Episode 9: The Net Tightens

Talent Reborn – Season 2

Episode 9: The Net Tightens

Haruto sat frozen, staring at the news broadcast.

His face—plastered across the screen.

His mind raced. This wasn't just the organization working in the shadows anymore. Now, the public was watching. The police were searching.

And he was a wanted man.

"This is bad," Ayaka muttered, gripping the phone. "They're framing you. If the police get to you first, they'll hand you over to whoever is pulling the strings."*

Haruto gritted his teeth. He had spent years fighting his way up in the medical world—earning respect, proving his worth. And now?

Everything was collapsing.

Renji paced near the window, peeking through the blinds. "We can't stay here. If they tracked us once, they'll do it again."

Ayaka clenched her fists. "He just woke up. You can't expect him to run again."

"We don't have a choice," Renji snapped. "The longer we stay, the more danger we bring to this clinic."

Haruto closed his eyes. He hated this. Running, hiding—it wasn't how he wanted to fight back.

But right now, they weren't ready for a direct confrontation.

He took a deep breath. "Where do we go?"

Renji hesitated. "I know someone. But getting there won't be easy."

Ayaka's expression darkened. "Where?"

"Osaka."

Traveling with a wanted face wasn't easy.

They couldn't use trains—too many cameras. They couldn't take a taxi—too much risk of recognition. That left only one option.

"We're driving," Renji said, tossing Haruto a helmet. "Get on."

A motorcycle sat parked behind the clinic, hidden under a tarp.

Ayaka crossed her arms. "You had a motorcycle this whole time and didn't tell me?"

Renji smirked. "A man's gotta have his secrets."

Haruto sighed, securing the helmet. "Are you coming with us, Ayaka?"

Ayaka hesitated. She wanted to—but her responsibilities tied her down.

"I'll cover for you here," she said. "But you owe me an explanation when this is over."

Haruto nodded. "I promise."

She placed a hand on his arm. "Be careful."*

Then, the engine roared to life, and Haruto and Renji sped into the night.

The road stretched endlessly before them, the wind whipping past. They avoided the highways, sticking to backroads to evade checkpoints.

For the first two hours, nothing happened.

Then—

"We've got company!" Renji yelled over the wind.

A black SUV was closing in behind them.

Haruto turned, heart pounding. Not the police.

Worse.

The organization.

"Hold on!" Renji twisted the handlebars, the motorcycle veering off-road into the forest. The SUV followed, crashing through trees and dirt.

Gunfire.

Bullets whizzed past.

Haruto ducked, gripping Renji tighter. "Any bright ideas?"

"Just one!"

Renji yanked the bike sideways, sending them sliding under a fallen tree. The SUV wasn't so lucky—its front crashed against the thick wood, flipping over on impact.

"That was insane!" Haruto shouted as they skidded to a stop.

Renji grinned. "And effective."*

But they didn't have time to celebrate.

More headlights appeared in the distance.

The chase wasn't over.

And Osaka was still far away.

To Be Continued…