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Checking in on Keel business is like checking in on an unhinged science project, except with some pretty sweet benefits and no old fart trying to ruin his day.
That Natori idiot is doing an embarrassing job at leading the team and will need to be taught a lesson soon, but Yamato keeps postponing – the money is easy and good, he’s proud of the uniform and logo he chose, and the whole thing is a decent way to pass the time.
Plus, one of the latest recruits is… interesting.
Yamato heard rumors about Nirei Akihiko before ever seeing him. Chatter about this fresh recruit who never fails to meet a deadline and, whenever more money is asked of him, somehow always delivers it on time. He seems real strong and real smart for avoiding any beating-up, and from that alone, Yamato’s attention was already captured.
Then Yamato saw him, and the curiosity doubled. Tripled, even.
A short, scrawny little dude, the picture of innocence and weakness. Staring at everything and everyone with big teary eyes, polite and scared and trying to make himself even smaller than he already is. He reminds Yamato of a little bug, spooked by anything bigger than itself.
But when nobody’s looking, there’s something behind those eyes. Something familiar. Yamato knows it well, and maybe he’s no better than a clueless, reckless bug drawn to a flame.
He can’t help it.
He kinda wants to figure this guy out.
Yamato knows there’s only one course of action: he has to look into this guy. He leans where he lives and what school he goes to and starts following him around during his free time – which is most of the time, except for when he has to take care of Takiishi’s whims.
That’s how it goes when anything catches his eye. The thrill of something new and shiny beats any other existing commitment. Not that it’s a big deal to tell people off, anyway.
He just wants to see that little bug in action, needs to witness with his own eyes just how he’s getting all that money. What methods and smart little tricks he uses. Yamato doubts he has that much money just lying around, and there’s no way he’s fighting anyone for it.
Yamato is rarely this impressed by anything in life, so he needs the feeling to be justified. Needs this mystery to reveal something good.
So, he follows Nirei after school, and what he sees is… really fucking disappointing. Of course it is. That’s how life works.
Nirei’s doing all sorts of work around town. He’s helping out shops, doing deliveries, painting walls clean, picking up trash, and so much more. And he’s getting pats on the head and freshly made food and generous stacks of cash in exchange for all that.
Dazed and confused, Yamato spends hours watching him work at a damn cafe, wearing a yellow little apron and smiling at people like a cute little angel, like he’s not currently swindling what is quickly becoming the scariest gang in the area.
Yamato keeps following him every day, hoping there’s more to it. Because this can’t be all there is, it can’t.
The next day passes, then the next after that. But after a couple weeks, he can’t stop lying to himself. No family members are getting scammed, no old people are getting mugged, and there are no elaborate heists fit for a nerd happening at all.
That fucker is working his little ass off for the money. He’s fucking earning it.
What the fuck.
Yamato doesn’t want his project to be built on integrity and honesty, doesn’t want that disgusting, clean money to be funding Takiishi’s whims. He wants to build Keel’s reputation as something big and ruthless and terrifying to anyone who hears of them, wants to go to bed and kick his feet from the sweet satisfaction of knowing he’s fucking people over.
He’s gonna have to fix this, and soon.
The next day, Yamato waits until Nirei is on a break and corners him outside that damn cafe.
Yamato walks up to him, grabs his arm, and pulls him into the nearby alley. He ignores Nirei’s pathetic stammering and weak thrashing and pushes him against the wall.
Pointing an accusing finger right in his face, he starts, “Alright, listen up. This cannot continue. Keel is a passion project of mine, and I’m not gonna allow a tiny little bug like you to go around and mess with my plans.”
Nirei shakes, eyes big and wide and- Yamato’s not fucking buying it when he stutters, “Um, e-excuse me? I- I think you- you must have got the wrong person?”
“No, no, you’re exactly the person I need to talk to, Nirei Akihiko. You see, I’m the leader of Keel. My name is Endou Yamato. You might have heard of me.”
Nirei seems to somewhat get over his initial panic, fake or not. His eyes turn sharp with confusion, shock, and seriousness, and there it is. The potential Yamato was so sure was there. This little guy can get mad. He squints up at Yamato, just for a second.
