Chapter 299 - Order of the Sun
(1)
"Toya-kun, it's morning, you know? Wake up."
I wake up at Airi's words.
"Good morning, Airi."
When I gently stroke Airi's head, she hugs me.Airi had been in a good mood this whole week.A week had passed since the Urbanity incident.There had been no attacks since then, and we were living peacefully.Kuribayashi Koki, the Emperor, had returned to his parents' home and reconciled with his father, but he had become independent to live with the Empress, Morizono Kaori.Also, both of them had re-enrolled at university.They seemed to have accepted that they probably couldn't avoid repeating the year this year.Mori Mamoru, the Pope, and Kishitani Karin, the High Priestess, had also re-enrolled at the local university.Both of them probably couldn't avoid repeating the year, but they seemed to have chosen to make a living by working part-time jobs.Also, all four of them had decided to join Unity.It was Watanabe-kun who suggested that it would be easier to protect them and give a reason to protect them if they joined Unity.All four were hesitant at first, but eventually, we got their consent.Unity's numbers are increasing too.Everyone had been living peacefully this week.Eerily so.Had I gotten used to emergencies? I felt a sense of incongruity with peace.But I can't show that sense of incongruity.I can't recklessly make Airi anxious.We decided to start Unity's regular activities this weekend.A leaf-viewing trip.We plan to go to the usual Yume Otsurihashi Bridge.Airi is also eagerly preparing.
"It's been a while since we went out to play~ The weather is good and my mood is good too~"
Airi is also overjoyed.We were supposed to meet at the Beppu SA.We arrived earlier than the meeting time.Even so, Haruto and the others were still earlier.
"A newcomer can't be late!"
The next to arrive were Kuribayashi-kun and Misawa-kun and the others.Then Watanabe-kun came, then Ishihara-kun and the others came... The last to arrive were Kanna and the others.
"We came within the time limit, so it's fine, right!"
"You guys are just too early!"
Well, it's fine, though.
"Well then, we're going to go all the way to the convenience store near the Kujū IC from here. Everyone, make sure you have your drinks and stuff ready."
When Watanabe-kun said that, everyone headed off to shop.While they're preparing, let me explain today's participating members.Me and Airi, the Tada couple, the Watanabe couple, the Kiritani couple, the Ishihara couple, the Sakai couple, the Kimoto couple, Ichinose-san, Nakajima-kun, the Tange couple, the Takemoto couple, the Manabe couple, Shiina-san, Niina-san, Hiyama-senpai, Sakura-san, Tasuku, Sakura-san, Haruto, Shiratori-san, Kuribayashi-kun, Morizono-san, Misawa-kun, Kishitani-san, Kosei, Naru.It's a large group of over thirty people.But everyone are comrades who have shared life-and-death situations.Fellow warriors who cannot be left out, not even one.Today was also a celebration for the end of the battle and a regular event.Everyone came back.The cars leave in order.Watanabe-kun is at the front, and we follow at the very back.On the way, it turned into a race, as expected.Everyone sped without restraint.Me and Haruto drove at our own pace at the very back.The radio wasn't on.Instead, Airi kept talking the whole time.But my mind was thinking about other things.Urbanity was destroyed.But the existence of Dragon, the Hierophant, and the Magician remains.And the mysterious mercenary group.The Order of the Sun. The Local Patriots.There are many concerning words.And the existence of the Hermit.
The Hermit is one.
Is that Hermit still alive?
"Toya-kun, the autumn leaves are beautiful."
"Yeah."
"Are you really looking?"
If I was looking, that would be a problem, right?
"Thinking about things that are over won't help. Nothing's happening, so let's enjoy the present?"
It seems Airi can see right through what I'm thinking.
"Is it okay for me to enjoy myself?"
"Huh?"
"I can enjoy myself at the big suspension bridge, right?"
"U-ugh... You're probably thinking about wanting to eat a Yume Burger anyway, aren't you?"
Of course, isn't it?
"Fine, but only one, okay?"
"Got it."
I don't say unnecessary things in front of Airi. That's a golden rule.After getting off at the Kujū IC and going a little further, just before climbing up to Kyusuikei, there was a convenience store.Cars stopped there in a line.
