From: hajime.s at shirayamaindustries .co .jp

To: ben711 at hotmail .co .uk

Hi there,

Long time no talk. Listen, you've been ignoring my emails for the past 5 years. I understand. I can only fathom the amount of shame and guilt you're feeling over what happened. But you know what? You just left, without giving me a chance to talk to you about it. Is that all you're good for? Running away from your problems?

Did our partnership mean anything to you? We managed to stop so many atrocities because we worked together! I know your heart is stuck in the past, I know your way of coping is burying yourself in work, and that's fine. We all have our methods. I just wish you were upfront with me about your reasons for returning to the UK. A little honesty goes a long way, we both know that...

If you choose to ignore this email like the other 4, fine by me. I may as well be upfront and get this over with: I don't love you, Ben. Not in a romantic way. I'm straight, I can't fathom having such feelings for another man. The fact we were so close only makes the idea more ludicrous to me. What happened when I was 13 was without my consent. I can't change the person I am, nor can you, nor any other man. I'm sorry.

However, I do care about you, as my work partner and good friend. Which is why I kept reaching out to you in the hope that at least there was no bad blood between us. I'm at a point in my life where I can't afford that kind of crap anymore. I'm a single father in charge of a multi-national company for crying out loud! I don't see myself in a romantic relationship with anyone in the near future. And yet, I still feel your absence back home, for other reasons.

I hope I've given you closure. Will you please give me the same? If not for me, at least for the memory of what we once had? I beg you, Ben. If you won't ever return to Japan or see me again, will you at least tell me in your own words why?

Hajime S.


Defeated and humiliated. Borof drifted aimlessly through space. Useless and inferior. Although he never admitted it, even to himself, deep down he knew it was true. A rogue creature, with no concrete purpose unless guided by others. He was fated to this existence for eternity. A part of him wished that Dormageddon X's final attack had sealed him away for good and put an end to his miserable existence.

Weakly, he reached his gloved hand towards the brightest source of light - it was Dormageddon X on his unhurried path to the creature world. Duenyan Emperor had been right, it was all his fault. In his reckless search for glory, Borof unwittingly doomed their home. More so, Skull Beyan had been right. Borof had failed his beloved master Shishima by not learning and growing alongside him. He was but a pitiful worm, truly unworthy of fighting by the side of the powerful. Worse still, he was undeserving of Shishima's friendship because he had self-doubts, choosing to freelance in the creature world when he should've stayed to help his master take care of Nekohana. True friends stuck by each other in hard times and stayed to enjoy the good times too.

What's the reason for anything? he wondered. Wars were constant, peace was fragile and glory was as fleeting as summer rain. Why did he want to make a name for himself so badly? Why did he fear being left behind by others and forgotten by history? Everyone else moved on, only he remained stuck in the past. And for whatever odd reason, Shishima stuck on him too, as no serious duelist had played with Funky Knightmares or Darkness Draguners for decades. Yet his master kept finding ways to keep their strategies relevant, making them even stronger than before. There were other options, yes, but Shishima stubbornly insisted on keeping Borof's incarnations as his main finishers.

I am loyal to those who are truly loyal to me, Shishima's hissed voice echoed in his mind.

Yes, that was true. When everyone forgot about them, they still had each other. United in their loyalty, they were more than master and servant, duelist and creature. More than pals. Their bond couldn't be replaced by the likes of Hajime or Nekohana, as neither had seen Shishima rise from his weakest point, all the way to absolute power. Neither supported Shishima and had faith in him as fervently as Borof had.

But why must he fail where his master succeeded? More so, why did Shishima start working with Hajime of all people? Was Borof Shishima's number one servant, but not on par with Hajime or Nekohana?

Shishima's philosophy was 'might makes right'. He unhinged himself from rules and social norms, defiant to absolutely everyone and everything till the end. He was the noble prince who'd slept in dirty alleyways without qualms. The self-proclaimed Ultimate Evil who sacrificed his own ambitions out of honor towards his rival Hajime, and for his love of Nekohana. In many ways Shishima was a paragon of rebellion, defying expectations at every turn. On the other hand, Hajime was the polar opposite: embracing his affluence and making use of it. Sure, his goals could be called noble. He sought to protect humanity at any cost. But as he aged he started to stray from the path of white knight, adopting violent methods and even resorting to murder to bring justice. Yes, this was what Shishima and Hajime had in common: their stubborn determination to achieve their goals, no matter what. And they could only be swayed by brute force or by being proven wrong. In many ways their former rivalry shaped who they became as people.