Just for fun, Yamato squeezes Nirei’s arm tighter, and leans in, enjoying the way Nirei has to tilt his head back to keep looking at him. “What, don’t believe me?”
Despite his attempt at looking menacing, Nirei looks less scared now. “I do. I figured Natori…san… couldn’t be the real leader of a team of that size,” he says, voice almost a whisper like he’s telling a secret. “And- well… who doesn’t know about Boufuurin’s legend? But why- uh, what do you want from me?”
Yamato almost swoons – a legend, how cute and fun – then remembers why he’s here.
“You’re coming with me,” he just says, dragging Nirei away.
“Woah, hey- I’m on the clock! You're gonna get me fired!”
“Don’t care.”
Nirei keeps pulling against him and weakly swatting his arm, stumbling behind him. “I really need this job, I need the money- because of you!”
“Relax, I’ll give you the money.”
“What?! That doesn’t make any sense-”
Grip still tight and steady on Nirei’s arm, Yamato walks up to the nearest cash machine. With a few taps, he withdraws enough money to last Nirei at least a week of ruthless check-ins with Natori. This is serious business for him, so he’s gonna act serious.
(Takiishi’s been really into bird documentaries lately. Yamato’s got some extra money to spend.)
“Take this.”
“You’re insane!”
He has to slide the money in Nirei’s apron pocket because the stubborn little fucker refuses to accept it, instead keeps hiding his hands and leaning away from him.
“I don’t understand- what- are you serious about this?”
“One hundred percent.”
“But… why…”
Yamato’s phone chimes with Takiishi’s special jingle. A quick glance lets him know Takiishi has decided that he wants new shoes and wants them now, so Yamato’s plans have changed. It’s time to go to the mall.
“Alright, listen. This was fun, but I gotta go.”
“What?! You can’t just-”
“I don’t need you to return the money, if that’s what you’re worryin’ about. I do want one thing: let’s meet again tomorrow. Six o’clock at the bridge down this street.”
“I’m guessing you’re gonna find me and annoy me again if I don’t show up?”
“You’re a smart little bug, aren’t ya.”
“What the hell… I guess this is no shadier than the whole business I already got involved with…” Nirei mutters under his breath. “I’m not sure what your intentions are, and I’ll definitely regret it, but… thank you for the money, and I guess I’ll see you tomorrow, Endou-san?”
Well.
Alright.
Like ice-cold water being dumped right over his head, Yamato realizes he might be getting himself into trouble, as well. He likes the sound of Nirei saying his name like that a little too much.
“See ya tomorrow.”
Yamato is fashionably late.
He doesn’t have any reason for the delay. He gets there on time and hides behind a small tree, staring at Nirei for a while. He’s not sure why. Probably to be annoying and get a head start on loosening Nirei up. Maybe because it’s entertaining – Yamato watches him fidget with his hands and look at his phone and pace back and forth, looking less nervous and more frustrated every minute that passes.
When Yamato finally decides to walk up to him, hands in pocket to make him extra mad, Nirei glares. And glares.
“Thought ya wouldn’t show up,” Yamato lies.
The crease between Nirei’s angry little eyebrows deepens. Yamato can’t contain his grin.
Instead of greeting him, Nirei starts grumbling, “Of course I’d show up. By the way, I managed to convince the café owner to call me if she needs extra hands, so at least she doesn’t hate me, but she wasn’t happy that I disappeared like that!”
“Everything went well though, so what’re ya grumbling for?”
“It’s your fault she got mad!”
“Aw, do I need to go apologize? Bring her a snack box?”
“It sure wouldn’t kill you to be a bit nicer, but I understand it would ruin the whole… edgy thing you have going on.”
“You’d be surprised by what can kill a person.”
Nirei just stares, unimpressed. “You’re late. You really like wasting time that much? Yours and other people’s.”
“You know, for a scaredy-cat, you’re a bit too sassy. You’ll get yourself in trouble one day.”
