The four returned to headquarters in silence. The air in the car was heavy, each of them lost in thought about what Rikuu had discovered in Minato.
At the meeting room, the atmosphere shifted instantly. The moment Rikuu mentioned Kaosu's emblem on the drug packages, Akihiko, Asahi, Shoto, and Nagisa—all higher-ups of Kakusu—straightened in their seats.
"I apologize for barging in with this expression," Rikuu began, his tone tight. "But Minato is crawling with narcotics trades. I saw transactions alley after alley. The Kaosu logo… it's theirs."
The words hung in the air like poison.
Akihiko's face hardened. "We can't ignore this. If their operation grows, all of Tokyo could fall under Kaosu's grip. And yet…" He glanced at the four before him. "You're outnumbered. Local gangs haunt Tokyo already. We can't let just the four of you fight this time. Other operatives will join."
"Other operatives?" Takeshi asked. "Who? We didn't see anyone else around Minato."
"It's common for you four to handle tasks within Tokyo," Asahi explained. "The others are usually sent outside the city. But now—"
The meeting room doors creaked open. Four boys and two girls entered, their presence commanding attention.
"Meet them," Asahi announced. "The outsiders of Kakusu."
Shoto gestured toward the newcomers one by one.
"That giant with the broad shoulders is Aoto Sasaki. Don't let his size fool you—he's the gentlest of them all. Next, the one in the bandana: Yuto Abe, nephew of Fuyutsuki. Those two that look alike are the Amano twins. Daichi is taller, while Daiki has the eye patch. Their specialty is ranged combat—they never miss a shot."
The four outsiders nodded politely, each introducing themselves with subtle bows.
Nagisa stepped in, motioning to the two girls. "Now, the young-looking one—don't be deceived. She's twenty-one. Her name is Reina Go. And the masked one is Hanabi Endo. She acts like a samurai, and sometimes fights like one too."
Rikuu, Ichika, Akari, and Takeshi exchanged quick glances. New allies. Or perhaps new burdens.
Then Akihiko gestured to his group. "Introduce yourselves in turn. They deserve to know who they'll be working with."
Shoto smirked and began. "The white-haired one is Takeshi Takahashi. Cunning as a fox, careful as a hawk. The dark-haired boy is Rikuu Suzuki. Of all our operatives, he's the wisest strategist."
Reina leaned forward suddenly, her eyes glinting mischievously. "He could be my future~"
"E-eh?!" Rikuu blinked, completely thrown off.
Ichika's hands balled into fists at her sides, jealousy flashing in her eyes. She didn't say a word, but her glare could have pierced steel.
"Please, Reina," Nagisa sighed.
"I—I'm a minor as well," Rikuu muttered awkwardly, waving his hands.
"You turned eighteen today," Ichika mumbled under her breath, cheeks puffed out.
"I don't want her," Rikuu said firmly, his voice lowering. "I like… someone else."
Ichika's jealousy melted in an instant, replaced by a bright grin she couldn't suppress.
"Alright, enough flirting," Akihiko interrupted sharply. "Let's continue. This is Ichika Katou, cream-colored hair. She's… my daughter."
Hanabi tilted her head. "But sir, you don't share the same surname?"
Akihiko's expression softened. "It's a long story. To summarize—I adopted her."
Ichika gave a small nod, her chest tightening with mixed emotions.
Akihiko continued. "Finally, Akari Suzuki. Black-haired. She's fifteen—the youngest operative in Kakusu. Don't underestimate her. She's a chemist, and when angered, very dangerous."
Akari blinked. "That's a little harsh, sir…"
Chuckles rippled quietly among the group.
Akihiko's voice regained its gravity. "Now that you've been introduced—let's talk strategy. Two months ago, we prepared assignments for the worst-case scenario. That scenario has arrived. You will all split into pairs."
Everyone leaned forward.
"Takeshi, you'll pair with Akari. Rikuu, you'll go with Ichika. The twins will stay together. Aoto, you'll be with Reina. Hanabi, you'll pair with Yuto. Your assignments are based on combat synergy and past evaluations. Tomorrow, you'll scatter throughout Minato. If you don't find any transactions in your designated area, move elsewhere. Blend in. Camouflage. Under no circumstance reveal you are Kakusu."
"Yes, sir!" the room thundered in unison.
⋯
The ride home was quiet at first. The headlights washed their faces in pale light as the car cut through Tokyo's midnight streets.
"How do you think it'll go?" Akari asked suddenly, her voice small. "I'm worried. I'm not… that strong. What if I'm the one who gets killed out there?"
Takeshi glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "You can use alchemy as a weapon, can't you?"
Akari shook her head. "I've avoided using it for over a year. My chances of controlling it properly… they're slim."
Ichika leaned forward from the back seat, her tone firm. "You'll succeed. As long as you're with us, you're safe in Minato."
Akari gave her a faint smile, though doubt still lingered in her eyes.
⋯
By the time they returned home, it was nearly midnight. Hunger gnawed at all of them, and in their fatigue they decided on a silly game: spin the bottle. Whoever it pointed to had to buy food.
The bottle spun, wobbling dramatically before stopping.
Ichika groaned. "Of course it's me…"
Rikuu raised a hand. "Onigiri for me."
"Same," Takeshi added.
Akari clasped her hands together shyly. "Mochi… please."
Ichika puffed out her chest. "So that's two onigiri and one mochi. Fine! Then I'll get myself three onigiri and three mochi while I'm at it!"
They all stared at her.
"Are you serious?" Rikuu deadpanned.
"Completely," Ichika said proudly, slipping on her shoes.
The streets were eerily quiet. The nearby stores were already closed, forcing her to walk farther. She tugged a mask over her face for camouflage, the night air chilling her cheeks.
The fluorescent lights of a convenience store flickered faintly as she stepped inside. She bought the food quickly, her bag rustling with packages.
But as she walked home, her steps slowed.
Her instincts screamed.
"Someone's following me."
Her grip tightened on the bag of food as the echo of footsteps shadowed her through the empty streets.