Amaya finally noticed the struggling Overhaul being towed along by the enthusiastic Ruby. She sighed heavily, her frustration with him momentarily overshadowing her concern for Kiyozawa.
Amaya: "How much I hate you."
She muttered under her breath as she knelt down to unhook the leash from his ankle.
Amaya: "But you might actually get killed if Ruby keeps dragging you like this."
Her fingers fumbled with the clasp, her touches rough and impatient.
Amaya: "Stop moving."
She snapped when Overhaul winced. She finally released Overhaul from the leash.
He stood up rubbing his sore ankle angrily. The pug Ruby, however, seemed completely unaware of Overhaul's frustration and just happy to have sniffed out Kiyozawa's scent. She bounded ahead eagerly, her massive body moving swiftly through the underbrush.
Overhaul's gratitude for being unhooked from the leash quickly turned to annoyance and anger directed at the oblivious dog.
Overhaul: "Stupid fucking pug."
Amaya's hand flew up and cracked against Overhaul's cheek with a resounding slap before he could even finish his insult towards Ruby. The sudden impact startled him into silence, his head snapping to the side from the force of the blow. Amaya's eyes flashed with anger and a spark of recognition - she had slapped Kiyozawa for saying something similar about Ruby not long ago. Overhaul touched his stinging cheek slowly, staring at Amaya in shock at the unexpected retaliation.
Amaya: "I hate the fact that you two are alike."
She spat out, her voice shaking with anger and frustration. She knew deep down that Kiyozawa was nothing like Overhaul - he was kind, gentle, and caring, while Overhaul was manipulative, cold, and cruel. But the similarities in their appearances and mannerisms sometimes made it hard for her to distinguish between the two when they were both being stubborn or difficult.
Amaya: "But I know Kiyozawa is different from you."
She added firmly, her eyes blazing with conviction.
Overhaul: "So you do love him."
He said with a smirk, his cheek still stinging from Amaya's slap. He knew he was hitting a nerve by comparing himself to Kiyozawa in this way.
Overhaul: "I mean, there are girls out there who like the bad boy type."
He continued mockingly.
Overhaul: "They think they can fix him."
His eyes glinted with amusement as he watched Amaya's expression darken further at his words.
Amaya: "I'm Yakuza too."
She retorted defensively, her voice softening slightly as she revealed a rarely seen side of herself.
Amaya: "Even though I'm not that much into that life... I just want to live in peace with Kiyo..."
She paused, her gaze drifting off into the distance as she voiced her inner conflicts. She was aware that Kiyozawa's hands were far from clean - he was a Yakuza second in command, after all. Living peacefully with him might be a distant dream given his lifestyle and responsibilities.
Overhaul's expression turned cold and calculating as he pressed Amaya against the wall, his hand wrapping around her throat possessively.
Overhaul: "Well then, I'll use this to my advantage."
He murmured darkly, his eyes glinting with malicious intent.
Overhaul: "Kiyozawa is in love with you, so that means if I threaten your life..."
He paused, a sadistic smile spreading across his face.
Overhaul: "He'll have no choice but to do anything I say to keep you safe."
Ruby, alerted by Amaya's sudden predicament, came barreling towards Overhaul with a fierce growl. However, Overhaul was quicker. He used his quirk on the ground beneath Ruby's feet, causing the earth to break apart and form sharp spikes just as the giant pug reached him. Ruby yelped in pain and surprise as she stumbled, her massive body impaling itself on the spikes meant to deter human opponents. Overhaul turned his attention back to Amaya, his grip on her throat tightening menacingly.
Amaya's eyes filled with tears as she looked at the injured Ruby, her voice trembling with fear and resignation.
Amaya: "Ruby..."
She whispered brokenly before turning back to Overhaul, her expression hardening with determination.
Amaya: "I'm not doing it for you."
She spat, her voice low and steady despite the lump in her throat.
Amaya: "I'm doing it for the sake of the Yakuza Family Alliance..."
She closed her eyes briefly, steeling herself for what was to come.
Amaya: "What do you want me to do?"
She asked quietly, defeated.
Overhaul's lips curled into a cruel smile as he saw the despair in Amaya's eyes.
Overhaul: "Kiyozawa loves you dearly."
He said mockingly, using her emotions against her.
