A week after Makoto's arrival at the Black Order, he found himself standing in Komui's office, the usual chaos of scattered papers and strange contraptions filling the room. Lenalee stood beside him, her arms crossed as she smiled encouragingly. Timcampy hovered around Komui's coffee cup, chirping in delight as it dipped toward the steaming liquid.
"Timcampy, leave my coffee alone!" Komui scolded, flailing a hand at the mischievous golem. The cup wobbled but thankfully remained upright.
"Sorry about that," Komui said, turning his attention back to Makoto and Lenalee. "Makoto, today's a big day. You'll be heading out on your first official mission."
Makoto blinked, his nerves prickling. "Already? Are you sure I'm ready?"
Lenalee chuckled. "You'll be fine. I'm going with you, and you've been training hard all week."
"It's a simple investigation," Komui explained, handing Lenalee a file. "There's been Akuma activity reported in a small village to the north. Your job is to confirm the situation and eliminate any threats."
Makoto nodded, though his hands trembled slightly. "I'll do my best."
Komui smiled, his usual cheer returning. "That's the spirit! And don't forget—fortune seems to favor you, Makoto."
Makoto scratched the back of his neck. "Not always..."
The train ride to the northern village was uneventful, but Makoto couldn't shake his nerves. He stared out the window at the passing scenery, his cursed eye faintly tingling.
"Still worried?" Lenalee asked, sitting across from him.
"A little," Makoto admitted. "I've fought Akuma before, but this feels... different. Like it's more real now."
"That's because it is," Lenalee said gently. "But you're not alone. We're in this together."
Makoto smiled, her words easing some of his anxiety. "Thanks, Lenalee. That means a lot."
As the train pulled into the station, Makoto adjusted his scarf and prepared himself for whatever lay ahead. Timcampy landed on his shoulder, chirping confidently as if to say, You've got this.
The village was eerily quiet when they arrived, its cobblestone streets empty and its windows shuttered. Makoto's cursed eye burned faintly, confirming the presence of Akuma nearby.
"This place feels... heavy," Makoto murmured.
Lenalee nodded, her expression serious. "Stay alert. The Akuma could be anywhere."
As they moved through the village, they encountered a few frightened residents who huddled in their homes. One elderly man cautiously opened his door as they passed.
"Are you... Exorcists?" he asked, his voice trembling.
"Yes," Lenalee said. "We're here to help."
The man's eyes filled with relief. "Thank goodness. The monsters... they've been taking people. My grandson—he was taken two nights ago."
Makoto clenched his fists, his cursed eye glowing brighter. "We'll stop them. I promise."
The man nodded, tears streaming down his face. "Bless you. Please, save what's left of us."
The first Akuma attacked as the sun began to set. Makoto and Lenalee stood in the village square, their Innocence glowing as they faced off against three grotesque, mechanical creatures.
Makoto's wheel spun in his hands, its green light cutting through the growing darkness. "Let's do this," he said, his voice steady despite his pounding heart.
Lenalee nodded, her boots glowing as she launched herself into the air. Her Dark Boots struck the first Akuma with precision, shattering its body in a single, powerful kick.
Makoto focused on the second Akuma, his cursed eye burning as it revealed the soul trapped inside. The sight sent a pang of sadness through him, but he forced himself to act. "I'll free you," he whispered, sending his wheel spinning toward the creature.
The blade struck true, cutting through the Akuma's chest and reducing it to ash. The soul lingered for a moment, its expression softening as it disappeared into the air.
The third Akuma lunged at Makoto, its claws slashing toward him. He stumbled, narrowly avoiding the attack as his wheel rebounded off a nearby wall and struck the creature from behind.
"That was close," Makoto muttered, his breath coming in short gasps.
Lenalee landed beside him, her gaze sharp. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Makoto said, giving her a shaky smile. "Just... lucky."
Lenalee chuckled. "You did great. Come on, there might be more."
After ensuring the village was safe, Makoto and Lenalee returned to the elderly man's house to deliver the news. His grandson hadn't survived, but they managed to recover the boy's soul, ensuring he wouldn't be used by the Earl again.
The man wept quietly, clutching Makoto's hand as he whispered, "Thank you. You've saved us from a worse fate."
As they left the village, Makoto's exhaustion caught up with him, and he leaned heavily on Lenalee for support. "I didn't realize how hard this would be," he admitted.
"It's always hard," Lenalee said softly. "But knowing we're helping people... that's what makes it worth it."
Makoto nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You're right. I just... I hope I can keep doing this."
"You will," Lenalee said, her tone firm. "You've got a good heart, Makoto. That's what makes you special."
Timcampy chirped in agreement, and Makoto laughed. "Thanks, Tim. And thank you, Lenalee."
Back at the Black Order, Komui sat in his office, reviewing the mission report. The Grand Generals had convened again to discuss Makoto's progress.
"He shows promise," one general remarked. "But his connection to fortune still worries me. It's unpredictable."
Komui sighed, setting down his coffee mug. "That unpredictability may be exactly what we need. The Earl thrives on control—Makoto's Innocence disrupts that."
"Perhaps," another general said. "But we must tread carefully. If his choices truly shape the balance of the world, then every step he takes is critical."
Komui nodded, his gaze distant. "I know. That's why we must support him, no matter what."
To Be Continued...