Chapter 33: Chapter 33: The End of Rekka
The scorched platform lay in ruins, the pungent scent of burning debris still permeating the air. Amongst the remnants of destruction, Toya stood, his mask lifted slightly in a desperate attempt to catch a breath of fresh air amidst the suffocating atmosphere.
As his gaze swept over the desolate scene, Toya couldn't help but question his purpose in this grim setting. Was he truly driven by the noble cause of saving his friend, or was there a part of him that yearned for personal growth and strength? A mischievous smirk tugged at the corners of his lips as he contemplated the intricate web of motivations intertwining within him.
"Both," he admitted to himself, acknowledging the complexity of his desires. The internal dialogue continued as he challenged his own identity. "Who do you think you are, Toya?" he questioned, his voice carrying a hint of self-reflection.
Despite the odds stacked against him, Toya had always managed to emerge victorious, albeit barely. It was a testament to his resilience and resourcefulness.
However, the encounter with the enigmatic old man, Lee, had left Toya feeling wary and uncertain. The sight of Nomu in the battle royal had shaken his resolve, casting doubt on the path he had chosen. Was it wise to continue fighting in this perilous arena? Toya's mind raced with thoughts, and his gaze shifted towards the old man, contemplating the possible connection between Lee and the notorious All For One.
Exhaustion weighed heavily upon Toya's weary form as he recalled the immense effort it took to conjure the colossal fireball that had engulfed the battlefield. His arms bore the scars of his fiery power, the sleeves of his clothing singed and his hoodie barely clinging to his frame. With a heavy sigh, he released the remnants of his flames, the last vestiges of his energy dissipating into the air.
"I need to become stronger," Toya muttered, his voice filled with determination and a hint of frustration.
The colossal gate swung open, revealing a multitude of people who emerged, their applause filling the air as they celebrated the ultimate victor. Sensing the attention shifting towards him, Toya swiftly donned his mask once more, concealing his face from the prying eyes of the spectators.
"Congratulations, Rekka. You have emerged as the victor," Lee's voice rang out amidst the commotion, acknowledging Toya's triumph. Without hesitation, Toya leaped over the spikes that littered the ground, utilizing his flames to propel himself towards Lee and the others.
"Give me my money," Toya demanded, his tone firm and unwavering.
"Of course," Lee responded with a snap of his fingers, summoning a butler who appeared with a case brimming with money. The butler stepped forward, his voice resonating with a sense of formality as he revealed the contents of the case. "These are two billion and five million yen in total."
Toya eagerly grasped the suitcase, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Thanks," he muttered, his eyes fixed on the wealth before him.
However, his moment of triumph was interrupted by the arrival of a man clad in a plain business suit, exuding an air of professionalism. The man introduced himself as Koku Hanabata, stating that he was Toya's supporter in the match.
He had heard from Lee about Toya's need for money and extended an offer of employment. Handing Toya a business card, Koku's words hung in the air, leaving Toya feeling a sense of familiarity but unable to place where he had encountered this man before.
Suddenly, it clicked in Toya's mind. Koku Hanabata was a newly emerging politician, known for his slick appearance and promising rhetoric.
However, Toya couldn't help but feel a pang of skepticism. 'I can't believe it,' he sighed inwardly, realizing that he had just come face to face with a corrupt politician. Casting a glance at Lee, Toya made his decision. "I'm heading home now," he declared, his voice tinged with weariness.
"Please, take some time to rest, Rekka," Lee urged, his tone filled with concern.
With the bag of money in hand, Toya turned away, his mind filled with a mix of emotions.
.....
As Toya entered his room, he wasted no time in shedding his battle-worn attire. His gaze fell upon the remnants of his former self, the outfit that had once defined him as Rekka. With a determined glint in his eyes, he set the garments ablaze, watching as the flames consumed the fabric, symbolizing the end of an era.
"Rekka is no more," Toya declared, his voice carrying a mix of finality and liberation. The weight of his past identity lifted from his shoulders, leaving room for a new chapter to unfold.
After cleansing himself, Toya returned to his room, a sense of relief washing over him. He exhaled deeply, savoring the tranquility that now enveloped him. The trials and tribulations of the day seemed to fade away, replaced by a newfound calmness.
"With that, I can finally get some rest," Toya muttered, his words tinged with a hint of exhaustion. He allowed himself to sink into the plush comfort of his bed, the weariness of his body and mind finally catching up to him. As the softness of the mattress embraced him, he succumbed to the embrace of sleep, his eyelids growing heavy with each passing moment.
As Toya blissfully drifted off into a peaceful slumber, unaware of the events unfolding outside, a wave of darkness swept through the neighborhood.
"No one will ever hurt my mother again," Kei muttered through gritted teeth, his face smeared with blood. He knew he had to act quickly to erase any traces that could lead back to him.
As he wiped the blood off his face, Kei's mind raced with thoughts of revenge. "Dad, you're going to pay for what you've done," he said, his voice dripping with anger. "I'll make sure you suffer, both legally and illegally."
The room was filled with a tense silence as Kei contemplated his next move. He knew that justice through the legal system alone wouldn't be enough to satisfy his burning desire for retribution. He was willing to go to any lengths to ensure that his father paid for the pain he had caused.
One of the reasons Kei was driven to take such extreme actions was because of Toya and his ideology, which stemmed from his past life.
Toya had always been a close friend of Kei's, someone he trusted and confided in. So, he was influenced in some way, shape, or form.
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