The morning sun cast long, melancholic shadows across the Nakajima residence, a stark contrast to the turbulent events that had recently shaken their world. Teana arrived, her expression grave, to recount the details of the president's incident, the revelation of Regan's deception, and the shocking reveal of Kai's true identity to Genya, Subaru, and Ginga. Genya, despite the minor scratch he sustained during the altercation, displayed a deep concern that mirrored the gravity of the situation.
"EEEEEEEEH?! Archibald Enzo... Izumi Kai?!" Subaru exclaimed, her voice echoing with disbelief. The shock was palpable, a heavy silence settling over the room.
"I was equally stunned when Fate informed me," Teana admitted, her gaze sweeping across their faces. "I wasn't present during the incident, but Ginga, perhaps you have more insight?"
"Indeed," Ginga nodded, her brow furrowed. "His hidden magic system, the timing of his intervention to shield Commander Yagami... it was all incredibly perplexing. I had a brief conversation with him, and there was a sense of familiarity, but I never imagined Archibald Enzo was Izumi Kai."
Genya added, "The fact that he attacked us, and then the president, with the intent to abduct Yagami Hayate... I initially believed he was under some form of mind control. But it was another person, a shapeshifter, masquerading as him."
"Fate-san explained that he concealed his scar to spare Commander Hayate further worry," Teana continued, her voice soft. "He achieved his objective, but at a terrible cost."
Subaru, her mind racing, inquired, "I met him once, back when I encountered Nanoha and Vita. What happens now?"
"He told Hayate to take a leave of absence, and he himself has gone off duty," Ginga replied. "His belongings remain in his dorm room."
"But Tia, do you know where he went?" Subaru pressed, her concern evident.
"Regrettably, no," Teana sighed. "He only mentioned he would return once Commander Yagami resumes her duties."
Meanwhile, at Fuji's residence, the morning air was filled with the sounds of youthful energy. Fuji, a former Forward Phantom leader, had taken on the role of a mentor, conducting training sessions for DSAA athletes preparing for the championship. His approach was firm yet gentle, a far cry from the rigorous Midchilda training camps.
"Alright, kids, that concludes today's training," Fuji announced, his voice carrying a warm undertone. "You're free to head home now."
"Thank you, Fuji-sensei!" the children chorused, bowing respectfully before dispersing.
As Fuji turned to enter his house, he was surprised to see Takamachi Nanoha approaching. Unbeknownst to him, his new residence was only a few blocks from hers, a fact that had escaped his notice since the disbandment of Riot Force 6. Nanoha informed him that Fate was staying with her, helping to care for Vivio.
Nanoha, having contacted Fate, decided to visit Fuji to discuss Kai. She was struck by the simplicity of his home, its minimalist furniture creating a sense of spaciousness and tranquility. Fuji offered her a warm cup of tea before delving into the matter at hand.
"Fuji-kun, are you aware of the incident surrounding the newly elected president?" Nanoha asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Yes, I am, Nanoha," Fuji replied, his expression serious. "Knight Carim was shocked. Renjou contacted me, informing me that Hayate had been abducted by an imposter and that Archibald Enzo was, in fact, Izumi Kai. But what transpired afterward?"
"He instructed Hayate to take a few days off after the incident," Nanoha explained. "Kai's device was destroyed, along with his mask, and he resorted to using a generic device. His secret was revealed at the most inopportune moment."
Fuji produced a recording provided by Renjou, his expression grim. "It's unfortunate I wasn't there. I was astonished when Renjou told me. His heart remained stable while wielding Soul Edge, never succumbing to berserk rage. But when he did lose control... it was terrifying."
"Hayate was equally shocked," Nanoha murmured, taking a sip of her tea. "Kai has vanished without a trace."
"He didn't tell you where he went? Are his belongings missing?" Fuji inquired, his brow furrowed.
"No, his belongings are still in his dorm room," Nanoha replied. "The photos from his time with Riot Force 6, and the one of you and Renjou... he said he would return once Hayate resumes her duties."
"I see," Fuji mused, his gaze distant. "Perhaps it's best to leave them be, Nanoha. The revelations were jarring for both Hayate and Kai."
"You're right, Fuji," Nanoha agreed. "Forcing the issue would only exacerbate the situation."
