After the harrowing incident, a swift response from law enforcement engulfed the accident scene. Two officers, recognizing Takemichi as a witness, closed in on him, ready to extract crucial information. However, before they could reach him, Naoto intervened with urgency.
" Could you please give him some time alone ?". Naoto implored, shooting a concerned glance at Takemichi.
In the periphery of his vision, Naoto noticed Takemichi sitting on the staircase, head bowed.
" It's fine. The police need to interview the witness, right ?". Takemichi responded.
Naoto sighed, moving towards him with a comforting pat on the back," Takemichi-kun, don't overexert yourself, okay ? Why not take a break ?".
" Naoto, while I give my statement, let's delve into the day when Ken Ryuguji and Kol Mikaelson died, and the day when Amalie Mikaelson left. Tetta Kisaki is the one who plunged Toman into this darkness. Naoto, I... I want to save Draken ! Kol ! Amalie ! Akkun ! Hina ! I want to save everyone". Takemichi confessed, tears welling in his eyes.
After the intense police questioning, Takemichi returned home with a heavy heart. Meanwhile, Naoto diligently delved into his research as requested. Two days passed without any word from Naoto. Takemichi, uneasy and restless, resumed his daily life, uncertain of the background developments.
His first destination was the small DVD rental shop where he worked. However, upon arrival, his younger manager, Hasegawa, bluntly interrupted him.
" Takemichi Hanagaki-kun, you're fired". Declared Manager Hasegawa, organizing DVDs on the shelves.
Takemichi's eyes widened in disbelief," Huh ?".
" Don't 'huh ?!' me. You're fired. You took two unauthorized weeks off, and who do you think faced the consequences ? You're fired". Manager Hasegawa asserted.
" Uh, what about my wages ?". Takemichi nervously inquired.
" I'll deposit them in your account. Now, goodbye". Manager Hasegawa replied, walking away.
Distraught, Takemichi rushed to the bank to check his account balance. Leaving the bank, he nearly cried upon seeing the dwindling amount scribbled in his notebook.
" 20,580 yen left in my account... I can't even pay rent. How am I supposed to live from now on ? I can't see tomorrow. How's a loser like me going to save Hina ? Akkun ? Amalie ? Kol ? Draken ? I can't even save myself". Takemichi muttered.
He sighed, pocketing his hands, strolling through the streets.
" Fired... This is so depressing". He mumbled.
With little else to occupy his time, Takemichi decided to visit Naoto's apartment. Since his arrival, an oppressive silence hung. Takemichi sat on a chair, contemplating how to navigate the challenges ahead. After a few minutes of quiet contemplation, Takemichi rose with an unexpectedly hopeful smile.
" Hey, Naoto. This time, why don't I tell past-Hina about her future ?". Takemichi proposed.
" I disapprove. Are you trying to take the easy way out, Takemichi-kun ?". Naoto countered.
Takemichi sweatdropped," No... That's not what I meant. I wasn't trying to simplify things just because my life sucks".
" What if she thinks that you're a creep ? I believed you back then because I happened to be interested in the paranormal. Otherwise, I wouldn't have. What are you, stupid ?". Naoto retorted.
" No need to say it like that...". Takemichi muttered.
Naoto ignored his response, turning toward him in his chair," With Sendo dead, you can't meet Sano now. To save my sister, you'll have to go to the past and alter Toman's course from there".
YOU ARE READING
Rising from the Ashes ‖ Tokyo Revengers
FanfictionConsidered abominations of nature by a fate they did not choose to inflict upon themselves, Amalie and Kol had always seemed to be in a perpetual battle against the very essence of death. But the day arrived when "always and forever" proved to be a...
