Daichi’s eyes widened in worry as he saw his father step out of the van, he looked behind him expectantly, hoping, praying to see that Ken was okay.
It was then that he saw the beaten up and frail figure of Ken unconscious in the van, leaning up against the walls.
In a flash, he ran forward grabbing his brother tightly and pulling him into his embrace. Tears began to stream down his face as relief washed over him.
“Ouch.” Ken mumbled, rousing from his sleep.
Daichi flinched, realizing that he might be hugging him too tight.
“Ken… Are you okay?” He asked, moving back and checking him over. Daichi couldn’t help but suck in a cold breath of air after seeing the extent of the bruises and lacerations on Ken’s body.
“I’ll survive.” He muttered hoarsely, looking around briefly, almost like he was half asleep. “Where’s Ai?”
At the mention of her name, Ai appeared in his vision, her face filled with fresh tears.
Ken wanted to get up and go to her, but his limbs were too sore, not to mention he currently had someone attached to him.
“Little bro, wanna give me some space?” He said, letting out an amused chuckle.
“A—Ah, sure.” Daichi responded, his gaze moving to Ai. He suddenly understood that he was preventing the two lovebirds from reuniting and couldn’t help but smile.
Now that he knew his brother was safe, the tension had dissipated. He could always talk to him later, so he moved back and gave them some space.
Unlike Daichi, Ai moved forward slowly towards Ken, almost sobbing as she did so. When she was close enough, Ken moved her hair out of her face and pinned it behind her ear, revealing a large bruise on her cheek.
A flash of anger appeared on Ken’s face, but he quickly controlled himself. With great effort, he got to his feet and pulled her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her.
This seemed to be the straw that broke the camel’s back as Ai began crying her eyes out. She sobbed, nuzzling her head into his chest and not wanting to let go.
“It’s okay. Everything will be alright.” Ken soothed, rubbing her back gently.
At this scene, Miho also began to get emotional, hugging Daichi tightly.
After a few moments, Ai lifted her head as if she’d just remembered something, “Katsuya! Is he with you?”
Ken nodded, “He’s fine as well.” Ken said, turning his attention to the inside of the van where the guy was fast asleep.
Ai turned her head and saw his figure. She almost couldn’t recognize him thanks to the severe bruising on his face and the blood matted through his hair.
In the next moment, a figure ran outside, almost looking out of breath by the time he arrived.
“Katsu!”
He looked at his father who was wearing a solemn yet terrifying expression and was standing above his unconscious brother. A shiver ran down his spine, feeling a pang of guilt in his heart.
“He’s going to be okay Kiyo.” Tomoya stated, his voice sounding weary. However, there was an edge to his tone, as if he was filled with rage.
“Thank goodness.” Kiyoshi replied, breathing out a sigh of relief. As long as his brother was alive, he wouldn’t have to live with the guilt of being an accessory to his capture.
After all, if he had have stopped Katsuya back then when he wanted to escape, none of this would have happened.
Tetsu watched on as the reunions happened, his eyes seeming sentimental. His gaze lowered to the brass knuckles on his fist, as if contemplating his decisions.
However, a resolute expression appeared once more, removing any doubt.
“Alright, let’s get inside.” Shin said, motioning for everyone to get moving.
No one rejected the notion, making their way into the building. Unlike the previous headquarters, this place was rather small and unassuming.
Instead of the grand back room, they were in something like a bar with round tables and booths scattered around.
“Well done everyone. We’ll need to lay low for a while since we just poked the hornets nest, so make yourselves comfortable.” Minoru spoke up, his tone sounding pleased.
Upon seeing Katsuya slung over Tomoya’s shoulder, he let out a relieved smile and sat back in his chair.
Nobody objected, sitting down wherever was the most convenient. Daichi, Miho, Ai and Ken sat at one of the tables together, happy that everything was over for now.
Just as everyone was starting to relax, Chris spoke up, getting everyone’s attention.
“I don’t think now is the time to relax.” He said.
A few of the gazes turned sharp, directed at him like daggers.
Minoru’s expression stiffened a little before he responded, “Speak.” He commanded.
Chris didn’t take long to reply, his tone even, “None of us will be able to rest while the Hokori family remains in Tokyo. I think you know that better than me sir.”
Minoru’s held Chris’s gaze, not faltering.
“So you’re suggesting we strike while the iron is hot?” He asked, though by his body language, it was clear he was not happy with the suggestion.
The atmosphere seemed to grow heavy as the words were spoken.
“Going after the Hokori family when they’re on high alert is foolish.” Shin stated, his gaze dangerous.
Although Tomoya was hellbent on revenge, he also seemed to share the same sentiment as Shin. He wasn’t so hot-headed that he would charge head on into the enemies at a time like this.
He had just recovered his son, there was no reason to risk it all in a knee-jerk reaction.
“Who said I was suggesting going after the Hokori Family directly?” Chris stated, his face serious.
“What are you suggesting then?” Minoru asked, his interest piqued.
“We cut off the head of the snake. Remove the Hokori family’s backer, and they’ll have no choice but to return to Hokkaido due to losing their foothold in Tokyo.”
The room grew quiet.
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