One month ago, about three days after Tuziku was rescued by Sailou, the Casoltins and their captain had a certain conversation in Tuziku's absence regarding the decision to allow him to formally join the crew.
Kutcher and Priora, who were both teenagers around Tuziku's age, were not invited to this discussion but were later informed of the major decisions that were made during the conversation.
Djong, a member of the Casoltins, had a major concern.
"Captain, are you sure this is the most optimal decision…?"
"This kid you picked up seems like more trouble than he's worth. Not only is he one of the most wanted fugitives in the entire world, but he also can't control his own Abyssal ability—a very dangerous one for that matter."
Felo, another member of the crew, added, "I agree with Djong, Captain."
"He killed more than 100 citizens of Fuyu in their own land, some of which had connections to certain big shots…"
"They won't stop hunting him down. Taking him in only puts us on FADA's radar. He's not worth the trouble."
Sailou responded to the concerns.
"Hmmm... I understand where you guys are coming from, and I also agree with your reasoning, but… I can't just abandon him after hearing his story…"
Mika sided with Sailou.
"The captain is right! Don't you guys have a heart?"
"Every single one of us on this crew only made it this far because the captain rescued us—just like Tuziku."
"We might not have been in his exact situation, but he's still a citizen of Hinkon who endured the oppressive and cruel ways of those monsters in Fuyu just like us. He may have had it even worse than us!"
Djong insisted.
"So we're to just take him in with open arms even though the government is desperately hunting him down?"
"Have you forgotten? You were once in a similar position when the captain rescued you, Djong!" Mika said.
"Yeah! I was being chased by a few guards for stealing, not for murdering 115 of their citizens!" Djong replied in an upset manner.
"But—"
"That's enough, guys!" Sailou interrupted.
"We all have mixed feelings about this situation… but the fact is, he's a 15-year-old boy who can't return home and is being hunted."
"Besides, he escaped from the land of Fuyu while being hunted… That's quite an impressive feat. So if we don't help him, then who will?"
"If he can learn to control his powers—he'll be of great help to our crew."
"I can't say if this is the best decision or not… but I've decided he's going to join our crew."
"Dendelon, Juzio, I haven't heard anything from you two yet… What do you think about this?"
"You've never made a decision that would intentionally jeopardize our lives… I won't go against your decision now," Juzio responded.
"I agree with Juzio," said Dendelon.
Sailou nodded.
"Good. Then I'll personally see to it that he learns to control his powers."
The room was filled with dead silence.
Meanwhile, one month later—the present day.
As Tuziku and Kutcher continued their training in the forest, they were completely oblivious to the danger that had arrived on the shore.
"We've arrived at the shore, Agira."
"Give the order…" Hinomo requested.
"This is Agira… Permission granted to advance. I wish you guys the best of luck."
"Appreciated, ma'am," he responded.
The generals decided to combine Units 4 and 6 and divide them into four groups containing members of both units, with each general leading two groups.
"Okay, men! The request was granted. Squads A and C are with me. We'll take the northern side and make our way toward the center," Hinomo shouted.
"Am I understood?"
"Yes, sir!!" The soldiers responded in perfect sync.
Ishimi stepped forward.
"Squads B and D, with me! We'll take the southern side and advance toward the middle."
The two captains led their forces as they advanced with the intention of locating and eliminating Tuziku and the Casoltins.
Meanwhile, Tuziku and Kutcher were training in the forest, completely oblivious to the predators hunting them—who, in this case, would soon become the prey.
Kutcher explained as he scratched his head.
"You're making good progress, Tuziku…! Okay, let's try again. This time, try to imagine the shape you want the acid to form when you release the slash."
Tuziku gasped for air as he sat on the floor, drenched in sweat with his head held high.
"Alright, one more time…! Ughh!" he groaned as he struggled to stand upright.
After finally managing to find his footing, the look of exhaustion vanished entirely from Tuziku's face.
He gripped the hilt of his sword calmly, as though holding a child's hand. He took a deep breath and swung his blade—calmly, yet filled with strength and determination.
Kutcher thought to himself,
Ohh…! This time, he's completely different…
His blade released a small stream of acid in the shape of a poorly imitated crescent.
"…Yesssss!! Hahaha!" Tuziku jumped up and down as he rejoiced in his first successful attempt to safely release his acid.
"Not bad at all, rookie!" Kutcher applauded.
Unaware of the danger approaching, Tuziku began celebrating his first successful attempt, unknowingly making it much easier for the enemies to locate him.
A few moments after the soldiers began advancing through the forest, Hinomo decided to send four soldiers from his team straight toward the center in advance without his colleague Ishimi's knowledge.
The soldiers approaching the center happened to hear Tuziku's cry of joy.
"Did you guys hear that?!" one soldier shouted.
"Yeah, we heard it!" another soldier replied.
"It came from up ahead. I'd say about one or two kilometers," said the third soldier.
"Let's move quickly, guys!"
Meanwhile, back with Tuziku and Kutcher—
"Why don't you take a break now, Tuziku? You've been going nonstop for the last five hours."
"All that hard work is finally starting to pay off!"
"Yeah, but that slash wasn't completely stable… A little less focus and it would've splattered all over…" Tuziku replied as he lay on the floor, gazing up at the sky through the canopy of giant trees.
After briefly celebrating Tuziku's small accomplishment, exhaustion finally caught up to both Tuziku and Kutcher after training since sunrise.
They both fell asleep in the forest.
Suddenly—
Rustle… Rustle…
Rustle…
Tuziku jolted awake and tilted his head toward the bushes rustling nearby.
What's making that sound?
Curious, he got up and peeked through a patch of bush plants.
That's when he saw the group of armed soldiers.
His face filled with terror as he began sweating and hyperventilating, traumatic memories of past encounters with these soldiers flooding his mind.
Why are they here?!
Don't tell me… They came for me?!
Shit…! This is bad…
There's two of them on the ground… and another two in the trees…!
They all have guns! And there's most likely more of them nearby…
I have to let Kutcher know!
As Tuziku slowly stepped back to alert Kutcher, he stepped on a piece of stick, causing it to snap—alerting one of the soldiers on the ground.
"Hm? I heard something! Over there!"
"Guys, I think there's someone up ahead!"
"Let's go!"
As the soldiers ran toward Tuziku, he panicked and shouted:
"Kutcher, enemies are here! Wake up!!!"
CHAPTER 17 END