Leo: "'Ignorance is bliss'... that's what Quanxi always used to say, but I never bought into that line of thinking. To me, being ignorant means you're fully aware that the world around you can shift in an instant. You could go from having everything to having nothing in the blink of an eye. And if you knew something like that could happen and had the means to stop it, why wouldn't you?"

Leo: "That's what I want to do, but..."

The narrow underground bunker echoed with the rapid pattering of tiny footsteps. They hurriedly traversed the hallway, their echoing footfalls resonating with urgency.

"Wait, Ruby!" Ichigo's panicked voice resounded, struggling to catch up with the determined nine-year-old girl.

Ruby wore an expression of determined anger as she raced down the hallway, her footsteps echoing alongside Ichigo's frantic pursuit.

Behind them, walking at a more leisurely pace, was the rest of the group. Ai held Aqua's hand as Miyako walked beside them. Amongst those present, Miyako and Ichigo appeared to be the only ones with any sense of concern. Ai maintained a serene smile while Aqua retained his stoic demeanor.

Before they arrived at the underground bunker, Ai had explained to the twins that she would collaborate with Public Safety to improve their relationship with the War Devil. This included direct interaction with the War Devil itself, with the hope of retrieving Leo's body for a proper burial.

Upon hearing this news, Ruby immediately insisted on joining, while Aqua put on a façade of indifference but agreed to accompany Ruby. Whether Ai had expected their desire to come along or not, they soon found themselves crammed into Ichigo's car, en route to the underground bunker where the War Devil resided.

"Damn it, how is she faster than me?!" Ichigo thought as he struggled to keep up with Ruby, who continued to outpace him.

As Ruby drew closer to the observation room, Ichigo's legs finally gave way, causing him to nearly tumble to the ground. He managed to steady himself against a nearby wall before descending gracefully to the floor.

Hearing the approaching steps of a child, Himeno curiously peeked her head out of the observation room. Her eyes widened as she saw Ruby's blond hair swaying behind her as she neared. A fleeting image of a familiar face flashed before her.

Himeno's gaze followed Ruby closely as she approached.

"What are you staring at?" Ruby huffed when she reached the observation room, slightly out of breath.

Himeno was taken aback by the young girl's abruptness, the image of the familiar face fading into the background. Shaking her head, Himeno offered Ruby one of her customary warm smiles.

"Sorry about that. You just reminded me of someone I used to know," Himeno explained politely.

Ruby took a step back, her eyebrow skeptically raised. Himeno only smiled, slowly reaching to open her jacket before taking out her wallet, with Ruby's pink-red eyes following her every movement intently.

Himeno showed Ruby her wallet and then opened it, revealing a small pack of photographs stashed inside.

"See," Himeno said softly as she displayed a photograph of a woman with long blonde hair cascading down her back, with two tufts framing each side of her face. In the picture, she stood next to a much younger Himeno, both of them flashing peace signs.

"Whoa, she's really pretty..." Ruby muttered, absorbing every detail before suddenly recalling her initial purpose for rushing here. She shook her head and returned the photograph to Himeno. She intended to demand answers from the War Devil, but she paused when she noticed Himeno gazing fondly at the picture.

Grumbling inwardly, Ruby forced a smile. "Who was she?" she asked, her gaze fixed on the photograph.

"Yuki," Himeno replied, her eyes lingering on the picture before shifting her gaze down to Ruby. "Yuki Tsukumo."

Ruby's eyes widened slightly as she stared at Himeno. Tsukumo? That was her last name. "Is she...?" she began to ask.

Himeno's smile faltered as she sifted through her collection of photographs, finally selecting one and handing it to Ruby. This time, the picture depicted a younger Leo, standing with the same woman and Himeno. Leo had a gold medal clenched between his teeth, with a slight scowl.

"She was a mentor of mine..." Himeno revealed with a melancholic sigh, her gaze shifting between the photograph and Ruby. "What's your name, little one?"

Ruby's eyes remained locked on the younger Leo in the photograph. "Ruby..."

