A Hero Who Returns But Is Out Of Place

Kaoru stood in the doorway of the laboratory, watching Yukikaze and Shiranui share an emotional reunion. The sight of them embracing, their happiness and tears mingling, brought a warmth to his heart. Yet, he understood this was their moment to savor—a long-overdue celebration of their bond, free from any outside intrusion.

With quiet steps, Kaoru left the room, giving the mother and daughter the privacy they deserved. Outside, he found Murasaki standing near a monitor, her eyes fixed on the data from the experiment. Her expression was a mix of pride and satisfaction, the look of someone who had just witnessed a breakthrough.

"This experiment was a complete success," Murasaki said with excitement in her voice. "It's not just about helping Shiranui-san—it's opened up an entirely new frontier in medical technology. We've made history today."

Kaoru leaned casually against the wall, folding his arms. "Sounds like you're on the path to becoming a big name in the medical field," he remarked with a faint smirk.

Murasaki turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "A big name? Don't joke around, Kaoru-san. You're a critical part of this project. The initial idea and concept came from you, not me. None of this would've been possible without you."

Kaoru shrugged, diverting his gaze. "I just provided the foundation. You're the one who made it a reality. So, I think all the credit should go to you."

Murasaki sighed softly, slightly frustrated at Kaoru's nonchalant attitude toward such a monumental achievement. "You really don't want anything out of this? Recognition? Financial gain? This could revolutionize medicine, Kaoru-san."

Kaoru chuckled lightly, pushing off the wall and standing upright. "Listen, Murasaki. I didn't create this device for fame or profit. I did it to fulfill my promise to Yukikaze. She trusted me, and I won't let down someone who places their hopes in me."

Murasaki paused, reflecting on his words. There was an unmistakable sincerity in his voice, hidden beneath his casual and aloof demeanor. She realized that beneath the calm exterior, Kaoru was someone deeply principled and genuine.

"In that case," Murasaki began cautiously, "what if I take responsibility for this technology? I'll develop it further to help more people. But I want you to know that this will always be a product of our work together."

Kaoru gave a small nod and a faint smile. "That sounds like a good plan. You've got the skills and dedication to carry this forward, much more than I do. So, yeah, I'll leave it in your hands."

Murasaki looked momentarily surprised, then smiled warmly. "Thank you, Kaoru-san. I won't waste this opportunity."

Kaoru glanced at her, his expression softening slightly. "And I know you won't let anyone down. You're someone I can trust, Murasaki."

A mix of pride and respect swelled in Murasaki's chest, though she restrained herself from expressing it too overtly. As a professional, she wanted to maintain the decorum of their working relationship, even as she felt an undeniable admiration growing for Kaoru.

"I'll start planning further developments for this device," she said, turning back to the monitor. "But you know, Kaoru-san, you can't keep dodging the spotlight forever. People are going to start wondering where all these brilliant ideas are coming from."

Kaoru let out a soft laugh, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Let them wonder. I'm satisfied with the results."

Murasaki glanced back at him, noting the calm yet resolute expression on his face. She realized that Kaoru wasn't just intelligent and capable—he had a big heart, even if he often hid it behind his laid-back attitude.

"Kaoru-san," Murasaki said softly, "the world could use more people like you."

Kaoru looked at her briefly, then gave a faint smirk before turning away. "Unfortunately, one of me is already more trouble than it's worth."

With that, he walked off, leaving the laboratory with a lighter step. Behind him, Murasaki could only smile, feeling as though she'd met someone truly extraordinary—someone capable of changing the world without needing recognition.

---

Later, Kaoru returned to the room, carrying a small package in his hand. A faint smile touched his lips as he saw Shiranui and Yukikaze sitting together, basking in their rekindled bond. Their once-distant relationship now seemed stronger than ever, and it filled him with a quiet sense of accomplishment. Yet, beneath it all, a faint twinge of envy stirred within him—an unspoken longing for a connection he had never experienced himself.

"So, how are you both feeling now?" Kaoru asked, setting the package on the table in front of them.

Yukikaze, ever brimming with energy, answered first. "It's… amazing! It feels like all the missing pieces have finally fallen into place!" Her crimson eyes sparkled with genuine joy.

Shiranui, sitting beside her, offered a gentle smile. "Thank you, Kaoru-san. Your help has been invaluable. Words can't fully express how much this means to me."

"Yeah," Yukikaze added, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you so much, Kaoru-san. This means everything to me. My mother is the only family I have left in this world, and now, because of you, I have her back."

Kaoru returned a small smile, though a shadow flickered across his eyes. He was happy to see the warmth of their relationship, but it reminded him of the cold, distant bond he shared with his own mother. He had never felt this kind of closeness from her—only from his father, who had always been his pillar of support and comfort.

Pushing those thoughts aside, he refocused on the present. "By the way," he said, folding his arms, "I've fulfilled my promise. So, Shiranui, I guess you don't need to keep working as my assistant anymore, right?"

Shiranui froze, her eyes widening in surprise. "Wait… What do you mean, Kaoru-san? Are you firing me?"

"That's not it," Kaoru replied flatly, though a hint of guilt crept into his expression. "With your memories restored, you don't have to keep working for me. You have your family now, and I'm sure there are bigger responsibilities waiting for you in Gosha Village. It's not like I don't know about your important role there."

Shiranui stared at him, a mix of confusion and hurt flashing across her face. "Kaoru-san, do you really think I can just walk away from everything? Besides, I've been gone long enough. I'm sure my position has already been filled. You wouldn't abandon me to care for one child alone, would you?"

The atmosphere grew tense. Yukikaze glared at Kaoru with a sharp look, like a princess ready to defend her mother's honor. Kaoru sighed, rubbing his temple as he realized that his words had once again landed him in a difficult spot.

"Alright, alright," Kaoru conceded, raising his hands in surrender. "If you want to keep working with me, I won't make you leave. But at least make sure you take care of things here first, especially with your family."

Shiranui gave a small smile, looking satisfied with his response. "Of course, Kaoru-san. Thank you for considering my wishes."

Kaoru could only sigh, knowing he would never win arguments like this. He turned to leave the room, but as he reached the door, Shiranui's soft laughter stopped him in his tracks.

"What's so funny?" he asked, glancing back.

"Nothing," Shiranui replied with a chuckle. "It's just rare to see Kaoru-san lose an argument. It's… surprisingly human."

Kaoru shook his head and left the room without another word. Behind him, Shiranui smiled warmly as she turned to Yukikaze.

"What do you think, Yukikaze?" she asked.

Yukikaze shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "I think Kaoru-san is softer than he lets on. He'd never truly leave us."

Shiranui nodded, feeling reassured by the thought. Though she wouldn't admit it outright, Kaoru's presence had become an irreplaceable part of their lives.