AN - This is somewhat of a filler chapter but it does expand on a couple characters, it's also my shortest. couldn't particularly decide what do do after last chapter tbh.
[1 Day Later] – [POV 3rd]
The scene opens with Kazuhi slowly pushing himself up from his bed, his body still aching, fatigue pulling his body down.
And yet… his mind had never felt more lucid.
"...You're finally awake."
Breaking through that fragile clarity was the RCT specialist, Riki Shugosha, someone Kazuhi had come to know well after his repeated fights with Tatsuya Zenin.
"....."
"You finally beat him, huh?"
"...Yeah."
"...."
"You sure your not annoyed at the extra work~?" Kazuhi Joked.
Riki turned her head towards him, then lightly shook her head while she pulled out a cigarette.
....
"Did you know… in the entire history of the Akashi training tournament… Two people have been killed?"
"I didn't… who were they?"
She took a slow drag before answering.
"My younger brothers…
She exhaled before continuing.
-I didn't make it in time to save them."
"I-I'm sorry-"
"Don't be. How could that possibly be your fault…?"
A brief silence passed.
"...They were killed during the tournament. By two of those arrogant brats of the higher-ups."
"Those kids weren't punished. Not even a reprimand."
She took another Drag.
"Me and my brothers had been discriminated and harassed since we came here in our childhood.. all because we weren't Zenin..."
Her grip tightened slightly.
"So I made a vow… that no one else would die under my watch... even brats like Tatsuya."
"....."
"You almost died, you know."
"I--"
"No… you did well."
Her voice softened.
"You showed everyone what this clan could be. You proved we don't have to bow to people who'd never do the same for us..."
"For that. I thank you… truly."
.
.
"Now. after using Reverse Cursed Technique on you, you should be completely healed. But just in case…"
"What was the exact date of your fight against Tatsuya?"
"...November 21st, 1992."
"Good."
"You're free to go. Your friend… Genya, right? He's waiting just outside."
"Quite the good friend"
"True that. Alright. Thanks for the heal, Riki."
Kazuhi stepped out, closing the door behind him.
If he had took a second to listen.
He might've heard the faint sound of quiet sobbing from within the room he just left.
.
.
[With Genya]
Kazuhi met up with Genya, and the two began walking back toward the Akashi Compound.
"Yo, that fight was insane, you Fucked that bastard- wait no, not like that-. whatever. He's got a massive bruise on his stomach now."
"Mhm."
"You sure you're alright though? Riki looked worried, and you've been out for like a day."
'A day…?'
"Yeah. But she said I'm fully healed now. Not even a concussion."
"Nice. Wanna grab some light drinks later? the whole Akashi is throwing a party."
"Sorry… gotta pass. Got some things to handle."
"C'mon… you're the guy right now."
"Sorry, man."
"Alright, I'll catch you later."
"See you."
When they reached the compound, they split off, Genya heading toward the others to celebrate, while Kazuhi made his way back to his room.
He slid the door open.
then froze.
"...Jinichi… Tetsuo…"
"Young master!"
"Brother."
.
.
"I watched your fight. You're already close to my level… hell, with that Black Flash, you might've even surpassed me."
'...Right. my Black Flash… forgot about that.'
'
"That just means you'll have to train even harder."
.
.
"Young master… when watching… I feared you might've been gravely injured… or worse."
"I'm just relieved you're safe."
"...."
"Of course I am."
Kazuhi's gaze sharpened slightly.
"Now that I understand my purpose in my life… I'll keep moving forward."
"Even if I hit a wall... il break through it."
.
.
"Brother… I have a proposal."
"What is it?"
"Let's train together. Sparring currently until you leave the Akashi."
"I would, but training lasts all day. After that, I still need to work on my output—"
"It's fine. I already got permission from Shigi. We can train during the daily sparring sessions instead."
"...If that's the case, then sure."
A small pause.
"Now… can you two leave? I'm exhausted."
"Hah- of course, young master-"
"Tetsuo… just call me Kazuhi."
"...Right. forgot."
.
.