Chapter 292 - Bloodstained Emperor. Teary-Eyed Empress
(1)
"Ugh..."
I was worrying from the morning.The problem was, how to wake up Toya-kun?Recently, Toya-kun has been a bit of a spoiled child.Just from me nibbling on his ear a little, he immediately clings to me.Rather, he tends to look forward to it.That's a happy thing, but I wish he'd consider the time and place.If my fault caused Toya-kun to be underprepared, that would be a huge problem.Suppressing the part of me that wants to be spoiled, I think of a way to wake Toya-kun.That's right, let's ask Kanna.I call Kanna.
"What's up, Airi?"
"Kanna, how do you wake up Makoto-kun?"
"Huh?"
"Toya-kun hasn't been waking up properly lately."
When I explained to Kanna, she sighed.
"Just yell 'Wake up, you idiot!!' at him, that should do it."
I don't want that. I don't want to fight with Toya-kun from the morning.
"Isn't there another way?"
"Since it's Toya, wouldn't he wake up if you mentioned food?"
That's the way!
"Thanks, Kanna."
"But it looks like Toya is starting to resemble Makoto too."
I'm happy about it, though. Because he only shows interest in me.
"Well, I have to go wake up my stupid husband too. Do your best, Airi."
"Thanks, Kanna. See you later."
After hanging up, I whisper in Toya-kun's ear.
"Toya-kun, if you don't wake up soon and do your routine, you won't have time to eat."
Then Toya-kun bolts upright.
"What time is it!?"
"It's 6:30."
"Let's hurry, Airi! Food is waiting!"
Ponk
"What's wrong, Airi!?"
"Toya-kun, which is more important to you, me or food?"
It was a little prank.I already know the answer.It's me, right?
"Well, of course, foo... ah, it's obviously you, Airi, right?"
I'll pretend I didn't hear the first part.
"If you think that, then just wake up properly."
You've been too mean lately, Toya-kun, you know?
"As it gets colder in October, the futon... you, Airi, are so comfortable that I just..."
Toya-kun laughs it off.While he does that, he changes clothes and finishes his preparations.Then, after he finishes his routine, while Toya-kun is taking a shower, I prepare breakfast.By the time the preparations are done, Toya-kun is back in the dining room, and Maya-san and the others are also waking up.After finishing breakfast, I take a shower, go back to my room, and change clothes.After changing, I throw our clothes into the washing machine along with Toya-kun's change of clothes and run it together with Maya-san's laundry.In the meantime, I go back to my room, sit next to Toya-kun, and watch TV while drinking coffee.When the laundry is done, I separate our things from Maya-san's, take them to the room, and iron them.While I do that, Toya-kun takes the empty mugs to the kitchen.By the time I finish ironing and put things on the rack, it's time to leave.
"I'm off."
Saying that, we leave the house and head to school.After parking the car in the parking lot, we walk to the building.Then, after attending morning classes, we head to the cafeteria to eat our boxed lunches, and everyone gathers around.
"About this afternoon's schedule... can you make it?"
Toya-kun is asking Ishihara-kun and the others.
"Anytime."
"I took the day off from my part-time job."
Ishihara-kun and Sakai-kun say.
"We have no problems either."
Emi and Akira also say it's fine.
"What should we do, Toya?"
Watanabe-kun asks.
"Well, let's go to the villa first and wait."
Toya-kun answers.
"Then, the meeting place today being the family restaurant in Beppu is fine, right?"
Watanabe-kun says that while operating his smartphone.
"I have no problem with it. Right, Airi?"
"Un."
"Alright, I'm counting on you! Sakai, Ishihara-kun."
When Watanabe-kun pats both their shoulders, they nod firmly.Toya-kun says he wants to go home once before heading to Beppu, and I nod.Then, when we get home, yellow tape is wrapped around the house.It says "KEEP OUT."
After parking the car in the parking lot of my house, Toya-kun asks a police officer what happened.
"And you are?"
"I'm a resident of this house. What happened?"
"Can I get your names?"
"Katagiri Toya."
"Tosaka Airi. I live with him."
We showed our driver's licenses.
"Bullets were shot into this house. That's why we got a report."
"Any injured?"