Nirei stares, unimpressed. The guy must have been through some shit, huh.
“I’m aware that I’m in a desperate position, but if you wanted to hurt me, you would’ve done that already.”
“Yeah. Full offense, it’s obvious you wouldn’t be able to hold your own for even ten seconds. Probably less.”
Nirei doesn’t reply, just glares at him again. With that attitude, he should really know how to fight. Wits can only get you so far.
Yamato readies his arm to punch him.
Nirei flinches, screams, does the worst job Yamato's ever seen at striking a defense pose, and almost falls on his ass.
“Woah, hey- why are you-?! That’s unfair-”
“You’re completely fuckin’ useless, aren’t ya?”
“Hey, that’s rude-”
“I see why that fool recruited you. You’re clearly smart enough to manipulate your way around him and his idiots to avoid their wrath, but we know he’s not gonna let you leave, and you are completely useless in a fight. So, what’s your plan?” Yamato waits, but Nirei stays silent. “I know a little nerd like you has to have one.”
More silence. A bike buzzes by. Nirei keeps glaring at him.
“C’mon, your secrets are safe with me. I have no intention of stopping you, I really don’t care that much.”
“Forgive me for not trusting you so easily, Endou-san. What other reason would you have for caring? Your team is the reason I’m in this mess, and I’m not sure what you want with me. I’m getting you the money. There are no rules stating where it has to come from. So unless there is something you need to threaten me with, I would appreciate if you could stop wasting my time like this, Endou-san. I even brought the money you gave me, because I can’t accept it.”
“I’m not here to threaten you or take back the money. You’re the first to find a loophole, and I really don’t like being outsmarted like that,” he explains, surprising himself with the honesy. “A secret for a secret, I guess?”
“That’s hardly a secret,” Nirei grumbles. Then sighs. “I just want to be strong enough to not need to be rescued. Ending up in the wrong team is just a small bump in the road. My plan is to keep earning enough money for the check-ins, train to become stronger than all your… subordinates, then leave. I’d like to change school and enroll at Fuurin by the start of next term, but I’m so useless that it will definitely take longer. Is that enough to sate your curiosity, Endou-san? Or do you need to hear my entire life story?”
Yamato’s mood sours. Boufuurin. Of course, Nirei is the perfect sucker for that kinda vibe, and to think of it, Yamato’s actually surprised he didn’t end up there already. Maybe he should be grateful that Natori snagged him first.
What a shame. What a waste. That ugly green jacket won’t suit Nirei at all.
But… if he stays like this, he’s just gonna get sucked up into shitty situation after shitty situation, and he’ll keep making a fool out of Yamato by being a good little worker, beloved by the entire town, and people might start to recognize him… and Keel’s name will get tainted…
If helping himself means helping his biggest enemy, then so be it.
“Can’t have the biggest money-bringer in my team be the weakest. I’m gonna teach ya how to fight.”
In his head, Yamato pictures a training montage straight out of an action movie. It’s cool, inspiring, emotional, with unexpected plot twists and good bonding moments and so much violence and blood and fire and all that good stuff. It’s breath-taking and full of pearls of wisdom, just beautiful.
But as usual, reality turns out to be fucking disappointing.
“See that guy walking over there,” Yamato asks, pointing, his other arm wrapped around Nirei’s shoulders. Nirei tries to push him away, but he’s so weak it’s almost cute. “He looks like the type to have some money on him. You’re gonna walk up to him, punch him, and demand his wallet. I’ll scare him off if he tries to fight back, but he looks like a loser so I’m sure he won’t. I just need to see what we’re working with.”
Nirei, the ungrateful bastard, keeps trying to push him away. “You’re out of your mind, Endou-san! I would never do that! And let me go!”
“There’s a big stick there, see? You can use that-”
They argue for a good ten minutes, uselessly.
Nirei sure is a stubborn little bug, with strong morals he refuses to go against no matter what arguments Yamato tries to push, and he tries a lot. It’s disgusting, annoying, and unfortunately expected.
But still, Yamato can’t be too mad about it. It just means it’s gonna be even more satisfying to break him, to mold him into something better.
