Chapter 44: Three Days of Hell


First Night

Meimei, Saitou, and Miyako were busy cleaning up their dance studio of their possessions. With the loss of their reputation and the controversies they're facing, Saitou and B-Komachi were unable to stay afloat. He had to start getting rid of a lot of his assets in order to prepare for any future business decisions he'd have to make.

Ai and Meimei offered to help with moving stuff out... however...

"Damn it!" Saitou yelled out as he accidently dropped a box.

"Ichigo, are you ok?" Miyako asked.

"Just dropped another one." He said.

Miyako could tell that her husband was taking Ai's kidnapping hard. He was a bit temperamental on small things and would sometimes just stare into space. She knew for a fact that her husband was blaming himself for what happened to Ai and Ruby.

Miyako told Kaguya that after they were no longer in danger, Miyako would take Aqua in until Ai was found... or if the worse should happen. She wishes Ruby was here with them, but she could do nothing until the Police eventually found Ai.

"Don't worry, the police are looking for Ai and Ruby. They'll find them." Miyako tried to say.

"Yea, it's no trouble at all." Meimei tried to stay positive. "I'm sure they're just preparing for a police raid or something."

"I know... I just wish I did more." Saitou said sadly.

Miyako fully admits to herself that she married Saitou for the money and to meet handsome actors. However, after four years of caring for the twins and helping her husband, she can say she did fall in love with him.

The way he devoted so much of his time, resources, and life into protecting Ai made Miyako respect and admire him. She saw him as a man who cared deeply for the people in his life and she knew he would make a great father, which was why she was excited to be pregnant.

So, to see him in this state, so tired and scared for Ai's safety, broke her heart. He thought the world of Ai and saw her very much as a daughter. He may have overstepped his bounds a few times to protect her, but his heart was in the right place.

Though, she couldn't blame him now since his paranoia ended up being right. This is why she swore off of bad boys like Eren, too much effort after the initial fun stage.

As for everyone's feelings on what happened, there was a lot of confusion from the media's reaction. Everyone who knew Eren asked the big question...

Did Eren kidnap Ai and Ruby?

Everyone was split. On one hand, they could all guess that Eren and Ai did greatly care for each other. Not to mention, Eren did a lot of what he did to protect her, so it makes no sense that he would kidnap her.

However, there were two theories everyone had. Either Eren did love Ai and kidnapped her so they could be forcefully together, or someone was using Ai against Eren. Most believed the latter but didn't rule out the previous entirely. Only Ai really knew Eren well.

"There's always the chance that Eren is looking for her." Miyako said.

"I really don't think that would make me feel better." Saitou said. "Even if he does love Ai, he doesn't have the resources that the police have. So, he'd never be able to saver her."

Miyako heard footsteps near the door and turned to look at it, expecting it to be Meimei.

"Er-"

She said in shock.

"What!?" Saitou asked, following her gaze.

"Who-" Meimei did as well.

Standing at the doorway was the most wanted man in Japan right now. Dressed in a nice black suit and a black turtleneck sweater. His black suit jacket was around his shoulders, but his arms weren't in the sleeves, looking more like a cape. His fedora was cocked at an angle on his head, making him look like a 1930s gangster.

Eren stood at the doorway with one hand in his pocket and his hip cocked. The Russian man in the trench coat stood behind him.

"Saitou." Eren said. "We need to borrow your dance studio."

Saitou was at a complete loss for words. He just shows up and starts asking to borrow their studio... the same one he's currently selling?

"Eto... no." He said, though unsure of how Eren would react.

"We're looking for Ai, so we need to borrow your space." Eren said.

"And I trust the police more than you to find her." Saitou said. "So, I'm not going to let you borrow my building... in fact, Meimei, call the police."

Meimei was somewhat paralyzed, unsure of what she should do. On the one hand, she was kind of happy she was right and Eren is looking for Ai. On the other hand, she should call the police. Eren was still a criminal and if they helped him, they would get arrested for assisting a criminal.

That, and Saitou was right. They trusted the police to find her more than Eren.

"I wouldn't do that." Eren shook his head at Meimei.

"Look, we all kind of figure you care about Ai." Meimei said as she pulled out her phone. "But you're still wanted, and we can't have you here."

