Tatsumi Kageyama

It had been over a month since Hikaru Tore’s death.

Even so, my sadness hadn’t subsided. I refused to accept that the father of one of my best friends had died as a patient under my care.

“Kageyama…”

I refused to accept that Yamaguchi-sensei had gone from the hospital too.

“Kageyama…” I heard a distant voice.

I refused to accept that S-Flu was mutating again.

What can I do from my position? If that thing evolves, my efforts will mean nothing...

“Tatsumi!” My companion’s shout pulled me back to reality.

“Huh? Sorry…” We were in one of the hallways with the best views of Jiguroka Hospital, enjoying a morning coffee.

“You’ve been more absent-minded than usual lately... Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, yeah… It’s just...” I tried to explain.

“Don’t worry,” my colleague interrupted. “Whatever it is, you know we’re here to support you...”

“Y-yeah...”

“Well, I’ve got to get back. I still have a few patients to see before two.”

“Of course...”

Once alone, I let my gaze wander among the buildings and the blue sky, unable to find a solution on my own.

...

Seated at a wooden table, I thanked the waitress for bringing two cups of green tea. I was in a well-lit café in District 1.

Before long, the man I had been waiting for arrived. After weeks without speaking, I wasn’t sure what to say to him.

With a shaky hand, he placed his red notebook in the center of the table.

“Um…” The old man looked at me. “Kageyama?”

For some reason, he hesitated as he said my name.

“Yes. Welcome, Yamaguchi-sensei...” I watched with a pang of pity as he struggled to move the chair to sit down.

Sensei...

“Please, don’t call me Sensei... I’m no one’s Sensei anymore...” He placed his hat on the table. “Tell me, what can I do for you? I warn you, if it’s about that thing, there’s not much I can offer...”

“Mr. Yamaguchi, please, be my Sensei again...” I bowed my head.

Before answering, he took a sip of his tea. Slowly, as if afraid it might spill at any moment.

“I can’t return to the hospital. Someone must sacrifice himself to investig—”

“I don’t want you to go back to the hospital! I want you to let me investigate with you!”

“Tatsumi Kageyama...”

“I know how you feel. I want to stop the fifth evolution before it’s too late too... If I don’t, as someone young, I’ll feel like I failed to fulfill my role...” I insisted.

“You might not believe me, but my plan was to use this very meeting to try and convince you...” He smiled, patting his notebook. It was the first time I’d seen him with such an expression...

“Thank you so much!”

“We start tomorrow…”