"So you've come here, assassin."
Hit stopped walking into a dark alleyway, but didn't turn to face the owner of that voice. He knew who it was.
"Yeah, so what? I'm just doing my job."
Jiren scowled, "You believe killing for money is just? That you can just choose whether someone lives or dies?"
Hit's red eyes turned to face him despite the fact that he still couldn't see him, "I don't choose, the clients do. I'm just doing it for them."
"That does not dismiss the fact that you are the one killing them." Jiren continued, "You play a part in that, no matter what you tell yourself."
Hit chuckled, "If you think I'm so bad, then why don't you face me here and now?"
The Gray answered without missing a beat, "The only reason I am not bringing you in right now is because we share common allies and friends, and it would be unwise to sever ties. Nevertheless, that doesn't excuse you for your crimes."
Hit clenched his fists in his pockets, the Gray beginning to get on his nerves, "Why do you care? You don't have the right to say anything. Goku told me what you did back at the tournament, how you attacked his friends, and although he may have forgiven you, that doesn't mean you're pardoned for your own crimes."
"That may be so, but would you have done the same had someone challenged your ideals and beliefs?" Jiren inquired, "Doing whatever it took to prove someone wrong? I know your kind, assassin. Although those Saiyan children trust you, many see you as nothing more than a cold-blooded murderer. Someone who kills because they can, because they need to fill a void. That's all you are."
"Is that... what you think I am?"
That was the last straw.
Hit sharply turned to face the Pride Trooper, his voice raising ever so slightly "You think I asked to become an assassin? Do you think I take pleasure in killing others? I never wanted this life, I never chose this life, and yet here I am, around 950 years later, being known as the Legendary Assassin of Universe 6."
His piercing red eyes narrowed at the man before him, his frustration beginning to show, "I kill, not because I want to, but because I need to save someone. I kill because of a debt I need to repay. I KILL because I promised someone that I'd protect her, and I will never betray that promise. Never. A man like you could never understand the need to protect others, no matter if he's changed or not."
Jiren and Hit stared at each other for a while. Two completely different yet similar men facing off. Deep down, the Gray knew where Hit was getting at with the need to protect. He was a Pride Trooper after all, protecting others came with the job. Though he must have really struck a nerve if he forced the assassin to face him and raise his voice, if ever so slightly.
Soon, he closed his eyes and sighed, caving in after the the response he had gotten, "I see... so that is your answer?"
Hit seemed somewhat breathless, but still managed to reply, "Yes. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to fulfil a contract."
Jiren didn't stop him when Hit Time-Skipped away, leaving Jiren to ponder about the assassin's words. What did he mean? Who was he trying to protect? He wanted answers, but knew that he wouldn't give them.
With another sigh, he turned away and flew off, where to was unknown, but he just needed somewhere to clear his thoughts.
---
Hit was returning home after fulfilling a contract and receiving his payment, walking through the more unscrupulous and ignoble streets of Planet Netfiss. It was already late at night, so the shadows were able to mask his visage relatively well, adding to the fact that few people were walking at this time. His mind was still whirling after his conversation with the Pride Trooper, and mentally scolded himself for letting him get so worked up over something as his job.
But still... he couldn't help but wonder if he was right. It was like he said, he never asked to become an assassin, and that he was only doing it to protect someone he cared for the most, but was this truly the right way to do it? Was it worth the looks of fear on people's faces when he mentions his name? Those small trickles of blood pouring through mouths agape?
Hit looked despondent, his eyes watching his own feet struggle to make their next steps towards the future. He was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn't notice a shadow creeping towards him, crawling on the cracked stone pavement and leaving a dark trail in their wake. When they reached the assassin, they rose from the pavement, their two claws almost ready to grab him from where he was walking, but they were patient, and gave a small smile as they finally made their presence known.
"So you're the Legendary Assassin, Hit?" They asked with a wicked smile, forcing Hit's eyes to widen and turn around, only to find nothing.
Hit looked around, keeping his guard up as he yelled out into the deepest parts of the alley, "Show yourself!"
