Chapter 281: What's Yours is Mine, and What's Mine is Mine!
Time rewound to half an hour earlier.
"We're... ascending?!" Kallen exclaimed in surprise inside the vehicle.
The car had been moving normally just moments before, but it suddenly came to a stop. Shortly after, vibrations came from the ground.
The frequency of those vibrations and the restless rumbling from below were unmistakably the roar of an elevator starting up.
After the ascent stopped, the car began moving again. Within just a minute, it came to a complete halt. The driver opened the door and said, "My apologies for subjecting you to that period of confinement. The master is waiting for you all!"
Kallen and the others stepped out of the car, curiously dispersing to examine the environment of this vast space.
Kaname Ohgi, who had wandered over to a window reflecting light, was slightly startled.
"This place... is Mount Fuji Mine! To think we'd come here..."
Buried beneath the mine was SakuraDite, the source of war's treasure. Any intruders discovered here could be shot on sight without questioning.
"To have influence that penetrates such a place... Kyoto is truly formidable!"
Even the usually composed Ohgi couldn't help but voice his admiration once more upon seeing this.
"Quite unsightly, isn't it!"
Following a voice both aged and weighty, the scenery outside the window suddenly vanished.
"Mount Fuji, once renowned for its clear waters and spiritual peaks spanning the landscape, now bows its head in humiliation to the Empire in its current form—a perfect reflection of our own circumstances! How tragic!"
Kallen and the others turned toward the source of the voice, where a faint figure sat behind a curtain at the rear.
"Hmph, Shadow didn't come?"
After examining the group, the old man behind the curtain let his gaze linger on Lelouch disguised as ZERO for a moment before raising his cane.
Just as he was about to speak, he was interrupted by a sudden voice.
"Shadow-sama has matters to attend to, so this humble woman comes as Shadow Garden's representative to negotiate with the Kyoto Six Families."
"And who might you be?"
The old man shifted his gaze to the trio who stood distinctly apart from the Black Knights.
The blue-haired woman among them stepped forward gracefully and bowed courteously.
"A pleasure to meet you. I am Gamma, the Third Seat of the Seven Shadows of Shadow Garden."
While Gamma introduced herself, Alpha and Nu remained silent nearby. The aura emanating from Alpha made the old man feel she was actually the one in charge.
But this was of little consequence.
"Since you're here as representatives, allow me to introduce myself as well. I am Kirihara Taizō, representative of Kyoto. Now, Miss Gamma, please remove ZERO's mask."
Hearing this name, both Kallen and Ohgi stared in shock.
Had they heard correctly? What was this person's name?
Kirihara Taizō?!
No wonder they were so astonished—the name Kirihara Taizō represented a traitor who had sold out the nation to Britannia, groveling before the Britannian empire.
Who would have thought that this same Kirihara Taizō was actually the behind-the-scenes financier supporting the resistance and providing arms to the Black Knights!
However, immediately after, they saw several Knightmare Frames suddenly appear on both sides, closing in on the members of the Black Knights and aiming their machine guns at them.
"Wait! What is the meaning of this?!"
The sudden turn of events made Kallen step forward impatiently, while ZERO, the person directly involved, remained standing there with an air of calm indifference.
"Silence!" Kirihara shouted.
"I apologize for the rudeness of not showing my true face earlier. But ZERO, you are no different, so I must see for myself who you really are."
Since Shadow was not present, Kirihara Taizō had no choice but to settle for the next best target: ZERO.
But before that, he absolutely had to uncover ZERO's true identity.
"So, Miss Gamma, please remove ZERO's mask now."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Kirihara, but I cannot do that."
"What did you say?"
Rejected, Kirihara glared sharply at Gamma through the curtain.
"Do you know whose request you are refusing, and are you aware of your current situation?!"
At his command, the barrels of two of the guns shifted, now aimed directly at them.
"Now, I order you to remove ZERO's mask!"
"I regret to say that I must refuse."
