The courtroom was abuzz with a palpable tension that seemed to thicken the air. Rows of seats were occupied by a sea of faces, and the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. In the center of the room, the Takahashi clan had gathered, almost the entire family present, including distant relatives who had traveled far to offer their support. It was a formidable display of unity, a demonstration of the strength that family bonds could wield.
However, amidst the impressive assembly of the Takahashi clan, another group had quietly taken their places, surprising even Ichiro himself. Akihiko, Miss Nakamura (Akihiko's sister/ school teacher) Emi, the brothers Senpai and Professor Fujimoto, along with his finance Ichika were present.
Lawyer Takashi, who had been retained to represent Ichiro, surveyed the courtroom with a keen eye. His initial assessment of the Takahashi clan's formidable presence was met with a nod of acknowledgment. However, as he glanced at Ichiro's support team, a subtle expression of admiration crossed his face. It was clear that he recognized the strength and diversity of Ichiro's allies.
Hiroshi's frustration and anger resonated in the quiet corridor outside the courtroom. "That bastard, he really thinks he can get all the money." As he cursed under his breath, his wife, Tomoko, redirected her ire toward him, blaming him for the predicament they found themselves in. Their hushed argument unfolded as the court session loomed, the tension thickening in the air.
"This is all your fault," Tomoko accused in a hushed tone, ensuring their quarrel remained confidential. The stakes were high, and the last thing they needed was a public display of discord.
As the court prepared to begin, an unexpected figure entered, causing a ripple of surprise through the onlookers. Ichiro, turning around, was equally taken aback.
"What is he doing here?" Ichiro queried, his eyes narrowing as he spotted Ryoma among the spectators.
"Isn't he your cousin too?" Akihiko leaned over the barrier, his voice lowered to a discreet whisper.
"But, he should be…" Ichiro's sentence hung in the air, his gaze fixed on Ryoma. There was an unease in his demeanor, a sense that something was amiss.
As Ichiro observed his cousin, a peculiar realization dawned on him. The report echoed in his mind:
-Report: Second affinity has completely been gained, no harm will befall the human.-
It was an update on Ryoma's status, a confirmation that the second affinity, though incompatible before, was now part of him without causing harm.
"That's why…" Ichiro muttered, his mind raced with questions. Was Ryoma truly heading to the battlefield, or was there another, more covert purpose?
As Ichiro contemplated this, he couldn't shake the notion that Ryoma might be working for an organization, much like himself. The secrecy surrounding Artificial Enhancement and the potential existence of clandestine operations deepened the mystery. Ichiro couldn't help but wonder about the true motives behind Ryoma's unexpected appearance and the concealed truth that may be lurking beneath the surface.
Ryoma's entrance sent a chill through the room, and instead of acknowledging his own family, he made a beeline for Ichiro's side. The air grew tense as the cousins faced each other.
"What do you think you're doing?" Ryoma's voice was as cold as his expression, and he pierced Ichiro with a scrutinizing glare.
"What do you think?" Ichiro retorted, though his demeanor betrayed an undercurrent of fear. His hands betrayed him, visibly moistened with nervous sweat. The memory of the brutal beating he had endured at Ryoma's hands still haunted him.
"Hmm, you think just because you gained some strength doesn't mean you're strong enough." Ryoma's words cut through the air, carrying a weight that only intensified Ichiro's anxiety. The scars of their previous confrontation lingered, leaving Ichiro grappling with a palpable fear of his formidable cousin.
However, before the tension could escalate further, Akihiko stepped forward, surprising everyone with his bold intervention. "So what if he isn't strong enough? He has me to take out the trash." Akihiko's words were firm, his eyes locked onto Ryoma. The declaration hinted at a deeper loyalty and an unwavering commitment to his friend.
The courtroom held its collective breath, torn between the anticipation of a clash and the hope for a peaceful resolution. Akihiko's bold move stood out, a testament to the unyielding bond between him and Ichiro.
Miss Nakamura, observing the unfolding drama, sighed quietly. She had seen her fair share of family disputes, confident that the Takahashi family's influence could manage any issues arising from Akihiko's behavior. However, Ryoma's presence stirred a different kind of concern within her. There was something about him that defied easy categorization—a subtle aura that hinted at depths not to be underestimated.
