PART 1

Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau, Family Register Section, Fourth Annex.

The Blue King Munakata Reisi’s official position was the director of this small office at the bottom of the polity, whose business was “the collection and management of information regarding persons retaining abilities caused by a unique phenomenon.”

The combat organization of Scepter 4, made up of nearly a hundred uniquely powered individuals, was a strictly non-public organization. Officially, it was an outside agency commissioned for a part of the Fourth Annex’s business, and at the same time it should be said that it was the private army of the Fourth Annex’s director, Munakata Reisi. Be that as it may, in actuality the members of Scepter 4 and the Fourth Annex were practically one and the same. Basically, the “Fourth Annex” was a paper identity given to Scepter 4, who kept the extra-legal side of things. But Munakata normally calls himself “director,” and his subordinates also called him by this title through and through. It was a display of power more immense and transcendent than anyone else, while showing deference towards the existing social system – there was no way for outside people to understand such a truth.

He was a man like a chimera, Zenjoh thought.

In front of him, the man like a chimera smiled like a chimera.

A smile that steals one’s freedom.

Once a week during the day in the dojo, along with the squads, or those who willingly choose to participate in martial arts training, occurs a joint training that all troops participate in. Unlike fencing practice, which was for learning the armed group movements, dojo training was designed for the mastery of each and every person’s swordsmanship technique itself. During practice, they wear dogi^[1] and use bamboo swords. They use techniques prohibited in competitive kendo, and use them mercilessly. Protective gear is unused. They etch into themselves the agility to evade an attacking enemy along with countless bruises.

Saturday afternoon, just before joint training. Roughly a hundred troops sat properly in neat rows. Much like during fencing practice, the lieutenant, Awashima Seri stood facing them, commanding them.

No – today at Awashima’s side was an unfamiliar man. A single-armed man wearing a dogi on his huge muscular body, enshrined like an old tree. He emanated a strange presence just by being there, without saying a single word.

“…Hey, who’s that crazy lookin’ guy?”

“Mm, I wonder…”

Troops from the fourth squad, Fuse and Gotoh, whispered to each other.

“Heheheh, I know…” Hidaka slid over from diagonally behind them, sticking his head in. “He’s the soba guy.”

“The hell is that?”

Fuse and Gotoh gave him a questioning look, and beside him Enomoto smiled wryly. “He’s something of an old vet. It seems he was moved to internal affairs after an injury…”

“Huh… a battle-whatevered warrior. Well, doesn’t look like a wimp just from looking at him.”

“No, he’s actually a surprisingly nice guy–”

“–Silence!”

A sharp voice rang throughout the dojo, and Hidaka and the others hurriedly fixed their posture.

“This is Mister Zenjoh Goki, who will be advising our dojo training from today.” Awashima bowed as she introduced him, and Zenjoh lowered his head in return, facing the troops again.

“Hello.”

The troops gave Zenjoh their full attention, expecting some sort of speech to begin, but Zenjoh didn’t say anything else; he looked around the room and bowed his head again.

“Mister Zenjoh was a part of the former Scepter 4 organization and participated in actual battle. He is incredibly experienced. Do not disrespect him.”

“Ma’am!”

Awashima wrapped up the greetings, the troops gave a single bow, and training finally begun. After several easy forms and light practice swings, and the formation of lines and such, Awashima ordered, “Scrimmage!”

Scrimmage was a kind of so-called free-style practice, but it presupposed a melee situation in actual combat, and as every person changed opponents one after another they moved freely, fighting each other. It was dangerous training, where training swords and other’s bodies may hit blind spots beside and behind, in addition to a proper opponent.

Feet rubbing the floor, striking training swords, the troops’ shouts – the dojo in scrimmage showed a state of chaos. But upon closer inspection, within that chaos existed different characteristics and a kind of chaotic order. For example, Awashima walked along the walls without participating in the scrimmage, shouting commands such as,

“Ishizuka! You’re too defensive! Hit back!”

“Jinnai! You are too sloppy!” Bringing together the whole atmosphere.

And Akiyama, Benzai, Camo, Domyoji – the space around the four squad commanders was rather open, showing their skill and air of intimidation, and those around them continued to challenge them.

And then, one more–

Fourth squad, Kusuhara Takeru.

