In an unexpected turn, Akuma no Seishin, amidst the intensity of their battle within the forest, suddenly declared, "Oh... Something urgent seems to have happened. I guess I'll have to go." This proclamation left Ryouichi and Yuki puzzled, their readiness for combat suddenly met with a surprising change of circumstance.
Expressing their incredulity, Ryouichi questioned, "Huh? Why do you assume we would allow you to just walk away?" Akuma no Seishin, undeterred by the challenging tone, calmly responded, "Try to stop me if you want to."
As the spiritual being began to walk away from the unfolding conflict, both Ryouichi and Yuki stood still, caught in a moment of uncertainty. Yuki, ever inclined towards aggression, contemplated launching an attack to impede Akuma no Seishin's departure. However, Ryouichi, displaying a different perspective, intervened, advising, "Don't attack it. It's pointless right now."
Yuki, although visibly conflicted, heeded Ryouichi's counsel, letting out a sigh and nodding her head in reluctant agreement. The forest, witness to this unexpected reprieve, stood silent, the ebb and flow of the confrontation momentarily paused. The urgency in Akuma no Seishin's departure hinted at a layer of complexity beyond their current understanding.
Ryouichi's decision to refrain from an unwarranted attack showcased a strategic discernment, acknowledging the transient nature of the situation.
Under the serene ambiance of the secluded beach, Yuki turned to Ryouichi, her inquiry cutting through the gentle murmur of the waves. "Are you still in contact with Sakura?" she asked, her gaze fixed on him. Ryouichi met her eyes and replied, "Yes. I still talk with her every once in a while."
Curiosity lingered in Yuki's expression as she sought to delve deeper into Sakura's well-being. "How's she doing?" she inquired, prompting Ryouichi to share insights into their mutual acquaintance's current state. "She's doing well," Ryouichi responded, providing reassurance about Sakura's condition.
With a simple "Okay," Yuki shifted the conversation toward a suggestion that resonated with a hint of nostalgia. "Should we gather up again? Just like we used to?" she proposed, reminiscing about the times when their group convened. Ryouichi, agreeing to the idea, added a pragmatic touch, "Sure. I'll schedule it for the next week though."
As they strolled along the secluded beach, the tranquil surroundings became a canvas for their conversation. Ryouichi, ever the playful one, interjected with a teasing proposal, "Do you want to make ou-" Before he could finish his suggestive sentence, Yuki swiftly interrupted with a resounding slap, sending Ryouichi tumbling onto the soft sand.
With a mix of amusement and exasperation, Yuki retorted, "Pervert." Ryouichi, caught in the act of his mischievous proposition, couldn't help but laugh at the situation. Quick to diffuse any potential tension, he uttered, "Oh, come on... you want to do-" However, he wisely cut himself short as he saw Yuki preparing for another slap. "Okay, okay, calm down!" he exclaimed, adopting a conciliatory tone.
Yuki's laughter echoed across the beach as Ryouichi, recovering from his playful mischief, sighed in good-natured surrender. The banter between them, a blend of camaraderie and light-hearted teasing, created an atmosphere of familiarity and warmth against the backdrop of the tranquil shoreline.
Yuki, with a determined stride, approached Ryouichi and initiated a conversation about their next move. "I'll teleport us to... Wait, where do you want me to teleport us to?" she inquired, curiosity and readiness in her eyes. Ryouichi, however, had a specific plan in mind, and he responded with a touch of urgency, "Nowhere! My motorcycle is still in the forest. We'll go back by riding."
Yuki, with a hint of skepticism, regarded him and offered a convenient solution. "I'll teleport your motorcycle, too," she suggested, showcasing the versatile capabilities of Void Enes. Ryouichi, appreciating the efficiency of her suggestion, motioned for her to follow as they embarked on their journey back to where his Yamaha R1 was stationed, nestled within the embrace of the forest.
Upon reaching the forest, Ryouichi directed Yuki to employ her Void Enes mastery to teleport them to Aria and Kaito. However, Yuki, unfamiliar with these individuals and their location, presented a challenge to this plan. Unfazed, Ryouichi leaned in and whispered the name of the city he desired them to teleport to—Yokohama.
Yuki, channeling the power of Void Enes, executed the teleportation successfully. The bustling energy of the city enveloped them as they materialized on the main road. Ryouichi, relieved to find his motorcycle had seamlessly teleported alongside them, let out a sigh of relief. The bustling urban scene unfolded before them, a vivid panorama of life in motion.
As they stood on the busy main road, surrounded by the rhythmic hum of city life, Yuki turned to Ryouichi with a sense of accomplishment. "We're here," she declared, her eyes scanning the vibrant streets teeming with activity. Vehicles of various kinds navigated the intricate web of roads, contributing to the dynamic tapestry of city movement.
Ryouichi, feeling the familiar weight of his phone in hand, decided to reach out to Kaito, a familiar voice answering on the other end. "Do you want to visit the Marine Tower?" Ryouichi proposed, initiating a spontaneous plan. Kaito, somewhat surprised and evidently curious, inquired about Ryouichi's current location, suspecting that he might have already returned from his recent venture.
Kaito, grasping the situation, quickly asked, "Are you in Yokohama? Did you already return?" Ryouichi's response, a simple "Yes," prompted Kaito to formulate plans. "Okay, I'll get Aria with me and we'll meet there," Kaito declared, his willingness to join evident in his prompt response.
Not missing a beat, Ryouichi mentioned, "I'm bringing Yuki with me," introducing the unexpected companion he had acquired during his recent escapade. Kaito, perhaps detecting a hint of mischief, teased Ryouichi, "Huh? Yuki? Did you find a girlfriend while you were away?" Ryouichi, with a touch of humor, retorted, "I wish." Kaito, maintaining the playful banter, continued, "Sure, you definitely found a girlfriend. Oh, I'm excited to see how you act around her."
Ryouichi, resigned to Kaito's teasing, sighed and dismissed the banter with a casual "Whatever." Practical arrangements followed as Ryouichi proposed a meeting time. "We'll meet there in 30 minutes, okay?" he suggested. Kaito, readily agreeing, responded with a straightforward "Okay." The call concluded, leaving Ryouichi with the anticipation of a reunion with his friends.
Turning his attention to Yuki, who had been observing the exchange, he relayed the plan. "Let's go there already," Yuki proposed, her eagerness matching the impromptu nature of their plans. The duo embarked on a journey through the bustling streets of Yokohama, the urban pulse resonating around them.
As they approached Yokohama's Marine Tower, the iconic structure came into view, standing tall against the cityscape. The clock displayed 1 PM, and Ryouichi and Yuki positioned themselves near the landmark, patiently waiting for the arrival of Kaito and Aria.