"Sergei." Eren motioned to the Russian.

"Right, ok, so Saitou." Sergei walked up, making Meimei briefly stop as she got worried.

They figured Eren wouldn't hurt them, but this Russian guy was different. They only briefly interacted with him and based off of Kaguya's report, they knew he was an arms dealer. Would he hurt them? Would Eren let him?

After all, just because Eren cared about Ai doesn't mean he cares about them.

"So, good privacy settings on social media." Sergei said as he read through his phone. "But you have a pregnant wife... who is right there actually." He chuckled to himself as he put his phone away. "That makes my job easier. So, how's the baby, I do hope it makes it to term."

Saitou immediately stood between Sergei and Miyako, using himself as a shield at the not-so-subtle threat. Meimei almost dropped her phone as Miyako was threatened, and Miyako herself widened her eyes in fear.

"We're using this building, and we can't have the police interfering." Eren said.

"And if they do, I have contacts that can take revenge for me." Sergei said, giving a subtle wink to Miyako.

"Ok... I get it." Saitou said, admitting defeat. "But if you're discovered here, we'll all get arrested for helping you."

"Why do you think I care?" Sergei asked. "I threatened your wife and unborn baby; why would I care about your freedom?"

"I guess you don't." Saitou said.

"Just tell the police I threatened to kill you, which is true." Sergei chuckled. "They won't arrest you."

"Eren, we know you might be looking for Ai." Meimei said as she put down her phone at the threat. "But please, if there's any information you know then you have to tell the police. They can save her."

"I have no doubt they can." Eren said. "If it was anyone else who kidnapped her then I would tell the police. But not Yoshida."

"Are you saying you're putting her life at risk for some macho bravery thing or something?" Miyako asked. "Or are you so bent on revenge against this guy that you want to deal with it personally? What about Ai? Do you care if she's in the crossfire?

"Yoshida did it because of my skills. Because I'm such a good fighter. Everyone in the criminal world knows about me after what I accomplished. So, they won't stop trying to recruit me or use Ai against me." Eren said.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Meimei asked.

"Even if the police save her, Ai will be targeted again so long as I live. So, I'm going to show the whole criminal world why you never touch the people I care about. I'll show them just how much of a devil I can be when pushed. And eliminating Yoshida's Yakuza group will be what I use."

His determination was almost terrifying. Despite them knowing that one man can't do anything against a Yakuza group that big, his confidence almost made them believe him. Eren had this feeling of confidence and focus about him, something that he lacked before.

Before, Eren seemed like he was stumbling around without any clear direction. Ai gave him some motivation and direction, but now he seemed terrifying in how committed he was to destroying the Yakuza and saving Ai.

Sure, he fought that one warehouse, but there's no way he can do much. He was a single man against the most powerful Yakuza group in the Kanto Region.

"I'm not asking your permission Saitou, I'm telling you." Eren said. "I won't threaten you, but if you want Ai returned safely, you'll trust me."

Saitou almost believed him. However, if not for his wife being threatened, he'd call the cops when Eren wasn't looking.

"Fine." Saitou agreed. "I'll let you use my studio, and I won't call the police." He relented.

"Seriously?" Meimei asked.

"Don't you have a husband?" Sergei asked.

"I-I mean... No problem." She winked and held up a peace sign, defaulting to her idol persona out of fear.

"Please stop doing that, it still creeps me out." Eren said.

"Anyway, I need some help bringing guns and equipment from the garage." Sergei said to Saitou.

"O-ok?" Saitou asked, not understanding Sergei's meaning.

"Get working, I want to get them up here." He said.

Sergei forced the group to start bringing supplies up. While Saitou went down to get the boxes of stuff, Sergei walked over to Eren who was alone. Miyako went to help, for no other reason than to be away from Sergei. He freaked her out.

"So, how do we do this exactly?" Eren asked.

"There are two options mainly." Sergei said. "You can cripple the organization by targeting their assets and money. This will completely destroy the group and prevent anyone from taking over."

"But?" Eren asked, knowing there was going to be issues.

"It would involve a lot of civilian casualties since you'd be targeting banks and other places of business. Too many people would get in the way."

