Chapter 7
The streets of Japan were flooded with people. From the youngest children clutching their parents' hands, to the elderly walking slowly with heavy steps, to hunters in their uniforms everyone dressed in black.
It was a very sad day and the black symbolizes one thing for today it was a day of mourning remembrance and a day of respect
Even though the Hunter Bureau Memorial Hall had been built to honor the fallen, it could not contain the sheer number of citizens that had come. The streets surrounding the building overflowed with hopeful yet solemn faces, each carrying their own story of loss. Mothers wept silently, children clung to their parents, fathers bowed heads in quiet grief.
It was a day that reminded them all a year ago, millions of lives had been lost in the greatest calamity ever recorded. And today, all of Japan all of it's citizens had come to each pay their respects.
Now at the front of the memorial hall, President Nakamura stepped forward
Step
Step
Step...
As usual, he was dressed in black, his shoulders squared, his expression was solemn heavy Drones buzzed above, projecting his image onto the entire streets and many districts for those who could not see him directly. Cameras flashed, capturing every moment, every word, every tremor in his voice for national broadcast.
The crowd hushed instantly. Every eye was on him as he spoke.
"It's been a year ago today," Nakamura began, his voice echoing across the streets and through the hall, "when the greatest calamity ever recorded happened.
Now I know We've had our fare share of fatalities over the years, but a year ago today….. millions of lives were lost. Mothers, children, fathers, teachers, husbands, wives and even hunters."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the crowd like a heavy fog.
"It was a huge calamity that reshaped our entire way of life," he continued, voice trembling slightly. "Many of your friends many of my friends too an even your families and loved one's… would have died that day. And for that, I bow my head and say… I'm sorry. I have failed you as a president and as a leader. You all deserve justice, and I… I'm sorry I couldn't give that to you."
The cameras focused on him as he closed his eyes briefly. The crowd remained silent, listening, the sorrow and respect palpable in every step of the streets.
"But what I can promise you," he said, raising his hands slowly, "is a better country. A better tomorrow because a year ago many of the other nations ridiculous us .. they called our city and country a red zone... They said death spread like a plague here No one ever expected us to recover from the calamity that unfolded, but… we have risen from the ashes. And today, a year later, we have become the most powerful nation in the world."
The crowd erupted in applause, voices merging into a single wave of admiration and hope. Chanting his name. Calling out to him with gratitude and reverence.
Nakamura lifted his hands higher, his voice ringing with conviction now.
"Now, what I can promise you is a better life. You no longer have to live in fear, because I and the government will fight for your future… together we will rise above the ashes and build a better tomorrow. But today… we mourn the fallen. Their sacrifices will never be wasted. And because of that, I hereby declare this day a public holiday. It shall forever be remembered as the Day of the Fallen. Please… pay your respects."
Applause thundered across the streets, down every alley, into every home. Even those standing outside the hall ..on rooftops, in parks, in the streets all of them joined the chorus, honoring the memory of the lives lost that fateful day.
Meanwhile High above, on the edge of a tall building overlooking the memorial hall, three figures stood silently. Cloaked in black, their clothes and hair moving with the rhythm of the wind, they observed the crowd below.
Renji, Sakura, and Lily.
Lily's eyes widened. "Wow… they are really many. I didn't think everyone in the entire country would come.
Sakura placed a hand gently on Lily's shoulder, her expression soft but grave. "Of course they would come," she replied. "This is the greatest calamity ever recorded. Millions perished that day so I'm sure everyone here… each one and everyone of them each had a loved one who died that day."
Renji, however, said nothing. His eyes were fixed on the crowd below, scanning, calculating, remembering every life lost and every survivor who had endured. He let out a long, quiet sigh, one that carried the weight of everything he had seen, done, and felt over the past year.
"What are you doing?" he finally asked, voice low and restrained.
Lily frowned. "Ehh… what are you talking about? I knew you were drinking this morning, nii-san." She tilted her head, playful yet concerned.
A sudden laugh rang out from behind them.
"Ha ha ha!"
Renji's head snapped to the source. The figure leaning casually against the rooftop parapet was unmistakable.
"I see your instincts haven't dulled," the voice said, tone teasing yet sharp.
Renji scoffed, jaw tight. "Hmph."
Lily's gaze flicked back. "Huh!? Takeda-sama!!" She ran toward him, leaping into his arms with an exuberant hug. I've missed you so much!!
Takeda caught her easily, lifting her slightly off the ground. "Ooooo… you've grown bigger than last year!" he said, smiling warmly.
Lily giggled. "Of course! Obviously."
Sakura's lips curved into a small smile as she watched the reunion. "Yooo, human," she teased lightly.
