Kaki sat unconscious, his body restrained by heavy chains wrapped around his torso. His wrists were bound in cold, steel handcuffs that traps standz ability within to stop the user from using standz ability, leaving him unable to move. The dimly lit room was eerily silent, the air thick with tension. As his mind drifted, memories from his past resurfaced, pulling him into a vivid flashback.
(Flashback – Ten Years Ago)
A ten-year-old Kaki stood trembling on the ruins of a collapsed building. The world around him was in chaos—smoke filled the air, and the cries of survivors echoed through the war-torn landscape. Tears streamed down his face as he clutched his small hands into fists, staring at the wreckage where his home once stood. His parents were inside when the building crumbled. They hadn't made it out.
Kaki's sobs were drowned by the distant sounds of destruction. His fragile frame shook as despair overwhelmed him. Suddenly, a shadow loomed over him.
Damein, a man covered in blood and dust, had just finished saving hundreds of people from the devastation. His injuries were severe, his clothes torn and stained red. Yet, even in his pain, he found the strength to smile warmly at the crying child before him.
Kaki sniffled, struggling to speak through his sobs. "My mom and dad... they're still in there," he choked out, pointing toward the collapsed building.
Damein turned his gaze toward the ruins. His experienced eyes immediately recognized the truth—there was no chance of survival. Kaki's parents were gone.
Despite the weight of this knowledge, Damein didn't say a word. Instead, he gently placed a hand on Kaki's shoulder, then, without hesitation, lifted the boy into his arms. Kaki screamed and thrashed, reaching out toward the rubble as if he could somehow pull his parents from beneath the wreckage.
"No! We have to save them! They're still in there!" Kaki cried, struggling against Damein's grip.
Damein held him tightly, his voice firm yet comforting. "We need to go. It's not safe here."
Tears blurred Kaki's vision as he was carried away. He could only watch helplessly as his home disappeared in the distance.
After reaching a safe location, Damein finally set Kaki down. The boy collapsed to his knees, his body wracked with grief.
Damein crouched beside him, placing a reassuring hand on his head. "Don't worry. Everything will be okay. I promise nothing will happen to you."
At that moment, a new figure approached them—Raito Kisaragi, the man who would later become the boss.
Raito's sharp eyes scanned the scene before him. His gaze landed on Kaki, who was still trembling, barely able to process what had happened.
Turning to Damein, Raito asked, "Who is this child?"
Damein met Raito's questioning look with a soft smile. "His name is Kaki. I found him alone in the wreckage. From now on, I'll take responsibility for him."
Raito raised a brow. "Are you sure about that decision?"
Without hesitation, Damein nodded. "Yes. He has potential."
Raito studied Kaki for a moment before offering him a warm smile—one that made the boy feel a sense of belonging for the first time since losing everything.
(Present Day)
Kaki's eyes fluttered open as he snapped out of the flashback. His surroundings came into focus, and he realized where he was.
Across the room, Raito Kisaragi stood speaking with the chief of police. Their conversation was hushed, but Kaki already knew what was happening.
The officer turned toward Raito (the boss). "We'll be taking him into custody now."
Before they could remove him, the room fell silent. Kaki and Raito were left alone, the air between them thick with tension.
Breaking the silence, Kaki smirked. "Not even gonna look at me, huh?"
Raito's expression darkened as he turned to face Kaki. His voice was cold, filled with restrained anger. "I have nothing to say to you."
He exhaled sharply before continuing, "You'll spend the rest of your life in prison. Maybe then you'll have time to think about what you did."
Kaki let out a dry chuckle. "If I had a second chance, I'd do it all over again. I don't regret anything."
Raito's jaw clenched. "You almost endangered everyone—"
Kaki cut him off. "I did what had to be done. This world doesn't see the good in the evil I'm doing. But Dani will free Damein, and when that happens, we'll put an end to this madness. We'll eliminate every last Seirei. We'll save this world—whether you like it or not."
Raito remained silent, his eyes locked onto Kaki with unreadable intensity.
Before he could respond, the police officers returned. They placed firm hands on Kaki, escorting him out of the room.
Raito watched as the car carrying Kaki disappeared down the road. His thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of his phone. He pulled it out, seeing Smith's name on the screen.
He answered. "What is it?"
Smith's voice came through. "Is Mark with you? We're supposed to be heading out for the scouting mission, but we can't find him."
From the background, Jack's voice echoed, "I wanna get my swats in!"
Ignoring Jack, Smith continued, "Can you send Mark over?"
Raito frowned. "Mark isn't here. Only Ninda is, but she stepped out for a while. Try calling him."
Smith sighed. "Already did. His phone isn't reachable."
Raito's expression darkened. "Wait for me and Ninda. Don't move until we get there."
As the call ended, Miwafe turned to Smith. "Was Mark with the boss?"
Smith shook his head. "No."
Rin stood up. "I'll check his house. Maybe he's there."
Jack stretched his arms before cracking his knuckles. "Good idea. I'm coming too."
Just as they were about to leave, the door creaked open. Mark stepped inside, wearing a long leather jacket draped over his body. The room fell into stunned silence as everyone turned to stare at him.
Smith narrowed his eyes. "Where have you been?"
Mark shrugged. "Went shopping. Mind your business."
