Chapter 42

"Once upon a time" is the ninth chapter of the fifth volume and the 42nd chapter overall of the Tokyo卍Revengers manga series, written and illustrated by Ken Wakui.

Summary
Hanma announces Baji's intention to leave Toman and join Valhalla. He sees the possible strength and benefits Baji could bring to Valhalla and against Toman, but the possibility of Baji being a spy still remains. He calls on Takemichi, who functions as a witness, and he relays what Baji said at the gathering, which was declaring Toman as an enemy and announcing that he was joining Valhalla. When asked about Baji's possible admission to Valhalla, Kazutora tells Hanma that with Takemichi's testimony, as well as Baji's test of faith, he considers it to be sufficient to admit Baji. He adds that Baji will be useful against other gangs, as he also knew the activities of Toman when Kazutora was away at reform school. Even if Baji turns out to be a spy, Kazutora believes that it is worth letting Baji into Valhalla. He tells Baji that they will crush Toman, and kill Mikey, to which Baji agrees to help him with. Hanma announces that Baji is now an official member of Valhalla.

Takemichi realizes the possibility of getting Baji back from Valhalla is nearly impossible. He tries to remind Baji of his status as a founding member of Toman, questioning why he would betray Toman. Baji replies that being a founding member does not prevent him from betraying Toman, revealing that Kazutora is also a founding member, but says that he resented Toman.

Baji recounts the summer of 2003, when the founding members were in their first year of middle school. Baji and Kazutora head to a frequent meeting spot, a cafe, at the behest of Mikey. There, the founding members: Mikey, Draken, Baji, Mitsuya, Pah-chin, and Kazutora admire their new uniforms, made by Mitsuya. Draken suggests they take a commemorative picture, the same photo Takemichi found. Looking back, Baji says that he never could have imagined what happened shortly after.