"That's a cute..." Himeno began to compliment Ruby, but Ruby interrupted her.

"... Tsukumo, Ruby Tsukumo," Ruby finished, her words causing Himeno's eyes to widen as she looked down at the young girl.

Himeno blinked in surprise at Ruby's last name. Her warm smile was now replaced by a thoughtful expression as Ruby continued to look at the photograph.

Yuki Tsukumo, Ruby had seen that name before; it was written on a grave...

November 10th, 1994...

Snow gently cascaded from the sky, blanketing the world below in a pristine sheet of white. It added a monochromatic charm to the serene surroundings.

Each snowflake was a delicate work of art, unique in its design, twirling and dancing in the chilly air as it journeyed to the ground. The streetlights cast a soft, warm glow on the falling snow, turning the night into a dreamscape.

The flakes landed with a barely audible sigh, blanketing everything in a pristine, white cloak. Trees, roofs, and the ground itself were all draped in this new, ethereal attire. The world had taken on a calm quality as if nature itself had whispered for everyone to be still and listen.

From the comfort of their living room, Aqua and Miyako sat comfortably on the couch, Aqua reading a biology book while Miyako browsed a magazine catalog. Ruby was busy browsing the internet from the computer desk a few feet away from the couch.

Aside from the occasional click of the mouse and Miyako's humming, the gentle breeze of the AC provided a natural backdrop to the living room.

Ai and Leo were out doing their own things, with Ai filming for a movie and Leo patrolling the streets of Tokyo as he waited for calls from the bureau for any devils they couldn't handle.

Unlike Leo, Ai was busy until the early evening when filming would officially be over.

So imagine everyone's surprise when they hear the sound of the front door being unlocked. The clock indicated it was currently late afternoon, and Ichigo was accompanying Ai on her filming, meaning only one person could be arriving at that time.

"Papa!" Ruby exclaimed as she threw the door to the living room open. The little six-year-old's footsteps resounded in the open hallway as she rushed toward Leo, who was taking his shoes off.

Reaching her target, Ruby pounced on Leo's back. "Happy birthday, Papa!" she exclaimed, giggling, wrapping her little arms around Leo's neck.

"Are you done?!" Ruby eagerly asked as Leo finished taking off his shoes.

"Not... yet," Leo responded, pausing for a moment as he slipped on his Crocs. "Just came to pick up something I forgot."

Ruby pouted as she slid off Leo's back as he got up. "Aww," she complained.

Leo ruffled Ruby's hair affectionately and gave her a warm smile. "Don't worry, tot. I'll be back home soon, and then we can celebrate properly."

Ruby's disappointment was evident, but she nodded, her eyes bright with anticipation. "Okay, Papa. Hurry back!"

Leo made his way through the hallway, Aqua and Miyako catching a glimpse of him as he passed the living room and headed deeper into the apartment as Ruby joined them in the living room again.

It didn't take long for them to catch another glimpse of him as he tucked something into his coat and began passing the living room while adjusting something in his suit.

"Make sure to bundle up!" Miyako called out as Leo came into view from the hallway. "It's supposed to get colder later!"

Leo didn't say anything as he flashed a thumbs-up before disappearing past the living room's door view. The only thing they heard after was the sound of the front door being opened and shut before being locked.

Ruby didn't say anything as she went back to browsing the computer, but Aqua and Miyako exchanged odd looks before the latter shrugged and went back to her catalog. Aqua's gaze lingered on the open living room door; he caught a glimpse of Leo's face before he left, and it appeared uncharacteristically serious compared to his usual stoic expression.

Ai stretched as much as she could in the confined space of Ichigo's car's passenger seat, getting a satisfying pop before opening her eyes. The white sheet of snow caused her to squint as the snow reflected what little sunlight managed to penetrate the cloudy sky.

Currently, they were driving back to Ai's apartment since she had managed to complete her filming in one take. However, the heavy layers of snow that had fallen meant they had to navigate the slippery streets at a slow speed.

