Chapter 307 - Those Who Race Through the Dark Night
(1)
"Airi, it's morning."
"Mm..."
She's been acting strange since morning.Normally, I'd expect her to be more energetic and at least give me a kiss.
"Airi, is something wrong?"
"It's kind of chilly today. I feel cold. Kind of like anemia. My head feels cold, you know?"
Your head feels cold?Let me see...You're burning up, aren't you!?
"Airi, I'll go get a thermometer, so wait a bit."
I hurry to the living room and bring back a thermometer.
"I have one, you know."
"Just measure your temperature."
She's sweating profusely.Her temperature was 38.5 degrees.
"I'm going to do my daily routine, so Airi, change and stay in bed."
"I have to prepare breakfast... Toya-kun will go empty."
"I can manage my own meals somehow."
Saying that, I leave the house and do my routine.When I get home, I take a shower and think about Airi's breakfast while toasting bread.There's leftover rice. Porridge should be fine.I make porridge and bring it to Airi.
"Did Toya-kun make this?"
"Who else would be here?"
By the way, both the Tosaka and Katagiri families' parents are absent.
"After you eat that, let's go to the hospital?"
"It's just a cold, so I'm fine."
"If something happens to Airi, I'll get scolded by your uncle."
"Dad won't get mad over something like this. I'll explain properly how kind Toya-kun is."
"Don't make me into a useless husband."
"Ugh... I understand."
Having succeeded in persuading Airi, I prepare to go out.Once Airi finishes changing, we head to the hospital.When we arrive at the hospital, I search on my smartphone while Airi receives her examination.After a while, Airi returns.
"How was it?"
"They said it's just a cold. Doesn't seem like the flu or anything. I got a shot. They'll prescribe medicine too."
After receiving the medicine, I take her home.While Airi changes into her loungewear, I prepare an ice pack and an ice pillow.It's cold and feels nice.I put her sweat-soaked underwear and such into the washing machine and start it.In the meantime, I cook rice.After a while, the drying finishes.I take the laundry to the room, and that's where it gets tough.I've never used an iron before.I iron following what I searched online....I think I did it okay.After putting it away in the closet, the next challenge awaits.I have to put away the underwear, but I don't know how to fold Airi's underwear.
"I'll do it later, so it's fine..."
I can't make a sick Airi do it.What's this? I need to be able to at least fold the underwear of the woman who will become my bride someday.I fold them while searching online and observing Airi's already-folded underwear.Once all the steps are done, next is lunch.I'm fine with ramen, but it might be tough for Airi.I guess porridge again.
"Airi, food's ready. Let's eat together?"
"Yay~"
Airi eats deliciously.She seems awfully happy.
"Is it good?"
"It's the first meal Toya-kun has ever made for me. There's no way it wouldn't be delicious."
I see. That's good.
"Getting sick once in a while isn't so bad."
"Why?"
"Because Toya-kun is so kind."
"...Sorry. I haven't been maintaining Airi enough. I've been busy lately."
"I'm the one who should be sorry for causing Toya-kun trouble. You don't think I'm a useless bride, do you?"
"There's no way I'd think that."
"Mm."
After finishing the meal, I make her take her medicine and put her to bed.At that time, I prepare a change of clothes for Airi, who is drenched in sweat.While Airi changes, I clean up the dishes.I prepare a replacement ice pillow and ice pack, return to the room, and take care of her.
"Is there anything I can do?"
I ask Airi.
"Just being by my side is enough."
Airi answers.As I keep her company talking, Airi's voice fades.She seems to be fast asleep.I put on headphones and play games so as not to wake Airi.It's rare for Airi to collapse.I guess it's because she hasn't had time to rest properly lately with the fight against the Sudo Group?Airi was also doing daily chores, so it's probably overwork.Maybe I should share the load a bit.
"I'm happy enough just knowing Toya-kun thinks that way."
Airi, who had woken up at some point, leans against me.
"You should be sleeping, right?"
