Reincarnated Into a Shounen Anime-Chapter 47: Gone

[Yesterday, a horrifying attack was launched at the Isha City Orphanage by the members of the villainous organisation, Blood Cult. In their attempt to summon a Blood Demon, many children and caretakers were killed from the orphanage. But fortunately, Akihiba Itsuki, a retired E-Rank Hero and also the head of the orphanage managed to stop the worst from happening. But he is currently in a critical condition. The surviving members of the orphanage will be shifted to a different one by the city government. And-]

​In a hospital waiting area, the news anchor reported what happened last night. The people in the waiting area listened. But many just went about their way. Simply doing their task.

​Carico was in the hospital too. He looked completely fine after a doctor treated him with their healing Bloodline Art. Carico was astonished by the feeling. It was like a warm breeze of wind, rejuvenating his body and healing his skin. He could see his burned skin mend.

​After getting healed, everyone insisted that he go back and join the surviving members and rest. But he didn’t listen and instead stayed. He was really worried about father Itsuki.

​Carico got down from the seat and went towards the elevator. His destination was the 10th floor, where father Itsuki’s treatment was ongoing.

​He came down to the waiting area to get some shut-eye. Just in case the Heroes sent him back when he is asleep. He slept for a few hours and was now feeling good.

​He quickly arrived at the 10th floor and sat on the bench. Waiting for father Itsuki to wake up. There were only the staff members running around. No reporters crowding here. But they were literally camping outside. Catching anyone exiting like hungry wolves for any news about father Itsuki.

​Carico just today got to know that father Itsuki was actually a reputed figure of Isha city. But he retired and opened an orphanage instead, to take care of the children that lost their parents. Because of his contribution to the city, the city government supported him the best they could.

​At the moment, a bunch of doctors and nurses exited the ICU with grim expressions. Dark circles under their eyes. They looked exhausted and defeated.

​Carico felt his stomach drop. His body feeling chills. He was predicting the worst outcome.

​The leading doctor stopped in front of Carico while others walked away in silence. The doctor bent a little and gently rested his hand on Carico’s shoulder.

​"Go inside... he wants to see you. A few nurses will be there, outside of the room. Call immediately if you see something unnatural."

​He said with a sigh of defeat. He patted Carico’s shoulders before he straightened up and walked away. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

​Carico looked at his back. It looked weak and sad. Which made Carico’s heart churn even more. But he didn’t delay thinking. He sprang to his feet and bolted towards the ICU. Both excited and terrified at the same time.

​He entered through the door and the smell of burned flesh and dried blood, mixed with antiseptics assaulted his nose. Making him gag a bit and frown. The room had many machines beeping while being connected to father Itsuki, laying on the bed.

​The fresh breeze of the morning gently moved the curtains. The wind carrying away the stench.

​Carico cautiously walked up to Father Itsuki. He looked pale. His eyes barely open. But the smile on his face was as bright as the sun.

​"What’s up little champ?"

​He asked weakly. Voice barely above a whisper. Hearing his voice, Carico’s chin trembled. His eyes watered. His mouth started to taste bitter.

​"That was some magnificent show of courage. Even adults can’t do that. Because of the brief time you bought gambling your life, we managed to stop a great disaster from happening..."

​Father Itsuki said as he patted Carico’s head. He moved closer. Tears streaming down his face.

​"Do you see now Carico? That you can be a hero too? All you need is the will to act and the heart to save those in need. You don’t need superpowers to be a Hero Carico... you can be a hero... believe in yourself... never... doubt that... you will be a great he... ro..."

​The hand on Carico’s head slumped down. Carico looked at father Itsuki’s face. His eyes were closed. He looked peaceful. Like he was sleeping.

​Carico touched his head, he still felt the weight and warmth of the hand that had taken care of him and loved him unconditionally for years.

​He took the slumped hand and rubbed it against his face. The familiar rough sensation of father Itsuki’s hand hit his nerves. The sensation he came to love. But the touch once full of warmth and care felt empty. Slowly getting cold.

​Carico started to sob uncontrollably. Which made the nurses outside come in and pause for a second before they walked out...

​...

​..

​.

​[Today... is a great day of sorrow... for all of us. The citizens of Isha city. We have lost a brave hero. A pillar of strength and kindness. He died while protecting the children who have no one. He was always a great man. A man of great integrity. And passion for helping others. His kind smile touched the hearts of many... but today. We lost him. Such is life. But to not forget such a great hero and to honour his efforts, this memorial shall be the symbol. To remind us what we have lost. And push the new generations forward to get stronger to protect the people they love and care about.]

​The governor in the TV then turned around and pulled the rope. A massive statue of father Itsuki standing there with his kind smile was revealed from behind the red curtains. Everyone in the crowd paid respect in their own way. But one thing was common. Everyone felt the loss. And the worry for the future.

​Carico stared at the statue with a blank expression. Father Itsuki’s words circling inside his head. He was back in the new orphanage. All the kids that survived were here. Along with the existing kids. The atmosphere was gloomy. It will take time for everyone to recover from the shock they have received...