At Tenjiku's base, a meeting between the core members is underway. Kisaki stands at the front, laying out his plan.

"Tomorrow's the perfect day to move. I've found out Black Dragon has to deploy their whole force to Ginza for some business. Kokonoi and Inui are tagging along. Takemichi won't be involved, so it'll just be him and Touman left in Shibuya. It's the perfect chance. If we capture Takemichi, Kokonoi and Inui will fall in line automatically. We won't have to worry about Black Dragon's hundred men anymore. After that, we aim for Touman's captains. I'll hand you their schedules. Be careful though, those guys aren't pushovers. Stay clear of Draken. None of you can handle him."

"We know exactly how strong Touman is," Ran says with a dry laugh.
Kisaki flashes a cold smile back.

"Just a reminder, since Kakucho and Mochi haven't fought them directly yet," he says.

The fake friendliness between them stinks up the room. They look like good allies, but deep down, both find the other seriously annoying.

"Takemichi knows quite a bit about us. Are you sure this plan's gonna work?" Izana speaks up, his voice cool and sharp.

"I've looked into him thoroughly. There's nothing unusual," Kisaki answers confidently. "I'm surprised he found out about us this early, even noticed Mucho following you... but still, no signs of him pulling anything suspicious."

He pauses, thoughtful, but he trusts his own investigation. Takemichi doesn't seem to be plotting anything.

"Even if he knows some stuff about us, it's not a big deal. Our numbers are way stronger. That's why we need to strike fast and not give them any time to prepare. And to make Takemichi listen, we'll grab a few of his friends - his buddies from Mizo Middle School. They're weaklings, so taking them won't be a big problem. Mucho, you're on that."

"Aww, our little darling is really something. If I ever meet him, I have to give him a scolding."

After the meeting ends, Ran stretches lazily as he walks, muttering to his brother. Only during the meeting does he realize - his already crowded list of rivals just gained a new member: their oh-so-respected boss.

"This is giving me a headache... Whatever, we'll just bring him back first and sort it out later," Rindou shrugs, helpless.

He can't do much about it. It's not like it's his fault the person both he and his brother are crushing on turns out to be so damn charming. Flowers bloom at his feet, people fall for him left and right - and now even someone as brutal as Izana is paying attention? Yeah, that's completely unexpected. But really, Takemichi never ceases to surprise him. That's just who he is.

Just then, Kisaki and Hanma walk past them. Hanma catches Ran's eye and immediately flashes a mocking grin.

"Careful, Ran. When Takemichi sees you again, he might show you that 'I hate you' face. Don't get too excited."

Ran gives a faint smile, but his eyes are sharp and cold.

"Takemichi's kind. He wouldn't hate me over something like that," he replies quietly.

Rindou steps up beside him, gaze hard on Hanma, ready to throw hands if Hanma stirs up trouble.

Kisaki scowls, clearly annoyed. "Enough, Hanma. Quit it."

Hanma throws his hands up in fake surrender, but he still smirks at Ran before strolling after Kisaki.

"What a jackass," Rindou mutters under his breath, glaring after Hanma. Ran just shakes his head, but a dark, violent gleam sparks deep in his eyes.

Takemichi stays with Inupee and Kokonoi at their base. Outside, the rain pours down in heavy sheets, bringing with it a damp, biting cold.

"Boss, tomorrow..."

Kokonoi and Inupee walk over to him, worry written all over their faces. Kokonoi trails off, unable to finish his sentence, while Inupee opens his mouth as if to speak, then thinks better of it. Takemichi knows exactly what's on their minds. He throws an arm around both of them, flashing a grin.

"Just trust me, you two. I swear I'll protect you, no matter what."

Seeing Takemichi like this, neither of them wants to burden him further with their worries. And the truth is, they believe him. They believe he will do exactly what he says.

"Boss... thank you," Kokonoi says, his voice soft, almost reverent. He's scared, of course he is. But more than anything, his heart swells with happiness because Takemichi truly cares. No matter how much pain it brings him, Kokonoi knows he will never regret loving this man. He's ready to stand behind him, to stay by his side, to devote himself completely.

"Inupee," Kokonoi says later, after Takemichi leaves, "I'm staying here. I'm staying by Takemichi's side. Forever."

"Me too," Inupee answers, a bright smile spreading across his face. "We'll stay with him. Always."

Takemichi wakes up early in the morning. After answering a call, he steps out and walks a good distance from home. He acts like he's just out for a stroll, maybe grabbing a bite here and there, looking carefree and oblivious. To anyone watching, today's just another normal day.

About half an hour later, Kakuchou shows up.

"Morning, Kaku-chan. What brings you here?"

