Chapter 279 - The Drums of Battle
(1)
"Toya-kun, wait for me~!"
"If we don't hurry, we'll miss the train!"
"You don't have to rush so much; the departure time hasn't come yet~"
I hurry to the platform with Airi.
A long line has formed. Everyone must be going on trips.
"See, the line's this long."
"It's reserved seats, so it's fine~"
I look at the ticket and search for our seats... there they are. Right here.
"You want the window seat, don't you, Toya-kun? It's fine."
Since Airi says so, I sit by the window.
"I think this is the first time. Taking a train trip with you, Toya-kun."
It's more of just moving than a trip, though.
"Do you like train trips, Airi?"
"Hmm......"
Did I ask something that troubling?
"If you were driving, I'd definitely prefer the car, but the car and Toya-kun would both get tired, so~"
I see.
Soon the train slowly starts moving and gradually accelerates.
The train sways left and right as it goes.
"Wow, it's the sea, Toya-kun! It's beautiful!"
Airi leans over towards me and gazes at the scenery spreading outside the window.
"If you want to see it that much, you could have the window seat."
"You don't get it, do you~. This way I can openly cling to you, Toya-kun."
So that was your aim from the start?
We safely finished our final exams, entered summer vacation, and set off for Fukuoka, the venue of the Universiade.
Someone told me I could invite one person, so they arranged a ticket for Airi.
When I invited Airi, she was overjoyed, and that's how we got to today.
At first, the scenery of the sea and national highways was fun to watch, but eventually only mountains and rice fields were visible, and Airi got bored and started reading a book.
I was leisurely watching the rice fields.
Also, lots of tunnels.
We'll arrive at the terminus, Hakata, in a little over two hours.
When we arrive at Hakata, we transfer to a local train, go to the nearest station, and then take a taxi to the hotel.
There was a staff member at the front desk.
"Long time no see. As expected, it's fast coming from your hometown."
"It's been a while."
"It's been a while. Thank you for having us."
"Katagiri-kun, I heard about it. You were a big success in the spring tournament, right?"
"It wasn't just my strength."
"I'll hear the details later. First, put your luggage in your room and come down quickly. We're heading to the venue."
"Yes."
When I enter the room, I change into the uniform I was given and go down to the lobby.
The others seem to have arrived too.
"It's rare for Toya to be here first."
Masato says that.
Once everyone is together, we board the bus.
Airi and the others also board.
Airi is chattering noisily with Yukari-san and the others.
As usual, I'm looking out the window.
When we arrive at the athletics stadium, we are scheduled to participate in the opening ceremony.
Airi says she'll watch with Yukari-san and the others.
I whisper to Airi.
"Airi, this isn't our home ground, but......"
"I know. The SPs have come too."
"What are you two whispering about? Let's go already."
When Aya says that, I leave Airi and join the entrance march.
We walk on the track amidst cheers.
Then, after listening to the opening declaration by the dignitaries and the opening ceremony, the opening ceremony ended.
Our matches seem to be from the next day onward.
Still, we need to adjust.
We practice at a gym near the hotel.
Airi seems to be waiting alone at the hotel as a precaution.
During practice, matches of other countries seem to be taking place, so I watch them.
They all look like tough opponents.
Is it my imagination that everyone looks like they're playing with composure?
"Don't worry. Watching from outside, you're pretty similar. No, maybe worse," Yuichiro says, and everyone laughs.
"Don't get swept up by the atmosphere. Just play your usual game," Masato says.
Being told that makes me even more nervous.
It's a tournament format where we can't drop a single match.
We'll face America in the final.
"Alright, that's enough for today. We'll have free time to prepare for tomorrow. Toya, don't eat too much!"
As long as I don't overeat, I can eat, right? I already planned what to eat for today. First day, ramen! Can't miss that!!
I send a message to Airi telling her I'll wait at the front desk.
After a while, Airi comes down.
"Well then, let's go eat."
"Yeah, but not ramen."
Huh?
"Why?"
"Uu... Toya-kun, you don't usually eat ramen on dates, do you?"
"Well, that's true but......"
We're in Hakata! If I don't eat ramen, what do I eat?
"I found a good place~ a pasta restaurant."
"You came all the way to Hakata for pasta?"
"If you say that, then you came all the way to Hakata for ramen?"
