underground fights.

The truth was that Kei was not a true villain; even when using his beast, even in his bloodthirsty side... Miu's innocence was different, bright, and so pure that he wished she could be part of his life. He felt jealousy, envy, and a sense of guilt, along with the reproach of not waiting and being part of her life, stealing everything from Kenichi, not the being he had become. That was the plan, but he was sent to the ivory coast and subsequently taken by the other Niko at his side.

He felt Miu's eyes, scared and nervous throughout the class. It hit him like a bucket of cold water, but when she looked at him, he could only extend his murderous intent

—Excellent, thank you all for coming. I hope this new school year allows us to improve our academic and student future —commented the class teacher, Kyoko One, a bespectacled woman who nervously glanced at the corner where Kei Kazama sat. She observed how all the students left their money on the table and paid their respects; even when he stared at them intently, they knelt on the floor as if in front of royalty. The intensity could be sensed like a primitive power that made it hard for the poor teacher to breathe.

All the students walked through the aisles without taking their time, escaping quickly. Kenichi and Miu went to their respective groups; Kei did not participate in these curricular events and had already collected the fee out of respect; he needed to hit something.

—Young Kazama —the teacher gathered her courage.

—Miss —the deep voice of Kei startled the teacher from her reverie; her soul seemed to escape for a moment, but she was worried about Kei.

—I understand you have started a military career —the teacher asked.

—That's right, in Japan's special military forces —Kei replied.

—I see. Even though you are part of Japan's military forces, I would like you to consider your options and strive to be part of this educational institution —Kyoko passionately commented.

...

—Miu, no matter what happens in the coming days —Kenichi said with a serious face—. I will protect you; Kei won't harm you without first going through me.

It was the second time he had been defeated by Kei with the ease of two blows; he was so fast that the blonde girl was astonished. He had grown so quickly in combat; he was a man who could double his attack power.

—Thank you, Kenichi. I feel safer with you —Miu said with a smile that brightened Kenichi's day. They were simple beings; both were, but Miu's complexity lay elsewhere; Kei's whispers haunted her. It began to make them both change their minds about each other

They both nodded and went to their extracurricular classes with a brief farewell. Miu stopped and saw Kenichi heading to his gardening club, feeling anxious and fearful of being discovered as she took stealthy steps. She ran toward where she saw Kei going, looked out the window, and in a quick leap saw him exiting the school. She began to follow him through jumps and distances; he went up to the subway station... a quick jump, and she arrived at the same station. She sighed, almost missing the train, but at one moment she was pressed against the door.

...

They were following her. Who could it be? If anything could be said, this person was fantastic at following others. Close footsteps indicated they would take the subway to visit Kovac or Takemoto, whoever was available; she needed to exercise her body but first had to deal with a snitch.

There she was: Miu Furinji, cornered.

—What do you want, Furinji? —Kei commented with complete disdain.

—I'm not here for pleasure; I dislike being in front of someone like you, but I need to know what you said... those words... I need the truth —Miu said desperately; her voice carried anxiety.

Kei pressed Miu against the window. —I'll tell you, but first you need to know something... your father is a strange guy; I'll tell you everything I know about Saiga Furinji —he whispered into her ear.

—Then do it —Miu said, not realizing how close Kei was.

—I will do it, but if you reproach me for anything in the next few hours, I will shut up and you'll never know the truth because only the truth can set you free... When the truth comes, you'll fully understand why many things are as they are. I promise on my life that I am sincere —Kei commented.

He couldn't help but take off her clear glasses and break them.

—WHAT DID YOU DO? —

She delivered a blow to his lower parts, but Kei stopped it with his knee. A groan escaped from Miu as Kei continued undoing her hair knots; each knot fell completely as her hair cascaded over her face. They arrived at Takemoto station while Kei simply styled her hair in a manner more befitting a girl without holding it back with a ponytail.

—I think you should stop hiding your beauty; other people's words are irrelevant. You look so fake wearing fake glasses and tying your hair back in a ponytail that restrains your essence. You are very beautiful, and trying to be someone different doesn't seem like your style unless you want to conceal it for martial arts —Kei remarked, leaving Miu surprised as for the first time she managed to separate herself from Kei's grip.

Miu continued with her back pressed against the train wall; now no one looked their way. They both stopped near Takemoto training house where they bought two ice creams and paused in a small park under some shade. Kei wanted to try kissing her lips but knew she was a serious person: a woman who desired one faithful partner; she truly was beautiful.

Miu remained silent, avoiding any mention of her glasses or loose hair; she was lost in thoughts about her father and mother and their hidden history.

—you should know that your father is insane. I believe among those I know I can say he is like me: he has a gentle side that is considerate and honest... some call him compassionate; but he also has a perverse side: a dark side that wants to see the world burn. I don't know what's happening with him; his demeanor is strange: his hair falls over his face reminding me of Akisame's style... but he is blonde with blue eyes like yours; he wears colorful suits and is elegant. He participated in the army and is known as Okinawa's demon. He seems friendly... at least sometimes; other times he seems like a demon who hates everything he sees... although it may not seem logical it's simply strange. My instincts are sharp but fail when it comes to knowing more about these matters —Kei commented.

—and my mother? —Miu asked with hopeful eyes wanting to be part of that woven malice. Eyes so... she couldn't hold back any longer; she sighed deeply.

