Aaron blinked, taken aback by Genta's words. For a moment, the usual sarcasm and snark he kept at the ready didn't come to his lips.
Instead, he simply watched as Genta prepared himself for the upcoming battle. The man seemed more serious than ever, and Aaron couldn't help but feel a pang of something he wasn't used to— welp that was for future him to think about.
When Genta mentioned Sakura, Aaron waved it off with a grin. "Yeah, well, stubborn runs in your family, right? I guess that's why you're heading out to face a homicidal maniac instead of kicking back and watching reruns."
Genta smiled, a mix of pride and sadness in his eyes. As he stepped closer, he placed a hand on Aaron's shoulder. "You are a good kid... you know that?"
Aaron, feeling the weight of Genta's words, forced a chuckle to break the tension. "Good? You must be confusing me with someone else. I'm the guy who'll probably end up making a joke while you're out there risking your life."
But even as he said it, Aaron couldn't shake the sincerity in Genta's gaze. It was a look that said he saw something more in Aaron than just the wisecracking, chaotic force of nature everyone else did.
"Take care of yourself out there, old man," Aaron finally said, his voice softer than usual. "Wouldn't want to have to explain to your daughter why you didn't make it back. Although knowing her, she would probably blame me."
Genta gave a firm nod, appreciating the sentiment, before heading out to face his fate. Aaron watched him go, the device and stamp now in Genta's hands, feeling an odd mix of hope and dread.
///
Genta arrived at the abandoned warehouse, the air heavy with anticipation. The dilapidated building stood as a silent witness to the confrontation that was about to unfold.
Rusted metal beams groaned under the weight of the structure, and the faint sound of dripping water echoed through the hollow space. The flickering light from a single exposed bulb cast eerie shadows on the cracked concrete floor.
In the center of the warehouse, Vail stood waiting, a twisted grin spreading across his face as he saw Genta enter. His eyes gleamed with a dangerous excitement, his entire body vibrating with barely contained energy. The moment he had been waiting for had finally come.
"Well, well, well... if it isn't the traitor himself," Vail sneered, his voice dripping with venom. "I was starting to think you wouldn't show, Genta. You're making this too easy."
Genta didn't respond immediately. He walked forward, his footsteps echoing through the vast, empty space, each step bringing him closer to the inevitable clash. His eyes were locked on Vail, unwavering and determined.
Vail's grin widened, his teeth bared like a predator about to pounce on its prey. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this. The only reason I even bothered joining Gifu was to get the chance to kill you, Genta. That's it. Nothing else mattered to me."
Genta's expression remained stoic, but his grip on the device and stamp tightened. He could feel the weight of Vail's hatred pressing down on him, the fury that had been festering for so long now poised to erupt. Vail's rage was almost palpable, a tangible force that filled the room.
"You betrayed me," Vail continued, his voice rising with each word. "You turned your back on me, and for what? A shot at redemption? A chance to play the hero? Well, here's the thing, Genta—you don't get to walk away from what you did. You don't get to leave me behind and pretend it never happened."
Genta stopped a few feet away from Vail, meeting his gaze with a calm resolve. "I didn't betray you, Vail. I made a choice to protect what mattered most. But if this is the only way you'll find peace, then so be it."
Vail's laugh echoed through the warehouse, a harsh, grating sound that sent chills down Genta's spine. "Peace? Oh, Genta, you misunderstand. I don't want peace. I want revenge. And tonight, I'm finally going to get it."
As Genta and Vail squared off, the tension in the abandoned warehouse reached its peak. Both men settled into their stances, their eyes locked in a fierce stare-down. This was the moment of truth, the culmination of years of resentment, betrayal, and unresolved anger.
"Let's end this," Genta said, his voice steady and resolute. He was ready, prepared to face whatever came next. Vail, matching his intensity, grinned wickedly as he mirrored Genta's movements.
Back at the Weekend facility, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation as the team watched the scene unfold on the monitors. The entire room was focused on the impending battle, each member on edge, knowing the gravity of the situation.
In stark contrast to the tension, Aaron was lounging casually in the back of the room, seemingly unfazed by the life-and-death struggle about to take place. He held a sweet treat in his hand, savoring the flavor with a contented expression. The sweets in Japan were indeed delightful, and his mind drifted momentarily to the idea of sampling desserts from other countries. What did they taste like? He imagined the rich, buttery pastries of France, the intricate confections of Italy, the exotic fruits of Southeast Asia. The thought amused him, a pleasant distraction from the seriousness around him.
As he took another bite, he glanced at the screen, noting the intensity between Genta and Vail. "Hope they don't take too long," he mused to himself, his tone light and unbothered. The seriousness of the situation seemed distant, almost surreal to him as he enjoyed his snack.
While the others around him were on edge, Aaron's calm demeanor was almost jarring in its nonchalance. It was as if the impending battle was just another moment in a day filled with many, and his thoughts were more occupied with the simple pleasure of good food than the violence about to unfold.