092 – Unfollowed Legacy

A/N: Well, that was fast. The indicators «» will now be used for third person narration, if in-between a POV.

▪ ▪ ▪

March.

The month of conclusion and impending farewells. It was simply just another month for the majority, but for a few, it is a time where goodbyes will be said and the thought of parting ways surfaces.

For the second-year students in Blue Ink, this will be their final month as high school students, and this will never come back to them.

For the greater population, high school has been one of the most memorable chapters in one's life as this is the time where memories, either good or bad, come to enlighten or hurt them.

Friends. That is one of the foundation stones in a youth's life where you can be able to see them for two, four, or six years. You knew at the back of your mind that that duration is the best opportunity to simply have a laugh with them without holding anything back. You know that you will see them almost every single day and even go out even outside the school.

But you know the most that even if that thought is at the back of your mind, everything comes and ends.

It is somewhat a saddening thought… perhaps most of those who are in the age.

Some, or maybe very few, are naturally absent-minded even with all that thought. They try to think about it, but those things can't simply be processed well in their minds. Perhaps a reason for that is that their way of thinking is very neutral. They know that they are happy and sad with the end, but they unconsciously tip towards the very middle. Another is probably because they think of it as beginning to a new life.

But there are also those who literally do not have any feelings on graduating, especially since this is their "second" time.

▪ ▪ ▪

Such a loud and high-pitched voice is more than enough to wake him up from his little slumber, thought Kaizo. He opened his eyes and immediately met his gaze on the woman sitting on the bed, looking back at him.

"…"

"**I was looking for you everywhere and I see you here? Why are you even sleeping here?"

"**Yawn~ Did I worry you?"

"Hmm… **A little!"

"**Sorry about that, Ichika-hime.

**I'm getting old, huh… I was up so late last night because of work so I figured I'll go take a nap here at the clinic. I laid down at 11…"

"**It's already 1."

"**Tell me that you already ate lunch."

"**Of course I'm with Yuzuri-paisen."

"**Oh, okay.

**I was having a bit of a dream just now."

"Hm?"

"**I was probably having an odd thought before I fell asleep. I met you back when I was still a high school student for real."

"**Ehh? That's really a weird one."

"**I was going to confess to you after the graduation ceremony ended, but I ended up blurting them out even before it began. I was so relieved in the ceremony, and then you're the one acting really antsy.

**You called me out after the ceremony while everyone was crying their hearts out. You had a nervous look and your face and…"

"**And…? Did I reply?"

"**…You woke me up…"

**But if this was real, how would you reply?"

"**That's a difficult one…"

A bulb lit up over her head as her face warmed up to the new thought. Ants then began gathering after seeing how sweet her smile was towards Kaizo.

"**I would have said 'Happy nine years to our relationship.'"

Kaizo's mouth gaped really slightly after hearing the enthusiastic reply and let a chuckle as he pulled his torso up. His smirk eventually disappeared as he looked on her significant other with is right eye closed.

On the other end, Ichika was doing the same thing.

Kaizo let out a lengthy sigh and dropped the minute act.

"**Ichika… We're pretending to be graduating and all so it was unavoidable for us to be asked by our classmates what we're going to do after this, right?"

"Mhm."

"**I already knew that it was just to mask off suspicions, but I actually took it seriously and reflected. Want to hear my actual answer?"

Ichika nervously nodded.

"**I'm actually going to step down as a direct observer once I wrap things up with Marcel-san."

"**What…?"

"**I can't even remember when was the last time I really got to go easy with things. I'm always on the edge when I disappeared in the society and when I was an Anew subject. No, it's still the same with my current occupation.

**I actually suggested to the brass to make me a supervisor for this still green branch in Orio and advise new observers in the line of work."

"**B-But why, though…"

"**It doesn't happen a lot as an observer, but I nearly died, right? Also, I want an easier work to do to ease up my heavy shoulders, and…

**There's one other reason."

Hearing that, Ichika inadvertently turn her head away so as to no look at Kaizo on the eye.

"**Should we talk about our plans once my work is done? If you can wait for a little, that is."

"…

**I understand. I guess you've been seeking happiness for years now. I-I'll gladly give you that."

"Ahahahahaha… **It's surprising how you're also suited to be a dandere."

"**I think you're too old to say that word."

"**Do I really look that old right now?"

"Hahahahahaha! **You're right, you're right."

▪ ▪ ▪

Reporting, Kaizo Ryuuya, March 2020.

Not a single change has been seen from observation subject Marcel Rodriguez in this week. That is however not a detrimental statement as it has already been a few months since we saw apparent changes from him towards an appropriate path that he has applied until this day.

The supervisor still does not have valid information with regards to the individual Ryota Mizuno, as Principal Taketo Juushiro is very reluctant on disclosing information involving his students that are now connected to the company. However, he had played a role in the now seen changes in the subject's behavior; specifically, his emotional impulses.

Mr. Mizuno, in a way or another, felt an accurate distinction of that certain behavior that was seen from his vigilant actions from the first half of this term. He was able to communicate well with the subject whenever his impulses occur and did not fail to pacify him. With how he is able to act quickly and with caution, it potentially points to him having knowledge about how to prevent psychological spikes in rather meditative ways. A possibility of him having experienced the same circumstance cannot be out of the question.

