I want to talk about Tenka's romantic development for a moment, because I've been thinking about this for quite a while.

First, I want to make something clear: this isn't a post saying that Yuuki must end up with Tenka, or that another character doesn't deserve development with him. I'm talking specifically about how Tenka's romantic storyline has been handled.

When Tenka was introduced, her feelings toward Yuuki were made extremely obvious. She became interested in him very quickly, and unlike some of the other girls, her attraction wasn't presented as something that took a long time to develop. She was immediately fascinated by him and eventually became very serious about her feelings.

That created a certain expectation.

Tenka felt like she was going to be one of the major romantic characters in Yuuki's story.

And honestly, I think that's where the problem begins.

The story gave Tenka a lot of romantic setup, but I don't think the payoff has matched that setup.

There have been plenty of moments where Tenka's feelings are obvious, but when it comes to actually developing the relationship between her and Yuuki, things often feel strangely stagnant.

This is especially noticeable when compared with other characters.

Some characters have gotten dates, conversations, specific moments with Yuuki, or situations designed to develop their relationship. Meanwhile, Tenka sometimes feels like she is being moved to the side despite having one of the strongest romantic setups in the entire series.

And that's frustrating because Tenka is not a minor character.

She's one of the strongest and most recognizable characters in the series, and her relationship with Yuuki was established extremely early.

Even her first interactions with him made it clear that she wasn't simply interested in him as another member of the Corps. Her feelings were romantic from the beginning.

So when the story gives other characters new romantic moments while Tenka is pushed into other plotlines, I can't help but wonder:

What was the point of building Tenka's feelings this strongly if the story wasn't going to give her a proper romantic progression?

Another thing that bothers me is Yuuki's side of the relationship.

Tenka's feelings are extremely clear.

Yuuki's feelings toward her, however, are much harder to interpret.

And that's not necessarily a bad thing. Yuuki doesn't need to confess his love to every girl immediately.

But after so much development, I think it would be reasonable to expect something from his side.

A meaningful conversation.

A moment where he seriously considers Tenka's feelings.

A date that actually focuses on the two of them.

Or simply a moment where their relationship noticeably changes.

Instead, it sometimes feels like Tenka is running toward Yuuki while Yuuki is standing in the same place.

And this is why I don't think the problem is simply "Tenka didn't get enough fanservice."

That's not what I'm asking for.

I'm talking about character development and narrative payoff.

Tenka has already done plenty for the people around her. She has helped others, participated in major events, and taken her responsibilities seriously.

So I would have loved to see the story give her a proper moment where her personal feelings and her character development finally come together.

Especially because Tenka's personality makes this potentially very interesting.

She's confident, powerful and usually extremely straightforward, but when it comes to her feelings for Yuuki, she can become surprisingly vulnerable and uncertain.

That contrast is one of the things that made her interesting in the first place.

I just wish the story would actually explore it more deeply.

And honestly, this is why I sometimes feel that Tenka has been mishandled rather than simply "not chosen."

Those are two completely different things.

A character can lose a romantic competition and still have an amazing romantic storyline.

But if a character is given a strong romantic setup, repeatedly expresses her feelings, and then doesn't receive meaningful progression for a long time, that's when I start feeling that the writing isn't making the best use of that character.

I also don't think this means the other girls shouldn't get development.

They absolutely should.

The problem isn't that other characters get dates or romantic moments.

The problem is that Tenka sometimes seems to be left behind despite having one of the strongest foundations for that kind of development.

Maybe Takahiro has a plan for her that hasn't paid off yet.

Maybe her romantic storyline will become important later.

And if that happens, I'll happily admit that I was wrong.

But based on how things have progressed so far, I can't help feeling that Tenka's romantic storyline has been one of the biggest missed opportunities in Mato Seihei no Slave series.

So...

Am I the only one who feels this way?

Do you think Tenka's romantic development with Yuuki has been handled well, or do you also think the story built up her feelings only to leave her waiting for a payoff that never really came?

it's been a while since I've seen a design like that

It might sound fake, but that was the main reason I started watching the series; the boobs are... just a side note.