Overhaul: "Judging by how he left the scene in a fit of rage... I want to keep my plan going."
He paused dramatically before continuing
Overhaul: "I want Kiyozawa to kidnap Eri."
His eyes gleamed with malice.
Overhaul: "But I want YOU to tell him for me."
He leaned closer.
"Wonder why?"
He whispered darkly.
Amaya: "You want me to ask him to kidnap a little girl?"
She repeated, her voice filled with horror and disbelief at Overhaul's request. She knew Kiyozawa had done terrible things as a Yakuza second in command but kidnapping innocent children was a new low even for someone like him.
Overhaul's manipulation knew no bounds - he was using their relationship and his knowledge of Kiyozawa's love for her to force her into asking him to commit this atrocity.
Overhaul: "Yes"
He replied coldly, his grip on Amaya's throat loosening slightly as he saw the shock and disgust in her eyes.
Overhaul: "I want you to ask Kiyozawa to kidnap Eri."
He repeated bluntly. He could see the internal struggle playing out on Amaya's face - her love for Kiyozawa warring with her moral compass.
Overhaul: "Do it."
He commanded.
Overhaul: "Or Ruby dies right here right now."
He pressed his thumb against Amaya's windpipe threateningly.
Amaya: "No..."
She whispered hoarsely, her eyes filling with tears as she saw the genuine threat in Overhaul's cold gaze. She knew he would kill Ruby without hesitation if she refused. Her hands trembled as she reached out to gently touch Ruby's injured side, feeling the warm blood seeping through her fingers. She took a shuddering breath.
Amaya: "I-I'll do it."
She choked out weakly, hating herself for giving in but seeing no other option.
Overhaul: "Good girl."
He praised mockingly as he released Amaya's throat abruptly. She gasped for air, rubbing her sore neck while trying to hold back sobs. Overhaul grabbed her arm roughly.
Overhaul: "Now let's find Kiyozawa."
He dragged her along behind him without caring about Ruby's condition or Amaya's emotional state.The pug limped behind them weakly, the spikes still embedded in its leg. Overhaul had no intention of helping it until Amaya did what he wanted...
Overhaul: "Hurry up."
He snapped when Amaya stumbled slightly.
Amaya's eyes glowed a soft red as she suddenly reversed their positions, her grip on Overhaul's arm tightening unexpectedly. She decided that if she had to play along with his game, she would do so on her own terms. She wanted to find Kiyozawa urgently but also needed Ruby healed before she bled out completely. Overhaul yelped in surprise as Amaya pulled him along instead of being dragged behind him like a helpless victim anymore. His arm hurt where her small fingers dug in almost painfully determined.
(In the air).
Kiyozawa flew through the air aimlessly, his mind consumed by thoughts of Amaya kissing someone who looked like him but wasn't him. He circled back over the area where he had seen them together, his heart aching with jealousy and confusion.
Kiyozawa: "Why was Amaya kissing that guy?"
He muttered to himself angrily.
Kiyozawa: "Maybe she mistook him for me..."
He desperately clung to that hope even though logic told him Overhaul had probably manipulated the situation somehow.
Amaya: "Kiyo!"
Her voice suddenly echoed through the air, causing Kiyozawa to pause mid-flight. She was calling out for him, her voice carrying a mix of desperation and relief. He looked down to see her standing there, Overhaul by her side with a smirk on his face. Ruby was limping beside them, blood dripping from her injured leg. Kiyozawa's expression darkened instantly as he saw Overhaul's hand resting possessively on Amaya's arm. He knew something was wrong.
Kiyozawa: "Amaya."
He flew down towards Amaya, his black wings spreading wide as he landed gracefully beside her. Without hesitation, he pulled out the sword of death, aiming it straight at Overhaul with deadly precision. Overhaul, however, was quicker than expected - he dodged the blade easily and reached out for Kiyozawa with that dangerous hand - the one that could disassemble anything it touched. On instinct alone - knowing how deadly Overhaul could be - Kiyozawa moved out of reach just in time.
Amaya quickly stepped between Kiyozawa and Overhaul, her arms outstretched to physically stop them from attacking each other.
Amaya: "Stop the both of you!"
She shouted firmly, her red-glowing eyes flashing with anger and frustration. She knew their rivalry had escalated too far, and she refused to let them harm each other further. Kiyozawa froze mid-movement, his sword hovering mere inches from Overhaul's face.
