Part 1: The Train of Solitude
The summer break training period was scheduled for three months, but Takuto Himura returned earlier than expected.
Takuto sat alone by the window of the express train bound for Neotokyo. His luggage was sparse; he had left the Crimson Aegis secret training camp without informing anyone.
Rinoka's training had been grueling, designed to help him master the power of Phoenix Eye Step 4 (Phoenix Nova). Takuto rested his left hand against the cool glass of the window, calmly watching the landscapes blur past.
(Takuto's Thoughts): 'The training period isn't over yet... but I believe my control has reached an adequate level. Kaori is always such a stickler for rules; she'll definitely be shocked—and then furious—to see me back early.'
A faint smile played on his lips as he imagined her reaction.
(Takuto's Thoughts): 'I wonder what they've been up to these past three months. I want to surprise Kaori, Ayano, and Aoi... everyone.'
The train slowed as it approached Neotokyo Central Station. Takuto stood up, shaking off his reflections. With his black hair and dark eyes, he looked like any ordinary passenger, but beneath the surface, the Stella Flow hidden within his body was unimaginably powerful.
As the train hissed to a halt, Takuto stepped onto the platform. After three months in the isolation of the training camp, the cacophony and scents of Neotokyo felt slightly foreign. Stepping outside, the harsh summer sun beat down on him.
(Takuto's Thoughts): 'It's only midday. If I go home now, Kaori might be at a meeting or Ayano might be out. Since I want to surprise them...'
He checked his phone and smiled.
(Takuto's Thoughts): 'I still have some time. I haven't breathed the fresh air of this city in a while.'
Shouldering his bag, he avoided the direct route home and headed toward the bustling outskirts of the city. He intended to take in the sights and use his Phoenix Eye to scan for any unusual activity in his absence.
Part 2: The Unexpected Encounter
As he walked through a crowded shopping district, Takuto kept his Phoenix Eye steady. He was currently scouting for gifts.
(Takuto's Thoughts): 'Besides surprising Kaori, I need to make those two kids happy.'
He stopped at a shop selling limited-edition anime merchandise for Ayano and Aoi. For Kaori, he decided on high-quality coffee and some premium stationery for her work.
As he turned into a narrow side street clutching his bags, his Phoenix Eye suddenly pinged. He sensed an irregular Stella Flow. It wasn't the aura of a deadly enemy, but it was filled with malice—the energy of common thugs.
Near a ramen stall, three burly young men were harrassing an elderly vendor. They looked ready to overturn the cart while the old man cowered in fear.
However, a young girl with lavender hair and an oversized hoodie stood bravely in their way.
"You're only doing this because you haven't paid and want to bully him," Hana said, her voice firm. "Everyone around here loves this old man's ramen. Get out of here right now!"
The leader of the thugs spat on the ground and sneered. "Ha! What's this? A little brat giving us orders? Who are you to him? He needs to pay us a tax to operate here."
Hana: "A tax?" Hana raised an eyebrow. "And who exactly are you supposed to be?"
"We own this street! You're cute, so I'll give you a warning: stay out of this or you're gonna get hurt!"
Hana smirked. "I didn't come here to get hurt. This ramen stall belongs to the community. I'm not moving until you pay up!"
Enraged, the leader swung a heavy fist toward Hana's face. The blow was a split-second from connecting when—
"Stop."
With a sound like a rushing wind, Takuto Himura appeared beside the thug leader, moving faster than a Shadow Step. His shopping bags hit the ground silently. He gripped the thug's wrist with a crushing force, his dark eyes cold and piercing.
"Hey! You brat! Who do you think you are? Let go!" the thug yelled, his face contorting as a shock of pain raced up his arm.
"I'll let go," Takuto said calmly. "But only after you apologize to this man and leave. Otherwise..."
He tightened his grip. Veins began to bulge under the thug's skin.
Hana stared at Takuto, her deep brownish-red eyes wide with surprise. She didn't know who he was, but her Wolf Eye was instinctively reacting to his presence.
"Scumbag! You don't know who we are!" The two other thugs lunged at Takuto simultaneously.