His body was small and his skills were nothing to fear, but for some reason there was space around him and others were avoiding him. It’s because he was “hard to approach.” As though he himself was more aware than before, Kusuhara would often strangely delay his breaths between blows and his timing, and moved at a moment that his opponent wasn’t expecting. He’d catch his enemies off guard by his own reflexes – “awkward” would be an easier way to express it. For example, were this a conversation with bad verbal responses, or when two people speak up at the same time converted into sword training, you have practice swords and bodies bumping into each other. Everyone understood that Kusuhara himself had no ill intent, and scrimmage training was aimed at those exact irregular situations in the first place. It was just that “going up against him’s a pain” – those feelings manifested themselves as a strange feeling of distance around him.

On the other hand, there were those who liked that quality of his.

“Kusuhara!” Hidaka called from an area far from him, the point of his bamboo sword pointing to him.

“Yes!” Kusuhara answered by readying himself.

They edged slowly towards each other, feinted each other, when finally Hidaka’s sword suddenly lowered.

“Yaa!”

“Ha!”

Hidaka managed to preemptively strike him on the abdomen as Kusuhara came at him without waiting. Since they weren’t wearing any armor, his attack hit him directly in the gut.

“Agh…!” Kusuhara doubled over with the wind knocked out of him. But he stepped to stop himself from falling to his knees.

“Alriiight! One more!”

“Ach… Okay…!”

Kusuhara somehow managed to ready himself without being able to breathe, so Hidaka dropped his stance, resting his weapon on his shoulder and smiled, “…Haha, you can take a breath.”

But–

“–Hidaka! Don’t lose focus!”

“Egh!”

Awashima scolded him and he shrank.

Watching the scene from a distance, Gotoh gave a low laugh. “Heheheh… Hidaka likes Kusuhara, doesn’t he.”

“Yeah, the new one… I like him too,” Fuse answered, striking back at him. Fuse, Hidaka and the others, the problem children of the fourth squad, were proficient in pretending to exchange blows while they took breaks and chatted behind Awashima and the other squad commanders’ backs.

“He really gets tricked by feints. It’s funny ‘cuz it’s like a puppy playing around.”

— “Puppy” is probably too much. Enomoto overheard their conversation and smiled wryly, but he then remembered, Ah… That’s right, I just called him a puppy, too. He wasn’t one to talk.

Then,

“…Oh hey, how’s our famous pro doing?”

“Uh? I dunno…”

Enomoto also unwittingly looked back into the dojo as they said that. The single-armed man Zenjoh was sitting the same way as he was at the beginning of training, without moving an inch.

“…You think he’s sleeping?”

“Heheh, maybe… Oh. Awashima-san’s going to wake him up.”

Just as they said that, Awashima, having made practically her third loop around the dojo, spoke to him. “Zenjoh-san… How is it?”

It was as though he was listening to the sounds of the training, and he lifted his head.

“Hm… It’s wonderful that everyone is so full of spirit.” It was a harmless answer.

Then Awashima sat on her knees directly in front of Zenjoh. Her unshaken bearing was much like a direct attack to the head. “I’ve heard from the Director that you worked closely with the previous Blue King in the former Scepter 4.”

“Ah… That’s an old story.”

“No one has been able to match you in swordsmanship.”

“Not at all.” Zenjoh shifted the position of his glasses uncomfortably. “Director Munakata is giving me too much credit… No, it must be a bad joke of his.”

“There’s no need to be modest. Please do give guidance.”

“Ah, that’s…” Zenjoh scratched his head in bewilderment at Awashima’s pressing attitude.

At some point the troops around them had stopped moving too, watching the two exuding an unusual air. It wasn’t as though Awashima had said something with hidden meaning. They were simply thinking, if Director Munakata had said that this man here was strong then he must be, and that if he was told to teach then he should.

“Heh… Pro’s embarrassed.”

“That’s ‘cuz Seri-chan doesn’t get the hint.”

Gotoh and Fuse whispered to each other in hushed voices. There was a soft murmur throughout the dojo of the similar conversations occurring here and there.

“…How about it?” When Awashima began to ask to be doubly sure–

“–Um… Lieutenant Awashima! One match please!” Kusuhara stepped in front, clutching his training sword.

“Oh? Saving the day, huh.”

