Chapter 262 - Proof
(1)
"Yo."
"Oh, Toya. Ossu."
Tasuku and I were roommates.
"You slept in pretty late."
"Well, yeah."
"You sure you're okay not jogging?"
"If I went jogging now, I'd just be prey for the media."
"Being a celebrity is rough."
Tasuku laughed as he said that.
It wasn't as if it were someone else's problem for Tasuku either.
Since he was a member of Unity.
"Are you okay, Tasuku?"
"With what?"
"No, just..."
"The Unity thing? Well, it's a pain, but compared to you, it's nothing."
"I dragged you into something unnecessary."
"Don't worry about it. More importantly, worry about Sakurako."
"I'll check in with her later."
"Yeah, it's almost time for food. Let's go!"
With that, Tasuku left the room.
We picked up our side dishes at the first-floor restaurant and sat at a table.
Sakura-san was also at the table.
"Sakura-san, did you get any sleep last night?"
"How could I possibly sleep!?"
Sakura-san seemed to be in a bit of a bad mood.
"...Just kidding. I just stayed up late simulating things for the next opponent."
"What does the coach say?"
"That we should be more than sufficient for the regional tournament level."
"I see."
"However... the problem is likely Fukuoka University, who will probably make it to the finals."
"Are they that strong?"
"It feels like their center is unstoppable. We can't win in the inside. It's as if one center is enough for the entire inside."
"I see..."
"As long as they dominate under the goal, pressure will naturally be applied to shots from the middle range and beyond."
"There are 3P shooters who'll fire regardless, though."
Tasuku looked at me and laughed.
"Katagiri-senpai, you can just imagine the Taiwan match. The problem is that the people around you aren't the Japan national team."
"True..."
"Tasuku, but our university is the only one besides the national team that can actually receive senpai's passes. Have confidence."
"Yeah."
"Well, shall we head out?"
Saying that, Tasuku and the others stood up.
I hadn't eaten dessert yet, though.
Returning to the room, I sent a message to Airi while talking with Tasuku.
"Good morning."
"Good morning~. Listen~ Toya-kun."
"I know, you're doing an interview today, right? Do your best."
"Yeah, Toya-kun, good luck with your match too."
"Yeah, thanks."
"Did you eat?"
"I just finished."
"No overeating or bingeing."
"I know."
"What did you eat?"
"I don't remember."
"You ate so much you don't remember!"
"I guess it turned out that way."
"As I thought, you're hopeless without me."
"True."
Tasuku said, "They say it's time to go to the venue."
"Well, I'm heading to the venue, so I'll talk to you tonight."
"Oka~y."
When we entered the venue, the universities playing first were practicing.
We went up to the second floor to watch the matches.
It was Fukuoka University's first appearance.
"Please watch closely,"
Sakura-san said.
The Fukuoka University match was indeed similar to the Taiwan match.
Though the sense of intimidation was completely different.
But our inside group probably couldn't match them.
How do we suppress that center?
The match ended as a one-man show by Fukuoka University's center.
Well, it seemed they had stamina.
I can't say for sure since the opponent was different.
The key to the match will be how to wear down that center's physical strength.
I watched the other matches too.
By watching the matches, I could feel a clear confidence.
That we were stronger.
At noon, we merged with the women's basketball team.
"We've decided our advancement to the best 8. Now it's the men's turn,"
Natsukawa-san said, and Shinji nodded.
"We'll make sure to secure it."
After eating lunch, after a while, Sakura-san came over.
"Please start warming up soon."
Everyone stood up and left the waiting room.
After finishing the warm-up and heading to the venue, the match before ours was playing.
It was almost over.
It ended.
Now, it's our turn.
Everyone gathered around the coach.
"You've gotten the match nerves out of your system yesterday, right?"
The coach said, and everyone nodded.
"So, let's use today's match to confirm our tactics. Don't simply rotate the pass to Katagiri-kun. It's the formation after putting it into the center. Do you understand, Toma-kun?"
"Yes, sir."
Sota replied.