Where did Borof fit in? He couldn't be a rival who represented the antithesis of either Shishima's or Hajime's values. At the end of the day, Borof was a hedonist, willing to follow Shishima on his grand quests and enjoy the bumpy ride. He lived for the thrill of the moment, he never truly planned ahead or set long-term goals like them. But he was loyal to all of Shishima's causes. He had the willpower to persist alongside his master through all the trials and tribulations. Because deep down, Borof was masochistic like all the Funky Knightmares. He enjoyed not just pain but hard work. It thrilled him, gave him the motivation to push forward. So why did he take up Jaouga's offer and set out to conquer Dormageddon X? So he could equal Shishima? No, so he could be a better aide in his goals, so they could both reap the glorious rewards of their endeavors when all was said and done. Shishima was a rebel, Hajime was a hero, and Borof was the loyalist. Just like them he would fight on stubbornly until the end. His master had given him purpose, and he would pay back that gift with his undying loyalty.

Mustering the remaining strength in his body, he fetched out a small deck case where he'd stashed the new cards he'd been gifted by Shishima. He would use the little time left to upgrade his deck before challenging Dormageddon X once more. The creature world would be sealed over his dead body.


An unlikely alliance was born deep within the Twilight Kingdom's capital palace. Like most daiyoukai, Sazansho mistrusted and downright loathed the angels. In more pleasant circumstances he would've faced a moral dilemma when it came to allying himself with such disgusting creatures. But he was in no such position. He'd been stripped of his prestige, and as much as he wished to turn in Tenshiyoku and Kamijishi, deep inside he knew they were his last beacon of hope. At the very least, they'd managed to break the collar around his neck through a combination of Kamijishi's arcane magic and Tenshiyoku's holy fire. Even if they had ulterior motives, they needed his beloved queen Koushishi's help. He had no other choice but to cooperate, until his side once more seized power. Then he would burn this bridge at the right time.

"Are you sure this is the place?" Tenshiyoku asked as they hid behind a corner.

"Yes, I've been sent to these filthy dungeons by my fellow daiyoukai plenty of times," Sazansho confirmed as they peered at the guards standing either side of the massive gates.

"If you're right, they'll change over for the night shift in two hours," Kamijishi said, rummaging through his pockets for more invisibility water. "Sazansho, if it's not terribly indiscreet of me, may I know why your friend Rufu chose to keep his scars instead of healing them?"

"Oh it's that damned warrior's honor of his. He views any laceration as either a war trophy or a shameful reminder. I know it's foolish, but you do get used to him. His pride truly gets out of hand sometimes!" Sazansho complained, but was quick to shift his tone. "That said, he's a veritable warrior and our kingdom's military treasure. On the rare occasions he's off duty, he's a refined gentleman. Truly a pillar of daiyoukai finesse, if I do say so myself."

Kamijishi almost rolled his eyes. Of course Sazansho couldn't think of a daiyoukai as anything but an apex gentleman. He'd sustain his supremacist beliefs no matter what.

"Gentleman or not, he won't be useful without his eyes and only one hand. Can't you convince him to accept healing?" Tenshiyoku was unimpressed by Sazansho's praise.

"I could certainly try, but don't expect a miracle. General Rufu is probably the oldest military head in the Twilight Kingdom. He's fought countless wars and brought us hard-earned triumphs. He's very set in his ways, so I doubt he'll hear my pleas," Sazansho explained.

Tenshiyoku scoffed. "Then we'll let him rot in this prison!" Kamijishi nudged him, taking the prince by surprise. "Excuse me?"

"Don't forget that we need Rufu. He's not just an ardent Koushishi loyalist, his military experience can lead a powerful army to bring down the Dawn Kingdom!" Kamijishi's patience had finally failed him, his words sharpening like blades.

"Don't you dare step out of line!" Tenshiyoku spoke through gritted teeth, his hands glowing with holy fire.

Fearing a conflict would expose them, Kamijishi was quick to bow in apology. Appeased, Tenshiyoku calmed himself and the flames extinguished.

