The Gakuen infirmary was silent.
Only the soft sound of rain against the windows broke the silence.
On one of the beds, Daichi lay quietly.
The old man had several bandages wrapped around his body, but he was still holding his inseparable cup of tea.
The door opened.
Keiko entered carrying several papers.
She walked toward the bed and gave the patient a stern look.
"If you're already falling apart, you old flower, then stay quiet and get some rest."
Daichi raised an eyebrow.
"Old flower?"
Keiko completely ignored his complaint.
"And don't even think about doing anything stupid while I'm gone."
Behind her, a voice appeared.
"I would never disturb a senior citizen going through such a difficult time."
Keiko closed her eyes.
She already knew who it was.
Hayato entered the infirmary with his hands in his pockets and a carefree smile on his face.
Daichi glanced at him.
"You damn brat..."
Hayato pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed.
"Looks like you're doing better."
"I'm not doing that badly."
Daichi took a sip of his tea.
Hayato tilted his head.
"So, old flower..."
Daichi narrowed his eyes.
"What?"
"What did you think of Ren?"
For a few seconds, Daichi remained silent.
His eyes stayed fixed on the cup in his hands.
Then he took another sip.
"That kid is a damn disaster."
Hayato smiled.
"Good start."
"He's reckless. He attacks without thinking. He doesn't know how to measure danger, and he doesn't seem to understand the meaning of the word 'retreat.'"
Daichi placed his cup down.
"He's a lot like you."
Hayato's smile disappeared for a moment.
But Daichi continued.
"There's just something different about him."
Hayato raised an eyebrow.
"Different?"
Daichi looked at the ceiling.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"That light..."
"That look in his eyes. The look of someone who keeps fighting even when he should have already given up."
Hayato remained silent.
For a few seconds, the playful expression completely disappeared from his face.
Then...
"Being old must be wonderful."
Daichi frowned.
"What?"
Hayato smiled again.
"Midlife crisis, tea, private nursing..."
He glanced discreetly at Keiko.
"And on top of that, being taken care of by a beautiful nurse. What a lucky guy."
Daichi nearly choked.
"You arrogant brat! Who do you think you're talking to?"
Before Hayato could answer...
A hand grabbed him by the collar.
"That's enough. Visit's over."
Hayato froze.
"But, Keiko..."
"No 'but.'"
She began dragging him toward the door.
"Wait! I was just talking!"
"You were bothering the patient."
"He said he was fine!"
"And I said you're leaving."
Hayato was dragged out through the door.
Daichi watched the scene in silence.
Then he chuckled.
"Heh..."
He looked toward the door.
"That boy really reminds me of her."
From the hallway, Hayato's voice echoed.
"I heard that, old flower!"
Daichi smiled.
"So you did hear me."
The door closed.
For a few seconds, the infirmary returned to silence.
But Daichi's expression changed.
He looked down at his cup again.
The smile disappeared.
"Ren..."
---
Meanwhile...
Somewhere in Tokyo.
A completely dark room.
No windows.
No visible doors.
Only enormous screens illuminated the room.
The screens were arranged around a large circular table.
Several chairs stood empty.
Only one man was seated.
His fingers were interlocked in front of his face.
One of the screens lit up.
The silhouette of a man appeared.
"So... they've already started moving."
The man sitting at the table didn't answer immediately.
Another screen lit up.
"A large number of Fallen have been detected in Tokyo."
"We have strong suspicions that the Sect is involved."
The man narrowed his eyes.
"The Sect?"
The second screen revealed the silhouette of a woman.
Her voice was firm.
Authoritative.
"Do you have any proof that they're involved?"
The man remained still.
"Yes."
He touched one of the panels.
The image of an unknown figure appeared on one of the screens.
"The Fifth Apostle has been spotted."
Silence.
The woman stared at the image for several seconds.
Then she answered.
"Understood."
"If it really is an Apostle, we can't wait to find out what they're planning."
The man stood.
"Then do I have authorization to act?"
The woman answered immediately.
"No objections."
"You may proceed."
The man bowed.
"Understood."
The screens began shutting down one by one.
One.
Two.
Three.
Until the room was completely dark.
The man remained alone.
Then one final screen turned on.
Only one word appeared on it:
FIFTH.
The man smiled.
"So... you've finally decided to step out of the shadows..."
The screen went dark.
And somewhere in Tokyo...
A pair of eyes opened.
The hunt had begun.