[The Next Morning – After Akio and Ken Match]
Heavy boots echoed across the outer corridors of the palace. A squad of armed soldiers was advancing, led by Commander Latino, dressed in his dark military jacket and speaking with a deep, authoritative voice.
Right behind him, walking nervously among the soldiers, was Filo—chewing his gum as usual, eyes darting around with visible anxiety.
Latino (in a commanding voice):
"Stay alert. No one knows what really happened in this palace last night.
The party turned into a massacre… and there's still no word on Duchess Terrakula.
That alone is enough to declare a state of emergency."
Soldier (quietly):
"Sir, should we wait for backup?"
Latino (firmly):
"No time for that.
If whoever did this is still here… I won't let them escape."
The squad moved deeper into the ruined palace corridors, where the devastation became more evident: burnt curtains, shattered glass, dried bloodstains on the floor, and scratch marks from swords and claws on the walls.
Filo (whispering to a soldier):
"Dude… this place looks like it came out of a nightmare."
Suddenly, as they approached the palace's main hall, the sound of footsteps echoed.
The soldiers immediately raised their weapons, preparing for a fight.
From the top of the stairs, Ken and Akio emerged first… walking with calm confidence, their eyes fixed on the soldiers with no fear or hesitation.
A lit cigarette dangled from Ken's lips—his gaze, a warning of the storm to come.
Moments later, Akira, Ann, Steve, and Koto followed behind them, carrying the unconscious body of Nyoro as if returning from a battlefield… not a party.
But what truly caught Latino's attention—
wasn't just their stares—
but the swords that Ken and Akio were carrying.
Latino (eyes narrowing):
"Samurai…"
He suddenly raised his hand and gave the order.
Latino:
"Arrest them immediately!"
Weapons cocked, and the soldiers shouted:
"Get on the ground!"
"Drop your weapons!"
"Drop the swords!"
But none of them moved.
Ken slowly lowered his left hand to his waist and unsheathed his sword.
Akio followed, calmly drawing his standard sword.
But beside it was the newly acquired Sanguinis Sword, which he drew in a swift, elegant motion.
Akio (whispering without looking at Ken):
"I think it's warm-up time."
Ken (quietly, in a cold tone):
"Just don't slow me down."
In the next instant, the soldiers charged.
Some opened fire, while others tried to flank them from the sides.
But Ken was faster.
He vanished from sight, then reappeared with shocking speed.
His sword cut through the air smoothly, taking down one soldier in an instant.
He ducked under a bullet, knocked another's weapon aside with one strike, then kicked him so hard he slammed into the wall.
Meanwhile, Akio moved in a completely different style—
wielding both his swords in stunning harmony: the standard blade in his right hand, Sanguinis in his left.
He flashed forward with lightning speed.
The moment a soldier got close, Akio disappeared from his view—
Then reappeared right behind him.
His sword slashed in a straight line—
The man dropped before realizing what had happened.
Akio spun, leapt off the side wall with two light steps, and launched into the air.
Soldier (shouting):
"He's too fast—I can't see him!"
Before he could finish, Akio descended—
Both blades gleaming.
"SHHHHHHRAK!"
One swipe split the pistol in the soldier's hand in two.
The metal scattered midair before the soldier could even react.
Akio kicked him hard in the chest, sending him tumbling across the ground.
Akio (raising both swords slowly, voice echoing through the hall):
"I'm Sakamoto Akio, heir of Lightning Vakin…
and I'll be the next Shogun!
Anyone who dares stand in my way—
will be struck down!"
Latino (taking a step back, eyes wide at the declaration):
"Shogun…?
Did you just say you want to be the Shogun?!"
Akio (locking eyes with him, eyes crackling with electricity):
"Yes. I will restore the glory of the Samurai…
even if the cost is everything."
The soldiers froze for a moment.
Not just because of the bold statement—
but because of his unwavering confidence, and the look in his eyes that belonged not to a teenage boy…
but to someone who knew exactly what he wanted.
Latino (mocking):
"I don't have time to deal with delusional children.
Surrender now and we won't kill you!"
Then suddenly, his eyes shifted to Ken… suspicion growing.
Latino:
"And you…
Red-haired boy…
You look familiar."
Ken (stepping forward, running his fingers across his sword's faintly glowing edge, then lifting his head with icy calm):
"Yukaji Ken."
"W-What?!"
Shock spread like wildfire through the soldiers.
Even Filo dropped his gum from his mouth unconsciously.
