Chapter 372 - I Want to Be Your Little Bird
(1)
"What an amazing view~"
Looking at the scenery from the window.
To think there was a property like this near my house.
The layout, the size of the kitchen, and the storage space were all exactly as Airi wished.
The rent was reasonable, and although the parking fee for one car was separate, I suppose it couldn't be helped.
"Airi, shall we go with this place?"
When I spoke to Airi, who was looking at the scenery, she turned around.
"Yeah, I like it here~"
Hearing that, the real estate agent was also smiling.
"Well then, let's return to the office and I will explain the procedures."
Airi and I returned to the real estate office, and while receiving the explanation, we received the forms.
We decided to have Father be the joint guarantor.
After that, there were many things to prepare, such as certificate of residence, seal registration certificate, and bankbook.
On the way back, we stopped by the city hall and had the necessary documents issued.
Once we got home, I had him sign the documents.
With this, the procedure was finished.
We scheduled the move for mid-February.
There were many things to prepare by then.
We had to prepare home appliances and such.
I began sorting the luggage and things stored in the closet into things to take, things to leave behind, and things to dispose of.
Maybe I'll go shopping at an electronics store tomorrow.
Since there wasn't much time, we also needed to contract for an internet connection and other things.
"It really feels like it's finally happening~"
"Yeah."
"How do you feel?"
"Let's see... I'm looking forward to it."
"Right~"
Airi looked truly happy.
Another dream was drawing closer to reality.
With my heart swelling with such anticipation, I fell asleep that day.
(2)
The Coming-of-Age Ceremony.
I didn't know if there was any need for me, who hadn't made any friends in particular, to attend, but I attended anyway.
And so, I was waiting alone at the venue for Haruto.
The reason I didn't go back home was because Haruto said he would come pick me up.
Because I wanted Haruto to see me in my kimono.
I wondered what kind of impression he would give me.
I had an idea.
Because I was making such predictions, it was fun, and the waiting time wasn't painful at all.
When the ceremony ended, Haruto was waiting at the entrance of the venue.
"Haruna, you're seriously beautiful, ssu."
It was exactly the impression I had expected.
They were simple words, but they made me happy. They soaked deep into my heart.
"Can you get in the car in that outfit, ssu?"
"I'm not the one driving, so it's fine."
"Roger that, ssu."
Saying so, Haruto got into the car and drove off somewhere.
"Haruna, you're hungry, right? Shall we go grab a bite somewhere, ssu?"
"Yes."
After having a light meal with Haruto, we went for a drive in the car just like that.
Had it been since Christmas Eve?
Since we talked on the phone almost every day, I didn't feel lonely, but I was still happy when he came to see me.
And then, his usual trivial chatter.
Silly stories about Haruto's friends.
"Haruto, was it okay for you not to go out with your friends?"
"I turned them down, saying I was hanging out with Haruna, ssu."
I know.
"What should we do for dinner, ssu?"
"Before that, could you stop by my parents' house?"
"Eh?"
"Being in a kimono is quite tiring."
It's already night, so it should be fine, right?
"That's true, ssu."
Today is an anniversary.
The day I invited him to my parents' house for the first time.
Apparently, he was talking with Father while I was changing.
He seemed to have been nervous.
But since Father said "Come again" when we left, it's surely fine.
"What do you want to eat for dinner, ssu?"
"Whatever you like, Haruto."
"Are you staying over tonight, ssu?"
"I prepared with that intention."
"Roger that, ssu. Then, how about sushi?"
Lately, conveyor belt sushi doesn't actually have sushi rotating.
The ordered items are delivered directly.
There are various side menus other than sushi.
It might be perfect for him.
But something unexpected happened.
A proper sushi restaurant that felt like a long-established shop.
"This place has a reputation for being delicious in online reviews, ssu."
A surprise from him.
Having a fun conversation with him while eating sushi.
Once we finished eating, we hired a driving service to take us to his house.
After taking a shower at his house, the two of us spent time watching TV.
We were spending such peaceful days.
A promised peace.
Today of all days, I wanted to spend it with just the two of us.
But as if mocking us, our daily life crumbled away.
The two of us looked at our smartphones and were left speechless.
"Arisu has gone missing."
Just what on earth happened?
(3)
Coming-of-Age Day.
Naru and I were having a date in the city.
Looking at the new adults having a tea party at the department store's cafe, Naru said, "Beautiful."
"Naru, you'll probably become a beautiful person like that in the future too."
"I wonder if Kosei will have become such a wonderful man too."
"I'll make an effort."
