Ever since the battle with Tenjiku, after Takemichi wakes up about a day later, Sanzu sends him exactly one text.

"Don't contact me for a while."

And that's it.

From that day until now, neither of them reaches out to the other.

Part of it is because Takemichi isn't in the right headspace. Another part is because he understands. Kisaki and Izana aren't idiots. If the two of them are still working together, they'll definitely suspect there's a mole inside Tenjiku. Otherwise, how could Kisaki's plan fall apart so easily?

And even if Mucho trusts Sanzu, a guy who transfers over from Toman is naturally going to attract suspicion. So for now, staying out of contact is the smartest move.

Logically, Takemichi knows all that.

But emotionally...

It still pisses him off a little.

Everyone around him checks in on him, asks how he's doing.

Everyone except that bastard.

Fine, they aren't supposed to keep in touch. He gets it. But since Sanzu already breaks the silence to send one message, would it really kill him to add one more line? You okay? Is typing some extra words really that much work?

But no.

Not a single word.

And this is the same guy who tells him before the battle that he should take better care of himself.

Liar.

Figures. He never really believes those words come from Sanzu's heart anyway.

What annoys him even more is that he can't figure out why he's so irritated over Sanzu in the first place.

...What?

Does he actually want Sanzu to worry about him that badly?

The thought alone irritates him even more.

So out of pure spite, Takemichi completely ignores the damn jerk from then on.

Whatever Sanzu is doing, he couldn't care less.

He doesn't even bother asking whether Sanzu manages to track down Kisaki.

He'll handle everything himself.

Serves that asshole right.

Now that he thinks about it...

There's still the barbecue party.

He asks his mom if they can hold it this weekend instead, treating it as a celebration for his discharge from the hospital. Mrs. Hanagaki happily agrees -

Right until she hears how many people are coming.

"You seriously think our yard can fit that many people?"

"...Uh... no."

Definitely not.

His house is completely out of the question.

Which means he'll have to look for a campground or somewhere nearby that allows barbecues. The problem is, he doesn't know many places, and hosting it outside comes with its own set of hassles. Not knowing what to do, Takemichi brings it up while he's in the Black Dragons' office with Taiju, Inupi, and Kokonoi.

"You can use my place if you want."

Taiju drops the offer so casually that the moment the words leave Takemichi's mouth, all three of them - Takemichi, Kokonoi, and Inupi - freeze in disbelief.

Taiju's house is absolutely massive, with an enormous yard and even a swimming pool.

Takemichi visits it exactly once in the past, and the only thing he can remember is...

The smell of money.

It is everywhere.

"Really? There'll be a ton of people. You seriously don't mind?"

Takemichi asks cautiously, but his sparkling eyes are already locked onto Taiju.

Taiju lets out a sigh.

There it is again.

No one has ever made him repeat himself twice in his life. But this brat never seems to understand his rules. Or maybe he does, but he just doesn't care anymore.

"My place already has barbecue grills. Do whatever you want. As long as everything's cleaned up afterward."

The second Takemichi hears that, he throws both hands into the air in celebration.

"Yay! You're the best! Long live Taiju-senpai!"

Long live capitalism!!!

Taiju's face remains as cold and unreadable as ever. But the corner of his mouth betrays him, lifting ever so slightly. Even the look in his eyes softens with a trace of amusement he can't quite hide. If he'd known it'd make the brat this happy... He would've offered from the start.

As for the other two people in the room -

The instant Takemichi calls Taiju "senpai," one of them slams a finger onto his keyboard with a loud clack, nearly punching straight through the computer.

The other slowly curls a fist so tightly it looks ready to smash the desk in half.

Kokonoi and Inupi both turn toward Taiju with expressions that somehow manage to mix jealousy and resentment in equal measure.

Taiju simply raises an eyebrow, his face practically saying, "I've got the money, I've got the power."

Damn capitalist.

