[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 17

Even though the Touman members want to avenge Takemichi, they still feel hesitant because the opponent includes Kazutora, a founding member of their gang and a very close friend of theirs. After the other members leave, only the captains and vice-captains remain. Baji approaches Mikey, who looks grim and scary.

"Mikey, I know you're very angry, but please give Kazutora a chance. Let me be the one to face him that day," Baji decides to confront his friend.

"Alright Baji, do what you want. If you can make him apologize to Takemichi, I won't do anything to him. You know I don't want to either, but after this fight, if he still doesn't wake up, I don't know what I'll do to him, Baji."

"Thank you, Mikey."

The next morning, Takemichi wakes up, and his mother is angrily scolding him.

"Mom, I'm injured, please give me a break."

"You only make others worry, do you ever think about your mom? You haven't even recovered from illness yet, and you're already fighting."

"I'm sorry, Mom."

His mother sighs, "Leave that gang, and stop hanging out with them so much."

Hearing this, Takemichi reacts, "Mom! This has nothing to do with them."

"How does it not? You've been fighting, and I used to think boys getting into scuffles was normal, but this time it's too much."

Takemichi knows his mother is worried, so he speaks gently to her.

"Mom! You know I care about them a lot. Please give me a chance. They're really good people, and because of them, I have happy times. You know I'm useless and timid, but thanks to them, I want to be stronger. So please don't make me leave them."

"Since when did you learn how to persuade others? Even I am impressed," his mother surrenders, feeling a bit helpless.

"Do what you want, but if anything happens again, I'll deal with both you and them."

As a mother, seeing her son change for the better and be so sincere for his friends, she feels glad to have such a good son.

"Thank you, Mom." Takemichi smiles widely.

Chifuyu and Baji visit Takemichi in the afternoon. After waking up, Takemichi quickly asked Chifuyu about Baji and Touman's situation. Chifuyu told him that he had talked about Takemichi coming from the future with Baji and that Baji was staying to join the fight with Touman. Takemichi feels a bit relieved but also quite confused when he meets Baji.

"Thank you, Takemichi," Baji says with a gentle smile.

"Huh?"

"Thank you for trying to protect Mikey and Touman. It seems I haven't misjudged you, either in the past or now."

Takemichi suddenly bursts into tears. Baji, you annoying, irresponsible person. You go live to protect Mikey and Touman, I don't want to take on that burden. You're selfish, leaving Mikey, Chifuyu, and Kazutora behind. You don't know how much they need you. They need you, not me. I don't want to inherit your will or anything. You go do it yourself.

"Baji-kun, I've said this once before, please don't die. Many people will be sad because of you," Takemichi sobs through his tears.

Baji gently pats his head, letting Takemichi lean into his chest. He soothingly rubs Takemichi's back, making him cry even louder.

"I know, I won't die."

"Baji-kun, you promised, you can't take it back now," Takemichi clings tightly to Baji's shirt, looking up with a tear-streaked face, demanding him to keep his promise, or he won't let go. Baji laughs, finding Takemichi's childlike behavior endearing. From the bottom of his heart, he is truly grateful to Takemichi.