The tall black haired man, so used to wearing suits leaned back in his comfortable padded chair. The rest of the room actually looked kind of hostile: everything was made from grey homogenous steel and had a cold distant feeling to it, even the desk. Though not against any rule, the comfy chair was clearly in great contrast to the environment, but since when did Kagehiroto care for such matters…
The steel desk in front of him had an array of jewelry of incredibly high quality and rarity, placed between the new thin-screened computer and a thick pile of documents. The golden chains and large colorful gemstones sparkled, looking great even illuminated only with the dim lighting in the upper office of the head of the military police.
After a few moments of rest, Kagehiroto straightened his back and took out from his pocket a large magnifying glass. He began examining his latest purchase (with the orders money), thoroughly checking out the details.
Rare, expensive, so beautiful. These rarities indeed are worthy of a refined and successful man like myself. Who really is at the roof of the world.
A knock on door disrupted Kagehirotos enjoyment. I thought I told Tanuki to make sure I am not to be interrupted. Kagehiroto lifted his gaze as the door opened. Into the office room entered one of the few people Kagehiroto really knew well, a wise man with whom he really thought alike, council member Ken Urigami.
"It is unusual for us to meet here," commented Kagehiroto, "What brings you to the twenty third floor of the military police department? Official council business or do you have desire to spend time with me looking at these beautiful works of art?"
"I am only here for a brief moment, but I did bring something to brighten up your day."
Urigami slid a small folded note across the desk. Kagehiroto picked it up, opening it slowly.
The look on Kagehirotos face gradually changed into an evil grin.
…
Metsuhai walked slowly towards the capital gate. His hands were no longer shaking and Tsukiyama already assured him his memories had been completely restored. But what he endured by the SoulEater had shaken Metsuhai to his very core. What a poor little kid, who had nothing but suffering in his entire life, yet he still clings to his human part. But I still should have killed him! He is a threat to the order! To humanity! His life must have been unbearable… But above all- he killed John. I will never forgive him!
As the massive gate rose, opening with the sound of chains and wheels Metsuhai forced himself to return to the present. He had Ando to deal with, or so he thought.
Before Metsuhai took even a single step through the gate, five heavily armored fighters surrounded him. They looked kind of unremarkable, but on their left shoulder plates were symbols of yellow flower with rose petals.
What do the flower boys want?
One of the two men in front of Metsuhai took a step forward and declared "Unit 311, military police. Metsuhai Fugughuu you are under arrest, suspected for severe crimes. Come with us. Any resistance will be considered treason. Give us your sword."
Metsuhai considered the right course of action only for a brief moment. He slowly drew and presented his sword to the policeman. The policeman took his sword, nodded and the group began walking into the city. I really have gotten myself in trouble this time.
…
Kagehiroto rushed down the hall, wearing his famous black cloth and steel boots. "Stop right there!"
Kagehiroto turned to face the only man who ever told him what to do, his father, Gou Arisu. "This is a surprise, father. I had the impression you were busy, tying some loose ends in Africa."
"I was. But my presence here is just as important. You just can't leave this boy alone, can you?"
"I was waiting for such an opportunity. You said his reputation protected him, but he messed up again, big time. Last time he escaped punishment quite fast. I won't let it happen again."
"It is still too recent. They still speak Mordons name in owe and fear. And don't forget Invedos. Our moral is still depending on that kid and his ability to deliver. Your personal grudge is not a good enough reason to cause us so much harm. I already informed the investigators the punishment must not be public. I will say it and say it only once: keep your hands out of it."
Kagehiroto lowered his gaze, "Yes father."
Gou left without saying another word.
…
Metsuhai moved on the steel seat with clear discomfort, handcuffed, trying to avoid the three bright neon lights aimed right into his eyes. The cold heavy cuffs were not ordinary, giving Metsuhai a constant unpleasant feeling. At first he thought it was just in his mind, but soon he realized the truth- his powers were sealed away by the handcuffs. To an extent, at least. They were clearly enchanted by an expert, but Metsuhai wasn't sure they would contain him if he were to put everything into breaking free. How much longer are they gonna keep me here alone pointlessly? Metsuhai peaked at the old analog clock hanging up there, right of Metsuhai. He had been here for more than half an hour. Metsuhai expected himself to be calmer, since he knew what he was charged with and knew what he was going to say, but still his heart rate kept rising. The door opened and four men entered, walking in a quick pace. Three of them looked middle-aged, wearing green army uniforms with the flower symbol sewed into the fabric. Each of them took his designated seat, all facing Metsuhai from across the table. The fourth man was clearly younger, wearing fine but not fancy clothes. He took the last seat, far on the side, placing a recorder on the table, and readying his note and pen. the recorder was already on. The investigator seated in the middle gestured to his colleagues "I am Bardon, and these are Rendo and Kenji. We are the investigators assigned to your case. Gabi here will record the conversation. Do you know why you are here?"
