Toman's Black Cat

I remember Kazutora is supposed to show up escort Takemitchy to be a witness for Valhalla, but the difficult part is being there so I can go with him to help if I can without getting myself in more trouble. I kept trying to think of another plan, and always came up with only one: I have to be there. I have to be there with Yamagishi and the gang so when Kazutora shows up, I can insist on going.

I managed to hang around kind of close to Yamagishi without being too awkward about it I think. When Yamagishi said they were going to talk, I said I wanted to go too because I wanted to be included.

Not a lie. Yamagishi looked slightly concerned but did agree to let me come.

As I sat there listening to his explanation of the gangs, I paid very close attention. At this point, there are really only 3 who know Kisaki isn't good news.

Baji, Chifuyu, and Takemitchy.

The only one who knows just how bad he is, would be Takemitchy. Even with what I do know, I never made it past seeing Chifuyu get…

I shivered at the memory and tried to push it back.

I don't care what it takes, I'll do all I can to protect who I can.

I got so lost in thought, I nearly jumped out of my skin when I heard Yamagishi begin freaking out about a tattoo. I looked up just in time to see Kazutora wrapping his arms in a hug around Takemitchy. It was an odd sight, but it suddenly gave me an idea.

Dumb? Maybe..

I walked to stand beside Takemitchy as they pulled away and made eye contact with Kazutora. I remember what he is going to do and what he did before, but I am also very aware of what a broken heart can lead someone to do.

With that, I put on a smile and greeted him. "You're Kazutora! Your hair looks amazing!" That was not originally what I was going to say at all, but man it's so true.

What is it about anime men having the best hair?!?!?

His smile never left his face, but I did notice a slight twitch before he turned away and started talking to Takemitchy again.

He seriously ignored me? I'm not offended but dang, I only just met him and he already hates me.

"I only wanted to say hi, and you won't even say hi back." I said out loud with a slight pout before taking a deep breath.

He turned to look at me again and his facial expression hadn't changed. I felt my shoulders slump before tightening my fists in frustration, but my next words came out in a different manner than everyone was expecting.

"You can be as mean as you want to be to me, Tora. I won't let you make me hate you." With that I waltzed right up to him so my face was merely inches from his. "There is only one thing I am going to do in return." With that, I wrapped my arms around his neck and felt him flinch.

I didn't let go for a solid minute and when I did, I noticed something in his eyes I hadn't noticed before. Confusion?

As quick as it appeared, it disappeared. He invited Takemitchy to the hide out as they walked into the hall. I followed behind Takemitchy, but when he took a moment to stand at the window, I felt eyes on me.

I turned to make eye contact with Kazutora. "You should come too."

The sudden invitation baffled me. I wanted to go to help if possible, but why am I being invited.

He seemed to sense my struggle and let out a fake laugh. "I won't let anything happen to you." The declaration came off sudden, but I was still shaken.

Flashes of Baji and Chifuyu, and one day even Kazutora flooded my mind.

So much pain. If I can even help just a little bit, then I'm going to.

I took a step toward Kazutora and gave a thumbs up. Takemitchy walked with us but looked exceedingly worried to see me there. I could feel him glance my way multiple times and the last time, I wanted to reassure him the best I could.

"Don't worry Takemitchy. We'll make sure no one gets hurt." As we closed in on Valhalla's hideout, I wanted to make sure I encouraged Takemitchy as well. "Hina will be so proud of you!"

With that said, I walked into the building ahead of him prepared to do whatever necessary to prevent what was coming.

I felt hushed whispers as I walked by and became exceedingly aware of my being a woman surrounded by dudes. I felt a sudden tug at my clothing and squeaked, only to hear a sudden bone crunch.

Kazutora had reached past me to slug the guy who had grabbed at me. "Don't touch her or I'll kill you." The threat scared me and I ended up grabbing him with a tight hug. "No, Tora! Never do that. Not for any reason and especially not for me." I pulled away to look him straight in the eye. "Okay?" I asked with a quivering voice.

He didn't respond, but pulled me forward, Takemitchy following behind probably feeling just as worried, if not completely terrified like I am.

That's when I heard it as we neared the center of the building.

Crunch.

Crunch.

The sound made me feel sick and no amount of reading or watching could prepare me for the sound alone and then seeing.

I let out a gasp. "Chifuyu.."

I stared as Baji got up only to notice me standing there watching him. He looked at all three of us, before settling his eyes on Kazutora. "What'd you bring a girl for?"

Baji sounds so cold, but I know he isn't. I walked carefully over to Chifuyu completely unaware of the amount of eyes on me or that I was crying.

I knelt next to him worried about what to do to help him.

I heard Kazutora answer and his response was nothing less than shocking. "It's Mikey's fault. If he hadn't thrown her away, she wouldn't have been so exposed. So I'll keep her."

It was hard to even register what he meant by that. I was still hunched over Chifuyu.

I heard Hanma speak up suddenly. "Hey girly! Miss me?"

"Don't you DARE touch me!" I hissed.

Yeah I could die. Yes, I know Hanma has a story just like everyone else here. But..

"I freaking hate your face Hanma."I let the words drip with every amount of contempt I felt towards him.

It had already been announced that Baji is now in Valhalla and Takemitchy is a witness. He reached to get Chifuyu and motioned for me to follow.

I can't stand being near Hanma. I hate being here.

I glanced toward Baji and then to Kazutora, whose eyes were already on me.

"I'm going to stay with Kazutora." I told Takemitchy as calmly as possible.

Takemitchy's POV

He couldn't believe what he was hearing. She wants to stay? IS SHE CRAZY? It was absolutely clear to him and everyone that she was more than horrified to see what happened to Chifuyu, but she chose to stay?

She even chose to stay after Hanma tried to greet her and she didn't bother showing how much she hated the guy, but she still chose to stay!?!?!?

He couldn't believe it! He left her alone there per her wishes, but kept running through everything he knew about the future and what's going on now and couldn't figure it out.

Unless….

He stopped in his tracks as he began to think over everything. He hasn't talked to her a lot and he originally thought when he asked her about Kisaki, she hated him. Then she was treated as a traitor to Toman because there was a picture of her kissing someone he knew worked with Kisaki. He sees her there, and she didn't even let Hanma come near her but cried over a Toman member.

Then chose to stay?!?!?!?

Is she like me?