"There was only one woman in the kitchen, no injuries. We're taking her statement now."
I could see Maya-san behind the officer.
"Maya-san!!"
"Airi-chan!"
I rushed over to Maya-san.
"Maya-san, are you okay?"
"Yes? Somehow?"
"...Airi, is Toya-kun with you?"
Dad had also rushed over.I knew what Dad was going to say.
"Dad, I'll say this now, but I..."
"You want to say 'I have no intention of leaving this house over something like this,' right? I know. ...You're just like Rie from the old days."
Toya-kun, noticing Dad, comes over.
"Uncle, what is all this?"
"It's probably a threat aimed at you. I don't know if it was Urbanity or their parent organization, but..."
Toya-kun is thinking about something.
"Given my position, I can't condone what you're doing, but... I'd like you to not do anything reckless if possible."
"It's okay. I'll protect Airi, at least."
"That won't do. If something happens to you, Airi will be sad. I can't give my daughter to a man who makes her sad."
"...Understood."
"Un. You two have plans today, right?"
"Yes."
"Leave Maya-san to me and go on ahead."
I look at Toya-kun's car.It seems to be unharmed.
"Airi, should we use your car today?"
"Un."
We head to the villa using my car.Toya-kun's driving doesn't change even when the car changes.It's leisurely, relaxed, and comfortable no matter what.
"Toya-kun, are you okay?"
"About what?"
"Maya-san might still be targeted, right...?"
"Maybe, or maybe Dad is being targeted, and we can't feel safe about Airi's parents either."
Dad is one thing, but I'm worried about Rie-chan.
"It's an unreasonable story, but I guess we have no choice but to make them realize that if they touch Unity, they'll be in for a rough time."
A world where you subdue power with power.A world where you have no choice but to show justice through power.Suddenly, Toya-kun stopped at a convenience store.
Ponk
"This isn't the time to be eating!"
"Juice is fine, right? I'm thirsty. Come on, Airi."
"I'm fine..."
"Just come."
Toya-kun, unusually forceful, pulls me along.After buying juice, Toya-kun doesn't head back to the car but starts making a phone call.Still holding my hand.He tells me not to move from here.What's going on?
"Ah, Makoto? The local license plate..."
Toya-kun is telling Makoto-kun the car's license plate number.
"I'm at a convenience store in Beppu now. ...Un, got it. Then, take that route."
Toya-kun finishes the call and says we should go back to the car.What happened?
"Hey, what's going on? Tell me already."
"It's okay, just be your usual self, Airi? Oh, right, it might be good to put on a CD or something."
Ugh... By dodging the subject like that, it means something is up.I can at least understand that it's something I shouldn't know.I'll go along with Toya-kun's story.
"What do you want to listen to?"
"Whatever you like, Airi, is fine."
"Got it~"
I try to act cheerful so as not to show my anxiety as much as possible.Times like this call for this, right?I choose some Western music and put on a CD.Upbeat pop music flows through the car.I don't mind that Toya-kun's route is a bit of a detour from the usual.The road gradually gets narrower.That's when I notice a car tailgating us.
"Don't look back! They'll notice!"
Since Toya-kun said so, I obeyed.We proceed down an unpaved gravel road and hit a dead end.Toya-kun stops the car.
"Airi, you must not get out of the car."
Toya-kun says that and tries to get out, but I stop him.
"If it's dangerous for me to get out, then you can't get out either, Toya-kun!"
The car behind us is reflected in the side mirror.Several men in black suits are approaching.
"Get out of the car and put your hands up."
A very scary voice.I instinctively felt that I had held him back.I'm sorry, Toya-kun.
"Airi, do as he says."
When Toya-kun says that, I get out of the car and raise both hands.The men are pointing pistols at us.My knees are shaking and I can barely stand, but Toya-kun even looks relaxed.I think the men noticed that too.
"Woman, you come over here slowly."
I look at Toya-kun.
"Do as he says."
Since Toya-kun says so, I slowly approach the men.
"Do you know this phrase?"
Toya-kun suddenly starts talking.
"If you're going to draw a gun, be prepared to die."
"What did you say?"
The man points his gun at Toya-kun.
"That's not a tool for intimidation."