Note: This stories is just fan fiction, don't bother yourself with it, just enjoy it or ignore it

---

Title: Fading Peaches

---

​[Scene: The Orphanage]

​Inside the orphanage,

the blonde-haired, blue-eyed nun, Nun Asafi, remained standing in front of Kojuma.

She repeated her words, softening her tone even further.

​Nun Asafi: "I am Asafi. What about you? What is your name?"

​Kojuma glanced toward Kasumi, his voice hesitant and quiet. "K... Kojuma." Then, switching to a cold tone, he pointed to his sister. "And she is Kasumi."

​Asafi (smiling gently): "Alright, Kojuma." She extended a spoonful of food toward him. "Are you hungry?"

​Kojuma stared at the spoon. For a fleeting second, he saw the reflection of his mother in Asafi.

He quickly looked away. "Fa...ke..."

​Asafi placed the spoon back onto the plate.

Taking a tissue, she gently wiped the trace of blood from his cheek. "You can eat by yourself if you prefer."

​Kojuma looked at Kasumi. He took the spoon, blew on the hot food, and placed it to his sister's lips. "Kasumi first."

​Asafi (with a warm smile): "You can eat. I will feed her."

Kojuma (staring at her blankly): "I’ll feed her."

​Asafi picked up another spoon and held it in front of his mouth. "Allow me to feed you, then."

Kojuma looked at the spoon. Memories of his mother flashed through his mind, and his mouth opened involuntarily.

​A few minutes later

Asafi looked over Kojuma’s appearance. "Your clothes are dirty. You need to take a bath."

Kojuma (looking away coldly): "I don't want to."

Asafi: "You are stubborn." She took his hand firmly. "But you should know something—I am much more stubborn than you." she smiles gently

But her eyes looked at him for a Moment

For a second his face looked so bright to her (her peach blessings ability)

Asafi coughed forcefully, covering her mouth with her other hand:

“This future, It's so bright.”

​Kojuma glared at her with icy eyes,

but she dragged him toward the bathroom regardless.

​After the bath, Asafi dressed Kojuma in fresh clothes. Kojuma looked down at his new attire. "T.hank you.”

Asafi: "You're starting to understand." She patted his head. "No need for thanks."

​Kojuma immediately walked over to Kasumi, hugged her tightly, and lay down. As Asafi stepped out of the room, Kojuma whispered into his sister's ear, "I will protect you, don't worry." He closed his eyes and fell asleep.

​Watching from the doorway, Asafi whispered, "I might just be able to get him to open up a little, just like **his future i saw**."

​Suddenly, an overwhelming wave of exhaustion hit her. She collapsed to her knees, biting her lip to suppress the agonizing pain.

​"I shouldn't have eaten more than one..."

She holding her chest tightly.

---

[Scene: ​Four Years Later]

​In the bright light of day, Asafi entered the bedroom and began waking up the children. "Wake up, Kojuma."

Kojuma stood up, his expression as cold as ever. He walked over to Kasumi’s bed. "Wake up."

​Kasumi (stretching lazily): "Onii-chan... just a few more minutes."

Asafi: "Maybe two minutes."

Kasumi (closing her eyes again): "Sister Asafi is the best."

Kojuma (coldly): "Do whatever you want."

​Asafi patted Kojuma on the head. “You have to reduce your cold behavior, Kojuma."

Kojuma (looking away silently): "..."

Asafi: "Just think of me as your friend. I'm not trying to steal your mother's place."

Kojuma: "..."

Asafi: "Come on. Am I really that bad?"

Kojuma (flatly): "No. You're nice."

Asafi (hugging him tightly): "Nice, huh?"

Kojuma: "Relatively. But you can get annoying."

Asafi (smiling): "You're full of contradictions."

Kojuma (turning away): "I am not."

​Suddenly, Asafi coughed, splattering a small amount of blood into her hand. Kojuma looked at her with sudden concern. Asafi quickly wiped her hand away. "Oh, it's nothing." She sat down on the edge of the bed. "Would you like to play a game?"

​Kojuma: "A game?"

Kasumi (bolting awake): "Yay! Let's play a game!"

