Chapter 316 - Fatal Battle
(1)
"Toya-kun, it's morning. Good morning~"
I'm woken up by Airi shaking my body.
"Good morning, Airi."
I give her a light kiss in place of a morning greeting.
"Hehe~"
Doing this makes me feel like I'm living an ordinary life.I've gotten used to how to handle Airi's morning mood.
"Hurry up and get changed, let's get your daily routine done?"
Urged on by Airi, I change clothes, finish my daily routine, and return home.When I get home, I take a shower and eat breakfast.While Airi is showering, I watch TV with Father in the living room.
"Come to think of it, it's happening tonight, isn't it? The party."
It's even reached Father's ears. It must be certain.
"Be careful. This time, the opponent is bad."
"There's never been a kind opponent."
I reply to Father like that.
"That's true too."
Father says that and laughs.When Airi returns from the shower, I pour coffee and go back to my room.Airi watches TV while drying her hair.I relax, drinking coffee while watching Airi like that.When Airi finishes drying her hair, she sits next to me and drinks a café au lait.I savor the scent of shampoo wafting from Airi.
"Hey, Toya-kun. I have a proposal."
"What is it?"
"I promise I won't do any housework today, so you promise too, Toya-kun."
"What am I supposed to promise?"
"To rest quietly in your room until the appointed time."
Airi insists that I pay attention to her until that time.
"Airi, can you really promise not to do any housework?"
"Uh-huh."
"Well then, okay."
"Good. You have a big job tonight, Toya-kun, so I don't want to tire you out."
"I'm glad to have such a kind bride."
"Yay~"
Airi says that and immediately hugs me.I enjoy the morning while humoring Airi like that.After lunch, I kill time until evening playing games and watching TV with Airi.When the appointed time approaches during such a relaxing time, a sense of tension emanates from Airi.We both silently prepare to go out.Even though I say prepare, it's not like we're going on a date. Airi also only does the bare minimum of preparation.
"I'm ready."
We leave the house and get in the car.I'm nervous.I close my eyes and concentrate.Thinly and widely... I sharpen all my nerves.I concentrate until I can hear Airi's breathing.I open my eyes.
"Let's go."
"...Yeah."
And so we headed to the meeting place.(2)
"Congratulations."
Everyone was calling out to former Prime Minister Yamamura.The birthday party being held in the hall of former Prime Minister Yamamura's mansion had a distinguished guest list.The president of the local bank. The chairman of the joint newspaper. The chairman of the department store. The factory manager of the steel mill. The local super-famous people were lined up.The man said to be the opposition's next candidate for prime minister was also here today.
"Thank you, everyone."
We were also wearing suits. We had been drafted for lookout duty.There were also black-suited SPs outside.At first glance, the security seemed tight.But in reality, it was fragile.Allen quietly approaches Yamamura.
"I've been waiting for this moment."
"Who are you?"
Yamamura is on guard.
"Over a decade. I've endured for over a decade dreaming of this day."
An SP sensing something wrong grabs Allen's shoulder.But both of them collapsed.Because I and Jackal stabbed them with knives.When the guests realize the red liquid spreading on the floor isn't wine, they go half-mad.I fire a single gunshot.
"Don't make a fuss!! I'll kill anyone who makes a fuss!!"
They hide under the tables.The SPs outside were dealt with by my subordinates.Allen points his gun at Yamamura's head.
"W-wait! What did I do!?"
He doesn't remember what he did?What an incredibly stupid guy.
"You let millions of people die. And you people took the life of my beloved woman. Isn't that enough?"
"Are you talking about that incident!? That couldn't be helped!"
"Does 'I was at a party and my response was delayed' count as a reason!? You only had to authorize the Self-Defense Forces' disaster dispatch on the spot, right?"
There's no way he could have.This guy is the leader of the traitors called the anti-war faction. There's no way he would approve of SDF activities.As a result, the initial rescue was delayed, and tens of thousands of lives that should have been saved were lost.
"Do you have any last words? If not, die."
"W-wait! Is your goal money!? I'll pay if it's money!"
"Oh? Dogs can be bought with food, people can be bought with money. You intend to buy me with money too?"
"Is money not enough!? I-I'll give you anything!"
"Then give me back my beloved woman."
"Th-that is..."
"You can't, can you? Then die."
A gunshot rings out.Yamamura loses consciousness.The bullet didn't hit because I grabbed Allen's arm.
"Calm down, Allen. Our goal isn't this guy's life. Right?"