At least it gave them time to admire the snow-covered city.

Ai grumbled before turning to Ichigo and enviously eyeing his iconic sunglasses. "Ne, Mr. Manager, do you have any spare glasses?"

Ichigo momentarily took his gaze off the street, meeting Ai's eyes before removing a hand from the steering wheel and reaching into his suit. He produced another pair of his iconic sunglasses and handed them over to Ai, who happily accepted them.

The drive continued to feel slow and arduous as they crept through the city. The layers of snow crinkled and snapped under the car's weight as it moved at a snail's pace.

Then something, or rather someone, caught Ichigo's attention.

"Leo...?" he uttered, leaning forward on the steering wheel.

"Leo?!" Ai, who had been close to falling asleep, immediately perked up and started looking around. Ichigo pointed her in Leo's direction, and sure enough, there he was, waiting outside of a shop that appeared to be closed, its sign obscured by snow.

A few moments earlier, Leo moved through the heavy layers of snow with a casual grace that garnered odd looks from people struggling to maintain their balance on the slippery sidewalks.

Arriving at his destination, Leo tried to open the door, but it appeared to be locked, emitting only a small thud.

"Sorry, we're closed due to the weather!" a young woman called out from inside the shop.

"It's me," Leo replied casually from outside.

Inside the shop, the young woman who had announced the closure was about to respond but was interrupted by an older woman from behind the counter.

"Just a minute!" she exclaimed before hurrying into the back of the store, leaving the young woman puzzled.

"Grandma...?" the young woman muttered as she heard shuffling from the back. Moments later, the older woman reappeared, clutching a bouquet of colorful flowers.

She hastily unlocked the shop door and slid it open, revealing Leo as he looked down at the older woman.

"Here you are," the older woman said, slightly out of breath.

Leo accepted the bouquet and offered a polite bow before continuing on his way without uttering a word.

The older woman returned the gesture with a bow of her own before sliding the door closed and securing it.

"Grandma...?" the young woman questioned, gazing at the older woman with a perplexed expression. "Who was that?"

The older woman wiped her forehead and gave the young woman a gentle smile. "Just a regular customer, dear," she replied, making her way back to the counter.

Meanwhile, back with Ai, she was on the verge of rolling down her window and calling out to Leo. However, her intention halted abruptly when an elderly lady opened the door to the shop and handed Leo a bouquet. This unexpected gesture caused Ai to pause as she observed Leo continuing to walk down the sidewalk, tucking the flowers under his arm.

Ai settled back into her seat, her gaze shifting to Ichigo, who responded with a casual shrug of his shoulders. On the surface, Ichigo didn't seem to question the situation. Leo was just picking up flowers, on his birthday...

Then, it dawned on Ichigo.

...Okay, now he understood why the situation could be awkward.

Trusting his instincts, Ichigo decided to follow Leo discreetly. The snowy streets offered some cover, and Leo's brisk pace made it easy for Ichigo to maintain a safe distance without drawing attention. Leo appeared so absorbed in his thoughts, looking ahead, that it seemed unlikely he would turn around anytime soon.

The atmosphere grew increasingly tense as Leo continued his determined walk, the falling snow creating an almost surreal ambiance. It blanketed the city in an eerie hush, muffling the usual sounds of life. The chill in the air was palpable, seeping through the car windows and settling into the bones of the two passengers.

In Ichigo's car, Ai couldn't help but shiver slightly, despite the warmth inside the vehicle. The snowflakes outside seemed to dance with an almost ethereal grace, creating a mesmerizing effect. It was as if the world had transformed into a dreamlike landscape, and the falling snow was the conductor of this wintery symphony.

Leo's brisk pace continued, unfazed by the cold or the watchful eyes following him. The snow-covered streets stretched ahead like a path leading to some mysterious destination.

Finally, Leo reached his destination – a secluded graveyard. Shouzou, a man with a rugged appearance, stood there with two gruff-looking individuals guarding him. A cigarette dangled from his lips, and the cold air created a visible trail of smoke as he took a drag.

