"Ah, so you're saying he left for the selection and nobody is aware of that yet…?" said Sky with widened eyes but a calm tone after being informed by Azule about Cobalt's mission. The siblings were sharing a meal together of chicken fried rice and vegetables along with some takoyaki on the side in another plate. Sky had an undercover sweet tooth like Cobalt and Tangie, and Azule was in the mood for sweets after his punishment from earlier. Even when scolded by Sky, she still made her efforts clear that she only wanted the best for him.

"Mhm. I promised him not to tell the others, but I trust you to not give the reason to them either." he said while snatching one of the takoyaki balls with his chopsticks.

She shrugged her shoulders while watching Azule struggle to keep the food in between his chopsticks, "I guess. Anything you want to do about it, though? I know how close you guys are."

Azule shook his head in denial, "Even if I'd like to do something about it, this is personal business for him and I know I shouldn't meddle. Just in the way the situation with my heart condition and stuff, I can't just tell everyone everything even if they might be aware of it. That's a whole can of worms that don't need to be opened" Azule said hinting at his shortened lifespan and refusal to burden his team. Even if he'd made peace with dying young, he knew the others might not handle it-especially Violet, Sally, Reice, and for sure: Fuchsia and Tangie. Sky's eyes rolled up to her brother as she stopped eating, her fingers flinching for a moment as he mentioned his health. Her thoughts immediately went off on a tangent to Dr. Sinclair, remembering that time she gave blood in the hopes it could help find some sort of cure to Azule's rare condition. Vividly remembering the determination Dr. Sinclair expressed, she wasn't given any other news on where the young doctor might be, but she hoped for the best that something would get done. Looking at her innocent little brother who munched on the takoyaki with delight, she couldn't help but see flashbacks of their youth from years ago. The little inkling that'd fight off predators for her and shield her from everything before mentally shutting himself from the cruelty of life, the image she saw of Azule when they first reunited still haunted her, and now seeing him like this...knowing his life was a ticking clock awaiting death's arrival any moment, pained her to no limits.

Turning to her brother with staggering eyes, "Hey...how're you feeling? You know...your chest and all…" Sky said in a softened tone lowering her eyes down at her food, her finger muscles losing strength as she thought about it. Like her mother, Azule was her biggest weakness. The overwhelming love she had for him would never go away, and the fact that they could be together again and have meals is what made her always want to spend time with him whenever she wasn't busy. To her, Azule felt more than just a brother, he felt like a son in some respects since she had to take that role from young and protect him at all costs.

Azule rubs his chest casually unaware of his sister's sensitive feelings, "Feels ok-ish. Haven't had any problems recently, but who knows when my number will be called. That's the problem with this disease. Any heart attack I have now could be my last…"-looking up and seeing the concern on his sister's face made him change his statement immediately- "B-but it's all fine, now! I've gotten over the past, and that's because I-" hushing his mouth immediately, he realizes he nearly spilled the beans about assassinating the future prime minister.

"Hm? Past? You mean that the root of the disease lies in the connection of your trauma causing the hyperventilation you experience and irregular heartbeat...I already knew that, you forgot I've always gone with you to see doc?"

Azule nodded with immediate relief that she didn't figure out what he was about to say. Although he felt a lot lighter and better in his chest, there were some strange things going on in his body that he knew extinguishing the root wouldn't erase the torture and abuse that he-or anyone else-suffered, but by extinguishing the root also meant there wouldn't be any future victims. To Azule, that meant much more than the experiences he suffered. He had faith in his strength that he'd overcome the recurring trauma and somehow beat even this condition, and that feeling he felt when he went into that mode reassured him that brilliant changes were happening in his body with each breath he took. Azule had hope that maybe, just maybe, he could beat even death if he put his mind to it…

"Midnight…" he said under his breath with a smile, having acquired a new ace weapon that was sure to be useful for the future.

