The Science of Connection (Senku Ishigami x Reader)

Chapter 5- Tsukasa's Ideals

You blink, your breath catching. "Eliminates?"

Gen's smile falters just a bit, and he sighs. "Yes, my dear. He shatters their petrified forms. Ensuring they never wake up. Ever."

Your stomach churns, and you grip your bowl tightly to steady yourself. "He's playing god," you say quietly, your voice laced with disbelief.

Gen shrugs. "In a way, yes. But can you blame him? The old world wasn't exactly a paradise. I suppose, to Tsukasa, he's not playing god. He's playing gardener—pruning away the weeds so the flowers can thrive."

You look down at your hands, your thoughts racing. You can understand why Tsukasa feels this way, but the arrogance of it, the sheer audacity to decide who gets to live and who doesn't—it makes your skin crawl.

"And you're okay with this?" you ask, meeting Gen's gaze.

He chuckles softly, leaning in closer. "Oh, don't mistake me for a believer. I'm just a humble mentalist, here for the ride." His tone is playful, but there's a flicker of something genuine in his eyes. "But Tsukasa's vision... it's compelling, isn't it? A world without corruption or greed. A fresh start."

"A fresh start built on blood," you snap, unable to hide the anger in your voice.

Gen raises his hands in mock surrender. "Careful, now. If you speak too loudly, someone might hear you." He smirks, but his tone carries a warning. "You're clever, but cleverness won't save you if Tsukasa thinks you're against him."

You bite your lip, trying to calm your racing heart. "I'm not against him," you say cautiously. "I just don't... agree with everything."

Gen hums thoughtfully, his sharp eyes studying you. "A wise position to take. Neutrality keeps you alive." He pauses, then leans back, his smirk returning. "But for what it's worth, I think you're right to question things. After all, even the greatest gardeners sometimes mistake flowers for weeds."

You finish your stew in silence, Gen's words echoing in your mind. Now you understand why this kingdom feels so wrong to you. It's not just survival Tsukasa is building—it's judgment. And that judgment carries the weight of life and death.

After you've finished eating, Gen leans back on his hands, studying you with a grin that borders on unsettling. His sharp eyes seem to catch every flicker of emotion you try to hide, and you're certain he knows exactly what's brewing inside you.

"Well, my dear, it seems you'll have quite the audience tomorrow," he says, swirling his finger in the air as if gesturing toward an invisible crowd. "Tsukasa wants to meet with you first thing in the morning. Oh, and don't worry about a wake-up call—I'll be your personal alarm clock."

You frown slightly, his theatrics doing little to soothe your irritation. "Lucky me," you mutter.

Gen chuckles, unbothered by your tone. "Very lucky indeed. Sleep well, now. You'll need your wits about you."

Before you can reply, Yuzuriha appears, her kind smile cutting through the tension. "I'll show you where you'll be sleeping," she offers gently.

You nod, standing to follow her. The night passes slowly. Sleep doesn't come easy with so many thoughts tumbling through your mind. The memory of Taiju's words eats at you, the knowledge of Tsukasa's actions making your anger simmer beneath the surface. He tried to kill Senku. That single thought loops endlessly in your head, stoking your resolve.

When morning finally comes, you're already wide awake. The faint shuffle of footsteps alerts you to Gen's arrival before you see him.

"Rise and shine," he chirps, his sing-song voice entirely too cheerful for the early hour. "The big boss wants to see you."

You push yourself up, brushing off the cloak you used as a blanket. "What's this about?" you ask, your voice carefully neutral.

Gen tilts his head, a sly smile creeping onto his face. "Why, to see if you're worthy, of course."

"Worthy of what?" you press, though you already have an idea.

His smile widens, and he shrugs as if the answer is obvious. "Of contributing to his Empire. Don't worry, Tsukasa's very hands-on with these sorts of things. I'm sure it'll be... illuminating."

You bite back a retort, sensing that Gen knows more than he's letting on. Without another word, you follow him through the camp, your steps deliberate as you try to steel yourself for whatever awaits.

Tsukasa is waiting near the edge of the camp, his towering form unmistakable even from a distance. As you approach, he turns his sharp gaze on you, his expression unreadable.

"Good," he says simply when you arrive. "I want you to join today's hunting party. With your background in animal science, this will be a chance to prove yourself."

You hold his gaze, your chest tightening with suppressed anger. This man tried to kill Senku. The thought burns in your mind, but you force yourself to remain calm, knowing that revealing your emotions now would be a mistake.

"I understand," you say evenly, though it takes every ounce of effort to keep your voice steady. "What exactly do you want me to do?"

Tsukasa's eyes narrow slightly, as if assessing you. "You'll guide the group. Identify the best grounds for hunting, areas where resources are plentiful but not overused. Show me that your knowledge can serve a purpose here."

You nod, though the idea of working under him makes your stomach churn. "I'll do my best," you say, the words clipped but polite.

"Good," he replies, his tone firm. "Prove to me that you belong here."

As the hunting party gathers, you take a deep breath, your mind racing with plans. You'll do what's necessary to survive and gain his trust, but you won't forget what he's done.

And as you catch Gen's knowing smirk from the corner of your eye, you're certain that he hasn't missed a thing.