Disclaimer: I do not own Taimanin series.
Five Days Break – Final
A week has passed since the Great Ashen Tree incident.
Thanks to the advanced medical technology, Kotaro's recovery had good progress. His body conditions improved enough and he was allowed to be discharged from the infirmary.
As he was healing at home, Kotaro took time to deep-learning the Ninja Arts and analyze details from the Task Force Documents. Despite his absence, the team continued to work on the field. It was up to him to organize the intel received from Gosha's Agents and assign it to the group. They can carry out the mission based the analysis and without his command.
Everything has to be done thoroughly and carefully. False information, enemies' strategies, possible risks and dangers beyond control, Kotaro prepared good and bad case scenarios for all kind of situations. He would entrust his analysis to them, expecting all members to come back safely no matter the result.
He wasn't yet back on full-health to join the operations. This was the only thing he could do to support the Task Force.
Kotaro touched the closing right eye. He didn't feel anything, as if the power had already returned to the usual slumbering state.
He wondered. Would there be the next time he sees the world through it again?
"Ah. It's almost time."
Kotaro recalled a message he received from Asagi-sensei during daytime. She'd told him to meet her in person in the evening.
Tokiko, Saika and others were just about to start prepping dinner downstairs. He would let them know about the private meeting, head out for some time and come back later for the meal. Kotaro didn't want dinner time stalled because of him.
"On my way."
Sending a text to inform her, Kotaro started cleaning up the desk. He'd already done with the newest assignment. Tomorrow morning, he can give the finished report to Tokiko and let his sister fill the details in the briefing.
Kotaro reached for the assistive cane, which was leaning on the side of the bed, and walked carefully to the wardrove to get his coat. The legs were still weak, making his movements unsteady. To aid the slow mobility, he had to support himself with each step.
The wounds need time to heal. Kotaro understood that much and didn't let the current stage of the body bother his thoughts. To be able to come back alive, he was grateful the worst didn't happen.
"Young Master."
From the kitchen, Saika saw him putting on his shoes by the door and called out.
"Dinner is almost ready." She informed. "Where are you going?"
"I'll meet up with Asagi-sensei. Will be back soon."
"Asagi-san, huh." Taking off the apron, Saika left the kitchen. "Allow me to escort you."
"Eh? But aren't you busy?"
"I'm done prepping the ingredients. Tokiko and the others can handle the rest. Ah, and also..."
Saika made eye contact with a presence standing around the corner and gave them a nod. Nagi revealed herself as Saika signaled her to come out, she was relieved from Kotaro's bodyguard duty for the night.
"Leave the Young Master to me."
With that said, the two headed out together.
...
...
Gosha's streets at night were quiet. While walking, they listened to the noises of insects from the surrounding wheat fields.
For a moment, Saika enjoyed the calm evening while Kotaro awkwardly moved with his cane, adjusting his pace multiple times so he won't be too slow.
"You don't have to rush it." She broke the silence. "Asagi-san knows your injuries, she can wait a little more."
"I don't want to keep you waiting for too long."
"Ara~, so you are in a hurry for me?" Saika smiled. "Young Master is such a kind person. If you want to make this quick, you can let me support you all the way there."
"N-No. That won't be necessary, I can walk by myself just fine."
She hooked her arms around his.
"I insist." Saika said in a sultry voice. "We can walk slowly together like this. I don't mind having a late dinner with you once in a while."
Kotaro avoided thinking of possible implications in her words. Saika just loved to tease him.
"Young Master, I mean it."
Or not!?
"Is that really okay? Tokiko is going to complain again." Kotaro said.
"As long as you take care of yourself and rest well for the time being, I'm sure she would let this slide."
"Alright." Kotaro smiled at her. "We just need to go pass a couple blocks ahead."
His body loosened and lightly leaned against Saika, who happily gave her support.
"..."
"..."
They kept walking through the serene night. In the silence, he noticed her eyes were on him. Kotaro turned and met her gaze, Saika smiled sweetly at him and continued to show that glint of curiosity.
"What is it?" He asked.
"I've been wondering why you want to keep it a secret."
Saika reminded the unspoken truth which Kotaro kept to himself. She'd seen it right alongside Asagi-sensei during the battle at the Ashen Tree's Peak. They were the sole witnesses to things he'd done with the Nameless Evil Eye.