"It's Toya-kun's fault for playing games when you said you'd stay with me."
I lay Airi down on the bed.I measure her temperature.It's back to normal. Maybe the medicine is working.I can't let my guard down.
"What do you want for dinner?"
"I'll make it."
"Airi can't. Today is a full day off. Got it?"
"Ugh... then, I have a condition."
"What?"
"Don't go anywhere."
"Got it. But I have to go buy dinner..."
"Is Toya-kun going to leave your sick bride behind and go somewhere?"
Seeing she has that much energy, I thought I could leave her alone for a bit, but there's also the Koukai matter. I can't leave her alone after all.
"Got it, then let's order something. Is there anything you want to eat?"
"I want udon noodles."
"Alright."
I make a phone call.
"Udon, a cutlet bowl, just the fried chicken side dish, just the pork cutlet side dish, and..."
Thump
"Pick one!"
"Udon and a large cutlet bowl, please."
"You never let your guard down for a second," Airi laughs.
Is she okay now?After eating, I wash the dishes. I take a shower.Airi should be taking her medicine and sleeping in the meantime.When I return to the room, Airi is awake and preparing a change of clothes.
"Airi, no bath! You'll catch a chill!"
"I'll make sure not to catch a chill, so it's fine~"
"Missing one day of bathing is no big deal."
"I don't want Toya-kun to think I smell sweaty!"
"I won't think that."
"I don't like what I don't like!"
"You're hopeless... Can you promise to go to bed right away so you definitely don't catch a chill?"
"Ugh... So that's how you play it."
Airi is thinking.
"Fine. But I have a condition too."
"What?"
"Toya-kun goes to bed early today too. Can you swear to that?"
There are a lot of things I want to point out about this condition. Isn't it strange that I'm being given another condition on top of the one I set for Airi to take a bath?But arguing with Airi here and making her cold relapse isn't a good idea.
"If Airi promises to go to sleep right away."
"Mm, I'll be mad if you get out of bed while I'm sleeping."
Saying that, Airi heads for the bath.Airi returns from the bath in about five minutes and is drying her hair.After finishing drying, she says, "Let's sleep early?" and invites me to the bed.I leave the TV on and just turn off the lights.The news was on.It seems to be another crime targeting women.The Urbanity organization has grown too bloated to identify the targeted individuals.And, what happens twice can happen three times.
"This is what happens when you mess with us. Unity."
This time's victims were the two heading towards Makoto's house.
"Toya-kun, turn off the TV. You have no intention of sleeping."
Scolded by Airi, I turn off the TV.My smartphone is also taken away.And she hugs me.As if to say, "Pay attention to me."I endured tonight.The next day, Airi was healthy again.
(2)
BOOM!Rattle rattle.The windows shake from the blast.I leave Naru sleeping in bed and quietly peek out the window.Explosive flames erupting everywhere.The window glass shakes with each explosion.The SPs are firing their guns wildly into the sky.Some are firing rocket launchers into the sky.What is happening?
"Kosei!!"
Naru grabs my collar and pulls.As I fall, a bullet pierces through the window.
"That's a diversion. The real target is us!"
I want to know what that thing is.I strain my ears. I don't hear a jet sound, nor do I hear a propeller sound.What is the identity of the thing doing the bombing?
"It must be Birdman. Did you forget? A member of the Nine-Tailed Fox."
Naru says.Ah, there was one. A guy like that.The sniper who failed to take me down didn't take a second shot.The bomber, presumably Birdman, also seemed to have gone somewhere.They seem to be following him with searchlights, but finding a single person dancing in the night darkness is fundamentally impossible.I inform everyone in Unity about this.As expected, they seemed shaken to learn that the Nine-Tailed Fox members had started moving.The chat room is in chaos.I bite my nails.Calm down, what should I prioritize now?It's certainly not being afraid of something unknown.What I can do now.I startle and look at Naru.Naru is trembling, still clutching my clothes.I envelop her trembling hands.