"Nanoha-san, after you incapacitated Kai during his berserk state, did you speak with him?" Fuji asked, his tone serious. "Renjou emphasized that if Kai ever lost control, you and the others were to stop him at all costs."
"I remember, Fuji..." Nanoha's voice trailed off, her eyes filled with emotion. "He did it to protect Hayate..."
Nanoha recounted the events that followed her Divine Buster attack. Kai's helmet had shattered, revealing his face, and she and Signum had rushed to his side. He was alive, albeit weak.
"Izumi! Izumi!" Signum had called out, her voice filled with concern.
"Kai! Wake up!" Nanoha had echoed, her heart pounding in her chest.
Kai's eyes, once devoid of color, had regained their natural hue. His vision, no longer distorted, allowed him to see Signum and Nanoha clearly.
"...Signum...Nanoha..." he had murmured, his voice weak.
"Your eyes are back, Kai," Signum had said, her relief evident. "I'm so glad."
"...Yes...it seems you succeeded...in stopping me...I never expected to survive..." Kai had replied.
"YOU IDIOT!" Nanoha had exclaimed, her voice trembling with anger.
"...Nanoha?..." Kai had questioned, his eyes widening in surprise.
"YOU UTTER FOOL, KAI! WHY DID YOU DO SUCH A THING?! HAYATE WAS SO WORRIED! I COULDN'T BEAR TO LOSE YOU, KAI! YOU PROMISED TO SEE HAYATE AGAIN, DIDN'T YOU?! YOU PROMISED, KAI! YOU WANTED TO RETURN TO YOURSELF! YOU'RE NO LONGER ARCHIBALD ENZO; YOU'RE IZUMI KAI! SOMEONE CLOSE TO HAYATE! SOMEONE SHE WANTS TO PROTECT! YOU...you..." Nanoha had sobbed, her tears streaming down her face.
Kai, witnessing her distress, had reached out, gently wiping away her tears. Nanoha, feeling the warmth of his hand, had looked up at him, her heart aching. Kai offered her a weak smile.
"...I suppose you're right...I'm sorry, Nanoha...I couldn't bear for Commander Yagami to see my scar and my eyes...But now, my vision is restored...but the scar on my face...it remains...I suppose...I was indeed a fool."
"I understand, Kai," Signum had said, her own tears falling. "You did it for Hayate. But...it's over now."
"...Yes...thank you, Signum. And Nanoha...I'm grateful you stopped me...as you promised." Kai had said, his gaze shifting between them.
Overwhelmed by emotion, Nanoha had embraced him tightly, her sobs echoing through the air. Kai, feeling her concern and remembering his promise to Hayate, had returned her embrace, apologizing for causing her such distress.
"That's all I remember, Fuji," Nanoha concluded, wiping away her tears. Fuji offered her a tissue.
"I understand, Nanoha..." Fuji replied, his gaze fixed on his tea. "It seems he has finally found his place of peace. Renjou and I found ours after Riot Force 6 disbanded, but he was still searching after that incident."
Renjou, still consumed by the recent upheavals, continued his solitary journey on his motorcycle. The memories of the training camps and Battalion 621, once a source of camaraderie and purpose, now seemed like distant echoes. He accelerated, the wind whipping past him, seeking solace in the open road and the rhythmic roar of the engine.
At the Yagami residence, Hayate remained secluded in her room, her thoughts a tangled web of confusion and concern. Kai's unexpected revelation, his subsequent departure, and the lingering echoes of his words to Regan played on a loop in her mind.
Unbeknownst to Hayate, Shamal, Vita, and Signum had been observing her from outside her door. After a silent exchange, they retreated to the living room, where Zafira, Reinforce, and Agito awaited.
"I'm deeply concerned about Hayate," Reinforce said, her voice laced with worry. "She's lost her usual spark."
"It was a shocking revelation, Kai's berserk state and his face reveal at such a critical moment," Signum added. "But Hayate's state is truly alarming."
"Seeing Kai lose control was unsettling," Agito said, her tone serious. "He seemed almost inhuman."
"I hope she regains her usual spirit soon," Zafira said, his concern evident. "But it will take time."
"What should we do? We can't leave her alone," Vita asked.
