"Wait, what do you mean?"
"I'll explain later. If the search is handled, I'm counting on you for that end."
Hachiman promptly cut the call and dialed Kikuoka.
"Hey, four-eyes. Are you actually doing your job over there?"
"W-Wait a minute! What kind of greeting is that!? I'm currently cross-referencing SNS data to get victim info disclosed to domestic agencies. Pale Rider's status is still unconfirmed, but Garrett's death has already been verified."
"...Damn it." Hachiman cursed under his breath.
"I understand how you feel, but there was nothing we could do. More importantly, what about what comes next? I saw you log out of BoB—what happened?"
"There's another potential target. I'm going to rescue her now. Do you have anyone nearby who can move immediately?"
"Hmm, where are you right now?"
"Nemuri no Mori."
"I thought so. Just in case, I've already dispatched Kurokawa as a backup unit. Feel free to use her however you need."
"Thank you."
Noticing Matsuri walking toward them, Hachiman ended the call and ran over with Freedom in tow.
"Ah, Hachiman-kun!"
Matsuri raised a hand to wave, but Hachiman grabbed her hand firmly in stride, pulling her toward the KIT.
"Eek! W-What? Is this... an unexpected confession?!"
"What are you talking about, Kurokawa-san? Come with us, it's an emergency."
"...Understood."
"Let's move, Godfrey!"
"Right behind you!"
"Wait, is that Superintendent Sagami? Do you two know each other?"
""We're comrades.""
The two replied in unison, giving her a thumbs-up as they slid into the vehicle.
"KIT, head to Shino's house at maximum speed. It's an emergency."
『Understood. Utilizing all available functions to select the fastest optimal route.』
"A friend's life might be on the line. I'm relying on you."
『This may get rough. Please hold on securely.』
Sitting in the passenger seat, Matsuri was startled by KIT's voice interface, but decided to wait quietly for Hachiman's explanation.
"KIT, move out."
『Acknowledged.』
"Ah, wait! Let me put on my seatb—"
The vehicle accelerated violently before she could finish, throwing Matsuri directly onto Hachiman.
"Eek... I-I'm so sorry!"
"No, I'm the one who rushed you. I'll definitely make it up to you."
Matsuri felt her heart flutter slightly as she looked at Hachiman—he felt surprisingly solid, holding an air of composure that set him apart from her usual colleagues. Unconsciously, she blurted out:
"I-In that case, set up a group date for me..."
"Huh? Are you serious...? Alright, fine. How many people should I bring?"
"Ah... maybe three in total?"
"Got it. I'll manage two others, but don't hold high expectations for the lineup. They'll probably all be college-age guys."
"Y-Yeah, as long as it's fun, I don't mind!"
(W-What on earth did I just say...?)
Flustered, Matsuri straightened up and buckled her seatbelt. Meanwhile, KIT navigated the optimal route by processing real-time traffic updates. While stable on the straights, the car pushed its cornering limits to the absolute edge. Despite having their stomachs churned by intense G-forces, the three endured the ride as they drew rapidly closer to their destination.
Yurina Kushinada was out running errands that day.
"What nice weather today..."
Reaching a bend near a small hill, Yurina looked up at the sky. Hearing an approaching engine sound, she casually turned her gaze toward the road.
(Wow, that's way too fast. Can they even make that turn?)
As she watched, the familiar face of Sagami—who often looked after her—caught her eye.
"Huh? Sagami-ojisan?"
She involuntarily gasped, her eyes shifting toward the driver's seat. There sat a young man who looked slightly older than her, his expression deeply serious. For reasons she couldn't explain, Yurina found herself unable to avert her eyes from his profile.
Contrary to her worries, the KIT cleared the sharp corner with effortless precision.
(Driving like that seems really dangerous... but wow, that was incredible. Still, Sagami-ojisan seemed in such a rush; I wonder if something happened...)
Yurina's older brother had been one of the victims of the SAO incident. Having lost her parents in an accident shortly after losing her brother, Sagami Freedom—her brother's former direct superior—had been taking care of her ever since. She made a mental note to ask him about it the next time they met.
"Still, that guy..."
Hachiman's side profile lingered in Yurina's mind, leaving her bewildered by the feeling.
"Oh well. If it keeps bugging me, I can just ask Ojisan to introduce us next time."
With that thought, Yurina whispered a silent prayer toward the departing vehicle.
(I don't know what's going on, but you must have a good reason to hurry. Good luck!)
Turning back toward the sky, she continued on her way.
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