I'd let the world burn for you... || Tokyo Revengers

Brahman

The next day, Takemichi was still grappling with his decision to not involve the others. The future Mikey had fought to secure was one where his friends were happy, living normal lives. Takemichi didn't want to ruin that by dragging them back into the dangerous world of delinquents. Just as he was deep in thought, his phone buzzed.

- "I fixed the Bob," Draken's voice came through the line, pointing to the motorcycle Mikey had given Takemichi. "Sorry it took so long. Getting the parts wasn't easy. Give it a spin."

Takemichi met up with Draken, grateful for the distraction, and they rode together through the streets. The familiar hum of the bike beneath him brought back memories of a time that felt both close and distant. As they rode, Takemichi couldn't keep the secret anymore. He told Draken about the future—about Mikey, Bonten, and everything that had happened.

- "So, you're back again from the future," Draken said, glancing at him from the corner of his eye.

- "Yes," Takemichi replied, his voice heavy. "Mikey-kun has always saved me, and that's why... it's my turn to save him this time!" His determination fueled his words, but the weight of the task ahead was overwhelming.

Draken was quiet for a moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he spoke.

- "There's nothing we can do about him now, though." His voice was laced with sorrow. "I can't find the right words for it... but we're all respectable people now. He left us because he chose the darker path, Takemitchy. Leave Mikey be. He's already different from when he was in Toman. You get it, right? He'll kill you without a care."

Before Takemichi could respond, a voice called out from behind them.

- "Get outta here, Draken!"

They turned just in time to see Inui, bruised and battered, stumbling toward them. He was being dragged by the belt by a towering figure—South Terano. South tossed Inui to the ground like a rag doll, but Inui managed to land on his feet, barely holding himself upright.

Takemichi stopped his motorcycle, his heart racing as South stepped closer.

- "Now, let's make this bloom," South said, his voice casual but menacing.

Takemichi's breath caught in his throat. He didn't know who this massive man was or what was happening.

- "Rokuhara Tandai's representative... unrivalled South," Draken muttered, his voice tense with anger.

Within moments, the streets filled with the roar of motorcycles. Dozens—no, hundreds—of bikes surrounded them.

- "Join me," South said simply, walking up to Draken as if he hadn't just ambushed them.

- "Shit... just how many people are here?" Takemichi muttered, fear creeping into his voice. "There's like a hundred people!"

Draken ignored the question, his focus on Inui.

- "You okay, Inupi?"

- "Yeah, somehow," Inui replied, standing but clearly in pain.

- "The answer's the same every time, South," Draken said firmly. "I'm not joining Rokuhara. I'm already retired. I have no intention of getting involved in your conflicts."

Without warning, South's fist slammed into Draken's face, sending him flying to the ground.

- "I'll never forgive ya if you retire, Draken!" South roared, standing over him. "Because then why was Tokyo Manji called the strongest?!"

Draken struggled to his feet, but South hit him again, this time in the ribs, before landing another brutal punch to his face. Takemichi watched in horror, frozen by the violence unfolding before him.