As the courtroom awaited the next development, the air crackled with tension, each person present acutely aware of the fragile balance that held the potential for either resolution or chaos.
Ryoma's annoyance with Akihiko's arrogance was palpable, and with a swift motion, he launched a furious fist toward Akihiko. The courtroom collectively gasped, including Ryoma's own parents, shocked by the sudden escalation.
"So, that's all you got?" Akihiko taunted, a mocking laughter escaping his lips. "Don't underestimate me." Akihiko's cold glare conveyed a seriousness that contradicted his earlier laughter. He was not to be taken lightly.
Just as Akihiko prepared for a counterattack, Emi intervened, grabbing him and admonishing him not to destroy the courtroom. Miss Nakamura, initially poised to pull her brother away, relaxed as she saw Emi's ability to calm Akihiko.
"Are you stupid? Why would I bully a weakling?" Akihiko's cutting words wounded Ryoma's pride. To Akihiko, Ryoma was nothing more than an ineffectual challenger who couldn't land a blow.
Unbeknownst to the onlookers, Ichiro remained observant. The system relayed information to him, indicating that Ryoma was not utilizing more than 10% of his strength. Surprisingly, even with this restrained effort, Ryoma's attacks had caused a small breach in Akihiko's barrier. It hinted at Ryoma's latent power, suggesting that he had grown significantly stronger than before.
The courtroom, buzzing with tension and a brewing confrontation, fell silent as the court judge, a stern figure in his black robes, made his way to the bench. His authoritative presence commanded respect, and the room gradually settled into a hushed anticipation.
"Order in the court!" the judge declared, his voice cutting through the restless whispers.
He motioned for everyone to take their seats, signaling the beginning of a process that would navigate the complexities of family dynamics and personal desires. The Takahashi clan, though still visibly agitated, complied with the judge's instructions and returned to their designated places.
The judge, with a calm yet firm demeanor, addressed the courtroom. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to address the matter at hand—a family dispute that has brought us to this courtroom. At the center of this conflict is Ichiro Takahashi, who seeks independence from his family and wishes to leave his home."
He gestured towards Ichiro, who sat resolutely, his expression revealing a mix of determination and apprehension.
"As we delve into this matter, it is crucial for all parties involved to remember the purpose of this court session—to seek a fair resolution that aligns with the principles of justice," the judge continued. "Ichiro, please express your reasons for seeking independence."
Ichiro, though nervous, gathered himself and spoke clearly. "Your Honor, I have come to the decision that it is in my best interest to forge my own path, separate from the family estate. I seek independence to pursue my own goals and aspirations."
The judge nodded, acknowledging Ichiro's statement, and then turned his attention to the rest of the courtroom. "It is essential for all parties to understand the gravity of this decision and to approach this matter with respect and consideration. We are here to facilitate a fair discussion and reach a resolution that serves the interests of all involved."
The courtroom held its collective breath as Ichiro's legal team began to present their case for his desire for independence. The air was thick with tension, and all eyes were on the legal proceedings that would determine the fate of Ichiro's quest for autonomy.
However, as the defense meticulously laid out their arguments, Hiroshi Takahashi, Ichiro's uncle and a central figure in the family, could no longer contain his anger. He rose from his seat, his face contorted with frustration and resentment.
"I agree with the independence, Your Honor, but the person right in front of you is not the real Ichiro Takahashi," Hiroshi declared, his voice cutting through the courtroom's hushed atmosphere. His statement hung heavily in the air, leaving a sense of disbelief and curiosity among the onlookers.
The judge, maintaining an air of impartiality, allowed Hiroshi to elaborate on his claim. "Explain yourself, Mr. Takahashi. What do you mean by 'the real Ichiro Takahashi'?"
Hiroshi took a moment to compose himself before launching into his argument. "Your Honor, the boy who claims to be Ichiro Takahashi is an imposter. He is not my nephew. The real Ichiro would never seek independence from his family, especially with the substantial wealth and legacy that comes with the Takahashi name."