Amaya: "We need to talk..."
She said calmly despite her inner turmoil. She hesitated before continuing bluntly.
Amaya: "Kiyozawa... I need you to do something."
She avoided looking at Overhaul as she spoke the next words.
Amaya: "Kidnap a little girl named Eri..."
She saw Kiyozawa's expression darken instantly at her request. He knew she wouldn't ask something like this unless she was being forced somehow. His eyes narrowed suspiciously at Overhaul behind her.
Kiyozawa: "Why?"
He asked.
Amaya: "Just do it."
She repeated mechanically, her voice devoid of emotion. Kiyozawa's eyes hardened at her tone - she sounded like she was being controlled. He glanced back at Overhaul again, noticing the smug smirk on his face. It all clicked into place - Overhaul was blackmailing Amaya into making this request. Kiyozawa's hand tightened around his sword hilt as he struggled to contain his anger towards Overhaul.
Kiyozawa: "Fine."
He ground out through clenched teeth.
Kiyozawa: "I'll kidnap Eri."
Overhaul's smirk widened as Kiyozawa agreed to the task, knowing full well that he was manipulating both Amaya and Kiyozawa to his own ends.
Overhaul: "Put on a disguise for the job."
He instructed coldly.
Overhaul: "You don't want to risk being recognized while kidnapping a little girl."
His eyes glinted with malicious amusement at the situation. Kiyozawa's face twisted in disgust and anger at Overhaul. But he knew he had to play along to protect Amaya.
Kiyozawa: "I hate that we look alike."
He muttered bitterly to Overhaul, his voice laced with frustration and resentment. The two of them standing side by side, their striking resemblance was undeniable. It was this similarity that Overhaul was exploiting, using it to his advantage in manipulating Kiyozawa into committing this heinous act. Overhaul just laughed mockingly in response.
Overhaul: "Oh, poor baby. Does it bother you that people might confuse you with me?"
He teased cruelly.
Overhaul: "Just put on the fucking disguise."
Kiyozawa: "Don't tell me what to do."
He snapped back at Overhaul, his voice dripping with venom.
Kiyozawa: "I already know what to do. I've kidnapped children before... Maybe two hundred."
He admitted coldly, his eyes hardening at the memories.
Kiyozawa: "I don't even remember the exact number anymore."
Overhaul's laughter died instantly as he stared at Kiyozawa in shock - he had known Kiyozawa was ruthless, but hearing him so casually mention kidnapping hundreds of innocent children was something else entirely.
Kiyozawa: "Don't look at me like that."
He retorted sharply at Overhaul's shocked expression. "You experimented on your boss's granddaughter..."
He reminded Overhaul coldly of the horrific acts he had committed - using Eri for cruel experiments without a second thought about her innocence or humanity. Amaya watched this exchange with growing horror - both men were monsters in their own right; one who kidnapped children casually another who used them cruelly for experiments..Her stomach churned at their conversation..
Amaya: "Both of you shut up!"
She couldn't bring herself to look at Kiyozawa the way she used to - with love and admiration. His cold confession about kidnapping hundreds of children shattered her image of him as a potential lover. She felt physically ill at the thought of how many innocent lives he had ruined without remorse. Tears pricked at her eyes as she realized that the man she loved was just as monstrous as Overhaul in his own way - perhaps even worse because he did it so casually.
Amaya: "It's over..."
She whispered brokenly to Kiyozawa, her heart shattering into a million pieces as she spoke those devastating words. Kiyozawa's eyes widened in shock and heartbreak at her abrupt declaration - he had expected anger or disgust but not this empty resignation that seemed to signify the end of their relationship entirely. For a moment neither spoke - Kiyozawa stared at her in disbelief while Amaya looked away unable to bear seeing his painful expression any longer..Suddenly Overhaul's cold laughter broke through their silence..
Amaya suddenly snapped out of her emotional breakdown and turned her anger towards Overhaul instead. She stepped forward and slapped him hard across the face, her red eyes blazing with fury.
Amaya: "Heal Ruby right now!"
She demanded, her voice shaking with barely contained rage. Overhaul's laughter died instantly as he touched his stinging cheek, momentarily stunned by Amaya's sudden outburst. He glanced down at Ruby who was still bleeding profusely from the spikes in her leg.
