Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

After saving the village Unnamed from Ibara and his vicious intentions, the Kingdom of Science headed to Ishigami's village.

Senku was standing face to the sea, letting the wind brushing his hair. He gazed at the treasure between his fingers with a grin appearing on his lips. Medusa joined the Kingdom of Science. The night was peaceful. The sound of the waves was relaxing. And for once, the scientist let himself relax on their victory. Under the full moon, everything felt calm.

His eyes were watching the stars, some memories came back to his mind. Tired as he was, Senku turned away and joined the others below deck.

Senku pushed the door and observed with his crimson eyes the scene that was presenting to him. Ryusui was piloting the helm with expert hands, Ukyo was focusing his mind on checking dashboard vibrations. Gen was in a deep conversation with Yuzuriha. While some group was made and discussing between them, the scientist noticed that Taiju, Chrome and Suika had an animated chat.

Senku stepped forward and handed Medusa to Kohaku without a word. He put his hands on his hips and turned toward the group to speak.

"We've still got work to do. Science doesn't wait."

His tone was decisive and sharp. Everyone turned to look at him, except Ukyo and Ryusui too focused on their tasks, though Ryusui wore a sly grin.

"What's the next step, Senku-chan~?" asked Gen with a smirk, approaching him.

"America." replied Senku. "We're heading to America."

"America? Are you sure, Senku? Isn't that... kind of far?" asked Yuzuriha, concerned about the sudden declaration.

"What's America?" Chrome tilted his head, before looking for someone to explain to them.

"It's a country really far away from here, Chrome-chan." answered Gen with a chuckle, letting Senku take over.

"Don't worry. I already have a plan-"

But before Senku could finish his sentence, Ukyo tensed, his eyes narrowing.

"Senku, I'm picking up a frequence."

The room went silent.

"What do you mean, Ukyo?" asked Kohaku, frowning.

"It's faint, but it's here. A broadcast. Something... is being heard."

Senku strode toward the speaker, adjusting the device as everyone gathered around him in suspense.

"It might be Why-man!" said Gen dramatically, panic in his voice.

"It’s a high probability." affirmed Ryusui, with a serious tone and having left his post to listen closer.

Senku leaned in, filtering through the static until a strange voice broke through.

"1 second, 12 800 000 km'

The voice was distorted and mechanical, definitely non-human. Everyone froze on their spot. Kohaku instinctively moved back with Medusa, avoiding the disaster. Senku immediately shut off the connection to prevent any signals from reaching it.

"Kukuku... That's impressive." murmured the scientist, intrigued.

"What was that!?" asked Chrome, shaken.

"That's the diameter of the Earth." explained Senku, scratching his ear. "It means that Why-man is planning to repetrify the entire world."

But why ?

Ukyo kept an eye on his board. Something felt wrong... His instinct screamed that it wasn't a simple broadcast.

"Senku... Do you know where this signal came from?"

"With that range and artificial tone... It's coming from the moon."

Everyone went silent.

"The moon!?" Gen's voice cracked with disbelief. "Senku-chan, are you serious?"

"10 billion percent. We'll find out."

Ukyo glanced toward Gen, noting silently how quiet he had become. He always had the feeling that Gen was hiding something... But the mentalist was too skilled at keeping his cards close.

Senku crossed his arms, his voice determined.

"Now that we know Why-man is on the moon, we'll go to the moon."

"WHAT?!"

Everyone cried out in unison. But before anyone could complain at the scientist project, Ukyo flinched again, returning to his equipment.

"Wait... There is another signal."

"Huh?"

The tension grew heavier. The scientist frowned at the ancient marin.

"Why... you betrayed... us.."

The speaker cracked again. A different voice came from it, trembling, broken and... Human. The air in the room dropped several degrees.

"That's... That's not Why-man?" noticed Taiju with fear and a confusion growing in his stomach.

"It definitely sounded human..." confirmed Ukyo, also confused.

Senku clenched his jaw, listening carefully. Trying to analyse and figure out any possibilities of the source of the voice. The voice became louder and clear, repeating over and over.

"Why did you betrayed us?"

A chill ran down everyone's spine.

In the corner, Gen stood frozen. He hadn't moved since the voice came through. He wasn't looking at anyone. His eyes were lost in thought... Or perhaps in memory.

The scientist finally straightened up from the dashboard, his eyes gliterring.

"I traced the origin of the voice. We're not the only ones alive on this island."

Gasp rang out.

"Survivors?" Asked Kohaku, suspicious.

"That's impossible..." muttered Chrome, "We've never found anyone else."

"That's about to change. But first..." grinned Senku, darkly. "We revive Tsukasa. We're going to need backup."

The scientist's expression turned intense, the same wickedly brillant look he always showed when an experiment was about to begin.

Few minutes passed, plans were forming rapidly. Supplies, preparation, exploration. A new mission was growing before heading to America.

As Senku finished his explanation, Ukyo nodded, half listening... Couldn't keep his eyes off Gen. Unusually, the mentalist hadn't said a word since the second voice ended. He was curiously noiseless.

Finally, Senku clapped his hands to bring everyone's attention.

"Alright. Get moving, people! Science isn't going to wait around while you daydream!"

Everyone moved out of the room. Murmurs and whisperings were drawn away little by little as the tension eased, for everyone except Ukyo, who kept watching at the man in purple coat walking toward the door.

Senku's red eyes also tracked Gen.

"Mentalist. Where do you think you're going?" asked Senku, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, Senku-chan! I just wanted to step out for a bit of fresh air!~" declared Gen, with a forced smile.

"We still have plans to discuss."

"Don't worry about me, Senku-chan!~ I'll be back soon!"

And he just ran away, not letting Senku reply. Silence settled once again.

Chrome was the first to break it.

"What's up with him?"

Chapter Text

The group waited. One hour passed, and it became clear: the mentalist wasn't coming back for the little reunion and planning session. Senku sighed, arms crossed.

"Well, the mentalist isn't coming. Let's start without him."

He glanced at the team leaders. The others, busy with their tasks, turned their heads and gave small nods of agreement.

Finally, it was time to move forward with the plan.

______

The journey lasted half a day. The morning had gone well, but something still felt off. Ukyo noticed that Gen was avoiding some people, specifically Ryusui, Senku, and himself. But, he still spoke to them, with a certain distance and made only short conversations.

Observing Gen on the deck, Senku also noticed something strange and quietly joined Ukyo in a more isolated area, away from curious ears.

"Did you notice something too, Ukyo?" said Senku with disinterest, surprising Ukyo who hadn't heard him approach.

"I prefer not to jump to conclusions," replied Ukyo, narrowing his eyes. "But... Gen has been acting weird since yesterday."

Senku didn't say a word and simply nodded. Before one of them could continue to talk, a voice chirped behind them, making them tense up.

"Ukyo-chan! Senku-chan! Are you two plotting something without me?" laughed Gen, stepping into view with his usual playful tone.

"Nothing, mentalist. Just talking about the meeting you missed yesterday." replied Senku with a hint of reproach, his hands on his hips like a scolding parent.

"Oops~ Sorry, Senku-chan! I got bumped into a chat with Yuzuriha-chan and Taiju-chan about that scary voice message." said Gen smoothly, hiding his lies behind a soft smile.

"And what did you think of the announcement?" Ukyo asked, raising a brow, trying to corner him. "You were unusually quiet."

"Oooh, dear Ukyo~ Are you suspecting me of something?" sighed Gen dramatically, hiding the slight trembling in his sleeves. "Honestly, who wouldn't be scared? Survivors—unknown ones—on this island? We have no idea what they want. I just didn't want to rush into anything."

Silence.

A cold breeze brushed past their faces. Ukyo didn't look convinced. Senku stood still silently, analyzing every words and every twitch from Gen. But both of them noticed how the mentalist hid his shaking hands. They looked at each other and quietly confirmed that Gen was now a suspecious.

"Well then, Senku-chan~ What did I miss in yesterday's plan?"

Senku frowned and walked past Gen without answering directly, gesturing for him to follow toward Chrome.

"Are you slowing down, mentalist? Trying to avoid your job?"

Senku smirked, watching Gen's reaction closely. The scientist noticed how hard Gen was trying to keep calm, but said nothing.

As a response, Gen just smiled and caught up with him.

The rest of the day went... strangely normal.

______

They arrived at Ishigami Village. Everyone stepped off the ship, joyfully.

"Finally! Land! Glorious land!" shouted Yo, falling to his knees and kissing the dirt.

"You're so dramatic," sighed Senku, scratching his ear with a faint smirk. "It's only been a week."

"You can't deny it feels great to be back, Senku-chan~!" Gen laughed, making Yuzuriha and Suika nod excitedly.

"Gen's right! It feels amazing!" Taiju added with his usual enthusiasm.

"Yeah yeah. But we've got no time to waste. Let's revive Tsukasa," said Senku, arms crossed.

"HAHA! Now we're talking!" shouted Ryusui, snapping his fingers.

______

Climbing the mountain to reach Tsukasa wasn't hard—if you were as strong as Taiju. After a rough climb, Senku, out of breath, reached the cryogenic chamber where Tsukasa was resting.

Fortunately, all their effort was rewarded. Now, the depetrification fluid had advanced enough to fully heal Tsukasa's injuries. Senku grinned, approaching the fridge with a flask in a hand.

"It's time." 

He glanced at the Medusa device in his other hand, murmured a command, and gently placed it on Tsukasa's chest. When he was far enough, a green light enveloped the fighter's body, freezing him in a stone state.

"And now..."

He removed the Medusa, letting the golden fluid run over the stone. This time, a brilliant yellow light submerged Tsukasa.

"Welcome back, Shishio," said Senku, scratching his ear with a smile.

Tsukasa slowly sat up. Gen approached with a flourish, holding out his cape and without hesitation, he caught the cape, handed to him.

"Did you dream of science during your nap, Tsukasa-chan~?" teased Gen, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

Tsukasa said nothing, simply staring at him in silent.

Now awake, Kohaku stood still, watching his every move, fully on guard. After all, he was still a formidable fighter. Taiju, oblivious to the tension, smiled wide at the sight of his old friend.

"We're going to the moon," announced Senku nonchalantly.

"The... Moon?" Tsukasa blinked, stunned.

"Why-man is there. So, we're going up. Oh, and by the way—we found survivors on this island," muttered Senku, already deep in thought.

"Survivors? How's that even possible?" asked Tsukasa, frowning.

"Right?! It's like ghosts or something!" gasped Chrome. 

"That's kinda scary..." murmured Yuzuriha.

"Don't worry, Yuzuriha! I'll protect you!" Taiju declared with a hand on his chest.

"Oh, thank you, Taiju," she giggled softly.

A loud clap caught everyone's attention.

"That's why we're going to explore their secret base!" shouted Ryusui confidently.

"You're sure they're scientists?" asked Chrome.

