Ziku and Mikoto!

Kisaiju: "I can't move. What happened to my body? I want to attack, but my body won't move. Am... Am I afraid?"

Mikoto: "Whats the matter? You done attacking? Surely you have more strength than that..."

Kisaiju: "My body must be afraid because of what happened with me and Omoi. It's like it has a kind of its own and doesn't want to be put through that much pain again. DAMMIT! What am I gonna do then?!"

Mikoto: "Here I'll do you a favor."

She attacks Kisaiju, punching him breaking his nose. When he tries to land a punch of his own she just grabs his arm and breaks it.

Kisaiju: "Aaaaaaah!"

As he lets out a scream it comes to an abrupt stop because she places her hand on his mouth.

She gets close to his ear.

Mikoto: "Next time don't talk so much."

She grabs his arm and flips him to the ground shattering it.

Mikoto: "I've been taught by my father to show no mercy to anyone. You will not be an exception."

She places her hand on his chest, but before anything else can happen Ziku's hand appears on top of hers.

Mikoto: "What are you doing?"

Ziku: "Thats enough. You won."

Omoi and Kanju look behind confused not even knowing that Ziku moved.

Mikoto: "Remove your hand!"

Ziku just stares at her, she looks into his eyes and sees his soul. She pauses as all he gives off is warmth and a beautiful soul. She slowly backs away and closes her eyes.

Mikoto: "I never liked you. I always thought that kindness and generosity of yours was just for show. But I see now, you truly are a genuine person."

Mireko: "What does she mean?"

Mikoto walks out without saying another word.

Ziku just stares and then locks eyes with Mireko.

Mireko walks over to him and kneels down next to Ziku.

Mireko: "There has to be something special in you."

Ziku: "Why do you say that?"

Mireko: "My sister hates you, but what she just told you is weird because it means she doesn't want to hate you."

Ziku: "She doesn't want to?"

Mireko: "Your father... killed our dad. Yes it was an accident, but Mikoto never forgave him. She's always hated you because you look so much like him. That's just what she was taught. Our father made her solid, told her never to forgive."

Ziku: "I'm.... so sorry."

Mireko: "No, it's ok. Look to make things simple, Mikoto doesn't want to hate you, but she doesn't want to go against our father's wishes. She feels she needs to make things right."

Ziku: "Could you tell her to come here?"

Mireko: "Oh, umm sure."

Mireko goes outside to find Mikoto against the wall looking up in the rain. She pulls her inside and as they turn around Ziku is standing in his stance.

Mikoto: "Why are you....?"

Ziku rushes towards her and grabs her arm placing it behind her back putting her in a pressure lock.

Mikoto: "What are you....?"

Ziku: "Just fight back."

Mikoto gets mad and then ducks under reversing it in order to escape. She tries to kick him but Ziku dodges and pushes her back. She jumps off the wall and attacks Ziku with a combo, and lands every single hit. Ziku falls to the floor on his knees and looks up at her.

Ziku: "Whatever you're feeling, let it out through me."

Mikoto punches Ziku and just keep hitting him. She knees him the stomach and headbutts him as well. She just continues to hit him all while wondering why he won't fall. Kanju tries to walk over to him, but Omoi grabs his shoulder and nods his head. They just continue to watch. As Mikoto is hitting Ziku, tears starts to drop from her eyes. She starts to get tired and then just pauses. Ziku looks up at her and smiles.

Ziku: "I'm .. sorry."

Mikoto just stares at him. Until she finally falls to her knees as well. She just starts crying uncontrollably. Mireko tears up and tries to walk over to her, but Omoi grabs her hand just nodding.

Mireko: "She's my sister... I have to....."

Omoi points over to Ziku and Mikoto. When Mireko looks over she gets appalled. All she sees is Mikoto hugging Ziku. She's still crying, but at the same time holding Ziku close to her while he's heavily injured.

Mireko: "I don't get it. What just happened?"

Kanju walks over carrying Kisaiju while he helps him walk.

Kanju: "I don't know for certain, but I think Ziku healed the hatred she had in her heart."

Mireko: "The hatred? In..... her heart?"

Mireko runs over to Mikoto and kneels down beside her.

Mireko: "Mikoto are you okay?!"

Mikoto gets up and just walks out. Not saying anything and this time going back home. Obviously Mireko follows trying to figure out if everything is alright.

Omoi: "You're crazy ya know that?"