"Yeah, you're right, Viper... Tell them our demands."
Told by Viper, I conveyed our demands to the people at the party.
"Prepare 500 billion yen. Have it in cash by midnight."
"Isn't that more than the prefectural budget? Don't be ridiculous."
"You guys can do it, right?"
At that moment, the sound of a jet plane is heard. They drag the unconscious Yamamura and tie him to a container dropped from the jet.They set a timer attached to the container.
"This container is filled with poison gas. If you can't meet the deadline, the contents will be dispersed. Tell the police too!"
Our preparations ended with this.My subordinates are restraining everyone.There's no way it'll end with just this.We were waiting for them to come.We'll put an end to this.(3)
Police officers are surrounding the Yamamura residence.Evacuation of nearby residents has also begun.The demand is a ransom of 500 billion yen.An amount of money comparable to the prefectural budget.If they can't prepare it, they threaten to release poison gas into the surrounding area.I heard about it through Airi's father.Apparently, they specifically told them to contact the police.We were in front of the gate of the Yamamura residence.
"What are you people? No unauthorized personnel allowed!"
"Sorry, but we are related parties."
"What?"
Watanabe-kun shows the badge on his chest.
"M-my apologies!"
These types of people seem weak to authority.
"So, what's the current situation?"
Watanabe-kun asks the police officer.
"Under the command of Superintendent Tosaka, we are surrounding the Yamamura residence. We are also arranging the 500 billion yen in cash."
"That's what he says. What'll we do? Commander?"
Watanabe-kun asks me.There's no need to even think about this, right?
"No need to think. We're going in."
"That's the only option, isn't it."
Ishihara-kun agrees.
"Who will breach?"
Watanabe-kun asks.
"Well, let's have the police soldiers seal off the perimeter. We'll go in alone."
The enemy probably isn't that many anyway.There are 12 people who can fight.
"Let's go in with just the men."
"Are you sure just five of you will be okay?"
Emi-san asks.
"If things look bad, I'll signal, so please help then."
"Got it. Be careful, Nozomi."
"I'll settle this here."
"Toya-kun, you be careful too."
I stroke the hair of the anxious-looking Airi.
"I have to keep my promise, right?"
"Yeah."
"Well then, shall we go in?"
"Wait, you intend to go in openly like that?"
Makoto asks.
"Well, they're probably expecting that too."
Saying that, I ask the police officer to open the gate, and he opens it for us.
"I'm nervous."
Ishihara-kun says.
"We'll finish this properly here!"
Haruto is enthusiastic.
"We'll have a celebration party after this is over too!"
Watanabe-kun encourages everyone.
"I want to retire after this. I understand how Katagiri-kun feels."
When Sakai-kun says that, everyone laughs.
"Well then, let's go."
When I say that, everyone dashes out into the central garden.
In the central garden, a large container is placed, and an old man is tied to it.
"Everyone, turn on your headsets! I'll give instructions as needed."
Everyone turns on their headsets.That container is probably the poison gas, right? Is that old man the former prime minister?
"Coming with just five people, how brave!"
A man wearing a black bandana claps.It's Viper.In the garden are Kamui, Jack, Steel Lady, Jackal, Sariel, and six other unknown men.Thirteen in total.More than us.
"Ladies, sneak into the garden and hide. Join in at your own discretion."
"Got it."
Emi-san says.
"So, what's your goal?"
I ask Viper.
"I believe I already conveyed our demands?"
Viper tilts his head.Looking at Viper like that, I laugh.
"Despite that, your security seems thin. It looks like you were eagerly waiting for us to come here."
When I say that, Viper chuckles.
"You're quite perceptive. There are people who aren't satisfied with being beaten by you guys."
When Viper says that, five people take their stances.
"Sakai-kun, I heard you can dismantle bombs?"
"Well, I can handle some types."
"Then I'll leave the dismantling of this bomb to you. Focus on that."
"But we're outnumbered here..."
"Securing everyone's safety is the priority first."
"...Who's going to fight that woman?"
"...If that's the case, we're all going!"
It's Emi-san.
"You little ladies are going to fight too?"
Viper says with a laugh.
"I'll be the one to deal with that cheeky, cocky woman."
The six unknown men don't seem to be moving.Does the number match up?
"I'll take Jackal. Katagiri-kun, you take Jack!"
Ishihara-kun says.
"I'll take the one called Kamui!"
Haruto says.
"Well then, I'll take the one called Sariel."
