Chapter 17

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Even though the Touman members want to avenge Takemichi, they still feel hesitant because the opponent includes Kazutora, a founding member of their gang and a very close friend of theirs. After the other members leave, only the captains and vice-captains remain. Baji approaches Mikey, who looks grim and scary.

"Mikey, I know you're very angry, but please give Kazutora a chance. Let me be the one to face him that day," Baji decides to confront his friend.

"Alright Baji, do what you want. If you can make him apologize to Takemichi, I won't do anything to him. You know I don't want to either, but after this fight, if he still doesn't wake up, I don't know what I'll do to him, Baji."

"Thank you, Mikey."

The next morning, Takemichi wakes up, and his mother is angrily scolding him.

"Mom, I'm injured, please give me a break."

"You only make others worry, do you ever think about your mom? You haven't even recovered from illness yet, and you're already fighting."

"I'm sorry, Mom."

His mother sighs, "Leave that gang, and stop hanging out with them so much."

Hearing this, Takemichi reacts, "Mom! This has nothing to do with them."

"How does it not? You've been fighting, and I used to think boys getting into scuffles was normal, but this time it's too much."

Takemichi knows his mother is worried, so he speaks gently to her.

"Mom! You know I care about them a lot. Please give me a chance. They're really good people, and because of them, I have happy times. You know I'm useless and timid, but thanks to them, I want to be stronger. So please don't make me leave them."

"Since when did you learn how to persuade others? Even I am impressed," his mother surrenders, feeling a bit helpless.

"Do what you want, but if anything happens again, I'll deal with both you and them."

As a mother, seeing her son change for the better and be so sincere for his friends, she feels glad to have such a good son.

"Thank you, Mom." Takemichi smiles widely.

Chifuyu and Baji visit Takemichi in the afternoon. After waking up, Takemichi quickly asked Chifuyu about Baji and Touman's situation. Chifuyu told him that he had talked about Takemichi coming from the future with Baji and that Baji was staying to join the fight with Touman. Takemichi feels a bit relieved but also quite confused when he meets Baji.

"Thank you, Takemichi," Baji says with a gentle smile.

"Huh?"

"Thank you for trying to protect Mikey and Touman. It seems I haven't misjudged you, either in the past or now."

Takemichi suddenly bursts into tears. Baji, you annoying, irresponsible person. You go live to protect Mikey and Touman, I don't want to take on that burden. You're selfish, leaving Mikey, Chifuyu, and Kazutora behind. You don't know how much they need you. They need you, not me. I don't want to inherit your will or anything. You go do it yourself.

"Baji-kun, I've said this once before, please don't die. Many people will be sad because of you," Takemichi sobs through his tears.

Baji gently pats his head, letting Takemichi lean into his chest. He soothingly rubs Takemichi's back, making him cry even louder.

"I know, I won't die."

"Baji-kun, you promised, you can't take it back now," Takemichi clings tightly to Baji's shirt, looking up with a tear-streaked face, demanding him to keep his promise, or he won't let go. Baji laughs, finding Takemichi's childlike behavior endearing. From the bottom of his heart, he is truly grateful to Takemichi.

Since meeting him, Baji has vaguely sensed Takemichi's care and affection for Touman, his friends, and himself. But when he learns Takemichi is from the future and has repeatedly saved everyone, he realizes how deep that affection runs. He doesn't know what Takemichi has gone through, but he knows it hasn't been easy. To find someone willing to sacrifice so much for others is something he deeply values.

"Don't worry, Takemichi. This time, I won't let you fight alone. I'm here now," Baji says sincerely, placing his hand on the back of Takemichi's hand.

He will do everything to repay the love and dedication Takemichi has shown to Touman. He will cherish Takemichi and fight not just for Touman and his ideals but also for him.

"I will also protect Baji-san. I promised you," Chifuyu says determinedly, not wanting to be outdone.

Takemichi rests for a few days. When it's time for the gang meeting before the battle, he shows up. Everyone except Chifuyu and Baji is surprised.

"Takemichi, you should stay home and rest," Mitsuya says worriedly.