"If I may, young prince, this servant of yours speaks the truth," the amused Sazansho said, catching their attention. "You definitely want General Rufu on your side if you wish to defeat the Dawn Kingdom. I dare you to gather an army of youkai without his aid. Even if they swore their loyalty, do you really think you can keep up their morale and guide them through the hardships of war by yourself?"

"Alright then." Tenshiyoku crossed his arms. "You best hope I don't come to regret this decision."

Sazansho nodded, casting a sympathetic glance at Kamijishi. Although he loathed their kin, he recognized a fellow schemer who had the best intentions for his kingdom. Tenshiyoku's brash attitude further proved to Sazansho that young princes needed thorough discipline, as much as commoners, if not more so. It was the only way to tame their recklessness and teach them to properly respect their monarch parents and noble peers.


Dormageddon X loomed close to observe the creature world, his newest prey. He could already hear their screams and witness them shuffling like panicked ants. Even better, he could sense that the number of Commands had greatly dwindled since the days of his first invasion. This time round he planned to seal half the population and finally achieve victory. At last he'd avenge his defeat and the eternal slumber they tried subjecting him to after the Revolution Final War. Before he'd fully raised his hand, he sensed something tiny attack his wrist, then spied none other than Borof.

Though battered, the wolf plushie flapped in place defiantly. That kind of resilience annoyed him. Before he could pose a question, he was surprised to see Borof take out his deck once more, materializing a table and shields. With no words and a determined glare, he was challenging him to yet another duel. This time it was clear the creature world's fate was hanging in the balance.

"Is one loss not enough?" Dormageddon X asked and received no answer. Borof's resistance was no longer amusing. "Very well, this time I will ensure you're sealed along with your worthless little planet." With that, he made his own dueling table and shields materialize. "At the start of our game, I set up Forbidden Star ~World's Last Day~ with four seals attached," he explained once more.

"Heh, I can do the same. I expand Forbidden Sunrise ~Dawn of Forbidden~ with four seals attached!" A crimson star with four glowing Xes around it swelled behind Borof. "It's a Forbidden Field, not a D2 Field, so don't think you can remove it! While Forbidden Sunrise is in the battle zone, all of my Darkness Commands, Fire Commands and creatures with 'Forbidden' in their name cost 2 mana less."

"You think you can imitate my power? Wishful thinking! I cast Bone Dance Charger." Evil Heat, Screaming Demon Dragon and Dorhakaba, Final Forbidden Delta flipped from his deck to his graveyard.

"On the contrary - I'm using my master's strategies to concoct my own plan to defeat you!" Borof replied confidently. "I cast Oniyose's Jutsu and return a shield to my hand without using shield trigger. My next Darkness or Fire creature costs 4 less. This, combined with Forbidden Sunrise's effect, lets me summon Dark Masters, Demon Dragon for 1 mana!" A quadruped skeleton-dragon of purple bones reared its horns. "A seal is removed from Forbidden Sunrise. With the effect of Dark Masters, you must reveal your hand and I discard three cards."

Dormageddon X growled, revealing: Dormageddon Area, Termination of D, Hyperspatial Basara Hole and Slash Charger. All three were discarded.

"Not so high and mighty now your early game's been screwed, huh? Turn end!" said Borof proudly.

"I summon Dorhakaba, Final Forbidden Delta from my graveyard and remove the upper left seal." A steel robot dashed forth. "Parallel Invasion - I evolve him into Redzone X, Temporal Forbidden from hyperspace!" After being enveloped by a purple halo it became a motorcycle mech of black alloy, with twin purple halberds on both arms. "With Redzone X's effect, I give -9000 to your Dark Masters, destroying him." Both halberds swung like pendulums, hacking the skeleton-dragon into three pieces. "Now go, double break his shields!" It strode out, slashing two shields.

"Shield trigger, I summon Borof, Final Dragon Edge!" Borof jumped eagerly into battle. "I remove another seal from Forbidden Sunrise. With my effect, I self mill another card and recover... Glenislay, Flame Dragon Edge. Then I equip myself with Diabolos, Prison Dragon Blade and recover Glenmalt, Final Dragon Edge as well." Borof said, a sapphire-encrusted scythe of purple and gold flashed into his grip. "And now it's my turn, I discard the twinpacts Dorbro, Final Forbidden Gamma and Glenglassaugh, Next Generation Dragon Edge to dragsolution Diabolos into Diajigoku, Annihilation Demon Dragon!" He tossed the scythe, a purple and gold Demon Command Dragon flying on sapphire wings swooped in and took hold of it. "I cast Oniyose's Jutsu to return a shield to my hand and summon Glenmalt, Final Dragon Edge with a reduced cost." A brown-haired humanoid donning red and blue armor also appeared. "A third seal is removed from Forbidden Sunrise and I equip Glenmalt with Gaiheart, Galaxy Greatsword!" He reached up and a blue galaxy sword manifested into his grip. "Diajigoku, attack Redzone X! Since I have 5 cards in my graveyard, I give Redzone X -5000 power, making it weaker!"