"Boss, I guess you haven't prepared anything yet, right? Let's go shopping together. I'll use the Black Dragons' budget. It's a celebration for our commander, after all. Whatever you want to eat, we'll buy it."

Capitalist Kokonoi clearly has no intention of losing this round.

"That wouldn't be right. That money belongs to everyone - they all worked hard for it. If it's for the Black Dragons, that's one thing. But this is my own party."

Takemichi shakes his head.

"Last time you covered my hospital bills, my mom kept bringing it up afterward. That already cost you a fortune. You don't need to spend more money on something like this."

Once again, Takemichi refuses to touch either the Black Dragons' funds... or Kokonoi's money.

Honestly, Takemichi used to dream about being rich and having status. But he was terrified of turning into that version of himself - the gangster who didn't hesitate to use his friends to kill people. Seeing himself like that in the video Naoto showed him, remembering the foolish, twisted person he became... the one who got Chifuyu killed trying to save him... makes him feel it's better to stay as far away from money and power as possible. As far as he's concerned, growing up to manage a CD shop and living happily with everyone is more than enough.

Up until now, the money from Black Dragon is something he only ever uses to develop the gang. It's all for official business. Even as the leader, every time a deal is completed, Takemichi only takes the same share as an ordinary member. Truthfully, even if he takes three or four times that amount, no one in the gang would object. That's the kind of cut the boss deserves.

Kokonoi brings it up with him countless times, but Takemichi always insists he's already taking what he earns. If anything, he's the one telling Kokonoi to increase both his and Inupee's shares instead. Whoever contributes the most deserves the biggest reward. That's one of the reasons the members of Black Dragon respect him so much. He never abuses his authority. Rewards and punishments are always fair. Anyone who puts in the effort gets what they deserve.

Back then, Kokonoi genuinely admired that about him. He truly respected Takemichi because he'd always believed everyone changes once money is involved. Yet from the very beginning until now, Takemichi never changes. And Kokonoi knows exactly why.

Because Takemichi's happiness has never been money.

Kokonoi's happiness isn't money either. He hates money. The only reason he chases it is because of the obsession rooted in his past. Yet to everyone else, his talent is nothing less than a priceless ability people desperately covet. Plenty of people use him. He accepts it because he uses them just as much. It's nothing more than a mutually beneficial transaction.

He's long since grown used to that... until he meets Takemichi.

In truth, Takemichi is using his talent too.

At first, Kokonoi couldn't understand it. If Takemichi has no interest in wealth or power, why does he come looking for him in the first place?

Now he finally understands.

Takemichi simply wants to protect his friends.

And that includes him.

To be honest, that realization once made him incredibly happy. Takemichi isn't like everyone else who only sees him as a walking wallet. Takemichi treats him well because he's Kokonoi - not because of what he can do.

But now...

Now that very fact no longer brings him any comfort.

He'd rather Takemichi use him out of greed.

He'd rather Takemichi need him the same way everyone else does.

At least then... he wouldn't have to worry about Takemichi abandoning Black Dragon just to return to Toman.

Kokonoi quietly grits his teeth.

"It's only a little, Boss. Last time everyone wanted to stop by and buy you something too, but they were all too busy to make it. So just think of this as making up for that. They just want to show some appreciation to their leader. If you turn this down, you're turning down their sincerity. If you're still not comfortable with it, I'll ask everyone first. I'll only take the money out if they all agree."

Kokonoi speaks with unusual seriousness, and there's a faint trace of disappointment in his voice that catches Takemichi off guard.

"K-Koko-kun... this..." Takemichi trails off, looking completely conflicted.

"Just accept it, Takemichi. It's not even that much. Nobody's going to object. Besides, didn't you say you want to use this party as the first step toward establishing peace between the gangs? Then it counts as official business too."

Taiju chimes in to back him up.

Hearing that, Takemichi really has no choice but to give in.

"...Okay. But don't overdo it, alright? I've actually saved up quite a lot of money lately... and my mom even gives me some extra spending money."

So...

