One And Only Ichi (Yuiitsu Muni No Ichi)

Ichi's Future

Ever since then, Ichi vowed to help those who bear the light. But of course, every new color was a lesson learned the hard way. Such was the case with Mrs. Kirisawa.

Still, Ichi was determined not to sit back and watch as the light claimed lives. He knew he wouldn't be able to save everyone and some had their fate sealed. But he believed there was a reason why he could foresee that, that there was something he could do for them.

But he also had another mission, to keep his promise to Mr. Sato that he'd look out for Mrs. Sato and Fumiko. That was the reason why he didn't return to school right away. He could've easily presented the faculty with his medical certificates and gotten assignments for extra credit so he could finish at the same time as his peers but he had other plans.

Ichi worked many odd jobs during his break to help out with their expenses and he knew he could take better care of Fumiko if they're always together. Not that she needed protecting. She's a tough cookie after all.

"Aren't you going back to school yet, Ichi?" Fumiko asked him one afternoon. "You're a senior at my school, right?"

"Mm." Ichi nodded. "I'll go next semester so we can be classmates." Ichi said with a smile, making Fumiko's cheeks burn a bright red.

And ever since they started going to school together, Fumiko changed as well. She used to get into fights regularly and sometimes skipped school to go to the arcades but Ichi gave her motivation to stay in school. That explains Mrs. Sato's bias towards him.

And every time they were faced with hardship, Mr. Sato's words rang in Ichi's mind. "Everything will be alright, Ichi."

As Ichi sat before Mr. Sato's grave with his eyes red from crying all morning, he recited those words. "Everything will be alright."

He looked up at the clear blue sky and a soft smile formed across his lips. "Thank you, Mr. Sato." He said aloud, closing his eyes. And just then, someone called his name.

"Ichi!"

Ichi turned to find Fumiko running up the flight of stairs, her face a crying mess. Ichi stood up and caught her as she threw herself in his arms.

"I thought you left us!" She cried out.

"I'm sorry I made you worry." Ichi said, stroking Fumiko's hair. She shook her head with her face still buried in his chest. "It's okay. I understand." Her words came out muffled.

She looked up at him. "Are you okay?"

Ichi nodded. "I feel much better."

"But—but the social worker..." Fumiko started to cry again.

Ichi wiped her tears and smiled. "It's going to be alright, Fumiko. Even if she takes me away, it'll only be for a while."

"But—"

"I'll be back before you know it. I promise." With that, Ichi embraced Fumiko tightly, both of them looking at Mr. Sato's grave.

Chiharu's phone beeped. "Fumiko found Ichi!" She announced. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. "He was at Mr. Sato's grave."

Mrs. Sato teared up upon learning his whereabouts. "Do you see? My husband wasn't some evil kidnapper!" She snapped at Ms. Shigeru.

"Aunt, can't they be Ichi's foster family?" Chiharu asked Ms. Shigeru.

"There's still a process for that. Besides, I don't know how eligible they'll be if the court finds out they've been keeping him illegally."

"But living conditions in alternative homes aren't good either." Kai interfered. "I would know. Arata went there before he got to live with us."

"Besides," Chiharu began. "If they'll get punished, so should I!"

Ms. Shigeru narrowed her eyes at her niece. "What are you saying?"

Chiharu exchanged glances with Kai and he answered with a small nod. "We knew all about it." Kai said.

"And we covered it up." Chiharu added. "Even if I don't get punished, imagine what dad would say if his daughter gets dragged into this."

"Chiharu!" Ms. Shigeru shouted angrily.

Chiharu placed her hands together. "Just once. Please, let it go. I know we're in the wrong but I can vouch for the Sato family."

"If Ichi's welfare is your concern, they're your best option." Kai seconded.

Ms. Shigeru stared at them momentarily, then let out a sigh of defeat.