Takemichi knows the answer but asks anyway, playing dumb. Kakuchou, on the other hand, looks genuinely surprised that Takemichi recognizes him. Had he realized it back then already? The thought leaves Kakuchou unsure whether he should feel happy or sad. After all, he's here to kidnap Takemichi - he even insisted on doing it himself because he's afraid someone else might hurt him.

"You still recognize me?"

"Of course I do. We're friends, aren't we?" Takemichi grins, walking up to slap him lightly on the shoulder. The easy smile only makes Kakuchou feel even guiltier.

"Sorry, Bakamichi... but you're coming with me, alright? If you don't, Takuya and the others might get hurt."

Stupid Kakuchou - who the hell threatens someone this softly? Kakuchou expects Takemichi to panic, but instead, the kid just smiles calmly, like this is nothing new. It leaves Kakuchou frozen, a bad feeling stirring in his gut.

"Izana wants to see me, huh? Alright, but let me finish eating first, yeah?"

Takemichi holds up a half-eaten pastry and a carton of milk he hasn't touched yet. Kakuchou, for a second, is completely speechless. He's never heard of a kidnapping where the kidnapper has to wait for the hostage to finish breakfast. And the hostage even casually offers to share. Kakuchou shakes his head and waits. His mind drifts, wondering if Tenjiku's already made it this far. What would Takemichi do if he knew? He doesn't want to think about it. For now, it's enough that Takemichi is still safe today.

Takemichi walks up to Tenjiku's hideout, taking a deep breath. Kakuchou notices and gives him a reassuring pat on the back.

"Izana's not gonna hurt you, don't worry, Takemichi."

Takemichi lets out a strained smile. He knows that, of course. Still, he can't shake off the tension.

The warehouse doors swing open. Inside, Izana stands with Kisaki and Hanma. Hanma flashes him a cheerful grin like he's welcoming an old friend. Kisaki, on the other hand - Takemichi can't quite read him. It's not the smug, victorious smirk he'd been expecting. There's hatred in Kisaki's eyes, sure, but there's something else buried there too.

When Izana spots him, he lights up with a wide smile. Takemichi freezes for a second. Every time he sees that bright, almost dazzling smile, he feels a little... unsettled. Maybe he just needs time to get used to it.

Izana strides over and pulls him into a hug.

"Takemichi, I really, really miss you."

Hanma's smile stiffens on his face. He knows something's seriously off here. Since when does that tyrant act so... sweet? Hanma doesn't know anymore - who's more dangerous now, Izana or Takemichi? He sneaks a glance at Kisaki, catching the way his hand clenches into a tight fist. The calm in Kisaki's eyes from earlier cracks into something uneasy.

It's not just Izana acting weird today.

Takemichi stiffens in the sudden hug, but honestly, this is exactly what he hopes for. Quickly, he wraps his arms around Izana's waist, resting his chin lightly on Izana's shoulder. A small smirk tugs at Takemichi's lips as he lifts his eyes to Kisaki. Kisaki catches that look and immediately frowns, his whole body tensing up. A bad feeling creeps up his spine.

Even though Izana is the one who initiates the hug, when Takemichi hugs him back, Izana freezes for a moment, as if something inside him cracks open. A violent wave of emotions crashes through him, and he pulls Takemichi even closer.

So this is what it feels like - the warmth he's only ever stared at from a distance. Izana greedily buries his face into the crook of Takemichi's neck, breathing in his fresh, clean scent.

Takemichi chuckles softly. God, Izana's acting just like a giant cat. Just like Mikey.

Takemichi runs his fingers through Izana's white hair, patting his back gently with the other hand. Izana breathes in deeply, his heart in chaos. He never imagines Takemichi would treat him like this - gentle, warm - and it shakes him to his core.

"Izana, you're gonna suffocate me," Takemichi murmurs against his ear, his warm breath brushing Izana's skin.

Izana freezes for half a second before reluctantly letting him go. Still, he refuses to let go of Takemichi's hand, clutching it tightly like he's afraid Takemichi will disappear if he lets go.

"You didn't catch a cold that night, did you, Izana-kun?"

Hearing the genuine worry in Takemichi's voice, Izana, without thinking, shakes his head like a kid.

"Nope, I'm fine."

"Good. I was worried you might've gotten sick after coming all that way."

It really doesn't look like a hostage situation at all. Hell, it doesn't even look like someone about to be threatened by a dangerous gang. Nobody could make sense of this scene if they walked in right now. Kisaki feels like he's about to snap. How the hell can Takemichi act like that toward Izana?!

"Izana," Kisaki cuts in, trying to kill the suffocating atmosphere.

Izana turns to Kisaki with a sharp, warning glare. Kisaki's gut tightens, but he keeps his face calm.

