Horikita stood with a solemn expression, her gaze fixed on Bruce. She could feel her heart heavy with the weight of what she was about to do.
"Very soon, Bruce, you'll find out that this is for the best." She whispered under her breath, though her voice trembled as tears welled up in her eyes. "Come and find me..."
Bruce, his heart pounding in his chest, looked at her in confusion and fear. His voice cracked as he called out, "No... What do you mean? We'll escape together, right?" His eyes filled with unshed tears, his hope clinging to every word.
"Come and find me, Bruce," Horikita said again, her voice a mere whisper.
Bruce was caught off guard, his brow furrowing as he tried to process her words. "Huh...?"
Horikita closed her eyes, feeling the weight of the technique she had been taught by their grandfather. It was something she had never expected to use, but now, in this moment of desperation, it felt all too real. The Spirit Words technique... she thought, her hands trembling slightly. Who knew it would come to this? A technique so powerful that a single word could summon spirits to do my bidding... A terrifying power indeed.
Her lips parted softly. "Get away."
Before Bruce could respond, he felt himself lifted from the ground, soaring high above the mountain. The wind howled around him, and the world below grew smaller with every passing second. But then, his eyes widened as a truck appeared on the horizon, speeding towards him. He blinked rapidly as he suddenly jolted awake.
Bruce touched his face, confused and disoriented. A...dream? he thought, noticing a tear on his cheek as it slipped from his eye.
The sound of a tray crashing to the floor broke the silence. A nurse stood in shock, her hands shaking.
"D-doctor!" she stammered, running out of the room in a panic.
Bruce looked around, still trying to make sense of what was happening. His stomach growled loudly, cutting through the tension. "I'm hungry..." he muttered to himself, his thoughts muddled.
A moment later, the doctor and nurse entered his room.
---
In the reception area of the hospital, another nurse approached Minato, who was leaning against the wall, cigarette in hand.
"Mr. Minato," she said firmly, her tone authoritative, "You know smoking isn't allowed in the hospital, right?"
Minato, taken aback, flicked the cigarette to the ground and crushed it underfoot. "Yes... Yes, miss nurse..." His voice trailed off as he tried to avoid eye contact, embarrassed.
As he turned to leave, he accidentally bumped into the doctor.
"Oh, my bad," Minato apologized quickly, his eyes widening.
"It's alright, Minato," the doctor responded with a chuckle, clearly used to such encounters. "You're not a stranger here, are you?" Minato forced a half-hearted smile, nodding.
They both bent down to pick up the documents that had scattered across the floor.
"But where are you headed to, Doc?" Minato asked, his curiosity piqued.
The doctor paused for a moment, shifting the papers in his hands. "Right... About the patient you admitted..." His voice dropped, becoming inaudible.
Minato's eyes narrowed. "He what?" His voice was tense, the unease from his earlier conversation now spreading across his chest like a cold wave.
---
They walked briskly toward Bruce's ward, their footsteps echoing in the hallway.
Minato glanced at the nurse accompanying them, his expression tense.
"Are you absolutely sure about what you saw?" he asked, his voice low but firm.
The nurse hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"Yes, sir. I was there to administer his medication, and then..." Her voice trailed off as her gaze unfocused, recalling the event.
(Flashback: The moment Bruce woke up unexpectedly.)
The doctor, walking slightly ahead, adjusted his glasses and sighed.
"Honestly, as a doctor, I don't know what to believe anymore. Whatever the case, let's check for ourselves first."
They stopped in front of the door to Bruce's ward. The doctor pushed it open cautiously.
"He's not here," the doctor muttered, his brows furrowing in confusion.
Just then, the doctor's phone buzzed. He quickly answered.
"Yes?"
The voice on the other end belonged to the nurse at the reception desk, her tone urgent.
"Doctor, we've just received reports from other patients. They said they saw someone jump from the third floor!"
"What?!" The doctor's voice rose in disbelief. He ended the call abruptly and turned to Minato.
"Mr. Minato, there's been a report of someone jumping from the third floor. It... it couldn't possibly be him, could it?"
Minato didn't hesitate. His tone was steady but grim.
"It's him."
The doctor looked aghast.
"Then—"
"Hold your horses," Minato interrupted, raising a hand to stop him. "I have a hunch. Let's check the cafeteria first."
