Chapter 5 - The Past's Midnights

Yuta: So, Hana, tell me about Katoi's childhood. What was he like?

Hana: Ah, Katoi's childhood... It was a mix of sunshine and rainbows, or so his parents would like to believe. He was their precious little boy, showered with love and attention. They thought he was destined for greatness.

Yuta: Destined for greatness, huh? That sounds promising. What kind of child was he? Did he have any hobbies or interests?

Hana: Well, Katoi was a studious child, always buried in books and eager to learn. He had a knack for academics and was quite the hard worker. His parents enrolled him in a prestigious school, hoping to nurture his talents. But little did they know, that's where the storm began.

Yuta: The storm? What do you mean?

Hana: High school. It's supposed to be a time of growth and self-discovery, but for Katoi, it was a living nightmare. He became a target for constant bullying by his seniors. They took pleasure in tearing him down, making his life unbearable.

Yuta: That's terrible. How did he handle it?

Hana: At first, he tried to endure it, thinking it would pass. But the relentless torment took its toll on him. After a year of enduring the cruelty, he couldn't take it anymore. He made the difficult decision to quit school, leaving behind his dreams and aspirations.

Yuta: That must have been devastating for him. How did his parents react?

Hana: At first, his parents were understanding and supportive. They believed in giving him the space to heal and find his own path. But as time went on, their patience began to wear thin. They struggled to understand why their once-promising son had become a recluse, a NEET.

Yuta: I can imagine the disappointment and frustration they must have felt. Did they ever confront him about it?

Hana: Oh, they did. One day, his father couldn't contain his emotions any longer. He scolded Katoi, questioning his choices and the impact they had on the family. It was a heated exchange, filled with harsh words and painful accusations.

Yuta: That must have been a tense moment. What did Katoi say?

Hana: Katoi didn't hold back either. He criticized his father's failing business, laying blame on him for their current circumstances. He even went as far as insinuating that his mother was the reason he turned out the way he did.

Yuta: That's... quite harsh. It seems like there was a lot of resentment and frustration within him.

Hana: Indeed, there was. Katoi had bottled up his anger and disappointment for so long, it all came pouring out in that moment. It was a turning point in their relationship, leaving a deep rift between them.

Hana: You see, Yuta, Kishoten had high hopes for Katoi. She believed that Katoi would be a saint among men, a righteous and virtuous individual who would bring light to the world. But alas, the world had other plans for him.

Yuta: Ah, the world... always ready to disappoint, isn't it? I suppose it couldn't handle Katoi's exceptional brilliance and decided to give him a rough time instead.

Hana: Oh, absolutely! The world couldn't bear the weight of his greatness, so it decided to throw obstacles at every turn. It's a classic case of jealousy, I tell you.

Yuta: Jealousy indeed! How dare the world be envious of Katoi's potential and try to dim his light? It's almost comical if you think about it.

Hana: It's a tragic comedy, really. The world, in all its infinite wisdom, decided that mediocrity should prevail, and Katoi became a casualty in its grand scheme.

Yuta: Poor Katoi, caught in the crossfire of the world's mediocre ambitions. But you know what they say, Hana, it's better to be extraordinary in a world of mediocrity than to be mediocre in an extraordinary world.

Hana: Ah, beautifully put, Yuta! Katoi was simply too extraordinary for the mundane existence the world had planned for him. It's a shame they couldn't rise to his level.

Yuta: Indeed, a shame. But now, it's our turn to show the world what Katoi was truly capable of. We'll take his legacy, his struggles, and turn them into something remarkable.

Hana: Absolutely, Yuta. We'll rewrite the script and create a masterpiece. The world won't know what hit them.

Yuta: Hold on a moment, Hana. Did you just say that Kishoten appointed Katoi for some special purpose? What exactly did she have in mind?

Hana: Oh, yes, indeed. Kishoten, the wise and enigmatic being that he is, had a grand plan for Katoi. He saw something in him, a potential to bring about positive change in the world.

Yuta: Positive change? That's quite a responsibility. But why Katoi? I mean, he seemed to have given up on himself and his potential a long time ago.

Hana: Ah, that's the fascinating part, Yuta. Sometimes, the ones who appear to have given up are the ones with the greatest capacity for growth and transformation. Kishoten saw that spark in Katoi, even if Katoi himself couldn't see it.

Yuta: So, Kishoten believed in him when no one else did. That's quite remarkable. But what exactly did he want Katoi to achieve? What was this special purpose?

Hana: Well, my dear Yuta, Kishoten envisioned Katoi as a beacon of righteousness, a guiding light in a world that had lost its way. He wanted Katoi to inspire others, to show them the power of kindness, empathy, and justice.

