The Science of Connection (Senku Ishigami x Reader)

You adjusted the makeshift belt on the freshly woven clothing Yuzuriha had handed you. It wasn't modern by any stretch, but it was surprisingly comfortable and well-made. Yuzuriha had smiled kindly as she handed you the garments, then left you alone to change in a secluded area surrounded by towering stone spires.

Pulling your hair back to keep it from sticking to your neck in the humid air, you stepped out into the open. The flattened mountain-top kingdom was a sprawling expanse of wild vegetation, carved-out living spaces, and makeshift shelters built from natural materials.

Lost in your thoughts, you nearly jumped when a voice boomed behind you.

"Hey! You're her, aren't you?"

Spinning around, you were met with a towering figure. His broad shoulders and friendly, slightly goofy grin were hard to miss. This had to be Taiju Oki—the sheer size of him left little doubt. His expression radiated warmth, though his presence could easily intimidate anyone not used to his stature.

"Uh... I'm not sure who 'her' is," you replied cautiously, taking a step back as his energy radiated toward you like a freight train.

"Y/N, right? Senku told me about you!"

Your stomach dropped at the mention of his name. "Senku?" you repeated, lowering your voice and glancing around to ensure no one was within earshot.

Taiju blinked, realizing his mistake. "Oh, uh..." He scratched the back of his head, his usual enthusiasm faltering as if he'd stepped on a social landmine. "I mean, he used to talk about you. Before, you know..."

"Before what?" you pressed, your tone sharp now.

Taiju hesitated, his gaze flicking around nervously before leaning in close. "Before the fight with Tsukasa. Senku's... not really with us anymore." His voice was soft, but his words carried a weight that hit you like a punch to the gut.

"Not... with us?" you repeated, the words catching in your throat. "You mean... he's—"

"No, no!" Taiju interrupted quickly, his hands waving in front of him. "He's alive! Well, kinda... I mean, he's playing dead. Tsukasa thinks he killed him, but Senku's way too smart to let that happen."

Relief flooded your chest, though it was tempered by confusion. "Playing dead? Why would he do that?"

"It's part of the plan," Taiju said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "If Tsukasa thinks Senku's gone, he won't go after the Kingdom of Science. It gives us time to build up strength, figure out how to take him down, and—most importantly—get our hands on the revival fluid again."

Your mind spun with the revelation. So much had changed since the world turned to stone, yet Senku was still doing what he did best: staying five steps ahead of everyone else.

"Wait," you said, narrowing your eyes. "Why are you here, then? Shouldn't you be helping him?"

Taiju straightened, his characteristic grin returning. "Oh, don't worry. Yuzuriha and I are helping him in our own way. We're here gathering intel, keeping an eye on things in Tsukasa's kingdom. And, you know, making sure no one suspects Senku's still alive."

You crossed your arms, trying to piece everything together. "So you're spying on Tsukasa?"

Taiju nodded enthusiastically, then added, "But don't tell anyone! It's a secret! Senku would kill me—well, not literally—if he knew I let this slip."

Despite the seriousness of the situation, you couldn't help but smile at his earnestness. "Your secret's safe with me," you said, though your mind was already racing with questions. "But if you see him... tell him I'm here. And he owes me an explanation."