The Chūkan stretched endlessly above, its ethereal glow casting an eerie shimmer across the infinite space. But here, in the folds of its shadows, three figures stood unseen—watching.

  A ripple of distortion cut through the air as a vision formed before them. Like a painting drawn from the very threads of reality, the world below became clear.

  Akira.

  The st of them to leave. His white coat flickered under the light as he stretched his arms with a sigh, zily shoving his hands into his pockets as he walked off.

  YuYu licked his lips, excitement fshing in his crimson eyes. “Ahh, that’s the Chūkan’s new pdog, isn’t it?” His voice carried a pyful edge, but beneath it, there was something else—anticipation.

  Kenzo chuckled, arms crossed. “Yeah. That’s the Setai guy. The new commander.”

  Daisuke scoffed. His tone was dismissive, like he was brushing off an insect. “The Setai isn’t an issue. Even the Shingan considers them insignificant. They’re nothing more than an ant struggling at the edge of a vast hill.”

  YuYu tilted his head, watching Akira disappear down the road. “Yeah, he doesn’t seem that strong to me. But those Jūmonban…” His gaze flickered toward Kenzo. “That woman that left before him, Kenzo—wasn’t she the one that almost got you st time?”

  For the first time, Kenzo’s smirk faltered. It was the smallest shift, but it was there.

  YuYu grinned wider.

  Kenzo exhaled, rolling his shoulders. “In my mind, I almost got her.” His voice was even, but there was an edge beneath it. “But if that’s the way you saw it, then maybe that’s the way it happened.” A beat passed. “Not that it matters. Next time I meet her… she will be dead.”

  YuYu gave a lighthearted ugh. “She better be. With her gone, the Chūkan loses so much power. I could take my time with the rest.”

  Daisuke, standing a little apart from the two, finally spoke again, his tone measured. “Her time will come soon.” His golden eyes flickered. Below, the st traces of the Chūkan’s barrier shimmered, ready to disperse. “But first… let’s py with Itsutsu’s boy.”

  YuYu exhaled sharply, excitement overtaking him again. He ran a tongue over his teeth. “It’s been so long since I’ve felt the fist of a Hayashi.”

  Kenzo’s smirk returned, but this time, it was sharper. Darker.

  “Well then.”

  He raised a hand—

  Snap.

  Darkness surged.

  A veil of shadows bled into existence, swallowing the remnants of the Chūkan’s barrier whole.

  The hunt had begun.

  CUT TO BLACK.