Two hours had passed since Terrakula threw Akira into that cold dungeon, but for him, it didn't feel like two hours—it felt like years of torment. The pain she had caused him wasn't just physical; it was something deeper, something that gnawed at his soul from within.
His eyes were void of any light, as if his spirit had been completely drained. He took a shaky breath, trying to process what had happened. He slowly lifted his head and looked at the metal cuffs chaining his hands. He began to feel like nothing more than a broken tool, worthless and discarded.
Akira (in a weak, barely audible voice):
"Was my whole life… just a lie?"
Thoughts began to swirl in his mind. He recalled his memories from the first moment he entered her castle—when Terrakula smiled at him, told him he was special, gave him shelter, food, power… told him he was no longer alone.
But now… all of that had vanished.
Akira (laughing with bitter sarcasm, as if he had lost his mind for a moment):
"Oh God… how stupid I was…"
Akira had lived with Terrakula for ten years, believing she saw him as more than just a weapon. Now, he realized he was nothing more than scrap, tossed aside when she no longer had use for him.
Akira (in shaky whispers, clenching his teeth):
"Ten years… Ten years living a lie?"
His heart began pounding—not from fear, but from rage. And that rage wasn't only toward Terrakula… it was aimed at himself, for being foolish enough to fall for it.
Outside the castle, Akio, Ken, and Ann entered the hotel, exhausted after a long day. Ken walked slowly while Akio was his usual energetic self. Akio had a small bandage on his left cheek and another on his forehead from some minor injuries sustained during his fight with Akira.
Akio (stretching his arms with a smile):
"Aaaaah! Finally we get to rest a little! I can't wait to fight that old lady Terrakula!"
Ken (tiredly, removing his coat):
"Terrakula isn't old. Sure, she's over 300 years old, but she still looks young because she's a vampire."
Ann said nothing. She walked behind them in silence, seemingly deep in thought. As soon as they reached their rooms, each went into their own.
Ann sat on her bed and began thinking deeply.
Ann (thinking to herself):
"We're going to fight in the castle tomorrow… but we'll need all our strength. We can't go in without weapons, especially Ken and Akio."
She remembered how Ken and Akio's swords were confiscated upon their arrival in Darkova due to strict border laws. The weapons were sent to the central police station at the border.
She clenched her fists tightly, her eyes shining with determination.
Ann (in a whisper, standing up):
"I have to get those swords back…"
She quietly moved to the window, opened it slightly, and looked out at the dark streets. She didn't want to involve Ken and Akio because she knew they might object. She believed it was her responsibility to protect the team. She pulled her black scarf around her neck and made sure her small tools were tucked securely into her belt.
Ann (with a faint smile, clenching her fists):
"All right… just one stealth mission. No one has to know."
Then she leapt gracefully from the window and disappeared into the night.
Meanwhile in the boys' room, Ken was lying on his bed, while Akio sat on the chair near the window. The air was quiet after the long day—until Ken broke the silence.
Ken (quietly, staring at the ceiling):
"Akio… can you really fight with two swords? Or are you just showing off like usual?"
Akio (confidently, crossing his arms):
"Hah? Of course I can! But… uh, I lost my second sword in a really stupid way."
Ken (raising an eyebrow, staring at him blankly):
"In a really stupid way? I think I can guess."
Akio (sighing, shaking his head):
"Oh no, you can't imagine the level of stupidity this time… Listen. A week before I met you, I was training in the forest. I had both swords with me, and during training, I wanted to try this complex spin move I saw in a samurai book. But the problem is… I was standing on, uh… a tree branch."
Ken (trying not to laugh):
"You were trying a double spin technique… while standing on a tree?"
Akio (with dramatic excitement):
"Exactly! I wanted to prove I'm a legendary samurai who can fight on branches like a ninja!"
Ken (facepalming):
"Of course you did…"
Akio (continuing, oblivious to Ken's reaction):
"Anyway, I started spinning in the air like a legendary warrior, but suddenly… my foot slipped… and I flew through the sky like a wounded eagle."
Ken (expressionless):
"Don't tell me you…"
Akio (raising a finger, smiling sadly):
"Exactly! My sword flew out of my hand and landed directly in a giant crow's nest on another tree. When I tried to climb up and get it back, the crows attacked me like I'd killed their king in a past life!"
Ken:
"Great. Your sword became crow nest décor."
Akio:
"In the end, I had to run from an angry crow that chased me and never let me get the sword back!"
