Existence Precedes Essence

Chapter 32: Choice We Make

Outside the Hall

The newly formed members of Toman 2nd Generation. "We're so glad to have you, Mitsuya-san", Takemichi meant it. "I'd be abdicating the role of being the team's navigator to you, Taka-san. You're more level-headed than me", Chifuyu gave a wide grin. It was genuine and without any hint of malice. It is something that the lilac head admires with the younger lad. His words are pure and never empty. "I appreciate the uniform you created. I guess I have to make another one from scratch trying to put the details you created", Mitsuya patted his shoulder.

Takemichi and Hakkai sighed deeply as they were brainstorming how to tell the man.

The next days,

Riverbed

Azumi and Chifuyu decided to jog. "I am preparing for the next battle. How about you? What's your deal?", the blonde sat on the grass. He felt that it was wet so he complained and stood up. "Morning dew", the raven head explained. They went down the river and Chifuyu started jumping on the rocks. "It's just a few more months before I leave. I just want to make as many memories as possible", she answered the question. "With making as many memories, don't tell me you're planning to join us during the fight", the blonde furrowed his brow.

"I can manage myself and I have proven that over and over again", Azumi smirked. "This is different. All of the best will be present", Chifuyu clicked his tongue scooped a handful of water, and sprinkled it on the lady. "I don't plan on feeding myself to the beast. I will just be there to monitor hard-headed people. I am friends with Yuzuha-san so I know she's worried about her brother. For some reason, Hina's boyfriend is the Captain of such a powerhouse gang. You're someone I cannot keep my eyes off for you wander too much", Azumi also sprinkled water on Chifuyu. "And Taka-san?", the blonde squatted and looked at the clear water. The sun already rose and it gave a better view of the surroundings.

"He knows what he is doing so I don't think I need to worry about him", Azumi slightly pushed Chifuyu's shoulder using her feet. The lad lost his balance and fell into the river. "COLD!!!", he shouted. "I didn't know you were that weak", the lady was also startled that he fell. Chifuyu grabbed her into the water as well and they kept throwing water on each other. "Seriously, I am glad it was Taka-san you fell in love with", the blonde chuckled.

Afternoon...

Cemetery

Hina and Azumi stood in front of Emma's grave. "It's been two years, Emma. A lot of things happened but I know you're already smothering Draken with all the love you wanted to shower on him", the peach-head broke the silence. "It must have worried you to see your brother grow lonely as days pass by. I assure you that Takemichi is already on his way to drag him back", Hina placed a bouquet of flowers they both purchased before heading to the cemetery.

"Emma, I had been wallowing way back then on how I wasn't able to save Draken. I genuinely wanted him to live longer. He's such a good soul but you would slap my head for extending the time you'd be far from each other", Azumi squatted down and grabbed on the tomb. "I punched Mikey but I think my fist wasn't that strong enough. I'll try to give him another one", the lady gave a short laugh. "Also, if we were to visit that cafe again, I now have someone in mind. I'll keep you in my heart Hina and I savor that moment we'll be visiting that cafe", the raven head stood.

Street

"I see. Are you going out with Mitsuya-san?", Hina asked. Azumi coughed and shook her head. "I mean, he had a lot in mind but I know in time, he'll be able to settle matters with you", the peach-head held her hand. They continued walking holding each other's hand. "Hina, I will be joining Takemichi-kun and the others. I still don't know what use I can be but I feel so proud that I can decide on something on my own", she revealed.

"Anything can happen in a fight, Azumi. But if it's something you put your head into, I don't think I can disagree", Hina smiled. "Baji-san made Toman a gang who will have each other's back. A gang where you will be throwing your life for the sake of others. Chifuyu carried his will and continued to follow that belief. Taka-san joined because of Draken who is the moral compass of Mikey. Everyone got connected because of Mikey. Right now, they just wanted that person back and I feel like I owe him a lot as well", Azumi looked ahead.

The next days,

Old Train Station

From a distance, a pair of eyes chuckled to see 500 vs 50. She jumped down the carrier and prepared a retractable baton behind her. The fight started and she wore her hood. A few days ago, she went to Mitsuya's studio and asked for a uniform. Azumi marched towards the battlefield and gulped to see Senju charging and seemingly counting the number of opponents she successfully dropped on the ground. The lady clenched her fist.

Chifuyu looked at a portion of the fighting circle and felt curious about the silence and yet members from the other gang were dropping on the ground. He saw someone in the hood with a mask hiding the lower face. He clenched his fist but still smiled. "Welcome to our world, Azumi", he said under his breath. The brawl continued.

Senju leaned on someone's back. "It's my first time fighting with someone watching my back", she breathed in deeply. "I'm not good with fist fighting so I'll just keep making them fall on the ground. I took extra classes in Judo", Azumi informed. "Why are you wearing a mask?", Senju asked and kicked someone who tried to approach them. "I'm hiding from someone. He doesn't know I'm here", she answered. "This is not a walk in the park", Haruchiyo heard them having a conversation. The white-haired pulled Azumi by the collar and threw her somewhere. "Go help them. I can manage here", she turned to his brother and her expression changed.

Azumi's mask was grabbed by one Kantou gang member and it was torn. "I sensed such an enticing aura and I was led here", Ran smirked and stood just a few meters away from the lady. He showed a retractable baton. "What a coincidence. I also brought with me my toy", she drew her weapon. "Oh dear, this is not something I want to use on you in public", Ran gave an eerie smile. Someone's leg hooked on his neck making him look at the other side. "That's not something you also say to a kid", Mitsuya made a distance when Rin tried to throw a punch at him. Being distracted, Ran was able to elbow the lilac head's face. The two were syncing on using Mitsuya as their punching bag. Azumi stepped forward but Hakkai arrived and grabbed Rin's face slamming it onto the floor.

Azumi saw another gang member in the peripheral vision and she extended her feet tripping him. "I am only here to deal with the small fries", she retracted the baton and placed it back in her pocket. She stepped on the gang's back and proceeded back to where Senju was. Her eyes widened to see the lady's head bleeding. "It's you again", Haruchiyo furrowed his brow. "I heard of a thing they call sibling rivalry but this is out of hand", Azumi commented. She moved swiftly and was able to grab the pipe away from Haruchiyo. "My punches don't have any weight but I remember I also have other parts of my body", the lady said with a cold tone and used her knees as she grabbed Haruchiyo's face down. The lad couldn't stand the humiliation of being beaten by a girl so he was quick on his feet and was able to grab on her neck. Before he could even tighten his grip, Azumi was able to pull back and kick the lad in the face. "I don't have time to mess with you", he furrowed his brow and ran towards the train. 

Azumi ran towards Senju on the ground and grabbed bandages from her pocket. She wrapped it around the lady's head tightly to stop the bleeding. An opportunistic tried to lock Azumi in his arm but Mitsuya threw a gang member from the opponent side. "Attack your opponent head-on, coward", the lad commented. "You're done with Ran?", she asked as she gave a quick peek at the lilac head. "I gave him a good taste of a one-on-one fist fight", he answered and covered for Azumi while she waited for Senju to come back to her sensess. 

Chapter end.