Umi paused, her hand remaining on Ai's shoulder as the rigid, military-precision timeline of \mu's collided head-on with the chaotic reality of motherhood.
"Ten minutes is impossible," Ai said, a breathless, stressed laugh bubbling up through her tears as she wiped her face. "Umi-san, I can't just sprint to the station. I have to go home, pack diapers, extra clothes, snacks—and I have to convince two toddlers to get into a stroller without throwing a tantrum. I need to bring the twins."
Kanata nodded rapidly in agreement, her usual sleepy demeanor completely replaced by the practical panic of a parent. "She's right. And I'm not leaving Haruka-chan behind, but I also have to bring my daughter. I can't just leave her alone at the apartment while I chase a train to Shizuoka. We need more time."
The revelation that Kanata *also* had a daughter with him hit the remaining Nijigasaki members like a physical wave. Ayumu, still sitting on the concrete, looked up blankly, the sheer scale of Agung's hidden domestic ties turning her brain to static. It wasn't just a list of betrayals anymore; it was a sprawling, interconnected family tree of children who didn't understand why their fathers were missing.
Umi closed her eyes, letting out a long, slow breath to adjust her internal schedule. The image of the fierce, unyielding traditionalist softened, replaced by the pragmatic mother who knew exactly how long it took to pack a diaper bag for a train ride.
"You're right. Forgive me," Umi said, opening her eyes with a softer, understanding expression. "I am used to traveling with adults. Packing for children is an entirely different battle."
She looked down at her watch, calculating the train schedules from Tokyo to Numazu, factoring in the time it would take for both girls to rush back to their respective apartments, gather the kids, and make it to the platform.
"An hour," Umi amended, her tone firm but accommodating. "We will meet at Tokyo Station, at the Tokaido Shinkansen platforms, in exactly one hour. That should give you enough time to gather the children and the essentials. Do not overpack, but do not forget the necessities."
"Got it. One hour. I can make an hour work," Ai said, a flicker of her usual energetic determination returning to her eyes as she turned toward the rooftop exit. "I'm going to run. See you there, Kanata!"
"Mm. I'll hurry too," Kanata said, already mentally listing the toys she needed to pack to keep her daughter quiet on the bullet train.
As the two mothers turned to sprint for the stairs, the remaining members of Nijigasaki stood in the fading light, completely isolated. The battle lines of the last three years had vanished. They weren't being asked to fight or defend anyone anymore; they were just watching a fractured family frantically try to piece itself back together before the train left the station.