People fled in terror from the station, as a Ghost that had taken the form of a train was careening out of control along the road.
"HELP!"
The screams echoed throughout the underground metro.
"Let's go, now! Hotaru, wait at the end of the road."
"Okay, but don't let it go another way!" Hotaru shouted as she headed to the very end.
"Takumi, come with me. We're boarding the train. Livia, I trust you to support Hotaru at the exact moment."
Both boys nodded. In the blink of an eye, the train arrived. Ryouma jumped with Takumi onto the last car.
"Whoa!? You're crazy!"
The wind whipped against their faces, strong gusts cutting their skin.
"Shut up and get on!" With all his strength, Ryouma threw Takumi onto one of the cars.
"I don't like this!" he protested, seeing the dark surroundings, feeling the train's speed throughout his body, his clothes tearing.
"You look like a scared cat. Get up."
Takumi refused, holding onto the car tightly.
Ryouma watched as they emerged outside, which made everything even more difficult. Suddenly, a signal appeared ahead; quickly, he threw Takumi inside a car.
"Ryouma!" Takumi ran when he saw the other boy jump. He fell, then ran through the cars until he found him hanging between two cars. "... You're okay, what a relief."
Takumi helped Ryouma down and together they entered the cars, seeing the terrified people.
"Look, they're exorcists."
"They came to save us."
At that moment, Ryouma heard his earpiece.
"Finally you answer, little Ryouma."
"Kohaku, talk now."
"Okay, here's the situation. You're going to crash soon, so I need you to get all the people off this train right now."
"What? Don't joke at a time like this…" Receiving no response, he decided to act. "Takumi, throw all the passengers out right now."
Takumi looked at him in surprise, not understanding anything. However, seeing Ryouma's expression, he knew he was serious.
"Excuse me," the young man said as he began throwing all the people several meters down, where they were caught by various exorcists.
Once everyone was out, Ryouma pressed his earpiece.
"Done. Livia, your turn."
At that moment, the black-haired girl launched herself at the train Ghost, but without her noticing, the Ghost had separated from the train.
"Shit," Livia watched as the Ghost was being chased by Takumi. "Useless!"
Takumi turned upon hearing the insult, seeing one of Livia's knives flying towards him. His clumsy reflexes made him dodge them instead of catching them.
"Cut a piece of the Ghost and give it to Hotaru," she said while hanging from one of the road's bars.
Still confused, Takumi grabbed the knife, running towards the Ghost.
At that moment, Hotaru appeared, blocking the creature's path.
"Damn pest, where do you think you're going… Crucifix… Ahhh!"
Before she could apply her technique, the Ghost evaded her, causing her to crash into Takumi.
"Agh… my face."
"The Ghost…"
"But look at the mess my little students have created. Sadly, it's not their fault."
All the people fleeing in terror stopped, and a great smile shone on their faces upon seeing Kohaku.
"Kohaku is here!"
"We'll finally be safe."
"This Ghost is Class Satu," Kohaku said with his cunning smile, ignoring the destruction and blood around him. "Not even on my day off…"
Kohaku raised two fingers with great arrogance and, with a simple stretch of his arms, released it.
"God Ray."
Everything turned pure white, blinding everyone present, including the Ghost, which vanished along with everything around it.
---
When the white light dissipated, everyone approached Kohaku, including the journalists.
"And he's done it again! Kohaku arrived to save the day…"
While the news played, Kohaku and the Director watched the younger exorcists.
"All exorcists not in Kohaku's group may leave," the Director ordered in a firm voice, also taking his leave.
Kohaku analyzed each one: Takumi, with his impassive fearful expression; Ryouma, with his serious expression; Hotaru, trying not to look him in the face; and Livia, trying to contain her frustration.
"Kids, you know I'm not one for scolding, but this mission was a total disaster. About 3 people died and 18 were injured. Who do you think is paying for those expenses?"
There was total silence from the four kids. Ryouma decided to step in front of the other three.
"I'll be honest, maybe we could have done better, but that doesn't mean we did nothing. Besides, you didn't do anything. You're supposed to be the World's Exorcist; your responsibility is to take care of everyone and watch over our peace."