At the same time Toya-kun says this, the man who was pointing his gun at Toya-kun collapses, apparently hit in the back of the head.The one pointing at me also falls almost simultaneously.The two who hurriedly check behind them are punched out by Makoto-kun and Watanabe-kun the moment they do.
"That was close, Toya."
Makoto-kun rushes over to Toya-kun.
"Just as planned. No problem."
"Did you kill these guys?"
Makoto-kun picks up a bullet that was rolling on the ground and shows it to me.
"It's just hard rubber bullets. We didn't kill them."
Saying that, Makoto-kun signals to the two men behind him who were holding assault rifles, and they restrain the four fallen men, tying their wrists to a nearby guardrail.
"You think you'll get away with this, you brats!!"
One of the beaten men was still conscious, glaring at us.The two with assault rifles move the car that was following us.Watanabe-kun grabs the man he punched by the collar and threatens him.
"You old men are sorely mistaken if you think you can mess with us and get away with this!"
After saying that, Watanabe-kun turns to us.
"We should get going too. The other side succeeded, but apparently there was a bit of a problem. Let's go to Nishimatsu Clinic. Follow me."
We follow Watanabe-kun's car.
"Sorry, Airi. I kept quiet because I thought you'd be upset. But I also didn't want them to know we had countermeasures, so I stayed quiet."
"No, it's fine. I figured it was something like that."
"It helps that you say that..."
"...But don't think I'm just going to let it slide!"
Ponk
"Right after Dad told you not to, you try to be reckless again! I'm going to tell Dad!"
"P-please, anything but that..."
"Then, listen to one request of mine."
"W-what is it?"
"From now on, tell me properly in advance. You always try to hide things, Toya-kun."
If I know the plan, I can prepare myself properly.
"No, but I wanted you to be genuinely surprised, Airi..."
"I don't want to hold you back like I did just now."
"Alright. I'll explain things to you in advance from now on."
"Un! And also~"
"Tonight... right?"
"Un, I won't accept any excuses about being tired."
"Got it."
And so we returned to our hometown.
(2)
"It's time. Let's begin."
When Emi said that, we stepped into a single-family home in a residential area.We ring the doorbell.No one answers.We ring it again.No response.I look at Sakai-kun.With a "here we go" look, Sakai-kun inserts two pieces of wire into the keyhole and fiddles with them.
Click
The lock opened.We intrude into the house.We search the first floor thoroughly, but no one is there.The second floor, huh...We proceed carefully, making no sound.There are bang bang sounds outside.Probably the soldiers have taken care of the lookouts.A room on the second floor was locked.Sakai-kun unlocks it again.We check our equipment.
"3, 2, 1, GO!"
Sakai-kun opens the door, I do a forward roll into the room, and check my surroundings.A pale, well-built man and a slender woman are in the room.
"Are you the Emperor and the Empress?"
"...That's right."
The man answers.
"You know who we are without me saying, right?"
"Unity's lot, huh?"
"Do you need an explanation of the situation? I'd like to get to the point quickly if possible."
"No need for explanations. Just tell me your demands."
"Please come with us. Consider any resistance a waste of time that will only get you hurt."
We escort the man and woman.It was just as we were trying to load them into a wagon.A sedan comes rushing at us at full speed.I and Sakai-kun instinctively take cover.
Bang. Bang.
Two gunshots ring out.
"Karin!!"
The man calls the woman's name.While Sakai-kun tells Akira-san the car's license plate number, I go to the Empress.She seems to have been shot in the shoulder.
"Stay with me!! Karin!"
I look at the wound.The bullet seems to have gone through.I press on the wound, push the man and the Empress into the wagon, and instruct them to head to Nishimatsu Clinic.
"Karin, I'm sorry! It's my fault!! If I hadn't gotten involved in this stupid business..."
"You let me have a good dream. I won't complain."
Please don't talk like it's a final farewell.
"It's not that serious a wound. Keep your spirits up."
"Press here!!" I tell the man.
"Make this the last time and wash your hands of it, please. I beg you..."
"I know! I know, so stay with me!!"
The wagon carrying the two arrives at Nishimatsu Clinic quickly, and Dr. Miyuki treats them.Dr. Miyuki comes out of the operating room and looks at the man.