“He sure got guts.”

“You can call that ‘way too conceited,’ too.”

As the troops spoke to each other, Awashima stood and faced Kusuhara with her weapon readied. “Alright, let’s go.”

“Okay! Ya–!”

— Smack!

The moment Kusuhara raised his sword over his head to strike, the tip of Awashima’s moved slightly. Kusuhara’s body stiffened for just a moment in response to her movement. She took the chance to step directly towards him, connecting at his forehead – that was all half a second. He fell on his behind right where he was. He seemed to have gotten a slight concussion, and his head was spinning. Low sounds of “ooh…” stirred from the other troops. Despite Awashima’s clear hit, Fuse said with a wry smile, “There’s no one else who could lose so beautifully.”

“Dumbass, I was gonna decide that, Kusuhara!” Hidaka said, poking Fuse in the side.

“Kusuhara, can you get up? …Seems not. Then, you there. Carry him to the corner.” Within the hesitant, low laughs, Awashima quickly ordered Kusuhara and the troops around him, and she once again sat in front of Zenjoh.

“…How about it?” It was a continuation of the earlier conversation. It was almost as if she wasn’t even aware of her face-off with Kusuhara.

“…Well, you know. That’ll be…” When Zenjoh started to stand, clearly hesitant about it–

The loud, screeching sounds of the sirens set in the dojo walls went off. It was the signal of an all-troop emergency dispatch.

Awashima instinctively stood and turned back, then made a bow to Zenjoh who nodded to her silently, and gave orders to the nervous troops. “Men, gather at the exit in full uniform! First and second squads will depart first and receive information support and briefing during transport. Third and fourth squads stay in battle-ready standby until further orders!”

“Ma’am!”

The troops exited quickly from the dojo like pouring water.

“Ah…” Kusuhara hurriedly tried to stand, but Hidaka kept hold of his shoulder.

“Lieutenant, what about Kusuhara!?” Hidaka raised his head and asked.

“He’ll rest there!” Awashima’s voice grew faint as she answered.

“…Yeah. You chill here for today.”

“Ah… Okay.”

Hidaka patted Kusuhara’s shoulder and followed the other troops out.

For a little while afterwards, Kusuhara lay on the floor in the corner of the dojo, staring blankly up at the ceiling. It wasn’t that long of a time. When he finally came back to his senses, he could still hear the hurried voices of roll call and vehicle guidance from the front. It just felt as though that clamorous energy had escaped to outside the dojo. The space just moments ago was filled with a hundred troops striking at each other like fireworks, and was now just like an empty bowl. Only two remained now in this empty bowl. Kusuhara himself, and Zenjoh.

Pulling a sword stand with a caster, Zenjoh picked up one by one the bamboo training swords the troops had tossed to the ground.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I can take care of that.” Kusuhara tried to stand, but Zenjoh stopped him with his hand.

“Rest for a little more.”

“Ah… okay. I’m sorry.” Kusuhara sat with his back against the wall. His head was still spinning a little.

“…I’m the one that should be sorry. I had you looking out for me.” What Zenjoh was talking about was Kusuhara’s earlier match with Awashima. When he’d seen Zenjoh’s trouble he’d interfered without thinking, but —

“No, that was unnecessary. There didn’t seem to be much point in it.”

“Hm…” Answering vaguely, he finished collecting the swords and began to mop the floor. He was probably used to cleaning the dojo. He fixed the long stick between his right hand and underarm, moving the mop skillfully with one hand.

“…Zenjoh-san?”

“Hm?”

“…I don’t have any talent, do I?”

“Hm…” Zenjoh stopped and rubbed his chin with his right hand. Then, without answering Kusuhara’s question, he began to mop again.

— Is he smiling…? He gazed blankly at Zenjoh, then listening to the noises from the front, he brushed his bangs. That’s mean– Oh… His finger touched a large bump that had formed on his forehead.

They said that the emergency dispatch during the day was one to deal with an incident of assault somewhere within the city. So to speak, it sounded like “a hundred security force troops were mobilized for one quarrel,” but since one person of the concerned party was a Beta Class superpowered, “The monster appeared, so we send the army, or something,” Hidaka had said when they returned.