Everyone looked away. The other three were thinking the same thing.
He's so brave to talk to Kohaku like that.
At that moment, Kohaku stood up, approached them, and crouched down to the point of looking Ryouma in the eyes.
His smile returned, stronger than ever.
"Okay, okay, okay. Now that's courage. Although I'd be more surprised if your hands weren't trembling, Ryouma~~."
The entire tense atmosphere vanished, leaving Kohaku's typical playful mockery.
"The students' error is the teacher's error," the Director mentioned as he entered. "The same applies to parents. So everyone, including Kohaku, is suspended as exorcists for one week and will do community service as punishment."
Everyone was shocked to hear the Director's words; even Kohaku made a sour face.
"If there's no other way, fine. Everyone in a column, let's go."
Kohaku walked away from the place with his four students.
"Thanks, I'll buy you something as a reward," Hotaru said, bumping hands with Ryouma.
"Thanks, though it wasn't necessary."
"Ha, ha, I'll make your favorite dish, Ryo."
"I'm Ryouma, not Ryo. Or should I call you 'idiot Takumi'?"
"How rude."
Kohaku laughed softly upon hearing his students converse.
They're getting along better.
---
The sun continued to shine, the breeze was cool, the landscapes tinged with reddish and orange hues. A man with blond hair walked beside a silver-haired boy.
"Cyrus, where are your parents right now?"
"Mmm…? Shiro is currently training all the recruits, and my second dad, Sora, is with Grandpa Katsuro; they went to recruit more people."
"I see. And the woman?"
"Aunt Libby went to pick up men."
With this information, he gave little Cyrus an ice cream.
"Good. Then it's my turn to find the right vessel to achieve mass destruction. Do you have the information I asked for?"
"Yes, Uncle Makisig."
The two walked towards a work center, ready to continue their act.
---
Everything seemed to be going smoothly. The four present individuals watched their teammate's skill with surprise.
"Incredible," Hotaru's eyes shone with every movement, her mouth watering.
Ryouma and Livia watched as he handled the cooking dishes.
"You know how to use a knife like that in the kitchen, but you can't do the same in combat."
Takumi laughed lightly upon hearing Ryouma's comment.
"It's very different. Cooking for me is like an art, my passion."
Takumi said, never stopping the movement of the pan, his colleagues' eyes following the motion.
"You're finally useful for something, little Takumi. This cake is delicious, and I'm not even one for sweets," Kohaku said, eating large bites with great excitement.
"It's not bad, though it could be better," Livia feigned disinterest.
Takumi only listened to Livia's comment with suspicion.
At that moment, other exorcists arrived. One of them approached; his appearance was unimpressive, completely killing the mood.
"An exorcist cooking? That's useless on the battlefield. I don't understand why two Maldit are being trained by Kohaku." His voice was hostile as he threateningly approached Takumi. "What? Are you going to kill Ghosts by cooking? Or kill a Ghost with a frying pan?"
Takumi was about to respond until he saw a frying pan fall on the guy's head.
"Well, look how well it works! Don't bother my friend, you useless Class Empat. You're as pathetic as your colleagues." Hotaru kept holding the pan, hitting the guy until he left. "What a coward."
"… Thank you, Hotaru."
"Don't mention it. Don't pay attention to guys like that. Besides, your food is delicious."
"Hotaru is right. They only act like that because the superiors, Suiki and Vera, aren't around."
Takumi nodded, watching his companions enjoy the moment, the Director also joining in along with Secretary Jane.
The table was full of steaming plates, and the sound of laughter filled the dining hall. Meanwhile, at another long table, a sinister conversation was taking place.
Abaddon sat with everyone around the large table.
"So, Cyrus. How did the train Ghost we released fare?"
"It was going well, but then Kohaku showed up and interrupted everything."
"… I see. And you, Shiro?"
"I'm going to hit you. I hate being a nanny for so many spoiled brats."
Those words made the man laugh.
"Don't take it to heart. When the time comes, all those baits will die, just like their families. Don't you think so, Katsuro?"
"I agree. I just want to reclaim my family's powers," the old man mentioned, slowly drinking his tea.