Latino (pupils dilating):
"Yukaji… Ken?
Impossible…
You're the son of the kingdom's traitor…
Prince Akako's son?!"
Ken (gray eyes burning with resolve):
"The heir of royal blood…
whom my uncle tried to erase—
and failed."
Latino (gritting his teeth, his voice rising):
"Whether you're Akako's son or not…
bearing the name Yukaji alone makes you an enemy of the state!"
Ken (with deadly calm):
"A state that bows to Cirrus…
deserves nothing but ruin."
Latino (raising his hand high):
"Anyone tied to that cursed king…
is a threat that must be erased!"
He gave the command.
Latino:
"Eliminate them all!
Leave none standing!"
Gunfire exploded once again!
"TA TA TA TA TA!!"
Bullets flew from rifles, soldiers charged with swords and spears—
and Latino unleashed his full Water Vakin power.
Across the room, Akira entered the fray, a confident smirk on his face as he tore through the soldiers at blinding speed—
His claws gleaming.
Soldier 1 (terrified):
"It's that werewolf!!"
Akira (with a wicked laugh):
"Good morning.
I needed a warm-up."
He leapt into the air, twisted mid-spin, and drove his claws into a soldier—who screamed in agony!
Elsewhere, Steve stepped forward with calm strides—
But moved faster than his expression suggested,
his eyes tracking every motion around him.
Soldier 2 (shouting):
"Open fire!"
But Steve twisted smoothly, raised his right hand,
and delivered a punch to the soldier's chest so hard,
he flew back like a rag doll.
Steve (coldly):
"That's your aim?
Were you training on cockroaches?"
Meanwhile, Ann moved with ninja-like agility.
She darted between pillars, striking with her metal rods—
hitting necks and joints with surgical precision.
Ann (striking a soldier):
"Oh no, sweetheart.
Those moves don't work on a girl like me."
She leapt up, grabbed a dangling chandelier, spun through the air,
and landed behind a group of soldiers—
taking them down one by one with acrobatic finesse.
Akira (punching a soldier):
"You're amazing, Ann-chan!"
Filo (eyes widening as he stared at Ann):
"Y-You!!!"
Filo rushed toward her with a wild glint in his eyes—
like a madman in love.
Filo (placing a hand on his chest):
"My beautiful lady!!
I didn't expect to see you again… in this cursed palace!"
Ann (blinking):
"What are you talking about?"
Filo (dramatically putting a hand on his head):
"I knew fate would bring us back together…
Just like in the novels!
Ahh… I haven't stopped thinking about you since you stole the swords and ran away!"
Ann (laughing):
"You idiot.
After all this chaos, you're still acting like this?"
Filo (stepping closer, falling to one knee):
"Please…
Mysterious thief…
Let's run away together!
Quit the police, and open a bakery—
far from this cruel world!"
Ann (putting her hand on her face in despair):
"Is this… seriously the time for romance?! Just fight me already!!"
Filo (leaping with enthusiasm):
"I'll protect you! Even if I have to face my uncle Latino himself!
For you… I'll become a hero!"
Ann (staring at him, a vein popping on her forehead):
"I swear… you are the most annoying person I've ever met."
Filo (closing his eyes and opening his arms to her):
"Take your time!
I'm ready to receive any punishment from you…
Even a slap across my handsome face!"
Ann (coldly):
"Fine."
BOOOOOOOM!!
Ann punched Filo right in the face with pinpoint precision.
His eyes spun like wheels, and his body was launched backward—
slamming into the corridor wall!
Filo (groaning as he hit the floor):
"That was… a touch… of love…"
"THWAAAACK!!"
He fell flat on his face and lost consciousness!
⸻
[Meanwhile – South Wing of the Palace]
Koto was sprinting, carrying the unconscious Nyoro on her back.
Her breaths were sharp, her face exhausted—
but she didn't stop.
Koto (whispering):
"I'm not letting you die here, you stubborn idiot…
Ken's gonna kill me!"
She slipped behind a half-burnt curtain, paused at a window—
grabbed a vase nearby and hurled it at the glass.
"CRAAACK!!"
Shards exploded into the air.
Koto shielded her face and jumped through the window,
landing roughly in the dirt behind the palace.
She staggered but held on—adjusted Nyoro's position on her back,
and took off running through the grass.
Koto (gasping):
"I need… a way out… fast!"
⸻
[Back Inside the Palace]
Steve (calmly, after taking down two more soldiers):
"We need a plan.
