Chapter: 43
Renji sat on the bed with Lily still holding his arm, her soft breathing almost calming him, almost making him forget.
But every time he blinked, the image returned.
The burning earth.
The broken bodies.
The other him standing like a god of fire.
He shut his eyes tight and whispered,
"…I can't keep this in, Choji. I… I need answers. I want to see Takeda."
Choji, who was leaning against the wall with arms folded, tilted his head.
"Takeda?"
Renji nodded, his voice trembling.
"Every time I close my eyes, I see those bodies. I see… me, but not me. I don't understand what's happening to me. Maybe Takeda knows. Maybe he can explain."
Choji's sharp gaze lingered on Renji.
He thought back to that night—the overwhelming power that erupted from Renji, the voice that wasn't his, the golden eyes.
He had told Renji again and again you're still you, but deep down he knew something greater, something terrifying, was tied to his friend.
"Yes," Choji said at last. His voice steady.
"We'll see him."
Renji looked at him in surprise.
"Really? You mean it?"
"Yes," Choji repeated firmly.
"If that's what it takes to give you peace, we'll go."
But then Renji hesitated.
"How? He's Takeda… the SSS ranker. You don't just walk up and call him out."
Choji's lips curved slightly, almost like he had been waiting for Renji to ask that question.
"I have a way."
Renji blinked.
"You… you can contact him?"
Choji didn't answer right away.
Instead, his mind drifted back to a certain night.
.....
Flashback – Takeda's Apartment
The memory played in Choji's head clearly, as if it were happening again.
They had just carried an unconscious Renji to Takeda's place. Lily had refused to leave his side, clinging to him like a shadow.
Takeda had stood near the window, arms crossed, looking out at the city lights. His deep voice carried calm authority when he spoke.
"Choji," Takeda said without turning around.
"Yes?" Choji had answered quickly, uneasy in the presence of the strongest hunter in Japan.
"If Renji ever needs me… if things ever spiral out of his control, there's only one way to reach me."
Choji frowned. "And how is that?"
Takeda finally turned. His piercing eyes landed on Choji like daggers.
"Burn this seal."
He tossed a small charm across the room. Choji caught it with both hands. The charm was old, worn, and carried strange carvings that glowed faintly with mana.
"When the seal is lit," Takeda continued, "I will come. No matter where I am."
Choji looked down at the charm, then back at Takeda.
"But why me? Why give this to me?"
Takeda's eyes softened for a moment, a rare glimpse of warmth behind the steel.
"Because Renji trusts you. And I trust Renji."
Choji had nodded silently, slipping the charm deep inside his jacket.
Choji pulled out the charm from his pocket and showed it to Renji.
Renji's eyes widened.
"What's that…?"
"A way," Choji said softly.
"If you really want answers, this will bring Takeda to us."
Renji stared at the charm. His hand trembled slightly as he reached toward it, then stopped.
Part of him wanted to call Takeda immediately. Another part of him was terrified of what Takeda might say.
"…Alright," Renji whispered, "but not yet. Just… soon."
Choji gave a small nod.
"Whenever you're ready."
Meanwhile at the hunter bureau the training grounds had finally gone quiet after Takeda had left. The sun was dipping behind the tall buildings, painting the sky orange. Hiroto, still holding his sore ribs, limped beside Anya.
He turned his head toward her with that same mischievous grin he always wore.
"Hey, Anya-san," Hiroto said, his voice half playful, half serious.
Anya raised an eyebrow. "What now, idiot?"
Hiroto scratched the back of his head nervously, then suddenly blurted,
"Would you… maybe… like to go out sometime?"
The words hung in the air like a bomb.
Anya froze. Her face instantly turned red, steam practically rising from her head.
"W–What did you just say!?"
Hiroto laughed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"You know, like a date. A little food, maybe a drink. Nothing scary! Just you and me. What do you say?"
Her heart pounded so hard she thought it would burst. Why is this idiot saying this so casually?
Anya quickly turned her head away, trying to hide her red cheeks.
"N–No way! Who would go out with an idiot like you!?"
But Hiroto leaned closer, grinning even wider.
"Aw come on, don't be shy. I'll even pay this time. You like ramen, right? Imagine us—side by side, slurping noodles…"
Before he could finish, Anya's fist smashed across his face with a loud crack!
"BAKAAAAA!" she screamed, her whole face on fire.
Hiroto flew back, rolling across the ground dramatically before finally stopping with his legs in the air.
"OUUCCCHHH! Anya-san, why always the violence!?" he cried, holding his swollen nose.
But Anya only turned her face away, crossing her arms and hiding her blush.
"Idiot…" she muttered under her breath, even though her lips curved with the faintest smile.