Ziku: "I shock myself sometimes with decisions I make."

Kisaiju: "You're just an idiot."

Ziku: "An idiot that saved you."

Kisaiju: "Oh what I'm supposed to say? Thanks?! No! I didn't need your saving."

Kanju: "Watch it."

Kisaiju: "Hmph! When I'm healed, first thing I'm doing is training. After that all of us are going to see just who's at the top!"

Kisaiju pushes Kanju off of him and limps out. They just watch him as he finally leaves.

Kanju: "What are you guys gonna do now?"

Ziku: "I'm going home."

Omoi: " Yeah same, what about you?"

Kanju: "Going to do some extra training the gods know I need it."

Ziku: "Ahh, that reminds me. You think you'll be free I'm two days?"

Kanju: "I should be why?"

Ziku: "Well when I heal from this I want to finish what we started."

Kanju: "Just come by my house when you're healthy. We'll get it going quick."

Ziku smiles and nods at him. Stands up and almost falls. Omoi catches him and puts Ziku's arm around his shoulder carrying him out.

Omoi: "I'll take ya home."

Natsumi: "What happened?!"

Ziku: "Its nothing mom, just a few injuries from training today."

Natsumi: "You look like you tried to stop a train...With your face."

Ziku just looks at her with his feelings hurt; as he just walks to his room.

Mireko: "Mikoto what's wrong?! Why won't you talk to me?!"

Mikoto: "Just want to be alone."

Mireko: "You haven't been yourself, please just talk to me."

Mikoto pulls her in and stares into her eyes.

Mikoto: "I think- I love him!"

Mireko just stares at her with a blank expression not knowing what to do. Also seeing Mikoto blush.

Mireko: "You love who?"

Mikoto: "Ziku."

Mireko: "Mikoto that's great! I'm happy for you!"

Mikoto: "No it is not! I've always hated him, why now?! What's different?!"

Mireko: "Was it that hug you gave him?"

Mikoto: "How could one small hug make me feel flustered like this?! It has to be more to it?!"

Mireko: "I mean Ziku's cute, he's sweet and actually pretty strong. He just has something special about him that draws people towards him. It's actually kind of nice."

Mikoto: "What are you in love with him too?"

Mireko: "Umm no it's nothing like that, I was just saying what I think... umm you know the reason you could have fell for him!"

Mikoto: "Maybe I'm not in love with him, maybe it's just my mind playing a trick on me."

Mireko: " Yeah, maybe."

Ziku: "Alright mom I'm heading out again."

Natsumi: "Be careful today Ziku."

Ziku: "I will."

Izumi: "Oh hey Ziku, how's it going?"

Ziku: "Good, I'm learning a new technique from Kanju and so far I've been doing well."

Izumi: "Thats good to hear, keep it up ok!"

Shizuko: "Jiro! Let's go!"

Jiro: "Go where?!"

Shizuko: "Asuna said Hiroyuki's gone, so we could go train with the others."

Jiro: "You want to train with them?"

Shizuko: "Duh. You're not on par with me. I can't get stronger training with just you."

Jiro: "But I'm not weak!"

Shizuko: "Hmph, let's just go."

Ziku: "Wonder what Aiko is up to."

Izumi: "Natsumi, I'm here to tell you what Asuna told me. You are being targeted. Yes it's both you and Ziku, Ziku is in danger and since he's always with friends it places them in the same danger. But when Ziku leaves, and you're alone it places you in imminent danger."

Natsumi: "Do you know who's after us?"

Izumi: "Right now no. If I had to guess it has something to do with the woman we fought."

Natsumi: "Her again huh."

Izumi: "Just stay alert, because Asuna also told me that they have inside leverage."

Natsumi: "There's a snake amongst us?!"

Izumi: " Yes, please be careful Natsumi."

Ziku knocks on Aiko's door. She opens it and immediately blushes seeing Ziku just standing there.

Ziku: "Hey what's up."

Aiko: "H-hi."

Ziku: "I got some extra time before I go train, want to hang out?"

Aiko turns completely red and then slams the door in Ziku's face.

Ziku: "Oh?"

Aiko opening it back up quickly.

Aiko: "I'm sorry, yes I would like to hang out with you. Just let me get ready."

Ziku: "Oh, alright."

Aiko: "You can come in and sit if you want."

Ziku walks in and just starts looking around.

Aiko: "Something wrong?"

Ziku: "I just never realized how small your place was."