"Watanabe-kun, guard Sakai-kun."
I say to Watanabe-kun.
"In that case, I'll also provide backup for my husband."
Akira-san says.
"...I'll finish Sariel."
Shiratori-san says.
"Let's take them down one by one, for sure."
"OK!"
Everyone nods.
"You're the ones who'll be taken down!"
Steel Lady dashes out.
"On behalf of the women of the world, I will punish this sly, malicious little kitten."
Saying that, Steel Lady swings her chainsaw.Mika-san mercilessly kicks towards that chainsaw.The chainsaw breaks.
"On behalf of the women of the world, I won't forgive a piece of trash like you calling yourself a woman."
Mika-san is showing her anger.Kanna lowers her body, slides into Steel Lady's feet, and performs a leg sweep.Kanna grabs both legs of the falling Steel Lady and swings her around.
"Go learn some effort, like losing some weight or studying makeup, and then come back!"
She throws the centrifugal-force-laden Steel Lady towards Viper.She flies towards Viper at bullet-like speed.Viper dodges it.Steel Lady's body crashes headfirst into a marble pillar, unable to escape on her own, her legs flailing.
"That's one! Who's next!?"
Kanna and Mika-san provoke.The one who took the bait was Sariel.Sariel throws a knife without any wind-up.Shiratori-san steps in front of the two and catches the knife.
"I said I'm your opponent."
While Shiratori-san is saying that, Sariel circles around behind her.Just as he tries to stab a knife into her back, Mika-san and Kanna grab both his arms.
"I've heard all about you, I won't go easy! Let's go, Kanna."
"I know."
The two pull both arms to the left and right.The arms are torn off from the shoulders, spraying blood.Shiratori-san grabs the head of Sariel like that, pushes him to the ground, and stabs a knife into his heart. His head is smashed against the ground, crushed.She goes that far...?And where does she get that kind of strength?
"Is this the time to be spacing out!? Boy!"
"Toya-kun!"
Before I hear Airi's voice, my body had already reacted.Jack lunges at me. I brace myself towards Jack.Jack lands just before entering my range and holds his sword in an upper stance.Both his arms seem to have recovered.A staring contest with Jack continues.Just as Jackal points his assault rifle at me, Ishihara-kun fires at Jackal.Jackal's pistol is destroyed.Ishihara-kun was already dashing towards Jackal as he fired.Jackal discards the assault rifle, takes out a pistol from his pocket, and points it at Ishihara-kun.Ishihara-kun points his gun and fires almost simultaneously, showing the feat of intercepting the bullet Jackal fired.Ishihara-kun gets into Jackal's blind spot and strikes his abdomen with a palm heel.Jackal staggers.Ishihara-kun grabs the hand holding the gun, kicks up his leg, and breaks his elbow.When Jackal drops the gun, Ishihara-kun takes it and shoots Jackal in both legs.Meanwhile, Kamui had pulled Steel Lady out of the pillar.As the enraged Steel Lady charges at the women, Haruto-kun cuts in between them.
"I can't let the ladies have all the glory!"
Haruto takes out a club from his back and catches the charging Steel Lady with a full swing.It seemed like a good hit.Her body draws a high arc, flies over the mansion, and disappears into the distance.
"I'm your opponent!"
Kamui charges in.Haruto meets Kamui. Haruto discards his weapon and claps his hands together.
"I'll settle this with you with my bare hands!"
He charges at Kamui, grabs his arm, and uses Kamui's momentum to throw him.He locks the grabbed arm and applies force, snapping it with a crack.Furthermore, he stomps hard on the opposite shoulder with his foot.The shoulder is crushed.Haruto grabs Kamui's waist, lifts him up, and jumps high.He slams Kamui's head into the ground.Kamui loses consciousness.All that's left is Jack.Viper and the others are still there.I can't take it easy.I charge towards Jack.Jack's sword comes down overhead.Finding life in death!I step forward with my left foot and draw my sword.A battojutsu after charging at godlike speed.The speed and power are impeccable.Before the sword comes down over my head, my strike hits Jack and sends him flying.I aimed to hit him right on the edge of life and death.Jack also lost consciousness.
"Dismantling is complete."
Sakai-kun announces.All that's left are Viper and Allen.I brace myself towards Viper.Then, the six men who had been silently watching began to move.One of them fires a gatling gun. All seven women dodge it.Five men lunge at the six women.Were they thinking of taking them hostage?But they were still underestimating the women's strength.Airi lands a 16-hit combo on one man and finishes him by striking his head with both hands.The man is knocked out.I really don't want to pick a fight with Airi.
