The day after the incident, after Yuzuki had laid Old Fin to rest, the city felt different. The shadows seemed longer, the air heavier, but the streets of Meteor City still carried the usual chaotic hum.
In the afternoon, Yuzuki made his way to Central Tower, the tall, imposing building where the Elders of Meteor City resided. His strides were measured, purposeful. The guards at the entrance recognized him instantly, nodding respectfully as he passed. No words were exchanged; no introductions were needed. The Elder had seemed very approachable and kind to him since the Phantom Troupe left. So he guessed they had something to do with is preferable privilege.
He went straight to the office of the Elder he usually took odd jobs from.
The office door was slightly ajar. Yuzuki knocked lightly.
"Come in," came the familiar voice.
Yuzuki stepped inside, bowing slightly. "Good afternoon, Elder Hiroshi," he said, keeping his voice calm and respectful.
The Elder looked up from his papers. His face brightened almost immediately. "Ah, Yuzuki! A surprise to see you here. Are you looking for a job today?"
Yuzuki shook his head. "No, Elder Hiroshi. I'm here for a different reason."
Hiroshi's eyebrows rose. "Oh? If it's something I can help with, I'd be glad to."
Yuzuki's eyes, unreadable beneath the mask, locked onto the Elder. The faint aura of resolve emanated from him. "I need information on Vasco Melnar."
The Elder's hand froze over his papers. He leaned back slowly, regarding the boy. "I… know of a man by that name. But information on him, aside from appearance, isn't something I have access to. Tell me, Yuzuki… why are you seeking a man so dangerous?"
Yuzuki's tone was steady, chilling even in its calmness. "He is someone I must kill."
The Elder blinked, shock clear on his face. This is the same boy… the kind-hearted, no-killing, 'talk things out' type of boy… what has changed so suddenly?
Outwardly, Hiroshi kept his composure. "I see… I can try to make some calls, see if I can gather any information. But… is there any way I could convince you to back out of such an operation? At least for now? You can't take on an entire mafia syndicate alone."
Yuzuki's expression remained cold, unwavering. "Vasco 'Dead Man Walking' Melnar is someone I must kill. Nobody can convince me otherwise."
The Elder's lips pressed together. He exhaled slowly, a faint sigh escaping. "I see. I respect your decision."
He paused, then asked carefully, his tone softer, more probing. "Tell me… Yuzuki, are you now taking killing jobs? It seems… you've already done it."
Yuzuki considered the question for a moment, his voice calm, measured. "I wouldn't mind taking such jobs… but never against innocent people."
Hiroshi's tension eased. At least, he thought, the boy still has that kind heart. Some part of him remains…
"Alright then," the Elder said finally. "I understand."
Yuzuki nodded once. "I will be taking my leave now."
He turned, walking out of the office, each step deliberate, leaving the Elder in quiet contemplation.
After a short pause, Hiroshi called over one of his trusted bodyguards. The man entered promptly, bowing.
"I need you to investigate what happened between Yuzuki and Vasco," the Elder said quietly. "Find out what caused this… this complete change in him."
"Right away, Elder," the man replied and left, moving with swift efficiency.
Hiroshi sat back in his chair, alone, muttering under his breath. "Kagetsu Yuzuki… what an interesting boy."
The afternoon sun filtered through the tall windows of Central Tower, casting long shadows across the room. The city below continued its chaos, unaware that one young boy had already set his path against a dangerous empire.
---
Two weeks later…
Inside his quiet office at the top of Central Tower, Elder Hiroshi sat behind his desk, phone pressed gently to his ear. The afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the blinds, streaking his desk with lines of gold.
"Ah, Chrollo," the Elder said with a pleasant tone, "thank you once again for your latest donation. You have no idea how much this helps the people and development of Meteor City."
On the other end, Chrollo's calm, composed voice came through. "Please, Elder. It's the least I can do for the place that raised me."
The Elder smiled faintly. "Of course. That's why the people here look up to you and the Phantom Troupe so much."
Chrollo chuckled softly, his tone polite but distant. "You flatter us. If that's all, I'll be on my way."
"Wait," the Elder said quickly.
A short pause. "Yes?"
The Elder leaned back in his chair. "That boy you asked me to keep an eye on… Yuzuki. He came to see me about two weeks ago."
There was another pause, this one heavier. "Oh?" Chrollo asked. "Did he need something from you?"
"Yes," the Elder replied. "Apparently, Vasco Melnar — a mafia boss, the former employer of an old gambler named Finlay — had ordered Old Fin to be killed. The boy… lost control. He killed the three men responsible."
For the first time, Chrollo's composed tone faltered slightly. "He killed them?"
"That's right," the Elder said quietly.
Chrollo was silent for a few seconds. Then, calmly, "What's his mental state like?"
The Elder exhaled softly. "He hasn't changed much. Still that kind, respectful boy you told me about… but he's become more accepting of killing. He's begun going around targeting people he considers—" the Elder's voice lowered slightly "—a pollution to society. A certain kind of evil, in his eyes."
A soft chuckle came from the other end of the line. "Isn't that… most of Meteor City?" Chrollo said. "If he keeps that up, will he end up killing everyone?"
The Elder laughed lightly. "It seems he has his own line for what's evil and what's not. He told me he wouldn't kill pickpockets or gamblers. But someone who kills for no reason…" he paused, "he won't hesitate to put them down."
Chrollo's tone grew amused. "Then it sounds like the Phantom Troupe might have a target on its back."
The Elder chuckled. "As long as Shizuku is around, I doubt he'll do anything reckless."
He paused, then added, "Still… after his actions two weeks ago, his name's been spreading fast. People have already tried to kill him, but he's handled them all without fail. That boy is strong."
"I see," Chrollo said softly. His tone was calm again, but there was a clear undertone of interest. "Keep watching him for me, Elder. I want to see where his path leads."
"Of course," the Elder replied. "You have my word."
With that, the call ended. The Elder set the phone down gently, staring for a moment at the sunlight slanting across his desk.
On the other side of the line—
In an abandoned warehouse somewhere, Chrollo lowered his phone. His expression was thoughtful. Then, in his usual calm voice, he called out, "Shizuku."
From behind a stack of old crates, Shizuku looked up lazily. "Hm? What is it?"
Chrollo's faint smile appeared. "It seems Yuzuki is getting popular in Meteor City."
Shizuku tilted her head slightly. "Huh? What did he do?"
Chrollo didn't answer immediately. His gaze lingered on the darkened city skyline beyond the cracked windows.