Vol 3 Chapter 14 – Movie Theater (【The Exonerator of the Maritime Nation】Arc)

“Are you one of us…?”

A sudden invitation came from Sugiyama.

For Sakata and Satsuki, who overheard the words through the phone, it was a puzzling statement.

“I’m not entirely sure I understand the situation, but when you say ‘one of us,’ what exactly do you mean?”

‘Oh, come to think of it, I haven’t properly introduced my organization, have I? My apologies!’

The voice on the other end of the call sounded like an ordinary, cheerful young girl.

‘As I mentioned to you before, Sakata-san, I manage an organization that conducts charitable activities.’

“Kidnapping and assault—these are what you call charitable activities?”

‘No, no, not at all! Please don’t misunderstand.’

Sugiyama denied it with a laugh at Sakata’s sarcasm.

‘I only involved this maid to negotiate with you, Sakata-san.’

“Negotiate…?”

‘Yes, exactly. Sakata-san, aren’t you currently running a volunteer organization yourself? When I heard about it, I thought it would be such a waste to let someone with such similar ideals operate independently of us!’

“So, in order to make it impossible for me to refuse joining your organization, you’ve done this to Arisu…?”

‘If you choose to see it that way, I won’t deny it. I prefer to settle things quickly and efficiently.’

Satsuki, listening to the exchange between Sakata and Sugiyama, could feel it.

Among all the situations she had witnessed, this was perhaps the angriest she had ever seen the leader, Sakata.

Though he wasn’t aware of it himself, to her, his current state was a rare and terrifying one.

(My body is trembling. Is it fear, reacting instinctively to the current state of the boss?)

Even she couldn’t help but feel anger at Sugiyama’s words.

While she didn’t necessarily feel a deep bond with the organization or its members, seeing Arisu treated so casually left a bad taste in her mouth. She was curious to know how Sakata would respond.

But it was clear he was struggling with his answer, consumed by fury.

That was when it happened.

‘Master! Don’t worry about me. Please, don’t accept the proposal of this cheap woman!’

Arisu’s voice came through the phone.

Both of them were startled by her words.

‘Oh, were you pretending to be asleep? Quiet down for a moment, will you?’

‘Mas—’

Arisu’s voice was suddenly silenced, clearly interrupted by someone.

“Arisu…! Sugiyama-san, please don’t do anything to her.”

‘Oh, come now. She’s just being kept a little quiet for the time being.’

Unconsciously, Sakata clenched his left hand tightly.

“What are you going to do, Boss?”

Sakata had already made up his mind.

“Understood. I will join your organization. Just, please, release Arisu.”

“What—?! Boss! Think this through! Are you really going to abandon us all for the sake of one woman?!”

“Satsuki, this is my decision. I won’t tolerate disobedience.”

“Boss…”

Satsuki looked dissatisfied with Sakata’s words but reluctantly stepped back.

“Sugiyama-san, I will leave my current organization and join yours.”

‘As expected of you, Sakata-san. A wise decision. We’ll come to pick you up shortly! Please wait a moment.’

“Understood. I’ll be waiting.”

The call with Sugiyama ended.

The café was enveloped in silence.

It was Sakata who broke the silence.

“I know I owe you all an apology. But I won’t take back what I’ve decided.”

“So, Arisu is that important to you? Even though she’s not your girlfriend.”

Satsuki’s voice carried a sharp edge of anger.

“She could be killed. The life of even one comrade is a precious thing. If my sacrifice can save her, then I’ll choose that path—no matter what it takes, even if I have to release the limits of my mind and body.”

“I see. Then I have nothing more to say.”

Satsuki turned her back on Sakata and began to walk away.

“…I’m deeply disappointed. Goodbye.”

With those words, she exited the café.

The faint chime of the bell on the door echoed in her absence.

———————————————————

“Satsuki…”

Sakata’s voice, tinged with sadness, trailed off.

A few minutes later, an energetic voice suddenly shattered the somber atmosphere in the café.

“Sakata-san! I’ve come to pick you up!”

The café door burst open, and standing there, brimming with energy, was Sugiyama.