Yuta: That's quite a tall order. It sounds like Kishoten had high expectations for him. But how could Katoi fulfill such a role when he was constantly beaten down by the world?

Hana: Ah, the irony of it all. Kishoten knew that Katoi's journey would be arduous, filled with hardships and challenges. He wanted him to rise above the adversity, to prove that even in the face of darkness, one can find their light.

Yuta: It's both inspiring and daunting, Hana. To think that Katoi had this extraordinary destiny waiting for him... it makes me wonder what could have been.

Hana: Indeed, Yuta. But don't dwell too much on the "what ifs." We have the power to shape Katoi's story now. We can help him fulfill his potential, even if it's in a different way than Kishoten originally envisioned.

Yuta: You're right, Hana. We have a chance to rewrite the narrative, to take Katoi's struggles and turn them into triumphs. Let's not waste this opportunity.

Yuta: Hana, there's something else I need to understand. Why me? Why was I chosen to inhabit Katoi's body and fulfill his purpose?

Hana: Ah, Yuta, you always ask the right questions. You see, Kishoten recognized the hardships you had endured in your previous life. He knew that you had experienced the depths of despair and the harshness of the world. And in a way, he wanted to give you a chance to rewrite your own story.

Yuta: So, it's not just about Katoi's purpose, but also about my own redemption?

Hana: Precisely! Kishoten believed that by taking on Katoi's identity, you could create a new path for yourself. He wanted to give you the opportunity to live a simpler, yet meaningful life, away from the battles and wars of your past.

Yuta: It's almost poetic, isn't it? The warrior finding solace in the life of a seemingly ordinary young man. But how can I do justice to Katoi's legacy when I'm still figuring out my own?

Hana: Yuta, my dear, that's the beauty of it. Kishoten knew that you didn't have all the answers, that you were still on your own journey of self-discovery. But he believed in your resilience and your ability to adapt.

Yuta: I appreciate his faith in me, Hana. But what exactly am I supposed to do in Katoi's body? How can I keep his name intact?

Hana: Kishoten wanted you to live a life of simplicity and goodness. To be a person who upholds values like honesty, compassion, and integrity. By embodying these qualities, you can ensure that Katoi's name is associated with positivity and righteousness.

Yuta: So, it's not just about fulfilling some grand destiny, but rather about embracing a way of life that reflects Katoi's character?

Hana: Exactly, Yuta. It's about being the best version of yourself, living authentically, and leaving a positive impact on those around you. In doing so, you honor Katoi's memory and carry forward his essence.

Yuta: I understand now, Hana. It's not just about Katoi's purpose, but also about my own growth and redemption. I have the opportunity to shape this new life and make it meaningful.

Hana: That's the spirit, Yuta! Embrace this chance to forge a new path, not just for Katoi, but for yourself as well. And remember, I'll be here to guide you every step of the way.

Hana: By the way I have to say all those nice and supporting things with you because Kishoten checks my texts I have with the one's I am appointed to. Nothing personal.

Yuta: Wait. Does she do this it with everyone?

Hana: Yup every guardian agent who gives their assignment a hard time, and apparently I am the only one according to her.

Yuta: So, you're saying Kishoten monitors all our conversations? That's a bit... invasive, isn't it?

Hana: Oh, absolutely! But hey, what can I say? Kishoten likes to keep a close eye on her agents, especially the ones who give her a run for her money. And apparently, I'm her favorite troublemaker.

Yuta: (sighs) Well, as long as we're aware of it, I suppose we'll have to be mindful of what we say. It's just... a bit unsettling, you know?

Hana: Trust me, I get it. But let's not dwell on that too much. We've got a lot to explore and discover together. Now, speaking of which, there's something else I should mention.

Yuta: Well, Hana, it's been quite a day. I guess it's time for me to shut down and enter sleep mode.

Hana: Ah, the joy of escaping reality and entering the realm of dreams. Don't worry, Yuta, I'll be here to haunt your dreams too.

Yuta: (smirking) Oh, great. Just what I needed, a trancedental dream companion.

Hana: Consider it a bonus feature, Yuta. You won't find this level of snarkiness in your average dream.

Yuta: Well, I can't wait to see what kind of horror adventures await me in dreamland. Good night, Hana.

Hana: Sleep tight, Yuta. May your dreams be filled with entertaining glitches and unexpected plot twists.

Yuta: Thanks, I'll be sure to report any bugs or inconsistencies to you in the morning.

Hana: (laughing emoji) Of course, I'll be eagerly waiting for your dream bug reports. Until then, have a sarcastically good night!