CHANGE -「Last Embryo」

Chapter 3

Six years ago...

"What are you reading, Senji?"

Ai's voice interrupted Senji's reading, who was immersed in a newspaper.

"Watching the news," Senji replied, not taking his eyes off the newspaper. "It seems that a rising idol who recently participated in a soap opera committed suicide due to criticism for her performance. It's amazing how the words of strangers can lead to such a tragic end."

Senji turned to Ai with a thoughtful expression.

"I remember you mentioned that you wanted to be an actress... or was an idol. In the end, I guess it's not that different. Both roles involve being public figures, participating in similar events, and facing criticism from the public."

Ai looked at him with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

"Yes, that's true. Sometimes you don't take into account how difficult it can be to deal with the constant pressure," Ai replied with Senji's argument heard.

"For your own well-being, I wouldn't recommend you to become an idol or actress, Ai. Sometimes, fame attracts dangerous people or obsessive fans who can put your safety at risk." Senji said this in a serious tone, remembering the seriousness of the news he had read in the newspaper.

Ai looked at him in surprise, feeling the weight of his words.

"I hadn't thought about that..." Ai muttered, his expression becoming more reflective. "I guess in addition to the constant pressure, there are also risks that are not always considered."

Senji nodded, his face showing a mixture of concern and care.

"Yes, fame can be a heavy burden. It is important to be aware of the dangers that come with it. Even if you don't think about becoming a public figure, it's good to know what kind of risks might be associated with it."

Ai nodded slowly, grateful for Senji's advice.

"You're right, Senji. Thank you for warning me about this. Sometimes it's easy to get carried away by fantasies without thinking about the harsh realities."

Senji smiled, relieved to see that Ai was taking his warning seriously.

"It's always best to be prepared and aware, even if it's just a joke."

They decided to put the subject aside and talk about other things.

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The next morning, Ai Hoshino was in the kitchen, sipping tea while flipping through the newspaper he had picked up from the entrance. The silence of the house enveloped her, but her mind was full of disturbing thoughts. As he turned the pages, the headlines captured his attention: "Young actress found dead in her apartment", "Singer takes her own life after a wave of criticism", "The tragic end of a rising star".

Each article detailed the life and death of people who were once revered by the public. Ai dwelt on the images of celebrities, young and smiling in their prime, now reduced to tragic stories in the media. A concern settled in his chest. What would happen if she became famous? If she managed to fulfill her dream of being an actress or idol?

He put the newspaper aside and turned on his laptop, the screen glowing in the cold morning light. He began searching the internet for the names of those whose fates had been so tragically sealed. The pages were filled with rumors, theories, and lurid details of their private lives. Photos of their homes, their families, their most intimate moments, everything was there, on display for the world to see.

Fear began to grow in Ai as she navigated through those pages. If she achieved fame, would her life be dissected in the same way? Would it be their secrets, their deepest fears, revealed to the public? The idea that strangers could poke around in her private life terrified her. The pressure of expectations, the cruelty of criticism, and the relentless curiosity of ordinary people became real to her, more than ever.

"If the same thing happened to me..." Ai muttered, his voice trembling slightly. "People would also look deep into my private life... and everything would come to light... I don't want this."

Ai turned off the laptop, still feeling the knot in her stomach. He had not been able to shake off the fear that the idea of fame had planted in his mind. Deep in those thoughts, she barely noticed her father coming into the kitchen, holding a steaming cup of coffee.

"Good morning, Ai." he greeted her with a smile as he sat down at the table. "What are you doing so early with the newspaper?" he asked, taking the newspaper that Ai had put aside.

Ai, still somewhat distracted, handed him the newspaper without thinking twice. Her father looked at her with a slight confusion.

"Reading the newspaper? That's not something you usually do." He noticed the seriousness on his face and raised an eyebrow, curious. "Is there anything interesting that has caught you?"

Ai smiled with a mixture of nerves and some embarrassment.

"Well, I don't usually read it, that's right," he admitted, playing with a strand of his long purple hair. "But... Senji told me a lot about newspapers and journalists. I guess that made me think a little about what's published, about the stories people tell... and how that affects others."