The training arc stretches out. And out, and out.
Nirei isn’t a bad student, but he refuses to be taught most of what Yamato wants him to learn because he deems it dirty and mean and even foul, that’s what he says, which was a fun challenge and almost cute at first but quickly became annoying.
But fine, whatever. He adapts to Nirei’s very limited conditions. No weapons. No ambushes. Nothing that could cause too much pain.
How boring.
A fight can’t be won by sheer will power alone. Feeling and strength are what matter the most, the drive to completely destroy the opponent and the ability to do so. Yamato tries to tell him again and again, but Nirei doesn’t want to listen or believe him at all. He doesn’t even write it down in that freaky little notebook, where he stores all information he deems important.
It’s fine, though. Yamato not only enjoys a challenge, but is very good at getting what he wants, no matter what methods he needs to employ.
He learns that all he has to do is piss Nirei off to push him over the edge, little by little. Nirei’s buttons are also ridiculously easy to press. He won’t stand for injustices and annoyances, especially Yamato’s. In just a few months, those scrawny little arms and shaky fists of his end up packing a nice punch. Yamato couldn’t wear those small bruises more proudly, especially when Nirei’s ears turn pink from the praise.
Nirei can also use his small size to his advantage, he’s learning to move faster, and doesn’t seem to mind being sneaky – because sneaky is apparently different than dirty, and sure, whatever helps him sleep at night – when he realizes that tripping people is mostly safe and convenient. Yamato can definitely work with that.
Starting from zero means having a steep curve of progress, then a frustrating lull, but Nirei’s determination never crumbles. Yamato expects him to cry and give up, but it doesn’t happen.
Of course it doesn’t. How silly of Yamato to doubt him.
And what a shame. A complete waste of potential.
But Yamato can recognize that there is still beauty to Nirei’s passionate righteousness, the unassuming kind. It’s more of a small, steady sparkle, and it might be too stubborn to ever grow into the blazing inferno Yamato yearns for, but it’s still strong and awe-inducing all the same.
In the end, Keel doesn’t last long enough for Nirei to fight his way out like they’ve been planning for.
Of course, Yamato knew it was only a matter of time before something like this happened, and Nirei does end up playing a significant role since he’s been slowly cataloging all of Keel’s many weak spots, but Yamato’s team ultimately gets wiped by Umemiya’s shitty little sprouts on a sappy rescue mission. Mostly because of Natori’s arrogance, but Yamato is aware that he’s partly at fault too – he’s been too distracted by the hope in a pair of shiny eyes and the growing collection of bruises on his body.
It’s a real shame. Most importantly, it’s humiliating.
Despite it all, Yamato does win something for himself. A nice surprise, a wild card, someone interesting. Something he knows he’ll have fun playing with. Someone from out of town, with the right sparkle of darkness in his eyes.
Plus, he gets to watch Nirei become exactly what he wanted – a brave little hero, strong enough to help himself and other people in need. At least until he goes down, which does happen kind of embarrassingly quickly. Still, Yamato mentally promotes him to the next bug tier. Always a little bug, but now with a stronger carapace.
Lurking in the shadows, Yamato then watches Nirei leave the warehouse with what will surely become his first and closest group of friends. It’s obvious that’s where Nirei belongs, surrounded by disgustingly good and boring people.
Yamato knew from the very start of their little arrangement that things would end like this, with Nirei eventually leaving and never looking back. Never looking at Yamato again. Not willingly, at least.
It’s bittersweet, sure. His pride is not that fragile that he can’t admit it. But he’s not one to linger on the past, or linger on anything at all. He’s got a suddenly empty schedule and some shiny new plans on the horizon, and he has a feeling they’ll be seeing each other again soon enough.
That’s just how life goes. One thing after another. Something fun, something less than fun, then fun again if one is willing to look for it.
Disrupting his plans like usual, Nirei calls him late that night.
“Um, hello? Endou-san? Sorry to bother you. Are you busy?”
Yamato smothers his instinct to be pathetic. “Well, look who’s calling, the man of the hour! Were you out past your curfew with your new little friends? How cute!”