The chaos is escalating."
Akira (glancing over his shoulder):
"Oh, don't worry…
I think our clever little doctor has already started executing the plan.
Remember?"
⸻
[Outside – Palace Rear]
Koto spotted a military Hexarith carriage parked near the back wall.
Its Vakin-powered controls glowed faintly.
A police officer sat inside, fiddling with the dashboard, just about to start the engine.
Koto (narrowing her eyes):
"Perfect…
Sorry, sir!"
She dashed forward, leapt lightly into the back of the vehicle,
pulled out a medical hammer from her pocket—
and slammed it into the back of his head!
BOOM!
Officer (groaning):
"W-what th—"
Then he collapsed beside the seat, unconscious.
Koto (catching her breath):
"Ugh… sorry.
You'll get some great headache meds later."
She dragged his body aside and carefully laid Nyoro in the back seat.
Then jumped into the driver's chair and inhaled deeply.
Koto (with confidence):
"Alright…
Let's move."
She reached for the glowing Vakin interface—
and pressed the power button.
…Nothing.
Koto (blinking):
"Huh?"
She pressed it again.
Still nothing.
On the front glass panel, a soft blue message appeared:
"Start failed – user lacks Vakin energy."
Koto (gasping in frustration):
"Nooo!
Damn this smart system!
I forgot these carriages only work with Vakin energy!"
She looked up sharply,
a wild idea flashing in her eyes.
Koto:
"Nyoro!!"
She turned to the back seat, where Nyoro still lay motionless.
Koto (grinning mischievously):
"I know you're half-dead…
But I have no other choice!"
She hauled him back onto her lap,
grabbed his limp right hand,
and pressed it against the glowing wheel.
Koto (desperately):
"Come on, weather boy…
Just one touch is all I need!"
Suddenly—
the moment Nyoro's hand touched the wheel—
the carriage lit up!
The dashboard came to life, systems activated,
and a soft humming filled the air.
The vehicle shook lightly,
then began to move forward.
Koto (laughing with triumph):
"YES!!!
I knew you had some use!"
She propped Nyoro gently against her shoulder,
grabbed the steering wheel with one hand,
and began driving the Hexarith through the palace's back corridors.
Koto (serious):
"I'll keep circling here until Akio and Ken finish crushing them…
Then we're all getting out together."
She looked at Nyoro's tired face,
and smiled nervously.
Koto (whispering):
"Please don't wake up now…
I'm going to drive like a maniac."
The carriage shot forward—
speeding in a spiral around the palace!
⸻
[Inside the Palace – Main Hall]
A giant water vortex swirled around Commander Latino,
whipping through the air like a mini hurricane—
and suddenly, he launched it!
Ken didn't flinch.
He ignited a burst of fire from his feet—
blasting upward,
then crashing down on a soldier aiming at him,
his flaming strike nearly splitting the man in two.
Akio was faster.
Using lightning speed, he dodged every bullet—
each spark under his feet made him faster.
As bullets closed in, he vanished from view—
then appeared behind a soldier,
slicing through the weapon before the man could even react.
Soldier 3:
"They're unbelievable!
We can't keep up!"
Latino clapped his hands together—
sending a crushing water wave across the ground.
From beneath, spears of water shot up like arrows, aimed at Ken and Akio!
Ken (spinning midair):
"Akio!! Duck!!"
Akio (jumping while spinning):
"Already on it!!"
Latino (roaring, extending his arms):
"Game over, you little brats!!"
Suddenly, the water around him surged—
condensing in the air into a massive water dragon,
its eyes glowing dark blue,
its roar deafening.
The dragon coiled—
then lunged at Ken and Akio,
flooding the hall like a tsunami!
Akio (shouting, eyes wide):
"NOW, KEN!!!"
Ken (firmly, fire exploding from his hands):
"EXPLOOOOOOOOOODE!!!"
They both leapt at once—
Akio raised both swords, releasing a burst of lightning from the blades—
a flash blasting straight into the dragon's mouth!
At the same time,
Ken launched a massive fire wave from the ground up—
from floor to ceiling!
BBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!
Air ignited.
Moisture exploded into steam.
The entire hall filled with dense smoke and blinding light.
"CRAAAAAAAAAAAASH!!"
The water dragon shattered—
and the recoil wave blasted straight into Latino!
It slammed into his body with unstoppable force,
throwing him into the back wall of the hall.
Stone crumbled around him.
The ground shook.
