Chapter "Hope"

As they locked eyes, Hisashi noticed his wallet had slipped from his pocket during the commotion, resting on the ground between him and the beggar.

Their eyes met again, this time with the beggar glancing at the wallet. In an instant, both Hisashi and the beggar lunged for the wallet, their hands grasping for possession.

Hisashi reached for his wallet, determined to retrieve it, but the beggar resisted, holding onto it tightly. They struggled on the ground, each vying for control of the wallet.

Amidst the tussle, Hisashi raised his voice, exclaiming, "Hey, stop! That's mine! What are you doing?”

With a fierce struggle, the beggar wrestled the wallet from Hisashi's grasp, tossing him aside and with a mocking laugh he started to sprint away. Hisashi quickly regained his footing and gave chase, his determination fueling each stride.

The beggar dashed ahead with remarkable speed, his mocking laughter echoing through the streets as Hisashi pursued him closely.

Despite Hisashi's efforts to keep pace, the beggar's agile movements kept him just out of reach. With a sudden turn, the beggar darted into a narrow alleyway to the left, disappearing from sight. Undeterred, Hisashi followed swiftly, determined to reclaim his stolen wallet.

As Higashi rounded the corner, he found the alley deserted. There was no sign of that beggar. Hisashi stood alone, panting heavily, his face contorted with disbelief and anguish. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he sank to his knees, his cries echoing off the walls of the empty alley.

Two days later, Hisashi and Subaru emerged from the train station, each carrying their luggage.

Hisashi's eyes were swollen from crying, and Subaru, his friend, shared in his sorrow. As they stepped out, Subaru glanced at Hisashi and enveloped him in a tight embrace.

"I understand how hard it is," Subaru whispered, "but don't lose hope. I believe that one day, you and your mom will happily live together, like a real family.”

Tears welled up in Hisashi's eyes as he hugged Subaru tightly, his voice trembling with emotion. "What if my mom never wakes up from her coma?" he whispered, his fear palpable.

Subaru responded with reassurance, his voice gentle and soothing. "Don't worry, Hisashi. She will wake up. I'll pray for her, and I'll do everything to help."

Overwhelmed with emotion, Hisashi began to cry, and Subaru comforted him by gently patting his back.

Subaru released the hug and gently said, "Hisashi, you should take a few days to rest. I'll inform our school and our boss about your leave." Hisashi nodded in agreement.

"Okay," Subaru continued, "I'm heading home now. You should go to your place, get some rest, and take care of yourself. If you need anything, just give me a call." Hisashi nodded again, grateful for his friend's support.

Subaru picked up his luggage, gave Hisashi a reassuring wave, and began walking away. Hisashi followed suit, lifting his own luggage and walking alongside his friend.

Later that night, as Hisashi sat on his bed, memories of his family flooded his mind. Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of his phone. Hisashi picked it up and answered, "Hello?”

A voice from the other end said, "Hello, I'm calling from Sakamoto Hospital."

Hisashi's heart raced. "How's my mother?" he asked urgently.

"She's fine, but still in a coma," the voice replied. Hisashi's shoulders sagged with relief, but his concern remained palpable.

"I called to inform you that your mother's pancreatic cancer is treatable now," the voice continued.

Hisashi's eyes widened in disbelief. "Really?" he exclaimed, a glimmer of hope emerging in his voice.

The voice confirmed, "Yes, once she wakes up from her coma, we can begin the treatment. However, any further delay could pose a risk."

Hisashi's heart sank at the mention of the staggering cost. "No, no more delay," he urged urgently. "Start the treatment as soon as possible."

The voice on the other end hesitated before stating. "This treatment will cost five million yen," it said solemnly.

Hisashi's eyes widened in disbelief, the weight of the amount hitting him like a ton of bricks.

With determination in his voice, Hisashi responded, "Yes, I will arrange the money. I'll clear all your pending bills. Just save my mom; she's the only family I have.”

The voice replied, "Alright, Mr. Hisashi. Once your mother is awake, you can submit the payment, and we will start the treatment."

Hisashi breathed a sigh of relief, his gratitude evident in his tone. "Thank you so much," he said before hanging up. However, worry and stress still clouded his mind. He immediately dialed another number.

As Subaru answered the call, Hisashi's voice carried a mix of relief and urgency. "Hey, Subaru?" he began.

Subaru's voice held a hint of concern. "Yes, Hisashi? Is everything okay?"

With a hint of excitement in his voice, Hisashi responded, "Yes, everything's fine. I just got a call from Sakamoto Hospital. They said my mother's treatment is now possible.”

Subaru's face lit up with excitement. "That's fantastic news!" he exclaimed.

"Yeah, but there's a catch," Hisashi replied solemnly. "It's going to cost five million yen."