"No doubt," Senku replied, arms crossed. "It's 10 billion percent certain they're scientists."

His red eyes shone with excitement.

"Our next mission is to find them and negotiate a peaceful cohabitation. The more allies we have, the faster we rebuild the world."

"Aren't you being too optimistic, Senku-chan?" Gen asked, eyeing the scientist already mapping things out in his head.

"It's possible, isn't it?" asked Ukyo calmly. 

"Sure, it's possible," said Gen with a fake smile, uncomfortable under Ukyo's stare. "But we know nothing about them."

"That's why we're going to negotiate!" grinned Ryusui.

"And of course, you want me to come along..." sighed Gen.

Everyone nodded. Tsukasa smirked at the scene, though deep down, he remained cautious. After the planning, Tsukasa agreed to join the mission after Senku filled him in. 

But his thoughts were elsewhere.

All he could think about... was her.

And then he saw her.

A little far, among some children, a girl stood holding a basket full of flowers. She slowly turned and locked eyes with her brother—the one she'd waited for all this time.

"Brother..." she sobbed, walking toward him. "You came back..."

"Yeah." Tsukasa smiled gently as Mirai ran and hugged him tightly.

"What a heartwarming scene, Tsukasa-chan~" teased Gen.

Tsukasa glanced at him, but this time... he let the smile stay.

"Now that you've reunited, shall we move to the next step?" said Senku, already halfway back to his lab.

"Wait! Don't you think it's unfair that you're the only one with the cool face marks?" said Gen, with a grin.

"Hah? That's not important."

"But he's right, Senku!" added Taiju.

Gen gave a mischievous smile, holding up a pot of ink. He redrew his own mark before turning to Tsukasa. 

"There, Tsukasa-chan~ Or are you scared to get ink on your pretty face?" he teased.

Tsukasa chuckled lowly. "Only if you draw it with your eyes closed."

Gen blinked. "Wait, what?"

"Kidding," Tsukasa said deadpan, making even Senku snort softly.

"He made a joke... is the world really coming back?" whispered Chrome.

And with that, the spark of humanity, warmth, and uncertainty continued to grow among them.

Chapter Text

Later, after the resurrection of Tsukasa, Gen decided to join Senku, who worked alone in the laboratory. The silence between them was dense, almost suffocating. The mentalist approached slowly, looking over Senku’s shoulder and observing what the scientist was doing.

"Hey, Senku-chan! What are you doing?" said Gen with a teasing smile. "Preparing me some cola, maybe?"

Senku didn't even look at him, his eyes fixed on the test tubes in front of him, a silent warning in the air. After a few moments of silence, Gen sighed and circled the table to face him.

"It’s good that Tsukasa is back with us, isn’t it?" tried Gen, again, his voice lighter now, but the only answer was the faint tinkle of the glass. "Why are you ignoring me, Senku-chan?"

"You think I ignore you?" Senku’s voice was dry, his tone contemptuous. "I’m busy with science. You wouldn’t understand."

Finally, Senku looked up, cold and without blinking, studying Gen with a slight indifference.

"I don’t know what you did to them," says Senku, his voice calm but firm. "But don’t try it with us."

Gen chuckled, but the sound wavered toward the end.

“Ooh~ You always see through me, don’t you? We all make mistakes, Senku.” The words seemed to fade, his usual confidence disappearing.

Senku said nothing, his gaze never leaving the mentalist, intense and unreadable. The silence returned, heavier than before. Gen shifted uncomfortably, then slowly backed away toward the entrance.

“Well... if you find the time to make me this cola, I will be eternally grateful,” he added with a final, weak smile.

With that, he left and Senku was alone again—surrounded only by glass, paper, and the hum of unspoken doubts.

______

Senku sighed and stretched his muscles, a quiet breath escaped his lips. He glanced at the drafts scattered across the floor of the observatory and grinned proudly. They would finally have some help from other scientists. His red eyes turned toward the stars, and little by little, memories of his father surfaced, making him melancholy.

"Do you think they're gonna be cooperative?" asked Senku to the moon quietly.

Only a peaceful silence answered him, calming his nerves. Fatigue had seeped deep into his body, after all, he had spent the whole day planning their next expedition to their new discovery. Sighing again, he dragged his tired body towards the bed between his roommates. He first knelt down to check them: to his left, Chrome was peacefully asleep, undisturbed by anything. Then, he looked to his right and saw Gen, his posture was different from Chrome's: he was tense, his face twisted by something Senku couldn't identify. The scientist noticed the heavy bags under his eyes — he clearly hadn’t slept for a long time. Well, maybe Senku wasn’t much better off either.

He lay down in bed, staring at the ceiling. His body was exhausted, but his mind churned, haunted by something about Gen he couldn’t quite name.

Or maybe just a bad feeling... 

In both cases, Gen was the cause of his sleeplessness.

After a few more minutes staring at nothing, his eyes slowly closed by themselves, bringing him into a sweet dream.

______

The next morning, at dawn, everyone was already up, ready to search for clues related to the signal they'd detected. When Senku joined them, his friends were there—some to see them off, others getting ready to leave with him for the expedition. Packed bags were full and dispersed on the floor. The scientist whistled. 

"Already ready to go?"

"HAHA! Absolutely! François took care of everything!" Ryusui's loud voice boomed, making a few others frown sleepily.

"Yes, as Master Ryusui says, I made sure to include enough food and first aid supplies to keep the expedition as safe as possible," explained François, calmly.

"Do you know where we're heading for exploration?" asked Kohaku to Senku, hoisting a bag onto her back.

"Considering that the signal was from the north, Ukyo and I couldn't pinpoint the exact location. It could be either northeast or northwest. That's why, we'll split up once we reach a certain point." explained Senku as he calmly approached the gathering. 

"Aahh~ How long  is this expedition going to take, Senku-chan?" sighed Gen, reluctantly accepting the bag François handed him. "I really don't want to spend hours trudging around..."

"Don't worry, Gen! It'll just take a few hours!" Taiju tried to comfort him.

"No, Taiju-chan… It probably won't..."

"Anyways, no time to waste, let's move," said Senku, turning his head to Yuzuriha, François, and Kaseki. "You are responsible for the village now. Follow all the instructions I left until we come back."

The scientist smiled at them, while Taiju, more emotional, hugged Yuzuriha tightly one last time.

Finally, their expedition began. The group headed north to Japan at the time of the world of stone.

"Senku, do you think they were already here when it was just the three of us awake?" asked Tsukasa, catching Taiju and Senku’s attention.

"That's 10 billion percent possible. I doubt I'm the only one who's woken up in this stone world," mocked Senku, keeping his red eyes straight ahead. "Those scientists might have been depetrified long before me."

"Isn't it strange, though, Senku-chan? If there really were scientists living here, why haven't we found any clues about their existence?"

"Exactly why we're going, Gen!” laughed Ryusui. “To discover every secret they have!!" 

“Maybe they hid their constructions really well?" suggested Kohaku, intrigued. "But… I never saw any smoke from a camp..."

As they chatted, a faint crack in the underbrush was heard by Ukyo, who instantly stopped his tracks. Without hesitation, he warned everyone:

"Wait...! We’re not alone."

Instantly, Kohaku and Tsukasa were already on their guard, weapons in hands. Everyone’s eyes turned toward the bushes where Ukyo had heard the sound.

Seconds stretched endlessly. Kohaku cautiously approached but froze when the bush suddenly rustled. A small figure emerged from the bush— a familiar watermelon helmet bobbing into view.

"Suika wanted to help!"

Relief washed over the group in a collective sigh.

"Suika! You weren't supposed to be here!" scolded Kohaku, approaching the little girl.

"It seems little Suika-chan wanted a bit of adventure!" giggled Gen, keeping a careful eye on her.

"We can't send her back to the village.” sighed Senku, crossing his arms. “We've already been walking for an hour. It might be dangerous for her," 

"Suika is sorry!"

"But Senku-chan, isn't it more dangerous to bring along into unknown territory?"

"We don't really have a choice, now" replied Ukyo,  adjusting his pace to resume the journey.

"Ukyo is right. We should go now before the beginning of the afternoon," added Senku, nodding toward Suika and Kohaku. "We'll take a break in an hour."

Everyone agreed, and  they resumed their march through the trees.

______

During the walk, Ukyo noticed something odd about Gen. He was lagging behind the group, walking alone and distancing himself from the others. His eyes scanned the surroundings — not out of curiosity, but wariness. Ukyo narrowed his eyes and adjusted his steps to match Gen’s, making a good distance from others, he murmured to Gen:

"You are connected to them, aren't you?"

It took a moment for Gen to process the question. For a few seconds, Ukyo could see a rare seriousness crossed on the mentalist’s face, but he quickly masked it.

"What are you talking about, Ukyo-chan? I don't know who they are. Other than the fact that they're scientists," said Gen lightly, hiding his mouth behind his sleeve.

"I know you are. I just thought you might tell me the truth..."

Without waiting for an answer, Ukyo sighed and sped up again, joining Ryusui and Senku, leaving a confused Gen standing on the way, stunned.

It's not like I can do anything about it ...

Gen took up his walk again, trailing behind the group, but his mind was elsewhere. He felt a pinching in his heart. The weight of guilt made his shoulders heavy. Each step became harder, but he kept going.

Until something warm touched his hand.

Startled, Gen turned his head to see who was touching it and saw Suika walking beside him, her tiny hand brushing his.

The kindness pierced him deeper than any accusation.

He didn't deserve it.

He didn't deserve any of it.

_____

When Ukyo rejoined Ryusui and Senku, he stared ahead in silence, lost in thought. The two scientists exchanged a glance.

“Did you tell him? What was his reaction?” asked Ryusui, glancing at the man with the long hair.

"He didn’t say anything," replied Ukyo. "But judging from his expression, he could very well be the one that voice was referring to — the betrayer."

A heavy silence settled between them.

Senku, who had remained quiet since Ukyo's return, glanced in Gen’s direction, thoughtful.

Chapter Text

After the tense conversation and the palpable strain that had come before, the rest of the journey seemed to return to normal. The walk was long and exhausting, but that didn’t stop anyone from pursuing their goal: finding the source of the signal. And yet, something unexplainable made the group uneasy. Their instincts screamed that danger was approaching, but no one dared to put that discomfort into words.

The wind struck the group sharply and unnaturally. It wasn’t a simple breeze — it carried a strange heaviness. The group felt it immediately. Something was wrong.

Kohaku, walking as a bodyguard beside Senku, instantly tensed. Her gaze darted among the trees, ready to react.

Ukyo, alert to the slightest sound, perked up his ears and caught a strange, unsettling noise: a metallic clicking — irregular, like something slowly bumping against another object. He frowned, trying to pinpoint its source.

Even faint, the sound deeply alarmed him. He stayed on guard, scanning his surroundings carefully.