"Let's take a short break here. Get your bathroom and shopping done now."
When Watanabe-kun said that, I went into the convenience store.
"Since Toya-kun is going to eat a Yume Burger, you don't need any food, right?"
"No, it'll be crowded, and I might get hungry on the way."
"I'll share mine with you."
"No, you'll get hungry too, Airi."
"I'll share it with you♪"
"...Yes."
I only bought a juice and left the store.When everyone had finished shopping, we departed.It was crowded, as expected.I didn't even feel like stopping at any shops along the way.Airi took pictures while the car was stopped.I also enjoyed the autumn leaves of Kyusuikei as we climbed the mountain.It really has been a while since something like this.Eventually, the sign for Yume Otsurihashi comes into view.Just a little more to the parking lot.Once we parked, I ran to the shop like a startled rabbit.And I ordered a Yume Burger.There seem to be six kinds in total.I want to enjoy all of them, but I can't risk upsetting Airi.So I just went with the Dream.By the time I finish eating, everyone will probably have crossed the bridge.Hey, isn't there a limited-time La France soft serve?I have to eat it.I immediately bought one.As I was sitting on a bench eating it leisurely, Airi came over.
"Everyone's waiting."
"Huh? I thought you'd all gone ahead."
"I waited because I knew you'd just be eating and not moving!"
"You don't need to worry about me."
"Won't you give me some memories, Toya-kun?"
That expression is cheating, Airi.I hurriedly finished the soft serve, bought a ticket, and crossed the bridge.We walked at the very back.Then Kosei and Naru stopped.I wonder what's wrong?
"What's wrong?"
Airi called out to Naru.
"I-it's nothing."
Naru was clearly frightened.
"It seems Naru has a fear of heights."
Kosei said.
"Kosei, you don't need to say unnecessary things!"
"It's fine. Even if it shakes a bit, you won't fall. See..."
Saying that, Kosei shook the bridge vigorously.It seemed to have the opposite effect on Naru.She's a middle schooler, so you'd want to play pranks like that, right?I was laughing.
thump
"This isn't the time to be laughing! Kosei-kun, you have to be gentle with girls too!"
I thought Kosei would be used to this kind of thing.
"Sorry, sorry. She was so scared it just seemed funny. See, I'll hold your hand."
"Okay..."
Kosei took Naru's hand and started walking slowly.Naru followed Kosei.We followed them and crossed the bridge.When you have over thirty people, you want to take a commemorative photo, right?We had someone take a commemorative photo.Then we crossed the bridge again and went back.Once we were back from the bridge, I ran to the shop like a startled rabbit.And a blueberry soft serve and skewered meat...
thump.
"I said only one!"
"So I only ate one Yume Burger!"
"I don't need such sophistry!"
"Katagiri-senpai, do you really realize it!? You're a representative of Japan, you know!"
"Sakura, this thing with Toya is a disease... Give up."
Kanna said with a sigh.
"Toya, after eating meat, don't you feel like drinking?"
"That's not it. Definitely not. Because then I'd have to make Airi drive."
"Are you dissatisfied with my driving?"
Airi's mood didn't seem very good.
"I don't want to overwork my cute wife, you know?"
When I whispered that to Airi, she became cheerful.
"That's true."
See?
"Well, it's past noon, so shall we eat lunch somewhere and head back?"
Watanabe-kun said.
"How about the usual place?"
"Toya-kun, you're still eating!?"
"Katagiri-senpai is excluded!"
I was told by Airi and Sakura-san.
"Coming all this way and being excluded is torture!"
I protested.
"Toya, you can eat, but can I ask you for some advice?"
"Advice?"
"Yeah, about the future."
"Well, that's fine."
"Watanabe-kun, don't spoil him!"
"That's right! Senpai barely listens to the conversation anyway!"
"No, it seems Toya's mind works better when he's eating."
