Kurosaki Witch Detective Agency ~Netorare Case Files~ - Chapter 018 & 019

Chapter 018: The Black Witch’s True Feelings ② (Yami’s Perspective)

Note: X-Day refers to the events of Chapter 1.

This chapter tells the story from Yami’s perspective of events that were not previously narrated.

(Yami’s Perspective)

(3 days before X-Day)

As usual, I was fiddling with my smartphone on the office sofa. Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching from outside. They gradually grew closer.

Bang!

Saeko kicked the door open while carrying a large stack of documents.

“Yami! We’ve got a mission! This time it’s an SS-rank big mission!”

“…Didn’t you say the last one was legendary rank?”

“Listen and be amazed. Operation name: Black Witch Disciple Acquisition and Slum Investigation & Destruction Preparation.”

Black Witch disciple…? Saeko, who had always refused to take disciples because of her curse, why now?

“I might have misheard. Can you say that again?”

“Black Witch Disciple Acquisition and Slum Investigation.”

“…One more time?”

“Black Witch Disciple Acquisition!”

“…No matter how I look at it, the latter part seems way more important.”

“What are you saying!? A new family member might be coming to our agency. That’s the important part!”

“Disciple, huh. What about the Black Witch’s curse? Disciples aren’t like witches — there’s no drug for them. The Black Witch’s curse has too many different effects. That’s why you never took a disciple before, right?”

That’s right. It’s not rare for witches to take disciples, but because of the danger posed by the Black Witch’s curse, Saeko had always refused.

“I’ll guide it in the best possible direction for everyone.”

“Best direction? Is there such a convenient curse?”

“There is. Akane already succeeded. She took a disciple recently, remember?”

The Red Witch was in a similar situation. Her red curse is less dangerous, but still not a good one, so she also had a policy of never taking disciples. There were circumstances that forced her to take one. But why is the Black Witch Saeko suddenly deciding to take a disciple now?

“Setting the direction aside, will the Organization allow Saeko to take a disciple?”

“Yami, what are you even saying?”

Saeko looked at me with a serious face, then said:

“Of course they won’t allow it.”

“…Then do you think this operation will succeed?”

“That’s why this operation has several key points.”

Saeko moved the whiteboard with legs behind her and quickly wrote several key points on it with a marker.

① Short-term decisive battle

② Curse guidance

③ Selection of disciple candidate

“To avoid being noticed by the Organization, we’ll make it a short-term decisive battle.”

“Short-term? How much time?”

“Hmm… about one month. That’s roughly how long it takes for the bond thread to become complete after taking a disciple. There are ways to shorten it further, but one month is a safe estimate.”

“One month!? That’s longer than I thought. How are you going to hide it?”

“I’ve thought about that too. Look at this.”

Saeko placed a stack of documents on the desk. It was about 20 cm high. I picked up one sheet.

“Regarding the slum organization investigation mission… You’re going to use this to hide it?”

“Exactly. We’ll pretend to be carrying out this investigation mission while I take a disciple. The mission name is Slum Investigation and Destruction. There’s about a month for investigation and destruction. Plenty of time.”

I picked up another sheet. It contained profiles of almost all members of the slum organization — adults and children alike. It was a bigger organization than I expected. Around a hundred people.

“What about curse guidance? Needless to say, it’s the Black Witch’s curse. You, as the Black Witch, know its nature and meaning well.”

“Yes. It’s a curse with negative meanings — darkness, evil, distortion, etc.”

“What direction will you guide it in? Toward a black curse without evil?”

“I’ve been researching a lot lately. And I found this.”

Saeko wrote “NTR” on the whiteboard.

“NTR? What’s that?”

“NTR — Netorare. The definition varies by person, but basically it means the situation where the person you love has sexual relations with someone else. It refers to the fetish of feeling sexual arousal from such a situation.”

“Hmm… I don’t really get it. Can you give an example?”

“For example, when I go on infiltration missions for requests, I sometimes use my body as a woman’s weapon. My disciple seeing me in that kind of situation and becoming sexually aroused.”

