Genos lay motionless on the inclined operating table, his cybernetic body exposed to the many lights adorning the laboratory's high ceiling. To his left, Doctor Kuseno stood beside a console, his fingers gliding across glowing monitors displaying vital information about Genos' systems.
"Now, what did you wish to ask me?"
Genos glanced over at Doctor Kuseno, who kept his eyes glued to the monitor. Its blue glow highlighted several beads of sweat on his face.
"I was told that I should ask you about G4 and 'The Organization.'"
"W-Who told you to ask that?"
"I owe you my life, Doctor, and I want you to know I have complete trust in you. Please don't hold anything back. Master Caspian has allowed me to have a more open mind, so I promise I will keep a level head at whatever you say."
Doctor Kuseno let out a deep sigh, clasping his hands behind his back in his usual manner.
"Genos… I'm sorry. This wasn't something I hid from you out of mistrust or malice, but from a desire to protect you until you grew strong enough." Doctor Kuseno's gaze shifted upward, staring off into nothing. "'The Organization…' Long ago, I was one of the founding members."
Genos' grip tightened around the edge of the metal table.
Doctor Kuseno continued. "'The Organization' was originally a group meant to benefit the world, and for some time, that's exactly what we did. Then one day, a majority of the original members and all those they had recruited in private decided on a different path. One of power and greed. One that would do whatever was required to reign over the world through chaos and destruction.
It didn't take long before they created robots designed to seek out powerful opponents, growing stronger and amassing data in order to achieve their goal.
One other founder and I weren't informed until much later. As we had already opposed similar plans in past meetings..."
Doctor Kuseno's body shook as a pained expression overtook him.
"Then, some time after I had put 'The Organization' behind me, I was living a peaceful life with my family… until 'The Rampaging Cyborg' came and took away all that I held dear.
While there was no definitive proof, I asked myself: Why did 'The Rampaging Cyborg' stand before me and allow me to live? And that's when it dawned on me. Was this revenge for leaving 'The Organization' on bad terms? To tie up loose ends? I'm certain they will hunt me down one day. No matter the reason, I still do not understand their cruelty, their lack of humanity toward me…all for such a petty reas—"
Before Doctor Kuseno could finish, the sound of tearing cables interrupted him. Genos had already used his one remaining arm to pull the doctor into a hug.
"It's okay."
How many years has the Doctor been suffering alone? And I've…
"G-Genos, I'm sorry I kept this from you. I couldn't bear the thought of losing my family again. I am terrified of it."
Genos stepped back and reevaluated this man in a new light.
The old man's thin frame had ceased shaking. His aged face, lined with deep wrinkles, bore the weight of years spent in quiet sorrow. His troubled expression spoke of a life shaped by loneliness and loss. A man who had toiled through countless hardships with no one beside him for many years after everything was taken from him.
"I owe you an apology too, Doctor. I've been far too selfish and narrow-minded this entire time. I believed myself to be the only one suffering."
"You owe me no such thing. You're like a grandson to me. I will do everything I can for you. Please never feel you owe me anything." Doctor Kuseno lifted his head, his countenance radiating kindness. "Now, lie back down. You still have room for improvements. Though I will need a small amount of time in order to replace these snapped cables."
Genos climbed back onto the inclined table. "There's still more I wish to discuss."
"Yes, yes. We can continue our conversation soon."
¤ ¤ ¤
"Hey, this place isn't open to the public."
Caspian's arrival hadn't gone unnoticed. Iaian spoke as he approached, followed closely by Okamaitachi and Bushidrill.
Atomic Samurai's disciples…
Iaian frowned. "Please leave at once."
He noted their heightened alertness. Whatever meeting occurred here today held clear importance.
"No need to be like that. I'm a friend of Yuta's. Is she around?"
The three disciples eyed him up and down.
Bushidrill stroked his goatee. "I don't recall Yuta having any friends…"
"Don't speak ill of Miss Yuta!" Okamaitachi exclaimed.
Iaian motioned toward the mountain steps. "Your timing and appearance are suspicious, so it's best you head back to wherever you came from."
Suspicious... Should I incapacitate them?
"Just go tell her I'm here."
"I don't even know who you are!" Iaian brought his right hand to the hilt of his katana. "It doesn't matter. Did you not hear me? Leave."
This is the thanks I get for having Genos save your arm!?
"Hey, there's no need for a confrontation," Okamaitachi said, stepping forward and placing a hand on Iaian's shoulder. "Whoever you are… Yuta isn't here."
Caspian tilted his head. "Any idea where she is or when she'll be back?"
"Off training. Now be gone at once," Iaian said, brushing off Okamaitachi's lingering hand.
"Thanks." Caspian turned and made his way back toward the steps, feeling more confused than anything.
Was Iaian always such an unpleasant person?
When he descended far enough down the stairs to a point where the trio could no longer see him, he dashed into the forest. Deftly maneuvering through the trees at an immense speed, easily spotting and avoiding any foliage that could generate a loud noise. In a single breath, he reached a high wall that appeared to stretch around the entire headquarters, aside from the entrance gate.
Be gone? No. I won't leave until I've searched every corner myself.