Aiko: "Yeah, when they put me in here they told me since I'm alone it's all I would need. I never really minded, I mean it has everything I need. I'm grateful to just have somewhere to stay, even if it's all by myself."

Ziku: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to....."

Aiko: "No, no it's fine, I know you meant well."

Ziku: "So what do you do here all by yourself?"

Aiko: "I mostly read, and when I'm not doing that me and my sister are talking?"

Ziku: "Hmmm, I see."

Aiko: "Oh sorry, let me finish getting ready."

Ziku: "Oh it's fine, take all the time you need. My training starts at 17:00 and it's only 14:00."

Aiko goes into her room and Airi is there.

Aiko: "I thought you were in your room sleeping?"

Airi: "Who could sleep when that boy is around?"

Aiko: "Yeah, I guess he can be a little loud, but he's outgoing and full of so much energy all the time."

Airi: "So, you guys going on a date?"

Aiko: "Umm no, it's umm not like that all. I'm just running a few errands while we also hang out."

Airi: "You don't have to be so awkward about it."

Aiko: "I was just telling you it's not a date!"

Airi: "Well have fun on your non-date."

Aiko and Airi walk out.

Aiko: "You ready?"

Ziku: "Yeah, where to first?"

Aiko: "Airi, aren't you going to say hi?"

Ziku: "Huh?"

Airi: "That's ok, you guys just go."

As she pushes Aiko out of the door

Ziku: "So?"

Aiko: "Oh, would you mind if we run a few errands before we hang out? I have to pick up few things for my house."

Ziku: "Thats fine, what do you need?"

Aiko: "Um, that's a secret."

Ziku: "Oh, well just lead the way."

Isamu: "Hey Shizuko! It's been awhile!"

Shizuko: "Don't talk to me like we're friends loser!"

Isamu: "Oh."

Jiro: "Don't mind him, he's been extra angry as of late. Not being able to do anything or go anywhere."

Isamu: "Oh yeah, that's right, because of Hiroyuki."

Jiro: "Hasn't been all that nice at home either, him and our father just don't see eye to eye."

Isamu: "I see, so what are you guys doing out here?"

Jiro: "Trying to get some training in before Hiroyuki is scheduled to come back."

Isamu: "Ah, I heard everyone was meeting at 5. Mind if I tag along with you guys?"

Jiro: "Sure, need someone other to talk than him anyway."

Isamu: "Hey look it's Omoi and Kanju."

Jiro: "Oh yeah, hey Omoi! Kanju!"

Omoi: "Jiro, what's up?"

Jiro: "Mind if we join you guys for a training session?"

Omoi: "Not at all, the more the better. Besides keeps me from fighting Kisaiju."

Shizuko: "You guys train with Kisaiju?"

Omoi: "Yeah I'm actually pretty sure he's already there."

Shizuko: "Oh this just got a whole lot better. Let's go!"

Ziku grabs a kabob for him and Aiko.

Ziku: "Here did you want one?"

As her stomach rumbles.

Aiko: "Thank you."

They walk towards a store and start looking through a window.

Aiko: "Hey look, they're so cute! Oh my gosh what is it!"

Ziku: "You've never seen a cat before?"

Aiko: "No, it's so cute! Look at it's little ears! It's so fluffy!"

Ziku looks at the cat and smiles. The cat rubs against the glass taking a liking to both of them. Ziku looks into it's eyes and notices the cats eyes drift past them. Ziku turns around to notice a kunai coming towards his face. It cuts some of his hair as he barely dodges and then grabs Aiko.

Aiko: "What?! Whats wrong?!"

Ziku just continues to stare, Aiko following his eyes to notice a man with a mask covering his nose and mouth. Hair completely white, with a bunch of weapons in his arsenal. Ziku puts Aiko behind him and just waits for the man to make a move.

Ziku: "Aiko, I want you stay behind me no matter what."

Aiko: "Ok."

Ziku to himself: "He chose the perfect time, there's no one in this part of the village since it's all closing soon and being moved."

The man pulls out his sword and points it at Ziku. Ziku tries to reach for his, but remembers that he forgot it. Instead he just grabs Aiko's hand and hold it tight.

Aiko: "Ziku?"

The man attacks them, but Ziku just grabs Aiko and starts running. They get far enough and hide behind a tree.

Aiko: "Ziku what's going on?! Who is that?!"

Ziku: "I don't know, but I didn't bring my sword, so this is really bad."