"Doctor! How is Karin..."
"...If your guts are so small that you get upset over a wound like that, then you might as well wash your hands of this whole affair cleanly."
"Doctor, does that mean..."
"Her life is not in danger. She could even be discharged immediately. However, in your case, it might be better to stay in this hospital than to be discharged recklessly."
"Yes..."
Dr. Miyuki then looks at me.
"Tell Watanabe-kun and the others from me that we'll be keeping them here for a while."
"Yes."
Naturally, we'll have to put guards on this hospital.I tell everyone in the Unity group chat.It seems I was overconfident in my own actions.If this were a VIP protection mission, it would be a fatal mistake.I need to tighten up.But the Emperor and Empress are now in our hands.I'll leave the command from here to you, Katagiri-kun.
(3)
"Kazami! Speed up more!"
"Hold on tight."
We and the people who shot at us are engaged in a car chase on a national highway in broad daylight.Ishihara-kun is guarding the Emperor and the others.The pursuing vehicle turns off midway and runs along the river. If it's here...!
"Akira-chan! There are no hostages in the other car!"
"...Alright! Leave it to me."
I lean my upper body out the window and aim for the tire.But the other driver must have seen me too.He zigzags to prevent me from getting a bead on him. A man jumps out of the other car.Crap!I instinctively duck back inside the car.
"It's going to get bumpy!"
Kazami-san skillfully dodges the enemy's fire.
"Kazami-san, can you pull ahead?"
"Understood." Hold on tight.
Saying that, Kazami-san steps on the gas.We pull up to the right side of the other car. There's no oncoming traffic.
"Kazami-san, open the passenger window!"
Once the passenger window is open, I aim at the narrow line of sight between me and the other car's front wheel.
"Kazami-san, full brake when I signal!! 3, 2, 1..."
Bang.A single gunshot rings out as the signal.My bullet catches the other car's right front tire, causing it to burst.The car's behavior becomes erratic, and it plows into a roadside rice paddy.I stop the car, leave Akira-chan in the car, and get out.
"Could you please raise your hands and get out of the car?"
I call out, keeping my aim so I can target either front or back seat, and four men come out.Seeing they have the numerical advantage, two of them on the left and right reach into their coats.
Bang. Bang.
Two bullets catch each of them between the eyes.Even though they're hard rubber bullets, they have considerable power.The enemies are knocked out.The remaining two also have pistols. But it's two against two, numbers are even. The rest is a matter of quality.
"I've proven this isn't a bluff, so how about we call it quits?"
They don't seem inclined to stop.
"Can't be helped."
As I say that, they fire first.I instantly sidestep to dodge the bullet, then aim for the other's hand before he can fire a second shot.Confirming that the pain in his hand makes him drop his gun, I aim for his head.
"Kick the gun over here."
When he kicks the gun towards me, I pick it up without taking my aim off him.
"Kazami-san, restrain these four."
As I say that, Kazami-san handcuffs them one by one behind their backs.
"May I ask, are you people from Urbanity?"
The ones I took out first are unconscious.The remaining two keep their mouths shut tight.
"I think it would be a wise choice to talk honestly. What do you say?"
I move close enough that even a rubber bullet at this range would be a fatal wound.
"It's just like you think. We're from Urbanity."
"How does a mere dark circle get their hands on dangerous things like guns?"
Well, I can't talk, considering our side.
"You guys are armed too, aren't you! In the end, we all end up in the same place. Diving into a world soaked in money, violence, and women."
"I'd like to argue that point a bit. In short, you're saying you have backing from people in that line of work."
"Yeah, that's right. Anything else you want to ask, boy?"
"Why were you after those two?"
Akira-chan had gotten out of the car at some point.
"We found out they were going to be captured by you guys. So we were just asked to silence them."
"I see. But since you failed, you'll be 'purged' too, right?"
"Yeah, probably. The Death will be here soon."
Then a four-wheel drive truck approaches.The person in the back is holding something... it's!!
"Akira-chan, look out!!"
As I say it, I quickly hug Akira-chan and push her to the ground.
"Goodbye!"