Dormageddon X said nothing as his creature was hacked away. With a grin of anticipation, Borof continued:

"Glenmalt has powered breaker and gains +3000 power for each dragheart I have. Diajigoku and Gaiheart means he has 12000 power. Go, triple break!" The humanoid rushed out and hacked away three shields.

"Shield trigger, I summon Kizamu, Forbidden V." It was a robot with a cyclist's helmet for a head, crossing the blades it had instead of limbs. "I take off the lower right seal and grant him power attacker +2222. Then with Kizamu's effect, Borof gets -2000 power and I force battle them both!" The bot headbutted him out of the battle zone, back behind the safety of his three shields.

"That tickled!" Borof mocked. "Anyway, this has been my second attack, so Gaiheart dragsolutions into Gaiginga, Passionate Star Dragon!" Glenmalt tossed his sword and from it emerged a red-maned, white and blue dragon who then caught the weapon. "When Gaiginga is dragsolutioned, I destroy one of your creatures with power 7000 or less, meaning your Kizamu. Now go, Gaiginga, break his final shields!"

"Ninja Strike 4 - I summon Hayabusamaru, Lightfang Ninja and block the attack!" A white plane flew and intercepted, exploding on contact. "I believe your turn is finished now. I summon Evil Heat, Screaming Demon Dragon and remove the upper right seal, granting him slayer." A purple dragon covered in flowered vines took shape. "With his effect, I self mill a card and recover Hayabusamaru. Now go, Evil Heat, attack Glenmalt and Parallel Invasion, I evolve him into Redzone X, Temporal Forbidden!" A creature was once more haloed in purple, transforming into another motorcycle mech. "I discard Dorta, Final Forbidden Alpha and give -9000 power to Diajigoku, destroying him!"

Borof watched with worry as another creature of his was hacked to pieces by those purple halberds. As he was on the verge of losing his last Draguner, he shouted back:

"I destroy Gaiginga to save Glenmalt from being destroyed!" His remaining dragon met a similar fate. "And now it's my turn, I equip Glenmalt with Beginning Start, Initial Dragon Tool. Since he's Light Darkness Fire, he's given blocker, slayer and +2000 power when battling. Then I summon Borof, Final Dragon Edge and unseal Forbidden Sunrise!" He jumped back in. "I shuffle Forbidden Sunrise into my deck and recover Oniyose's Jutsu from my graveyard. Then I self mill one and recover Dark Masters, Demon Dragon. I equip myself with Gaiheart, Galaxy Greatsword which grants speed attacker!" He took the blue galaxy sword, gripped it tight, readying to attack. "Glenmalt, break his final shields!"

"Ninja Strike 4, Hayabusamaru blocks again!" Dormageddon X countered.

"Then I'll break one of your shields!" Borof dashed ahead, splitting it evenly before it burst backwards into sprinkles. "This was my second attack, so Gaiheart dragsolutions into Gaiginga, Passionate Star Dragon once more!" The white and blue dragon returned, joining Borof's army. "Gaiginga, attack Redzone X! He gets +4000 power and wins the battle!" The dragon flew, adding momentum to its slice, the motorcycle bot floated back in halves. "I end my turn and since I played another dragheart, Beginning Start dragsolutions into Final the End, Finishing Heaven Dragon." Glenmalt tossed the gauntlet up and it transformed into a white-armored dragon, one black wing and one white wing.

"Playtime is over - I summon Dorhakaba, Final Forbidden Delta from my graveyard and remove the final seal. Forbidden Big Bang!" Dormageddon X left the protection of his last shield for the battle zone, blasting fireballs and capturing all of Borof's creatures. He jeered at the sight of Borof trapped, beating against the flaming walls in vain. "Let this be a lesson to all who dare oppose me!" Dormageddon X declared, releasing an infernal wave at the last of his opponent's shields.