Ken (with deadpan calm):
"That story alone is enough to disqualify you from ever becoming Shogun."
Akio (protesting):
"Hey! That was just a minor accident! Doesn't mean I'm not qualified!"
Ken (calmly crossing his arms):
"You know what? I don't think anyone else in the world has lost a sword to a crow's nest. Congratulations. You made history."
Akio (squinting at him):
"Oh, by the way… Ken, can you use two swords?"
Ken (opening one eye, uninterested):
"Why do you ask?"
Akio (gesturing):
"Because I noticed you always hold your sword with your left hand. That means your right hand is free. So why not use a second sword?"
Ken (staring at the ceiling for a moment, then speaking coldly):
"Because I don't need a second sword."
Akio (surprised):
"Huh? But fighting with two makes you stronger! Imagine attacking your enemy from two angles at once!"
Ken (lighting a cigarette):
"Fighting is simple, Akio. Everyone has their style. You like chaos, so two swords suit you. Me? I'd rather kill my enemy in one strike than flail around like a circus act."
Akio (defensive):
"Hey! Don't underestimate me—using two swords isn't easy!"
Ken (calmly):
"Especially not for someone who lost a sword in a crow's nest."
Akio (grumbling, messing with his hair):
"Stop making fun of me! It was an accident, okay?!"
Ken casually put out his cigarette on Akio's shirt sleeve.
Akio (shouting and jumping out of his chair):
"Whaaaaat?! What the hell are you doing, you idiot?!"
Ken looked at him with extreme indifference, as if there were no problem at all, then yawned lazily, closed his eyes, and turned onto his side to sleep.
Ken (in a dull, sleepy voice):
"Relax. I didn't press it hard. It barely touched your fabric—it won't catch fire."
Akio (glaring at his clothes angrily, brushing the ash off):
"That's not the point! Do I look like an ashtray to you?!"
Ken:
"Who knows… Your brain might be as absorbent as a tissue."
Akio (pointing at him angrily):
"I heard that! And… what about my clothes? You're paying for this!"
Ken (eyes still shut):
"Don't forget—you spat on my new jacket this morning."
Akio (blushing with frustration):
"That's not an excuse!"
Ken (still eyes closed):
"I needed a surface… and you were the closest available one."
Akio (raising a brow, clearly offended):
"HUHH?!"
Under the dim moonlight, Ann moved swiftly through the shadows, sneaking toward the border police HQ, dressed entirely in black.
Ann (whispering to herself as she eyed the building from a distance):
"Okay… just a normal building… but the security's tight. As always, nothing's impossible for me."
She hid behind a stone wall, watching the guards. Two stood at the main entrance, and four others patrolled the perimeter. She waited patiently until one passed near her, then moved like lightning, striking him on the head with a rock. He collapsed silently. She dragged his body away, snatched his ID card, and put on his hat for minor disguise.
Ann (grinning as she slipped the card into her pocket):
"Thanks. I'll return it later… or maybe not."
She advanced carefully, slipping between columns and walls, dodging spotlights with perfect precision. She spotted an open window on the second floor and jumped through it effortlessly, landing silently. She began walking through the dark hallways—now dressed in the uniform, which would give her more flexibility in her plan.
Someone (hesitant voice):
"Huh? Wait, who are you?!"
Ann froze, then slowly turned. It was a teenage officer, around fifteen, with brown hair, hazel eyes, chewing gum boredly, carrying a stack of papers.
Officer (raising an eyebrow suspiciously):
"Wait a minute… since when do we have girls in this station?"
Ann smiled sweetly and took a small step toward him.
Ann (soft voice):
"Oh… didn't the captain tell you? I'm the new recruit. They assigned me to night patrol and… I'm a little lost. This place is huge!"
Officer (staring, cheeks flushing):
"W-What? We finally get a girl in the station? No way!"
Ann (with a charming smile, placing a hand on her hip):
"Really? You don't think girls can work here? That's… so unfair."
The officer blushed deeper and looked away awkwardly.
Officer (scratching his head, embarrassed):
"N-No! That's not what I meant! It's just… you look different from the others…"
Ann (winking playfully):
"Oh… so you think I'm special? That's sweet of you!"
He began completely losing it, sweat forming on his brow.
Officer (trying to act serious):
"W-Well… do you need help with something?"