He hasn't even touched the money he's been receiving from Black Dragon all this time?

The thought makes Kokonoi feel even worse.

Taiju and Kokonoi exchange a glance. Irritation flickers in Taiju's eyes.

After a moment, Kokonoi excuses himself, claiming he needs to use the restroom, and leaves the room.

Inupee quickly follows him into the hallway.

"Koko... you were a little too serious with Hanagaki back there. You know he's never been comfortable using Black Dragon's funds... or ours."

"Inupee... Black Dragon's money is his money too. Why does he keep separating it into 'the gang's money' and 'his own'?" Kokonoi mutters with a frown.

He's genuinely irritated.

This never used to bother him this much... Not until...

The sound of approaching footsteps cuts through the silence. Kokonoi and Inupi turn toward it, only to see Taiju catching up with them.

"Kokonoi, I thought you were the smart one. The careful one. What the hell was that back there? You were way too reckless. You seriously think that's how you're going to keep Takemichi by your side?"

The dissatisfaction in Taiju's voice is unmistakable.

Kokonoi grits his teeth. If it weren't for Taiju, he would never have become this sensitive about things like this. Ever since that day, Taiju's words have left him constantly haunted by that lingering fear.

"Shut up, Taiju!"

Inupi's brows knit together the moment he hears the words keep Takemichi by your side. He looks back and forth between them in confusion.

"What are you two plotting with Hanagaki? What do you mean by 'keeping him'?"

Taiju acts as though he never hears the question. He cuts Inupi off without so much as a glance, keeping his eyes fixed on Kokonoi.

"Don't disappoint me, Kokonoi. Neither your money nor your abilities are what keep Takemichi with you. No matter how much money you make, your place in his heart will never measure up to Toman."

Kokonoi's fists clench so tightly his knuckles turn white. He glares at Taiju, burning with anger, yet no words come out.

Because deep down...

He knows Taiju is right.

"Hey!"

After being ignored over and over, and still having no idea what the hell is going on, even Inupi loses his patience.

But Taiju has already adjusted his expression as though nothing has happened. Without another word, he turns around and walks away.

"What the hell happened between you two?"

Kokonoi draws a slow breath, forcing himself to calm down before looking at his friend, who is clearly desperate for answers.

...Maybe it's time Inupi knows.

He begins telling him about what happened between himself and Taiju a few days ago, back when they were staying at Takemichi's house.

Neither of them notices someone nearby quietly listening to every word.

"So you're saying Taiju thinks Hanagaki is going to leave Black Dragon someday?"

"He didn't say it without reason. You see it too, don't you? He only comes here because he's trying to gather enough strength to protect Toman. From what I can tell, once he catches Kisaki, and once Tenjiku and Toman finally make peace... he won't stay on as our leader anymore. Hell, maybe the reason he wants Black Dragon to remain independent from Toman is because he plans to hand it over to you and me someday... and walk away from it for good."

"But Hanagaki isn't the kind of person who'd abandon his responsibilities."

"Responsibilities?" Kokonoi lets out a bitter laugh. "What responsibilities are you talking about, Inupi? He rebuilt Black Dragon. He turned a gang that did every rotten thing imaginable into the Black Dragon you've always dreamed of. He's already fulfilled his responsibility. Taiju gave up the title of leader after losing a single fight. So how much more do you expect from Hanagaki? From the very beginning... he was never one of us."

His voice is laced with bitterness.

Right now...

More than anything, Kokonoi wishes he had met Takemichi before Toman did.

If only...

If only he had been the one who found him first.

"But... I've never even imagined that day."

Inupi slowly curls his hand into a fist.

Ever since Takemichi stepped into his life, he has pictured hundreds of different futures. Not a single one of them ends with Takemichi leaving him. Even if they still live in the same city... Without Black Dragon, he won't get to see him every day. If Takemichi goes back to living his own life... he'll have the person he loves, his partner, his friends... Where, in that life... Is there any place left for him?