A low chuckle echoed through the empty streets, before the shadowy figure emerged in front of Hit, "Ooh... someone's feisty."
"Who are you?" Hit asked, not deterred by the being in front of him.
They chuckled, "Someone who wants to help you to save the person you love."
At that, he froze. How the hell did they know about this? Were... they watching him? Whatever the case, Hit understood that this shadow before him knew too much, though he decided to play along with what they had planned.
"What makes you think that you can negotiate with me?" He asked. The being began to swirl around him, their dark tendrils surrounding the assassin in wisps, although he heeded no mind to them.
"Don't you want to free her from a life of torment and misery? To free her from the life that you have witnessed?"
Hit looked down, knowing that was what he really wished for in life. He knew that this... thing was telling the truth, but he knew better than to trust someone so easily.
"That may be true. However... I doubt that you will be able to help me." The Legendary Assassin replied, soon regaining composure and walking forward, causing the wisps of shadow to return to their owner. The being trailed behind him with a sly grin as he played his cards just right.
"Perhaps." They continued, "But wouldn't you do absolutely anything to save your dear sister? Don't you wish to end your growing kill count? The death of others just to save one? Doesn't seem practical."
At that, Hit stopped in his tracks again, and a look of contemplation graced his features. He knew that there was something shifty going on with this being, having lived for over one thousand years allowed for plenty of experience with different people. However... it wasn't common for someone to know about his past or his close connections, and if there was any way for him to save his little sister... then he would take that chance.
After a few long seconds of thinking, the assassin soon gave in, turning back to the being with a solemn look on his face, "Fine... I'll play along, but if you do anything that makes me go against my morals, I will end our contract. Are we clear on this?"
"Very well... Hit." They grinned, "I assure you, your trust will not be misplaced."
Hit then gave a small yet fatigued sigh, knowing that he had stepped into a dangerous territory. But at this point, he was getting desperate. He needed to help her. He needed only a few more contracts before he could get her out of the hell she was in, but despite that he was too tired to continue... too weary to push onward. He wanted the killings to end, no matter how merciful they were.
He reached into his pockets, pulling out the scarf from prior, neatly folded to fit. The assassin gave a chuckle, and then wrapped it around his neck as a reminder of who he was fighting for...
---
"GYAAAH!"
Hit laughed as his little sister quickly felt an ice pack get dropped onto her face, forcing her to sit up from her position under a tree and curl up into a ball.
"Hit!" She whined, "Th-That was cold! Why'd you do that?"
Her brother flicked her forehead, causing her to growl in response,"To get you up, of course! Mom wants us back for dinner in a few minutes so get your butt moving, Strika."
"Alright, alright." She quickly sat up, her scowl swiftly turning into a cheerful smile, "Can't wait to taste Mom's food! Oh, you think Dad'll let us go hunting with him again?"
"If you can stop scaring away the animals."
"H-Hey!" Strika pouted, playfully punching Hit's shoulder despite being shorter than him, "Stop teasing me!!"
Hit laughed, something he wouldn't do much of in the future, "Sorry, Sis, it's just so easy to get under your skin."
--
Strika peered through a door that was slightly ajar, and noticed her brother sitting on the bed, staring out the old window and watching the snow fall down outside. He had a distant look on his face, and his red eyes lacked the colour or shine they once had.
Being the good sister that she was, Strika entered the room, giving an air of elation and positivity. She sat on the bed with Hit, looking at him in curiosity.
"Hit?" She called out, but had no response, "Everyone's wondering where you are. The Christmas party's about to start!"
"What's the point?" Hit asked with pessimism, "Mom and Dad aren't here to share it with us, and they never will."
At that, Strika looked down in sadness. Their parents had perished in a house fire, leaving them as the only survivors. They had lived in the orphanage for a year now, and while the people here were nice and caring, they missed the old life they had, especially Hit. While she was only 14 when they died, Hit was 17, so he knew them much longer than she had.
"C'mon Hit..." Strika leaned on Hit's shoulder, "Mom and Dad wouldn't want us to be sad! They'd want us to be happy! Especially on Christmas!"