"I'll also make an effort so that Kosei will tell me I'm beautiful. By the way, Kosei..."
"I know, follow me."
Naru was operating her smartphone while linking arms with me.
We walked past the station, entered a deserted alley, and stopped.
"To be detected by a middle schooler, you guys are complete amateurs. Come on out."
When I said that, a bunch of thug-like guys came out one after another.
Tailing us with that many people is impossible to pull off, right?
"Kid. Come along quietly. If you don't want to experience a painful time, that is."
I'm tired of hearing that line.
"Are you guys from Stinger?"
"We have no obligation to answer."
"I think we have the right to ask, though?"
"You don't need to know."
"Then, we don't need to go with you either."
"It seems you won't understand until you experience some pain, huh?"
"Which of us is that?! You pieces of trash!"
Just as the man turned around, Mika-san's kick caught him right in the face.
The Ishihara couple, the Nishimatsu couple, the Watanabe couple, and the Sakai couple appeared.
"Who the hell are you guys?!"
"We have no intention of giving our names to trash like you!"
"Damn it! We'll kidnap all of you together!"
"Get the women first!"
As several men rushed at Mika-san, Watanabe-kun stood in their way.
Watanabe-kun grabbed two men with both hands and threw them.
While they flinched at the sight, Watanabe-kun grabbed one by the collar.
"I'm already on edge as it is. To lay a hand on my wife... you've got some nerve."
Saying so, Watanabe-kun lifted the man up and slammed him onto the ground.
From there, it became a brawl.
Unfortunately, there was too much of a difference in actual combat experience.
The six of them pinned down the thugs in no time.
The remaining ones rushed at Miyuki-san.
Nishimatsu-kun stood between Miyuki-san and the thug.
The thug was holding a weapon.
But paying no mind to that, Nishimatsu-kun charged forward.
He avoided the thug's attack as if a butterfly dancing, and struck a vital point.
"There was no need for you to step in, though."
"I have enough chivalry to protect my wife."
When it came down to the last person, he slashed at Naru with a knife.
But without flinching, Naru grabbed the arm holding the knife and threw him without hesitation.
I thought everyone was taken care of...
One man who remained conscious got up and pointed a handgun at Naru.
But Sakai-kun's foot stomped on his hand along with the handgun.
"We're busy over here too. Could you not irritate us by doing unnecessary things?"
When he kicked the man's head with his other foot, the man lost consciousness.
"For now, let's leave this place. I'll explain everything at the USE office."
Ishihara-kun said.
"What do you mean by busy? Did something happen?"
"It's an emergency! Katagiri-kun is also heading there!"
What on earth happened?
(3) (T/N: This section is labeled as (3) in the original Japanese text, repeating the previous section's number.)
Today is Coming-of-Age Day.
It's a national holiday, but today is my day off.
It was Ishihara-senpai's arrangement, saying I should let Arisu-san blow off some steam once in a while.
I arrived at Arisu's house at the promised time.
I rang the doorbell, but there was no response.
I had a bad feeling.
Unlocking it with the spare key I had been entrusted with, I entered the room.
It seemed no one was there.
Did she go shopping alone?
Even though I told her not to go out alone because it was dangerous, did she perhaps go to a convenience store?
I called Arisu's smartphone.
She didn't answer.
I searched Arisu's room, wondering if there was any clue... there was!
There was a note.
If things go on like this, I will drag everyone into it.
Kosei and Naru are being targeted. Please be careful.
I will find my own way to make amends.
It was for a short time, but I was able to dream.
Thank you very much.
I wish you all the best.
Shimomura Arisu.
This is bad!
I immediately called Ishihara-senpai.
Then, it turned out that a note had also been left at the office.
The content was the same.
I asked Watanabe-senpai for instructions.
"At any rate, let's gather at the office. We will go protect Naru and Kosei."
I also headed to the office.
Everyone was gathered.
Katagiri-senpai tore up the note and threw it away.
"Akiyoshi-kun. Did you bring Arisu-san's smartphone?"
"Yes, I brought it."
"Hand it to Makoto."
Just as Katagiri-senpai told me, I handed it to Tada-senpai.
"There's an incoming call from a blocked number. This is probably it, right?"
Tada-senpai said.
"Emi-san, where is Stinger's headquarters?"
"It's inside a residential area. Near the sports park!"
"Understood. Watanabe-kun, Ishihara-kun, Sakai-kun, Akiyoshi-kun, and I will go."
Katagiri-senpai said.
"If Toya-kun is going, I'm going too!"
