[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 1

Countless times Takemichi has returned to the past to save his friends. Many fell before his eyes, and he has carried the pain, despair, and hope back each time. In that future, there are still those in agony calling for his help, and in that past, countless regrets linger. Therefore, this time when he returns, he pleads for the ability to have a chance to start over from the beginning.

The plea is granted, and he returns to the timeline as in his first time traveling to the past.

This time, upon his return, he feels a spiritual instability, sometimes feeling like he's not himself anymore, and strange voices emerge in his dreams.

"If you're so weak, then let me replace you, you idiot. I'll kill them all."

"If you can't love yourself, then let me, I've endured too much pain already."

The blurry figures are unclear, and he tries to approach them, but each time he's about to touch them, he wakes up.

He gasps, looking around his dark room, glancing at the clock, 3 a.m. on July 4, 2005. If nothing changes, he'll meet Mikey and Draken on July 7, 2005.

Takemichi steps into the bathroom, splashes water on his face, and looks at himself in the mirror. After numerous trips to the past, Takemichi understands that preventing Mikey's dark descent is the key to a better future for everyone. In the past, Kisaki had manipulated Mikey on multiple occasions, harming those important to him, all to control Mikey's mind and puppeteer him.

Starting with the August 3 incident when he had attempted to kill Draken to seize Touman's No. 2 position, and continuing with orchestrating Kazutora's stabbing of Baji, or Emma's involvement, Takemichi must protect the lives of those important to Mikey and thwart Kisaki's plans. This time, he won't let Kisaki have the chance to manipulate Mikey's mind again.

Well, returning is good, really, but...

"Oh my heavens, how do I reintroduce myself to everyone once again?"

Takemichi feels disheartened. After going through so many hardships, he has become close to them, but now they all seem like strangers. He longs for his comrade; without him to share with, he feels unfamiliar.

Today, Takemichi prevents Akkun, Takuya, Yamagishi, and Makoto from going to Shibuya High School. He doesn't want them to be bullied and become slaves to the despicable Kiyomasa. He also has to expose his damn cousin and rectify his friends.

"We should take more responsibility for ourselves, stop living like this."

Although they laugh it off, deep down, they are good at heart. After school, Takemichi can't understand why he bought two taiyaki and walked down the path where he used to stroll with Mikey and Draken.

"It seems like I really want to meet him."

Takemichi looks at the pastry in his hand and remembers Mikey. Takemichi finds a spot to sit and admire the evening scene, the golden sunlight reflecting on the water, the cool breeze, and the faint scent of wild grass.

Takemichi holds the taiyaki, gazing at it like a fool. Suddenly, a long yawn and stretch from the person lying beneath catches his attention; it is... Mikey. Takemichi knows this is a place where Mikey often hangs out, but he doesn't expect to meet him here for real. Earlier, he didn't notice anyone lying there.

Mikey wakes up from a nap, his eyes half-closed as he looks around. Suddenly, he notices a kid holding a taiyaki staring at him intently. Normally, Mikey wouldn't care much, but after a while, that kid looks at him blankly, tears suddenly streaming down his face.

"If you don't want to eat that, you can give it to me."

Takemichi is startled when Mikey speaks, only then realizing he is crying.