Ann (gently placing her hand on his shoulder and looking at him with wide eyes):
"Actually… I'm looking for the confiscation storage room. The captain asked me to check it tonight, but the layout's a bit confusing. Could you show me the way?"
The officer froze and turned beet red, then glanced around nervously.
Officer (reluctantly):
"O-Okay… it's downstairs. Follow me, I'll show you!"
Ann smiled triumphantly and followed behind him with quiet confidence—this was easier than she expected. The teenage officer led her down a staircase, visibly nervous walking beside a beautiful girl like Ann.
Officer (nervous smile):
"Okay, here it is. But it's locked… only senior officers have clearance to open it."
Ann (gazing at him with charm):
"Oh? Why don't you open it for me? Clearly, you're someone important around here."
Officer (puffing his chest with pride):
"Hah! Of course! I've been here a whole year—I can do almost anything!"
Ann (winking):
"Then open it for me, and I'll be very grateful."
The poor guy was sweating bullets. He glanced around, then quickly entered the code into the panel. The lock clicked open, and the door creaked, revealing a room full of crates and confiscated weapons.
Ann (smiling excitedly):
"Wow… I didn't expect it to be this big!"
Officer (boasting):
"Yep, it's huge. We keep everything we seize from criminals in here! But the captain doesn't let anyone touch anything without his permission."
Ann looked around, admiring the stash. She knew time was limited—she had to use this guy as much as possible before he started doubting her.
Ann (turning to him, tilting her head slightly):
"So… can you show me where the samurai weapons are stored? The captain said I should inspect them specifically."
Officer (scratching his head uncertainly):
"Umm… I don't think I'm supposed to share that info with you…"
She raised an eyebrow and stepped closer.
Ann (soft tone):
"Oh really? That's disappointing… I thought you were the kind of guy I could depend on."
The boy gulped hard, clearly caught in her trap.
Officer (eagerly, trying to impress her):
"Huh?! Of course you can rely on me! Fine, fine—I'll show you. But don't tell anyone, okay?"
Ann (winking):
"You're the best."
He led her to the corner where confiscated samurai gear was stored. She scanned quickly—and there they were: Ken's sword and Akio's.
Ann (to herself, smiling):
"There you are…"
She reached for them slowly—but stopped. The officer was still watching her. She needed one final distraction to get away clean.
Ann (turning to him, placing a hand coyly over her lips):
"Oh… just a moment…"
Officer (concerned):
"What? What is it?"
Ann (smiling shyly):
"I was just thinking… You're the only one who's helped me here. That's really sweet… No one's ever treated me this nicely before."
The young officer began to stammer, feeling like he was about to faint from sheer embarrassment.
Officer (deeply flustered, scratching the back of his head):
"O-oh… it's nothing… I'm just doing my duty."
Ann (moving her face a bit closer and whispering):
"Really? I think you're someone special."
The officer froze in place, as if his heart had stopped from embarrassment and confusion. His mind couldn't grasp what was happening.
Officer (shyly, looking at the floor):
"O-oh… thank you! No one's ever said that to me before…"
Ann took advantage of the perfect moment—swiftly and lightly, she grabbed the two swords and hid them behind her back while the boy remained frozen in a daze.
Ann (with a wide smile):
"Oh, look at the time! I think I should return to patrol now. Thank you for everything, kind officer!"
Officer (still frozen, barely processing):
"O-oh… yeah… sure… anytime…"
Before he could register what had just happened, Ann had already walked calmly out of the storage room as if nothing had occurred. Once she was far enough, she burst into a quiet laugh.
Ann (whispering to herself, carrying the swords happily):
"What an idiot! That wasn't just easy… it was so entertaining. Men are truly dumb!"
She ran swiftly through the empty corridors, heading for the same second-floor window she came in from. When she reached it, she jumped out with ease and landed gracefully. She paused to catch her breath while holding the swords on her back, then looked back at the building with a smirk.
Ann (smirking confidently):
"Mission complete. Now… time to return to Ken-san!"
Inside, the teenage officer was still standing there, staring into space with flushed cheeks.
Officer (in awe, clutching his chest):
"Did… did I just fall in love?"
At that moment, another officer—older, in his twenties—walked by, carrying a cup of coffee. As he passed the storage room, he noticed the door slightly ajar and stopped with a raised eyebrow.
Senior Officer (narrowing his eyes):
"Huh? Since when do we leave the storage door open?"