Facing the dark, menacing gun barrels that reeked of gunpowder, not only was Gamma unmoved, but even Alpha and Nu regarded such toys with disdain.
"I have come under the orders of my master, Lord Shadow, to discuss the ownership of Sakuradite with the Kyoto Six Families. It seems Mr. Kirihara lacks sincerity... What a pity..."
"What did you say?"
Kirihara Taizō was taken aback by Gamma's words, then furrowed his brows deeply.
Currently, although the development rights for Sakuradite were in his hands, in essence, he was working for Britannia, exporting the ore for profit.
But now, she was talking about ownership of Sakuradite?
"Nonsense! In that case, don't blame me for being ruthless. Open fire!"
"Nu, proceed."
Alpha spoke up as well.
Kirihara Taizō's command came a split second earlier than Alpha's, but Alpha's side was faster in execution.
Whoosh—
A sharp, cutting sound suddenly rang through the air.
Nu, dressed in her uniform, abruptly raised her long, slender leg clad in black stockings, tracing a white arc through the air. The arc flashed past the gun barrels and across the entire bodies of the Knightmares.
In the next moment, two Knightmares were sliced in half, collapsing to the ground and exploding instantly.
The resulting blast whipped up a fierce gust of wind, tousling the hair of Alpha and Gamma.
As for Nu, she had already lunged at the remaining two Knightmares.
In mere moments, all four Knightmares surrounding them had been completely destroyed.
The scorching hot wind stirred the curtain, and Kirihara Taizō, seated behind it, stared wide-eyed at the scene before him, every second sending a shock through his heart.
A human fighting against Knightmares?
How can this be?!
The lack of tangible reality left Kirihara Taizō so stunned he couldn't regain his composure.
"Hey, listen..."
Just then, Kaname Ohgi—being the straightforward man he was—stepped forward as if to question why Alpha and the others would do something so extreme.
After all, they had come to negotiate cooperation with the Kyoto Six Families. Moreover, didn't they want to know ZERO's true identity?
However, before he could finish, Kallen stopped him.
"Don't go over... We have no say here."
It was more than just having no say, but Kallen felt both helpless and frustrated with her brother's close friend.
He completely failed to read the situation...
Fortunately, neither Nu nor Alpha bothered to acknowledge the fool.
After confirming all enemies had been silenced, Nu simply smoothed the wrinkles on her white blouse, tidied her slightly disheveled long hair, and gracefully returned to Alpha's side.
Her demeanor was as if nothing had happened at all.
Meanwhile, Gamma continued:
"Now, this humble servant shall convey our master Shadow's decree—from this day forth, all of Fuji Mine shall belong to Shadow Garden. The Kyoto Six Families, who have stolen Shadow Garden's property, shall receive divine punishment."
"Preposterous! Utterly preposterous!"
Having regained his senses, Kirihara Taizō felt he had just heard the most absurd statement in his entire life!
Not only did they want to forcibly seize the sakuradite from Fuji Mine, but they also intended to sanction the Kyoto Six Families?!
Even Britannia had never dared utter such arrogance!
"Little girl, aren't you getting too cocky? Just because you destroyed a few Knightmares, you think you can threaten an old man into surrendering Fuji Mine? Do you think I would agree? Do you think Britannia's military would agree?!"
As if remembering his backing, Kirihara's aged face revealed a defiant and cunning smile, resembling that of an old fox.
Yet the next moment, a series of clapping sounds suddenly echoed from the corridor behind Kirihara Taizō.
Clap, clap, clap...
Mahiro, disguised as Shadow, emerged step by step from the corridor as if applauding an extraordinarily brilliant speech.
Behind him followed Sumeragi Kaguya, who appeared slightly fearful yet surprisingly resolute in her eyes.
"What a magnificent speech. Such an attitude of neither haughtiness nor humility—truly worthy of Lord Kirihara, who stands at the forefront of resisting Britannia."
"So you've finally shown yourself, Shadow."
Although the other party's words were dripping with sarcasm, Kirihara Taizō remained expressionless and steady as an old hound.