As I hear those words, a rocket launcher is fired into the car.The car explodes and bursts into flames.The men we had restrained nearby...Hasn't this completely turned into an action movie?I don't feel even a hint of romance here.
"Let's leave this place quickly."
When Kazami-san says that, we leave the scene and head to Nishimatsu Hospital.
(4)
"Pass it faster! Put more pressure on the press!"
Taking the place of the laid-back Coach Higashiyama, I give instructions to everyone.Katagiri-senpai isn't at practice.I can figure out why by looking at Unity's actions.At this rate, it doesn't look like he'll be able to join basketball practice for a while.No, maybe he thinks he'll cause trouble for the entire basketball club and isn't coming.Anyway, until the Urbanity matter is settled, Senpai is on leave.
"What are you spacing out thinking about? Missing Toya now that he's gone?"
Tasuku comes over.
"Don't you think you should be paying attention to practice instead of making snide remarks?"
"I've broadened my horizons too, you know. I can't help but notice a cute girlfriend looking lonely."
Tasuku says that and touches my shoulder.No good, this is practice time. This isn't the time to give in to Tasuku's kindness.
"Please consider the time and place."
I brush Tasuku's hand away.I wonder if Tosaka-senpai would be able to rely on him properly... I think to myself, maintaining my composure.
"I'm worried about Toya and the others."
"Don't you think you should be worrying about yourself? Now's your chance to win a regular spot."
"I'm human too, you know. I have feelings."
"You make it sound like I'm not human."
"You're worried too, aren't you."
But even if we worry, it's not something we can change.It's not a problem we can handle.
"I've been thinking. I'll stay at your place for a while."
What is he suddenly saying...
"I don't think this is the time for that."
"I can't leave you alone. They're targeting people indiscriminately, right? Then it's better to stick together. I might not be much help, though."
"No! If something happens to you, Tasuku, I'll never forgive myself."
"I feel the same way. It'll be too late if something happens to you."
"What's up with you two? Fighting during practice?"
Toma-senpai came over.
"I-it's nothing. Please get back to practice."
"Is that so? But everyone seems worried."
Looking around, the play had stopped.
"Does this have anything to do with Toya not coming?"
Akai-senpai asks.
"Come to think of it, I saw on the news that Unity started another conflict recently."
Kira-senpai says.
"Really, it's fine, so everyone please calm down..."
Boom!
A sound like an explosion somewhere.Everyone on the court stirs.
Ring ring ring ring...
The alarm sounds.
"Everyone, stay calm! Exit the gym through the emergency exits!"
"There's no need to panic. Please act calmly."
We evacuate outside.Soon, fire trucks arrive and begin firefighting.The source of the fire is the boys' restroom.The cause of the fire is something exploding and burning.The police also arrive, and everyone is questioned.
"Looks like we've become targets too."
Tasuku says.The peaceful days have been taken from us.
(5)
The Emperor was captured.That news reached us immediately.With this, peace will return to us.That's what I thought.But the Devil will never let us go.We don't have the Temperance card.Today, after school ended, Kosei and I were about to go home.
"The Emperor and Empress have fallen. Now only the Hierophant and the Hermit are left."
Kosei says. But...
"Are you sure that's all there is to it?"
"What do you mean?"
"We don't even know the true identity of the one called Dragon."
"...We've known the identity for a long time."
Huh?
"It's all in IRIS."
IRIS, huh... They've finally reached it.All that's left is to expose it.Really?Aren't we still overlooking something big?The Wheel of Fortune hasn't stopped yet.The march of Death doesn't stop either.The whispers of the Devil continue endlessly.Even if we wish for Temperance, it is not granted.Until the day Judgment is passed and the Tower crumbles.We must constantly wield our own justice and show our power.The days of Judgment continue until justice is proven or they take over the world.What we can do.To constantly prove justice.Can we even do that?Can we prove justice with these hands, once stained by darkness, having ridden the Devil's whispers?When I get home, I go to my room and change clothes.Kosei, who used to be mindful of it at first, has recently started changing clothes without a care.And Kosei, not paying me any attention, starts working at his PC.Kosei is teaming up with Makoto-kun to set a big trap and lie in wait.He's checking to see if they've fallen for it.Kosei's concentration is amazing.Once he sits at the PC, he can keep at it for two or three hours straight.I just watch over him.I sit in a chair and operate my smartphone.We've had our first casualty since Unity was founded.Though it was a member of Urbanity, not a Unity comrade.They apparently called themselves Death.
