Inside the cozy hot pot restaurant in Shibuya, Death placed a red paper charm on the table, looking at Rio with a serious gaze.
"Death: This is the seal that holds Yonokaji back. There are ten of these in total, and those AoC bastards have already neutralized one of them. If Yonokaji truly breaks free, it will be a threat to the entire world."
Rio asked, confused, "Then... why aren't you going there, Death-same?"
Death replied nonchalantly, "Mm... I'm not free yet. I've got an appointment with someone. Besides, in two weeks, you need to head to this address."
Death handed over a small address card, and Rio took it, staring at the coordinates.
"Death: Let me explain it to you simply. Yonokaji is a fusion of a Yokai and Kaji. The worst part is that their bodies are composed entirely of pure energy, making them incredibly powerful. The AoC members went to the Yokai Realm and broke the sealing array placed by Lord Shisu. Right now, they possess 10 fragments of Lord Shizen's soul—essentially the power of two stones."
"Why does that matter so much?" Rio pressed.
Death narrowed his eyes. "Think about it. If Lord Shizen and Yonokaji merge... Yonokaji has massive raw energy, while Lord Shizen possesses every kind of combat technique imaginable. Plus, the power of two stones is nothing to scoff at. Yonokaji doesn't have much of a brain, so if they fuse, Lord Shizen will be in control 100%."
"But Death-same, why aren't you fighting them yourself?" Rio asked once more.
Death smirked, "I told you, I have an appointment with someone. But it'll be fine."
Death finished off the noodles and meat on his plate while talking. He then stood up, chugged the rest of his cold drink, and turned toward Rio with a casual wave.
"Bye bye! 👋"
A moment later, his voice echoed from outside the shop. "Taxi! 🚕"
Rio remained at the table, silently focused on finishing his hot pot while the weight of the new information settled in.
After finishing his meal, Rio went to pay.
Rio: "How much?"
"1,000 Yen."
Rio: "Okay, here."
He then stepped out and checked the money in his pocket.
Rio: "Crap... only 20 Yen left. I'm going to have to walk home."
By the time he got home, it was already 10 PM.
Rio: "My legs are so sore. I'm going to bed early today."
Morning
Beep... Beep...
Rio: "Hello, who's this?"
Kawsoki: "Rio, get over to our usual spot. You're going to lose it when you see what Gyau just bought."
Rio: "Alright, alright."
Rio headed to the bathroom, lathered his hair with soap, and washed up. He put on a black shirt, hopped on his bicycle in front of the house, and rode to their meeting place.
Rio: "I'm here!"
Rio then looked at where Gyau and the others were standing. Behind Gyau...
Rio: "Wtf... wooooooow! Is that an AE86?! Fuk, that's impossible!"
Rio rushed over to the car instantly.
Rio: "Holy... no way! Gyau, where the hell did you get this?"
Gyau: "Hahaha! You really want to know?"
Gyau: Honestly, I found this at my uncle's place. I never imagined he'd be sitting on gold like this. I just bought him a brand-new fishing rod and traded it for the car."
Rio stared at him, jaw hanging open.
"Rio: No way... your uncle traded this for a mere fishing rod?"
"Gyau: Well, I had to do a bit of restoring myself," Gyau added with a wink. "I'm planning to take her up to Mount Haruna once the holidays start."
"Rio: Man, you better take me with you!"
"Gyau: Hahaha, don't worry, I got you!"
Inside the Classroom
Later that morning, at school, Tochi approached Gyau with curiosity.
"Tochi: Hey Gyau, which club did you sign up for?"
"Gyau: Basketball! 🏀 Hahaha, cool, right?"
Tochi quickly covered his mouth with his hand to stifle a laugh.
"Tochi: Ah... yeah. That's... definitely cool."
But inside, Tochi was thinking something entirely different.
(Thinking: Seriously? With that height, you're joining the Basketball Club? Give me a break...)
Man, that's intense..." Kawsoki groaned while stretching his limbs.
"Don't forget we have P.E. class next," Gyau reminded them, to which Tochi nodded, "Yep, that's right."
Later on, Gyau turned to Rio with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Rio, I've got something to tell you."
"Hmm? What is it?" Rio replied half-heartedly.
"Have you heard about that place? You know, the abandoned train tracks that everyone's talking about online right now? Since we've always done these horror shows, I thought... well, I already talked it over with Kawsoki..."
"No," Rio cut him off instantly.
Gyau didn't skip a beat. "You sure? Because I was going to let you borrow my AE86 for a whole week if you came along."
Rio's eyes lit up immediately. "When are we going?"
"Hmm... let's head out tomorrow at 9 PM," Gyau suggested with a smirk.
"Deal," Rio agreed.
Tochi, who had been eavesdropping, chimed in. "What are you guys whispering about? Take me with you!"
Gyau blinked at him playfully. "Do you even know where we're headed?"
"No clue," Tochi admitted.
"We're going to that old train tunnel that's trending on the internet."
"Seriously? Take me too, man!" Tochi insisted.
Gyau teased him, "We don't bring cowards along, you know."
"I'm at the peak! I fear nothing!" Tochi declared confidently.
"Fine then. Tomorrow at 9 PM, we'll meet in front of the train tunnel!"
The cold wind whistled through the mouth of the pitch-black railway tunnel. Tochi stood there, staring up at the massive, looming structure in awe and a hint of dread.
"Tochi: Is this it? Is this where we're going in?"
Gyau smirked, nudging him playfully.
"Gyau: Getting scared already? It's not too late to head home, Tochi."
"Tochi: No! Never! I'm not scared at all!" Tochi countered, though his eyes darted nervously toward the void within the tunnel.
Meanwhile, Rio stood to the side, seemingly indifferent to the eerie atmosphere. He was calmly scrolling through his phone, likely already dreaming about the week he'd spend behind the wheel of the AE86.
"Gyau: Where the hell is Kawsoki? He should have been here by now."
"Rio: We just have to wait for him."
A few moments later, a figure emerged from the darkness.
"Gyau: Oh, look! There's Kawsoki!"
"Tochi: Yeah, that's him."
Kawsoki arrived, adjusting the heavy gear bag strapped to his shoulder.
"Kawsoki: What's the hold-up? You guys haven't gone in yet?"
"Gyau: We were waiting for you, man! Come on, let's get moving if everyone's ready."