Eren didn't want this. As much as he wanted to save Ai, he didn't want to default to killing and slaughtering a bunch of people again. He would do it if there was no other way, but he'd rather a different option.

"What's our second option?" Eren asked.

"We do what the Americans do when they're hunting terrorists." Sergei said. "Take out the middle leadership and create a break in the Yakuza chain of command. This will force Yoshida to intervene and re-establish the chain of command, flushing him out. It would also eliminate their command structure."

"What's the catch with this one?" Sergei asked.

"Without targeting their assets and money, you'd leave the framework for new leaders to take over. Who might retaliate against you. However, you'd avoid attacking innocent people." Sergei explained.

"That's what we'll do." Eren said. "We'll target their leadership and flush the son of a bitch out. I'm not killing innocent people again."

"Even if they retaliate?" Sergei asked.

"They'll be too scared to ever retaliate against me after this." Eren said with determination.

Sergei had a chill go up his spine. He never imagined Eren would be so terrifying.


Second Night

Yumekui was finalizing a deal for drugs to be imported from Latin America. Oyabun Yoshida wanted it done by him personally since he was one of the top commanders in the Inagawa-Kai. While not really second in command, he only answered directly to the Oyabun himself.

He was busy typing an encrypted and coded email to his contacts in Latin America so that they can arrange for a shipment that was getting sent to Russia. Japan was seen as a kind of pit stop between trade from Asia and America, even in illegal trade.

The Oyabun had put the other commanders on a high alert due to two other commanders getting attacked and killed in the past two days. Oyabun was getting pissed off and started to yell out his other commanders to kill Yeager.

Which is why Yumekui requested forty armed guards for when Yeager decided to attack.

Suddenly, Yukekui heard gunshots outside.

"Sir." One member came up to him. "We have an issue, the Akuma no Ko is attacking."

"Really?" Yumekui asked. "Here? Well, I guess I'll have come good news to give the Oyabun. Where's the body? Out front?"

"N-no, he's still killing guys." He said.

"We have forty men here, and you guys are struggling with a single kid?" Yumekui asked.

"He did take out that one-"

"Fucking Nakano guys, I expect my men to have a little bit more class." He said. "Just send a few guys out and kill him quick. No need to worry anyone else. If he wants a hero's death, we'll be sure to send his head to the idol girl."

"U-understood." He said, leaving him in the office.

What was with these guys? What are they worried about? A single kid? Sure, Yeager got the drop on the Nakano guys in that warehouse and he got the drop on the two other commander, but he was no match against his cell. There was a reason that the Inagawa-Kai was the strongest group in Tokyo and he had forty guys.

So, Yumekui went back to typing on his computer and finalizing some of the requests he was planning to send to his contacts in Latin America.

The gun shots were getting closer. Yumekui huffed as he realized this was going to be a big mess that was going to invite the police over. He'd have to hid some of his more illegal dealings, but it won't get too involved since the police will blame Yeager and probably just recover the body.

He'd also have the get some of the lower guys as scapegoats since they're not allowed to have guns in Japan, so he'd lose some men. Oh well, he always accounted for that.

The gun shots were getting louder, followed by explosions. He knew Yeager liked to use a large amount of explosions, but he expected him to be gunned down by now. He knew Yeager was alone since he only heard one gun getting closer and closer, only halted by the occasional burst of multiple guns.

For a precaution, Yumekui got out a custom revolver he had bought from the United States. He would be ready, even if he knew it was somewhat unwarranted.

Suddenly, the explosions and shooting stopped. Yeager must have been killed and now he had to wait for his guys to clean up. He also needed to leave soon since he'd just abandon this location and let some of his guys get arrested if they were dumb enough to stay.

Suddenly, he heard explosions again. One after the other, getting closer and closer. He heard a third one before-

BOOM!

Yumekui was thrown from his desk as a massive explosion happened next to his wall. Molten copper and shrapnel from the wall missed him since the explosion was to the side, away from him. His ears were ringing, and he felt dizzy from the explosion.

Suddenly, he was picked up by the collar and held up, staring at the angry eyes of Eren Yeager. He had an AKM on a sling around his chest and slung on his back were multiple RPGs. Not just one with multiple rounds for reloading, mut multiple loaded tubes.

"Yum something, right?" Yeager asked.

