The Science of Connection (Senku Ishigami x Reader)

Chapter 5- Tsukasa's Ideals

Taiju gave you a thumbs-up, his grin widening. "Got it! But don't worry. Senku always has a plan. He'll figure everything out—he always does."

You stand frozen, Taiju's hurried words echoing in your mind. "We're helping Senku. He's not dead." Relief blooms quickly, only to be crushed by the reality of Tsukasa's betrayal. The man you've been following, the one who spoke with such conviction about restoring a world free of greed and corruption, had attempted to kill Senku—a person you trusted and admired deeply. Your hands clench into fists, your nails digging into your palms as you fight the swirl of emotions.

Taiju notices your tense posture. "Uh... I probably said too much, huh?" he says sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

You exhale sharply, forcing your anger to the side. "No, Taiju, it's fine," you say, your voice tight. "Thank you for telling me."

Before he can respond, a familiar sing-song voice interrupts. "Well, well, what do we have here?" Gen Asagiri's sharp eyes flick between you and Taiju, his expression a mask of feigned nonchalance. "You seem tense, my dear. Care for a bite to eat? I promise the stew here isn't entirely inedible."

Taiju freezes, clearly caught off guard, but you nod, needing to distance yourself from the moment. "Food sounds good," you murmur.

Gen's ever-present smirk widens, and he gestures for you to follow him. As you both walk toward the center of camp, the energy of the kingdom hums around you. Fires crackle, casting shadows across stone and earth, while voices murmur in quiet camaraderie. Despite the primitive setting, there's a rhythm to life here—a rhythm you're still unsure you want to be part of.

Gen leads you to a small fire pit surrounded by makeshift seats. He hands you a bowl of steaming stew, his gaze calculating as you settle down.

You sit quietly by the fire, letting the heat of the stew warm your hands. Gen watches you with a sly, knowing smile that sets you on edge. His earlier comment about your feelings for Senku lingers in your mind, but you're too focused on piecing together what Taiju told you to respond.

Still, something doesn't sit right. The way everyone here seems so... devoted to Tsukasa. The strength of their trust feels absolute, unshakable. But why? What is Tsukasa really trying to build?

You glance at Gen, his features illuminated by the flickering flames. If anyone here would tell you the truth, it would be him. "Gen," you start, your voice steady but curious. "I've been here for a little while now, but I still don't fully understand. What's Tsukasa's goal? What's he building here?"

Gen pauses mid-sip of his stew, his eyebrows raising slightly. "Ah, so you've noticed," he says lightly. "You're a sharp one, aren't you?" He sets his bowl down and leans back, his hands folded neatly in his lap. "Tsukasa-sama's vision is quite... ambitious, you see."

You stay quiet, letting him continue.

"He believes that the old world was irreparably broken," Gen explains, his tone calm but edged with something darker. "Greed, corruption, unnecessary suffering... all born from the society that once was. And so, when the world was reset—frozen in stone—Tsukasa saw an opportunity. A chance to rebuild civilization, but this time, the right way."

Your brow furrows, the implications sinking in. "And what does 'the right way' mean to him?"

Gen tilts his head, his eyes glinting with interest. "Ah, here's where it gets interesting. Tsukasa doesn't believe in reviving everyone. To him, only the worthy should return. The strong, the pure, those untainted by the greed of the old world. He revives those he sees as fit to live in his idealized society and... eliminates the rest."