"I have a strong suspicion I do."
"Tell me." (Bardon)
"I am accused of disobeying an order from my direct commander Ando. I didn't show up to deliver a report."
"Correct but not accurate," Rendo spoke with a stern voice, "You are charged with disobeying orders, turning off your battlephone for a prolonged time without authorization and thus being unavailable for the order. Explain yourself."
Before Metsuhai began answering Kenji added "you got yourself into some serious trouble. We want to help you, but for that you have to tell us exactly what happened. Previously you were an exemplary warrior after all."
Metsuhai took a deep breath and said more or less what he planned "I was on my way to deliver the report although not excitedly. Then I encountered a lead to the location of a dangerous enemy I was after for a while and changed course. I knew what I was doing was against protocol, but I had to destroy that being. I knew Ando would not approve, so I turned off the battlephone. Though problematic, the bottom line is, my actions were for the order. Therefore if you must punish me, I believe you should be as lenient as possible."
"That's a nice story you are telling," Rendo clearly didn't believe Metsuhai, "But since your phone was turned off, we can't really be sure, can we?"
"Why did you think Ando wouldn't approve of your quest?" (Kenji)
"Because I brought it up with him before. Only once to be honest, but his opinion was clear."
"So you decided your judgment was above your commanders decision," Rendo sounded angry as if Metsuhai insulted him personally, "Not a very compelling defense. And you have the audacity to ask a lenient sentence?! This is outrageous. The order works on discipline, and you showed lack of it."
"I had to! This monster is a threat to humanity. I did what's right by the order core values!"
"And who was so dangerous for you to go off course?" (Bardon)
"It was baron Phaulins half human son."
For a moment there was only silence. The barons name usually had this effect on people.
Bardon and Kenji exchanged looks Metsuhai couldn't really interpret. Rendo however couldn't suppress his laughter. When he regained his composure he spoke with a wide smile "Sure, the whole order doesn't know about any descendants of the evil baron, not to mention half human. But you seem to have all the answers. Soon you will claim defeating Phaulin himself in a ritual duel…"
This actually isn't that far from the truth.
"You must know this is not very convincing," Kenji pushed the matter further, clearly expecting an answer. "I am not the only one who knows, I just was in the right place in the right time. Yakurama spoke to Ando about him, although he knew less specifics. He'll gladly tell you about his research into the matter, if you ask him."
Bardon gestured with his hand and all three investigator rose to their feet, assembling at the corner of the room. They began whispering to each other, their words out of Metsuhais reach.
Soon enough though, the discussion turned into an argument and their voices got louder and louder. Fragments from the now not so quiet conversation reached Metsuhai as well. "…Yakurama is an old drunk…"
"…Ridiculous, Phaulins son…"
"Yet he was surprisingly accurate before…"
"…Yakurama hates the order…"
"…That's because they never listen to him…"
Eventually Bardon took a deep breath, saying "this starts to tire me. I need a drink. Let's take a break."
…
Bardon left the elevator and entered his office. It was a small room but with great view. After all, the window was right above the inner city lake, lake Clearwater. Brandon paid no attention to the small mountain of documents, threatening to overwhelm the work desk. He pulled a fancy looking cup from the shelf and made himself a steaming cup of concentrated coffee, careful not to pour even a drop of hot water on the documents or his personal computer. After a few sips, Bardon opened the window to feel the fresh morning wind. He was supposed to have enjoyed looking at the little waves and the swimming ducks, listening to the chirping birds, and soaking in the view. But his enjoyment was cut short. The handle of the office door began slowly turning. The door gradually opened with a creak. The black hooded Arisu entered the room. Bardon chocked on his coffee barely placing the cup on the desk in time as Kagehiroto closed in.
"Commander Arisu-sama, what an unexpected honor."
