It has been a week since the incident. Natsumi and Ai have reconciled, and I inquired about Kaito's findings at the city center.
"Nothing conclusive, aside from remnants of demon flesh and blood," Kaito replied. "The devastation caused by 'Ryuzin' and yourself was extensive, with both demon and human flesh scattered throughout the area."
"Who is 'Ryuzin'?" I asked, seeking clarification.
Kaito explained, "The individual you fought, his name is 'Ryuzin'. We know his name a cause we discovered a fragment of his origin - a piece of his skin was on your wound."
"Did you uncover his true identity?" I pressed.
Kaito's response was ambiguous: "Yes... and no."
I sought further clarification: "I beg your pardon?"
Kaito elaborated, "He is in our system, having previously performed the same duties as yourself."
"What do you mean by 'the same duties'?" I inquired.
Kaito replied, "He possesses the same power as you, and faced similar outcomes."
I expressed concern: "If he was once a good person, what led to his downfall?"
Kaito's expression turned somber: "We believed him to have perished in the Shibuya fire two years ago, which claimed over a thousand lives."
I asked, worried: "What do you mean?"
Kaito clarified, "We thought he died that day, but it appears that is not the case."
I questioned, "If he was alive, why did he not return? And why did you not inform me about him?"
Kaito replied, "We did mention that others defended Tokyo before you. There are few others, who are defending other parts of Japan, and those parts that does not have there saviour, they use forces and arms. As for his return, I am uncertain. He was not one for conversation, focusing solely on his work. Unlike you, he had no family, having lost them in an accident."
Kaito added, "He may share a similar fate as yourself, but you still have Natsumi. He was always alone."
These revelations from Commander Kaito have left me uncertain about my next course of action. However, I must now focus on a more immediate challenge: the School Cultural Festival! Please note that the next part of the story will be a lighthearted interlude, devoid of action scenes, so I invite you to adjust your reading pace accordingly. For further context, please refer to Chapter 4.
END OF CHAPTER 6