Tosaka-senpai said.
"It's useless to stop me! I'm going too! I won't be satisfied until I say a word to Arisu!"
Kanna-senpai said.
"In that case, we will definitely bring her back. Tell her then."
Katagiri-senpai said so.
"Airi, you're staying behind this time too."
"Ugh... Toya-kun, don't push yourself, okay?"
"Tosaka-san, I'm with him. If he runs wild, I'll stop him."
When Watanabe-senpai said that, she seemed to reluctantly agree.
"When we get back, let's all have an after-party at the live studio. We have to welcome her."
When Katagiri-senpai said that, everyone nodded.
"I'll prepare food and drinks."
Emi-san said.
"Don't tell Haruto and the others, okay? Today is their Coming-of-Age Ceremony."
"I already left a message in the Watanabe group chat."
Tosaka-san said.
"Katagiri-kun. The vehicle is ready!"
Emi-san said.
"Thank you. Well then, shall we go, everyone? The rest of you, please stand by."
Saying so, the five of them raided the headquarters.
(5)
A phone call came in the morning. It was from a blocked number.
"Hello?"
"Don't say anything unnecessary."
It was the president of my former agency.
"Don't talk to anyone. Come of your own free will."
"I don't want to go back anymore. I will stand on the stage of my own free will."
"Even if you must be prepared for the sacrifice of your comrades?"
"What do you plan to do to everyone?"
"Among your comrades, there were still young children, weren't there?"
"Let's respect that so-called 'will' of yours. Which will you prioritize?"
I cannot escape. Once stained by darkness, it cannot be wiped away.
"...I understand. We are bound to the same fate."
"You're a sensible woman."
"Is that all you wanted?"
"Yeah, that's all."
"Then, I'm hanging up."
"Don't tell anyone. Don't forget that you are constantly being watched."
The call ended.
I left a note for Keita.
Informing him of the danger to Kosei and Naru as well.
I thought about taking off the ring too, but I couldn't.
My last selfishness. Let me meet my end as your lover.
I headed to the station.
Stopping by the office, there was still no one there.
Thank goodness.
I left a note at the office as well, along with my letter of resignation.
Please forgive my selfish actions.
I cannot take advantage of everyone's kindness any longer.
I intend to settle things in my own way.
I am deeply grateful to everyone.
Even if only for a short time, I was able to spend a happy time.
I cannot thank Keita-san enough.
Be careful of Kosei and Naru. Those guys are targeting the two of them.
May happiness be upon you all.
Shimomura Arisu.
And so, I headed to that man's house.
After telling the gatekeeper that I had arrived, I met that man—the president of the agency.
"I thought you would return. Well then, shall we sign a new contract?"
"There is no need for that."
"What?"
I rushed at the president with a knife in hand.
"Hie!"
"What a pathetic sight."
"Our sins will not disappear. That's why I will end it here. Don't worry, we are bound to the same fate. I will follow you shortly."
Saying so, I thrust the knife toward the president's chest.
But the knife was snatched from my hand.
It was that man.
"Unfortunately, that is an impossible request."
"You bitch!"
I was struck by the president and lost consciousness.
"I believe it would not be wise to scar her face."
"I'll discipline her so she can never do anything stupid again! Thanks to those guys, her popularity has gone up too. Lock her up in the attic or something!"
I heard that conversation within my fading consciousness.
The next time I woke up, I was in a small attic room.
"It seems you've regained consciousness."
I glared at that man.
"It seems the bond of your comrades is strong. But you had better throw away any naive feelings of being saved. What awaits you now is not salvation, but humiliating torture."
Saying so, Kurusu handed a short sword to me.
"Think carefully. Will you die while still beautiful, or will you suffer miserable violation? I will present you with at least that choice."
"What are you thinking?"
"I am looking for my final place."
Saying so, that man left the room.
I picked up the short sword and thought. This is Stinger's headquarters.
They cannot handle this.
Even so, somewhere in my mind, the naive thought that they would save me remained, and I hesitated.
(6)
After destroying the gate with an armored vehicle and intruding into the premises, we got out of the car.
Soldiers came pouring out.
"You're here, aren't you! Don't hide, come out!"
I shouted.
A man came out from a second-floor window.
"Who the hell are you?!"
"I've come to take Shimomura Arisu back. Come down right now!"
"Are you in a position to say such a thing?"
The man had room to spare.
"You guys, show these people out!"
When the man ordered, the soldiers attacked.
Compared to the Nine-Tailed Fox, the training of guys like this was low.
