With a sharp crack of bone, Suguru Geto's one remaining arm fell completely limp.
Satoru Gojo's hand slowly slipped from the side of Suguru Geto's neck. He crouched there quietly, holding that position for a long time without moving or speaking, silently gazing at his dearest friend, who had passed away.
Only after a long silence did he slowly straighten up and stand.
"Sensei, I'm sorry for your loss..."
Akutagawa Shang stepped half a pace forward and gently patted Satoru Gojo's shoulder. Limitless had already been deactivated, and his palm naturally made contact with Gojo's slightly tense body.
Satoru Gojo's body stiffened imperceptibly for an instant before he slowly spoke.
He shook his head.
"No... Geto was happy in his final moments. For him, perhaps this was the best ending."
"Akutagawa-kun... thank you..."
"For letting Geto leave without pain..."
As his words fell, he suddenly hid the trace of loneliness in his eyes.
"Honestly. That guy, Geto, ate garbage for so long and never said a word, never said a word. If he'd told me sooner, I would've taken him out for fine dining."
Satoru Gojo's tone turned flippant once again. Akutagawa Shang saw through the facade he used to hide his grief but did not expose it.
Perhaps this... would make him feel a little better.
"Then... Sensei, what should we do next...?"
After a moment, Akutagawa Shang spoke slowly, asking about their next steps.
"You mean...?"
Akutagawa Shang did not answer. He merely lowered his gaze, silently glancing at Suguru Geto's body on the ground.
"What do you plan to do with Suguru Geto's body, Sensei...?"
Satoru Gojo abruptly turned away, forcing himself not to look at the familiar figure lying on the ground.
"I want to find a time... to bury Geto."
Akutagawa Shang hesitated for a