"If we struggle here, winning the championship will be impossible. That said, complacency is forbidden. Please play your own basketball properly."
As the coach spoke, everyone formed a huddle.
"Alright, let's secure the second win quickly!"
"Oh!"
Shinji said, and everyone shouted.
(2)
In a dim room, I was operating a computer while watching television.
On the TV, it was being reported that the conflict between Unity and the Egoists was intensifying.
With this, Unity's image should have dropped.
I didn't think the Watanabe squad would actually form a shape.
If they do things like that, my business cannot survive.
Unity is the one in the wrong.
It is necessary to make that impression.
For that purpose, I had been searching for scandals.
Then, I took notice of a man and a woman.
If people like this exist, it'll be an easy win.
I immediately leaked the information onto the internet.
As expected, they became targets of slander and criticism.
The other guys are similar types.
People who casually pull off student marriages.
The world isn't sweet enough to overlook such people.
As expected, they are being hammered by the media.
However, it seems the other side is also taking countermeasures.
Apparently, one of my members spilled the beans to them.
Since they aren't people who provide significant information, it won't cause much damage.
Even so, those who can utilize it will utilize it.
The effect seemed to be immense.
I can imagine the figures of those panicking.
"Koki! What do we do next?"
"Wizard! I believe I told you not to call me by that name."
"Sorry, Emperor. Their site is quite solid. It's beyond my capabilities."
"Dealing with that is your role."
"Our accounts were revoked by them, and our identities have been exposed. It might be time to pull out..."
"Pull out if you want, if you wish to become like those three Bones."
"...Did you do that to them?"
"I simply had the executors purge them."
When Emperor said that, the man called Wizard fell silent.
"...I ask that you change my address. My identity is exposed. At this rate, I'll be arrested. That would be inconvenient for you too, right?"
"A simple task. I'll have it arranged within a few days."
The funds are being expanded through FX using investments from a person calling themselves "God." Additionally, slush funds from internet businesses are pooled. This circle is merely a part of such a business.
"So, how is it? Does it look like you can crush their site?"
"Anyway, the defense is solid. If I try to hack carelessly, they send a Trojan horse back. If I touch it carelessly, it'll be a repeat of before."
"I am asking if you can conquer it. God has been pressing me for an answer."
"I'll do what I can. However, I might need time."
"Don't forget that there are plenty of replacements for you."
"Understood... I'll make an effort. Also, from now on, I want to speak with Emperor directly by phone. There's a possibility this chat is being monitored."
Wizard warned that interactions over the internet are dangerous.
"It can't be helped. Stop doing things that can be traced."
"I know."
"Let's meet at a family restaurant next time. The place is..."
"Understood. Date and time?"
"I'll contact you using Familia."
"Understood..."
The chat ended there.
I made a call. The contact was displayed as Familia.
"Tell Wizard. Come to the designated location exactly at 12:00 next Sunday."
"Understood."
The call ended with that.
Having tightened the screws on the Bones, no footprints will reach me.
The only ones who know my contact information and address are Familia, King, Queen, and God.
The Unity crowd doesn't know that this is an organization larger than Unity.
Stopping their tracking. Crushing their interference. That is the mission given to me.
Those who cannot fulfill their mission will be purged like the three Bones.
A completely vertical society organization.
Useless subordinates are coldly cut off.
Mistakes are not permitted.
Oops, there's still something I must do now.
I call King.
"Abandon the server currently in use and construct a new server."
"Couldn't you just have Wizard do it?"
"Send a message to Wizard."
"...Understood."
The call ends.
After that, each person just needs to fulfill their role.
Then it will go well.
I believed that.
(3)
"Go do an emergency interview starting now."
"An interview for what?"
"The reality of that group called Unity that we've been probing for a while. A response came from their side."
The desk showed me a sheet of FAX paper.
We will show the entirety of our activities today, so please come to the izakaya.
In summary, it was something like that.
"It's the reality of a group that's currently the center of attention. Do a proper interview."
It's my first interview. Moreover, it's the reality of a group that's a target nationwide.