Tsukasa and Ryusui also came to a halt, their instincts as warrior and explorer fully alert. A single glance exchanged between them was enough: they had felt the same chill.

Not far off, Gen and Suika were talking. Gen, usually cheerful, seemed distracted, almost absent.

“Tell me, Gen… You look sad. Is it because the others are distant with you?” asked the little girl, still holding his hand tightly.

For a moment, only the sound of the wind and indistinct voices answered her.

“What do you mean, Suika-chan? Nothing’s going on,” replied finally Gen with a small smile, trying to change the subject. But Suika didn’t let go.

“Still, you’ve got big dark circles… And you and Senku don’t talk like you used to. Did something happen between you two?” she whispered like a secret.

Gen remained silent for a moment, then pulled a flower from his sleeve and handed it to her, still smiling.

“Don’t worry about that, little Suika-chan. Sometimes, like beautiful flowers, certain things are meant to stay secret.”

“I don’t understand… What secret?”

But no words came in response. She looked at the petals, still holding Gen’s hand.

She wanted to ask again, but something in his silence told her he wouldn’t answer. So she stayed there, close to him — comforted, yet still troubled.

Meanwhile, Senku noticed nothing. He walked on, eyes fixed on an object in his hands: a small compass he had made with Chrome before they set off. The air was dense and humid from the rain, the wind slid over his skin like an icy chill. Still, he didn’t react, remaining impassive, entirely focused on the compass.

Nothing could break his concentration — not the conversations behind him, nor Gen’s attempts to make Taiju and Suika laugh.

This peaceful moment was abruptly broken when Senku stopped suddenly, his brows furrowed.

“Impossible…”

The group slowed down, intrigued.

“Is something wrong, Senku?” asked Ukyo, cautiously.

“The needle is going haywire… It’s deviating. There’s a magnetic field.”

“You mean there’s a structure nearby?” murmured Ryusui, eyes fixed on him.

“Could it be related to the signal?” added Ukyo, thoughtful.

“There’s a ten billion percent chance it’s coming from here.”

A shiver of excitement ran through Senku. Without waiting, he picked up the pace. The others exchanged perplexed looks but quickly followed. Gen was the first to catch up, a tight smile on his face — especially under the watchful eyes of Ryusui, Tsukasa, and Ukyo.

“Say, Senku-chan~ What if we took a break before moving on? We’ve been walking for hours non-stop…” he said in a light tone.

A long silence followed, leaving the mentalist a little lost. Senku finally turned his head toward him, then glanced at the setting sun. After a moment, he nodded and turned to the group.

“Alright. Let’s take a break.”

Pleased with himself, Gen gave a mischievous smile.

“Thank you, Senku-chaan~”

The group moved toward a peaceful spot, wide enough to rest during this precious pause.

This time, Senku stayed slightly apart, still focused on the erratic movements of the needle. He felt they were close to the interference zone, though he couldn’t pinpoint the exact cause.

A few minutes later, Kohaku and Taiju, who had gone scouting, returned with a suggestion. The place was spacious, deserted… and strangely used.

Subtle but visible traces. The expressions of those from the old world froze. They didn’t miss the detail.

Ryusui took the lead, noticing Senku was preoccupied.

“We’ll set up camp here.”

As the bags were unpacked and shelters assembled, Ukyo remained uneasy. Something still felt off. He approached Senku, who was already inspecting the surroundings.

“Senku, I hear a metallic noise… loud, not far off.”

That sentence immediately triggered his scientific instincts.

“A metallic noise?”

Senku looked up from his device at the former sonar operator.

“Yes. I’m not sure, but it sounds strangely close.”

Before Ukyo could say more, Ryusui also approached.

“You’re getting a bad feeling too?”

Ukyo nodded while Senku placed his hands on his hips.

“Now that you mention it, the tension is almost unbearable.”

“This place is too quiet… The air’s so heavy, even nature seems to avoid it,” added Kohaku, now joined by the rest of the group — except for Suika and Chrome.

Before another word could be spoken, Suika came running back, out of breath, followed by Chrome.

“Look what we found!” she cried proudly, holding out a small metallic object.

Senku squinted and took it cautiously. The cold metal vibrated faintly in his hand. He examined the mechanism in disbelief, then his expression shifted — curiosity gave way to focused suspicion. It was… a microphone. A real one.

“Where exactly did you find this?” he asked, more serious than ever.

“Over there, not far,” replied, Chrome pointing to the forest. “It looked like… a weird place. All metal. Like a room, but half-buried.”

The rest of the group gathered, intrigued.

“Wait, wait… a microphone?” repeated Gen under his breath. “Isn’t that a bit too modern… even for us?”

Senku didn’t respond. He studied the object a moment longer, then stood up sharply.

“Show me. Right now.”

Suika nodded and led the way. The group followed without hesitation, far quieter than usual. Even Ryusui’s usual grin had faded.

They walked only a few minutes before they saw it.

Amid a tangle of twisted trees, half-covered in moss and roots, stood a rusted metal structure. It looked like a hatch, or perhaps the top of a buried building. A few cut cables protruded from the ground, blackened at the ends.

A chill ran through Senku. He stepped forward, placed a hand on the cold surface, and listened carefully. A faint vibration — barely audible — emanated from the metal.

“It’s still active…” he murmured, eyes wide.

“You mean this thing is still working?” asked Ukyo, concerned.

“Not fully… But there’s a magnetic field. Something inside still has power. That’s what was throwing off the compass.”

Ryusui crouched beside him, observing the microphone.

“Could it be part of a communication system? Maybe someone left a message?”

The group froze.

Then Senku spoke, calmly:

“We may have just stumbled upon one of the last remnants of civilization… or something far more dangerous.”

Behind them, the wind rose again — sharper, colder, whistling through the trees like a warning.

Chapter Text

Footsteps echoed on the rusted metal floor, making the air feel heavier with each passing second. The corridor seemed endless, and the noise—once distant—was now growing closer and more oppressive. Ukyo covered his ears as they went deeper into the stifling place. Senku walked ahead briskly, meticulously inspecting every detail.

How is it possible that no one ever discovered this place?

A loud thud interrupted his thoughts and startled the rest of the group. Kohaku gripped the handle of her sword tightly, ready to fight. The sound seemed close—just a few meters away—despite them being in the middle of a long, dead-end hallway. Ryusui raised a hand, signaling everyone to stop. His instincts told him something wasn’t right.

“What was that?” asked Suika, clutching Ryusui’s arm.

“Sounded like something falling, right?” suggested Ukyo, staying on alert.

“You don’t think it’s a trap, do you?” Gen asked nervously.

No one answered. Senku frowned, approaching the wall beside him. He ran his fingers across the surface, feeling faint vibrations.

“There’s a room behind this wall…” he whispered. The others stared at him in silence. “And that noise you heard, Ukyo?” he asked, turning to him.

“The humming has dropped in intensity since that crash,” Ukyo replied, intrigued. “Could be a motor, maybe?”

“It’s possible.”

A heavy silence engulfed the hallway as they pondered the situation.

“Wait, Senku. There seems to be a small button between these two metal plates…” Kohaku whispered, crouched near the wall.

“Hah, those eagle eyes of yours are just what we needed. Good catch,” said Senku with a smile, stepping closer to inspect the spot. “There is a button… but how to reach it…”

“Wait, Senku-chan! Be careful—what if it’s a trap for anyone who gets too close?” cried out Gen, stretching an arm to stop him.

But Senku ignored him and leaned in to examine the gap between the plates.

“No signs of tension wires… nor any visible trigger mechanisms,” he murmured, mostly to himself. “Still, can’t be too careful.”

Without delay, he turned to Chrome and rummaged through one of his bags, pulling out a metal tool that looked like a screwdriver. Back at the wall, he began tinkering with something, drawing the group’s attention.

“What are you doing, Senku-chan?” Gen asked, hesitantly.

Click.

A slight tremor shook the ground. Then came a low rumble, like heavy metal plates grinding against each other. Two large, hidden doors began to open slowly, revealing a shadowy passage beyond. A gust of warm air escaped, heavy with rust and ancient oil.

“W-What is that?” Taiju stammered, stepping up beside his childhood friend, eyes wide.

“Looks like we just opened the famous hidden room,” Senku replied with a sly grin. “How thrilling.”

Senku stepped in first, the room faintly lit by a flickering bulb — a strange remnant in this petrified world. Kohaku and Chrome followed silently, their determination unmistakable. Taiju, Tsukasa, and Ryusui walked in next, hesitant but driven by curiosity.

Only Ukyo, Suika, and Gen remained behind, still wary. The little girl squeezed Gen’s hand, who stood frozen, eyes locked on the open door.

“This really looks like a trap, Ukyo-chan… don’t you think?” whispered Gen, voice slightly trembling.

Ukyo narrowed his eyes, listening carefully for any sound. “Maybe… but Senku seems convinced. And honestly, I want to know what’s inside too.”

He stepped forward cautiously, hands over his ears, alert for any suspicious noise. Gen didn’t move. Suika looked up at him and softly said, with a gentle smile:

“Let’s go, Gen.”

Her voice was fragile but sincere, and it gave him a small spark of courage. Gen sighed deeply, then reluctantly followed the little girl.

______

As soon as they entered the room, a pungent stench of rust and mold filled their nostrils, making them grimace in disgust. Senku’s crimson eyes scanned the space carefully. They first landed on two massive generators—clearly in bad shape, but not beyond repair, he assessed quickly.

The room was spacious, large enough to accommodate a full team of scientists. Yet there was only a single desk, barely a meter wide. Senku frowned, intrigued, and walked toward it slowly.

“So, what are we looking for in here?” asked Taiju, glancing around.

“Anything that could give us more information: documents, objects—anything,” replied Senku, opening a drawer. “Like this.”

He pulled out a file and moved to the center of the room, shining his flashlight on it. The others gathered around, eager.

“It’s... a technical report,” Senku muttered, squinting at the text. “Written in English. Judging by the date… it was created about three years before the petrification.”

“What does it say?” asked Gen, peering over his shoulder.

Senku skimmed through the lines, his eyes gleaming with interest.

“It’s a maintenance protocol for a long-range transmission system… using an experimental frequency. It mentions something called ‘Project Aegis,’ and there are frequent references to ‘global emergency communications.’”

“Wait… You mean this place was used to send messages across the world?” asked Chrome, eyes wide.

Senku nodded slowly. “Not just send. This system could also intercept.”

Silence fell over the group.

“Do you think the signal we followed came from here?” asked Kohaku.

Senku shook his head. “No. This system’s been offline for a long time. But… there’s something else.”

He flipped the document, revealing a partially faded map with hand-drawn coordinates. Ryusui leaned in immediately.

“Show me that… Hm. These coordinates point to America.”

“So this isn’t our final destination… it’s just a relay,” concluded Ukyo.