Ai's father watched her, his thoughts swirling silently. He had never shown interest in newspapers before. The idea that his daughter might be interested in something new, especially something as serious as journalism, pleasantly surprised him.

"So Senji got the idea of newspapers in your head, huh?" he said with a smile, as he flipped through the newspaper. "It's interesting, you know? Journalism has a way of changing the way we see the world. And to think that it all starts with simple words printed on paper."

He paused, letting his words sink into Ai before continuing.

"Hey, come to think of it... do you remember the digital camera I stopped using?" he asked, remembering the digital camera he used to photograph Ai three months ago for his birthday. "It's stored near the TV. Maybe you could take it out and take some pictures... You never know, it could be fun. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be interested in being a real journalist."

Ai shook her head, feeling a little overwhelmed by the conversation.

"I don't know, Dad. I don't think that's for me. I don't see myself chasing stories or taking photos for a newspaper. I was just... curious a little."

Her father smiled kindly, not wanting to pressure her, but also wanting her to explore something new.

"Don't worry, you don't have to decide anything now. But why don't you try to have some fun with the camera?" he said in a soft, almost persuasive tone. "You might discover something you like. Sometimes, the things we least expect are the ones that surprise us the most."

Ai looked at him, noticing the affection and patience in his words. Although she still felt insecure, the idea of experimenting with the camera didn't seem so bad to her.

"Okay, I'll try," he finally replied, with a small smile. "But just for fun, don't get your hopes up."

"That's all I ask of you," his father replied, satisfied, before turning his attention to the newspaper. As she did so, Ai fell silent, wondering if she could really find something else in that world that had scared her so much moments before.

In the afternoon...

The afternoon sun was gently illuminating the streets, and Ai Hoshino decided to take advantage of the free time. Since it was the weekend and he had no school, he took the digital camera that his father had mentioned to him that morning. Although she wasn't sure what to do with it at first, the idea of exploring a bit and capturing images of her surroundings began to seem more appealing to her.

Ai left home and headed to the nearby park. The place was full of life, but in a quiet and peaceful way. He stopped under a tree and turned on the camera, focusing his lens on the birds fluttering among the branches. Their tiny bodies moved nimbly, and Ai was surprised to notice how the simple act of photographing them made her feel more connected to the world around her.

He walked a little further, his curiosity piqued with each step. Kittens were playing on the grass, chasing each other amid childish laughter and the murmur of leaves. Ai bent down to take a few photos of them, capturing their playful energy and the innocence of the moment. There was something magical about the ability to stop time in an image, he thought. Even if only for an instant, he could catch a piece of reality and keep it forever.

With each photo she took, Ai became more comfortable with the camera, exploring different angles and approaches. What started as a simple hobby was awakening something inside him. The camera became a kind of window, a way to see the world in a deeper and more meaningful way.

The day passed quickly as Ai got lost in his new activity. The little stories she captured with her camera—a bird taking flight, a flower opening in the sun, kittens playing—showed her that there was beauty and meaning in the simplest details. And, without realizing it, that same day marked the beginning of a more serious interest in journalism, although she still did not fully understand it.

Back home, Ai went through the photos she had taken. The images weren't perfect, but each one had a special value to her. He felt a strange satisfaction in seeing the world through the lens, and he couldn't help but wonder if perhaps there was something more to this simple hobby.

As he turned off the camera, Ai smiled. He didn't know if he wanted to be a journalist, but he understood that there was something powerful about telling stories, even if it was only through images. For the first time, he felt that he had a way to express himself, to share his vision of the world. And that, in a way, made her feel more connected to herself and to others.

The next day...

The morning sun bathed the park in a warm and welcoming light. Ai Hoshino returned to the same park where he had spent the previous afternoon, this time with his digital camera slung around his neck and an enthusiastic smile lighting up his face.

He sat on a bench under the shade of a tree, reviewing the photos he had taken the day before. As she lost herself in thought, a familiar voice roused her from her reverie.

"Hey, Ai! What are you doing so early around here?"

Ai looked up and found Senji approaching with light steps. Senji, with his short reddish hair and reddish eyes, was wearing a white T-shirt with a simple blue print, khaki shorts, and black sneakers.

A wide smile flashed across Ai's face at the sight of him.