The crucial Katagiri-kun apparently can't attend because of the tournament, but his girlfriend Tosaka-san apparently will.
And Nishimatsu-kun and Takemoto-san, who are also points of attention, will also be there.
It certainly is a big event. I'm nervous.
"We're doing an emergency live broadcast today! Go with spirit!"
"Yes, understood!"
When I arrived at the site, they were already holding a feast.
"Nice to meet you, I am Mitarai, and I'll be serving as the reporter today. I look forward to working with you."
When I greeted them, they replied, "Nice to meet ya—!" Their tension already seemed high.
We did a brief meeting. Since it's a live broadcast, editing isn't possible, so I asked them to refrain from careless remarks or actions.
It was hard to tell if he understood or not, but he consented.
I went outside the shop, and the camera stood by.
Then, the broadcast began.
"Good evening everyone, today we have come to this shop to cover the activities of the student group currently being talked about, Unity. Let's head inside immediately."
And when I opened the door, they were talking just as they were before.
I had received permission from the shop owner to let them rent out the place.
When the Unity members noticed the camera, they gave peace signs or shouted "Yay!" They seemed to be a very lively group.
"Good evening, everyone."
"Good evening—! Woo—!!"
Their tension was so high it didn't seem like a first interview. I thought there would be someone a bit more nervous.
Though there was one girl quietly drinking a beverage.
"Could everyone please introduce themselves one by one?"
Saying that, I pointed the microphone at each person.
As expected, they seemed to get nervous when the microphone was pointed at them. Some children had stiff expressions. Some were composed, though.
"What kind of activities do you usually do?"
I tried asking Watanabe-kun, who seemed to be the representative of the group.
"We don't do anything?"
Eh?
"We just gather and make noise like this when we have time."
"Usually, we often gather at a coffee shop near the university,"
a girl who called herself Ai said.
"Are you all from the same university?"
"Nope—"
Everyone said in unison.
"I'm actually working,"
a girl who called herself Mika, who was next to Watanabe-kun, said.
"Some are in circles, and some are working part-time. We don't all meet face-to-face that often."
"Meaning...?"
"Even today, those enrolled in the local university's basketball club are at the tournament. Like Toya."
"Toya-senpai, fight!!"
A girl who called herself Kusunoki said, and everyone went wild with "Yay!"
But the topic of conversation expanded. Toya was probably referring to the talked-about Katagiri Toya-kun.
"Is Toya-kun referring to the player Katagiri Toya?"
"That's right~"
A girl who called herself Tosaka said.
Tosaka Airi, if I recall, Katagiri Toya's girlfriend.
"You are Tosaka-san, who is dating Katagiri-kun."
"Yes."
"Rumor has it that within the group, obscene acts..."
Just as I started to say that, Mika-san spoke up.
"If you did something like that within the group, everyone would gang up and beat you. Right! Everyone?"
"That's right, that's right!"
"But, I heard there were children who actually did such things. Ah, was it Nishimatsu-kun and Takemoto-san?"
I thought they would be slightly shaken, but everyone seemed to think nothing of it.
However, the two I named had stiffened up.
I interviewed those two.
"Are you two Nishimatsu-kun and Takemoto-san?"
"Yes."
"...Yes."
"Rumors about you two are spreading on the internet, but what is the truth?"
"I won't deny it, but that's a story from before I joined this group."
"...Same here. Though there are some errors."
"Then, do you have any feelings of apology toward the people you misled?"
"That is..."
Just as Nishimatsu-kun tried to say something.
"Wait a second~"
A girl who called herself Sakura-san interrupted.
"Is there a need to apologize for that~? Isn't there also fault on the side of the person who succumbed to the temptation of these two~?"
"Does that mean it's not just the fault of those two?"
I pointed the microphone at Sakura-san.
"Some people are saying things like their lover was stolen~ or they were cheated on~, but we don't even know if that's true~. Wasn't it just a shallow relationship that would crumble just because another person invited them~?"
The camera was showing a close-up of Sakura-san.
