Chương 72
"Hanagaki-san, I've got a few leads on the assignment you gave me. I'll do everything I can to finish it as quickly as possible."
Kimura is giving him an update on the investigation into Take and Michi.
Takemichi can't help finding the whole thing a little ridiculous. The very person Kimura is supposed to be investigating is standing right in front of him, yet he's the one ordering the investigation.
That day, Takemichi briefly considers setting up a camera in his room to see if his suspicion is right - whether those two brats really have more control over the body than he originally thinks.
But what if it's true?
And what if it isn't?
He already knows they're doing something behind his back anyway. He's even searched his own room for clues, but he still can't find anything. Then again, that's only to be expected. Those two are never the type to leave anything that easy to uncover.
"Fine. Keep digging and get me the results as soon as possible. If you're short on manpower, pull in more people."
"I can handle it on my own. Don't worry."
Seeing the confidence on Kimura's face, Takemichi merely nods without another word.
Even now, he still has a strangely good feeling about the man. Even after uncovering the unsettling things hidden beneath Kimura's façade, that feeling never changes.
Kimura is someone Takemichi simply can't see through. He can't read what the man is thinking, nor what his real objective is. Keeping someone like that close is no different from wagering everything on a high-stakes gamble.
Takemichi has no idea what Kimura wants from him.
"By the way, Hanagaki-san... may I ask you something?"
Just before leaving, Kimura suddenly stops in his tracks.
"What is it?"
"You're still a member of Tokyo Manji, aren't you?"
Takemichi freezes.
He blinks, as if he can't quite process what he's just heard. A moment passes before he finally frowns at Kimura in obvious irritation.
What kind of stupid question is that?
"What the hell are you talking about? Of course I'm still in Toman."
The question immediately puts Takemichi in a foul mood.
Kimura, however, remains perfectly calm before letting out a faint chuckle.
"My apologies, Hanagaki-san. I only asked because there have been a lot of rumors lately - both inside the organization and throughout the delinquent world. People have been saying you've left Tokyo Manji to focus on building the Black Dragons, so I thought it might actually be true.
These days you're almost always with the Black Dragons and rarely show up for Tokyo Manji anymore. And whenever you meet our business partners, you do so as the Black Dragons' President. I suppose that's why so many people have gotten the wrong idea."
Seeing the confusion flicker across Takemichi's face, Kimura adds one more sentence.
"You know... these days, when people mention you, they call you Hanagaki Takemichi - the King of the Black Dragons, not Hanagaki Takemichi - the Treasure of Toman anymore."
Takemichi simply stares at him, his face completely devoid of emotion.
"You're not stupid, so don't act like you don't know whether I'm still in Touman or not. If I ever hear you asking me something like that again, I'll cut your tongue out. Don't test my patience."
His voice is cold enough to freeze the air.
Kimura possesses a rather unique talent - he's the one person Takemichi can never bring himself to treat with the same kindness he shows everyone else.
Yet those icy words only make Kimura look even more exhilarated. He always wants to see these expressions on Takemichi's face.
One day...
One day, he'll make Takemichi reveal every last piece of his true nature.
The thought that he might be the only person capable of drawing that side out of him sends another surge of excitement through his body.
After Kimura leaves, silence suddenly settles over the room. Takemichi falls deep into thought. More than anything, he's stunned. Stunned by everything he's been doing all this time.
He's been so focused on the path he chooses for himself that he never pays attention to what is happening around him. Only now, after suddenly becoming aware of it all, does the weight of it hit him - and for a moment, Takemichi simply can't process it.
What the hell is going on?
Everything he does is for Toman.
Not long ago, everyone was even fighting side by side in a massive battle together.
So why are there rumors that he's left Toman?
The words people spread are terrifying enough as they are...
But these rumors are even coming from inside the organization?
The realization forces Takemichi to reevaluate everything he's been doing.
Building up the Black Dragons to create a force strong enough to protect Toman is always part of his plan to save everyone.
It works.
But somewhere along the way...
Has he become too absorbed in it?
Have I really been spending too much time with the Black Dragons?
Have my friends in Touman heard these rumors? If they have... what do they think?