Takeda's eyes shifted toward her. "I'm surprised you didn't notice me… like Renji did," he said with a grin.
Sakura tilted her head, a small smirk forming. "Huh… don't get the wrong idea. I already knew you were there. I just chose not to say anything."
She continued walking past Takeda casually, her steps fluid and effortless. Then, with a soft laugh, she held Lily's hand.
"Let's go, Lily-sama. Let them have a moment."
Lily giggled, waving at Takeda. "Bye-bye, Takeda-sama!"
Takeda returned her wave with a warm smile. "Take care of yourself, okay?"
Sakura gently tugged Lily forward, leaping gracefully into the sky. Her black robes and hair trailed behind her like ribbons of shadow and silver, carrying Lily with her as they soared away from the rooftop.
Renji stayed behind for a moment, gaze still locked on the hall below. His jaw clenched slightly as he watched the citizens, silent but observant, letting their emotions play across their faces.
Renji's eyes were fixed directly on the Hunter Bureau Memorial below. The wind whipped his hair around his face, tugging at the edges of his black coat. His robes flared like dark flames in the air, moving rhythmically with the wind as if even the wind respected his presence.
Takeda stepped forward, careful in his approach. Each step measured, his hands directly in his pockets...
Renji's gaze flicked briefly toward him. Cold. Unyielding. "What are you doing, Takeda-sama?" he asked, his voice low but sharp, slicing through the sound of distant chants and applause from the memorial below.
Takeda chuckled lightly, a small smile tugging at his lips. " huhh what do you mean you are really funny," he said, voice warm yet teasing. He took another step closer. "Tell me… is there any reason to want to meet my favorite student?"
Renji remained silent, eyes locked on the memorial, unmoving.
Takeda's smile softened as he let out a sigh. "You know… you haven't changed a bit. Still cold as ever. C'mon… tell me. How are you doing?"
Do you still feel responsible for their deaths?
Renji said nothing.
Takeda's sighed "So… you are not going to say anything," he murmured. He shook his head and started turning away, as if to leave Renji to his thoughts. "Alright, alright… then." He waved his hand casually. "Take care of yourself, Renji."
As Takeda's figure began to fade into the distance, Renji's voice cut through the air like steel.
"Why!!"
Takeda stopped mid-step, a faint breeze ruffling his hair.
Renji's eyes remained locked on the Hunter Bureau Memorial, the shadows of past memories reflected in their golden glow. His voice dropped, quieter now but heavier with emotion.
"Why haven't you given up on me!?"
Takeda's lips curved into a gentle smile. He turned back to face Renji fully. "Why??"
His voice held no accusation, only certainty and warmth.
"Who the hell gives up on someone he considers his son you this stupid son of mine?"
Renji's eyes widened, disbelief mingled with the faintest tremor of emotion. He turned slightly toward Takeda. "That's bullshit! Even after knowing I'm the God of Destruction… you still see me as your son? Don't play with me!"
Takeda took a step closer, each movement deliberate. "Renji… or Januza… what does it matter? Have you forgotten I trained you? And you once told me you thought of me as a father figure. Who the hell abandons his son… even if they are destruction incarnate?"
Renji scoffed, his fists clenching at his sides. His shadow flickered in the wind like molten darkness.
You trained my human side know your place mortal I'm a thousand years older than you...
" Do you know what my name means," he said, voice low,. "It's another word for Samael. Prince of Darkness. Harbinger of Destruction. It comes with many names. Wake up to reality, Takeda-sama. Do you really think the Prince of Darkness can be your son?"
Takeda's expression never wavered. He simply smiled, calm, unshakable. "Like I said… Renji Kurogane… or Januza… what does it matter? This is my reality. And you'll always be like a son to me… no matter who you are."
Renji's gaze hardened. A flash of surprise or pride passed through his eyes.But it was a feeling he rembered then Slowly, he turned his head back to the memorial below, watching the citizens paying their respects.
He slid his hands into his pockets, shoulders tensing. Then, with a subtle lift, he began to float upward, rising effortlessly into the sky above the memorial.
"You know takeda-sama you are a shitty old fool, you know," he muttered, voice low but carrying over the wind.
Takeda's laugh echoed softly, warm and knowing. "I know," he said and you are an ungrateful piece of shit!
Renji scoffed, the sound sharp, dismissive, yet somehow carrying a hint of affection.
With a sudden burst of speed, Renji propelled himself forward. The wind roared past him, tugging at his coat and hair.
"Whoosh!"
He vanished into the sky, leaving Takeda standing alone on the rooftop, a gentle smile still on his face as he watched his favorite student disappear into the horizon then he whispered softly...
"i know you are still in there somewhere my foolish son ".