"Dealing with them one by one is such a pain!"
When Emi-san slams the ground, kicking up dirt and sand, the debris hits the surrounding men, making them stagger.
"Emi is right! I'll do it too!"
After Emi-san jumps back, Ai-san dives in and shakes her body at high speed.Because she moved at super-high speed, the shockwave blows away the four staggering men.Three remain. Viper, Allen, and one other unknown man.But we let our guard down against that unknown man.He locks Ai-san's arm joint and holds a knife to her throat.
"The fun ends here."
Everyone's movements stop.
"You've done well to get this far. But it ends now."
Allen says.
"I'm late to introduce him. This man is Alexei Romanovich. A former Spetsnaz. Bluffs don't work on him. He's a cold-hearted man. If you move, her life is forfeit."
When Allen introduces him, the man bows his head.While that's happening, Sariel, who has finished "regenerating," starts moving.The men are unable to move.Jackal also gets up.
"Well, for amateurs, you did pretty well. Hand over your weapons, boy."
Ishihara-kun throws his weapon towards Jackal.
"You too, Katagiri Toya. Drop your weapon."
Just as I was about to put my weapon on the ground too.Giggle.The women are laughing.At first it was quiet giggling, but soon it turned into loud laughter.
"Toya-kun, you don't need to put your weapon down."
Airi says with a laugh.
"...You seem to think it's just a threat. Alexei, do it."
"Stop!!"
But Alexei mercilessly slashes at Ai-san's neck.The women are still laughing.Even Ai-san, who had been looking serious, couldn't hold it in and started laughing.The men couldn't understand the situation.Her neck, which should have been slashed, is unharmed. Moreover, Alexei's knife is broken.
"Just as Airi-chan said. Men are so simple."
Emi-san says with a laugh.
"It was funny because it was no different from Toya-kun's actions~. The see-through clothes have underwear underneath, the miniskirt has underwear underneath. Men really are simple, aren't they?"
Airi says.Everyone present was stunned. Except for the seven women.
"There's no way the most vital spot, the neck, would be bare skin! Emi properly prepared stealth bulletproof suits for us. There's no way we'd leave exposed parts as a weakness."
When Mika-san says that, the women burst out laughing.Meanwhile, Ishihara-kun had retrieved his weapon.
"Sorry, Katagiri-kun. The ladies said they wanted to experience a situation like this once, so we put on a little act."
Ai-san forcefully breaks free from Alexei's arm, who still doesn't fully grasp the situation.
"I don't know if you're Spetsnaz or tuna cans, but don't take this personally."
Saying that, Ai-san kicks Alexei's head with all her might.Alexei loses consciousness and collapses.The one confronting Sariel, who is approaching from behind, is Shiratori-san.
"Obsession... I hear persistent men are disliked, you know?"
Sariel's movements stopped.
"My, my, it seems it's true that women are stronger. But, I wish you'd rely on men a little more... You know what will happen if you move, right? Sariel-san."
The wire Sakai-kun wrapped around his neck cuts into it.But women are scary.She grabs Sariel's head and yanks it, turning him into a headless man.
"Regeneration... I wonder what happens if the original part remains?"
Shiratori-san drops the head at her feet and kicks it with all her might.Sariel's head disappears into the night sky, becoming a star.Sariel's headless body collapses on the spot.However, Sariel's head begins to regenerate.
"This is a problem. What should we do in a case like this?"
Akira-san says.
"Yess~. I think putting a stopper on the neck would do~."
Airi answers.She takes out a pot lid from somewhere (I don't know where she got it), places it on the neck stump, and fixes it with Sakai-kun's wire.We are still unable to grasp the situation.
"Well, that being the case, how about you surrender quietly now?"
When Sakai-kun says that, we are pulled back to reality.I hold my sword at the ready.
"It seems I have no choice but to back down today."
"...Mika!"
Just as Allen points his gun at the former prefectural governor, and Ishihara-kun points his gun at Allen, a single gunshot is heard.The bullet pierces Allen's forehead.
"Allen!!"
Viper picks up the fallen Allen.But Allen is dead.Only Viper remains.Viper silently tries to leave with Jack and Jackal.
"Stop your futile resistance!"
I charge towards Viper.Viper fires, aiming at my feet.I reflexively dodge it.Taking advantage of that opening, Viper jumps onto the wall while carrying the three men.