Kagehirotos thin fingers grabbed Bardon by the green shirt as he pinned him to the wall. Kagehiroto brought his smirking face very close to Bardons face. Bardon could feel his breath.
"I heard that brat Fugughuu finally tripped. I've waited a long time for this…"
Bardon only nodded slightly. "…I want him to suffer. It's personal. So you better bring cruel justice upon him, and nobody needs to know I'm involved. You don't want me as your enemy. Am I clear?!"
"Yes sir."
Kagehiroto moved out of the room as if slithering. Bardon was regaining his breath.
…
Bardon called his two colleagues urgently, and they met in some hall in the basement where no one could hear them.
"New orders! Coming from above," Bardon said, "From the very above. Don't ask who or why. The orders are clear and have but one interpretation. We must pressure him. Break him, frame him if we must, and punish him with all the weight of the orders punitive system!"
"But…" (Kenji)
"No arguments, it's our careers, and our lives are at stake- literally!" Bardon insisted, "Now let's get to work."
"Understood." (Rendo)
"I'll get the notes with his personal record," remarked Kenji, "Poor guy, he has no idea what's coming his way."
When the three investigators returned to Metsuhai, he could immediately sense something was different. The looks on their faces were somehow more serious than before if that's even possible.
"Gabi, make sure you record. Fugughuu, sit straight, we have only began."
Metsuhai stopped himself from releasing a visible sigh. Haven't we covered everything? I wanna know my punishment and be out of here. I haven't even seen Chizue since I was healed.
"Let's start from the beginning," opened Kenji, "Why did you join the order of sun?"
The question was more than surprising. For a moment Metsuhai just stared at the investigators with a blank expression. Briefly Metsuhai recalled how Chizue and Marko convinced him joining the order was best, right after Chizue and he banished baron Phaulin. He had accepted a ritual duel and almost brought the destruction of humanity. Not to mention that deadly venom without a cure. Of course he couldn't mention any of that here. But this didn't mean he had to lie.
"I was able to see demons since I was a small child, but I didn't really know the details. I was living a normal, reasonably satisfying life. But I guess somewhere in my heart I always wondered if there wasn't a greater purpose for my existence. Then the attack on Tokyo happened. I was there, I have seen the horror of the Inferno. I was lucky to survive that day…"
Metsuhai got stuck. He had to think fast. I still didn't answer the question! After this comes the part where I found out the truth about the order and decided to join, but if I tell them Marko told me I could get him in trouble. Furthermore, they can investigate him and get the truth out of him. Who knows if he can take the pressure? Should I tell them Chizue was the one informing me? Because of her high status they will not dare drag her into an investigation. But maybe my involvement with various members of the royal family will get me further in trouble. Besides I don't want to involve her in any of this, it could damage her reputation. I can say John recruited me, they'll surely not invite him to an investigation… but they might figure out I'm lying if they dig deep enough, and I don't want that.
"That's all fine and all," barked Rendo, "Now get to answering the question. Usually the order selects the people it needs. Rarely people discover it on their own. How did you find out?"
"My mother told me. She is a sorceress."
For a moment all three judges faces showed compassion. Everyone knew about the inner conflict between the sorcerers and the radicals. A lot of good men loyal to the orders causes got hurt. Being a sorcerer these days is like having a target mark on your forehead. Those hostile events put a mark on relations between sorcerers and the order.
But soon enough the investigators expressions hardened again as they exchange looks.
"As you know, you are charged with disobeying orders," remarked Bardon, "What makes matters worse is, it isn't the first time. You did argue with your commander, Arisu-sama no less."
"A separate incident with no connection to this one. I take full responsibility for my actions. I had lost my cool and was punished for it too. I don't disobey orders routinely nor do I intend to."
"Young mister Fugughuu, what can you tell me about your father?" (Bardon)
"What do you mean?"
"I suppose I'll ask directly," Bardon explained his intentions "Are you angry with the order for your fathers death? Do you blame the order for his suicide?"
My father is alive so…
"It was a deep wound, but saving humanity comes first. Whatever happened between my father and the order doesn't change the fact that I fight evil every day because it is my calling."
Metsuhai examined the faces of his torturers. If they were impressed by his words at all, they hid it well. Kenji gestured to Bardon, handing him over a piece of paper he had written something on. Bardon nodded and spoke once more.