Senku closed the file slowly, his expression more serious than ever.

“We may have just found the first piece of a much larger puzzle.”

A heavy silence followed Senku’s words. Everyone seemed absorbed by the implications of what they had just discovered… until a sharp sound of footsteps on metal echoed behind them. Instinctively, Kohaku drew her sword and stepped in front of the group. Tsukasa joined her, silent but ready.

At the room’s entrance, a small group had appeared, frozen in the doorway. They wore torn lab coats and tattered clothes, their faces worn by time. But their eyes… their eyes shone with a strange clarity.

“Hello… Who are you?” asked an unfamiliar voice.

Chapter Text

The atmosphere was tense; neither side moved, too stunned by the surprise. The strangers stood speechless, though one of them—the youngest in appearance—seemed to be watching, even analyzing, every movement from the members of Ishigami Village.

A brief gust of wind tousled their hair.

Chrome shot a quick glance at Ukyo, who responded with a slight nod—subtle, yet significant.

Senku narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the strangers’ hands: no visible weapons, but their posture betrayed a familiarity with survival… or command.

Behind them, Suika was hiding discreetly behind Gen, her eyes locked on the group’s dirty shoes.

Faced with those prying eyes, Kohaku and Tsukasa frowned, gripping the handles of their weapons. The young man raised his arms in a peaceful gesture and stepped forward, a mischievous smile on his lips.

“Wait! It’s all right—we’re not here as enemies! We didn’t expect to see other people unpetrified, did we?” he said, turning to his teammates, who nodded without hesitation. “Maybe we could help each other out? Who’s the scientist in your group?”

Senku puffed his chest slightly, ready to step forward for even the smallest opportunity at negotiation. For a split second, Gen hesitated—his gaze dropped for the briefest moment, as if he had recognized something, and his body reacted almost instinctively. His hand abruptly grabbed Senku’s arm, stepping between him and the other group, flashing a half-smile to mask a clear tension.

“Oh my, look at that brilliant gaze!” Gen exclaimed, gesturing toward the young scientist with a wink. “I bet you know much more than you're letting on… And me, you see, I have a soft spot for sharp minds. Would you tell me what you were doing here, hm? Just to satisfy my little curiosity.”

To everyone’s surprise, the young man stepped closer with a smile, prompting the Ishigami group to stiffen.

“Don’t worry, dear…” His gaze slid slowly from top to bottom, brushing over Gen’s tense body. “Dear stranger. We only wanted to stop that irritating noise. It disturbs some people in our camp.”

“A camp? So you’re not the only ones who’ve been unpetrified?” Ukyo asked with curiosity.

The young man gave an amused smile, casting one last glance at Gen before stepping toward Ukyo.

“Oh, certainly not. We’re far from alone… But few of us dare venture into this section anymore. Too unstable. Too… noisy.”

He gave a pointed look at the old generators behind them. Crossing his arms, he added in a casual tone:

“Let’s just say some prefer to stay in the shadows. Others… like me, are curious to know who’s stirring up their peace.”

Suspicious, Kohaku stepped closer.

“And these others? Where are they? Why didn’t they show up when we arrived?”

A brief silence fell. The young scientist’s smile widened.

“Maybe we’re already watching you. Maybe we just want to know whether you’re allies… or a threat.”

That sentence was enough to make the Ishigami group tighten their ranks. Taiju exchanged a worried glance with Chrome, while Ryusui narrowed his eyes, analyzing the situation.

Senku, however, remained focused on what the man was carefully not saying.

“What do you mean by ‘unstable section’?” he asked suddenly.

The young scientist shrugged, feigning nonchalance.

“An old facility… probably a secondary power center. Autonomous, with reboot modules in case of overload. We believe a seismic event or magnetic shift reactivated some circuits.”

He paused a second, his expression turning slightly more serious.

“Since then, machines have been humming back to life. Weak signals are being sent out. But no one really knows what’s being activated—or how far it goes.”

A gleam flickered in Senku’s eyes.

“Interesting… Did you bypass the manual safety locks? Or jury-rig a rerouting system?”

Chrome looked both fascinated and worried.

“Wait, wait… They managed to restore power here? And it held?”

Ryusui folded his arms, a smirk curling his lips.

“Well, that changes the game.”

Gen felt a shiver run down his spine. He watched the exchange between his friends and the young scientist with uneasy focus.

“So, could you show us where your group’s scientist is?” asked an older man, his voice tired, addressing Senku and his companions.

Senku raised an eyebrow, then stepped forward, confident.

“That’s me. Why? You want to introduce me to your leader?”

Caught off guard by the revelation, Gen let out a nervous laugh and looked away. The older scientist exchanged a silent glance with the mischievous young man before answering slowly:

“Let’s just say… our chief scientist would be very interested in someone like you. He likes sharp minds. And he especially likes knowing what’s going on in the corridors he considers… off-limits.”

Tsukasa clenched his jaw. Ryusui stepped forward too, a smirk tugging at his lips—but his gaze was one of calculated coldness.

“And this mysterious leader of yours, does he also write your lines, or are you improvising this well on your own?” He folded his arms, chin tilted slightly upward. “Because I must say, your dialogue has a whiff of well-rehearsed theatre.”

His tone was light, but the tension in his shoulders betrayed razor-sharp alertness.

“I prefer negotiators who show their faces. Otherwise, people might start thinking your great leader isn’t really in control.” He glanced at Senku, sharing a look. “Right, partner?”

Senku scratched his ear with a sarcastic grin.

“Kukuku, you’re 10 billion percent right.”

Kohaku subtly moved closer to Senku, her hand near her weapon’s hilt.

Gen, meanwhile, stood frozen for a moment, eyes locked on the young man. His smile remained, but his body betrayed a sudden stiffness: his shoulders had tensed slightly, his fingers briefly contracted.

“And where is this mysterious leader of yours? Sending you out front while he stays comfy in his lab? Or is he too busy… watching us from the shadows?”

The young man brushed his coat sleeve in a distracted gesture—a tic Gen recognized immediately, though he gave no sign of it. Their eyes locked. The air vibrated with quiet menace.

“Well… He likes to observe strangers before speaking. Clever, isn’t it?”

Amid the tension, Chrome whispered to Taiju, eyes never leaving the young man:

“I don’t like this… He talks like he already knows who we are.”

Taiju gave a slow nod, face grim.

“And why would he be watching us?” he muttered in return, brows furrowed.

As if hearing them, the young man stepped sideways, addressing the whole group, though his gaze never left Gen.

“You came here awakening machines you don’t understand. You walked through a zone even our people avoid. So tell me…”

He tilted his head slightly, his eyes glinting with almost mocking light.

“Was it curiosity… or arrogance?”

Ryusui narrowed his eyes, murmuring to Senku, arms crossed:

“This guy chose his words carefully. He’s testing us—or trying to sow fear.”

Senku didn’t answer right away. He was watching every move the scientist made… and the strange tension between him and Gen.

The young man continued, more softly now, almost to himself:

“In this world, only those who observe long enough survive.”

Gen clenched his teeth briefly. He barely averted his gaze—just enough for Kohaku to notice. She narrowed her eyes.

“You know him, Gen?”

After Kohaku’s words, Ukyo leaned in to hear the mentalist’s reply. A moment passed, and then Gen smiled—too fast, too broadly.

“Know him? Oh no… I’ve just met another charmer who talks with his eyes as much as his words.”

A mocking laugh escaped the young man. But a tired, heavy voice cut him short:

“Masato, stop acting like a child.”

The young man—Masato—just shrugged, amused. A silence fell, eventually broken by Senku:

“Well, I can make you an offer. If you help us upgrade our equipment with your advances so we can reach America, we’ll help you in return.”

One of the strangers frowned at the mention. “A… village?” he muttered, clearly surprised that a structured group had formed so far from their zone.

“Well! I quite like your offer, my dear friend,” Masato exclaimed, stepping toward Senku—but stopping when he saw the warning look behind him. “Are you open to any kind of negotiation?”

“That depends entirely on the terms,” Ryusui replied, now standing beside Senku.

Masato exchanged a quick glance with a teammate, then answered in a mock-light tone:

“You know, negotiations always start well—until someone ends up betraying someone else.”

Silence fell again. Then the older man stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Masato’s shoulder.

“Let’s accept. We’ve everything to gain from cooperating. If our goals diverge, we’ll find out soon enough. But for now, it would be foolish to reject an extended hand.”

“If you say so, Kaisei,” Masato sighed.

Senku’s gaze met that of the old man. Neither of them smiled. There was no naivety, no illusion. Just a tacit agreement between two minds who knew that science never moved forward without risk.

“Perfect,” Senku said simply. “But we set the rules together.”

Masato raised his hands with a smirk.

“Oh, I’m perfectly willing to follow your rules… as long as we can have a little fun.”

Still on guard, Kohaku cast a final glance at Gen. He had returned to his usual expression—but she could read between the lines. In his eyes, an old tension had reawakened, like a wound being reopened.

______

After the encounter, everyone left the area with a deep unease. The two groups had joined forces—albeit with a wide gap between them. Senku and Kaisei had exchanged a knowing nod.

The outside air felt heavier, as if charged with the residual electricity of what had just occurred.

Even the birds had fallen silent. The sun shone only in slivers between clouds, casting shifting shadows on the path home.

Senku turned to begin the walk back to the village, leading the new recruits. Along the way, no one spoke. Only footsteps and the wind rustling through the leaves accompanied the slow march of the two camps—now reluctantly united. Even Ryusui, usually so talkative, kept his arms crossed, looking grave.

Concerned, Suika approached him silently, reaching out her small hand. He took it without a word. His fingers gently closed around hers, eyes on her—but she could tell it was more for him than for her.

The newcomers lagged behind, trailing in a somber atmosphere.

Gen slowed slightly, sensing a gaze burning into his back. He didn’t turn around at first, choosing instead to stare at the horizon with a floating fake smile. But Masato’s whispered voice eventually pierced the silence.

“You still act so well, Gen. Almost convincing.”

Gen turned his head slightly, continuing to walk, and replied in a hushed voice.

“Ah, Masato-chan. You flatter me. I thought you’d forgotten me.”

“You don’t forget a good liar. You stay wary of them. Especially when they switch sides.”

Masato’s voice was soft. Too soft. Like a dagger wrapped in velvet.

Gen gave a nervous chuckle.

“Switch sides? Come now, I’m only loyal to my own interests—you know that.”

“Exactly.” Masato drew closer, now walking beside him. His hand brushed against Gen’s sleeve, as if to remind him of something more intimate… or more dangerous. “It’d be a shame if people here found out some… truths, wouldn’t it? Some of them would be quite disappointed.” His finger pointed toward a small girl with a watermelon on her head, holding Captain Ryusui’s hand.