“…That’s a weird fetish. Getting excited when the person you love and care about has sex with someone else.”

“Right!? It’s distorted, isn’t it!? Don’t you think it suits the black curse perfectly?”

“…It does suit it, but can you really guide it conveniently toward netorare? How?”

“I’ve thought about that too. Look at this.”

Saeko pasted an A4 sheet onto the whiteboard.

“This is the slum boss. His name is Stan. A scumbag who frequently rapes women. Not only does he rape them, he films the process and enjoys the videos with his subordinates. Many of his works are circulating in the black market. Anyway, he’s extremely dangerous, so the Organization accepted the slum investigation request. And this mission was originally assigned to Akane.”

“The Red Witch? It wasn’t originally your mission?”

“Yeah, it was originally Akane’s. I asked her to give it to me. Anyway, to put it simply, I just need to show my disciple the scene of me being raped by that boss. Simple, right?”

“…Where is it simple…? Who is the disciple candidate? You need to plan according to the person, right?”

“I’ve already decided!”

*

“…So this is how you choose a disciple.”

“Yes. Leave everything to fate. Are you ready?”

“I don’t even have the remote…”

Saeko folded an A4 sheet and placed it in front of the fan. We stood two meters away facing the fan. The plan was to turn on the fan and take the sheet that flew closest to us.

“3, 2, 1. Start!”

Saeko pressed the remote and turned the fan to “Strong.” Many sheets of paper danced in the air like snow.

“You’re cleaning this up yourself later… What a hassle of a method.”

“It’s fine, isn’t it? This is leaving it to fate! Come on, whoever wants to become my disciple, fly over here quickly!”

“All of them are just papers… they flew everywhere.”

“Okay, turning it off.”

After turning off the fan, Saeko picked up the sheet closest to her feet.

“Hahaha! Yami, look! This is my first disciple!”

“What? Name is… Yuuya. Black hair and black eyes.”

“See? Perfect for black. Even God has acknowledged that I should take a disciple!”

“Yeah, yeah.”

I looked at the personal file of the boy who might become the disciple. Age 9, lowest rank in the slums. Multiple theft incidents.

“Hmm. He meets various conditions. If I’m going to take a disciple, the younger the better. I want as much time as possible with my immortal self.”

“So you’re going to show this kid the scene of you being raped? That seems kind of pitiful.”

“Well… this is something he has to sacrifice for everyone’s sake.”

“So, as usual, we start with background investigation on this kid?”

“Yes. Yami, you’ll tail and observe him in cat form. Once we grasp his action patterns, we begin the operation. Target contact time is set for three days later. That day will be X-Day.”

(2 days before X-Day)

The next day.

I transformed into cat form and began searching for and tailing the target. According to the documents, he should be near the slums. Still, the slum area isn’t small. After asking stray cats and spending some time, I finally found the target. A black-haired boy — the one whose paper flew closest to the fan. I mean, the one on that document.

After locating the target, I began tailing him. Right now, Saeko is already driving around outside the slums for investigation and preliminary preparations.

Honestly, this job is easier than usual. The target is just one person, and he’s a slum kid. His range of activity shouldn’t be that wide. Just as I thought that, the boy started moving. I followed him so as not to lose sight. It looked like he was going somewhere.

He stopped at a certain spot. He was staring across the street. What is he looking at? His mouth seems to be counting something. Following his gaze, I saw a bakery called Johnny Bakery. It’s a place both Saeko and I often go to buy bread. His gaze shifted to something else. The pedestrian traffic light? What is he doing watching something like that? Curious, I continued observing him.

After counting several times in his mouth, the boy suddenly started running. He skillfully dodged pedestrians, entered the bakery, stole several loaves of bread, and ran away again. He returned to his original spot the same way as yesterday. The bakery owner Johnny came out, but the light had already turned red. He couldn’t catch the boy.

“You again!!”

Johnny could only yell from where he stood. Well, with that body, he probably couldn’t catch him even if the light was green. But really…

“…He’s smart.”

