ZERO SHIFT

As the orphanage came into view, the familiar building stirred emotions of comfort and nostalgia in both Shiro and Josuke. The sisters and children rushed out with signs of relief when they saw Shiro and Josuke arrive with the little girl. The children flocked to them, hugging and welcoming them back. The little girl, still shy from her ordeal, was embraced with warmth by the orphanage sisters, and her face softened as she realized she was in a safe place now.

Just as Josuke began walking inside, a voice called out behind him, one that felt both familiar and comforting.

"Yo, Josuke!"

Josuke turned around, and there he was—Ryuji, his best friend, standing a little distance away with a wide grin on his face. Ryuji had been a constant in Josuke's life since they were kids, even though he had been adopted a few years ago. Despite his adoption, Ryuji had remained in the same town and visited often, but he traveled with his new family frequently.

Ryuji, standing at 5'11", the same height as Josuke, had dark blue hair and matching eyes. The two had always been inseparable, and seeing him again brought a wave of relief to Josuke, who was already feeling overwhelmed with everything that had happened.

Josuke's face lit up as he jogged over to Ryuji, the two meeting in a half-hug, half-handshake that they had always done growing up. After a few exchanged words, Ryuji suggested they head to their favorite spot in the city—a quiet hill on the outskirts of town where they would go to talk, escape from the world, and relax.

As they reached the hill, the familiar view stretched out before them: the town below, the wide open sky, and the gentle breeze. It was a spot that felt like it belonged to just the two of them.

"So," Ryuji started, leaning back on the grass, "what's been going on with you lately? You look like you've had quite the adventure."

Josuke smiled awkwardly, leaving out the details of his rampage and the dangerous encounter with the rogue priests. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the ranger badge Kyle had given him. He held it up for Ryuji to see.

"Check this out," Josuke said. "Kyle, the commander of the ranger unit, gave me this."

Ryuji's eyes widened in surprise before he grinned broadly. "Wow! Congrats, bro. It looks like you're finally making your way out of this town, huh?"

They both laughed, though Josuke's thoughts were elsewhere. He couldn't help but think about everything that was happening too quickly. Kyle, the transformation, the sudden offer to join Unit Zero—it all felt like too much at once.

After a moment of silence, Josuke spoke again, this time more quietly. "Do you think I'll find them?"

Ryuji glanced at him, confused. "Find who?"

"My parents," Josuke replied, his voice filled with uncertainty. "I just want to be able to look at them… even if it's just once."

Ryuji rolled his eyes playfully. "That's kind of cringe, bro," he teased, but his smile softened. "But hey, who knows? Maybe you will. Maybe you won't. Either way, it's a big world out there. I'm sure you'll find the answers you're looking for… eventually."

Josuke chuckled. "You sound like a fortune cookie."

"Hey, I'm just being real," Ryuji laughed back, leaning his head against his hands as he stared up at the clouds. "But seriously, I'm proud of you, Josuke. You've come a long way."

They sat there for a while longer, enjoying the quiet peace of their favorite spot. The breeze blew softly through the trees, and for a brief moment, it felt like the world wasn't so complicated after all.

But as Josuke looked out at the horizon, a part of him knew that his journey was just beginning—and that soon, everything was going to change.