“When it becomes a so-called Beta Case, then it’s something like, will Director Munakata himself appear, or will they dispatch all of us like they did today?” Enomoto joined the explanation, and Hidaka continued.

“And the guys today were taken in by Lieutenant Awashima, Commander Akiyama and Commander Benzai and those guys. So basically only they really got to do anything.”

“No, the numbers were necessary. Working with the police to secure the perimeter and such… But I don’t think we needed a hundred. And us fourth squad and Commander Domyoji sort of stood out in the front, and the rear was clattering some.”

“The ‘strong guys’ and the ‘responsible guys’ have to be separate.”

“Well, the organization of Scepter 4 exists because of those ‘strong guys’… Originally, the squad units with the commanders’ strength as the center were meant for dealing with Common Class superpowereds, but if the opponent’s a Beta Class, there’ll be a lot of irregularities…”

“And aren’t Beta Classes in the first place… supposed to be one in a hundred? So why are they appearing like every week when we don’t even know if there’s even a hundred of them in the entire country? Is this the year for them or what?”

“That’s a mystery,” Enomoto nodded.

“It looks like we don’t know what the cause of it was today… Anyway, we have to deal with it.”

“…So, that’s that reorganization, right?” Kusuhara interjected.

— Several days prior, the “Soba Day.”

Munakata, who had come to visit Zenjoh, spoke of a plan to rearrange the swordsmen troops and the entire organization of Scepter 4 into an assumed Beta Class-response system. In order to make possible a quick response to Beta Class superpowereds who appear suddenly, he would place a selected unit comprised of troops who excel in special skills and fighting prowess at a higher rank above the regular sword division, concentrating on information and authority. Conversely, this was removing strong squad-class personnel from the position of “subordinate leadership” and granting them individual mobility.

“…More specifically, the squad commanders of squads one through four, as well as those who excel in their individual skills, in addition to a small number from the intelligence division… I plan to place this unit comprised of roughly fifteen men in total directly beneath me.”

“Huh…” Why was he speaking of such a thing to him?

Munakata said to Zenjoh, who wore a dubious expression on his face, “Zenjoh-san. I would like to hear your opinions as consultation on who to choose.” So for that, Munakata had ordered Zenjoh to make appearances at the midday training under the name of “adviser” but…

“–So basically, if we show that old guy our cool moves, then that means we’ll be promoted to the elite corps. Hey, this’s our chance!” Hidaka smacked Kusuhara’s back.

“I don’t think it’s that simple… But a chance is a chance,” Enomoto smiled wryly.

“…But I showed that chance some pretty uncool things, though,” Kusuhara said dejectedly. Hidaka grabbed and held his head under his arm, swinging him around roughly.

“Dumbass, they’re gonna evaluate those guts of yours! You’ve got the potential! Be more confident, confident!”

“T-Thank you! But owww, don’t hit me! Please don’t hit me!!”

Though being left behind with a concussion certainly had its effect on him, Kusuhara headed calmly to the dojo with training sword in hand. It wasn’t that he’d completely accepted Hidaka’s backup, but he may have been tougher than he thought.

If luck was on his side, he may be able to see Zenjoh as he trained. He had spaced out during the day, but if he asked properly he may be able to get some sort of advice. If anything, he’d just practice swinging.

The dojo building looked hazy in the night air. It was dark and dead silent with a dreadful air, like the other day.

— Ah… Zenjoh-san’s here. Kusuhara just continued walking. He planned to call out to him when he’d gotten just close enough so that he wouldn’t suddenly jump out and cut him.

Then he saw someone in a state of undress in the hallway that reached from the southern building. It was Director Munakata. Though he was still not visible from the dojo, the presence emanating from within the dojo turned into something even more on edge in response to either Munakata’s footsteps, or a presence even stranger.

Kusuhara hurriedly veered away from the path. He took his time going around the back of the dojo, walking quietly, and peeked in through the window. Zenjoh was in the center of the dojo. He was sitting the same way he had during training in the daytime, but, maybe due to the long sword at his side, he seemed much more tense. And across the dojo from Kusuhara on the other side, on the step of the large, open window sat Munakata. His back was to Zenjoh and Kusuhara. The atmosphere wasn’t as awkward as it was the other day, but it was too much to say it was friendly. Kusuhara hesitated as to whether or not he should say something to them.

