By being kind to people, I became the boss of a criminal organization. - Chapter 18: Kirino and Her Raspy Voice
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- By being kind to people, I became the boss of a criminal organization.
- Chapter 18: Kirino and Her Raspy Voice
“Che, so in the end, Hirata-san is going to Hokkaido too… and even Mayuzumi. I’m not satisfied with this.”
“It can’t be helped. It’s the boss’s order, after all.”
Kirino Complaining at Her Desk
Kirino, laying her face down on her desk, complaining. Kazuichi, with a wry smile, exchanges words with her.
“You’re always so rational. Sometimes, it’s important to oppose a bit.”
“Even while saying that, Kirino-sama, you’re following the instructions, aren’t you?”
“Uh… If I say this, you say that.”
“That’s Kirino-sama for you.”
Kazuichi’s Small Sigh
Kazuichi lets out a small sigh. Kirino stares intently at her subordinate.
“Hey Kazuichi, aren’t you a bit restless?”
Startled by Kirino’s remark, Kazuichi’s eyes widen. It was a momentary pause. Her working hands stop.
“Is that so…? I’m not particularly aware of it.”
“Hmm… Maybe it’s just my imagination.”
Kirino Tilting Her Head
Kirino tilts her head. Kazuichi speaks up.
“Kirino-sama, you seem restless about going to Hokkaido yourself, aren’t you?”
“Ah, you noticed?”
“It’s pretty obvious.”
“I want to meet the boss now! I want to hug him…”
Kirino Clinging and Kazuichi Working Silently
Kirino clings, crying, while Kazuichi silently continues her work. Their roles as superior and subordinate seem almost reversed.
“Kazuichi, you’re really excellent…”
“I’m flattered by your praise.”
“Are you really happy?”
“Yes. I’m very happy and touched. I’m not good at expressing my emotions.”
Kazuichi’s Unchanging Expression
Kazuichi scratches her cheek without changing her expression.
“Right. Let’s go greet the boss when he comes back!”
Kazuichi’s working hands stop again. She speaks with all her might.
“…What did you say?”
“I said, let’s go greet the boss.”
“Really!?”
Kazuichi’s Sudden Stand
Kazuichi slams her desk with her palm and stands up abruptly. Kirino is startled, trembling slightly.
“Whoa… that surprised me. You really showed your emotions there.”
“I’m sorry. I was a bit startled by the sudden news.”
Kazuichi Calming Down
Kazuichi takes a deep breath and slowly sits down. Kirino continues the conversation while looking at her.
“There’s no need to be so tense. The boss is a generous person. He’ll welcome you too.”
“I’m grateful for that. But I’m quite nervous about meeting him…”
Kazuichi’s Hand on Her Chest
Kazuichi places her hand on her chest. She can feel her heartbeat racing faster than usual.
“Well, it seems greeting the boss will be delayed a bit.”
“Why is that?”
“Hmm? Apparently, there’s some trouble over there. That’s why Hirata-san is heading there… But the boss is there too, so it should be fine.”
Kirino Looking at Her Mobile Phone
Kirino answers casually while looking at her mobile phone screen. Kazuichi, without paying any attention to her, continues her work methodically.
“I’ve finished today’s work.”
“Eh, already? That was quick.”
“Only because Kirino-sama hasn’t moved a finger, right?”
Kazuichi Serving Coffee to Kirino
Kazuichi pours coffee into a mug and offers it to Kirino. Kirino takes it with both hands and sips.
“The only one who can say that to me among my subordinates is you, Kazuichi…”
“Thank you for the compliment.”
“That’s not a compliment!!”
Kazuichi’s Dry Laughter and Departure
Kazuichi stands up, gives a dry laugh, and then leaves the room.
“I’ll be leaving first. Good work today.”
“Yes, good work.”
Kirino Waves and the Quiet Room
Kirino waves her right hand slightly to see off Kazuichi. The door closes, and the room becomes silent. Kirino takes a box of cigarettes from her suit pocket and puts one in her mouth with practiced ease.
“Hmm… something seems suspicious…”
Kirino’s Unsettled Words
The words spilled out with the purple smoke were proof of her unease.
“Well, it’ll be fine.”
She says brightly, as if to deceive herself, and looks out the window. Her eyes are eagerly waiting for the arrival of the great being.
The Quiet Hallway
Kazuichi, leaving the room, lets out a small sigh.
“I showed my agitation, but I wonder if it’s okay.”
Kazuichi Checking Her Communication Device
She takes out a communication device hidden in her breast pocket. Still no contact from the master. There were no particular messages on her mobile phone either.
“Second-sama… what are you doing now?”
Kazuichi’s Murmur and the Vibrating Phone
A small murmur escapes her. At that moment, her mobile phone vibrates.
“Second-sama!? …No, but…”
The Unexpected Caller
The name displayed on the mobile phone was different from the person she had in mind. Hesitantly, she answers the call.
“Hello…”
“Ah, I’m glad you answered. It’s me.”
