Chapter 79: The Confused Assassin
There are many smart people in this world, but there are also many brainless ones.
Takehito Hogaki clearly belonged to the latter, an arrogant idiot who acted recklessly, relying on Kikunojo Tendo's backing.
No, calling him an idiot would be an insult to the word idiot.
"What did you say?!"
Hearing him say that, Takehito Hogaki immediately became enraged, raising his fist and intending to punch Mahiro in the face.
But suddenly, that fist inexplicably stopped in mid-air, and even his body inexplicably couldn't move.
"What, not continuing?" Mahiro said faintly, a faint light of Thought surrounding him.
"Bastard, what did you do?! Hey, you guys, attack him!"
Takehito Hogaki yelled.
But no one responded to him.
His subordinates, at this moment, had already turned into ice sculptures, their bodies already covered in frost.
No, that wasn't frost; to be precise, they had crystallized.
Styx of Lamentation, freezing from the mental level and manifesting as crystallization from the physical level.
"You, too, shall sink forever into the River of Oblivion."
Like a devil's whisper softly echoing in his ear, Takehito Hogaki felt an icy chill from his soul, and gradually, his consciousness solidified forever at this moment.
And his body, with the activation of "Scattering Mist," turned into nothingness, leaving not a trace, only the lingering stench of burning that could not dissipate from the restroom.
Takehito Hogaki's security group was eliminated.
But for Yotsuba Mahiro, this was an insignificant matter, less important than eating breakfast.
When the Holy Residence discovered Takehito Hogaki had disappeared and began to panic and search, causing a commotion, Mahiro had already left the Holy Residence and gone outside.
However, just as he arrived outside the Holy Residence's iron gate, he saw a bicycle wobbling towards him.
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"Ding-a-ling~"
"Ding-a-ling~"
Tina Sprout woke up early today.
Because the mission required reconnaissance of the mission location beforehand, even though she had the owl factor that only allowed her to operate at night, she still persevered.
She got out of the comfortable soft bed in her apartment, then picked up the jar from the bedside, grabbed a handful of caffeine pills, and chewed them.
After washing up, she changed into her favorite pretty dress and left in a very refreshed state.
To avoid attracting attention, she didn't make too much of a fuss, just rode her beloved bicycle.
But for some reason, it seemed the bicycle's performance wasn't very good today; it was a bit disobedient, eventually leading to a loss of control.
It kept circling a meticulously designed fountain.
Couldn't stop...
Couldn't leave either.
It was like a black hole inexplicably pulling the bicycle.
Was this some new high-tech weapon developed in the Tokyo Area?
So scary...
Tina Sprout dared not stop, only pedaling frantically, circle after circle.
After an unknown amount of time pedaling, the bicycle suddenly lost control again.
The good news was that it didn't hit the fountain and moved away from the Mobius-strip-like black hole around the fountain.
But the bad news was, it hit someone.
It was a kind big brother; he actually helped me stop this disobedient bicycle.
He saved me...
"A righteous hero... the first I've ever seen in my life."
Yotsuba Mahiro: "...."
Where should I even begin to complain?
Just stopping a wobbling and charging bicycle, and casually taking the silly girl off it, and that makes him a hero?
That represents justice?
It seems the Tokyo Area is still inferior to a bicycle.
However, seeing the girl at this moment wearing an oversized pajama, slippers on her feet, a messy, unkempt platinum-blonde bob, and staring at him with her mouth half-open in a dazed expression.
Mahiro immediately lost the desire to complain.
Not to mention, the girl he was holding in his hand, like a cat, seemed to be falling asleep again.
"Hey~ wake up, we've arrived!"
Shaking his hand, Mahiro forcibly restarted the girl who was about to fall asleep in his hand. The blonde girl's small mouth was slightly open, and she stared at him with a dazed expression, waiting for a while before speaking.
"Ah... You are a hero of justice... My savior. We meet again... But why are you holding me in the air?..... If you could put me down, I would definitely thank you properly."
"Hiss—"
The hell with meeting again! You just fell asleep again, didn't you?!
Mahiro took a deep breath, constantly telling himself not to complain, because complaining meant losing.
But it really was difficult for this muddleheaded girl to be able to say such a long string of words in a half-dreaming, half-awake state.
In the end, all of this turned into a weary sigh, and then he put the girl in his arms on the ground.
Seemingly sensing that her feet were once again stepping on solid ground, Tina Sprout widened her eyes slightly, letting out a "Woah~" of amazement, as if she had discovered a new continent.
Immediately following that, she raised her head, looking at him with those blue eyes.
