Ichigo can't Fight

Three days had passed since Sakai became a battleground for street gangs. Yet, it was almost a normal occurrence—one that everyone seemed accustomed to. Fights broke out everywhere, bodies lay scattered across the busy streets, and life carried on. But a few things had changed.

Akitsugu and the others had grown silent, almost passive in their dealings. The mysterious ship remained at the port, and everyone speculated that the new, enigmatic crime boss had made it his headquarters. Yet, no one had ever seen him—except for the likes of Kento, Katsuo, and a certain mysterious girl who wandered through the market from time to time.

"Kid, I'm sorry about your friend, but honestly, we haven't seen anyone like that so far," Baker Ba said as Ichigo, Teigen's sister, and some other orphans arrived to collect the leftover food he had promised them. "Sosai isn't the type to just disappear, and Yui's gang has been keeping a low profile ever since they took over Futushi's region. Pit and his bunch of lackeys are the only ones still spreading chaos."

days had passed since Futushi's death and Sosai's disappearance. Ichigo had managed to get Teigen treated, but the grim news came from the healer just past midnight—Teigen would never walk again.

"You and the others go stay with Teigen. Let him have some of the rice cakes. I'll search for Sosai a bit before checking in on the others back home," Ichigo told Teigen's sister and the orphans, who left with their food.

Ichigo hid his sadness well, but as each day passed, the weight of Sosai's absence became more apparent. The orphans relied on him now, and though he struggled to fill Sosai's shoes, the burden was beginning to crack him. He spoke less, his usual resilience waning. Even Teigen's words failed to lift his spirits. The poor boy blamed himself for everything.

"Thank you, Baker Ba. But if you hear anything about Yui's gang, let me know," Ichigo said. "I heard they used to ship off kids and people out of the village. If anyone hears anything, please tell us."

Baker Ba nodded solemnly and bid Ichigo farewell.

Ichigo wandered into the street, unsure where to go or who to see. He was lost in thought when someone brushed past him in a hurry. A faint scent of Autumn flowers filled his nose, making him stop and turn. He caught only a glimpse of her before he was rudely shoved aside by a group of five gang members—Pit's lackeys.

Then he realized—they were chasing her.

Who was she? Why was she being pursued?

For a moment, the darkness inside Ichigo—the sadness and doubt—lifted. And so, he did what he always did.

"What else do you have now?"

"Yeah, little bird, you wanna grow wings and fly away?" another gang member taunted as they closed in on Mizaki, their intent clear.

"How about you give us that necklace? Those shoes? Those earrings?" One of them smirked before pausing. "Does anyone want the dress too?"

Mizaki stood her ground, unflinching.

"Look at that—she's not even afraid."

"Leave her alone," a voice cut through the tension.

Ichigo.

He leaped down from a nearby rooftop, landing between Mizaki and the gang.

"She doesn't have anything for you," Ichigo continued. "Her father is a police officer. If you touch her, Pit is going to pay for it."

"Huh?" Mizaki raised an eyebrow. Who was this kid? He looked like someone who needed rescuing himself.

The gang hesitated. Pit had made it clear—no one was to mess with the police or their families. It was an unspoken rule.

"Wait a minute," one of them said. "How do we know you're not lying, Ichigo? Maybe she's just some random brat you're playing hero for."

Ichigo scoffed. "Me? Play hero? As if. But trust me—if you touch her, the police will be on your backs."

Mizaki watched him closely, intrigued. The odds of being saved by a weary, insignificant boy like this? Slim. The odds of him not turning against her himself? Even slimmer. Yet, there he stood, facing off against a gang much stronger than him.

"Ichigo, if you're lying…" One gang member suddenly noticed the bag slung across Ichigo's back. "Wait a second—is that rice cake?"

'Oh no,' Ichigo realized. He had forgotten to hide his stash before stepping in.

"Hand it over, Ichigo!"

"What? No, wait, listen—" Ichigo tried to reason, but it was too late.

"Get him, boys!"

They lunged at him, pummeling him with fists and kicks. He tried to shield himself, but they were relentless. His rice cakes scattered onto the dirt, crushed beneath their feet.

"Stupid brat," one of them sneered, wiping sweat from his brow. "Now I need a bath. What do you guys say—swim time?"

They laughed as they walked away, satisfied.

"49… 49…" Ichigo grunted, slowly pushing himself up.

As he steadied himself, Mizaki walked past him without a word.

He wanted to say something, but she had already vanished.

Sighing, he dusted himself off and looked at the ruined rice cakes.

"You're welcome," he muttered bitterly.

"Here."

Ichigo jumped, startled. She was behind him.

Mizaki dropped two bags of fresh rice cakes at his feet.

"What?! Where did you—how did you—? I just saw you—" Ichigo stammered, trying to make sense of it.

Mizaki simply smiled. She raised her hand, and for a brief moment, Ichigo saw it—a golden crane, her fighting spirit, towering over her before vanishing into the air.

Then, without another word, she leaped into the sky, soaring away before his very eyes. Indeed, she could fly.

Ichigo stood there, amazed and stunned.

It was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.