It seems Takemichi's patience with the two personalities inside him shows some progress. For the second time, he gives control of his body to the two kids. The next morning, he wakes up to a small joy - this time, Take appears and answers some of his questions. Takemichi realizes the brutal personality within him has one good trait: following rules and keeping promises. That kid might always seem threatening, but unlike Michi, he doesn't cause unnecessary chaos.

After the "Bloody Halloween" event ends, Takemichi starts worrying about the "Christmas Eve Showdown." He needs to free Hakkai and his sister Yuzuha from Taiju's violence and make Taiju realize that his way of protecting and loving his siblings is wrong.

Another issue is Kokonoi Hajime. To become the largest criminal gang in Japan, they need this "moneybag." Kokonoi's abilities are amazing, but they also pose a danger to others and even himself. Currently, Taiju overshadows his talents, but sooner or later, they will surface. This time, Takemichi needs to ensure both Inupee and Kokonoi come under his leadership again. Partly because he needs Kokonoi's skills right now, but also because he wants to protect them - they are his friends. To do that, he must reclaim Black Dragon.

However, Takemichi can't just suddenly say, "Hakkai, I know about your family. Let me help you." He needs to let things unfold naturally, like in the past, and make Hakkai approach him first. Only then can he take over Black Dragon.

As for Kisaki, he's probably keeping an eye on Takemichi now. Does he want to deal with Takemichi after those two battles? The answer is definitely yes. So Takemichi thinks he should give Kisaki a hint. It turns out his previous conflict with Black Dragon might be useful after all.

The weather in December grows colder, but these days are peaceful and happy for Takemichi. Recently, every time he parts ways with Kazutora, Takemichi goes alone to his favorite riverside spot. However, his visits are not for sightseeing or relaxing - he is waiting.

What he waits for finally happens. People walking along the riverside now look terrified at the sight of a group wearing white uniforms with the Black Dragon emblem on their backs. A gang of delinquents with an intimidating aura surrounds the spot where Takemichi sits.

"Well, well, the little mouse is here again, huh? This time, you're not getting away!"

Takemichi sees Kokonoi and Inupee leading the Black Dragon gang. Instead of showing fear, he smiles and greets them like old friends.

"Hello, Koko-kun, Inupee-kun."

His calm and friendly attitude confuses them - shouldn't he be scared? Takemichi stands up, dusting off his pants with a leisurely manner, even though the people in front of him are clearly dangerous.

"Well, since this is Touman's territory, if you plan to deal with me here, it means starting a war with Touman."

He knows this statement won't help much. The fact they're here means they've already decided to ignore Touman.

Kokonoi smirks mockingly. "You're the one who messed with Black Dragon first, Hanagaki Takemichi. You interfered with our business and caused financial losses. So today, we have a valid reason to come for you. It doesn't matter if this is Touman's turf."

This catches Takemichi off guard. Interfering with their business? Are they referring to when he helped Haitani Rindou?

Takemichi recalls that Black Dragon operates as a gang-for-hire for the wealthy. So, attacking Rindou wasn't personal - it was business. Black Dragon really does anything for money, even messing with the Haitani brothers. What an ironic twist - they started the conflict, yet now he's painted as the one who provoked them first.

"Enough talking, let's take him out already!"

Inupee's cold gaze cuts through him. Takemichi feels hurt inside, wishing the kind Inupee he once knew would come back quickly.

"Before you deal with me, let me ask one thing."

Takemichi stops them just as they prepare to move toward him.

Kokonoi narrows his eyes. This guy is way too calm. Kokonoi starts suspecting that Takemichi has some plan.

"I'll allow you to say your last words before you die."

"Was your meeting to plan how to deal with me a big one?"

"Huh?" Kokonoi looks puzzled.

"You two actually dared to bring Black Dragon members into Touman's territory?"

Hakkai's voice is filled with anger as he strides toward them, with Yuzuha walking by his side. Takemichi silently smiles in relief. If this situation had reached Yuzuha and Hakkai, it must have been discussed at a big meeting. Otherwise, he might have ended up in the hospital today. Their timing couldn't be better.

