Shin visited five nearby areas where Jiu had been reported, meticulously inspecting each location. Unfortunately, nothing noteworthy caught his eye, leaving him without any tangible leads. Frustrated by his inability to track down one person, Shin resolved to take a different approach. He began wandering the area, striking up conversations with both residents and passersby, hoping to gather any useful information.
Each conversation initiated by Shin turned into a dead end, leaving him increasingly frustrated as the day wore on. The people he spoke to offered nothing but stories of the ordinary, their words falling flat in the search for any hint of Jiu's whereabouts. Annoyance simmered within Shin, but he refused to succumb to despair. Determined, he continued his aimless trek through the area, his steps fueled by a fervent hope that sheer chance might guide him to Jiu, an elusive figure amidst the bustling crowds.
As Shin settled near a park, a familiar scent stirred his senses, prompting an immediate search for its origin. With deliberate nonchalance, he trod cautiously, avoiding drawing any unnecessary attention while stealthily closing in on the source. After five minutes of careful approach, the sound of voices reached Shin's ears, originating from a trio of individuals engaged in conversation. Peering cautiously around the corner, Shin's gaze fell upon three figures clad in attire reminiscent of the two individuals he had encountered on his train journey after his last mission.
Figure 1, the leader, stood tall with an air of authority, their presence commanding the space around them.
Figure 2, slightly hunched, exuded a sense of cunning, their eyes darting around, ever vigilant.
Figure 3, smaller in stature but emanating a menacing aura, seemed to blend effortlessly into the darkness.
Figure 1: "Report."
Figure 2: "I've lured the Sorcerer's focus away. Act swiftly while they're occupied."
Figure 3: "Remarkable. Your ability exceeds expectations. I had underestimated you, assuming your only talent was to fade from memory."
Figure 2: "Quiet, I don't what to hear that coming from a bitch that follows all orders. Besides, It beats being a pawn, unlike you."
Figure 3: "...The day your usefulness wanes, I'll ensure your end."
Figure 2: "Eat shit."
Figure 1: "Enough. Keep diverting attention. Your efforts will be duly rewarded."
As Shin clandestinely listened in, a smirk tugged at his lips. The three figures seemed highly probable suspects, and Figure 2 appeared to match the description of Jiu. No longer willing to engage in this game of pursuit, Shin abandoned stealth and bolted toward the trio, attempting to mask his approach. However, his timing proved disastrous; Figures 1 and 3 detected his presence. In an instant, Figure 1 summoned a Shikigami that swiftly ensnared them both, soaring away into the distance.
Seizing the opportunity, Figure 3 made a break for it, snapping their fingers in a desperate attempt to evade capture. Yet, upon glancing back, they found Shin hot on their heels, relentless in pursuit and unaffected by his technique.
Figure 3 grinned smugly. "Seems like curse energy isn't your strong suit, huh? Another agent, when will they realize my expertise isn't just hit-and-run."
Observing Figure 3 halt and assume a close-quarter combat stance, Shin sensed a thrill, relishing the impending confrontation. He deliberately eased his pace, approaching the figure with calculated calmness. Standing face-to-face, Shin seized the opportunity to engage in conversation.
Shin's smile morphed into a resolute line. "You're Jiu, aren't you? Malachi Jiu?"
Jiu's expression shifted, a sly grin stretching across his face. "Spot on. So, what's the game plan now that you've got it all figured out?"
Shin's voice remained nonchalant. "I'm here to bring you in, dead or alive. How this ends is up to you, but I won't leave without you."
Jiu's smile widened, a glint of lethal intent flickering in his eyes as he launched himself toward Shin. "Then let's make it interesting! I prefer the hard way!"
Jiu's strikes, fueled by an abnormal surge of curse energy, surged toward Shin despite Jiu's seemingly average build. However, Shin met each blow with chilling precision, matching and neutralizing the augmented force effortlessly.
Frustrated by his failed assaults, Jiu intensified, infusing more curse energy into his strikes, his grin widening and his eyes glinting with a dangerous edge. Despite Jiu's heightened efforts, Shin keenly observed the attacks, noting their sustained average speed, allowing him to effortlessly evade and block, conserving his energy while letting Jiu exhaust himself.
