Episode 8, A Strange Man

"That’s a beautiful school, isn’t it?" the man said, his tone warm and engaging. He was dressed in a smart suit, with an air of quiet confidence about him.

Takumi looked up, momentarily disoriented, and then nodded slowly. "Yeah, it is. I always wanted to go there, but my parents never let me."

The man’s eyes softened with understanding. "So, you’d still like to attend?"

Takumi shrugged, his face a mixture of resignation and bitterness. "It’s too late now. There’s no point."

The man studied him for a moment, then spoke earnestly. "It might not be too late. If you really want to attend that school, I might be able to help you get in."

Takumi’s expression hardened. "I appreciate the offer, but it’s not something I can do anymore. I’ve moved on."

Without waiting for a response, Takumi turned away from the poster and began to walk down the aisle, his steps quickening as if to put the dreams of his past behind him. The man watched him go, a look of quiet disappointment on his face.

"Takumi Tsurugi."

The sudden call of his full name startled him, for a long time he's been known as Takumi Fujimoto and someone dared remind him of who he was. He spun around, his eyes wide with confusion, only someone who knew him very well and knew about his past could call him that. The man stood there, an unreadable expression on his face.

"How do you know my name?" Takumi demanded, taking a step forward.

The man’s gaze was steady and calm. "My name is Kenji Morimoto. I’ve been looking for you. I know about your family... and the man who killed them. Ryujin Kuroba."

Takumi's heart raced. "What are you talking about? How do you know about that?"

Kenji’s eyes held a solemn intensity. "You are destined for more than you realize. I can help you get the vengeance you seek, but first, you need to follow me."

"Follow you? Who on Earth are you?"

"Come along, and I'll show you."

Takumi’s mind whirled with a mix of fear and disbelief. The man’s words stirred up a storm of emotions he had been fighting. He glanced around, feeling the weight of the decision pressing upon him. His longing for the school and his need for justice clashed violently within him.

"I... I don’t know," Takumi said hesitantly.

"You want to see the school that would change your life?"

Takumi nodded.

"Then come."

Takumi hesitated. "I just wanted to see the school. I’ll go home immediately after that."

Kenji’s demeanor softened slightly, though his resolve remained firm. "Very well. I’ll take you to see the school first. But remember, the choice you make now will shape your future."

Takumi nodded, torn between the dreams of his past and the call for vengeance. He followed Kenji out of the supermarket, stepping into the evening air that seemed to hum with the promise of change.

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