tender reconciliation

(A/N: Has anyone seen the chapter 254 leaks of the manga that's circulating online? The leaks alone watered my crops and extended my lifespan because the childhood friendship reunion that I've been waiting for has finally happened. I always have a soft spot for Kakucho's and Takemichi's relationship and it makes me happy that Wakui has finally created the awaited concession between these two star crossed childhood friends. I can't wait for the chapter to come out next week. For now, I'd like to contribute this meager one-shot fic of mine that was inspired by the leaks of the upcoming chapter of the manga next week. I don't own anything from this franchise. Respective ownership belongs to Ken Wakui for this wonderful franchise).

"What are you looking away for, jackass!" Kakucho clocked him on the jaw that sent Takemichi spiraling a few meters away from him and landed on the rail tracks.

Kakucho was annoyed that Takemichi was being distracted once again in their fight as he kept looking at his fellow comrades who was fighting with the other Kantou members. Despite being on the receiving end of his attacks, Takemichi was still worried about other people rather than himself.

Tch.

That's a recognizable trait that he had ever since they were kids. Wasn't he the one who saved him back then from those bullies? It was that time that he vowed to himself to get stronger so he could protect Takemichi in return before the tragic accident happened to him which not only claim his parents' life but his precious friendship with Takemichi as well since he was brought at the orphanage where he met Izana and diverged his destiny away from him.

It's like his childhood friendship with Takemichi was a brief respite before the turbulent storm that caused chaos in his life and altered his fate.

Takemichi's existence into his life was akin to a washed-up memory in a shore... a thing that never revisited... including those ideals and feelings of being a hero to him.

And he resigned himself to just drift away into the sea of turbulence and dark path of life ever since the defeat of Tenjiku and death of Izana and their goals of making a kingdom for orphaned children.

It's as if this was the only path that he was meant to be: to be under the wings of morally questionable people like South in Rokuhara Tandai and Mikey in Kantou Manji gang.

But seeing Takemichi once again as the President of the 2nd generation of Toman threatened to awaken these forgotten feelings of delight and hopefulness within him once again.

It laid dormant inside of him that he eventually forgot on what it felt like.

What it felt like to have a purpose and meaning into his life once again.

The feeling of his own punch that sent him flying to the other side of the platform reminded him on how Takemichi came to be not only his precious childhood friend but his childhood hero as well.

Hence the reason why it irked him to see those precious, expressive blue eyes held a desperate expression...

...an expression to which he was familiar with.

Of wanting to save everyone from this whatever clusterfuck that they're actually on.

Because it meant that Takemichi was putting his own life once again for this people rather than his own.

A probability that he could lost him in the void of nothingness once again.

"Kaku-chan! I know that this is not the right time to say this but...! Something is bad going to happen and I need to stop Sanzu from operating the train! You don't have to believe me now but can we please... stop this for a moment and let me help in saving everyone...?" Takemichi's eyes clashed against Kakucho's own and it felt like an eternity for the both of them.

Kakucho tried to absorb his words, perusing the meaning behind the confusing jumble of desperation and genuineness behind them.

But despite his own misgivings about the situation and wanting to stop Takemichi from making a mistake that could cost his own life... he knew that Takemichi was unstoppable... and he was not only his hero that he was waiting on but for everyone.

Kakucho stared at those ocean blue eyes that held those familiar determination and fearlessness that pulled him into his orbit when they were kids. It's like being reunited with his childhood hero once again.

If Takemichi made his choice then so can he. He will stand by his side from now on.

"Okay." Kakucho replied simply.

"Huh?" His short response and confirmation seemed to throw Takemichi off as he was expecting some little argument from him.

Kakucho wanted to laugh at the familiar genuine confoundedness of the other which made his heart coo at the adorable sight.

"Until we stop Sanzu, I will be your second in command to stop the worst. So, let me hear your plan then Takemichi." Kakucho shot him a blinding smile that made Takemichi blinked a few times before returning it with a sincere smile and a determined glint of his eyes.

"Okay! You can count on me Kaku-chan."

'I know I will Takemichi. You're my childhood hero that I can always count on.' Kakucho thought to himself with a small smile on his face as he followed Takemichi by his side, determined to stop Sanzu and his plans of annihilating everybody.

(A/N: Reviews are amusing so let me hear them from you).