Sky watches him while her head aimed downwards and decided that maybe she should press onwards about what was bothering her since the subject about his health had already been mentioned. Ever since the night of the assassination, Sky was almost sure that the sharpened eyes of a killer she saw that night that sent shivers down her experienced body was none other than her own blood and flesh. Ever since that night, suspicions were arising in her mind that her brother might've been the killer, and she wasn't the only one. With a cold sweat running down her face, she decides to break the momentary silence. "Well, since we're talking about that. I have a question to ask you…" she said in a serious tone; Azule's ears twitched as he anticipated her question, keeping a calm demeanor and face and giving a minimal reaction.

"About what...?" he said in an ignorant tone, trying his best to sound like a sweet and innocent little boy, but Sky narrowed her eyes as she raised her chin, sensing the dishonesty in his body language.

"Was it you." she said in a deep tone like the voice she spoke when in her midnight mode.

"Was it me...?"

"Don't play dumb. I'm aware that you were there that night. Don't try to lie, you know what I mean by that night."

Catching her drift and reading her face that warned him not to say it explicitly for the walls could be thin and the government could be watching, he caved under the enormous intensity of his sister's glare, "Ah...yes. Sorry…" he bowed his head, deeply apologizing; Sky tried her best to contain her anger and frustration, for both were ready to rise to the heavens after confirmation from her brother.

"No need to apologize. I'll give you style points, but you really oughta work on containing your blood lust, it's just as bad as Cobalt's..." said Sky while crossing her arms, closing her eyes, and leaning into her chair, remembering the insane blood lust of the blue samurai inkling who was Azule's best friend. She had a lot on her plate already as an agent, but with her relation to someone who committed treason, Sky knew if Azule got captured, he'd probably be publicly executed, and she-too could suffer consequences of similarities for being aware of the crime and doing nothing about it. With all of this rushing through her mind, her face darkened under the shadow of her short bangs.

Azule grimaced as he watched his sister's complexion completely change from her usual bronze tan, "S-sorry...I knew you wouldn't appro-"

"Of course, I wouldn't approve, dumbass!" she yelled with a boiling red face, clenching her hands and with a very disapproved look, her eyes piercing at him. After silence fell for a moment, she calmed down and sighed, knowing she couldn't stay mad at him for long. She knew he was doing what she would've done, and she knew even if her siblings or parents found out, they'd probably do the same as well. "You do know that you've dug a hole that even I can't help you out of if I tried. Be prepared to handle the dangers that will head your way in the future. Stay vigilant and be smart."

Azule's face sharpened resolve, "I accept my responsibility and will heed your advice." having no regrets about that sweet rush of taking someone's life away who caused him nothing but scarring pain, Azule was more than ready to lash out against the entire government if he had to.

Sky shook her head and gave a smirk, "You're something else, you know that?" resting her head in her hand as she looked at him with a hopeless smile.

Azule could only force a snicker, unable to find a proper response to his sister's comment. The rest of dinner went by smoothly with the siblings carrying on as though nothing happened prior. Azule promised to do better in his studies and make Sky proud, which was what she cared most about anyhow, for she knew that the best way to make a living in this society was to get a proper education. The following week would become an eventful one for Squidcom thanks to Cobalt's actions. For starters, the team was in disarray trying to find out what happened to Cobalt and why he was missing-not even a note left behind. Not believing Azule's lie that Cobalt had departed on a journey of re-evaluation, the team decided to spend their week after school searching for any possible clues where their samurai friend might be, asking around at all the places they knew Cobalt had a popular appearance at. After minimal interaction with his team outside of class, who tried their best not to bring up their missing friend too much during class since the entire class also felt affected by his sudden absence and didn't believe their teacher's announcement that he took a sudden leave for undisclosed reasons. But on a Friday afternoon relaxing in his dorm living room after having visited the city, Azule found his phone receive a message from Tangie that just read:

"Meet me at the park near the school in 20 minutes."