"Yume-"

"I don't care." Eren said. "You're coming with me."

"How the hell-"

"After a bit of fighting, your guys started running away. They're not as disciplined as you like to believe. Especially with the police on their way." Yeager said as he started to drag the half conscious Yumekui away from his desk.


"mmmmuuupppphhhh!"

The muffled screams of the Yakuza boss that Eren brought into the dance studio was going to give them nightmares. Even though they were in the next room, they could still hear his gagged and muffled screams.

Meimei had her headphones in at full blast, basically a hostage because of Eren and Sergei and almost forced to listen in on this torture. She shivered as she heard it.

Miyako and Saitou sat down on the chairs next to each other, surrounded by boxes that were full of guns and explosives. Saitou held Miyako as they heard the screaming, trying anything to take their mind off of it.

Sergei... was on his computer doing business. He seemed completely unaffected by what was going on, which was probably true.

After a few minutes, Eren dressed in a bloody apron and gloves, walked out of the room. He took the blood stained gloves off and threw them on a random box.

"S-so, did you get the information you wanted?" Meimei asked.

While she didn't really feel bad about this Yakuza leader being in pain, hearing someone get tortured is going to have to be processed with some therapy.

"Information?" Eren asked.

"Y-yea, isn't that why you tortured him?" Saitou asked.

"I have Sergei for information." Eren said. "I didn't ask him anything."

"Then why-" Meimei was cut off.

"I need him to do something for me, and I need him to be compliant." Eren said. "Normally, the first few fingernails will determine if someone breaks or doesn't. If he doesn't after one or two, he won't break. So, I decided to play some mind games and keep him guessing until I removed his last finger."

Just like Captain Levi and Regiment Commander Hanji taught him. The scouts were never afraid to engage in some torture and Eren was used to it by now. Especially being on the receiving end, like his Court Martial and nearly losing his Titan to Rod Riess.

The few members of B-Komachi were horrified to hear this. He had absolutely no issues in mutilating a man by cutting off his fingers.

"Not a bad technique." Sergei chuckled. "I used a similar one a few times, though I never end up getting prisoners in my line of work."

Meimei just wanted to go home.

"Is it really necessary to have all these guns in here?" Saitou asked. "I don't see Eren using them all."

"Only that pile is for Eren." Sergei said, pointing to a small pile in the corner, though it mostly had rocket launchers. "The rest are for Inagawa-Kai." He said.

"You're still selling to them!?" Saitou yelled.

"Da, why?" Sergei asked.

"Don't you see a problem with selling to the guys that Eren is fighting!?" He yelled.

"I like the kid, and I'm rooting for him." Sergei said with a grin. "But I'm not passing this opportunity up. They are panic buying in bulk!" He yelled happily. "Everyone is trying to get one and I can charge whatever price I want. It's glorious! AKs are now triple their usual price, and they'll pay."

"Isn't that predatory marketing?" Meimei asked.

"Da... I'm a criminal." Sergei said as it was so obvious. "Besides, they're criminals. Fuck them." He said.

"You are too." Miyako said.

"Da, fuck me too." Sergei laughed at his joke.

"I don't care how many guns they buy; it won't stop me." Eren said, not caring if Sergei was continuing to sell to them.

"This is why I like this kid." Sergei laughed. "Also, you should know Yoshida is freaking out. He's getting pissed that he lost three commanders now."

"Good, he'll have more dead soon." Eren said.

"Well, it's getting worse." Sergei said. "He's calling for a meeting with Oyabuns from other groups, they're on their way from the other prefectures now."

"Then I'll handle it." Eren said. "I'll stop his counterattack before they can even plan. Do you know where they'll be?" Eren asked.

"Da, they're going to travel on a road tonight through the city. I can show you a good ambush point." Sergei said.

"Perfect." Eren said as he picked up his Aykem and rockets. He also took an Ar-Peedee, which was apparently a drum fed machine gun, similar to ones he used in the trenches of the Mid East. However, it was much lighter.

"Seriously, RPGs are meant to be reloaded, why are you carrying a bunch of loaded tubes on your back?" Sergei asked.

"It's easier for me to just ditch them instead of reloading." Eren said.

"Whatever you say." Sergei replied.