Watanabe-kun knows me well.When we go to the annual restaurant, I order hamburger steak and pizza.I share the pizza with Airi.It was like we had the whole restaurant to ourselves.At my table sat Watanabe-kun, Airi, Mika-san, Kuribayashi-kun, Morizono-san, Misawa-kun, and Kishitani-san.
"So, what's the talk about?"
"You're wondering about it too, aren't you? This past week."
Ah, that talk? I didn't want to have it in front of Airi.
"Did something happen in a week?"
Airi naturally asks.I guess I can't hide things.
"It's about the tailing."
"Ah, I wasn't paying attention because they didn't do anything in particular, but after hearing from these four, I got a bit concerned..."
Saying that, he looks at Kuribayashi-kun and the others.
"It's similar for us. There's a tail, but they don't do anything in particular, so to speak."
"Are we still being targeted?"
Airi looks uneasy.
"The main source is still around, after all. And the Local Patriots. A concerning phrase."
"But they're not doing anything, right?"
"That's exactly why I'm concerned."
I answered Airi's question.Airi let out a low "Ugh..."
"What will we do?"
Watanabe-kun asked.
"Let's wait and see too. The one who moves first is at a disadvantage."
Right now, neither side knows the other's hand. At least, we don't know the opponent's hand. Moving from our side is disadvantageous.
"I heard you've obtained information on the Dragon."
"He's an opponent that even the Devil would let go of easily. If we don't draw out higher-level information, we'll get cut off midway."
When Kuribayashi-kun said that, I answered.
"What about the IRIS information?"
"It's probably been covered up by now. The only remaining trump card is the Order of the Sun, but... I want to save that for last."
If we misuse it, everything is lost.
"Anyway, for now, let's start by getting information using Emi-san and Makoto. Let's prepare our hand before the match. I think doing it the usual way is fine."
If the opponent's scale is large, we need to be even more cautious.
"Understood..."
"Um, will we be okay too?"
Kuribayashi-kun asked.
"If you're worried, I think there's also the option of asking to stay at Emi-san's house."
But either way, time to be alone, time to be together, will come. If we get targeted then, it's meaningless.
"Understood..."
Is the next battlefield the local university...?I had that feeling.That would be a perfect opportunity.
"Well then, shall we get going soon?"
When Watanabe-kun said that, we stood up.As we left the shop.
"Well, everyone, good work. After this, I've reserved a local yakitori place for the after-party, so those who have time, please come."
We decided to join.In the car on the way back, I talked with Airi.
"I never thought we were still being targeted..."
Airi said worriedly.
"Rather, that's natural. We still have a trump card, so they'd do at least that. It's more eerie if they do nothing."
"Ugh... That's true, but... I thought peace had finally returned for everyone..."
"Well... yeah."
"Are you okay, Toya-kun?"
"I'm worried about Airi. I can't help but be anxious that Airi might be targeted."
"I'm fine. I bought and read some reference books on self-defense techniques."
Airi, who can learn them just from that, is scary, though.
"Maybe everyone else should learn some self-defense too."
"Yeah..."
The conversation has gotten kind of gloomy.What would Makoto do at a time like this?
"Airi... thank you."
"Huh?"
"You still remembered, didn't you? My favorite outfit."
"Oh, yeah. It's rare for you to ask for something, Toya-kun, so I remember it well~ You like one-piece dresses in spring and summer, right?"
"Yeah."
"Don't you care about my leg line, Toya-kun? Or am I still not mature enough?"
"I get to see plenty of your leg line on other occasions. I won't show it to anyone else."
"Ugh... I can't tell if you're being kind or mean."
"Airi belongs to me alone. Isn't that fine?"
"...Yeah!"
Airi's smile was carefree.I intended to eliminate anything that would break that smile of Airi's.
(2)
"How is the progress on Judgment Day?"
"It's going well. No one has noticed."
"Of course. If they noticed, everything would be lost."
"They are still children. They don't seem to have reached this data."
"If you are underestimating them as mere children, discard that thought immediately. We must ensure everything is perfect."
"As you command..."
Even Gozen seemed to be cautious about this.If it leaked out, it would be a disaster.The "negotiations" for that purpose had also been conducted secretly and meticulously.When Judgment Day comes, our world will expand greatly.Not just the local area, it will become possible to dominate all of Kyushu.It's a "big deal" of that magnitude.Failure is not permitted.