A fellow former subject in the name of Gin Sakato was also able to partake in the subject's changes while employing his own ways. Coincidentally, Mr. Sakato was an individual that had a small history with the subject's brother. But in its own ways, it served as a mode of shift that does not only affect the subject himself, but also the general youth.

Ever since that eventful night in September last year, Mr. Rodriguez had never repeated his vigilant actions and stayed docile while in the process of coping up from his disorder. Gradually, his rather foul way of communication lessened which became a gateway to better social interaction with his associates in his chosen department. In addition, he began to open up with the supervisor and asked for timely advice, but instances like that slowly lessened as he became more social with others.

He let go of the burden that is history with his twin brother, and with how they both behaved previously. The methods of Anew have become apparent to his deviation to what the company aims to avoid which was also part of an exclusive objective in this duration of observation and assistance.

Now, only one week remains in this eventful term.

…

"Why are the higher-ups already making me write a summary when things aren't done yet?"

▪ ▪ ▪

"Sorry for taking some of your time at this time… But thank you for hearing out my request, Gin."

"It's fine. I got permission from my boss but I'll still finish my shift for today.

But frankly, it's refreshing to hear you actually calling out my name sincerely. You also talk very differently now."

"Hahahaha, my bad. Anyway, you're actually working already?"

"Before I even graduated fourth year, for your information."

"I really missed out on things, I see."

"Enough talking, we should probably give your memories a cold start."

"On your lead."

‹Gin›

It's Saturday, and I'm not even present in work in the middle of the morning with a fair weather. So why am I even in the school at this day?

I have a guest.

"I can't believe I'm actually allowed to set foot in Blue Ink again…"

"The principal won't be hard on you after what you have become after those years. Honestly, no one anticipated that you were going to flip a new one this quickly.

How's your father, anyway?"

"It was entirely my fault, but he's also out now."

"That's a relief."

You see, a certain someone asked me a favor very humbly. I actually listed another person on the "list of the people that genuinely shook me to a great surprise," so I can't easily turn him down.

This person literally came out of the juvenile court yesterday after being pardoned, and he hasn't even slept in his own home yet. And now he's here with me in this school for a very special reason.

He was pathfinding me for the time we were walking towards our only destination inside the school. Once we were only a few meters away, I stopped on my tracks.

"Can you wait for a second before you enter? I just need to check on things inside."

"Sure."

«This person did not have any choice but to watch Gin slide the classroom's door open and shut. His hearing picked up a very few sounds of clatter coming from the inside, but Gin came out after less than a minute.»

"If you run now, I won't hesitate to grab your head. You've come this far, and I wouldn't accept it if you waver now."

"…"

"Are you ready, Marcus?"

«As though nothing major has changed, Marcus Rodriguez stepped inside of the very familiar but empty classroom he used to enter more than two years ago, but it is now used for the S1BM. In Gin's mind, there are supposed to be six columns and five rows of chairs but…»

"You see, departments here are still few in population."

«…there aren't even thirty desks.»

Without a single word, Marcus sat on the desk he used before everything went sideways.

"How is it?"

"…

Rather than nostalgic… it's painful."

"I expected that."

«Gin is from time to time seen as a man, or rather a living nonverbal language. Marcus looked at him momentarily, but then averted his rueful gaze from where he is standing.

It was Akaji Mashido's seat.»

"I figured that you would be too guilty to visit his grave. Isn't this enough?

I can empathize, though. It is extremely hard to even look at the grave of the person you had a history with."

With a clenched fist, Marcus stood up in guilt and slowly walked from where I was standing. He looked on the very table where Akaji was in the past, but he vigorous looked away as if he's seeing someone he can only see.

"You know what I'd call this Marcus? I see this as one little step in moving forward."

Tears then fell on the regretful man beside me.

"A simple apology can't even be enough, Akaji… Gin…"

"Then get out to the world and prove to Akaji that you can apologize to him in your own ways. I am not here to console you, Marcus. I want you to feel that inescapable feeling that is piercing your whole. You were the one who made your own pain, but I am not any different from you.

You were rewarded enough to be set free, but that doesn't mean that you, or both of us have been free from the sin that we did. That is something we bring with us until we eventually close our eyes.

But rejoice. Go and tell the world that you have changed."

«A second ago, Marcus sobbed. But he quickly turned to Gin anew in an attempt to express his unending gratitude, but Gin was nowhere to be seen anymore.»

▪ ▪ ▪

March 26.

"Yo, mind if I sit with you two?"

Immediately after seeing Kaizo and Marcel, Ryota called out and approached their table in the cafeteria.

Marcel threw a smile and replied a short one.

"Go ahead."

"…

Ryuuya-san, he's on a good mood?" Ryota audibly asked Kaizo with an intent to be heard.

"He has been like this even since Monday, Mizuno-san, but he just wouldn't tell me why."