"Senji! I didn't expect to see you here," he said, making room on the bench for him to sit on.

Senji sat beside him, his attention focused on Ai's camera.

"Is it new?" he asked, pointing to the device with interest.

"It's my dad's camera. He lent it to me yesterday, and I've been experimenting a bit with it. Look, I've taken some photos that I want to show you," Ai replied, excited as she navigated through the images on the screen.

Senji looked at the photos of birds, kittens, and flowers, nodding approvingly.

"You have a good eye, Ai. The photos are great."

Ai smiled at the praise. Then, without much thought, he picked up the camera and took a quick photo of Senji.

"Hey!" Senji said, somewhat surprised, but not annoyed. "Why are you taking a picture of me?"

Ai laughed softly, checking the image on the screen.

"I just thought it would be nice to have a picture of you too. You are part of what makes this place special to me."

Senji smiled, feeling flattered, and allowed Ai to take a couple more photos.

As the two continued to chat, the park's calm atmosphere was suddenly interrupted. A loud clanking clank echoed in the distance, followed by the hum of the city falling silent. The lights around him flickered and then went out completely. The sound of a brutal crash filled the air, and both children turned to the source of the noise, alert and worried.

"What was that?" asked Ai, her heart racing.

Before Senji could respond, a second crash was heard closer. From their position in the park, they could both watch as one car violently crashed into another at the nearby intersection. The situation became even more disturbing when they saw a hooded figure get out of the first car.

The man, wrapped in thick clothes that concealed his identity, moved quickly, as if he knew exactly what he was doing. Ai, remembering what Senji had said about his good eye, instinctively picked up the camera and began to take pictures. Through the lens, he captured every detail: the man's posture, the way he turned toward the other car, and most terrifyingly, the firearm he pulled out before shooting the driver trapped in the hit-and-run vehicle.

Ai held her breath as she continued to take photos, her hands trembling slightly. I knew that what I was capturing was dangerous, but I also knew that those images could be important.

Senji, for his part, watched in silence. Although the situation was unsettling, he was not scared; being part of the Muramasa Clan had been exposed to similar scenarios for a couple of weeks. However, he watched out of the corner of his eye as Ai took photos of the situation, with a mixture of curiosity and caution. She knew that what they were witnessing was dangerous, but she also understood that, for Ai, this was something totally different, something that could change the way she saw the world.

At night...

Ai was at home, sitting in front of the TV as breaking news streamed on the screen. The reporter was in the middle of an urgent update.

"Good evening. We bring you some shocking news. This morning, there was a tragic incident in the city centre. A hooded man has been seen shooting at a driver caught in a car accident. Police are desperately searching for any evidence that could help identify the suspect."

The reporter continued to speak, her voice full of urgency.

"We ask anyone who captured photos or videos of the incident to contact the authorities. Any evidence can be crucial to the investigation and to catching the man responsible."

Ai felt a chill as she heard the news. His gaze was drawn to the digital camera he had been using, and he quickly remembered the photos he had taken during the incident. He knew his images could be valuable to the police.

Determined to do the right thing, Ai got up and began reviewing the photos on her camera. Seeing the images of the hooded man, the firearm and the chaos of the scene, he understood the importance of what he had captured. With a mixture of nerves and determination, Ai prepared to contact the authorities and hand over the evidence that could help solve the case.

The next day...

The morning began with a tense air in Ai's house. The television was on in the living room, and the news of the incident from the night before was the main topic. The reporter, with a grave expression, was in the middle of a live report.

"Good morning. Authorities have received new evidence related to yesterday's tragic incident. Thanks to the help of a witness who provided crucial photos, police are now closer to identifying the suspect. Due to the sensitivity of the case and to protect the identity of the witness, no further details will be revealed about who provided this information."

The reporter continued to speak, but Ai couldn't stop thinking about the implication of the news. He knew that the aforementioned evidence came from his photos, but the way the reporter presented him kept his identity anonymous. Although she felt a mixture of relief at having helped and concern about the risk involved, she was relieved that her name was not mentioned.

"Are you going to be okay, Ai?" asked her mother, entering the room with a worried expression.