Asafi slapped her hand against Kojuma’s in a high-five. "Come on!"

Kojuma (coldly): "You are childish."

Asafi: "And you act more like an adult than I do."

​Kasumi (sitting on Asafi's lap): "Does that mean I'm the only normal one here?"

Asafi playfully flicked Kasumi’s forehead. "Yes."

​Asafi coughed again. Kojuma frowned. "You should probably stay away from Kasumi if you have a cold."

Asafi (smiling weakly): "If it were a cold, I would be sneezing instead of coughing."

​Kojuma stood up. Asafi turned her gaze toward the window, whispering under her breath, “I thought it was just a lie when they said eating more than one Mato peach could kill you.” She coughed once more.

​Kasumi (looking worried): "We can play the game later. You look a bit tired."

Asafi (pinching Kasumi's cheek): "Aww, you're so considerate. Alright, I'll accept your tempting offer, on the condition that you get up and eat breakfast."

Kasumi (energetically): "Deal!"

---

[Scene: ​Six Months Later]

At the slight morning, in the orphanage.

​A different nun entered the children's room to wake them up. Kasumi rubbed her eyes, looking around in confusion. "Where is Sister Asafi? Usually, she's the one who wakes me up."

​The nun walked past her, looking downcast. "Asafi is a little tired today." She walked toward Kojuma's bed, but he stood up before she could touch him. "I'm awake."

​The forced a smile onto her lips. "Of course." She turned to the rest of the room. "Breakfast is ready."

​As the other children dashed toward the kitchen, Kojuma noticed a locked door. He slipped out of the orphanage building and circled around the exterior. 'Where was her room again?' He looked up at the windows. 'There.'

​He scaled a nearby tree and carefully walked along a thick branch until he was right outside her window. Looking through the glass, he saw Asafi lying in bed, surrounded by an elderly nun and another woman.

​Asafi struggled to sit up. "I'm perfectly fine."

A nun in her thirties gently pushed her back down. "No, you are not."

​A mysterious girl wearing glasses and what appeared to be a medical uniform spoke up. "Your physical condition is deteriorating by the day. You should never have consumed more than a single Mato peach."

​Asafi: "I didn't know eating more than one would do this to me. I thought I would just become stronger."

Medical Girl: "If it were that simple, everyone would be hoarding and eating them. Your way of thinking was completely naive."

Elderly Nun: "We cannot change the past now." She looked at Asafi. "Are you still in pain?"

Asafi (forcing a smile as she tried to stand): "No, I'm fine."

​The nun pushed her down yet again. "Do you honestly think we’re going to fall for that like the children do?"

Asafi (pouting at her failed acting): "It works every time with them."

Medical Girl: "That's because you usually deal with children. Regardless, you will rest for now untill we find situation."

​Asafi looked away, avoiding their gaze. "There's no need. I accepted my fate a long time ago. That's why I came to this orphanage. If I can just remain in the memory of one or two people, that's enough."

​Outside, Kojuma stood frozen on the tree branch, staring through the glass. 'Why is she confined to her bed? The other nun is looking at her so strangely... and who is that person in the weird clothes?'

He jumped down from the tree. “Shall I ask her?'

​He walked through the front doors of the orphanage and stared at the locked door.

Kasumi suddenly ran up to him holding a bowl of soup, lifting a spoonful to his mouth. "Onii-chan, open wide!"

​Kojuma looked at her and opened his mouth. Kasumi fed him with a bright smile. "Good job, Kojuma-nee!"

Kojuma patted her head. "Your turn." He took the spoon from her hand and held it up. Kasumi opened her mouth happily. "This is delicious, Kojuma-niichan!"

​Just then, Kojuma noticed the nun and the strange medical girl exiting Asafi's room. Checking his surroundings to ensure no one was watching, he stealthily slipped inside.

---

[Scene: Asafi's room]

As he step through the room door.

​Kojuma quietly closed the door behind him. Asafi looked up, a weak smile forming on her face. "You little rascal. Have you come to bully me like usual?"