“Oh, ha ha, of course you’ve already heard…” Nirei pauses, voice awkward and strangled. It’s ridiculous just how quickly and easily Yamato’s bitterness melts. He’s at least aware of how bad he’s got it. “I didn’t really do much, and I- well… Sakura-san and Kaji-san were incredible, they’re so cool and strong and I’m really excited to get to know them better once I- ah, sorry, I didn’t call about that- I- well, I wanted to say I’m, uh- sorry about your team. I think? Well, uh- I’m only sad about the idea of your hard work going to waste like that-”
Yamato interrupts him with a big belly laugh, surprising himself by how genuine the feeling is. Nirei is just ridiculously thoughtful like that. He’s lucky he’s got enough heart to last him multiple lifetimes, because anything he’s ever given to Yamato could only have been a total waste.
“Hah, that’s cute. I never worked that hard for Keel. It was fun and it ended, that’s all. That’s the fate of things – good or bad, they all come to an end eventually. I watched the whole thing, by the way.”
“Um, wait, what-”
“Mmmh, I was there. Made sure to blend in. You think I’d wanna miss your big day?” He pauses, eager to listen to Nirei’s embarrassed, incoherent blubbering – and he enjoys it. “You looked pretty badass, for a little while. Charging straight for that moron without a weapon was dumb, but brave. And you almost tripped him up!”
After that, Nirei doesn’t say anything for too long. Yamato eventually opens his mouth, ready to come up with something, an attempt at teasing, maybe, but then:
“You’re so weird, Endou-san… That was the person you put in charge of your team…” Nirei sounds even more embarrassed now.
Yamato wonders what he looks like. Bandages all over his nose and cheeks, freckles glowing a nice bright pink under. He’s probably wearing cozy sleep clothes and lying on his bed, tired after writing in his diary about everything that went down today… Probably happy and relieved, finally free from Keel’s shackles.
Yamato’s grip on his phone gets painfully tight.
“Listen, Endou-san. I know you cared about Keel at least a little. Enough to, uh- to help me-? I mean- to bring us into the situation we were in. You felt enough pride to want to protect Keel’s reputation, and I’ve always admired that, I think. And, um… I still haven’t had the chance to properly thank you. I’m still… very confused about your reasons, but you did teach me a lot. So thank you, Endou-san.”
Yamato can’t remember the last time he was thanked so genuinely. Is it crazy to wonder whether it has ever happened at all?
“This is- this is probably too much, and a really bad idea, and I know I shouldn’t be suggesting it at all and that’s why I decided to call instead of asking to meet up, even though I would normally prefer seeing you, and- oh wow, that’s really weird to say, isn’t it, I’m sorry, I know I’m probably overstepping because I know we have no reason to meet up anymore and I know you hate Boufuurin and I’ll be part of them soon and I wouldn’t want to put you in a bad mood or waste your time, even though I suppose now you’ll have more free time than before-!” Nirei pauses to finally take a long breath, then continues, voice less frantic and a little shaky and way too soft for Yamato’s heart to handle, “Sorry, I just wanted to say- to ask-? I know it’s stupid, but I guess I was hoping we could… stay in touch…”
Yamato pictures the shimmering gold in Nirei’s eyes and knows that if he were here right now, Yamato would be kissing him stupid.
One bad idea after another; that’s how Yamato lives his life.
Nirei is a sweet boy who got the perfect chance to unravel himself from Yamato’s clutches, who has proven again and again that he definitely knows better than to walk right back into them. And yet here he is, sweet voice over the phone, nervously, earnestly asking Yamato to ruin him.
“Endou-san? I know I’ve clearly lost my mind, but you should at least reply. Just say you’re too busy or make fun of me or-”
“Sure, we can meet up for a drink sometime.”
It’s different than the reunion he’d already been planning in his head, but that might just work in his favor.
(Until the day he’ll pretend to need to decide between Takiishi’s happiness and breaking Nirei’s misplaced trust and affection, as if his decision hasn’t already been made.)