Eren glanced at his still uncompleted ODM gear. He had a few more things he needed to do for repairs, but then it would be ready. He knew he only had ten minutes of flight time if he was conservative with gas, so he was waiting for the right moment to unveil it to Yoshida.

When he attacked Yoshida himself, then he would use it.


Third Night

Shimizu was currently in the back seat of his limo, driving to Yoshida's little get together to discuss this issue with the Akuma no Ko that he employed. He was enjoying a nice glass of Champane.

Shimizu was the Oyabun of a Yakuza group in the Shizuoka Prefecture, and while it wasn't a powerful group, it was one of the best at smuggling weapons, drugs, and people between Japan and the America's since it accessed the coast.

It was midnight now, and the convoy of multiple Oyabuns from the bordering areas of Tokyo were on their way for the meet up. Word is, Yoshida is getting pissed at the business that this Akuma no Ko kid was causing.

While it was typically a bad idea for so many bosses to drive together in a convoy, it was decided that they would do so since there was no way that the Akuma no Ko would know about them.

In a line of five cars were the five Oyabuns and their personal security, with an additional few trucks with extra security just in case. They drove in a small part of Tokyo late at night to avoid onlookers and the police.

BOOM!

The truck at the head of the convoy blew up, causing the cars behind to halt, flinging Shimizu forward. His expensive Champane was spilled on his lap.

"What was that!?" He yelled to his driver.

"I-I don't know, it looked like a rocket from the roofs!" His driver yelled.

"Well, reverse and get us-"

BOOM!

The truck in the rear of the convoy was blown up, trapping the convoy between two burning trucks.

"Have the security get out and-" Shimizu was cut off.

Machine gun fire came from the top. It wasn't classic sub-machine guns, but a real one. Rifle rounds impacted the convoy, killing his guards as they got out of their cars and trucks. His own driver kept his head down, pulling out a revolver that he carried for defense. He wasn't expecting an actual fight and knew that Yoshida probably had a rat.

"We have to get you out of here Oyabun!" The driver yelled.

The driver got out and opened Shimizu's door, letting the older Oyabun crawl out from the bullet ridden car. The machine guns stopped firing, but by now, most of the convoy had been killed.

Shimizu looked around and saw a few other Oyabuns limp out of their cars, though he saw that two were dead and had their bodies dragged out of the cars.

"Shit!" His driver yelled as he took his revolver.

An RPG rocket slammed into his driver, right into his right hip. The rocket was so close that it didn't reach its minimum arming distance, so instead of exploding, it imbedded itself in his driver and through the car, pinning him by the hip into the car.

His driver was in so much pain he couldn't even scream.

A few more shots followed, this time from a pistol. Shimizu looked up and saw the Akuma no Ko walking towards him, gunning down anyone who tried to react. When he reached Shimizu, the old Oyabun knew he was done for.

"You got me kid." Shimizu laughed. "Go ahead, get it over with."

"No." The boy said.

"No?" Shimizu asked.

"I have no interest starting a war with other groups." The boy said. "All I want is Ai returned and for you to leave me the hell alone. Yoshida is the one who took her, so as long as you and the other gangs stay away, I won't have to spread this bloodshed to the other gangs."

The two other remaining Oyabun's heard the boy, surprised that this was all about that kidnapped girl. They assumed it was a power play or an attempt to take over, but they guessed the boy wanted his girlfriend back. Shimizu almost laughed at the situation.

"You killed two other Yakuza bosses kid." Shimizu said.

"And I'll kill more if you get in my way. I'm leaving you alive so that you can tell the others to stay the hell away from me." Eren said. "Don't get involved, or I will burn this whole country to the ground."

The boy turned around and left the survivors in the street. Police sirens were already getting closer as the boy, the Akuma no Ko escaped.

What the hell has Yoshida unleashed on them? How in the hell is a single boy able to do so much?

They heard the story of him taking out that Nakano-Kai warehouse, but now he's taking out Yoshida's commanders one by one. And he just attacked an armed convoy alone, all for a single girl that he wanted back. That idol girl, Ai from B-Komachi.

Yoshida would have to solve this issue himself, because this kid is too much of a threat. They don't have the resources to send men into Tokyo on a manhunt, and if he was able to threaten Yoshida's Inagawa-Kai... what could he do to their own?