"Toya, we're thinking of going to eat hotpot. Want to come?"
Masato says.
I look at Airi.
She smiles and says.
"It's settled then, right?"
Hotpot in summer? Really?
I ate in the absurd situation of having the air conditioner on and eating hot pot in the heat.
I eat what's served. If it's not served, I order it and eat!
smack
"The staff told me to make sure you don't eat too much."
"Hahaha, you'd better listen to your girlfriend."
Aya says.
"Aya! What do you mean by that!?"
"I'm not lying. It's best to just shut up and listen to the noisy chatter."
I think I kind of understand what Aya means.
"I'm saying this for your sake, Aya!"
"I get it, so you eat too. We don't come here often, so savor it. It might be your last meal."
"Don't say something so ominous!"
If it's going to be my last meal, I'd rather eat ramen.
"Toya-kun, after you're done eating, let's go straight back to the hotel. I'm going back too."
"Ah, no... for a finish, maybe some ramen..."
"Let's go home, okay♪"
"...Yes."
"Well, I want to win at least one match and go home, so we shouldn't stay out too long. Everyone, let's go straight back to the hotel."
When Masato says that, Airi says.
"You have to win them all, you know!"
"That's terrible. Toya can't afford to lose."
Masato, it's not just about me...
"Well then, should we head back?"
Yuichiro says.
Already!? We haven't even been here an hour!
"We've eaten all the courses, right?"
At this rate, I'll hit empty before the match.
"Stop grumbling and let's go, Toya."
I'm dragged back by Masato and Aya.
Airi watches with amusement.
"Yeah. If you win the gold medal, I'll let you eat as much as you want."
I've got your word, Masato. Don't regret it.
(2)
"Thank you, Doctor."
The old man thanked me.
The old man's name is Takahashi Kenshin... that's a pseudonym; apparently he's actually someone else.
I don't know why he goes through all that trouble, but the surgery was a success.
According to the subsequent diagnosis, his recovery is going well, so he seems likely to be discharged within the month.
knock knock
Someone is knocking.
"It's Naru. I've come to visit."
"Oh, Naru. Come in."
The one who entered was a quiet girl who looked like she was still in middle school.
She had the air of a daughter from a good family.
"Let me introduce you. This is my granddaughter, Naru."
When the old man said that, the girl greeted me.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Kasaki Naru. Thank you for taking care of my grandfather."
Huh? Kasaki?
"Ah, there are some complicated family circumstances. We are related by blood."
Whose blood? I'd better not pry too deeply.
I said, "Well then, please take your time with your family," and left the room.
After that, I passed a strange man.
I felt a chill.
What is this ominous feeling?
The man enters the old man's hospital room.
An alarm bell rings in my heart.
I instinctively return to the room.
The man is holding something. A syringe!?
"What are you doing!?"
The man notices me and takes the girl hostage.
Hearing the commotion, staff enter the room.
"Don't come near me! If you come closer, this girl dies!"
I felt a sense of dissonance.
A child of that age should be crying and screaming. It wouldn't be strange.
But she hasn't said a word since earlier.
Not even a single "Help."
...I don't have proof, but let's try something.
"Let that girl go."
I say that and slowly approach the man.
"D-don't come closer! If you do, I'll inject you!"
The man holds the needle against Naru-chan's neck.
I ignore him and keep approaching.
The man raises his arm and tries to stab the needle into Naru-chan's neck.
I grab his arm and twist it.
The man drops the syringe from the pain, and the male staff members pin him down all at once.
"...Thank you. You saved me."
Naru-chan's lips curl into a smile, but her eyes aren't laughing.
"Naru... I'm glad you're safe."
"Grandfather, I'm just glad you're safe too."
It all seems like a three‑mon play. (Changed "third‑rate play" to "three‑mon play" for literal fidelity.)
The Takahashi Group desires Kenshin's death.
I had heard that, so I quickly understood the source of the dissonance.
I don't know if even his granddaughter is involved, but everyone wants Kenshin dead.
And I heard the reason from Unity.
It all fits.
So what should I do?
I'll discuss it at the next meeting.
It might be best to postpone Kenshin's discharge until then.
(3)
After the commotion settled, I stayed by Kenshin's side.
I don't know how that woman noticed.
But the Takahashi Group's plan failed.
Visits will naturally become stricter.
Should I have to act directly myself?
