Every person on this earth carries both truth and lies within themselves.
[Flashback: One Year Ago – Underground Fighting Arena, Spain]
Roars of bloodlust echoed throughout the stands. The spectators were driven into a frenzy as the battle inside the inescapable steel cage reached its three-hour mark. Finally, the outcome was decided.
A young boy gasped for air, his consciousness fading. A knife slipped from his hand. He sat astride a man into whose neck he had repeatedly plunged the blade. Blood pooled around them. The opponent, a boy of similar age, stared with wide, lifeless eyes; his body was still warm, though Jinnai had taken his life only moments ago.
Jinnai's brown eyes grew vacant. His left eye was closed, drenched in blood from a deep gash running from his forehead to his cheekbone—a parting gift from the enemy now lying dead beneath him. His own eyeball, crushed into unrecognizable flesh, lay scattered to his right, marking the spot where the impact had occurred.
Around the cage lay the corpses of five other boys, each mangled beyond recognition. One had a horrific jaw injury; another had been nearly split in two. For those still clinging to life, the heart rate monitors on their wrists showed fading jagged lines, soon to become flat.
They had all come to this slaughterhouse for honor or victory. But Jinnai? He fought for only one person.
"My Lady..." Jinnai whispered through the blood. He was soaked in it—both his own and his enemies'. There wasn't a patch of skin without a wound, nor a thread of clothing not stained crimson. His favorite denim jeans were now so dark with gore they no longer looked blue.
'My Lady... I must return to you. Lady Saya.'
The image of her bright smile acted as a fuel for his exhausted heart. He gripped a knife once more, but then closed his eyes and dropped it. I have to end this. Quickly. Knives were too slow.
He forced himself to stand and walked toward the last boy who was still breathing shallowly. Jinnai grabbed the boy's head with both hands and twisted with a sickening crack, severing the spinal cord instantly. He didn't wait to watch the life leave the boy's eyes; he knew that strike was final. He moved through the cage, checking each body to ensure the job was done.
As the final heart monitor emitted a long, continuous beep, the announcer's voice boomed: "The selection is over! The winner: Jinnai Kaede!"
The boy barely heard it. He stumbled toward the exit, his mind a blur of swaying shadows. "My Lady... My Lady... I survived. I'm coming back to you..."
"Jinnai! Jinnai! Stay with me, you brat!"
Jinnai collapsed as the familiar voice of a man he knew well screamed his name. Before he lost consciousness, he thought bitterly: 'You're the one who dragged me here, and yet you're still scolding me...'
'Raiden... you nagging old man...'
[Present Day: A few days ago – Hospital Garden]
"Put everything you've got into it, Jinnai! EXTREME!" Ryohei shouted, throwing a punch. Jinnai countered using the same boxing techniques Ryohei had taught him, both wearing protective gear.
"Yes, Ryohei-san!" Jinnai dodged and countered with a straight right. Ryohei raised his guard just as Jinnai feinted with a left jab. Ryohei ducked and aimed a body shot, but stopped just before impact.
"That's enough for today," Ryohei said, noticing a dangerous, predatory glint in the boy's eyes. He knew when to push and when to stop.
"Thank you, Ryohei-san. I almost lost my fuse there," Jinnai bowed. "You're very observant. I've never lost control while sparring with you, and it's actually fun."
"No need for all that politeness! Just relax!" Ryohei laughed. Jinnai blushed slightly, still unaccustomed to being casual.
"I'm enjoying the view," a voice said. Fon, dressed in his red Chinese silks, approached them. Jinnai offered a traditional Chinese greeting. "Good evening, Master Fon."
"You are much like Saya-chan, Kaede-kun," Fon smiled. "So polite and well-mannered."
"Thank you for the compliment." Jinnai smiled, but Fon's gaze turned serious.
"Do you wish to become even stronger? I see a spark in you that would be a waste to leave unattended."
Jinnai hesitated. Ryohei nudged him. "It's rare for him to offer, Jinnai!"
"Think about it," Fon said, handing him a piece of paper. "This is a task Reborn wants you to do."
Jinnai unfolded the paper. It was a list of locations—mountains and caves. Reborn wanted him to investigate these areas and report any anomalies. "The pay is already half-transferred," Fon noted as Jinnai's phone buzzed with a notification. "Technology is quite convenient these days."
"I'll do it," Jinnai bowed. "As long as My Lady is happy and free in this family, you have my loyalty, Master Fon."
"Then if Vongola ever makes her cry, you'll become a different person, won't you?" Fon mused. Jinnai stiffened, but Fon only closed his eyes and smiled. "A true Cloud, much like Kyoya. I am impressed."
At the mention of Hibari, Jinnai's brow twitched.
Jinnai left the hospital on his red big bike, a beautiful machine he called "Rebecca." He rode out of Namimori toward the first destination, but as he reached the outskirts, he saw a figure blocking the road.
A middle-aged man in a black suit stood there. He had long, wavy hair tied back and wore round glasses. In his hand was a katana crackling with Lightning Flames. His scarred face was fixed on the approaching bike.
Jinnai cursed and slammed on his brakes. Going over 120 km/h, the bike skidded and spun. Jinnai ignited his Sun Flame in his eyes and limbs to enhance his reflexes, bringing Rebecca to a halt just inches away from the man.
Jinnai raised both hands instantly. "Don't slash it! Customizing Rebecca cost me a fortune... please, Old Man Raiden."
The man gave a strange, toothy grin, showing several gold teeth. "You still remember my name, brat?"
"Hard to forget the man who raised and beat me into shape, Raiden, Head Butler of the Izagami family," Jinnai said, removing his helmet. "I remember the man who made me hate the sweets My Lady loves for the rest of my life."
"Then you know what this meeting means?" the tall man asked, his smile vanishing.
"About My Lady and Vongola," Jinnai said, turning off his engine. "Let's talk, Uncle. Let's see what data I've brought back from Vongola for you."
"Of course," Jinnai smirked, turning off his Sun Flame. "After all, ... I am an Izagami man, aren't I?"