Shimizu looked at the other surviving Oyabun's, silently agreeing not to mess with this kid. Whoever replaced the other two dead Oyabun's would probably think the same.

They'd stay away, especially if this kid can take down Yoshida.


Next Morning

Ai was currently showing Ruby how to spell a few English words. She had a pen and paper that was in the room and showed Ruby how certain words were spelled.

The past three days had been boring. The room was comfortable enough, minus the constant fear of being imprisoned by criminals, but there were some books and board games that they kept in the room. So, to keep Ruby occupied, Ai either played games with her or gave her more English lessons.

She could tell Ruby was scared, but she was hopeful that her "Papa" would rescue them. Ai felt the same glimmer of hope, but she still had her doubts since Eren was only one person. How could he possibly save them?

"Damn it!" He heard that boss, Yoshida scream as he entered the room.

Ruby yelped and got out of her chair and ran behind Ai. Ai got up and placed herself in front of Ruby, shielding her from the Yakuza boss, who was very angry.

"What the hell does he see in you!?" He yelled, causing Ai to lower her head submissively in order to hopefully get him to ignore her.

"I-I don't u-understand." As much as Ai tried to put up a brave front, she couldn't.

"I lost three of my commanders and now I'm losing support from the other Yakuza's because of a fucking rat! What in the hell does he see in you!?" He yelled, getting close to Ai. "Who in their right mind would just start blowing things up and killing so many people like that! All for you!?"

He was what?

"I'm at my wits end here. I've tried contacting him and he won't pick up. He blocked me, me. Can you imagine?" He monologued. Ai really didn't care, she didn't want to be around him right now.

"Please, just let us go and I can talk to him." Ai said, seeing maybe there was a way out of this.

If Eren really was doing so much, then there was a chance he'd release her and she could talk Eren down. Maybe get him to stop fighting the Yakuza.

"After everything he's done?" The boss asked. "Fuck no. I'm going to make him fucking pa-"

His phone started to ring.

The Yakuza boss picked up his phone and Ai could see the screen. It was from Eren, who probably unblocked him so they could talk. Not only that, but it was a FaceTime call.

"Eren-" His words died in his throat.

He turned away from Ai, which let her see the screen over his shoulder. She gasped as she saw the man on the screen, probably one of his gang members but his hands were bandaged up. Based on how the bandages were applied, he was probably missing his fingers.

He was tied to a chair, with two shadows behind him. The shadows were two people standing behind the camera, their shadows being made from a light source behind them. Ai could tell from their silhouettes that it was Eren and probably Sergei.

"Eren... let's talk." Yoshida said.

The shadow that belonged to Eren leaned over to whisper to the other one. Sergei picked up a square object and wrote something on it, before showing the tied-up man.

"H-he said release the girls." The tied-up man said.

"Eren, this is no way for two men to speak. Let us talk." Yoshida said.

Same thing, Eren leaned over to whisper to Sergei, who wrote something and showed it to the tied up man.

"You're not important e-enough." He said.

"Import-" Yoshida was getting angry. "You dare to mock me like this boy!?" He yelled into the phone and turned back towards Ai.

"O-Oyabun... please release the g-girl. He's a fucking psychopath!" The tied-up guy yelled out.

"Itai!" Ai screamed as Yoshida grabbed the back of her hair and forced her to look at the phone.

"Mama!" Ruby yelled as the boss kicked her away from Ai.

"Look at this Eren! She's right here! I don't have to sell her! I can just as easily kill her now!" Ai was getting terrified now. He wasn't acting rationally.

Ai felt tears coming up, terrified at the sudden violence. Ai hated violence; she hated it so much. It made her terrified any time it happened around her. But above all else, she hated that Ruby was in harm's way as well. Add to that, her now unborn child was in danger too.

"I can kill her now and make it slow! I can throw her to my men! I can burn that pretty face off! I can put a zip tie around her neck! The kid, I can grab her ankles and slam her against the wall! Don't Fuck with Me!"

He was getting insane now. Whatever Eren was doing was making him terrified. So much so that he was going to kill her in a fit of range, and maybe even her daughter.

ai saw the shadows move in the same way again.

