[Scene: Outside the Apartment Complex]
Sarah: "Wake up, kids. We're here."
As the group gets out of the car and heads toward their apartments, Yami enters his own and turns on the shower. The sound of water fills the room as he leans against the tiled wall, letting it run over him.
Yami (thinking): "So… my dad was a god. Did he die with my world... or is he still alive somewhere in this one?"
[Meanwhile, in Misami's room]
Sarah is preparing food in the kitchen. The savory scent wafts through the air, drawing Yahiko's attention.
Yahiko: "Misa, what is your mom cooking? It smells amazing!"
Misami: "Her famous steak..."
Yahiko: "Oh wow, I can't wait!"
Yahiko plops down on the bed with a satisfied sigh. Misami sits beside her, hesitant.
Misami: "Yahiko... about the Yami in that photo."
Yahiko: "Yeah. He was your classmate back in junior high."
Misami: "So it wasn't the same one we're with now..."
Yahiko: "Right." [She stretches with a grin.] "This one's hotter, if you ask me."
Misami: "Don't start."
Yahiko: [Teasing] "You know you want a piece of him. He did protect you, after all."
Misami turns away, cheeks tinged with red.
[Back in Yami's apartment]
Water drips off Yami's hair as he steps out of the shower, towel around his waist. After dressing, he lays down on the bed, letting out a long breath.
Yami: "That felt... refreshing."
A knock interrupts the moment.
Yami: "Who's there?"
Misami (from the hallway): "It's me. My mom sent me to tell you dinner's ready."
Yami: "...I'm not really hungry."
There's a pause. Misami lingers, then turns and walks away, her expression unreadable. Yami sits up, eyes narrowing.
Yami: "Dagger... reveal yourself."
A ripple forms in the air. Dagger materializes, cloaked in ethereal shadow.
Dagger: "Yes?"
Yami: "If I go to this Kaito Master... will I learn the truth about my parents? Will I be strong enough to protect Misami?"
Dagger: "You'll still need more training after your journey... but yes, it's possible."
Yami: [Softly] "Alright. Later."
He gets up and heads next door to Misami's apartment.
[Scene: Dinner Table]
Yami: "Sorry I'm late... just realized I was super hungry. Heh."
Sarah: "Nonsense. You're always welcome here. Sit down."
Yahiko: "Yeah! Before the food runs out!"
Misami watches them, then smiles faintly.
Misami: "Let's eat, you idiots, before the food gets cold."
Yami (softly smiling): "Right."
They dig into the feast, laughter echoing as plates are emptied and drinks poured. Eventually, everyone falls asleep where they sat—except for Yami, who returns to his apartment.
[Elsewhere: Abandoned Factory]
A man in a sleek black suit sits alone in the shadows. A chilling aura surrounds him. Across from him stands Yami Kaguro—the Yami of this world.
The Man (coldly): "Where's the girl? Don't tell me you failed, Yami Kaguro."
Y. Kaguro (gritting his teeth): "Your little thugs couldn't even handle one brat. That's your failure, not mine."
The man's palm slams onto the metal table, releasing a concussive shockwave. Kaguro is flung against the wall, coughing up blood.
Y. Kaguro (groaning): "Tch... fine. I'll handle it myself."
The Man (rising): "That's the spirit." [He begins to vanish into the air.] "Keep your eyes on the girl. And this time... don't fail."
As the man disappears, Kaguro wipes blood from his mouth and pulls out a photo of Yami Saturo.
Y. Kaguro: "Prepare yourself, Yami. Let's see which one of us is stronger."
Purple flames swirl around his body as the scene fades.
[The Next Day – School Grounds]
Vice Principal Smith marches into Principal Hoffman's office, holding a phone. She slams it on the desk.
Ms. Smith: "This video is going viral. And he's one of our students! You're just sitting there like nothing's wrong, Hoffman!"
Mr. Hoffman (raising a brow): "Come on now, no need to be so worried. It's probably—"
Ms. Smith: "What's wrong?"
Mr. Hoffman is silent for a beat, lost in thought.
Mr. Hoffman (thinking): "That little... hmm."
Ms. Smith: "Sir?"
Mr. Hoffman: "Oh, it's nothing. I'm just surprised. A student with that level of combat ability—protecting his classmates, too. Impressive."
Ms. Smith: "Are you just going to let it go!?"
Mr. Hoffman (calmly): "No. I'll deal with it personally."
[Outside the School Entrance]
Yami waits in the hallway. Sarah steps out first, noticing him.
Sarah: "Oh, Yami. You look troubled, dear."
Yami: "When I woke up... I said I was sixteen. But in my world, I was only fourteen. Can you explain that?"
Sarah (nonchalant): "Oh, that's simple. The Current spit you out after two years."
Yami: "...That was... blunt. And with a straight face!"
Sarah: "The Current flows differently than most realms. An hour there can be a year here. It likely expelled you due to your crest."
Yami: "So I was asleep in that realm for two years... and then it tossed me here?"
Sarah: "Exactly, dear."
Misami and Yahiko arrive, interrupting the conversation.
Misami: "What are you guys talking about this early in the morning? Let's get going."
Yahiko: "Yeah! And Yami, you're walking next to me today, handsome."
Misami: "Shut it, Yahiko."
Yahiko (teasing): "Aw, what's wrong? Jealous, Misa?"
Sarah (sighing): "Why don't you both walk beside him instead of bickering?"
Yami (thinking): "Don't I get a say in this!?"
And so, the events of yesterday slowly drift into memory... as their story continues.