This suddenly makes Takemichi want to see everyone from Toman. That's why he leaves much earlier than usual today.
What he doesn't notice is that, although Kokonoi and Inupi smile and tell him to go ahead because there isn't much work today, if he looks a little closer, he'd catch the reluctance hidden in their eyes the moment he says he wants to stop by Toman. Even Taiju, who says nothing, is much quieter than usual and barely responds to his goodbye.
Special weather forecast for the Black Dragons: Category 12 storm with violent thunder and lightning, accompanied by tornadoes. Citizens are strongly advised to stay away from the offices of the executive members.
The Black Dragon members silently cry inside. They all know exactly why without anyone having to explain.
Can they still drag their Commander back somehow?
Isn't life already hard enough? Why do they have to suffer the wrath of those three abandoned disasters on top of everything else?
The former Tenth Generation Black Dragon members can't help wondering how on earth they ever managed to work with those three back then.
And because of that, Commander Hanagaki's image as a sincere, dependable, warm-hearted leader shines even brighter in their eyes.
...Though it'd shine ten thousand times brighter if their Commander were actually here.
Takemichi has no idea how many people are desperately praying for him right now.
Please come back, Commander... We seriously can't survive those three ancestors anymore.
Unfortunately, no matter how earnestly they pray, he's already happily trotting off to the other side.
There is only one group that's perfectly satisfied with this situation.
As soon as Takemichi leaves, he calls Chifuyu first. Coincidentally, Chifuyu is with Baji and Kazutora, so Takemichi heads straight over.
He tells them everything he overhears, hoping to hear what they think about it, but their reactions are far calmer than he'd expected.
"The delinquent world is full of idiots. Don't waste your time worrying about it, Takemichi."
Baji throws an arm around his shoulders reassuringly.
Chifuyu walks over and flicks him right on the forehead. Takemichi winces in pain, and Baji immediately rubs the sore spot for him. Meanwhile, Chifuyu continues his usual affectionate scolding.
"My hopeless partner, don't tell me you rush all the way over here because you're worried we'd actually take those idiots seriously. What kinda dumb thing are you stressing over this time, dummy?"
Kazutora lets out a sigh.
"See? I told you. He doesn't know yet, but once he finds out, Takemichi's definitely gonna start worrying."
The three of them act like it's no big deal...
But in reality, they're the ones who lose their tempers the hardest whenever someone dares to say Takemichi isn't part of Toman anymore.
The First Division practically switches into extermination mode. The second they hear someone spouting that kind of bullshit, fists start flying before another word can leave the idiot's mouth.
And the reason they react like that...
...is because those words get to them, too.
They trust every decision Takemichi makes without question, so they never object to anything he does.
That doesn't mean they're happy about it.
If anything...
They're jealous.
Jealous that Takemichi spends more time with the Black Dragons than he does with Toman.
"But it pisses me off. How can they just go around saying I left Toman? Since when did I leave? Did I ever say that? Just hearing it makes me mad."
Takemichi grumbles indignantly, his sulking obvious in every word. His face is scrunched up in annoyance.
Meanwhile...
The flowers blooming inside the other three's hearts couldn't possibly be any brighter.
See?
It really was all in their heads.
No matter what happens, Takemichi will always belong with them. His heart will always find its way back to them.
Just like that, every bit of irritation melts away. Baji grins so wide his eyes disappear as he ruffles Takemichi's fluffy hair.
"Alright, enough getting mad over that crap. Let's go have some fun. Actions speak louder than rumors, right? From now on, you better spend more time with us so nobody can keep running their mouths."
Naturally, he takes the opportunity to subtly remind Takemichi to spend more time with them.
"I know, I know. Oh, right. The BBQ this weekend's gonna be at the Shiba house."
Their good mood doesn't even last that long.
Baji's smile disappears instantly.
He stares at Takemichi in disbelief before slowly turning toward Chifuyu and Kazutora, both wearing the exact same expression.
Letting someone host a party at your house is the kind of thing you only do for people you're really close to.
So what the hell possesses that guy to agree?