"Five million?" Subaru's voice faltered, stunned by the hefty sum.

"Exactly," Hisashi confirmed. "That's why I've made a decision. I won't be handing in my sick leave letter at the university. Instead, I'll finish this semester and then leave to save more money."

Subaru attempted to interject saying “Hisashi you should reconsider-”, but Hisashi cut him off. "There's no time for second thoughts. I need to start saving immediately.”

Subaru's voice came through the phone with unwavering determination. "Don't worry, Hisashi. We'll figure this out together. We'll find a way to gather the money."

Hisashi's gratitude was evident in his response. "Thank you, Subaru. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Take care," Subaru bid farewell before ending the call. Both men hung up, each filled with resolve.

Alone in his room, Hisashi leaned back against the wall, staring up at the ceiling. "I'm sorry, father," he whispered softly, his voice tinged with regret. "I couldn't save you. But I promise, I'll save mother. No matter the cost, no matter the sacrifice. I'll gather five million yen, even if it means risking everything."

Determination gleamed in his eyes, a silent vow echoing in the quiet of his room.

The next day, Hisashi's room was filled with the sound of the alarm clock ringing persistently. With a tired sigh, he reached out to silence it, his exhausted demeanour indicating that he didn't sleep all night.

His face wore a somber expression as he held a photo album tightly, the memories within it weighing heavily on his mind. In the picture, his younger self stood alongside his parents, their smiles frozen in time. After a few moments of silent contemplation, he closed the album and rose from the bed, making his way toward the restroom with a heavy heart.

As he stepped out of his apartment, Hisashi locked the door behind him and began his journey to the university.

Along the way, his attention was caught by a poster displayed on a nearby wall. It was the announcement for the All Might Tournament, showcasing every Karate Dojo in the country. Scheduled to take place in three months, it was the biggest tournament of its kind. Hisashi paused, his gaze fixed on the poster, contemplating its significance.

As Hisashi made his way through the university halls towards his class, he encountered Hanae and her friends blocking his path. Their presence immediately caught his attention, and he found himself face to face with Hanae.

"Welcome back, Hisashi," she greeted him. However, Hisashi remained silent, his eyes filled with anger as he stared at her.

One of Hanae's friends chimed in, "We heard you went to visit your parents." Still, Hisashi offered no response,

Another one of Hanae's friends joined in, asking, "So, why did you visit them?”

Another one of Hanae's friends joined in, mocking, "Looks like Hisashi's father is ready to pull him out of university. Can't afford the fees anymore?"

Hisashi's grip tightened, his frustration mounting as Hanae and her friends erupted into laughter. However, as the laughter subsided, Hanae fixed her gaze on Hisashi and spoke firmly, "Yeah, maybe your father wants you to follow in his footsteps and become a farmer. Like father, like son, right?”

Suddenly Subaru appears stepping between them, his expression filled with anger as he faces Hanae and her friends.

"That's it! Who do you think you are to talk trash about Hisashi or his family?" he firmly said

Hanae and her friends shot Subaru a glare filled with fury. Undeterred, Subaru continued, his voice firm, "Consider this your last warning. If any of you dare to bother him again, I won't hesitate to report all of you.”

Hanae smirked and taunted, "Feel free to complain. Our father's status protects us; the university won't dare touch us." She redirected her gaze to Hisashi, sneering, "Unlike his pitiful, sick family."

Hisashi's jaw tensed with fury, unable to contain his anger any longer. Without a word, he bolted from the scene, leaving Subaru calling after him in vain.

Subaru's anger flared as he glared at Hanae, his voice booming, "What's your problem? His father just passed away!" Hanae's eyes widened in shock, her expression faltering.

He continued, his voice laced with fury, "You can celebrate because his sick father is gone, and now he'll also leave the university too. Go ahead, celebrate!” there was silence in the scene,

Subaru then stormed towards Hisashi, his anger evident in his determined stride, while Hanae and her friends stood their ground, unmoving.

Subaru rushed over to Hisashi, finding him seated on a bench outside the school, clutching some paper.

Subaru approached Hisashi, offering words of encouragement. "Hisashi, don't let those spoiled fools get to you. Let's stay focused on our mission. Do you have any ideas on how to gather the five million?"

Hisashi looked at him and silently handed over a piece of paper. Subaru, intrigued but perplexed, accepted it.

Subaru's eyes widened in astonishment as he looked at the poster, realizing it was the Al Might Tournament's advertisement poster, Subaru was taken aback, quickly turning his gaze towards Hisashi, who returned his stare.

Subaru's eyes widened as he read the poster, discovering that the winning Dojo would receive ten million yen, and the MVP of the dojo would receive five million for himselves. His astonishment grew as he looked at Hisashi, whose confident smile widened.