​Kojuma averted his gaze. "Bully you? I'm a ten-year-old, how could I bully you?"

Asafi (laughing softly): "Good point, Mr. Logic." She gestured for him to come closer. "Come here, Kojuma."

​Kojuma raised an eyebrow. He walked over and sat on a chair next to the bed.

Asafi: "Kojuma... what do you think of me?"

Kojuma: "You're weirdo."

​Asafi reached out to ruffle his hair, but Kojuma leaned his head back, pulling away from her hand. "Alright, just stop that," he said coldly, before adding in a softer, quiet tone, "You are stubborn. Very stubborn. But you're also nice... and patient."

​Asafi withdrew her hand. "If I were to leave this orphanage... would I remain in your memory?"

​Kojuma raised his left eyebrow in surprise. "Most likely, yes. I don't think anyone else is stubborn enough to stick in my memory like you do." He sighed and nodded in genuine gratitude. "Besides... you're the one who took care of Kasumi until she became who she is today."

​Asafi smiled warmly at him. "Kojuma, come closer to me."

Kojuma raised an eyebrow but leaned in. Asafi pulled him into a tight embrace.

​Asafi: "You know... there are many secrets in this world. Like the monster that attacked your village, and how humans can kill them."

Kojuma’s eyes widened in sheer shock. Asafi gently stroked his hair.

Asafi: "Let me tell you the reality of this world. Women are at the top. Men are beneath them, just a tools." She looked deeply into his eyes. "But did you know that there are some women who are beneath other women? The greedy and the naive ones."

​Kojuma: "I don't understand what you mean."he looked at her, confused about the women class difference.

Asafi: "The monster that came to your village is called a Shuuki monster. It comes from another dimension known as Mato. It most likely escaped through one of the portals." She lifted his head so he was looking directly at her. "And as for how they can be killed... women can eat a fruit called the Mato peach, which grants them various peach blessings. That is for the strong women."

​She looked away, unable to hold his gaze. "As for me... I was a little too greedy, and I ate more than one peach. That's why you see me in this state."

​She thought to herself: [My ability allows me to see fragments of the future. Like i did to that child girl before few days, she will became strong supreme commander. But Kojuma's future, is something i can't understand. But I only wish I could live long enough to see it.]

​She looked back at him, speaking aloud. "I have been tired for years, and the pain gets worse every day." She placed a hand on his cheek. "What do you think of me now? A failure who gave up on her inevitable fate because of her greed for power."

​Kojuma stared at her, completely paralyzed by shock. "You're... you're going to die?!"

Asafi (smiling weakly): "Yes."

​Kojuma threw his arms around her, burying his face. "Why?!"

Asafi stroked his hair gently as he repeated, "Why?!"

Asafi (coughing): "There is no need for sadness. You must move forward."

Kojuma gripped the fabric of her clothes tightly. "You're an idiot I... I."

---

​Ending Panel:

​Asafi looked down at him, her vision beginning to blur. "Can I ask for one last thing?"

Kojuma rested his head heavily on her shoulder. "You can."

​Asafi (her voice fading into a whisper): "Call me by my name, Kojuma..."

​Kojuma looked up at her, his usual cold demeanor entirely broken. "Asafi, M...other Asafi."

​He stared at her. Asafi offered one final, peaceful smile. Slowly, her hand slipped away from his head and fell limp.

​Kojuma tightened his grip on her clothes, his knuckles turning white.

As i said at the last chapter

This fan fic is not more that my imagination and writing

No tachikuma clan in fukui stuff (i actually don't think there is a clan named tachikuma)

It's just a funny fan fic where you able to see at least something close to the manga, maybe by different author but hope i to have the same in-character stuff with my fan fic

---

Title: Shuuki at the Village

---

[Scene: Tachikuma Village One Year Later]

Kojuma sits quietly…

Little Kasumi is on his lap.

Kojuma:

“You know…

I wish you could stay baby forever.”

He sighs.

Kojuma:

“Senjiro-sensei’s training is strict… and painful, you really don't want to try it.”

Kasumi reaches toward him, giggling.

Kasumi:

“Oooh! Hehe!”

