Vol 3 Chapter 30 – Temporary Ceasefire (【The Exonerator of the Maritime Nation】Arc)

Inside the seaside cave, a tense atmosphere enveloped the space.

“The hero’s coming late, huh? … Well, just this once, it’s a hero.”

“It’s unusual to see Kuzuryuu-san admit that so easily. Did you bump your head or something?”

“I take that back. It was nothing but an idiot who showed up.”

“That’s harsh! I came here to help, after all.”

With those words, Hirata sighed, and her eyes fell upon a figure lying on the ground.

“Meido’s right arm is injured and she’s bleeding badly. I’ll start bleeding control immediately.”

“…Understood.”

With practiced ease, Hirata began treating Meido Arisu’s wound.
The bleeding was so severe that the treatment appeared to be taking a little time.
Kuzuryuu pointed at another individual lying a short distance away.

“Mayuzumi, take care of her if she starts moving.”

“Understood.”

The person lying down————

Kuroko lay there, letting out a small groan in pain.

“Is this the target?”

“No, we haven’t been able to extract any information. The drugs have rendered her mind abnormal.”

“Drugs… You mean these?”

Mayuzumi picked up a small bag that had been lying on the ground.
Inside the bag was a white, powdery substance.

“That’s it. Take it back and examine it—I want you to keep it safe.”

“Understood.”

Mayuzumi slipped the bag containing the white powder into the chest pocket of his suit.

————————————————————

“Meido-san’s bleeding has been controlled. However… if we don’t proceed with further treatment promptly, she remains in a dangerous condition with the possibility of death.”

“I see. Then let’s leave here immediately and send Meido Arisu back to the hideout.”

“Understood. But… what do we do with this person?”

The three of them shifted their gaze to Kuroko, who showed no sign of getting up.

“For now, we’ll take her with us. Later, I expect her to spill whatever information she knows——————”

It was then.

“Do you really think you’ll be safe doing this…?”

Kuroko, her face twisted in pain, spoke up.
Hirata’s eyes widened in surprise at her action.

“That’s unusual—you managed to speak properly even after taking Mayuzumi’s vocal onslaught. Did he hold back?”

“No, I didn’t hold back at all.”

“That white powder enhances physical ability. In fact, when fighting Meido Arisu, her physical prowess was nothing short of superhuman.”

“I see… That white powder certainly intrigues me.”

Hirata took out her cellphone and made a call.
After about three rings, the call was answered.

“Hello. Is this Takanashi-san?”

“Ah. It’s a sudden call, but what’s this regarding?”

A husky voice was heard over the cellphone.
Hirata’s call was answered by Takanashi.

“We’ve run into a bit of trouble here, and I’m about to send Meido Arisu over to you. Could you come pick her up?”

“Is something wrong with Meido?”

“Yes. Her right arm has been severed.”

“Hah!?”

Hirata glanced sideways at Arisu, who lay on the ground while her bleeding was being staunched.

There was no sign of her regaining consciousness, and her severed right arm lay beside her.

“We’re a bit tied up on our end, so… I’ll send a few subordinates in our place. Could you handle it?”
‘”Time?'”
“I’ll arrange everything right now… Please come to the airport in three hours. My subordinates will carry Meido Arisu.”
‘”Alright, I’ll prepare and head over immediately.'”

The call ended.

Hirata put away her cellphone with a satisfied expression.

“Alright, that takes care of the preparations.”

She stood up, lifted Arisu’s body, and carried her in a princess carry. As she looked at the spot where Arisu had been moments before, her chest inexplicably tightened.

“Don’t just go and die on me. You haven’t even confessed your feelings to Boss…”
“Did you say something?”
“No… Nothing at all.”

No one heard her muttering.

Seeing Hirata carry Arisu, Mayuzumi suddenly spoke as if recalling something.

“Kuzuryuu-san, we’re taking this one with us too, right?”

He pointed at Kuroko, who was still glaring defiantly.

Kuzuryuu regarded her for a moment.

“Yeah, but if she wakes up, it’ll be a hassle. Keep her unconscious.”
“Understood.”

With that, Mayuzumi tightened his arm around Kuroko’s neck. It took about seven seconds. Before she could resist, Kuroko passed out.

“Bringing Mayuzumi was definitely the right decision. When I heard about it, I never expected Meido Arisu’s opponent would wound her so severely.”
“We probably let our guard down this time. If Boss were here, it would’ve been over in a flash, but I guess he wanted to see how far we could go on our own.”
“As expected of Boss. Everything goes according to his plan.”

All three had the same thought, feeling a renewed sense of respect for their master, Sakata Yuuto.

“Speaking of which, is Boss alright? I heard he’s in the enemy’s base…”
“No problem there! I’ve already met him.”

Hirata answered confidently, puffing out her chest.

“That’s a relief. Did Boss tip you off about this place?”
“No, not exactly. It turns out this cave is connected to the enemy’s hideout! Once we send you off, I’ll show you around.”
“Got it…”

They shared information as they headed to the airport. Their steps were faster than usual.

————————————————————

“Alright, I’m counting on you. I doubt they’ll wake up since they’ve both been drugged, but if they do during the flight, just give them another dose.”
“Yes. We’ll be extremely careful during the flight.”

At Sapporo Airport, the subordinates Hirata had arranged gathered to transport Arisu to the hideout. Kuroko lay unconscious beside Arisu.

“Takanashi-san should be there, so meet up with her as soon as you arrive.”
“Understood.”

After completing the formalities for the Empress’s private jet, the subordinates carried Arisu and Kuroko on board. Once they finished boarding, the plane took off into the sky.

“Sigh… let’s just pray for their safety. We still have work to do.”
“Shall we go pick up Boss?”
“Yes, though there might still be enemies around. Hopefully he’s alright…”
“There’s no way Boss could get taken down. Not only is he knowledgeable, but he’s also highly skilled in martial arts.”
“That’s true. Let’s go get him right away!”

Brimming with impatience, Hirata left the airport with the other two.

————————————————————

“By the way, where’s Satsuki?”
“Satsuki-san said she was going to sleep and went back to the inn where we’re staying.”
“Sigh… Once we bring Boss back, we’ll have her face the consequences.”
“Hehe. Yes, I’m looking forward to it.”

It was just past 8:00 p.m. Streetlights illuminated the shadows of the three as they walked.