Aiko: "What are we gonna do?"

Ziku: "We'll just keep running until we find more people. Then we could hide amongst them and try to escape."

Aiko looks at Ziku and sees sweat falling. First time seeing him scared. Ziku gasps and in the same second catches the sword 2 inches from Aiko's face. Aiko screams and then gets pushed by Ziku out of the way. Ziku pulls the man in closer and tries to throw an elbow that is easily blocked. He tries to put his foot behind the mans foot and knock him down, but he misses. Then a kunai gets drawn, but before Ziku can get stabbed he pushes the sword up and grabs the mans wrist. Both of them make eye contact as Ziku headbutts him, causing him to fall back slightly. Enough for Ziku to break free and grab Aiko again. As they run again.

Dante: "He's as good as they said. I might have to take this seriously."

They continue running, but Aiko gets shocked again by the electricity that surrounds Ziku's body when he's running.

Ziku: "I'm sorry, I was just trying to get away."

Aiko: "It's fine, it's my fault for being slow."

Ziku: "I don't know where he is, he could show up at any moment."

Aiko: "But there's people around, we could ask for their help."

Ziku: "No, I want to leave them out of this. We'll just have to..."

Before he can finish, he hears a bunch of screaming behind him. He goes to look and sees the man killing everyone in his path. Nothing but blood and bodies pile the floors of the village. Aiko begins to tear up hearing the cries of all the people. Ziku's body gets surrounded in lightning aura taking a red color. He gets angry and shows himself to the man.

Ziku: "Stop it! That's enough! You will spill no more blood today!"

Dante: "I was wondering how many people I'd have to kill in order for you to come out."

Ziku: "Aiko, get out of here."

Aiko: "But Ziku I-"

Ziku: "Go!"

Dante: "This red lightning of yours, is it red because you're angry?"

Ziku just stares at him with nothing but an angered look. He charges him throwing a punch that gets blocked.

Dante: "Come on now, I like to know my victims before I kill them. Makes putting their name on my sword special."

Ziku: "Special?"

Ziku shakes it off and just keeps attacking, with nothing landing. So he switches to orange lightning and his attacks become lighter allowing him to land them, but they're still being blocked.

Dante: "Interesting, he changed the color yet again."

Both of them just fighting hand to hand, neither landing anything critical, but both seem to be evenly matched. While they're fighting Ziku manages to take the sword from him and wield it as his.

Dante: "I see, a swordsman huh. It's all becoming clear to me now, why they want you dead."

Ziku: "Who wants me dead?"

Dante: "I'm not obligated to tell you anything. Frankly if it was up to me, I would keep you alive to join me. Too bad it's not, so you will just become another trophy on my sword."

Dante places his hand out and the sword turns into smoke leaving Ziku confused. The smoke surrounds Dante and then the sword retakes solid form back in his hands.

Dante: "I can't leave until your blood is on my sword."

Ziku gets into his stance ready to fight, but before Dante can attack he gets picked up and thrown into a building. Ziku looks around confused, but spots Mikoto.

Ziku: "Mikoto?"

Mikoto: "What's going on?"

Ziku: "This guy was hired to kill me. Apparently he's not leaving until he succeeds."

Mikoto: "Where the hell are the adults at a time like this?"

Ziku: "Asuna can't patrol the village, most of them are on border patrol anyway. Which raises the question on how he got in."

Mikoto: "Because this village is stupid! Everything they do is wrong and they won't understand until it's all destroyed!"

Ziku: "He's coming!"

Mikoto: "He won't get close!"

Mikoto places her hand out and forces Dante to freeze mid air binding him immobile. As he struggles Mikoto also struggles to hold him there.

Mikoto: "Hurry and attack!"

Before Ziku can gather lightning for an attack, Dante's body turns completely into smoke and he just vanishes. Mikoto let's her guard down to scold Ziku on taking to long to attack while she had him. As she's yelling at him the smoke appears in front of her and Dante's body becomes solid again as he tries to cut her with his sword. Mikoto stops him just in time, but can't seem to continue holding him. As she's struggling Ziku hits Dante away from her and follows up with a barrage of attacks. Ziku just keeps attacking leaving no opening for Dante to attack or use his sword. As they're fighting, Aiko comes back with Asuna. Dante notices Asuna and without hesitation turns into smoke again. The smoke clears and is gone within seconds.

Asuna: "Ziku are you alright?!"

Ziku just staring off into space.