"Yeah, why are you here?" Hakkai frowns.

"It's an important gang meeting; I can't miss it."

"Takemitchy..."

Draken calls him but can't say anything. They all want to visit him, but remembering his mother's disapproval, no one dares. Seeing Takemichi injured with bandages all over his face makes Draken's heart ache.

"Draken-kun, Mikey-kun, and everyone else, why didn't you come to see me? We're fighting tomorrow, and you want me to stay home?"

"I'm afraid your mom won't be happy," Draken replies hesitantly.

Takemichi quickly understands. His mom has already spoken to them, yet she didn't mention it at home.

"It's fine. I talked to my mom; she won't force me to leave the gang."

This makes everyone happy. The Kawata brothers each hug him tightly.

"You should have told us earlier. I almost thought you couldn't stay in Touman anymore," says Smiley.

"I don't want you to leave the gang," adds Angry.

Takemichi finds it funny but also suffocating and a bit painful as they squeeze his injuries.

"Let me go, I'm still hurt," he says, patting the two koalas clinging to him.

"Oh, sorry! I forgot."

"Really, Takemitchy?"

Mikey, who had been silent and worried that Takemichi was leaving, feels happier and less gloomy.

"My mom looks strict but is actually easygoing."

Takemichi grins. Mikey, unable to hold back, hugs him.

"If you leave, I don't know what I'd do."

How could I leave? I'm back to stand by you and shoulder the future with you, to protect you and those you care about, Mikey.

Takemichi pats Mikey's head. Mikey feels a rush of emotions, warmth, and happiness from Takemichi's touch. Draken also comes over and leans his head on Takemichi's. Takemichi laughs, feeling like he's surrounded by koalas.

"I'm glad you don't have to leave Touman."

"Phew, your mom scared me," Pachin sighs in relief.

"If we win tomorrow, let's celebrate together," suggests Peyan.

"Let me join the hug."

Mitsuya also joins in, and they all crowd around Takemichi. Only the Fifth Division squints at the scene.

"What kind of silly stuff are they doing?"

Mutou asks, not wanting to acknowledge the group in front of him. Sanzu, standing beside him with his arms crossed behind his back, silently observes.

Everything would be cheerful if Draken didn't say, "Takemichi, stay home tomorrow. You don't need to come."

"I'm fine now."

"If you get hurt, how can I face your mom? She might force you to leave the gang."

Draken firmly disagrees.

"Mikey..."

Takemichi looks to Mikey for help, but that's everyone's decision.

"Stay home, Takemitchy. We'll win."

It would be great if he could stay home, but he can't argue, so he says nothing and pretends to agree.

Chifuyu knows he won't stay home anyway.

"Just show up a bit late tomorrow, don't come right at the start," Chifuyu reminds him.

"I know."

"But make sure to stay safe, okay? Stay by my side tomorrow, partner."

"Good partner."

The two exchange a silent understanding.

The battle between Touman and Valhalla is an important fight for the gangs in Tokyo. The winner today will get closer to becoming the top gang in the area. All the notorious delinquents are present: the Haitani brothers, Ueno "Gari man," and Hansen from ICBM, who will decide the winner.

The two gangs enter, ready to fight and dominate their opponent.

"Huh? Where's the kid from Touman?"

Haitani Rindou scans the Touman members but doesn't see the blond head he's looking for.

"The kid you mentioned? Maybe he's the Touman member Valhalla captured to provoke them," says Ran.

"What?" Rindou frowns.

"I don't know his name, but I heard he's an important member of Touman. I told you yesterday."

Yesterday, Rindou was thinking about how he'd tease the kid or enjoy watching him get beaten up and scream. Hearing there was a chance to come here had excited him. He thought that since Touman protected him so much, the important member his brother mentioned wouldn't be the kid. But it turns out it is. So, the kid won't be here today?

"That's disappointing," Rindou feels deflated.

"Stupid Touman, damn Valhalla," Rindou curses.