He collapsed to the floor—
soaked, bruised,
gasping for air…
his eyes slowly widening…
Latino (voice trembling, breath ragged):
"What is this power…? All of this… from kids? Impossible…"
But then, a strange smell reached his nose—
Smoke.
He turned slowly…
and saw flames rising from the curtains and wooden walls!
Ken's fire Vakin, the repeated attacks—
It had all caused the palace to start burning.
Latino (panicked):
"No… the palace is on fire?! Damn it…!"
He turned with wide, frightened eyes—
But there was no one.
No Ken.
No Akio.
No Ann, Akira, Steve—
Not even the wounded soldiers.
They were all gone.
He looked up toward the cracked ceiling.
When he heard a faint explosion from the upper floor, he realized—
they hadn't just escaped…
They'd done it right before the palace collapsed on him.
Latino (slowly rising, coughing into his hand):
"They escaped… and used the fire… Damn you all!!!"
He roared in rage—
Then extended his arms, unleashing a circular wave of water around him.
The flames began to die down under his control.
As he stepped out through the palace gates,
he spotted a Hexarith military carriage speeding away in the distance—
carrying all the escapees.
Akio was standing at the back, waving mockingly.
Akio (shouting):
"Byeeee, you stuupid commmaaaander!!!"
Ken sat calmly atop the carriage,
his gray eyes fixed on the distant fire consuming the old Darkova Palace.
Ken (cold whisper):
"Burn… as you deserve."
Inside the carriage, Koto gripped the controls tightly,
pressing hard on the power pedal.
Behind her, Nyoro, Ann, Akira, and Steve were catching their breath after the battle.
Ann (looking back):
"Did… we do it?"
Steve (tiredly):
"We made it… barely."
Akira (chuckling, rubbing a bruise on his neck):
"What a party…"
The carriage sped up a dirt slope,
racing toward the nearby forest—
leaving behind the burning palace and the black smoke rising to the sky…
along with everything that happened that night.
⸻
After a short while, the Hexarith began to struggle,
the glowing blue light on the Vakin steering stone dimming rapidly…
Koto (eyeing the dashboard anxiously):
"Damn it… Vakin energy's running out."
Ann (gripping the carriage side):
"Are we gonna stop?! We're not far enough yet!!"
Akira (raising an eyebrow):
"Tell me this is a joke."
Koto (slamming the wheel):
"I don't have Vakin! This carriage won't last without a direct energy source!
One of you needs to power it, now!"
Akio (raising his hand confidently):
"I can! I have lightning!"
Ken suddenly dropped from the roof of the carriage,
where he'd been watching the rear.
Ken (coldly):
"Move."
Akio (startled):
"Huh?"
Ken (approaching the wheel):
"I'll drive."
Koto (relieved):
"Fine by me…
Just don't burn the steering crystal this time."
Ken (placing his left hand on the glowing Azurite crystal):
"Shut up and watch."
"Fssssshh!"
Warm fire energy began to seep from Ken's hand—
The blue crystal in the center of the wheel burst to life!
Lights surged through the carriage brighter than ever.
It shook—then launched forward with sudden force!
Steve (screaming, clutching his seat):
"OH NOOO!! I'd rather die than stay in this crazy ride!!"
Akio (yelling from the back):
"KEN!! At least slow it doooown!!!"
Ken (calmly, eyes fixed ahead):
"This is slow."
Koto (smirking faintly):
"I don't know why…
but I feel safe when he's driving."
Akira (climbing to the roof to keep watch):
"Let's just hope that crazy commander doesn't catch up…"
Suddenly…
"Uhhh… gghhh…"
A faint groan came from the back seat.
Nyoro's body stirred slightly, cold sweat still on his forehead—
but he was slowly regaining consciousness.
He opened his bright blue eyes with difficulty and looked around in confusion—
finding himself lying on leather seats…
inside a carriage vibrating like it was in a death race!
Nyoro (groggily):
"W-What's going on…?
Where… am I?"
He sat up quickly and looked out the window.
Trees were zooming by like missiles,
the earth trembling—
the carriage practically airborne from the speed!
Nyoro (screaming):
"AAAAAAHH!!!
We're gonna diiiie!!!"
He leaned back to grab onto something—
slamming his head into the carriage roof from the jolt.
Nyoro (yelling in panic):
"WHO'S DRIVING THIS CRAZY THING?!"
Koto (glancing at him calmly):
"Oh, good morning.