“…How was the training today?” Munakata asked, looking towards the inner garden.

“Ah… Their enthusiasm has affected me,” Zenjoh answered, still facing inside the dojo.

“Heh… You say things an old man would say.”

“I am old.”

“…Well, we’ll leave it at that, then.”

“Huh…” Zenjoh’s tone was completely hard in response to Munakata’s almost calm words to himself. That body sitting upright seemed as though it would burst forth in the next moment to cut Munakata’s back. On the contrary, it was bizarre that Munakata was easily fending off such vigor that could cause anyone to hold their breath simply by looking.

“May I hear what I’ve asked of you?”

— Ah, this is…

It was the personnel selection talks. Kusuhara took a deep breath and listened carefully.

“First… Awashima-kun. How is she?”

After a few hesitant beats, “This is my personal opinion, but,” Zenjoh began as he spoke. “She has mature, good swordsmanship. She is the perfect example for the troops.”

“Hm.” Munakata nodded slightly. His expression was not visible. “Well then, the commanders beneath her… How about, Akiyama?”

“He is also strong. His balance is good next to Awashima’s. He would be promising in an important position.”

“Benzai.”

“He’s rather mild-tempered, but steady. He would be good for defense.”

“Camo.”

“His entrances are a bit much. You have to make sure he doesn’t run ahead, but this is where he’ll be of most use.”

“Domyoji.”

“He has strong habits, but it would be most beneficial to not hold them back.”

“…I see.” Munakata nodded again. “Any others of note?”

“Hidaka, Gotoh, Fuse, Enomoto… Was placing all the eccentric ones in Domyoji’s squad an intentional arrangement?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Basically, hoodlums of a sort…”

Munakata let escape a small breath. He seemed to have laughed. “Well, it’s something like a toy box. Is there a problem?”

“No… It would be best if everyone were to be a bit more serious, but they have room to grow.”

Afterwards, Zenjoh gave a few names with brief reviews. Then,

“…How about him?” Munakata said suddenly.

“Him…?” Zenjoh tilted his head slightly. “Ahh, you mean Kusuhara Takeru.”

— !? Not expecting to hear his name, Kusuhara held his breath. He heard his heart beat a few times as it grew louder.

After a rather long pause, “…He’s interesting.” Zenjoh said.

“Interesting?”

“Yes.”

“…Heh.” Munakata’s shoulders shook as he laughed, and he suddenly turned around. “…Is what he says, Kusuhara-kun.”

“Huh… Ah!” Kusuhara straightened his back from his peeking position and bowed. “I-I’m sorry!”

Two, three seconds of an awkward silence passed,

“My.”

Zenjoh was at the other side of Munakata’s line of sight. He was still facing the inside of the dojo, but at a closer look the tension in his shoulders was gone, and he was rubbing his chin with his right hand.

“This is new… The demon is laughing.”

“I’m not a demon. I laugh and cry.”

“…Then I would surely like to see you crying someday.”

Zenjoh’s hand stopped. His expression was unreadable.

“Apologies. That was a joke… Thank you for your opinions. I’ll consider it.” Munakata said and stood. He waved his hand slightly to the other two and walked off.

As the sounds of sandaled footsteps grew distant, Zenjoh finally took his sword in his hand and stood. “I’m going, too,” he said to Kusuhara with a small smile. “I’m a bit exhausted mentally… I always get nervous when I talk with him.”

“Ah, yes. Um… Thanks for your hard work.”

“Lock up after yourself.” He pointed to the key hanging on the side of the entrance, then left the dojo.

And then, Kusuhara, now left alone, stood in the center of the dojo and began to practice his forms and swings, but just couldn’t get into it. After a little while, he swung his bamboo sword in his gloomy state, and he suddenly realized he’d forgotten to ask — What does “interesting” mean?

The reorganization wasn’t long after that, and was put into effect on May 1st. Each member of the swordsmen division were gathered in the hall of a government office, and Scepter 4 lieutenant Awashima Seri handed each person an official notification of appointment.

“Akiyama Himori.”

“Ma’am.”

“As of today, you are appointed to the swordsmen division special duty corps.”

“Ma’am.” Akiyama took the notice and gave a single bow, turned back and returned to the front of the first squad’s line. However, once the ceremony was over, he would leave the first squad and become a member of the new “special duty corps.”

