The Fujimoto family's car pulled into the driveway, and as soon as the vehicle was parked, Takumi practically leaped out and hurried inside the house. He moved swiftly through the hallway and into his room, closing the door behind him with a soft thud. The sound of his footsteps echoed in the empty space as he paced restlessly, the desire to attend the martial arts school burning strongly within him.
A short while later, Mrs. Fujimoto knocked gently on Takumi's door before entering. She wore a concerned expression, her eyes searching for any sign of the boy who had once been more open and communicative.
"Takumi," she began softly, "dinner is ready. We'd really like for you to join us."
Takumi, seated on the edge of his bed and still brooding over the day's events, shook his head. "I'm not hungry. I don't want to join you."
Mrs. Fujimoto entered the room fully, her concern growing. "Takumi, please. We're a family. It's important for us to share meals together and talk things through. Can't we discuss this? Maybe you can see things from our perspective?"
Takumi looked up, his expression resolute. "I'm not changing my mind. I want to go to that school. It's what I've decided."
Her face fell, and she took a step closer, her voice pleading. "Takumi, that school is unverified. It might not be safe. I'm worried about you. I don't want you to be away from us, especially not in an uncertain environment."
Takumi's eyes flashed with an intensity that surprised her. "The only important thing to me is vengeance," he said, his voice edged with emotion. "I need to be stronger, to make sure I can protect myself and the people I love. That's what matters to me right now."
Mrs. Fujimoto's face went pale, her heart aching at his words. She struggled to hold back tears, feeling a deep sense of hurt and frustration. "Is that all you care about? What about your well-being and our family?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion.
When Takumi remained silent, his gaze fixed on the floor, Mrs. Fujimoto's frustration boiled over. "You're making a mistake," she said sharply, her voice cracking. "If you won't listen to us, then fine. Stay here, and don't expect me to chase after you."
With that, she turned and left the room, her footsteps echoing down the hallway. The door clicked shut behind her, leaving Takumi alone in the silence of his room.
He sat still for a moment, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The weight of the confrontation hung heavy in the air, and despite his earlier determination, he couldn't ignore the pang of guilt and the ache of seeing Mrs. Fujimoto so hurt.
He inhaled deeply and stood before leaving his room and joining them downstairs.
The evening was cool as Takumi headed to the grocery store. He walked through the supermarket, the hum of fluorescent lights and the soft murmur of shoppers filling the air. He decided to help Mrs Fujimoto get the groceries and also to calm down the tension rising in him. He hadn't spoken to Mr. Fujimoto as the man seemed to be pretty upset.
Right now, his mind was focused on the list in his hand, ticking off items as he placed them in his cart. He was in his own world, navigating the aisles with a practiced ease, when something caught his eye.
At the end of one aisle, a large poster was displayed on the wall, brightly illuminated and impossible to miss. It was it again, the advertisement for the prestigious school that caused the altercation earlier. He stared at the image which showed an impressive campus with lush green lawns and historic buildings, and in bold letters, the name of the school was emblazoned across the top.
Takumi's pace slowed as he approached the poster, his gaze fixed on it. He stood there, transfixed, the weight of unfulfilled dreams pressing down on him. After so many years, his hunger for revenge hadn't been quenched. This was all because of him, Ryujin Kuroba. The man who took everything away from him.
Lost in thought, Takumi didn't notice a man approaching until he heard a voice beside him.
"That's a beautiful school, isn't it?" the man said, his tone warm and engaging. He was dressed in a smart suit, with an air of quiet confidence about him.
Takumi looked up, momentarily disoriented, and then nodded slowly. "Yeah, it is. I always wanted to go there, but my parents never let me."
The man's eyes softened with understanding. "So, you'd still like to attend?"
Takumi shrugged, his face a mixture of resignation and bitterness. "It's too late now. There's no point."
The man studied him for a moment, then spoke earnestly. "It might not be too late. If you really want to attend that school, I might be able to help you get in."
Takumi's expression hardened. "I appreciate the offer, but it's not something I can do anymore. I've moved on."
Without waiting for a response, Takumi turned away from the poster and began to walk down the aisle, his steps quickening as if to put the dreams of his past behind him. The man watched him go, a look of quiet disappointment on his face.
"Takumi Tsurugi."
The sudden call of his full name startled him, for a long time he's been known as Takumi Fujimoto and someone dared remind him of who he was. He spun around, his eyes wide with confusion, only someone who knew him very well and knew about his past could call him that. The man stood there, an unreadable expression on his face.
"How do you know my name?" Takumi demanded, taking a step forward.
The man's gaze was steady and calm. "My name is Kenji Morimoto. I've been looking for you. I know about your family... and the man who killed them. Ryujin Kuroba."
Takumi's heart raced. "What are you talking about? How do you know about that?"
Kenji's eyes held a solemn intensity. "You are destined for more than you realize. I can help you get the vengeance you seek, but first, you need to follow me."
"Follow you? Who on Earth are you?"
"Come along, and I'll show you."
Takumi's mind whirled with a mix of fear and disbelief. The man's words stirred up a storm of emotions he had been fighting. He glanced around, feeling the weight of the decision pressing upon him. His longing for the school and his need for justice clashed violently within him.
"I... I don't know," Takumi said hesitantly.
"You want to see the school that would change your life?"
Takumi nodded.
"Then come."
Takumi hesitated. "I just wanted to see the school. I'll go home immediately after that."
Kenji's demeanor softened slightly, though his resolve remained firm. "Very well. I'll take you to see the school first. But remember, the choice you make now will shape your future."
Takumi nodded, torn between the dreams of his past and the call for vengeance. He followed Kenji out of the supermarket, stepping into the evening air that seemed to hum with the promise of change.