The weight of the meeting had passed, and for the first time since their return, things almost felt… normal.

  Almost.

  Watari stretched, exhaling as he rolled his shoulders. “Alright, alright. We’ve been talking about battles, training, and world-ending threats all day. But I made a promise earlier, and I don’t pn on breaking it.”

  Koharu gnced at him, unimpressed. “Promise?”

  Watari nodded, cracking his neck. “Told the kids I’d py with them today.”

  Koharu gave him a long, scrutinizing look. Then, ftly—“No.”

  Watari stepped closer, lowering his voice like he was delivering cssified information. “You don’t understand. I’ve made promises before and didn’t follow through.” He put a hand on her shoulder, his expression suddenly grave. “You do not want to see what happens when you break a promise to a child.”

  Koharu just blinked at him.

  Watari smirked. “I’ve seen you fight, Koharu. I know your strength.” He leaned in slightly. “But even you… you can’t handle those kids.”

  The moment the words left his mouth, bonk.

  Koharu’s fist met his skull with practiced precision.

  Kaito, standing nearby, let out a low whistle. “Damn. You had that one coming.”

  Watari groaned, rubbing his head. “Tch—could’ve just said yes.”

  Koharu sighed, rolling her shoulders. “Fine. It’s been a while since I’ve been here anyway.” Then, in a lower voice—“There is one thing I want to check on before I leave this despicable pce.”

  She turned to Ayase. “You’re coming with me.”

  Ayase bowed slightly, as if this was expected. “Of course, madam.”

  Koharu turned back to the others, her presence already shifting, as if she was mentally preparing to leave this world behind. “Everyone, meet back here by tomorrow morning. That is when we leave.”

  And with that, she and Ayase faded into the air, vanishing like mist.

  ?

  The moment they were gone, Ren exhaled, rubbing his temple. “Well… if everyone else is taking the time, I should probably check in too.”

  Akira tilted his head. “With the Setai?”

  Ren nodded. “Yeah. It’s been a while since I’ve been back. I just want to see the state of things.” He paused, then looked at Akira. “How’s it been?”

  Akira scoffed, running a hand through his hair. “Better. That’s for sure.” His expression softened just slightly. “There are guys there who wanna apologize to you, you know. For what happened.”

  Ren’s jaw tightened.

  Akira continued, his voice quieter now. “Now that I’m in command, I’ll make sure something like what happened to Ancient never happens again.”

  Ren studied him for a moment. Then, slowly, he nodded. “Thanks.” He turned toward the door. “I think I’ll stop by.”

  With that, he left.

  ?

  Ryuko stretched, letting out a yawn as he popped his neck. “Well, since everyone’s off doing their thing…” He cracked his knuckles. “Guess I should handle some loose ends too.”

  Kaito narrowed his eyes. “…Does that mean you’re gonna kill people?”

  Watari didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, he’s definitely going to kill people.”

  Ryuko turned, as if about to deny it. Then, he thought about it. “…Eh.”

  And with that, he walked off.

  ?

  Akira chuckled, watching him go. “Left me with the kids, huh?”

  Yumi turned to him. “Well, technically, you’ve been with us this whole time. You’ve had to deal with us for two years.”

  Akira blinked, then let out a dry ugh. “You know what? You’re right. I think I’ve had enough of you two.” He threw up a zy wave. “See you tomorrow.”

  And with that, he left too.

  ?

  The barrier fell.

  Silence settled over the room.

  Kaito looked around. Then, casually—“Well. I guess we’re the ones locking up tonight.”

  Watari exhaled, dropping into a chair. “Yeah. Just us.”

  CUT TO BLACK.