Hiroshi was doing his daily work when he said quietly,
"The world has finally found peace again—no more wars. Ever since Konsoon was sealed away, everything feels calmer. But he was rigth still... no one can truly escape cruelty. One day, everyone faces it. Sometimes, even your own people betray you."
He paused, looking into the distance.
"I can understand why he chose such a painful path," Hiroshi continued. "But still... I'll miss Konsoon. We were rivals, after all."
He smiled faintly. "This world has its own desires—its own will. I can feel it."
Children were laughing and playing nearby, and the Kisidian group was finally living good, peaceful lives again. Maybe that's all Konsoon ever wanted—to make Hiroshi see the truth about cruelty. Who knows what Konsoon is capable of now, sealed away in another dimension for a million years.
Hiroshi watched the children playing, then one of them called out,
"Captain Hiroshi! Come play with us!"
He chuckled. "Just for a little while," he said, joining in.
The kids laughed as one fell into the mud. Hiroshi smiled and said, "Watch your step next time!" Everyone laughed again. For a moment, life felt light and normal.
Later that night, under the quiet glow of the moon, Hiroshi returned to the Kisidian group's headquarters. Matsui greeted him at the door.
"Oh, Hiroshi! You're back. Here's the file I wanted you to look over."
Hiroshi nodded. "Sure. I'll take care of it."
Meanwhile, somewhere else, Ren and Lufui were sparring.
Ren landed a clean strike, and Lufui grinned. "That was a great hit, Ren!"
Ren lowered his stance and said, "I guess that's enough training for today."
Lufui smirked. "Next time, I'll make sure to win."
Ren smiled back. "As you wish."
Hiroshi looked up from the file and asked,
"Well then, Matsui… how's Master Reigo doing?"
She smiled softly. "He's stable. Honestly, I thought he wouldn't make it… but it's been five days, and the doctors say he'll recover soon."
"I see," Hiroshi said, relief flickering across his face. "I'll go visit him in his room later."
"You should," Matsui nodded. "You two were always close."
"Yeah… makes sense," Hiroshi replied quietly.
As he walked down the corridor, his thoughts drifted.
Ten days ago… this place was drowning in chaos and blood. And now—peace. Just like that.
He clenched his fist slightly.
Konsoon… after everything you did—injecting venom into your body, killing so many of our people… yet, somehow, it meant something. You, the so-called Prince of Darkness… my rival… now gone forever.
Later that evening, Hiroshi turned to Matsui again.
"Hey, Matsui… wanna hang out for a bit?"
She smiled faintly. "Sure, we can go to the pond. It's quiet there."
They walked together under the fading orange sky, the air calm and cool. The water reflected the clouds above, rippling softly.
Hiroshi asked, "So… what do you want to do now, after all this? You've lost so much—your brother Nolan, so many others. What do you think this 'Destiny of Stone' war really meant?"
Matsui gazed into the pond. "Honestly… I just want someone by my side," she said gently.
Hiroshi smiled. "Good for you."
She looked at him. "What about you, Hiroshi?"
"Me? I'm just focused on rebuilding Kisidian. Protecting Earth and the universe. That's always been my goal—to be a leader worthy of that."
"I see," she said quietly. "So… no one special for you?"
Hiroshi chuckled softly. "No, not really."
Matsui teased, "Maybe Ren likes me, though."
Hiroshi laughed lightly. "Good for him."
The two sat in silence for a moment, the sound of raindrops starting to fall.
Hiroshi looked up. "Oh… it's raining. Guess that's our cue."
"Yeah," Matsui said, smiling. "Just like Louis used to say—rain means a new beginning."
They walked back to the Kisidian Hall together. Changing into their night clothes, they exchanged quiet goodbyes.
"Goodnight, Matsui," Hiroshi said softly.
"Goodnight, Hiroshi," she replied.
He sat down on his bed, staring at the ceiling for a moment. Memories of friends, comrades, and his mother flashed in his mind—the faces of those he'd lost. Slowly, his eyes closed, and for the first time in a long while… Hiroshi slept peacefully.