Shinohara wakes up.

Oh this hurts – 

“We really, really need you to come to the hospital today,” says Keijin, accompanied by the rest of Suzuya Squad. He was the only one who dared to start the conversation.

Suzuya stiffens. “Why?”

Is Mr. Shinohara dying? Is he already gone? Has Juuzou failed him again?

“The doctors think he’s going to wake up.” Hanbee says, flashing Suzuya a reassuring smile.

Suzuya’s eyes morph into saucers. And then his squad – his family – leads him on.

When he gets to the room – of course he never forgot the number – Suzuya draws back. What if Mr. Shinohara doesn’t remember him? Or recognize him with black hair? What if he hates him for taking him from his family for so many years?

Hanbee puts a hand on Suzuya’s shoulder, and Mikage pokes his back. 

His Squad is here. They don’t blame him and they even like him with black hair.

So he moves forward, into the room.

He sees Shinohara’s wife and kids first. They’re smiling – then – that must –

Mr. Shinohara sits upright on his bed, his eyes wide at the sight of Juuzou.

For a moment, mentor and mentee stare at each other.

Then Mr. Shinohara opens his arms, and Suzuya flings himself into them. 

Shinohara sees tears running down Juuzou’s face, and a proud squad standing behind his kid.

“I missed you,” Suzuya sobs.

“I missed you too.” Shinohara leans back. There’s so much to discuss – years of change, literally – but he needs to bring up the past once more. “I never got to tell you how proud I am of you.”