As Leo approached, Shouzou, with a practiced motion, extinguished his cigarette in a circular ashtray he produced from his coat. Their eyes met briefly, a silent understanding passing between them. Shouzou nodded, and with a deliberate push, he opened the gate guarding the cemetery.

Together, Leo and Shouzou entered the quiet graveyard, leaving the two guards to take their positions and watch over the gate, ensuring their meeting remained undisturbed by the outside world.

Ichigo's car sat silently on the side of the street, its dark form gradually becoming obscured by the relentless fall of snowflakes. Inside, Ai continued to watch as Leo and Shouzou disappeared deeper into the graveyard's confines. The cold seeped into her bones, and a sense of unease tugged at her.

After losing sight of them, Ai turned to Ichigo, her voice barely a whisper. "Mr. Manager, can we go pick up the twins?"

Ichigo understood Ai's request without the need for words. With a single, affirmative nod, he shifted the car into drive, and they began their journey through the snow-covered streets, leaving the secretive meeting behind in the graveyard.

The graveyard, despite the snowy veil that cloaked it, had a spacious and tranquil atmosphere. Its serenity was enhanced by the pristine white blanket that covered most of the area. In the center stood a single-family grave, its surface adorned with a layer of freshly fallen snow.

Leo and Shouzou approached the grave, each with a specific task. Leo cradled the bouquet carefully in his hands, its vibrant colors contrasting with the surrounding whiteness. Shouzou held a small wooden pail equipped with a ladle.

They began by gently brushing off the snow that had settled atop the grave. Their hands reddened from the cold, but they persisted until the grave was free from its snowy shroud. Next, they turned their attention to the empty vases that adorned the grave, using the water from the pail to wash away any dust or debris that had accumulated.

With the grave cleansed and the vases returned to their rightful place, they split the bouquet evenly between them. The flowers, vibrant against the snow, were offered as a symbol of remembrance and respect.

Afterward, they began to pour water down the sides of the grave, taking turns in cleansing it of any stains or impurities. Their actions were deliberate, and their shared sense of purpose was palpable.

Finally, Leo settled onto the snowy ground, taking a bag of incense sticks and a lighter from his suit. He divided the bundle of incense sticks between them, and they each ignited their portion, the sweet scent permeating the chilly air. Placing the lit incense sticks into a small box beneath the shrine, they bowed their heads in solemn respect and reflection.

The falling snow continued to provide a hushed backdrop as Leo remained seated, his head bowed and his hair cascading like a curtain over his face. The quiet reverence of the moment seemed to stretch on indefinitely, as if time itself had taken a back seat to their solemn task.

Shouzou, feeling the weight of the passing hours and the encroaching darkness, sighed and reached into his coat pockets. With practiced ease, he extracted his cigarettes and an ashtray, transferring them to his vest before slipping out of his coat. He briefly used the coat to brush off the snow that had accumulated on Leo, who seemingly remained uninterrupted by the cold.

Satisfied with his efforts, Shouzou knelt down and draped his coat around Leo's shoulders. He took a moment to brush off any lingering snow from Leo's hair before patting him on the shoulder. With a final, silent nod, Shouzou began making his way out of the graveyard, leaving Leo to continue his moment of mourning or reflection, allowing him the solitude to find solace in his own way.

Simotanitously, as Shouzou made his exit, Ruby excitedly climbed the stairs leading to the private graveyard, her little steps filled with anticipation. However, one of the gruff-looking men stepped forward and stopped her with a polite yet firm tone, "Sorry, missy, private property."

Ichigo and Aqua tried to quicken their pace up the stairs, mindful of the snow-slicked steps, hoping to intervene before Ruby could retort with something rude. But before anyone could react, Shouzou's stoic voice echoed from behind the gate. "It's fine, we were just leaving anyways," he said as he opened the gate.