"You wanted to recruit Hanagaki, right? You've said hello long enough."

Izana's face hardens, but the moment he turns back to Takemichi, he's smiling again, like the terrifying, bloodthirsty man from seconds ago never existed.

"Takemichi, join Tenjiku. I'll give you whatever position you want. Anything you want, I'll make it happen."

His hand tightens around Takemichi's, squeezing so hard it starts to hurt. His words are sweet, but his actions are clear: If you don't do what I want, I'll crush you.

"You'll do anything I want?" Takemichi asks, pretending to doubt him.

"Anything," Izana says without hesitation.

"Then if I want you to leave Emma and the people around Mikey alone, will you?"

Izana pauses for a moment, then answers, "Fine."

Hanma smirks, cursing Izana inwardly for fooling the naive Takemichi. By now, the 300 men from Tenjiku must be tearing Shibuya apart. And he talks about not hurting the people around Mikey? Yeah right. God, he can't wait to see Takemichi's face when the kid realizes he's been tricked. Hopefully, it'll be something entertaining.

Takemichi beams and reaches out to ruffle his hair again like he's rewarding him. A flicker of joy sparks in Izana's violet eyes. Kakuchou, standing nearby, just stares, completely dumbfounded. The scene feels so bizarre it almost hurts. He thinks, if the guys from Tenjiku saw Izana like this, they'd probably drop dead on the spot.

"Izana-kun, what if I wish you'd stop fighting Touman, make peace with Mikey, and go back to the Sano family?" Takemichi says, smiling.

The moment the words hit, the light in Izana's chest snuffs out. His clenched hand loosens. He doesn't answer. Instead, he dodges Takemichi's gaze, biting down hard on his lower lip. Damn it. The kid just won't give up. Still asking that. He doesn't want to hear it. Takemichi doesn't understand - he'll never understand the pain, the reasons behind everything Izana's done. But whatever. He's been lying to Takemichi this whole time already. One more lie won't hurt. When it all falls apart, Takemichi will have no choice but to follow him anyway.

Izana lifts his head and says flatly, "If that's what you want, I'll do it."

But then he notices the way Takemichi's blue eyes pin him down, slicing right into his soul. That look - the same damn look that's been haunting him - forces him to bare himself, to strip away every layer of armor. Izana swallows hard.

Takemichi suddenly brushes the messy hair off Izana's forehead. His fingers trail gently across Izana's cheek, sliding down his neck and coming to rest over his heart. Takemichi steps closer, his other hand reaching behind Izana's nape, caressing him slowly. Every touch burns like fire. Izana stands there, stunned, drowning in the heat radiating from every place Takemichi touches. He thinks maybe Takemichi is just happy - maybe this is his way of praising him, of giving him some strange reward. Takemichi's lips brush close to Izana's ear again, his breath warm, sending shivers down his spine.

"Izana-kun," Takemichi whispers sweetly, "you really are a naughty boy."

The softness in Takemichi's voice shatters the haze clouding Izana's mind. His whole body stiffens at once.

Kisaki can't hear what they're saying, but the sense of unease keeps growing. Why hasn't Mucho come back yet? He's been gone for so long.

"Izana-kun isn't going to do what I want, right? Izana-kun... you're such a liar. I wanted you to have a happy family. I wanted you to cherish what you have. I wanted to save you. But you won't stop. You still want to destroy everything. If you do that, how are we supposed to be friends? A spoiled, jealous kid doesn't get to be loved, Izana-kun."

Takemichi lets go of him and steps back. The warmth in his eyes, the gentle smile from before - gone. In their place, a cold, expressionless face and a gaze so deep it feels bottomless. Izana's face twists in shock and disbelief. That look - it feels like a knife plunging into his heart.

Pain starts to pound inside Izana's head. All the unstable emotions inside him ignite like a spark to dry leaves. His chest tightens; he can barely breathe. Takemichi's voice still echoes in his ears. Old, bitter memories start crawling back to him.

It's not like he doesn't want a family. It's not like he doesn't appreciate what he has. But what does he even have to hold on to? He had wanted to inherit Black Dragon. He had wanted to protect what Shinichiro had built. But when the time came, Shinichiro called out another name. Mikey's name, not his.

"Shinichiro, can I be the next head of Black Dragon? I want to protect what you treasure."

"Huh? Sure! I was planning on giving it to you anyway. Thanks, Izana. Being able to stay together like this... it used to be just a dream of mine."

Izana had felt so happy hearing those words. But then, cold reality came crashing down.

"I want you and... Manjirou to inherit Black Dragon together."