He didn't even seem the least bit surprised by Shadow's appearance, as if he had anticipated it.
However, when he noticed Sumeragi Kaguya following behind Shadow, his murky old eyes narrowed into slits, exuding a dangerous aura.
"What are you looking at?"
Noticing the gaze, Mahiro warned, "At your age, nearing the grave, could you possibly have some... particular interest in a young girl?"
"Hmph, this old man is no brat from the imperial court—I harbor no such filthy thoughts... I just never expected you to have already made your choice."
The latter part of the sentence was clearly directed at Kaguya.
Yet Kaguya's face remained calm, her expression unflinching, and her heart undisturbed.
Because she had already witnessed Shadow's true power.
Kirihara Taizō probably still didn't know that the other families hidden within Mount Fuji had already been killed by Shadow, dying as lightly as floating dust without causing the slightest ripple.
"Now let's talk seriously, Shadow. From what your subordinates implied, you want the sakura ore, but this attitude won't do..."
Kirihara Taizō, believing he had Britannia's backing and being the secret financier of the Japanese resistance, put on the airs of negotiation.
Especially disgusting was the smile that appeared on his head, which had more wrinkles than a scrotum.
"I see not only has age caught up with you, but now you've gone deaf as well. When did I say this was a discussion? Are you even worthy of discussing terms with me?"
"What do you mean?"
Kirihara Taizō's expression instantly changed. "Aren't you afraid of Britannia's army... or even that battlefield Witch Cornelia herself coming to eradicate you?"
"Hah, what an interesting way to put it."
Mahiro laughed derisively, his shoulders shaking, while Alpha and the others looked at Kirihara Taizō as if he were already dead.
Daring to threaten Lord Mahiro?
It was clear this man had never faced death before.
"To let you die in peace, I'll generously explain one more time—
This isn't a discussion, but a notification.
As for whether Cornelia will lead Britannia's army here, I'm afraid that's something you won't live to see, Kirihara Taizō."
"..."
Kirihara Taizō wanted to say more, but in the next moment he suddenly clutched his chest. His flesh-toned skin instantly turned red-hot like branding iron, his decrepit old eyes bulging wide as if they might pop out of their sockets at any second.
When the second second arrived, Kirihara Taizō's body suddenly exploded.
Dust filled the air, and a wisp of cyan-blue flame flickered briefly before vanishing.
Kirihara Taizō was dead, just like the members of the other families, leaving this world without the slightest pain.
Sumeragi Kaguya glanced toward the now-empty curtained seat, her eyes flashing with a hint of pity, a trace of faint sorrow, and much mockery—but notably, no regret.
These people, immersed in their wealth and power—if Japan were truly to fall into their hands, it would likely become nothing more than their plaything and bargaining chip.
But now the Kyoto Six Families existed in name only, and she was completely freed from being a puppet, finally attaining true freedom.
And all of this was thanks to her dear "husband."
When Kaguya collected herself and looked up, Mahiro was already walking toward the three—Alpha, Gamma, and Nu.
"I'll leave this place to you now, Alpha, Gamma, and Nu. You know what needs to be done."
"Understood."
Alpha acted with extreme swiftness.
After accepting the task from Mahiro, she immediately began gathering personnel to commence the seizure of the Mount Fuji mines.
A full vein of SakuraDite, though appearing abundant and requiring extensive time for extraction even with machinery, would take only a few months if mined by members of Shadow Garden.
During this period, they would do their utmost to maintain the illusion that Kirihara Taizō was still alive.
They would also handle communications from the Kyoto Six Houses and the Chinese Federation.
But even if exposed, it wouldn't matter much—at worst, they would simply confront Britannia's military once more.
Shadow Garden feared no one.
As for the Black Knights and others, Kaguya was engaged in friendly discussions with ZERO and his associates.
However, unlike in the original storyline, Kaguya did not act particularly close to ZERO, maintaining an appropriate distance instead.
Having already chosen Shadow, it was unthinkable for her to attempt aligning with ZERO.