---
The scene shifted to the cafeteria.
The doctor froze at the sight before him, his jaw slack.
"I can't believe it..." he whispered.
Bruce was seated in the middle of the cafeteria, surrounded by empty plates. He was devouring food with alarming speed, his appetite insatiable.
"More!" Bruce declared, slamming an empty plate onto the table.
A server quickly handed him another plate, only for Bruce to inhale its contents and demand again, "More!"
The cycle continued as the plates piled higher and higher around him.
The doctor let out a deep sigh, his expression a mix of astonishment and relief.
"I've been a doctor for 35 years, and not once have I seen a patient wake up from a deep coma like this. I don't know what to call it if not a miracle."
Minato smiled faintly and turned toward the cafeteria staff.
"Chef! Give him everything he asks for. I'll cover the cost. Today's a happy occasion—we should celebrate it!"
Bruce, his cheeks stuffed with food, glanced at Minato and mumbled through a mouthful.
"I don't know who you are, but thanks a bunch."
Minato chuckled. "Eat to your heart's content. We'll be heading out soon."
Bruce paused mid-bite and turned to Minato with a puzzled expression.
"Who are you again?"
"Minato Himemiya," Minato replied calmly.
"Mi...na...to?" Bruce muttered, his brow furrowed. "The name sounds kinda familiar... I think... or maybe not? Hmm... well, no point fretting over it."
Minato studied him carefully, noting the slight daze in his eyes.
"Seems like he's experiencing anemia…" Minato thought to himself before speaking up. "Say, what's your name?"
Bruce blinked a few times, as if trying to dredge up the answer from the depths of his mind.
"My name? It's Bruce Hanma. I'm a freelancing hunter... I think."
Minato's expression darkened slightly, though he maintained a neutral tone.
"He remembers his name, but he's been in a coma for twelve years, and he's an anomaly... which means he can't possibly be a hunter. But..."
Minato's sharp gaze locked onto Bruce.
"Bruce, can you show me your hunter license?"
Bruce tilted his head, genuinely confused.
"What's that?"
"That figures..." Minato muttered under his breath. A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Which means... he's not a hunter. He's a raider."
---
Minato's eyes narrowed as he pieced things together.
"But that means... he was a raider at the age of eight and has been asleep for twelve years! Tora-san, what the hell happened here?"
Bruce leaned back, patting his stomach with a contented sigh.
"Aaah… I'm stuffed."
Minato shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips.
"Well… there's no point in overthinking it. Tora-san has always been shrouded in mystery. But more importantly…" His smile faded as his thoughts shifted. "The bills just keep piling up, huh?"
(Cries internally)
Minato moved closer to the doctor, lowering his voice.
"Doctor… this is all a favor for Tora-san, so if you'd please…"
The doctor chuckled softly, his expression reassuring.
"Don't worry, rest easy. Not a single soul will hear about what happened today. I've been treating Tora-san for as long as I can remember, and I wouldn't want to be the cause of his grandson's downfall. That would only sour things between us, wouldn't it?"
Minato sighed in relief, then turned to Bruce.
"Bruce, we're leaving." He grabbed Bruce by the arm, pulling him along.
Bruce blinked in confusion.
"Huh… where to?"
"You'll know once we're there," Minato replied curtly.
Turning back to the doctor, Minato gave a deep bow.
"Thank you for all your help and the assistance you've rendered us. The Hanma family will surely repay this favor."
The doctor raised an eyebrow as Minato turned to leave.
"You weren't really thinking of leaving without paying, were you?"
Minato froze for a moment before letting out a nervous laugh.
"Oh, of course not!"
With that, he pulled out his wallet, extracted a hastily scribbled IOU, and tossed it at the doctor before bolting at full speed.
"After him!" came the chorus of angry hospital staff as they swarmed into the hallway.
"Don't let him get away!"
Minato sprinted, dragging Bruce along behind him.
"Doctor, what should we do?" a nurse asked, watching the chaotic scene unfold.
The doctor waved a hand dismissively.
"Don't bother. He'll be back. He's a part of the Hanma family, after all."
---
Minato sprinted through the crowded streets, dragging Bruce along behind him as the shouts of the angry hospital staff faded into the distance. They weaved through alleys, crossed bridges, and passed open fields, running for what felt like miles.
---
Eventually, they stopped, gasping for air, now standing before a massive mountain.