Not long ago they were beating each other bloody. Now they're acting like they've been brothers since birth. Can anyone actually believe this?
"You borrow his place?" Kazutora immediately asks.
He knows Takemichi is the type who hates imposing on other people. There's no way Takemichi would be the one asking to use Taiju's house.
"I was asking everyone where would be a good place for the barbecue since my house isn't big enough. Then Taiju says I can have it at his place. The Shiba yard's huge, and they've already got a grill. We just need to clean up afterward. He looks intimidating, but he's actually pretty easygoing, huh?"
Easygoing my ass.
He's only easygoing with you.
The three of them wisely keep those thoughts to themselves.
That damn capitalist. Think you're so great just because you've got a huge fancy house?
"Anyway, I'll let everyone know today. I still gotta call Tenjiku too. Then tomorrow I'll hit the supermarket and buy everything."
"Oh, and if anything changes, make sure you tell Hakkai early," Chifuyu says with a cheerful grin.
Takemichi completely misses the ulterior motive hidden behind his partner's innocent reminder.
"Oh, right! I completely forgot. It's his house and I haven't even told him yet. I'll call Hakkai over to hang out with us too."
The moment he finishes speaking, Takemichi calls Hakkai.
"Huh? What? My house? My brother agreed to that?"
Hakkai's voice practically explodes through the phone as though he's just been struck by lightning. Takemichi can honestly understand the reaction.
"Yep. Oh, and come over too. We're going out."
"Okay... I'll be right there."
Hakkai sounds completely deflated.
"I bet he'll spend ten minutes sitting in a corner growing mushrooms before he actually comes," Chifuyu whispers to Kazutora.
"I bet he'll call Mitsuya and complain first. Taka-chan... my brother stole a march on me..." Kazutora mimics Hakkai, pretending to wipe away tears with a deeply wounded expression.
The two of them immediately clap their hands over their mouths, snickering together.
Sorry, Hakkai. But if we're salty at your brother by one point... Then you're gonna be salty at him by ten. It's your own house, and somehow your brother gets to claim every ounce of Takemichi's gratitude. Tell us~ what could possibly be more infuriating than that?
A little while later, Hakkai arrives with Mitsuya. The guy looks completely drained, like every last bit of energy has been sucked out of him. The second he gets there, the two villains, Kazutora and Chifuyu, immediately drag him off to a corner, throwing their arms around his shoulders with far too much enthusiasm.
"So, Hakkai, sorry for bothering you on the weekend. Oh, wait... are we bothering you or your brother? Probably your brother, huh. He's the one who offers Takemichi a place to throw the party, not you." Chifuyu says.
Critical Hit ×100.
"I mean, sure, it's your house, but it's still your family's house. You're the little brother. Even if you want Takemichi to have the party there, you'd still have to ask your big brother first. It's not like you can decide that on your own. Can't blame Takemichi for not asking you, so don't be sad about it, okay?" Kazutora adds.
Critical Hit ×200.
Baji and Mitsuya know exactly what those two are trying to do, but neither of them has any intention of stepping in to save him. If they don't want to stay the most pitiful ones in the room, someone else has to take that title instead.
And Shiba Hakkai is absolutely perfect for the role.
A round of applause, everyone.
Brother, your suffering eases ours so much.
Our deepest thanks.
Hakkai cries a little at home, calls Mitsuya to sadly complain about why Takemichi doesn't ask him, cries a little more... only to show up here and get knocked out all over again.
Takemichi stands there like an outsider. He catches half of what they're saying and misses the other half, so he has absolutely no idea what's going on. Still, just being surrounded by everyone's familiar banter makes him feel lighter.
"Oh, right, Takemichi. Have you gotten anything ready yet? What're you planning to buy?"
Ignoring the bunch of troublemakers, Mitsuya walks over to Takemichi and asks gently.
"I figure I'll ask Mom to make a shopping list tonight. Then I'll go to the supermarket tomorrow."
"You're going by yourself?"
"Yeah. I can handle it. ...Mitsuya-kun, don't tell me that look means you think I can't even go grocery shopping alone?"
Takemichi immediately catches the expression on his face.
Seriously?
