Rising from the Ashes ‖ Tokyo Revengers

Chapter XIX

As the festival roared on, an unexpected deluge disrupted the festivities. In the midst of a tender moment with Hinata, Takemichi's tranquility shattered when he received a call from Yamagishi. The ominous revelation laid bare a sinister truth—someone had set their sights on Draken and Kol. Despite their apparent reconciliation, Toman found itself splintered into factions, with Mikey's 'loyalists' hunting down their own.

In a frantic quest for Draken, Takemichi stumbled upon a clandestine meeting, freezing in his tracks as he witnessed Toman members exchanging words with figures from the ominous Moebius gang.

 " You ready for this ?". The Moebius member queried, handing a knife to Kiyomasa.

" Yeah. I lost everything because of them. I'm gonna kill Draken, and if I can get at that son of a bitch Kol, I'll make him pay too". Kiyomasa coldly declared, scrutinizing the weapon.

Takemichi's heart sank upon learning the identity of Draken's assailant and Kol's nemesis.

" Hey". A voice behind Takemichi interrupted.

Startled, Takemichi turned to find Akaishi seizing him by the hair, dragging him towards Kiyomasa and the others.

" Lookie what I found !". Akaishi, also known as Red, exclaimed.

" Ow ! Let me go !". Takemichi pleaded.

Released abruptly, Takemichi was thrown forward, not far from Kiyomasa's feet.

" The hell ? What's Hanagaki doing here ?". Kiyomasa demanded.

" Kiyomasa-kun, why are you planning to kill Draken-kun and Kol-kun ?". Takemichi inquired as he cautiously sat down.

A stunned silence descended, as Takemichi exposed his knowledge of their sinister plot, having overheard every damning detail.

" Hey, Hanagaki !". Kiyomasa bellowed.

Takemichi flinched at the call.

" Buy me some juice. And get me a coke". Kiyomasa ordered.

Laughter erupted among Kiyomasa's cronies, while Takemichi trembled in confusion. Suddenly, Akaishi slapped him hard across the face.

" I want coffee !". Akaishi demanded.

" Answer, bitch !". Another henchman shouted, delivering a harsh kick to Takemichi's back.

Apologizing, Takemichi fell to the wet floor, unable to comprehend his sudden remorse.

" You don't have the luxury of worrying about others, slave. Gotta train you so you won't misunderstand !". Kiyomasa's cruel words echoed, met with malicious laughter from the others.

Horror etched on his face, Takemichi stared at the wet ground, a chilling realization dawning. Kiyomasa was right; he hadn't grown stronger by associating with Mikey, Amalie, Kol, and the rest. He had deceived himself into believing he had progressed.

As innumerable times before, Takemichi permitted Kiyomasa and his lackeys to unleash a torrent of punches upon him.

" I'm truly sorry". Takemichi whimpered amidst his cries and labored breaths.

" Hey, get the duct tape". Kiyomasa ordered, a sinister smirk playing on his lips.

Bound with duct tape, Takemichi lay helpless, mute, and immobile. Most of Kiyomasa's henchmen departed, leaving him sprawled on the damp ground. Then, a muffled grunt escaped him as Kiyomasa forcefully planted his foot on Takemichi's head.

" I don't like the way you're looking at me. You don't understand a damn thing. When this is all over, I'm gonna make you pay for what you did. Lay there and squirm like a caterpillar. Bitch boy !". Kiyomasa declared as he walked away, leaving Takemichi isolated.