Boom!
I hear it faintly from somewhere.An explosion sound.Kosei doesn't notice.I quickly look outside the window.Smoke is rising from the direction of the front gate.It seems certain that something exploded.Just then, Kosei's movements stop completely.
"Naru! Look out!!"
!?
Kosei hugs me and pushes me to the floor.
Pew.
Crack.
Two sounds ring out at the same time.If Kosei hadn't been there, my chest would have been dyed crimson.The bullet hits the floor.
"Kosei! Naru! Are you okay!!"
Emi's father came into the room.
"We're fine. Uncle, you get down too."
But Emi's father doesn't get down.
"I took down the sniper. No need to worry."
As expected, the enemy is targeting us.
"Glad you're safe. Better not go near the windows unnecessarily."
"I know."
Kosei answered.
"Well then, I'll be going. You two take it easy."
Emi's father said that and left the room.
"Don't stand by the window. That's basic, right?"
Kosei says that and lightly pokes my forehead.
"You're right. Sorry."
The realization that my life is being targeted. That is fear.
"Honestly... I can't take my eyes off my fair lady."
"Then don't."
"Naru?"
"If you feel that way, then don't take your eyes off me."
"...Got it."
Kosei hugs me.
The suspension bridge effect.
Did someone propose that theory once?Feelings that bloom precisely because we are two people who have overcome the danger of death together many times.When the stars and moon appear. We spend a time of comfort together.When night breaks and the sun appears, the world will start moving again.
(6)
"Are you the Emperor?"
I was asking a man around my age.
"Yeah, that's right. I'm the Emperor."
None of the Unity members present probably have good feelings towards him.But we don't have time to worry about that.Whether or not he has the will to negotiate?First, I should confirm that.
"Do you have any intention of negotiating with us?"
Then Mika-san yelled.
"Negotiate!? We should just beat him to a pulp and hand him over to the police!""
"Calm down, Mika. You saw today that doing that is pointless, right?"
Death, who failed to finish off the Emperor and Empress and mercilessly buried their own members who were about to fall into enemy hands.Death's reach apparently extended not only to Kosei and Naru but also to Sakura-san and the others.
"At this rate, we have to go all out. We have to make them think it's not worth it to mess with us."
Watanabe-kun says.
"A conflict...?"
Ishihara-kun says, "I'm fine with it, but is everyone else okay?"
"No, but there's no turning back now. If they look down on us, we can't have a peaceful life."
Watanabe-kun says.Everyone falls silent.
"So, can I get back to the point? Emperor, do you have any intention of negotiating with us?"
"...At this point, I have no choice but to go along with it. What are your terms?"
"Protection for you two. What we demand is that you remain under our protection."
"What do you mean?"
"Exactly what it sounds like. We'll keep you under our surveillance. We won't let you act as you please."
"You mean to put us under house arrest?"
"For the time being, yes."
"And after that?"
"Wait a minute, Toya-kun!!"
Airi cut into the conversation.
"I just had a really bad feeling about this. Don't tell me you're going to..."
I pat Airi's head.
"You figured it out quickly, Airi. That's right."
When I pat her head, Airi giggles "Ehehe~" but immediately becomes serious.
"No way! Everyone will never agree to that!"
"But I think it's actually the best move."
"Don't just talk between yourselves! Explain it to us properly too, Toya!"
"Yeah! We have no idea what you're talking about!"
Kanna and Mika-san protest.Watanabe-kun, who seems to have a faint idea, says.
"...Is it really the best move?"
"You want to make them think that if they mess with Unity, they won't get off scot-free, right?"
"Masashi! Listen to people!"
"...Toya. Explain it to everyone."
When Watanabe-kun says that, I speak to everyone here.
"We're taking the Emperor and Empress into Unity."
Everyone is silent for a moment, but then reactions come back.
"Don't be ridiculous! Do you know what we've been put through because of this guy!?"
"Yeah, Toya! At the very least, I won't be satisfied until I break an arm or a leg or two!"
