Upon hearing these two names, Hugh didn't seem surprised at all. Kali, however, glanced at Da'at with mild astonishment.
Yet quickly enough, her expression smoothed back into neutrality.
Her duty was solely to protect Da'at—nothing more. Regardless of circumstances, Da'at's safety must be her absolute priority.
"Our demand is straightforward: reclaiming those two Abnormalities. So, what's yours?"
"...This might be somewhat unexpected, but we'd like these two Abnormalities active a bit longer. T Corp has some negotiations we'd like to conclude with certain Siracusan families during this period. After our deal is complete, T Corp will supply Lobotomy Corporation with even more products."
Hugh shrugged slightly as he explained.
"How much time do you need?"
"Not long. Seven days at most."
"...Very well, then."
Da'at only pondered briefly before giving assent. Kali opened her mouth slightly but said nothing. Da'at, noticing this, gently pulled Kali aside and whispered:
"X already mentioned it. Capturing these two Abnormalities might take a while—they're notoriously difficult to re-contain. Seven days likely falls within our expected timeframe anyway, so doing them a favor isn't a problem."
Understanding now, Kali nodded.
"By the way, you've probably arrived here earlier than we did. What's the situation exactly?"
After concluding her conversation, Da'at turned back to Hugh with this question.
Hugh nodded slowly and began speaking:
"For now, the Rossati family is facing imminent threats from the Wolf Hunter... We're expecting the next attack within two days."
"The Bellone family remains highly vigilant and is currently mobilizing, communicating actively with other families to jointly deal with the Wolf Hunter issue. Most families share Bellone's stance."
"As for the Saluzzo family... their attitude is notably resistant. They've openly rejected cooperation on this matter, refusing assistance from T Corp and seemingly unconcerned about the Wolf Hunter problem. Their attitude is remarkably casual—"
"As though it doesn't concern them at all."
After a slight pause, Hugh added:
"Apart from these families, according to current reports, the City's syndicate known as the Thumb is also heading to Siracusa. By our estimation, they'll officially arrive today."
Hearing this, Da'at frowned slightly:
"The Thumb? Would they choose to intervene in Siracusa's affairs at a time like this...?"
"According to our personnel's investigation, it appears that the Thumb's boss was originally an orphan of the now-extinct Texas family of Siracusa."
Hugh casually spoke, then began walking forward.
"So, what do the two of you plan to do next?"
"...Wait."
Da'at replied without much thought.
"Since nothing's really begun yet... Let's at least wait until the Wolf Hunter appears again."
With a gentle smile, she added:
"But until then..."
"Let's visit the Rossati family, the one about to be in danger."
...
Just as Da'at, Hugh, and Kali were heading towards the Rossati family, the Thumb finally arrived back in Siracusa—a nation currently veiled in gentle rain.
When Texas stepped back onto Siracusan soil, a brief moment of disorientation washed over her. But now, with the might of the Thumb backing her, she felt confident enough to face the malice still directed towards the Texas family.
Even if Zaaro himself stood before her now, she wouldn't be caught too defenseless.
Immediately upon arrival, Texas established the Thumb's new base. Swiftly clearing an area within the streets, the Thumb temporarily settled down and, leveraging their formidable strength, began rapid expansion.
Their plan was to quickly seize control of at least one district and gain leverage among surrounding gangs—a direct order from their Boss, one that must be followed without question.
Thus, the Thumb's operation began like lightning.
And as the Thumb set their plans into motion, Da'at's group encountered a certain "problem."
Passing through the very district the Thumb had recently occupied on their route to the Rossati family, they coincidentally stumbled upon something distinctly Siracusan...
A family feud.
This time, the conflict was between the Rossati family and the Saluzzo family. In the drizzling rain, blood slowly washed off the streets, but the swift, deadly fights in every alleyway continued without pause.
"Tch… Let's hurry up and leave."
Noticing two opposing family members swiftly draw knives and stab each other at roadside, Kali clicked her tongue. She protectively placed a hand in front of Da'at while moving forward steadily. Hugh followed behind, casting curious glances at everything happening around them.
But once enveloped in Siracusa's rain, it became inevitable—
This distinctly Siracusan tradition would drag them in too.
Members of the Saluzzo family spotted the trio casually passing through the conflict zone. Exchanging quick glances, one man leading roughly ten others shouted:
"Hey, you there, stop!"
Yet, after a moment, someone quickly whispered something to him:
"...From the direction they're heading, it's toward the Rossati family..."
The leader hesitated slightly, glanced back at his subordinate, then returned his gaze towards Da'at's group, nodding firmly.
Immediately afterward, they moved forward decisively, knives drawn as they rushed towards Da'at's group.
In that instant, Kali turned her head, glancing sidelong at them as though looking at corpses.
Then she turned again, handing the umbrella to Da'at and whispered softly:
"...Wait for me a moment."
Without any hesitation, she turned fully around, her hand already drawing out the hilt of her Mimicry Greatsword from the dimensional bag she'd been carrying.
The dimensional bag dropped to the ground. The Mimicry E.G.O emerged fully, scarlet eyes glaring fiercely at those approaching before her.