ZERO SHIFT

The morning sun bathed the small town in golden light, marking the beginning of Josuke's journey away from the orphanage. As he packed up his few belongings, the emotions of the children bubbled over. Kia and the others rushed towards him, throwing themselves into his arms. Their tear-filled eyes and trembling voices pulled at Josuke's heart as he hugged them tightly.

"Big brother, don't go!" they cried, their little hands clinging to him, desperate not to let go.

Josuke, trying to hold back his own tears, knelt down, embracing each one. "You all have to be strong, okay?" he said softly, though his voice cracked with the weight of the moment. He wanted to say so much more but couldn't find the words.

At the same time, Kyle and Maya had arrived and stood nearby, allowing Josuke his time to say goodbye. Kyle, as casual as ever, wandered off to Shiro's office. Knocking on the slightly open door, he found the old man behind the desk, trying in vain to hide his tears.

"Yo, old man," Kyle said, his usual playful tone intact. "The kid hasn't left yet, and you're already crying? Who's gonna give the kids courage if you're sitting here bawling?"

Shiro quickly wiped his face, embarrassed by Kyle's words. "Yes, yes, Commander… I'm just worried. Josuke barely knows this town, let alone the world beyond it. And now he's about to head to the capital city of Elaris."

Kyle placed a reassuring hand on Shiro's shoulder. "Don't worry, he's in good hands."

As Kyle turned to leave, Shiro stopped him. "Wait! You did sign his adoption papers, right?"

Before Kyle could reply, Maya stepped into the doorway, holding the papers with a smirk. "I signed them. I'm not about to let an idiot raise another idiot," she teased as she handed the papers to Shiro.

Kyle grumbled under his breath, shooting her a playful glare. Shiro handed Kyle a small headband, embroidered with simple designs. "Give this to him. It was his mother's. She made it herself… I want him to have it."

Kyle took the headband, his expression softening for a brief moment. "He'll appreciate this."

They stepped out of the office, joining Josuke, who had finally calmed the children. One of the older boys, Noel, stood in front of Josuke, eyes wide with worry. "What do I do now, Josuke?" he asked.

Josuke ruffled his hair, smiling. "You're the big brother now. You've gotta protect everyone here for me."

Noel's eyes filled with determination. "I will. I promise I'll surpass you! And I'll take care of Noelle too. I won't let her cry And I won't be a rebel like you ."

Josuke laughed, though his heart was heavy. "Yeah, I was a rebel, but that's not you do better than me. You'll do just fine."

Kyle and maya, heading to the exit of the orphanage , tapped Josuke on the shoulder. "It's time to go, kid."

Josuke took a deep breath, standing tall. He turned to face the children one last time, the weight of the moment fully sinking in. "Goodbye, everyone," he said, his voice wavering as tears welled up in his eyes.

Noelle, the older girl who had been like a sister to him, rushed forward and threw her arms around him. "Be safe, knucklehead," she whispered, her voice breaking.

Josuke hugged her back tightly. "I will."

As he pulled away, wiping his tears, Kyle and Maya stood ready to teleport. Kyle placed a hand on his shoulder again. "You done?"

Josuke nodded, giving one last look to Shiro and the children. Hey old man," shiro looked at Josuke as he said"Thanks, Old Man," he said, his voice full of gratitude.

With that, they vanished, leaving the orphanage behind.