"In fact, even if those two cooperated~ they couldn't break the bond of the Unity members~. It wasn't a big deal of a relationship to begin with, right~?"
I looked at the director's face. The whiteboard gave the instruction "Dig deeper."
"Are you saying the two have no responsibility?"
"If you say the two were flirtatious, I think the person who is lured by such lighthearted men and women is the one at fault~. Don't you know the term 'catch and release'~?"
"Good analogy, Sakura. Exactly as you say."
A girl who called herself Emi said. I pointed the microphone at Emi-san.
"It's just people who were waiting for bait and snapping their mouths that are making a fuss."
Is this okay? This is a live broadcast. I looked to the director for instructions. The instruction came: "It's fine, dig deeper."
"I don't think calling them 'small fry' is a very complimentary way of putting it..."
"What's wrong with calling small fry small fry? Or would it be easier to understand if I called them small-timers who are danced around by brand names because they can't decide on clothes that suit themselves?"
"Isn't it better that they were just made to dream~? Isn't it better that they were just given bait~? It's called a persecution complex~"
Emi-san and Sakura-san were saying whatever they wanted.
"You two say that, but if you had lovers and they were snatched away as a game, how would you feel?"
"As for my husband, that wouldn't happen."
"I can declare that it wouldn't happen to my boyfriend either~"
So both of them have lovers now... wait, eh!?
"Emi-san, what did you just say?"
"I said husband. The one next to me is my master."
Saying that, she introduced the small person flustered next to her.
"Y-you're married!? Even though you're still students."
"Isn't that normal? At least within Unity, I thought it was normal."
When Emi-san said that, "I'm married too—" most of the women said.
Come to think of it, there were girls who had been introducing themselves by their given names from a while ago.
"Um, the fact that you've been introducing yourselves by your given names..."
"It's confusing because we have the same surname as our husbands, right?"
I couldn't close my open mouth. I looked to the director for instructions. The instruction flew back: "Just say something for now."
"U-um..."
"By the way, the Nishimatsu and Saki I mentioned earlier are also married."
Watanabe-kun said.
"Nishimatsu-kun, is that true?"
"...We plan to have the ceremony next month."
"And Takemoto-san..."
"The two of us work part-time to make a living."
How am I supposed to wrap this up?
"I wonder about Tosaka-san?"
This girl seemed relatively sane.
Thinking that was a mistake.
"Not yet... but."
"But?"
I feel like I shouldn't ask, but the director's instruction is to dig in...
"He said he'll propose within a year after he graduates university. He said he's already decided the day he'll propose and the day we'll register the marriage. That's already a proposal, isn't it?"
Tosaka-san said happily and bashfully.
Wait, does that mean perhaps...
"Could it be that everyone here perhaps..."
"Exactly! Currently, everyone has a partner or a spouse!"
Watanabe-kun declared.
Due to the overly unexpected fact, I almost dropped the microphone.
The one who picked up that microphone was Watanabe-kun.
"Ah, I'll take the liberty of speaking. Our group is for matchmaking, but we choose proper children and find the children we desire. As a result, it's just a group of insiders who naturally stuck together. It's not a group that's swayed by the world or the internet."
Saying that, Watanabe-kun returned the microphone to me.
"However, in the world..."
"I've heard it's called matchmaking, but it's just the result of everyone worrying and making efforts on their own. There is no one who was united without making any effort."
Watanabe-kun stated firmly.
"It's offensive that such a group is called a sex-hunting circle."
"Masashi!! Isn't saying 'sex-hunting' on a live broadcast bad?"
Mika-san interjected, and everyone laughed.
"Nishimatsu-kun, a word from you..."
"In the heat of youth, I played as much as I wanted, but it's different now. I love one woman from the bottom of my heart. Unity is what made me realize those feelings."
"Saki-san is..."
"Now my head is full of my husband. I don't have the leeway to pay attention to other people. He's a dull husband, but he's the only one who made me feel this way."
When Saki-san said that, everyone whistled.
The director told me to wrap it up soon.