Is this guy treating him like a little kid who needs someone to hold his hand just to go to the supermarket?
Not counting his mental age, he's already fifteen. Mitsuya is only one year older than him, yet somehow he's doubting his ability to buy groceries?
Seeing Takemichi puff up like an offended little cat, Mitsuya can't help laughing. He reaches over, ruffles the fluffy blond hair until it's a complete mess, then says in his usual gentle voice,
"There'll be a lot of people. Buying everything by yourself is gonna be exhausting. I'll come with you tomorrow. Whatever you want to make, I can help you prepare it. It'd be kind of awkward if we leave our own party entirely to the adults."
Watching Mitsuya put on that warm, dependable act, Baji curses inwardly.
Oh, give me a break.
Listen to him, making it sound so noble.
He's just taking advantage of the opportunity.
Damn, this guy really knows how to make every one of his strengths work for him.
This move doesn't just score points with Takemichi - it scores points with his mom, too.
Life's seriously unfair. God already gives the bastard a handsome face, and then throws in amazing cooking skills and sewing on top of that?
Whenever Takemichi gets sick, it's always Mitsuya who brings over homemade food. He's thoughtful, knows how to take care of people, and isn't hopelessly clumsy like certain other idiots. To Takemichi's mother, Mitsuya is basically the model honor student - the reliable, dependable boy she can trust to look after her son.
The moment Takemichi hears Mitsuya is going to help him, all his fake sulking instantly melts into overwhelming gratitude.
"Mitmama- uh, no, Mitsuya-kun, you're the best! Long live Mitsuya-kun! Thanks a million!"
"...Takemichi. Did you just call me Mitmama?"
"Uh... anyway! Where should we go now? How about Mikey's place?"
Takemichi hurriedly changes the subject.
"Works for me. Draken's probably there too. Let's call Pachin and Peyan while we're at it, yeah... Mitmama?" Baji happily jumps in to help Takemichi out before grinning and deliberately teasing Mitsuya.
Mitsuya can only plant his hands on his hips as he stares at the two of them.
The First Division really is ridiculously in sync.
Ridiculously united, too.
"I'll call the cotton candy brothers while I'm at it."
At some point, Hakkai has escaped from Kazutora and Chifuyu's demonic clutches. Standing beside them, he pulls out his phone and calls Angry.
Watching everyone gathered together so happily, Takemichi smiles so brightly that it's like the sun itself disappears beside him.
The atmosphere gradually grows warmer. Spring is almost here. Once everything is truly over, he'll spend all the time he can playing with everyone, making countless happy memories together...
Only then will he return to the future.
Mikey has absolutely no idea why the entire group suddenly decides to come over to his house, but the moment he hears it is Takemichi's idea, he's instantly thrilled.
The second they arrive, he lunges forward and wraps Takemichi in a hug, acting like a spoiled child as he rubs his cheek against Takemichi's.
"Takemitchy, I miss you so much! You don't love me anymore! You leave me all alone for forever!"
His "forever" is... barely more than two days.
The guys standing nearby silently look down on their tiny Commander in their hearts. The same old scene, as always. Besides being ridiculously strong, this guy is also ridiculously good at whining. Ridiculously good at acting spoiled in front of Takemichi. Mikey truly deserves his title as the undefeated champion.
This scene has always been perfectly normal in Touman. But now, Chifuyu finds himself irritated by it. Ever since that conversation with Michi, a small seed of resentment toward Mikey has quietly taken root inside him. Even so, he forces himself to endure it. He's afraid that if he pushes too hard, things will spiral into something much bigger. Kazutora understands exactly how Chifuyu feels. But this is going to take time. Little by little, they'll stop Mikey's feelings from growing any deeper. And not just Mikey's.
Kazutora watches everyone laughing together. Every gaze directed toward Takemichi is filled with warmth and tenderness. Whether Takemichi notices or not, their feelings are impossible to hide from everyone else.
He and Chifuyu...
They have to stop their own hearts, too.
Even so...
Moments like these make it impossible not to become greedy.
Just a little longer.
Just one little moment more.
They want to stay by his side...
Just a little longer.
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