Gen’s smile vanished for half a second. Then returned wider than before.

“And what truths are those, exactly? I’m an open book, you know.”

Masato tilted his head slightly, his piercing gaze never leaving the mentalist’s face.

“Some books have torn pages. Others… have chapters best left unread aloud.”

Gen finally looked away, fixing his gaze once more on the dirt path.

“Well, good thing no one here reads as well as you do.”

Masato laughed softly, then concluded in an even lower tone:

“Remember this, Gen. You don’t play the same cards twice. One day, they’ll burn your fingers.”

And without another word, he slowed his pace, leaving Gen alone behind the group, his smile frozen on his face.

But in his eyes, something had darkened.

Chapter Text

The night had fallen faster than expected. Despite an increased pace, the group made the return journey in much less time than the outward trip—undoubtedly driven by an instinct for caution. 

Throughout the walk, a persistent tension lingered in the air. The newcomers, increasingly silent, seemed to withdraw into themselves. They sometimes whispered among themselves, discreet exchanges that didn’t escape Ukyo’s attention. 

Thus, he cast one last glance toward Gen and the other unknowns. He moved forward to be level with his friends, whispering:

“They talk like people who have a plan in mind.”

Senku turned slightly.

“What kind of plan?”

“Probably a way to turn the situation around.”

Kohaku instinctively placed a hand on the hilt of her weapon.

“You think they’re planning to betray us?”

Ukyo slowly nodded.

“I think they’re waiting for us to trust them, and then they’ll strike without warning.”

A glance was exchanged between them, filled with worry, ambition, and mistrust, before a nod sealed their decision.

______

After a long day of walking, heavy with silence and exhausting, punctuated by rare breaks, the group finally reached the outskirts of Ishigami Village at sunrise. 

The villagers, busy following the instructions of Yuzuriha, François, and Kaseki, stopped what they were doing when they heard the sound of heavy footsteps on the packed earth. Their surprise was complete: the group was already back. 

Quickly, the crowd gathered to welcome them. Kinro and Ginro, posted at the entrance, ran toward them enthusiastically. But their joy quickly gave way to suspicion when they noticed the unknown figures behind the group.

Kinro’s gaze hardened. With a swift gesture, he raised his spear.

“What’s this group?” he asked curtly.

Kohaku raised a hand, trying to calm everyone.

“They’re... potential allies.”

Ukyo, more in the background, murmured cautiously:

“Or patient enemies.”

A breeze passed through the village entrance. Kinro remained motionless, while Ginro turned pale.

“Enemies?!” he cried, alarmed.

A short silence followed. Then Matsukaze stepped forward, noticing Ginro’s agitation.

“Is it really wise to let them into the village?”

“We can’t ignore such an opportunity,” replied Senku, crossing his arms. “If they can help us rebuild faster, it’s worth the risk.”

“This risk could also cost us dearly,” growled Ryusui, visibly unsettled.

“Maybe we can convince them without resorting to violence?” said Taiju, full of hope.

Ukyo frowned.

“That’s only possible if their intentions are sincere…”

Faced with their companions’ uncertain looks, Kohaku took a firm step forward.

“So, what do we do? Do we welcome them?”

Senku gave a crooked smile.

“If they’re hiding something, it’s better to keep them where we can see them. We’ll integrate them… at least on the surface.”

“But we stay on our guard,” added Tsukasa, casting a meaningful look at Senku.

With those words, Senku walked calmly but firmly toward Gen, who was quietly speaking with one of the newcomers, visible tension between them. Seeing Senku approach, Yuzuriha, François, Kaseki, and Ruri hurried over as well to greet the returning group with relief.

“Friends!” exclaimed Yuzuriha, giving them a big smile and a wave.

She was immediately enveloped in a warm hug. Taiju, true to himself, held her tightly in his arms—a hug they had both missed.

“It’s good to see you again!” said Kaseki, gently patting Chrome’s head, who welcomed him with a warm smile.

“You came back much sooner than expected,” François calmly observed, offering small, still-warm croissants.

Some members of the expedition didn’t need to be asked twice. Suika, Taiju, and Chrome let out small sounds of pleasure at the first bite, savoring the simple comfort.

The others, however, kept their eyes on the strangers. The welcome was over—it was time to think about the next steps. Because if the newcomers were hiding something... they had better be ready to act.

______

When Senku approached the new allies, he first heard Gen’s cheerful voice rising up, presenting the village as:

“Here it is! The genius village of Ishigami! As you guessed, the village was founded as soon as our dear astronauts returned to Earth after the petrification!”

Senku sensed a certain superficiality in Gen’s voice. An enthusiasm too controlled, a fluency almost mechanical. It was a polished presentation tone, as if he were trying more to charm than to inform.

“Oh! Before the petrification? That’s all very interesting! Can you tell me more, my dear friend?” exclaimed Masato, wrapping an arm around Gen’s shoulders, leaning in close to his ear. “I’m really interested in certain things.”

A frown appeared on Senku’s face, a slight irritation rising in his chest. He crossed his arms and raised his head toward the new group, disrupting Masato’s seductive act.

“Alright, how do you want to proceed with the terms of this alliance?”

“Well, my dear scientist! We could start by talking in a more appropriate and comfortable place.” Masato ran his other hand through his navy blue hair, while the first one still held Gen tightly, like a snake coiled around its prey. A charming smile lit up his face. “Somewhere we can speak in peace… without eavesdroppers,” he added in a whisper, his red eyes briefly meeting Ukyo’s gaze.

Ukyo, standing in the background, frowned. He had heard it. And that disguised whisper was far from innocent.

Senku slowly blinked, already analyzing the implications. Trying to isolate the decision-makers. Trying to influence, maybe even manipulate. All under a veneer of politeness and seduction.

“Very well,” he replied calmly but firmly. “Anything concerning the future of the village will be discussed with full transparency. I’ll offer you a space to express yourselves, but remember: no secret deals here. Every decision must be based on logic and collective agreement.”

Masato smiled more broadly, but the glint in his eyes seemed to harden.

“Perfect. I like people who are straightforward and sharp-minded.”

Gen raised an eyebrow toward Senku, half amused, half pleading—a look that said: “Should I keep up the act?”

Senku, true to himself, responded with the slightest nod.

François approached silently, offering a tray of pastries to the new guests. Masato picked up a brioche with elegance, without letting go of Gen. The tension did not subside. The warm, sweet smell of the pastries hung in the air, drawing a few glances.

“A welcome worthy of our village,” they announced in a calm voice, their smile fine but professional. “I took the liberty of preparing a few treats. Nothing beats a good snack to begin a constructive discussion.”

“Charming. You are far more organized than I imagined. Refined, even.”

François gave a slight nod, not reacting to the flattery.

Senku took advantage of the moment to observe the other members of the new group. Some kept to the back, clearly on guard, while others whispered among themselves, their eyes scanning the village insistently—with an interest that felt a bit too strong.

“I have a place in mind,” said Senku. “A secluded cabin, built just after I was de-petrified. It’ll be perfect for a discreet meeting.”

“Only if we’re sure no one will be spying on our little conversation, scientist,” Kaisei finally said, arms crossed, his blue eyes fixed on the Ishigami group watching from afar. “I have the feeling some curious people are interested.”

Senku didn’t answer right away. He simply turned his head slightly, following with his eyes Kohaku’s silhouette perched on a rooftop in an observation stance. Then he shrugged casually.

“That’s normal. We don’t let strangers roam freely without surveillance.”

Masato let out a small laugh.

“Touché. But I hope that wasn’t an admission of spying.”

“It’s just a precaution,” Ukyo replied, stepping slightly forward, arms crossed. “The kind you should understand, given how carefully you weigh every word.”

A silence followed. Heavy. The exchange of glances had the feel of an invisible duel.
Senku finally gave a nod, inviting the group to follow him.

“Come. We’ll talk in the cabin. And if someone dares to listen, you’ll be the first to know.”

______

Under this condition, Senku walked with the group of scientists, and at his side, Gen was present—at Masato’s request. A request he deemed inappropriate—and one that, though he didn’t show it, had irritated him.

The cabin he had built with Taiju was still standing and in good shape. The aged wood had grayed over time, but the structure held firm. Senku placed a hand on the door and pushed it open with his shoulder, revealing a simple yet clean interior. A rudimentary table, a few stools, an unlit oil lamp.

“Welcome to the command center of civilization’s rebirth,” he declared with quiet sarcasm.

Masato entered first, his eyes sweeping every corner as if evaluating the slightest imperfection. He slowly ran a finger along the table’s edge, examined it, then gave a nearly satisfied smile.

“Rustic, but functional. I like it.”

Gen followed, arms crossed in a posture of feigned relaxation. He glanced at Senku, a well-concealed flicker of nervousness in his eyes. He was never at ease when power games took place in confined spaces—especially around them.

Kaisei closed the door behind them with a sharp clack , cutting off the rest of the group, who remained confused outside.

“So,” Masato said, turning toward Senku, “we’re talking about an alliance—but alliances are built on trust. And trust… must be earned. So let’s speak frankly.”

He gestured elegantly toward Gen.

“I want to know who you really are. What you're willing to give, to sacrifice. And above all… what you’re hiding.”

Senku raised an eyebrow, his posture straight, arms crossed.

“Funny, I was about to ask you the same questions.”

A silence settled. Brief, but heavy. Gen cleared his throat and placed a hand on the table.

“Oh~ but let’s take it slowly, shall we? I’ve always found that verbal daggers fly lower when you begin with a nice little truth game~.”

Kaisei leaned against the wall, arms still crossed. Masato tilted his head, amused.

“Very well. Let’s go. First, a basic introduction: I’m Masato Tatsuki.”

He lifted his arms slightly, as if on a stage.

“I was an engineering student before petrification. Today… let’s say I help things move forward. I analyze, I structure, I stabilize. Every group has—”

Senku cut him off abruptly, staring at Masato as if solving an equation. That kind of person—too smooth, too composed—never revealed their true variables at first glance.

“Fine,” said Senku after his analysis. “Rule number one: this village rests on science, cooperation, and informed consent. No manipulation, no hollow promises.”

Masato gave a smirk that was almost charmed.

“That’s refreshing. You want me to be direct? Fine. I propose a simple deal. You take us in. We help you. Knowledge, technology, resources. In exchange, we ask for space to live, work, and... observe.”

“Observe what, exactly?” asked Gen, his voice lower, more tense.

“Progress. Yours. Ours. And above all, how to make them converge—without one devouring the other.”

Kaisei, who hadn’t moved, added sharply:

“We’re not colonists. Nor refugees. We’re partners. But cohabitation comes with boundaries.”

Senku tapped the table with a thoughtful finger.

“Alright. I propose this: you’ll be housed in a section away from the village. Limited access to labs and critical facilities—unless expressly authorized. Any technical collaboration request must be made in advance.”

