---
Scene 13: Gamer Reflexes, Martial Mayhem
Location: Outside Renji’s School – 3:21 PM
Reo waited by the gate, scrolling through his phone, chewing bubblegum. Saeki had told him to “blend in.”
So naturally, he was in neon joggers and a hoodie that said “Recoil This”.
Reo (to himself): “Campers everywhere in this city, man. If life had killcams...”
Suddenly—
SCREECH.
A black car stopped hard across the street. Four men in black suits jumped out.
Too clean. Too quiet.
Target: Reo Miizushima.
Reo (mutters): “Oh? Side quest accepted.”
The men circled him.
Henchman #1: “Mr. Miizushima. You’ve been interfering with our operations.”
Reo (mock gasp): “Me? I’m just the snack guy. I pack bento. I fold Saeki’s socks. Sometimes.”
Henchman #2: “Come quietly—”
Reo: “You’re seriously threatening me while I’m holding bubble tea?”
Henchman #1: “Last warning.”
Reo finished his drink, tossed the cup, and cracked his knuckles.
Reo: “Alright. Lemme just stretch real quick. Haven’t kicked someone in the jaw since college finals.”
---
10 Seconds Later:
Two henchmen were face-down on the pavement.
One was unconscious.
One was crying.
Reo ducked, spun, blocked a knife, and countered with a knee strike so fast it made the guy wheeze in slow motion.
Reo (grinning): “Whoops. That felt like an A+.”
---
Meanwhile, On a Rooftop
The scarred enemy watched through binoculars.
Enemy (flatly): “That’s not just a boyfriend.”
Voice on earpiece: “He just did a spinning back kick. In slippers.”
Enemy: “...Tell the boss we underestimated the pancake guy.”
---
Aftermath – Back at Home
Renji (excited): “REO-NII! You’re trending! #SlipperFighter is going viral!”
Reo: “Wait. WHAT.”
Saeki walked in, holding his phone.
Saeki (dryly): “Next time, maybe wear a mask.”
Reo (grinning): “Aww, you watched it? Did I look cool?”
Saeki: “You’re an idiot.”
Renji: “You’re my hero!”
Reo: “Same difference.”
FLASHBACK: “The Slipper King Origins”
Location: Reo’s High School – 6 Years Ago
The school gym buzzed with energy—squeaking shoes, the sharp smack of mitts, and the sound of Reo’s name being yelled for the fifth time.
Coach (yelling): “Miizushima! Focus up! You’re sparring with the captain!”
Reo (pulling on gloves): “Is he mad about last time? I didn’t mean to break his nose. Kinda.”
A few students huddled at the edge of the mat, whispering.
Nerdy Rich Kid (whispers): “He’s the guy who took down three seniors with a broomstick last month…”
Other Kid: “And didn’t get expelled because the principal’s daughter cried when he got detention.”
Cut to: MATCH BEGINS
Reo and the captain circle.
The captain throws the first strike—fast and calculated.
Reo dodges, counters with a precise elbow lock, flips him clean over, and pins him in seconds.
Coach: “...You scare me.”
Reo (cheerfully): “I scare myself sometimes.”
---
Later That Day – Behind the School Building
Reo’s back against the wall, counting money from a nerdy kid with glasses.
Reo: “So who’s the target?”
Nerd Kid (blushing): “His name’s Yamada. He keeps knocking over my lunch tray.”
Reo: “...That’s it?”
Nerd Kid: “...He also called me ‘Pudding Boy’ in front of Ai-chan.”
Reo (dead serious): “Unforgivable.”
He takes the money and walks off like a hitman with a soft-serve heart.
---
Evening – Reo’s Home
A tiny apartment. Simple. Clean.
His mother’s in bed, pale, weak—but smiling.
Reo (softly): “Mom... they offered me a scholarship for nationals.”
Mom (smiling weakly): “That’s great, baby. You’ll be famous one day.”
Reo (sits beside her, holding her hand): “Famous enough to buy you that fancy massage chair?”
Mom (chuckles): “You’re already enough for me.”
His smile fades a little.
But his grip tightens.
Reo (in thought): "I’ll make it. Somehow. Even if I have to punch the world in the face."
---
Back to Present
Reo (folding laundry): “...That’s how I ended up with strong legs, crippling sarcasm, and zero cooking skills.”
Saeki (deadpan): “That was a full anime arc in two minutes.”
Renji: “Wait! You were a real ninja?!”
