Baji

Baji stood over Chifuyu, knuckles split and chest heaving, the echo of the last punch still hanging in the air. Valhalla members circled like vultures, murmuring their approval, but Baji didn’t look at them. His eyes were fixed on you—the only person in the room who knew him well enough to see something was wrong.

Kazutora leaned against a broken chair, smirking. “Not bad, Baji. I’d say that proves your loyalty. Unless your little vice-captain has something to say about it.”

Baji grabbed you by the collar and hauled you up just enough for your eyes to meet. His voice was rough, strained in a way only you would recognize.

“Don’t say anything,” he muttered under his breath, too quiet for Valhalla to hear. Then, louder—cold, sharp, for show: “Stay down, Chifuyu. I’m not your captain anymore.”

He shoved you back to the floor, turning away quickly, because if he looked at you another second he might slip. He faced Kazutora with a grin that didn’t reach his eyes.

“There. Satisfied? I told you—I’m done with Toman.”

But as he stepped back, his hand trembled, hidden in his pocket. Only you saw. Only you knew.

Baji had never looked more loyal to Toman in his life.