Kokonoi, still acting cocky, speaks mockingly to the Shiba siblings. "Rich boy, this is an order from the Boss. We're just following orders, and you can't go against your brother's commands, can you?"

The remark only fuels Hakkai's rage. He quickly steps in front of Takemichi, shielding him.
"I already paid you to keep quiet about Takemichi, and now you're going back on your word and reporting to my brother?"

Takemichi stands there dumbfounded. It seems he's learned yet another important piece of information.

Apparently, it wasn't just his confrontation with Black Dragon that caused trouble back then. Draken also fought them, but there were no retaliations or follow-ups from Black Dragon. At the time, Takemichi was too focused on Kazutora to notice anything odd. Now it becomes clear - Hakkai had bribed Kokonoi to keep quiet, preventing him from reporting to Taiju. Otherwise, Taiju would have dealt with Takemichi long ago.

How much money did Hakkai spend to protect him? Kokonoi once demanded 100,000 yen just to sell Taiju's information, so it must have been a lot. Most importantly, Hakkai had been quietly protecting him all along. The realization deeply moves Takemichi.

"I couldn't lie to the Boss any longer, so I had to spill the truth," Kokonoi says with a sly smile.

Takemichi inwardly sighs at Kokonoi's dishonesty. It's more likely someone offered him more money to report to Taiju.

Hakkai boils with anger, while Yuzuha frowns and snaps at Kokonoi. "You backstabbing scum!"

"Stop right there! If you touch Takemichi, Touman won't let this slide!"

"And what will Touman do about it?"

The voice that follows sends chills down everyone's spines - not just Hakkai and Yuzuha but even Takemichi feels like trembling. As the speaker appears, the entire gang parts to form a path, bowing respectfully as though greeting a king - or rather, a tyrant.

His towering figure exudes a menacing and savage aura, and his twisted smile is both deranged and terrifying. For a moment, Takemichi finds himself longing for the future version of this man - a calm, refined businessman who once spoke to him with composure and grace.

The 10th leader of the Black Dragon gang - Shiba Taiju. Takemichi can't believe he is actually here. He thinks someone like Taiju wouldn't bother showing up for a small fry like him, especially in another gang's territory. But now, he senses pure terror in the air.

"You're late. How dare you make me wait? I told you to beat that kid up and bring him to me!"

Taiju's booming voice makes Takemichi shiver.

"The young master and lady are in the way. I can't do anything if they block me, Boss," Kokonoi says with a mocking tone.

Taiju glances at the three of them and steps forward, his towering presence making Hakkai visibly tremble with each of his steps.

"You said if anyone touches this piece of trash, Touman won't let it slide, right? Hakkai," Taiju says, his voice laced with menace.

Hakkai presses his lips tightly together, his body stiff with tension.

"I was going to deal with this worthless punk who cost me a lot of money before dealing with you. But here you are, daring to come to me. Are you betraying your own brother for Touman? Family comes first, Hakkai. It seems like I need to teach you that lesson myself."

Taiju's words are full of threats, and Takemichi feels a flame of anger igniting within him as he witnesses this scene again. Taiju, at 16, is completely blinded by his belief in violence.

Yuzuha speaks up, trying to protect her brother. "Don't push Hakkai anymore, big brother."

But this is a familiar scene - Taiju is going to hit Yuzuha again. His arm swings upward, and Yuzuha closes her eyes, bracing herself. A loud slap echoes, but she feels no pain.

"Takemichi!"

She opens her eyes to see Hakkai shouting Takemichi's name in panic. In front of her, Takemichi stands, having taken the hit meant for her.

Takemichi clicks his tongue in frustration. Taiju showing up here wasn't something he anticipated. He didn't realize that helping Rindou escape had caused such severe consequences that Taiju would personally come to punish him. But he can't bear to see Yuzuha being abused again. Even though Taiju doesn't use full force when hitting his sister, it's still unbearably cruel. A woman's body isn't made to endure such violence.