That was it. Mixed with confusion and concern, Azule was wondering if Tangie might've figured out where Cobalt has gone or if she was looking to talk about something else. Either way, he had a bad feeling about this. Leaving the house dressed in a dark blue varsity jacket buttoned up, black pants, and some grey shoes, he made his way to the nearby park. Walking along the sidewalk he turned his attention to the suburban scenery of the shops and homes near the school and looking just a little further beyond lied the city skyline. Hopefully he could adventure through the city more, everything about being in the lively metropolis made him all the more anxious to go back.

Arriving at the designated park, He walks on the pathway observing the nicely cut grass that had that fresh green aroma to it. The sunny day with no clouds made everything photogenic, reminding him of Tangie's favorite hobby of photography. But as he continued along, he noticed a little patio in the distance right near the lake where a bunch of people were sitting. Getting closer he spots everyone in Squidcom sitting together talking about something-Tangie sitting at the head. Sally spots Azule out the corner of her eye and all conversations end, all of them turning their attention to Azule once he came up to the steps of the patio.

"Have a seat, Azule." Tangie said at the head of the table, her tone more sharp than usual.

"..."

Tangie clasped her hands as she looked down at the wooden tabled, "Cobalt has been gone for two days. You said he went on some journey. So, I'm going to ask you directly, don't lie to me…"-looking up, her eyes pierced Azule- "Did he go back."

Azule felt his body begin to tense up in anxiousness-sensing a completely different attitude from Tangie than what he'd known, "What do you mean by that?" he said in a composed manner, trying not to blow his friend's cover but feeling the pressure get to him as her matching orange eyes shined.

The glint in her eye sharpened, "Did. He. Go. Back. Did he return home to compete in his family selection?" Silence filled the air as her question sounded more like a statement that needed confirmation. The others were so quiet that not even the lake behind them wanted to interrupt with the sounds of nature at the gentle fury boiling in the eyes of Tangie, indeed it felt as though she was growing out of her airhead and glutton stigma and becoming her own person. Now that Cobalt was gone, she could show her true colors. Azule kept his gaze on her orange hair, trying not to look her in the eyes, for although he wasn't surprised by her newfound nature, he was caught off guard by how quickly she was able to switch gears. Tangie emphatically snaps her fingers to redirect Azule's attention back to her eyes; she was the captain now. "Answer me, did he go back home to do that family selection?" she demanded, her tone sound much more soulless than ever.

Azule folded his arms and leaned onto the table with a slouch, receiving the pressured stares of his fellow comrades who watched in anticipation for his response-it seemed like they might've known something based on how they didn't seem clueless. He didn't know what to do. If he lied, they might call him out for it. If he told the truth, they might chastise him for not telling them the truth because he was risking Cobalt's future for the sake of a promise. Azule groaned before looking up at Tangie, who had her head raised and her eyes looking down. She was anxious to do something as though she already knew the answer. With the image of Cobalt in his mind along the promise they made as men, Azule felt terrible for what he was about to do next…

"He assured me that he'd come back safely. He promised he'd win the selection and be right back at our sides as soon as he could. I trust him on that to every word, and so should you guys. Yes, he went back home." he sighed, having to tell truth; the reactions from the others weren't anything major, and in fact, seemed as though they were expecting that answer.

Tangie shook her head, not in shock or anger-but disappointment that her suspicions were correct. She held up her hand to stop him and peered at Azule, "We need to bring him back home immediately."

"Why? Can't you trust him? He can handle himself. Cobalt's incredibly stro-"

"It isn't about strength, Azule." Tangie said calmly with an agitated sigh afterwards.

"Then…"

"That entire selection is a setup. Cobalt knows he's walking right into a death trap. His uncle's hatred for him extends beyond our understanding."

"Wh-"

"Listen…" she said calmly as she tried to recollect all the possible clues that lead to his departure, and then finally did she connect everything once she played over the narrative of the relationship between Cobalt and his Tokugawa family. She explained the history of the relationship between Cobalt and his uncle, and what the Tokugawa selection really meant. "Remember that time when you were in the hospital? We told you that we had to fight off Kida and his men to keep you safe."