Never in his life did Sazansho fathom he may someday use his anti-magic fire to help angels. Desperate times, desperate measures. After weakening the four guards as they switched shifts, Tenshiyoku and Kamijishi blasted them unconscious and took their keys. Now there they were, traversing the dim and smelly dungeons in search of Rufu. Sazansho was quick to notice, much to his disgust, that most cells were empty - a consequence of Queen Hyouma's new laws pardoning the youkai who were 'unfairly' punished by her predecessor, a move most unwise. In his eyes, if a commoner so much as dared besmirching the name of the king or queen, the least they deserved was an eternal sentence.

"There he is!" Kamijishi exclaimed, pointing out a cell.

The three approached the bars to a pathetic sight. Rufu's fur had gone white - a sign of stress in his old age. He still wore his uniform and it was sweaty and blood-stained. He had two deep scars where his eyes had been. He sharpened the claws of his lone right hand against the brick floor as he sat cross-legged. Upon hearing the newcomers, he sniffed the air and said:

"Sazansho? I can't believe it's you! Wait, why did you bring angels here?"

"Rufu, my dear friend, I know it's hard to believe, but these lads are here to help us reinstate our glorious queen! We've come to rescue you because we need your help to free Koushishi from the unjust fate Hyouma bestowed unto her!"

Tenshiyoku took a step and added, "We also demand you set your pride aside and heal your wounds. We need you fully intact and capable of leading an army against the Dawn Kingdom once more!"

A smile of derision flashed across Rufu's face, exposing a fang. Focusing power to his fist, he punched a hole in the floor.

"You sound like you just finished your education and you come to me with demands? I could have your head on a platter, even in my current state," Rufu spoke with sheer malice.

Although taken aback by the display of strength, Tenshiyoku wasn't swayed. He pressed on, "I'll have you know that I'm the prince of the Dawn Kingdom and heir to the throne! I wish to strike an alliance with your Koushishi, one that will be of mutual benefit to us all. Now you can either adhere to my commands and be a maker of history once more, or you can keep rotting. The choice is yours."

"Don't think you'll earn my cooperation with idle threats," Rufu stood with ease, even in blindness. "If you want me to heal my wounds, I must have revenge on the three who dared ruin our queen's reign."

"What if we enact that vengeance for you?" Kamijishi suggested.

"That also works," Rufu conceded. "The three I speak of are Nekohana, Shishima and Hyouma. Make them pay and I will gladly restore my hand and eyes. Until then..." He unsheathed his katana and managed to break it against his knee. He picked up the broken half and inserted it in his left arm stump. The muscles clenched down, keeping it in place. Sazansho winced.

"We have a deal," Tenshiyoku said and unlatched the cell door, allowing Rufu to walk free.

"Welcome to the team. I'll give you your welcome gift in a moment." Kamijishi fetched two cards: Romanov the 1st, Lord of the Demonic Eye and Shangri-La, Climax of "Cruelty". His hands glowed green and the two cards were forcefully fused into: Romanogri-La the 0th, Zero Prison Connected King. He placed the card in Rufu's right hand. "This is the power of the Dispectors. It will soon serve us well."

Rufu nodded and accepted the gift. As he did, Tenshiyoku was quick to douse him with the vial containing the nothingness of the Abyss. With Koushishi's advisors by their side, the angels were one step closer to their goal. They smiled at each other as they made their way out the dungeons.


Great was Borof's despair as he struggled to break free of Dormageddon X's seal. He needed to continue their game for the creature world's sake, for his master's sake. After risking everything in this confrontation, a second failure was not an option. Two bright lights came from the cards in his shields. They enabled him to break free of his fireball prison and he flew to his table to seize them. He revealed the cards and said:

"Shield trigger, I summon Dorbro, Final Forbidden Gamma!" It was an indigo robot holding a shield, dotted with glowing Forbidden characters. "Also, another shield trigger, I cast Leave this to me, big sister! which taps all your creatures!"

Dormageddon X halted his advance as a bright spark was cast upon the battle zone, forcing Dorhakaba, his remaining attacker, to kneel.

"You bought yourself one more turn. Not that it matters."

