The morning birds sang in chorus as the first light of the sun gently illuminated the horizon. The world seemed peaceful, yet Rei's eyes snapped open, driven by the remnants of a nightmare. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, trying to shake off the unsettling visions.

Rei found herself in a small room, lying on a cozy futon. The air was filled with the fresh, grassy aroma of sencha tea. She rose and made her way towards the door, curiosity piquing her senses.

"Ohayou gozaimasu!" a voice greeted her warmly.

Rei turned to see a young girl standing there, her expression friendly yet unfamiliar. Rei's mind raced as she tried to remember who the girl was.

"Brother brought you home last evening. You fainted in the middle of the fight," the girl explained, sensing Rei's confusion.

"Where's Akimitsu?" Rei asked, her curiosity growing.

The girl handed her a warm cup of tea. "Here, have some tea. You'll feel better. Brother is out for a walk by the sea. He should be back soon."

"I need to talk to him about the fight," Rei said, moving towards the door.

"I doubt he'll continue," the girl replied.

Rei stepped out into a lively scene. People were gathered around tables, playing board games and betting on coins. She realized she was in a casino. Hastily, she left, seeking the familiar streets of Japan.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

As she walked, the memory of the previous night's battle resurfaced. She reached the spot where she had fought Akimitsu, beneath a sakura tree. The morning light made the fallen petals glow, and she was struck by the beauty of the scene. But the memory of Akimitsu's eyes haunted her.

"What was that in his eyes?" she wondered aloud.

She continued towards the ocean. The edge of the forest gave way to a breathtaking view of the sea. In the distance, she saw a figure sitting on the sand. The unmistakable sight of Akimitsu's hair confirmed his identity.

"Looks like someone’s enjoying the morning," Rei called out as she approached.

Akimitsu stood up, his expression unreadable. "Well, you look better than last night," he said. "Doing well?"

"Yeah," Rei replied. "I don't know what happened to me last night, but you wouldn't count it, would you? After the deal we agreed on?"

Akimitsu's eyes hardened. "Why are you so desperate to win? Just to use your hands freely? If you're that desperate, fight the one who gave you the curse. I no longer have any interest in fighting you. Later."

He turned to walk away, but something in Rei's voice stopped him. "It's just hands for you. I dream of cooking for people with these hands. I've seen innocent people suffer. They shouldn't have to endure such consequences. If you can't help those in need, then you're no different from the rest."

Her voice trembled with emotion, and tears streamed down her face. "If I have the will to do it, then I would do everything to help those in need."

Akimitsu turned back to her. "I admire your courage," he said softly, placing a scarred hand on her head.

The world seemed to go silent. His touch was warm, despite the roughness of his scars. "I'll help you get rid of those cliffs," he promised.

Rei looked up at him, hope mingling with her tears. "Thank you," she whispered.