Azule slowly nodded with remembrance to that gap of time when he was unconscious, "So it goes that far back?"

"No, but it definitely has influence. I remember seeing his cousin join us in arms to fight them and had wondered why he'd ask for help from his family…" letting the idea simmer in her mind, Tangie, Azule, and the rest of Squidcom all gasped as they realized what might've happened, they understood why he left instead of just where he went. Tangie rose to her feet and slammed her arms against the table, "That Cobalt went and made a deal with the devil! More than likely his uncle made the requirement be that Cobalt has to compete in the Tokugawa Selection in exchange for his cousin's services. It all makes sense since Cobalt's a man of honor and respect. Even if it meant accepting a scenario he knew stacked against him, Cobalt has too much pride in himself to abandon anything, especially when for the sake of those he loves dearly…"

A lump sat in all of their throats as they struggled to swallow the truth. Cobalt made the biggest sacrifice possible, and none of them were aware until it seemed too late. While Azule knew Cobalt was going to leave, he never imagined the reason why. But, now that he knew it involved him this deeply...he couldn't stomach letting anything negative happening to Cobalt. Streams of tears trickle down Tangie's cheeks as memories of her Cobalt enter the mind, the burden he carried being an assassin all for her sake, running away and taking on an entire gang by her side, accepting her for who she is and declaring to always be by her side. Never did she think that the night that she spent together in his arms would be the last…Never could she imagine that he'd put aside his feelings of his family for the sake of protecting a friend. It was at this moment that her, Azule, and Squidcom knew they were going to have to get involved one way or another. They couldn't let him just walk away without saying anything as if he'd be forgotten. He was their first line of defense, their most composed member, and favorite samurai.

"I'm not ready to live a life without him." Tangie said in a fortified tone, strengthening the resolve she channeled in her heart. She loved him, and there was nothing in life that'd change that. Rising to her feet once again and placing her hands down on the table, she stood like a pillar before everyone else, her mind already ahead on a plan of how to rescue him. The rest of them looked on with blank faces, unable to find an answer to her challenge as she stared down each member of the team. If they were about to pull off this mission to rescue Cobalt, it meant putting their lives on the line. Marching into enemy territory filled with plenty of skilled combatants meant more than just Azule's brute force and Tangie's polished technique, it meant involving unlikely combatants like Violet, Reice, Sally, Fuchsia, and even newcomer Kosami. As they all pondered on the critical decision, the wind blew calmly as though to let them know that this was that major turning point where they wouldn't be able to turn back. The calm before of a vicious storm would blow over.

On a ferry sailing across the ocean stood Cobalt looking out to sea, hunched over the railing as he stared into the vast blue world before him. It was going to be the first time he returned to the island known as Ikayumu since his days of youth when his father was still alive. Ikayumu was known as the heart of the eastern culture that he knew so well, considered by many to be the birthplace from ancient times. He hoped to one day return to place like this in the far future when life seemed different, but instead he might not ever get the chance to see a next time. His mind wanders to the past yet again as his eyes stayed still observing the calmness of the blue sea. Envisioning the events that happened after the news arrived of his father's confirmed death and the suspected death of his mother, Cobalt remembers the tear he felt in his heart as that early age that seemed eons ago. As a child, felt as though brutally bludgeoned by a hammer to the chest, restricted by the ties of the blood spilled and turned into the ropes that constrained him to a trapped life of misery, Cobalt felt the only possible route left was self-destruction. Wanting to take his own life as a child, he tried to slit his stomach in the hopes that he could then reunite with his parents whom he loved dearly, but his fear and insecurity about what awaited on the other side of life clouded his resolve, and therefore he couldn't carry it out. Watching the reign of his household slip into the hands of his uncle, the next in line to take over the vacated throne, Cobalt knew too well that danger only remained if he tried to stay at home and instead wanted to plan an escape. This came after weeks to months of poor treatment, receiving very little food, abuse from his uncle and other cousins, and neglect from everything in between. Alas, he escaped and made his big runaway. His crooked uncle sent massive numbers to retrieve him, but it wasn't because he cared for the sake of the boy, but because he feared for what that boy might turn into should he hone the potential on the same scale as his legendary father. Slaughtering the men that followed him, he lost his way as a young samurai and instead reborn a Ronin. Eventually he would be captured and thrown into an orphanage so that his connections to the Tokugawa name were erased, from there was the death of Ao and the birth of Cobalt.

