Cobra recognized her unease and knew they'd have to talk about this more privately, but now wasn't the time. Not with everyone present. He placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
"Please, stand up, Ai-chan. It's okay," Cobra said softly. "I'm just glad you're safe."
Yamato grinned and patted her on the head. "We always knew you were tough, but how the hell did you survive on your own for so long?"
Aika hesitated. Should she tell them about the Mighty Warriors? No, she decided. Not yet. Their reputation wouldn't sit well with the group. She forced a smile.
"I made some friends who helped me train and gave me work. Nothing too serious," she replied, downplaying her time with the Warriors.
Tettsu smiled warmly. "Well, we're just happy you're back, Aika."
She laughed lightly, trying to break the tension. "Tettsu-chan, is that you? Nice choice of hair. It suits you!"
Tettsu blushed furiously, scratching the back of his head. "Thanks, Hino-chan."
Aika looked back at Cobra. "So, Nii-chan, what's been going on with S.W.O.R.D. lately? And where's Noburu-kun? The three of you are usually inseparable. I heard he was out of Kuryu's clutches?"
The room fell quiet. Everyone exchanged uneasy glances.
Cobra shifted uncomfortably. "Noburu is... he's... wait. How did you know about Kuryu?" Suspicion colored his tone.
"Dammit, I shouldn't have brought up Ryu," Aika cursed internally. She needed to be more careful.
"Small town," she said quickly, hoping her nonchalance would ease Cobra's suspicions. "People talk."
Yamato, sensing the tension, cleared his throat. "Noburu is in the hospital," he said quietly, his gaze dropping to the floor.
Aika's heart clenched. "Wait—what?! How?!" she demanded, panic rising in her chest.
The silence grew thick, and Aika's mind raced. Noburu had always been her closest friend outside of her brother. They had shared everything—dreams, fears, frustrations. He didn't deserve this.
Yamato gestured for her to sit down, but she remained frozen. "Please, just tell me," she whispered.
Cobra sighed deeply, his voice heavy with regret. "After Noburu came home, he was hit by a car. It was bad—really bad. We're almost sure it was the Kuryu Group, but we don't have proof. He's in critical condition. Several surgeries later, and... they don't know if, or when, he'll wake up."
Aika's vision blurred with rage as she slammed her fist into the wall beside her, the sound reverberating through the quiet diner. Without another word, she stormed toward the door.
Cobra, Tettsu, Yamato, and Chiharu rushed after her. "Wait!" Chiharu cried out, nearly tripping in his haste. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to the hospital!" Aika snapped, her fists clenched tightly.
Cobra grabbed her arm before she could get far. "You can't just barge in there. Visiting hours ended hours ago. There are rules."
"Screw the rules!" Aika yelled, shaking off his hold. "My best friend is lying in that hospital, and I'm going to see him!"
"You know that's not how it works, Aika. Rules exist for a reason," Cobra said calmly, though his patience was wearing thin.
"And there it is! You and your damn rules, Junpei! This is exactly why I stayed away. You've always been so concerned with following the rules, with holding back!" Her voice cracked with pent-up frustration.
YOU ARE READING
Fuyu Monogatari
Fanfiction. Abandoned as a child Aika was taken in by Cobra's family but basically raised by Kohaku of Mugen since he was the one who found her. She has a passion for martial arts and even though she could have graduated top of her class she didn't want to gi...
Chapter Three: The Return
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