“Sugiyama-san…”

“Let me take you to our base immediately. Please, follow me.”

Sugiyama grabbed Sakata’s hand and led him out of the café.

Her cheerful demeanor stood in stark contrast to Sakata’s grim expression as they walked through the bustling shopping district.

———————————————————

“Here we are!”

“This is…”

The destination was a small, rundown movie theater.

“You’re using a movie theater as your base?”

“That’s right! It was about to be demolished, so I bought it.”

The interior of the theater exuded a desolate atmosphere, its disuse evident in every corner.

“Isn’t this vibe great? I love places like this.”

“I can’t say I dislike it either, but…”

Following Sugiyama further in, they came across a door marked “STAFF.”

“Our base is just beyond this door. Please, step inside!”

Beyond the opened door was—

“—A new recruit! Welcome aboard!”

“—Sakata-san, we meet again.”

Two individuals stood waiting to greet him.

“Let me introduce him—our newest member, Sakata Yuuto-san!”

“Pleased to meet you.”

At Sugiyama’s introduction, one of the individuals, a girl, lit up with excitement.

“Nice to meet you! You can call me Danzai-sha (The Arbiter) from now on!”

“Alright. Danzai-sha-san, pleased to meet you.”

Following the Arbiter’s enthusiastic greeting, the other figure also spoke up.

“Nice to meet you… no, I suppose I should say, we meet again.”

“That voice… is it Kuroko-san?”

Sakata’s response made the second figure nod in acknowledgment.

“Correct. However, here, please call me Hannya.”

“Understood.”

“I apologize for the abrupt nature of this situation, but our boss was absolutely adamant about having you join us, so we had to take drastic measures.”

“Hannya, don’t embarrass me by saying such things.”

“My apologies.”

At Sugiyama’s chiding, Hannya bowed her head.

Watching their exchange, Sakata couldn’t help but crack a wry smile.

————————————————————

“By the way, where is Arisu? She’s safe, isn’t she?”

“Arisu… Oh! You mean the maid? Don’t worry. She’s just resting in another room. Let me show you.”

Sugiyama led him to the adjacent waiting room. Inside was Arisu, quietly sleeping on a bed.

“Arisu…!”

Sakata rushed to her side. Hearing his voice, Arisu slowly opened her eyes.

“Master…?”

“Yes, it’s me, Sakata. Can you talk?”

Arisu looked utterly exhausted and frail.

“I’m sorry, Master… The maid uniform you gave me ended up in tatters…”

“Don’t worry about the uniform. I can get you as many as you’d like. I’m just relieved you’re safe.”

Sakata let out a deep sigh of relief. Arisu gave a faint smile and slowly sat up.

“Are you sure you’re okay to move?”

“I’ll manage. More importantly… could you explain our current situation?”

Sakata filled her in on the state of things.

“You gave up the organization… for me, Master?”

“Yes. From now on, I’ll be joining Sugiyama-san’s organization. I’m leaving the rest to you.”

“I see… I understand…”

Sugiyama interjected into their conversation.

“Sorry to interrupt your touching reunion, but now that the maid’s safety is confirmed, it’s time for her to leave.”

“I understand…”

Arisu stood up, giving both of them a lingering glance.

“Master, if anything happens, please don’t hesitate to contact me.”

“I will. Take care, Arisu.”

The two exchanged farewells with a handshake. Though slightly unsteady, Arisu left the room.

————————————————————

“Now then, Sakata-san, we’ll start explaining everything you’ll need to know about being part of our group. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”

“Understood.”

“No need to be so stiff, Sakachii!”

Danzai-sha gave Sakata a hearty pat on the shoulder.

“Excuse me, Sakachii? Is that supposed to be me?”

“Yup! You’re Sakata, so Sakachii!”

Danzai-sha beamed with a radiant smile. Neither Sugiyama nor Hannya seemed inclined to correct her.

“Is there… a problem?”

Her face showed an innocent expression, as if a question mark floated above her head.

“No, no problem at all. Thank you for the wonderful nickname.”

“Good! Glad you like it!”

Danzai-sha looked completely satisfied with his response.

“Alright, let’s begin the explanations about our organization.”