Still. Because it was Saika, Kotaro had no worry. He felt safe in her being aware of the event others didn't know. She would never slip the secret about his awakened Ninja Art as long as he needed it to remain undisclosed to the world.
"I'm not ready, Saika."
She blinked at his earnest respond.
"What you saw, things that happened with me wasn't entirely my own strength. I didn't unlock it. I only received the necessary push to get me back on my feet and tried to survive the night."
Even now, Kotaro didn't know everything about the right eye.
There was more laying dormant within the vision that perceived the world differently than his current mindset. He hadn't used it that long, he understood it very little, he couldn't explain the supposedly non-existed knowledge appearing in his head while the Nameless Evil Eye allowed him to fulfill his resolve.
It would be a long story with too many blank spots to fill in and too many puzzle pieces missing.
"When I found out that Ingrid's Flame is the Ashen Tree's biggest weakness, I simply fought my way to her and lent a hand. We shared the same goal at that time so it was relatively easy to establish a temporary truce."
"Even so, Young Master." Saika spoke up. "There's no denying the fact that you decided to face the enemy on your own. You actually defeated the monster."
Yet, he did it nearly at the cost of his own life. The Great Ashen Tree was such a terrifying existence.
Had Kotaro done it better, he wouldn't end up walking with a cane. If only he'd seen through the bizarre nature of the Ashen Flower sooner, he wouldn't have to recall the expression on her face. Before he passes out in the aftermath, Saika was on the verge of tears.
"I'm sorry. By myself, I'm still incompet..."
He stopped, tightened up before the last word is fully said. Despite the soft gaze he got from Saika, her embrace started to become rigid. It was a sign, she didn't want Kotaro to think of himself in that kind of manner.
"I still have a long way to go. Is that better?"
She smiled thinly.
"It's not healthy to belittle the effort you've gained, Young Master. I acknowledge what I've seen from you."
He glanced at the support cane and gripped it tightly.
"But I overstepped my limit and this happened. I'm not all there. As I am now, I don't deserve this right eye. Not yet."
"Please don't be too harsh on yourself. Whether or not the Evil Eye activated at your calling, it's a part of your strength and you had used it to defeat a dangerous threat. To me, that is the truth."
Her head lightly leaned on his shoulder.
"You've achieved a milestone. It's okay to be proud for a moment and work on it later. You can at least now see that your latent potential is not an illusion. There's a way for you to tap into it."
"..."
"If you're still doubting your worth, I believe it's time for me to cheer you up the whole way until we reach the meeting spot. Rest assure, my compliments will hit you in all the sweet spots."
At the sudden idea, Kotaro widened his eye.
"Let's see." Saika placed a finger under the chin and searched her thoughts. "Based on your Evil Eye, you can utilize others' techniques after learning them. From the basic natural elements, Wood Art for defense and Fire Art for attacking, to the overly complex perception of Tokiko's Clairvoyance. That certainly highlights my Young Master's prominent intellectual ability."
She playfully rubbed her thump on the back of his hand.
"Ah! Not to mention you were using a Cursed weapon, your mentality is so strong it didn't even possess you."
Kotaro couldn't deny that as he had held Senketsu's weapon both before and after the Evil Eye awakening and nothing had happened.
"You also received praise from the Hell Knight Ingrid of all people. That in itself is a very big feat not even an Elite Taimanin can easily do."
He did get a beautiful smile from her. Kotaro consciously recalled that expression and felt somewhat bashful.
"But what matters more than her praise is that I love you dearly, my Young Master."
Kotaro flustered while Saika continued to embrace him with a gentle gesture of her lip. It wasn't the first time she dropped a confession out of the blue just to tease him.
"As a family, it's only natural for me to show you my motherly love. As a woman, the affection is something else that involves lots of effort from her man." She looked at him in the eye. "And you did more than enough to earn it from me."
O-Okay? This didn't sound like the usual teasing anymore.
"I could give you a whole list of reasons make me restless when I think of you, Young Master. For now, that will be all from me. After this, please pat yourself on the back for reaching the milestone you had once let go, be proud, keep improving and polish your skills. We'll always be by your side."
"..."
Kotaro was listening closely. He nearly forgot about all the roughed, aching sensations subtly ran across his body.
"I will. Thank you, Saika."
Saika gasped. To her surprise, Kotaro held her hand and leaned further into the embrace.