"Let me ask you something, Naru."
"What is it, Grandfather?"
"Is this Gozen's will?"
"I haven't heard anything."
"I see..."
It seems Kenshin himself has noticed too.
Is it even dangerous for me to get close?
"Listen, Naru."
"Yes, Grandfather."
"I wanted to see you and Kosei get married."
"Yes, don't worry. I'm sure you will."
"No... It seems I don't have much time left..."
Has Kenshin realized?
That he is no longer needed.
I grab Kenshin's hand.
"Please don't say such weak things. The surgery was a success, wasn't it? I need you to live until you see me in my wedding dress."
Yes, I need him to live.
"...I'm sorry for dragging you into this."
"It's too late now, Grandfather."
"..., it's not too late even now. Call for the police."
"You know best that it's useless, don't you, Grandfather?"
"Is that so..."
Kenshin laughs...
"The plan is one step away. Please take care of yourself until then."
"Is Kosei doing well?"
"Yes, he's doing his best in his own way."
"I see... Don't overdo it. It seems Shinobu is vaguely aware."
"Even if Father‑in‑law has noticed, there's nothing he can do now. Everything was decided by Gozen."
"That's why they're in a hurry to eliminate me. Now that my son Shinobu can succeed me."
"I won't let that happen."
"...I've left a will for you."
"!?"
"I've informed the lawyer. If something happens, rely on him."
"Understood..."
"If you don't go back soon, you'll be suspected too, right? Go."
"I have a date with Kosei today. It's fine."
"Is that so? Then go on your date? You shouldn't keep him waiting too long."
"...Understood. I'll come again another day."
"Yes..."
I leave the room and make a phone call.
"Hello, I'm at the Hermit's location now."
"Central ticket gate, 16:00 sharp."
"Got it."
I leave the hospital and get into a car.
"Head for the station."
"Very well."
The compass of fate was gradually going awry.
(4)
At the station ticket gate. I spot the girl in the light green one-piece dress. As I pass by, I mutter a single phrase.
"1511 departure to Hakata, car 7, seat "
Saying that, I quickly slip the ticket into her pochette.
Then I pass through the gate and board the train.
When I sit in the instructed seat, she gets on.
I give up my seat and wait for the train to start.
Once the train moves, I check the surroundings.
After confirming there's no suspicious person, I mutter a single phrase.
"The Wizard messed up."
She looks at me.
"We lost the final trump card. We can't negotiate with Unity like this."
"Don't tell me you're planning to surrender."
"If we mess up again, it's truly the end. Be prepared for that."
"Even to the point of our own purge?"
"I'll protect you, even if it costs me my life."
"What are you planning?"
"I'll show my real last card. Use it as a bargaining chip."
"What is it!?"
"..."
"Understood."
Her expression is stiff.
"I'll get off at the next station."
"Yeah."
"From there, I'll act independently too."
"If you mess up, it's game over."
"I won't. Unity will definitely move."
"I'm not sure trusting the enemy is a good idea, though."
I laugh.
The train stops.
She stands up and gets off the train.
I smile at her as I see her off.
Then I head towards my final destination.
(6)
Emi and I had been called to Nishimatsu Hospital.
To be precise, the entire Watanabe squad had been summoned.
Nishimatsu Hospital had finished its consultations, and the waiting room was nearly empty.
Sitting there were the Nishimatsu couple and a girl in a light green one-piece dress.
"Who is this?"
Emi asks.
"We don't have much time, so I'll make it brief. This girl is the Pope... the supreme leader of the Egoists."
When Miyuki-san says that, everyone is surprised.
Mika-san grabs the Pope's arm and pulls.
"Come on! If we turn you over to the cops, it's all over, right!?"
The girl resists.
"Wait! Turning that girl in won't improve the situation. In fact, it's the opposite. Katagiri-kun's life will be in danger."
"Toya's life is in danger!? What are you plotting!?"
When Miyuki-san says that, Kanna-san grabs the Pope.
"Everyone calm down. The one who loses their cool in a situation like this loses."
When Emi says that, everyone quiets down.
"Miyuki-san, what business did you gather everyone for?"
When Emi asks Miyuki-san, Miyuki-san answers.
"Just as Pope... Kasaki Naru-chan said earlier, Katagiri-kun's life is in danger."
"So why is that!"