Kojuma leans back quickly.

Kojuma:

“Nope. You’re not pulling my hair again.”

The door slides open.

Kurumi:

“Kojuma,

you have permission to go hunting with your father.”

Kojuma jumps up instantly.

Kojuma:

“Finally!”

He gently places Kasumi on the bed.

Kojuma:

“I’ll bring back a huge bear for lunch!”

He kissed her forehead and rushes out.

Outside—

Kaito grabs him by the back of his clothes.

Kaito:

“Calm down, Excited Kojuma.”

He smiles slightly.

Kaito:

“I understand your excitement…

but the most important thing in hunting is patience.”

Kojuma sticks his tongue out, then bites it in embarrassment.

Kojuma nods:

“…Got it DAD.”

---

[Scene: In The Forest]

As they left the village.

Kojuma:

“I’m going to hunt a huge bear—

a REALLY huge one!”

He spreads his arms wide, imaging the bear size.

Kaito laughs.

Kaito:

“Just make sure you can carry it.”

A sound echoes nearby.

Kojuma freezes.

Kojuma (whispering):

“There it is… my first prey.”

He hides behind a tree , taking a peek towards it.

“There is it Dad.”

Kaito slowly draws his sword.

Kaito (low voice):

“Stay quiet.”

Kaito climbs the tree above.

Kojuma watches in admiration.

Kojuma (whispering):

“Dad is amazing…”

Kaito leaps down—

—STAB!

The blade pierces the bear but didn't a much effect.

Kojuma dazzled:

“Awesome!”

His eyes sparkle.

He runs toward it.

“I will finish it.”

Kaito’s eyes widen, his grip trembled for a moment

Kaito:

“Kojuma—Don't rush!”

The bear suddenly moves—

—SLAM!

Kaito is thrown back against a tree.

Kaito:

“Ghh—!

My arm…!”

Kojuma stares.

Then—

Kojuma:

“Dad!!? ”

He pulls out a dagger.

Kojuma:

“Come here!!”

He stabs the bear’s knee.

The bear turns toward him—

Kaito grits his teeth, jumps onto its back—

—A STAB!

The bear growls.

Kaito hold it tight and kept stabbing him, untill it fall dead on ground.

Kojuma raises both hands.

Kojuma:

“Yataa, We did it!”

Kaito breathes heavily.

Kaito:

“Y-Yeah…”

He looks at his arm.

Kaito (inner):

“I broke my arm because I hesitated…

I shouldn’t have brought Kojuma…”

He looks at him.

Kaito:

“Kojuma… you must learn not to rush.”

Kojuma tilts his head.

Kojuma:

“Huh? I don’t get it.”

Kaito sighs softly.

Kaito:

“Try not to rush like your father did…

or you’ll get badly hurt.”

A pause.

Kaito:

“You need to know the right moment to act.”

Kojuma nods.

Kojuma:

“…Got it, Dad.”

Kaito tries to drag the bear with one arm.

Kojuma steps in.

Kojuma:

“I can help.”

He grabs the other side.

Kojuma:

“You’re right Dad…

It’s heavy!”

He grits his teeth.

“So heavy.”

---

Behind them… Inner in the forest

A faint sound.

A glow, distortion—

then, portal opens.

From it emerges— just a one creature

A Shuuki monster.

---

Five hours later

They return home.

Kurumi looks annoyed.

Kurumi:

“You’re very... very late.”

Kaito sits down, tying his broken arm.

Kaito:

“My arm broke during the hunt.”

Kurumi sits beside him.

Kurumi:

“Do you want help?”

Kaito smiles.

Kaito:

“I can manage. Thanks.”

Kojuma yawns.

Kojuma:

“I want to sleep…”

He collapses next to Kasumi.

Kurumi walks to the kitchen.

Kurumi:

“Alright, alright…

Give me a few minutes—lunch… or maybe dinner at this hour.”

---

Hour later

BANG! BANG!

The door is struck loudly.

Senjiro (outside):

“Kaito-dono!”

Kaito steps out.

Kaito:

“What is it?”

Senjiro looks serious, more than usual.