"M-My. Does this...does this means I finally made it to the top spot!?" Her bashfulness slipped by the unexpected respond. "This...this isn't good. It's too early! I'm supposed to be on equal ground with Tokiko and Amane. B-B-But if Young Master has made the decision, it can't be helped. M-Maybe I should convince you to let them join in?"
Kotaro had no clue what she was talking about. Was it a competition? It won't be too far-fetched to think that she somehow involved in another competition against Tokiko and Amane.
"Anyway. When the time is right, I'll tell everyone about it."
Saika nodded at his decision.
"I'm happy you have trusted me with your secret. Asagi-san may have a different idea though."
Kotaro wasn't too worried about it, he had considered the possible scenario.
"It's fine. I'll talk to Asagi-sensei about it as well."
"Very well." Saika shrugged lightly. "By the way, I was thinking..."
"?"
"Perhaps we could go a little bit more slower while holding hands like this?"
Pacing adjusted, they were in sync. His grip remained firm on her hand while she hugged him closer.
Saika's cheeks turned a darker shade, she enjoyed the short walk with him. He felt it on his face too.
A small park came into view. Under one of the street lights, Asagi was waiting on a bench. As there was no one else around at this time, she could be seen at first glance.
In a normal attire, she gave the impression that looked no different from a regular person. The intense pressure he often felt from her during missions and from the daily meetings was gone, as if the Almighty Taimanin was a different person existed in his own imagination.
Asagi seemed to be in deep thoughts as she kept staring at the tree lines in front of her. She didn't seem to notice them. Maybe she had heard their footsteps and didn't react until they came near.
"Sensei."
Hearing his voice, she stood up.
"You're here, Fuuma-kun." Her gaze contained hints of surprise upon seeing Saika hugging his arm. "And Saika."
"Good evening, Asagi-san." Saika playfully waved at her. "I'm accompanying Young Master tonight."
"I see, I also have something to discuss with him. Can I borrow Fuuma-kun for this meeting?"
"Telling him to go all the way here, you know the Young Master is still recovering."
"I will handle him with care."
They eyed each other. Kotaro almost saw sparks flying, he wished it was just another product of imagination. No, that was probably it. He was tired.
"I'll be waiting right here." Saika took a spot on the bench.
Before Kotaro begins asking questions, Asagi was already moving to his side and grabbed the free arm Saika just let go.
"This way, Fuuma-kun."
"O-Okay?"
She gently pushed him forward, leading the way into the park. Kotaro obliged to continue the walk for the private meeting.
...
...
They had a rather quiet trip to a different area of the park. Asagi hasn't talked much while she was walking with him. Curiosity aroused, Kotaro broke the silence.
"Sensei. Is there something you want to show me?"
She giggled softly.
"You catch on quick. It's near here."
A lucky guess. Kotaro was just saying something random to stir the awkward atmosphere, he didn't expect those words to be right.
"How is your condition?" Asagi asked.
"Improving. Though I'm not allowed to participate in any mission just yet. Shinjou-sensei said it's going to take a while."
"You had us worried back there."
"I'm sorry. I couldn't think of anything else to solve the situation."
Noticing his shoulders drooped slightly, she gave him a pat on the back.
"Still, you made it through. I would prefer you to consider the risks next time, the Task Force and I need you. Against a dangerous threat such as the likes of the Ashen Tree, we were fortunate enough to have Ingrid's support since her flame can kill it. The operation could have been worst, things wouldn't be as simple as a lucky guess just now."
"?!"
Kotaro was taken by shock. She knew!? She realized he was guessing!?
"Oh? You really were guessing my objective?" She briefly shot him a teasing glance.
That is Asagi-sensei for you, she must have noticed it based on the expression alone. Kotaro figured he really needs to work on how to control his facial emotions better, he had to stop the habit of unconsciously slipping them out for others to detect the obvious.
"Believe it or not, I don't have to point out how expressive your face look when we are on missions. With the right leverage and the right decision, you really can put your enemies on edge sometime." She reassured. "This is okay, Fuuma-kun. It happens when you're relaxing around people you trust. I'm glad you are feeling the same towards me."
Kotaro felt he couldn't take the compliment for granted and silently nodded his head.
He doubted anything from him could get through her, the Almighty Taimanin. He didn't take the Nameless Evil Eye into account, the right eye could show him everything but the lack of experience will still become a transparent difference between the two.
"We're here."
They stopped before a single tall tree where cherry blossom petals scattered around. Near the fence surrounding it, there was a sign read "Dedicated to the Next Generations."
