Ayana was sprawled across the ground, blood dripping from her temple, her uniform torn and stained.

Matsuo caught up, kneeling beside her. He pressed two fingers to her neck.

“She’s still breathing,” he said quietly.

Saigoichi dropped to his knees, hands trembling as he reached out. But before he could lift her—

Najime vanished.

“Najime?” Saigoichi looked around. “Hey! Matsuo, help me carry her inside!”

Matsuo nodded, and together, they gently lifted Ayana and rushed her inside the house.

Elsewhere in Dozor.

Najime’s footsteps pounded the ground as he dashed through the street, fury twisting his face.

That bastard’s close. I know it.

His Arsil surged to life, eyes glowing faintly with locked-on intent. He skidded to a stop—and there he was.

Onzi.

The Austinite strolled casually in his signature jacket, completely unaware—or unfazed.

Najime raised his arm. Energy Arrow—Fire!

A bolt of pure energy sliced through the air. Onzi barely dodged, but a shallow graze marked his cheek.

With a growl, Najime stepped forward.

“You got some nerve hurting my friend like that!” he snarled. “You wanna fight so bad? Then fight me! I dare you!”

Onzi paused and smirked, brushing the blood from his face.

“Is this a joke?” he said. “You’re weaker than she is. I’ll commend the scratch… but I’ll have you crawling home in seconds. My job’s done.”

Najime fired again.

This time in rage.

Arrow after arrow exploded toward Onzi, but he dodged with ease. He dashed forward and slammed a kick across Najime’s face.

Najime reeled, stumbled—and threw a wild punch.

It almost connected.

Almost.

Onzi countered with a flurry of martial kicks, ending with a spinning heel to the head. Najime slammed against a nearby wall.

Blood trickled from his forehead. He groaned and tried to rise.

“I’m not… finished yet…”

Bruised, tattered, and shaking, he stood on sheer will.

Onzi only scoffed. “You’re pathetic. Go home.”

Najime collapsed again, this time dragging himself up slower… until Onzi disappeared into the night, leaving nothing but silence behind.

Najime clenched his fist against the concrete.

Too weak… I’m still… too weak.

Back at Saigoichi’s House.

The room was dim, a wet cloth gently dabbed across Ayana’s face as she lay unconscious in bed.

Matsuo stood at the doorway. “Who… would do something like this?”

Saigoichi wrung the cloth in silence. “I have a feeling. When Najime gets back, we’ll know for sure.”

Knock knock knock.

“Stay with Ayana,” Saigoichi said. “I’ll get the door.”

“Yo, Saigoichi,” Najime’s voice called. “Open up.”

Saigoichi opened the door.

Najime stood, covered in bruises.

“It was the Austinites.”

“Damn it,” Saigoichi muttered, shaking his head. “I knew this would happen.”

Matsuo stepped in, uneasily watching.

Saigoichi turned to him, gesturing to sit. “Matsuo… I hate to say this, but… you came at the worst possible time. We’re at war with the Austinites. I don’t want you getting hurt.”

But Matsuo didn’t flinch.

“No. Don’t even say the words. I’m staying. I have nowhere else to go. If you fight, I fight. If you die, I die. You took me in without knowing who I am… This is the least I can do.”

Najime and Saigoichi exchanged glances.

Najime smirked. “Guess we’re all crashing here tonight.”

Saigoichi sighed, getting up. “I’ll get the sheets.”

They laid out blankets on the floor. The night passed quietly, with Ayana resting above while the boys slept below.