"What is the 'Hierophant' doing?"
"Following your will, Gozen..."
"And Unity?"
"They seem to be intoxicated with the song of joy."
"I see. That's good... I want to finish things before they step onto the stage."
Urbanity was for that purpose.We use the barely breathing Urbanity as a decoy.As expected, even Gozen underestimates them as children.There's no way they'd notice a deal like this.However, Katagiri Toya's intuition cannot be overlooked.If possible, I'd like to secure Katagiri Toya.But if we lay a hand on Unity, we'll receive a painful blow.After all, is it best to not make contact?Unity.An existence that cannot be overlooked.All organizations that underestimated them were crushed.Even the Takahashi Group, a large organization that was nearly crushed.Gozen escaped that fate.But he must have tasted that fear.That's why he fears Unity more than anyone, and watches them more closely than anyone.We wanted to dispose of the IRIS that Kosei and Naru had early on, but that ended in failure.On top of that, they even noticed the existence of the Order of the Sun.Their sharp intuition that notices when we focus on them.If that's the case, it would be better to ignore them from the start.There's no need to recklessly provoke them.We will act after the "Midwinter Deal."X-Day is December XX.After that, we'll repay all our debts.With interest, even...
"Speaking of which..."
When Gozen started speaking, I straightened my posture.That's how much pressure this old man exudes.
"Is Shinobu doing well?"
"Yes. That man also seems to be busy with the aftermath."
"I suppose so. The Takahashi Group had a rough time... I'd like to at least thank him, but..."
"It's fine. That man is capable. He understands the current situation and acts accordingly."
"Then that's good."
"Chairman, it's almost time for the meeting... Who is that person?"
The secretary glanced at Gozen.
"Is that so? Sorry for disturbing you... I suppose I should be going home now."
Saying that, Gozen left the room.I hurriedly followed Gozen.
"I don't need an escort. I have a place I want to stop by."
"Yes, sir."
I bowed my head.
"Who is that person?"
The secretary asked.
"...I told you there are things it's better not to know."
"But I am the chairman's secretary."
"Would you understand if I said he is the one who rules the local area?"
"No..."
"I see..."
No one would believe such a dubious story.
"While I'm away, if he comes, make sure there is no discourtesy, understand?"
"Understood. Then, at least tell me his name."
"Gozen... That person goes by that name."
"...Understood. Well then, it's time to head to the conference room."
"Ah, got it."
I followed the secretary and returned to my normal duties.I'm sure many people are making a fuss about autumn leaves and such right now.
...But only a select few know that things will truly turn red a little later.
(3)
"Well, everyone, don't be so stiff, have a drink. Me and Naru are only having soft drinks."
Saying that, I offered alcohol to the four tense people.The four were stiff.Should I try to ease their tension more?
"No one here thinks of you as enemies anymore, you know? You are fine members of Unity."
"Kosei is right. You guys lack momentum! At times like this, you gotta let loose! This is a celebration! Don't make such gloomy faces!"
That was Mika-san.
"Mika is right. It's better to get along with everyone more. Let's forget the past, okay? That's how we've increased our comrades."
When Watanabe-kun said that, the four finally started drinking.And they joined the party.Among them, the Emperor... Kuribayashi Koki, alone had a gloomy face.
"What's wrong, Kuribayashi-kun? Not enough to drink yet?"
"No, there's something I want to talk about before I get drunk."
"Oh? The secrets of the Order of the Sun?"
"...As expected, you sensed it?"
"The fact that you withdrew from Urbanity so easily. Considering that remnants of Urbanity are still lurking around even after you withdrew, you know?"
It's very similar to the method we used before. The method of using Nidhogg as a decoy to escape from Unity.Then Kaori-san spoke.
"The Midwinter Deal... That's what they called it."
I narrowed my eyes.
"X-Day is December 24th. Christmas Eve. A Judgment Day that plunges the celebrating populace into the depths of despair."
"Plunge them into despair? Are they planning a terrorist attack or something?"