Asuna: "Ziku?!"

Ziku: "He was smiling at me."

Asuna: "What?!"

Ziku: "While I was attacking him, he was just smiling."

Asuna: "All of them smile, to them it's some game."

Ziku: "No, his was genuine. Like it wasn't just enjoyment he was truly happy again it seems like after years."

Asuna: "Hmmm, only you would point out something like that. Well, I'm just glad you're ok. Sorry for not being here sooner."

Ziku: "It's fine."

Mikoto just stares at Ziku watching him stare off into space.

Mikoto: "What is this feeling I have?"

Aiko: "Ziku I'm thankful you kept me safe during his attack, but I just couldn't leave you here without getting help."

Ziku: "No it's fine, thank you Aiko."

He smiles at her and hugs her placing his hand on the back of her head.

Mikoto can do nothing but watch.

Ziku: "You too Mikoto, thank you for your help."

Mikoto blushes a little.

Mikoto: "No problem, least I could do for what I did to you."

Ziku: "Aiko, did you want to continue?"

Aiko: "No I'm all done. Wait where are my bags?"

Ziku: "I must have dropped them when we were running. I'm sorry."

Aiko: "Well I guess now I have to get some more."

Ziku: "Haha guess so. Hey Mikoto you want to join us?"

Mikoto: "What is he an idiot? Why would I want to go shopping?! Wait.... This could be my chance to hang out with Ziku and see if I actually have feelings for him."

Ziku: "Mikoto?"

Mikoto: "Oh, umm sure. I'll go."

Ziku: "Cool let's go!"

Shizuko: "Where the hell is Ziku?!"

Kanju: "I don't know. He would usually be here by now."

Omoi: "He's not at home, we checked before coming."

Isamu: "He probably just ran into something important on the way, he'll be here. Just uhh a little late."

Shizuko: "Hmph! Stop covering up for him!"

Isamu: "But I'm not-"

Shizuko: "I came here to train, waiting for Ziku is getting on my nerves."

Kanju: "Would it kill to be a little more patient."

Shizuko: "What?!"

Kanju: "I'm just saying, you see all of us waiting. No one else is complaining but you."

Shizuko: "Tch!"

Ziku: "I'm sorry I'm late."

Omoi: "Finally!"

Jiro: "He finally shows up."

Ziku: "Hehe, sorry about that."

Kisaiju: "Why is she with you?"

Ziku: "Oh I invited Aiko to come and-"

Kisaiju: "I'm talking about her!"

He points to Mikoto.

Mikoto: "What's the matter? You still scared of me?"

Shizuko: "What the hell did I miss?"

Mikoto: "Just me wiping the floor with Kisaiju."

Kisaiju: "Tch!"

Mikoto: "How's your arm?"

Kisaiju: "Tch! Hmph! What do you say we have a rematch?"

Mikoto: "I'll be glad to put you in your place once again."

Shizuko: "As much as I love the idea of that, I'm not gonna wait any longer to start training."

Kanju: "How many of us is it?"

Isamu: "9 I think."

Kanju: "So how should we do this?"

Ziku: "Aiko didn't come to train, she came to watch."

Shizuko: "She either fights or she could get out. Which one?"

Ziku: "But she-"

Aiko: "It's fine Ziku, I'll train with you guys."

Ziku looks at her face and can tell that she's uncomfortable and scared.

Ziku: "Are you sure?"

Aiko: "Yes."

Kanju: "So teams?"

Kisaiju: "How about we let the ladies pick?"

Mikoto: "Ohh he's such a gentleman all of a sudden. I wonder why."

Kisaiju: "You're really getting on my last nerve."

Mikoto: "If you can't handle it, maybe you should learn to keep your mouth closed."

Kisaiju takes a step, but gets stopped by Kanju.

Shizuko: "Hurry and pick!"

Mikoto looks at Aiko putting out her hand wanting to play paper rock scissors. Aiko realizes and puts her hand out as well. They pull back and draw, Aiko picking scissors and Mikoto picking paper.

Mikoto: "Damnit! Well your pick Aiko."

Aiko: "Umm I pick Ziku."

Mikoto to herself: "Damn! Why did she pick Ziku?!"

Kisaiju: "Are you gonna pick?!"

Mikoto: "Not you."

Kisaiju: "I don't give a damn! Hurry up!"

Mikoto: "I pick Omoi."

Omoi gets shocked and the looks over at Ziku who is also shocked.