He quickly scanned the hallway and turned to look at the teenage officer, who was still standing frozen like he was in another universe, his hand on his chest like he'd been struck by Cupid's arrow.
Senior Officer (sharply):
"Hey, you! Why's the storage door open? Who was in there?"
The teen snapped out of his fantasy like waking from a dream, staring at his colleague blankly for a moment before sweat started dripping down his face.
Teen Officer (stammering):
"O-oh… I… I was just…"
The older officer squinted and stepped into the storage room, pushing the door open. He scanned the shelves—his eyes widened when he noticed several weapons were missing.
Senior Officer (furiously glaring at the teen):
"Don't tell me you let someone into the storage room!!"
The teen gulped hard and forced a nervous smile.
Teen Officer (laughing awkwardly):
"Oh… you know… there was this girl… really pretty… and very nice… and I think she liked me too…"
The senior officer stared at him in stunned disbelief before raising his hand and punching him square in the face.
Senior Officer (shouting):
"You idiot!!! We've just been robbed and you're talking about love?!"
Teen Officer (clutching his face, whining):
"Ah! No need to hit me! She said she was new here… and she was really friendly—and she said I was special!"
The senior officer gave him a death glare, grabbed him by the collar, and pulled him up to his face.
Senior Officer (in a low, terrifying voice):
"Can you use your brain for just one second, Romeo? A strange girl infiltrated our storage, tricked you, stole two samurai swords, and vanished… and you're still smiling?!!!"
The teen officer's face finally froze as the realization hit him.
Teen Officer (whispering in horror):
"Oh no… I think I've really messed up…"
Senior Officer (screaming):
"Of course you did, you imbecile!!!"
The senior officer sprinted out of the storage and activated his radio.
Senior Officer (urgently):
"This is Unit 7! We have a breach and theft in the main storage room! Suspect is a young female disguised in a police uniform! I repeat, suspect is a disguised young woman! Search the area immediately!"
Meanwhile, Ann had already escaped far from the precinct. She stood atop a nearby rooftop, holding the swords joyfully.
Ann (sighing in satisfaction):
"What a dumb cop… he made it even easier than I imagined!"
She glanced back and saw alarm lights flashing from the station—clearly, they had realized the theft.
Ann (smirking as she leapt between rooftops):
"Oh, looks like they figured it out. But too late, boys!"
She ran swiftly across rooftops, heading toward the hotel where Ken and Akio were sleeping, while chaos broke out at the station as they hunted for the "fake officer" who fooled one of their own.
Inside the station, someone was about to completely lose his mind—Commander Latino, a man in his late 30s with dark brown hair, green eyes, a mustache, and a light beard. He was large and intimidating, standing in the corridor with fury burning in his eyes as the senior officer explained the situation.
Senior Officer (nervously):
"Commander Latino… the storage has been breached, and the suspect is a girl disguised as a police officer. She managed to steal the confiscated swords."
Commander Latino (roaring):
"WHAAAAAAAT?!"
The entire building shook—even some windows rattled. All officers froze in place. Meanwhile, Filo, the teenage idiot who caused the disaster, was leaning against a wall trying to play dumb—but it didn't work. Latino slowly turned, eyes glowing like a furious beast, locking onto Filo, who was now drenched in sweat. Everyone knew Filo was the biggest flirt in the station.
Commander Latino (in a chillingly calm voice):
"Filo… was it you?"
Filo gulped and tried to play innocent.
Filo (laughing nervously, raising his hands):
"Ah, who? M-me? Impossible! There must be a misunderstanding!"
Latino didn't buy it. He lunged at Filo with terrifying speed, grabbed him by the collar, and lifted him like a ragdoll.
Commander Latino (yelling):
"You IDIOT!!! How could you let a girl trick you?! Do you have any idea what kind of disaster you've caused?!"
Filo (squirming in fear):
"Ahhh! Stop! Stop! I almost got a date with her! I was about to live the perfect love story—OW MY HEAD!!"
Commander Latino (furiously lifting him again):
"That wasn't a date, you moron! This is a police station! They should make a law banning teenagers like you from joining!"
He spun him around in the air like a dusty rug and slammed him into the wall, then repeatedly banged his head against it.
Senior Officer (watching in shock):
"Sir… I think you're going to kill him!"
But Latino wasn't calming down. In fact, he was enjoying it.
Commander Latino (while slamming Filo around):
"Did you think with your heart instead of your brain? We hired you to serve the law, not fall in love!!"