Don't worry, Ken's driving."
Nyoro (eyes widening):
"Ken?!"
Ken (without turning, voice icy):
"If you're gonna scream…
at least wear a seatbelt."
Nyoro (clutching the seat, shouting again):
"I DON'T HAVE A SEATBELT!!!"
⸻
Moments later, the Hexarith finally came to a stop on the side of a mountain road,
surrounded by thick trees.
Ken removed his hand from the Azurite, the glow fading,
and the wheels gradually slowed until the carriage came to a full stop.
Ken (quietly):
"We're far enough.
Let's rest a bit."
The chaos eased…
All except for Nyoro, who sat in the back—
eyes wide, like something inside him had broken.
He was drenched in sweat, gripping the seat edge with trembling hands.
Nyoro (muttering):
"You…"
Ken (coldly turning his head):
"Huh?"
Nyoro (shaking):
"You're the bastard who…
humiliated me…
destroyed me in front of everyone…!"
The group fell silent,
as Nyoro's voice grew louder,
his anger building.
Nyoro (rising, shouting):
"How dare you drive us?! After everything you did to me?!
You made me look like a clown!
In front of everyone…
In front of myself!!"
Ann (trying to calm him):
"Nyoro, not now… we just got out of—"
Nyoro (cutting her off, glaring at Ken):
"You're arrogant!
Cold!
Emotionless!
You enjoy toying with people's feelings!
You look down on all of us like we're pawns in your path!
You think you're above us… like you're untouchable!
But the truth?
You're just a hard shell hiding a coward—
too scared to feel anything!
You don't understand pain…
because you won't let yourself feel anything!
And that's why…
you'll never understand what it means to be betrayed,
to doubt yourself,
to break!
You don't empathize,
you don't comfort,
you don't care—"
Nyoro finished speaking, breathless, eyes glistening with rage and tears.
His voice trembled from the intensity of his emotions.
Ken remained seated, silent.
His gray eyes stared into the void, his hand still resting on the Azurite crystal… unmoving.
Nyoro's words were like knives to his heart.
A deadly silence passed…
Then suddenly—
"SMAAAAAAACK!!!"
Koto stood with a furious expression—
And slapped Nyoro hard across the left cheek!
Koto (furiously):
"Shut up!!!
Is this really the time for this nonsense?!
Ken saved your life!
He saved you from Terrakula herself!
And now you sit here insulting him like he did nothing?!"
Ken slowly lifted his head.
He looked at Nyoro with emotionless gray eyes.
But beneath his voice was a heaviness—
A quiet pain that stabbed anyone who heard it.
Ken (coldly):
"Are you done?"
The words were simple—
But they pierced Nyoro's heart.
Nyoro didn't respond.
He looked at Ken with teary eyes…
Then stormed to the front door of the carriage and flung it open.
He stood face-to-face with Ken, just one step away.
Nyoro (with a broken voice):
"I was living my best days…
With Terrakula.
Yeah, she was cruel… selfish…
But she saw me.
She gave me a place… power… attention, even if it was fake."
Tears streamed down his cheeks.
Nyoro (shaking):
"Then you came…
And tore it all apart.
You showed me how foolish I was.
You proved that everything I believed in…
was just a lie.
You didn't kill me, Ken…
But you killed the person I thought I was.
And now I don't know who I am.
I don't know why I'm alive.
I don't know where I'm going.
All of this…
Because you showed up at the one moment I was truly happy…"
Ken didn't move—
But something in his eyes began to tremble.
Akio (rising angrily):
"Stop!
Is that what you say to someone who saved you?!
You say Ken ruined your life?!
Ken freed you from your delusions!
If you'd stayed with Terrakula, she would've used you until you burned out and died!"
Akira (slamming his fist on the carriage):
"Are you insane?!
We were all under her control…
We all lost something.
But none of us regret being free!"
Ann (shouting):
"You dare blame Ken-san for showing you the truth?!
The truth hurts, Nyoro!
But it's better to hurt… than to live in a lie!"
Nyoro stepped back, still crying, his eyes dazed from their words.
He hadn't expected everyone to explode on him all at once.
Then—amid the shouting—Ken looked deeply at Nyoro.
Ken (coldly, but his tone cutting deep):
"Don't try to explain to me… what pain is."
The entire group fell silent.
Ken (softly):
"I don't take pride in what I did to you…
Or in breaking you.
But if you think I'm standing here because I don't feel anything…
Then you never knew me at all."