“Next, Benzai Yujiroh.”

“Ma’am.” Taking Akiyama’s place, Benzai stepped out from the front of the second squad line.

“Likewise, you are appointed to the special duty corps.”

“Ma’am.”

“Next, Camo Ryuho–”

–First the four squad commanders, namely Akiyama, Benzai, Camo, Domyoji, in addition to a few others from each of the squads were listed off and told of their selection in the special duty corps. The fourth squad’s Hidaka, Gotoh, Fuse, and Enomoto were included in that. Then, in each squad, one commander and four leaders were appointed from the remaining troops. Over all, a little less than half of the troops had a change in status, and the remaining half were to remain as is.

Then, lastly–

“Kusuhara Takeru.”

“What? …Ma’am!?” He’d thought this had nothing to do with him, but when his name was called when he hadn’t been expecting it, Kusuhara hurriedly jumped out to the front of the line. Awashima nodded lightly to Kusuhara, who stood at attention, and read off his appointment notice.

“As of today, you are appointed to the general affairs file room.”

“General affairs file room”–

— …That’s where Zenjoh-san is, isn’t it. Why me? What do they want me to do there? Kusuhara, back in line and standing up straight, mulled over the thoughts that were spinning in his head.

“–Concluded. Everyone must gather in their new affiliations after this and discuss what’s forthcoming. You are dismissed.” Awashima’s words of conclusion barely reached anybody’s ears.

Which is when,

“Wait, waaait!” Kusuhara was suddenly grabbed on the upper arm by Hidaka, who forcefully pulled him.

“Huh? Wh-wha–!?” Hidaka held a confused Kusuhara’s head under his arm and marched forward violently, then took Kusuhara’s notice of appointment from his hand and slammed it down on the table in front of Awashima.

“What on earth does this mean!?”

The other swordsmen troops, who’d just been dismissed, stopped in their tracks and turned back at the menacing attitude.

“Pardon?” Awashima knitted her brows, tilting her head. It was a hard, cold expression, the “mask of ice” acquaintances and troops tease her for. But it was only today that Hidaka didn’t back down.

“I mean! Why’s only he get put somewhere else!? This is a demotion or whatever, isn’t it!”

“Why do you think so?”

“Whaddya mean why…!?” Hidaka hesitated. Because he was the type to talk a whole lot, he wasn’t very good at answering questions “…Well, he’s made a mess of a lotta things lately… And he even couldn’t go out to work the other day…” He looked away, faltering in his speech. “But, just because of that…!”

Awashima sighed quietly. “Hidaka. It seems you’re upset, so I will explain the situation to you myself.” Her tone was calm and rather courteous. She didn’t seem mad. “First, this reorganization was for business efficiency within the entire organization, not for ranking troops and much less individual discipline.”

“…Urgh.”

Awashima remonstrated him slowly, and Hidaka fell silent again.

“Second, like the other troops, Kusuhara is someone who’s had his talents discovered and appointed directly by Director Munakata. You should also think of this assignment as a part of the Director’s planned most efficient human deployment.”

“…What, but…”

“Third–” Awashima’s expression changed slightly. It was without the mask, and rather pensive. “There is something I also don’t understand about Kusuhara’s treatment.”

“Then…!” Hidaka leaned forward, but Awashima’s expression tightened once again, unapproachable, and she spoke.

“…However. This is all according to the Director’s plans. It is not something we can put a word in on. That is all for an official explanation.” Then, as to make doubly sure, Awashima spoke as she stared fixedly at Hidaka’s eyes. “If you absolutely must, then if I were you, I would ask the Director directly.”

“Eh…!?” Hidaka held his breath for a moment, and, looking away, spoke. “…There’s no way I could do something like that.”

“Then this conversation is over.”

“Ugh…” Hidaka tensed, and behind him,

“You did great! You did really great, Hidaka. Up against that scary Awashima!”

“The Director’s even scarier, though.”

“Well, can’t do much about that.”

The former members of the fourth squad whispered to each other, but when Awashima glanced up, they simultaneously held their tongues and fixed their posture. Awashima gave a disgusted-sounding sigh, and this time faced Kusuhara. “Kusuhara. Do you have any remarks?”