"It's okay now. Let's get some sleep soon."
"I'm not afraid of Birdman. What I'm afraid of is Kosei trying to recklessly fight back. If something happens to Kosei, what do I have to live for?"
"...I'm sorry."
"Kosei is right, let's sleep soon? We'll probably know more details tomorrow morning."
"Yeah."
Saying that, we fell asleep.The garden, which had been beautifully maintained the morning before, was full of holes.There seem to be many injured people too.With all that flashy bombing, it's only natural.But the identity of the enemy remains unknown.From what I heard, the enemy was apparently only three people.The bomber, the sniper, and the driver.The driver was apparently a very skilled driver. They easily shook off the pursuit.At this rate, there will probably be attacks on everyone else too.I issue a warning.However, last night's incident never made the news.The only thing that made the news was Unity's retaliatory incident.Unity wasn't just sitting around waiting to be attacked.
(3)
Ding-dong.
I hear the doorbell.Kaori is taking a shower right now.I guess I have to answer it.
Ding-dong.
It rings a second time.I'm coming now, no need to rush.I check who it is through the peephole.I instinctively stepped away from the door.
That's Death.
Ding-dong.
It rings a third time.
"Koki~! I'm changing, so you get it~!"
"Be quiet!"
Zzzzzz...
I hear the sound of a chainsaw.It stabs it into the door and starts cutting through it.
"Kaori, put your clothes on quickly! We're running!"
"Running? This is the fifth floor!"
Dragging the terrified Kaori, I hide in the closet for now.
CRASH.
It seems they cut through the door.But they don't come inside.
"Ugh! What is this narrow door!? How infuriating!!"
"Natsuko-sama. We'll handle this."
"...Leave it to you."
I hear the footsteps of what seem to be subordinates entering.Holding my breath, I ask for help from the Unity members.It seems four soldiers were lurking below the apartment; they said they'd come right away.The closet door slides open with a rattle.There are three men in black suits.
"Put your hands behind your head and come out without resisting."
With a gun pointed at us, there's nothing we can do.I give up and come out of the closet.
"Woman! Hurry up!!"
"It hurts! Don't pull my hair!!"
A man pulls Kaori's hair and drags her out.
"What are your demands? Our lives?"
I asked the man.
"Don't say unnecessary things. If you value your lives."
The man doesn't seem intent on killing us. Hostages?I walk slowly to buy as much time as possible.
"Don't dawdle! Walk faster!"
That's when I heard a voice.
"Close your eyes!"
Something is thrown in with a clatter.
"Kaori! Close your eyes and cover your ears!"
When I saw what was thrown in, I shouted.At the same time, I also closed my eyes and covered my ears.Before the man could fire his gun, it detonated.A stun grenade that unleashes an incredible flash and sound.Even covering my ears doesn't stop the ringing.But it serves as a blinding for the men.Now!I grab Kaori's hand and go outside.Outside, Steel Lady is covering her face with her hands.I hide behind the man in camouflage.
"Please escape until you can run down to the bottom."
Following her instructions, we escape.There are emergency sneakers prepared in the car.We put them on and drive off.
"Where do we run to!?"
"Contact Unity!"
Kaori operates her smartphone.
"Do you know where Sakai-kun's house is!?"
That's nearby.I was relieved. I let my guard down. That's why I didn't notice. That we were being followed.We go straight to Sakai-kun's house and ring the doorbell.It was at the same time Akira-san opened the door.A scream comes from Kaori, who is still in the car.A Middle Eastern-looking man with a black, long beard grabs Kaori's arm and presses a gun to her temple with one arm.
"We were followed."
Akira-san glares at the man bitterly.
"Don't make such a scary face. I ain't got no intention of doing anything to this girl. It's a simple trade. How about swapping this girl for you?"
"Do you think I'd accept such a condition?"
"I don't think you got a choice."
"Fine, I'll take it."