I accidentally spoke out loud. He really is impressive. A kid this clever would be a great help to the agency if he became Saeko’s disciple. Using the traffic light to steal bread, escape, and cut off pursuit when it turns red. He managed to do all that in 30 seconds.

Nothing special happened after that. When night came, I returned to the office and reported the target’s behavior to Saeko.

“Heh… He’s pretty good.”

“That age and he came up with such a plan. I think it’s impressive too. How’s the slum investigation on your end?”

“No problem here. I’ve already scattered the bait. Tomorrow morning, I’ll go to Johnny’s place for reconnaissance. Yami, you continue tailing and observing the target in cat form like today.”

“Understood~”

(1 day before X-Day)

Today I’m tailing the target again. His action pattern is almost the same as yesterday, so I quickly located him. Near noon, he moved to the opposite side of the bakery again. As expected, he stopped at the usual spot. He seems to be counting seconds again. Saeko is already inside the bakery. She’s in her usual black suit, talking to Johnny. Just in case, I report via telepathy.

(Saeko, the target is over here. Can you see him from your side?)

(Wait a moment. I’m talking to Johnny right now. Done. I’ll pretend to choose bread and observe the target. Where is he?)

Saeko moved to a spot inside the store where she could see outside. She looked through the shop window.

(Over here, over here. Can you see?)

(Over here, over here…? Which way?)

(The other side of the street. I’m in cat form so I can’t signal. Look, there’s a small kid over there.)

(Ah, I see him. Confirmed. When will the target move?)

(Probably soon. He’ll count the seconds in his head a few times to confirm the timing, then act. Ah, he’s moving!)

The target started moving, just like yesterday. He skillfully crossed the street and entered the bakery. Hmm? His movement is a bit different from yesterday. He deliberately moved in front of Saeko? What is he doing…? As a result, he was caught by Saeko… It was easier than I expected. That’s practically self-destructing. The lust-inducing pheromones Saeko releases might have played a part too.

Saeko, still holding the captured target, seemed to be talking to Johnny. Then she carried the target on one arm like a backpack and left the bakery.

I followed behind Saeko, careful not to be noticed by the target.

(Hey! What are you planning to do with the target? You said we still needed to observe him!)

(Plan change. I’m taking the target home now. We’ll accelerate the plan and combine observation and guidance. It also fits the short-term decisive battle policy. Yami, from now on for two weeks, continue observing the target in cat form.)

(Haaaaah!? What’s that!? When did you decide this? I have an anime I want to watch tonight!)

(President’s orders. You’ll be introduced to the target as our pet. As a pet, the target won’t be wary of you. You can also observe him up close.)

(I want to watch anime! Why do I have to watch a brat all day? Tyranny~)

(Just do it. I’ve already captured the target, so come home first. I’ll introduce you to him in the office on the second floor.)

(…Understood~)

I no longer had the energy to reply properly. I’m a bakeneko, but I’ve lived in human form for hundreds of years. I understand the convenience of human life and can watch interesting anime. In cat form, I can’t even press the remote.

I returned home first, changed to human form, used the key with unlocking magic to open the entrance door, and waited for Saeko in the office on the second floor. Of course, in cat form.

About five minutes later, I heard voices from outside. Saeko and the target had returned.

“What are you staring at the entrance for?”

“Big Sis, is this an automatic door? Some high-tech thing?”

Well, to a kid who has never seen a door with magic on it, it must look mysterious.

Saeko and the target entered the office. They sat together on the reception sofa, and Saeko placed the bread she had just received on the table.

“No need to hold back. Pick whatever you like!”

The target still seemed wary. It was understandable — he was suddenly taken away by a strange big sister. He took the biggest loaf and started eating. Saeko stared intently at him as he ate.

“…What are you looking at? Aren’t you going to eat, Big Sis?”

“I’ll eat later. Watching someone eat deliciously makes it look really happy. And it makes the food taste better too. Hehe.”

After that, Saeko became completely absorbed in watching him eat.

Meow~

(Saeko, weren’t you going to introduce me to him?)

“Ah! Sorry, I forgot about the President.”

