The village was awake early.
Stalls opened with the creak of wood and canvas, steam rising from kettles as bakers set out fresh bread. It felt normal in a way the academy never quite managed.
Kaito walked beside Ryo down the main street, hands in the pockets of his hoodie, Dex padding along ahead of them. No armor. No spear.
Just two people.
Ryo broke the silence first. "You ever notice how people talk more when they think you're not listening?"
Kaito huffed softly. "Yeah. Especially when they're nervous."
They slowed near a produce stand. The vendor—a woman with tired eyes and a sharp tongue—hesitated when she recognized Kaito.
Ryo spoke first, easy and casual. "Morning. Smells good."
She blinked, thrown off. "Uh—thanks."
Kaito met her eyes, steady. "We're not here to accuse anyone. We just want to clear something up."
Her gaze flicked to the faint scars along his knuckles. "About the academy?"
"Yes," Kaito said. "About the fires. The shootings. The rumors."
She folded her arms. "People are scared."
"They should be," Ryo said. "Just not of the wrong person."
That earned a snort.
She sighed. "I didn't see anything myself. But my neighbor did. Said the fires didn't start where the damage was worst. Like they were… guided."
Kaito nodded. "That lines up."
They moved on, stopping near the fountain where a pair of older villagers played a slow game of stones. One looked up, squinting.
"You're the blue one," the man said bluntly.
Ryo winced. Kaito just nodded. "I am."
The man studied him for a long moment. "You didn't look panicked during the attack."
"No," Kaito said. "I was focused on getting people out."
The man grunted. "Thought so. Panic looks different."
His companion chimed in, "He dragged my grandson out of the east wing."
Kaito paused. "He's okay?"
"Bruised pride," she said. "Nothing else."
They left with quiet thanks trailing behind them.
Ryo exhaled once they were out of earshot. "See? Not everyone bought the story."
"No," Kaito said. "But enough did."
They stopped near the edge of the square. Dex sat, tail thumping lightly.
Ryo leaned against the railing. "You know… back when we first met, I thought you were just another quiet powerhouse waiting to snap."
Kaito glanced at him. "And now?"
Ryo smirked. "Now I think you're a guy who hates being misunderstood more than being hurt."
That earned a small smile.
"I don't need everyone to trust me," Kaito said. "Just enough people to listen when it matters."
A group of villagers passed by, whispering—but one of them nodded to Kaito. Another gave a hesitant wave.
It wasn't much.
But it was something.
Ryo straightened. "So what's the plan?"
Kaito looked out over the square, watching life continue.
"We keep talking," he said. "We let the truth spread slower than fear, but stronger."
Dex barked once, approving.
As they walked back toward the academy, Kaito felt something unfamiliar settle in his chest.
Not vindication.
Not relief.
Momentum.
Because this wasn't about proving he was innocent.
It was about making sure the next lie had nowhere to land.