With five of us, we could easily handle them.
In an instant, the soldiers were lying on the ground.
"I'll say it once more. Bring Shimomura Arisu and come down!"
The man was pondering.
"We need some time too. Wait for an hour."
The man proposed.
Did he plan to win Arisu-san over in an hour? I felt Arisu-san's life was in danger.
Quietly accept his demand?
No way.
I kicked the stone lantern in the garden with all my might.
A part of the destroyed stone lantern directly hit the man's room on the second floor.
"I'll be there within an hour! Wait quietly!"
Saying so, I entered the mansion.
There were still soldiers. There was no time to deal with them.
"Leave this place to us, you go upstairs with Akiyoshi-kun!"
Watanabe-kun said.
I ran up the central stairs together with Akiyoshi-kun.
Watanabe-kun grabbed the soldiers chasing us and dragged them down.
"Once we clean these guys up, we'll go too!"
Sakai-kun and Ishihara-kun were already engaged in combat.
"Sorry, but despite how I look, I'm angry. I won't show any mercy."
"You don't even know how to use a blade. But if you're going to bring out weapons, we won't hold back either."
While the two of us were fighting, we reached the room on the second floor.
I kicked the door open.
The director of Arisu's agency and a tall, slender man were standing there.
"Where is Shimomura Arisu?"
"You don't think this will end as child's play, do you?"
Saying so, the tall, slender man pulled out two short swords.
Dual wielding...
That didn't matter.
I spoke to the Director.
"I'll ask once more. Where is Shimomura Arisu?"
The man with the short swords attacked.
I shielded Akiyoshi-kun.
The instant the man slashed, I drew my sword.
I blew the opponent away, crashing through the wall and falling below.
"I don't have time to deal with small fry one by one. Sorry, but stay out of it."
"Wait, Shimomura Arisu was originally our talent."
"We should have paid the transfer fee."
"Besides, Arisu came back of her own free will! There's no problem, right?!"
I pointed the tip of my blade at the man.
"I didn't come to hear your excuses. I believe I told you to bring Shimomura Arisu. Do you not understand until you experience some pain?"
"C-Calm down! Shimomura Arisu is in the attic room! If you go up those stairs, there's a room at the end."
"Hand over the key."
The Director quietly handed over the key.
When I passed it to Akiyoshi-kun, Akiyoshi-kun rushed to the attic room.
"I should have warned you many times not to lay a hand on Arisu. It seems you still don't understand what happens when you mess with us. Do you want to test the sharpness of this Bengetsu (Crimson Moon)?"
"Wait, I should have accepted your conditions."
"There is no guarantee that you will keep your promise."
"W-Wait! I will never lay a hand on Arisu again! I won't get involved with you guys either."
"There is no need for that. If I dispose of you right here, everything will be settled."
It's already a pain, so I'll just kill you right here and now.
"H-Help me!!"
I swung a merciless blow down at the man.
Watanabe-kun grabbed that arm.
"Guys like you are the scariest."
Watanabe-kun laughed.
The man had fainted.
We also rushed to the attic room.
(7)
I was finally able to make up my mind.
Let me make amends for my sins here.
My arm holding the short sword trembled.
It was just as I was about to gently press it against my wrist.
The door was opened.
Keita appeared.
As Keita approached me, he grabbed the short sword.
Blood was oozing out.
With his other hand, he slapped my cheek.
"Arisu, you are wrong! No one can be happy by making amends for sins in this way! Arisu is a precious person who brings dreams and hope to people! At least, you gave that to me."
"But if I'm alive, I'll just cause trouble for everyone again."
"That's not true."
The one who said that was Katagiri-senpai.
"I told you, didn't I? Arisu-san is our comrade. We won't forgive anyone who hurts our comrades."
"But, I..."
"As Shimomura Arisu, as ALICE. You just have to keep spreading dreams and hope to everyone as you always have. We will eliminate anyone who interferes with that stage."
"Isn't it about time you believed in your comrades?"
Watanabe-san said.
"No matter when, we are on your side. We will never waver."
The short sword had been taken from my hand.
"It's the police! What's all this commotion?!"
It seemed the police had arrived. We went downstairs.
The president and his subordinates were being arrested.
"Isn't that Katagiri-kun? And everyone from the Watanabe squad. Could you explain the situation?"
When I tried to explain, Katagiri-san covered my mouth.
"Our comrade was kidnapped, so we came to save her, Assistant Inspector Watase."
"Comrade?"
"There were some insolent fellows trying to snatch our precious talent, you see. We were just punishing them."