"...Th-Thank you very much... Savior... Hero... Sir..."
Just like some people's cool act lasts only three seconds, as soon as she said a word, her eyelids began to droop, and her head gradually lowered, as if she was constantly nodding her head in a battle against the god of sleep, and the words she spoke were like sleep talking.
No, to be precise, she had indeed fallen asleep again.
Although he had heard that some people sleep with their eyes open, Mahiro had never seen anyone who could fall asleep while standing.
"Hey, wake up, don't sleep."
This was the second time Mahiro had woken the girl up.
But this time, as soon as he lightly patted the girl's back, her body immediately tilted forward.
Fortunately, he was quick-eyed and grabbed the girl, which prevented her from becoming a Lin Daiyu falling from the sky.
At this time, Tina Sprout woke up leisurely from her dream again.
"Ah... You saved me again... Savior... Benefactor?"
Opening her eyes and seeing his face, Tina Sprout blankly opened her mouth, curving it into a happy smile, "To actually... be able to... save me three times in one day... Could it be that you are... the savior?"
"Forget it, I've already lost interest in complaining..."
The corner of his eye couldn't help but twitch, and then he sighed and began his routine questioning.
"Tell me, what are you doing here?"
After nearly ten seconds, the girl finally broke free from her dazed expression, shaking her head and saying: "....Don't know....?"
"Then do you know what this place is?"
"...Don't know?"
"Then why did you come here?"
"Don't know....?"
Three 'don't knows' in a row, and all of them were said with questioning tones. If it were anyone else, they would probably have exploded with anger, but Mahiro still tirelessly asked: "Then what's your name?"
"Don't know... Ah, no.... I know this.... I'm called... Tina, Tina Sprout."
Although there was no question this time, she still nodded seriously when she got to the end, making sure she didn't say it wrong.
Just how muddleheaded is she...
But when she said her name, a momentary hesitation flashed in her eyes.
"Alright, little Tina Sprout."
Mahiro reached out and pressed on the girl's soft golden hair, instructing: "This isn't a place you should be staying, hurry up and go home."
After speaking.
But before he could remember to leave, Tina Sprout grabbed the hem of his coat again.
"Is there anything else?"
"...You haven't told me... your name, savior Da gege?"
When she spoke, Tina Sprout also tilted her head in a daze, but with her muddled and absent-minded appearance, you couldn't see any cuteness, only dullness remained.
"Alright, I'm called Mahiro, Yotsuba Mahiro, do you remember it?"
"Ah... So it's Mahiro, Tina Sprout remembers it."
Tina Sprout half-opened her mouth, staring blankly at Mahiro, but that smile was as bright as a flower.
"Alright, now that I've told you my name, I'm leaving, being delayed by you for so long, I haven't even eaten breakfast yet."
"Wait... I have one more request...."
When Mahiro was about to leave again, Tina Sprout suddenly reached out and grabbed the corner of his clothes again, requesting: "Mahiro.... Can you send me home?"
Troublesome.
But he didn't refuse, but bent down and stared at the girl's dirty little face, asking: "Then where does little Tina Sprout live?"
Tina Sprout wearily drooped her eyelids, shaking her head left and right, using her index finger to prop up her chin, slowly opening her mouth: "....I, forgot...."
"Tsk."
Perhaps it was a deliberate prank, or perhaps her muddled little brain hadn't completely woken up yet.
However, Mahiro didn't plan to leave her here.
He first took her to a park bench nearby, wet a handkerchief with the nearby faucet, and then thoroughly cleaned her dirty little face, and at the same time, let her wake up a bit.
"Sit still and don't move around."
She raised her chin, squinting her eyes, letting Mahiro do as he pleased.
"Mahiro... You look so skilled...."
"Because I'm used to it."
Like this kind of taking care of girls, although it was indeed very unfamiliar at the beginning, but over time, he had long been skilled at it.
And after wiping it clean, Tina Sprout's appearance was finally able to see the light of day again.
A very cute face, unlike Sasha's emotionless face, perhaps because she hadn't woken up yet, she exuded a subtle sense of cuteness at all times.
But the degree of beauty was able to rival Asaka.
It's like Kaguya and Alice in Gensokyo, one representing Eastern beauty, and the other representing Western beauty.
If she grows up, she will definitely be the kind that brings disaster to the country and the people.
Mahiro could be so sure.
"Thank you, Mahiro."
Tina Sprout got up and gave a polite bow.
But strangely, she kept bowing without raising her head, and her heavy eyelids were already about to droop down.
"Hey~ Be careful not to fall."
