Seijuro walks alongside Frank, his hands in his pockets and he stares at the floor, deep in thought,
Lily… Ren… Mother… I'll do everything I can to make it up to you all…
His eyes well with tears and they slowly stroll down his cheeks. Frank turns to face him, his smile faltering. He places a reassuring hand on his arm, resulting in Seijuro glancing up at him,
"Seijuro… everything will work out. Keep your head high." Frank gives him a small smile, causing Seijuro to smile back and wipe his cheeks,
"I'll try… Captain Frank… have you… ever lost someone close to you?" He lets go of Seijuros arm and begins pushing himself again,
"No. I cannot fathom the pain you're going through, but this type of pain, should remind us that we should be thankful for what we have, don't you think?" Seijuro looks at the floor and then back at Frank, nodding in agreement,
"Frank! Frank!" A woman's voice can be heard from behind them.
She was wearing a black apron and dressed in traditional chef clothing with a chefs hat on her head. Her face was slightly red and she had a bright smile on her face. Seijuros eyes widen slightly as he recognises the woman,
Her… She baked Frank pies a while ago…
Frank returns her smile,
"Ahh, Maki! What brings you here?" She stops abruptly in front of them, pausing for a few seconds to catch her breath,
"I was… erm… I haven't seen you in a while!"
"It's been… 2 days, but I guess "a while" is subjective." He chuckles.
She turns a bit pink and laughs with him, betraying a hint of nervousness within her giggles,
"I was just… checking up on you."
"That is very kind of you, Maki, but enough about me, what about you?" She lets out a gasp and turns around,
M-me?! He's asking about me!
Seijuro and Frank blink and look at each other, before turning their attention back to Maki, who is giggling to herself uncontrollably,
She is strange… but her aura… it's nothing but pure happiness…
Seijuro thinks and smiles to himself. After what seems like ages, she turns around,
"I'm well. I heard you're going into Tokyo." Frank returns her smile and nods,
"We are. Me, Captain Lisa and Young Seijuro are heading there." Her smile falters and her eyes fill with worry and concern,
"Then please, be safe! Don't do anything stupid!" Frank nods,
"Of course, Maki. Your concern means a lot to me. And to young Seijuro too." Upon hearing his name, he instinctively straightens his posture, nodding and finally opening his mouth to speak,
"Yep! Of course, Miss Maki!" Her smile returns,
"Ok… I better get going… goodbye, Frank and you too kid!" She waves and the duo wave back at her.
Maki leaves, but not before she looks back 8 different times, her eyes always landing on Frank. Seijuro blinks and smiles,
"I think Maki is fond of you, Captain Frank." He glances up at him,
"Yes, I could see that. She is very friendly." Seijuro blinks,
"Friendly?" Frank looks up at him with a puzzled expression,
"Yes. Did I.. say something wrong?" Seijuro looks at him with the same dumbfounded expression,
Does he.. seriously have no clue of Makis true feelings for him?
Seijuro scratches the back of his head,
"Never mind. Should we head to Lily?"
"Of course." Frank looks forward and continues pushing himself.
They pass through several Sakura trees, their leaves gracefully falling to the ground. The aroma of sweet chicken fills the air and the sounds of their footsteps pressing against the concrete. Finally, they reach the main building, where they are immediately met with Lisa's bright smile. She wore glasses and her hair was tied back. Her kimono being a dark purple, decorated with white flowers. She was talking to Kenji, who had his arms crossed and a smile across his face.
"Lisa. Kenji." They both turn their heads around and greet him with a smile,
"Seijuro-san! Frank-san! How you both been!"
"We've been well. Young Seijuro has definitely become stronger."
"He has?" Kenji raises an eyebrow and looks at him,
"It would seem so. Impressive." He looks back at Frank and Lisa,
"Be safe, you both and you, Seijuro." They both nod and Kenji vanishes through a portal.
Seijuro blinks,
"Captain Kenji.. smiles?" Lisa let's out a small chuckle,
"Of course, little brother! Why wouldn't he! He just acts scary to ghouls or people he doesn't know, other than that, he's quite nice."
"I wouldn't believe it unless I saw it, which I did." Lisa lets out another soft chuckle, before turning to face Frank,
"We ready to leave then, Frank-san?"
"Just going to get a couple of things from my office."
"There's no need! I've grabbed everything you both will need. Books, clothes, you name it!"
"Ahh Lily, you're too kind."
"Also, little brother, no sword." Seijuros eyes widen,
"But.. what if I run into a fear?! Or the same one as before?!"
"No worries!" She takes something out her pocket, revealing the same button Seijuro took on his mission with Lily,
"We will rush to you as soon as possible. And it's not like you won't have your sword. It'll just be with me." Seijuro sighs,
Let's hope wherever Captain Lisa is.. it's not too far..
"You'll be with Lisa, Young Seijuro, most of the time. Each day, keep your eyes out for anything. Do you remember where ghouls like to gather?" Seijuro nods confidently,
"Places where fears are common. So in a school.. an examination room?" Frank smiles,
"Well done, young Seijuro."
"We should head out now, before the sunsets."
Lisa states, as she walks towards the exit of the main building.
Frank looks at Seijuro,
"Are you ready for this, young Seijuro?" Frank asks, just as he's about to move.
Seijuro takes a deep breath, he glances around the main building and then looks at Frank,
"Can I see my mom before I leave?" Frank smiles and nods,
"She is in the medic wing. I have informed her of everything." Seijuro nods and bows,
"Thank you, Captain Frank." He walks out of the main building and takes a left towards the medic wing.
He passes through a beautiful garden, filled with sunflowers, plum blossoms, hosta and maple. A few gardeners stand and water them, with a peaceful look on their faces. Seijuro can't help but smile,
Mom used to have that same look... I... miss it…
Seijuro finally reaches the medic wing. Upon walking in, he's met with Asiya's worried look,
"Seijuro!"
"Mom…" She immediately embraces him, holding him as tight as possible,
"That Frank told me everything… do.. do you really have to go?"
"I do, mom." She sighs and he can feel her tears begin to soak his kimono.
Seijuros heart begins to crack, and his voice quivers a little,
"I'll be safe… I promise…"
"I know you will… my son."