Ishihara-san said.
"The entertainment industry is quite a dangerous world too. I never thought a gang would show up."
Sakai-san said.
"Believe it or not, it's up to you. But we still have enough energy to go on another rampage."
Watanabe-kun said.
"What those guys are saying is nonsense! That woman is...!?"
"You, shut up."
Katagiri-san threatened the president with his eyes and words as he tried to say something, silencing him.
"This woman is a precious person who will give courage and hope to everyone in the future. I won't let anyone lay a hand on a precious person."
Katagiri-san said, and Assistant Inspector Watase seemed convinced.
"Understood. Take this man away!"
"Well then, see you later," Assistant Inspector Watase said, leaving with his subordinates.
"Now, let's go home. To the place where you belong."
"...Yes."
Keita-san wiped away a single tear running down my cheek.
When I returned to the office, everyone was worrying about me.
Kanna-san said.
"You've already been reborn from the Shimomura Arisu of the past. Stop dragging yourself down with the past forever. You have comrades who worry about you this much!"
"I am sorry for causing trouble."
"Not really, you know?"
Katagiri-senpai said.
"At least thanks to you, we were able to eliminate Stinger. We got an excuse to eliminate them."
"Killing two birds with one stone."
Mika-san said.
"The food is prepared. Let's all have a party at the underground live house!"
Emi-san said so.
As I was about to go downstairs too, Akira-senpai called out to stop me.
Two short-haired, baby-faced women whom I didn't know were standing there.
"Let me introduce them: Shimizu Aoi and Shimizu Sui. They are my cousins, and despite how they look, they practice kendo. They seemed to have free time, so I thought they could guard you."
The two of them introduced themselves.
"With this, we won't let anyone lay a single finger on you. Please think of Akiyoshi-kun, who is by your side, too."
Akira-san said.
"I'm sorry..."
I hugged Keita.
Keita held me.
"I'll do at least enough to protect my future wife."
Keita gently said so.
"I want to be your little bird."
"I want to do that for you too, but I feel like I might hug you to death."
The two of us said so and laughed together.
Having finished wandering, moisture returned to the parched earth.
Because it is a love that happens only once, let us dance with a passion that will never come again inside your dream.
(8)
"Toya-kun, I told you no, didn't I! I heard from Watanabe-kun!"
"That's why I said I'm sorry, Airi."
I was being scolded by Airi.
Everyone was enjoying themselves while enjoying the drinks and food prepared at the live house.
"But with this, Stinger is destroyed. Did you read that far ahead, Toya?"
"Well, yeah. I've been thinking about it ever since they laid hands on Arisu-san. At least they won't lay hands on us."
I replied when Watanabe-kun said that.
The destruction of Stinger. That meant tearing away the execution squad of the Knights of the Sun.
With this, they wouldn't be able to obstruct Morishige-san either.
All that was left was to grab Eto Shinichiro's scandal.
But there was little time for that.
Unless we do it at least before the official announcement of the election, we will be arrested.
But it seemed there was no need to worry about that either.
"As expected of local politics. They're doing whatever they want. Just as Toya said, I found it. Eto Shinichiro was definitely in the video."
It seemed Makoto's work was fast too.
"It was so disgusting that Naru, who was watching it with me, even got mad at me."
Kosei said.
"What should we do, Toya? Upload it to the internet?"
"Let's hand it over to Superintendent Tosaka. It's evidence of corruption. As for the video, we can just upload it to the internet."
"With this, Morishige-san can win!"
Airi said.
"After that, is it a matter of voter turnout?"
No matter how much the floating votes supporting Morishige-san increase, it is meaningless if they don't go to vote.
There, let's expect Morishige-san's skill.
"Well, isn't it fine! In the end, it means it's our grand victory!"
"That's right. Let's get excited tonight!"
"Give me a break, I want to go home on the last bus. I have school again tomorrow."
When Kanna and Mika-san said that, I said so.
"Well, I guess I'll let you off. But on the weekend, we're celebrating Haruto and the others' Coming-of-Age Ceremony."
"I heard Toya and the others decided on a room too?"
Watanabe-kun said.
"Yeah, actually we planned to look around for home appliances today, though."
"Both ALICE-san's matter and Morishige-san's matter are settled. You can take your time from now on."
"That's right."
The banquet continued until the time of the last bus.
We got on the bus and went home.
Airi stated her wishes.
Like wanting a big refrigerator, or wanting to buy new furniture on this occasion.
While listening to Airi's wishes, I was thinking about the two of us in a future we had yet to see.