Senjiro:

“I don’t know…

We heard something from the forest hours ago.”

A pause.

Senjiro:

“We sent men to check…

They haven’t returned.”

Kaito rests his chin on his hand.

Kaito:

“A group of bears?”

He turns.

Kaito:

“Give me a moment.”

He grabs his sword.

Kurumi peeks from the kitchen.

Kurumi:

“Where are you going with your broken arm?”

Kaito walks out.

Kaito:

“It won’t take too long.”

He step out from the house.

---

They head toward the forest.

In the forest

Senjiro looks around uneasily.

Senjiro:

“I have a bad feeling…”

Kaito smirks. sarcastically

Kaito:

“Late for your wife?”

Senjiro ignores him.

Senjiro:

“Something unfamiliar…”

A sound.

From behind the trees.

Slow.

Heavy.

Senjiro grips his sword.

Senjiro:

“W-What is that…?”

It emerges.the shadow beneath the trees first

then it appearance start getting closer slowly

Not human. Not animal.

Masked face.Sharp Claws.

Moves on two legs… or four.

It stands upright... A Shuuki Monster

Senjiro:

“What the hell is that?!”

He charges headlong—

—SLICE.

Gone.

In one second.

Kaito freezes.

The Shuuki grabs Senjiro’s head—

—Senjiro gasp:

“K-kaito dono, it's s.. “Ghhh”

Struggles.

**So strong.**”

The Shuuki squeeze his head—

—and devours his head.

Kaito grips his sword—

Kaito:

“Senjiro...”

The Shuuki throws Senjiro’s corpse—

—CRASH!

Both of Kaito and Senjiro's body slam into a tree.

Kaito (pained):

“Damn it…”

His injury opened, bleeding again.

The monster walks past him.

Kaito’s eyes widen.

Kaito:

“…The village.”

Kaito (whisper):

“…Wait, This strong creature

i will be an idiot if i just attacked it

i have to get back to the village and bring...”

Kaito, shock yet worry:

“The village... Kurumi, Kojuma, Kasumi i have to make sure they're not in the village”

Kaito:

“I need to evacuate the village.”

He throws the corpse friend aside—

Kaito:

“I swear to save someone at least, Friend.”

Jumps—

Moves through the trees at high speed.

Kaito:

“Good thing I know a shortcut…”

---

[Scene: Back at the village]

Kaito stumbles in tired, injured.

Kaito (shouting):

“Evacuate The village!

There’s a monster—it killed Senjiro instantly!”

The clan leader appears.

Leader Tachikuma

“What nonsense are you saying**?”

He looks at Kaito’s arm.

Laughs.

Leader:

“Kaito, Let me guess…

Senjiro broke your arm in duel, and now you’re making excuses?”

Laughter spreads.

Kaito’s eyes shake.Shocked

Kaito:

“W-What…?”

Reiji laughs:

“Did Senjiro beat you... Kaito dono, Setnjiro has just one arm?”

Nakima covering her mouth:

“And we thought you were the strongest member yet, Kaito-dono.”

Kaito screams.

Kaito:

“You idiots!!”

There’s a monster in the forest!”

The leader laughs.

Leader:

“I didn’t expect something this pathetic…

just because you lost, you start creating a stories.”

Kaito clenches his teeth:

“You are idiots, Am trying to warn you

Leader:

“Alright Alright... Warn your family first, coward.”

Kaito left them, quickly towards his house:

“Such Idiots, all of them gonna die.”

Runs.

---

At his house

He bursts in.

Breathing heavily.

Kaito:

“Kurumi…”

She rushes to him.

Kurumi worried:

“My dear! What happened—?”

Kaito leans exhausted on the door.

Kaito:

“Take Kojuma and Kasumi… and run.”

He steps back.

Kaito:

“I’ll distract it as much as I can.”

He leaves with bearly steps.

---

At the village entrance

The Shuuki has already arrived.

Massacre begins.

Kaito walks forward.

Kaito:

“I won’t let you kill my children.”

He jumps—

—STABS the Shuuki shoulder.

Kaito:

“It was not affected.”