Taiju frowns slightly. Kokonoi and Inupee remain silent, watching Takemichi closely.

"This isn't how you show love to your family, Taiju," Takemichi looks at him with eyes filled with a blazing fire of anger, burning away all the fear he felt just moments ago.

"Hanagaki-kun," Yuzuha gasps, calling his name in shock. She never expected Takemichi to step forward and speak out for her. It's brave - but also foolish. Her brother will lose his temper and might even kill him.

Taiju stares at Takemichi's frail figure, then bursts into mocking laughter. His gaze drips with disdain, treating Takemichi like an insignificant insect. When the laughter dies, Taiju throws a powerful punch at Takemichi. The blow lands squarely on his face, sending him flying. Takemichi's head rings from the impact.

"You piece of trash! Who do you think you are, meddling in my family's affairs? I haven't even punished you for ruining my business. And you dare to look at me with those eyes?"

Taiju grabs Takemichi by the collar, raising his fist again.

"Big brother, stop! Please, let him go," Hakkai pleads desperately.

"Huh? Then what will you give me in exchange, Hakkai? This piece of trash cost me a lot of money. And you lied to me because of him. You better come up with a price to make it worth my while."

Takemichi grits his teeth. The moment Taiju finishes speaking, Takemichi's anger explodes. He punches Taiju squarely in the face. Hakkai and Yuzuha gasp in horror, and even the Black Dragon members draw a sharp breath.

It's rare for Taiju to feel this kind of rage. How dare this piece of trash look at him with such defiance? How dare he use that arrogant gaze against him?

Facing Taiju's piercing gaze, as if he wants to crush him, Takemichi stays resolute, showing no fear. This isn't the first time he has faced Taiju, nor the first time he has endured such murderous looks. What is there to be afraid of? If anything, Taiju's intense glare only makes him more determined to rip Takemichi apart, eager to see how long someone so weak can keep up this brave act.

"Your luck ends here, trash," Taiju snarls.

Hakkai can't stand still any longer. His voice shakes as he pleads, "Brother! I beg you to stop. I'll leave Touman. I'll come back to Black Dragon and work for you. I'll earn back the money he made you lose. That's my condition for exchange."

Taiju pauses, looking at his younger brother. Hakkai is visibly emotional, and Taiju's gaze shifts back to the weakling in his grasp. This piece of trash has such a significant influence on his brother? It irritates him. But Taiju sees the immediate benefit and suppresses his urge to kill. He releases Takemichi like dropping a stone, then looks down at him with utter disdain. Taiju strides away arrogantly with the Black Dragon gang following behind.

Takemichi collapses on the ground. Hakkai rushes to his side, worried. "Takemichi, are you okay?"

Compared to what happened in the previous timeline, Takemichi is fine. Back then, Taiju beat him until he passed out. This is nothing. Takemichi even manages a grin and says, "Carry me home. I can't walk anymore."

Yuzuha listens to Hakkai and leaves ahead, giving the two boys some privacy to talk.

"I'm sorry, Hakkai," Takemichi says as he once again lies on Hakkai's back, being carried home.

"Haha, what are you apologizing for, you idiot? My brother has been forcing me into this for a long time. It was bound to happen sooner or later. If anything, I should apologize to you for Black Dragon messing with you last time."

"Black Dragon picking on me wasn't your fault, so why apologize? You're the real idiot. I should thank you instead. You've protected me all this time. Without you, your brother would've dealt with me ages ago."

"I was thinking about Touman, too. Last time, it was thanks to you stopping Mikey-kun that a gang war didn't break out. If that had happened, I wouldn't know what to do... And thanks for earlier, for protecting my sister. Nobody has ever dared to stand up to my brother like that."

"Yeah, and I paid the price for talking back to your brother," Takemichi replies with a grin.

Hakkai carries Takemichi home, takes him upstairs to his room, and makes sure he's settled. Just as he's about to leave, Takemichi stops him.

