SOUL-SEEKER || (On Hiatus)

(Chapter 41) Bounty Hunter.

A while after their daring rescue mission of the president, the three highly skilled students found themselves navigating the Tokyos' forests. Niko deftly took out his smartphone as he engaged in a hushed conversation with Fiona. His fingers moved swiftly across the screen, exchanging crucial information and receiving updates on the next steps of their mission. Meanwhile, Lori and Kaito, the dynamic duo seamlessly kept the rescued president entertained. Lori, with her charisma and quick wit, engaged in lighthearted banter, putting the president at ease. Kaito, ever the vigilant protector, ensured a watchful eye on their surroundings, ensuring that no potential threats went unnoticed. As the trio continued their journey towards the safe house designated by their master, the tension in the air was palpable.

PSD: The three of you look too young to be hunters.
LOR: That's because we're students.
PSD: What?! The agency sent kids to protect me?!
KTO: Calm down, old man.
PSD: Who the hell are you anyways?!
KTO: Huh?! Oh right, we're...
NKO: The strongest.

The president's countenance transformed from one of evident anger to a serene calmness, his features softening and the tension in his brow dissipating. This remarkable shift in demeanor was prompted by the unwavering determination reflected in Nikos' intense gaze. The air in the room seemed to settle as Niko concluded his phone call, his fingers delicately placing the device back into the confines of his pocket, a subtle but purposeful gesture that underscored the gravity of the conversation that had just transpired.

NKO: You have nothing to worry about, for as long as we're here, you'll stay alive.
LOR: Well said, Niko!
KTO: That was supposed to be my line, mor-

Kaitos, his face etched with frustration, couldn't help but voice his grievances. However, his complaining, like a fleeting gust of wind, was abruptly halted by a deft and almost imperceptible sound emanating from the heart of the forest. Intrigued, the trio exchanged silent glances. Each of them, attuned to the subtleties of the wilderness, strained their senses in an attempt to discern the source of the mysterious sound. The air hung heavy with anticipation as they stood frozen, hoping to catch a glimpse of whatever elusive presence was navigating through the shadows. Despite their collective efforts, the forest remained an enigma, concealing its secrets in a veil of darkness that defied their attempts at detection.

KTO: It was probably some anim-

At that critical moment, a tense silence enveloped the scene, punctuated only by the gasps of Niko and Loris as their widened eyes fixated on Kaito. The air grew heavy with an ominous anticipation, mirroring the gravity of the unfolding events. A vivid tableau emerged as Kaito's body convulsed, blood cascading from his mouth in a macabre dance. As Kaito, seemingly in slow motion, slowly lowered his head, the gravity of the situation became palpable. His eyes, reflecting a mix of shock and pain, traced the path of the piercing agony that emanated from his chest. The subtle sounds of a life in turmoil merged with the ambient stillness, creating an eerie symphony. A katana, a lethal instrument of fate, protruded from Kaito's chest like a sinister monument to his vulnerability. The blade, adorned with the evidence of a deadly encounter, seemed to pulse with the very essence of peril. Each drop of blood that dripped from its edge resonated with the ominous beat of an impending reckoning. In a moment of surreal horror, Kaito's gaze shifted from the menacing blade embedded in his torso to the space behind him, seeking answers in the shadows of his assailant.

KTO: C'mon now! Sneak attacks are so boring!
FSH: You're not in a place to complain, child.
KTO: You two move on, I'll take care of this.

Niko nodded in swift agreement, a determined gleam in his eyes as he decisively grabbed Lori by the arm. With a sense of urgency, he wasted no time and, in tandem with Lori, sprinted away from the chaotic scene, their footsteps echoing in the urgency of the moment. The president, caught up in the unexpected turn of events, could only trustingly follow Niko's lead as they moved swiftly through the surroundings. As they distanced themselves from the initial danger, Kaito couldn't help but feel a surge of relief. His confidence radiated in a satisfied smile, appreciating the success of their coordinated escape. Seizing the opportunity, he pivoted on his heel, his arm cutting through the air in a fluid, curving motion. The result was a spectacular display of prowess as a grid of slashes materialized in his wake, each one a testament to his agile and precise movements. The opponent, caught off guard by Kaito's unexpected counterattack, had little time to react. In a desperate attempt to avoid the oncoming onslaught, they instinctively dodged backward, narrowly evading the lethal slashes that now adorned the space where they had stood just moments before.

KTO: You're a bounty hunter, aren't you?
FSH: The name's Flesh, nice to meet you.
KTO: Love your introduction, minus the backstabbing.
FSH: Not everyone is perfect.
KTO: Couldn't have said it better myself.
FSH: You're not my target.
KTO: I'm aware of that, and I'm sure you're aware I won't let you through.
FSH: Hah! This is going to be interesting!

Kaito, feeling the tension in the air, slowly and deliberately cracks his knuckles, the sound echoing in the quiet surroundings. With a focused determination in his eyes, he transitions seamlessly into his battle stance, every movement calculated and purposeful. Flesh deftly licks the blood off the gleaming katana, his tongue darting out in quick, precise movements. A chilling smile spreads across Kaito's face, a mixture of confidence and menace, as he gazes at his opponent with an intensity that seems to pierce through the impending clash. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as both warriors, locked in a silent exchange, signify their readiness for the imminent confrontation.

End of Chapter 41
"Bounty Hunter"

[ Flesh has caught Kaito. ]