She understood clearly that doing so would be the height of foolishness.
Moreover, by comparison, she did not hold ZERO in particularly high regard.
There were two reasons for this.
First, although ZERO, like Shadow, led one of the two major resistance organizations—with ZERO's Black Knights even enjoying broader public support—and though ZERO's strategic acumen was impressive, strategy remained just strategy.
She had heard snippets about the Narita offensive and seen some photographs.
She realized that the Black Knights' main combat strength came from Kallen Kōzuki piloting the Guren.
In other words, had Shadow and his subordinates not held off Cornelia and the two Knights of Rounds at that time, the Black Knights would likely have faced utter defeat.
Not to mention, even with that support, ZERO had nearly been captured.
Second, Shadow Garden's overall power was immense, surpassing human limits—as evidenced by their recent feat of dismantling a Knightmare with bare hands. Their depth was unfathomable.
Shadow himself seemed somewhat detached from worldly desires, making him a suitable figure to align with—one who could also help restore Japan.
ZERO, however, was different. He appeared to harbor immense hatred toward Britannia and sought to overthrow the world's foremost empire.
The current Britannian emperor, Charles, was a man of extraordinary talent and vision. Attempting to topple the empire under his rule felt almost delusional—unless some miracle occurred.
Thus, Sumeragi Kaguya staked everything on Shadow—betting Japan's future, her own destiny, and all she had on him!
Even if it meant becoming a political pawn, offered like a "prostitute," it didn't matter.
Besides, this man was so handsome and exceptional—she stood to lose nothing.
"Husband, you won't abandon Kaguya, will you?"
The cheerful young woman clung to Mahiro's arm, speaking almost coquettishly.
"Eh? Wha—?!!"
Kallen stared at the two in shock and bewilderment, her fair cheeks flushing instantly. For a long moment, she couldn't form a complete sentence.
She knew Shadow's true identity—he was her teacher!
But if Lady Kaguya addressed him as "husband," didn't that mean…?
Just as Kallen's CPU overloaded and crashed from overthinking the details, Mahiro patted Kaguya's small head and said:
"Don't worry, our promise isn't complete yet. I don't have many virtues, but I never break my promises."
Well, he completely confirmed this right in front of Kallen.
As for Lelouch, he remained silent throughout, like a bystander.
To be precise, he was a bystander who witnessed the final act of the Kyoto Six Families' downfall firsthand. Moreover, he had already struck a deal with Shadow—future weapons and equipment would be supplied by Shadow Garden.
Nighttime.
After the meeting with the Kyoto Six Families concluded, Mahiro and Lelouch chose to separate.
Since Mahiro still had matters to attend to near Mount Fuji, and it wasn't appropriate for them to move together, Lelouch as ZERO returned alone to Ashford Academy first.
However, what Lelouch failed to notice was that right after he stealthily slipped through the main gate, a white-haired man wearing headphones and strange goggles appeared in an alley across the street from the academy.
While watching Lelouch's back gradually disappear into the night from afar, he muttered to himself:
"C.C., C.C., I've finally found you, finally found you. I never expected you'd be hiding in this school, hehehehehe..."
He laughed like a madman.
Beneath the black goggles shone a pair of eyes bearing the Geass symbol.
From his headphones, a familiar gentle female voice kept playing:
"Are you awake, Mao?... I'm sorry, Mao... See, Mao, you're doing quite well, aren't you?"
All of it was C.C.'s voice.
"Ahhh, C.C., C.C.... I will definitely find you and rescue you, then we can be together forever."
The white-haired man sank into delusion.
Meanwhile, C.C., whom Mao longed for day and night, was currently in another man's bedroom.
She wore a translucent men's shirt with the top buttons unfastened, revealing large areas of snow-white skin. The oversized garment barely covered her hips, while her slender legs stretched out straight. In her arms, she held the Cheese-kun that came with Pizza Hut delivery.
Sitting on the bed like this without any shyness, she gazed at the bright moon outside the window with a worried expression.
No one could tell what she was thinking at this moment.