(Sorry, I got distracted. Come here.)

I approached Saeko’s feet. She picked me up with both hands.

“Let me introduce us properly. My name is Kurosaki Saeko, director of this detective agency. This is Yami, the president of this detective agency. Hehe.”

I’m the president, yet I have to follow the director’s orders.

(President’s orders. I want to watch TV.)

“What’s your name, boy? Tell me.”

“…Yuuya.”

“First name? Last name?”

“Just Yuuya. Kids from the slums only have one name.”

Saeko ignored my telepathy and continued talking with him.

(From now on, change the target’s name to Yuuya.)

(Understood~)

“Then from today, you are my disciple. I’ll give you the Kurosaki name. Starting today, you are Kurosaki Yuuya! My very first disciple!”

Meow~

(President’s orders. I want to watch TV.)

“See, even the President is happy. Hehe.”

Meow~ Meow~

(I’m not happy! President’s orders. I want to watch TV!)

Chapter 019: The Black Witch’s True Feelings ③ (Yami’s Perspective)

After Yuuya finished eating the bread, he went upstairs with Saeko. Since I’m on surveillance duty, I followed behind him.

“We’re at the changing room. Put your dirty clothes in the laundry basket over there. I’ll prepare a change of clothes, so go into the bathroom first. I forgot to prepare the bath, so it’ll just be a shower today.”

After saying that, Saeko went to her bedroom. I continued monitoring Yuuya from a spot where I could see him.

Yuuya took off his clothes and shorts. When he put them in the basket, his movements suddenly stopped. He picked up a pair of women’s panties from inside.

“Wow, it feels nice to the touch. What material is this?”

Hey, those are my panties, you perverted brat. Saeko’s are almost all string panties.

Feeling my gaze, Yuuya turned his head toward me.

“It’s just the President… Don’t scare me like that… Well, you’re a cat, so I guess it doesn’t matter if you see.”

If I weren’t on surveillance duty, I’d have already punched you in the head. Yuuya continued and picked up a black bra from the basket.

“It’s huge… Maybe bigger than my face… The tag says… F-cup.”

Ah, that one’s Saeko’s. Mine aren’t that big.

“You’re still watching? You’re a pervert too, President. Hehe.”

Don’t lump me in with you! You perverted brat!

“Yuuya, have you entered the bathroom yet?”

Saeko came walking over with a change of clothes.

(Saeko, this kid is a total pervert. He was touching my panties and your bra earlier.)

(Heh, isn’t that fine?)

(Fine? You made me monitor him to observe his personality. Is being a pervert okay?)

(It’s fine. He’s a boy, so being perverted is good. Besides, it’ll probably make guiding the curse easier.)

That’s true… If Yuuya were impotent or something, guiding the curse would be impossible.

(But from now on, Yuuya gets punishment. Being perverted is fine, but stealing is not.)

Saeko said that and entered the bathroom. A short while later, Yuuya came out with shaky legs. He put on the T-shirt Saeko had prepared.

Serves you right. Hahaha. That’s what you get for touching my panties.

“This cat is smirking at me. Did he watch me get punished? We’re both males, so let’s form an alliance. We should defeat that black witch together.”

Haaaaah!? Who’s male here!? If I weren’t on surveillance duty, I’d have already used my adult form’s nice body to charm a kid like you! The alliance would be with Saeko!

The kid is coming closer. I’m not letting you touch me. Hmph~

I quickly jumped sideways.

“…Fine. I don’t have the energy to chase you anyway. You’ve lost a strong ally. Don’t come begging me for an alliance later.”

That’s my line!

At that moment, Saeko came out of the changing room. She was in lingerie and walked over to us.

“Fuu~ That feels refreshing.”

“You feel refreshed too, right Yuuya?”

Saeko was teasing Yuuya. No one could resist a sight like that. Hmm?

(Saeko, aren’t you going to tie your hair? The usual ponytail. Weren’t you releasing lust-inducing pheromones?)