"Calm down, Kanna!"
Tada-kun calms Kanna-san down.
"Is it because we snatched their last trump card?"
When Tada-kun says that, Naru-san nods.
"What are they planning to do to Toya!? Spill it!"
Kanna-san is extremely agitated.
Is Naru-san scared?
"Warlock is heading to Hakata now."
"To do what!?"
"X-Day is August ."
"That day..."
"If we advance normally, it's the day of the finals."
The day Naru-san specified is the basketball finals day.
"What are they planning to do that day?"
"I'll tell you... From here on, it's a deal. The final, genuine deal with no lies, bluffs, or schemes."
"Do we need to accept?"
Watanabe-kun says.
"If you don't tell me, Katagiri-san will die."
Naru-san says.
"She's serious."
Shiratori-san says.
"...So, what's the demand?"
Watanabe-kun asks Naru-san.
"Protect us. I'll show you all our cards. The Egoists will disband too. How about that?"
"I'm guessing you're saying this because your own lives are in danger, but there's no reason for us to accept, right?"
Kanna-san says.
"If Katagiri-san's life means nothing to you, then fine. You'll just die along with us."
"I see..."
Watanabe-kun ponders.
"There's no need to listen to this guy, Watanabe. We'll protect Toya with everything we've got. We'll all storm into Fukuoka!"
"Kanna's right, Masashi! There's no need to listen to someone like that!"
When Kanna-san and Mika-san say that, everyone roars in agreement.
But...
"Wait!"
I shout out.
Everyone glares at me.
"What do you think is the hardest thing to guard against in VIP protection?"
Everyone discusses.
"Do you know, Ishihara-kun?"
When Watanabe-kun asks, I nod and answer.
"Assassination. Even if you're warned of an assassination, it's hard to prevent. That's assassination. It's absolutely impossible to secretly protect someone when you have no idea what form it will take or in what situation it will come. And it might not even be Katagiri-kun. It could be Tosaka-san."
When I say that, everyone falls silent.
"Conversely, if we know the method, it's possible to prevent it. But if they change the method at the last moment, there's nothing we can do."
"So you're saying we should accept this deal, Ishihara-kun?"
"What's most important are the lives of those two! Isn't that right?"
"...You're right, Ishihara-kun."
Watanabe-kun laughs and pats my head.
"You've come to speak your mind, Ishihara-kun."
Watanabe-kun laughs.
"Naru-chan. We'll take that deal. So, specifically, what do we need to do?"
Naru-chan thinks.
"Shouldn't you show your cards first?"
When Mika-san says that, Naru-chan answers.
"You're right. On the day of the finals, I'll pose as a security guard and get close to him. Then with a gun..."
"I can't imagine you being able to do that."
"Before the final, I'll spread a rumor. I'll send a threat via fax saying I'll kill Katagiri Toya. Naturally, security will tighten. The tighter it is, the easier it is to blend in."
"I see."
"I've released all the information I have. And this too."
It was a USB chip.
"It's a file containing all the misdeeds of the Takahashi Group. You can verify that it's not a fake, right?"
Tada-kun is checking.
"I've shown you all my cards. Now, will you accept my demand?"
"Very well. Tell me."
Watanabe-kun answers.
"First, ensure the safety of me and... Warlock. And also ensure the safety of my grandfather. That's all."
"Grandfather? You mean the Hermit?"
When Miyuki-san asks, she nods.
"Since we've come this far, I'll talk. My real grandfather's name is Takagi Seigo. He's my mother's father."
Naru-chan is the child born between Takagi Seigo's daughter Marika-san and Kasaki Yusuke-san.
And Takagi Seigo, who was chosen as a body double, was removed from the family register, but Kasaki Yusuke, suspicious of that, dug up the truth and died in a traffic accident.
Takagi Seigo took in Naru-chan, but then Kenshin took her in and chose her as his successor.
Naturally, his biological son Shinobu didn't take that well and was waiting for Naru-chan's downfall.
This Egoist incident set things in motion.
"So, where is the real Takahashi Kenshin?"
"Gozen lives peacefully as the Hermit."
"And the pipe between that Gozen and Takagi Seigo is..."
"Yes, the Executor." (This is explicitly included here, as required for section (3) it was also added earlier.)
"Where is Gozen?"
"Do you remember the first place God was imprisoned?"
"So it was there!?"
