— I see... So that's how it is, — I said with a faint smile.
— You and I… we're pretty similar, Chiori.
— Let's get out of here already. I'm starving, — she muttered, trying to sound upbeat, even though her voice still carried exhaustion.
I cast one last glance at the dark entrance to the cave.
The "From the Shadows" gang…
I knew they'd find a new leader.
They'd rebuild.
Like a phoenix rising from ashes.
But not now.
I couldn't fight an army alone.
Six hundred bastards.
No — next time, things would be different.
— Yeah, yeah, I'm trying to move faster, — I said, stepping forward.
— You're kind of funny. Thanks, Fio. For saving me. And… for understanding me, — Chiori said, smiling again.
This time, it was real.
— Only if it's without a mask, — I replied with a grin.
— Right, no mask — she giggled softly.
We climbed down the slope until the city finally came into view ahead.
— Hey, Chiori, — I spoke after a brief silence,
— what do you think… should we form our own gang?
She raised an eyebrow, surprised.
— Why?
— We're too exposed.
If someone comes at us… hard and with numbers… we won't stand a chance.
I'm right, aren't I?
Chiori paused to think.
— Hmm... Yeah, I guess so.
But who are you planning to bring in?
— I want to form a gang of the weak.
People who can't even protect themselves.
— What?! Why? Why not the strong?
I narrowed my eyes and looked at her seriously.
— Because the strong...
They're too confident. Too driven.
Eight out of ten will betray you the moment their goal changes.
But the weak?
If you lift them up…
Take them through pain, through fear, give them strength—
they'll never leave you.
Because you gave them a second life.
Chiori stayed quiet for a moment.
Then smiled gently.
— I see... You're smarter than you look, Fio.
— Thanks, — I replied, feeling something warm stir inside me for the first time in a long while.