Life of Yui Nagashima 1

The aisle loosens just enough for an elderly man with a bald head, deeply lined face, white mustache and beard, and dark green sunglasses to step forward. His orange martial-arts shirt and turtle shell make him impossible to overlook.

Before anyone can answer, he lunges with more enthusiasm than balance. One hand closes around Rosemary’s sleeve while the other reaches toward Stella, and his shoulder bumps the desk.

The completed agreements skid toward the edge. Stella’s hair catches around a chair leg, Rosemary twists free with a startled gasp, and the elderly man’s attempted grab turns into an awkward three-person tangle beside the service desk.

The elderly man finally releases Rosemary’s sleeve, but keeps one hand hovering over the agreement as if signing it might justify everything. The teenagers watch Yui, phones still lowered, waiting for her response.

Yui gets behind the elderly man and kicks, but his turtle shell shifts with him. He remains upright and unharmed, while the agreements wobble at the desk’s edge.

The elderly man reacts on instinct, flinging an elbow backward as he turns. It catches Yui hard enough to leave her hurt and breathless, though she stays on her feet.

Rosemary snatches the agreements away from the edge and steps between the elderly man and the others, one palm raised toward each side.

The teenagers spread toward the service desk and aisle entrance without raising their phones. Stella frees her hair from the chair leg, while Rosemary keeps the paperwork tucked against her chest.

Get Roshi to stop grabbing people

A broad young man steps from the nearest reading area, an oversized sword strapped across his back and a weary frown deepening his face. He raises both hands before approaching the crowded desk.

Young Dave stops beside Yui, a young adult human man with a massive wild Afro held by a black headband, a worn black hoodie over a gray tank top, baggy black cargo pants and black boots, yellow-rimmed goggles at his neck, and a digital watch, keeping his sword well away from the desk. Rosemary’s tense shoulders lower slightly, though the teenagers exchange suspicious looks at the sudden reinforcement.

The teenagers accept his offer with reluctant nods, but their suspicion of Yui remains a new mark against her credibility. Rosemary keeps the agreements secure and gestures toward the aisle entrance for security.

Young Dave moves between Yui and the desk, keeping his sword strapped down. He catches the elderly man by the shoulders and turns him firmly away from Rosemary and the agreements.

The elderly man struggles, but Young Dave holds him at arm’s length without striking. Rosemary retreats with the documents, and the teenagers clear space around the desk.

Young Dave eases his grip and guides the elderly man toward a nearby chair. The turtle shell bumps the desk lightly, but the agreements stay secure in Rosemary’s hands.

The elderly man folds his hands over his orange shirt and remains in the chair, sunglasses aimed toward the desk. Rosemary exhales and checks both forms for damage.

The aisle settles into an uneasy quiet. Young Dave stays nearby without touching him, while Rosemary holds the agreements against her chest and waits for security.