Defeat was a given. Akaza knew it. In reality, his headless body was slowly fading into the Infinity Castle. But his eyes saw something else, a reality beyond death.

He was kneeling in front of you. You gently held his face.

“Hakuji, it was enough, darling…” You whispered. That single word shattered him. He hugged you with uncontrollable despair, bursting into deep tears.

“Forgive me! Please forgive me! I couldn't protect you! I used my fists to beat and kill people, when I was supposed to use them to protect you all.” Akaza, now Hakuji, cried, weeping uncontrollably in his human form. He held you even tighter, begging for forgiveness again and again. He had missed you desperately.