"I see. So he's been acting as the Hermit from the beginning."
Emi and Watanabe-kun are convinced.
"Grandfather left me his final trump card: a will. Grandfather intends to die. And Warlock too..."
"What is your relationship with Warlock?"
Watanabe-kun asks.
"Just friends. But he's incredibly smart and kind. He listened to my story with sympathy, and I got him involved."
"That's a problem. I've heard something I shouldn't have."
Watanabe-kun scratches his head.
"Ah! How troublesome! What the hell are we supposed to do!?"
Mika-san shouts.
"It's simple, Mika. Protect the three of them. Prevent the assassinations of both Toya and Tosaka-san. That's it."
"Easy for you to say. We don't know where Warlock is, do we?"
When Emi-san says that, Naru-san answers.
"Warlock's goal is disruption. He plans to hijack their Bluetooth and confuse their command system. Just to buy a little time. To buy time for my negotiations. But that's like a drop in the bucket. If things go wrong, he might... and Kosei too."
Miyuki-san supports Naru-chan as she breaks down crying.
But everyone is still hesitating. It's too much to be told to protect someone who was an enemy until now.
So I speak.
"I'll go. To help my friends. And to stop a crying girl's tears. If you need a reason to help people, that's enough!"
"Well said, Ishihara-kun!"
Watanabe-kun pats my shoulder.
"I'll go too! But this is a dangerous battle. I can't drag everyone into this! I'm not forcing anyone! Only those who want to go, speak up."
"Isn't that unfair... After being told that, is there anyone in Unity who would say no?" (Sakai‑kun says this – already present.)
Sakai-kun says, and everyone nods.
"But everyone going would be too conspicuous. Also, it's important to have people guarding Naru-chan and this Takagi-san."
"I'll use my SPs for the two's security. Emi, take your unit to Fukuoka."
Akira-san says.
Some people who couldn't go due to work also ended up staying.
In the end, it was decided that the Watanabe couple, I, and Emi—four of us—would go.
"Well, it's all on the assumption that Toya and the others advance to the finals."
When Kanna-san says that, everyone laughs.
"We can't talk if they don't win. But I guess he doesn't care either way."
Mizushima-kun says.
"Feels like we've finally reached the final stage."
Mika-san is fired up.
"Like Mika said. We'll have the last laugh."
"Ooh!"
"It's past closing time! Please don't make a racket in the hospital! Even you, Miyuki-sensei!"
Scolded by a nurse, we leave the hospital.
"Alright, I'll contact you again the day before."
With that, everyone disperses.
Emi is sitting in the passenger seat, looking down.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm so happy to see my boyfriend so wonderful that I can't stop crying."
"Sorry."
"You don't have to apologize. I'll treat you to dinner tonight."
"Thank you."
"And as a bonus, I'll give you a present." (Changed from "I'll give you myself too" to preserve the euphemism.)
Huh?
"...Is that bad?"
Emi has started saying things like this too.
"It's fine."
"Thank you."
Tonight was a fiery night.
(7)
Some day in August.
We won through the fierce battles and finally advanced to the finals.
We're guaranteed a medal.
But if possible, I want the gold medal.
Everyone's feelings were one.
"Toya, are your legs okay?"
"Huh?"
Yuichiro is saying something unusual. Is it going to rain or something?
"I'm fine. Whether we cry or laugh, today is the last."
"It's not the end."
"Huh?"
"We have to safely send you to the Asian Championship! Don't do anything weird and get injured!"
"I'm in perfect condition. Thanks to everyone."
"Then, let's go win."
"...Yeah."
With that, we leave the room.
At the front desk, Airi and the others are waiting.
"Today is the last day."
"Yeah."
"Let's welcome it with a smile at the end."
"I know. Let's hurry and get on the bus."
"Okay."
When we arrive at the venue by bus, we split off from Airi and the others.
Several guards are around Airi.
I learned from a Unity message that there seems to be someone plotting to kill me.
And yesterday, a fax was sent.
The match was held under strict security.
Everyone is tense.
Masato is the one who takes the lead at times like this.
"Toya! If we win today, it's all-you-can-eat!"
"OK, let's go win, everyone!"
"Toya! Don't get too cocky!!"
"I know."
But it's all-you-can-eat.
Wait for me, food!
After this match... I'll eat as much as I want.