Nobu couldn't stop thinking about Baku's words.
A special person.
That single phrase lingered in his mind like an itch he couldn't scratch. Whoever Baku was talking about, it wasn't just curiosity in his voice—it was urgency. Almost desperation.
At the same time, Nobu's thoughts drifted to Beru.
Beru was alive. His family was safe. But his body had been pushed to the brink of destruction. Nobu wanted to visit him, to make sure he was truly fine. A part of him even wanted to ask Beru to join him—to walk the same path again, like they once did.
But Beru wasn't alone anymore.
He had a wife. Children.
Nobu clenched his fist.
If Beru walked with him… danger would follow. And Nobu refused to be the reason Beru's family suffered again.
A knock echoed through the room.
Baku entered, his expression firm.
"Get ready," he said. "We're leaving for the party."
Nobu looked up. "Now?"
"Yes."
Nobu hesitated, then glanced at his clothes. "We don't even have anything decent to wear."
Baku clicked his tongue, irritation flashing across his face. "Then we'll buy some. We'll go straight from the market."
Nobu stared at him for a moment—then smiled faintly.
"Fine."
They headed out.
The market they visited wasn't ordinary. Every shop screamed luxury. Suits stitched with perfection, watches that cost more than most people earned in years.
Baku didn't hesitate.
Expensive clothes. Premium watches. Shoes polished to perfection.
Nobu felt uncomfortable wearing something so costly, but he said nothing. When they were done, they didn't return home.
They went straight to the party.
The moment they arrived, Nobu understood.
This wasn't just a party.
The venue was massive, glowing under crystal lights. Music filled the air, expensive and refined. The crowd was dense—men and women dressed in power, wealth, and influence.
Gang leaders from different countries. Local bosses. And even politicians.
Nobu's eyes narrowed.
So this is how the world really works.
Politicians smiled, drank, and laughed alongside criminals—the same criminals they used in the shadows. Enemies disappeared because money changed hands. Evidence vanished. Blood was cleaned with wealth.
This place wasn't a celebration.
It was a marketplace for sins.
Baku scanned the crowd restlessly, his eyes sharp and searching.
Nobu leaned closer. "Why are you in such a rush? At least enjoy the party."
Baku didn't look at him. "I didn't come to enjoy it."
"Then why—"
"I came for someone."
Nobu frowned. "You keep saying that. Who is this person?"
Baku didn't answer.
His entire body froze.
Nobu followed his gaze.
A woman stood not far away, holding a child in her arms. She looked calm, gentle—completely out of place in a room soaked with corruption.
For the first time, Nobu saw something unfamiliar on Baku's face.
Shock.
Pain.
Longing.
"Do you know her?" Nobu asked quietly.
Baku whispered a name.
She didn't respond.
As if she hadn't heard him at all.
Baku started walking.
Straight toward her.
Nobu sensed danger immediately.
Baku stopped in front of the woman. "Where have you been all this time?" he asked, his voice trembling despite the force behind it.
Before the woman could reply, a man stepped forward.
"Who are you?" the man demanded sharply.
Baku's fists clenched. He was about to speak—
But the woman interrupted.
"He's just like the child," she said calmly. "Don't mind him."
Nobu's breath caught.
The man placed a hand protectively on her shoulder.
Husband.
Reality hit Baku like a blade through the chest.
The woman he was staring at—
Was his wife.
The one who had disappeared years ago.
And the child in her arms…
Baku's vision darkened.
Rage exploded inside him.
He stepped forward, murderous intent flooding the air.
Nobu moved instantly.
He grabbed Baku's arm and pulled him back with force. "Stop!"
Baku struggled—but Nobu didn't let go.
"I'm sorry," Nobu said quickly to the couple, bowing slightly. "We'll leave."
Before things could spiral further, Nobu dragged Baku away from the crowd and back to their table.
Baku sat there, unmoving.
Silent.
Like his soul had been ripped out.
Nobu watched him, anger slowly building in his chest. "Who was that woman?" he asked. "Why did you cause a scene?"
No response.
Baku suddenly stood up.
And walked away.
Fast.
"Baku!" Nobu called out, irritation boiling over as he followed him out of the venue.
They returned home in silence.
The door slammed shut.
Nobu turned, his patience gone. "You're the one who insisted on coming to that party," he snapped. "And you ruined it without saying a word. What was that about?"
Baku didn't answer.
He stood with his back to Nobu, shoulders tense.
The room felt heavy.
Oppressive.
Then, slowly—
Baku spoke.
"Some wounds," he said quietly, "don't heal."
Nobu froze.
Baku turned his head slightly, his eyes dark—empty.
"And some ghosts," he continued, "don't stay buried."
The silence that followed was suffocating.
Because Nobu realized something then—
That special person Baku mentioned…
Wasn't someone he wanted to meet.
It was someone who could destroy him.
And Nobu had a feeling—
This was only the beginning.