She forced Hit to look at her, giving him a look mixed with determination and cheer, "Now c'mon, where's that smile I love so much?"
Wanting to appease her sister, Hit gave her a small and somewhat forced smile, which managed to make him feel a little better. Strika grinned back and hugged her brother, causing him to yelp slightly at the sudden contact.
Strika managed to speak despite her face being buried in her brother's neck, "I promise, I'll always be with you Hit... no matter what happens."
Soon, Hit couldn't help but give a weak and emotionless chuckle, holding onto her sister like she would be the last thing he would be able to touch.
"Heh... thanks Strika."
Little did he know that over 30 years later... he wouldn't be able to embrace her for a long time.
---
"Take me instead!" Strika yelled, bloodied and bruised from trying to escape the hooded man in front of them, being helped up by Hit. They had been running for hours, and tried to fight back, but they couldn't last, even with the Time-Skip that their father had taught them. Eventually, they were caught in an alleyway by a man in a black hood that had intricate gold detailing, alongside two bodyguards hidden in the shadow.
Strika practically pleaded with the man, "I-I know our father has done... terrible things to you in his secretive past, but if one of us must be taken to repay the debt he owes you, then let me be the one to do it!"
"S-Strika... no!" Hit coughed out, sustaining more injuries than his sister did, "I won't let you be that bastard's slave!"
"So... you wanna be the one to work for us?" The man asked, his voice rugged and filled with artifice, "I admire your bravery, kid. Too bad your brother ain't so lionhearted."
Strika looked at her brother for a brief moment, woe etched upon her features, before looking back at the man with a stern look, "As long as you don't hurt my brother... I'll go with you."
He smirked, closing his eyes as he looked away, "Tch... alright then, we have a deal."
Hit could only watch as his sister slipped out of his arms and walked forward. Despite his weakness, he managed to grab Strika's arm, staring at her with pleading eyes. No words were said, but his expression said it all.
"I'm so sorry, Hit... I guess I can't keep the promise I made in the orphanage." Strika removed her scarf from her neck, and wrapped it around Hit's, looking at him with red eyes filled with tears.
"Strika..." Hit looked stern, "I promise, I'll get you out of there, whatever it takes!"
She smiled, then turned to face the man who would be her boss before trudging towards them with eyes downcast.
The man placed a hand on Strika's shoulder, before turning to face Hit, "You're a Time-Skip user, ain't 'cha? Tell you what, I'm feeling generous, and I'll give her back to you when you do something in return."
Hit's eyes looked at him with hope. He really did have a chance to save her!
"I hear assassins are pretty popular nowadays, and with that Time-Skip of yours that shouldn't be a problem. Since you guys have extended life spans... eh, take on two billion contracts, make yourself known to the universe, and then we can talk. I know I ain't gonna be around to see ya in the next 300 years, so I'll tell my grandson to keep that promise. I'm a man of my word after all."
The hope in Hit's eyes quickly faded as he realised what he had to do. Take on two billion contracts? That... seemed too much, even for him. He wasn't an assassin, although his father was when he was alive - granted, he had no idea he was one until he found out through unconventional means what he did for a living - and he knew the basics of assassination thanks to him.
"Alright then... see ya, kid. Though, this may be the last time we see each other. Hope you make a name for yourself."
Hit watched with a heartbroken expression as they began to fade from view, with Strika looking back at him with a sorrowful look on her face and leaving Hit to cry in the alleyway all by himself.
---
Hit opened his eyes as he remembered those feelings. Guilt. Anguish. Sorrow. Regret. He held onto them for a long time, knowing that one day he'd be able to bring his sister back. He had tried many times to get her back through force, but even he was susceptible to the power of ki-nullifiers, forcing him to be unable to use Time-Skip.
He promised himself that he would get her back, and he would, no matter what.
Hit soon smirked, his hands returning into his pockets as he faced the being, "So... care to tell me your name? I don't like working with nameless clients."
"Is that so?" The being looked at him curiously, "Very well then..."
"...call me Fuhai, your shadowy partner-in-crime."