“No visible or hidden weapons inside the village,” added Gen, glancing at Kaisei. “And no covert recruitment among our people.”

“In return,” Masato followed, “we ask for observation rights over your scientific projects—only those regarding resources and reconstruction. And... the right to make proposals. You have your ideas; we have ours.”

“You won’t be denied a voice,” replied Senku. “But the final decision belongs to the Village Council.”

Another silence. Tense, but productive.

“Then we have a deal,” said Masato, extending his hand.

Senku stared at it for a moment, then shook it briefly.

“Temporary. To be evaluated in a week.”

As the agreement seemed sealed in apparent calm, Masato didn’t release Senku’s hand right away. His gaze grew more serious—almost… engaging.

“There’s one last thing I’d like to propose. An extension to our cooperation.”

Senku stepped back slightly, arms crossed again.

“I’m listening.”

“I have a decent memory for certain conversations,” his eyes flicked briefly toward Gen before locking back onto Senku’s. “I’d like to join your little trip to America. Even if it takes time for you to trust me, I’m willing to take the risk. There’s a hypothesis I want to test. A man I once knew... If he’s been freed from the stone too, he could change everything.”

Masato nodded slowly.

“That’s the kind of ambition I like. And actually, I was thinking… why not accompany you? As an observer, of course. I have no intention of disturbing your organization. But... an outside eye, another rational mind—it couldn’t hurt.”

Gen coughed discreetly, as if to break the tense silence.

“Oh, Masato-chan~,” he said with a light, almost singsong tone, slowly moving closer. “America, you know… it’s a demanding project. Physically, mentally. Weeks at sea, a tightly knit team… You might get bored.”

He leaned on the table between them, tilting his head slightly, eyes half-lidded and flirtatious.

“Besides, your presence here, in the village, could be far more valuable. We have so much to rebuild, so much to organize. A mind like yours could truly shine~.”

Masato didn’t back away. On the contrary, he stepped forward too, closing the distance until their faces were nearly within breathing range.

“Charming,” he murmured. “Are you trying to flatter me or dissuade me, mentalist?”

Gen blinked, surprised by the reply—and by how precisely it hit the mark.

Masato reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair from Gen’s shoulder, tucking it back in place with clinical calm. The gesture—precise, yet intimate—made Gen stiffen, stepping back half a pace—more reflex than choice.

But Masato didn’t let him escape. He advanced imperceptibly, crossing a line Gen would’ve preferred to keep intact. It wasn’t the gesture—it was the memory it awakened, insidious. That kind of proximity—calm on the surface but calculated—stirred up something old, buried, something he tried to forget. His back tensed despite himself, a reaction both instinctive and ancient.

Gen flashed a too-bright smile, his voice honeyed:

“And here I was, complaining I hadn’t been getting enough attention lately~ That’s been corrected, I see…”

“Still so theatrical,” murmured Masato, voice bitter.

Faced with the scene, Senku frowned. He said nothing, but his crossed arms tightened slightly. He didn’t like these kinds of games—especially when one of them seemed to be played against Gen.

Masato, for his part, let Gen go as if nothing had happened. He turned away, hands clasped behind his back, ready to resume the conversation as if nothing had transpired.

“You accept the offer, then,” Masato said, voice neutral, almost cold—like discussing a simple contract.

Senku didn’t answer immediately. He held Masato’s gaze, cold, analytical. Then he spoke, each word measured:

“I’m considering it. Nothing is decided yet. And especially—nothing comes for free.”

Masato smiled softly, a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

“Oh, I never believed in free things. That’s why I always make sure of what I’m worth.”

He shot Gen a quick, calculated sideways glance.

Senku, unmoving, once again felt that familiar irritation prickle at his neck. Something rang false in Masato’s behavior. Too calm. Too prepared.

Kaisei also straightened, stepping away from the wall, his boots tapping lightly on the wooden floor.

“We know this journey is crucial. And we also know that a group too closed off makes bad decisions. Openness is key.”

Gen, silent until now, finally spoke—his tone sharper than usual:

“Too much openness, and you invite the draft. Aren’t you afraid of cracks?”

Masato raised an eyebrow slightly. He returned to the table, resting his hands on it calmly—but his gaze, locked on Senku, carried a firmness that imposed silence.

“It’s simple. You have the technology. We have the organization. You have the passion. We have the discipline. Refuse this alliance, and you’ll have to accept that some bright minds—maybe even your own—might start looking for something more… solid.”

The silence that followed was thick—almost suffocating.

Gen burst into a laugh—too high-pitched to be genuine.

“That almost sounded like a veiled threat, dear Masato. You should be careful with your phrasing. Some ears here are very sensitive to that kind of dissonance.”

Masato tilted his head slightly, smile still frozen.

“Just an observation. Nothing more. After all, everyone’s looking for their place in the new world order, aren’t they?”

Senku didn’t reply. He kept watching, his thoughts already reaching beyond this room, beyond the words, to where the real battles are prepared—those not won with weapons, but with vision and memory. He could recognize a disguised chess match when he saw one. And Masato had just moved a rook.

At last, he broke the silence with a cutting tone:

“We’ll discuss terms. And guarantees. Until then, you’re not part of the team. Not until I see what you’re really worth.”

He turned, not waiting for a response, and left. Kaisei watched him go but stayed. Gen, for his part, watched in silence, fists half-clenched, nails digging into his palm.

Masato observed him, then stepped back, calm once more.

“Tell him you have until tomorrow to decide, Gen. After that, it won’t be me knocking on the door.”

He paused, gaze fixed.

“And since you seem... attached to that man, I’ll let you guess what that implies.”

Gen nodded, a nervous shiver running through him.

Chapter Text

Gen watched Masato leave the shed with a slam of the door, leaving him alone with Kaisei. Their eyes met in a tense atmosphere. Gen knew he shouldn't speak to him. Despite the old man's tired appearance, he knew exactly what he was capable of.

A chill ran through him as he laughed awkwardly, taking small, far-from-discreet steps toward the entrance.

"That meeting was a bit awkward, wasn't it~?"

Silence fell. No smile, no words, not even a laugh came from Kaisei.

What a cold man...

And with that final thought, he left the shed, leaving Kaisei behind. As he stepped out, he met a piercing gaze. His blue eyes met bright scarlet ones that comforted him. Senku. Wanting to avoid worrying him further, Gen approached him with a sly smile, trying to mask the suspicion the scientist had grown to harbor toward him.

"Well! Tough deal, isn’t it, Senku-chan! I managed to negotiate with him, but it seems Masato-chan is as stubborn as a mule~ He’d like an answer to your negotiations by tomorrow at the latest."

His gaze darted anxiously over his shoulder, meeting another pair of reddish eyes, devoid of life, which only filled him with fear and deep unease. Masato’s eyes made him completely nervous and uncomfortable.

"How boring," said Senku, scratching his ear with his pinky. "Let’s go see the others to explain the terms. Maybe if we accept their conditions, science will get more interesting with their equipment,” a sly smile appeared on his lips.

"Oh Senku-chan, judging by that smile, you’ve got another crazy idea."

"Depends on how advanced their scientific research is. If it’s more developed than ours, it would be incredible to have their help for the journey to America." Senku put his hands on his hips and walked toward Masato. "So you can settle here. It’s far enough from our village, just a few dozen minutes on foot, to host your group. And of course, our agreement still stands."

His gaze quickly shifted to Kaisei, who had joined them. Masato, meanwhile, watched Senku with a smile.

"Of course, dear scientist, may we come to the village then? If it suits the master of the place?" he mocked. "You’ll see us at dawn!"

Senku cast a wary glance, his eyes turning to Gen who stood behind him patiently, and an idea began forming in his mind.

"If you set foot in the village, consider yourself part of the workforce. Alright, have a good day."

Thus, Gen and Senku started walking through the small forest that separated the place from the village. As they walked, a weight settled on Gen’s shoulders, and it wasn’t hard to guess the source. The mentalist glanced behind him, catching a brief glimpse of Masato waving goodbye with a smile. But Gen saw more than that—his lips moved, leaving him a message. A secret message he quickly understood.

Gen swiftly averted his eyes, pretending not to have seen the hidden message. A shiver ran down his spine, raising his hairs. Masato was not a man to offer friendly gestures without a hidden agenda. That wave was more a veiled warning than a real farewell.

______

The village slowly emerged through the foliage, bathed in the golden light of late afternoon. The air felt lighter, more alive than at the enemy camp, but the gravity of the situation still followed Senku and Gen like a silent shadow.

At the village entrance, a few familiar faces came to meet them—Kohaku, Chrome, and Kinro, alerted by their return. Kohaku, arms crossed, was the first to approach.

"Well?" she asked firmly. "Did they accept?"

Senku nodded while continuing to walk. "They’ll come. At dawn."

Kinro frowned, arms stiffly crossed. Chrome’s eyes already sparkled with anticipation.

"And what are their conditions?" he asked.

They walked through the village toward the council hut, where elders and leaders of different crafts awaited. Once everyone was gathered inside, Gen spoke first, his tone gently dramatic, but not embellishing.

"Our dear guests wish to settle near the village. In exchange for their advanced scientific knowledge and equipment—which they promise to share—they request free access to our resources and workforce."

Eyes met across the room. Murmurs. Doubts. The village chief straightened slightly, his deep voice cutting through the atmosphere.

"Workforce? That sounds like the beginning of enslavement."

"Rest assured, it wasn’t phrased like that," Gen interjected, with a fake smile. "But their wording… let’s just say it leaves room for interpretation."

Senku stepped forward, his face serious.

"They’re scientists. Their technology could advance our research by years. If we want to reach America on time, we’ll need their raw materials."

Kohaku spoke up, brows furrowed.

"And if it’s a trap?"

Senku looked at her, his expression grave.

"Then we make sure we’re always one step ahead."

Ukyo stepped forward, speaking for the first time since they returned.

"Maybe I could keep an ear on them discreetly. My hearing could help us check if they’re plotting anything dangerous." He tapped his temple. "We’ll also need a fallback strategy, just in case."

Yuzuriha, standing nearby, fingers intertwined, spoke with a soft but firm voice:

"We can’t refuse help. But we must set clear boundaries. No way we’re letting them use our artisans or families."

Taiju also stepped in, taking a determined step toward his childhood friend, fists clenched.

"We can help, of course we can! But only if it’s fair! We work together—or not at all!"

A loud laugh cut through the rising tension.

"Ha ha ha! Now that’s a negotiation that smells like commerce! My kind of deal!"

Ryusui stepped forward, his cape floating behind him.

"They want into the science market? Fine. But they’ll have to respect fair trade rules."

Senku slowly nodded, arms crossed, thoughtful.

"A partnership—but with strict conditions. No access to our labs without supervision. No direct contact with children or sensitive material reserves."