The thought alone sends a sharp pain through Inupi's chest.

He can't accept it.

"It's not certain yet, Koko. We're just guessing. You can't let yourself worry this much."

Those words aren't just meant to comfort Kokonoi.

They're meant to reassure himself.

"So you're just going to wait until Hanagaki tells you himself? And when that day comes... are you going to stop him? Or are you just going to accept whatever he decides?"

Inupi lowers his head, biting his lip.

He has always wanted to respect Takemichi's wishes.

If that's truly what Takemichi wants...

"I'll never accept it."

While Inupi is still trapped in his own inner conflict, Kokonoi gives his answer without the slightest hesitation.

The certainty in his voice makes Inupi look up in surprise.

The moment their eyes meet...

He freezes.

It's been a very, very long time...

Since he's seen that look in Kokonoi's eyes.

"Koko..."

Inupi's eyes widen.

"...Don't tell me you're in love with Hanagaki?"

The question slips out before he even realizes he's saying it.

His eyes... Inui recognizes them.

They're the same eyes Koko wears when he's so obsessively determined to make money that he'll do anything to save Akane.

Only now, Koko is just as obsessed with finding a way to make sure Takemichi never has the chance to leave him.

Inui expects Koko to look surprised, or maybe laugh it off with some sarcastic remark.

Instead, the expression on Koko's face is the exact opposite.

His face stays unreadable, but deep in his eyes burns jealousy, the lingering terror of losing someone precious in the past, and the love he's spent so long suppressing, refusing to acknowledge.

"Yeah. I love him."

...Is he serious?

Inui stares blankly at Koko.

His heart suddenly pounds against his ribs. Something about this feels threatening. A chill runs down his spine as he meets Koko's gaze and hears that confession.

"Why are you so surprised, Inui? Aren't you the same?"

Something inside Inui's mind shatters.

"Don't tell me you treasure him the same way you treasure Shinichiro."

Inui's lips part soundlessly.

"You're the one who's always jealous of the Touman guys. You're also the one who finds every excuse to get close to Hanagaki."

"You practically lose your mind when you find out Ran's been harassing him."

"You secretly kiss his forehead during the sleepover."

"You nearly beat one of our own men to death because he made a joke about Hanagaki. The idiot even said it was a shame Hanagaki isn't a girl, otherwise he'd ask him out. Then you sneak off and sleep holding the jacket Hanagaki forgets behind. Do I really have to remind you how you bury your face in it, breathing in his scent over and over? You even call his name in your sleep. What exactly are you dreaming about, Inui? Dreaming about fucking him?"

Every secret he'd desperately hidden is exposed one after another by Koko.

The confusion on Inui's face slowly gives way to a deep, burning flush.

The hero he idolizes from childhood.

The hope that inspires him to pursue his dream.

A friend he respects.

Someone he simply wants to stay beside.

Those are the labels Inui has always attached to Takemichi in his own heart, using them to explain away the happiness he feels whenever he's with him... and to suppress the desires he knows he shouldn't have.

But Koko tears every last one of those excuses apart.

Unable to face him, Inui averts his eyes.

The tangled emotions knotting inside his chest are too much for him to confront.

A sudden sound startles him.

Koko and Inui turn toward the uninvited guest who has appeared without either of them noticing - the very person they've been keeping a close eye on these past few days.

"Why overthink it?" Kimura says with a smile. "If you two want to keep Hanagaki-san by your side, it really isn't that difficult."

"When the hell did you get here, bastard?"

Inui's voice turns ice cold as he glares at Kimura.

"Come on now, it isn't like I did it on purpose. You two are having a conversation out in public. You can't exactly blame me for overhearing." He adjusts his glasses with a smug grin. "More importantly... aren't you interested in my proposal? A way to make sure Hanagaki-san never has the chance to leave the Black Dragons."

"Talk." Koko doesn't bother pretending to be friendly.

Kimura shrugs at the obvious hostility, seemingly unbothered.

