Josuke's Flashback -- The Night Before

  The warm aroma of home-cooked food filled the Hoshino household. Josuke's mother moved skillfully in the kitchen, humming softly, while his father sat at the table, crunching numbers for their monthly budget.

  Josuke sat across from him, placing a small stack of cash on the table.

  His father raised an eyebrow. "What's this?"

  "Extra income," Josuke said. "I've been doing small jobs around the Academy."

  His father stared at the bills before shaking his head. "You should keep the money, son. I know you want to help, but you earned this yourself."

  Josuke pushed it forward. "Dad, at least take something. I don't want you and Mom overworking yourselves."

  His mother turned, wiping her hands on a towel before walking over. "Dear, you're so sweet," she said, cupping his cheek with a warm smile. "But we work hard so you can have a better start than we had."

  Josuke smiled faintly but then looked up with determination. "But what good is a son who can't help his own parents? I just... I just want to ease your burden."

  His father sighed, just about to respond—

  Knock, knock.

  Josuke's father stood up to answer the door. When he opened it, his eyes widened.

  "Mr. Hoshino, good evening."

  Standing before him, casually dressed yet carrying an undeniable presence, was Haikito.

  Josuke's father's posture straightened. "Mr. Chairman! I—I didn't expect you to visit so informally. My apologies. What can we help you with?"

  Haikito gave a small, polite smile. "Pardon the intrusion. I'd like to speak with your son, if that's alright."

  Josuke's ears perked up. What is Mr. Haikito doing here?!

  His father hesitated but nodded. "Uh, sure, son—"

  Before he could finish, Josuke rushed to the door, bowed deeply, and began reciting the Academy's hero creed.

  "Good evening, Mr. Haikito! I am a member of the Time-Honored Corps! I am an Academy Hero, a leader of Japan! As a hero, I promise to—"

  Haikito laughed, holding up a hand. "Josuke, no need to be formal."

  Josuke snapped his mouth shut, embarrassed.

  Haikito turned to his parents. "Would you mind if we spoke in private?"

  They exchanged glances before nodding. "Of course, Chairman."

  As they walked down the quiet street, Josuke was painfully aware of how unreal this moment felt. He was alone with the Chairman of the Academy.

  He swallowed and decided to break the silence. "Sorry about earlier, sir. I just wanted to represent the Academy well in front of my parents."

  "It's fine, Josuke," Haikito said. Then, his voice lowered slightly. "I wanted to talk to you about something I said some time ago."

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  Josuke immediately knew what he was referring to.

  The third trial.

  Josuke's chest tightened. He hadn't forgotten Haikito's words—but he had ignored them.

  "Do you remember what I said to you back then?" Haikito's piercing blue eyes seemed to glow as they locked onto Josuke's.

  Josuke hesitated. Then, reluctantly, he nodded. "Yes, sir."

  Haikito sensed his reluctance but continued. "This isn't a scolding, Josuke. It's a plea. I have reason to believe Rei will awaken soon."

  Josuke's eyes widened slightly. "Are the nurses finally releasing him?"

  "Not exactly," Haikito replied. "But the time is moving closer. I've been observing his recovery. I've seen Hinata and a few others visit...but not you."

  Josuke looked at the ground.

  "I know the situation is tough," Haikito continued. "But I need you to be there. If I can be honest, Rei needs someone close to him to keep him anchored at the Academy. I see potential in both of you. You two need each other."

  Josuke looked up at Haikito, sensing a rare sincerity in his words.

  Haikito's next words came slowly, but they hit like a hammer.

  "And the moment you leave your friend will be the moment the world crumbles, Josuke."

  A heavy silence followed.

  Josuke clenched his fists. "Mr. Haikito, I understand what you're saying... but that thing that tried to kill me wasn't my friend. That was something else."

  Haikito listened carefully.

  Josuke's jaw tightened. "To see the face of your friend... and to know they're about to kill you—it messes with you. How can I ever trust that won't happen again?"

  Josuke took a breath. "So, tell me, sir... what would you do in the face of death?"

  Haikito chuckled at the question before returning to his usual serious demeanor.

  "In the face of death?" He smirked slightly. "You make that fucker earn it, Josuke."

  Josuke blinked.

  Haikito's expression softened. "I know that's not the answer you wanted. But let me say this—Rei fought that being off for you. Rei trusts you as his friend." He placed a firm hand on Josuke's shoulder. "I know these past weeks have been difficult, Josuke. But I hope you trust Rei to fight off anything for you too."

  Josuke was silent for a moment. Then—he laughed.

  "Then I'll knock Rei upside his head to return him back to his senses!"

  Haikito chuckled. "Good. Continue standing by him, Josuke. I trust you."

  As they returned home, Josuke's eyes gleamed with newfound resolve. When his mother asked what Haikito spoke about, Josuke grinned mischievously. "Haikito told me I'm the Academy's strongest new recruit and that I need to knock Rei upside his head to wake him up!" His parents laughed, and the camera panned away.

  Present Time -- November 7th, Medical Department

  Back in the medical ward, Rei sat upright on his bed. Though physically unharmed, the mental battle he'd fought had left him exhausted in a different way—like someone who had run a marathon in their dreams only to wake up mentally drained. His eyes were sharp and alert, though, the fog of his comatose state having completely lifted.

  Ryuu stood across from him, arms folded as he assessed the boy.

  "Good. You're finally awake," Ryuu said gruffly. "Your body was never the problem. It was that chaotic mind of yours that needed sorting out."

  Rei touched his forehead where they had headbutted, finding no wound or blood—only the phantom sensation of the impact that had jolted him fully back to consciousness.

  Ryuu suddenly scoffed. "Hmph. Maybe I just lied."

  Rei blinked. "What?"

  Ryuu crossed his arms. "Your real training is gonna have to wait, boy."

  Rei was still visibly confused.

  "I got some business to deal with first." Ryuu cracked his neck. "Some bastards in the Underworld thought it was smart to come after me. I'm gonna deal with that."

  Haikito chuckled. "Try not to level the city while you're at it."

  Ryuu smirked. "No promises."

  Rei rubbed his temples, still processing everything. "I don't even know how long I was out... or who you even are."

  Ryuu introduced himself properly.

  Rei's expression shifted. Kage's words flashed in his mind.

  "Ryuu Hanma is a legendary name. Don't bring it up casually."

  Rei's eyes narrowed slightly. "I've... heard of you."

  Ryuu let out a deep laugh. "Good."

  "But Kage also said you had no business being here." Rei's voice was sharp. "So... why are you here now?"

  Ryuu's smirk faded. "That damn Haikito. Months ago, he told me about some prophecy. I thought he was a piece of shit trying to manipulate me. But... every day, his words come true."

  Rei listened carefully.

  "At the center of everything, he kept mentioning you." Ryuu exhaled. "So after I take care of my business... I'll make sure that prophecy dies before it starts."

  Rei stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. What does Haikito truly know?

  Ryuu turned. "Until then—get some rest. You'll hear me before you see me."

  The nurse hurried to Rei's side, checking his vitals with trembling hands. "Are you alright? Do you need anything?"

  Rei smirked. "Yeah, ma'am. I'm fine. More than fine."

  He looked toward the door where Ryuu had left.

  "I'm determined."