[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 4

Takemichi reluctantly drags his sleepy body to school. It has been several days since he defeated Kiyomasa, and the reputation as the close friend of Touman's president has become well-known. Some tough guys who recognize him greet him with a nod. Takemichi doesn't pay much attention, as his head is still aching. The news from somewhere echoes, talking about recent incidents of robbery and kidnapping at night in a certain area. It isn't yet the day when Kisaki will carry out his plan against Pachin's friend. Takemichi gives himself some time to regain strength.

He sleeps through the entire day at school, and before the afternoon classes can end, he receives a call from Draken telling him to quickly head to the school gate. When he goes outside, he chuckles wryly as he sees Draken arriving on his motorcycle to pick him up, with Mikey accompanying him.

"Takemitchy, let's take a stroll today!"

Mikey, upon seeing him, immediately waves both hands and smiles cheerfully.

"Hurry up, Takemitchy! We still have to go to the Touman members' meeting spot. Mikey wants to introduce you to everyone there."

The meeting spot of Touman must be the Musashi Shrine by the Tama River. Takemichi, sharing the ride with Mikey, is unable to hide his excitement. He genuinely looks forward to meeting everyone.

"You seem happy. Excited to meet Touman, huh?"

"Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it."

Takemichi replies with a smile. Mikey also looks at him joyfully and chuckles. It seems like all the core members of Touman have arrived, and suddenly Takemichi feels nervous.

"You look all jittery like going to your husband's house, Takemitchy," Draken teases him.

"What do you mean going to my husband's house? That's a weird comparison, dude."

"Oh, how amusing! Who's this brat? Mikey, Draken."

Upon hearing that voice, Takemichi feels like crying; it's Baji. Seeing him with everyone is heartening. This time, Baji shouldn't even think about handing over Touman or Mikey to him. Takemichi holds back his tears, but his distressed look still catches Baji's attention, causing him to furrow his brows momentarily. Somehow, that kid looks at him with such a heartbreaking gaze. It's odd; he's certain he hasn't met him before.

"Baji-san, don't tease him," Chifuyu says, diverting Baji's attention away from Takemichi.

His comrade, when can he call him a comrade again? Seeing Chifuyu looking at him with those unfamiliar eyes really hurts his heart.

"I haven't done anything," Baji.

"So, this guy is the one who defeats Kiyomasa and entices you two to kick them out, huh?"

Pachin approaches him with an unfriendly expression, just like before, actually even more terrifying since the last time they met was during the incident with Pa, and he gave him a kick that sent his nose diving forward.

"Pa, don't cause trouble anymore. He's the guest of the president, so don't get upset just because Kiyomasa's been ousted. They dare to use Touman's name to organize underground fights, damaging Touman's reputation."

Mitsuya, you're truly my savior. Takemichi silently appreciates it.

"I don't care about that, but I don't like someone sticking their nose into our gang's business, got it?"

Pachin argues with Mitsuya, with Peyan's smirking support behind him.

"Exactly."

"Pachin, don't talk to Taka-chan like that."