Mahiro subconsciously reached out to support her.
Tina Sprout immediately raised her head, quickly reaching into her sleepy pocket to take out a bottle labeled in English.
Just as she opened it, preparing to take out a handful of pills from inside, Mahiro immediately snatched it away.
But with her current state, she didn't even notice that her hand was empty, and she just blankly poured it into her palm, occasionally uttering such doubts as "Ah le? Is it all gone already..."
Afterwards, she realized that her bottle had run into Mahiro's hands.
"...Please return it to me, can you?"
"No."
Mahiro refused, saying: "Children shouldn't eat this kind of thing, be careful you won't grow up."
"But....."
"I know you are a nocturnal Cursed Children, but even if your body's recovery ability is strong, don't eat this kind of thing, it's addictive."
"How would Mahiro know my identity....?"
"A girl as young as you, so muddleheaded so early in the morning, besides Cursed Children, I can't think of a second possibility."
Hearing him say this, Tina Sprout half-opened her eyes and exclaimed.
"So.... You understand me even more than I do."
As soon as she finished speaking, her eyelids started to droop again, muttering: "But... if I don't eat this stuff, I'll fall asleep very quickly...."
"If you don't mind, just sleep on my lap." Mahiro patted his thigh, suggesting.
Tina Sprout: "..."
At first, Tina Sprout was a little hesitant, but that full sleepiness, coupled with the lack of caffeine support, eventually made her compromise.
She even forgot her mission.
Letting Mahiro manipulate her body, she finally leaned against the other party's solid thighs.
"So warm... More comfortable than the pillow in my apartment...."
With this sentence like a dream, Tina Sprout gradually immersed herself in dreamland.
And Mahiro leaned against the park bench, bathed in the gentle sun and spring breeze.
There was also a hint of coolness in the warm spring breeze, very comfortable, and very pleasant.
So pleasant that even he wanted to take a nap.
But that won't do, he hasn't even eaten breakfast yet.
So he first made a few phone calls to acquaintances to inform them of the situation, and then ordered takeout.
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Time came to the afternoon, nearly dusk.
Tina Sprout finally woke up from her sleep.
As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw that somewhat familiar, yet very handsome face, and didn't react at first.
After a while, after remembering, she climbed off of him.
"Woke up?"
"Yes, thank you very much, Mahiro... Your technique is very good, it made me feel very comfortable..."
Tina Sprout stood up from the bench, bowing deeply to him to express her gratitude.
Although her spirit hadn't fully recovered, it was already enough.
Moreover.
This sleep was very comfortable, it could be said to be the most comfortable and peaceful sleep she had ever had since she could remember.
The only regret was that she had forgotten her reconnaissance mission....
It didn't matter, the master still had an inside contact, so she could completely adopt Plan B, starting with the Saitenshi's route.
"Since you've slept well, then I'm really leaving this time, sitting here for a whole day... even for me, my legs are a little numb."
Mahiro didn't complain about her ambiguous statement, but muttered while standing up, moving and stretching his lower body.
But just as he was about to leave, his clothes were grabbed by Tina Sprout again.
"What's wrong? Are you still planning to have me send you home?" he joked.
"No... That's not it." Tina Sprout shook her head, saying: "Can you tell me your phone number? To thank you for letting me sleep, I want to repay you later."
"No need, it's just a matter of convenience."
Just as he was about to say this, Tina Sprout added, "Please."
"Alright."
Mahiro sighed helplessly, and told her his number.
But Tina Sprout, who had written down the number, said again:
"Then, can I try calling you now?"
"Is there a need for that?"
"Mahiro might give me a fake phone number."
"…"
Can't you put your vigilance in a proper place?
He helplessly watched Tina Sprout operate her phone with her back to him, and then his own phone rang, which he promptly answered.
"Moshi moshi? Are you satisfied this time?"
"Hmm… there's one more thing I forgot to tell you. I actually remember the location of the apartment."
Tina Sprout showed a faint smile.
She leisurely folded her phone, thanked him again, and said, "Thank you for indulging my whims all day. I had a very enjoyable day."
It seemed this farce became a happy page in her memory.
Without even waiting for Mahiro to respond, she spoke again:
"Until next time, Mr. Mahiro."
She bowed respectfully, then pushed her bicycle and wobbled out of the park.
Watching her gradually disappear into the distance, a faint smile also appeared on Mahiro's lips.
"As long as you're happy, Miss Tina Sprout."
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Vehicles sped past on the adjacent lane at extremely high speeds, emitting piercing roars.
The temperature dropped, making it slightly cold.