Kanna and Mika-san get riled up.
"I'm going to have to oppose you this time, Katagiri-kun. That won't settle our anger!"
Ai-san also objects.
"Your anger is completely justified. There might be gain for us, but there's no benefit for Unity."
The Emperor says that.
"There is a benefit. No more circles will use the Emperor after this, right?"
"Then we should just hand him over to the police!"
Kanna's anger doesn't seem to subside.
"That would be pointless. There's no guarantee that someone else won't get him released and use him again."
"Have you considered the downsides? The stain on Unity's reputation that we finally managed to wipe clean will come back, you know?"
"The only ones who would do that are Urbanity. We're going to fight them to the bitter end anyway, right? Then it's better to have a source of information."
The argument between me and the majority continued for a while, but it ended.
"In the end, it's up to our leader, Watanabe-kun, to decide, right? I'll go along with that. If everyone thinks it's better to hand them over to the police, then we should do that."
"You're all trying to dump the final troublesome decision on me, aren't you?"
Watanabe-kun says that and laughs.
"I support Toya! I don't know what Toya is planning, but I'll bet on Toya!"
It seems I've gained Watanabe-kun's approval.I look at everyone.
"Well, if Masashi says so... I guess it can't be helped," says Mika-san."Well, things have been going according to this idiot's plans so far... I guess I'll trust him," says Kanna."If Watanabe-kun says so, it can't be helped. I agree too," says Ai-san.
Everyone else also switched to approval one after another.Saki-san and Nishimatsu-kun too.
"...If Toya-kun says so, I won't complain."
"...I have no objections either if Katagiri-senpai says so."
"Then it's settled," says Watanabe-kun."Thank you, everyone," says the Emperor, Kamenashi-kun, bowing his head."How about bringing in the Pope and High Priestess too?" says Ai-san.
Watanabe-kun looks at my face.When I nod, Watanabe-kun nods.
"Well then, I'd like to talk to the Empress and Emperor right away, is that okay?"
When I say that, I, Watanabe-kun, and Kamenashi-kun enter the hospital room.Kamenashi-kun explains the situation to the Empress... Kishitani Karin-san.Kishitani-san, who was listening quietly, has tears in her eyes.
"Everyone, I am truly grateful."
Kishitani-san bows her head.
"From here on, we're all comrades. Let's all open our hearts and talk," says Watanabe-kun."So, Toya, what is it you want to ask?"
"The true identities of the Devil, Death, the Hierophant, and the Hermit."
When I ask, Kamenashi-kun's expression changes and darkens.
"I've met the Devil once, but he never gave his real name. I've never even met the other members."
"I see. Thanks."
"'Thanks'? Is that it, Toya?"
Watanabe-kun is surprised.
"Well, isn't it? We can get all the other information from IRIS."
"IRIS!?"
Kamenashi-kun reacts.
"So you already knew. About IRIS's existence."
"I've seen its contents too."
I say that and smile.
"So that's why you didn't ask about Dragon's identity... We weren't any help at all."
"That's not true. The fact that we've secured you two is a reason to make them impatient."
"Doesn't that just mean their actions will escalate?"
"Which brings up the problem. Even though Urbanity has lost its head, why are their operational units still moving?"
"...Urbanity is just a circle after all. Something completely different from my will is at work in what you all talked about."
"That would be the Devil and Death, right?"
"That's what I think."
The contents of that are probably recorded in IRIS too.If I ask Makoto or Kosei, they'll tell me.
"Well then, Kishitani-san, take care. Let's go, Watanabe-kun."
"Huh? Are you done already?"
Kishitani-san looks bewildered.
"I'll come check on you again. Let me know if anything happens."
"Unity is a matchmaking circle. We don't do anything so crass."
When Watanabe-kun says that, we leave the hospital room.
"Did you find any clues?"
Emi-san asks.
"Nothing at all?"
"'Nothing at all'? Katagiri-kun..."
Ponk
"When Toya-kun says something so airheaded, there's definitely something behind it. Emi, don't be fooled!"
Airi's intuition is sharp too.
"What do you mean, Katagiri-kun?"
Emi-san asks.
