Bonten era (I)

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Takemichi returned to the future, arriving at Pah-chin's wedding. As soon as he stepped into the reception hall, confusion washed over him, but Hina was quick to pull him along, smiling as she explained everything. The warmth of the room hit him first, followed by the sight of his friends—those he had fought for, bled for, and cried for. He blinked in disbelief as he scanned the tables.

Draken was the first person he noticed, sitting calmly with his hair now black, though the familiar dragon tattoo still stretched across the side of his head. The sight tugged at Takemichi's heart—so many years had passed, but for him was yesterday that they were fighting side by side. Beside Draken sat Inui, his longer hair framing his face as he casually chatted with Kazutora, who was seated elegantly in a suit. And next to Kazutora, smiling radiantly, was Kaiya. She was beaming, her eyes filled with a joy that seemed to light up the room. Chifuyu, with his black hair now, sat with them, their easy camaraderie a comfort to witness.

Takemichi's heart swelled, and as tears formed in his eyes, he couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. They were alive. They were happy. For the first time in what felt like forever, he allowed himself to relax, and a smile broke across his face.

Kaiya, noticing his emotional state, caught his eye and gave him an understanding smile—a small nod, as if to say, We made it.

He and Hina found seats next to Kaiya, who leaned in and whispered:

- "Welcome back, Takemichi." Her voice was soft, filled with warmth and relief. Takemichi could feel the sincerity in her words, he felt like he was truly home.

As the night unfolded, Pah-chin, in his exuberant manner, was cutting the cake with his new bride. Kazutora stood up to take photos, and Kaiya followed closely, as if they were inseparable. Takemichi watched them with a sense of pride; he had witnessed their struggles, and seeing them so full of life and happiness was almost surreal.

Draken and Chifuyu remained at the table with Takemichi and Hina, the bond between them as strong as ever. The gratitude in their eyes was unmistakable. They, too, felt the weight of everything they had been through, but in that moment, there was peace.

Pah-chin, never one to shy away from attention, called out to them:

- "Hey!! That table over there! What're you getting hyped for by yourselves?! I'm the star, ya know?!"

Draken, ever the voice of reason, scolded him:

- "Idiot, the star isn't you, but the bride, right? You're just a supporting character, Pah-chin."

Takemichi laughed along with them, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. He listened as they shared updates on their lives—Pah-chin was now incredibly wealthy, having taken over his family's business. Mitsuya, ever the artist, was a rising star in the fashion world. Hakkai had made it big as a top model, with Yuzuha managing his career. The Kawata brothers ran a successful ramen shop, while Chifuyu was now a proud pet shop owner, working alongside Kazutora. And then there was Kaiya, who had become a resident surgeon at one of Tokyo's top hospitals—a woman who had always healed others, now doing so in a professional capacity.

As the bride prepared to throw her bouquet, the women gathered, but Kaiya staid away, chatting and laughing with Kazutora and Chifuyu. She looked breathtaking in her olive-green gown, the luxurious fabric flowing around her as she moved. Her hair was styled elegantly in a bun, the open back of her dress revealing delicate, ribbon-like ties that added a graceful touch to her silhouette. She was radiant, her joy contagious, and Takemichi couldn't help but admire how far she had come.

Naoto, who was speaking to Takemichi, kept glancing over at Kaiya, as if struck by her presence. Her laughter filled the area, her bond with her brother and Chifuyu evident in every glance and smile they shared.

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