Rin crossed his arms. "And the jacket? New style?"
Mark glanced down at himself. "It's cold."
Vanessa raised an eyebrow. "It's summer."
Mark avoided her gaze. "I just feel cold. No more questions."
Miwafe studied him closely. "That's not even the right type of jacket for cold weather. You're hiding something."
Mark scoffed and turned to leave, but Miwafe was faster. She grabbed the back of his jacket and yanked it off.
Gasps filled the room as Mark's body was revealed—covered in bruises, cuts, and deep wounds.
Smith stepped forward, his voice tense. "What the hell happened to you?"
Mark scoffed. "I fell."
Jack crossed his arms. "If those injuries are from 'falling,' then I should be in the hospital right now."
Mark sighed before finally admitting, "I was exorcising Seireis all day."
Smith's eyes widened in disbelief. "Did you get approval from the Sevens?"
Mark's expression darkened. "Those bastards? No. And I don't need it."
Smith ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Yes, you do. Every Seirei Exorcist group operates under their command. Acting without their orders is a direct violation."
Mark's eyes remained cold. "What are they gonna do? Lock me up?"
Smith sighed. "Yes. That's literally one of a hundred things they could do to you."
Vanessa stepped forward. "You need to stop, Mark."
Mark's voice hardened. "The same people who let my father die without lifting a damn finger? I don't care what they say."
Miwafe groaned. "You're an idiot."
Smith's mind raced. "Maybe we can cover this up. Mark, how many Seireis did you exorcise?"
Mark hesitated, then answered. "Around eighty."
The room fell into stunned silence.
Meanwhile At the Hospital Above the Seirei Exorcist Building
The hospital, situated just above the Seirei Exorcist building, was quieter than usual. The air carried the scent of antiseptic, and the fluorescent lights cast a dull glow over the pristine white floors.
As the Boss and Ninda stepped into the hallway, they spotted Chida walking past, his usual confident stride intact.
"Hey, Chida!" the Boss called out.
Chida turned around, his signature grin already in place. "Oh? You actually need me for something?"
The Boss exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "No, just wanted to say thanks. I know it wasn't your job, but you helped us out. You were a big help."
Chida chuckled, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Help? Please. I literally didn't do anything. I just stood there, handcuffed to a kid, and watched the fight unfold. If you're gonna thank someone, save it for your team."
He was about to walk off when his eyes landed on Ninda, and his grin widened. "But hey, Ninda… you wanna give me your number now?"
Ninda's expression remained neutral, her voice calm but firm. "No."
Chida sighed dramatically. "Still playing hard to get, huh? That's alright. I'm patient. Someday, you'll come around. For now, just keep looking beautiful." He winked before turning on his heel.
Ninda watched him go before glancing at the Boss. "Permission to torture Chida?" she asked, her tone as emotionless as ever.
The Boss let out a forced laugh, assuming it was a joke—though, with Ninda, he couldn't be too sure.
As they continued walking, the air between them lightened slightly, but in the back of the Boss's mind, something still weighed heavily—Mark's reckless actions and the inevitable response from The Seven.
At The Seven's Base
Inside a vast chamber, seven individuals sat in a semi-circle, each on an elevated throne that signified their authority. The atmosphere was heavy with an air of dominance, their mere presence exuding power.
The Second Assistant entered, bowing deeply before delivering her report.
"Over seventy Seireis have been exorcised without approval," she stated firmly.
The Fifth Rank, leaning back lazily, let out a low chuckle. "Oh? Looks like we've got ourselves a troublemaker."
The First Rank, positioned at the center, barely moved, his sharp gaze locking onto the assistant. "Which region is responsible?"
"Region 143 of the Seirei Exorcist group," she answered without hesitation.
The Second Rank hummed thoughtfully. "Isn't that Kyoka's territory?"
The Fifth Rank nodded. "Yeah, the guys on that show."
The Seventh Rank, visibly irritated, slammed a fist on the armrest of his throne. "Those bastards think they can ignore us? I'll kill them myself!" His voice was laced with fury.
The Fourth Rank sighed, shaking his head. "You're always in a bad mood. Control your temper for once."
The First Rank ignored their exchange, his focus unwavering. "Is the entire Region 143 involved?"
"No," the Second Assistant clarified. "The exorcisms were carried out by a single individual."
For a moment, silence settled over the room.
"Who?" the First Rank finally asked.
The Second Assistant took a breath before answering. "The culprit is Mark Carter... the son of Kyoka Carter."
The weight of the revelation sent a ripple of interest through the ranks. Some raised their eyebrows, while others exchanged knowing glances.
The First Rank tapped his fingers on the armrest. "So his son is responsible for this mess."
The Fifth Rank smirked. "Now that's a name I didn't expect to hear today."
The Seventh Rank clenched his fists. "I don't care whose son he is. He defied us. I'll put him down myself."
The First Rank finally stood, casting a sharp look toward him. "No. He must be brought here—alive."
Turning back to the assistant, he gave his final command. "Take Assistant One. Inform Belto. Use force if necessary, but under no circumstances is Mark Carter to be killed. Bring him here immediately."
The Second Assistant bowed and swiftly left to carry out the order.
Mark Carter was now a target of the seven.