Ann (emotionally, stepping between them with arms open):
"Enough!!!"
She turned to Nyoro, her eyes full of tears—
but she didn't cry.
Ann:
"You're angry?
Scared?
Feel lost?
Good.
We all do!
But you can't dump all that on Ken-san alone!
He didn't choose to be your fate.
He didn't ask you to suffer!
He just… showed you the truth."
She turned to Ken, looking him in the eye.
Ann (voice trembling, full of love):
"And you, Ken-san…
Stop carrying everything in silence!
We're not idiots—we see you.
Every day you bury yourself in coldness so no one sees your pain.
But we're your friends…
Or at least we want to be.
So let us feel you… even just a little."
Ken didn't answer.
But something in his expression quivered.
Ann (turning to everyone, hands reaching out as if gathering their broken pieces):
"We're not perfect.
Each of us came from pain—
From broken pasts,
From traumas we don't speak of.
But if we start blaming each other now…
There won't be anything left holding us together."
She approached Nyoro and gently placed her hand on his shoulder.
Ann:
"You feel lost?
Good.
That means you're still alive inside.
But don't let pain turn you into an enemy of the ones closest to you.
Don't forget—
Ken-san is your cousin."
She paused and took a deep breath.
A soft silence filled the air…
⸻
Ken (quietly, but sincerely):
"…Thank you."
Akio stepped forward with a renewed look in his eyes—
No longer angry, but determined.
He placed his hands on his hips and looked at everyone with a confident gaze.
Akio (loudly, but serious this time):
"Listen up, all of you!
You're forgetting something important…
We're not here because we're strong.
Or because we have everything figured out.
We're here because we fight—
Each in our own way.
There's no manual that tells us how to survive.
No map to show us who we are."
He looked Nyoro in the eye, honestly.
Akio:
"Nyoro,
you're not alone in this mess.
No one knows who they are at first—
Not even me!
I thought life would just be adventure and fun.
That I'd chase my dream easily.
That I was the hero of my own story…
Until I hit reality."
He raised his hand suddenly.
Akio:
"So why tear down what we have
Instead of building it up?
Why shout at those we're trying to understand
Instead of listening to them?
Why raise our swords…
When we could extend our hands?"
Then he pointed at everyone with sudden energy.
Akio:
"Now!
How about we stop acting like a crumbling mess—
And start acting like a team?
A real team!"
Silence followed his words.
They were simple,
But honest.
Spoken from the heart of a boy who didn't claim wisdom—
But admitted he didn't know everything.
Still, he wanted to try.
Nyoro looked at Akio—
Then took a deep breath,
As if Akio's words had pierced through the layers of anger inside him.
Nyoro (quietly):
"…I'm… sorry.
I didn't mean to dump everything on you all.
I was just lost…
Still am.
But I don't want to be a burden."
Akio extended his right hand, palm up—
Waiting for the others to do the same.
Akio (smiling confidently):
"Then let this be a new beginning!
Let's promise each other…
No betrayal.
No leaving anyone behind.
Whatever road lies ahead…
We face it together."
Akira (raising an eyebrow, then laughing as he stepped forward):
"Damn it, I'm twenty years old and you want me to join in this kiddie ritual?"
Then placed his hand over Akio's, ignoring his own words.
Steve (arms crossed, approaching slowly):
"This is dumb…
But since none of you seem ready to stop…
I have no choice."
He lazily added his hand to the pile—
Without admitting he was moved.
Koto (with playful defiance):
"I refuse!
…Just kidding."
She placed her hand on top, smiling faintly.
Ann (with teary eyes and passion):
"I swear I won't abandon any of you—
And I'll scream at anyone who tries to tear us apart!"
She added her hand on top, full of emotion.
Nyoro looked at them all,
Then smiled quietly—
and hesitantly placed his hand on top.
Nyoro:
"I'll… try.
I can't promise to be the best…
But I won't be your enemy again."
Everyone turned toward Ken—
Who still stood slightly apart, hands in his pockets.
Ken (with a small sigh, stepping forward):
"This is so stupid…"
He looked at them all—
Then slowly raised his right hand and placed it on top of theirs.
Ken (in a low, dry voice):
"But if we don't do something stupid together…
Then what's the point of living in this world?"
Everyone laughed lightly.
It wasn't heroic…
But it was human.
Warm.
Real.
Akio (raising their joined hands):
"This is a promise…
Samurai!"
All Together:
"Samurai!!"
To be continued…