A Hero Who Returns But Is Out Of Place

Yukikaze walked with heavy steps, her heart filled with simmering frustration. Kaoru's sharp words from earlier kept echoing in her mind, making it hard for her anger to subside. How could Kaoru say something like that about her mother? Even though she knew he meant well, his words were too harsh and hurtful.

"Tch, even if he's handsome, his attitude is so infuriating!" Yukikaze growled, stomping her foot hard on the pavement, as though trying to vent all the pent-up rage in her chest. She walked briskly towards the parking lot after leaving Kaoru's apartment, her gaze fixed ahead, though her vision was blurred by emotion.

Rinko, walking beside her, found it difficult to calm the young girl. As her senior, Rinko knew how hard it was to soothe someone in a situation like this, especially when the issue involved family. "Calm down, Yukikaze. We've even gone against the village's orders, so what we're doing now is technically illegal," she said gently, though a note of concern laced her voice.

Yukikaze paused briefly, clenching her fists tightly. "But… Ugh, fine. Maybe we should just ask Tatsuro for help?" she muttered with some hesitation, a faint blush colouring her cheeks. Mentioning Tatsuro's name made her feel a bit awkward, given how their relationship had evolved since childhood.

Rinko turned, surprised. "You mean my little brother?" she asked, her eyes widening slightly, not expecting Yukikaze to bring up Tatsuro's name.

Yukikaze nodded slowly, her face flushing a deeper shade of red. "Yes, Tatsuro. He's the only one who could help us right now," she replied, her voice weakening with the feelings swirling in her chest. Tatsuro wasn't just a childhood friend; he was someone she secretly admired. And as a Taimanin, Tatsuro possessed abilities not to be underestimated.

Rinko let out a long sigh, seeing the seriousness in Yukikaze's eyes. "Well, I'm not sure if he has the time, but I'll try to reach out to him," she said, though concern tugged at her. She knew how busy Tatsuro was with his missions, but if Yukikaze was asking, he might find a way to help.

Yukikaze offered a faint smile, a mix of emotions constricting her chest. "Thank you, Rinko-nee. I know it's a lot to ask, but I can't think of anyone else we can rely on."

Rinko gave Yukikaze a reassuring pat on the shoulder, offering a small boost of encouragement. "We'll get through this together. Trust me, we'll figure something out, with or without Kaoru's help," she said, trying to calm the younger girl.

Yukikaze nodded again, this time with a little more confidence. They continued walking towards the parking lot, contemplating their next move for the mission ahead.

That night, Kaoru couldn't calm his thoughts. Even though Yukikaze and Rinko had rejected his help, he couldn't let them face danger alone. He regretted saying such harsh words that had hurt Yukikaze's feelings. Kaoru realised that the girl was still young and hadn't fully matured in her thinking, so his good intentions had backfired.

Kaoru stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the clothes he wore. He was dressed in a white T-shirt under a black biker's leather jacket. His white hair was slicked back, revealing his usual sharp gaze. He wore black jeans, with a small chain hanging from his waist, and two earrings in his ear that added to his tough appearance.

"Alright, maybe I look like a thug, but it's still a cool style," Kaoru muttered, eyeing his reflection in the mirror.

Suddenly, a soft voice came from the direction of the door. "Sir Kaoru?"

Kaoru turned to see Shiranui standing at the doorway with a worried expression. "What is it?" he asked, his eyes filled with attention as he looked at her.

Shiranui stepped inside, the door wide open behind her. "Are you going after those children?" she asked anxiously, clearly referring to Yukikaze and Rinko.

Kaoru gave a light nod. "Yes... I can't let them jump into danger on their own. Even if they don't want my help, I'll still go," he said with a warm smile, trying to reassure her.

Shiranui clasped her hands in front of her chest, hesitating before speaking. "Um... May I come along?"

Kaoru was surprised. "Eh... Why?" he asked, raising an eyebrow slightly.

Shiranui lowered her head slightly, her voice soft and hesitant. "I... I just can't be at ease seeing those children go without protection. Especially the little girl who called me 'mother' earlier today... For some reason, it feels like something's missing."

Kaoru looked at Shiranui with deep empathy, then thought for a moment. 'Is this a mother's instinct?' he wondered, realising that even though Shiranui had lost parts of her memory, her maternal instincts were still strong. A faint smile appeared on his face.

"Don't worry, your condition isn't suited for a fight. If you came along, you'd just be a burden. It's better if you stay home and rest," Kaoru said in a soft but firm tone.

Shiranui lowered her head, her eyes showing a hint of doubt. "I know... But..."

Kaoru stepped closer to Shiranui, gently placing his hand on her shoulder. Their gazes met, and Shiranui could feel the warmth emanating from Kaoru's eyes, causing her face to flush with embarrassment.

"Listen... I promise I'll save them, no matter what. I won't hold back. Trust me, I'll see this through to the end. So, stay here and rest, okay?" Kaoru spoke with such a calming voice, as if giving a guarantee that everything would be alright.

Kaoru smiled slightly as the doorbell rang. When he opened it, he saw Asuka standing there, dressed in formal attire, with a shoulder bag hanging over her arm. Her expression was resolute, though there was a hint of confusion beneath her composed exterior.

"I thought you'd refused after the chaos earlier today," Kaoru said with a slight teasing tone, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere.

Asuka turned her face slightly away, showing her usual tsundere behaviour. "Hmph! Of course not. I was hesitant at first, but I made a promise, didn't I? Besides, there's no way you'd let them go just like that, right? So go ahead, I'll stay here and take care of Shiranui," she replied with a firm tone, though there was a touch of warmth in her words.

Kaoru smiled widely, feeling relieved by Asuka's arrival. "Thank you, Asuka. I knew I could count on you," he said sincerely.

Asuka only nodded slightly, then walked into the house, her eyes briefly glancing at Shiranui, who was standing by the door, still looking anxious. "Don't worry, Shiranui-san. I'll make sure everything is fine here," she said gently, trying to ease the woman's worry.

Shiranui gave a faint smile, though her eyes still showed concern. "Thank you, Asuka-chan. Sir Kaoru, please take care of yourself," she said in a soft voice.

Kaoru looked at the two women for a moment, feeling a bit reluctant to leave them, but he knew his duty awaited. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Stay safe here, alright?" he said as he stepped out, ready to face whatever awaited him that night.

Asuka closed the door behind Kaoru, then turned to Shiranui. "Alright, let's sit and talk. I think there's a lot we can do to distract ourselves while we wait," she said with a comforting smile.

Shiranui nodded, and the two of them walked to the living room, ready to spend the long night together, while outside, Kaoru hurried towards the mission filled with risk.