Rising from the Ashes ‖ Tokyo Revengers

Chapter LV

The year was 2006, and the night was veiled in a shroud of deep, biting rain. Two figures trudged through the drenched streets, their footsteps echoing against the damp pavement.

" I hate this rain. It's freezing". Grumbled Chifuyu, pulling his jacket tighter around himself.

Kol merely shrugged in response, his attention momentarily diverted as a sharp scream pierced the air. They both turned to see a figure lashing out at a tire meant for children's play within the park.

" Rah ! Got a problem, punk ? I ain't goin' down, dammit !". The figure shouted defiantly.

" Is that Takemitchy ?". Chifuyu pondered aloud, squinting through the rain.

Kol nodded, his expression impassive," Yeah, only he could do something that stupid".

With a resigned sigh, Chifuyu began to approach Takemichi, Kol following silently behind.

" What the hell are you doing ?". Chifuyu demanded, his brow furrowed with concern.

Takemichi flinched at the sound of his voice, his embarrassment palpable," Chifuyu ?! Kol ?! Why—why are you two here ? And where's Amalie ?".

" My sister's hanging out with a friend she made at Wakasa's gym. Can't recall her name". Kol replied casually.

" We were on our way to your place, and here you are, punching a tire like a dumbass". Chifuyu added bluntly.

" You are bloody stupid". Kol chimed in with a deadpan tone.

Chifuyu nodded in agreement," Talking to a tire in the rain ? You're really creeping me out here, dude".

" Shut up ! I'm busy ! I don't have time to play around !". Takemichi retorted, turning back to the tire.

Chifuyu's eyes narrowed," What's with the attitude ?".

" You may not have time, but now, it seems you'll have time to receive a few punches from me". Kol remarked, cracking his knuckles ominously.

" It's not that ! I'm training right now. So I can become stronger than anyone !". Takemichi insisted, delivering another punch to the tire.

But as the tire rebounded, pushing Takemichi to the ground, Chifuyu and Kol exchanged a knowing glance.

" Yeah, you've got a long way to go if you can be pushed around by a piece of rubber". Kol remarked dryly.

Flushed with embarrassment, Takemichi scrambled to his feet," Anyway, if I don't get stronger, then I can't change the future !".

" Oh, now he's back...". Kol's voice trailed off with a hint of surprise.

Chifuyu's eyes widened in realization," Huh ? Are you...Takemitchy from the future ?!".

Gasping for breath, Takemichi turned to face them, his expression grave as he began to recount the events of the future.

" What ?! Everyone's dead ? And Mikey-kun killed them ? For real ?!". Chifuyu exclaimed in shock.

" That's worse than before... Now I got killed by shrimpy...". Kol muttered under his breath.

" That's why I'm gonna get stronger". Takemichi declared, his resolve unwavering as he continued to assault the tire.

" Huh ? So you're fighting a tire ? What are you, a grade-schooler ?". Chifuyu quipped, his disbelief evident.

" Shut up ! My future self quit Toman, and everyone came to my defense. I'm so damn pathetic". Takemichi admitted bitterly.

Kol's gaze fell to the ground, his expression darkening as he noticed blood staining the pavement beneath them.