"Finally, Watanabe-kun, a word from you."
"I don't know what grudge you have against us, but it's our style to pay back properly when we're done in. Be prepared!"
"Nice, Masashi! Well said."
"That's all... from the scene!"
Was this okay?
I won't get fired, right...?
(4)
"This is a masterpiece!"
Tasuku was laughing as if it were someone else's problem.
"You say it like it's someone else's problem, Tasuku! Did you forget we're included too!?"
"Ah, that's right."
Being told by Sakura-san, I got up from the bed.
"But with this, hasn't Unity's legitimacy been recognized?"
I don't know where the legitimacy is, but I think we were able to change the image.
"But this could also be taken as provoking the opponent, right? Won't it intensify from here?"
"I think that's the aim."
"Eh?"
I said to Sakura-san, who was massaging me.
Sakura-san finished my massage and started massaging Tasuku.
"In this kind of contest, the one who loses their composure is the one who loses. So it's better to show composure like we just did."
"True, in basketball too, if you get heated, you just pile up fouls, right?"
Tasuku said, and added, "And your shots drop too."
"But there are players who get heated, get a charging foul, and get injured."
"Yeah, I think we have to be careful about that."
"Toya, you're composed as long as it's not in front of food, huh?"
I'm not that composed in front of Airi either, you know?
"The opinions on the internet are mixed,"
Tasuku said while looking at his smartphone as he received the massage.
"Well, I think it's better to worry about Sakura-san than to worry about that."
"What do you mean, Toya?"
"Let's see, for example, wouldn't it be better to think about going on a date if we win the championship?"
"W-wait, Katagiri-senpai!?"
"You two haven't hung out at all, have you?"
"How do you know?"
You'd know if you were looking, wouldn't you?
"Because you were looking at the TV enviously just now. I felt the feeling of 'I want to be like that too'."
"You... really have a wide field of vision."
"Katagiri-senpai doesn't need to look that far, so please think about tomorrow's tactics."
"It'll work out. Sakura-san, don't just think about the match. Wouldn't it be better to think about how to conquer Tasuku?"
"Katagiri-senpai... I'll get seriously angry, you know?"
After finishing Tasuku's massage, Sakura-san left the room.
"Both of you, stop talking about stupid things and please sleep properly."
Slam!
"Did I say too much?"
"Well, shall I try putting it into practice as you said?"
Tasuku said that and fiddled with his smartphone.
"Tasuku, please don't take Katagiri-senpai's words seriously and concentrate on the match!"
"Is it okay not to worry? After the tournament ends. I was thinking of going to that aquarium you mentioned before."
"...I'll think about it if we win."
"So if we don't win, there's no date?"
"...I'll do my best to comfort Tasuku."
"...That's what she said."
Tasuku laughed.
"Ah, I have to call Airi too."
"Yeah, yeah, go on. Don't talk for too long. The demon manager will get angry."
"I know."
Saying that, I left the room.
(5)
"Good work everyone—!!"
Everyone toasted.
"Masashi, you nailed it at the end!"
"Yeah, but complacency is still forbidden."
"Yeah, about the Egoist matter. Emi-san, could you do me a favor?"
"What?"
When Makoto-kun spoke, Emi-san reacted.
"Apparently they moved their server today..."
"Then, are we back to square one?"
Kanna said, and Makoto grinned.
"You'd think so, right? The opponent's members must be incredibly careless. They have no virus protection at all, well. I can slip through commercial protection easily, but."
"What do you mean?"
Watanabe-kun asked.
"Every terminal that connected to the server they had the virus planted in is infected. With that, I identified the new server too."
"You're an amazing guy!?"
Watanabe-kun was surprised.
"And, I was tracing their chat logs, and apparently they're consulting something at a family restaurant next Sunday at 12:00."
When Makoto-kun said that, Emi seemed to understand.
"I should go probe them, right?"
"Could you do that for me?"
"OK."
"If possible, I want you to take photos too. Then I'll identify the opponent's identities."
"I'm fine with that, I'll do it on my end."