"Yes, Mom, I'm fine," Ai replied, trying to sound calm as she got up to get ready for school.

"Take care on the road," his father said, looking at the television with a worried expression. "Don't forget that you have an important test today."

Ai nodded, taking her schoolbag and preparing to leave.

"Goodbye, Dad, Mom. See you after school."

"Take care, Ai!" her mother replied, giving her a quick hug.

"See you later," his father said, as Ai made his way to the door.

Ai left the house, feeling the fresh morning air. Although she was worried about the news, she was also determined to maintain normalcy in her daily life. He walked toward the school, his mind still occupied with recent events and the authorities' possible reaction to the evidence he had provided.

House of the Muramasa Clan...

The morning was calm as Senji Muramasa walked down the hall of the house. The atmosphere was serene, and the only sound was the faint echo of his footsteps on the wooden floor. Suddenly, Sato Yukimura appeared in the hall, with a report in his hand.

"Senji-sama," Sato said. "I have received important information. Police have received evidence of yesterday's incident. Ai Hoshino has handed over photos of the killer."

Senji took the report and quickly reviewed it. The news was not good: the evidence Ai had provided was now in the hands of the authorities, which meant that the killer might be looking for whoever had betrayed him.

"This could put Ai in danger," Senji said, his face showing concern. "If the killer finds out that she was the one who delivered the photos, he could look for her."

Sato nodded.

"We are moving our men to locate the killer and ensure that he cannot harm Ai. We are also in contact with our influences within the police to ensure that the situation is handled discreetly."

Senji nodded determinedly.

"Perfect. Make sure the entire team is alert and covering all possible locations of the killer. Ai's safety is our priority."

Sato headed to coordinate the actions while Senji prepared to oversee the operation. The Muramasa clan had the control necessary to handle the situation, and the search for the assassin became an urgent mission to protect Ai Hoshino.

The morning continued with a sense of urgency, as Senji and his team moved to track down the killer before he could do any more damage. Ai's safety was at stake, and every minute counted.

Close to the park...

The killer advanced through the streets with an expression of contained fury. He received information from his scapegoat inside the police station that a girl with purple hair and purple eyes had captured the moment of the murder and handed over the photos to the police had enraged him. Frustration consumed him knowing that his meticulous plan had been ruined by a mere ten-year-old girl.

"How could a girl mess up all my work?" she muttered angrily as she scanned the streets, her hands clenching their fists.

I knew I had to act fast. His goal was to eliminate this girl to take revenge for the interference that had spoiled his plan. There was no room for mistakes or feelings of regret. The girl was to be eliminated for revenge.

With black sunglasses covering part of his face and ordinary clothing that made him look like an ordinary passerby, the killer walked the streets near the scene of the incident. Every face she passed by was a potential clue, and her gaze remained fixed on the search for this girl with purple hair and eyes.

"I can't let this girl stay alive," he said to himself. "She ruined my plan and now she must pay for it."

The killer was driven solely by his desire for revenge, his mind focused on finding Ai. Every step he took was charged with a cold, calculating determination, seeking out the girl who, by her simple act of bravery, had unleashed his fury.

Suddenly, as he walked, the killer heard the voices of two children approaching. He stopped and turned in the direction of the sound. Through the crowd, he spotted Ai and Senji, chatting animatedly. The killer's heart raced as he recognized the girl he had been looking for.

Stealthily, the killer began to follow Ai and Senji, making sure not to appear suspicious or draw attention to himself. His gaze remained fixed on the girl, and his steps were careful not to be discovered.

However, as he followed the children down a quieter street, a black cart suddenly stopped in front of him, blocking his path. Before he could react, the passenger side door opened and a sturdy man grabbed him from behind, pushing him into the car.

The killer tried to fight back, but the man quickly subdued him. A firearm was placed on his head.

"Don't even try to scream," the man said in a deep voice. "Because you will die anyway."

The killer felt the cold metal of the weapon on his skin, and though his mind was in chaos, he realized that he had fallen into a trap. As the car began to move, the killer realized that his search had ended abruptly.

One year later...

Yesterday a tragedy occurred so great that silence enveloped it completely. No newspaper, no newscast dared to mention the destruction and death of hundreds of people. No one was talking about what had really happened. Everything was covered by an impenetrable shadow, as if the world had decided to close its eyes to the truth.

