Taimanin: The Weakest's Resolve

Five Days Break - Final

A week has passed since the Great Ashen Tree incident.

Thanks to the advanced medical technology, Kotaro's recovery had good progress. His body conditions improved enough and he was allowed to be discharged from the infirmary.

As he was healing at home, Kotaro took time to deep-learning the Ninja Arts and analyze details from the Task Force Documents. Despite his absence, the team continued to work on the field. It was up to him to organize the intel received from Gosha's Agents and assign it to the group. They can carry out the mission based the analysis and without his command.

Everything has to be done thoroughly and carefully. False information, enemies' strategies, possible risks and dangers beyond control, Kotaro prepared good and bad case scenarios for all kind of situations. He would entrust his analysis to them, expecting all members to come back safely no matter the result.

He wasn't yet back on full-health to join the operations. This was the only thing he could do to support the Task Force.

Kotaro touched the closing right eye. He didn't feel anything, as if the power had already returned to the usual slumbering state.

He wondered. Would there be the next time he sees the world through it again?

"Ah. It's almost time."

Kotaro recalled a message he received from Asagi-sensei during daytime. She'd told him to meet her in person in the evening.

Tokiko, Saika and others were just about to start prepping dinner downstairs. He would let them know about the private meeting, head out for some time and come back later for the meal. Kotaro didn't want dinner time stalled because of him.

"On my way."

Sending a text to inform her, Kotaro started cleaning up the desk. He'd already done with the newest assignment. Tomorrow morning, he can give the finished report to Tokiko and let his sister fill the details in the briefing.

Kotaro reached for the assistive cane, which was leaning on the side of the bed, and walked carefully to the wardrove to get his coat. The legs were still weak, making his movements unsteady. To aid the slow mobility, he had to support himself with each step.

The wounds need time to heal. Kotaro understood that much and didn't let the current stage of the body bother his thoughts. To be able to come back alive, he was grateful the worst didn't happen.

"Young Master."

From the kitchen, Saika saw him putting on his shoes by the door and called out.

"Dinner is almost ready." She informed. "Where are you going?"

"I'll meet up with Asagi-sensei. Will be back soon."

"Asagi-san, huh." Taking off the apron, Saika left the kitchen. "Allow me to escort you."

"Eh? But aren't you busy?"

"I'm done prepping the ingredients. Tokiko and the others can handle the rest. Ah, and also..."

Saika made eye contact with a presence standing around the corner and gave them a nod. Nagi revealed herself as Saika signaled her to come out, she was relieved from Kotaro's bodyguard duty for the night.

"Leave the Young Master to me."

With that said, the two headed out together.

...

...

Gosha's streets at night were quiet. While walking, they listened to the noises of insects from the surrounding wheat fields.