When they arrived, they were met with soft lighting and creaky wood floors. It felt like a luxury compared to the filth of the sewers.
Tona helped guide Hatori up the stairs, shoulder under his best friend's arm. He opened the rented room, sparsely decorated—yet cozy. He guided Hatori to the bed, setting him down softly.
"Rest up, yeah?"
Hatori grinned weakly. "Thanks man… again."
Tona returned the smile, no words needed. He turned to the door, closing it behind him. He made his way down the stairs back to the rest of Judgment and Danzo stood.
"I've got to get heading back," Tona said. "Maro wants a report. Said I was here to reinforce, not have a sleepover."
He chuckled slightly. Before he could turn, Tsuki rushed forward, wrapping her arms around Tona.
The others froze.
It caught him with surprise. His posture stiffened for just a moment—before he softened and returned the hug.
"Thanks for coming," she mumbled. "Thank you for saving us."
"Anytime," he responded.
Geo glanced away—not in anger, but the jealousy was obvious.
Tsuki noticed. So did Azumi, who raised a brow.
Tona chuckled, stepping back. "Stay safe would you? Rather not have to break another sewer ceiling."
"Go report to daddy Maro, Ghost boy," Danzo joked.
Tona laughed, opening a gate beside him. He gave a two fingered salute.
"Later losers."
In an instant, he was gone—like he hadn't been there at all. As the portal faded, Tsuki turned and approached Geo, calm and knowing. Azumi gathered the others' attention to let them speak.
"I know what you're thinking," Tsuki said, meeting his eyes. Geo opened his mouth to respond, but nothing came. He looked away.
Tsuki leaned against the wall, her arms folded. "He's beautiful, strong, and kind. Everything someone would want to be."
She paused briefly, capturing a breath. Geo still gazed at the floor, avoiding eye contact.
"But I don't see him like that… not romantically."
Geo's eyes flicked back to her with a cautious look.
She continued. "When I see Tona, I don't get butterflies. I don't get flustered. I feel safe. Like nothing in the world would dare touch me."
She looked out the nearby window—the shutters were half open, and the sun beamed through.
"That's what I want to be for others. I want people to feel safe just because I'm standing there. I want my presence to mean protection. Not because I'm like him… but because I'm me."
Her eyes looked up at him, their gazes meeting.
"I don't want to be the next Tona. I want to be the first Tsuki. He's the reason I believe I can be."
Silence followed as Geo thought. Then:
"...I think you're already halfway there."
He grinned—and it caught Tsuki off guard. A faint blush of pink consumed her cheeks.
Danzo interrupted the moment—unintentionally.
"Just got an update from Ringo. Apparently Mushira is a big time merchant—owns nearly a third of the waterfront. Real 'gentleman of the people' type."
He waved Geo and Tsuki over for discussion—Knoxx and Azumi already circled the table he was at.
"He's got a gated estate connected with a paved path to the docks," Danzo continued. "I think our next course of action is paying him a little visit."
"When?" Knoxx asked, shoving food in his mouth per usual.
"Midnight or so," he responded. "Maybe a bit later. We need some genuine rest before then. No telling what we'll find."
"A surprise op," said Azumi. "I like it."
Knoxx kicked his feet on the table, shoving another shrimp down his throat. "Though, Hatori might need to stay—"
From upstairs, a voice called out—undoubtedly Hatori.
"I heard that dumbass! I'm fine!"
The desk lady of the inn gave an irritated look that screamed "shut him up."
Knoxx gave a guilty laugh, with the squad following suit. They each nodded, before going their separate ways until nightfall.
Tsuki trudged to her room, aching for the comfort of her pillow. Once she reached her bed, she flopped down dramatically, and gazed at the ceiling. Thoughts flooded her mind—events from the day, followed by memories. Ones she didn't want to remember.
Tokira.
Her best friend through the Stalker Academy, who now stood as her enemy. Who had definitely recognized her, and would soon report her.
Tsuki closed her eyes, and they all came back to her. She fell into the abyss of her mind.