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Chapter 24 - Chapter 24: Rebuilding Trust

The team regrouped at a temporary safehouse, the weight of their failure heavy in the air. Renjiro avoided Aiko's gaze, guilt gnawing at him for letting her get involved.

Aiko, however, wasn't having it. "Renjiro, we need to talk."

"Not now," he muttered, brushing past her.

"Yes, now!" she insisted, grabbing his arm. "You can't keep shutting me out. I'm already involved whether you like it or not."

Renjiro turned to face her, his expression pained. "You don't understand, Aiko. This world… it's dangerous. People die. And I can't let that happen to you."

"Then stop treating me like a child!" Aiko shot back. "I'm stronger than you think."

Yukari watched the exchange from the corner, a small smirk playing on her lips. "She's got a point, you know."

Renjiro sighed, rubbing his temples. "Fine. But you follow my lead. No heroics."

Aiko nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "Deal."