That single sentence splits his world apart. Huh? Wasn't he supposed to be the "older brother"? Later, he finally understands the reason. That's right - Shinichiro isn't his real brother. Neither Shinichiro, nor the mother he keeps dreaming of - they have no blood ties to him.

"Mom, why did you abandon me?"

The woman he once called mother - the woman who once looked at him so warmly in his childhood memories - won't even spare him a glance now.

"You're a nuisance. You're not my kid. You're the bastard child from my ex-husband and some Filipino woman. That idiot... got himself killed by some gangsters in the end."

She looks at him, but her eyes are cold, filled with hatred. The gentle gaze he remembers - it was just an illusion. The affection he clung to - it was never real. Because they never shared blood, she never truly loved him. She must have wanted to throw him away from the very start.

"Get it through your head. You're nothing to me."

The little sliver of light in his dark world starts to crumble from that very moment.

"You knew, didn't you, Shinichiro? So why didn't you tell me?"

That day, Izana had screamed at the person he loved most. In the pouring rain, he had hit Shinichiro, driven by anger and heartbreak.

Shinichiro had said it didn't matter between them. But he didn't understand. No blood ties means no family. No bond. No certainty. Izana is nothing but something to be thrown away. Alone and unwanted in this world. And one day, Shinichiro would leave him behind, just like she did. Just like her - offering him love, only to take it all back.

"Why did you come into my life in the first place? If I'm going to be alone from the start, I can deal with it. But Shinichiro, do you have any idea what it's like when the happiness you thought was real disappears into nothing?"

And it does disappear - completely, utterly - Because of Mikey. Because of people standing beside him.

Because of Mikey, his whole world turns to ashes.

No. He doesn't want that. He doesn't want to live in the ruins. He had finally found a sliver of hope, a ray of light. Izana looks at Takemichi again, desperate, begging silently for some sign of warmth. But Takemichi's face stays cold. Unmoved. Izana's violet eyes widen. His heart shatters. Confusion, agony, despair - they all flood his face. He sinks into the depths of hopelessness.

Kakucho sees it and rushes toward him in a panic, but before he can even touch him, Izana shoves him away. Hanma, usually grinning like a maniac, isn't smiling anymore. He watches grimly, realizing things are spinning out of control.

"Hanagaki, what the hell are you doing?" he snaps.

We have to stop him. We have to stop Takemichi. Kisaki rushes toward Takemichi. But before he can reach him, the roar of motorcycles echoes from the distance, making him freeze. Everyone except Takemichi frowns, confused. Their men - back already? That's impossible. No way they finished so fast.

Takemichi suddenly bursts out laughing. He looks genuinely happy, satisfied even, a strange mix of brightness and something wicked. This isn't the smile of a hero - it's the smile of a villain.

"Ah, seriously," Takemichi says, grinning wide. "Kisaki, you're probably wondering why Mucho hasn't dragged my friends over here yet, right? Too bad. He's not coming back anytime soon... and neither are they."

Takemichi covers his mouth as he laughs mockingly. Kisaki stares at him, his face frozen in shock, eyes full of a thousand unspoken questions. Takemichi meets Kakuchou's gaze - the same bewildered expression - then turns to look at Izana.

"Izana-kun," Takemichi says coldly, "do you still believe you never got any love because you don't share the Sano family's blood? No. It's all because of you."

The words fall like a cruel sentence, heavy with blame.

I'm sorry, Izana, Takemichi thinks. But I need you to shatter completely.

He turns away without a second glance, not caring how Izana stands there - stunned, furious, broken. Not caring how much pain he might be in. The roar of motorcycles dies down outside. The warehouse doors swing open again. One of the Tenjiku members rushes in, pale and panicked.

"Outside... Black Dragon and Toman are surrounding us!"

In front of the warehouse, Tenjiku's men gather in a shaky line. Across from them, figures in white uniforms advance steadily - led by none other than the Toman president and vice-president. And beside them - another presence.

Takemichi smiles and strides forward, straight through the Tenjiku crowd. No one dares block his way. They part for him like the sea, fear thick in the air. Every step he takes carries an overwhelming force, like he owns the ground beneath his feet.

"Looks like I timed it just right, huh, brat?"

Shiba Taiju stands tall, draped in the red uniform of the 10th Generation Black Dragon. His body is massive, his voice low and rough. He drops a heavy hand on Takemichi's head - same arrogant, wild grin as ever.

"Everyone nailed the timing perfectly," Takemichi says, smiling up at him like it's the most natural thing in the world.

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I gotta say this: 

That's a wrap for the 10-chapter storm! Feeling satisfied or already craving more? 👀

Don't forget there's still a bonus chapter dropping tomorrow, same time - don't miss it, besties 💖✨