The Story of the Seven

CHAPTER 2 - Is He A Lunatic?

As the day passed by with the thawing snow of fresh spring, I got to know Toukichi better. He would tactically avoid any question about his bandaged arm, so all I knew was "The Incident That Caused the Bandaged Arm" was what prompted his parents to have him to stay in this mental health hospital.

He frequently told me of his numerous battles in the slums; battles to save innocent people from the clutches of slavery.

"And then I saw Minor Executive Yamato grab his shinai, and he beat the life out of the ringleader! Well, not literally. The ringleader didn't die, but ah, you get my point."

Although Toukichi's stories were borderline entertaining, although certainly dark at times, I was seriously doubting this guy's stability. He would mention of a powerful organization in the slums fighting yakuza in the name of "the Queen", but if something that big of a deal actually occurred, I'm pretty sure it would be on the news.

"Toukichi, your story is certainly interesting, but how come it's never on the news?"

"Ah, the government has forsaken the slums. Even if people are killed, or sold, in the slums, the government nor the citizens of this country would even care about it."

"But aren't people living in the slums also citizens?"

"When the Allied Powers occupied Japan after World War 2, a secret law passed which specifically states that citizens of the slums are, quote, non-humans. Ridiculous, right?"

"Most certainly. That definitely is ridiculous and a grave violation of human rights."

Is this dude seriously alright? Did he watch too much anime or something?

I think there was a condition called Chuunibyou where people watched so much anime that they started pretending as if they were part of that anime. Maybe that's what happened to him.

"Can you tell me more about "The Organization"? Like, how did you become a member of it?"

"That, my good friend, is a long story. A story that starts when I was in middle school, walking drunk in the dead of the night at Kabukichou."

"My, that sounds interesting."

Yikes. I don't like where this story is leading.

"I was a young fool back then. Lured by the promise of more booze, I followed a dark-suited man into an alleyway."

"What do you mean "I followed"? That's ignoring Safety 101! Didn't your mother tell you not to follow dark-suited men into alleyways?"

"As I said, I was a fool back in those days. Anyways, shortly after entering the alleyway, I found myself in an awkward situation. I was suddenly surrounded by 4 buff-looking guys in suits, looking like they wanted to mug me."

"!!!!"

"But then, shortly after, I heard a voice saying 'Ketsuen-gumi!,' like someone was sounding an alert. Shortly after, a squadron of men and women clad in riot gear and armed with shinais chased away those buff guys. The men and women in riot gear were part of The Organization, and that's how they recruited me."

"Pretty shady stuff, huh."

"I guess, but being in The Organization is nice. It like a family I never had. You're grouped into squadrons based on where you live, and the people of each squadron look out for each other."

"Have you made any real close friends?"

"Of course. As I said, we're one big family. The strong people in the squadron protect the weak people, the wise people give consult to the lost people. One comrade's strength makes up for another comrade's weakness, so to speak."

"Then where are your comrades right now? Aren't they worried?"

"I already told them that I'm in the hospital, and they need not to worry about me."

Maybe I should stop going along with the flow of the conversation and ask Toukichi if he's truly alright.

I took a deep breath, and mustered my courage.

"Hey Toukichi?"

"What's with that sudden serious face and tone?"

"Could you please explain a bit on the background of The Organization you're talking about?"

Toukichi's eyes narrowed.

"Oh, I see. Hey you, kid, are you doubting me? Do you think I'm just a crazy junkie?"

"No, no. Of course not."

Shoots😱! He saw right through me.

And by the way - you know you're a kid as well, Toukichi.

"Kid, it's all right. I get that looks all the times – from my parents, my classmates, and my teachers. It sure did hurt the first times, but I'm used to it."

"S-s-s-sorry"

"It's all right. Just listen to me. What I'm saying is not false. Once we get outta this hospital, I'll take you to the nearest recruitment center so I can validate my claims. You with me?"

"For real? Thanks, I look forward to when you'll take me to this recruitment center."

Deep down in my heart, I was even more worried. What if the "recruitment center" was just a figment of Toukichi's imagination? Or worse yet, what if it was a legitimate recruitment center, but for organized crime? Doubt filled my heart as took a deep breath.

"Yo, Toukichi."

"Yeah."

"I just remembered, I'm discharged from this hospital tomorrow."

"Me too."

"So are you going to take me to the recruitment center tomorrow?"

"Yup."

"You sure you're not in the yakuza or mafia?"

"Of course not."

"Then what's with the sudden switch to evasive one-word answers?"

"Nothing."

I sighed, turned over in bed, and closed my eyes.

"Night."

"Night."

That night, although I tried to sleep, I just couldn't fall into a peaceful slumber. My heart and mind were racing with adrenaline, thinking about what could happen tomorrow.

What if I forcibly get recruited into the yakuza?

What if Toukichi's just a lunatic?

But is this a chance for me to make new friends and a name for myself?

Thoughts swirled in my head.

Please, Toukichi, don't lead me into anything dangerous.

And I really pray that you're not making any of this up to cover your loneliness, if you are indeed lonely and without friends.🙏