Hiding Behind The Red Visor

Chapter 101 Different Interests

The silence that followed Shino's words was thick. Even Nightquake and Kowalski stiffened at the mention of that name-the name that had haunted Davis for years, a part of his life he wished to forget.

Shino's voice cut through the tension, and he didn't pull any punches. "I mean, Kreig knew and worked for Davis' dead-beat father. You remember who that was, right, Kowalski?"

Davis's head snapped toward Shino, his face tightening beneath the red visor. He took a step forward, his posture defensive. "There's no need to bring him up, Shino. He's dead. Let the man rest. Or rot. Or whatever."

Shino raised his hands in mock surrender, his tone far too casual for the weight of his words. "Hey, I'm just saying-it's all connected, right? Doesn't matter if the guy's six feet under. He was a part of it."

Kowalski, whose stern expression never faltered, finally spoke. "We all have our demons. But that's not the issue here." His voice was measured, but the discomfort was evident. He knew exactly who Shino was referring to, and it wasn't a subject anyone in this academy liked to dwell on.

Nightquake, still standing to the side, let out a short, frustrated sigh. "We need to stay focused. Kol is our priority right now, not this history lesson."

Davis's fists clenched at his sides, but he kept his voice controlled, despite the rush of emotions. "Kol will be dealt with."

Before the moment could continue unraveling, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the tension. It wasn't just anyone walking through the courtyard.

Davis turned, his body instinctively bracing as he heard the unmistakable footsteps. His gaze hardened beneath his visor.

And then, he appeared.

Ronin.

Tall, broad-shouldered, with that familiar, almost calming presence. His eyes immediately found Davis, and though the years had changed them both, there was no mistaking their connection.

Ronin's expression softened slightly, but only for a moment before his gaze shifted to the others-Kowalski and Nightquake, both of whom had been briefed on his background but weren't exactly pleased to see him here, especially under these circumstances.

"Well," Ronin said with his signature dry humour. "I'm not here for a few minutes and look what happens. Chaos."

Davis's shoulders relaxed ever so slightly as his adoptive father approached. There was something about Ronin's presence that made everything feel a little less volatile. The weight of the mission, the tension with Nightquake, and the unfinished business with Krieg-it all seemed less overwhelming when Ronin was around. But only slightly.

"Ronin," Davis said flatly, still not quite able to hide his unease. "You always know how to make an entrance."

Ronin smiled faintly. "I have my ways." His eyes then narrowed slightly as he took in the scene. His gaze flicked to Kowalski and Nightquake before settling back on Davis. "Everything alright?"

Davis gave a short nod, his voice softening just a little. "Yeah. Just... dealing with a lot of history coming back up." He didn't elaborate. He didn't need to.

Shino, sensing the shift in mood, cleared his throat and spoke up with his usual lightness. "Ronin, just so you know, your kid's still being a pain in the ass about Krieg." He winked at Davis, who rolled his eyes.

Ronin's gaze flicked briefly to Davis. "I can't say I blame him. Krieg's a real piece of work."

Kowalski, still standing to the side, finally spoke again, his voice guarded but firm. "Ronin. You're just in time, I suppose. We've been discussing the threat Kol poses to the academy-and the fact that Krieg may be involved."