Takuto recalled Kaori's advice: 'Do not use force unless necessary.'
To a normal person, their punches were a blur. To Takuto, whose Phoenix Eye Step 4 could perceive every movement within a 400-meter radius, they were moving in slow motion.
In a fraction of a second, Takuto released the leader and shifted his weight. His movements were fluid and precise. The two thugs punched thin air, and with a light touch to their shoulders, Takuto redirected their momentum, causing them to collide with each other and hit the pavement.
It wasn't a fight; it was pure Control.
The leader tried a desperate kick, but Takuto simply stepped back.
"Is that it? You're just fast? We've trained with real boxers!" the leader barked, throwing a straight, heavy punch.
Takuto didn't move. He watched the trajectory of the fist. Just as it was an inch from his face, he extended his right index finger and tapped the pressure point on the thug's wrist.
Snap!
The concentrated force sent a literal shockwave through the man's arm. The thug's hand flew open involuntarily, and a scream of agony erupted from his throat as he was blown back two meters.
"What... what kind of monster are you?" the others stammered, terrified by the lack of visible effort.
"I don't think I need to show any more strength," Takuto said, his expression one of slight disappointment. "Like I said... we aren't on the same level."
Hana watched the scene, her smile widening. Her Wolf Eye had seen enough. 'This is incredible,' she thought.
Realizing they were outmatched, the three thugs scrambled to their feet and fled in terror.
Part 3: The Wolf's Smile and a Sudden Pursuit
Takuto ignored the fleeing thugs and immediately began helping the old man pick up his scattered ramen bowls and spices.
"Oh, young man... thank you," the vendor said, tears in his eyes. "You saved my life."
Takuto: "It's alright, old man," Takuto smiled. "Next time, call the police if people like that bother you."
Hana stood nearby with her arms crossed, evaluating him. She was becoming increasingly fascinated. "The old man is fine, so I'll be going now," she said, giving Takuto a long look before turning away.
Takuto gathered his gifts—the anime merch and the coffee.
(Takuto's Thoughts): 'Those thugs were just a nuisance. But that girl... she had a strange aura. Why couldn't my Phoenix Eye see her clearly?'
He started walking toward the suburbs of Neotokyo, eager to see his family. Suddenly, he heard rapid footsteps behind him.
"Hey! Wait a minute!"
It was Hana. She caught up to him, stopping just two meters away, breathless.
Hana: "I... I just remembered. I had one more thing to ask."
Takuto raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Hana stepped closer, her deep brownish-red eyes boring into his. "Do you... have a family? Or maybe an young sister?"
Takuto paused, reflecting. "Yes... I have an older sister. And... a younger sister... I think. I don't remember clearly yet."
Hana's face lit up instantly, though she tried to mask the emotion. "I see. Is your home nearby? It looks like those gifts are for someone special."
Takuto: "Yeah, it's close. I came back early to surprise them."
Hana nodded and began walking alongside him with sudden boldness. "That's great! Mind if I walk with you? You seem like a pretty cool hero—aside from the boring parts."
Takuto was confused by her sudden friendliness but didn't refuse.
"By the way," Hana said, her lavender hair swaying. "I want to ask your name again. Since we're friends now... I should call you by your name."
Takuto shrugged. "My name is Takuto Himura."
Hana froze. She stopped dead in her tracks.
Takuto turned back to look at her. "What's wrong?"
Hana bowed her head, her hair veiling her face. Her entire body began to tremble. Just as Takuto was about to ask again, a whisper escaped her lips.
Hana: "Himura... yes. Just as I thought!"
She snapped her head up. Her eyes were brimming with tears, yet her face shone with pure, predatory joy. She pointed her finger directly at him and shouted at the top of her lungs:
"FOUND YOU!"
Before he could react, she lunged forward with incredible speed, throwing her arms around him and burying her face in his chest.
"Onii-chan! It's me! It's Hana Himura!"
Takuto stood paralyzed, his mind feeling as though it had been struck by lightning. Not even the Phoenix Eye could have predicted this.
Takuto: "Huh!?"
[END OF CHAPTER 21]
[Start of Arc 3: The Missing Sister's Gate]