Filo (tangled and groaning):
"Aaah! Please! She was the prettiest girl I've ever seen!"
Latino finally dropped him into a pile of chairs. Filo lay there, dizzy, cartoon stars spinning over his head.
Filo (weakly, eyes half-lidded):
"She really… was the most beautiful girl I've ever seen…"
Latino wiped his brow, exhaled deeply, and tried to compose himself—but he was still furious.
Commander Latino (addressing all officers):
"Listen up!!! We're facing a massive security breach. We CANNOT let this girl escape! Begin the search immediately!!!"
All officers sprinted out, leaving Filo on the floor, staring at the ceiling, still thinking about the girl who completely bewitched his heart.
Filo (grinning foolishly):
"But she said I was special… That means she was interested in me, right?"
The senior officer passed by him, stared for a second, then sighed and shook his head in disappointment.
Senior Officer (walking away):
"Oh god… This idiot is truly hopeless."
Commander Latino (in a cold, menacing voice):
"So… Filo, you fool… tell me, what did that girl look like? Hair color? Anything useful at all?"
Filo raised his head slightly, then gave a fake smile and wiped his bloody nose, trying to act brave.
Filo (with a phony grin):
"Huh? Ah, no, no—I don't remember anything, really! She was… just an ordinary girl… nothing special! Yep, totally average! Actually, her face wasn't clear… maybe she was a ghost? There's no point searching, sir! Hahaha…"
Latino stared at him blankly, then slowly closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Commander Latino (with eerie calm):
"Filo… are you trying to protect her?"
Filo smiled again, but this time sweat was pouring down his face.
Filo (nervous laugh):
"What? Protect her? Of course not! Why would I do that? I was probably just… um… too distracted by her beauty to notice the details?"
Latino gave him a terrifying look and began activating his Vakin of Water.
Commander Latino (with a dangerous smile):
"Filo… I think you need a cold shower to refresh your memory."
Suddenly, water erupted violently from the floor like a frozen geyser. It shot into the air, then twisted into a massive water whip that wrapped around Filo, who screamed in terror.
Filo (panicking):
"W-wait! Commander Latino, let's talk first—AAAH!!!"
But Latino wasn't in the mood for talking. He unleashed his water Vakin with terrifying precision, and the water whip began lashing Filo at insane speed, spinning him around like laundry in a high-speed washing machine.
BWWAAMMM!!
Filo flew through the air and slammed into the wall hard, then slid to the ground, unable to even catch his breath—because Latino still wasn't done.
Commander Latino (furiously waving his hand):
"I'll beat your memory back into your brain, you idiot!!!"
SWOOSH! BAM! BOW!
The water whip smacked Filo left and right, then lifted him into the air and spun him around like a fan!
Filo (screaming mid-spin):
"AaaAAAAAH!! I'll talk! I'll talk!! Just stop spinning my heeeeeaaaad!!!"
Still not satisfied, Latino formed a rope from the water, tossed Filo high into the air, and slammed him headfirst into a frozen water puddle.
Filo (flailing in the water):
"C-c-cold! Sir, please! This is inhumane…"
Latino raised his hand again, forming a small swirling vortex of water.
Commander Latino (in a devilishly calm voice):
"Did that jog your memory? Or should I summon a snowstorm inside your stomach?"
Filo (shivering and barely breathing):
"O-o-okay!! I'll talk! She was… a girl… with s-short purple hair… and p-purple eyes too! And she was… v-very beautiful… but evil!!! She p-played me!!!"
Finally, Latino released him. Filo collapsed, shivering on the ground.
Filo (sniffling like a child):
"I hate water Vakin…"
Latino stood tall, hands on hips, then looked toward the rest of the officers.
Commander Latino (firmly):
"Now we have a clear description! Begin searching for a girl with short purple hair and purple eyes. We're not letting her get away with this!!"
Filo (mumbling, still trembling):
"But… isn't that just the description of… a ninja? I don't think you're gonna find her…"
Latino turned to him slowly and raised his hand again, water swirling around it.
Commander Latino (coldly):
"Do you want another round?"
Filo (screaming):
"N-NOoooooo!!!"
The rest of the officers laughed while watching the pathetic scene. Filo sat in a corner, wrapped in a blanket, his face bruised and dripping wet, still shivering. Two officers sat at a nearby table sipping hot coffee. One, a man in his mid-twenties with short blond hair, looked annoyed as he glanced at Filo.
