depressed zanka after enjin's death is great, but what if, while zanka does grieve and he also decides to live on?
zanka decides that the best way to honor enjin's death is to live and follow his path.
zanka takes over enjin's role and becomes the leader of team akuta, he keeps staying in the hq to mentor the younger giver. he keeps on working as a cleaner and even makes a name for himself, to enjin's level and beyond.
zanka has successfully proven himself to be a mediocre who surpasses the geniuses, by working hard and endless learning.
everyone on the ground knows him, not as the nijiku, but as one of the greatest cleaner in the ground.
zanka, who's known for his agility, his tactical plan, his marvelous ability to control his jinki.
zanka, who's known as the only giver who possess two jinkis and being able to use them alternatively, simultaneously.
zanka, who's apparently been trusted by enjin to take care of umbreaker before enjin died and zanka takes it too seriously.
zanka doesn't replace aibou, zanka still loves aibou, but now he also loves umbreaker, on enjin's behalf.
zanka never gets married, hell, he doesn't even look like he's dating anyone. it's unspoken rule to never talk about romance with him even in joking manner. and zanka never talks about enjin, though on rare occasion, he does bring him up in conversation, usually is accompanied by genuine adoration.
nobody knows the real nature of their relationship, but one thing is for sure. every particular time in a year, zanka will take a day off and drive away alone. his destination is this old lighthouse that no longer served its purpose. he would spend a whole night there, and nobody has ever dared to ask what is he up to.
only when he gets back, they notice that zanka seemingly looks tired as if whatever he's doing there is draining him.
one day, a young, clueless giver asks him, "where did you go, the other day?"
zanka seems taken aback by the question, but he gives the boy a soft smile and answers him so earnestly, "I went somewhere to meet someone very special."
the boy tilts his head, "who?"
zanka shows him the ratty-looking umbrella, "he's the one who gives me this."
later, the boy learned that the man zanka is referring to, is the legend in the hq.
it's the first time the boy has ever heard of him.
an older giver wraps his arm around the boy's shoulder, "hey, whatever you do, don't say his name in front of zanka, okay?"
"zanka nijiku is many things, he's great in almost everything" the older giver starts. the boy nods. "what he's very terrible at, is forgetting him."