It was the next day and it was evening time, everyone gathered in the meeting room, the weight of the upcoming encounter hanging heavily over them. The tension from the previous night had simmered, but it was still palpable, especially between Mousa and Toma. Everyone was on edge, knowing that the day would bring them face-to-face with the gang leaders again.
Mousa stood at the head of the table, his expression stern as he addressed the group. "We need to be clear on one thing," he began, his voice leaving no room for argument. "This mission is dangerous, and I don't want any more unnecessary risks. Toma, Kazuya, you're staying here."
Toma's eyes narrowed, frustration evident on his face, but he held his tongue. Kazuya, however, wasn't as willing to accept the decision. "Mousa, I'm fine," Kazuya protested, taking a step forward. "I know I got hurt yesterday, but I've healed. I don't know how, but I'm better now."
The others turned to look at Kazuya, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern. Jun's eyes narrowed as she studied him, noticing that he did indeed seem much better than he should have after taking such a hit the day before.
"Kazuya, you should be in bed," Mousa said while Shota nodded in agreement.
Kazuya shook his head, clearly as baffled as they were. "I don't know what happened. I felt terrible last night, but somehow i felt a strange feeling and next thing i know, I was fine..... It's like… something sped up my recovery."
Jun's gaze sharpened as a theory began to form in her mind. "Your ability," she said slowly. "You can manipulation time, so It might have accelerated your healing process without you realizing it."
Kazuya blinked, taken aback by the suggestion. "You think so? I've never thought I could do that."
"It makes sense," Jun continued, her mind racing as she pieced it together. "If you can control the concept of time, then it's possible that your body can heal faster by compressing the time it takes to recover."
Jun then added. "But Kazuya, that doesn't mean you're fully healed internally. We can't be sure how complete your recovery is."
Mousa cut in, his tone firm. "Regardless of how fast you're healing, it's too risky. You were badly injured, Kazuya. You might feel better now, but we can't take that chance."
"But I'm okay, you won't need to worry about me, i feel like can take them on!,"
Mousa scoffed. "You can't even control your own ability Kazuya, you don't have the grasp to it, and the guys are fighting aren't no training dolls. It's deadly as it is, and I don't want anymore casualties like the first time.
Kazuya frowned as Mousa said those words.
Mousa added. "You're not ready, Kazuya. Stay here with Toma until we come back.
But Kazuya insisted again, desperation creeping into his voice. "I'm not weak. I won't hold you guys back."
"It's not about being weak, Kazuya." Mousa replied, his expression softening slightly. "It's about being smart. We're facing a dangerous enemy, and I don't want to lose anyone because we weren't careful."
Toma, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. "If Kazuya thinks he can go, let him. You guys could use his ability."
"No," Mousa said sharply, cutting off any further debate. "This isn't up for discussion. Toma, you know why you're staying behind. And Kazuya, you're staying because you're still recovering. That's final."
Kazuya's shoulders slumped in defeat, but he knew he couldn't argue anymore. Mousa's decision was clear, and despite his protests, Kazuya understood the logic behind it. Still, the frustration of being sidelined gnawed at him, the feeling of helplessness he had tried so hard to overcome now threatening to swallow him again.
Jun stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Kazuya's shoulder. "We need you to stay safe, kid." she said gently. "You're still part of this team, but we can't afford to lose you. Focus on recovering fully and keep trying to activate your ability. There will be other battles, and when the time comes, you'll be ready. But for now I want you to stay, okay" Jun said.
Kazuya slightly blushed as Jun gently carcass his shoulder. She was always rough but he didn't know she could be this gentle...
'Maybe she does care about me' Kazuya thought.
It took a moment for Kazuya to regain his conposure, but as he did. He nodded reluctantly at Jun's requestm "I'll stay," he said quietly. "But I'm not giving up. I'll be ready next time."
Mousa gave him a brief nod of approval before turning back to the rest of the group. "Everyone gear up, We will leave in 10 minutes. Let's make sure we're ready for whatever they throw at us."
As the others dispersed to prepare, Kazuya remained standing in the room, his mind racing with thoughts of what could have been. Shota gave him a supportive pat on the back before leaving.
Toma was still in the room, his frustration still evident.
"I can't believe, they think we're just gonna stand by and do nothing!?" Toma said to Kazuya, his voice gruff.
Kazuya replied. "I think they just want us to protect us."
Toma sighed lightly. "Protect us? They are seeing us as burdens."
Kazuya insisted. "No, that's not true. Didn't you heard what Jun said."
Toma scoffed mockingly. "You're really taking her words to seriously? Well of course you would..... What more could I expect from someone who has a crush on her?"
Kazuya face turned red. "W-w-what! No I don't!" Kazuya said nervously.
Toma rolled his eyes. "Whatever bro, just know that I'm not going to be their lackey, I'm not going to sit down here and do nothing."
Kazuya eyes widened. "What do you mean?.... you're not going to?"
Toma nodded. "I'm going Kazuya."
Kazuya was baffled. "Are you serious!? Do you even know where it's at!?"
Toma nodded. "Yes, I know the location of where they're going to meet. "It's near an old warehouse on the outskirts of the city."
Kazuya was surprised qt how Toma knew this. But his concern was growing even more. "But what about Hiroshi and his daughter!? If you're not here then who's going to protect them!?"
Toma reassured him. "Nobody will come here.... because that's not what they're after."
Kazuya was confused. "What do you mean?"
"Hiroshi and Maya will be safe. Because what they're truly after is heading towards them right now.
Kazuya looked at Toma with genuine confusion.
Toma sighed, as his expression turned more serious. " Time is running out, Kazuya. If you want to know more then follow me."
Kazuya was surprised. "What you want me to come with you!?!? But..."
Toma looked at Kazuya. "I didn't you say youwanted to come?"
Kazuya replied. "I did.... But-"
Toma quickly halted his speech. "Listen, Kazuya. If you want to come with then let's go, if you don't, then stop wasting my time."
With that, Toma turned and walked out, leaving Kazuya alone. Kazuya pondered for a brief moment, but then quickly dashed out of the room to catch up with Toma....