That's not it. Causing a terrorist attack locally wouldn't cause that big a stir.
"I don't know the details. The ones who know are the Magician, the Hierophant, the Dragon... and the Hermit."
"This is my guess, but the leader of the Order of the Sun is the Hermit, right? Am I wrong?"
"I don't know that either. But I think you're probably right."
If the Order of the Sun is going to move, the possibility of it being just a terrorist attack is low, right?I want information on the Order of the Sun. If I do, the goal should become clear.
"Can you tell me the information you know about the Order of the Sun?"
"Is it okay to say it here?"
"Everyone around is just drunks. It's fine."
Emi-san's SP is at the entrance too.
"You know it's an organization made up of local famous companies, right?"
When Kaori-san said that, I nodded.
"Yeah, we've confirmed through IRIS that there are connections with politicians too."
"The Sudo Group and the Takahashi Group are also mixed in."
"Well, I figured."
"Also... a group called the Local Patriots seems to be the execution unit. That's all I know."
As expected, they don't give much information to the lower ranks...
"I'm sorry, I wasn't very helpful."
"No, it's plenty of information. Thank you."
"What's with the gloomy faces, you guys!"
The one getting involved was Mika-san.
"Come over here. I'll teach you how to drink happily."
Saying that, she took Morizono-san and the others to their table.
"How is it? Did you get any information?"
Watanabe-kun came over.
"No, nothing in particular?"
"That 'Midwinter Deal' is concerning."
Katagiri-kun, who was at the next table, said.
"Since it's called a 'deal,' they're probably going to make some kind of transaction."
I thought about that too.But I can't see that leading to plunging everyone into despair.
"If we get evidence, I think it would be a fatal blow. Probably what they're doing is insider trading."
"How can you be so sure, Toya?"
Watanabe-kun asked Katagiri-kun.
"If you say they'll definitely profit from the deal, isn't insider trading about the only thing?"
Katagiri-kun said nonchalantly.
"Isn't there a way to stop it, Toya?"
"No."
Katagiri-kun answered immediately.
"Without solid evidence, we'd be the ones arrested for spreading rumors. The only option is to get evidence, but if we don't know what the goal is, we can't even discuss it."
"If it's the goal, I can guess to some extent, though?"
Shiina-san said.
"Short-selling stocks of companies on the verge of bankruptcy. A pitch-black idea. It also fits your 'insider trading' theory."
If what Shiina-san says is correct, the outline becomes clear.Probably, the setup is on December 21st. They place a short-sell order on that day.The company declares bankruptcy by December 24th.They buy back on December 25th and make a huge profit.But the problem is which stock. What stock could plunge the local people into despair...?
"Well, thinking simply, it's probably a bank or a securities company."
Shiina-san said.
"But don't take it at face value. We mustn't forget that if we speak carelessly, we'll be the ones arrested."
"Is it impossible to stop it?"
"It's probably impossible. As Katagiri-kun said, without solid evidence, we can't even discuss it."
"The only hope is the Order of the Sun..."
"We need to have Makoto investigate again."
As Katagiri-kun was saying that, a woman clung to him.
"Toya-kun~. Everyone's saying no difficult talk today~"
"Got it. Let's go over there? Well, see you all later."
Saying that, Katagiri-kun went to a different table with Tosaka-san.
"Well then, shall we forget about it and drink happily?"
"...Yeah."
Watanabe-kun and Shiina-san also started drinking.
"What do you think, Naru?"
"Buying and selling stocks is one's own responsibility. It's not a problem to meddle in carelessly."
What Naru says is logical.
"But if innocent people suffer because of it, I want to stop it."
What Naru says is logical.
"What are you planning to do, Kosei?"
"I'll look into it a bit on my own."
If I get a big clue, I'll consult with Unity.
"Kosei is right."
While the adults were getting excited, we quietly drank our juice.
(4)
"Let's go to the after-party!"
Kanna and Mika-san were getting excited.
"The usual place for the after-party is fine, right!"
Mika-san said.
"There's no way that's fine! There are kids here!"
She was being scolded by Watanabe-kun.