"Those two are just pawns after all. They were merely disposable pieces being used through Egoist's connections."
"So that means the main body is still..."
"It's there, right, Makoto?"
When I ask Makoto, he grins.
"I've tracked down Urbanity's back organization properly."
So it did exist.
"There's a back organization called 'Koukai' created jointly by the Takahashi Group and the Sudo Group. It's a full-fledged yakuza organization."
At the word 'yakuza,' everyone's expressions stiffen.
"If we leak that information, it would be a scandal."
Watanabe-kun says, but...
"Unfortunately, that won't happen."
Makoto says.
"Why not?"
"Do you know the entertainment agency called 'Reale'?"
"Oh, the agency that represents famous musicians and celebrities?"
"Its parent company has ties to the Sudo Group."
"I see... so pressure is being applied."
"As proof, the media hasn't touched the Koukai at all for the past few decades."
"So it's hopeless..."
Everyone is in despair. I don't know why.
"Isn't this something to be grateful for?"
"What do you mean, Katagiri-kun?"
Emi-san says.
"Isn't it a blessing? Even if we go a little overboard, that 'Reale' will cover it up, right?"
"'Go a little overboard'? Katagiri-kun, don't tell me..."
"If they hit us, we hit back. Payback times two!"
"You're seriously thinking of having a shootout with the yakuza!?"
Kanna is shocked.
"If you want to back out, now's the time, you know?" I reply to Kanna.
"After being told that, there's no way anyone in Unity would back out now!"
"It's settled. First, what do we do?"
"'What do we do'? They've already made their move. So there's only one thing to do."
"Retaliation?"
"I want to do it big."
"I'll find a suitable place for you. It wouldn't be satisfying to just crush a small office, right?"
Makoto says.
"Yeah, that's right."
"Well, let's call it a night, everyone. Be careful going home."
Saying that, everyone goes home.I and Airi also go home.
"Toya-kun."
"What's up?"
"Why did you decide to bring the Emperor-san into the group?"
"I explained it, right?"
"But isn't it like carrying a bomb inside?"
A bomb, huh.
"I don't think you need to worry."
"Do you think that because you talked to him? Did you read his mind?"
"The Empress was a wonderful person."
Ponk
"You're being mean again! I'm telling Maya-san!"
"There's no way there's a woman more wonderful than you, Airi."
"Ehehe~"
When we get home, we eat the boxed lunches we bought at the bento shop, take turns showering, and relax in the room.When the news program starts, it covers the incidents that happened in our hometown today.A mysterious suspicious fire at the local large gymnasium.A car that lost control on a riverside road exploded and burst into flames.It was covered in that sort of way.Why would a tire burst just because someone lost control of the steering wheel?Why would a car explode just because it plowed into a rice paddy?Why were the bodies' wrists restrained with handcuffs?Everything inconvenient for us was covered up.The power of an agency is strong, huh.Is there also political pressure?We'll probably find out about that by investigating IRIS.Let's leave the difficult stuff for later. What do we do now?The situation is in our favor.We might need Airi's dad's cooperation too.
"Hey~"
Airi is calling.
"What's up?"
"You were thinking by yourself, so I just called out~"
I was zoning out in front of Airi again.I pull Airi close.
"Sorry, I always..."
"No, you were thinking about Urbanity, right?"
"Un, I was zoning out while watching the news."
"What were you thinking about?"
"Hmm, nothing major..."
I explained what I was thinking to Airi.Then Airi starts thinking too.
"It's a difficult problem..."
I grab Airi's head with both hands and press our foreheads together.
"As long as I have you, Airi, I'll be fine. I'll go as far as I can."
As far as I can.There's no such thing. I'm sure I can go anywhere.For now, I'll just think about Airi and fulfill her wishes.
"There's no point in thinking too deeply. It's been a while since I came home early, so let's just rest."
Saying that, I turn off the TV and get into bed.Airi looks lonely.I know.I know what Airi wants.
"Come here. I said we'd take it easy, right?"
Airi smiles and gets into bed.Let's throw all our joys, angers, sorrows, and pleasures at each other.Stop swallowing things you can't say, Airi.I'll take it all.One problem was solved tonight.Telling myself to take it step by step, I'll solve the problems little by little.