plasma Vessel hung over her heart like a heavy shadow.
Why did I meet someone so special at this time? She hugged the phone to her chest. After understanding what love is, I don't want to lose myself even more. I don't want to lose my memories with Satoru, and I don't want to lose what we have now.
The moonlight grew hazy, as if soothing the girl's tangled feelings.
Riko closed her eyes, but in her mind she saw only Satoru.
The serious look when he taught Kidō, the tenderness when he put his coat on her shoulders at the observation deck, and the meaningful glance when they parted...
Maybe this feeling shouldn't exist, she whispered. But since my heart has been moved, I want to try to protect it. Even if the road ahead is unknown, even if I face hard choices in the future, I still want to work for this bond.
As the night deepened, Riko finally fell asleep.
In her dream, Ginza's lights were still bright, and Satoru's smile was still warm.
Maybe when I wake up tomorrow, this feeling will be clearer.
Perhaps in the near future, she would find a way to stay true to her wishes while being kind to the world.
For now, let this throbbing grow quietly under the moon, waiting for the hope of dawn.
...
In a high-rise office building in central Tokyo, the base of the Time Vessel Association was hidden on one of the floors.
It looked like an ordinary trading company, but in truth it was a key surveillance node arranged by the Prime Minister.
The night view beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows was ablaze with light, casting flickers across the office.
"Sir," a member of the Time Vessel Association hurried into the room. "I have important information."
Choso sat in a wide leather chair, tapping the armrest with his slender fingers. He looked down at the city through the glass, his voice cold and oppressive. "Speak."
"Gojo Satoru went to Ginza with the Star Plasma Vessel," the member reported respectfully, handing over a photo. "Ieiri Shoko and Geto Suguru were also present. According to surveillance, they lingered in the mall for a long time and even went up to the observation deck."
The photo clearly captured Satoru and Riko on the observation deck. Choso's gaze settled on it, his eyes sharpening.
Finally, the opportunity I've been waiting for. He sneered inwardly. Gojo family, you finally revealed a flaw.
"Anything else?" Choso asked.
"Yes," the member continued. "We noticed that the relationship between the Star Plasma Vessel and Gojo Satoru seems to have changed. In the mall, Satoru bought her many clothes. On the observation deck, the two interacted very closely."
A dangerous light flashed in Choso's eyes. Feelings, the easiest weakness to exploit.
"Notify Uraume," he said coldly. "Have her come here immediately. Also, inform all Association members in Shinjuku and Ginza to intensify surveillance. I want every move of the Gojo family."
The office fell silent, with only the distant hum of the city outside. In less than half an hour, Uraume pushed open the door. Frost still clung to her right arm from the last battle, and fatigue tinged her cold, beautiful features.
"It seems the Gojo family is relaxing," Choso said, still staring out the window, his tone tinged with mockery. "What do you think, Uraume? Are they overconfident?"
Uraume replied coolly, "Even if they let their guard down, Satoru and Suguru are not to be underestimated. The combination of the Limitless Technique and Cursed Spirit Manipulation is troublesome enough. Not to mention Ieiri Shoko."
"You're wrong." Choso turned suddenly, eyes sharp as a viper's. "It is precisely because they are so powerful that their confidence exposes a flaw. Tell me, why did they bring the Star Plasma Vessel along?"
Uraume thought for a moment. "To lower her guard? Or..."
"Because they believe they control the situation," Choso said, walking to the desk to pick up a file. "Satoru teaches the girl Kidō, and Ieiri Shoko teaches her swordsmanship.
They think that as long as they help the Star Plasma Vessel master her power, they can change fate."
What a ridiculous idea. He sneered inwardly.
At that moment, the office door opened again. The Time Vessel Association's leader walked in slowly. This seemingly ordinary middle-aged man had a vulgar glint in his eyes.
"Reporting, my lord," the leader said. "We have deployed personnel at key locations in Ginza and Shinjuku. As soon as the Gojo family moves, we will know."
Choso stepped to the window, looking toward the distant Gojo residence. "Very good. This time, I will show them true fear."
Uraume frowned. "What if Satoshi notices? That man's intuition is always accurate."
"He won't," Choso said with absolute confidence. "Right now Satoshi is pouring all his attention into that nonlethal research on Tenshintai. And..." a cunning glint flashed in his eyes, "by the time he realizes it, it will be too late."
"I understand," the Association leader said quietly. "Shall we move into final preparations?"
Choso nodded. "Yes. Our target this time is not only the Star Plasma Vessel, but also Gojo Satoru. The girl has developed feelings for him, and that is our best point of entry."
(To be continued.)