"Huaaaah, what a pain," Minato muttered, his hands on his knees as he struggled to catch his breath. He glared at Bruce. "We wouldn't have had to go through all that if you'd just paid the bill!"
Bruce calmly swallowed the last bite of a massive chunk of meat he'd brought along.
"Says the guy who ate half the hospital's resources," Minato shot back.
"What else could I do?" Bruce shrugged, unapologetic. "I was hungry."
Minato groaned, brushing off the argument. "Phew… at least we lost them."
Then, straightening up, he turned toward the looming mountain before them.
"Now…"
Bruce followed his gaze and froze, his eyes widening in awe.
"Mount… Hanma," he murmured, the name resonating deeply.
Minato smirked slightly, his eyes glinting.
"So, you remember this place, huh?"
---
Bruce gazed up at the towering mountain, a distant look in his eyes.
"It feels like a million years since I was last here," he muttered.
Minato adjusted his tie, his expression calm but firm.
"Let's go up. Your training begins here."
Bruce's jaw dropped, his shoulders slumping.
"Training…? Aw man, are you serious?"
Minato, now several steps ahead, looked down from higher ground.
"Are you still talking?"
"Aw, come on…" Bruce groaned but hurried to catch up.
---
After a grueling few hours of hiking, they finally arrived at the summit. A massive, grand mansion stood before them, its towering gates and sprawling architecture exuding wealth and power.
Bruce stood in awe, trying to catch his breath.
"Whoa… This place is huge…"
At the mansion's entrance, a poised maid in a pristine uniform stood waiting, her head slightly bowed.
"Minato-san, welcome back," she greeted, her tone formal yet warm.
"Aaah… Thanks, Narberal," Minato replied casually, shrugging off his suit jacket and handing it to her.
Bruce blinked in disbelief at the exchange.
"Whoa…"
Narberal's eyes shifted to Bruce, her expression calm but curious.
"Minato-san… is that—"
"Yeah," Minato interrupted with a nod. "He's the last direct descendant of the Hanma family… Bruce Hanma."
Narberal's demeanor immediately shifted as she stepped forward and gave a deep bow.
"Narberal pays her greetings to the young master."
Bruce, caught completely off guard, looked around in confusion.
"Young master? Who… me?"
"Yes," Narberal replied, her tone unwavering.
"Huh?" Bruce tilted his head, still trying to process the title.
Minato let out a small sigh.
"Bruce here seems to be suffering from amnesia."
"Oh… I see," Narberal replied with a slight nod, her expression softening.
"Narberal," Minato continued, his tone authoritative. "Prepare his room and summon his exclusive maid to my office immediately."
"As you wish, Minato-san." Narberal turned swiftly and disappeared into the mansion, her steps light and precise.
---
Minato gestured with his hand as he began walking.
"Bruce, follow me."
Bruce dragged his feet, grumbling.
"What now…? I'm hungry."
"You can eat once we're done talking," Minato replied curtly. "So, you'll have to wait till then."
Bruce let out a sigh, visibly disappointed.
"Alright…"
The two walked into the mansion, heading toward Minato's office. Bruce's eyes wandered around the vast hallways, his awe growing with each step.
"Man! This house is huge."
Minato gave him a sidelong glance.
"What did you expect? This is the original home of all the lords of the Hanma family. It's your ancestral home. Now, come this way."
He pointed left after climbing a curved staircase, and Bruce followed hesitantly.
---
They stepped into Minato's office—a grand room filled with shelves of old books, a massive desk, and an air of history and authority.
"Bruce!" Minato started, his tone firm. "I'll keep what I'm about to say simp—"
"Wait, hold up, hold up, hold up!" Bruce interrupted, his eyes catching something unusual. He pointed excitedly. "There are stairs in your office?"
Before Minato could reply, Bruce was already climbing the small staircase at the side of the room. At the top, he found a lavishly decorated bedroom, complete with a massive bed and intricate designs adorning the walls.
"Whoa! A huuuuge bed! Cool!" Bruce exclaimed as he threw himself onto the mattress, bouncing like a child.
"Boing! Boing!"
Minato pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly.
"Bruce, get down from there."
"No way!" Bruce shot back, still bouncing. "You're just about to bore me to death!"