"Simple. Make him the one standing at the very top of this world. The greater the power, the heavier the responsibility. He needs to possess real authority. That's the strongest chain of all."

He smiles.

"Expand the Black Dragons even further. Don't let the gang's current strength go to waste on petty debt collection, protection rackets, and settling disputes for rich idiots. It's a complete waste of your potential."

Koko fixes Kimura with a piercing stare, trying to see through whatever is going on in that man's head.

From the very beginning, Kimura has clearly had ulterior motives involving Takemichi.

And now...

Now he looks like a man who's finally found the perfect opportunity to put those plans into motion.

"So you want us to throw Hanagaki's rules away?" Koko says coldly. "You know what it means when a delinquent gang grows that powerful, don't you?"

It becomes the yakuza.

Real criminals.

No matter how many principles they claim to have, bloodshed, murder, and countless unforgivable crimes become inevitable.

"That's not Hanagaki's world," Inui says quietly.

"And Hanagaki-san's world won't have room for either of you." Kimura smiles. "Power always casts a shadow. That's simply how it works."

Silence.

Neither Koko nor Inui says a word.

Everything around them suddenly feels suffocatingly unclear.

"You two can think it over."

Kimura turns and walks away.

"...After all, you're not the only ones trying to drag him into the darkness."

He murmurs those last words so softly that neither of them hears him.

Later, when he reaches the very top, he'll understand what the power of wealth and authority truly means. And he'll embrace it - without hesitation. No one can resist them. Isn't the whole world already losing its mind trying to obtain those very things? Sooner or later, he'll crave that seat above everyone else, the one where he possesses everything.

He wants to see Takemichi standing in that position. It will definitely be fascinating. Change always brings things no one ever sees coming, and the emotions that follow are always exhilarating.

"Kimura."

Kokonoi's voice echoes from behind him. He turns around.

"You don't understand Hanagaki. Someone like you never will. Don't flatter yourself into thinking you're some genius who can read people. A single wrong judgment... you have no idea what kind of outcome it might lead to."

Kimura falls silent for a brief moment before replying. The familiar smile that usually rests on his face is gone now.

"If you're going to lecture someone, maybe you should take a good look at yourself first. Do you really think you've got me all figured out?"

Note from Author:

Anyone else hear that?

The sound of a rich guy absolutely clowning himself. 💀

Kokonoi with everyone else: "Ugh. You guys only see me as a walking wallet."

Kokonoi with Takemichi: "...Then why won't he spend my money???"

The other day I came across a foreign TikTok that had a pretty interesting theory about why Kokonoi's character profile says he's afraid of people he can't control - like Takemichi.

We all know that even though Koko hates money, deep down he believes money can buy anything. It gives him control... even over someone's life. That mindset comes from Akane's death. He believes that if he'd had enough money back then, Akane would still be alive.

But later on, even after he joins Toman and Inupi entrusts Black Dragon to Takemichi, Takemichi never once thinks about taking advantage of Kokonoi's talents. When he tries to save Koko during the Tenjiku arc, it's not because he wants anything from him - he just wants Kokonoi to choose the path he truly wants.

No money. No favors. No ulterior motives.

If Takemichi doesn't want anything from him, then Kokonoi has absolutely no way to control him.

And if you've read the manga... you already know what Takemichi is like. 😭 The kid keeps throwing himself headfirst into the most impossible situations. Someone as logical as Kokonoi just can't wrap his head around the fact that Takemichi will keep pushing forward, refuse to give up, no matter how hopeless things get.

And every five minutes the idiot somehow ends up in life-threatening danger again.

I swear this is both the funniest and the cutest thing ever.

Then I found this fan art by an artist, and honestly... it captures that dynamic perfectly.

Cre: https://twitter.com/imo_mushitaimo/status/1514978799129018368fbclid=IwAR0l1kr2As3jlSaytfvww3_JRMTpknNr9OTPGjhDbkqr2Y7lNNE2wkx9m_c