"Next Generations..." Kotaro muttered.
Asagi had let go of his arms. She watched the tree, letting herself mesmerized by the memories Kotaro has yet to know.
"Are you familiar with this place, Fuuma-kun?"
"Yes. This is a cherry blossom tree, there's only one available in this park. Unlike the other places in Gosha."
"Indeed. Originally, this place wasn't a community park. It used to be a private property of a small clan that serves the Igawas. The Sawaki clan."
They rested at a bench as Asagi continued her explanation.
"What you're seeing is also not a normal cherry blossom. There's a legend behind it and not many have been told, the story is inclusive to only the clan members."
"A legend?"
"It is said that the seed of this tree came from a mystical fountainhead. It was the ancestor of the clan who brought it back and planted the seed here, in this place."
Kotaro was surprised at the revelation.
"This tree was already here before Gosha relocation?"
"Precisely." Asagi smiled. "The ancestor of the Sawaki clan noticed the geographical advantages of this land so the tree was placed here as a landmark and as a gift to the next generations. It seems normal from the outside but it is a sacred treasure of Gosha."
A tree came from a land where legends dwell. The existence certainly carried a charm once people had heard about it. For precaution, Kotaro reminded himself not to bring up this topic in front of Minasaki and Lilim.
"After hundred of years, it doesn't look aged at all." Kotaro remarked. "It remains a simple tall tree."
"I haven't heard all the details yet. But what you said is the truth, this cherry blossom has a very long lifespan."
"Another ancient tree, huh."
He got terrible flashbacks to the Ashen Tree and shook his head to get rid of all that unnecessary thoughts. That thing was a giant menace and shouldn't be compared to this.
"It seems you haven't gotten over what happened." Asagi noticed the downcast look from him.
"It's not really that horrible to me." Kotaro would be lying if he said he wasn't frightened by the otherworldly existence. Everything about the Ashen Tree was so wrong. "Just one more experience to get used to, I guess."
Asagi stood in front of him. Her hand came up and rested on top his hair, stroking it softly.
"Yes. Another experience to help you grow as a full-pledged Taimanin."
Kotaro said nothing and lightly leaned forward, into her palm. The touch felt nice, unlike the tingling soreness occupying his body.
"Ah, right."
Recalling the usual task, he reached into the pocket, took out a small note that included the daily report and handed it to her. As Asagi accepted it, their routine was completed. And now, back to the purpose of their meeting.
"Sensei, you have questions for me. I'm ready."
At his reminder, Asagi suggested not standing around for too long since Kotaro needed to be attentive to the injured leg. They took a bench next to the cherry blossom tree.
"Fuuma-kun, about your Ninja Art, the newly awakened Evil Eye."
Kotaro had mentally prepared for this talk. Feeling somewhat nervous, he waited for the full question in anticipation.
"For now, I will help you keeping it a secret."
"Eh!?" Kotaro widened his normal left eye.
"Oh? You changed your mind?" Asagi was confused by the reaction.
"Err, n-no! I still want to keep this under grasp. I'm just surprised that you would go along with my request."
"Having a Ninja Art is common for Taimanins. However, in your position, this will become a big deal if we are not treading carefully."
Asagi explained her reason.
"As the leader of the Taimanins, my Hawk Art is already known to others but it's the skills I've polished throughout the years that makes it formidable. As for you, I saw what you can do with your Evil Eye. Not just the natural elements, you were able to use Ingrid's Dark Flame with ease. For me personally, such potential can never be overlooked. However, it may be considered a dangerous threat to some others."
Kotaro hung his head, he fully understood what she meant.
"There are those who still wish for the Fuuma clan downfall. If those with ill intention finds out about this, they will take matters into their own hands. Being the Captain of the Taimanin Task Force, you have already gathered lots of attentions. Unless we have no other choice, it's entirely up to you to pick the moment, Fuuma-kun."
Sign.
"I...I know. This isn't really ideal. After all this time, you've finally achieved a milestone and yet..."
It was difficult to ignore the bitter truth. It troubled her to want Kotaro to face the reality of his personal circumstance for the clan safety. Sadly, Asagi couldn't do anything about it even with all resources at her disposal.
Some of the people in the Igawa clan still holds onto the harsh prejudice against her student, the hatred continued to flicker in the dark and she had no way to extinguish it all. It was unfair, the crime Danjou committed became a burden for the few remaining members of his clan to carry.
