The sound of waves lapping against the docks filled the tense silence as Harumasa strolled ahead, his hands shoved in his pockets. The children trailed behind, their guarded gazes darting between him and their surroundings.

“This port’s pretty lively, huh?” Harumasa said, his voice light, almost bored. “Bet it beats staring at hospital walls all day.”

Kana shot him a sharp look, her tone biting. “You think dragging us out here is going to make us trust you? Save your breath.”

Harumasa paused mid-step, tilting his head slightly toward her without turning around. “I didn’t say you had to trust me. Just figured fresh air wouldn’t kill you.” He started walking again, the faint click of his shoes on the stone pier the only response for a moment.

Tsubaki, clutching Ryosuke’s sleeve, whispered just loud enough to be heard. “Why does he even care? We’re not his problem.”

Harumasa heard it but didn’t react, his shoulders stiffening briefly before he loosened them with a slow exhale.

“Let’s just go back,” Ryosuke mumbled, barely lifting his head. “This is pointless.”

Harumasa stopped again, turning slightly to glance over his shoulder, his yellow eyes unreadable. “Pointless, huh? Maybe.” His voice stayed casual, but his gaze lingered on them for a moment longer before he turned fully. “But if you’ve got that much energy to complain, keep moving. Kirishima’s not the type to wait around.”

Kana narrowed her eyes but said nothing. The group walked on, the tension thick in the air.

As they passed the edge of the pier, Harumasa fell back a step, sidling up next to you. His tone dropped, low enough so only you could hear. “They don’t trust me. Smart kids. But Kirishima’s not giving us much time.” He glanced sideways, his expression unreadable. “You watch them. I’ll handle the rest.”

Without waiting for a response, Harumasa stepped ahead again, seeming casual but still bothered by the situation.