Even Senji, my best friend, was eerily silent. The loss had been too close for him. Their parents were among the dead, as were those who had been loyal to their family for generations. I knew it, I felt it in the weight of his gaze every time our eyes met, but he didn't say anything. That wall of silence that he had erected between us hurt me more than any words.

Weren't we friends? Why couldn't he trust me? I felt lost and hurt. I couldn't stand that emptiness anymore. He needed to know what had really happened, why Senji refused to speak and, above all, why all the media had decided to silence such a devastating tragedy.

I decided to find out the truth for myself. I grabbed my digital camera, the same one my father had given me three years ago, and set off. I had to document what was left of that night of horror. I started with Senji's house. I moved a little far away since the police did not allow anyone to approach, looking for the perfect angle, the image that could capture not only the devastation, but the weight of the history that this destruction harbored.

From there, my journey continued. I took the bullet train to get to other places, places that had shared the same fate as Senji's house or perhaps worse. The ruins of the other houses greeted me with a desolate silence. Entire families had been wiped off the map. Four families, each with its own history, each with its own dead. I took pictures of everything, taking the utmost care not to get caught by the authorities.

With each click of the camera, I felt that I was getting closer to the truth. I knew that these images were more than just photos; they were fragments of a buried truth. Evidence of a disaster that someone, somewhere, wanted to keep secret. Now, that evidence is stored in my chamber, waiting for the right moment to be revealed.

One day, those photos will see the light of day in the newspaper, the same newspaper Senji reads every day. And when that happens, maybe, just maybe, Senji will finally speak. Perhaps, then, I will understand why he refuses to share his pain with me, why he is silent about what happened that fateful night.

Until then, I will continue to analyze every photo, every detail, searching for the truth for myself. I won't stop until I find out what really happened that night.

Tokyo Cemetery...

The gray sky over the Tokyo cemetery seemed to reflect the mood of those present. The place was quiet, only disturbed by the soft murmur of the wind through the trees and the distant sound of birds. Senji stood in front of the graves of his parents, who had been the heads of the Muramasa Clan. Around him, the clansmen were silent, some with their heads bowed, others muttering prayers for the fallen. They were men and women who had lost not only their leaders, but also their comrades, and the pain of loss was palpable in the air.

Senji, with a serious face and empty eyes, placed an offering of flowers on the graves. He remained silent, feeling the weight of his new responsibility as the sole heir of the clan. He was no longer the child he had been, and everyone around him expected him to take on the role his parents had left behind.

After a few minutes of solemn stillness, Senji took a step back, bowing his head slightly in final respect. Then he turned, slowly moving away from the tombs. The clan members stayed behind, whispering to each other, some wiping away tears, others watching respectfully as the young man walked to his new destination.

Leaving the cemetery, Senji met Ai, who had been waiting for him near the entrance. She watched him with a mixture of concern and determination on her face.

"We'll talk another day, Senji... right?" asked Ai, her voice cracking with uncertainty.

Senji barely paused before replying, his tone distant.

"I'm sorry, but we'll stop talking for a long time. Now I have more responsibilities to attend to."

Without further words, he turned away, away from Ai, his firm footsteps marking his distance.

"Good." Ai's star-shaped eyes flashed with darkness. "I guess I must find a way for you to look for me."

And that way would be... publish the article that is connected to Senji.

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Current time...

CEO of KYOU SHIMBUN

Kyou Shimbun CEO Takashi Yamada was beside himself. The article that had made it to the front page of the newspaper had caused an unexpected and dangerous stir.

"I want to know who allowed this to be published!" he exclaimed, pounding his fist on the table while holding the newspaper in his other hand.

The headline was impossible to ignore: "What happened five years ago where more than 600 people died?" —Written by Ai Hoshino.

Takashi felt a chill run down his spine. He knew that this type of item could not only set off a media storm, but could also attract the attention of dangerous people, especially the Muramasa Clan. In his world, negative attention not only affected the newspaper, but could cost him his life.

"Call the Editor-in-Chief and bring me the journalist who wrote this!" he ordered, addressing his assistant with a look full of fury.