It's time to confront the demons of my past. Honoring my word to uncle, I'll compete in this death trap selection and take the throne away from him afterwards. Only fate can decide what becomes of me...

Before he could sink too deep into his thoughts, he heard the enthusiastic loud children further away from him jumping in a frenzy. Raving about seeing an island, Cobalt turned his head in their direction and saw the same as them. A large mass with a gigantic mountain that sat at the center and still could see even from the thousands of nautical miles away they were. Home. The birthplace of his father and the culture that influenced the one he knew like the back of his hand. Ikayumu, the ancient island. As the ferry came closer to where it would be docking, Cobalt paid close attention to the land his father traversed as a child. A heavy sense of nostalgia filled the air as he came off the boat, feeling the same calm ocean breeze and tasting the salty sea air of the port that he remembered when he'd visit here with his parents. Now alone, there was a different reason for the mission.

"My homeland in the east…" saying those words under his breath, Cobalt lowered his chin and kept his eyes forward watching the coast come closer. It felt as though he'd grown up a long way since those days when he blindly just practiced his ways of the blade. A stronger and more refined warrior than what the world was even aware of, Cobalt's body gave off a flashing of red and white life that emitted around him like sparks. Slowly, his seishun powa was evolving in the same way. Looking up towards the giant city that sat in the far distance away from the coast, Cobalt studied the foggy skyline and began his journey, taking his first steps off the ferry and coming down from a long ramp.

Back in Inkopolis, it was a bright afternoon at Squid Academy High School; Azule was walking through the empty hallways looking at all the closed classrooms, imagining how packed the hallways would be if it was a regular school day. The overwhelming amount of indistinct chatter from students filled his head as he envisioned everything discreetly with each step he took proceeding down the hallway, head turning from left to right. Remarkably, the state of the school right now resembled much like what was going on in the feelings of Azule as he marched down the hallway alone. Feeling alone without his trusted first mate, Azule already felt the effects of his absent best friend. But he wasn't the only one as all the others in Squidcom were rattled by his sudden absence without saying anything to them. Arriving at his principal's door, Azule had an appointment with the principal to discuss a proposal on behalf of his entire team. The plan was not set in stone, but after a long and deep discussion, it became agreed upon with Azule and Tangie as the leads of the operation. The plan was to stop Cobalt from participating in the selection, or at least recover him from the enemy. Either way, the goal was to save Cobalt before he'd be in mortal danger. Thanks to Tangie's rhetoric, all of them were under the impression that the selection might be an attempt by Cobalt's evil uncle to kill Cobalt finally. Worrying for the sake of their close friend, all of them decided that a plan must be forged and put to action to save him from death, believing that he might have gone through with the obvious trap for some strange reason, though they weren't away of the truth. Hearing Principal Telfin tell him to enter, he opened the door and greeted his headmaster before immediately taking a seat. With conviction written on his face and the anxiousness to be proactive in his body's fidgeting, Principal Telfin was aware that whatever Azule wanted to discuss must be urgent.

"I find it rare for any students to see me on a day off…" Principal Telfin said lightheartedly with a gentle smile that reflected his mild natured personality. Although he was a grown man with a ton of responsibilities, he had the heart and soul of someone still in the prime of their youth. Perhaps that was why he was so popular with his students, that and of course he had a professional demeanor about him.