(It’s fine like this. For the sake of guidance, I’ll keep my hair down in front of Yuuya. Besides, I want to see how well he can resist my lust-inducing pheromones. It’s also a hassle to always tie my hair in front of my disciple.)

After that, Saeko explained to Yuuya about becoming her disciple and what he would do as one, using the One Question One Answer format. After the explanation, she went down to the first-floor office to get the disciple contract form.

(Saeko, is his compatibility okay? I thought if compatibility with the witch is bad, the contract can’t be formed?)

(That’s right. But it’ll probably be fine.)

(Did you test him with samples or something?)

(I didn’t. There wasn’t time. The moment we accelerated the plan, there was no time for that.)

(Then why can you say that so confidently?)

(Fufu… Because Yuuya is the one chosen by fate.)

Not the one whose paper flew closest on the fan… At that moment, Saeko returned.

“Now, write your name under mine on the contract. And there’s a thumbprint space below, right? Press your thumb there over mine. It’s like a blood seal with blood thumbprints. I prepared a needle. Are you scared of pain? Want me to help? Hehe.”

“I don’t need help. I just sign here, right?”

I watched the contract process from the sofa, secretly praying a little that it would fail. If it did, I could say goodbye to this perverted brat. Then I could watch TV again.

Yuuya pressed his bloody thumbprint on top of Saeko’s. The black contract paper floated up.

“The contract is established. Keep watching.”

After the black paper burned completely, it turned into a black orb. It split into two and flew into both Yuuya’s and Saeko’s bodies.

“It worked on the first try! Wahahaha! Banzai~ Banzai~!”

Saeko hugged Yuuya tightly in her excitement. As the one on surveillance duty, I confirmed it. The witch-disciple contract — it was really that simple?

“…What do you mean by ‘first try success’?”

“Taking a disciple isn’t that easy, you know. Compatibility with the witch matters. Most attempts fail.”

Then why did it succeed just now!?

Riiing! Riiing!

“Ah, I’ll take this call. Yuuya, go to the bedroom first.”

“Bedroom?”

“Yes, the room at the very end. Yami, guide him. Haaai~ Hello~”

Hmm? Who’s calling at this hour? While Saeko was on the phone, I guided Yuuya to her bedroom. There’s no need to monitor him in the bedroom. When I returned to the living room…

“Don’t worry. Ah, and don’t tattle to the Organization. I trust you. Goodbye.”

Saeko’s call ended. Since Yuuya had already gone to the bedroom, I could speak directly with Saeko now.

“Who was that?”

“It was Akane. When I formed the contract earlier, some of my magic power might have leaked outside. Akane noticed and called.”

“Isn’t that bad? This was supposed to be a covert operation. What if the Red Witch finds out?”

“I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. Akane isn’t the type to report to the Organization. At the end of the call, I told her as much. Besides, if I didn’t tell her the truth, she would start investigating us from her side. That would be even worse.”

That makes sense. But right now, the thing I’m most concerned about is…

“Saeko.”

“What?”

“I have something important to ask.”

“Hmm?”

“You’re going to sleep in the bedroom with Yuuya now, right?”

“Yes, it’s about time.”

“Then… can I watch TV?”

“No.”

“Why!? Just for an hour! You’re going to sleep with Yuuya now, right?!”

“No. For the next few days, endure it. Good night~~”

“Tyranny~”

As Saeko entered the bedroom, she came back out. Did she need something?

“I forgot to mention. In about 30 minutes, Yuuya and I will probably be asleep. At that time, attach some transmitters and listening devices to Yuuya’s clothes and shoes. They’ll be useful in case you’re not by his side. See you~~ Good night~~”

After saying that, Saeko went into the bedroom. She really overworks people. I waited 30 minutes, then changed back to my child form. I took several transmitters with listening functions from the equipment warehouse on the third floor. I attached one to Yuuya’s basketball shorts and another to his ragged shoes.

“This should be okay. There’s nothing else to do. I can’t watch TV either. Time to sleep.”

I returned to cat form, went back to the living room on the second floor, and lay down on the sofa.

The Next Day (X-Day + 1)

I woke up to the sound of Saeko and Yuuya talking. What are they doing?