"Much obliged. This is just work, so it helps when people are reasonable."
Saying that, the man releases Kaori.After releasing Kaori, he then points his gun at Akira-san.
"I don't wanna get rough. Just get in the van quietly."
He points to a van parked behind.Several men in black suits come out of the van and restrain Akira-san.
"I-I'm sorry. It's my fault."
"Don't worry about it. Say hi to Zen-kun for me."
"Woman!! Walk!!"
When the man in black puts Akira-san in the van, the man sits in the driver's seat and drives away.After confirming this, I call Sakai-kun.
"Hello?"
"I'm sorry, it looks like I was followed. Akira-san got caught."
"What the hell!!"
"I'm sorry."
"For now, go inside the house. I'll be right there."
"Got it."
The call ended like that.Akira-san was kidnapped.That news spread through the Unity group immediately.
"What are you doing, you idiot!"
Mika-san's scolding flies.
"Just wait there for now. I'll send reinforcements right away. Don't do anything on your own until you get instructions!"
Emi-san says.
"I know."
I knew Emi-san and Akira-san were being targeted.It's my mistake.Katagiri-kun says nothing.If he's thinking, it's not good to talk to him now.I calm the crying Kaori down and enter the house.It was a cold winter Saturday event.
(4)
"I'll be right there."
Saying that, I dodge a chainsaw slash while putting away my smartphone.She charges forward, trampling her own subordinates.The trampled subordinate groans.His ribs are probably broken.
"Stop skittering around and face me fair and square! You coward!"
That's a pretty self-serving argument.I dodge the descending chainsaw, leap up, and jump over her head.She doesn't even catch her breath, turns back towards me, and charges.I can't afford to spend too much time here.I've asked Akira-chan's soldiers to ensure the safety of the residents.Even if they are soldiers, human life is still human life.There's no need to lose their lives dealing with a monster like this.The same goes for me.After all, she's a true monster that moves nimbly even while equipped with armor that doesn't get a scratch from several grenades.Fighting her head-on would just tire me out.Besides, now that Akira-chan has been taken, I can't afford to waste time on this monster.I wrap a wire around her neck, then jump over the fifth-floor railing and leap down.I grab the fourth-floor railing just below and escape onto the fourth floor.The wire won't break easily.Well, there are people who have torn it off easily.But she has a chainsaw.Still, she can't cut the wire wrapped around her neck armor.I pull the wire wrapped around her neck.Pulled by me, she breaks through the fifth-floor railing and falls down.I let go of the wire. If I don't, I'll be pulled down this time.
THUD!
The impact reverberates even to the fourth floor, her body embedding into the asphalt-paved ground.Falling from the fourth floor with that weight, normally you'd die.I imagined blood splattering and grotesque pieces of flesh.But this is a romance novel.A world far removed from such gruesome scenes.Well, she's still dead.It seems I've literally become Death as well.Thinking that and looking down, that lump of flesh, or rather lump of iron, sits up abruptly and declares calmly!
"Is that how you treat a Lady!? No wonder they call you Death!"
I'd like to protest about where in society there's a lump of iron swinging a chainsaw, but she's coming back up again.Using the same method as before, I go down to the second floor and jump from there.By the time she reaches the top, I'm in a car down below.
"Wait! Hyaaah!"
That lump of iron, which makes me wonder how much it weighs, jumps from the fourth floor without a moment's hesitation.She jumped from the fifth floor and was unharmed. Jumping from the fourth floor is nothing, right?With such absurd logic, she blocks my path.
"Come out! And fight me!!"
