Saito headquarters, Tokyo

“What-" Kiochi tried to ask but the old Yamamoto was to excited to hear him out.

“The council has just confirmed my worst fear. Word is spreading throughout the wisdom holder elites. Vestibule Charlie is being evacuated, which means that mankind’s day of reckoning is even closer than I assumed. We’re going to forcefully make them admit that mankind is indeed in danger and we’ll work on how to deal with the Aethon’s when they arrive." Yamamoto explained.

Kiochi somehow expected all of this to happen, but still… it was all happening too soon.

“My brothers madness will be the death of you all.” Kaijin Saito said.

Everyone turned to him.

“So, please do tell brother, when the Aethon’s come and they will, what will you have us tell them. That we idly sat by and watched as the council destroyed the only planet we can truly ever call home?” Yamamoto asked.

“tsk!” Kaijin stormed out of the war room that was once Yamamoto’s office.

Kiochi and Rin joined the group.

Within the group were several faces Kiochi didn’t recognize.

Some of those faces belonged to bodies that wore full combat gear.

“Yamamoto, how did you mobilize such a large force so quickly?” Kiochi asked.

Yamamoto walked over to a tall blond man and placed his hand on his shoulder.

“Because of this guy, Tiaan Schmitt. He is a top class mercenary. He and I just happened to meet a few years back and we’ve been friends ever since.” Yamamoto explained.

“In all honesty, I was hired to kill him, but I dropped the job once I realized how fun Yamamoto was to hang out with. That and he also outbid the person who wanted me to kill him, so it was a win-win for me.” Tiaan said.

Kiochi looked around.

Tiaan’s men were all hardened mercenaries.

Their type usually got their jobs done by making as much noise and destruction as possible.

Kiochi was the complete opposite.

He specialized in covert operations.

But, Yamamoto wanted to strike one of the councils three hearts and for that, even hires guns would do.

“So why aren’t we attacking Vestibule Alpha instead of Vestibule Charlie? Wouldn’t it be better if we cut of the head of the snake?” Kiochi asked.

“Well, our first objective is to reveal the existence of the council. I’m going to be on TV soon, disclosing the existence of ethereal energy and by the time we’ve shown the world who truly rules it, everything will change. People will start thinking for themselves, just like nature intended. This is the first step on our path of penance. We must first realize the error of our ways, only then will we be able to move forward.” Yamamoto explained.

“You know, you’re staring to sound like a cult leader.” Kiochi groaned.

Yamamoto waved his hand in dismissal.

“Ok. Now that everyone is up to speed, I’d like to name our operation. We shall call this mission Blindfold, because we will forcefully remove the blindfold the council placed over the eye’s of mankind. Thanks to intel from my friends within Vestibule Charlie, we know that it is located in a forest not so far from Mt. Takeo. We also know that it is heavily armed. My plan is that we use Tiaan’s men as a diversion while Kiochi and Rin infiltrate the Vestibule. Kiochi will eliminate everyone except Ms. Lebedev. We need her to confess to everything that the council has done and that will mark the success of this operation.” Yamamoto declared.

Everyone in the room remained silent.

What Yamamoto was proposing was equivalent to changing the world order.

It was Ludacris.

But it had to be done.

Kiochi wanted the truth to come out, regardless of the methods.

Everyone disbanded and left Yamamoto’s office, leaving only Kiochi and Yamamoto.

Kiochi was curious about something.

“Old man, can I ask you something?” Kiochi asked.

“You could have asked more nicely, but yes. What’s on your mind?” Yamamoto said as he eyed over the map on the table.

“Ok. First, I’d like to thank you for all you have done.” Kiochi said with a deep bow.

This was the first time Kiochi had bowed so deeply for anyone.

Yamamoto looked at Kiochi.

“Listen son- boy, you owe me nothing. You saved my life from the clutches of death itself. I got to live far longer than the fates intended thanks to you.” Yamamoto reassured Kiochi.

But still something was bothering Kiochi.

“I see. Then why are you willing to go so far in order to destroy the council. This could put your life in harm’s way and there is no telling what the council will do to get your head once we do this. So why? Why try? When I walked through your doors, I brought hell along with me. You could have easily given me a few guns and sent me on my way. But during the short time I’ve been here, you’ve given me so much. This may sound selfish, but I want you to be safe. If you do this, you go against that directive- .” Kiochi paused.

Yamamoto walked around the table towards the young soldier.