“Today’s homework is observation.”

She’s giving Yuuya homework. Observation — very Saeko-like.

“How old are you, Yuuya?”

“I think I’m turning 9 this year. I forgot the exact age.”

9 years old. Well, he is a child.

“Good boy. But I still want you to write the report on the laptop. Learning new things is always good. It’s about time. Here’s some money. Handle your own lunch. See you later~”

(Saeko, are you going out?)

I confirmed today’s schedule with Saeko via telepathy.

(Yes. I’m running low on the drug. It’s about time for my injection. First I’ll go get the drug from the Organization. In the afternoon, I’ll probably go see Akane. There’s also yesterday’s phone call — I want to see her reaction.)

“Ah! I almost forgot. I left clothes for you on the sofa. You can’t go out wearing just that T-shirt. Bye bye~”

(What about me?)

(You’re on surveillance duty, right? Tail Yuuya all day. Also keep an eye out for any fish that bite the bait I scattered.)

(Already?)

(Who knows. Just stay alert. See you.)

Another boring surveillance mission. Yuuya changed clothes, took the observation equipment, and left the house. I followed him carefully so he wouldn’t notice.

At first he wandered around aimlessly. That’s understandable. He was suddenly told to “observe” without a clear target. Anyone would be lost. Suddenly, Yuuya seemed to decide on something and started running. I followed after him.

His destination was… here again? He’s not going to steal bread again, is he? Looking through the binoculars where Yuuya was staring… Johnny’s Bakery? He’s observing Johnny?

“I can’t see inside the store very well… I wanted to steal his bread-baking techniques.”

As expected, he’s watching Johnny. Well, that’s what a kid would think.

Several hours passed after that. Yuuya started to feel it was boring. Even without being told, so did I. I had been monitoring this kid for days. It was boring. Just as I thought that, Yuuya suddenly started seriously observing inside the bakery. What is he looking at? A woman in a red suit… Ah, the Red Witch. A beauty who doesn’t lose to Saeko. In many ways, she doesn’t lose to Saeko. Maybe because she has children, she has more maternal charm. She seems gentler than before.

“Damn it! Why do I have to watch Johnny jerking off through binoculars… Right! The digital camera, digital camera.”

Jerking off? Don’t tell me Johnny is masturbating inside the store? At that moment, Yuuya took a photo of Johnny’s masturbation scene with the digital camera.

“So depressing… My first photo as a detective… This is too sad.”

Then the woman in red entered Johnny’s bakery. She’s probably buying bread. Honestly, the bread there isn’t bad.

“She’s really eating it…? That kind of bread…”

…That kind of bread? Ah, it clicked. Earlier Johnny had masturbated and put semen on the bread. Disgusting…

“I didn’t make it in time… Well, I’m just observing. This is too fucked up… I’ll take one more photo.”

Heh heh heh! She really ate it. That semen-covered bread. This is payback for not letting me watch TV! This is genuinely hilarious.

At that moment, Yuuya started packing up his equipment. It was about time. I should head back too.

I followed Yuuya and entered through the back door of the black building. I returned to the living room on the second floor first. Two or three minutes later, Yuuya also came back.

“Yuuya! I’m back! I’m going to eat Johnny’s bread again today. It’s a new recipe. The taste is a bit strange, but it uses healthy ingredients!”

“…I already ate.”

(Yami, dinner. Let’s eat together.)

At that moment, Saeko sent me a telepathic message.

(Ah, I already ate too. It’s fine.)

(You ate? You were monitoring Yuuya all day. When did you have time to eat?)

(I asked stray cats to share some food with me.)

(Heh… convenient, those stray cats.)

I lied. I didn’t want to eat semen-covered bread.

“Then I’ll eat all of it.”

While eating bread, Saeko taught Yuuya how to use the laptop.

“Ah, on the desktop there’s ‘Ham Ham Office’ software. Ham ham, the one at the top. Double-click it and open it. Ham ham, yes, that’s right.”

