Collision of Heaven and Hell ✅

Chapter Thirteen

"A sword will only be as strong as the sheath that will keep it from breaking when it is at rest."

Anjin's words resonated with me. For the rest of the day I couldn't help but think about it. For some reason, it made me think of Papa and Mama. How though Papa was big and strong...at times Mama seemed stronger than him. When times were good, when times were bad...Papa and Mama were in-synch. That's why it broke my heart when we left Papa.

Papa is a sword. Mama is a sheath. We didn't have Papa to protect us when Awaosamu took me. Papa didn't have Mama to protect him when he was at rest. But...I'm a sheath like Mama. So it's my role to be protected when life to goes to hell...and be the protector when life is heavenly. Right now my life is hell, so Chikafusa...

But the analogy was...odd to me. Mama was Papa's sheath but she was also his wife. Chikafusa's mother was Anjin's sheath for a short period of time, but she was his lover. Chikafusa was...just a friend to me. But I was a sheath for him?

It sounded like...like Yamagishi-san was giving me his...blessing. Like he...wants us to be together. Not as friends, but...together, together.

"Mai?"

I looked over my shoulder. I was seated on the top step of the long stairwell leading to the apartment. I couldn't go very far because of my foot, but I wanted to be alone. From what I saw of the first floor, it was spacious but filled with debris. Anyone who trespassed in this building would think it was a dump, which is what I'm sure Anjin intended. I managed a smile as Chikafusa sat down beside me. "Hello," I greeted him.

"I'd ask how you're doing but that's a stupid question," Chikafusa said. "Your phone is fully charged though. I didn't peek but your lock screen says you have hundreds of text messages and missed calls."

"Yamagishi-san told me not to answer them right now," I said. "He said your phone is encrypted and cannot be traced, but they could trace my cell phone based on cell phone towers. He said he didn't know who in the MPD was loyal to Nobuto Awaosamu or not, so he didn't want to risk any leaks right now."

"I think your mom sent me a text to my phone," Chikafusa said. He held it out to me. "Would you like to read it to make sure?"

I took the phone from him and checked the text. "That's her phone number," I confirmed, but then read the text. 'Mai-chan, stay with them for now. Don't respond to texts on your phone. Fumitaka said Oyabun's allies are trying to track you. I'll let you know when I have an update.'

"Your father was right," I said, looking up. "They're trying to use my cell phone to track me."

"Chichi can encrypt it as well," Chikafusa said. "Though he had to "jailbreak" my phone to apply the encryption."

I shrugged. "I don't care. I just want to wake up from this nightmare."

"Hey." Chikafusa reached out and put an arm around my shoulders. I was surprised by the gesture. "Chichi is figuring out a plan to get us out of Tokyo undetected. He wants to keep us away until the JSDF settles everything."

"The JSDF is mobilizing?" I exclaimed, my eyes widening.

Chikafusa nodded. "The Diet fast-tracked a resolution just after midnight last night. Anyone affiliated with any syndicates involved in this gang war are going to be in a world of trouble. Once the JSDF is deployed into Tokyo, Chichi is going to get us out of here. Awaosamu will be too wrapped up in dealing with them to bother with you."

I sighed softly in relief and looked away. "I...I'm glad Papa got out while he could. And I'm glad he's alive."

"There was an update about your teacher last night," Chikafusa added, his tone lowering. A spike of fear and pain filled my body. "Would you like to hear it?"