Ukyo nodded. "And a curfew. If they move after nightfall, we need to know."

Kohaku, still tense, glanced past the trees toward the newcomers’ camp.

"I have a bad feeling. They didn’t come just to share science. They have a plan."

Senku gave a cold smile.

"And so do I, Kohaku."

A quiet tension settled, until an elder murmured:

"Very well. Let them come. But let them know that here, everyone works—and no one commands alone."

Senku nodded. Gen pretended to relax, though his mind remained on high alert.

After the tense village meeting, Senku snapped back to his usual commanding tone.

"Alright, enough talk—we still need to make scientific progress on our own. Kukuku~ No way we’re letting them outpace us before they even arrive."

He clapped his hands, a sly smile on his lips. Chrome immediately stood up, eyes gleaming with excitement.

"So? Are we resuming tests on the new thermal battery?"

"Exactly," replied Senku. "And Kinro, set up discreet patrols along the border. I want to know if they show up earlier than expected."

Kinro nodded without question, ready to move.

"Kohaku, I’m counting on you to supervise the camp’s security. We need to be ready for anything—even a surprise attack disguised as cooperation."

She crossed her arms, eyes gleaming with determination.

"You can count on me."

With orders given, everyone returned to their tasks. The sun warmed the village gently, and for once, the atmosphere wasn't oppressive. A kind of calm before the storm… but calm nonetheless.

Gen slipped away to the small makeshift kitchen where Suika was excitedly preparing berry juice for the workers. He allowed himself a satisfied sigh.

"Aaah, peace… What a rare luxury these days."

Suika offered him a sweet smile through her watermelon helmet.

"Wanna taste? It’s not perfect yet, but Chrome says it recharges mental energy well!"

"Aaahh~ Exactly what I needed!" Gen replied dramatically, accepting the drink.

But his peace was short-lived, as Senku arrived, hands on hips.

"Hey mentalist! Thought you could skip manual labor?" he said with a sly smile. "I need you for something."

"Come on, Senku-chan! Can’t you give me a day off? So cruel~"

"Stop being dramatic. You don’t need a break," he said, locking eyes with Gen, his blue eyes shining faintly. "If you’re done, come with me."

Gen waved goodbye to Suika with a smile and sighed theatrically, smoothing the folds of his kimono.

He followed Senku in silence, the warm berry juice still in hand. They walked through the village's lively paths, gradually leaving the buzz behind. The path led to the observatory, isolated and quiet—unless science demanded otherwise. A place only accessible to those Senku fully trusted.

As they walked side by side, Senku slowed his pace just enough for Gen to keep up comfortably. That subtle gesture revealed a rare form of attention. He said nothing, but in that quiet, there was comfort. A kind of peace.

When they arrived, Senku opened the door automatically. Inside smelled of metal, dried ink, and a hint of soot. Organized chaos—just like its owner. Gen hid a faint discomfort as he watched the scientist’s silhouette.

"I wouldn’t have brought you here if I thought you’d speak at the wrong moment," Senku said simply, not looking at him, as if the obvious didn’t need saying.

Gen raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of ease in his eyes.

"Charming welcome. Did you miss me or just want a mental guinea pig?" Gen asked, eyes half-closed, skeptical.

Senku shut the door with his foot and tossed some scribbled sheets on a table cluttered with diagrams, samples, and copper coils. He didn’t answer immediately, lost in thought.

Gen narrowed his eyes, arms crossed in mock exasperation.

"I hope there’ll be at least some explosions. Or dramatic smoke to justify abducting me mid-berry juice."

Senku finally turned around, holding a rough plan covered in numbers.

"Not today. No explosions. Just… a project. A big one. And I need your brain for the human part."

He sat on a stool and gestured to the other.

"Sit. I’ll explain."

Intrigued, Gen sat, placing his cup next to an empty beaker. He paused to study Senku’s face—more tired than usual, but oddly peaceful.

"So? What’s today’s genius plan? Launching a satellite with three coconuts and some string?"

Senku smiled.

"Hah. Not yet. But we’ll get there. For now, I want to build a radio telescope. A real one. Not a makeshift toy."

Gen tilted his head slightly, intrigued.

"You want to pick up messages from America… or ghosts from the past?"

Senku looked up, eyes momentarily lost in the room’s shadows.

"Better. I want to catch signals we might’ve missed. Maybe even intercept theirs before they hear us. And if we can broadcast properly…” He paused, that familiar fire lighting his gaze. “We’ll establish long-range contact. Science to science.”

Gen listened closely, a soft smile forming.

"And you needed me specifically for this?"

Senku tilted his head, feigning innocence.

"Of course. Who else will help phrase our messages? Make our intentions clear without sounding like an invasion threat or a war declaration?"

He leaned on the desk, arms crossed, his gaze softer now.

"And… yeah. It’s been a while since it was just the two of us working."

Gen blinked, surprised.

He opened his mouth for a sarcastic quip, then stopped. His smile grew warmer, almost discreet.

"You could just say you missed me, Senku-chan. I’d have shown up earlier—with flowers."

Senku turned away, adjusting papers on the table to hide his slight discomfort.

"You’ve always had an oversized ego."

"And you’ve always sucked at admitting you like having us around."

There was a silence. Not heavy. Just… rare.

Senku looked up.

"Kukuku. Keep dreaming. I told you—I need your brain."

"And I think you just want company," Gen replied, leaning in playfully.

Senku looked at him, amused sparkle back in his eyes.

"Maybe a little."

They shared a moment of rare calm—a bubble of silence where everything else faded: threats, rival clans, even science. Just the two of them, their quick minds and half-spoken exchanges.

Then a small voice called out.

"Senku! Kohaku told Suika to tell you another scientist is here and he asked to see you!" Suika said, peeking through the door.

Senku’s head snapped up, his gaze sharpening.

"Another scientist?" he asked, rising, a flicker of irritation crossing his face.

Suika nodded, voice worried.

"Yes! He came with two others. He specifically asked for you. And he had… a strange smile."

Gen sighed, placing his hand on the desk.

"Let me guess. That strange smile… had a hint of masked challenge?"

Suika tilted her head, then nodded seriously.

"Very masked. But also a bit scary."

Senku glanced at Gen, a cold smile forming.

"Looks like the circus is back. Let’s see what Masato’s got up his sleeve."

Gen rolled his eyes but stood in silence, smoothing his kimono.

They left the observatory, heading down the village paths. The setting sun cast gold on the rooftops, stretching long shadows—an almost peaceful scene… if not for the silhouette waiting in the square.

Masato.

He had the same twisted smile Gen had seen earlier—a mix of confidence and hidden mockery. Behind him, two young assistants scanned the area, seemingly analyzing and consulting with their scientist leader.

Senku stopped, casual posture, sharp eyes.

"Masato. Visiting before nightfall? Forgot your bundle?"

Masato chuckled softly, deep and almost honeyed.

"Oh, I’m not here as a tourist. I’m here… to offer you a duel, Senku."

A murmur swept through the few gathered villagers. Gen tensed slightly.

This wasn’t expected…

"A duel? Kukuku~ Getting theatrical now. Planning to blow something up in the middle of the village?" Senku mocked, crossing his arms.

Masato nodded slightly.

"Always quick-witted. But no, nothing so barbaric. I propose a scientific challenge. You and me. Tomorrow, at noon."

Senku raised a brow, intrigued despite himself.

"A scientific challenge?"

"Yes. Each camp will have the night to build a device that demonstrates an advanced scientific application. No outside help. Just you. And me. One creation. One demonstration. One verdict."

He stepped closer, red-tinged eyes glowing under the golden light.

"On one condition: if I win, you accept my role aboard your ship to America."

Senku narrowed his eyes, a spark of interest lighting up—but his tone remained calm, almost mocking.

"Your role, huh? You speak like it’s already yours…"

Masato gave a mischievous smile with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Not captain. I simply wish to join your crew on the ship. On merit, of course."

Senku raised an eyebrow, tightening his arms across his chest.

"And what do I get out of all this? Your charm and riddles?" Masato chuckled softly, then tilted his head slightly. "What do you get, Senku? Concrete data. I did my own research in America before coming here. I had time to explore several areas and, believe it or not, some of the Americans I know are already de-petrified. In good health, and very, very interested in what's happening here."

Senku remained silent for a moment, eyes fixed on Masato. Then, a slight smile appeared on his face.

"Alright. Deal. Tomorrow, noon."

A shiver ran through the crowd, caught between excitement and concern. Gen let out a faint sigh, barely audible, as his eyes flicked quickly from Senku to Masato, then to the twilight horizon.

"Well, this promises to be entertaining..."

Masato gave a slight bow, with an almost theatrical respect.

"Then I shall take my leave. Until tomorrow, my dear scientist."

He turned on his heel without waiting for a response, disappearing into the shadows with the confidence of someone whose plan is already well thought out, always accompanied by his two assistants who seemed worried about the challenge.

A silence lingered for a few seconds after his departure, before Kohaku broke the stillness.

"You shouldn’t have accepted so quickly. We don’t know anything about what he’s planning."

Senku didn’t reply. He watched the direction Masato had taken, arms still crossed.

"That’s exactly why I accepted. I want to see how far he’ll go."

Ukyo, still standing back, stepped forward slightly.

"You think he’ll cheat?"

"I think everything is an opportunity for him. Even a supposedly ‘honest’ challenge."

Taiju shouted, arms raised:

“Then we’ll help you prepare your stuff, Senku! We’ll do better than him, I’m sure!"

But Senku shook his head.

"Rule of the game: no helping. It’s a solo challenge."

"Haaa?! Not even a tiny bit of moral support?!"

"If you want, you can yell 'You can do it, Senku!' from really far away. That won’t count as cheating," he said with a sly grin.

Yuzuriha stepped forward gently, placing a hand on Taiju’s shoulder to calm him.

"We also need to watch what Masato is preparing. Even if he follows the rules, he might use the night to act in secret."

Kohaku nodded, already alert.

"I’ll take the first watch. I’ll patrol around their camp."

Senku finally turned to Gen.

"And you, Gen… keep your eyes open." 

Gen gave a tight smile, fingers tapping his chin.

"My mentalist instincts are ready to pick up the slightest tension~"

Senku looked up at the sky where the first stars pierced the darkness.

"Alright. We’ve got until tomorrow noon."

He turned on his heel and headed for his lab with a determined stride.

"Get ready. Even the most innocent games can hide ticking time bombs."

Chapter Text

The challenge that had been issued was not something Senku had anticipated so soon.

He now had to create an object that blended modernity with the Stone Age, and he had to do it alone—in just about fifteen hours.

Deep down, he was ten billion percent sure Masato had already gained an advantage in the challenge. It wasn't just scientific instinct—it was a calculated certainty, a logical conclusion. It was unlikely that Masato would propose something like this without a Plan B, C, and probably a hidden Plan D up his sleeve.