"You have told us earlier, you went after this son of Phaulin for the sake of the order and everyone. But is this true? Because I have another theory. This place where you went to fight ain't far from where your comrade John died. Furthermore this document proves that you were there when he made his last breath. You lied to us and went on a revenge campaign, hiding behind noble intentions." Metsuhai became pale hearing about John (now that was a deep wound). The experienced investigators noticed of course.
"If every time we lose a soldier our troops would go to avenge, the order would have collapsed and the war would have been lost!" (Kenji)
Metsuhai clenched his fists, holding his anger back. He did not want to talk about John. But Rendo pushed farther.
"Disobeying orders, and for what?! For some nobody who isn't coming back as it is. So ridiculous."
"Don't you dare speak about John like that! He was a champion! He was a good man and he gave his life, asking nothing in return because it was the right thing to do. And now he is dead." Metsuhai was practically screaming, out of breath. Now his voice stabilized. "You shouldn't insult the dead. You don't get to talk about him like that."
The three investigators grinned simultaneously. They just got what they wanted.
"That's enough," Bardon spoke in a calm yet strong voice, "I shall now declare the verdict. For disobeying orders, not answering your commanders calls, lying in trial and showing disrespect for your superiors you are found guilty. Honestly the punishments for such offences tend to be severe, but we cannot ignore your past achievements and hard work either. You are the hero of the order, defeating Mordon and many others. I salute you. Yet rules are rules. I hereby condemn you to a full shift at the potions lab, without the option of appeal. Use of gloves or any protecting gear is strictly forbidden. I am sure after that you will not dare disobey or shout on your superiors. Dismissed."
…
The stench was horrible. It felt like the inside of a crushers ass. Ando led Metsuhai into the dungeon like corridors beneath the ground floor of the potion brewing factory. It was far deeper below than Metsuhai expected. He was only on the surface before so this was unexplored territory. Metsuhai struggled not to puke. Everywhere around lay piles of raw-materials in plates or bottles (for the liquids). Large closets filled with vials of various shapes and sizes up to their limit. And the professionals of this hell were on the job. Men and women with purple robes, gloves and gasmasks. A lot of protection gear. They were filling the vials. Mixing the ingredients. Cooking the liquids. It seemed the workload was great – all the workers moved fast, acting with intensity yet with precision. While the final product- the potions were practically sterile, the floor, walls and tables were a mess. Like an apartment not cleaned for twenty years. Children were washing vials at the sink array non-stop.
"This is the dark side of the potion factory," explained Ando, "Here are being done the worst, most toxic and dirty potions. No sane man would choose such horrible job out of his free will, but someone has to do this. People say though that eventually a person can get used even to this. Although there were some suicides. As you know, for you- no protection gear allowed."
A teenager Metsuhai met once before approached the two. "Sargent Asas Tamaguchi. Senior potion maker. You brought a novice worker. I'll take it from here."
"This is but a temporary arrangement. A punishment really. He is here for but one shift." (Ando)
"Don't worry, I'll put him to good use… what did he do to deserve this? Trying to assassinate the noble family?!"
Before Ando got to answer Asas added "we are always in need of more manpower here…" I can understand why "…let's get to work."
Ando remarked as he departs "may the gods have mercy on your soul."
The next few hours were one of the most tormenting experiences Metsuhai had had to endure. Under the supervision of Asas, Metsuhai was performing his new role. It was horrible. Metsuhai was burned by acid several times. The venomous spiky plants that appeared to be raw materials were worse (and he didn't have gloves). He was chocking from the poisonous stinky gases everywhere. But nothing was worse than the dog shit. That was the main source of the smell. Under Asas' guidance Metsuhai was cutting it with a knife into small square pieces, throwing it into the brew with his wounded unprotected hands.