Younger Officer (grumbling):
"Why doesn't Commander Latino just fire that idiot already? I swear he causes more problems than he solves. I mean… he just handed our storage room to the enemy like a gift!"
The older officer, a man in his thirties with light green hair, took a slow sip of his coffee, then set the cup down.
Senior Officer (calmly):
"It's not that simple… If it were up to Latino, he would've tossed him in the ocean ages ago."
Younger Officer (raising an eyebrow):
"Then why is Filo still here? Don't tell me he has some hidden talent or… he's the son of someone important?"
Senior Officer (snorting):
"Talent? Ha! This kid can barely put on his shoes without tripping. No, it's worse than that… Commander Latino is forced to keep him."
Younger Officer (eyes widening):
"WHAT? Latino is being forced?! Who on earth could do that?!"
Senior Officer:
"Have you ever heard of Filo's family?"
Younger Officer:
"No, but he doesn't exactly seem like someone from a noble bloodline."
The senior officer laughed again, then gestured toward Filo still trembling in the corner.
Senior Officer:
"And that's the tragedy. That moron is Commander Latino's nephew."
The younger officer froze, nearly choking on his coffee.
Younger Officer (shocked):
"What?! No way!!! That's impossible!!"
The senior officer nodded slowly, smirking.
Senior Officer:
"Believe it or not, it's true. Filo is the son of Latino's sister. The family forced him to hire the kid because he failed at everything else. He dropped out of school, so they needed to find him a job. Tried being a blacksmith? Failed. Tried being a chef? Burned down the restaurant. Tried sales? He ate his own products. Eventually, there was only one place left that couldn't go bankrupt because of him—the police force."
The younger officer buried his face in his hands, completely defeated.
Younger Officer (despairing):
"So… Latino is stuck with him… forever?"
The senior officer nodded again as he took another sip.
Senior Officer (smirking):
"Until Filo resigns himself. And that's never gonna happen—because that idiot genuinely believes he's gonna become a legendary cop one day."
The younger officer looked at Filo trying to warm his hands by blowing on them, then glanced at his senior in hopeless disbelief.
Younger Officer (deadpan):
"We're doomed…"
—
Meanwhile, Ann was leaping across rooftops with speed and grace, carrying the swords. After a few moments, she reached the hotel. She noticed the window to Akio and Ken's room was open and saw Akio sleeping peacefully beside it after a long day. Without hesitation, Ann leapt in—and landed directly on Akio's stomach!
Akio (screaming):
"AAAAAHHH!!"
He jolted awake to find something crushing his gut—then realized it was Ann.
Akio (gasping):
"You… What are you doing ON ME?!"
Ken, awakened by the commotion, turned and lazily raised an eyebrow at the scene.
Ken (calmly):
"This is annoying… can't you two be quiet for once?"
Akio (glancing at Ken in outrage):
"Ken!! Look at this crazy girl! She jumped in through the window and made a runway out of my stomach! Isn't that scream-worthy?!"
Ken (closing his eyes again, lying on his side):
"No, it's not. If you can scream, that means you're breathing—so you'll live. No need to panic."
Akio (furious, trying to push Ann off):
"That doesn't make any sense! Get off me already!!"
Ann finally hopped off gracefully and landed on her feet.
Ann (cheerfully, raising a small bag):
"Okay, okay—I'm back… and I brought gifts!"
Akio (suspicious but curious):
"Gifts? What do you mean? Did you bring me some soufflé?!"
Ann (hands on her hips proudly):
"I brought back your swords from the border police station! Isn't that amazing?"
Akio's eyes lit up and he sprang from bed, completely forgetting the pain.
Akio (excitedly):
"What?! You got my sword back?!"
Ann (pulling it from behind her back):
"Here it is—just like you left it."
Akio clutched the sword like a long-lost treasure, eyes gleaming.
Akio (joyfully hugging the sword):
"Aaah! I missed you, my darling!!"
Ann then turned to Ken, pulled out his sword, and handed it to him.
Ann (soft smile):
"And here's yours, Ken-san."
Ken took it calmly with one hand and inspected it with his steely gray eyes.
Ken (quietly sheathing it):
"Good job."
Ann (hands on her waist proudly):
"Of course! I'm the best ninja ever! Did you see that, Ken-san?"
Akio (stretching and yawning):
"Now, we really need to sleep… tomorrow's gonna be long and rough."
To be continued…