(Description: A year has passed. Takuto Himura, Ayano Daichi, and Kaori Ichinose have successfully completed their first year of high school at Neotokyo Academy.)
The cold shell of Takuto's former life had completely vanished. He was now the most focused-upon person at school.
Household Structure: The rivalry between Ayano and Kaori had raged non-stop all year. Breakfast brawls and evening study sessions had become integral parts of Takuto's daily life. Kaori showed her affection through discipline and security, while Ayano fought with gentle care.
Aoi's Progress: Aoi had happily attended school by Takuto's side. Thanks to Ayano's help and Kaori's covert protection, she remained safe from the Shadow Syndicate's danger. Aoi and Ayano's relationship had also strengthened, becoming like sisters.
Kaori's Change: Kaori had occasionally let Takuto call her "Kaori," and each time, she was slightly embarrassed but happy. Her emotions had become more open.
It was an evening at the start of the summer vacation. Takuto was sitting on the living room sofa, watching TV with Aoi. Ayano was preparing a dessert in the kitchen, and Kaori was sitting next to Takuto, checking security reports.
Takuto fell silent for a moment, deep in thought. The words of the strange person at the café still echoed in his mind. He understood that his current power was not enough to fully protect everyone he cherished.
Takuto: (In a steady voice, staring at the TV) "Kaori."
Kaori stiffened slightly at being called by her special name. Her professional demeanor usually crumbled whenever Takuto called her by her first name instead of her family name.
Kaori: (Without taking her eyes off the report, controlling her voice) "Speak. Takuto. I think we should increase the night security patrol plan by 21%."
Takuto: "That's not important yet. I'm going for training during the summer break. With Sora-san."
Kaori's entire body froze like ice. The tablet in her hand dropped onto the sofa. Ayano instantly turned from the kitchen, and Aoi also shifted her attention from the TV.
Kaori: (Slowly turning. Her face was a mixture of worry and anger) "What... What did you just say, Takuto? Training? With Sora-sama?"
Takuto: "Yes. I need more control over my Phoenix Eye ability. There are people watching us from outside. They might be more dangerous than the Shadow Syndicate."
Kaori: (Standing up from the sofa) "Impossible! You are under the protection of the Crimson Aegis. Our security is perfect! I will not allow you to put yourself at risk."
Takuto: (Looking Kaori in the eyes. His gaze was calm and resolute) "If your security is perfect... how did the white-haired person who came to see me manage to speak to me? Kaori. We can't just sit here. The new training camp is the most secure place. Only by getting stronger can I protect all of you."
Kaori's words caught in her throat. Takuto's decision was firm, making it difficult for her to voice her concern. Her duty and her feelings were now colliding.
Kaori: (Breathing rapidly) "Who was it? Who was that white-haired person? Even your Phoenix Eye couldn't identify him? What was his intention, Takuto?"
Takuto: (Sitting back down on the sofa and patiently explaining) "I've only met him twice. Once when I briefly saw him looking outside the classroom at school. The second time was at the café. I don't know his name, and I don't know which organization he belongs to."
Kaori: "Then why..."
Takuto: (Gently interrupting her) "His Stella flow is incredibly strong, Kaori. Even with my Phoenix Eye, I couldn't fully read his power level. That person is truly dangerous. He is challenging me."
There was no fear in Takuto's eyes, only clear determination.
Takuto: "Our lives, Aoi's life, your security... I feel like none of them are guaranteed with my current power level. I must get stronger."
Ayano came out of the kitchen, listening in silence. Her smiling face was now covered with worry.
Kaori: (With anxiety) "Even if you train with Sora-sama... she is brave and intense. I'm worried something will happen to you."
Takuto: "Kaori. I'll be fine. Sora Rinoka is the daughter of the Crimson Aegis Leader. She will train me with caution. And... she will try her best to protect me."
Takuto: "And I've trained with her before, don't worry. I'll be fine."
Takuto's words were full of confidence. Kaori frowned, weighing her worry against Takuto's security. She had to admit that the daughter of the Crimson Aegis leader could protect Takuto.
Kaori: (Finally sighing) "Alright. But you must come back before school starts. You must return immediately after the three months are over. I will personally inspect the security arrangements of the training camp. I will prepare all the necessary equipment."
Kaori reluctantly agreed, putting duty first, even though she didn't want to. Her eyes were filled with shadows of worry.
Part 2: Departure at the Station
The next morning.
Takuto arrived at the train station, where he would travel to a distant city that housed the Crimson Aegis's special training camp. By his side, Sora Rinoka stood calmly and coolly in a black uniform. Sora Rinoka's eyes held only the intense spirit of a warrior, similar to Kaori but more decisive.
Behind Takuto, Aoi, Ayano, and Kaori stood uncomfortably.