"But you're amazing, Makoto. When did you acquire such skills?"
Mika-san said.
"My department is that kind of course."
Is there a course that trains hacking?
"Also, as a personal hobby..."
Makoto-kun's words were vague.
"Setting that aside, I've mostly figured out the opponent's organization, so I'll explain."
According to Makoto-kun's explanation, there is an existence called God even above Emperor. God is providing the funds too. Apparently, they are also conducting dark businesses as a source of funds.
"It seems it'll take time to uncover the full picture," Watanabe-kun said.
"I don't think it'll take that long. Ah, Eguchi-san, I'll send this to you."
Saying that, Makoto-kun fiddled with his smartphone.
Emi-san saw that and said.
"Who is this?"
"A face photo of the one called Emperor, Kamenashi Koki. That'll make it easier to stake out, right?"
"You were an amazing guy! I've gained a new respect for you!"
Mika-san praised him.
"It's not something to praise so exaggeratedly," Kanna said. She seemed to be in a bad mood. I wonder what happened?
At that moment, my smartphone rang.
Ah, it was already this time.
I stood up from my seat.
"What's up, Airi?" Kanna asked.
"Just a call with Toya-kun~"
"I see, take your time~"
Emi-san said that, and I went outside the shop and called back.
"Ah, Airi, were you already asleep?"
"Nope, I was talking with everyone. How was today?"
"I won't be able to go home tomorrow either."
"That's great!"
But don't say it in such a mean way.
"It seems you don't want me to go home."
See, I thought you'd say that.
"Uuu... Toya-kun is mean."
"Sorry, sorry. I watched the TV today."
"How was it?"
"Airi was beautiful. The corsage suited you."
Ehehe~. I bought it for today. Thanks for noticing~... wait, that's not it!
"How was the content?"
"Ah, I think it's okay to provoke them that much. Our claim is getting across too."
"Is that all?"
"...I've ended up having to properly propose now."
Ehehe~
"Ah, that's right. Listen..."
I explained the story from earlier to Toya-kun.
"I see, an existence even further above? But once you've sniffed that out, the rest will come out like pulling a string of potatoes, right?"
"Why?"
"We've found a clue. After that, as Makoto and Emi-san investigate, the full picture will be revealed."
"That's true. Even so, Makoto-kun is amazing. He acquired these skills even though he's only touched a PC for two years. It's talent."
"It's not that big a deal. Probably."
Kanna said something similar.
"The same reaction as Kanna, huh?"
"I bet."
Toya-kun laughed.
"Why?"
"Airi. Why do you think Makoto acquired that kind of knowledge?"
"Hoe?"
"Try thinking about Makoto's motive."
I don't really understand what Toya-kun is saying.
"Uuu... I don't know."
"I believe that kind of world is called the underground. There are videos on those kinds of sites that Makoto would like."
Ah, so that's it...
"...That's very like Makoto-kun."
"Right?"
I feel like I understand the reason Kanna's mood was bad.
"Well, I'm going to sleep soon."
"Yeah, good night. Do your best tomorrow too."
"Yeah, see you tomorrow. Do you want a good morning message?"
"I'll send one anyway, so it's fine!"
"Maybe. Well then."
"Yeah, see ya~"
After finishing the call, I returned to the shop.
Noticing that, Kanna called out to me.
"Welcome back, what did Toya say?"
"I was told the reason Makoto-kun is knowledgeable about PCs."
"T-Tosaka-san. That's because of a school assignment."
I've never heard of a hacking class.
"You acquired the knowledge to search for lewd sites, didn't you?"
"As expected of Toya, he gets it. Listen to me, you idiot. He even started saying he wants another tower-type PC."
"That's because it's necessary to strengthen the Unity site..."
"Then why do you need high-quality speakers and a high-resolution monitor?"
"T-that's what you call a man's romance."
Whack
"This idiot really is doing it for that purpose!"
High resolution and high quality aren't necessary for Makoto-kun.
Since Kanna is there.
This must be their daily life.
It was a night where I felt a bit of longing for something called a daily life.