“No, none in particular.” Kusuhara fixed his posture and answered, and Awashima nodded.

“Then, this situation may be a bit hard to swallow, but please work to your utmost in your new position.”

“Yes… But, um.”

“What is it?”

Kusuhara said to her, who had tilted her head, “Would it be alright… if I asked the Director directly about his reasons?”

“Hey!? What are you saying!?” Hidaka hit Kusuhara’s back.

Behind him,

“Man, he’s fearless.”

“Could it be, he’s at his rebellious phase…? Heheh.”

“The hell is that?”

As Fuse and Gotoh whispered to each other, “Shh, she’ll get mad at you again.” Enomoto hurriedly stopped them.

“Uh… Well, okay.” On the other hand, Awashima gave a vague response, a dumbfounded expression on her face.

“Well then…”

When Kusuhara told Lieutenant Awashima that he would ask, it wasn’t to make fun of her. It wasn’t quite “confidence,” but something like a vague aim.

That night, the dojo.

— Could it be, today too… He thought, and when he’d headed over, they were indeed there.

Zenjoh and Director Munakata. As usual they were not face-to-face, sitting in their usual spots keeping an odd, tense air about them. It wasn’t as though they were going to chat, nor was it an open, “just being together is enough” type of atmosphere. Even still, they came to the dojo almost every night, creating this tense situation.

— I don’t really get it, but they’re both pretty eager… He thought dully as he neared.

“Ah, Kusuhara-kun.” As usual, Director Munakata called out to him from a distance. Rather, he probably had noticed him much earlier, and just waited until he’d been close enough to hear.

And then–

“Heheh… So that’s what Hidaka-kun said… He’s a hot-blooded man.” When Kusuhara spoke of what happened during the day, Munakata chuckled. Zenjoh, possibly listening to the conversation, faced the side, completely silent, like he was the other day. “So, Kusuhara-kun. What is your question?”

“Huh?”

“Haven’t you come to ask me my reason for being unfair?”

“No, it’s not unfair… If it is a demotion, then it can’t be helped. I’ve only caused problems for my seniors in the corps…”

“Hm.” Munakata, without confirming or denying it, made a vague remark.

“But that’s… not the reason, right?”

“…Oh?” Munakata looked at Kusuhara’s face, his interested piqued slightly.

“Director, you seem to be really interested in the file– no, in Zenjoh-san… I just thought that… Maybe putting me there probably has special meaning or something.”

“…Hm.” Munakata once again made a vague remark and suddenly turned to Zenjoh. “Zenjoh-san, Kusuhara-kun says as such… But do you think the same?”

Zenjoh didn’t answer. Keeping his sitting posture, he simply glared with a scowl on his face at the floor a few meters in front of him.

“Well… Your face says, ‘what are you plotting?'” Munakata gave a slight smile. “How frightening. I may be eaten.”

At his provoking tone, Zenjoh finally began to speak slowly. “…No, not a plot… I just find it hard to judge your intentions.” His gaze still didn’t move. He was still trying to outstare the dojo floor. “…At least to me, there is no reason to think it good to downgrade a young man with a future to a do-nothing job.”

“Of course not.” Munakata responded readily. “I want of course young men with futures, as well as seasoned veterans to display that power in a suitable place. That’s what I think.”

Zenjoh stirred slightly.

“Heheh… Your face says, ‘this has been unnecessary trouble,’ Zenjoh-san.” Munakata’s smile grew bigger. “The old file room is where you’d transition until you’d adjusted to the new Scepter 4. That was the promise, but… You sure seem to like that dark place.” Munakata paused momentarily, waiting for Zenjoh’s response. But it never came. “Zenjoh-san, as I’m sure you are aware, Scepter 4 is an unofficial organization, but its purpose of existence is very public. Social paradigms originally manage and control those with unusual powers who do not even obey the laws of physics… Were it not for our work, just keeping the structure of this country would be dangerous.” And Zenjoh still did not speak. Munakata continued, “…And, at the same time. I think of the present Scepter 4 as mine–no, as myself. All the information, authority, facilities, and even each and every member that Scepter 4 has should all be one system that moves beneath my will.”

Zenjoh brought his brows together slightly. What was reflected in his eyes was either surprise at Munakata’s audacious self-confidence, or suspicion at his self-righteousness.