I stared intently at Saeko’s mouth and saw something like white strings… That was definitely Johnny’s. Hahaha, this is really hilarious. I can’t hold it in anymore. I really want to laugh.

“I’m still writing! Don’t look!”

Yuuya’s voice brought me back to my senses. Hey hey hey, don’t tell me he honestly wrote everything he saw in the report. If Saeko sees it, I’ll be in trouble too.

“You’ll show it to me at the end anyway. Just a little peek is fine.”

“No… I’m still practicing.”

“Well, okay then.”

Saeko seemed to give up. That was close. After that, Yuuya continued writing the report. Saeko finished eating the semen bread and prepared the bath.

“Yuuya~ The bath is ready. You can go in first.”

“Got it!”

Yuuya closed the laptop and left it on the sofa, then went to take a bath. Hey hey hey! Leaving it on the sofa like that is way too careless. It’s practically saying “Please look at my report”!

“What’s this? Let’s see what my disciple wrote in his report. Hehehe.”

See!? Saeko came! Spying on the report is pure Black Witch behavior! This is bad — I might get dragged into this too.

(S-Saeko… Isn’t it wrong to peek at his report…?)

(Why? He’s going to show it to me at the end anyway. A little peek is fine.)

It was too late. Saeko opened the laptop. You idiot, Yuuya! You left the report open on the screen. You didn’t minimize it or close it!?

“What’s this? Oh!? The observation target is Johnny. Not a bad choice. I went to Johnny’s shop today too. I wonder if I was observed.”

I know. I saw you too.

“…Woman in red suit? That’s probably Akane. What did he write…”

Saeko read the contents of the report carefully. I desperately tried to think of an excuse to avoid blame. I couldn’t come up with anything. It was too late~

“Eh…? The bread Akane ate!? No way! Don’t tell me I also—!”

Saeko found her own name at the end of the report. She read a bit more, and then…

“Hey, Yami.”

Saeko’s voice suddenly dropped.

(W-What?)

(The bread. You knew, didn’t you?)

(What? What about the bread?)

(You were monitoring Yuuya all day and you didn’t know about the bread?)

(I was only watching Yuuya. I was on the other side of the street, so I couldn’t see what was happening inside the bakery.)

(You couldn’t tell anything from Yuuya’s reaction?)

(Yu-Yuuya has a poker face. He’s the type who doesn’t show emotion.)

I no longer knew what I was saying…

(Heh… I don’t see it that way.)

(Believe me, Saeko. Because ‘I’m on surveillance duty for Yuuya.’)

(Wow~ What a reliable surveillance officer… Did you think I’d say that!?)

Saeko suddenly grabbed me by the neck and lifted me up.

(W-Wait, calm down! I’ll die! This will really kill me!)

Because I’m in cat form, it’s easy for the witch Saeko to lift me with one hand.

(The fact that you, who always loves Johnny’s bread, didn’t eat any was already suspicious enough. Besides, you who are used to human life would eat food picked up by stray cats?)

(I get it, I get it! I knew! I knew!)

(Then why didn’t you tell me via telepathy?)

Saeko especially emphasized “via telepathy” in her wording.

(If it was Akane, I could understand. It was in the middle of the plan. But there were plenty of chances to tell me. When I was at Johnny’s shop, and even when I was eating the bread earlier. No wonder it smelled weird. What healthy bread!?)

(I wanted to punish you for not letting me watch TV yesterday… Hahaha…)

(Tell me… How many lives do you want left? You had nine, right? The drug’s suppression might be wearing off soon. I also want to test the power of my magic. Well! There happens to be a bakeneko right here.)

(Stop~ I only have nine lives!)

(Oh dear! Something black is coming out of my right hand. What could this be? Yami, want to try it?)

(Your magic power! Don’t bring that black magic power closer! I’m sorry! I apologize! Saeko-sama!)

(Well, the joke ends here. There won’t be a next time, Yami.)

She threw me onto the sofa. Saeko headed straight to the bathroom. Ah, Yuuya, my condolences.

“Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

A few minutes later, I heard Yuuya’s scream. Serves him right.