“Boy… everything I’m doing is extremely important, because if we succeed we might be able to see a tomorrow where mankind isn’t under the threat of annihilation. I know it’s going to be dangerous and yes, I’m not sure I’ll be safe throughout this adventure. But it’s ok and as long as you are ok, then I’ll be ok.” Yamamoto said.

Kiochi’s heart stopped.

This wasn’t the first time Kiochi had heard such words.

But it was definitely one of the most devastating.

Tears welled up in Kiochi’s eyes.

What’s happening? Kiochi wondered.

Why am I crying?

Yamamoto’s expression changed into one of concern.

“No. No, no, no.” Kiochi wiped his tears.

“What’s wrong Kiochi?” Yamamoto asked.

Kiochi paced across the room.

His heart raced and his breath was frantic.

Kiochi ran through countless scenarios in his mind.

They were about to attack the council with direct support from Yamamoto.

The council wouldn’t take this lightly.

They’d most likely hire a hitman.

Or an entire team of hit men.

Kiochi’s thoughts scrambled as he looked for a scenario where Yamamoto would be perfectly safe.

“Kiochi-“ Yamamoto tried to say but Kiochi’s temper only flared up.

“Run. Yeah, you should run. I’ll kill all of the council members myself. That means we can get the job done and you’ll be safe, right?” Kiochi said loudly.

Yamamoto remained silent.

“Well? Say something! If I can’t keep you safe, then I’ll fail again, dammit!” Kiochi yelled but Yamamoto’s silence continued.

His expression was now one of pain.

“Come on, old man! Give me control over your army and I’ll take care of everything! What? You don’t think I can do it? I’m an A ranked Kynigoi for crying out loud!” Kiochi stood in front of Yamamoto.

Their faces only centimeters apart.

Kiochi was frustrated, but he wasn’t very good at communicating his feelings.

This was the result of being treated as a weapon for most of his life.

Kiochi just wanted to protect the one person who had offered him help in his time of need.

But Yamamoto was more than that.

Ever since the first day they spoke, Kiochi felt a sense of belonging when he spoke with Yamamoto.

It was only for a brief moment, but when Kiochi completed his mission and rescued Yamamoto, a bond was formed seemingly out of nothing.

It frustrated him that the very person he wanted to protect was going into the midst of the upcoming war.

It ate at his insides.

Why?

Because like before, Kiochi wouldn’t have anywhere to go if he lost Yamamoto.

He wouldn’t have anyone to talk to.

Yamamoto opened his arms.

“No! Don’t-“ Kiochi warned.

Yamamoto ignored Kiochi and gently hugged him.

“I’m sorry. But this has to be done. If I don’t, I may never be able to rest peacefully, knowing that you are out there fighting will affect me just as it affects you.” Yamamoto said.

“Let me go or I’ll kill you, old man.” Kiochi choked as he cried.

“If you don’t let me go, I’ll kill you.” Kiochi threatened, but his voice came out rather gurgled.

Yamamoto squeezed tighter.

“Go ahead, but if you help me complete the herculean task before us. I promise that I’ll be safer than ever.” Yamamoto said.

They stayed like this for five minutes or so before Kiochi calmed down.

Kiochi’s knees weakened and his breathing softened.

“Ok.” He said eventually.

The evening sun cast deep shadows into Yamamoto’s office along with beautiful shades of orange.

“Go to your room and rest.” Yamamoto said and Kiochi nodded weakly.

‘That stupid old man talked himself out of facing my wrath!’ Kiochi thought as he stumbled into his room.

[Kiochi…]

Eve said.

‘Can you- can you help me sleep?’ Kiochi asked.

He didn’t know how to deal with the myriad of emotions he was feeling and sleep seemed like a good escape.

[Roger.]

Eve confirmed as Kiochi fell into his bed.

His heart ached painfully and his temples burnt in frustration.

[INITIATING: SLEEP MODE]

..

[Goodnight Kiochi.]

Kiochi’s vision blurred and the world became a familiar shade of blue, then slowly Kiochi lost consciousness.

.

..

The next day came quickly and Kiochi greeted it with grim determination.

He got up, wore his combat gear (vest included) and rushed towards the Takahashi Dojo.

He needed to master the Kamaitachi art as quickly as possible, if not instantly.

He got into a cab and paid the driver extra for a more… speedy trip.

‘Eve, you’ve completely integrated with the Kamaitachi art, right?’ Kiochi asked.