"We'll stay here," Shamal declared. "I can't abandon Hayate-chan after all she's been through."
"I hope you refrain from cooking, Shamal," Vita remarked.
"That's harsh, Vita!" Shamal retorted.
Meanwhile, back on Earth, in Japan, Kai found himself on his balcony, gazing at the overcast sky. Despite his restored vision, the memory of his berserk state and the unfortunate timing of his face reveal weighed heavily on him. He had urged Hayate to take a leave of absence, as he himself had done, hoping to give her time to recover from the shock. He wasn't running away; he simply needed time to regain his composure, promising himself he would return once Hayate was ready.
Deciding to venture out, he headed towards a bookstore. En route, he encountered Goro, a former classmate from his high school kendo club. They adjourned to a nearby park for a chat, Goro lighting a cigar while Kai sipped on a soft drink.
"It's been a while, Kai. I never expected to see you here," Goro said, exhaling smoke into the air.
"We've both been preoccupied," Kai replied. "I'm just taking some time off."
"You're right... our work and university schedules have kept us busy. We no longer have the carefree days of our youth. But I must say, that scar on your face is quite striking," Goro observed.
"It was a work-related accident. Nothing to be concerned about," Kai said, lightly touching the scar on his right cheek.
"Hey, Kai, do you remember Rio? The school diva who caused that scandal involving you," Goro asked.
"Yes, what about her?" Kai inquired.
"Well, she turned out to be quite the character. Proudly flaunting her scandalous behavior. She was a lesbian, and a rather toxic one at that, pretending to be interested in men just to exploit them financially. She and her girlfriend met a gruesome end during a live stream at her house, stabbed by an obsessive fan who she had used for money. A truly disturbing incident," Goro recounted, taking a puff from his cigar.
"I see," Kai replied, taking a sip of his drink.
"She instigated that scandal because the girl she liked was close to you, and she was jealous of your popularity within the kendo club. You used to be so cheerful, and many girls were drawn to you. But that school diva left you with a stain that never quite washed away. People were worried when you nearly ended your life. I thought you had perished in that monster attack," Goro said, recalling Kai's near-suicidal state before the attack.
"That's precisely why I have no desire to revert to my former self. I've discarded that persona, and it won't be making a comeback. It's futile," Kai said, taking another drink.
"Well, it's good to see you, Kai. I have to get back to teaching my students. We should organize a reunion sometime," Goro suggested, finishing his cigar.
"Yes, I look forward to it," Kai replied.
While most people would have been thrilled by the prospect of a reunion, Kai felt a sense of weariness. He had long since abandoned his capacity for joy and enthusiasm, his emotions dulled by the lingering effects of the scandal.
As Goro departed, Kai finished his drink. He checked his phone for news, confirming Goro's account of Rio's demise. Just then, rain began to fall, and Kai pulled up the hood of his jacket. Instead of returning home, he decided to visit the site where he had encountered the girl in white.
Upon arriving, he found the location, once ravaged by a monster attack, fully restored. He recalled being rescued by the girl in white, though the intense heat and light had obscured her features. He then turned and walked back towards his home.
The following day, in Midchilda, at TSAB HQ, Fate and Nanoha visited Hayate's office, only to find her absent, along with Reinforce. Signum and Vita were present at the headquarters, but Shamal was at the Yagami residence, tending to Hayate's well-being. Nanoha and Fate left Hayate's office, their expressions filled with concern.
"I'm worried about Hayate-chan. She hasn't been herself since the incident," Nanoha said.
"Me too, Nanoha. Hayate's abduction and Kai's unexpected face reveal have left them both in a state of confusion. They need time to process everything. I can't bear to see them in this state any longer. They're both hurting, especially Hayate," Fate said.
"I agree. But Fuji-kun advised us to give them space. We can't force them," Nanoha said.
"You're right, Nanoha. For Hayate, he's like Reinforce Eins. And for Kai, she's the one who broke his curse," Fate said.
Meanwhile, at Hayate's residence, in her room, she resolved to overcome her lingering shock. She slapped her cheeks to regain her composure, determined to confront Kai.
"I can't remain like this forever. As his commander, I must be prepared to face him, regardless of the circumstances," Hayate declared.
(To be continue)