The gruff men nodded and stepped aside, allowing Shouzou to pass through. He glanced down the stairs and caught sight of Ichigo, Miyako, Ai, and Aqua making their way up. Looking further down, he met Ruby's curious gaze as she looked up at him. Shouzou's jaw tightened as he saw a fleeting glimpse of Yuki in the way Ruby's blond hair danced in the winter wind.

With a subtle clenching of his hand, Shouzou cleared his throat and looked away from Ruby. "Excuse us," he said, walking around her and gesturing for the gruff men to follow, which they did without question, offering a respectful bow before descending the stairs.

Shouzou maintained his firm gaze as he walked past Ai and the rest of the group, showing no reaction to their curious stares.

Meanwhile, Ruby seized the opportunity and stealthily made her way into the graveyard, not uttering a word as she ventured further into the tranquil and snow-covered resting place.

Each of Ruby's footsteps caused the snow under her to crackle and crunch, creating a stark contrast to the otherwise hushed atmosphere of the cemetery. She carefully made her way deeper into the serene burial ground, her small footprints trailing behind her in the pristine white snow. She tried her best to follow Shouzou's steps, but the falling snow began to erase his tracks, leaving Ruby to rely on her instincts.

Amidst the serene white landscape, Ruby's keen eyes caught sight of a burst of color, a vivid array of flowers adorning a single grave. The family name "Tsukumo" was engraved on the tombstone, and seated before it was a solitary figure—Leo, seated on the ground with his back to her as he gazed down at the floor. Delicate tendrils of smoke from the burning incense sticks swirled in the chilly air.

Ruby no longer needed to follow in any footsteps. She carefully and slowly approached the hunched figure before her. A sudden gust of cool air blew through the cemetery, causing Ruby's blond hair to dance and swirl around her. As she blinked away the disturbance, her gaze locked onto the familiar locks of black hair that danced in the winter wind.

Throwing caution to the icy ground, Ruby's eagerness overtook her. She hurriedly, yet carefully, made her way toward the hunched figure she was certain was her father.

Ruby's excitement bubbled over as she kicked up the snow behind her, running closer to the man she was convinced was her father. But as she drew near, her pace slowed, and she moved with a delicate caution. Just a few feet away from him, she began to circle him, her gaze drifting away momentarily to the gravestone that stood before them.

The tombstone stood tall and elegant, radiating a peculiar luster despite the absence of sunlight. It appeared to be crafted from polished granite, and behind it stood a majestic sakura tree. Positioned just far enough to allow the grave to bask in the evening sun but provide shade during the afternoon, it created a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

Ruby marveled at the grave, her gaze moving to the side, where the name "Yuki" became visible.

Before she could continue admiring the impressive tombstone, a subtle shift in Leo's posture caught her attention. Ruby glanced over her shoulder just in time to meet her father's black eyes.

Ruby's own eyes widened, and an exuberant smile erupted on her face. Without hesitation, her legs propelled her forward, and she crashed into Leo's torso with a joyful exclamation.

"Papa!" she cried out, her words muffled as she buried her face into his chest, a flood of emotions and happiness coursing through her.

As Ruby clung to her father, Leo's initial reaction was subdued. Her bright blond hair registered in his vision, causing a subtle tightening of his jaw. For a moment, the image of Yuki flickered in his mind, and he gazed ahead with a look of melancholy.

However, Ruby's voice pulled him back to the present, and he slowly wrapped his arms around her, embracing her small frame. His arms provided warmth and security, even though she couldn't see the pained expression on his face.

The cold air nipped at their cheeks, and the falling snow continued to create a hushed backdrop to their moment. Leo ran his slightly reddened fingers through the ends of Ruby's hair, soothing her as she trembled a bit from the cold. Realizing her discomfort, he removed Shouzou's coat from his shoulders and gently wrapped Ruby with it, providing her with some extra warmth and comfort.

Ruby snuggled into the warmth of the coat as Leo held her close. The chilly air didn't seem to bother her as much now, and she felt a sense of comfort and security being in her father's arms.

They remained in front of the Tsukumo family grave, the falling snowflakes creating a soft, rhythmic sound as they touched the ground. The world around them felt hushed, as if paying reverence to the scene.