While working non-stop Metsuhais world shrunk into two sections: the preparation desk- where the ingredients were being processed, and the massive cauldron placed above the furnace. Asas was constantly rushing Metsuhai relentlessly. There was no time to even look at the other workers. Besides pressuring Metsuhai and giving instructions about cutting and grinding different substances, Asas was also working, but there was hardly any sense of camaraderie since he clearly left the more unpleasant work for Metsuhai despite wearing full protective gear. His voice, slightly muffled from the gas mask, couldn't say anything which would comfort Metsuhai in this predicament. Metsuhai wasn't used to this fast paced repetitive factory-like work. Soon enough his hands were hurting and he wanted nothing more than to be out of there. And he was raging. Those ingrate police bastards! Punishing me like this after all I've done. I did more good for the order than the three of them put together! I don't deserve this. Metsuhai was so angry he couldn't stop himself from imagining his blade cutting through those judges, leaving their bloody corpses on the street for everyone to see. His head was hot, but hard to say if it was from the anger or the hot fumes from the many compounds around. Eventually (without taking a deep breath) Metsuhai did calm down, or at least put his mind to rest for the time being. He practically forced himself to think about happier times, places and people.
It was but one shift, yet it felt infinite. The final concoction was placed in bottles. It was supposed to be cream against burns. So much work and torment, and all- for this.
At the end of the shift of torture Metsuhai was furiously washing his damaged hands.
"Don't bother," commented Asas as he washes his own hands without the same intensity, "This scent won't come off for weeks. I'm talking from personal experience."
By proper etiquette Metsuhai was supposed to thank Asas for being his senpai here and providing him with guidance, but he didn't have any intention to humiliate himself further.
I am never going to use anti-burn cream, ever. No matter how burned I'll be… Now that I know how this garbage is made.
…
It was early evening when Metsuhai walked out of the potion factory. He looked at his phone, trying to reasonably compose his message to Chizue. He promised Chizue before that if the trial went well he'll meet her today. Well, the trial didn't go well, so cancelling their planned date wasn't really breaking the promise. But it was still unpleasant. I smell like the sewers, I can't meet Chizue like this. Eventually he left Chizue this short message- 'Sadly I'll have to meet you another time, sorry. The judges were pretty brutal, but at least I have my memories and my life intact. I don't wish to elaborate any further.'
Just as Metsuhai put the phone back in his pocket a good friend welcomed him with a smile.
"Marco, or should I call you greater sergeant now? What brings you to the capital?"
"I am here on official order business, nothing major though. And don't you dare calling me by rank or I'll call you Mordon-destroyer." Marcos smile widened and Metsuhai finally put on a smile as well. Marcos humor was like a breath of fresh air.
"Actually we didn't meet here by accident," admitted Marco, his expression unchanged "I have important matters to discuss with you."
Metsuhai looked at Marco, waiting for him to continue. Is it about my latest trouble with the order?
"I heard from Chizue-san you finally managed to completely be rid of the barons venom, you are cured. I admit I thought you were handling it well even earlier, but I understand this is big news."
"It's all thanks to you Marco," Metsuhai expressed his gratitude, "I was dying and didn't have much time left. Tsukiyama was the only one who could heal me and you led me to him. I am forever indebted to you."
For a moment Marco looked pale, his smile pained. But this moment passed so fast Metsuhai was sure it was only his imagination.
"That's really great. But it does bring me to what I came here to say… Listen friend. When I urged you to join the order that seemed like the best option. You were hurt, you were targeted and you had nowhere to go, no alternatives. You were essentially forced to join. Wouldn't you agree?"
Metsuhai nodded slowly, not sure where this is going.
"It's not like Chizue who was born into it, or like myself, fighting for this just cause since I can remember. Though I didn't choose this life as well, being selected by the order men as a small child because I was strong for my age, I at least had years to come to terms with it. I made my choice long time ago. But now it's your turn."
"What do you mean? What choice?"
"You could leave the order. Nothing binds you to it. You don't owe them anything. Even if you did, you have paid back more than what you were given. I know you found your place here. I know you have made connection and even friends. But this job kills. And even those staying alive often become worn out, eroded. The system is ruthless and unforgiving. And although you know the order needs everyone, you can be replaced. You can choose freedom and independence. I am telling you this now, because the longer you stay the harder leaving will be."
Metsuhai, surprised by Marcos words needed more time to think this through. "I thought if anyone tries to leave the order his memory gets erased, and that's if they don't execute you on the spot."
"That is true. This is another reason why you should choose now. The order is overworked at the moment because of the coming eclipse. They will not have time to pursue a deserter any time soon. With your skills you can avoid the order, maybe even forever. If you wish to desert this week, I can help. Consider it carefully and give me your answer."
