Maria's phone buzzed. Her serene expression shifting to one of immediate focus as she read the alert. "It seems a mission has popped up that needs my involvement," she announced. "I've got to go, Kaito."
Kaito, who had been diligently washing dishes, turned from the sink, concern etching his features. "Be careful and stay safe, Maria."
Maria offered him a reassuring smile before opening the front door. She was already clad in the dark uniform of the Supernatural Task Force. "Will do. Take care of Tamamo while I'm gone." With a final nod, she stepped out, then with a surge of psychic power, she gracefully lifted herself into the air, soaring away into the Tokyo skyline.
Moments later, she landed silencely at the grand entrance of the Tokyo Supernatural Task Force Headquarters. A middle-aged male agent, his face etched with fatigue but his posture respectful, immediately approached her. "Captain Maria, I'm glad you were able to make it so soon."
"What's the situation, Kobayashi?" Maria asked, her voice crisp and authoritative as they began to walk deeper into the bustling headquarters.
Kobayashi's expression grew grim. "It involves a stolen, supposedly 'cursed' katana, the Shikabanehime no Miko." He pronounced the strange name from memory. "It possesses genuine supernatural power, and the one who stole it was Kenzo Miyazaki, or just Kenzo now. He's already killed dozens of people and is currently on the loose."
They continued down a busy corridor filled with personnels poring over maps and monitors. "He was last confronted during an attempt to kill Hiroshi Miyazaki," Kobayashi explained, gesturing towards a large holographic map displaying a section of the city. "Our agents managed to stop him, but we incurred some injuries as a result. We're currently trying to track him down."
Maria's brow furrowed. "What's the history of this katana? Has it always been known to be supernatural?"
"Our cultural experts are combing through historical records as we speak," Kobayashi replied, shaking his head. "However, there was no indication it was anything more than a tourist prop. The shrine that held it reported buying it from a local shop as a decorative piece. The shop owner also had no clue of its origin, only that he found it in a bargain bin and thought it looked cool enough to sell. No supernatural signs were ever documented from any of its previous owners... until Kenzo started demonstrating supernatural abilities with it."
"What about the history of the Miyazaki family?" Maria pressed. "Do they have any special bloodline or lineage that could have triggered the sword's power?"
"Not that we've been able to find," Kobayashi confirmed, looking at a tablet he held. "Their lineage traces back to being simple farmers."
Just then, Director Arata entered the room. His usually composed demeanor a little frayed. "Sorry to bother you on your break, Maria," he began. "However, you're the only high-ranking agent in Tokyo at the moment—or at least, the only one who'll respond to us."
He took a deep breath. "This is an emerging situation, but we estimate that Kenzo Miyazaki's next target will likely be the head of the Sato family and his daughter."
Director Arata's expression hardened. "I would like to ask you to be a bodyguard for his family until we apprehend Kenzo. The Sakura Group is an incredibly important pillar of our economy. If anything were to happen to its head, the resulting power vacuum would spark an immense amount of instability across the nation."
Maria considered this. "I'm familiar with the daughter of the Sato family head, so I wouldn't have a problem with this assignment. However, I hope to have an extended vacation time after this."
Director Arata nodded with a flicker of relief on his face. "I will have it done. The Task Force will not bother you even if Japan comes crashing down. I will personally drag those slackers to work, even if my life is on the line, to ensure you get your well-deserved break."
_______________________________________
Maria arrived at the Sato family residence, a surprisingly humble property nestled amidst what appeared to be a quiet, unassuming neighborhood. Around its perimeter, numerous personal bodyguards were subtly positioned, often disguised as ordinary people – a delivery driver here, a jogger there. Yet, the tell-tale bulges beneath their clothes and their trained, watchful builds were obvious giveaways to Maria's discerning eye. Given the Sato family head's immense wealth and power, one would expect a sprawling luxury mansion or a similar-scale residency. This understated choice was a surprise.
Maria knocked on the door. After a few seconds, it opened, revealing Akari Sato. Her expression was a mix of concern and relief. "I've heard of what's going on," Akari said, welcoming Maria inside. "I'm glad it was you who accepted the request, Maria."
Maria simply nodded as she followed Akari into the house. Her gaze quickly swept over the interior, taking in the comfortable yet modest furnishings.
In the living room, a mature man sat, a significant portion of his black hair already streaked with gray, presumably from stress. A pair of glasses obscured his eyes, their lenses catching the light in a way that prevented Maria from reading his expression.
Maria stepped forward, her voice clear and professional. "Hello, Mr. Sato. I'm Maria Teresa, an agent from the Supernatural Task Force assigned to protect you and Akari."
Mr. Sato offered a brief nod. "I'm glad to have you. Welcome to our humble abode."
"As you may already be informed," Maria continued, "Kenzo Miyazaki currently wields an unknown supernatural weapon and is likely targeting you and your daughter. Our organization is tracking his whereabouts. Until we apprehend him, I hope to have your full cooperation to ensure your safety."
Mr. Sato gave a dismissive wave of his hand. "There's no need to be so formal, Ms. Maria. You also attend Sakura Academy, do you not? As a friend of Akari, I hope you will focus on protecting my daughter instead of me, if anything were to occur."
"Dad!" Akari interjected, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Don't say such things! It sounds like a death flag. With Maria here, I'm sure nothing will happen."
Maria met Mr. Sato's gaze, her own resolve firm. "Rest assured, Mr. Sato. I shall protect you and Akari with the best of my ability."
"Very well," Mr. Sato said with a faint smile. "I hope you will enjoy your stay here. Please, treat it as if it were your own home."