[Yes.]

She answered.

‘Ok, I’m need you to sync it with my reflexes.’ Kiochi said.

[Are you asking me to integrate the art into your autonomous nervous system? That sounds… kinda badass actually. I’ll work on it, but I need more data.]

Eve responded with a hint of excitement in her voice.

‘Don’t worry, I’m going to get plenty of data in a moment.’ Kiochi said as he climbed out of the cab and walked up the stairs of the Takahashi dojo.

Waiting for him at the was Mrs. Takahashi and Rin.

“He’s waiting for you. But don’t you want to eat something first?” Rin’s mother asked, but Kiochi walked past them and shook his head slightly.

“I’m sorry, but there simply is not enough time. So can you prepare a bento box for me instead?” He asked and he could visibly see Mrs. Takahashi’s face begin to glow.

“Leave it to me!” She responded cheerfully.

Rin followed Kiochi as they made their way to the training hall.

“You’re going all out this time aren’t you?” Rin asked.

His face was a mixture of both worry and interest.

Rin knew what was about to happen.

But something deep inside him wished that Kiochi and his father would talk tactics over a cup of tea.

Was he asking for too much?

Most likely.

The person in front of him, Kiochi Suzuki was about to fight the very hands that turn the cogs of the world, so he had very little reason to stop him.

Even if it meant sacrificing the dojo, which was built several hundreds of year before.

Rin had prepared himself for that.

The two entered the still damaged training hall.

Yes, it had been cleaned up slightly, but no amount of sweeping could fix the craters in the floor.

Kiochi saw Mr. Takahashi in the center of the dojo.

His body emitted dangerous waves of killing intent.

His stance was low, but his arms were crossed.

He was ready for battle.

Kiochi replied in kind by removing his hoodie, revealing his torso which was covered only by his bulletproof vest.

The two stood ten meters apart.

The very air between them shook with fear as they exchanged glares.

‘Eve!’ Kiochi called out.

[Beginning recording process]

..

[UPDATE: EP levels 150/150]

..

[All boosts have been reset to 1x to ensure accurate results.]

..

[ALL LIMITORS HAVE BEEN REMOVED]

..

[Get him Kiochi!]

Eve said and Kiochi dashed towards the old man.

In a flash, he was in Mr. Takahashi’s face.

Kiochi threw a punch at the old mans face but received one to the gut instead.

Kiochi flew back slightly and landed a few meters away from the old man.

Fortunately Kiochi had refilled his ethereal energy reserves before coming here.

The only problem was that Eve prohibited the use of his ethereal based power because she wanted to measure how he performed without any boosts.

Kiochi readied himself to attack but the old man acted first.

He approached Kiochi at close the speed of sound and threw a kick directed at Kiochi’s head.

Mr. Takahashi at this point was completely using the Kamaitachi art.

His skin was darker and one could see dark black veins all over his skin.

His muscles were also triple their original size and his hair was in a constant state of motion, even when he stood completely still.

Kiochi dodged the kick just in the nick of time because Mr. Takahashi’s leg had completely destroyed the ground were Kiochi once stood.

Kiochi smirked.

This old man always goes for kill shots, eh? He thought.

Ok, then I’ll do the same.

.

..

Back at Saito headquarters

The already complicated situation was becoming increasingly worse.

Not only had Yassine been attacked by superhuman soldiers, he was now going to attack the headquarters of said super soldiers.

Dr. Tahiri looked like she was on board with Yamamoto's plan, but Yassine didn’t know where he fit in all this.

He was in the hall on the eighth floor and Freeman was tinkering with something on his desk.

Yassine had finished compiling the data on the Ovum Vitae.

It truly fascinated Yassine.

The fact that there was energy within an ancient relic and that energy only reacts to him and Kiochi.

David Freeman had concluded that ethereal energy was something that logic and the normal laws of physics couldn’t explain, so he gave up.

Yep.

He decided that he’d spend more time preparing for the coming war than solving the mystery that was the Ovum Vitae.

Yassine walked over to David Freeman and as usual, he was enamored with his work.

His focus was entirely centered on the golden orb in front of him.

It had an almost alien design similar to that of the Ovum Vitae.

“What are you working on?” Yassine asked.

David dropped his tools and removed his gloves.

“Nothing important. Hey, how about we go get some drinks? My treat.” He offered.

Yassine wasn’t very good with alcohol but since he had received the offer, it would be rude to turn it down, no?