For a relentless twenty minutes, Shin expertly maneuvered, sidestepping and parrying Jiu's relentless onslaught. Gradually, Jiu's stamina faltered, evident in his labored breaths. Shin, his own gaze intense and unwavering, surveyed the waning opponent, relishing the sight without breaking a sweat.
As Jiu settled on the ground, panting heavily, he shot a sly grin at Shin before rifling through his pockets, retrieving a vial filled with a dark purple fluid. Intrigued yet cautious, Shin held his ground, observing Jiu's actions closely. Once Jiu regained composure, he snapped the vial's top and gulped down its contents. Standing tall again, a malevolent gleam shone in his eyes as he faced Shin with a malicious grin.
Shin, intrigued, couldn't resist a quip: "What was in that vial? Didn't look like grape-flavored Fanta."
Jiu burst into uncontrollable laughter, assuming a fighting stance: "Hope you've got a deity watching over you, kid."
Before Shin could react, Jiu was upon him, his menacing smile disgustingly close. Reacting instinctively, Shin leaped backward, but failed to anticipate a side-kick that sent him hurtling several feet away into an empty street illuminated by sporadic streetlights.
Swiftly regaining his footing, Shin found himself momentarily blinded by the darkness, unable to locate Jiu. However, he sensed Jiu's presence in the air, the scent and movements signaling his proximity, exuding an air of predatory anticipation. The realization of being the prey ignited an intense fury within Shin, prompting a swift plan. He bolted toward a nearby dimly-lit open field, his steps echoing in the silence, aware of Jiu's distant pursuit.
Reaching the field's center, Shin retrieved his staff, preparing for the inevitable confrontation amidst the darkness, his senses alert to Jiu's approaching presence.
In the enveloping darkness, Shin honed his senses, concentrating on every sound, scent, and subtle movement. With a quiet determination, he whispered, "Found you."
Jiu, concealed in Shin's blind spot, poised himself to strike when the opportune moment arrived. Unbeknownst to Jiu, Shin was one step ahead, intentionally positioning his back towards Jiu, a calculated move to lure an attack. As Jiu charged forward, Shin, seemingly vulnerable, held his staff like a long bat, subtly angling his legs to face Jiu. Leaning back, he projected an image of openness while preparing for a powerful swing, clenching the staff with formidable strength.
Despite Shin's apparent vulnerability, Jiu, caught in the momentum of his charge, failed to discern the subtleties of Shin's stance. Realizing too late, Jiu attempted to halt his approach, but the force was already unleashed. Within moments, Jiu found himself within Shin's reach. Faced with imminent impact, Jiu hastily raised his guard, hoping to mitigate the impending blow.
With a menacing grin, Shin pulled back a fraction more, relishing the anticipation. The moment arrived, and with immense force and speed, Shin swung at Jiu. The impact was powerful, and despite Jiu's attempt to defend, Shin's swing broke through, sending Jiu tumbling backward several feet.
As Jiu writhed in agony, attempting to rise, he felt the excruciating pain shoot through his arms. The realization struck: his arms were broken, unable to support his weight. A cry of pain escaped Jiu's lips as he struggled on the ground.
Shin, approaching with casual confidence, wore a smile and let out a laugh at the sight of Jiu's suffering. Jiu, now on the ground, fear and teary eyes locked onto Shin, began slowly backing away by pushing against the ground, an instinctive attempt to create distance from the looming threat.
In the midst of his agony, Jiu frantically searched his pockets, desperation in his movements. Despite the intense pain, he seized another vial filled with an unknown liquid. Before he could bring it to his lips, Shin swiftly intervened, stepping on Jiu's hand and wresting the vial away. With a firm grip, Shin pressed Jiu's face into the ground, preventing any further attempts.
Jiu squirmed beneath Shin's restraint as Shin rifled through the pockets, discovering the last vial. Securing it safely in his own pocket, Shin cast a glance at Jiu, a triumphant smile playing on his lips. Unfazed by Jiu's struggles, Shin hoisted him off the ground, forcing him onto his feet.
Jiu, perplexed by Shin's unexpected act of assistance, found himself dusted off and helped to his feet. Before Jiu could voice his confusion, Shin calmly instructed him to run, offering a two-minute head start. Although bewildered, Jiu complied, sprinting away with all his might.
