Chapter 45 :The Wave That Follows Silence
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The sterile hospital room buzzed quietly with the rhythm of beeping monitors. Akira lay motionless, eyes half-closed, as a TV mounted in the corner flickered with breaking news. His body was sore, wrapped in bandages and bruises, but his mind had already awakened to the storm that was forming.
> News Reporter: "...due to extreme and sudden weather shifts, coastal cities including Tsu are now under red alert. Authorities have issued a tsunami warning—massive waves are expected to strike the shoreline within hours. All travel to and from Tsu is suspended until further notice."
Akira blinked slowly and turned his head toward the screen. His heartbeat picked up. Tsu was cut off.
He pushed himself up despite the pain, sweat beading on his forehead. Just then, John entered with a disposable coffee cup, surprised to see him awake.
"You're up?" John asked, walking closer. "You really should rest. You're still healing."
"I saw the news," Akira said in a low voice. "Tsu is blocked?"
John nodded. "Highways, railways, even the air routes. No one's leaving or entering for a while."
Akira leaned back, a small but sharp grin forming on his face. "Interesting timing…"
John raised a brow but didn't press. Instead, he pulled a chair next to Akira's bed and sat. "You're lucky you survived that ambush. A few more minutes and—"
"I'm always lucky when it hurts the most," Akira muttered.
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Scene Change – Underground Bunker
Far away from the hospital, beneath the surface in a fortified underground facility, Kento sat in silence, watching shadows dance on the wall from a single overhead light. He looked exhausted—his face hardened by sleepless nights and burning questions.
The metal door behind him opened with a loud creak. A woman stepped inside, holding a phone in her hand.
"He said he'll talk," she whispered.
Kento took the phone and stared at the name glowing on the screen: Shadow Wolf.
He didn't hesitate.
The moment the call connected, a gravelly voice answered.
> Shadow Wolf: "You seem impatient."
"We have a problem," Kento said. "Akira's not like the others. He doesn't crack."
> "That's not news."
"I want this over. Now."
There was a pause on the other end, then the voice calmly replied:
> "You'll get your end. But not today. I'll be there… fifteen days from now."
Kento's jaw clenched. "That's too late. We don't have—"
> "You'll survive until then. Or you won't. Either way, I'll finish it."
The line went dead.
Kento stood there, trembling in frustration. Then, slowly, he walked over to a large corkboard covered with photos, documents, and maps. Red string connected names, locations, and blurred mugshots like a spider's web.
His hand moved to the map at the center.
There, circled three times in thick black ink, was one city:
> TSU
Without a word, Kento took a red marker and drew a bold X over it.
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Scene Change – Tokyo, the outer part
Far away, in Tokyo, the atmosphere was no less tense.
In a modest room that felt like it belonged to the year 2020, Hinata Usuki sat on her bed, fiddling with the dial of a vintage silver radio. The air was dim. A faded sunflower-print curtain flapped softly at the window. The room's walls were a soft yellow, cracked slightly in the corners. Her bed was low, sheets a little wrinkled, the wooden floor cool under her feet. It wasn't sleek like 2025—no AI lights, no smart-glass panels. Just home.
> Radio Host: "...the tsunami warning remains in place. Authorities have requested all Tsu routes to remain closed. Weather is expected to worsen. Citizens are advised to stay indoors."
Her heart sank. The radio slipped slightly from her fingers. Her expression faded from soft excitement to dull despair.
Just then, the door creaked open.
Hiro Usuki, her father, stepped in. Middle-aged, tall, with salt-and-pepper hair and gentle eyes hidden behind rimless glasses. He wore a wool sweater and held a tray with tea.
"You're up early," he said softly.
Hinata looked up, her voice small. "The weather…"
"I heard it too." He set the tea down. "You shouldn't go to Tsu today. It's dangerous."
Hinata gave a quiet nod. "I know."
Hiro looked at her for a moment, then sat beside her. "I know you miss your friends there. Him too." He hesitated. "But sometimes, when the world forces you to stay behind… it's for a reason."
Hinata didn't reply. Her fingers curled tightly into the blanket.
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Back to Tsu – Hospital Room
The rain had begun to fall harder against the glass.
Akira stared at the sky through the hospital window. The clouds swirled above like a bruised ocean, winds tearing through the streets. Trees bent. Sirens echoed in the distance. The city was holding its breath.
"Won't come," Akira whispered.
John looked at him. "You mean… Hinata?"
Akira didn't respond. His gaze stayed locked on the horizon.
"She's not just part of the plan anymore, is she?"
Silence again.
John stood slowly. "I'll go. I'll send someone else tomorrow."
"No need," Akira said. "No one's coming. Not for some time."
John standing at the door , said " I have never doubted your calculations... But can't forget that promise as well ".
Akira chuckled..
As John left the room, his phone buzzed.
> Kento: "Wait for fifteen days… He is coming."
Outside, thunder growled like a warning.
And the sea answered.
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