"Oyabun... h-he said i-if you do... y-you lose your only bargaining c-chip... and your only l-lifeline."

She saw Eren's back as he walked over to the Yakuza man. The man begged for his life, but Eren took a knife and stabbed him in the throat before turning around again. Without a word, Eren hung up the phone.

Yoshida let go of Ai's hair, causing her to fall to her knees at the experience. Ruby ran up and hugged her mother. Ai instinctively put her arms around her daughter to shield her, the tears now streaming down her face as she held her daughter, unsure of what was going to happen. Ruby began to sob as well.

However, Ai glanced at Yoshida's face. He looked down at them, the helpless pregnant mother and her daughter, and really considered killing them. Ai could see it on his face, he seemed almost ready to kill them.

However, there was an indecision in his face. That uncanny feeling he had when he talked to Eren last time was replaced with fear. He didn't know if he should kill her, because then what Eren said would be true. He would have no way to bargain, and clearly, Eren was too much of a threat to not have some kind of leverage on.

"We'll get you on a boat tonight as planned. You're going overseas to your new life, and I'll deal with Eren then." He said.

The boss walked out of the room, leaving Ai and Ruby to sob together at their near-death experience.

The doubt Ai had was slowly being replaced. Eren was terrifying... just as terrifying as when he killed Ryosuke. But it was never directed at her. This terrifying monster that Eren was only showed itself when she was in danger.

The logical part of her mind told her that he was a monster and warned her of danger. But the louder part of her mind told her he was only this way when he protected her.

She remembered all the times he smiled and had fun with her. How he was nice and kind and knew that was the real Eren. This Eren was only around when those he cared for were in danger. It scared Ai but made her feel protected.

She wished he was here now. Wished that she was in his arms again. Wished that she was safe with him.

She realized now that she wanted to be with him, and when he did save her, she'd do whatever she could to be with him.

"It's a risk you know, he might kill them out of rage." Sergei said as Eren hung up the phone.

"He's too scared now." Eren said. "He's still planning to deliver her tonight?" Eren asked.

"Da, he is." Sergei said.

"Then tonight is when I finish this." Eren said. "I'll hit him with a surprise he won't see coming."

"You mean the weird scuba grappling hook?" Sergei asked, pointing to his ODM gear. "I mean, I guess it makes sense since it'll be a cargo ship... but I have my doubts on the swords. Too brittle."

"They're supposed to be brittle, so they break when you slice large flesh at speed." Eren said.

"Large flesh... what you're fighting fat people?" Sergei asked, which made Eren chuckle. "These are Japanese, not Americans."

"We both know I don't understand that Sergei." Eren said. "Are Saitou, Miyako, and Meimei gone?"

"Da, they're going home now. Are you sure it's smart to let them leave?" Sergei asked.

"Whether they go to the police or not now is irrelevant." Eren said. "I have some preparations I need to make."

Knock, knock

Eren took out his pistol and so did Sergei, ready for a fight. Eren opened the door.

"Aqua?" Eren asked.

"There you are." He said, standing at the door with one hand on his hip since the other was in his sling.

"How the hell did he find us?" Sergei asked.

"I checked a few spots, but it clued me in when Miyako... who was talking about how she was going to take me in until Ai is found, didn't come back to the Shinomiya manor." Aqua said.

"So, you knew here?" Eren asked.

"After everything on the news about what you were doing, I figured you needed a base to get so many weapons. Wasn't hard to put that and Miyako's and Saitou disappearance together." Aqua explained.

"He's four..." Sergei looked at Eren but pointed at Aqua.

"I'm an old soul." Aqua said with a slight smirk.

"What do you want?" Eren asked, ignoring Sergei's disbelief.

"I want to help you save my mother and my sister." Aqua said.


This chapter I kind of experimented a bit with a montage of sorts lol. I debated about making each scene its own chapter but felt it would break the pacing and be too long. Plus, I kind of want to get to the end.

Let me know if that was a bad decision lol.

Eren has gone on a rampage, and he still hasn't used the ODM gear yet. Soon lol. Considering the emotional state Ai is in, I figured it would make sense that this is the moment she decides to be with Eren. Though... how is that possible after she's saved... is the big question lol.

Hope you guys enjoyed.