From episode 18: Betrayal
“So you have returned,” the Grand Seeker says.
“What took you?” the man with the booming voice demands irritably. “I hope you have good reason for rudely interrupting our conference.”
“I believe we do,” Yoshihiko says angrily.
“Settle down!” Natsumi hisses, holding her bodyguard back.
“Sir, with all due respect,” Takeshi says, stepping forward, “have we not proven that we can handle our responsibilities as Keyholders? Why are you so insistent on taking our Keys away from us?”
The Grand Seeker’s expression betrays surprise, while many of his colleagues appear perversely amused at the Keyholders’ indignation. “So you found out,” one of the Head Seekers says with a smirk. “What makes you think that you have any right to the Keys at all? They were never yours.”
“The Legendary Five passed their Keys on to future generations,” Takeshi points out. “They were meant to remain in their family lines.”
“Presumptuous boy!” another Head Seeker bursts out. “How dare you pretend to know in whose hands the Keys were meant to remain! That is not something to be left up to a child’s ridiculous whims!”
“We’ve protected the Keys for close to two full years, now, even during the war, when everyone was out to get them!” Reka insists. “How many more hoops do we have to jump through to convince you that we can handle it?! Or isn’t anything we do enough for you?!”
“Do not raise your voice to us!” the Head Seeker with the booming voice reprimands Reka, who forces himself to hold his tongue and step back.
“Takumi,” the Grand Seeker calls, “did you tell them?”
Takumi can’t bring himself to look his father in the eyes, much less speak. He simply nods silently, standing stiffly, his hands clenched in anxiety. I got too close, he thinks, frowning. Now I’m paying for it. It hurts.
The Grand Seeker sighs. “Your Keys will indeed be confiscated as soon as they are brought together and the dimensions shift back to their normal positions. This is in the best interest of their protection.”