Kaori: (Bowing to Sora) "Sora-sama. Takuto's safety is my sole responsibility. I humbly request that no harm, however minor, comes to him during his training."
Sora: (Looking at Kaori briefly) "Kaori. I understand your concern. But he is the owner of the Phoenix Eye. The greater duty of the Crimson Aegis is to create a strong person rather than protecting a weak one. Trust me."
Rinoka's tone was dismissive, but Kaori could say nothing.
Ayano: (Gently gripping Takuto's arm) "Takuto-kun... please be careful. We will be waiting no matter what. Don't forget the night-blooming jasmine stories!"
Aoi: (With tears welling up) "Nii-san... please be well. I will study hard with Ayano Nee-san."
Takuto: (Smiling warmly at the three of them) "Don't worry. This is a necessary task for me. I... will come back stronger."
Takuto ruffled Kaori's head. Kaori was embarrassed by the sudden gesture but kept looking without bowing her head.
Sora: "Time's up, Takuto-kun. You can't remain weak if you want to protect your loved ones."
Takuto nodded and boarded the train with Sora Rinoka.
Part 3: The Shadow's Perspective
At the same time, in the secret base of the Shadow Syndicate, deep within Neotokyo's dark tunnels...
Reiji Daichi, the Syndicate Leader, sat on a chair, wearing a cold expression and a rigid suit. Standing next to him was his younger daughter, Kaede Daichi. Kaede's appearance was similar to Ayano's, but her demeanor held a cold purpose.
Kaede: (Her voice was tense) "Father... are you going to leave Ayano nee-san next to Himura Takuto like this? She is the property of the Syndicate."
Reiji Daichi: (Eyes closed, he answered calmly) "Be patient, Kaede. We will let her be for now."
Kaede: "Why, Father?"
Reiji Daichi: (Opening his eyes, a shadow of greed appearing) "The reason is clear. She is next to Takuto Himura at all times. That is the same as having a valuable hostage for us."
Kaede: "Hostage?"
Reiji Daichi: "Yes. But more importantly... is the power of the Phoenix Eye. I know Takuto has gone for training to get stronger."
Reiji Daichi looked at his daughter with a confident smile.
Reiji Daichi: "We must wait until he becomes as strong as he can be, Kaede. Only then will it be worth transferring his power to us. It is better to wait for a flower to fully bloom than to pick one that hasn't opened yet."
Kaede: (Nodding with an understanding look) "Then... who should be tasked with watching over Ayano nee-san's position?"
Reiji Daichi: "No one else is needed. You must watch over her yourself, Kaede. It is your responsibility to keep Ayano safe before Takuto returns from training."
Kaede: (Nodding) "Understood, Father."
Kaede turned her back to her father. At that moment, her eyes suddenly shone brightly.
Her right eye was purple, and the other had turned blue.
Kaede: (Whispering, with a smirk) "Rest assured. I will keep a close watch on Onee-chan."
Part 4: The Hidden Player
Near the deserted old factories of Neotokyo...
A mysterious youth with white hair, red eyes, and around 17 years old was talking to a girl who looked about 15. The girl's name was Hana.
Hana: (Her eyes sparkling) "So, with the power you gave me, I can now manipulate reality?"
Ryu: (His red eyes glowed coldly) "Yes... with the combined power of a variant of the 'Beast Eye' called the 'Wolf Eye' and the 'Sapphire Illusion Eye' that I gave you, you can. But be mindful of the backlash."
Hana: "Why are you helping me, Ryu?"
Ryu: (Shrugging, with his hands in his pockets) "Why? Because I want to help him too. That's all. Your intention is not important to me."
Hana didn't ask more about Ryu's motives and gazed at the moon in the night sky. Her excitement was evident on her face.
Hana: "Now I... will get to meet him again."
As Hana stared at the moon, her eyes suddenly changed. They were no longer human eyes but glowed intensely, like the golden 'Wolf Eye' of a beast. The Stella Flow from her body became extremely firm.
Hana: (Her voice was deep and full of joy)
"Wait for me... Onii-chan."
At the same time, Takuto was sitting on the train with Sora Rinoka, heading for the special training camp. He gazed at the scenery rapidly changing outside the window.
Takuto's mind was dominated by Kaori's worry, Ayano's warmth, and the threat of unprecedented enemies like Ryu.
Takuto: (Promising quietly to himself) "I... need to get stronger. Only then can I protect everything I cherish."
As Takuto finished speaking, his eyes suddenly lit up and changed to the intense red of the Phoenix Eye. His determination was as solid as a storm.
But Takuto did not know...
Hana, whom he thought he had lost in his childhood, was returning to him with a new power, aided by the hidden watcher (Ryu).
[END OF CHAPTER 20]
[VOLUME 1 AND ARC 2 The untold Truth END]