“Sure, why not.” Yassine agreed and the two left the hall and made their way to the lobby.

There they found lots of people littering the floor.

Everyone from mercenaries to shady looking scientist were packing and unpacking various boxes.

Yassine and David paid them no attention and made their way to the nearest restaurant.

There they ordered some light meals and a few glasses of beer.

David wasn’t the talkative type and so the two sat in silence for most of the time.

Yassine took a sip of his beer and then noticed that David was staring off into space.

His eyes looked far into the distance as if he was remembering something.

“What’s wrong?” Yassine asked.

David snapped back into reality and looked deep into Yassine’s eyes.

“My daughter died recently.” He said.

Yassine’s eyes shot open.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.” Yassine apologized.

“She was a member of Kiochi’s team.” David explained.

It seemed like he didn’t want to talk about it and yet he was.

He and Yassine were little more than strangers and yet here they were.

“I always assumed that because she was on Kiochi’s team that she would be safe. But it would seem that even the great blood steel couldn’t save my dear sweat Alice.” He said sorrowfully.

Yassine heart raced.

He didn’t know what he could possibly say to comfort the man in front of him.

Yassine knew very little about death and so saying that he understood how Freeman felt would be a complete and utter lie.

“I wanted to hit him when he showed up without my daughter. Actually, I even thought about killing him. My anger was so intense that I almost lost all sense of reason, but then… I saw the look on his face. He was terrified. He was scared of what he saw on that fateful night. Part of me wanted to give him a hug and the other part wanted to stab him to death. I didn’t know what to do. I knew that he didn’t get Alice killed and the fact that he couldn’t find those responsible was eating away at him. I want to tell him that it’s ok, but I know that its not. I’ll never see my daughter again… but I don’t think that I should blatantly blame him for everything.” Freeman sipped from his glass as he spoke.

Yassine’s mind was in overdrive.

“I’m… I’m sorry for what happened.” Yassine said.

“Oh? Thank you. Looking back, I never should have let Alive join the Kynigoi ranks. I’d heard all about how hellish the training was and how dangerous the missions were, but I was too busy with work and too stupid to realize…” David’s voice trailer off.

Yassine wanted to cheer him up.

“Well, the Takahashi dojo is nearby, why don’t we go see how he is doing? If he is feeling as much guilt as you say, then it might make the both of you feel better if you go see how hard he is working.” Yassine suggested.

David looked up at nothing in particular.

Then looked back at Yassine.

“Ok.”

The two finished whatever remained in their cups and left the restaurant and after a silent taxi ride they finally arrived at Takahashi dojo.

They could hear the sounds of loud explosions and crashes coming from the building.

It had already gotten quite late into the evening so Yassine wondered if the neighbors didn’t mind all of the noise.

David knocked lightly on the door which was soon opened by a beautiful middle aged woman wearing casual clothes and what looked like sound cancelling headphones.

“Hello, how may I help you gentlemen. It Is quite late.” She asked as she removed her headphones.

“Hello, my name is Yassine Alami and this is my colleague Mr. David Freeman. We’re acquainted with Kiochi and Rin. We were hoping to meet them, if that’s not too much to ask.” Yassine said and for some unknown reason, the woman's face lit up.

“Oh really? Then why don’t I treat you to some dinner. Kiochi, Rin and his father are currently busy with their training, so they’ll be busy for a while.”

The woman led them into the dojo living area where she prepared them a feast.

Yassine looked the food over and realized that people only ever cook this much food when a certain person is present.

That aside, he and Freeman dug in and enjoyed their meal.

Some time passed and it was almost midnight, yet Yassine could still hear scary explosions in the background.

Mrs. Takahashi had taken David to one of the spare bedrooms where he slept.

Yassine was left alone watching TV as he patiently waited for Kiochi and the others to finish whatever it was they were doing.

But Yassine was done waiting.

He got up and walked to where he guessed was the training hall.

It was an educated guess because the close he got to a certain door, the louder the explosions became.

He opened the door and was greeted with debris flying into his face.

“You just don’t know when to give up, do you old man?” Yassine saw a beaten up Kiochi taunting a similarly beaten up Mr. Takahashi.

“Tough talk from someone who can’t restrain me for more than a second and let’s not even start on your pacing. You’re like an amateur, ha!” Mr. Takahashi shot back.

The two kept quiet for a moment before disappearing from Yassine sight, only to reappear at the halls center.

