Because the case's "principal offender," Kobayashi, had been rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment—and because his injuries were undeniably real—he was able to avoid interrogation and investigation for the time being.
As for Torahachi Toumi, labeled a "secondary offender" and "accomplice," she seemed to have been completely overlooked. She was free to come and go from the hospital every day to visit Kobayashi.
"Since more than two hundred kids suddenly flooded onto the streets asking for help, it caused quite a stir," Torahachi Toumi said as she peeled an apple in the hospital room, sharing what she'd heard. "That illegal experiment at Black Moon Technology got exposed all at once."
Because Kobayashi had been hospitalized first rather than taken away by the Security Department for questioning, public attention naturally shifted to the illegal experiment known as the Dark May Project.
Under those circumstances, Kobayashi's identity—originally that of a "mass murderer who killed dozens"—was swiftly reframed as a victim of the experiment and the one who had rescued all the other test subjects.
He became a "hero who saved unfortunate children."
"Was this Teacher Yomikawa's arrangement?" Kobayashi asked. "Things seem to be turning in my favor."
"Nope," Yomikawa Aiho said as she pushed open the door and walked in. "I didn't do anything at all. As your guardian, I have to avoid suspicion—so there really was nothing I could do."
But in a case like this, for the Security Department as investigators, "doing nothing" was already enough.
As long as they followed regulations strictly and acted impartially, that alone was the greatest support they could give Kobayashi.
After all, the real wrongdoing lay with the Dark May Project. Illegal experiments were one of the Security Department's primary targets.
If the Security Department had handled this incident themselves, the only real difference would have been that they likely wouldn't have killed all the researchers, and they might have suffered casualties of their own. The armed security forces involved were no pushovers.
In that sense, Kobayashi's actions had indirectly reduced their losses.
Privately, most Security teachers actually sided with Kobayashi. Their only concern was that he and Toumi—both just teenagers—had acted with excessive brutality, creating such a bloody scene that it raised worries about their mental well-being.
"…So," Yomikawa Aiho continued, "psychological counseling has been arranged for both of you. Twice a week."
Torahachi Toumi frowned. "Counseling? We don't need that. Our mental state is perfectly fine."
"That's not up to you," Yomikawa Aiho said flatly, her expression stern. "Psychological treatment is part of the official resolution of this case. It's mandatory."
"Counseling is fine," Kobayashi said calmly. "I'm already hospitalized anyway…"
Compared to prison or a juvenile correctional facility, staying in a hospital and attending therapy was already an excellent outcome.
Besides, he wouldn't be discharged anytime soon.
Perhaps because his injuries had been aggravated on top of existing fractures, the condition of Kobayashi's arms and legs had worsened significantly—bad enough to draw the personal attention of the famed "miracle doctor," Heaven Canceller.
Seeing such a legendary physician take charge instantly put Kobayashi at ease. He wasn't worried about his recovery at all. Heaven Canceller, on the other hand, was distinctly unhappy with Kobayashi's carefree attitude.
"If you're not going to take recovery seriously," the doctor had warned him—half joking, half serious—"it might be more convenient to just amputate all four limbs and replace them with mechanical prosthetics."
"Staying in the hospital longer is probably for the best," Yomikawa Aiho nodded. "Lie low here for a while. You can be discharged after things settle down."
After some casual conversation, she finally got to the main point.
"Kobayashi," she said, her expression turning serious as she glanced at the time. "Prepare yourself. There's an interview in one hour."
"Huh? An interview?"
"Yes," Yomikawa Aiho nodded. "You're now the 'hero who destroyed an illegal experimental facility and saved two hundred and thirty-four children.' Once the case went public, media attention was inevitable."
"But—" Kobayashi instinctively wanted to refuse.
He had never liked the spotlight. Even in his previous life, he'd been low-key to the point of being borderline socially anxious.
Becoming a "hero" and facing reporters… just thinking about it made him uneasy.
Honestly, Kobayashi would rather storm another illegal laboratory and fight three hundred rounds than deal with a press interview.
"Unfortunately, you can't refuse," Yomikawa Aiho said without mercy. Having spent time with him, she understood his personality perfectly. "This is part of the 'price.' You must appear in the media and become a 'hero.'"
She explained patiently, "Kobayashi, the light around you needs to be bright enough to cover up those dark spots."
Kobayashi immediately understood.
Becoming a public hero in the eyes of the media and citizens was also a form of protection.
What he had done was right—but killing was still a sin, even if committed in the name of justice.
The Security Department might choose not to pursue it, but killing—especially killing so many people at once—would remain a permanent stain on his past. Someday, someone might dig it up and use it as a weapon against him.
And illegal experimental organizations often had deep roots. Destroying a single laboratory didn't mean everything was over.
The backers or partner institutions behind such projects might see Kobayashi as a thorn in their side—and could very well come after him again.
In that situation, controlled exposure—using public opinion and attention as a shield—was undoubtedly the wisest choice.
Just as Yomikawa Aiho had said, no matter what, Kobayashi had to become a "hero." He had no choice.
"Don't worry," Yomikawa Aiho reassured him. "We've already reviewed the interview questions. You just need to tell the truth."
Then she added firmly, "But remember—everything related to the underground training facility is classified. None of that can appear in the interview. Do you understand?"
Kobayashi nodded, feeling more at ease. "Got it. So the reporter's been briefed beforehand?"
All of his killings had taken place in that underground training facility. Since it had been designated a classified area and all information was barred from reporting, that meant his identity as a "murderer" would be sealed away along with it.
Yomikawa Aiho shook her head helplessly. "It's not quite like that, Kobayashi. On this matter, the Security Department really isn't showing you favoritism."
After a brief pause, she gave a wry smile. "What needs to be classified is the specific content of the illegal experiments—not the fact that you killed so many people there."
"…Do you understand?"
(End of Chapter)
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