Tina Sprout walked unsteadily along the street. Unbeknownst to her, the speeding vehicles had all turned on their headlights. Noticing this, she looked up.
The sky was pitch black, and the moonlight was bright.
Night had fallen.
Tina Sprout's owl factor began to take effect; every cell in her body started to awaken, her consciousness became clear, and her body filled with vitality.
At this moment, Tina Sprout's phone rang.
"Master."
"Proceed with the timed report."
"Yes. I have successfully infiltrated the Tokyo Area. I will return to the apartment first and then go to the designated location to retrieve the items."
"Any anomalies?"
"I encountered a small problem, but nothing serious happened."
Tina Sprout pressed her hand to her chest, closed her eyes, and slowly said, "Because a kind person helped me three times."
"Didn't I tell you to avoid contact with others as much as possible…? To completely prevent information leakage, you must use pseudonyms as much as possible."
"…Yes, I know."
"Tina Sprout. What is your mission? Tell me again."
Tina Sprout looked up, gazing at the moonlight.
Her consciousness had fully awakened, and she mechanically repeated:
"Eliminate the head of the Tokyo Area—the Saitenshi."
...
Tina Sprout returned to her temporary residence.
It was an apartment that could be described as dilapidated; the white paint on the door had long peeled off, revealing rusty marks.
The walls inside were covered with cracks, and the musty smell in the air was overwhelming.
Her master believed that the people living here were a mixed bag, and even the sudden appearance of a child would not attract attention, making it suitable as Tina Sprout's hiding spot.
It offered maximum concealment, but absolutely no comfort.
This mission would be completed quickly, so she only needed to endure until then. Tina Sprout comforted herself as she took off her slippers.
She stood in front of a full-length mirror left by the previous occupant, her face instantly flushed with color.
Had she really stood before that person in this outfit all day today?
Next time, she definitely had to dress up properly.
Thinking this, Tina Sprout took off her pajamas and went into the bathroom.
She knew very well that she was merely a tool, and after completing her mission, she would have to leave the Tokyo Area quickly.
But this time, she wanted to linger a little longer.
To see that person again, that handsome older brother who, even if he guessed her identity as a Cursed Children, showed no disgust or disdain.
Because this was the first time in her life she had been treated with such kindness.
So.
Although the idea was overly extravagant, she wanted to keep a small, happy memory hidden in her heart.
Even if they could never meet again…
After showering and changing, Tina Sprout left the apartment again and, following her master's instructions over the phone, arrived at a dock not far from Tokyo Bay.
The massive glacier frozen in Tokyo Bay, comparable to land, was less than a kilometer from her location.
She could even clearly feel the skin-stinging cold and see the waves crashing against and eroding the glacial cliffs.
This was a newly opened dock since Tokyo Bay had frozen over.
Basically, all major arms companies and cargo ships had to depart from here.
And at this moment, Tina Sprout arrived in front of a container deep within the dock.
"Master, I've arrived."
Tina Sprout used an IC card to open the encrypted container door, but as soon as she walked in, she was stunned.
"What do you think, Tina Sprout?"
"…It's impressive, Master."
The container in front of her was practically an armory.
Small firearms and sniper rifles were a given; the walls and shelves were covered with rocket launchers, aircraft cannons, and even anti-tank rifles.
Further inside, various explosives and corresponding large-caliber ammunition were piled up.
Enough to fight a small war.
"…Master, I believe that if it's just to eliminate the head of the Tokyo Area, there's no need for so many weapons."
Tina Sprout entered the container and selected a large-caliber anti-material sniper rifle from a shelf; its barrel was almost as thick as her arm.
"Yes, that's right, but this time there's one more target for the mission."
"Who?"
"Yotsuba Mahiro."
"…!"
The moment she heard that name, Tina Sprout's eyes widened slightly. Her mind immediately conjured up that handsome face always adorned with a gentle smile.
Could it be the older brother?
Because she was very confused at the time, she didn't remember the other party's surname, only the name Mahiro.
However, she quickly dismissed this guess.
"Yotsuba Mahiro, IP134, an IFA who killed Scorpio, employed by Tendo Civil Security Company. Tina Sprout, in addition to the Saitenshi, you must eliminate that person as well."
"Yes, I understand."
Tina Sprout answered expressionlessly.
But she finally felt relieved in her heart.
So it was just a coincidence of names…
Indeed, why would her master make her kill someone with whom she had no grudge and no discernible benefit?
Moreover, that person… so gentle, so handsome, exuding the aura of a young noble—how could he possibly be an IFA?