The Shuuki grabs him— growls

Then

Throws him into a burning house.

Kaito (weakly):

“Kurumi… run. ”

The flames rise.

He closes his eyes

Kaito:

“…I’m sorry.”

Chaos

Fire consumes the village.

Blood fills the ground by Bodies.

Kurumi runs—

Holding Kojuma and Kasumi.

Kojuma wakes up.

Sees everything.

Burning houses, Blood... Bodies.

He hears his father screams in the burning house.

Kojuma:

“D-Dad!!!”

He reaches out.

Kojuma:

“Mama—we have to save him!”

Kurumi slows—But then...

—SLASH!

A claw strikes her side.

She collapses.

Kojuma falls.

Kojuma:

“K-Kasumi!”

He grabs Kasumi mid air— and fall

He quickly stand and start Run—

He looked back:

“Mama.”

He Places Kasumi somewhere far from fire—

Runs back.

Kojuma:

“M-Mama!”

He lifts her—

Falls—

Holds her in his lap

Kojuma:

“You can stand… Mama?”

Kurumi looks at him…

---

[Scene: Flashback, Before 9 years ago]

A young Kurumi running in the forest.

Injured. Exhausted.

Falls.

Loses consciousness.

A young man finds her.

Kaito:

“…What dose this woman doing here?”

He picks her up.

Kaito:

“I’ll ask when she wakes.”

Later—In his house

Kurumi wake up, screams

Kurumi:

“W-Who are you…?”

Kaito ,calming her down

Kaito:

“Don’t worry…

Everything will be okay.”

He smiles.

Kaito:

“My name is Kaito…

Tachikuma Kaito.”

Kurumi looked at him, she suddenly calm down at the name “Tachikuma”.

Kurumi quitely:

“Tachikuma...”

---

Back to present

Kurumi smiles weakly, her hand leaving her waist injury.

Kurumi:

“Don’t worry…

Everything will be okay, Kojuma…”

Kojuma stares at the wound.

Kojuma:

“M-Mama…

T-that’s… BLOOD”

She reached her hand to his cheek. her blood covered his cheek

Smiling through pain.

Kurumi:

“Shhh…

Just promise me…”

Blood stains drops from his face .

Kojuma:

“Mama…”

Kurumi (trembling, weak voice):

“Kojuma… be strong… A breath Protect your sister… please…”

Her hand falls slowly.

Kurumi:

“I love you…”

Silence.

Kojuma:

“…M-Mama?”

He holds her.

No tears.

Just emptiness.

Just pure Shock

Above—

The Shuuki is in front of him.

A shot from a pistol hit the Shuuki's head , causing him to collapse to the ground.

A rescue squad arrives,

But— Too late.

The Squad leader was an thirty years old woman, leader Karuko:

“Quick, Search the area!

There might be survivors!”

And then, They ended by found Kojuma and Kasumi.

Struggle to pull him away from his mother

Karuko kneels.

Karuko:

“Hey… kid…

What happened?”

But... No answer.

Later—

She looks at the ruined village, the claw marks

Footprints on the ground

Karuko:

“Out of the entire clan…

only these two survived…”

She clenches her fist.

Karuko:

“…A Shuuki. No doubt

Where is the ADF corps from this.”

She looked down at the Shuuki body.

A soldier speaks points towards Kojuma.

Soldier:

“He’s not responding…”

Karuko exhales.

Karuko:

“There’s an orphanage 15 km east.

Take them there.”

The soldier girl took Kojuma and Kasumi into a Jeep car

---

[Scene: At the orphanage]

A young nun listens— feels both of shocked yet sad.

Blonde long hair. Blue eyes. Cross necklace.

Nun:

“What did you say…?!

They lost their entire clan…?”

She looks toward a Room.

Softly.

The Young Nun:

“…Of course. We’ll take care of them.”

She bows.

Nun:

“You’ve done your duty.

Leave the rest to us.”

---

Final Panel:

The nun enters the room.

She gently takes Kojuma’s hand.

Nun:

“Hello…

My name is Asafi.”

She kneels to meet his eyes.

Asafi:

“And yours…?”