Eventually, Ruby turned around, her back now against Leo's torso, and she looked up at the monumental tombstone.

"Who's Yuki?" she asked, her curiosity piqued by the name engraved on the side of the grave.

Leo gazed at the Tsukumo family name with a reminiscent look of longing as he took a deep breath. "She was my mom," he whispered softly, his voice carrying the weight of memories and emotions.

"Oh..." Ruby replied, looking down at the colorful flowers.

"She died during the Gun Devil's attack 10 years ago," Leo revealed as he brought Ruby closer, his embrace providing warmth and reassurance in the cold, silent cemetery.

"Yuki was a wonderful person," Leo continued, his voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and fondness. "She was kind, caring, and always had a smile on her face. She was far more than I deserved."

"Papa..." Ruby muttered as she tried reaching out, but Shouzou's coat was wrapped firmly around her. Another gust of wind came creeping by, but Leo's figure shielded Ruby from the cold. "I wish I could have met her," she said softly.

Leo hugged her a little tighter. "Yeah..." The falling snowflakes seemed to dance around them as they shared this moment of reflection and connection, bridging the gap between the past and the present, between Leo's memories and Ruby's longing to understand her family's history.

From behind them, the soft, rhythmic crinkling of snow underfoot could be heard, accompanied by an unexpected sneeze.

"Acho!!!" Ai sneezed, hastily covering her nose. "Brrr, it's too cold!"

"Bless you," Aqua calmly remarked as he strolled beside Ai.

"How are you not cold?!" Ai dramatically inquired, shivering slightly.

Aqua offered a nonchalant shrug as he continued his unhurried walk, prompting Ai to pout as her attention shifted to Leo. Snow had dusted his black hair, adding a layer of wintry charm to his appearance.

"Leo!" Ai exclaimed, attempting to make a dash for him, but her foot slipped, forcing her to halt and regain her balance.

Ichigo and Miyako followed closely behind, their footfalls breaking the stillness of the snowy landscape. Miyako discreetly covered her nose to stifle a sneeze, while Ichigo tried to maintain a cool demeanor despite his body feeling like it was a statue.

Ai's lively entrance provided a dash of humor to the serene moment shared by Leo and Ruby. Leo slightly turned his head, acknowledging Ai's arrival with a subtle smile. His black eyes met Ai's as she drew nearer, her face flushed from both the cold and her failed attempt at rushing forward.

When she finally reached the seated pair, Ai enveloped Leo in a tight embrace, pressing herself against his back.

"Brr, you're so warm!" Ai exclaimed, nuzzling her face against Leo's.

Leo chuckled softly at Ai's antics, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "You're going to catch a cold," he teased.

"In this weather, we'll all catch a cold," Ai retorted, nuzzling her face closer. "Then we can all stay home and have Mr. Manager and his wife take care of us!"

Aqua joined the trio, his gaze naturally drawn to the Tsukumo family grave. With the snowy backdrop and the cherry blossom tree behind it, the grave took on a surreal and almost majestic appearance. The falling snowflakes lent an air of solemnity to the scene, turning the tombstone into a poignant centerpiece.

"Ah, Ruby!" Ai exclaimed when she spotted her daughter in Leo's lap, diverting Aqua's attention to his sister. Ruby appeared cozy, wrapped in Shouzou's coat, her head peeking out while the rest of her body remained snuggled beneath. Ai giggled as she leaned in front of Leo, removing a pair of gloves to pinch Ruby's cheeks, causing the little girl to squirm. However, Leo's embrace left her with little room to escape.

"So cute!" Ai cooed, her playful teasing causing Ruby to wiggle further in Leo's arms, although she couldn't free herself. "Mama!" Ruby exclaimed, her attempt at resistance only deepening her adorableness.

Ichigo and Miyako finally caught up to the group, their breaths visible in the frigid air as they approached. Miyako sneezed softly into her hand, and Ichigo simply shook his head, attempting to maintain a stoic demeanor despite the cold.