"Hakkai, can you tell me about yourself?"

Hakkai looks confused and helpless. Takemichi feels guilty but knows he needs to make Hakkai open up about his situation.

"As you can see, I have a violent, terrible older brother," Hakkai begins.

He starts to talk about his situation, much like he did before to Takemichi and Chifuyu. Takemichi listens silently, just as before, feeling the pain in Hakkai's words. But it's clear that Hakkai isn't telling the whole truth. He's still hiding his weakness.

"I want to do what Taka-chan said - to use violence to protect my family... I really... want to kill my brother."

Hakkai's hatred for his brother runs deep. The bond between them is broken, and Taiju's misguided way of showing love only pushes Hakkai further away.

"Hakkai, no matter what, you're still family. Do you really want to kill your own brother?"

"You've seen it yourself. There's no family love between us like in other families. My sister and I have endured enough abuse," Hakkai replies bitterly.

"Have you ever thought about becoming stronger than your brother? If you show him that, he might stop being violent toward you," Takemichi suggests.

It's true - if Taiju could see Hakkai as strong, he might stop. But Hakkai's fear of his brother is too overwhelming. To Taiju, Hakkai is just a weak little brother, and Taiju believes he's using the right method to "educate" him into becoming stronger.

"Stronger than my brother? You've seen how strong he is. I can't do it."

"And yet, you want to kill someone stronger than you, Hakkai. I know you're suffering and desperate - that's why you want to kill him. But have you thought about what happens after you do it? If you kill your brother, you'll free your sister from his violence, but you'll take on the consequences. You might end up in juvenile detention for years. Will you really be happy then, Hakkai? To me, killing someone is a crime... No matter how much pain I'm in, I never want to kill anyone. I'm terrified of seeing people die. There are better ways to solve things than taking someone's life."

Hakkai stays silent as he listens. Takemichi isn't sure if his words are getting through, but he speaks honestly from the heart. He has seen too much death - whether it's an enemy or someone he hates, it always haunts him.

Takemichi extends his hand to Hakkai. "Become stronger and defeat your brother. I'll help you. Everyone in Touman will help you. You're not alone, Hakkai."

Hakkai stares at Takemichi's outstretched hand. His chaotic thoughts slowly give way to a sense of calm. There's something about Takemichi - though he's clearly weak, his determination and willpower allow him to achieve the impossible. His actions often seem foolish, but they're undeniably powerful. Despite his fear, Takemichi is always ready to sacrifice himself for others. That's why people love and trust him so much.

And so, Hakkai takes Takemichi's hand. He wants to trust Takemichi, too.

___ooo___

!!!Minigame: Guess Takemichi's Allies – Christmas Night Battle

Hey dear readers! 🎄✨ The Christmas Night Battle is coming, and here's a challenge for you: Can you guess who will fight alongside Takemichi this time? 🤔

Quick Hint:

- There will be 6 allies supporting Takemichi.

- Excluding Hakkai and his sister, focus on guessing the other characters!

Minigame Rules

📅 Duration: From now until the end of January 5th (7 days in total).

📩 How to participate:

- Comment your guesses below this chapter.

- If the combined guesses of everyone:

+ Get 4 out of 6 correct: I'll release 2 chapters!

+ Get 5 out of 6 correct: I'll release 3 chapters!

+ Get all 6 correct: I'll release 5 chapters!!! 🎉

🎁 Results will be announced along with the release schedule on my profile feed on January 6th. Don't forget to follow me to stay updated!

Hot Hints for You:

1️⃣ 2 characters have already participated in this battle during the previous time leap.

2️⃣ 2 character couldn't participate in the battle during the previous time leap.

3️⃣ 2 characters have only appeared indirectly once in the past time leap events, and they are not part of Touman.

💥 Who will solve this riddle and guess correctly? Join the excitement and make this upcoming battle even more thrilling! Good luck, and may the rewards be yours! 🚀