Aiko: "Kanju."

Mikoto: "Shizuko."

Aiko: "Isamu."

Mikoto: "Jiro."

Aiko: "Guess that means we get Kisaiju."

Mikoto's team includes: Omoi, Shizuko and Jiro. While Aiko's team includes: Ziku, Kanju, Isamu and Kisaiju.

Omoi: "Is this fair? You guys have an extra member?"

Shizuko: "Yeah it's fine, Isamu and Kisaiju make up one person anyway."

Kisaiju: "What?!"

Isamu: "Hey."

Mikoto: "So you guys are ok with this?"

Shizuko: "Yeah, let's just get to training!"

Kanju: "How are we doing this?"

Omoi: "How about kinda like the trial? Our captains are our kings. Only hand to hand combat though."

Shizuko: "Perfect!"

Aiko: "umm Ziku I don't know about this!"

Ziku: "Hey, it's fine. I won't let them touch you."

Seeing his smile makes Aiko feel better.

Kanju: "We all won't."

Shizuko: "When that clock hits 6 and the bell rings that's when we start."

Ziku: "Got it!"

Everyone watches the clock, watching the seconds go by. It feels like forever, until it finally hits 6 the light turns red and the bell rings. Immediately Ziku and Kanju step to the front waiting for them to attack. Kisaiju dives straight in.

Ziku: "Wait, hold on!"

Kisaiju clashes with Shizuko and they begin fighting. Here comes Omoi and Jiro attacking Ziku and Kanju. Omoi goes after Kanju and Jiro after Ziku. Everyone fighting, Isamu and Aiko just watching.

Isamu: "I really hope none of them lose! Cause it looks like I'm the last line of defense!"

Aiko: "You can do it!"

Isamu blushes and then continues looking ahead watching the fights.

Isamu: "Amazing! I strive to be as strong as them!"

Isamu watches intensely, noticing the tide of the battle is going in their favor because Shizuko is bearing Kisaiju and Kanju is losing to Omoi. Shizuko beats Kisaiju leaving him on the ground in pain, Omoi and Kanju going back and forth having the battle go either way. Shizuko heads for Aiko then sees Isamu jump in front of her, he makes eye contact with Isamu seeing the fear in his eyes.

Shizuko: "What a joke!"

Shizuko looks over to see Jiro losing his fight with Ziku so instead he heads in their direction and starts fighting with Jiro.

Jiro: "Shizuko?!"

Both of them fighting together against Ziku. Ziku starts to buckle as he is taking hits not being able to fight both of them.

Isamu: "I should go help! Why can't I move! Am I scared?! What is wrong with me?! I can't even help out a friend in battle!"

Aiko: "Ziku no!"

Just as she says this Ziku punches Shizuko in the stomach making him fly back and then he kicks Jiro away. While Kanju also loses his fight. Before anything happens Ziku gets in front of Aiko and Isamu and gets into his stance. Egging all of them to come on. Without hesitation all of them go forward as they clash with Ziku. All of them with barrages of attacks, Ziku does well for a few seconds, yet their combined attacks prove to be too much for him. They all land a critical hit on him causing him to fall to the floor on one knee. They stare down at him and then go past him to Isamu. Isamu just trembles in fear almost collapsing on his own. Shizuko moves him out of the way and then taps the top of Aiko's head.

Shizuko: "We win."

Mikoto: "I picked the better team, even without Ziku."

Omoi walks over to Ziku and puts his hand out, lifting him up then patting him on his back.

Omoi: "Sorry about that, I just wanted to win. Part of that was finally beating you at something haha."

Ziku: "Haha it's fine, good job you guys."

Ziku walks over to Kanju who is still laying down. He helps him up and then just smiles at him.

Kanju: "What?"

Ziku: "Thanks for standing with me."

Kanju: "No problem."

Isamu walks over to Ziku.

Isamu: "I'm- I'm sorry Ziku."

Ziku places his hand on Isamu's shoulder and just smiles at him.

Ziku: "It's fine, there's always next time."

Isamu fights back tears as he just stares at Ziku.

Isamu: "I promise! The next time we fight alongside, I will have your back!"

Ziku: "We'll get stronger together!"

Mikoto: "We should do this again."

Ziku: "Yeah, this could help all of us."

Mikoto: "Even though I didn't do much today, I'll be sure to show you guys just what a strong girl can do."

Ziku: "Looking forward to it."

Both of them smiling at each other.