"Oh, come on. Did you find yourself a crush? It's already our graduation tomorrow, y'know? Tell us," as if a maiden pushing her friend to speak out, the student from VA persuaded.

"Even I don't know how to properly say this…

Marcus is… free now."

Ryota and especially Kaizo knew what Marcus has done, and in the eyes of other people, letting a person like him out to the society would become unsightly. But they themselves also knew that Marcus took grasp of a second chance in which he exerted his greatest to never let go of it, hence, even strenuously agreeing to the assistance of Anew to take his twin brother away from his shadow that has darkened almost pitch-black.

While Kaizo personally knows the past and present Marcus, Ryota felt extreme delight and hope for a person he hasn't seen yet. He knows that he, Gin, and Marcus has one common denominator, and so he could sympathize with someone that has been saved from the depth of "abyss."

"Yes… Yes…!!"

The other two who has been celebrating on their own, paused as Ryota clenched his fist in utter joy.

"Marcel, I'm telling you… Your brother's no pushover. He was able to accept that even a person who had made a grave mistake can change and be given hope. I'm glad that he didn't fall to hopelessness, and now he can bounce back!

Be proud of your brother rather than ashamed, Marcel. He has become a better man… and I hope that he will use this opportunity to do the good."

(!)

They were those motivating words that made Kaizo realize who Ryota Mizuno is potentially. At that moment he thought, perhaps he is also someone who made a change that greatly affected his life.

It was amazing. He didn't know how many people near him may have been affected by the cruelty of this world. Before he even knew it, Gin, Rena, Marcus, and "maybe" Ryota has changed even in a far proximity to the organization that gives people hope and another chance.

▪ ▪ ▪

"Son. You have a visitor."

Marcel's mother knocked on his room upon the muffled voice from beyond the door. Without much of a hurry, he opened his bedroom's door and saw a person that he last parted ways in the school gate.

"Hello there, Marcel-san."

He wasn't very surprised on the anticlimactic smile in front of him. But a suspicious look still molded in his mug.

"Ryuuya-san… I know that you're already 18 in appearance but don't just drink like that…"

"Eh?! I was sure to get the scent away… How did you know?!"

"I was involved in brawls at night in the past, right? Those people always try to mask off the smell of alcohol but they still reek anyway."

"Ehh… But just so you know, I'm already 28 and have a fiancee, alright?"

"What?! When did you propose to Mitsumi-san?!"

"No. Nooope. No one proposed.

Even I didn't know until a few months ago, but an engagement rarely comes up naturally, and I guess we're an example of that."

"Whaaa… There's really no element of surprise between you two.

Congratulations, anyway! So, why are you here?"

"I brought pizza with me. I've placed two for your family downstairs."

Kaizo raised his occupied right hand and showed three more boxes.

"Don't worry, I only had one can earlier when I was in an online call with my coworker. I'm also feeling hungry right now.

So, yes. I guess this is the party that I can at least throw at you for graduating."

"Gee, thanks. Since you're here, are you able to stay the night?"

"I think I can. As long as it's not with another girl, Ichika will not break my neck."

"That's good to hear, but I can at least imagine her throwing you to a wall."

"Does she really look that violent to you…?"

"I'm exaggerating, of course.

I guess we're the same in size so I could lend you my clothes. You go pick them yourself."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, yeah. You won't see anything there anyway besides clothes. Oh, right, do you play video games?"

"I'm too old for that, really. I want to play the new Animal Cros*ing, though."

"Ah, sure. Anything that you watch? Movies?"

"Ohh, so you have Netflex. Mind if use your remote

Kaizo then swiftly maneuvered his hand on the remote so as to type on the search box. Immediately after the interface shifted, Marcel turned his look to him.

"So anime isn't too old for you?"

"You see, I'm a Japanese employee that still wastes his time of rest in watching anime."

"I'm more into classics, though."

Nonetheless, he played the first episode and realized that the first twenty minutes that he watched was surprisingly rather familiar…

Especially when the protagonist saw that he appeared to be ten years younger along with the rather suspicious man in the night he was intoxicated.

Funny how it was, when he himself is beside a man who appears to be ten years younger than his current age, although not like he has seen him in his real form.

"That is the Anew before you and Gin became our subjects. We are explicit in having this show as our very inspiration in doing this program."

"I-I see…"

"Do you want to continue on the next episodes?"

"S-Sure."

~ ~ ~

"I'll retire for the night, Ryuuya-san. How about you?"

"I will head to bed once I report back."

Report to whom, Marcel asked himself. To his company, or to Ichika? Nevertheless, he did not dwell on that thought.

"The program tomorrow will start at 10 so we won't get all sweaty on our clothes."

"I guess it is earlier than when I was a fourth year. I better not be late since no one is going to shake me awake."

"Oh, are you sure about that?"

"…

I heard that some situations can cause indirect concussions…

Please go easy on me."

"Goodnight, then."

Remaining time before the graduation ceremony:

10 hours.

Chapter Message:

This chapter made me look back to the chapters in the prequel related to this and got me thinking wtf I was writing before.

Thank you for reading!

Next

093: Thank you, Blue Ink, for being a great school for our sake. Yes, that was a shameless reference.