I thought she probably wouldn't die even if I ran her over, but I didn't want to damage the car that still had a loan on it, so I got out.Now, what to do.I can't incapacitate her with normal methods.For now, I signal with my eyes and order Akira-chan's soldiers to retreat.I obstruct her attempts to run away until the soldiers arrive.The soldier steps on the truck's accelerator without hesitation.Because he knows she's that kind of monster.But that lump of iron was, as expected, a lump of iron.She stops the truck's acceleration with just her body.The front of the car took damage as if it had hit a wall.But her attention wavered. As she raises the chainsaw to stab the truck, I wrap the chain around both my hands.I get in the car and reverse at full speed.Metal scrapes against her body, sending sparks flying.When I've gained enough speed, I step on the brake and release the chain at the same time.Her body, with momentum incomparable to the car, flies off into the distance.I hope she becomes a star just like that.It seems she crashed into a mountain.A cloud of dust rises.I confirm with the scope in my hand. She gets up and starts coming this way.The soldiers still can't move.After all, I have no choice but to silence that thing?The Socom in my hand probably won't cut it.For now, I tell the truck to leave this place quickly.The truck starts moving.Almost at the same time it started, she returned.
"Thanks to you, I scraped my face, you know? The price for scarring a maiden's face is heavy."
There are a lot of things I want to point out, but for now, that's definitely a maiden's face, I suppose.She tries to start the chainsaw she's still holding, but it won't move. Broken or out of fuel?
"...Well, fine. It seems my objective is achieved, so I'll let you off for today. I'll take your head next time, Death."
Hoping there won't be a next time, she straddles a motorcycle whose tires seem to be screaming and rides away.I also hurry home.When I get home, I hear the details from Kameari-kun.Still, I can't get in touch with Katagiri-kun at all.What's wrong?Did something happen, Katagiri-kun?
(5)
Waking up in the middle of the night, I notice my smartphone is still ringing.I look at Airi.She's sleeping peacefully.I touch her forehead. Her fever is down. I'm relieved for now.I pick up my smartphone and trace the logs.Akira-san was captured!?I organize the situation while following the logs.It seems the Nine-Tailed Fox has joined the operation.Two of them, from what I can confirm.Furthermore, it seems the Eguchi house was attacked; from the situation, it's probably Birdman's doing.I don't know who did the sniping, but it's definitely the Nine-Tailed Fox guys.Everyone seemed to be waiting for my instructions.
"Sorry, did you just wake up?"
"You were sleeping!? How carefree can you be at a time like this!"
I can't help it, Airi said so.Even now, she's hugging me from behind.
"I said no smartphones today~"
"This isn't the time for that."
I hand Airi her smartphone.Airi looks at the smartphone and her face gradually pales.
"Toya-kun, what do we do!?"
Right. First, there's something to confirm.
"Are Kameari-kun and the others safe?"
"Yes, we're safe. But Akira-san is..."
"You guys aren't hiding anything, are you? Since we're at this point, tell me everything."
"There's nothing to hide... Ah, now that you mention it..."
Is there something?
"Those guys, it seems they're still using Urbanity's facilities. I can send you that kind of data."
"Sakai-kun, please send the two of them to Makoto's house immediately."
"Understood."
"Are you done talking?"
"Huh? Akira?"
The account is Akira-san's, but it's clearly different. Probably using it is...
"Nice to meet you, everyone. My name is Jackal."
"...Nice to meet you. What's your business?"
I secretly stopped Makoto from trying to ban the account.
"What, just a trade. We'll prepare what you want. As long as you accept our demands."
"What are the demands?"
"Do nothing."
"What the hell!?"
Watanabe-kun reacts.
"We just want you to watch what happens from now on. If you do, we'll grant your wish."
"That doesn't make it a trade. Do you even know what a trade means when you say that?"
"Hey, Toya-kun!?"
Airi looks like she wants to say something, so I continue.
"I see, so you're Katagiri Toya! You're surprisingly cold-hearted, aren't you? A person's life is at stake here!"
"I keep saying this, but a hostage only has value if they're safe. It wouldn't be good if a pet dog did something reckless, would it?"
"There are plenty of starving dogs here. What do you think would happen if I threw in that premium bait called her?"
"A trade is meaningless if it isn't equal."
"What do you mean?"
"You guys definitely have a card. But for us, the negotiation terms are too vague."