Minato sighed deeply. "You asked for this…"
In an instant, Minato leaped onto the railings on the left side of the room, his movements fluid and precise. With a single bound, he was across the room and grabbed Bruce by the collar mid-bounce.
"Wha—? So fast!" Bruce exclaimed as he twisted his body and did a backflip, slipping out of Minato's grasp and landing on the floor, panting.
Minato landed gracefully, pulling off his white gloves as he smirked.
"Good… as expected of a direct descendant of the Hanma family."
Bruce's eyes narrowed, sensing the sudden shift in Minato's tone.
"But," Minato said, his gaze sharpening, "since you're intent on being ignorant, I'm going to beat what I have to say into you." His voice now carried a dangerous edge as he moved into a combat stance.
---
A knock at the door interrupted the tense moment between Minato and Bruce. Both jumped back to the ground as the door creaked open, revealing Narberal.
"Pardon the intrusion, young master," Narberal said, bowing slightly. "As you've ordered, I've brought Bruce's exclusive maid."
A young woman in a pristine maid uniform stepped into the room, her movements graceful and deliberate. She bowed deeply.
"Belita greets the young—"
Before she could finish, Bruce instinctively reached up to touch his face as a single tear rolled down his cheek.
"Huh… a tear?" he muttered, confused. "Miss… do I know you?"
Belita straightened, her expression warm yet composed.
"Of course you do, young master. I've been your exclusive maid since you were two years old, and I was one. Unfortunately, I had to step away from my duties temporarily because your grandfather had other plans for you."
Bruce's brows furrowed as he tried to recall something, anything, from his fragmented past, but Minato cut in sharply.
"That's enough introductions."
Minato walked toward the window, his voice growing more serious.
"Now, Bruce, listen up."
Bruce stood stiffly, his attention fully on Minato as he anticipated what he was about to hear.
"You are the last direct descendant of the Hanma family," Minato began. "A family of anomalies. I don't know if your grandfather, Tora-san, told you this, but anomalies are hated by the world. We're considered creatures of darkness, even though we're just as human as anyone else."
Bruce's face twisted in confusion, but Minato pressed on.
"There are only two factions for anomalies: our faction, the Hanma family, and the other family, which is—"
"Wait, wait, wait! Hold up, hold up!" Bruce interrupted, pointing toward the window. "What are you pointing at?"
Minato turned to face him, a stern expression on his face.
"Bruce, as the young lord, it is imperative that you take up your position."
Bruce groaned, rubbing the back of his neck.
"But that's just going to be a ton of work… which sounds like a serious pain in the ass."
Minato smirked slightly.
"There's an ultimatum."
Bruce perked up slightly.
"Which is?"
"Either you find your grandfather or you become the young lord," Minato declared.
Bruce's eyes widened in shock.
"Wait… Grandpa is missing?"
Minato scoffed.
"Of course he is! Are you just now figuring it out?"
"Hold up… wait a second…" Bruce's voice trailed off as realization dawned on him. "What's today's date?"
Minato frowned.
"Today is the 125th day of the 538th solar year."
Bruce's jaw dropped.
"Wait… 538? Solar year?" His voice trembled with disbelief. "I've been asleep that long?"
Minato nodded solemnly.
"Yes, Bruce. I'm afraid the deep coma caused you to sleep for twelve years. Honestly, it's only a miracle that you woke up at all."
"Twelve years…" Bruce murmured, his voice heavy with regret. "That means I'm already twenty. But what about… Horikita?"
Minato's expression darkened.
"Both Horikita and your grandfather, Tora-san, haven't been located since the day you had your accident. So if you understand the situation, then stop acting like an eight-year-old!"
Bruce ruffled his hair in frustration, his thoughts racing.
"Uurgh… time flew by so fast. And there are so many things I haven't done yet. Heck… I didn't even get to go to school."
Minato's eye twitched in irritation.
"Your grandfather is missing, and school is all you're worried about?" he snapped.
"Relax," Bruce muttered, slumping onto a nearby chair. "He's strong. Besides… I'm feeling a little woozy."
Minato sighed, his anger giving way to concern.
"Alright, you've only just woken up. Belita, take Bruce to his room."
Belita bowed politely.
"As you wish, Master Minato."
She moved to Bruce's side, gently assisting him to his feet. Bruce leaned on her slightly as they exited the room, leaving Minato alone with his thoughts.
---