“And so… The system’s black box is a part of me as well as something that is out of my control. That is you, Zenjoh-san.”

“Hah… My apologies.”

“However, it would nevertheless be a waste to omit it. Your ‘Demon Fang’… I want it to be of use to Scepter 4 under any circumstances.”

Zenjoh answered Munakata’s words without facing him at all. “What an overestimation.”

“And you are much too humble. No, it’s better to call it self-effacement.” Munakata said with a provocative tone, but Zenjoh was unresponsive. “Still, I can’t force you to obey me. And were I to remove your fangs and tame you, you would no longer be a demon. Heheh… This is quite the problem.” Munakata was smiling, clearly enjoying himself, when he suddenly turned to face Kusuhara. “Kusuhara-kun. How do you feel about this situation?”

“Huh?”

He spoke to Kusuhara, who unwittingly straightened his posture. “I’m distressed. Zenjoh-san is also distressed. And I’m sure you have your own worries. So every person here right now is distressed.”

“Uh, that’s… Yes, I am.”

Munakata let slip a chuckle. “But there is where the interests of all three people here coincide. Give-and-take, you could say.”

“Yeah…” Not quite understanding, Kusuhara responded vaguely. Zenjoh also wore a puzzled look on his face.

“Ah, it seems I’ve been indirect. Then I’ll get straight to the point.” Munakata faced Zenjoh directly. “Zenjoh-san, I want you to leave the blood of the demon in my Scepter 4.”

“Blood…?” Kusuhara tilted his head, and Zenjoh also knitted his brows. “…I don’t quite understand what you mean.”

He was probably expecting an answer like that. Munakata spoke calmly. “Basically, what I mean is that since you still continue to refuse to participate in the combat troops, I want you to pass on your skills to Kusuhara here in your place.”

“Nah… I don’t have anything like ‘skills’ on me.”

“Of course, your techniques are not the kind that can be taught evenly to a line of students.” Munakata said lightly. “And that’s where Kusuhara-kun comes in.”

“What?”

“I’ll have Kusuhara move with Zenjoh, and steal those skills as he is able for the time being. Well, it’s like special training.”

“Uh, Um…” Kusuhara looked around as though trying to ascertain the situation, then once again faced Munakata. “…Are you telling me to become like Zenjoh-san…?”

Munakata gave a small smile. “Not quite. However, I would be happy if you were to inherit some kind of element. Yes, an element that works beyond even my expectations in my Scepter 4.” Then he and Kusuhara looked to Zenjoh. “I feel there is some value in trying it out… What do you think Zenjoh-san?”

“Make Kusuhara my replacement… huh.” Zenjoh frowned, and Munakata smiled delightfully.

“Heheh… You seem unwilling. You’re not the kind of person to force the work you hate on a young person and be okay with it. However, what if not I, but the person in question were to ask that of you?” Munakata glanced at Kusuhara. “How about it, Kusuhara-kun? The opportunity to be mentored directly by Zenjoh Goki is a rare one.”

“Hah…” Directing his gaze diagonally upwards, Kusuhara tried to picture it. Zenjoh’s ghastly bearing, and a tremendous draw that could slice an enemy in half by spirit alone–

Now, he was being made into some sort of pretense of Director Munakata’s expectations. That he knew. But depending on the circumstances, were he able to feel a part of Zenjoh’s power–

“Um… Zenjoh-san?” Kusuhara stood up straight, and facing Zenjoh he asked directly, “…I ask you too, would you please?”

He then waited for Zenjoh to answer… but he didn’t. He first looked to Kusuhara, then Munakata, then stood slowly and headed for the entrance.

“Ah…”

Kusuhara watched him leave and Munakata, beside him, laughed. “Heheh… You got through to him, Kusuhara-kun.”

“Huh…?”

“Were I to ask, it would not have gone like that. I’d expected no less from you.”

“What… hah.” Looking back and forth between the exit that Zenjoh disappeared from and Munakata who was smiling beside him, and asked, “Um… What were you expecting from me?”

“Well, that is…” Munakata brought his hand to his glasses and chuckled. “…Your charm, I suppose.”

“…Huh?” Giving a slow-witted response, Kusuhara scratched his head.