"Wahaha. Are you telling me this because you realize you're at a disadvantage? Why don't you become a teacher after you graduate school?"
"I'll think about it."
"So, should we consider this trade off?"
"If it's not a trade, there's nothing we can do."
Thump
"Toya-kun, what are you doing!? Ruining a precious negotiation like that! Do you not care what happens to Akira-san!?"
"They have no intention of doing anything to her. They won't recklessly throw away such a valuable card."
Then, as expected, they changed the negotiation terms.
"That puts us old guys in a bind, you know? Why don't you show us the cards you can play?"
Even through the screen, I could read this old man's thoughts a little.
"...You know this phone number, right? Call me."
"Ah, fine."
Then, after a while, a call came from the person calling himself Jackal.It was the voice of a middle-aged man.
"Is this our first meeting?"
"Nice to meet you."
"So, what did you want to talk about on the phone?"
"First, confirmation of the hostage's safety?"
"Ah, I'll let you hear her now."
"Katagiri-kun!?"
That's Akira-san's voice.
"Are you safe?"
"Yes, somehow."
A composed voice. Just as I thought.
"Don't do anything stupid like trying to handle it alone."
"I know... More importantly, these guys' goal is... Kyaa!"
"Whoa, I can't have you saying unnecessary things."
"What did you do to her!?"
"I just put her to sleep for a bit. It seems you've finally shown your true colors too."
Same to you.Hearing Jackal's voice, I understood clearly.
Composure.
He never intended to have a proper negotiation from the start.
"What was the first condition again? Was it 'Do nothing'?"
"Oh, changed your mind? I thought you'd come on a bit stronger. Got cold feet?"
"Well, yeah. So, when will you return her?"
"I have something I want to ask first."
"That's not part of the condition."
"I see. You're surprisingly reasonable. That helps."
"More importantly, when is the hostage's return?"
"One week from now. Time is midnight. Location is Sakanoshi Port."
"Got it. So, how do we prove it?"
"If you do nothing for a week, I'll return her."
Meaning they plan to do something during this week.
"Understood. One week from now."
"Ah, that's if you keep your promise properly."
"I promise."
"Well, see you."
After explaining the situation to Airi, I call Makoto.
"Makoto, how's it going on your end?"
"Ah, I just received the facility data."
"Is Sakanoshi Port in there?"
"Yeah, just one."
"Can you put Sakai-kun on?"
"Ah, sure."
"Hello?"
"Sorry, but can you work all night tomorrow?"
"A rescue operation already?"
"We probably don't have much time."
"Can't be helped. My wife's life is at stake."
"Please. I'll contact you later."
Saying that, I hang up and make one call after another.
"Gonna go all out, huh."
Emi-san says.
"Yeah, let's go all out."
Saying that, I hang up and send a message.
"Are you watching, Jackal?"
No response.I try calling Akira-san's phone.
"The number you have dialed is..."
It seems to be turned off.I send a message to Akira-san's ID.I'll call tomorrow afternoon.
"Toya-kun, I think it's better to just accept the trade. It's just doing nothing for one week, right?"
"I don't know what they plan to do during that week, but once she loses her value, she'll be thrown away."
"Does that mean she won't be saved?"
Airi's body is trembling.
"Airi, go to sleep now. Mom and the others will be back tomorrow, but tomorrow will probably be tough."
"Okay~ Everyone's safe, right?"
"Of course."
"Well, Toya-kun, go to sleep too. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
After confirming Airi is asleep, I also fall asleep.I don't know what the Sudo Group is plotting, but I was sure Jackal had a different goal.
Provocation.
An obvious attitude.Come if you want, I'll take you on.I knew from the moment I heard the conditions that he never intended to negotiate.He's clearly not acting on the Sudo Group's orders.No, maybe there were orders.
Crush Unity.
He was probably under orders like that.He's probably trying to test our strength, but I have no intention of doing that.I'll crush him with full force from the start!