After the designated time elapsed, Shin pursued him. With swift precision, Shin caught up, firmly pressing Jiu's head down before grabbing his hand and deftly snapping one finger. The resulting ear-piercing scream echoed through the air. Once again, Shin picked Jiu up, dusted him off, and instructed him to run, granting another head start. The cycle repeated, leaving Jiu in a perpetual loop of confusion and fear.
The next 4 hours were hell for Jiu as he desperately ran with desperation, only to be caught and pinned down before getting one of his fingers broken again and again until finally all of his fingers were broken alongside his spirit. In excruciating pain, Jiu stumbles to the ground while Shin kneels in front of Jiu's face and smiles as he laughs hysterically at the sad sight of Jiu's face covered in sweat, dirt, and tears streaming down his face creating a face that has lost hope.
Jiu who's broken down: "Please ... stop ... you .. win ... please ... just... kill me... please...".
Shin looks at the sad state of Jiu: "Are you thirsty? Need a break? Say no more, I got you."
Jiu closed his eyes, seeking a momentary escape from the pain and exhaustion that gripped him. However, his brief respite was abruptly shattered as he felt a warm liquid cascading down upon him. Startled, he jolted awake, the sensation adding another layer of confusion and discomfort to his already tormented state.
Looking up, Jiu was mortified and disgusted to see the source and it was Shin laughing with a smile while he urinated on Jiu's head.
Shin, maintaining control over the liquid flow, remarked with a cold tone, "Still thirsty now? Let me know when you're ready to continue the game." The words hung in the air, emphasizing Shin's dominance and the ongoing power play between them.
Shin, concluding the ordeal, retrieved a bottle of water and took a sip before pouring the remaining liquid over his hands to cleanse them. Returning his focus to Jiu, he found the once defiant figure now curled up in a fetal position, murmuring to himself. A sense of disappointment washed over Shin, realizing that his cat-and-mouse game had reached its conclusion.
Resigned to the outcome, Shin contacted Ijichi, informing him of Jiu's capture and providing their current location after a thorough survey of the surroundings. The chapter of pursuit and confrontation was brought to a close, leaving Shin to ponder the aftermath of their intense encounter.
To pass the time while waiting for Ijichi and the other agents, Shin used the bottle differently. Holding it by the top, he gently hit Jiu to ensure he remained subdued. When the agents arrived, they were met with a peculiar scene. Upon picking Jiu up, they noticed an unusual scent and questioned Shin about it. Skillfully avoiding a direct response, Shin instead focused on informing them about the vial containing an unknown liquid that Jiu had consumed.
After a brief exchange, Ijichi expressed gratitude to Shin for his efforts and offered him a ride back home. During the journey, Shin mocked and spat at Jiu while laughing playfully. Despite any discomfort lingering from Jiu's actions, both Ijichi and the accompanying agents recognized Shin's success in capturing Jiu and chose to focus on the resolution of the situation.
Arriving back at the school, Shin bid his farewells, washed up, and settled into bed. However, as time passed, he found himself wrestling with restless thoughts. Questions about the severity of his actions and whether they were justified weighed heavily on his mind.
"Did I go too far? Did he deserve all that? Was what I did unnecessarily?" Shin pondered, feeling a conflict within. Despite these doubts, he reasoned with himself, contemplating the dangerous nature of the person he had confronted and the reported assaults on women and children. "… I…I… don't care anymore, he was a danger who was not planning to change for the better and I'm just some guy who hates bad people so my actions are necessary for a better future, besides, in the report he assaulted and sexually assaulted woman and children. If anything, I made the world a better place, I'm not a monster, I am the solution."
In the quiet of the night, Shin grappled with the complexity of his choices, acknowledging the potential impact on the world around him.
After two restless hours, Shin's inability to sleep led him to change into his activewear. Opting for a productive outlet, he decided to run five laps around the school, taking a 30-minute break to catch his breath. Feeling weary, Shin headed to the gym, taking a moment to sit down before a sudden idea sparked his interest.
Contemplating the significance of sight in a fight, Shin rearranged the gym, strategically placing obstacles in a carefully designed open space. With a towel in hand, he blindfolded himself, plunging into darkness. Shin embarked on a unique challenge, determined to learn echolocation through the obstacles he had set up, a quest that would occupy him until the morning light.