Chapter 9: Trust and Faith


June 6, 2016

S.F.I Academy

Kanou picked up his pace as he reached his 20th lap around the field while Yukimura lagged behind, dead beat and panting heavily. It has been over a week since their last assignment and everybody in the institute was in a lock-down. Nobody was allowed to go out of the vicinity except for the executives who have been coming in and out of the Academy to meet up with the supervisors which stirred up a lot of rumors of what the problem was.

An announcement made a few days ago that all agents were required to see their head supervisor for a one-on- one meeting also caused a lot of concerns and questions from all of the agents. Everybody was still kept in the dark and nobody actually knew what was happening. He could only assume that it has something to do with the unsuccessful operations these past month and an alleged spy in the institute.

He looked up at the full moon and took a deep breath. Whatever is coming their way he hopes that everything will be alright. If his hunch was right, there might be a possibility that someone influential is targeting them and having spies in the institute means that there's a big chance for their organization to be disbanded and shut down. If that happens, they all have to seize a new identity and blend in with the society. Most of the agents have already lost their families, it might be hard to admit but all they really have is the institute and their team members.

He slowed down and jogged backwards as he waited for Yukimura to catch up, "Hurry up,"

"I am coming," Yukimura huffed out.

With the still night and only the moon and a few street lights illuminating the field; a black Honda Civic pulled in at the small parking space at the back of the field. He stopped on his tracks and squinted to get a better look. The headlights turned off and Tora came out of the back seat, Kanou quickly grabbed Yukimura by the arm and pulled him behind an oak tree nearby.

"What are you doing?" Kanou brought up his finger in front of his lips and ordered him to hush. They peered out from the side of the tree. The abundant trees and bushes and lack of lighting in their section kept them safely hidden.

Tora cautiously looked around and exchanged a few words with his acquaintance before slipping into the back door of the resident building. Once he was inside, the car pulled out and drove out into the darkness of the night. They discreetly followed him inside. Once they caught up with him, he was already standing in front of their dorm.

"Hey Tora," Yukimura called out from the end of the hallway. Kanou rolled his eyes, there goes the plan to stay still and undetected. Tora flinched and looked back in surprise.

"Hey," he narrowed his eyes at them, "What are you guys doing late this night?"

"We went to the gym. I haven't been able to work out these last few days," Kanou answered before Yukimura can say something that can get them caught. They approached him nonchalantly.

"Where have you been?" he asked before taking his keys out to open their door.

"You didn't even visit Takumi in the hospital," Yukimura chimed in, "He is going to be released next week."

"I got a call from my Uncle a few days ago and my grandmother wanted to see me. I went to see Takumi before I left," Kanou gave him a side glance, he couldn't tell if Tora was lying or not. Out of everyone in their team, Takumi and Tora are the only ones with remaining families. Yukimura nodded his head in understanding but Kanou remained suspicious, he let it slide for a moment and continued on with his inquiry.

"Have you heard of the news?" they walked in and opened the lights.

"Yeah. Hinata kept me updated, I have a meeting with Jiro on Saturday afternoon. Have you guys met up with him yet?"

"No, we are scheduled for next week," Tora nodded and dropped his bag on the couch.

"It's already past two in the morning. How did you get here?"

"My uncle dropped me off," Kanou nodded his head and dropped the interrogation, it seems like Tora was out and hiding something behind their backs. He silently groaned, his team really has a knack in keeping secrets, he just wishes that his intuition is not right this time.

-2 weeks later-

The academy was a full house as all teams are gathered in one place for an important assembly. The announcement was made a few days ago and even the other teams that were sent out overseas were pulled out from their missions to make it to the assembly. Even with the slight elation to be reunited with old friends and classmates that they haven't seen in a while, everybody was still buried with tension and uneasiness. Everybody has their own assumptions and opinions regarding the situation which caused more confusion.

They all piled into a line as they made their way into the auditorium room. Jiro Tadashi, the head supervisor of the academy stood behind a podium while waiting for everybody to settle down. All of the executives were also present as they sat on the chairs neatly arranged horizontally at the stage.

"Welcome back, agents. I know all of you have questions and concerns because of the sudden order to return to base. Our director Mr. Ken Yamada will be providing some answers,"

The head of director strode in and shook the executives' hands before making his way towards the podium. He gave Jiro an acknowledging nod and took over. Ken Yamada's father was the founder of the Secret Force Intelligence or S.F.I. and he took over when he was in his late twenties when the founder Nao Yamada was assassinated.

He was already in his late fifties but his strong built and presence will make you second guess his age. Ken Yamada has only made a total of two appearances in the academy since he became the director. The first time was when a big earthquake hit Japan and he personally made an announcement to get everyone's help. His last appearance was eight years ago when he led the ceremony to give respect to the late Sota Saiko, his good friend and once the head supervisor who was assassinated by an unknown group. Having the director himself come down from the main base implies that the issue was bigger than they anticipated.