"Jeez, I'm glad." Kotaro finally spoke up. "We are on the same page."
A smile on his face, he leaned back on the bench. His nonchalant reaction surprised her.
"You thought about this?"
"Yes. I considered all the risks. So far, I know nearly nothing about my Evil Eye. I don't want to gain unnecessary attentions. Big troubles will come If I decide to boast it to everyone."
"I see. That's good then."
She was relieved to know he had accepted the downside of being the current leader of the Fuumas.
"Asagi-sensei, thank you. In a way, this also fits the shinobi's way, doesn't it? You don't reveal your technique to the world, otherwise the mystery will lose all its charm."
She smiled.
"Indeed. Either way, congratulation, Fuuma-kun. How does it feel to finally obtain your Ninja Art?"
Kotaro thought about it for moment.
"It feels like I haven't changed much."
She sat closer to him, her hand stuck out with only the pinky outstretched.
"Then let's make a promise. I will do everything in my power to keep your secret safe. On the other hand, you will continue to do what you do best and one day fill in my position."
Kotaro froze and couldn't think of a respond. This pinky promise was too sudden.
"Fuuma-kun, I'm waiting."
"You're serious?"
"I am."
"Do I have to go to your office tomorrow to do the paperwork?"
"If you want to, you're more than welcome to set up a desk in my office."
"Can I have a few days to think about this?"
"In that case, I will give you a week. And once you've fully recovered, I expect to hear your answer during our sparring match in the simulation room. It will be a private lesson."
A sparring match against the Almighty Taimanin is beyond his ability. Kotaro couldn't see him getting out of this anytime soon.
"I'm just kidding." She said.
Kotaro didn't get the joke. She looked wholeheartedly serious about the match just now.
"I'm actually curious about your Evil Eye, it should be a good learning experience for the both of us. I haven't had the opportunity to engage in a duel with someone who can use multiple powers at once."
She was serious. Kotaro paled a little.
"But...sensei, I'm still the weakest."
"I will hold back for you. Now, are you going to keep me waiting like this?"
Ahem!
Both startled by a new presence.
"What a short meeting you two are having." Saika was watching them with an amused expression. "I hope we had gone straight to the point and this is just an extra conversation."
Asagi giggled. She retracted her pinky and helped Kotaro to stand up.
"Well, we were just about done. The additional conversation can be done tomorrow." She looked at Saika. "Preferably while he is resting at home."
Saika cheerfully clasped her hands.
"Oh? So you are going to pay a visit to our house tomorrow, Asagi-san? If so, I should prepare a nice tea brand for you to enjoy." She returned the gaze and stressed. "Preferably with just me."
"That's very kind of you. Fuuma-kun should join in too."
"Of course, the Young Master loves my tea. I'll make sure to accompany him while we all sit in the living room."
"Wow, I can totally see sparks flying. I guess I'm tired, I should be going first."
Kotaro was leaving. He didn't make it far as two pair of arms hooked with his on both sides.
"Here, let me walk you to your home, Fuuma-kun."
"Asagi-san. That won't be necessary. The Young Master has me."
Without any strength to resist the vice-grips of the Elite Taimanins, he was trapped. This was going to be a long walk back to the house.
...
...
Kotaro recalled the small clan that served under the Igawas as he took one last look at the cherry blossom in the distance.
The Sawaki clan. It was one among the many names that now fully blends into the ordinary of the world outside Gosha.
Once upon a time, she had been here with the same person who shared her the story of legend about the hidden sacred treasure of Gosha. But now, Asagi led Kotaro here to show him the tree and tell the same myth. She was hinting at something.
What could it be?
Since that person was gone, the tree became a place containing important memories to Asagi.
"..."
Dedicated to the Next Generations.
Kotaro might have understood a very small piece of it.
"Asagi-sensei!" Before going inside the Fuuma Estate, he called out to Asagi who was about to walk away. "I'll do my best with you!"
Her eyes widened, Asagi had an expression that made him subconsciously miss a beat. Kotaro wasn't sure whether his eye was being tricked by the moonlight or not. Asagi-sensei's cheeks were notably red as she had a beautiful smile.
"Thank you, Fuuma-kun."
/
Author's Note: With that, the main story is done.
To everyone who found the fanfic story to your liking and stay with me this far, thank you so much for reading it.
I'm going to write the Epilogue now. Take Care!