"I beg to differ, I'll make this last turn of mine count and then some!" Borof drew and immediately revealed it. "I summon Glenislay, Flame Dragon Edge and she force battles Dorhakaba!" A young woman with pink hair wore a purple skirt with blue gauntlets and matching armor around her waist. She rushed her target, shattering it with a single punch. "Since she won the battle, I equip her with another Gaiheart, Galaxy Greatsword!" She raised her hand and a blue galaxy sword descended into her grip. "Gaiheart grants her speed attacker, so I break your final shield!"

"This cannot be!" Dormageddon X protested as his final shield was jaggedly cut.

"Dorbro, todomeda!" Borof ordered.

"Ninja Strike 4, I summon Vegaslauncher, Final Forbidden Kai to destroy Dorbro!"

"Futile - since that was my second attack, Gaiheart dragsolutions into Gaiginga, Passionate Star Dragon!" At Borof's behest, Glenislay tossed the sword and out from it emerged another white and blue dragon with a flaming mane, taking the blade in hand. "Gaiginga, todomeda!"

History had repeated itself, much to the shock of Dormageddon X. He'd fallen by a weaker dragon's blade. He felt his meteoric body begin to crack, and once the pain settled in he howled his spite as he was enveloped by fiery red. Such was a Command's power against his own. Before Borof could understand what was happening, an explosion threw him toward the planet's atmosphere. Everything went dark.

When Borof regained consciousness, it was to familiar surroundings: the bar of the Demon Wolf Castle. Before him stood Duenyan Emperor, safe and sound.

"What the- what happened here?!" Borof jumped off the table where he lay. "Weren't we in space? Where's Dormageddon X?"

"Calm down, you'll wake the others." Duenyan motioned to the array of Funky Knightmares sleeping the day away. "Don't worry, that fireball didn't get me head-on. Call it luck, I was thrown away instead of sealed. It took me some time to get back home, but I got here in time to rescue you as well. That was one hell of a match you had up there, the whole planet seems to be talking about it."

"Oh, are they now?" Borof said, a satisfied grin climbing his face. "Guess they'll now hail me as the creature world's savior and-" Just as he brushed his jacket's pockets, he noticed cards where there shouldn't be. Taking them out, he was surprised to find the five cards that comprised Dormageddon X, Forbidden Armageddon. "No way, I did it! I actually did it, his power's mine now!"

"As much as it pains me to say it, I have to agree. Your stupid recklessness put us all in danger, but you also cleaned up your mess and achieved your goal. For that, you... you..." Duenyan sighed, then begrudgingly continued, "...you have my respect."

"Ho, that's new, coming from you!" Borof giggled. "But you know what, if it weren't for your constant mockery, I wouldn't have realized the depth of my loyalty to Shishima-sama. So all I have to say is... thanks for helping me, I guess."

"My, my, what a touching gathering this is," a third voice spoke, both of them turning to see Jaouga standing by the doorway. The tall oni walked in and stopped by the table. "Congratulations on your victory, Borof. May Dormageddon X's power serve you well. And in turn, may you and Shishima also serve our cause well!"

"Hmph, that goes without saying!" Borof huffed and outstretched his hand. "The cards you promised, please."

"Ah yes, of course." The oni placed two copies of CRYMAX Jaouga in Borof's gloved hand. "Shishima will find my new power most useful when facing the Dispectors."

"The Dispectors?" Borof repeated.

"That's a story for another day. Enjoy the spoils of your victory," Jaouga said as he turned to go.

"These Demonio always have to be so cryptic," Duenyan criticized.

"I think the time has come for me to go as well," Borof said, opening a portal to Earth. "It's been fun while it lasted!"

There were no words left to be said. Duenyan Emperor nodded and waved in farewell. Borof picked up his luggage, already packed for him, and passed through the portal. The next second he was in Count Kage's office, his master sitting at his desk while enjoying a book. Upon noticing Borof's return, he lowered the book and casually asked:

"What took you so long?"

"I'm sorry for leaving you, and for the delay, milord! I had important matters to attend to back home, but on the bright side, do I have a story for you!" Borof enthusiastically opened his travel bag.

Count Kage closed his book and set it aside. He rested his elbows on the desk. "Go ahead, I'm all ears."


From: ben711 at hotmail .co .uk

To: hajime.s at shirayamaindustries .co .jp

Hajime,

Just forget about me. Know that I'm deeply sorry for everything that happened, that's why I chose to leave. Some things are just too shameful to admit, even in writing.

You've got a family now, focus on that. For the sake of both of us, let's just go our separate ways.

With love,

Ben