Sakutarō jolted awake, his heart pounding, the remnants of his nightmare clinging to him like a dark mist. Beside him, Kotoba stirred, his eyes wide with concern. He reached out, a silent query in his gaze.
"It was a nightmare," Sakutarō muttered, trying to steady his breath. "I dreamt that Makoto was killed by Raidon. He ended the battle by... beheading him."
Kotoba's face tightened with worry. He quickly grabbed a small notepad and pencil from the bedside table, scribbling a message. He held it up for Sakutarō to see:
Everything will be fine. Makoto knows what he is doing. There is no way he would let someone like Raidon beat him.
Sakutarō took a deep breath, reading the comforting words.
"You're right, Kotoba. I should have full faith in him. He wouldn't let something like that happen."
Just then, the door creaked open, and Hōkai entered the room. His face was etched with concern.