Ran looks at his brother and smirks. He shouldn't ruin his brother's excitement. Even though Rindou claims he's just here to see who wins, it's clear he's been eager because of that kid. Ran also wants to know who this kid is that his brother has been talking about so much. But unfortunately, they won't see him today.

Hansen invites the representatives of both sides to step forward. Kazutora represents Valhalla, while Baji represents Touman. Kazutora glares at Baji with eyes full of hatred.

"You betrayed me too, Baji."

"I never betrayed you, Kazutora."

"Choose five representatives or let everyone jump in, please make your choice," Hansen follows the usual protocol.

"Valhalla started this, so choose, Kazutora. And I have one condition: if Valhalla loses, come back to Touman and meet Takemichi."

Hearing that name, Kazutora's face darkens, and his eyes fill with even more rage.

"You two are just hypocrites, a bunch of bastards."

Hansen loses his patience. "Are we going to fight or what?"

Once again, Kazutora punches Hansen, leaving everyone stunned.

"Too noisy. Everyone charges! Today, Valhalla is here to hunt Mikey and destroy Touman," he says with a mad grin.

Baji bites his lip, wondering if he can bring Kazutora back. He ties his long black hair with a band and shouts, "Let's fight, Kazutora!"

The Bloody Halloween battle officially begins.

Kazutora wants to attack Mikey from the start. Takemichi has warned Baji that Kazutora might carry a knife and attack him too, so Baji stays close to Mikey and keeps an eye on Kazutora. Draken remains Hanma's target, and the two monsters exchange powerful blows. The numerical difference between the two sides is significant. Before Kisaki joined Touman, their numbers were 150 against Valhalla's 300. Now it's 100 against 350, making Touman anxious and fearful.

Touman's key members show their strength, taking down enemies and boosting the morale of others.

"Don't worry, I'll protect you," says Draken.

"We will win," says Mitsuya.

However, the situation remains challenging due to the large numerical gap, and some Touman members want to give up.

To prevent Kazutora from harming Mikey, Baji fights Kazutora directly. Mikey deals with Valhalla's leaders. Seeing Baji fighting alongside Mikey, Kazutora loses control and attacks Baji furiously.

"Kazutora, Touman and Mikey are not your enemies. Stop it."

"Shut up, traitor. Today I'll kill him and then you."

Mikey is lured to a car junkyard, which is not advantageous for him. Kazutora joins the fray.

"Kazutora," Mikey growls.

Another group from Valhalla appears. Kazutora laughs, "This is the gift I prepared for you. Enjoy it slowly."

Baji's legs are pinned down by the group to give Kazutora time to attack Mikey.

"Stop it, Kazutora," Baji yells as Kazutora swings a metal rod at Mikey, who is held down by Valhalla's leaders. Blood flows from Mikey's forehead.

"I have to kill him. It's all his fault. Because of him, my life turned out like this."

Kazutora is crazed, and Baji's shouts don't reach him. Seeing Kazutora's lifeless eyes, Baji feels fear. Does he have to die to free Kazutora's mind, as Takemichi once said?

"Kazutora, am I your enemy?" Mikey coldly asks, but this only agitates Kazutora more, enveloping him in the darkness of his past.

"It's all because of you, Mikey. Because of you, I ended up in juvie. You took Baji from me, and now him too. Everyone stands with you."

"What are you talking about?"

"To eliminate the enemy, Mikey, Baji, do you know? Killing people makes you a villain, but killing enemies makes you... a hero."

Kazutora is now a person filled only with death. Is this the Kazutora Takemichi warned about? Despair rises in Baji, and Mikey loses hope in his friend.

A group still surrounds Baji. As soon as Mikey breaks free, he's attacked again. Kazutora is ready to strike at any opening. Mikey seems to lose all spirit. The minions can't hold Baji for long, and he quickly stands in front of Kazutora.

"That's enough, Kazutora."

"You need to be eliminated too."

If Kazutora can't attack, another Valhalla leader will. Baji is constantly attacked by Kazutora and can't reach Mikey. Draken wants to help but is blocked by Hanma. The situation is dire. Will their invincible leader be defeated? Everyone watches in fear.

"Mikey!" Draken and Baji shout.

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