CHAPTER - 15 A Bond Beyond Blood

When Razor is reporting about Yotos power to Genta

Razor stood tense, the weight of Genta's voice pressing on him as he held the phone tightly. Genta's menacing laughter echoed through the line.

"That's exactly what I wanted to hear," Genta said, his tone chilling. "You know what to do, brother. I've always known I could count on you. Bring him to me. The others are already on their way."

Razor hesitated, gripping the phone tighter. "Sir Genta, do you think I can't handle him?"

Genta's voice turned icy, laced with disdain. "Razor, Razor… It's not that I doubt your strength. I just can't take any chances. I've waited eighteen long years for this moment. Through Yoto, I can finally achieve my goal."

Genta's tone darkened as he continued. "And do you remember what Hataki did eighteen years ago, when you were on a mission to kill him and his team? He slaughtered 127 men, including two commanders, just before you arrived. Tell me, Razor—what did you see when you got there?"

Razor's hands grew sweaty as he recalled the memory, his heart racing. Genta pressed on, his voice sharp and unrelenting. "Answer me, Razor. What did you see?"

Razor took a shaky breath before replying, "When I first entered the area where the report said Hataki and his team were spotted, all I saw was death. Bodies hung from tree branches and were scattered across the ground. The intense rain mixed with the blood, forming rivers of red flowing downhill. Some of the corpses were torn apart—limbs and heads everywhere. Everywhere I turned, all I could see was red. And then I saw him."

Razor swallowed hard before continuing. "Hataki sat on a torn tree trunk, his body soaked in blood, rain pouring down as if trying to wash it all away. At his feet was the decapitated head of one of the commanders. He looked so calm, as if none of it mattered."

Genta chuckled menacingly. "He killed all those men and just sat there like nothing happened. That's why we can't underestimate him. I want Yoto, but dealing with Hataki will require numbers. Use them to create an opening. Don't engage without reinforcements, Razor. You may be his equal, but I can't afford to lose you before the plan is complete. Do you understand?"

Razor nodded, though Genta couldn't see him. "I understand, Sir Genta."

The Present

Razor's mocking laugh echoed as he gripped his daggers tighter. "Big words, kid. Let's see if you can make me run."

Nishi smirked, his voice calm but brimming with dangerous energy. "You'll tell me… when you're lying on your back."

As Razor's body began to transform, yellow fur with dark spots covered his skin, and his legs shifted into those of a cheetah. The squad froze in terror, their limbs refusing to move.

Nishi turned to Hataki. "Hey, old geezer, why's he turning into a cat?"

Hataki's gaze was steady, analyzing the situation. "He's a Beastman. When he transforms, his strength doubles. It means he's taking us seriously."

Nishi's grin widened. "Good. I don't like boring fights. Let's see if he can give me a real challenge."

Razor lunged at Hataki, his speed blinding. Hataki blocked the kick with precise timing, but Razor's thoughts were elsewhere.

"Sir Genta thinks I can't handle Hataki. Am I truly that weak? Can I not fulfill my master's wish?"

Razor's childhood

Razor's childhood was filled with pain. Born a Beastman, he faced relentless bullying and cruelty. Even at the orphanage, the staff treated him as less than human, their disdain for Beastmen apparent in every cold glance and harsh word.

One day, while playing alone in the park, a group of boys surrounded Razor. They sneered, forcing him to do humiliating tasks.

"Hey, Beastman," one bully said, smirking. "Pick that trash up with your mouth."

Razor hesitated, tears brimming in his eyes. Just then, a voice called out.

"Hey, you brats!" A young Genta strode toward them, his presence commanding. "Why are you making him do that?"

The bullies turned, laughing. "He's a Beastman. They're nothing but slaves. Isn't that right?"

Another bully, grinning wickedly, added, "Why don't you join us? We can make him do whatever we want. It's fun!"

Genta's eyes narrowed, his voice dropping. "So, he's a Beastman. And that makes you what? Lazy cowards who can't do their own work?"

The insult hit home. One of the bullies clenched his fists, his face red with anger. "We're not lazy! We don't need him to do our work. Beastmen are nothing but animals, and Renjiro is no different. He's beneath us!"

The bullies, unable to best Genta's commanding presence, stormed off, muttering insults as they went.

Razor, still trembling, looked up at Genta. "Thank you," he whispered.

Genta crouched down, meeting his eyes. "Why didn't you fight back? You're a Beastman—you're stronger than them. You could've taken them easily."

Razor shook his head. "If I did, they'd hate me even more. People already see me as a monster. If I fight back, they'll make everyone hate me."

Tears streamed down Razor's face as he continued. "I wish I wasn't born a Beastman. Everyone hates me. I hate myself."

Genta's expression softened, and he placed a hand on Razor's shoulder. "It's not about what others think of you. It's about what you think of yourself. You have one life, Renjiro. Don't waste it worrying about people who don't matter. Love yourself. Live for yourself."

Razor's eyes filled with hope for the first time. "Renjiro," Genta repeated, smiling. "That's your name, right? I'm Genta. Nice to meet you."

As the sun began to set, Genta glanced up at the sky. "It's getting late," he said, standing. "I need to go home. My dad's probably waiting for me."

He turned to Razor. "What about you, Renjiro? Where do you live?"

Razor hesitated, his voice small. "I don't know who my parents are. I… live here. In the park."

Genta's expression softened with sadness. "You don't have parents?"

Razor shook his head, avoiding Genta's gaze.

After a moment of silence, Genta extended his hand. "Renjiro, do you want to come to my house? You can live with me if you want."

Razor hesitated, his voice trembling. "Are you sure? What if your parents don't like Beastmen?"

Genta smiled warmly. "Don't worry about that. My father's a kind man. He's working hard to create a world where humans and Beastmen can live together in peace. You'll like him."

Razor's lips quivered before he smiled back. "Okay. I'll come."

From the day Genta's father took me in, he treated me as if I were his own son. He played with us, laughed with us, and showed me the kind of warmth I'd never known. On the days he had to leave for work, often for long periods, I would miss him terribly. But Genta was always there, his words a constant source of comfort.

"You have your big brother here," he'd say, his voice steady and reassuring. "So don't be scared of anything."

It was in those moments, as his unwavering support wrapped around me like a shield, that I made my decision. Whatever Genta wished for would become my wish. His goals would become mine.

He gave me a family when I had none. He gave me love when the world only gave me scorn. He became the brother I never had.

If it means fighting the entire world to fulfill Sir Genta's dream, then so be it. I will fight the world for him.