"We're calling it a night today."
Watanabe-kun said.
"We'll have Shinjo-san take us home, so everyone else, go enjoy yourselves."
Kosei said.
"Since Kosei says so, you should let him."
When I said that, Watanabe-kun agreed.
"Kosei, you guys, good work today."
When I said that, they said "See you later" and walked towards the station square.
"How about changing the place today!?"
Kanna said.No one objected, but
"Can it hold nearly thirty people?"
Watanabe-kun asked the obvious question.Kanna made a phone call.
"It seems totally fine. It's in the entertainment district, so follow me."
Saying that, Kanna started walking.We walked down the main street.
"It's already winter, isn't it."
Airi said.Come to think of it, wasn't there a lighting ceremony recently?On the day we first saw the illuminations, we had a huge fight.After that, I confessed my feelings to Airi for the first time, and Airi accepted them.Airi has grown bigger and more beautiful since then.My feelings for Airi have grown stronger since then.Thinking about it, holding hands is nothing.But Airi shook off that hand.Is Airi angry?I'm confused.Airi grabbed my arm.
"If we're going to do it, this is better~♪"
Same as always.I followed Kanna with Airi, and we arrived at a building of drinking establishments in the entertainment district.We took the elevator, got off on the third floor, walked, and arrived at one shop.It said "Snack Δ" on it.When we entered the shop, there was Kanna's mother and many young women.
"Welcome, Kanna. I've reserved the place for you today."
Ah, so she wanted to see Kanna's mother.A beautiful older sister also sat down next to me.The skirts of the women in these kinds of places are often miniskirts, you know. And if they have good figures too, you can't help but look, right...
thump
And then this happens.
"Toya-kun, I'll prepare your drinks, so you don't need the bar mama."
"Airi, wouldn't that be interfering with business?"
"Ugh..."
"What a cute girlfriend. Well then, it seems I'm in the way."
The bar mama went back to the counter.
"Do you prefer a highball, Toya-kun? You said you liked it on the rocks."
Saying that, Airi started preparing the drinks.Kanna seemed to be deep in conversation with her mother. Makoto was also tense.Everyone seemed to be talking with their respective partners.
"So, Toya. You went out of your way to send Kosei and the others home and hold an after-party. You must have some ulterior motive, right?"
"...They said the shop was reserved today, right?"
"Yeah."
"Emi-san, could you come here for a moment?"
I called the Ishihara couple.
"What's up?"
"I have something to ask you."
"Tell me anything."
"I want you to find out which securities company or bank has been having financial trouble recently."
"Ah, for that, you don't even need to find out. Right, Mama?"
The bar mama who was still at the table said to Kanna's mother.
"No, you can't. You can't give out personal information to third parties so easily."
Kanna's mother said.
"Hehe, I guess that was no good."
"But the customer seems to be drinking quite a bit, so maybe he might forget things too."
It seems she'll tell us.
"I heard the local securities company is in trouble. 'That place is done for. I moved my assets to another account,' he said."
"...Emi-san."
"I know. You want me to also investigate the companies involved, right?"
"Yeah, I think you'll get to the goal. But be careful, I think they're probably on high alert."
"I know. Leave it to me."
"Toya, is there anything we can do?"
Watanabe-kun asked.
"Nothing for now. This time, it doesn't seem like it'll be a show of force."
"I see..."
"If there's anything we can do at most, it's probably to cheer up our girlfriends, right? Right, Ishihara-kun?"
"That's right. ...Hey, why me!?"
"Because you're the one who works Emi-san and Akira-san the hardest. Ishihara-kun and Sakai-kun too."
"I see."
"The only thing we can do now is to fully enjoy our daily lives. The time to get busy will come again."
That was something I had been prepared for since Unity was founded.
"That's true too."
Ishihara-kun said with a laugh.
"We've done well, going through Egoist and Urbanity one after another."
Emi-san said.The peaceful daily life that had finally arrived.It might be for a short while.Precisely because it might be brief, let's enjoy it to the fullest while we can.Let's depend on Airi, and let her depend on me. Let's spend our time leisurely.