"Enjoy your false peace while it lasts."
Leaving those words behind, Viper disappeared into the dark night.I don't know how they escaped, but they didn't fall into the hands of the police.(4)
"Well then, a toast to our complete victory!!"
We were raising a celebratory toast at a karaoke place.
"But don't ever pull a prank like that again."
Watanabe-kun says.
"An incident like this probably won't happen again."
Emi-san says.
"Um... what will happen to us when Unity disbands?"
When Morizono-san asks, Watanabe-kun answers.
"Nothing will happen. It'll be the same days as always."
Yes, there is no one targeting us anymore. The peaceful days, which feel like a distant past, will continue.
"Everyone, good work!"
Haruto goes around pouring drinks.Airi poured mine for me.
"Good work to you too, Toya-kun."
"Thank you."
Airi is staring intently at my face.I wonder what's wrong?
"What's the matter?"
"When Toya-kun doesn't say anything, I get anxious... like there's still something else going on."
"Don't tell me Toya, there's still something else!?"
When Kanna asks, I shake my head.
"They're completely wiped out. We can leave the rest to the police."
Well, there are things I'm curious about, but I don't say them out loud.Like about the moon... Or about the Nine-Tailed Fox.By the way, the Takahashi Group and the Sudo Group apparently had their homes searched based on information from IRIS.Still, it probably won't lead to their complete destruction.In the end, what we did was meaningless, and life will continue as before.The club is still plagued by the rampant proliferation of "Happiness Clubs," so much so that dealing with them is ridiculous.If so many pop up, the number of people falling for such shady offers will decrease.In the end, they'll probably be weeded out naturally.We just need to return to our normal lives.A life full of trouble every day.Because we only have one year left to live a life of leisure.
"You understand, senpai, right!? Starting next week, it's a full-on basketball life!"
Sakura-san says.
"You remember, right, Toya-kun? We're going on a date during the long weekend, okay?"
Airi says.
"I know."
I also need to start job hunting.It might be too late to start now.If it comes down to it, I'll escape into basketball.
"Sakura, when are you moving?"
Kanna was asking.
"I'm thinking of moving during the long weekend~. I also have to go greet my parents~."
"That aside, we need to get a new rookie."
"Right, someone who's worth training would be good."
Ai-san and Emi-san are discussing.They're looking for the next sacrifice, huh.
"It's finally the last year, huh~."
Everyone is thinking something at Ai-san's words.
"I want to make it the best year ever!"
When Airi says that, everyone nods.
"It'll be fine. It'll definitely be the best year."
Watanabe-kun says.Playing together, making noise, gathering together like this...Once we become working adults, those occasions will surely decrease.So, a year with no regrets.Everyone was thinking that.
"Niina-san, you start working next week, right?"
"Yes, at Manabe-kun's company..."
"What about Umi-chan?"
"I'm thinking of living by drawing pictures."
"Umi-chan can do it."
"Thank you very much."
"Toya-kun's painting was amazing. I couldn't buy it, though. I thought I wanted one."
Airi says.
"I'll paint one specially for you."
"Really!? Well then, there's one scene I want you to paint~."
"What kind is it?"
"A scene of Toya-kun winning a gold medal at the Olympics and holding it up."
"If it's okay after the Olympics are over."
"Thank you~."
"I can't lose... Toya."
Tasuku says.
"Either way, I just have to win."
If I don't win, the path won't open.I've overcome any kind of hardship.I'm sure I can carve a path.I believed that.
"For now, it starts with cheering for Toya!"
Watanabe-kun says.
"Let's get fired up!"
Mika-san is already excited.And so we spent the night.When I get home, I take a shower and wait for Airi.Airi brings me a chu-hai.
"A toast, just the two of us."
"Good work."
I clink my can with Airi's and drink it down.When I turn on the TV, the news is on.They're covering today's incident.The important parts are still being covered up.As usual, after all.But our battle is over.I thought we could live a normal life from now on.
"One more year, huh."
"Yeah."
"You remember our promise, right?"
"I know."
"Toya-kun, are you moving out right after you graduate university?"
"If I can, I'd like to."
Airi grabs my arm.
"Can I come with you?"
I stroke Airi's head.
"We'll be together forever, right?"
"Yeah."
"...Should we get to bed soon?"
"Yeah, we're tired from today."
"I still have enough energy left to catch you, Airi."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Yay~"
Airi hugs me.I wished for this kind of happiness to continue every day.Spring arrives, and a new wind blows.