"Ryuga, I'm so glad you've regained consciousness!"
"Thank you. And Fee, I'm just relieved Yugo made it back safely as well."
Several days had passed since the final showdown between Yugo’s party and Zaraki.
While Luminous Academy was currently in a bit of a whirlwind, it managed to maintain a relatively tranquil atmosphere—one that made it hard to believe such a massive incident had even occurred. This was likely due to the extreme secrecy surrounding Raiha’s truth and the Warrior Shrine Maiden Escort Plan.
While rumors of Koumaru’s betrayal and Zaraki’s machinations existed, the specific details of the academy’s involvement had not reached the ears of the general student body. Naturally, the pivotal role Yugo and his friends played in resolving the crisis remained a secret as well.
"For a moment there, I didn't know what would happen... but I'm just so glad everyone is safe."
"You're right. That really says it all."
As those quiet days went by, Fee and Yui went to visit their brothers in the hospital.
Since Marcos, Melt, and the three Warrior Shrine Maidens had sustained only minor injuries, they had been discharged the day after the battle. Yugo and Ryuga, however, were another story.
The two had pushed themselves far beyond their limits. While they hadn't suffered any life-threatening damage, the medical diagnosis was firm: they required proper treatment before being allowed to leave. Consequently, both were currently on a leave of absence from school while they recovered.
Fee and Yui shared a wry smile, commiserating over the constant stress of having older brothers who never considered the consequences of their actions.
When they stepped into the hospital room, they found Marcos, Melt, and Jinba—the representative of the Security Force—already gathered there. Noticing their arrival, Yugo waved enthusiastically from his bed.
"Yo! Fee, Yui! You guys came too? Thanks!"
"Brother, are you really okay now?"
"Yeah! I’m good as new! The doctor even told me I’m almost fully recovered, so I should be out of here any day now!"
"Is that so? That’s wonderful!"
Immediately after his admission, Yugo had been wrapped head-to-toe in bandages, but he had already improved enough to no longer need them.
As Fee rejoiced at the news, Ryuga spoke up from the adjacent bed.
"Just what is the secret to your recovery power? The doctor mentioned you're healing at nearly twice the normal speed."
"Hey, compared to an average person, I’d say you’re plenty sturdy yourself. The doctor said the same about you, didn't he?"
Ryuga was still covered in bandages and gauze, but seeing as he was able to converse normally, he seemed fairly energetic. Melt and the others watched the two of them with a mix of exasperation and relief; in terms of both their toughness and their extraordinary recovery abilities, they were far from ordinary.
"Regardless, I'm just happy everyone made it back alive!" Melt chimed in. "That was one hell of a fight!"
"Indeed," another added. "It wouldn't have been surprising if we had lost someone. The fact that we're all here together is nothing short of a miracle."
"Hmph...! This was no 'miracle' born of luck," Marcos interjected. "It was the calculated result of our collective cooperation."
"Oh, listen to you. Quite the poetic line. Did Yugo rub off on you?"
Bright laughter echoed through the hospital room.
Once the laughter died down, Jinba, who shared a close bond with the group, addressed them with a serious expression.
"First, I want to express my gratitude to all of you. It's thanks to your help that Zaraki was defeated and casualties were kept to a minimum. Truly, thank you."
"Please, don't worry about it," Yugo replied. "More importantly, what about Koumaru? He fled via a different route while Zaraki acted as a decoy."
"My apologies. We lost his trail entirely. The Security Force is currently working with the Yamato side to desperately track him down."
"I see... Just as I thought."
It seemed that the whereabouts of Koumaru remained unknown. Having predicted this, Ryuga’s expression darkened as he realized the feud with his father's nemesis was not yet over.
Amidst the sudden tension, Jinba offered them one more apology.
"There is one more thing. We cannot make this incident public. Essentially, we have to act as if your achievements never happened. I am truly sorry."
"Don't sweat it," Yugo answered with a carefree shrug. "We weren't doing this for the fame or the rewards anyway."
"Heh... That’s right. You lot were always that kind of bunch."
As if it were no exception to the rule, Yugo showed no disappointment at the news that their heroics would remain off the record. Jinba couldn't help but smile; they had fought Zaraki to save Raiha, not for praise.
Seeing the conversation wind down, Fee spoke up.
"By the way, Brother, did you hear about that?"
"Hmm? What's 'that'?" Yugo asked, looking puzzled.
Fee looked at his brother and continued.
"I heard that Claire and Zenon took a leave of absence from the academy and left on a journey together."