"Welcome, agents. I know all of you have a lot of questions regarding what has been happening lately. But before I get to that, we are very saddened to announce that Team 5 led by Kyoya Akida was killed during their mission in Hong Kong two weeks ago," the auditorium became quiet as everyone tried to process the news. A moment of silence was given to give respect to them, all the agents were in shock and still in disbelief. An entire team killed during a mission was unheard of and with all the unusual incidents the past month, everybody became more unsettled.

Takumi closed his eyes to sort out his thoughts. It has only been a few weeks since his last encounter with Team 5 before they were sent to Hong Kong to go after Kiro. What if it was his team that was sent there? What could have happened to them? They might not be in the best terms but he never wished something bad to happen to Kyoya and his team. The rest of his group exchanged looks of worry and distress. The whispers began as everyone was itching to know what caused the incident but everyone knew that the information was confidential and cannot be disclosed.

The director cleared his throat, "As all of you knows, there has been a lot of talks about having a mole in the institute. I don't want to cause any conflicts between your teams or anybody in that matter, but we have to address the issue. We believe that there are spies walking among us," the whole auditorium gasped in surprise.

He continued, "Their identities are still unknown, but rest assured that I will do everything in my power to catch them and give them the punishment suited for their crimes. This is a fair warning to all of you, if you know something don't hesitate to let us know. After your meeting with your supervisors, we will return back to our operation by the end of this week. Thank you for your time," he bowed his head and exited with the executives following behind. With still many unanswered questions, all the agents dispersed to do their own tasks.

-xx-

Misaki went to the gymnasium for her next training session after the assembly. Her students were already waiting for her inside the gym. Still unaware of the danger the institute was in at the moment, the news was hidden from them for their own safety. The boards came to a decision that they didn't want them to get involved in the mess, instead they want the students to focus on their studies and training. If worse comes to worst, they might have to step up and go out in the field early. The more reason why they have to be ready and prepared.

With so many things happening around her and her own dilemma, she doesn't know how she was still sane and functioning properly. She momentarily put aside her thoughts and clapped her hands to get their attention.

"We will begin with some warm up. 20 laps around the tracks and we will do a physical fitness test after. I told you guys to keep up with your cardio and strength training, so I hope you all are ready. Those who will fail will get demerits," the students sighed dejectedly.

She walked towards the table to start writing her report while waiting for her students when a certain blonde boy made his way towards her. She looked up from her paper works and frowned.

"What are you doing here?"

"I still have to make up for my missed sessions,"

"You are excused. You don't have to come here," she returned to her work and pretended to be absorbed in writing when all she could think was what almost happened at the hospital. Her face reddened in embarrassment once again. She wanted to slap her face for getting enthralled at his stupid emerald-green orbs.

"Why the cold shoulder, Misaki?" she stiffened.

She collected herself together before facing him with a blank expression, "I already talked to Jiro and we came to an agreement that you will be excused for your missed trainings. He wants you to focus on rehabilitation and getting better before they start giving away our next assignments," she needed to get away from him. She already has enough problem in her plate, she doesn't need any more confusion and him to cloud her judgement again.

"Nope. I don't want any special treatment. I will do whatever they are doing,"

"For God's sake, Takumi. Just rest," she turned around not realizing he have stepped closer to her. Their bodies mere inches away and her face blushed. He titled his head to the side with a knowing smirk plastered on his face. She narrowed her eyes at him, how could a simple smirk bring her heart into frenzy?

"Are you avoiding me?"

"N-no, I am not," she glanced around to see if anyone was witnessing their interaction, this will ruin her good reputation. A man making her flustered and unable to move. How did she become a helpless woman? This was far from the Misaki she knew.

"We were rudely interrupted last time," she tried to walk away but he pressed his body closer to her and she was cornered behind the table.

"What are you talking about?" she tried her best to avoid his stare.

"Don't play dumb with me,"

She frowned after hearing his comment and finally looked up to face him, "You know what I am stupid, because I have no clue what the hell is happening with me. You have thrown me for a loop and my head is going to explode with all these questions and to answer your previous question. Yes, I am avoiding you because I don't know why you make me feel this way. Are you happy now?" she was already breathless after her outburst

"Direct as always, Misaki," he chuckled while she looked at him in disbelief. How could he be laughing at her?

Takumi stepped back, "You are a very smart and strong woman but sometimes you can be very ignorant, which oddly makes me more attracted to you,"

"W-what?" her face turned scarlet red.

He shook his head and grin, "Don't worry, I will be here to help you realize your own feelings," he took a step back and brought her hand to his lips to plant a small kiss on top. "This will do for now. I am looking forward to our real kiss," he winked at the wide-eyed and flustered Misaki.

"See you later," With a devious smirk he turned on his heel.


Takumi woke up in the middle of the night from the persistent sound of his phone buzzing. With eyes closed and still half asleep he reached for the phone on his nightstand.

"Hello?" he laid on his back and stifled a yawn.

"Takumi," like an ice bucked was dumped over his head, he jolted awake. He sat up on his bed and became immobilized, he was too astounded to form any coherent words

"How have you been?" the sound of his voice sent chills down his spine.

He was right after all, "Dad," Takumi mumbled.

"Did you miss me?"