Senku rubbed the back of his neck, staring at his scattered sketches on the table. He had gathered all the materials, instruments, and tools he needed to start the project that would win him this challenge.

Without hesitation, he got to work, manipulating a few beakers with precision, fully focused on the task at hand. He forgot everything around him—time included.

______

It was difficult for Gen to escape the village guards.

His breathing came in short bursts, weaving a path through the underbrush—especially with Kohaku around, always alert to any stranger or suspicion.

His steps slowed as he reached the edge of the mountain. His thoughts aligned quickly as he spotted a medium-sized silhouette. Masato stood there, watching the horizon. Admiring the starry sky drowned out by the crashing waves.

He turned to the mentalist with a smirk.

“Oh! Gen! I was admiring the view! It reminded me of a bittersweet memory—the beauty of your eyes. Anyway, I’m glad you understood my message. That’s quite seductive of you! You always did know me so well~” exclaimed Masato, his reddish eyes suddenly turning serious. “Your charm has made you so good at slipping in with the winners. You’ve already gotten close to Senku, haven’t you? Just like you once did with me.”

A silence settled between them, filled only by the ocean’s roar. Gen became aware of the situation and swallowed hard, stepping closer to Masato.

“Come now, Masato-chan~ I could never do such a thing!” A nervous laugh escaped him. “You mean far too much to me.”

“Haha! Gen, what a good joke.” Masato’s gaze hardened. He grabbed Gen’s jaw with a force that made him cry out in pain. “I can’t stand hearing your lies anymore. You got me once. I won’t make the same mistake again.”

He shoved Gen away, making him stumble and fall. On the ground, Gen looked up with a painful, humiliated, and irritated expression, holding his jaw with one hand. Masato, meanwhile, casually ran his hand through his sapphire hair. Gen noticed the gesture with a shaky breath.

“Well, let’s save that for later. I’d like you to be useful, Gen. So listen closely.”

He stepped forward quickly, crouching before Gen. The smile was gone, replaced with a cold intensity.

He pulled out a familiar bottle: a nearly perfect imitation of the famous Senku Cola. But what caught Gen’s eye was the empty glass he presented with meticulous care. Gen’s eyes widened, his mouth opened. His lips trembled, trying to form words, but no sound came—until Masato spoke for him.

“Oh my dear, wondering how I got it? Let me explain directly. The two people with me? They're artisans. I got to inspect the place. One of those bottles was sitting on the edge of a table. I thought to myself: ‘Bingo!’”

A sinister smile appeared, pressing Gen further into the worn ground.

“You’ve always been fond of cola... A little weakness. Sweet and predictable. How adorable.” A falsely charming pout. “So what I’m proposing isn’t betrayal. Just… balancing the scales a bit. One sip, one pause. A way to slow down a man too sure of himself. Your role is simply to distract him—just for a few minutes or hours—so I gain the advantage.”

Gen swallowed, breaking his silence.

“And why do you think I’d do that for you?”

“Because you owe me. And I’m the kind of man who always repays what I’m given... with interest. And let’s be honest, Gen. Is it really a secret if everyone already suspects it? What I have is the truth… barely amplified.”

He paused for a moment, then added in a low voice, almost sickeningly sweet:

“You're not afraid of betraying me. You're afraid of him discovering who you really are. But who cares? In this world, perception is stronger than truth, isn’t it? Hah, what would they think? I can imagine your friends now.”

His voice went higher, mocking Ukyo.

“‘You're just a miserable manipulator who goes wherever it's beneficial.’ But don't worry, Gen. You’ve always been an opportunist. That won’t ever change. And that’s what will lead to your downfall.” A smile still froze on his pale, smooth face. “I'm not a monster, Gen. I'm not asking you to hurt him... just to slow him down. Like placing a pebble in a cyclist’s path. If he’s a genius, he’ll bounce back quickly, right? And if you really doubt me, I’ll offer you a glass too—you can drink together.”

Gen remained frozen, trapped between fear, humiliation, and a deep anger he wasn’t yet ready to face. The threat hung over him like an anvil.

He slowly took the bottle and glass with trembling fingers. The cola was cold. Too cold. Just like Masato’s voice, still crouched in front of him, his eyes glinting with twisted delight.

“You know, Gen, it’s funny,” he continued softly, almost affectionately. “You're such a talented liar. But tonight... I don’t need a lie. I need a small gesture. Insignificant.”

Gen tightened his grip around the bottle, his nails digging into the glass. His eyes met Masato’s. The fake smile had long since vanished.

“If something happens to Senku…” His voice trembled, betraying a fear he tried to hide.

Masato stood up with a muffled laugh, patting Gen’s head like a compliant child.

“Oh, nothing will happen to him.” He stepped back, calmly adjusting his collar. “Just... a little delay in tomorrow’s performance. Enough to lose a few hours. That’s all.”

He turned without waiting for a reply.

“See you tomorrow, my dear magician. Don’t forget—the show must go on.”

And he vanished into the shadows, leaving Gen alone on the cliff, breathless, heart pounding.

The mentalist stayed there a moment, staring at the bottle. His reflection in the glass stared back at him like a silent accusation.

______

Heart heavy, Gen began walking through the forest.

His steps trembled, just like his hands hidden in his sleeves, clutching the cool glass. His gaze locked forward, lost in thought.

If Senku-chan loses, will he forgive me?

His heart pounded in his chest as the village buildings came into view. He glanced around, looking for Kohaku so he could sneak in unnoticed.

With no sign of the girl, he walked toward Senku’s lab, anxiety churning in his gut.

As if things couldn’t get worse, someone intercepted him from behind.

“Gen? What were you doing?”

Ginro’s silhouette was bathed in moonlight, his sleepy voice revealing he’d just woken from a nap. He yawned, then turned to face him.

“Ooh Ginro-chan! Just a little moonlit stroll—nothing bad!~ This whole thing’s stressful, you know? It’s messing with my precious sleep!”

His voice took on a falsely sweet tone, masking his unease.

“I was going to see Senku-chan, just to give him a little moral support during this long night”

“Senku told us not to let anyone interrupt him while he’s building,” Ginro said uncertainly.

“Don’t worry, Ginro-chan! I won’t stay long—just enough to cheer him up. He must be exhausted by all this masquerade~” Gen dramatized the words, managing to convince him.

“Okay, but don’t get caught by Kohaku or she’ll kill me,” Ginro shivered, yawning as he walked away.

Silence fell. Gen exhaled, unaware he’d been holding his breath. With a final breath, he resumed his walk, approaching Senku’s lab. His hand rose—but hovered in the air.

Should I really do this…?

He lifted the bottle with his other hand, staring at the liquid.

What did you put in it exactly?

His hand knocked on the door. Without waiting for a response, he stepped in. The door creaked softly. A familiar scent of ozone, copper, and resin hit him instantly. The flickering light of an oil lamp cast Senku’s shadow hunched over metal parts, frowning, eyes locked on scribbled notes.

“I told everyone not to disturb me,” he growled without looking up.

“But I’m not everyone, Senku-chan~”

At the voice, Senku finally looked up, surprised. Exhaustion was etched into his face. Gen approached slowly, a light smile on his lips, though his eyes sparkled with a hidden unease.

“I thought you could use a break, a bit of sugar, and a gentle reminder that you’re not a machine.”

He raised the bottle between them, and the label turned toward Senku.

“Homemade cola, special edition—courtesy of the man with a thousand social talents.”

Senku stared at him for a moment. Then he smirked.

“You know I only drink cola after winning a war or inventing a microprocessor.” He reached for it. “But hey. I’ll make an exception this time.”

Gen’s fingers tensed. His heart pounded. His face felt oddly hot. He hesitated. Just for a second.

Then handed over the bottle—but held it firmly, fingers still on the neck.

“Tell me… you trust me, right?”

Senku raised an eyebrow.

“What’s with the theatrics, mentalist? Of course I trust you. Or you wouldn’t be here.”

Those words hit harder than expected. 

He gritted his teeth, then placed the glass Masato had given him on the table.

“Then let me share this delightful drink with you˜”

He smiled at Senku, pouring the cola into the glass and handing it to him with casual grace. If Masato had done anything… he’d pay the price himself. He watched Senku sniff the drink and bring it to his lips. Gen drank a large gulp straight from the bottle.

A thick silence fell.

Senku set the half-empty glass down and sighed.

“That felt good… You did well, Gen.”

Gen laughed—barely a whisper—and sat down nearby, far enough not to disturb him.

“How’s the experiment going? Did you get any rest, Senku-chan?”

Senku grunted, still staring at his plans.

“Rest? You know me. Sleep’s for people without ticking clocks over their heads.”

He scribbled a few more lines, hand less steady than usual. Gen noticed the hesitation—tiny but real.

“You say that, but even your brain has limits. You’re pushing too hard. You’ve got dark circles like moon craters. When’s the last time you ate? Last night?”

Senku grunted again, but this time with a faint smile.

“Hah, I don’t have time. I’ve got to beat Masato. He’s got resources, assistants, and a bad taste for theatrics—but there’s one thing he doesn’t have.”

He raised a finger.

“Ten billion percent pure determination…”

He bent over his plans again, then paused. His focus wavered. The fatigue crept in. Gen’s presence made it worse. His hand slipped, drawing a crooked line before the pencil dropped.

Gen leaned forward.

“Senku-chan? You okay?”

He gently tapped Senku’s shoulder.

“Hey, take a break. Just a few minutes. You can’t keep this up.”

But Senku shook his head.

“Back off, mentalist. I’m not tired. And I won’t stop while science needs me.”

He pushed Gen’s hand away—gently, but firmly. His eyes, though tired, remained resolute. Gen clenched his jaw. He wanted to speak, to joke, to break the tension—but no words came.

“You’re going to hurt yourself, Senku-chan. You need more than cola.”

He tried to smile, uncertain. But Senku turned away.

“I said no, Gen. Go now. Let me work.”

Gen watched him for a moment, his heart clenching at the firm mention of his name. Yet he held out his hand again, but stopped when Senku gave him a hard look. A warning.

“Good night, Gen.”

The mentalist simply nodded, lips tight. He took the glass and the bottle. Before leaving, he allowed himself one last look. Senku, hunched over, shoulders tight, burdened by invisible weight. A figure on the verge of breaking.

“Don’t forget to rest, Senku-chan.”

A sigh escaped as he left. The door creaked shut, swallowing the words he never said. His thoughts tangled into a fog. Taking a deep breath, he walked toward his shared shelter.

Then a bitter thought struck:

I hope this will be enough for Masato-chan…

His fingers clenched the glass tighter. A softer smile crossed his lips, born of a warm memory: of cola poured with care, of a moment where Senku had stopped being a genius—and was just… him. 

And in the chill of the night, he walked on. In silence. But with a heart a little heavier… and a little fuller.