Reo (grinning): “Not a ninja, kiddo. I was a budget superhero.”
Saeki: “You were a scholarship gremlin with anger issues.”
Reo: “Functional anger issues.”
Scene: Saeki’s Private Dojo – Late Morning
The sun filters through wooden blinds. It’s quiet. Peaceful.
Until—
Renji (in a headband, holding a mop like a sword):
“Sensei Reo! Teach me how to slide kick like in Call of Duty!”
Reo (already sweating):
“…It’s not just about sliding, Renji, it’s about balance, awareness, and—WAIT DON'T THROW THAT—”
Renji hurls a training pad like a grenade.
Renji:
“FLASHBANG OUT!”
Reo (dodging):
“Bro—this isn’t a warzone, it’s a dojo!”
---
Reo tries to regain control
He grabs Renji gently by the shoulders.
Reo:
“Alright, lesson one: self-defense. Focus your energy. Breathe in… and out.”
Renji (nods seriously):
“Got it.”
Reo:
“Now, when someone tries to grab you like this—”
He demonstrates a light wrist grab.
Renji (suddenly flips Reo):
“COUNTER GRAPPLE! Like in Jujutsu Legends!”
Reo hits the mat with a thud.
Reo (wheezing):
“...I blinked and saw the light.”
---
Enter Saeki – sipping his coffee, observing
Saeki (deadpan):
“I left you alone for ten minutes.”
Reo (still on the floor):
“Your son has anime protagonist instincts. I’m fighting pure main character energy.”
Renji (beaming):
“Papa Reo says I’m cracked.”
Saeki:
“You’re grounded.”
---
After a short break
Reo actually teaches him some core blocks, how to break a fall, and breathing techniques.
Reo (demonstrating a stance):
“This helps protect your core. Remember: power doesn’t come from anger, it comes from control.”
Renji (nods, trying to mimic):
“…Does this also work on evil uncles?”
Reo:
“Absolutely. Works better with a dramatic one-liner too.”
Renji:
“I’ll say ‘Your free trial of life has expired!’”
Reo:
“…Okay that’s going on a T-shirt.”
---
Later: Cooling down
Renji’s chugging water, red-faced but smiling.
Renji:
“You think I’ll be strong like you someday?”
Reo (smiling softly):
“You already are. You’ve got guts, heart, and the world's weirdest dodge roll. That's a win in my book.”
Saeki (watching from the corner):
“…This is illegal levels of cute.”
Scene: Nightfall – Quiet Balcony, City Lights Glowing
Reo steps out onto the balcony, freshly showered, wearing one of Saeki’s oversized black yukatas he found in the laundry. His damp hair clings to his neck, and he’s sipping canned peach soda like it’s sake.
Saeki (appearing behind him):
“…You’re wearing my clothes.”
Reo (glancing over his shoulder):
“They were on the chair. Also? Comfier than expected. I’m keeping it.”
Saeki (leaning on the railing next to him):
“Tch. Bold move, freeloading in a Yakuza boss’s house.”
Reo (smirking):
“Not my fault your kid thinks I’m his second dad now. Kinda too late to kick me out.”
Saeki (low voice, teasing):
“Didn’t say I’d kick you out. I could collect rent another way.”
Reo (chokes on his soda, coughs):
“W–What the hell, Saeki?!”
---
Saeki steps closer, eyes serious now
Saeki:
“You’ve been good with Renji. Better than I thought someone like you could be.”
Reo:
“…Gee, thanks.”
Saeki:
“I mean it.” (pauses) “It’s been a while since this place felt… alive.”
Reo (quietly):
“Yeah. Me too.”
---
Long pause – tension rises
The wind brushes through. Their hands rest close on the railing. Saeki’s gaze drops to Reo’s hand, then his lips. Reo feels it.
Reo (softly, challenging):
“…You gonna keep staring or do something about it?”
Saeki (leans in, voice low):
“Careful. I’m not the gentle type.”
Reo:
“Didn’t ask for gentle.”
---
Right before they kiss—
Renji (from inside, yelling):
“PAPA REO! I CAN’T FIND MY TOOTHBRUSH!”
Reo (sighing):
“...Cockblocked by a seven-year-old.”
Saeki (grinning):
“Welcome to fatherhood.”
---
Reo walks off, but—
He turns back at the door and shoots Saeki a lazy smirk.
Reo:
“…Don’t fall in love with me too fast, Yakuza boy.”
Saeki (murmurs to himself):
“…Too late.”
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