Cap on Kyoto

A sweet moment later, dessert was done.

Yuki glanced over at her sister with a mischievous glint in her eye, then set her teacup on the table. She took a small breath, as if searching for the right words, before turning to Ryosuke, who looked at her with a hint of apprehension.

"So… I have an idea for you, Ryosuke," she began, her voice soft and steady. "And it's an idea that could really change your future."

Ryosuke's mother, sitting across from them, set down her own cup and frowned slightly, listening closely.

"I've got contacts in Kyoto, and it just so happens a prestigious high school there might be willing to accept you after the break," Yuki continued, offering him a reassuring smile. "It's a special school, with unique professional tracks that could open doors to exciting careers and exceptional opportunities. I truly believe you'd thrive there."

Ryosuke's mother raised her eyebrows, surprised by the unexpected suggestion, and slowly shook her head. "Kyoto?" she repeated, a hint of worry in her voice. "But… it's so far, Yuki, really far. And switching schools in the middle of the year? That could be tough on Ryosuke. The pace, the adjustment... it's not a decision to make lightly."

Yuki nodded, as if expecting her sister's concerns, her gaze kind and steady. "I understand, Kaori," she replied calmly. "But this school is truly an opportunity. It's well-respected, with a diverse curriculum, offering him learning experiences he won't find anywhere else. And I can personally help with the transition. I'll take care of everything—from the paperwork to the arrangements. Plus, I'll be there to support him… I really believe it's a chance he shouldn't miss."

Silence fell over the room, each person lost in thought. Ryosuke listened intently but said nothing, watching the faces around him carefully. He knew his aunt's approach was direct, and he also knew his mother would need a lot of convincing. Part of him hoped she'd say no—Kyoto didn't appeal to him much, and it wasn't even practical for his plans.

"If I'm in Kyoto, my project for Suguru might get complicated…"

Meanwhile, Sayuri looked shaken. Her face had grown dark, and she stared at her plate with an intensity that took everyone by surprise. The joy in her eyes had disappeared, replaced by a trace of sadness that slipped into her gaze. She finally murmured, barely audible, "If he leaves… he won't be here with us anymore."

Her quiet, broken tone caught everyone off guard. Yuki, noticing the little girl's distress, gently stroked her hair. "Don't worry, sweetheart," she murmured soothingly. "Even if he's in Kyoto, he won't be that far away. He'll come back regularly, on holidays and weekends. You can talk every day if you want, through video or messages. And you'll be so proud of him when you see all he'll accomplish."

But despite her aunt's comforting words, Sayuri stayed silent, her gaze lost in thought. She glanced at her brother out of the corner of her eye, but when their eyes met, she quickly looked away, focusing on the plate of cake in front of her. She took a bite mechanically, seeming completely absent.

Ryosuke placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Leaning close, he whispered a few soft words in her ear. "Hey, little troublemaker… you know, even if I leave, I'm not going to disappear. You don't really think I'd let you forget me that easily, do you? On the contrary, we can write each other long letters, and I'll be back often, so you can tell me all your secrets—and I can keep teasing you a little longer."

Sayuri gave a faint smile, though her eyes still shimmered with the melancholy she tried to hide.

"Also," Ryosuke added, his tone mock-serious, "I'm going to need someone to keep me updated on everything happening here. You'll be my spy, okay?"

The remark finally drew a smile from Sayuri, and she nodded gently, visibly comforted.

As Sayuri began to lift her spirits, a soft meow caught her attention. Yuri had entered the room. He approached Sayuri, gently rubbing against her legs, before hopping up onto her lap.

Sayuri gazed at him with tenderness, running a delicate hand through his silky fur. Yuri's purring sounded like a calming little melody. She smiled, caressing the small feline with affection as he curled up comfortably on her legs, his eyes half-closed.

"Well, Yuri, at least you'll stay here, won't you?" she murmured, a sad smile tugging at her lips.

Ryosuke, watching the scene, smiled as well. "I think he'll be spying on you for me, Sayuri. If he becomes a spy, I expect a full report from him, okay?"

Sayuri chuckled softly, and Yuri lifted his head, letting out a curious meow as if answering Ryosuke's words. The kitten rubbed against Sayuri once more, insisting she continue petting him.

Their mother, still seated at the table, watched her children with a warm gaze.

Yuki, meanwhile, stood up slowly and placed a reassuring hand on her sister's shoulder. "This isn't an easy decision, Kaori, I know. Take your time to think it through. I'll be here to help, whatever you decide."

Sayuri continued stroking Yuri, who was still purring.

Kaori sighed softly, glancing at her two children. "I understand your intentions, Yuki, and I appreciate them. But this decision..." She hesitated, meeting her sister's eyes. "This decision can't be taken lightly. There's so much to consider. Ryosuke has his life here, his friends, and then..."

"I understand, Kaori, truly," Yuki replied, her voice soft and reassuring. "We can talk more about it later, just the two of us, when things are calmer. It's only a suggestion, nothing more."

---

Ryosuke closed the door to his room, his thoughts swirling, his stomach still heavy from the cake but even more from his session in the forest with Aunt Yuki.

He sank into his office chair, letting out a half-amused, half-thoughtful sigh. During dessert, he had been careful not to show his emotions, but now, alone in the calm of his room, he could finally let go.

He extended his hand in front of him, observing his palm.

A slow smile spread across his lips. Now that he understood his power a little better, he could push his experiments further, test his limits. This vacation would be the perfect opportunity to try new techniques, to surpass himself.

Tonight, Yuki had disrupted the calm of his plans: Kyoto… The idea of leaving his hometown to move to the ancient capital, far from his family and friends, left him feeling hesitant. His first reaction had been to reject the idea, to cling to his routines. After all, he had plans here, important people to protect, and a secret project.

However, as he calmed his thoughts, he began to look at the opportunity from another angle. An idea was forming in his mind, becoming clearer and more exciting: why not make Kyoto his own territory, a place where he could assert himself and become a true force? Tokyo was under Satoru's protection, and even though Satoru was a formidable figure, maybe it was time for Ryosuke to carve his own path elsewhere.

He smirked inwardly as he imagined the scene: the day his name would echo in the dark alleys and schools of Kyoto, a reminder that a boy with special talents had made his mark. Yes, that prospect thrilled him, far more than he cared to admit.

With a decisive gesture, he clenched his fist.

"Cap on Kyoto," he murmured, his voice filled with determination.

TO BE CONTINUED!

Next Chapter: New Steps