The Call from “Princess-sama”
The caller was the absolute existence of the Guardians, “Princess-sama”. Kazuichi doubts her ears, but it was unmistakably Princess-sama’s name. A phone call was a rare occurrence. She hadn’t expected any contact, so she tensed up involuntarily.
“What can I do for you this time?”
“Just a message. I thought I should let you know too.”
Kazuichi’s Precious Experience
For Kazuichi, exchanging words with Princess-sama was a very precious experience. Moreover, there was a message for her. She didn’t realize that her body was trembling naturally.
Grateful Acknowledgement
“I’m very grateful for your generous consideration.”
“No need to be so formal. We’re in an emergency situation regarding Second, after all. In times like these, ranks don’t matter, and cooperation is crucial, I believe.”
“Understood. And… what is the message about?”
“Ah! Right, I almost forgot to mention.”
Princess-sama Continues with a Bright Voice
“Looks like ‘Force’ has arrived in Hokkaido. From now on, everything regarding Second will be entrusted to Force.”
“I see… If it’s Lord Force, that’s reassuring. Understood.”
“The message is just that, but do you have any messages to convey?”
Kazuichi Remembers Something Important
At those words, Kazuichi suddenly remembers something crucial. She starts walking briskly down the corridor while talking hurriedly.
“It’s about the internal information of Empress. Apparently, there’s been trouble in Hokkaido. Therefore, the boss’s direct assistant has headed there.”
“The direct assistant… So, the organization’s number two, I guess?”
“From Executive Kirino’s way of speaking, that interpretation seems correct.”
“I see. Alright, I’ll let Force know to be cautious.”
Kazuichi Proceeds with the Most Important Item
“There’s one more thing I’d like to report.”
“Hmm? What is it?”
Kazuichi Hesitates for a Moment but Decides to Speak
She hesitates for a moment but then speaks up decisively.
“There’s a possibility I might meet the boss of Empress, though the schedule is not yet certain,”
“Tell me more.”
Kazuichi Reveals the Full Story to Princess-sama
Kazuichi confides the entire conversation she had with Kirino to Princess-sama. She senses an unusual discomfort over the phone.
“Executive Kirino suggested introducing me to the boss. She mentioned about meeting and talking in person.”
“Hmm… I’ve grasped the situation. If you do end up meeting, contact me again.”
“Understood.”
Change in Princess-sama’s Voice
Princess-sama’s voice noticeably changes, becoming more serious than before. She seems to be deep in thought on the other end of the line.
“Is there anything else in the report?”
“No, nothing else. Thank you for everything!”
“It’s my duty.”
End of the Call with Princess-sama’s Gratitude
The call ends with Princess-sama’s words of gratitude. Kazuichi takes a deep breath.
“…That was nerve-wracking.”
Kazuichi’s Tense Feeling
She feels as if her stomach is being constricted. It’s been a while since she felt this nervous.
“For now, I guess I’ll wait for the boss from the other side to return…”
She leaves the hideout with heavy steps.
Takanashi Touko’s Reluctant Task
“Why do I have to be the messenger…”
In the night city, a husky female voice stands out. It’s Takanashi Touko’s voice.
“Seriously tiring…”
Takanashi’s Current Mood
Currently, she is in a bad mood, simply because she’s been saddled with a job unrelated to her.
Three black figures surround her. They’re dressed in all black, with hoods and masks covering their faces.
“Finally arrived… What’s with this narrow place that can’t be reached by car?”
Entering the Underground Lab
She opens a door and proceeds down the underground staircase. Many fluorescent lights are broken, leaving the space dimly lit. Then, a door appears before her.
“Open it.”
Entering the Research Lab
On her command, the door opens with a creaky, unpleasant sound. Inside is a dimly lit research lab.
“This place always smells nasty.”
Takanashi frowns as she enters. The lab is filled with various chemicals.
“A room in bad taste.”
“What’s in bad taste?”
An Old Man’s Voice from the Shadows
Hearing the old man’s voice from the shadows, she looks in that direction.
“Ah, there you are. I’m relieved.”
Nonomura’s Presence
She sees Nonomura standing there. Takanashi smiles faintly.
“It’s been a while since we’ve had a chat like this.”
“Yeah. So, what brings you here today?”
Takanashi with an Envelope
Following Nonomura’s voice, Takanashi pulls out an envelope.
“I just came to deliver this to you. Here.”
Nonomura’s Reaction
Nonomura takes the envelope, reads the contents, and his expression turns stern.
“This is… from whom?”
“From Hirata. I was just ordered by her to deliver this. For more details, ask her.”
“I see…”
Takanashi’s Departure
Takanashi exhales softly and turns her back to Nonomura.
“Well then, I leave the rest to you.”
Saying so, she leaves the lab with her subordinates.
Nonomura’s Solitude in the Lab
Nonomura, left alone in the lab, takes out some chemicals.
“Why do I have to make that drug… I don’t understand his thinking.”
He mutters to himself and begins his work.