—you see... that's what piques my curiosity: there are rumors that he was responsible for killing his wife in order to found Yami or become its leader... with one single purpose: invoking true martial arts—the killing fist —Kei commented as tears fell from Miu's eyes who began to crumble while vivid memories started surfacing: a snowstorm and her father's shadow after her mother's death.

He couldn't be cruel; gently he embraced Miu who tried to push him away. When attacking Miu head-on one does not suffer from common throws.

—but I don't believe he did that. It's strange; I think it's all a trap: something that led him into darkness... his eyes are sad; he must have loved your mother very much... he has that air sometimes when he's present... I don't think he did it —Kei commented while comforting her as he caressed her cheeks styling her hair and holding her slender body in his arms; it was an uneasy state and that moment of vulnerability for Miu passed in his embrace filled with scents of metal, flesh, and ointment.

—Don't cry... don't cry please... don't do it anymore... I don't believe he did it —Kei repeated as tears began flowing incessantly from her eyes awakening in him an urge to protect her. Without time to think he kissed her forehead followed by another kiss on her eyes; she didn't take note of it but Kei took her chin... their blue eyes met face-to-face against red ones while they had to pull away for breath. Kei kissed her lips; she tried to refuse but Kei held onto her body kissing her lips sweetly while she attempted to resist until Kei's tongue invaded when Miu slightly opened her mouth completely failing at denying herself amidst this emotional confusion between them.

The kisses intensified until they lost breath; she faded away as Kei continued kissing her deeply allowing their tongues to unite in communion without any leftover words wishing they could give each other space although Kei didn't allow that as they continued for an entire hour feeling heaven without room for more; that moment was beautiful in itself needing nothing else as Kei rested his head against hers.

—I think I need to go, — Miu sighed, pulling away slightly.

Kei kissed her again, and this time she responded, their connection lingering in the air.

—I want to protect you, but that's not right. This world is cruel and rotten, and I'm part of that. I'm a cruel, selfish man, but I'm scared of hurting you. Stop holding back and train hard. Yami is dangerous, and they exist to destroy people, —Kei said softly, pressing his forehead to Miu's.

—Then…—

—Strength. You need to train and be selfish. You need power if you want a normal life. And while I respect those willing to sacrifice for you, that won't help you in the real world. You're the granddaughter of the invincible man, but there are people out there who could even beat him in a one-on-one fight… Please, protect yourself. Focus on your training, — Kei continued, his voice heavy with sincerity.

—But we can't just leave Kenichi behind. I'm the one who dragged him into the world of martial arts. I can't abandon him now. His path depends on me, —Miu insisted, shaking her head. —It's not right. He's… he's just so good, it's something I have to do. —

—It's not your burden. He has five masters supporting him, and you're lost in the middle. You're strong, but you've neglected your training. Kenichi won't give up because you're strong—he'll respect you more if you protect what you care about. Stop waiting for others to do it for you, — Kei countered, his words hitting hard.

Miu lovingly ran her fingers through Kei's hair, and he shivered at her touch. In that moment, he realized—he was like a wounded cat, lashing out but desperately longing for affection. Miu's tender care was something no one had ever given him, not fully. His mother had been absent, his brothers too focused on their own paths. He fell, deeply, hopelessly in love with Miu. Was this real? He'd always tried to be logical, but kissing her had awakened a connection that sent him soaring. He kissed her again, a soft and gentle kiss.

They kissed each other, their emotions swirling between them.

—Why are you telling me all of this? Are you really just a bad guy? Are you a bad boy? —Miu asked, uncertainty in her voice, as if testing the waters of Kei's heart. The pained look in his eyes told her the truth—he was broken.

—It's true. I'm scum, unable to decide my own fate. Do you know what I'd do if I could decide for myself? I'm trapped by my choices, and now… I can only keep moving forward. — Kei's voice cracked with honesty.

—What would you do? — Miu asked, her curiosity tinged with compassion.

He was a manipulative bastard, but now he was speaking with a certain truth.

—I'd marry you. I want a family, two daughters and a son I can train. I'd want to live in the countryside, have animals to take care of—dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits—and live life day by day, without worrying about something terrible happening. Losing them would destroy me, and I'm weak when it comes to emotions… it's a kind of hatred. — Kei admitted, and a tear slipped down his cheek.

Miu wiped it away gently, and Kei, for the first time, let his emotions surface. He cried like a child, heartbroken and vulnerable. Miu, moved by his raw sorrow, couldn't help but comfort him, cradling him like a wife soothing her husband.

Both of their eyes were red and swollen, their lips tender and bruised from the kisses they'd shared. Kei tried to suppress his sobs, but Miu's smile softened his heart. She kissed him again, this time deeply, as night fell. For the first time in years, Kei spent a day without training. The two of them lay together, resting, and soon they drifted to sleep in each other's arms.

An elderly man with a yellow beard watched from a distance, his face a mix of doubt and concern. Seeing his granddaughter in such an intimate moment, he wanted to intervene, to stop it. But he held back, knowing that forcing Miu apart from Kei would only push her closer to him. Love was unpredictable, after all.

Miu woke up with a start. Her movement stirred Kei, who groggily opened his eyes. It was already night.

—It's night… I have to go. They'll be looking for me, —Miu said as she straightened her uniform, not wanting to linger.

Kei caught her arm. —Be careful. Yami has been sending assassins after you. Please, take care of yourself. —

They shared a gentle kiss, a farewell as much as a promise, before Miu hurried off into the night.

...