Editor-in-Chief Hiroshi Tanaka arrived shortly after, his face tense. I knew the CEO wouldn't be happy.

"Mr. Takashi, I'm investigating how this item passed through our controls. Ai Hoshino is a young journalist, but she has never done anything like this before. Someone must have approved the article without consulting me."

"Investigate? We don't have time for that!" roared Takashi. "I want a solution now. This kind of story can attract the wrong men, and if that happens, we could be digging our own graves."

Hiroshi nodded seriously, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"I'll talk to Ai right away and find out who hired her. We must also prepare ourselves to handle the consequences. If someone powerful is involved, we will have to act fast to mitigate the damage."

"Do it, and quickly," Takashi replied. "And make sure this doesn't happen again. Our reputation, and perhaps our lives, depend on it."

Elsewhere...

Ai Hoshino ran through the deserted streets, his breath mingling with the echo of his swift footsteps. The dim glow of the lampposts barely illuminated his figure as he moved with the agility of a shadow, merging with the darkness of the night. Her long purple hair fluttered in the wind, and her purple eyes scanned the surroundings, looking for a way out.

The black vehicles chasing her roared in the distance, their headlights shining like the eyes of lurking beasts. Ai knew she couldn't afford to stop. Dressed in gray sportswear and black sneakers, she had chosen her outfit precisely for this kind of situation. The darkness was her ally, and she was determined to use it to her advantage.

He swerved his way down a narrow alley, his muscles tense as he forced himself to keep up. He could hear the engines approaching, the sound amplified in the narrow walls around him. Ai jumped over a pile of boxes, avoiding a puddle that could give away her position. Every move was calculated, every decision crucial.

Memories of his last conversation with Senji flickered in his mind. Her determination to find a way for him to seek her out had led her to this moment, but she now realized that she had underestimated the consequences. The article I had written unleashed something bigger than I had anticipated. And now, those men wanted her dead.

As he ran, Ai spotted a fire escape descending a building to his left. Without a second thought, he lunged at her, holding on tightly to the cold metal steps. He climbed quickly, ignoring the pain in his legs, and slid to the roof, where he crouched, hiding behind an old fireplace.

From his hiding place, he could see the black vehicles stop at the end of the alley. The men got out of the cars, checking the area with flashlights that pierced the darkness. Ai held her breath, feeling her heart pound hard against her chest.

"I must stay calm..." he thought, trying to calm his nerves. "If they find me here, I'm finished."

Ai knew that she couldn't stay long. He had to keep moving, find a safe place where he could plan his next move. But for now, she could only wait, praying that the darkness would keep her hidden a little longer.

As she focused on listening to the footsteps of these people who were chasing her and hiding from the flashlights, someone began to speak.

"Miss Ai Hoshino, don't keep hiding."

The man's deep voice easily reached his ears.

"We have orders to capture her alive, so don't worry about fearing for her life, be kind enough to come out of hiding."

Ai wasn't going to believe that guy's words, so she continued in her hiding place hoping that they would get tired and look for her somewhere away from where she is.

Sighed. "Call the Young Master. And tell her we found the girl."

"That's what I'm doing," his companion replied. "Seriously, she's using what she learned from Senji-sama against her."

"That surprised me too, she couldn't get enough of escaping from all of us."

Ai, listening to their conversation, was shocked the moment they mentioned Senji.

[Have you found Ai yet?]

Ai cautiously pulled her head out of hiding to glance sideways when she heard Senji's voice on their phone.

"That's right, Senji-sama."

[Well, she really didn't stop me from enjoying my bath in the onsen. Bring her to the Kyou Shimbun building.]

"Understood, we'll be there in a few minutes."

The sound of ending the call was heard.

"You already heard Miss Ai, it's time to go."

"Ah!"

A cry of fear let out Ai as she was picked up and pulled out of hiding.

Unconsciously, Ai struck the man's face.

"Ouch, that hurt a little from hitting my nose."

"I'm sorry?"

Ai was confused, but she was easily taken to the car without making a move to try to escape, after all she fulfilled her goal, although it was not as she wanted, she was going to go to Senji in the building where she works as a journalist for the Kyou Shimbun newspaper.