Chapter 65: The Changing Tides
A Cold Wind Over Seoul
The wind howled through the gaps of the president's office, slipping through the cracks like a whisper of the past. Outside the window, Seoul was still in ruins. It had been two months since The Ten's devastating attack, and though the city was beginning to recover, the scars remained—both on the land and in the hearts of its people.
Seated at the president's desk was Mujin, now the third president of the Seoul Hunter Association. The weight of leadership sat heavy on his shoulders, yet his expression remained calm, unreadable. His hands rested on a stack of documents—reports on the rebuilding efforts, security upgrades, and the current status of the world's hunter organizations. The attack on Seoul had changed everything.
A knock on the door.
It opened, revealing Akebi, dressed in formal black attire, a solemn look on her face.
"It's time," she said softly.
Mujin nodded, rising to his feet. He adjusted the cuffs of his coat before stepping forward. Together, they walked down the long hallway, their footsteps echoing off the cold marble floors.
A Farewell to a Titan
The burial ground was quiet, save for the rustling of the wind and the distant sound of construction. Wooden scaffolding and steel beams jutted out from the wreckage of the once-great city, a constant reminder of the war they had fought. The hunters, dressed in black, stood in rows, their heads bowed in respect. This was a moment of grief, but also one of remembrance.
At the front of the gathering stood a polished black coffin—the final resting place of Bartoni, the fallen second president of the Hunter Association.
Mujin took his place before the gathered hunters. His voice, though steady, carried an undeniable sadness.
"Bartoni was more than a leader. He was a warrior, a protector… a father to this city. He gave everything so we could live, so Seoul could stand tall even in the face of annihilation. He stood where none dared to, fought for those who could not, and in his last moments, he did not waver. Today, we do not only mourn his loss—we honor his legacy. We continue forward, stronger, unyielding. For him. For everyone he fought for."
A moment of silence followed.
The undertakers lifted the coffin, moving it toward its final resting place. One by one, the hunters stepped forward, dropping flowers onto the casket as a final farewell.
Akebi was among them. She clutched a white lily, her fingers trembling as she stepped forward. The weight of grief crushed her, but she held her ground. A single tear traced down her cheek as she whispered under her breath, "Thank you… for everything."
A comforting hand rested on her shoulder. Thomas. He said nothing, only offering a silent nod of reassurance. Akebi swallowed her pain and stepped back.
Then, another figure walked forward.
A young man dressed in black knelt before the coffin, his hand resting gently on the smooth wood. His black hair swayed in the wind, and his sharp eyes, once clouded with uncertainty, now burned with resolve. He spoke, his voice carrying a quiet strength.
"Old man… I didn't know you for long. But you gave me a chance when no one else did. You trusted me… even with the monster inside me. You protected this city. And for that, I'm grateful."
He placed his flower atop the coffin.
Sakamoto stood.
His body had changed—his muscles were leaner, his stance firmer, his presence stronger. His once-wild hair now fell smoother, and a scar ran along his right arm, a mark of the battles he had fought. He turned, heading back toward the gathered hunters.
"Yo, Sakamoto! We're heading back," Madagascar called out.
Tito nodded. "Come on, man."
Sakamoto glanced back one last time, then walked forward, joining his comrades as they made their way toward the Lannister House.
The New Leadership
Back at the Hunter Association headquarters, Mujin sat behind the president's desk once again. Across from him, Akebi stood, hands folded.
"So, Neo's gone," Mujin said, his tone even.
Akebi nodded. "He resigned officially this morning. He said he doesn't see a future in the Association anymore."
Mujin exhaled through his nose. He had expected as much. Neo had always been a cautious man, but after Bartoni's death, it was clear he no longer wanted any part of this world.
"Then we move forward it's that simple," Mujin said firmly. "I need someone I can trust as my Vice President."
Akebi blinked, surprised. "You mean…?"
Mujin nodded. "You."
She straightened. "Are you sure? I—"
"You were Bartoni's closest apprentice," Mujin interrupted. "You know the weight of leadership. You've already inherited his abilities. And you're one of the strongest hunters we have left so I see no problem with that Akebi."
Akebi hesitated for a moment, then exhaled. "I'll do my best."
"I know you will."
She nodded and then, as if remembering something, asked, "What's next?"
Mujin leaned back in his chair, folding his fingers together. His expression darkened.
"Sakamoto, I need to open up to him"
Akebi's breath hitched. "Is now really the time?"
Mujin's gaze didn't waver. "It's been two months since the battle. I've trained him myself. He's mastered some control over himself and a little bit of his powers to be stable—for now."
Akebi hesitated. "But this truth… it could change everything for him."
Mujin's eyes darkened. "That's exactly why he needs to hear it from me. Before he hears it from someone else."
A moment of silence.
Then, Mujin reached for his communicator. He pressed a button.
"Get me Sakamoto. Now."
End Chapter.