Metsuhai closed his eyes. There was a lot of truth in Marcos words. However…
"I know my answer. I'll stay here as long as the order will have me. The world is at war and there are things, there are people I must protect. I can't push this responsibility onto someone else. Now that I know the truth, there is no turning back," Metsuhai pointed his thumb to his chest "I can take it all. The system, the difficulties, the enemy. I won't run away from any of this. I am becoming stronger by the day, I'll become as strong as I'll have to." Metsuhai lowered his voice, "My amazing friend John lost his life while fighting for justice. I will not desecrate his memory by abandoning the very cause for which he fought."
"I thought you'll say something like that," Marcos expression was now quite serious "well then, there is something else you need to know. There is no easy way to say this, so I'll just tell you… I am in love with Chizue-san. I have always loved her since we first met. She is the woman I wish to be with for the rest of my life. I know you two have been getting closer, but will you consider my feelings?"
At first Metsuhai was shocked. For a moment he considered whether Marcos earlier words were all because of this. No no, Marco isn't like that. He is truly kind. Metsuhai sank deep into thought. "I understand you have been hiding your feelings all this time. You have my sympathy, it must be hard. However, I love Chizue as well. It seems we are in a competition over her heart. If she does choose you eventually I will have no grudge. I expect the same of you. I won't tell your secret to anyone, but if you want to win you'll have to beat me."
Marco clenched his fists, clearly shaken. He left without another word.
…
It was the beginning of sunset. The great orange ball was gradually sinking. The basketball court was surrounded by a barred fence. The floor was cracked, the basket without a net. Roteah was sitting on the wooden bench alone, all bent forward and to the side. His tongue sticking out of the side of his mouth. A basketball laying to his feet. As Roteah sat alone and destroyed the memories of 341 kept coming to him. He just couldn't drive them away.
As Roteah kips remembering he could almost see his deceased friend.
"What a ridiculous game," 341 spoke quickly despite being out of breath right after the game, "Where I come from we whip or electrify someone for entertainment. We also have violent sport tournaments usually done by crushers. Like MMA, but meaner. Demons pay a fortune to see those. I myself was electrocuted once, sharp feeling that I'll tell you."
More memories kept coming. "You're no fun, I always outplay you" (Roteah)
"Roteah-sama, it's not my fault I was born short and with tiny limbs. I was telling that to my commanders in the dark army for years."
"Don't think about the evil children. Fill your mind and soul with important stuff like money and power. Things that make you feel good." (341)
"I was never your friend. You never had any friends."
There were many more. Statement of self-expression, conversations, deeds now forever gone.
The sunset clearly reflected Roteahs feelings. He had nothing more to live for.
Tsukiyama was walking on the street along the basketball field. He was wearing a suit with tie.
Man, my job is somewhat tiring. A good walk through the park would make me refreshed.
Soon Tsukiyama noticed Roteah. While still submerged in his agony, suddenly Roteah noticed the ball was gone. Surprised Roteah raised his gaze. Tsukiyama dribbled the basketball right in front of roteah. "Hey that's mine!"
"Then come and get it."
Roteahs expression changed from depressed, to surprised, to happy.
Roteah tried to snatch the ball from Tsukiyama, but he already threw it to the basket.
From so far away?! Roteah followed the ball with his eyes. There was enough power in the throw but it was nowhere near the basket. Roteah rushed to the ball. To his surprise Tsukiyama seemed to be keeping up with his speed. In the next fifteen minutes the two competed with great intensity. Tsukiyama was faster, but he was so lame in basketball.
Roteah was drinking from his bottle. Tsukiyama sat near him and was looking at the beautiful sunset. "That was the best thing I've done in ages," admitted Roteah.
"You are fun to play with, though I did lose."
"You say this because your eyes haven't seen my horns and hoofs." Roteahs voice was a bit shacky.
"I see your horns and hoofs. Seen them from the beginning."
"So why are you not running away like the others?"
"Why should I run away?"
"I am a monster."
"Cruel children see a monster. I see a kid."
Roteah was shocked. It was clearly seen from his goat-like eyes, which took on an almost human expression.
"What is it that you want from me?"
"I am a sensei looking for students for his dojo. You have an incredible talent. So how about it? It's not like it's an obligation for life. If you want, you can leave any time you like."
"I guess I will give it a try."
"I have to warn you though, I'm kind of strict."
"I'm used to be bullied by my mother as it is. Nothing new to me."
Roteah shook Tsukiyamas hand with passion and then hugged his new instructor.