Overhaul: "Fine."
Kiyozawa remained rooted to the spot, his eyes fixed on the ground as Overhaul began healing Ruby with his quirk. The giant pug let out soft whimpers of relief as the spikes dissolved and her wounds started to close. Amaya watched Overhaul work silently, but her thoughts were consumed by Kiyozawa's devastated expression - she had never seen him look so utterly defeated before. Part of her wanted to comfort him despite everything he had confessed...but another part was still revolted by his admission about kidnapping children.
Kiyozawa: "I only did that just to repay my boss..."
He said quietly, his voice barely audible over Ruby's whimpering.
Kiyozawa: "I found a way to get out of the Demonic Category. Someone said if I bought them out then none of us would be treated differently..."
He trailed off, trying to justify his horrible actions to Amaya.
She stared at him incredulously, her heart breaking even more at his attempt to rationalize kidnapping innocent children.
Amaya: "Are you seriously trying to excuse that?"
Kiyozawa: "You already know that Demonic Orbs get treated unfairly..."
He continued defensively, his eyes flashing with frustration and anger.
Kiyozawa: "I'm just trying to get everyone out from the Demonic Category. Kidnapping children brings me a lot of money. So it's only right..."
He paused again, searching Amaya's face for any sign of understanding or forgiveness but finding none instead of just pure disgust and anger towards him..
Overhaul finished healing Ruby and stood up slowly watching their interaction silently..
Amaya: "You're a monster."
She spat out, her voice shaking with disbelief and rage.
Kiyozawa's eyes widened, tears actually forming in them as he tried desperately to make her understand his twisted logic.
Kiyozawa: "You don't get it!"
He cried out angrily.
Kiyozawa: "I'm just doing it for my father! He adopted me when everyone else abandoned me! He saved me from that hell!"
His voice cracked with emotion but Amaya couldn't bring herself to feel sympathy anymore - not when he was justified in kidnapping children for money.
Amaya's hand flew up and cracked against Kiyozawa's cheek with all her strength behind it. She couldn't listen to his twisted justifications anymore - tears streamed down her face as she finally realized the true extent of his monstrous actions.
Amaya: "Stay away from me!"
She shouted, her voice breaking.
Amaya: "I won't tell your father about what you did...since he'll find out anyway..."
She turned away from him, unable to look at his tear-stained face any longer.
Kiyozawa: "Amaya..."
He called out weakly, reaching out a trembling hand towards her. But she just kept walking, her back rigid with anger and disappointment. Overhaul watched the scene unfold silently, a small smirk playing on his lips as he witnessed Kiyozawa's heartbreak firsthand. Ruby hesitantly followed after Amaya, glancing back at Kiyozawa with sad eyes before disappearing from view.. Everything went very quiet and heavy with unspoken emotions..Kiyozawa slowly lowered his hand, feeling utterly alone and defeated.
Overhaul snorted derisively as he watched Amaya walk away, leaving Kiyozawa standing there with a broken heart and a reddening cheek.
Overhaul: "Women, am I right?"
He said mockingly, shaking his head at Kiyozawa's pitiful expression.
Overhaul: "One minute they're loving you, the next they're slapping you and storming off."
He laughed coldly, enjoying Kiyozawa's misery.
Overhaul: "You really thought she'd understand your bullshit excuses?"
Kiyozawa: "Would your boss understand about you experimenting on his granddaughter?"
He snapped back at Overhaul, his voice dripping with sarcasm and pain as he turned his anger towards someone else for once.
Overhaul's smirk faltered as he realized the harsh truth in Kiyozawa's words - His boss would definitely not understand or forgive him for using his own granddaughter as a test subject.
Overhaul: "Shut up."
He growled defensively.
Kiyozawa: "I'm nothing but a monster to her."
He muttered bitterly, his voice devoid of emotion as he accepted the harsh truth.
Kiyozawa: "So I guess I'll keep going."
He looked up at Overhaul with cold determination in his eyes - if Amaya saw him as a monster anyway..why not embrace it fully? Overhaul nodded smugly.
Overhaul: "Good boy."
He praised mockingly.
Overhaul: "The first step is kidnapping Eri."
Kiyozawa simply nodded silently. Preparing himself mentally for another dark deed.
This will continue in the next chapter