"My reason here…" Azule muttered under his breath, carefully crafting what to say to his principal; Telfin noticed that something must be bothering Azule based on how he hesitated to complete his sentence, but instead Telfin chose to let him be. Azule looks up to his principal after spending few seconds thinking of how to approach the situation. "I-er, my team known as Squidcom would like to request leave for an undisclosed amount of time." he said resolutely as he met his principal's eyes; Principal Telfin had a straight face as he readied to dissect Azule's logic.

"For what reason, may I ask?" Principal Telfin kindly responded as he placed his forearms squarely on the desk; Azule reflexively cocked his neck backwards with astonishment. Having heard from Sky during one of their recent talks, she advised that he speak with the principal because he usually knew everything that was going on and would indeed be a reliable ally to have should he continue to get involved in situations like the current one, but another kink was that he was quite lenient and laid back.

Azule's mind scrambled as he tried not to state the obvious, "O-oh...well, you see...um...ah…" Azule couldn't find the words yet again, and unlike before, he could feel the pressure from his principal. Even though Telfin smiled, his smile had an uncomfortable aura of terror at the root of the smile. Just how scary were the people his sister associated with? Coming back to his senses, "The reason is urgent. We feel as though a very important friend within our group has gone missing, and we'd like to find them."

Principal Telfin raised an eyebrow, "Oh? But can't you simply do that on your day off? There aren't that many days of classes during the week, you know."

Azule squirmed a bit in response. Thanks to the worrying Tangie, he began fearing for the worst regarding Cobalt and desperately wanted to see him again. He wanted to know that Cobalt would be safe, abandoning his promise for the sake of caring for his safety. Understanding that he'd be going against a man's promise, Azule was ready to accept a punch to the face if he ever got to see Cobalt again. "Even so, we're worried about them. We feel like this disappearance could have fatal consequences if we don't find them soon." Azule expressed with anxiety, already imagining a vulnerable Cobalt. Although Cobalt stood as the strongest member of Squidcom-physically and mentally- he wasn't without his flaws. Just like anyone else, Cobalt had his weaknesses and he had his moments where sometimes he had to shed tears. After all, he was only a child in the eyes of an adult. Recognizing the burdens Cobalt's been carrying thanks to Tangie's observations, Azule felt a deeper connection with Cobalt than he originally believed. Remembering the time when Cobalt considered them brothers, Azule knew that what they wanted to do reflected his true feelings for Cobalt. He was more than a friend...he was a brother. He had to save him.

"This person who is missing seemed set on their ways though, I'm sure you were aware of that." Principal Telfin stated while closing one eye and leaning back in his chair, anticipating a response from Azule.

Azule didn't hesitate to respond, "I can't lose my brother. By any means possible, I'll bring Cobalt back. I've learned the true meaning behind why he left, and I refuse to let him die in vain."

Principal Telfin smirked-understanding the resolve of the blue prodigy before him, "Now there, I don't think he'd be one to just go and die...however, I am concerned about his participation…"

Azule's senses sharpened, wanting to learn more details and also a little curious, "Why concerned?"

"His reason...you're aware, aren't you?"

Azule slowly nodded, understanding his conversation with Tangie and Squidcom. Cobalt sacrificed his last shred of honor as a man and returned home to the place he vowed to never show his face again and beg at the feet of the man that cast him astray for the help to protect his dear friend. Cobalt did everything for the sake that Azule could live. The thought sent a spear through Azule's heart. Cobalt truly was willing to do anything for the sake of brotherhood and friendship and knew that if it was anybody else in the same position he'd do it all over again to keep them safe. It was his loyalty as a samurai to always serve his master, and in this case, Cobalt's "master" was the dear friends he made that he could place his trust in. After sitting through and thinking it over once again to an authority who already knew what Azule's heart was saying, Azule gave Principal Telfin a confident nod with the hope that he'd be granted permission.

"I must admit, there is a reason why you and your sister are personal favorites of mine. The quickness at which you both operate, sharp and keen on achieving your goal. I bid you good luck. I will give you the excused absence for an extended period, but in return you must come back safely, ok?"

Azule nodded, "You have my word, and I'll come back with him."