Ai's antics had brought a sense of liveliness to the otherwise somber atmosphere of the graveyard. Her infectious energy made Leo's melancholy recede into the background, if only for a moment.

Ruby's struggles to free herself from Ai's teasing only elicited more laughter from her mother. Ai eventually released Ruby's cheeks but decided to wrap herself inside Leo's suit, even though it proved to be a futile attempt as it barely covered her shoulder.

Leo wrapped an arm around Ai, his touch warm and reassuring. "Let's go home before you actually catch a cold," he said, chuckling softly.

"It'll be fine," Ai reassured, trying to nuzzle further into Leo's suit. "Miyako will take care of us."

"Huh?!" Miyako exclaimed, clearly caught off guard by Ai's unexpected declaration, to which Ai responded with a mischievous giggle.

With their visit to Yuki's grave ending on a bittersweet note, the group began making their way back to Ichigo's car. Miyako couldn't hide her annoyance, as in her eyes, they had spent hardly any time at the grave before leaving.

In the end, the only one who got sick was Ai, much to her chagrin.

"Hehe," Ruby giggled as she leaned on the foot of Ai's bed. Ai had seen better days; she had a cold towel on her forehead while she lay comfortably underneath her blankets with a prominent pout on her face.

"No fair," she muttered, her voice slightly muffled by the blankets slightly covering her mouth.

Ruby smiled fondly at the memory of their visit to the cemetery, even though it had ended with Ai catching a cold. The warmth of family and the serenity of that snowy day lingered in her heart.

Meanwhile, in front of Ruby, Himeno poked her head out of the doorway when the sound of multiple footsteps approaching caught her attention in the hallway. She smiled when she spotted Ai striding confidently toward the observation room. However, the thought of children being near the War Devil did strike her nerves a bit.

As Ai entered the observation room with a triumphant smile, Himeno couldn't help but feel a mixture of curiosity and concern. She knew that Ai and her family were connected to Leo, but the idea of children being involved in such dangerous matters was unsettling. With a sigh, she decided to let Ai handle the situation she wanted. Hopefully, the Ghost Devil would be willing to lend a hand, but considering it was terrified of the Snake Devil, the chances it would lift a finger against the War Devil were slim to none.

Inside Leo's head, Yoru held her wing up to her chin as she hummed in thought.

"Emotional warfare, huh," she muttered, leaning back into Leo. "I must admit, Leo, this woman sure is crafty."

Leo could only nod as outside of his head, he gazed at the ceiling while leaning back. He had few options when it came to dealing with the problem. On one hand, he wanted to stay as far away from his family as possible to keep them out of harm's way, but on the other, he really just wanted to spend time with his family. Could he afford to break character here, considering the lengths he went to just to make them believe he was dead?

"I'm supposed to be smart, yet this is something I just can't plan around," Leo grumbled in his head.

There were so many variables he couldn't account for. How long would they be staying here? Would they be allowed to leave? If so, he wouldn't be able to act normally around them, or else he'd risk word getting out that he wasn't dead, they weren't the only people present after all.

The only one who knew the full extent of the plan was Shouzou, and for good reason. To eliminate Makima, they needed to sever her contract with the Prime Minister and gain Kishibe's support to control not only politics but also Public Safety.

Leo mentally shook his head. "No, I can't afford to change plans just to fit my current agenda. I'll be back... eventually... but for now, I need to stick to the script."

With a determined spirit, Leo clenched his teeth as he heard Ruby's voice echoing through the large room.

"Hey, stupid! Give me Papa's body back!"

The emotional warfare had only just begun, and he had to play his part to protect his loved ones, even if it meant keeping his distance for a while longer.

As Ruby's words reverberated in the room, Leo maintained his composure, his expression unwavering. He had to stay true to the character he had created – the stoic and unfeeling War Devil.

"I'm sorry, Ruby," he whispered within his thoughts, a heavy weight settling in his heart.

PREV INDEX Next