Rising from the Ashes ‖ Tokyo Revengers

Chapter LIV

After the incident, Takemichi managed to explain everything to the police officer who arrived promptly. It appeared the man described by Takemichi hadn't gotten far. Amalie had been wounded by a concealed knife, and when the assailant collided with her, he managed to stab her in the right lung and damage her heart artery. She succumbed a few minutes later, despite the paramedics' efforts.

When Naoto was summoned to the morgue, disbelief seized him as he beheld his fiancée lying motionless, her eyes closed as if in slumber. When he bid her farewell earlier, he never fathomed it would be their last.

Silent tears streamed down Naoto's cheeks as he observed her lifeless form. Not a word escaped his lips. The police officer's explanation was that she wasn't the intended target; she was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Now, Naoto grappled with the cruel reality that Amalie's life was cut short unjustly. He couldn't comprehend why fate had dealt her such a tragic hand. Having already endured significant losses, she was robbed of the chance to savor life and their future plans.

" I don't understand... We just said see you later...". Naoto muttered tearfully.

Takemichi could only offer a sorrowful gaze as he clutched Amalie's necklace. He didn't understand its significance, but he felt it held a message, perhaps a clue leading to Mikey. If fulfilling her last wish meant finding Mikey, Takemichi would do so without hesitation.

" I want to know the truth". Naoto suddenly declared.

" Naoto ?". Takemichi responded, confused.

" Why was the woman I loved murdered ? She lived away from the gangs for years. Why now ? I need answers. I must talk to Manjiro Sano". Naoto insisted, wiping away his tears with determination.

" You can't believe Mikey-kun would do this. He cared deeply for her". Takemichi interjected.

" Like he cares as much for his other friends ?". Naoto shot back with a glare.

Takemichi flinched slightly at the accusation.

Naoto sighed heavily, massaging his forehead," Sorry... I'm not sure anymore, even if Sano Manjiro had any involvement. But I must know. You're the only one who can do this. As a former Toman admin and the only one left, it's up to you".

Takemichi seemed hesitant before he produced the last group photo he took, gazing at it sadly. Mikey's warm smile seemed at odds with the notion that he could be responsible for such actions," Mikey-kun... Did he really...?".

" Do you have any insights, Takemichi-kun ? Your latest time leap must hold some clue. At least something you did caused this change". Naoto pressed.

Takemichi frowned," My actions ? Are you saying I messed up ? I eliminated the threats to Toman. The Black Dragons were defeated, Kisaki was expelled ! Everything should have been fine ! 

What did I miss ? Should I have not trusted Mikey to handle it alone ? What did I do after ? I just took this photo. If only I could have asked Amalie".

Naoto's gaze shifted to Amalie before landing on an object nearby," A letter ?".

" I took it earlier without thinking !". Takemichi said, retrieving the letter while still holding the photo.

" Was the photo inside ?". Takemichi pondered aloud.

Naoto's eyes widened," Let me see that letter for a moment".

Takemichi, perplexed yet willing, handed over the letter.

" The postmark isn't from Japan... It's the Philippines ! This letter... who sent this letter ?". Naoto exclaimed as he scrutinized it.