Yaeko’s eyes fluttered open. Her vision was hazy and unfocused. The white ceiling she was met with was unfamiliar. She was lying on a bed, that much she could feel. The fabric beneath her was soft and comforting. Her mind struggled to piece together the events that led her here, but her last clear memory was of leaving the meeting room. Yaeko closed her eyes again, wanting to disappear back to her dreams again, however, a voice broke through her thoughts. “You can’t fool me I know you are awake,” She opened her eyes again, Kurokawa’s soft smile meeting her. She attempted to sit up, but her body almost gave out on her before Kurokawa supported her back. A harsh cough ripped through her chest, a stinging pain coming from her lungs. When it was over she looked down on her hands, traces of blood adorning her pale skin. “What happened?” She said harshly, trying to hide the traces of blood on her hands. “I found you in your room passed out. I assumed you were getting ready for bed since you were lying on the bathroom floor,” His tone was cold but she knew he was worried. Yaeko hummed in response, trying to piece together what had happened before she lost consciousness. But she didn’t remember anything. “You can’t read his mind you know that,” He said his tone more serious than before. “But I want to. I have to know what he wants,” Yaeko responded stubbornly. “I’m not sure why, but attempting to read his mind always ends up hurting you. So why do you continue to try when it only leads to the same outcome every time?” Kurokawa reasoned, holding her face in his hands so she’d look at him. “I know I may be causing harm to myself, but what if the next time it actually works and all of our problems are finally solved? After all, I don’t have another purpose.” Yaeko declared pulling away from his grasp. She paused before continuing. “How are the demons doing?”

Kurokawa sighed, recognizing the shift in conversation. “Gin is swift and thinks outside the box. She’s quick on her feet, both physically and mentally. Yuukie is weak, but theoretically, she should have a strong ability if she just trained it up. She needs to build her confidence and physical strength.”

Yaeko nodded, “And the Tora gang member?”

“Kenzo is talented and probably the most experienced in fights, but he gives up too easily. He has the skills but lacks perseverance.”

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“What about the boy from the Watanabe family?”

“Ren is a good leader and strong both physically and in his abilities. However, he’s a bit afraid of conflict and doesn’t like to fight. He has the potential to be great, but he needs to overcome his aversion to combat.”

Yaeko considered this, then asked, “And Asahi Takao’s brother?”

Kurokawa’s expression softened slightly. “He has potential, but he just doesn’t believe in himself. He’s capable, but he needs to find his own strength and confidence.”

Yaeko raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile forming on her lips. “You think fondly of him.”

Kurokawa’s cheeks reddened slightly, and he looked away. “Don’t use your ability on me and I just don’t want them to die that’s all,”

Yaeko chuckled softly, the sound turning into another cough. “I’m glad they have you looking out for them, even if it’s just a job,”

Kurokawa turned back to her, his eyes filled with concern. “Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself, Yae. We need you at your best.” He paused before adding, “I need you at your best,”

“I promise,” Yaeko said, though she wasn’t entirely sure she could keep it. She knew the risks she was taking, but she also knew she had no other choice. She had to understand Anzhong’s plans, even if it meant pushing her limits.

Kurokawa stood up, smoothing out the wrinkles in his shirt. “I’ll check on the others and make sure they’re training properly,” he said, his tone steady but a hint of worry crept into his eyes. He turned to leave, but Yaeko suddenly remembered the meeting.

“Wait, Kurokawa,” she called out. He paused, turning back to her with a questioning look.

“Anzhong mentioned that the mission is going to be sooner than we planned. You should check your phone tomorrow for updates. He’ll probably send new instructions.”

Kurokawa’s expression darkened, his worry now fully evident. “Those kids won’t be able to make it with so little training. They’re not ready.”

“I know,” Yaeko replied, her voice tinged with frustration and concern. “But we don’t have a choice. We have to do our best with the time we have.”

Kurokawa sighed deeply, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ll do what I can. We’ll push them harder, but…”

“I know,” she said again, softer this time. “Just… take care of them. And yourself.”

Kurokawa gave her a brief nod, his face a mask of determination. “You too, Yae.” With that, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving Yaeko alone with her thoughts.