There, their fists clashed and caused several shockwaves that made the training hall rather windy.

Wait a minute!

Are they manipulating the power of nature? Yassine wondered with his mouth wide open.

“I’d close my mouth if I were you. Unless you enjoy the taste of rubble.” Rin advised as he walked up to his fellow spectator.

Although Rin’s only purpose was to watch the fight, he looked far worse off than the two battle maniacs behind him.

Yassine gave Rin a quick nod before returning his attention to the fight.

Kiochi and the old man were covered in dirt and scratches, but neither of them was severely injured.

The training hall on the other hand looked like the inside of a war torn trench.

Just what the hell are those two? Yassine wondered.

.

Kiochi’s perspective

[Status update]

..

[Kamaitachi art has been fully integrated into your autonomous nervous system.

Current stats:

HP: 700/750

STR:100/100

END: 80/80

EP: 150/150

CG: 5% Boost

DMG multiplier: 1x

SPD multiplier: 1x

Passive skills:

Phalanx mode

Active skills: Kamaitachi Art]

..

[You’re ready to go!]

Eve said.

Kiochi gave her a nod and jumped away from Mr. Takahashi.

“Hey old man, I’m going to get serious now.” Kiochi warned.

“Oh really? I was wondering when you were going to start taking this seriously. Honestly, I was staring to think that we were going to fight till we slept.” Mr. Takahashi said casually.

Kiochi lowered his stance.

‘Eve!’ He called out.

[Kamaitachi First Form

This skill alters your PHALANX MODE armor, giving you sharp blades instead of fingers and optional teeth.

Pro: It increases your speed multiplier to 2x

Con: It sheds 30% of your armor, making you more susceptible to damage.]

Kiochi’s skin rapidly hardened, forming a protective layer around his body.

He was also a bit skinnier and his skin looked like it was made of millions of spikes.

His face was also gone, leaving him bald and faceless.

Mr. Takahashi responded by condensing his aura.

It was now a thick layer around his body that promised death to anyone near it.

Kiochi lowered his stance and in an instant dashed forwards.

The shear force of his speed blew the air apart and as a measure of slowing him down, the spikes on his skin all stood up, making him look fuzzy and furry.

Kiochi didn’t waste a second and threw a punch at Mr. Takahashi’s face, but Mr. Takahashi countered it again by throwing a punch at his gut.

But this time, Kiochi already knew that it was coming.

As if on cue, Kiochi twisted his body and sent out a spinning kick directed at Mr. Takahashi’s face.

The old man blocked it using both of his hands, but the force was so immense that it sent him flying backwards into the wall.

Kiochi dissolved the armor around his face and approached Mr. Takahashi, who stumbled back onto his feet.

Blood was dripping from his nose and he looked like he was dizzy.

“What the hell? How much power did you put into that kick?” The old man asked as he coughed.

“Not much. I had to do a lot of speed compensation though.” Kiochi said as the two stood opposite each other.

This was it.

Kiochi had done it.

He had fully mastered the Kamaitachi martial art and it was all thanks to Eve who continuously analyzed the fight.

Kiochi lowered his stance and Mr. Takahashi did the same.

But before either of the two could deal the finishing blow, they were interrupted by something incredibly scary.

Kiochi turned around and saw someone standing at the halls entrance.

It was Mrs. Takahashi.

She look pissed and not even her cute pajamas could lessen the impact of her wrath.

She was looking at a certain someone in particular.

“Honey, don’t you think that this fight is over?” She said more of a command than anything.

Mr. Takahashi looked at his face which was red with his own blood, then looked at Kiochi who was still in battle mode.

“Ok. Then it is my defeat.” Mr. Takahashi admitted and just like that, the nightmare that took place in the training room ended.

Kiochi passed out as soon as he reached the guest room and Yassine fell asleep soon after.

.

..

Kiochi got up early and slipped into one of the yukatas Rin borrowed him.

After doing some light stretches he made his way to the kitchen.

He entered to find Mrs. Takahashi cooking breakfast.

“Good morning.” Kiochi greeted.

But Mrs. Takahashi didn’t respond.

Assuming she hadn’t heard him, Kiochi grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and called out to her again.

“Ma’am is everything alright?” Kiochi asked, but she remained silent.

Kiochi walked up to her, but as he did she pulled out a high caliber pistol and pointed it at his head.

“I’m so sorry Kiochi, but will you please allow me to kill you.” She said with teary eyes.