The Science of Connection (Senku Ishigami x Reader)

Chapter 6 - Ishigami Tournament

Senku's sharp eyes narrowed, his expression neutral, though his curiosity was piqued. "You're not one to stick around just to cheer me on. What's your angle this time?"

Gen chuckled softly, leaning in conspiratorially. "Well, let's just say I've been... observing Tsukasa's camp. And I couldn't help but notice an interesting revival candidate in the mix. Someone who might catch even your attention."

Senku arched an eyebrow, his hands sliding into his coat pockets. "Is that so? Enlighten me."

Gen's grin widened, enjoying the game. "Oh, you know me—I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise. But let's just say this person seems quite... inquisitive. Bright-eyed, full of questions, and unexpectedly spirited, even in a rather precarious situation."

"Spirited?" Senku echoed, his voice flat but his mind racing. The vague description was maddening, yet Gen's words were never idle.

Gen tilted his head, watching for any flicker of reaction. "Of course, they're in Tsukasa's care for now. A pity, isn't it? Such potential, tangled up in the wrong ideology."

Senku leaned against a tree, keeping his tone casual. "If you're trying to bait me, you'll have to do better than that. Everyone Tsukasa revives has 'potential.'"

Gen gave a knowing hum, stepping away before turning back over his shoulder. "True, true. But this one's an animal scientist. A rare find, don't you think?"

For a moment, the world seemed to pause. Animal scientist. Senku's hand froze mid-motion, the nonchalance in his expression faltering for the briefest second. His mind worked at lightning speed, piecing together the puzzle.

An animal scientist. Bright-eyed. Spirited.

His throat felt tight as an image surfaced—one he hadn't dared to think about in ages. Memories of debates, experiments, and shared curiosity flooded his mind, along with a single name.

Gen didn't miss the flicker of recognition that flashed through Senku's eyes before he masked it with a sharp, calculated smirk.

"Interesting," Senku said at last, his tone neutral but his gaze laser-focused on the mental picture forming in his mind. "You're playing quite the game, Gen."

Gen chuckled, stepping back into the crowd. "A game? Oh no, Senku. I'm just a messenger. What you do with the information is entirely up to you."

As Gen disappeared, Senku turned back toward the village, his mind no longer on the celebration or his victory. Instead, it was laser-focused on one question.

Was it really her?

~~~(Y/N) POV~~~

Your time with the hunting party went better than expected. Despite the tension simmering under your skin every time Tsukasa's name was mentioned—or every time you caught sight of him observing from the distance—you focused on what you knew best. Tracking, studying animal patterns, and finding the most sustainable spots to hunt.

When the party returned laden with game, you couldn't ignore the flicker of approval in Tsukasa's usually stoic expression.

"You've proven yourself useful," he said in that clipped, commanding tone. "We'll speak again soon about your next contribution to the empire."

Useful. The word churned in your stomach, but you swallowed the discomfort and nodded, masking your feelings behind a neutral expression.

Over the following weeks, you found yourself spending more time with Gen. It wasn't entirely by choice—he had a knack for appearing out of nowhere, his playful demeanor somehow both comforting and maddening.